99624 - BUILDING PHYSICS AND ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDING DESIGN

Learning outcomes

The course introduces students to building physics topics, principle of HVAC and energy efficient building systems. It describes energy modelling techniques for analysing buildings as an integrated system of interacting components and processes leading to low energy consumption and to satisfy occupant comfort. At the end of the course the student will have acquired knowledge on the thermal behaviour of the building system and has acquired the design skills for different types of technological envelopes and HVAC plants for closed spaces.

Course contents

1. THERMODYNAMICS
1.1 Introduction.
Introduction to Thermodynamics.
Zero principle of Thermodynamics.
Definition of temperature and temperature scales.
1.2 First and second principles.
First principle of Thermodynamics for closed systems.
Second principle of Thermodynamics for closed systems:
Kelvin-Planck and Clausius statements and their equivalence.
Carnot machines. Temperature thermodynamics.
Irreversibility of natural phenomena.
1.3 Open systems.
Mass balances for open systems.
Energy balances for open systems.
Examples of application interest.
1.4 Mixtures of air and water vapor.
Description of air and water vapor mixtures.
Psychrometric transformations.
Hints of environmental conditioning.
Measurements of hygrometric degree.

2. HEAT TRANSMISSION.

2.1 Conduction.
Fourier's law. Fourier equation.
Steady state solution: plane layer, cylindrical layer.
Critical radius.
Electrical analogy. Thermal bridges.
Measurements of thermal conductivity.
Materials for thermal insulation.
2.2 Convection.
Coefficient of convection.
Dimensional analysis and similarity.
Forced, natural and mixed convection.
Dynamic and thermal boundary layer.
2.3 Thermal radiation.
Basic definitions. Black bodies and gray bodies.
Stefan-Boltzmann's, Planck's, Wien's, Lambert's, Kirchhoff's laws.
Energy exchange between fully facing and partially facing surfaces.
Solar irradiance.
2.4 Simultaneous presence of different exchange modes.
Global heat exchange coefficient.

3. APPLIED ACOUSTICS.

3.1 Physical acoustics.
The sound phenomenon. Principal acoustic quantities.
Speed of sound in various media.
Plane, spherical, cylindrical, stationary waves.
3.2 Psychophysical acoustics (outline).
Human auditory system.
Disturbance and damage by noise.
3.3 Decibel sound levels and spectra.
Decibel scale.
(1/n of) octave filters.
Frequency weighting curves.
Sound level metrics.
Sound level meters.
Hints at Fourier analysis.
3.4 Building acoustics.
Sound insulation: basic laws.
Laws and technical standards.
Evaluation of acoustic performance of the building as a whole from component performance.
3.5 Acoustics of enclosed spaces.
Geometric treatment.
Energy-statistical treatment. Reverberation.
Sabine and Norris-Eyring formulas of reverberation time.
Hints at wave treatment.
Passive sound-absorbing materials and systems.

4. HEATING SYSTEMS.
Types and main elements of a hot-water heating system.

5. PLUMBING SYSTEMS.
Assessment of needs.
Direct and indirect hot water production.

6. AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEMS.
Summer and winter air conditioning processes.
Plant types for civil air conditioning.
Air handling units. Distribution ducts and air diffusers.
Calculation of summer heat loads: simplified methods.

7. ENERGY SAVING AND ENERGY CERTIFICATION OF BUILDINGS.

Practical exercise using software for energy diagnosis of buildings.

The building-equipment system. Criteria for maximizing the insulation of the building envelope. Maximization of the performance of the technical equipment system. Use of renewable energy sources: solar energy. Heat pumps. Reference legislation on energy certification of buildings. Hints on calculation and evaluation methods of energy certification.

8. LIGHTING
The human vision system (introduction).9. Photometry.Fundamental photometric quantities.
Basic photometric measurements.
Artificial light sources.
Hot wire lamps.
Gas discharge lamps.
LED systems.
Lamp enclosures.
Artificial lighting.
Artificial lighting in interiors.
Using natural light in interiors.
Lighting of artworks.
Energy performance of buildings - Energy requirements for lighting

Readings/Bibliography

Heat And Mass Transfer; 6th Edition, Si Units;  Yunus A. Cengel Dr. and Afshin J. Ghajar; Mc Graw Hill

Teaching methods

All the problems indicated in the course syllabus will be discussed during the lectures. Lectures will be supplemented by numerical exercises in the classroom. Software for building energy diagnosis and lighting simulation will also be used. A tutor will be available outside of class time for clarification and supplementation.

Assessment methods

The final examination consists of a written test and an oral interview, having as their subject the knowledge provided during the course. The written test usually consists of 8 questions, including 6 theory questions and 2 numerical exercises. To be admitted to take the oral test, a minimum score of 18/30 must be obtained in the written test. The oral test consists of an interview designed to demonstrate the candidate's operational mastery and ability in relation to the key concepts explained during the course.
Students who demonstrate mastery and operational ability in relation to the key concepts illustrated in the teaching will be guaranteed to pass the exam, and in particular knowledge of the thermal behavior of the building-plant system will be evaluated. A higher score will be awarded to students who demonstrate understanding and ability to use all the contents of the teaching by illustrating them with language skills, solving even complex problems, and showing good operational ability. Failure to pass the exam may be due to insufficient knowledge of key concepts, lack of mastery of technical language.

Teaching tools

PC video projector and downloadable materials from the teacher website

Office hours

See the website of Luca Barbaresi