Building Simulation

Code

ABEE4099

School

Architecture and Built Environment

Level

4

Credits

20

Semesters

Full Year UK

Summary

This module introduces a range of software simulation tools used to explore and develop environmental strategies in buildings. The tools are used to undertake basic site analysis; select an appropriate environmental strategy; consider the effects of solar radiation on heating, cooling, and daylighting systems; to design appropriate ventilation strategies; conduct dynamic thermal and plant simulations; and to predict and reduce the energy demand and carbon emissions of a building.

Target Students

Building Performance Engineering U7PBPENG (K24A).

Classes

• One 4-hour lecture each week for 12 weeks

Assessment

• 50% Coursework 1: 3,500 word software report.
• 50% Coursework 2: 3000 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 system, 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 sotware packages;
• Report writing and research techniques.

This module supports the following Engineering Council learning outcomes:

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.
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 James Pinchin
• Dr John Calautit