Fast Modelling of nZEB Metrics of Office Buildings Built with Advanced Glass and BIPV Facade Structures

Abstract

The planning process of nearly Zero Energy Buildings (nZEB), as defined in Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), requires that designers check their solutions at all stages of planning. In the initial design phase, methods and tools for which only basic design knowledge of the modelling of energy efficiency indicators is required are often sufficient. With the introduction of fast modelling techniques, designers’ work can be simplified. A method and software for the fast modelling of nZEB energy efficiency indicators of buildings constructed with advanced multi-layer glass and building integrated photovoltaics facade (BIPV) structures are presented. The computer tool for fast modelling combines (i) upgraded national certificated software for energy performance of buildings (EPB) evaluation, which is used for performing auto-repeating numerical calculations based on the design of experiments (DOE) and (ii) software for the determination of multiple linear regression models and the presentation of results. The case studies made for different buildings and climate conditions show the variety of options offered by the developed fast modelling approach. It can be seen that buildings with a large proportion of advanced glassed facade and even all-glass buildings can fulfil nZEB requirements via the on-site production of electricity with BIPV facade structures.