Comfort and energy efficiency optimization in retrofitted rural buildings

Abstract

Developed an optimization tool that enables us to obtain a building solution for walls that minimizes energy consumption while guaranteeing hygrothermal comfort (within the limits stipulated by ISO 15251 [2] or limits established by the user) is interesting to the practice. Based on experimentally validated simulation software (WUFI Plus) [1], the hygrothermal performance of a typical building was assessed for various retrofitting scenarios in different regions of Portugal. Based on the results (inside temperature and energy consumption), its performance was optimized. The main objective of this model was to define which of the various building solutions proposed would minimize energy consumption whilst ensuring hygrothermal comfort. For this purpose, two forms of comfort assessment were devised. The first, called Model A, assessed comfort according to ISO 15251 [2]. The other, called Model B, used limits pre-established by the user. Based on the two comfort assessment models, three levels of requirement were defined. This paper discusses the optimization of comfort and energy efficiency in retrofitted rural buildings. It looks first at hygrothermal simulation in a rural building, then moves on to describe the optimization model developed. Finally, the results of the experiment are presented and discussed.