AVALIAÇÃO DO DESEMPENHO TERMOENERGÉTICO DE ENVOLTÓRIAS COMBINADAS COM SISTEMAS DE CLIMATIZAÇÃO

Abstract

This study aimed at the evaluation of the thermal and energy performance of three different envelope solutions, combined with two different air conditioning systems, in an educational building in the Curitiba region. The envelopes vary mainly in thermal resistance. We tested a conventional masonry system and a lightweight system with added thermal insulation. We also tested a split air-conditioning system and an ideal load system. Then, four combinations of these systems were generated. The fifth combination eliminates the climate control system, being exclusive to the third envelope solution, which has an air-ground heat exchanger system coupled to it. A simple numerical model, based on the Fourier Law of thermal conduction, was developed in order to estimate the energy required to maintain the thermal comfort range. Heating and cooling degrees-hours and the base temperatures of 18 °C and 24 °C were considered, also the analyses refer to the specific period of operation of the educational building. The results demonstrate the superiority of thermal and energy performance of higher thermal resistance systems. Even when subjected to different levels of efficiency on equipment, the economy is superior both absolute energy terms and energy per area, represented by the EUI. The main conclusion of this study is that, in order to achieve good thermal and energy performance, one should try a combination of the well-designed envelope and an efficient air conditioning system. Also, it is not recommended to try to correct the poor performance of the envelope through the implementation of more efficient air conditioning equipment alone.