Validation of Simulated Thermal Comfort using a Calibrated Building Energy Simulation (BES) model in the context of Building Performance Evaluation & Optimisation

Abstract

Building Energy Simulation (BES) models play a significant role in the design and optimisation of buildings. Simulation models may be used to compare the cost-effectiveness of Energy- Conservation Measures (ECMs) in the design stage as well as assessing various performance optimisation measures during the operational stage. Common metrics used to indicate Building Energy Performance include Energy cost, Carbon Dioxide emissions and Indoor Thermal Comfort (Predicted Mean Vote - PMV / Predicted Percentage Dissatisfied - PPD). Multi-variable optimisation of Building Design and Control often focuses on minimising cost while maximising thermal comfort. This paper focuses on the use of simulated thermal comfort for performance optimisation; particularly the experimental validation of this key building performance index using a calibrated BES model of a case study naturally ventilated building.