The use of computational tools for thermal and energy performance analysis of buildings in Brazil

Abstract

This paper presents a synthesis of research activities on building performance simulation in Brazil, from the time the first computational tools were used, in the 80’s, to the present. During this period, some research teams have stood out for using simulation tools in the design and performance analysis of buildings, including the evaluation of thermal, energy and luminous performance. The first part of this paper presents an overview of the evolution of the electric energy consumption in buildings in Brazil, from the 80’s until the year 2002, after the crisis in the national electric energy supply sector in 2001. This context stimulated research for more energy efficient buildings design alternatives. The starting point of this process occurred on October 17, 2001, with the publication of a national law for energy efficiency in buildings and appliances (Law n. 10.295). The second part of this paper presents a synthesis of building simulation research studies carried out by Brazilian research groups. Many of these studies resulted in master or doctoral dissertations, which have modelled the use of building simulation in this country in the last twenty years. The last part of this article presents the final remarks and projections for the future on the use and development of computational tools for building performance simulation.