Operational performance and calibrated model analysis of a large low-energy university building

This paper demonstrates a reproducible methodology for calibrating detailed energy models using hourly measured data that has been applied to evaluation of a large naturally ventilated university building. The aim of the project is to develop a rigorous calibra-tion method and use it to investigate Energy Con-servation Measures (ECM) and retrofit renewable en-ergy technologies to achieve carbon emissions reduc-tion. The methodology is based on a standardized day-typing method using data visualization and statis-tical techniques to establish accurate schedules for non weather-dependent demands. The influential weather-dependent sources of output uncertainty have been studied using two forms of sensitivity analysis. It was found that applying the Modified Morris method re-sulted in effective calibration with a manageable quan-tity of annual simulations and allowed some insight into the physical behaviour of the building. We also show how data visualisation has allowed further re-finement of the model.