Research Projects

Research scope

We develop and apply different modeling and simulation tools to address application challenges ranging from buildings to cities. Please see the following three categories for our 30+ funded research projetcs.

 

Project Categories

Advanced Modeling Techniques

Projects devoted to the development of advanced modeling techniques ranging from equation-based modeling with Modelica, coupled simulation platforms, to high performance computing on Graphics Processing Unit, large-scale simulation frameworks based on OpenStudio.

High Performance Buildings

Projects focused on building-scale engineering applications aiming to improve built environment, energy and water efficiency, as well as wellness of occupants of all types of buildings and systems in different climates (e.g. chilled water plants, data centers, hotels) using advanced design and operation technologies. 

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Smart & Resilient Communities/Cities

Projects for creating innovative virtural testbeds by collaborating with communities and cities, and conducting simulation-based multi-disciplinary research for net-zero energy communities, next generation district energy system, future smart and connected communities, and resilient cities, etc.

International Collaborative Projects

International Building Performance Simulation Association (IBPSA) Project 1: BIM/GIS and Modelica Framework for building and community energy system design and operation

IBPSA Project 1 will create open-source software that builds the basis of next generation computing tools for the design and operation of building and district energy and control systems. It extends work conducted under the IEA EBC Annex 60. The project duration is 2017-2022.

International Energy Agency Annex 66: Definition and Simulation of Occupant Behavior in Building

The Annex 66 aims to set up a standard occupant behavior definition platform, establish a quantitative simulation methodology to model occupant behavior in buildings, and understand the influence of occupant behavior on building energy use and the indoor environment. The project duration is 2013-2017.

International Energy Agency Annex 60: New generation computational tools for building and community energy systems based on the Modelica and Functional Mockup Interface standards

The objectives of Annex 60 are to develop and demonstrate next-generation computational tools that allow building and community energy grids to be designed and operated as integrated, robust, performance based systems. The project duration is 2012-2017.