Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBPIn a research cooperation project with TERI (India), the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP develops a verification methodology for energy-efficient residential buildings.
For this purpose, internationally recognized standards (ISO 13790, for instance), which are based on an approach that balances heat sources against heat sinks, are adapted to the specific conditions prevailing in India. So far, only simulation calculations have been used in India, the reliable application of which is limited to a certain group of experts and requires a longer period of extensive training. Apart from adjusting these calculation procedures to climate data, the efficiency performance of the building systems and usage profiles it is also necessary to take account of culturally determined differences regarding operation modes, which have not yet been considered in the scope of these standards. The respective standards generally assume that a given energy demand is fully covered by the existing building services systems. In India, however, this is not always the case in residential buildings.
For instance, the heating system usually consists of mobile devices (electric radiators) with a limited heating load (1 KW or 2 KW), which are only operated in the place the user actually occupies. This is why the approaches that had hitherto been available needed to be adjusted and extended to match climate conditions and user practices.
The algorithms and parameters used will be checked for the different climate zones, using validation calculations and simulation programs. As the shares of typical household energy use differ between Germany and India (heating energy is only a minor share of the energy demand in India), the focus was placed on the energy requirement for cooling and domestic hot water. Besides, the energy demand for household appliances and other electric equipment was added.