An Automated Method of Parametric Thermal Shaping of Complex Buildings with Buffer Spaces in a Moderate Climate

This article presents a new method of parametric shaping of buildings with buffer spaces characterized by complex forms and effective thermal operation in the moderate climate of the Central Europe Plane. The parameterization of an elaborated thermal qualitative model of buildings with buffer spaces and its configuration based on computer simulations of thermal operation of many discrete models are the specific features of the method. The model uses various original building shapes and a new parametric artificial neural network (a) to automate the calculations and recording of results and (b) to predict a number of new buildings with buffer spaces characterized by effective thermal operation. The configuration of the parametric quantitative model was carried out based on the simulation results of 343 discrete models defined by means of ten independent variables grouping the properties of the building and buffer space related to their forms, materials and air circulation. The analysis performed for the adopted parameter variability ranges indicates a varied impact of these independent variables on the thermal operation of buildings located in a moderate climate. The infiltration and ventilation and physical properties of the windows and walls are the independent variables that most influence the energy savings utilized by the examined buildings with buffer spaces. The optimal values of these variables allow up to 50–60% of the energy supplied by the HVAC system to be saved. The accuracy and universality of the method will continuously be increased in future research by increasing the types and ranges of independent variables.