This study aims to provide a tool for designers to select the envelope insulation level, window-to-wall ratio to evaluate the heat loss, upfront and operational cost, as well as a simple pay back period compared to a benchmark case for a building designed in Module 7.
Intended users
Engineers and construction managers. Engineers can evaluate the level of heat lost and CMs can use it for cost estimation.
Need you’re trying to provide a solution or support for
A simple selection of building envelop insulation level and window-to-wall ratio based on the trade-off of energy performance and cost compared to a benchmark case.
Inputs
Wall R-value, Roof R-value, Window R-value, Window-to-Wall ratio.
Underlying logic of the model you’ll implement
Change of insulation level will lead to change of heat lost and cost. We want to observe the trade-off between energy performance and cost. Comparing to a benchmark model allow us to analyze the cost-effectiveness of our design, as well as paid back period. The upfront cost is associated with the level of insulation, operational cost depends on the heat lost and electricity price (assuming this is a 100% electrified building), and the simple pay back period is upfront cost divided by the operational cost.
Outputs
Design model: upfront and operational cost, total envelope heat lost
Difference between design and benchmark model: difference in upfront and operational cost, total envelope heat lost, simple pay back period