Earth Notes: General Bibliography (kalantari2024overheating)

• [kalantari2024overheating] Negin Kalantari Investigating Overheating Risks in SuperHomes using the Emergent RetrofiT Approaches in South England (accessed 2024-11-10), 2024-09-27 (thesis) (BibTeX).
  abstract

  The increasing frequency of heatwaves in the UK, driven by climate change, has raised concerns about overheating in residential buildings, especially those retrofitted for energy efficiency. This dissertation examines overheating risks in five SuperHomes in South England using emergent retrofit approaches. The study aims to develop evidence-based guidelines to mitigate overheating while maintaining energy efficiency and improving thermal comfort. A mixed-method approach was used, combining environmental monitoring of living rooms and main bedrooms during the warm period from August 3rd to 18th, along with household and thermal comfort surveys. Overheating risk was assessed using CIBSE TM52 and TM59 criteria. Building simulations with Design Builder software evaluated the effectiveness of passive design strategies, such as insulation, ventilation, and shading, in mitigating overheating and enhancing indoor thermal comfort. Results show that while retrofits improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, they can increase overheating risks if not managed properly. Most case study homes experienced elevated indoor temperatures during the summer, with 60% failing to meet CIBSE TM59 criteria B. Key factors contributing to overheating include excessive insulation, inadequate ventilation, and solar gain through unshaded windows. To address these issues, the study recommends strategic planning and sequencing of retrofit measures, prioritizing improvements to the building envelope before integrating renewable energy systems, and tailoring strategies to occupant behavior. Effective ventilation solutions, such as night-time ventilation or mechanical systems, and passive design measures like internal blinds and adjustable external shading are suggested. The use of reversible low-carbon heat pumps is also recommended for heating and cooling. The findings offer valuable insights for homeowners, policymakers, and retrofit professionals, guiding them to optimize retrofit strategies that balance energy efficiency with occupant comfort, ensuring sustainable living conditions in a warming climate.
  note

  [MS dissertation]