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Building energy modeling (BEM), a subset of building information modeling (BIM), integrates energy analysis into the design, construction, and operation and maintenance of buildings. As there are various existing BEM tools available, there is a need to evaluate the utility of these tools in various phases of the building lifecycle. The goal of this research was to develop guidelines for evaluation and selection of BEM tools to be used in particular building lifecycle phases. The objectives of this research were to: (1) Evaluate existing BEM tools; (2) Illustrate the application of the three BEM tools; (3) Re-evaluate the three BEM tools; and (4) Develop guidelines for evaluation, selection and application of BEM tools in the design, construction and operation/maintenance phases of buildings. Twelve BEM tools were initially evaluated using four criteria: interoperability, usability, available inputs, and available outputs. Each of the top three BEM tools selected based on this initial evaluation was used in a case study to simulate and evaluate energy usage, daylighting performance, and natural ventilation for two academic buildings (LEED-certified and non-LEED-certified). The results of the case study were used to re-evaluate the three BEM tools using the initial criteria with addition of the two new criteria (speed and accuracy), and to develop guidelines for evaluating and selecting BEM tools to analyze building energy performance. The major contribution of this research is the development of these guidelines that can help potential BEM users to identify the most appropriate BEM tool for application in particular building lifecycle phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Repeated modifications of multiple design parameters are required to optimize daylighting system design. However, a large number of optional design parameters increase the computation time. This research developed a simulation-based model to evaluate daylighting system design based on system daylighting and thermal performance. The model utilized the prediction methods to speed up computation. The methods that predict the daylight levels and energy usage were developed based on sample simulation results using Radiance and EnergyPlus software. A prominent multiobjective optimization technique, strength Pareto evolutionary approach II, was applied to optimize four main design parameters (window dimensions and position, glazing transmittance, and blind reflectance). A patch division scheme was proposed to limit the maximum number of daylighting simulations if there was a larger number of window dimensions and positions. A case study was conducted to illustrate the application of the model and to validate the accuracy of the prediction methods. The percentage errors between the predicted and simulation results for both energy and daylighting performances were less than 5%. The research contribution is the development of a new faster approach for predicting building energy consumption and daylight levels as well as the development of an integrated simulation environment for the daylighting system design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A transparent shading device is developed as an alternative to opaque or translucent materials. The objectives are to create a new design of transparent blinds with improved daylighting performance and to simulate its daylighting performance. The application of a triangular cross-section for the slats and the use of clear plastic and a silver reflective coating as the materials for the new blinds utilize the principles of optics in this design. A case study analyses and compares the daylighting performance of the new transparent blinds, commercially available opaque blinds, and the previously patented transparent blinds. Results from a limited simulation of the three systems indicate the interior illuminance and daylighting performance are best for the new blinds. Un dispositif pare-soleil transparent a ete mis au point comme alternative aux materiaux opaques ou translucides. Les objectifs sont de creer des stores transparents de conception nouvelle presentant des performances ameliorees en eclairage naturel et de proceder a une simulation des performances de ce dispositif en eclairage naturel. Ce design fait appel aux principes d'optique dans l'application d'une section transversale triangulaire aux lamelles et dans l'utilisation d'un plastique transparent et d'un revetement reflechissant argente comme materiaux de ces nouveaux stores. Une etude de cas analyse et compare les performances en eclairage naturel de ces nouveaux stores transparents, des stores opaques disponibles dans le commerce, et des stores transparents deja brevetes. Les resultats d'une simulation limitee des trois systemes indiquent que les performances concernant l'eclairement interieur et l'eclairage naturel sont meilleures avec les nouveaux stores. Mots cles: technologie alternative; autonomie en lumiere du jour; eclairage naturel; conception de facades; eclairement; optique; dispositif pare-soleil; simulation; eclairement naturel utile [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]