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A Digital-Twin Evaluation of Net Zero Energy Building for Existing Buildings

Author

Listed:
  • Sakdirat Kaewunruen

    (School of Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK)

  • Panrawee Rungskunroch

    (School of Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
    UC Berkeley Institute of Transportation Studies, 109 McLaughlin Hall, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA)

  • Joshua Welsh

    (School of Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
    Engineering, Royal Air Force, Birmingham B2 4LS, UK)

Abstract

With buildings around the world accounting for nearly one-third of global energy demand and the availability of fossil fuels constantly on the decline, there is a need to ensure that this energy demand is efficiently and effectively managed using renewable energy now more than ever. Most research and case studies have focused on energy efficiency of ‘ new ’ buildings. In this study, both technical and financial viability of Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) for ‘ existing ’ buildings will be highlighted. A rigorous review of open literatures concerning seven principal areas that in themselves define the concept of NZEB building is carried out. In practice, a suitable option of the NZEB solutions is needed for the evaluation and improvement for a specific geographical area. The evaluation and improvement has been carried out using a novel hierarchy-flow chart coupled with a Building Information Model (BIM). This BIM or digital twin is then used to thoroughly visualize each option, promote collaboration among stakeholders, and accurately estimate associated costs and associated technical issues encountered with producing an NZEB in a pre-determined location. This paper also provides a future model for NZEB applications in existing buildings, which applies renewable technologies to the building by aiming to identify ultimate benefit of the building especially in terms of effectiveness and efficiency in energy consumption. It is revealed that the digital twin is proven to be feasible for all renewable technologies applied on the NZEB buildings. Based on the case study in the UK, it can be affirmed that the suitable NZEB solution for an existing building can achieve the 23 year return period.

Suggested Citation

  • Sakdirat Kaewunruen & Panrawee Rungskunroch & Joshua Welsh, 2018. "A Digital-Twin Evaluation of Net Zero Energy Building for Existing Buildings," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-22, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2018:i:1:p:159-:d:193864
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Casey R. Corrado & Suzanne M. DeLong & Emily G. Holt & Edward Y. Hua & Andreas Tolk, 2022. "Combining Green Metrics and Digital Twins for Sustainability Planning and Governance of Smart Buildings and Cities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(20), pages 1-22, October.
    3. Giuseppe Desogus & Emanuela Quaquero & Giulia Rubiu & Gianluca Gatto & Cristian Perra, 2021. "BIM and IoT Sensors Integration: A Framework for Consumption and Indoor Conditions Data Monitoring of Existing Buildings," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-22, April.
    4. Meijiao Song & Jun Cai & Yisi Xue, 2023. "From Technological Sustainability to Social Sustainability: An Analysis of Hotspots and Trends in Residential Design Evaluation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-19, June.
    5. Hossein Omrany & Karam M. Al-Obaidi & Amreen Husain & Amirhosein Ghaffarianhoseini, 2023. "Digital Twins in the Construction Industry: A Comprehensive Review of Current Implementations, Enabling Technologies, and Future Directions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-26, July.
    6. Sakdirat Kaewunruen & Jessada Sresakoolchai & Lalida Kerinnonta, 2019. "Potential Reconstruction Design of an Existing Townhouse in Washington DC for Approaching Net Zero Energy Building Goal," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(23), pages 1-15, November.
    7. Youngduk Cho & Sanghyo Lee & Joosung Lee & Jaejun Kim, 2021. "Analysis of the Repair Time of Finishing Works Using a Probabilistic Approach for Efficient Residential Buildings Maintenance Strategies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(22), pages 1-17, November.
    8. Maria Kozlovska & Stefan Petkanic & Frantisek Vranay & Dominik Vranay, 2023. "Enhancing Energy Efficiency and Building Performance through BEMS-BIM Integration," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-23, August.
    9. Bianca Goia & Tudor Cioara & Ionut Anghel, 2022. "Virtual Power Plant Optimization in Smart Grids: A Narrative Review," Future Internet, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-22, April.
    10. Kyung-Hwan Ji & Hyun-Kook Shin & Seungwoo Han & Jae-Hun Jo, 2020. "A Statistical Approach for Predicting Airtightness in Residential Units of Reinforced Concrete Apartment Buildings in Korea," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-20, July.
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