Structurae

The effects on energy demand analysis of the simplified surface area calculation and zoning model
The energy performance assessment of non-residential buildings generally requires a detailed zoning procedure, which in turn leads to a time-consuming allocation of the envelope surface areas to the individual zones. The first part of the study, in [1], describes a simplified procedure, whereby the building is analysed according to a single-zone model whereas the energy balance in the multi-zone model is calculated according to DIN V 18599. In this paper two methods are discussed. The simplified procedure uses an algorithm to allocate the building envelope surface area automatically to the zones. The extended procedure enables precise allocations starting from the zone level. In part 1 the influence on error relating to allocation based on envelope surface area is revealed.
The following part 2 of the report examines the effects on energy demand, combining the two analyses. The results show that the errors in energy consumption for heating, cooling and lighting are minor and sufficiently precise for the scope of the pre-assessment required for a building permit. The procedure is designed to enable the building model to be made more detailed and precise during the planning phases of the project without losing the underlying data. The simplifications presented will be implemented in the new Luxembourg EnEV for the energy performance assessment of non-residential buildings.