Modeling and Design of Net ZEBs as Integrated Energy Systems - Modeling, Design, and Optimization of Net-Zero Energy Buildings - page 13

technologies and simulate building fabric energy transfer with different
levels of detail. They also utilize different techniques to model the transient
response of buildings and their systems to changes in internal and external
thermal loads.
Fig. 2.1 The 3D matrix representing model resolution, technologies, and
design stage
Appropriate modeling of building-integrated solar energy systems
(thermal,electric,hybrid,anddaylighting) isessentialforthedesignofNet
ZEBs and the study of optimal control strategies. These systems will play
a major role in achieving the net-zero energy goal and need to be carefully
selected, modeled, and sized for an accurate design. At the early stage of
design, a simplified software tool, such as RETScreen, may provide enough
accuracytosizeabuilding-integrated photovoltaic(BIPV)orasolarthermal
system as it provides monthly estimates of energy generated. However,
a BIPV/thermal system (BIPV/T) that generates both electricity and heat
requires estimation of the heat recovered and how it can potentially be
used - to heat ventilation air, to heat water, or space heating (directly or
through a heat pump). To properly simulate these systems, there is a need
for tools characterized by a high integrity representation of the dynamic and
connected processes.