Abstract
?Finite element analysis is widely used in engineering, and has for some time been used in modelling the behaviour of an induction motor. Limitations and challenges of this approach will be addressed over a case-study commercial 0,37 kW, 4-pole squirrel-cage induction motor simulated using two-dimensional software FEMM. A few notes on the consideration of rotor skew and harmonic distortion in such a model are also included.

Abstract
This paper aims at presenting the development of a calibrated building energy simulation model of a school building to study the impact of improving the ventilation system on energy performance. The simulation model was developed with the DesignBudderlEnergyplus software and it was calibrated based on data collected during an energy audit to the school building. Schools need high outdoor airflow rates to remove indoor air contaminants related to occupants and building components, thus requiring mechanical ventilation systems. Due to budget restrictions, school managers decided to schedule the building management system to keep the HVAC systems active only between 6:00 am and 10:00 am. According to the values measured in this school, it was patent that the CO2 concentration was too high in certain periods. Too high peak values undermine the indoor air quality in the remaining occupancy time of the classroom, harming the work conditions for teachers and students. To solve this problem, an extended usage schedule of the mechanical ventilation was simulated (8:00 am to 5:00 pm) according to the required enhancement of indoor air quality, which together with the adoption of the new calculated fresh air flow rates will enhance air quality while avoiding excessive cost, thus increasing energy efficiency. (C) 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Abstract
A major rehabilitation programme of secondary school buildings has been carried out in the last few years in Portugal. With the introduction of HVAC systems in buildings that were previously naturally ventilated, an increase on energy consumption has been verified. During the first occupancy periods of new and refurbished buildings, energy and indoor climate quality audits are important strategies to improve the buildings’ energy use. In this context, this paper aims at showing the relations between the energy consumption and indoor environment quality (IEQ) parameters, obtained from the energy and IEQ audit in six representative modernised secondary schools – part of a larger R&D project untitled 3Es – geographically and climatically distributed in Portugal mainland. The monitoring period during the mid-season 2013 varied between schools, between two and three weeks. Air exchange rates, more specifically infiltration rates, were quantified aiming at determining the current airtightness condition of the refurbished schools. A subjective IEQ assessment was also performed, focusing on occupants' feedback, providing insight on the potential linkages between energy use and occupants’ comfort. A reflection on the energy consumption indicators and the indoor conditions obtained in the classrooms was proposed, and some suggestions were anticipated.

Abstract
This work presents a multi-criteria classification system considering multiple, conflicting and incommensurate evaluation aspects influencing energy efficiency in school buildings. The multi-criteria ELECTRE TRI method is used to classify energy performance of school buildings into categories of merit using the IRIS software. The alternatives under evaluation are assigned to predefined ordered categories according to their absolute performance and not in comparison with the performance of other alternatives. Each alternative is assessed using reference profiles defming the boundaries of the categories in which the alternatives should be sorted. The model was applied using a set of performance indicators obtained in the framework of a research and development project aimed at assessing the energy performance of a sample of Portuguese school buildings. IRIS allowed inferring robust conclusions by indicating the range of categories for each alternative, considering the decision maker's preferences, captured by the parameters of ELECTRE TRI. (C) 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Abstract
The main goal of this paper is to present a set of well-defined and structured procedures to establish guidelines for the application of an integrated assessment of energy performance and indoor climate in schools. Increasing the knowledge about how energy is consumed in schools is a way to enhance the awareness of school managers (board of directors) about the importance of improving energy efficiency and reducing energy costs. The proposed methodology helps to identify major energy consuming equipment in school buildings and potential energy conservation measures. The assessment of indoor climate identifies potential corrective measures to problems related to indoor air quality and thermal comfort, also supporting the study of further energy conservation measures associated with ensuring environmental quality. Results of a case study showed that the expected energy consumption reduction is about 11.2% due to a better usage of daylighting and 4.5% due to the reduction of fresh air flow rates, while extending the ventilation operation time. In addition, there is a considerable non-calculated potential for energy savings and improvement of indoor environmental conditions in school buildings, promoting students and teachers productivity and wellbeing.

Abstract