Computer generation of semi-symbolic thermal network functions of buildings

Abstract

A systematic computer method is presented for generating the symbolic transfer functions of buildings, which have several inherent merits in sensitivity analysis, optimum design and control studies. After introducing the concept of a generalized-node admittance matrix, a new formulation particularly suitable for the semi-symbolic (i.e. some of the network parameters being symbols) network analysis of buildings is described. An algorithm based on both the new formulation and an algebraic method is further developed in order to eliminate as many invalid symbol combinations as possible for the efficient generation of semi-symbolic thermal-network functions of buildings. An example demonstrating the application and efficiency of this method is included.