A general approach for generating reduced-order models for large multi-zone buildings

Abstract

Many approaches for reducing model complexities have been suggested for characterizing the dynamic behaviour of buildings. However, previous work has focused on buildings that have a relatively small number of zones and there have been very limited comparisons with experimental data or with the predictions and computational requirements of validated simulation models that are widely used. In particular, the applicability to large multi-zone buildings has not been addressed. This is an important application, where the cost to generate a reduced-order model (ROM) can be significant, but the benefits of ROM for analysis and design for building system can be tremendous. This paper presents a general and computationally efficient approach for generating a ROM from a detailed representation of the dynamics of commercial sized multi-zone buildings and provides comparisons of predictions and computational requirements with a commercial building simulation tool.