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Prompted by the energy crisis in the 1970's, European level fiscal and financial measures encourage energy efficient building design. "Mixed mode" strategies can be employed in buildings with moderate thermal loads, this approach can reduce building energy usage, and by inference, reduce C02 emissions. A mixed mode approach might employ chilled surfaces with displacement ventilation. This thesis investigates the performance and integration of one form of chilled surface design, (a sub-dew point chilled beam), within mixed mode strategies. Sub-dew point chilled beams have a surface temperature that is at or below the zone saturation temperature, this increases the cooling capacity of the chilled beam and consequently produces a latent heat transfer addition due to condensation mass transfer. This thesis describes the sensible and latent modelling approach which models the zone, sub-dew point chilled beam and mixed mode strategy thermal plant response to external disturbances. The thesis describes the use of an Enclosure Comfort Performance Indicator that acts as the objective function for the optimization of the mixed mode strategies with and without the integration of the sub-dew point chilled beam. The implementation of the Complex method for finding the operational optimums of the mixed mode strategy is described, and its effectiveness at finding the optimum solution evaluated. Normalised energy, cost and comfort performance indicators are used to assess the overall performance and integration of the sub-dew point chilled beam for different mixed mode strategies, for the ambient test conditions and for different thermal weights of building construction.

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The aims of this study are to identify patterns and similarities related to the four areas in the building maintenance operation processes by using multiple cases qualitative approaches. / Thesis (PhDBusinessandManagement)--University of South Australia, 2008.

Thesis (PhD)--University of South Australia, 2000

This thesis studies the applicability of the Dynamic model reduction method that is used for direct plant order reduction in the active vibration control of large and flexible structures. A comparison of the performances between the reduced models produced by the Dynamic model reduction method and those obtained by other common model reduction methods such as the Guyan method, and the Mode-displacement method have been carried out. By using a full analytical model of a twenty storey building as the reference, each three degrees of freedom model was compared by computer simulation. The open-loop frequency response simulation, open-loop earthquake simulation, and the closed-loop earthquake simulation were all used to initially evaluate the reduced models. The accuracy of the frequency responses was assessed with sinusoidal applied forces, and for the closed-loop dynamic analysis, an active mass damper at the top storey and a recorded earthquake excitation was used. When compared with the simulation results of the Guyan method, the Dynamic method has many advantages, especially in terms of its accuracy at the high frequency range. The Mode-displacement method produces reduced models that are good for dynamic analysis of open-loop systems, but it was found to be inconvenient for use in active control. Finally, the Dynamic model reduction method and Guyan method were compared using experimental test results. A 2.5m tall building model with 20 floors was used as the plant, with a linear motor installed at the top storey for the purposes of active-damping. Although the results of simulations would suggest that both models perform sufficiently, experimental testing proved that only the Dynamic model performs adequately for this specific application of active control. The problem associated with most model reduction methods, such as the Guyan, is that they are based on full-order models that were derived from the linear elastic theory. The versatility of the Dynamic model reduction method is such that it provides the option of obtaining system parameters directly from experiment, not just from theory. The experimental procedure ensures that the Dynamic model reduction method forms an accurate description of the real system dynamics. The applicability of this method for obtaining low-order plant models was demonstrated through real-time active control testing of the model structure, while it was subject to a sinusoidal excitation. The tests have shown that the Dynamic model reduction method can be used as an alternative approach for the model reduction of structural systems for the purpose of active vibration control.

Sustainable building (SB) tools have been recognized and explored in different regions as among the most effective means to encourage, regulate and assist SB development. A large variety of SB tools have been developed and applied in the marketplace, while a number of new tools emerge each year. While the early-developed SB tools provide general references and resources, it is still not easy either to select from existing tools, to develop new tools, or to customize existing tools for any specific region. On the one hand, the quickly expanding number of tools is developed with different styles, contents, functions, underlying assumptions as well as limitations relating to the specific conditions in their origin regions. Without a comprehensive framework to classify the tools, it is difficult to select the right ones out for any specific task in hand. On the other hand, the conditions and requirements for developing SB tools in a specific region are multi-faceted and complex. Without a proper understanding of them from a holistic point of view, it is difficult to say which tools or which type of tools are indeed needed and appropriate in a region. Recognizing the demand for developing and applying specific SB tools in different regions and the confusion surrounding existing tools, this research establishes two comprehensive conceptual frameworks to classify SB tools and SB issues. The framework for SB tools includes four related categories that focus on building stakeholders, building activities, buildings, and building performances. The framework for SB issues constitutes two combined hierarchy structures each for the performance (P) factors and the decision-making (D) factors respectively. These two frameworks not only serve as guides toward identifying the types of tools (existing or not) that are needed and suitable in a specific region, but also facilitate the selection and customization of existing tools for specific regions. Guided by the two generic frameworks established in the research, China specific conditions and requirements for SB tools are investigated. China specific SB issues are first identified from three preliminary SB tools in the country and classified according to the generic frameworks for SB issues. A questionnaire survey targeting local architects is then conducted in four selected cities. Answers in the replied questionnaires are analysed with the SPSS software and the Content Analysis method. Local architects??? perception about the relative importance of SB issues and their preferences and expectation about the characters, orientations, functions and styles of SB tools are identified and compared with that in existing SB tools. Accordingly, similarities and contradictions between existing tools and local architects??? perceptions, preferences, and expectations regarding China specific SB tools are summarized and discussed. Synthesizing the above research and investigation about the generic and regionally specific aspects of SB tools, this thesis finally proposes a holistic approach to developing generic vs. regionally specific frameworks for SB tools. First, a more balanced approach for developing SB tools in both the broad and narrow senses is proposed and discussed; second, a suite approach for developing SB tools in both the functional and spatial dimensions is proposed and discussed. Conceptual frameworks are established in the discussions; examples are provided to illustrate the concepts; and recommendations are made for further development of the generic vs. regionally specific frameworks for SB tools in China.

Title page and table of contents only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University of Adelaide Library. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=936765 / Thesis (M.U.R.P.) -- University of Adelaide, Dept. of Architecture and Planning, 1982