High quality of calibration accuracy for smart building energy-efficiency opportunities

Abstract

A well-calibrated model is crucial to accurately represent a building’s energy profile. This chapter deals with a building where an underfloor heating system supplied by a geothermal water-to-water heat pump and natural ventilation are the main systems used to maintain comfort conditions. Existing methodologies to establish calibration accuracy are mainly based on whole-building energy consumption comparisons. This research considers whole-building energy consumption with a breakdown of end-use energy consumption. The objective of this work is to develop a two-level calibration methodology which starts with calibration and then continues with the necessary actions for improving building energy efficiency. Finally, the model was simulated to estimate the potential of energy-efficiency improvements. The results of the analysis show that electricity consumption savings and heat released from the heat pump can vary between 20 and 27% on a monthly basis.