Systematic Review of Hygrothermal Computational Tools for New and Existing Buildings

Abstract

The use of multiple design strategies seeking energy efficiency in buildings can offer a wide range of opportunities to improve energy and thermal performance. While thermal resistance is typically considered of high importance, to achieve energy efficiency and prolong the durability of buildings, hygrothermal conditions must also be taken into account. As new technology develops that is capable of measuring a given structure’s real-time data, the research community is increasingly relying on software and tools for hygrothermal assessments of buildings. As the tools vary widely in both extent and functionality, defining a method to identify the effectiveness and accuracy of hygrothermal tools for various project scopes presents a technical challenge. This paper presents a systematic review that organizes and summarizes a range of different software for hygrothermal assessment of new and existing buildings. This research review 11 hygrothermal models and tools based on three main characteristics: (1) interface and information transference, (2) hygrothermal assessment and scope, and (3) context and standards. This review seeks to offer a better understanding of technical tools for hygrothermal performance assessment to assist architects, engineers, and designers, promoting last-longing interventions, and improving assessments’ accuracy for energy-use estimations.