Lumped parameter models for building thermal modelling: An analytic approach to simplifying complex multi-layered constructions

Abstract

There are many sophisticated building simulators capable of accurately modelling the thermal performance of buildings. Lumped Parameter Models (LPMs) are an alternative which, due to their shorter computational time, can be used where many runs are needed, for example when completing computer-based optimisation. In this paper, a new, more accurate, analytic method is presented for creating the parameters of a second order LPM, consisting of three resistors and two capacitors, that can be used to represent multi-layered constructions. The method to create this LPM is more intuitive than the alternatives in the literature and has been named the Dominant Layer Model. This new method does not require complex numerical operations, but is obtained using a simple analysis of the relative influence of the different layers within a construction on its overall dynamic behaviour. The method has been used to compare the dynamic response of four different typical constructions of varying thickness and materials as well as two more complex constructions as a proof of concept. When compared with a model that truthfully represents all layers in the construction, the new method is largely accurate and outperforms the only other model in the literature obtained with an analytical method.

Code-to-Code Validation and Application of a Dynamic Simulation Tool for the Building Energy Performance Analysis

“…Moreover, in the last years, the research in the building energy saving field as led to the investigation of new building integrated technologies and innovative heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems often supported by renewable energies or innovative control strategies [33]. Thus, in order to analyze the energy performance of innovative building plant systems and to predict the whole building thermodynamic behavior, more and more suitable detailed mathematical algorithms/models for computer-based simulation and optimization analyses are being developed and used [11,22,24,34]. In general, in detailed building models, the energy response of each thermal zone is suitably analyzed by taking into account almost all the physical phenomena.…”

Performance of a dynamic distributed element heat emitter model embedded into a third order lumped parameter building model

“…The lumped parameter method has established a computationally efficient approach that achieves sufficient accuracy [9,18] without iteration [15,22]. Despite being a relatively underresearched alternative method compared to others such as the conduction transform function method and numerical methods, the lumped parameter method is the simplest method for modelling building thermal response [8].…”

Impact on energy requirements and emissions of heat pumps and micro-cogenerators participating in demand side management

“…2. This is similar to the approach taken by Sulka and Jenkins (2008) and by Ramallo-González et al (2013). Its use is justified on the basis that the key result of interest to this study is the relative effect on the performance of the heating units rather than an exact value for the heat demand associated with the dwellings (which is highly sensitive to other assumptions such as occupant behaviour, irrespective of the modelling approach adopted).…”