Thermal Loads Map and Overall Energy Analysis Depending on Low-Effort Parameters Change: A Commercial Building Case Study

Abstract

Starting from the second half of 2022, the energy market, in particular, the European natural gas supply, passed through an eventful period. The sanctions imposed on Russia because of the Ukrainian war rearranged the steadiness of the natural gas suppliers to the continent, and major concerns arose regarding the reduction in primary energy consumption, particularly for heating and cooling purposes. This study proposes a method for mapping the heating and cooling loads of a building as a function of effortlessly changeable boundary conditions (i.e., heating/cooling temperature set-point, infiltration rate and work shift); the simulation of the building thermal loads as well as the final and primary energy estimation was carried out with DesignBuilder, an Energyplus-based software, with a dynamic calculation approach. Thermal load maps provide an immediate picture of the achievable energy savings and represents an effective tool for energy monitoring; in addition, the maps can support energy managers and policymakers for rapidly complying with unexpected scenarios. The mapping method has been applied to a non-residential building and the results showed that energy savings up to 40% could be reached, ensuring an adequate indoor thermal comfort. Finally, the final and primary energy analysis showed the benefit of switching from fossil fuel boilers to electric heat pumps for space heating due to a minimum primary energy saving of 70%.