Method for the prediction of malfunctions of buildings through real energy consumption analysis: Holistic and multidisciplinary approach of Energy Signature

The article explains the stages of a research project aimed at establishing an analytical methodology to analyse the energy performance of existing buildings through Energy Signature (ES), a monitoring method in which measured consumption is related to climatic variables.The energy consumption of buildings represents a large percentage of the total consumption of a country. The consumptions are often higher than those actually needed to ensure optimal conditions for the comfort of a zone, due to both typological defects (poor thermal insulation, thermal bridges, etc.), and wrong behaviour of users.ES has a two-fold purpose: on one hand it can be used as a pre-energy audit by a professional to highlight the glaring problems. On the other hand it can be a valuable tool for raising end users’ awareness.The goal of the present study is to define a new accurate calculation method, called MESH, aimed at characterizing the ES from a scientific point of view.In the article, the ES is applied to the heating period; the method can also be used to analyse other types of energy consumption, such as cooling and electrical consumption; in this case it is important to define the appropriate climatic variable.

► We describe the Energy Signature method, applied to energy consumption of buildings. ► We give a physical interpretation to the results of Energy Signature method. ► We show how to use this interpretation to forecast malfunctions in the building management. ► We apply the MESH method to a real case study.