Development of approach to optimization of building envelope design in aspect of thermal comfort and energy use

This study examined the effect of building envelope on thermal comfort. The effects of key energy conservation measures, such as window/wall ratio, transmittance of fenestration glass and shading devices, were studied. The output from EnergyPlus was use to predict their influence on thermal comfort. Standard energy conserving measures proposed by ENVLOAD to reduce indoor thermal discomfort and cooling energy consumption were examined. This study proposes an approach which simultaneously optimizes both energy savings and thermal comfort. Employing this approach to optimize cooling setpoint can optimize energy savings.