Conference Paper

Proceedings of eSim 2018: 10th Conference of IBPSA-Canada

Improving the Characterization of Infiltration Parameters in Whole-Building Energy Models Using Component Infiltration Rate Testing

Cara H. Lozinsky, Marianne F. Touchie

Abstract: Infiltration parameters have some of the highest uncertainties among energy model inputs and greatly impact building energy consumption. These parameters are highly building specific, making them difficult to estimate from the literature. Reduction of parameter uncertainty using on-site measurements has traditionally been prohibitive, both from a cost and logistical standpoint. Window component infiltration rate testing was conducted at two buildings to develop component-weighted average infiltration rates, which were input into whole-building energy models and compared with models that used bulk infiltration rates estimated from the literature. The component-weighted infiltration rate approach reduced parameter uncertainty by incorporating building-specific measurements and accounted for variation in zone infiltration rates based on type and quantity of leakage paths. The discretization of the infiltration rate can also help during the modeling of energy retrofits that specifically target building infiltration by setting bounds on the maximum possible improvement.
Keywords: Energy modeling, calibration, infiltration, multi-unit residential building
Pages: 357 - 366
Paper: