[bldg-sim] Validity of Computer Simulation

Graham & Megan hamnmegs at ozemail.com.au
Tue Sep 27 14:08:24 PDT 2005


At the risk of oversimplifyimg the feedback you have received, the
validation studies and tests referred to in other responses are primarily
focussed on the loads a building experiences.  This is important but far
from the whole story.

If your interest is in predicting likely energy use of mechanical systems
then calibrated simulations and comparison reports such as those Jeff Haberl
has referred to are very relevant.  Simulation can predict energy use with
reasonable accuracy provided:
1) the simulation engine can represent your building and its systems
reasonably well; and,
2) the user provides inputs to the simulation that are representative of
reality.

The latter issue will always be an issue.  Buildings that have been
commissioned and controlled poorly could have some simple control changes
made from design intent that lead to a 40%+ difference in energy use.  A
tenant's light and power energy use can change over time and impact the
mechanical services energy use ...

Also be careful if you are using the simulation to try and estimate total
base building or whole building energy use, ensure that you have coverage of
all energy use.  There are numerous systems and equipment that energy
simulation does not account for directly.  As a result some of these systems
are overlooked and do not attract the attention from energy simulation
specialists that they should.

Never accept a single answer from simulation, a likely range is a more
appropriate way to use simulation if your interest is in 'absolute' energy
use.  Unless assumptions are made that account for manufacturer's
tolerances, non-homogenous operational profiles, installation imperfections
and control imperfections, simulation can only provide a theoretical limit
that may be approached but in most cases never reached.

Regards,
Graham Carter
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "MDK" <dkoerniawan at yahoo.com>
To: <bldg-sim at gard.com>
Sent: Friday, September 23, 2005 4:21 PM
Subject: [bldg-sim] Validity of Computer Simulation


> Dear All who know,
>
> I have some researchs, my researchs have been analyzed
> with Computer Simulation. Some people in here doubt
> over the true validity of computer simulation methods
> when compared directly with real buildings.
>
> Do you know about that? How much valid do analize the
> researchs with computer simulation?
>
> Regards
>
> M Donny Koerniawan
> Department of Architecture
> Institut Teknologi Bandung
> Indonesia
>
>
>
>
>
> __________________________________
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