From model validation to production of reference simulations: how to
increase reliability and applicability of building and HVAC simulation
models
Adam, C., André, P., Georges, B., Lebrun, J., Lemort, V., and Teodorese, I.
December 2006
System Simulation in Buildings 2006 - Proceedings of the Seventh International Conference, Liege, Belgium
Validation of simulation models appears from a long time as a key issue
in order to promote a more intensive and more efficient use of
simulation models in the field of building and HVAC simulation.
IEA Annex 34/43 originally targeted a number of specific applications
where a more advanced validation was required: ground coupling
problems, multizone building, shading, day lighting and cooling load
interaction, HVAC components and ventilated facades. These validation
exercises were built on the large methodological experience obtained in
previous projects and address sometimes very fundamental problems of
heat transfer in buildings.
Consulting engineers and practitioners might see these exercises as a
bit too far from their objectives and it is the reason why an
additional activity was proposed with the specific aim of producing,
based upon the results of the validation of models, a set of reference
simulations. These applications cover a range of building types
(residential, commercial) and systems (production, distribution
emission) and run in a variety of climates.
The paper will describe how models dedicated to these applications were
developed, starting from validation results, going through the
selection and consolidation of simulation hypothesises and ending with
a number that might be considered as reference for the concerned
applications. The paper will concentrate on models required by a
residential building application (multizone building equipped with a
heat pump or a condensing boiler).
Simulations make use of both EES and TRNSYS software and both software
are applied in parallel as far as possible in the different
applications in order to get a better judgment of their potential
advantages and drawbacks. The use of reference simulations in view of
qualifying normative methods currently in development in the frame of
the European Energy Performance in Buildings Directive is also
addressed and demonstrated in the paper.