Empirical validation of dynamic thermal computer models of buildings

Abstract

A methodology for the validation of dynamic thermal models of buildings has been presented. The three techniques, analytical verification, inter-model comparisons and empirical validation have been described and their relative merits assessed by reference to previous validation work on ESP, SERIR'S, DEROB and BLAST. Previous empirical validation work on these models has been reviewed. This research has shown that numerous sources of error have existed in previous studies leading to uncertainty in model predictions. The effects of these errors has meant that none of the previous empirical validation studies would have produced conclusive evidence of internal errors in the models themselves. An approach towards developing tests to empirically validate dynamic thermal models is given.