TECHNICAL PHYSICS A - L

The Building Physics Course is a formative teaching aimed at providing the foundational physics concepts applied to the built environment. The primary objective of the course is to introduce the essential concepts necessary for understanding the phenomena that influence the energy and environmental performance of buildings and their implications for architectural design.

The educational goals include acquiring the fundamental principles of thermodynamics, with particular emphasis on mass and energy balances in closed and open systems, which are representative of relevant applications for the behavior of components within the building-plant system. The course aims to develop the ability to solve conceptual problems related to the built environment through an in-depth study of the laws and principles of technical physics.

Students will also be introduced to the practical applications of building thermophysics, with a focus on analyzing the thermal behavior of building envelope elements and acquiring the laws governing heat exchange mechanisms in steady-state conditions. The course will provide the necessary skills for environmental control within confined spaces, particularly to ensure thermal-hygrometric comfort, in accordance with current regulations.

Furthermore, the course will cover the fundamental principles for the proper acoustic and lighting design of buildings, as well as provide an overview of renewable energy sources, with particular attention to solar thermal and photovoltaic technologies and their operating principles.

Lectures and classwork​

1. Units of Measurement
   
2. First and Second Law of Thermodynamics
   
3. Energy Balances
   
4. Ideal Gases
   
5. State Diagrams
   
6. Combustion
   
7. Heating Systems: Boilers
   
8. Reversed Cycles and Heat Pumps
   
9. Environmental Impact of Energy Technologies
   
10. Psychrometry
    
11. Heat Transfer by Conduction
    
12. Fluid Dynamics and Duct Pressure Losses
    
13. Heat Transfer by Forced and Natural Convection
    
14. Heat Transfer by Radiation
    
15. Basics of Lighting Technology
    
16. Basics of Acoustics
    
17. Thermophysics of Opaque Building Envelopes
    
18. Cool and Green Materials
    
19. Thermal Bridges
    
20. Key Parameters in Building Thermophysics
    
21. Thermophysics of Transparent Building Envelopes
    
22. Energy Balances and Energy Demand of a Building
    
23. Air Quality and Thermal-Hygrometric Comfort
    
24. Surface and Interstitial Condensation
    
25. Introduction to Solar Thermal and Photovoltaics

The course described contributes to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by addressing crucial topics related to energy, building energy efficiency, and the environmental impact of energy technologies. Here is how the course aligns with various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

1. SDG 4 - Quality Education: By providing a solid foundation in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and the environmental impact of energy technologies, the course helps develop fundamental technical skills. Students acquire knowledge that makes them aware of energy and environmental challenges, preparing them to devise innovative solutions in the building and technological fields.

2. SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy: Addressing topics such as heat pumps, solar thermal, and photovoltaic systems, the course educates students on the use of renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency in buildings. Students learn to optimize energy use, reducing consumption and promoting access to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.

3. SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Through the analysis of the energy performance of building envelopes and thermal bridges, the course promotes innovation in the building sector, encouraging the use of advanced materials like "Cool" and "Green Materials." This training contributes to developing more sustainable infrastructure and promoting the growth of the eco-friendly construction industry.

4. SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities: By focusing on air quality, thermal comfort, and managing building energy needs, the course prepares students to design and construct sustainable and comfortable buildings, fostering more inclusive and resilient cities. The attention to the thermophysics of both opaque and transparent building envelopes supports the creation of energy-efficient buildings, a key element for urban sustainability.

5. SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production: By studying energy balances, pressure losses in ducts, and the energy efficiency of heating systems, the course promotes a more responsible use of energy in buildings. Students learn how to reduce energy consumption, limiting environmental impact, and promoting the sustainable use of resources.

6. SDG 13 - Climate Action: The analysis of the environmental impact of energy technologies and the optimization of building thermal efficiency contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The teachings on energy systems, such as solar thermal and photovoltaic, help promote renewable and sustainable energy sources, essential for mitigating climate change.

7. SDG 15 - Life on Land: Through the focus on materials like "Cool" and "Green Materials" and thermal insulation techniques, the course contributes to the design of buildings that minimize environmental impact, promoting the conservation of natural resources and biodiversity.

In summary, this course provides students with a holistic view of the energy and environmental challenges in the building sector. It promotes the adoption of sustainable technologies and practices in line with the 2030 Agenda, preparing future professionals to actively contribute to a more sustainable and energy-efficient world.

1. Barney L. Capehart, Ph.D., CEM, Wayne C. Turner, Ph.D. PE, CEM, William J. Kennedy, Ph.D., PE, Guide to Energy Management, CRC Press
   
2. Yunus Cengel, John Cimbala, Fluid Mechanics in SI Units,  McGrawhill
   
3. Yunus Cengel, Heat and Mass Transfer: Fundamentals and Applications McGrawhill
   
4. Michael Moser, Engineering Acoustics An Introduction to Noise Control, Springer
   
5. Duco Schreuder, Outdoor Lighting: Physics, Vision and Perception, Springer