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 vapour. Description of air and water vapour 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 grey 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. HEATING SYSTEMS.

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

4. PLUMBING SYSTEMS.

Assessment of needs. Direct and indirect hot water production.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. LIGHTING

The human vision system (introduction). 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

THERMODYNAMICS: AN ENGINEERING APPROACH, SI; Yunus A. Cengel Dr., Michael A. Boles, Mehmet Kanoglu; 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 exam consists of a written test and a mandatory oral interview, covering the knowledge provided during the course. The written test usually consists of 8 questions, 6 of which are theoretical and 2 are numerical exercises. To be admitted to the oral exam, students must obtain a minimum score of 18/30 in the written test.
The oral exam consists of an interview aimed at demonstrating the candidate's operational mastery and ability in relation to the key concepts covered during the course. Students who demonstrate mastery and operational ability in relation to the key concepts covered in the course will be guaranteed to pass the exam; in particular, knowledge of the thermal behavior of the building-plant system will be assessed.
A higher score will be awarded to students who demonstrate understanding and ability to use all the course content, illustrating it with linguistic skills, solving complex problems, and demonstrating good operational skills. Failure to pass the exam may be due to insufficient knowledge of key concepts or 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