Simulation Modelling Theory

Code

ABEE4108

School

Architecture and Built Environment

Level

4

Credits

10

Semesters

Autumn UK

Summary

This module provides a deep understanding of dynamic energy performance of buildings. The module will typically aim to expand the students’ knowledge of the energetic balance in building envelopes with the purpose of developing a simplified simulation tool.    This could be explored in the following manner: 

• Providing specific consideration into the key heat transfer mechanisms and the existing modelling approaches
• Students developing simplified independent sub-models for each energy mechanism whilst introducing related numerical techniques in this context. 
• Different practices used to achieve the necessary skills for understanding and achieving a holistic dynamical simulation of energy flow in buildings
• Techniques discussed to combine all the sub-models and to form a simplified building energy simulation. 
• The simplified developed tool is examined to explore and to develop the relationship between building performance and climate, design, materiality and occupant behaviour.
• Students to develop a critical view of the use of simulation outputs and to have a full understanding of the errors that can result in misleading output of building simulation tools.

Target Students

MEng Architectural Environment Engineering students;); U7UAEENG (Year 4); U7UAEENGY (Year 5); U7UAEENGY1 (Year 5); (K241, K24A, K24D).

Assessment

• 100% Coursework 1: Report - word count as per assessment brief.

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

• understanding of dynamic thermal behaviour of buildings
• an awareness of numerical techniques in solving differential equations
• an awareness of how heat transfer mechanisms are represented in simulation tools
• understanding of the state of the art related to building simulation tools and functionality of interlinks between various building systems

Intellectual Skills

• ability to differentiate a building energetic system to related zones and to form the energy balance within various zones
• ability to develop the related equation for each zone and element in a building and to set them within a linear system of equations
• use the existing simulation tools to verify the performance of the simplified developed tool
• interpretation of the generated results to offer insight of the holistic performance of a building and to make design changes toward achieving a healthy and energy efficient building

Professional/Practical Skills

• ability to develop a simplified building energy simulation tool
• ability to use a simple building environment simulation tool

Transferable/Key Skills

• Written communication
• Problem solving
• Critical thinking
• Information technology literacy
• IT literacy
• Thermal and energy modelling skills in industry-standard software packages
• Report writing and research techniques

This module supports the following Engineering Council learning outcomes - supporting students to:

M1 Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering
M2 Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed
M3 Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed
M4 Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems
M5 Design solutions for complex problems that evidence some originality and meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health & safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards
M6 Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems
M13 Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations
M16 Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team. Evaluate effectiveness of own and team performance 
M17 Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences, evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used.

Conveners

• Dr James Pinchin