Development of a Building Energy Model Based on State-Space Analysis and Determining the Performance Characteristics

Abstract

Development of a reliable building energy model that could effectively map the hygro-thermal dynamics of building space is a fundamental challenge. To pursue such an objective, a building energy systems model is developed by formulating energy transfer equations for buildings’ elements like building envelope and space, PID-controlled HVAC system, lighting system, and active occupancy schedule. Thermal energy transfer processes (latent and sensible) within building space and surroundings have been considered. Developed white box model for building energy system, including the construction elements and building space, is represented in a state-space approach to carry out the performance analysis. Developed state space model considers causal heat transfer occurring due to luminaries, occupants, furniture and other equipment in the building space. Developed building energy model is subjected to step excitations to analyze the performance in terms of rise time, settling time, and peak time. Step response of building space dry-bulb temperature and relative humidity for excitations of outdoor weather conditions are analyzed. Performance characteristics based on the system transfer functions and HVAC power is analyzed for different scenarios by varying the excitation values. Such analysis shall help in developing models for dynamic inputs and improve the computational performance of building energy models. © 2021, Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.