Net ZEB Case Studies - Modeling, Design, and Optimization of Net-Zero Energy Buildings - page 427

consumption, cooling energy, fan energy, and heat recovery. This
information was then input to eQuest and the thermal labyrinth model.
- The PV systems were dimensioned and their output sized to match
the RSF's total energy consumption, including optimizing orientation
and tilt angle.
- The transpired solar thermal collector was modeled using
manufacturer and TMY weather data to calculate air temperature and
flow rate, which were then transferred to the thermal labyrinth model.
- The thermal labyrinth model calculates the thermal exchanges
between the concrete and the air, taking into account the temperature
and flow rate of the source heat from the data center and the transpired
solar thermal collector.
- eQuest was used as the whole-building energy modeling program to
integrate the various components of the energy model.
7.4.2.11 Software Limitations
Due to the nature of the RSF design brief, situations occurred when the
building simulation software could not easily handle the innovative design
solutions. A key design element for the project was the daylighting. This
element was also the hardest to model - partly due to the innovative
LightLouver™ system - requiring clever workarounds to overcome current
limitations in modeling software.
RADIANCE was used from the beginning of the conceptual design stage
since NREL mandated daylighting in its request for proposals (RFP)
through the targeting of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design (LEED) 2.2 Interior Environmental Quality (IEQ) credit 8.1:
Daylight and Views - Daylight.
Since daylighting influences many systems in a building, RADIANCE
simulations helped to establish many design parameters very early on: the
buildingdepthat60′-0″(18m),thefenestration,theglazingtransmittance,
and the ceiling heights.
RADIANCE use continued through design development to track the
evolving design. As information became more precise, such as for room
finishes and furniture dimensions, these simulations helped guide the