Dunedin Public Hospital

The aim of this project was to employ a dynamic thermal model to investigate the general energy use in the Dunedin Public Hospital Clinical Services Block. The introduction of dynamic thermal modeling into the building profession has been met with a mixture of reactions both positive and negative. This thesis discusses the use of dynamic computer models in assessing building performance, and describes specifically the IES FACET APACHE programme, which was used to create the model of the Clinical Services Block. An outline of the model creating process is included along with an example of how the model can be used, by looking at the control of some specific HVAC systems in the building.

The saving opportunities identified from this work, but still requiring further investigation, are in the domestic hot water system and the operating theatre HVAC control systems. The applications found could potentially reduce the building’s steam consumption significantly, making way for alternative steam and hot water system opportunities.