This paper presents a detailed method to develop cost-optimal studies for the energy renovation of residential buildings. A realistic characterization of the building has been introduced, using measurement and survey data. The method allows improving the interaction between the occupancy and the building,and the characterization of the real state of the construction. In addition, the building simulation includes vernacular strategies of the Mediterranean architecture, as for example the natural ventilation and theuse of solar protection. The method presented takes part of an innovative approach: two-step evaluation considering thermal comfort, energy and economic criteria. The passive evaluation is the focus of the paper and evaluates the passive measures from an economic and thermal comfort point of view. This method prioritizes the passive measures rather than the active ones, considering the thermal comfort of the users as a criterion of decision. The paper shows the results of a multi-family building built in the years 1990–2007 and located in two climates C2 and B3 (Barcelona and Tarragona). The method provides technical and economic information about a set of passive energy efficiency measures, with the objective to help to make decisions for choosing the appropriate combination of passive measures.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author’s final draft

© 2016. This version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/This paper presents the results of a detailed method for developing cost-optimal studies for the energy refurbishment of residential buildings. The method takes part of an innovative approach: two-step evaluation considering thermal comfort, energy and economic criteria. The first step, the passive evaluation, was presented previously [1] and the results are used to develop the active evaluation, which is the focus of this paper. The active evaluation develops a cost-optimal analysis to compare a set of passive and active measures for the refurbishment of residential buildings. The cost-optimal methodology follows the European Directives and analysed the measures from the point of view of non-renewable primary energy consumption and the global costs over 30 years. The energy uses included in the study are heating, domestic hot water, cooling, lighting and appliances. In addition, the results have been represented following the energy labelling scale. The paper shows the results of a multi-family building built in the years 1990–2007 and located in Barcelona with two configurations: with natural ventilation and without natural ventilation. The method provides technical and economic information about the energy efficiency measures, with the objective to support the decision process.Postprint (author's final draft

A simulation model, and more generically, a model, is founded on its assumptions. Assurance of the model’s correctness and correct use is needed to achieve accreditation. Often the exercise of working with a specific code misunderstands the overall process, focusing the resources on the model coding and forgetting the needed resources to ensure the validation of every step of the model definition and coding. The goal of this work is to present a methodology to help in the definition and use of the assumptions in the modeling process. To do so, we present a process to conduct a simulation project, an assumptions taxonomy, and a method that simplifies working with those assumptions. We propose to extend the traditional Validation, Verification, and Accreditation processes to a process composed of eight Validation, Verification, and Accreditation phases that cover the overall life cycle of a model. Although this paper is focused on a simulation model, we can extend the proposed method to a more general modeling approach.

Based on a SEIRD model (Susceptible, Exposed, Infective, Recovered and Deceased) for COVID-19 infection with a new parametrization using a high infection rate, and a low fatality, we define the model in System Dynamics, Python, and Specification and Description Language (SDL). The different implementations obtained can be improved depending on the capabilities of the approach and, more interestingly, can be used to improve the Validation and Verification processes. In this paper, we are focused on describing how this comparison with other models’ validation processes allows us to find the parameters of the system dynamics model, hence the parameters of the pandemic. This is a crucial element, specifically in this case, because the data are not complete or validated for different reasons. We use using existing data from Korea and Spain and showing that the proposed method and the obtained parametrization for the model fit with the empirical evidence. We discuss some implications of the validation process and the model parametrization. We use this approach to implement a Decision support system that shows the current pandemic situation in Catalonia.

In this work, we present a simulation model that makes it possible to find optimal values for various building parameters and the associated impacts that reduce the energy demand or consumption of the building. In the study, we consider several situations with different levels of thermal insulation. To define and to integrate the different models, a formal language (Specification and Description Language, SDL) is used. The main reason for using this formal language is that it makes it possible to define simulation models from graphical diagrams in an unambiguous and standard way. This simplifies the multidisciplinary interaction between team members. Additionally, the fact that SDL is an ISO standard simplifies its implementation because several tools understand this language. This simplification of the model makes it possible to increase the model credibility and simplify the validation and verification processes. In the present project, the simulation tools used were SDLPS (to rule the main simulation process) and Energy+ (as a calculus engine for energy demand). The interactions between all these tools are detailed and specified in the model, allowing a deeper comprehension of the process that define the life of a building from the point of view of its sustainability. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version