This report compares the thermal performances of two dwellings, type A and type B, in calculating the heat loss parameter of each dwelling.
In times of climate change and scarcity of resources, the importance of energy efficient building design has increased significantly and costumers demand new solution to get independent of rising fuel prices and to save energy.
Therefore, energy efficient design has to comprise more than just insulation of the envelope of dwellings.
Whilst the insulation still is one of the most important mean to stop the heat loss of the fabric, the concepts of heating, lighting and internal appliances have gained a great importance in energy efficient design.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Executive Summary
- Introduction
- Comparison of House Types
- Improving Energy Efficiency
- Alternative Construction Modes
- Observations
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This report aims to compare the thermal performance of two dwelling types (A and B) and identify methods to improve their energy efficiency. The study analyzes heat loss, heating system efficiency, and alternative construction methods to reduce energy consumption.
- Comparison of thermal performance between detached and semi-detached house types.
- Assessment of energy consumption in different building systems (heating, lighting, appliances).
- Analysis of the impact of different construction materials and methods on energy efficiency.
- Evaluation of improvements to heating systems and appliances to reduce energy demand.
- Exploration of passive solar design principles to enhance energy efficiency.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Executive Summary: This section provides a brief overview of the report, highlighting the superior thermal performance of the semi-detached house (Type B) compared to the detached house (Type A). It emphasizes the need for heating system improvements and the potential benefits of timber frame construction for enhanced energy efficiency.
Introduction: This chapter introduces the growing importance of energy-efficient building design in the context of climate change and resource scarcity. It emphasizes that energy efficiency goes beyond just insulation and includes aspects like heating, lighting, and appliances. The report focuses on analyzing two dwelling types to compare their thermal performance and suggests improvements.
Comparison of House Types: This chapter uses the heat loss per °C and m² as an indicator of thermal performance. It finds that dwelling type B (semi-detached) performs significantly better than type A (detached), primarily due to its lower exposed surface area to volume ratio and lower window-to-floor ratio. These geometric differences lead to a 23% reduction in the heat loss parameter for type B compared to type A.
Improving Energy Efficiency: This chapter focuses on reducing energy consumption by targeting the most energy-intensive areas within the dwellings. Space heating accounts for the largest portion (39%) of primary energy use, highlighting the need for improvements to the heating system. Recommendations include replacing the inefficient gas boiler with a condensing boiler and implementing a decentralized control system for better room temperature regulation. Improvements to the water heating system and the use of energy-efficient appliances are also suggested.
Alternative Construction Modes: This chapter explores alternative construction methods to enhance the thermal performance of the building envelope. It compares cavity wall construction with timber frame construction, showing that while both can achieve the same U-value, timber frame offers a smaller overall building size, leading to a reduction in heat loss. Despite the improvement, neither alternative construction achieves the performance of the semi-detached dwelling (Type B). The chapter also discusses the benefits of incorporating thermal mass in the building’s structure for summer cooling.
Observations: This chapter discusses the concept of passive solar design as a means of reducing energy demand. It highlights the importance of proper house orientation and increased window area on the south side to maximize solar gains for heating and reduce lighting needs. The current window-to-floor ratio is deemed too low, and the chapter suggests increasing it to capture more solar energy. It also suggests using green electricity sources to further improve energy efficiency.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Energy efficiency, house design, thermal performance, heat loss, building materials, heating systems, construction methods, passive solar design, energy consumption, timber frame, semi-detached house, detached house, condensing boiler.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview on Dwelling Thermal Performance
What is the main focus of this report?
This report compares the thermal performance of two dwelling types (detached and semi-detached houses) and identifies methods to improve their energy efficiency. It analyzes heat loss, heating system efficiency, alternative construction methods, and passive solar design principles to reduce energy consumption.
What are the key objectives of this study?
The key objectives include comparing thermal performance between house types, assessing energy consumption in different building systems, analyzing the impact of construction materials and methods, evaluating heating system improvements, and exploring passive solar design principles.
Which house type performed better in terms of thermal performance?
The semi-detached house (Type B) exhibited significantly better thermal performance than the detached house (Type A), primarily due to its lower exposed surface area to volume ratio and lower window-to-floor ratio, resulting in a 23% reduction in heat loss.
What are the major contributors to energy consumption in these dwellings?
Space heating accounts for the largest portion (39%) of primary energy use. Other contributors include water heating and the use of appliances.
What recommendations are made to improve energy efficiency?
Recommendations include replacing inefficient gas boilers with condensing boilers, implementing decentralized heating control systems, improving water heating systems, using energy-efficient appliances, and exploring alternative construction methods such as timber frame construction.
How do alternative construction methods affect energy efficiency?
The report compares cavity wall and timber frame constructions. While both can achieve similar U-values, timber frame construction offers a smaller building size, leading to reduced heat loss. The benefits of incorporating thermal mass for summer cooling are also discussed.
What is the role of passive solar design in improving energy efficiency?
Passive solar design is highlighted as a crucial aspect of reducing energy demand. The report suggests improving house orientation, increasing south-facing window area to maximize solar gains for heating and reduce lighting needs.
What are the key takeaways from this report?
The report emphasizes the importance of considering the entire building envelope and systems for energy efficiency, not just insulation. It highlights the superior performance of semi-detached houses and suggests various improvements for both house types to significantly reduce energy consumption.
What are the key words associated with this report?
Energy efficiency, house design, thermal performance, heat loss, building materials, heating systems, construction methods, passive solar design, energy consumption, timber frame, semi-detached house, detached house, condensing boiler.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Bastian Görke (Autor:in), 2005, Principles of Energy Efficient House Design. The Comparison of Two Dwelling Concepts, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/1030681
