Simulation-Based Evaluation of High-Rise Residential Building Thermal Resilience (OR-16-036)

There is a trend towards high-rise residential buildings with large glazed areas – often floor-to-ceiling. In most climates, these buildings are reliant on mechanical systems to maintain comfort as a result of the poor insulating properties and high solar transmittance of the glazing. In the summer they are prone to overheating from high solar gains; in the winter, they are prone to thermal discomfort due to low surface temperatures and high heat loss through poorly-insulated glazing and other façade components. Thus, such buildings are vulnerable to power failures, mechanical system failures, and extended demand response strategies. Furthermore, such buildings can be uncomfortable and high in energy consumption during normal operation. This paper describes a methodology to evaluate building resilience using simulation methods. Several resilience metrics were developed or obtained from the literature including: thermal autonomy and passive survivability. A Toronto, Canada-based case study was performed to assess the effect of various passive design strategies to improve resilience. Results showed that thermal autonomy was very poor without occupant interaction. However, this did not translate to poor passive survivability; relatively comfortable conditions were maintained for at least two to three days after power failures.