Simulation Tools for Energy Efficient Building Design

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Please explore the links and browse the material beginning with INTRODUCTION and finish with CONCLUSION

Introduction

Issues

SOLAR2

CONTAMW

RADIANCE

MIT

ECOTECT

ESP-r

Conclusion

 

 

Aims

To impart an understanding of low energy design tool applications and capabilities through:
  • overview;
  • case studies; and
  • applicability and usage.
Although the course provides an understanding of design tool capabilities, it does not attempt to rigorously categorise, present definitive case studies or recommend a particular tool, but rather attempts to impart to the student the key concepts involved with a variety of tools and their possible applications.

Key concepts

  • Analysis vs. design;
  • Range of design tools;
  • Single vs. integrated approaches; and
  • Case studies as an illustration of design tool applications and capabilities.

Course structure

The course is designed to be done in 5 sessions of 1 hour/day. You should use the first day to explore the Introduction and Issues sections. The remaining 4 days should be used to explore the various design tools sections, completing the assignments for each. Please note: You will probably need to spend more time in the complex - comprehensive tools sections.

Assignments

At various times during this course you will have to do an assignment. Because;
  • in a training course or lecture/tutorial series, they enable the instructor to assess whether or not the training material is being absorbed effectively;
  • for you they form a series of "real world" consultancy sub-tasks enabling you to check whether the training material is understood.