Optimal Energy-retrofit strategies for existing buildings in Finland, now and in the future: 1960’s concrete panel apartment blocks
Arapi, Primesa (2021)
2021
Arkkitehdin tutkinto-ohjelma - Master's Programme in Architecture
Rakennetun ympäristön tiedekunta - Faculty of Built Environment
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Hyväksymispäivämäärä
2021-09-13
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:tuni-202108256782
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:tuni-202108256782
Tiivistelmä
This thesis aims to research how energy-retrofits can improve the energy-efficiency, operational carbon emissions and indoor thermal comfort of 1960’s Finnish concrete-panel apartments, with retrofit strategies that can be effective now and in the future. Three main criteria are developed to evaluate optimal strategies, them being “energy efficiency criteria” (total energy use ≤ 130 kWh/m2yr, space heating energy ≤ 30 kWh/m2yr), “carbon emissions criteria” (lowest reductions possible) and “thermal comfort criteria” (too cold ≤ 21°C - 27 °C ≤ too hot).
Retrofit strategies are developed from literature review of energy-efficiency regulations in cold climates and academic studies on energy-retrofits in these countries. Identified retrofit measures are simulated on a case study building in Finland for TRY 2020/2030, 2050, 2080 and all 4 Finnish Thermal Zones, under RCP8.5 scenario, using Sefaira energy- modelling software.
Finally, most effective energy-retrofit strategies for Finnish concrete-panel apartments of 1960’s are suggested. Optimal strategies are identified using the evaluation criteria and considering the limitations in existing buildings such as complicated/unfeasible installations. Findings can be used to develop retrofit strategies for different Finnish thermal zones as well as other cold climates.
Results suggest that improving space heating demand should be targeted to reach higher reductions in total energy use. Thesis also raises questions about the retrofit combinations and whether the physical limitations of existing buildings can be used as an advantage. For instance, simulations indicate that a hybrid strategy which proposes different retrofit measures for building facades based on orientation and solar radiation, might be as effective as very high energy efficiency standards on all facades, even though it would require less insulation and investment.
Retrofit strategies are developed from literature review of energy-efficiency regulations in cold climates and academic studies on energy-retrofits in these countries. Identified retrofit measures are simulated on a case study building in Finland for TRY 2020/2030, 2050, 2080 and all 4 Finnish Thermal Zones, under RCP8.5 scenario, using Sefaira energy- modelling software.
Finally, most effective energy-retrofit strategies for Finnish concrete-panel apartments of 1960’s are suggested. Optimal strategies are identified using the evaluation criteria and considering the limitations in existing buildings such as complicated/unfeasible installations. Findings can be used to develop retrofit strategies for different Finnish thermal zones as well as other cold climates.
Results suggest that improving space heating demand should be targeted to reach higher reductions in total energy use. Thesis also raises questions about the retrofit combinations and whether the physical limitations of existing buildings can be used as an advantage. For instance, simulations indicate that a hybrid strategy which proposes different retrofit measures for building facades based on orientation and solar radiation, might be as effective as very high energy efficiency standards on all facades, even though it would require less insulation and investment.