An Integrated HBIM Simulation Approach for Energy Retrofit of Historical Buildings Implemented in a Case Study of a Medieval Fortress in Italy

Cristina Piselli, Jessica Romanelli, Matteo Di Grazia, Augusto Gavagni, Elisa Moretti, Andrea Nicolini, Franco Cotana, Francesco Strangis, Henk J. L. Witte and Anna Laura Pisello
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Cristina Piselli: Department of Engineering, University of Perugia, 06125 Perugia, Italy
Jessica Romanelli: CIRIAF Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sull’Inquinamento da Agenti Fisici, Interuniversity Research Centre, University of Perugia, 06125 Perugia, Italy
Matteo Di Grazia: CIRIAF Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sull’Inquinamento da Agenti Fisici, Interuniversity Research Centre, University of Perugia, 06125 Perugia, Italy
Augusto Gavagni: CIRIAF Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sull’Inquinamento da Agenti Fisici, Interuniversity Research Centre, University of Perugia, 06125 Perugia, Italy
Elisa Moretti: Department of Engineering, University of Perugia, 06125 Perugia, Italy
Andrea Nicolini: Department of Engineering, University of Perugia, 06125 Perugia, Italy
Franco Cotana: Department of Engineering, University of Perugia, 06125 Perugia, Italy
Francesco Strangis: CIRIAF Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sull’Inquinamento da Agenti Fisici, Interuniversity Research Centre, University of Perugia, 06125 Perugia, Italy
Henk J. L. Witte: Groenholland Geo-Energysystems, Valschermkade 26, 1059CD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Anna Laura Pisello: Department of Engineering, University of Perugia, 06125 Perugia, Italy

Energies, 2020, vol. 13, issue 10, 1-21

Abstract: The Italian building stock consists of buildings mainly constructed until the mid-20th century using pre-industrial construction techniques. These buildings require energy refurbishment that takes into account the preservation of their architectural heritage. In this view, this work studies an innovative integrated modelling and simulation framework consisting of the implementation of Historical Building Information Modeling (HBIM) for the energy retrofit of historical buildings with renewable geothermal HVAC system. To this aim, the field case study is part of a medieval complex in Central Italy (Perugia), as representative ancient rural offshore architecture in the European countryside. The system involves of a ground source heat pump, a water tank for thermal-energy storage connected to a low-temperature radiant system, and an air-handling unit. The building heating energy performance, typically influenced by thermal inertia in historical buildings, when coupled to the novel HVAC system, is comparatively assessed against a traditional scenario implementing a natural-gas boiler, and made inter-operative within the HBIM ad hoc platform. Results show that the innovative renewable energy system provides relevant benefits while preserving minor visual and architectural impact within the historical complex, and also in terms of both energy saving, CO 2 emissions offset, and operation costs compared to the traditional existing system. The integrated HBIM approach may effectively drive the path toward regeneration and re-functioning of heritage in Europe.

Keywords: historical building; building energy efficiency; energy retrofit; geothermal system; Historical Building Information Modelling; dynamic simulation; renewable energy; cultural heritage; GEOFIT Horizon 2020 project (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (14)

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