[EnergyPlus_Support] Re: Impact of Heat Balance Algorithm

["Kevin Campbell" <campb414@xxxxxxx>]

Will,

I am using EnergyPlus to model the application of PCM in buildings at a research level as well. One area I have found of particular interest is investigating how many nodes are being placed in the construction layers. This can be determined in the .eio output file from EnergyPlus. I had the problem that I would on occasion have constructions that had too few or far too many nodes. Typically if your construction has too many nodes, the simulation will crash. And if the construction has too few nodes, your results will not be accurate. 

The number of nodes in each construction layer is given at the bottom of the .eio file. You can run a search for "#Nodes" in the .eio file and you should find what you need. 

As far as changing the number of nodes in construction layers goes. If you do find a problem your options are essentially to change to material properties or delve into the source code.

I hope that works and best of luck with the modeling of PCM using this heat balance algorithm, I know how much of a pain it can be. 

Kevin



--- In EnergyPlus_Support@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "wgorrissen" <wgorrissen@...> wrote:
>
> Linda, 
> 
> Thanks for the update. So how comfortable should i be with results obtained through the use of the CondFD heat balance algorithm? My primary interest will be the relative impact (vs. a typical building) of applying PCM to different components throughout a series of buildings.
> 
> Also, are there any steps that can be taken to minimize the error associated with the use of CondFD heat balance?
> 
> I would love to hear from anyone who has used the CondFd algorithm in EnergyPlus for research purposes before.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Will
>




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