The simulation of building heat transfer for passive solar systems

✍ Scribed by A.F. Emery; C.J. Kippenhan; D.R. Heerwagen; G.B. Varey

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1981
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 748 KB
• Volume: 3
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0378-7788
• DOI: 10.1016/0378-7788(81)90012-8

✦ Synopsis

A numerical simulation program, based upon a finite difference nodal network, was used to simulate two Los Alamos test cells (one single and one multi-room cell)and a typical residence --all of which were exposed to intense insolation and large changes in ambient weather conditions. For the test cells, the predicted surface and globe temperatures are in good agreement with the measured values and indicate the acceptability of thermal modeling.

The program was used to predict the behavior of a residential structure. The process of refining these predictions, guided by observations, led to the development of a stepwise simulation methodology. The insights gained a,s a result of this interdisciplinary involvement have been stimulating and instructive. The importance of recognizing the differences in the thought processes and the work styles of the several professions has been demonstrated. The most effective simulation methodology was that based upon human comfort, which appeared to be a common perception amongst all the program users.