Environmental Performance Modelling

Code

ABEE2032

School

Department of Architecture and Built Environment

Level

2

Credits

20

Semesters

Full year China

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

Third year Architectural Environment Engineering students

Classes

• One 4-hour lecture each week for 22 weeks

Activities may take place every teaching week of the Semester or only in specified weeks. It is usually specified above if an activity only takes place in some weeks of a Semester. Further Activity Details: Students are expected to undertake 70 hours of private study and project work.

Assessment

• 50% Coursework 1: 4,000 word simulation report
• 50% Coursework 2: 4,000 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
•    understanding of dynamic thermal behaviour of buildings
•    understanding of how simulation tools mediate between the representation of a systems, the theory representing the behaviour of systems and the results that offer insight into their possible behaviour
•    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
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
Professional/Practical Skills
•    ability to use a simple building environment simulation tool
Transferable/Key Skills
•    Written communication
•    Problem solving
•    Critical thinking
•    Information technology literacy
•    IT literacy, thermal and energy modelling skills in industry-standard software packages. 
•    Report writing and research techniques. 
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.

The module also contributes to C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C8, C13, C16, C17.

Conveners

• Dr Tongyu Zhou