Energy Needs of Buildings

This lecture focuses on defining the energy needs of buildings, starting with analyzing the building stock using geographical information systems. The instructor explains the process of characterizing building needs, including heating, cooling, and electricity requirements. The lecture delves into solving non-linear equations to determine the heat load needed for maintaining comfort temperatures, considering factors like solar irradiation, people, and appliances. The instructor also discusses the importance of scaling variables and convergence criteria when solving sets of non-linear equations for multiple variables. Practical applications, such as optimizing building envelopes and integrating PV panels for energy efficiency, are highlighted to showcase creative solutions for energy demands in buildings.