Net ZEB Design Processes and Tools - Modeling, Design, and Optimization of Net-Zero Energy Buildings - page 150

4
Net ZEB Design Processes and Tools
William O'Brien, Paul Bourdoukan, Véronique Delisle, and Samson Yip
4.1 Introduction
This chapter discusses strategies and issues associated with designing Net
ZEBs using building performance simulation (BPS) and other tools and
strategies. It targets both beginner and advanced designers with suggested
approachesfordesigningNetZEBs.Thefirstmajorsectionexamineshowthe
designprocessofNetZEBsdiffersfromthatofconventionalbuildings.Italso
looks at the different stages of design and at how BPS can be integrated at
various stages. This section suggests that Net ZEBs be designed following the
three iterative stages:
1. Concept (or early) design: This stage focuses on the building form and
architectural concept to facilitate the integration of renewable energy
technologies (RETs) and passive features. These features include:
daylight harvesting, solar shading, thermal mass, natural ventilation,
building envelope assemblies, solar energy exposure, and control
concepts.
2. Design development: This stage complements the concept design stage
by refining building features, such as the envelope material choices and
thermal mass, daylighting, lighting, RETs and heating, ventilation, and
air conditioning (HVAC) system. This stage is also used to finalize the
architectural concept.
3. Technical design: This stage refines the work from design development
by completing the whole building design, including all construction
details and specifications. In particular, this stage addresses specific
design details, such as interior finishing, control algorithms development
(e.g., for HVAC and lighting), and HVAC/RET system refinement.
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) can be used during this stage; for
example, to study airflow in critical zones or atria.
The second major section approaches the Net ZEB design problem from a
moretechnical/research-orientedpointofview.Theissuesthatareexamined
include a general discussion of appropriate model resolution in BPS tools,