Conference Agenda

Data from an experimental investigation, carried out during the summertime (from the end of July to mid-September, 2016), have been statistically analysed, with the purpose of proposing a post-instalment-evaluation technique by assessing the effects that some architectural features have on the indoor environmental conditions in a prototype of Plus Energy House in Southern-east France. The proposed correlation analysis is tested first, to evaluate its reliability for distinguishing strong from weak correlations. Since the proposed analysis appears to be acceptable, it was used then for studying the relationship between outdoor and indoor environments. Results from the correlation analysis strongly suggest that the impact of direct solar radiation on the indoor environment is well attenuated by the double-glazed windows with blinds implemented in the house.

Observed global warming trends undermine the conventional practice of using historic weather files, such as Typical Meteorological Year (TMY), to predict building performance during the design process. In order to limit adverse impacts such as improperly sized mechanical equipment or thermal discomfort, it is important to consider how the building will perform in the future. Like all passive design strategies, natural ventilation, relies on local climate to be effective in improving building performance. This paper uses future weather files with whole building energy simulations to assess the sensitivity and feasibility of natural ventilation in providing thermal comfort in three locations, representing different climate types. The results show how building performance, as measured by thermal comfort metrics, changes over time. Natural ventilation can provide a buffer against warming climate, but only to a certain extent. Future weather files are useful for identifying where and when there is a risk that an entirely passive design is no longer feasible.

This paper investigates the potential of Local Climate Zones (LCZ) maps to identify vegetation loss in the São Paulo Metropolitan Region. LCZ maps from 2002 and 2017 were produced according to the World Urban and Database Portal Tool methodology for acquiring Level 0 data. A change detection analysis was performed to compare the two maps. The identification of vegetation loss through changes in LCZ types showed promising results as a free tool to monitor vegetation dynamics due to urban development, with great suitability for local government use.

This study demonstrates how the design of bimetallic facade screens can provide passive climate control for high thermal mass walls in hot climates with large diurnal temperature swings. Three tests were performed using measurements for air temperature, heat flux, and thermal imaging that show solar shading potential of a bimetallic screen in front of a generic wall surface. Results revealed significant thermal reduction to the wall surface and helped identify key environmental, material, geometric, and performance parameters that can influence design. Local temperature differences, bimetallic coefficients of expansion, length, thickness, screen depth and porosity had a considerable influence on performance parameters such as deflection, solar shading, and heat flux reduction.