In the paper energy balances for heating and cooling of buildings are presented. Heat pump diagrams are discussed and original solutions are presented. There are related drawings, tables and photographs in the paper.

The paper describes the concept of DomTrzon which means ‘ecological house’. Measurements carried out in the existing building are presented. Based on this data the building envelope model assumptions are verified. A simplified model of a wood-lag accumulation stove (NunnaUuni) is proposed. The indoor thermal comfort and the building’s final energy consumption are investigated using TRNSYS simulation software. During periods when the building is occupied, most zones fulfill thermal comfort requirements. The final energy consumption of DomTrzon, for heating purposes, is equal to 66 kWh/m2/year.

In the paper authors have undertaken a trial to present energetic effect developed by cooperation of a surface heating system and a building construction on the basis of object modeling using ESP-r software. Performed analyses concern impact of heat capacity of the building construction and different heating panels on final energetic effectiveness taking into consideration the algorithm of heating system operation control. The article is an example of a changing approach to building facilities designing ‒ in case of integrated method of design it allows for obtaining considerable improvement of energetic quality.

Renewable energy sources as a conditioning factor of fundamental concept changes of energy quantification of buildings. 1st generation of low energy buildings. 2nd generation of low energy buildings. Green buildings with zero heat balance of the network – buildings with nearly zero energy balance of the network. Sustainable buildings with zero energy balance of the network. Sustainable building with an active energy balance in relation to distribution networks.

The transformation to a sustainable society. The transformation of the energy market. The social value of CO2 emissions. Change of the value system in society. The dominant production technology of the capital of nature with simultaneous restoration of ecosystems. Division and economic quantification of renewable energy sources as a production technology of capital provided to man by nature. Predictable and unpredictable renewable energy sources. Renewable energy sources generated in economic human activity as a secondary product. Development of technology in architecture for a sustainable society.

The main aim of the following article is to define the impact of anchorage of external stone wall cladding on their thermal insulation. The results of FEM and approximate calculations of point thermal bridges at steel anchors, fixing façade boards, are compared in the following article.

The purpose of this work – connected with overheating process occurring in buildings – was to investigate the intensity of natural air exchange when a value of thermal resistant for outside walls is being increased together with the increase of the window’s surface. To obtain higher thermal resistant the outside partition were covered with insulating material subsequently from 3 to 30 cm. Window surface to wall surface ratio (wwr) was changing from 5% to 50%. The window’s test surface was facing east, south and west in turn while the wwr of the remaining orientations was kept at a constant 1/10 of the wall. The intensity of the buoyancy flux was analyzed as well. Three forms of ventilation airflow were considered – with assisting and opposing winds and no wind appearance. The process was examined in a single zone building, naturally ventilated, fitted with heat accumulating mass.

The paper presents a kind of review of solar cooling technologies applied in construction. There are three cooling technologies: absorption, adsorption and DEC – Desiccant Evaporative Cooling – applied coupled with solar systems. What the stress is placed on are cooling systems of a high installed capacity of several hundred kW. Large scale solar cooling systems are not used in Poland. However, modern public buildings, especially offices with huge glazed facades very often require more energy for cooling than space heating. Solar cooling seems to be prospective technology to reduce energy consumption used by traditional air conditioning units.

In this paper, the influence of anti-solar protection on the reduction of solar gains in a public building was analysed. Indoor thermal conditions in the building were verified by way of computer simulations for two scenarios: without any protection against solar gains and with the application of blinds and overhangs.

The paper presents an evaluation of the measured data of the temperatures of three window constructions made from different materials and with different glazing systems. Measurements were carried out at different points on window friezes and glazing and they underway continuously throughout the year. These windows are suitable for low-energy buildings. Window structures were placed in the pavilion type testing laboratory. The windows were installed in an outer wall of known thermal characteristics, in a room with a constant indoor climate. The windows were exposed to the real effects of external climate conditions. The article shows the results of temperature measurements and thermo-optical properties.

The partial knowledge of the area of thermo-technical properties of wooden lightweight external walls is presented in this article. The distribution of temperatures inside the structure during a typical winter week is described as observed on samples of walls built in a chamber pavilion type. What is compared is the thermal performance variant of sandwich construction walls obtained on the basis of calculations, measurements and simulations.

