Simplified evaluation of the envelope energy efficiency in naturally ventilated buildings

comparison between methods

Abstract

This article aims to present the evaluation of energy efficiency, relative to the envelope, of a higher education building and, at the same time, to disclose, the obstacles found on applicating INI-C and on the interactions with the metamodels. The work’s methodology involved the collection of the building’s data, by searching its architectural plans, sections, and memorials, in order to obtain information related to its physical-structural characteristics. Furthermore, by analyzing the INI-C and the tests made on different calculations tools, made available by the Programa Brasileiro de Etiquetagem (PBE), it was possible to compare the results generated by each one. It is worth pointing out that, in order to make the analysis possible by applying the simplified method, it was necessary to adapt a series of the real edification parameters, such as its dimensions and its hours of use – both in the initial calculation of the contribution of natural ventilation and in the calculus of the to the calculus of the annual conduction thermal load. Tests were carried out from each percentage value obtained, either by the Web Interface or Python, to obtain the final classification of the envelope. On the topic of the percentage of hours in thermal discomfort (EHFhot), the study obtained a 70,8% variation between the Natural Comfort’s Pyhton 2.7 version, in comparison to its Web Interface version. Nevrtheless, considering the contribution of natural ventilation, the three analyzed building blocks reached an A level of energy efficiency.