Buildings Energy Audit

This chapter provides a comprehensive analysis of energy efficiency in buildings, focusing on regulatory requirements, current practices, and the state of energy efficiency in Ukraine and worldwide. It examines the substantial energy consumption in the construction sector and the inefficiencies in Ukraine's housing stock, emphasizing the need for thermal modernization and reduced energy consumption in residential buildings. The impact of European Union energy efficiency standards on construction projects is explored, along with measures implemented in Ukraine for improvement. Key considerations such as the interaction of building elements, air exchange, and development of a mathematical model for thermal conditions and heat losses are highlighted. The significance of optimizing indoor air quality and managing air exchange rates to balance energy savings and occupant comfort is discussed, alongside standards and regulations from the US and the EU. The paper delves into ventilation rates, air exchange requirements, CO₂ level measurement, and the use of natural and mechanical ventilation systems. It extends the analysis to estimating infiltration in commercial buildings using various coefficients and considers the importance of hourly climate data and software tools for accurate energy performance assessments. Additionally, the research addresses the health impacts of indoor air pollutants, such as carbon dioxide, bioeffluents, and particulate matter, and underscores the importance of compliance with WHO guidelines and national standards for maintaining healthy indoor environments. Empirical studies on natural ventilation, adaptive comfort, and the effect of pollutants on cognitive performance are reviewed. The paper also incorporates a broad range of sources, offering valuable insights into the optimization of indoor environmental quality and energy efficiency in buildings, with specific focus on thermal comfort, the role of occupant behavior, and methodologies for indoor climate monitoring and energy performance assessment.

This paper presents a comprehensive model for analyzing the thermal conditions of buildings through a system analysis methodology, focusing on heat and energy efficiency indicators, the impact of external climate on thermal conditions, and annual heat consumption for heating. Utilizing trigonometric series and harmonic oscillation, the study formulates analytical functions to simulate the thermal regime of buildings, determining heating periods and heat consumption. Factors such as heat devices, air permeability, and heat transfer coefficients are considered in detailed models to calculate heat losses and optimize energy consumption. An analysis of heat energy savings in a higher education institution highlights the effects of internal heat capacity and heating system adjustments. Additionally, this research incorporates thermal imaging inspections and the Blower Door system to detect structural defects and abnormal insulation properties. Recommendations from field tests on residential, public, and industrial buildings include insulation upgrades and adjustments to materials, aiming to enhance energy efficiency. The study underscores the importance of accurate environmental parameter representation and provides standardized methods for assessing and improving building thermal performance.

This paper focuses on the mathematical simulation modeling of air exchange rates in buildings, employing a methodology that integrates pressure differences, stack effect, wind pressure, and forced ventilation. It includes a detailed relationship between CO₂ concentration dynamics and air exchange, presenting equations and calculations for varying CO₂ levels over time. Using IWEC data, the study delivers an hourly calculation of natural air exchange, considering both internal and external factors that influence air flow. The research zeroes in on the energy performance of multi-story buildings in relation to window air permeability, using a dynamic grid model compliant with EN standards. By examining rooms with different orientations under Kyiv's climate data, it identifies variations in air exchange rates due to building height, wind dynamics, and ventilation influences, along with effects on heat loss and energy demands. The findings reveal that natural air exchange rates often fall below standard values, impacting the building’s energy demand and potentially leading to heating system shutdowns during transitional seasons. Conclusively, the study offers strategies for optimizing energy consumption, contributing to the understanding and enhancement of energy-efficient building design and management. The research’s references span across building information modeling, energy analysis tools, sustainable certifications, and thermal performance assessments, encompassing a broad spectrum of building energy systems and modeling studies.

This study investigates the dynamics of air exchange rates and carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentrations in indoor environments, particularly focusing on residential and educational buildings. Utilizing both experimental and simulation modeling methods at Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute and standard residential apartments, the research analyses factors influencing air exchange, such as wind direction, temperature, and stack effects. Key findings highlight the significant impact of human occupancy on CO₂ levels and the necessity of adequate ventilation to maintain optimal air quality and energy efficiency. The study further demonstrates the energy implications of different air exchange rates through dynamic modeling with DesignBuilder and EnergyPlus software, revealing potential energy savings when natural air exchange rates are appropriately managed. The outcomes emphasize the importance of monitoring ventilation and CO₂ concentrations to improve indoor microclimate conditions and inform energy-efficient building design and standards.