Duration
15h Th, 15h Pr
Number of credits
| Master MSc. in Electromechanical Engineering, professional focus in energetics (Réinscription uniquement, pas de nouvelle inscription) | 3 crédits |
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
English language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
Given the increasing demand for higher levels of sustainability in the built environment, alongside the growing complexity of smart and integrated design solutions, there is a pressing need for design support methodologies that enable efficient and effective operation of smart and sustainable buildings. Future architectural engineers must be equipped to make informed decisions based on a solid understanding of the underlying physical principles, as well as a clear awareness of the dynamic interactions among climate conditions, building form and structure, (renewable) energy systems, building controls, user behavior, and integration within the urban context.
The objectives of this course are to present the theoretical foundations and operational principles of building performance simulation and monitoring. Additionally, the course introduces performance-based analysis methods to support data-driven and performance-oriented design. Validation plays a crucial role in confirming the accuracy of virtual simulation models and in assessing trade-offs between indoor climate quality, cost-effectiveness, and environmental performance.
As part of the course, students will develop an energy model to explore the opportunities and challenges associated with state-of-the-art building performance simulation techniques, gaining hands-on experience in using these tools for the design of resilient and high-performance buildings.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
Given the increasing complexity of energy and environmental performance in the building sector, building performance modeling and monitoring are emerging as essential approaches for design and performance evaluation. This course aims to introduce the theoretical and operational principles underlying these advanced technologies. Using DesignBuilder, a series of exercises will guide students through the key concepts, assumptions, and limitations associated with current building performance simulation methods.
The objectives of this course are to:
- Introduce performance-based analysis as a valuable tool for assessing trade-offs between indoor climate, cost-effectiveness, and environmental performance.
- Highlight the opportunities and challenges of state-of-the-art building performance simulation and provide hands-on training in the use of such software.
- Apply the presented concepts to create a valid building simulation model and test the influence of parametric variations.
- Compare the performance of different design strategies and validate a building performance simulation model through calibration, in order to assess the uncertainty of simulation outcomes for building design decision support.
The complete list of learning outcomes for the course is defined separately: https://www.programmes.uliege.be/cocoon/20182019/en/formations/descr/A2UARC01.html
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
ARCH0080-1: Building Physics and HVAC, or an equivalent course (e.g., Heat Transfer)
This course is taught in English. It is assumed that all previously attended English-taught courses are considered prerequisites for this course.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
The course will be structured around ex-cathedra lectures, guided discussions, assigned readings, hands-on exercises, and a case study project.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Face-to-face course
Further information:
Lectures introduce the main theories and concepts and must be attended by all participants.
Self-study involves reading assigned articles, studying core principles, applying them, and reflecting on their implications. Students are expected to read the assigned articles before each lecture. A list of eight articles will be provided during the course. Readings will be discussed weekly in class. For each session, students must prepare a summary of the assigned article, demonstrating a deep understanding, critical analysis, and a personal critique.
Group exercises allow participants to discuss, apply, compare, and contrast different academic perspectives and modeling techniques presented during the lectures. These exercises will take place in small groups. Students will be asked to present and discuss readings and/or case studies.
Case study: Participants will be evaluated based on the quality of their monitored and simulated case study. Each team must select a real building, monitor its performance (e.g., temperature, humidity, monthly energy use), and develop a simulation model that accurately reflects the building's geometry, envelope, and system characteristics. Additional credit will be given for the accuracy of model inputs and the quality of the model calibration. Since the objective is to learn through the process of creating and analyzing a simulation model, each team is required to submit both a final report and the simulation files. The report will be graded based on the quality of the model, the analysis performed, and the clarity of the documentation.
Course materials and recommended or required readings
Other site(s) used for course materials
- G-Drive (https://shorturl.at/2nPCm)
Further information:
Check the reading list provided by the lecturer.
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
written exam
Written work / report
Further information:
Students who miss more than two course sessions without justification may not be admitted to the exam.
Assessment breakdown:
- Closed-book exam: 80% of the final grade
- Case study: 20% of the final grade
- Group exercises: Pass/Fail
The exam is a three-hour, closed-book written assessment consisting of open-ended questions related to the lectures, assigned readings, and case study. It includes nine main questions-one for each academic lecture and one addressing the integration of key concepts. Each question contains sub-questions designed to test the student's understanding of core concepts and simulation techniques as applied in theory. Students must answer four questions of their choice.
Case study:
Participants will be evaluated on their ability to apply course principles in the final case study report. Active participation in the case study briefing is required. Attendance at the briefing session is mandatory.
Work placement(s)
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
GMAIL: Class notes will be available in the class folder on GMAIL. A set of reference manuals is also accessible via the course link and in electronic format within the same folder. Easy and regular access to the full set of manuals is essential for achieving strong performance in this course.
Office Hours:
Fridays, 15:00 - 17:00
Or by appointment.
Dr. Attia can be reached in Building B52, Room +0/542,
or by email: shady.attia@uliege.be
Helpful Hints for Success in This Course:
- Attend all lectures. Download the lecture notes from GMAIL before class. Keep your notes well-organized-either in a dedicated notebook or digitally on your laptop. Try not to fall behind.
- Ask questions during class. Make sure you fully understand the course content and the assigned readings.
- Use office hours. Drop by during office hours, schedule an appointment, or email your questions.
- Work in groups to improve your understanding of the assignments. However, your individual performance will be assessed, especially in the project. It is essential that you independently learn how to read, analyze, synthesize, and critique the assigned readings.
- Visit your case study building as early as possible. Begin gathering input data and launch your measurement campaign early to allow sufficient time for model calibration.
Contacts
Shady Attia, Ph.D., USGBC Faculty and LEED Accredited Professional
Prof. in Sustainable Architecture & Building Technology
Head of Sustainable Building Design (SBD) Lab
ArGEnCo Dept., Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Liège
Batiment 52, Bureau: (0/542)
Quartier Polytech 1, Allée de la Découverte 9
4000 Liège, Belgique
Tél: +32 43.66.91.55 - email: shady.attia@uliege.be
http://www.sbd.ulg.ac.be/
Association of one or more MOOCs
Items online
Lien eCampus
Lien eCampus