Building Energy Modelling and Simulation

This course is the first of a three part microcredential that prepares the building industry working professional to become a professional energy modeller. The learner will receive knowledge on how to build an energy model and run a simulation up to current industry standards. They will also learn how to obtain model inputs that appropriately represent the building design at various stages of the building design process. From those inputs, the learner will build an energy model from scratch, run an annual simulation, and analyze the results. With their model, they will also perform an energy efficiency and greenhouse (GHG) gas reduction study. Finally, they will present their analysis and results to their “client" in a report.​ Throughout the course skills will be assessed in assignments and examinations. Successful candidates will be awarded with an XBEM badge, from which they can ladder up into the full microcredential.
Prerequisite(s):

• A diploma or degree in science, technology, engineering, or equivalent, or department approval. To be successful in this microcredential we recommend you have knowledge in the basics of heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics.

Representing mechanical, electrical and control systems in a whole building energy model, and simulating the dynamics of the building and systems over the course of a representative year of operations and weather, is a complex task. Building on the knowledge of modelling and simulating a whole building with simple systems (XBEM 3050 or equivalent experience), this course focuses on the representation of heating, cooling, and ventilation systems of the complexity relevant to real-world projects. In practice, buildings which require detailed energy models are typically large, complex, or both, with different zones using different systems. Delivering fresh air and space conditioning efficiently, meeting recent, high-performance codes, standards and certifications, relies on modern, well designed building systems. Modelling these appropriately, following the required level of accuracy – not too detailed but resolving all relevant features – is critical for a professional energy modeller. This course will show how common systems are modelled and will also equip the learner with the information on how to model new systems they might encounter.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in XBEM 3050
• Or departmental approval of equivalent experience

This course represents the concluding project for the microcredential in Building Energy Modelling and Simulation. Learners will apply the knowledge of whole building energy modelling and simulation they acquired in the instructional courses. This project will be at the equivalent level of complexity as a real-world industry project. Mentoring and guidance will be provided by an industry expert faculty member with current, relevant industry project experience. This project course provides learners with experience comparable to industry experience in the field, starting with problem definition, methodology, energy modelling and simulation of design options, development of a proposed design, and justification of the recommendation. This will be summarized in an industry-style report. ​
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in XBEM 3052
• Or departmental approval of equivalent experience