Advanced Building Energy Modeling Training Course
Introduction:
Building energy modeling (BEM) is a critical tool used to predict the energy performance of buildings and optimize energy usage. As sustainability and energy efficiency become increasingly important, advanced building energy modeling plays a crucial role in designing energy-efficient structures and systems. This 5-day course provides in-depth knowledge of advanced energy modeling techniques, including the use of industry-standard software, integrating renewable energy systems, performing energy simulations, and optimizing building systems for improved energy efficiency. Participants will develop the skills to analyze and optimize building energy use in real-world scenarios and contribute to sustainable construction practices.
Objectives:
By the end of this course, participants will:
- Understand the principles and advanced techniques of building energy modeling.
- Learn how to use advanced BEM software for simulating building performance.
- Gain knowledge of energy efficiency measures, renewable energy integration, and sustainable building design.
- Analyze and optimize building systems such as HVAC, lighting, and insulation.
- Understand the regulatory frameworks, standards, and certifications related to energy modeling (e.g., LEED, ASHRAE).
- Develop the ability to conduct energy audits and suggest improvements for energy efficiency.
- Be able to communicate and present findings to stakeholders for energy performance optimization.
Who Should Attend:
This course is designed for professionals involved in building design, construction, and energy performance optimization, including:
- Energy Managers and Auditors
- Architects and Engineers
- Building Systems Designers
- Sustainability Consultants
- Project Managers in Construction
- Building Operations Managers
- Students and Aspiring Engineers in Energy Systems and Sustainability
Course Outline:
Day 1: Introduction to Advanced Building Energy Modeling
- Session 1: Overview of Building Energy Modeling (BEM)
- What is Building Energy Modeling? Importance in Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
- Key Concepts: Heat Transfer, Thermal Comfort, Lighting, and Airflow
- The Role of BEM in LEED Certification, Energy Star, and Other Sustainability Ratings
- Session 2: BEM Software and Tools
- Overview of Industry-Standard Software: EnergyPlus, eQUEST, IESVE, OpenStudio
- Features and Capabilities of BEM Software for Advanced Modeling
- Selecting the Right Software Based on Project Needs and Goals
- Session 3: Energy Performance and Building Systems
- Key Building Systems in Energy Modeling: HVAC, Lighting, Insulation, Envelope
- Interactions Between Building Systems and External Factors (Climate, Weather, Location)
- Understanding Energy Demand and Peak Load Analysis
- Activity: Hands-on Introduction to BEM Software – Creating a Basic Energy Model
Day 2: Advanced Modeling Techniques and Energy Simulations
- Session 1: Detailed Building Energy Modeling
- Modeling Building Envelope: Walls, Windows, Roofs, and Foundations
- Simulating Internal Gains: Occupants, Equipment, and Appliances
- Thermal Zones and How to Define Them in Energy Models
- Session 2: HVAC and Lighting Systems Modeling
- Modeling HVAC Systems: Air Handling, Heating, Cooling, Ventilation, and Distribution
- Simulating Lighting Systems: Daylight Harvesting, Artificial Lighting, and Controls
- Integration of Building Management Systems (BMS) for Energy Optimization
- Session 3: Dynamic Simulation and Whole-Building Energy Analysis
- Understanding Dynamic Simulation: Time-Dependent Simulations for Heating, Cooling, and Lighting
- Simulating Energy Use Over Time: Load Duration Curves, Energy Consumption Profiles
- Whole-Building Simulation vs. Component-Level Analysis
- Activity: Hands-on Simulation – Modeling HVAC and Lighting Systems in BEM Software
Day 3: Renewable Energy Integration and Energy Efficiency Measures
- Session 1: Integrating Renewable Energy Systems
- Types of Renewable Energy Systems: Solar PV, Solar Thermal, Wind, Geothermal, and Biomass
- Simulating Renewable Energy Generation in Energy Models
- Sizing and Optimizing Renewable Systems for Energy Efficiency
- Session 2: Energy Efficiency Measures and Optimization
- Insulation, High-Efficiency Windows, and Air Sealing Techniques
- Passive Design Strategies: Natural Ventilation, Daylighting, and Thermal Mass
- Active Energy Efficiency Measures: Variable-Speed Fans, LED Lighting, High-Efficiency HVAC
- Session 3: Cost-Effectiveness and Energy Savings
- Energy Efficiency vs. Cost: Balancing Initial Investment with Long-Term Savings
- Simulating Return on Investment (ROI) for Energy Efficiency Measures
- Cost-Benefit Analysis and Energy Savings Calculations
- Activity: Group Exercise – Integrating Solar PV and Analyzing the Impact on Energy Consumption
Day 4: Energy Codes, Regulations, and Performance Benchmarking
- Session 1: Building Energy Codes and Standards
- Overview of Energy Codes: ASHRAE 90.1, IECC, and National Energy Code of Canada
- Energy Performance Requirements and Compliance Strategies
- Understanding Building Energy Ratings and Certifications (e.g., LEED, Energy Star)
- Session 2: Energy Performance Benchmarking
- Benchmarking Energy Performance: How to Use Energy Data for Building Comparisons
- Tools for Benchmarking: Portfolio Manager, Energy Star Score, and Local Performance Metrics
- Case Studies of Energy Performance Benchmarking in Commercial and Residential Buildings
- Session 3: Certification and Performance Verification
- Verifying Building Energy Performance: Data Logging, Energy Audits, and Post-Occupancy Evaluations
- Certification Process: Steps for Obtaining LEED or Similar Certifications
- Collaboration Between Engineers, Architects, and Contractors for Successful Certification
- Activity: Case Study – Evaluating a Building for LEED Certification Using Energy Modeling
Day 5: Advanced Energy Modeling Applications and Future Trends
- Session 1: Advanced Applications in Energy Modeling
- Simulating Net-Zero Energy Buildings: Design and Energy Consumption Strategies
- Analyzing Energy Systems for Retrofits and Renovations
- Simulating Adaptive Reuse of Buildings for Energy Efficiency
- Session 2: Emerging Technologies in Building Energy Modeling
- Advanced HVAC Systems: Heat Pumps, Radiant Heating, and Cooling Systems
- Smart Buildings and Internet of Things (IoT) in Energy Management
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning for Energy Optimization
- Session 3: The Future of Building Energy Modeling
- Trends in Building Design and Construction: Passive House, Sustainable Materials, and Smart Grids
- Energy Modeling for Climate Change Mitigation and Resilience
- Future of Energy Modeling Software and Automation in Design
- Activity: Group Brainstorming – Exploring Future Trends and Innovations in Energy Modeling
Course Delivery:
- Interactive Sessions: Lectures, demonstrations, and discussions on advanced building energy modeling techniques and software.
- Hands-on Simulations: Participants will use BEM software to model building energy performance and simulate different scenarios.
- Case Studies: Real-world case studies demonstrating the application of energy modeling in various building types.
- Group Projects: Collaborative activities designed to apply energy modeling skills to real construction projects.
- Software Training: Guided training on industry-standard energy modeling software for simulating energy use and optimizing building systems.