Paper Conference

Proceedings of SimBuild Conference 2008: 3rd conference of IBPSA-USA

     

Validation and Parametric Analysis of EnergyPlus: Air Flow Network Model Using CONTAM

Spencer Dutton, Li Shao, Saffa Riffat
University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
De Montfort University, Leicester, UK
University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK

Abstract: An assessment was made of the use of the EnergyPlus air flow network model to predict ventilation rates in an occupied building. Parametric analyses of both the EnergyPlus air flow network model and CONTAM were conducted in parallel. Experimental measurements of an elementary school building's ventilation rates were assessed throughout the year using metabolic CO2. The school's external environmental conditions and occupant behavior were monitored over 1 year, and used as simulation input variables. Simulated ventilation rates using the EnergyPlus network model were then validated using both measured data and CONTAM simulations. Airflow network simulations performed using EnergyPlus and CONTAM were shown to predict similar CO2 classroom concentration levels, with an RMS of 0.89. An improvement to the EnergyPlus crack model was proposed that includes the effect of differences in zone air densities due to temperature differences.
Pages: 124 - 131
Paper:
simbuild2008_TS07-1-Dutton