Abstract
Hourly global solar radiation in a weather file is one of the significant parameters for improving building energy performance analyses using simulation programs. However, most weather stations worldwide are not equipped with solar radiation sensors because they tend to be difficult to manage. In South Korea, only twenty-two out of ninety-two weather stations are equipped with sensors, and there are large areas not equipped with any sensors. Thus, solar radiation must often be calculated by reliable solar models. Hence, it is important to find a reliable model that can be applied in the wide variety of weather conditions seen in South Korea. In this study, solar radiation in the southeastern part of South Korea was calculated using three solar models: cloud-cover radiation model (CRM), Zhang and Huang model (ZHM), and meteorological radiation model (MRM). These values were then compared to measured solar radiation data. After that, the calculated solar radiation data from the three solar models were used in a building energy simulation for an office building with various window characteristics conditions, in order to identify how solar radiation differences affect building energy performance. It was found that a seasonal solar model for the area should be developed to improve building energy performance analysis.
Highlights
To analyze building energy performance using building energy simulation programs, detailed simulation inputs, including building envelope characteristics, mechanical and electrical systems inputs of a targeted building, and appropriate weather files, are all necessary
A quantitative comparative analysis of an office building energy performance was conducted using four different weather files containing hourly measured global solar radiation and hourly solar radiation calculated through three different solar models: cover radiation model (CRM), Zhang and Huang model (ZHM), and meteorological radiation model (MRM)
The model should be improved by considering seasonal characteristics, which could be accomplished by using additional weather parameters, such as sunshine duration, atmospheric pressure, and so on
Summary
To analyze building energy performance using building energy simulation programs, detailed simulation inputs, including building envelope characteristics, mechanical and electrical systems inputs of a targeted building, and appropriate weather files, are all necessary. Appropriate weather files include reliable weather parameter data measured from a location where a targeted building is located; this compilation includes hourly dry-bulb, wet-bulb, and dew-point temperatures; wind direction and speed; atmospheric pressure; and solar radiation. Most simulation programs generally require two of the following: global horizontal, horizontal diffuse, and direct normal solar radiation. Only twenty-two weather stations in major cities, including Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, etc., have equipment for measuring solar radiation [2]. If solar radiation data are required for areas outside of major cities, they must be calculated using reliable solar radiation models
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
