Background
Building simulations and energy calculations based on detailed modeling form an extremely important tool for design and investigation of energy efficient buildings. Various building components and building forms can be tested for their performance to help for the design right at the start as well as analyse the performance of an existing building. These simulation methods also help formulate policy level decisions. However, when the results of such simulated building models are compared to on site measurements; there is bound to be differences. Simulation tools are developed across the world based on empirical data, research, computational skills and software development, yet it is believed and understood that discrepancies against actual measured data is inevitable. This huge gap in the knowledge database needs to be addressed and studied, especially for the Indian context. The idea is to study these differences and derive parallels relations between simulated data and on-site measured data.
About Project
For the purpose of this exercise, two identical life size ‘test beds’ are constructed with separate building envelope characteristics. One of these ‘test beds’ will deploy materials like brick that are typically found in the Indian construction industry whereas the other ‘test bed’ will use a more sustainable option of construction using Resource Efficient Brick. Further this test bed will become a base for experimenting different materials, building systems and envelope properties.
High accuracy sensing and monitoring data loggers (Onset ZedW Wireless System) will be installed within the ‘test beds’. These instruments will measure and record important data like internal surface temperature, ambient temperature and relative humidity inside both test beds simultaneously over an intended time period of at least 12 months. The energy usage of the buildings will also be monitored for the same time period. At the same time, an outdoor weather station will be installed to measure and record sixteen weather parameters, which will help to analyse and contextualise the data received in the internal environment. Simultaneously virtual simulations will generate results for two corresponding building models. The calibrated model for this purpose will be developed based on the guidelines outlined in the ASHRAE International Standards and guidelines. (ASHRAE Guideline 14-2002, IPMVP-2002). The input data in these models will be entered to match the construction data of the ‘test beds’ for accurate results. The results generated will be compared against the logged data from the two test beds. The differences will be studied and analysed and wherever possible reasons for the deviation will be evaluated. This comparison and research will inform building simulators and help get more accurate results from calibrated models. This research can then be furthered, by calibrating a varied range of building envelopes and then analyzing them to develop a critical database that will be relevant to the Indian context.
This study is an effort initiated by Centre of Excellence in Solar Passive Architecture and Green Building Technology, Centre for Advanced Research in Building Science and Energy (CARBSE) at CEPT University and is supported by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Govt. of India. CARBSE is also partnering with local Indian academic and research institutes to accomplish this exercise.
Click to view Brochure – Calibrated Building Energy Simulation