Within the framework of full-scale experimental validation of the global building energy simulation software programme CLIM2000, an experimentation has been carried out in a 100 m² real house from Oct 95 to May 96. First, we compare the simulated results with the experimental results. Then, we applied two different screening methods (sensitivity analysis) to the model in order to exhibit the most influent parameters and to calculate the output confidence interval (uncertainty analysis), and to compare the pertinence of each method in terms of results precision and calculation time.

New developments of both user-friendly interfaces and mathematical models have been added to the very known software package TRNSYS /2/, a transient system simulation program, during the last year. They respond to the growing application of this building and system simulation software for low energy building design by over 200 consulting companies in Germany

This paper explores a simulation-assisted building control strategy. Specifically, the use of generate-and test as well as bi-directional inference methods is proposed to derive preferable control schemes and required attributes for control variables based on parametric and iterative simulation runs. The feasibility of the approach is demonstrated via illustrative computational examples from the thermal control domain.

The numerical model for verification of various radon protective measures has been developed. This model is based on the partial differencial equation for the two-dimensional steady-state radon transport caused by diffusion and convection. The finite element method was used to obtain the numerical solution of the governing equation. The general finite element formulation was derived by means of the Petrov-Galerkin method with weighting functions different from interpolation functions. The performance of soil ventilation systems has been studied with this model.

This paper describes the methodology used in a simulation process that pretend to compare predicted and measured values. This process corresponds to one of the main task in a project denominated “Thermal Characterization of Passive Solar Construction in Portugal”. The aims of this two year project are to identify and quantify the thermal performance of those buildings. This study was carried out combining short measurements with a simulation tool.

The purpose of this paper is to present a new method to energy analysis. The method consist three different phases: in the first phase the target values of energy consumption are determined. In the second phase the potential differences between target and measured consumption are inspected by auditing the building. The effect of different energy saving measures are analysed in third phase. All these phases are assisted with a simulation tool.

In this study, the thermal performance of the external envelope of existing residential buildings in Istanbul and energy efficient retrofitting of these buildings are being investigated and modelled by MICRO DOE-2.1E. Hour-by-hour weather data for Istanbul and the data to describe each type of the existing residential buildings as well as the data for energy conscious alternative retrofitting systems are prepared.

This paper describes a recent extension to the ESPr system concerned with the simulation of facade and roof-integrated photovoltaic modules. The algorithms are described for predicting electrical power output as a function of module characteristics, incident solar radiation and module temperature. The integration of the algorithm within ESP-r’s air and power flow network models, to facilitate hybrid photovoltaic system studies, is also described. The paper concludes with a description of the outcome from an integrated appraisal of a building incorporating a photovoltaic facade.

Central to the formulation of a mathematical model to describe moisture transport through porous building materials is the initial choice of the flow driving potentials. Over the years, a considerable number of different formulations have been proposed involving a variety of potentials. A consequence of this is that, at the present time, there is no commonly accepted model with an associated data base of material properties, which can be applied by the simulation community.

The methods for evaluating the thermal performance of each insulation detail alternative with the multidimensional heat transfer simulation are presented to determine the optimal insulation details of the thermal bridges adjacent to hot water pipes in apartment building slabs. The optimal insulation detail of the side wall-slab joint is presented based on the evaluation of inside surface condensation and life cycle costs.