Building performance simulation of Advanced Building Envelope (ABE): towards a python-based open-source library to support co-simulation for design and operations

Abstract

Advancements in materials and technologies have led to the development of Advanced Building Envelope (ABEs), which enhance building performance for multiple aspects. However, assessing their performance using state-of-the-art Building Performance Simulation (BPS) tools poses significant challenges due to the absence of specific models, difficulties in integrating advanced controls, and simulating performance across multiple physical domains. EnergyPlus has introduced the Energy Management System (EMS) and integrated Python capabilities, enabling the co-simulation of Python-based models and control strategies developed by users. The purpose of the paper is to showcase a scalable co-simulation approach, aimed at defining an open-source python-based library of ABEs, that can be interfaced with BPS tools, so to support the evaluation and optimization design of ABEs. The approach is herewith presented by co-simulating with EnergyPlus, evaluating the performance of two highly complex ABEs (1) Micro-Fluidic Triple Glazing (MFTG) and (2) flexible Double Skin Façade (DSF).