Building Load Simulation and Validation of an Office Building

Abstract

This paper describes the methodology to develop a well defined energy simulation model for an office building in Kuwait using DOE2.1E program. The two story building has approximately a total airconditioned area of about 23,470 m2 (77,000 ft2) and daily occupancy seven and a half hours between 0730 and 1500 from Saturday to Wednesday. The simulation period was set to be from January 1 until December 31. A typical meteorological year (TMY) was used for the coastal areas of Kuwait. The results of the model for electricity use were calibrated to match the actual electricity use for the average year of the available data for years 1998, 1999, and 2000. The monthly and annual cooling loads of the building were calculated by using the DOE2.1E. The extra heat generated from the auxiliary air-conditioning equipment, namely fans and pumps, were added to building cooling load. Likewise, the electrical consumption of all the equipment and lights were added as well. Comparison of the actual electricity use in the building with the DOE2.1E predicted electricity use showed monthly variation ranging from about -18% to about 14%, with the annual average variation being about 0.5%