TermoDeck

Pilch · Posts: 76

I've just looked at a building with this thermal mass HVAC system installed: -

tarmac.co.uk /termodeck/HowTermoDeckworks.aspx

I'm unable to post a link so just delete the gap in the text.

Anyone come across this before and figured out a way of best entering it into SBEM - at the moment I've been advised to just use warm air distribution??

PaulCarey · Posts: 20 Location: Stalybridge, Nr Manchester

This should never ever be done in SBEM. If it uses a thermodeck system that means it falls outside the remit of the SBEM as it is not a standard building component and there are really complicated to model even in dsm. This is a level 5 building. If you need to contact a Level 5 assessor then please give me a call or drop me a line.

Andy Tindale · Posts: 2432 Location: Stroud

My understanding of the interim line on this is that SBEM can be used to analyse all buildings but if you want to get full credit for particular energy saving features that cannot be modelled in SBEM (Termodeck being an example) you should use a simulation tool and need level 5 accredition.

We are awaiting a firm view on this issue from CLG.

Andy

Pilch · Posts: 76

Thanks Andy. That confirms the same advice I was previously given elsewhere.

PaulCarey · Posts: 20 Location: Stalybridge, Nr Manchester

Andy/Pilch

Yes I agree in principle with what you say if you want to take the letter of the guidance into account.

But realistically how are you going to represent the floor system within an SBEM model and it's variable temperatures and the effect it has on the space in terms of its thermal inertia and on radiant temperatures etc?

This in my own view should only be treated as a dynamic system. I've done some serious HVAC network flow models of these systems and even DSM struggles to represent it properly.

I'm not certain how you'd even input it into SBEM. A heated and chilled void space with mechanical ventilation at high rates? I guess you could fudge it to some extent by incorporating it into the adjacent spaces and using an active chilled beams system selection I suppose, but is this really correct?

Surely the idea is to be representing this properly and promote the benefit of good energy conscious design?

I'll get off my soap box now.
Paul

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