Effect of the building zoning on the energy consumption with different dynamic energy simulation tools: ALMABEST versus carnotUIBK

In this Thesis a comparison is presented between two software for dynamic energy simulation of buildings coupled to HVAC systems: ALMABEST and carnotUIBK, developed by University of Bologna and University of Innsbruck, respectively. These tools are both developed in MATLAB environment and work using Simulink libraries and Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs). In the first part of the work, an overview of the main commercially available software for building simulation is given and the description of ALMABEST and carnotUIBK is presented. In particular, it is explained how the user can create the building model by using a series of GUIs, what are the simulation capabilities and limitations of both tools and, finally, a comparison between them in terms of strengths and weaknesses is shown. In the second part of the Thesis, results obtained from simulations with both tools are presented, focusing on the effects of a different zoning of the same building located in three different European cities, and on how energy demand changes by using an ideal heating system or a floor heating system. Finally, the effects on the internal temperature and on the heating energy consumption is analysed based on a detailed analysis of the intended use of the building and thus of the behaviour of the occupants within it. In particular, the first floor of the building, divided into four thermal zones and equipped with a floor heating, is considered as a set of offices and the inputs of internal gains and ventilation are considered either constant or with specific hourly profiles according to the working occupation. Throughout the Thesis, the small percentage deviations of the results obtained with the two tools emphasised that they are valuable and detailed software for the dynamic simulation of buildings and HVAC systems. The comparison highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of the two tools and, in particular, possible future developments.