Appraisal techniques for methods of calculating the thermal performance of buildings

Abstract

This paper gives a summary of the work on validation of thermal calculation methods being performed at the Building Research Establishment (BRE) and of a collaborative project being conducted with the Science and Engineering Research Council (SERC). Related work within the International Energy Agency (IEA) Task VIII is also discussed. The BRE and SERC work encompasses examination of the theoretical basis of the physical model underlying a calculation method, numerical analysis aspects of the solution techniques employed, analytical tests, inter-model comparisons, sensitivity analyses and comparisons with experimentally derived results. Emphasis is placed upon a modular approach, building up from simple test conditions. Comparison with experiments is seen as the final and essential stage in the process, and emphasis is placed upon the need to establish levels of accuracy in the data obtained and to identify the consequences of these on the parameters being compared. Some preliminary results are presented.