Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava

Mr. Jozef Hraska
www.stuba.sk/svk1/
hraska@svf.stuba.sk

The Department of Building Science is involved in research to develop modular computer models as well as using modern simulation programs (ESP-r, Radiance, Fluent ) for quantitative hour-by-hour analysis of chosen problems of thermal, light, and energy efficiency of low energy and comfortable buildings in Slovak climatic conditions.

Integrated simulations are focused on advanced low energy technologies, materials and constructions (advanced glazings, double-skin and other ‘active’ facades, daylight-linked lighting control, etc.) and thermal, visual and, in a minor way, acoustic comfort in buildings.

The performance of combined/integrated systems is demonstrated in a quantitative way by parametric computer simulation studies. Integrated simulation is a core philosophy behind the basic and interdisciplinary research. Some parameters were tested in experimental laboratories of the university.

Results, from relatively broadly-based team research, were principally in the following fields:

• Energy and environmental behaviour of double-skin glazed facades,
• The run time coupling of daylighting and artificial lighting of office buildings - integrated performance appraisal,
• Energy and environmental aspects of advanced glazing systems,
• Effects of two- and three-dimensional thermal flow through buildings envelopes on energy consumption and the prediction/alleviation of conditions leading to mould growth in houses,
• Thermal and visual comfort in typical pre-fabricated schools in Slovakia versus energy consumption. (integrated approach for retrofitting of school external envelopes),
• The development of a design tool, which assists in the early design of building envelope, and lead to assessment of overheating of buildings in southern Slovakia,
• The development of computer programmes (OSV-UT, OPTIM, VZDUCH, TEL), which are applicable for design practice in Slovakia (all are based on Slovak technical codes).