SECTION J - JV3 MODELLING (VERIFICATION METHOD)
JV3 MODELLING[A1]
When the rigid (yet low cost) Deemed to
Satisfy method looks like implementation will be costly during the construction
phase, our clients seek compliance using Energy Performance Solution such as
JV3 Modelling (i.e. Verification Method).
If professionally performed, JV3 Performance Solution can allow applying
any change to the energy performance while reducing the construction cost, such
as replacing a double-glazed window to a single glazed while reducing the
energy demand.
At Energy Compliance, we offer all avenues
to achieve Energy Compliance under the National Construction Code (NCC).
We have always been able to reduce
construction costs when performing JV3 modelling by more than the value of our
fee, which is why we offer this unique Service Guarantee:
If
we can’t reduce your construction costs by more than the value of our JV3
service fee, and you decide not to use our report, then you won’t have to pay
the remainder of our invoice.
GET A QUOTE |
WHAT IS ENERGY PERFORMANCE SOLUTION?
The National Construction Code (NCC) offers
prescriptive and standard construction/glazing levels to comply with the code.
However, the NCC is flexible and allows using any construction/glazing other
than the prescriptive constructions (i.e. Deemed to Satisfy methods), if we
justify that the new construction technique has a performance that is as good
as the prescriptive method. The process that justifies an alternative
(cheaper) construction instead of NCC prescriptive construction is called
Performance Solution.
For instance, NCC requires your building to
have minimum double glazing with U value of 2.0 to comply with the code.
However, we can provide a Performance Solution which adds 15% more insulation
to the roof or use shading devices (low-cost construction methods) to justify
the implementation of a single glazed window instead (i.e. save your
construction costs).
The
Performance Solution JV3 modelling is a compliance approach that requires
simulation of the proposed building using computer modelling software on an
hourly basis. For energy performance solution, NCC sets
the boundaries for computer energy modelling in its Section JV3 and calls it
“Verification Using a Reference Building”. Architects and people in the energy
efficiency industry also call performance solution as “Alternative method” or
“JV3 modelling” method. All these refer to the same energy Performance Solution
which is modelling an alternative compliance method to a rigid Deemed to
Satisfy (DTS) prescriptive method.
This alternative method compares the
thermal performance of the proposed building with proposed insulation, glazing
and services with the NCC Reference Building. The reference building has the
same geometry as the proposed building but with insulation, glazing and
services prescriptive of NCC Deemed to Satisfy solution. The outcome is simple – pass or fail!
To pass the energy efficiency requirement test, annual energy consumption or
greenhouse gas emissions from the proposed building must be equal or less than
that of the NCC reference building.
The Alternative Method or JV3 compliance
path is simple and works all the time when the Deemed
to Satisfy approach provides an undesirable solution, or doesn’t meet the client’s
requirements.
ADVANTAGES OF PERFORMANCE SOLUTION (JV3
MODELLING)
· Provides Energy Compliance to
the NCC in a more flexible manner.
· A proven method of reducing construction
costs.
· Allows replacing high-cost
energy-saving measures with low-cost options (e.g. single-glazed windows
instead of double glazed).
· Has no limitation in applying
customised building materials and glazing options.
· Allows offsetting the building
energy demand with the use of onsite renewable solar systems (electricity or
solar hot water).
· Allows offsetting the use of
low-cost HVAC solutions with other low-cost energy efficiency measures.
· Your HVAC engineer can use the
estimated hour-by-hour energy demand from different building zones to perform a
preliminary design and hourly feasibility assessment of different energy system
options.
· Reduce/increase
insulation in some areas of the building and offset it by a change in
insulation somewhere else in the building fabric.
· Increase/reduce
the amount of light you receive inside the building by adjusting the SHGC
factor of your glazing to your desired value.
· Reach
to higher levels of artificial lighting power density than what NCC allows.
· Assure
that we achieve a thermal comfort in all occupied zones according to the
definitions in ASHRAE 55 and NCC regulations.