The main aim of this paper is to present the prospect of heating and cooling a house using solar air collectors. An analysis made of an energy-efficient house, for which the energy requirements for heating shall not exceed 40 kWh/m2/a. The calculations used air collectors with an area of 60 m2 and performance efficiency of 70%, which are available commercially. In the analyzed building the solar heating system provides almost full coverage of energy needs throughout the year, with a small shortfall occurring in December and January. The above-mentioned deficits at the beginning and end of the year can be supplemented with other alternative energy sources.

The paper summarizes the results of surveys conducted in three pre-war public utility buildings: a children’s home, a forensic medicine department and a nursing home. The study examined the indoor air quality, airtightness, ventilation efficiency and thermal insulation of building envelope. The buildings were surveyed before, during or after modernization works were undertaken.

This paper presents a comparative analysis of energy produced by photovoltaic (PV) panels installed on fixed structures and on solar trackers. Measurements were taken continuously over a period of one year. Performance results for both one year and 24 hours are presented. Attention is also paid to current Polish and European legislation promoting the installation of systems that use energy from renewable sources.

For most of the EU, final energy is consumed in buildings as low-temperature heat for space heating and hot water. This is mostly produced by burning fuels that are linked to adequate environmental load environment, regardless of whether it is a fossil or bio-fuel. It is therefore high efficiency fuel which is a natural requirement in designing, implementation and operation of heat sources for the supply of buildings. For this reason, before commonly used conventional mono-production of heat a more efficient technology should be preferred, combining heat and power. This technology is, however, much more difficult as far as investments are concerned. Accordingly, its share in total production of heat needs to be set so that the operation of the heat source was also economy effective. This paper presents a simple method to solve this problem.

This article presents the results of a three-year study of local wind energy resources. The results were analyzed in espect to their compliance with the Weibull distribution model. The objective was to determine whether the actual distributions differ from the theoretical ones which are available in the IMGP studies. The potential for meeting electricity needs was determined on the basis of an assessment of local kinetic energy wind resources. This was based on producing wind energy for buildings that have no possibility of connecting to the grid. Several variants were considered in terms of demand for electricity at different buildings.

In the paper, the authors analyzed the impact of space and time discretization on the simulation results of air flow through the double skin façade and its distribution in the adjacent zone. Temperature and air flow in the different parts of the room were considered, taking into account the influence of changeable solar irradiation and wind speed. The calculations additionally took into account: geometry of the zone and its position in the building; weather conditions; façade orientation relative to the cardinal directions; size and types of ventilation components in the network flow.

The present article describes the basic legal, technical, and economic aspects of the functioning of the White Certificate Scheme in Poland. A method of performing the energy audit process (a basic element of the tender procedure) in a simplified way is presented. Essential conditions which guarantee participating in tender procedures as a necessary condition for getting bonuses for the implementation of investments resulting in reducing the primary energy consumption are also listed in this paper.

The paper presents a case study analysis of the energy demand for an old building located in Cracow. Some improvements in construction of the building envelope, especially in thermal insulation and in the heating system, have been analyzed. Reduction of the energy demand index has been shown in the three variants that were considered. The goal of this study was to assess the possibility of obtaining low energy demand in a typical old poorly insulated building.

The article shows impact of the location of apartments on the heat requirement of each type of apartment as well as the possibility of different savings of heat by using ventilation equipments including recuperative devices.

Submitted paper presents risk assessment using risk analysis of the rainwater harvesting system. The aim of this article is to present selected approach in risk factors identification within proposed RWH system evaluation for an experimental family house. In our case, we were able to collect helpful information from questionnaires that later facilitated the risk identification as well as risk assessment phase along with the aid of brainstorming activities within a team of experts. The results from the risk analysis were verified by the AHP and empirical multilevel comprehensive evaluation, which was also found to be useful.

The paper presents an assessment of human comfort conditions in the suburban area of Lodz. The proposed criteria for comfort were based on thermal loads on the human body. An analysis of meteorological data for a 30 year period was used to determine the probable comfort levels.

