Ron Judkoff

Applying the building energy simulation test (BESTEST) diagnostic method to verification of space conditioning equipment models used in whole-building energy simulation programs

Validation of building energy simulation programs consists of a combination of empirical validation, analytical verification, and comparative analysis techniques. An analytical verification and comparative diagnostic procedure was developed to test the ability of whole-building simulation programs to model the performance of unitary space-cooling equipment that is typically modeled using manufacturer design data presented as empirically derived performance maps. This procedure is based on the International Energy Agency (IEA) building energy simulation test (BESTEST) diagnostic method and systematically tests whole-building energy simulation software by comparing results from such software to analytical solutions that were developed for the test cases. Field trials of the new procedure were conducted by researchers from nations participating in the IEA Solar Heating and Cooling (SHC) Programme Task 22, using a number of detailed hourly simulation programs from Europe and the US, including: CA-SIS, CLIM2000, ENERGYPLUS, PROMETHEUS, TRNSYS-TUD, and two versions of DOE-2.1E. This article also includes discussion about simulation validation methodologies.

Evaluation of the Low-Energy Design Process and Energy Performance of the Zion National Park Visitor Center: Preprint

In line with the mission of the National Park Service, the Zion National Park Visitor Center was designed to use 70% less energy than a comparable visitor center built to Federal Energy Code 10 CFR 435 (DOE 1995). The authors and NFS staff used an integrated design process, including extensive simulations, to minimize the energy consumption. The result was a passive solar commercial building that has a good thermal envelope, daylighting, and natural ventilation. Passive downdraft cooltowers provide all the cooling. Two Trombe walls provide a significant amount of the heating. After two years of metering, the results show a net energy use intensity of 24.7 kBtu/ft2 (280.5 MJ/m 2 ) and a 67% energy cost saving. Low energy use and aggressive demand management result in an energy cost intensity of

Building Energy Simulation Test for Existing Homes (BESTEST-EX)

0.43/ft 2 (

Building Energy Simulation Test for Existing Homes (BESTEST-EX); Phase 1 Test Procedure: Building Thermal Fabric Cases

4.63/m 2 ). The paper discusses lessons learned related to the design process, daylighting, PV system, and HVAC system.

Example Procedures for Developing Acceptance-Range Criteria for BESTEST-EX

This presentation is a briefing package that provides an overview of the BESTEST-EX methodology

International Energy Agency BESTEST for Ground Coupled Heat Transfer

This report documents the initial Phase 1 test process for testing the reliability of software models that predict retrofit energy savings of existing homes, including their associated calibration methods.

Model Validation and Testing: The Methodological Foundation of ASHRAE Standard 140

This document provides an example procedure for establishing acceptance-range criteria to assess results from software undergoing BESTEST-EX. This example method for BESTEST-EX is a modified version of the method described in HERS BESTEST.

HVAC BESTEST: A Procedure for Testing the Ability of Whole-Building Energy Simulation Programs to Model Space Conditioning Equipment: Preprint

Recommended Citation Neymark, J., Judkoff, R., Beausoleil-Morrison, I., Crowley, M., Deru, M., Henninger, R., Nakhi, A., Ribberink, H., Thornton, J., Wijsman, A., Witte, M. (2008). IEA BESTEST In-Depth Diagnostic Cases for Ground Coupled Heat Transfer Related to Slab-On-Grade Construction. Golden, Colorado: National Renewable Energy Laboratory. In Conjunction with International Energy Agency Solar, Heating and Cooling Programme Task 34 / Energy Conservation in Buildings and Community Systems Annex 43. [Available at http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy08osti/43388.pdf ]