Building energy simulation

Building energy simulation, also called building energy modeling (or energy modeling in context), is the use of software to predict the energy use of a building.

A typical energy model will have inputs for climate; envelope; internal gains from lighting, equipment, and occupants; heating, cooling, and ventilation systems; schedules of occupants, equipment, and lighting. Energy models will output building energy use predictions in typical end-use categories: heating, cooling, lighting, fan, plug, process. In addition to energy units, most software includes utility rates input, and can predict energy costs.

Energy-savings measures can be calculated using simple spreadsheets and a wide variety of bespoke software applications are available.

There are normally occurring uncertainties in building design and building energy assessment. Yezioro, Dong and Leite developed an artificial intelligence approach towards assessing building performance simulation results and found that more detailed simulation tools have the best simulation performance in terms of heating and cooling electricity consumption within 3% of mean absolute error.

Professional Associations supporting energy modeling.

Certifications

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