While the Deemed to Satisfy method is low
cost and quite fast to obtain, it doesn’t consider:
– Thermal interaction between
building fabric components.
– Shading effect because of the
adjoining structures and features (which offsets cooling demand).
– Effect of thermal mass in heat
storage or discharge.
– Effect of internal heat gains
from sources like lighting, occupancy and appliances (which offsets heating
demand)
– Effect of walls or roofs
surface colours in offsetting heating and cooling demand.
It therefore doesn’t result in the most
cost effective solution all the time. Solutions under DTS can be prohibitively expensive to install.
The JV3 method, on the other hand, utilises
holistic modelling of the entire building, and our team at Energy Compliance, with no exception to date, have always satisfied
our valued client’s construction cost reduction requirements.
HOW THE JV3 MODELLING PROCESS WORKS
First, we model the building under the prescriptive
Deemed to Satisfy (DTS) provisions to calculate the energy demand from a
standard “NCC reference building”.
Second, we model the building, with all its
details as per your wish list, keeping in mind to minimize the construction
costs. We call this model “the proposed building”.
Third, we compare the heating and cooling
loads and greenhouse gas emissions of the reference building to that of the proposed
building. If the proposed building generates less greenhouse gas emissions than
the reference building, then the proposed building passes the NCC energy
efficiency test.
Finally, we issue a performance Solution
that any building surveyor or any local council in Australia identifies as a
valid alternative solution.
The performance Solution or JV3 approach
provides flexibility and construction cost reduction. For instance, with 15% increased roof insulation (which is low cost to implement), we
may be able to minimize the glazing costs. Note that, with this solution, the
building also requires less heating and cooling compared with the NCC
prescriptive method.
EXAMPLE OF A SOLUTION ONLY APPLICABLE BY JV3 PERFORMANCE SOLUTION
Here is a simple example that shows the
logic behind the cost efficiency of the JV3 alternative energy modelling
solution.
For instance, let’s assume a client has
selected Deemed to Satisfy (DtS) approach for meeting NCC Section J, energy
efficiency compliance. The NCC Façade Calculator requires installing expensive
low-E double-glazed windows to meet the minimum NCC compliance requirements.
The reason is that DtS is an elemental approach and doesn’t consider the
holistic performance of the building and the interaction between glazing and
other elements of the building.
Contrary to the DtS prescriptive method,
JV3 Performance Solution evaluates the overall building performance and annual
heating and cooling demand as a compliance criterion. Its holistic approach
allows interaction between the building fabric and glazing (that is a key
element in construction cost reduction).
At Energy Compliance, we investigate the
prescriptive DtS solution first. If the clients find some prescriptive measures
to be expensive to construct, we then perform a JV3 energy modelling to justify
energy solutions with lower construction costs. For instance, we investigate
using single glazed windows with shading devices to some east/west windows.
Shading devices can be an external roller shutter or similar. Here comes a
question that how a shutter can magically save you $50k in glazing cost?
The broad capabilities in JV3 modelling
tools allow, for instance, modelling a shutter that is in open or closed
position in different seasons to reduce heating & cooling demand of the
building. JV3 modelling allows to maintain a shutter in an open position to
maximise natural heat gain from sun during the winter (when you need it) and to
close the shutter during summer and minimise the solar heat gain (when you
don’t need it). Getting more heat from the sun during winter and blocking heat
source in summer allows reducing the overall annual heating and cooling energy
demand of the proposed building compared with the same building with NCC
minimum Low-E double-glazed windows (reference building).
Summary of benefits
A Performance Solution:
· Assists the client to save
construction costs.
· Provides improved living
comfort for the future occupants.
· Minimises greenhouse emissions
from the buildings
· Assists building owners to make
an informed decision on selecting the building materials and services.
