Paper Conference

Proceedings of SimBuild Conference 2010: 4th conference of IBPSA-USA

     

Development of a Calibration Methodology for the Energy Simulation of an Existing Building from 1969

Tobias Leibing, Claudius Reiser, Oliver Baumann
Ebert & Baumann Consulting Engineers Inc, Washington DC, USA
Biberach University for Applied Sciences, Biberach, Germany

Abstract: The increasing need for building renovation to meet new energy efficiency requirements is accompanied by a growing demand for whole building energy simulations. To have a simulation model that reflects the as-is conditions and is calibrated to measured energy consumption and performance is key to make a profound statement about the potentials of proposed energy conservation measures. There are a lot of theoretical methodologies available for how to calibrate simulation models; however, they are often not suitable for a cost effective day-today practice. The scope of the case study presented in this paper is to develop a methodology for building calibration based on an existing hotel building with the following major topics: 1) Description of a practical calibration methodology 2) Challenges and pitfalls of the calibration of an existing building 3) Identification of the minimum project information required 4) Definition of the quality grade of the final simulation model. As part of the Net-Zero Energy Commercial Building Initiative (CBI) of the U.S. Department of Energy an existing hotel building from 1969 was outfitted with extensive monitoring equipment in conjunction with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). Thus, detailed insight in the building operation could be used to calibrate the HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) systems as well as the occupancy. Based on this information, the influence and sensitivity of single systems as well as the building in its entirety could be analyzed. The intent of this paper is not to discuss actual energy saving measures.
Pages: 40 - 47
Paper:
simbuild2010_TS01B-03-Leibing