An NMF based model library for building thermal simulation

Object-oriented or modular simulation methods represent a concrete alternative to present monolithic building simulation technology. Modular methods have previously been used primarily for component based systems modeling, while envelope models have remained monolithic. In this paper, the advantages of the new technology are reviewed and an equation-based models library for systems as well as envelope modelling is introduced. The new library has been developed within IEA SHC Task 22 and is available as NMF source code. Airflow network models are combined with thermal. Model fidelity is generally higher than for present tools. When used in IDA, the library has been validated and shown to be sufficiently fast and robust for commercial application.