REGULATION AROUND JV3 MODELLING & PERFORMANCE SOLUTIONS
National Construction Code (NCC) regulates
the JV3 Performance Solution to stop cowboys in the energy efficiency industry
abusing the provisions for flexibility and cost reduction. JV3 regulations
require using:
· A validated software under
ASHRAE 140 standard,
· Hour-by-hour accurate modelling
approach,
· Able to implement NCC
prescriptive schedules of operations, temperature set points.
At Energy Compliance, we use DesignBuilder
software that satisfies all the above requirements and eventually allows modelling
the building in 3D, assessing the air conditioning and heating system
performance, CFD and daylighting.
Building classes that can benefit from the JV3 method
The JV3 alternative method or
Performance Solution applies to all commercial buildings (Classes 3, 5, 6, 7, 8
and 9 and common area of class 2 buildings). Apartments (class 2 buildings) and the residential components of commercial
buildings (classes 4) are assessed under NatHERS. Residential detached homes
(Class 1) and sheds/garages (class 10) buildings can benefit from the
Performance Solution under Volume 2 of National Construction Code, referred to
as “Verification Using a Reference Building” or VURB method.
Adding insulation to the garage (class 10)
walls can sometimes improve energy efficiency more cost effectively in the “Verification
Using a Reference Building method”.
BCA Class | Type of classification | JV3 Performance Solution | Performance Solution |
1a | Residential
dwelling | X | ✔ |
1b | Boarding house/guest house | X | ✔ |
2 | Apartments | X | X |
2 | Common areas | ✔ | X |
3 | Residential part
of a hotel/school/… | ✔ | X |
4 | Dwelling in a commercial building | X | X |
5 | Office | ✔ | X |
6 | Shop | ✔ | X |
6 | Restaurant/café | ✔ | X |
7a | Carpark | ✔ | X |
7b | Storage/warehouse | ✔ | X |
8 | Laboratory/factory | ✔ | X |
9a | Clinic | ✔ | X |
9a | Ward area | ✔ | X |
9b | Theatre/cinema | ✔ | X |
9b | Conference | ✔ | X |
9b | School | ✔ | X |
9c | Aged-care facility | ✔ | X |
10a | Garage/shed | X | ✔ |
JV3 Modelling Tools
JV3 modelling is
like NatHERS modelling, yet with far more capabilities. The software used in
JV3 alternative method or the energy Performance Solution should be capable of
hourly energy modelling of a building and should comply with the ABCB’s set of
regulations.
At Energy
Compliance we model buildings with DesignBuilder modelling software. This
robust energy modelling software complies with all the requirements in NCC
energy Performance Solution clauses. For commercial buildings, it complies with
the ABCB Protocol for Building Energy Analysis Software (Version 2006.1).
Referring to Clause 3 of the ABCB protocol for building energy analysis
software; DesignBuilder software:
Is commercially
available in Australia;
Is based on a
simulation program using an hourly climate data file;
Is capable of
computing the annual energy consumption of a building under the Verification
methods of the NCC;
Can
geometrically describe the building in 3D, which accounts for the surface
azimuth, tilt angles and adjacent structures and features;
Provides the
results comparable to other similar software under ASHRAE Standard 140,
Standard Method of Test for the Evaluation of Building Energy Analysis Computer
programs using International Energy Agency BESTEST,
Satisfies all
the specific capabilities in Clause 4 of ABCB protocol for building energy
analysis software.
Has a
calculation method that complies with ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 140 and can assess
the heating load and cooling load by modelling:
(i) The building
fabric; and
(ii) Glazing and
shading; and
(iii) Air
infiltration and ventilation; and
(iv) The function
and use of the building, including zoning, hours of occupation, hours of
heating and cooling availability and internal heat gains; and
(v) Relevant
built-environment and topographical features; and
(vi) The
sensible heat component of the cooling load and heating load.
DesignBuilder can
use climatic data in the calculation that is based on hourly recorded values
and represents a typical year for the proposed location.
For more
information about DesignBuilder ASHRAE Standard 140-2017 compliance, please
refer to: https://designbuilder.co.uk/download/documents.