The paper presents the effect of using additional daylight illumination of building interiors using tubular skylight systems. Interior illuminance distribution was analysed using a combination of two daylight sources – window and skylight pipes. The results were obtained for cloudy weather conditions. Final remarks concern the effectiveness of supplementary daylighting of interiors using different configurations of light pipes.

The influence of a nano-particle addition on the self-cleaning properties of exterior paints for External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems is analyzed. The effect of UV radiation on the color change of paints containing normal pigments and the photo-catalyst titanium dioxide is laboratory tested. To evaluate self-cleaning properties of the paints and their color change due to accelerated weathering processes spectro-photometric tests were performed.

This paper analyses the effect of microstructure, mineralogical composition and possible salt contamination on parameters of moisture accumulation and transport. Analysis is done for three types of contemporary and two types of historical bricks.

The paper presents the phenomenon of air thermal bridges. The results of thermal simulation are presented. The impact of air infiltration on the surface temperature adjacent to air thermal bridges is discussed.

The target of this contribution is to know if we can use displacement ventilation for the so-called free cooling of a room. What flow rate of air do we need in order to sufficiently reduce the thermal loads in the classroom? We search for the answer to this question by using CFD tools. We only use air from the exterior without any cooling system.

This paper provides a tabular analysis of an “outdoor air-water” heat pump in heating and domestic hot water system inside a multi-occupancy dwelling house. The study set out to compare a conventional system using the city’s district heat supply with one using an “outdoor air-water” heat pump. One part of the analysis is the energy performance of the renewable energy source. The study is also addressed the benefits of saving on conventional heat source and the period of financial return on the heat pump investment.

The paper presents an energy analysis of single and multi-family residential buildings in terms of achieving the NF40 standard defined by NFOŚiGW. Obtaining financing from the investor for the construction of energy efficient buildings must meet a number of technical criteria. In this paper, examples of the practical process of fulfilment of the above requirements for the building enclosure will be presented.

The paper relates to the issue of improving the thermal insulation of external walls of industrial buildings using a lightweight curtain wall with a folded metal sheet filled with mineral wool.

The paper discusses the issue of prediction of electric energy production using a photovoltaic system which is directly installed at the administrative building. The problem with solar energy, which has been transformed using photovoltaic systems for electricity, is the low capacity to accumulate an excess of produced electricity. This excess of electricity we link within the power grid to send outside the building where the energy was produced to be consumed elsewhere. In this way, we achieve the highest possible utilisation of electricity produced within the boundaries of thebuilding itself. One option is to create opportunities to recharge electric vehicles during working hours, at the time when the production of electricity is the highest but the consumption of electricity is not.

In recent times, there has been a demand for developing new technologies for glazing with superior thermal performance, good optical quality and of the lowest possible weight. In the paper, CFD modeling and analytical calculation of the thermal performance of multi-layer glazing with ultrathin internal glass partitions is presented.

Currently, the most technologically advanced building walls have an overall heat transfer coefficient U at a level of 0.10 W/(m2K) which corresponds to the passive house standard. Less demanding requirements are set for building windows for which the thermal performance has not yet been significantly improved. Therefore, there is a demand for developing new technologies for glazing with superior thermal performance, good optical quality and of the lowest possible weight. In the paper, measurements of thermal performance of multi-layer glazing with ultrathin internal glass partitions are presented.

This paper presents the selected results of examinations connected with a seasonal heat consumption (Q) and thermal power (q) for heating in educational buildings. The purpose of the analysis presented here was to examine the influence of possible occurrence and level of differences between the seasonal heat consumption (Q) and the seasonal heat demand (Qq) for heating, calculated on the basis of q values. A modification in the method for determination of Qq for room heating on the basis of available data on q was introduced. A linear function, describing the changes in (Qq – Q) depending on the changes in q values, which was applied for that purpose, made it possible to improve the consistency of obtained heat demand values in relation to measured consumption of heat for heating by 65.6%.

The paper summarizes the methods of calculating heat gain by transparent insulation using two national standards. The energy balance of the partition was evaluated taking its orientation into account. A comparison was conducted into the methods of assessing the effectiveness of transparent insulation.

