Thermo-energetic simulation in openmodelica and energyplus: Test case from standard VDI 2078

Abstract

In this work, the test case 1 of german standard VDI 2078 is used to compare the softwares OpenModelica and EnergyPlus. The mentioned standard provides calculation methods of thermal load and temperature and test cases for validation of thermal zones’ models. This case’s behavior was evaluated in both softwares, keeping the reference values provided by the standard. Pearson’s correlation coefficient calculated between the values obtained by OpenModelica and EnergyPlus for zone air temperature, operative temperature and thermal load for the thermal zone type M are, respectively, 0,98 (very strong correlation), 0,87 (strong correlation) and 0,99 (very strong correlation). Among the reasons for deviations in results from both programs are the calculation method of thermal resistances and capacitances and of radiative coefficient, as well as the treatment of zone’s internal mass.