Besides the above, for commercial projects
that plan to achieve Climate Active Carbon-Neutral Certificate, we also utilise
the state-of-the-art TRNSYS
design platform. This is a comprehensive research-level
modelling tool that complies with ABCB modelling software requirements. Energy Compliance’s use of TRNSYS for JV3
modelling further allows us to perform hourly modelling of multiple renewable
energy systems in a single model. This allows the client to consider the
dynamic interaction between different energy systems including Geothermal,
Solar Thermal & Storage, Solar Electricity & Storage, all in a single
model for a typical year, and to offset the greenhouse emissions as a result of
using renewable energy. This allows saving construction costs due to use of
less insulation or low-cost glazing to the building.
At Energy Compliance,
we have a reputation for getting the best result at a competitive price for
even the most complex building designs.
WHAT ENERGY COMPLIANCE OFFERS
Glazing can be a significant construction
cost component, and how the National Construction Code (NCC) handles glazing
often makes it much more expensive than necessary.
This unnecessary cost is due to the rigid and
incompatible energy assessment method for glazing in buildings under the Deemed
to Satisfy (DtS) provisions, wherein glazing is assessed in isolation to the
rest of the building fabric (other than external walls). Fortunately, the
NCC allows an alternative solution for energy efficiency compliance assessment,
called JV3.
The JV3 assessment method provides the
ability to model glazing and all other building components as a system.
So, for example, specifying a lower thermal performance window can be offset by
increasing the amount of insulation in the roof space.
About our modeling capabilities for JV3 report
At Energy Compliance
we use DesignBuilder hour by hour building thermal modeling software analysis.
Our JV3 modeling software present prominent features and capabilities compared
to its rival software. These features include:
1- Graphic visualisation, which allows to model to the utmost accuracy. This feature
involves graphical presentation of the building construction and glazing and
their applied location in the model. When modeling natural ventilation, we can track
and visually check the airflows through internal and external openings. Models can now be accurately rotated on the
land/site. We can also export or import to/from Revit 2019.
In
summary, we calculate with EnergyPlus and visualize with the Autodesk Revit!
2- Simulation – we
can:
Model
thermal mass though PCMs (Phase Change Materials).
We can
run simulations for several years.
For
the first year calculation, simulation software warms up the slab before the
beginning to simulate!
Viewer mode
allows viewing and customizing the building thermal results into grids, histograms and figures. Finally, we
can now check your heating and cooling system design results in a detailed
manner, down to the very last wall and window!
3- Daylighting
option in our modelling software allows us:
To calculate
daylight credits for schemes such as Green Star certification schemes.
To generate
contour plots of daylight to illustrate availability and glare within each zone
through the whole building.
To
show summary daylight performance in a tabular report.
To
simulate multi-zone daylighting, including light transmission through exterior
and interior windows and reflection from all surfaces.
4- Heating,
Ventilation and Cooling (HVAC) is part of our modeling software and allows to:
Simultaneously simulate the building 3D models and
heating and cooling system to accurately consider the dynamic interaction
between the building envelope and building services (i.e. heating and cooling
and ventilation).
Use extensible library of components including
boilers, chillers, heating coils, heat pumps, cooling coils, pumps, fans,
humidifiers, set-point managers, etc.
Include all ten options from ASHRAE 90.1 baseline
HVAC system types,
Zone groups allow grouping multiple zones that have
similar system types together and simplify the HVAC diagram layout and speeding
data entry.
Energy model can generate node temperatures, flow
rates and humidity levels at sub-hourly intervals.
For air distribution, we can use cooled beams,
direct air, dual duct CAV, dual duct VAV, single duct CAV reheat, single duct
VAV with/without reheat, single duct VAV reheat with variable speed fan.
Energy model software considers radiant heat
distribution (water pipes buried in surface layers) such as chilled ceilings
and heated floors.