The object of this study is to produce a mathematical model for heat conditions in a building, expressed as a complex power circuit. The building is characterized as a power circuit, complete with a detailed description of those components responsible for heat loss, using formal methods to make circuit calculations. Representing a building as a power circuit provides a powerful mathematical modelling tool for assessing heat processes (heat conditions) in separate rooms and in the building in a whole.

This paper describes the experimental evaluation of the effect of using different roofing materials affecting the quality and quantity of the amount of rainwater collected and stored in the Kosice city area. The two sites that were tested were located at the TUKE (Technical University of Kosice) campus site. Two models serving as data sources were located on the roof of the University library and a third source of data was an actual school building (PK6). The results obtained were then inputted to create a simulation. This article provides a detailed analysis of the factors at play in relation to the quality of rainwater collected and drained off from the PK6 building roof, and also an evaluation of an experimental model relating to a ceramic tiled roof. The results show that both roofing
materials tested are suitable for systems collecting and storing rainwater. Ceramic tiles are suitable for the purpose
without any complications concerning further treatment; Ceberit needs additional treatment and disinfection.
The findings shall be used to inform the next step – modelling data.

One of the non-destructive testing methods of building envelope of unknown structure is active thermography in reflective mode. This method was used to test a model of the concrete wall with the material inclusions with significantly different thermal properties. The study performed in climatic chambers consisted of heating the model wall with a 7.2 kW heat pulse, and then recording the thermograms during wall cooling, at regular intervals, using a thermal imaging camera. Based on the recorded temperature distribution on the thermograms the thermal properties and location of subsurface defects were concluded.

Requirements connected with the designing of low-energy and passive buildings impose an obligation to conduct airtightness tests during the building process and after the completion of building works. Proper building preparation is required before initiating an airtightness test. In case of commercial buildings with complicated HVAC systems, the proper preparation may appear to be very complicated and can unfavorable affect the tests results. On the example of tests conducted in the low-energy office buildings in Wrocław, the authors describe the problems met during airtightness tests.

The paper presents an attempt at assessing the impact of how the type of construction of a building influences the thermal comfort of office rooms with a large area of glazing, in summer months. The results of simulations are presented for a two-storey office building. The calculations were carried out in the Design Builder program. Simulations were carried out for the climate in Poland, which allowed for assessment of the conditions for the thermal comfort of the building in the spring and summer. The main aim of the analysis was to determine how the material and design solutions as well as the applied glazing and shades influence the protection of the building against overheating and the thermal comfort conditions.

The paper presents results of experimental studies on components containing phase change materials. The subject of research was the simultaneous usage of two different PC materials: gypsum-carton boards with paraffin capsules of change temperature 23ºC and a board with a melting temperature of 26ºC. The tests were carried out in a climatic chamber for a light skeleton wall lined with inner facing consisting of a traditional gypsum-carton and a layer of PCM board. Measurements of temperature course were taken as well as heat flux density distribution on the surfaces of the boards for variable conditions in the climatic chamber. The results presented in the article are one of the aspects of widely planned and realized measurements aimed at evaluating and choosing the optimal material solutions, using available phase change materials.

The Double Skin House concept presents an attempt at using a building’s opaque double façade as a buffer zone. Due to more stable temperatures, these unconditioned areas around the building reduce heat losses during the heating season and present better overheating protection in the summer. In this concept the exterior skin protects building from the weather conditions and the interior skin gives thermal insulation. This paper presents the concept and the simulation results run in order to determine its influence on building energy demand.

It is commonly known that the thermal modernization of existing buildings reduces the energy requirements for heating. In the last twenty years many large panel blocks of flats built in the sixties and seventies have been insulated. In one example of an 11-storey building the heating energy demand before and after thermal modernization was analyzed. The transmission heat losses before and after thermal modernization, including the thermal bridges simulated in AnTherm program, were included in the calculations.

The thermal comfort conditions of multi-family buildings, including large panel buildings, are rarely analyzed. Simulations of large panel buildings conducted by authors in the Design Builder program show very unfavorable microclimate conditions in buildings after thermal modernization. The simulation results of the influence of internal and external shadings on the thermal comfort of dwellings in multi-family large panel building are presented in this article.

