Environmental Performance Modelling

Code

ABEE2013

School

Architecture and Built Environment

Level

2

Credits

20

Semesters

Full Year UK

Summary

In this module, methods of examining non-steady state performance of buildings are introduced. Starting from a theoretical exploration of transient building response, computer simulation tools are introduced and then used to explore energy flows through buildings. The simulation process is used to explore and develop an awareness of the relationship between building performance and climate, design, materiality and occupant behaviour. The module aims to enable students to develop a critical view of the use of simulation outputs and have a full understanding of the errors and confidence that can be placed on the output of building simulation tools.

Target Students

BEng/ MEng Architectural Environment Engineering students; U6UAAEENG (Year 2); U6UAEENGY (Year 2); U7UAEENG (Year 2); U7UAEENGY (Year 2); U7UAEENGY1 (Year 2); (K240, K24B, K241, K24A, K24D).

Classes

• One 4-hour lecture each week for 21 weeks

Students are expected to undertake 100 hours of private study and project work.

Assessment

• 50% Coursework 1: 3,500 word software report
• 50% Coursework 2: 3,000 word Simulation report

Assessed in both autumn & spring semest

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding
An awareness of how physical systems are represented in simulation tools
 

Awareness of the relationship between building fabric and design and the key energy flow paths between the inside of a building and the external environment
 

Understanding of dynamic thermal behaviour of buildings
 

Understanding of how simulation tools mediate between the representation of a system, the theory representing the behaviour of systems and the results that offer insight into their possible behaviour
 

Intellectual Skills
Ability to use simulation tools to represent a system, generate results and interpret these to offer insight as to how the system performs
 

Ability to use the results from simulation to make design changes that either improve comfort of occupants and reduce energy demand for a building
 

Information technology literacy
IT literacy, thermal and energy modelling skills in industry-standard sotware packages. Report writing and research techniques

Critical thinking
 

Professional/Practical Skills
Ability to use a simple building environment simulation tool
 

Problem solving
 

Transferable/Key Skills
Written communication
 

This module supports the following Engineering Council learning outcomes - supporting students to:
M1    Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering
M2    Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed
M3    Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed
M4    Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems
M5    Design solutions for complex problems that evidence some originality and meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health & safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards
M6    Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems
M8    Identify and analyse ethical concerns and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct
M13    Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations
M16    Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team. Evaluate effectiveness of own and team performance 
M17    Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences, evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used.

Conveners

• Dr John Calautit