Along with improvement in buildings structure, developments in thermal design allow decreasing the energy demand of heating, cooling, and air conditioning of buildings. This thesis distinguishes and optimizes design elements that are essential in minimizing building heating/cooling loads. Optimum designs vary significantly for different areas due to different meteorological conditions between locations and seasonal changes at the same location. Considering the typical meteorological conditions at two sites, a genetic algorithm optimizer is coupled with annual simulations of building energy demand to minimize building energy use. The results present significant deviations between annual optimum design and ideal design for hot or cold season. The findings emphasis the importance of year-long simulations in optimal thermal design of buildings.

This book is about the optimization of the characterization of the thermal properties of building envelopes, through experimental tests and the use of artificial intelligence. It analyses periodic and stationary thermal properties using measurement approaches based on the heat flow meter method and the thermometric method. These measurements are then analysed using advanced artificial intelligence algorithms. The book is structured in four parts, beginning with a discussion of the importance of thermal properties in the energy performance of buildings. Secondly, theoretical and experimental methods for characterizing thermal properties are analysed. Then, the methodology is developed, and the characteristics and properties of the algorithms used are explored. Finally, the results obtained with the algorithms are analysed and the most appropriate approaches are determined. This book is of interest to researchers, civil and industrial engineers, energy auditors and architects, by providing a resource which improves energy audit tasks in existing buildings.

This book is about the optimization of the characterization of the thermal properties of building envelopes, through experimental tests and the use of artificial intelligence. It analyses periodic and stationary thermal properties using measurement approaches based on the heat flow meter method and the thermometric method. These measurements are then analysed using advanced artificial intelligence algorithms. The book is structured in four parts, beginning with a discussion of the importance of thermal properties in the energy performance of buildings. Secondly, theoretical and experimental methods for characterizing thermal properties are analysed. Then, the methodology is developed, and the characteristics and properties of the algorithms used are explored. Finally, the results obtained with the algorithms are analysed and the most appropriate approaches are determined. This book is of interest to researchers, civil and industrial engineers, energy auditors and architects, by providing a resource which improves energy audit tasks in existing buildings.

Design of building's exterior walls has important influence on energy consumption, building cost and thermal comfort. It influences also heating and cooling devices size. Optimization of energy consumption of the building requires consideration of the building materials, their thickness and mass, type and thickness of insulation, and location of the insulation layer. The correct way to optimize all the above parameters is calculation of temperatures and energy consumption in dynamic process, which means considering changes every few seconds. This may be done only with computer program. It is not easy to gain expertise on such programs. In addition, submission of input values to the program is time consuming and frustrating process, which in many times ends with errors. This work analyses if the Thermal Time Constant method may be applied to determine energy quality of the building as an alternative to the dynamic simulation program. The Thermal Time Constant method is much easier, simpler and faster than computer dynamic simulation program. Few examples of exterior wall design were selected to calculate the energy consumption and room temperatures. Two locations were selected for the calculations, one with moderate summer and the second with moderate winter. The dedicated dynamic simulation computer program was applied to gain data regarding the energy consumption, maximum and average room temperatures for south facing room and for north facing room at each location. Thermal Time Constant reflects the thermal inertia and thermal mass of the building. Higher Thermal Time Constant (TTC) moderates the difference between day and night in the room, flattening the room temperatures extremes caused by ambient temperature and solar energy. Higher TTC is not necessary more expensive. To take advantage of high TTC is not so the question of additional investment, but the question of understanding the TTC concept. In some cases consideration of TTC caused changes to the building's design and construction technique, bringing benefits to the contractor, to the tenants and to the national economy. Disregarding TTC leads to wrong decisions, wrong design, waste of money for building's construction and increased energy consumption.

This book explains how energy demand and energy consumption in new buildings can be predicted and how these aspects and the resulting CO2 emissions can be reduced. It is based upon the authors’ extensive research into the design and energy optimization of office buildings in Chile. The authors first introduce a calculation procedure that can be used for the optimization of energy parameters in office buildings, and to predict how a changing climate may affect energy demand. The prediction of energy demand, consumption and CO2 emissions is demonstrated by solving simple equations using the example of Chilean buildings, and the findings are subsequently applied to buildings around the globe. An optimization process based on Artificial Neural Networks is discussed in detail, which predicts heating and cooling energy demands, energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Taken together, these processes will show readers how to reduce energy demand, consumption and CO2 emissions associated with office buildings in the future. Readers will gain an advanced understanding of energy use in buildings and how it can be reduced.

"When nature inspires our architecture-not just how it looks but how buildings and communities actually function-we will have made great strides as a society. Biophilic Design provides us with tremendous insight into the 'why,' then builds us a road map for what is sure to be the next great design journey of our times." -Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO and Founding Chairman, U.S. Green Building Council "Having seen firsthand in my company the power of biomimicry to stimulate a wellspring of profitable innovation, I can say unequivocably that biophilic design is the real deal. Kellert, Heerwagen, and Mador have compiled the wisdom of world-renowned experts to produce this exquisite book; it is must reading for scientists, philosophers, engineers, architects and designers, and-most especially-businesspeople. Anyone looking for the key to a new type of prosperity that respects the earth should start here." -Ray C. Anderson, founder and Chair, Interface, Inc. The groundbreaking guide to the emerging practice of biophilic design This book offers a paradigm shift in how we design and build our buildings and our communities, one that recognizes that the positive experience of natural systems and processes in our buildings and constructed landscapes is critical to human health, performance, and well-being. Biophilic design is about humanity's place in nature and the natural world's place in human society, where mutuality, respect, and enriching relationships can and should exist at all levels and should emerge as the norm rather than the exception. Written for architects, landscape architects, planners,developers, environmental designers, as well as building owners, Biophilic Design: The Theory, Science, and Practice of Bringing Buildings to Life is a guide to the theory, science, and practice of biophilic design. Twenty-three original and timely essays by world-renowned scientists, designers, and practitioners, including Edward O. Wilson, Howard Frumkin, David Orr, Grant Hildebrand, Stephen Kieran, Tim Beatley, Jonathan Rose, Janine Benyus, Roger Ulrich, Bert Gregory, Robert Berkebile, William Browning, and Vivian Loftness, among others, address: * The basic concepts of biophilia, its expression in the built environment, and how biophilic design connects to human biology, evolution, and development. * The science and benefits of biophilic design on human health, childhood development, healthcare, and more. * The practice of biophilic design-how to implement biophilic design strategies to create buildings that connect people with nature and provide comfortable and productive places for people, in which they can live, work, and study. Biophilic design at any scale-from buildings to cities-begins with a few simple questions: How does the built environment affect the natural environment? How will nature affect human experience and aspiration? Most of all, how can we achieve sustained and reciprocal benefits between the two? This prescient, groundbreaking book provides the answers.