Design, modelling and simulation of a green building energy efficient system

Gebreslassie, Berhane (2018) Design, modelling and simulation of a green building energy efficient system. Research Master thesis, Victoria University.

Abstract

Conventional commercial buildings are among the highest unwise consumers of enormous amounts of energy and hence produce significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2). These have been built for years without considering their contribution to global warming. However, green buildings (GB) simulation for energy efficiency commenced in 1973 and many countries—in particular the United States—has responded positively to minimise energy consumption. Therefore, software companies have developed unique building energy efficiency simulation software, interoperable with Building Information Modelling. Hence, the past decade has witnessed a rapid increase in the number of studies on GB energy efficiency systems. However, similar studies also indicate that the results of current GB simulations are not yet satisfactory to meet GB objectives. In addition, most such studies did not run simulation to determine comprehensive building energy efficiency. This study aims to meet GB objectives through design, modelling and simulation of comprehensive ‘multilevel hexagonal-curve shape’ commercial office building, energy efficient system. In this study, every particular part of the building construction element was simulated for ensuring energy efficiency. Additionally, a control method is introduced that almost satisfies GB objectives by using appropriate modern cost-effective technologies, such as ‘Actuator Sensor Interface’. This method reduces the initial, running, and maintenance costs of electrical/electronic devices and limits wiring installations, leading to significant energy consumption reduction of about 50%. Further, renewable energy or green power, currently the key solution to tackle the energy crisis, plays a significant role in removing CO2 (negative emissions). In this research, its use is significantly maximised, hence decreasing the impact of global greenhouse gas emissions. This study not only considers energy sufficient buildings, but also building occupant comfort and building stability through simulations. In conclusion, energy saving of 63.5% is achieved overall, approaching NetZero energy saving/building energy self-sufficiency.

Additional Information

Master of Engineering

Item type Thesis (Research Master thesis)
URI https://vuir.vu.edu.au/id/eprint/37849
Subjects Historical > FOR Classification > 0907 Environmental Engineering
Current > Division/Research > College of Science and Engineering
Keywords green buildings; energy efficient construction; energy efficiency; solar energy; sustainable building; energy simulation; commercial building
Download/View statistics View download statistics for this item

Search Google Scholar

Repository staff login