PhD Thesis - Energy Systems Research Unit - University of Strathclyde

2.3.1 Example: specifying the building geometrical features for a typical Maltesemulti-family residenceFigure 2.2 shows the basic geometrical features of a Maltese building [7] modelled inESP-r. The building has a total living floor space of about 360m 2 , 120m 2 per floor,slightly higher than the average household size in Malta of 103m 2 reported by Abelaet al. in [8]. The building is representative of new residential building complexescurrently being built and in this case was modelled to represent a building abuttingan adjacent building on the east side and extensive parts of the north side (shown inbold in Figure 2.2). Compared to more traditional buildings in Malta (where vapourcompression split packaged units would be the preferred choice), these type ofbuildings would be more apt to include a micro-trigeneration system, especiallyconsidering the high occupancy of the building (large number of apartments) and thefact that some of the buildings would already have a centralised HVAC system.Fig. 2.2 - External view of the building model [7]Windows sizes used in the building were based on the recommendations listed in theTechnical Guidance - Conservation of Fuel, Energy and Natural Resources [9], theminimum requirements set for energy performance of buildings in Malta - the32