روش شناسی عوامل کلیدی: پشتیبانی همه جانبه از فرایند تصمیم گیری مدیریت انرژی ساختمان در تعریف استراتژی های عملیات بهینه

This paper presents the key factors methodology that supports energy managers in determining the optimal building operation strategy in relation to both energy consumption and thermal comfort. The methodology is supported by the utilization of calibrated building energy simulation models that match measured data gathered by an extensive measurement framework. Building management systems, do not allow energy managers to test the impact of changes in control settings of energy systems on energy consumption and thermal comfort. The proposed methodology and prototype tool chain enables energy managers to virtually develop and test the impact of proposed changes to the control settings in the building energy systems prior to their implementation in the physical building. The paper outlines the proposed methodology defining the underpinning concepts and illustrating the performance metrics required to capture the effect of different building operation strategies. A case study is discussed to demonstrate the application of the methodology.

Prescriptive based approaches to the design, construction and operation of buildings have substantially failed to deliver operationally energy efficient buildings [1]. Performance based assessment is now being promoted and several performance rating methodologies have been developed worldwide [2]. Focusing on building operation, energy efficiency measures can be effective in addressing the problem of high building energy consumption. In particular, considering the existing building stock, there is large scope for energy savings. In relation to that, Continuous Commissioning (CCSM) is an approach that was first established in USA that has achieved an average reduction of over 20% of the total energy cost in more than eighty American buildings [3]. Continuous commissioning denotes an ongoing process for the quality assurance of building performance. It is a process designed to develop targets in terms of energy efficiency and to verify and document their achievement. CC is seen as a prerequisite for the long-term energy efficient operation of buildings [4].

The proposed key factors methodology supports energy managers in determining the optimal building operation strategy in relation to both energy consumption and thermal comfort. This is achieved using a calibrated BES model during the operation stage of the BLC. An adequate building measurement framework is required and a systematic calibration process has to be performed to support the proposed methodology. The case study shows how different operation strategies can be tested in the model prior to actual deployment and the results can be compared in order to predict the effects of real changes in operation. This new model-based decision making is a concrete support to enhance the effectiveness of energy managers’ activities in setting operation strategies.