Conceptual Reference Database for Building Envelope Research Prev
Next

Framework for coupling room air models to heat balance model load and energy calculations (RP-1222)

Griffith, B. and Chen, Q. Y.
2004
HVAC and R Research, 9(3): 309-325


Griffith, B. and Chen, Q. Y., (2004), "Framework for coupling room air models to heat balance model load and energy calculations (RP-1222)", HVAC and R Research, 9(3): 309-325.
Abstract:
Building load and energy simulation programs based on the complete-mixing air model fail to consider the impact of nonuniform air temperature distributions. A momentum zonal model based on the Eščler equation has been developed to enhance building load and energy simulations by predicting indoor airflows and temperatures. This paper shows some validation exercises by comparing model results to measurements and computational fluid dynamics. The model was found to predict thermal stratification conditions reasonably well and to err on the side of complete mixing. The model has been coupled to the heat balance model and tested on load calculations. Results for cooling and heating loads are compared to the traditional complete-mixing model with minor effects on total load but important differences in air system flow rate and control options. Total computation times for load calculations were two orders of magnitude higher using the momentum zonal model compared to traditional complete mixing.

This publication in whole or part may be found online at: This link was checked on Dec. 2006here.

Related Concepts


Author Information and Other Publications Notes
Griffith, B.
Building Technologies Program, Energy and Environment Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, University of California Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
  1. Assessment of the technical potential for achieving net zero-energy buildings in the commercial sector
  2. Contrasting the capabilities of building energy performance simulation programs
  3. Gas-filled panels: an update on applications in the building thermal envelope
  4. Issues associated with the use of infrared thermography for experimental testing of insulated systems
  5. Laboratory procedures for using infrared thermography to validate heat transfer models
  6. Surface temperatures of insulated glazing units: infrared thermography laboratory measurements
  7. Surface temperatures of window specimens: infrared thermography laboratory measurements  
Chen, Q. Y.
     



CRDBER, at CBS, BCEE, ENCS, Concordia,