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Basic Principles, Most Common Computational Tools, and Capabilities for Building Energy and Urban Microclimate Simulations

Author

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  • George M. Stavrakakis

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU), Estavromenos, GR-71410 Heraklion, Greece
    MES Energy S.A., 67 Aeolou Str., GR-10559 Athens, Greece)

  • Dimitris Al. Katsaprakakis

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU), Estavromenos, GR-71410 Heraklion, Greece)

  • Markos Damasiotis

    (Division of Development Programmes, Centre for Renewable Energy Sources and Saving (CRES), 19th km Marathonos Av., GR-19009 Pikermi, Greece)

Abstract

This paper presents basic principles of built-environment physics’ modelling, and it reviews common computational tools and capabilities in a scope of practical design approaches for retrofitting purposes. Well-established simulation models and methods, with applications found mainly in the international scientific literature, are described by means of strengths and weaknesses as regards related tools’ availability, easiness to use, and reliability towards the determination of the optimal blends of retrofit measures for building energy upgrading and Urban Heat Island (UHI) mitigation. The various characteristics of computational approaches are listed and collated by means of comparison among the principal modelling methods as well as among the respective computational tools that may be used for simulation and decision-making purposes. Insights of coupling between building energy and urban microclimate models are also presented. The main goal was to provide a comprehensive overview of available simulation methods that can be used at the early design stages for planning retrofitting strategies and guiding engineers and technical professionals through the simulation tools’ options oriented to the considered case study.

Suggested Citation

  • George M. Stavrakakis & Dimitris Al. Katsaprakakis & Markos Damasiotis, 2021. "Basic Principles, Most Common Computational Tools, and Capabilities for Building Energy and Urban Microclimate Simulations," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(20), pages 1-41, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:20:p:6707-:d:657461
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    Cited by:

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    7. Talha Batuhan Korkut & Ahmed Rachid, 2024. "Numerical Investigation of Interventions to Mitigate Heat Stress: A Case Study in Dubai," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-17, May.
    8. Säwén, Toivo & Sasic Kalagasidis, Angela & Hollberg, Alexander, 2024. "Critical perspectives on life cycle building performance assessment tool reviews," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 197(C).
    9. Komi Bernard Bedra & Jian Zheng & Jiayu Li & Zhaoqian Sun & Bohong Zheng, 2023. "Automating Microclimate Evaluation and Optimization during Urban Design: A Rhino–Grasshopper Workflow," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(24), pages 1-26, December.
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    11. George M. Stavrakakis & Panagiotis L. Zervas & Konstantinos Terzis & Panagiotis Langouranis & Panagiota Saranti & Yorgos J. Stephanedes, 2023. "Exploitation of Mediterranean Cooperation Projects’ Tools for the Development of Public Buildings’ Energy Efficiency Plans at Local Level: A Case Study in Greece," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-33, April.
    12. Alberto Barbaresi & Mattia Ceccarelli & Giulia Menichetti & Daniele Torreggiani & Patrizia Tassinari & Marco Bovo, 2022. "Application of Machine Learning Models for Fast and Accurate Predictions of Building Energy Need," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-16, February.
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