Optimization of Performance Parameter Design and Energy Use Prediction for Nearly Zero Energy Buildings

Abstract

Optimizing key parameters with energy consumption as the control target can minimize the heating and cooling needs of buildings. In this paper we focus on the optimization of performance parameters design and the prediction of energy consumption for nearly Zero Energy Buildings (nZEB). The optimal combination of various performance parameters and the Energy Saving Ratio (ESR)are studied by using a large volume of simulation data. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are applied for the prediction of annual electrical energy consumption in a nearly Zero Energy Building designs located in Shenyang (China). The data of the energy demand for our test is obtained by using building simulation techniques. The results demonstrate that the heating energy demand for our test nearly Zero Energy Building is 17.42 KW·h/(m 2 ·a). The Energy Saving Ratio of window-to-wall ratios optimization is the most obvious, followed by thermal performance parameters of the window, and finally the insulation thickness. The maximum relative error of building energy consumption prediction is 6.46% when using the artificial neural network model to predict energy consumption. The establishment of this prediction method enables architects to easily and accurately obtain the energy consumption of buildings during the design phase.Energies 2018, 11, 3252 2 of 23 has made a clear demand of nZEBs development, which envisages huge market demand and the broad prospects in China of promoting nZEBs actively, and the goal is 10 million m 2 by the end of 2020 compared with 500 thousand m 2 now. nZEBs show high thermal comfort and low energy consumption. The required energy in nZEB can be provided from a variety of renewable energy resources including energy from renewable sources produced on-site nearby. International Energy Agency joint Solar Heating and Cooling Task 40 and Energy Conservation in Buildings and Community systems Annex 52 titled "Towards Net Zero Energy Solar Buildings" is making an international effort on the standardization of the Net Zero Energy Building definition [7].The parametric design of the program stage plays a key role in the shape and performance of the building, which is also the source of the building's energy-saving design. The energy saving potential that exists in decision making at different stages of design will progressively reduce as construction progresses [8]. There are many factors that influence the energy consumption of buildings, during architectural concept design. The building characteristics include parameters relating to geometry, services, glazing, activity, site, construction year, and weather.Wilde [9] surveyed 67 buildings, where 57% of the technical measures needed to be implemented during the planning and design stage in the application of 303 green building technologies. Since the potential of building energy conservation can be previewed and examined flexibly on the data of heating and cooling loads obtained through simulations at design stage, the optimization of building envelops through parametric de...

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