Energy Simulation and comfort in Buildings and Homes.

Energy simulation: test, prevent and optimizeEnergy simulation is an indispensable and globally recommended tool for anyone who wants to build a new sustainable building or modify it to make it so. It allows energy savings and efficient operation of the building. At the same time, it is a mandatory requirement to achieve environmental certification, such as, for example, the LEED certificate granted by the US Green Building Council. Some of the objectives of the energy simulation are the investigation of new strategies for construction in the analyzed work, the evaluation of the most convenient design options, the verification that current regulations are complied with, and the economic analysis that determines the impact of conservation measures.How is this process carried out? Building energy simulation is an analysis that is recommended to begin at the preliminary project stage, carried out by an expert in the field. The building plans are uploaded, in a 3D model, in the most detailed way possible into software, approved by the USGB, along with energy management and flow data. The information given to the expert, to obtain reliable results, must be precise. These calculations allow us to control how the building will operate in the future, taking into account climate, systems and habitability variables, as well as the elements that will compose it, their materials and shapes. Through complex calculations, with this information, the system will analyze the 8,700 hours of the year and detect which are the most efficient methods to reduce energy consumption in the building. In addition, it will allow evaluating other factors such as the ideal temperature and lighting of the building (for greater comfort and health of those who will inhabit or use it), the protection that the construction must have (technical insulation, type of glass, etc.), the use of light and natural ventilation, etc. In this way, if necessary, significant changes can be made to the project, which will make the most of resources and reduce costs. Although the analysis has a cost, its technical precision will mean present and future savings. Both initial savings can be made, for example, by planning how air conditioning equipment will be placed, and long-term savings, translated into lower energy consumption. Although energy simulation is a tool used in the design stage, systems can also be used to analyze energy management in existing buildings. This involves making the specific modifications necessary to optimize each building. The older the building, the more likely it is that failures will be found due to wear and tear and a lower culture of energy conservation when it was built. Its redesign or the pertinent fixes will allow future savings and more efficient operation. As an additional analysis, there is also thermography of the building. It is an excellent complement to energy simulation. It allows diagnosing, in existing buildings, through heat losses, cracks, humidity or air leaks.