When analyzing large panel buildings, it is very rare to take into consideration the requirements connected with the overheating effect. This issue is closely related to the thermal comfort of the building, especially during the summer months. Based on the simulations conducted in the Design Builder program, the authors determined the influence of building orientation, individual flat location and thermal insulation on the thermal comfort of the different flats of a large multi-family panel building.

This paper describes the phenomenon of mould growth on the inner surface of partition walls of multi-block constructed residential buildings. An assessment was undertaken of the impact of the resulting damage, in terms of health and safety of residential premises.

In the paper were shown the calculation results of thermal parameters of exterior walls made of wooden beams and their joints. The selected joints of wooden beam walls were analysed numerically. On the basis of the calculation and analyses, an evaluation was made according to the requirements formulated in the Regulation [1] and the directives of the National Centre for Environment Protection and Water Management [2] concerning buildings of NF15 and NF40 standards.

Extensive experimental investigations have been carried out in the passive house in Boruszowice for several years. The building foundation interface consists of a 25 cm reinforced concrete slab situated on a 40 cm layer of Styrofoam. The analysis of experimental results as well as theoretical calculations made it possible to determine the thermal performance of the applied slab on grade with floor heating during the whole yea.

The paper presents a comparison of calculation and measurement results of interior air temperature and humidity in the historical wooden church in Wiśniowa. WUFI®plus software was used for these calculations. A concurrence between calculated and measured parameters allows the presupposition that calculation accuracy is sufficient for the purposes of determining thermal comfort in buildings where the indoor climate is shaped passively. Statistical analysis of the trend changes seems to also be sufficient to assess dynamic impact.

Part of the package of low-energy and passive houses is the basement and foundation too. A correct proposal of construction detail of buildings that lying on the soil is one of the steps that contribute to reducing energy requirements for heating and operation of building. At the same time increase the quality of the indoor environment as well as performance at work. In the construction of the lower structure, the most delicate point is the contact of walls, foundations and floor structure with the soil and subsoil, this frequently leads to inconsistent solutions of the design detail, resulting in the formation of thermal bridges with subsequent condensation

Energy-efficient construction requires the use of thermal insulation materials of high thickness compared to traditional construction. Thus, there is a need to conduct research for thick insulation products. The paper presents the results of the measurements of thermal parameters for foam polystyrenes (EPS) with low density and of different thicknesses. The experimental work has been carried out in the Water Center Laboratory WULS-SGGW.

Rising costs of energy have caused the building envelope in the living sector to become tighter to improve energy efficiency. This raises questions about the quality of the indoor air as in traditional housing fresh air is supplied not only by ventilation system by also by infiltration through cracks in the building envelope. If a building is not properly ventilated, contaminants could accumulate within it and their levels could become hazardous to human comfort and health.

The paper presents the analysis of the inner surface of half-timbered walls in multi-family residential houses created in the early twentieth century. The analysis was made in order to avoid the possibility of mold. The analysis of partition’s moisture growth was performed at the existing state and after designed thermal insulation from the inner side. The measurements and analyzes are a prelude to further research and analysis of such types of objects.

Automation systems modernization in selected district heating substations in university campus buildings were described in the article. Replacement of the control valves and application of heat meters for each circuits were the scope of the renovation. Local automation systems were integrated within Building Management System. Conclusions resulted from the operation of renovated heat substations will be used in the future for further complex and optimized heating substations modernization. Analysis of the work of the heating substations in buildings built in the past few years were also presented in the paper.

The paper presents an analysis of the influence of various window types on the thermal performance of a multi-family building. In the analysis several different fenestration system configurations were considered. For these systems, heating and cooling demand of the building was estimated according to the simple hourly method proposed in ISO 13790. The results were used to compare, both the overall thermal performance of the building, as well as the actual thermal energy balance of analyzed windows.

In contemporary multi-occupancy buildings, each architecture studio has its own uniform and trademarked design for the external appearance of the structure. Façade features such as breaks, bays, balconies and cornices often generate energy and humidity problems. These require detailed analysis, both in terms of construction as well as physical aspects, so that elements are appropriately designed.

The issue of energy saving in workplaces where multiple machines are in use, and consequently there is high energy consumption, is discussed in this paper.