An experimental method for building energy need evaluation at real operative conditions. A case study validation

Building energy consumption reduction is fundamental to achieve sustainable green design and environmental impact lowering. Thermo-physics, different uses over time, heating/cooling plant and controlled mechanical ventilation system operation and users’ behaviour in the building affects energy saving conditions, indoor environmental quality and people wellbeing. In our research an experimental method for building energy performance evaluation under transient conditions was proposed. Monitoring experimental data of the external and internal microclimate, and of heat flux through each wall, under real dynamic conditions, were used for a real-time post-processing. The proposed method was based on the “modified” degree days calculated by the measured climatic data, taking into account the thermal phase shift and thermal capacity of the various construction materials. An experimental monitoring campaign was carried out for three years on a social housing development in Florence, as the case study. Results assessment provided a linear correlation function between the above mentioned parameters, with a coefficient of determination higher than 80%. The proposed method can be used for building energy consumption prediction that is fundamental for guaranteeing wellbeing, health and energy sustainability with the “green” transition from energy consuming community and buildings to energy producing community and buildings.