A validation methodology aid for improving a thermal building model: case of diffuse radiation accounting in a tropical climate

• Published in: Energy and buildings 2001-09, Vol.33 (7), p.711-718
• Main Authors: Lauret, A.J.P., Mara, T.A., Boyer, H., Adelard, L., Garde, F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Building technical equipments; Buildings; Buildings. Public works; Computation methods. Tables. Charts; Diffuse solar radiation; Energy management and energy conservation in building; Engineering Sciences; Environmental engineering; Exact sciences and technology; Mechanics; Model validation; Physics; Sensitivity analysis; Shadow mask; Structural analysis. Stresses; Thermics; Time–frequency analysis
• ISSN: 0378-7788
• DOI: 10.1016/S0378-7788(00)00133-X

As part of our efforts to complete the software CODYRUN validation, we chose as test building a block of flats constructed in Reunion island, which has a humid tropical climate. The sensitivity analysis allowed us to study the effects of both diffuse and direct solar radiation on our model of this building. With regard to the choice and location of sensors, this stage of the study also led us to measure the solar radiation falling on the windows. The comparison of measured and predicted radiation clearly showed that our predictions overestimated the incoming solar radiation, and we were able to trace the problem to the algorithm which calculates diffuse solar radiation. By calculating view factors between the windows and the associated shading devices, changes to the original program allowed us to improve the predictions, and so this article shows the importance of sensitivity analysis in this area of research.