Guidelines for implementing advanced thermal analysis methods in building design

Abstract

Although the thermal environment of buildings with thermally complex building envelopes can be predicted, comprehensive guidelines are not available for designers to implement the thermal-environment analysis. Therefore, this study examines the application scope of advanced thermal-analysis methods from the designers’ perspective. The results of the simple model were consistent with the experimental values, with an error of approximately 0.5°C. The analytically determined convective heat-transfer-coefficient values were within 0.3–0.5°W・m2K, and the difference in the predicted values between the results of the simplified and detailed models was minor. The convective heat transfer coefficient calculated using the reference temperature defined at the dimensionless distance y+ was more accurate than that was obtained using the general energy simulation incorporating the boundary-layer theory. Although the simplified advection rate had a maximum error of approximately 150 m3/h, it was considered acceptable. The differences amongst the zones were less than 0.59°C, which is considered minor. The results obtained by using summer advection were sufficiently accurate. Furthermore, the dew-point temperature was used to evaluate the risk of dew condensation. Specifically, the results indicated that the introduction of outside air increased the risk of condensation on the floor.