WP126: Formalizing Approximations, Assumptions, and Simplifications to Document Limitations in Building Energy Performance Simulation

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Abstract/Contents

Abstract: Differences between measured and simulated building energy performance are often caused by limitations of building energy performance simulation (BEPS) models. These limitations can be documented with simulation approximations, assumptions, and simplifications (AAS). Existing literature mentions only a project-specific subset of these AAS and does not provide a formal process for detecting limitations of BEPS tools, differences between measured and simulated data and thus building energy performance problems This paper describes a list of critical simulation AAS that describe limitations of simulation input data, shortcomings of BEPS tools, and the use of simulation concepts by users. We describe semi-automated mechanisms for generating input data to reduce the influence of AAS on simulation results, and for identifying performance problems from differences between measured and simulated data. Based on four case studies, we provide specific evidence of AAS in EnergyPlus, include recommendations for improving BEPS tools generally for more realistic use during operation, and discuss future research directions to increase the quality of simulated performance data.

Type of resource	text
Date created	August 2012

Subject	CIFE
Subject	Center for Integrated Facility Engineering
Subject	Stanford University
Subject	Approximation
Subject	Assumptions
Subject	Building Energy Performance
Subject	Simplifications
Subject	Simulated Performance Data
Subject	Simulation
Genre	Technical report

Location	https://purl.stanford.edu/tb375jd6993

Use and reproduction: User agrees that, where applicable, content will not be used to identify or to otherwise infringe the privacy or confidentiality rights of individuals. Content distributed via the Stanford Digital Repository may be subject to additional license and use restrictions applied by the depositor.

Preferred Citation: Maile, Tobias and Fischer, Martin and Haymaker, John and Bazjanac, Vladimir. (2012). WP126: Formalizing Approximations, Assumptions, and Simplifications to Document Limitations in Building Energy Performance Simulation. Stanford Digital Repository. Available at: http://purl.stanford.edu/tb375jd6993

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