We can implement CHP (combined heat and power) generation and Tri-generation (combined generators with absorption chiller) and ice thermal storage in the overall energy modeling.
We can all add variable speed fan cooling
towers in detailed HVAC modeling.
5- Uncertainty
and sensitivity reports.
We can analyze the uncertainty and the degree of
freedom in models and decide! While a “probabilistic” factor kicks in, there is
no better way to find out how influential this is to the complete modeling
procedure. We can calculate Multivariate linear regression for each
output variable in our sensitivity analysis if required by our clients.
6- Optimization.
This is one of the most important parts of our service. We can assess different windows U value and
SHGC and any other custom variables
in three types for parametric analysis and additional outputs as an objective in optimization simulations. Model rotation is available as a
variable alongside with the previously existed site rotation variable.
Why choose Energy Compliance team as your energy
consultants?
Price | Fast
turnaround | Bigger
saving | Preliminary
design of HVAC system | Feasibility
assessment |
Very
competitive rates for all sized projects | Guaranteed
delivery in 5 to 10 days | Guaranteed
lower construction costs | Energy
Compliance is a division of Geoflow Australia, which provides detailed
feasibility assessments and preliminary designs for renewable energy system
and conventional HVAC options. | |
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ENERGY COMPLIANCE SERVICE GUARANTEE
If we can’t reduce your construction costs by more than the
value of our JV3 service fee, and you decide not to use our report, then you
won’t have to pay the remainder of our invoice.
You won’t get this guarantee anywhere else!
OUR HISTORY
At Energy Compliance, we provide expert JV3
modelling services to architects, developers and even other national energy
assessment businesses. Our clients are very appreciative, and enjoy large
construction cost savings, with single-pane glazing replacing
double/triple-pane glazing.
Our unique Service Guarantee provides real
peace of mind for clients, who are comfortable investing a small fee in return
for major construction cost savings.
If you have a project with high glazing
costs or insulation installation difficulties, we are here to help you.
We also provide other unique energy
efficiency solutions for large-scale commercial applications, such as shopping
centres and industrial process heating/cooling.
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[A1]Add interlinks
to JV3
HOW THE JV3 MODELLING PROCESS WORKS
The National Construction Code Building Energy Modelling requires that:
- The building be firstly modelled in accordance with the Deemed to Satisfy (DTS) provisions (called the reference building).
- The building, with all its details as per client’s requirements or as per Energy Compliance’s recommendations is remodelled using the JV3 approach (called the proposed building).
- Finally, heating and cooling loads and greenhouse gas emissions of the reference building are compared to that of the proposed building, and if the proposed building generates less greenhouse gas emissions than the reference building, then the proposed building passes the NCC energy efficiency test.
This JV3 approach provides the flexibility, for example, to specify increased insulation in the roof space to minimize the glazing requirements (e.g. double or triple glazing), thereby providing an overall construction cost saving to meet energy compliance requirements.
EXAMPLE OF A SOLUTION ONLY APPLICABLE BY JV3 MODELLING
Here is a simple example that shows the logic behind the cost efficiency of the JV3 alternative energy modelling solution.
For instance, let’s assume that a client has selected Deemed to Satisfy (DtS) approach for meeting NCC Section J, energy efficiency compliance. The glazing calculator in NCC requires installing tripled glazed windows to meet minimum NCC compliance requirements which are apparently, going to be very expensive to install. The reason is that DTS is an elemental approach and doesn’t consider the overall annual performance and the interaction between glazing and other elements of the building and.
JV3 on the other had only considered the overall building performance and annual heating cooling demand (and subsequent greenhouse emissions) as its compliance criteria.
At energy compliance, we will first investigate the DtS solution limits and if the clients decide to assess some construction cost reductions, we will offer solutions like an all single glazed window with shading device to some of the east-west windows. Shading device can be an external roller shutter or similar. Now, how can a shutter reduce glazing cost?
