Analysis methodology, experimental investigation and computer optimization of a passive solar commercial building in the Belgian climate

The Fondation Universitaire Luxembourgeoise (FUL) building (completed in 1986) has been selected as a Belgian candidate for participation in the IEA (International Energy Agency) Task XI project devoted to passive solar commercial buildings. Therefore, an evaluation methodology has been set up and a monitoring plan has been defined and performed. Together with this experimental investigation, intensive computer simulation work has defined an optimized design of the building. The main results show that the recorded performance can be improved to an extent of 15% energy savings, which yields a correct performance for a passive solar building in the temperate maritime Belgian climate.