The broad capabilities in JV3 modelling tools allow, for instance, to model a shutter that can be opened and closed in different seasons. This allows modelling shutter in an open position to maximize natural heat gain from sun during the winter (when you need it) and blocks solar heat gain during summertime when your building doesn’t need it. Getting more heat from the sun during winter and blocking heat source in summer allows reducing the overall annual heating and cooling energy demand of the proposed building compared with the same building with NCC minimum triple glazed windows (reference building).
Summary of benefits
A JV3 Solution like adding shutter will:
- Assist the client to save in construction costs
- Provide improved living comfort for the future occupants
- Minimize greenhouse emissions from the building
- Avoid making decisions based rules of thumb or a salesmen promises
REGULATION AROUND JV3 MODELLING
The JV3 method is strictly regulated under the NCC, but the essence is in the flexibility of modelling and the power of modelling tools that allow almost any modelling changes. JV3 modelling allows three dimensional and hour-by-hour modelling of a commercial building to minimize construction costs.
Building classes that can benefit from the JV3 method
JV3 alternative modelling can be used for all commercial buildings (Classes 3, 5,6,7,8 and 9). Apartments (class 2 buildings) and the residential components of commercial buildings (classes 4) can be modelled using the Verification Using Reference Building, VURB method.
JV3 Modelling Tools
JV3 modelling, in essence, is similar to NatHERS modelling, yet with far more capabilities. The software used should be capable of hourly energy modelling of a building and should comply with the ABCB’s set of regulations.
At Energy Compliance, we utilise the state-of-the-art TRNSYS design platform that allows hourly thermal modelling of the building (in 3D). This is a comprehensive research-level modelling tool that complies with ABCB modelling software requirements. At Energy Compliance, we have a reputation for getting the best result at a competitive price for even the most difficult building designs.
Energy Compliance’s use of TRNSYS for JV3 modelling further allows us to perform hourly modelling of multiple renewable energy systems in a single model. This allows the client to consider the dynamic interaction between different energy systems including Geothermal, Solar Thermal & Storage, Solar Electricity & Storage, all in a single model for a typical year, and to offset the reduced greenhouse emissions as a result of using renewable energy by using less insulation to the building and saving construction costs.
WHAT ENERY COMPLIANCE OFFERS
Glazing can be a significant construction cost component, and how the National Construction Code (NCC) handles glazing often makes it much more expensive than necessary.
This unnecessary cost impost is due to the default energy assessment method for glazing in buildings under the Deemed to Satisfy (DtS) provisions, wherein glazing is assessed in isolation to the rest of the building fabric (i.e. floors and roof). Fortunately, the NCC allows an alternative solution for energy efficiency compliance assessment, called JV3.
The JV3 assessment method provides the ability to model glazing and all other building components as a system. So, for example, specifying a lower thermal performance window can be offset by increasing the amount of insulation in the roof space.
Why choose Energy Compliance team as your energy assessment consultants?
Price | Fast turnaround | Bigger saving | Preliminary design of HVAC system | Feasibility assessment |
Very competitive rates for all sized projects | Guaranteed delivery in 5 to 10 days | Guaranteed lower construction costs | Energy Compliance is a division of Geoflow Australia, which provides detailed feasibility assessments and preliminary designs for renewable energy system and conventional HVAC options. |
ENERGY COMPLIANCE SERVICE GUARANTEE
If we can’t reduce your construction costs by more than the value of our JV3 service fee, then we will only charge you the 25% deposit.
You won’t get this guarantee anywhere else!
OUR HISTORY
At Energy Compliance, we provide expert JV3 modelling services to architects, developers and even other national energy assessment businesses. Our clients are very appreciative, and enjoy large construction cost savings, with single-pane glazing replacing double/triple-pane glazing.
Our unique Service Guarantee provides real peace of mind for clients, who are comfortable investing a small fee in return for major construction cost savings.
If you have a project with high glazing costs, we are here to help you.
We also provide other unique energy efficiency solutions for large scale commercial applications, such as shopping centres and industrial process heating/cooling.