Validation of a dynamic simulation of a classroom HVAC system by comparison with a real model

Abstract

When a HVAC system is selected for the hygrothermal and air quality conditioning of buildings, usually some uncertainty arises as how the energy diffusion/emission system will actually behave in the rooms under study, as well as how energy-efficient it will be in comparison with other alternative systems with similar characteristics. Despite there are many predictive methods for determining the energy balance in generic rooms in order to size their air conditioning systems (HVAC), either by measurements or nodal simulation, there is also a certain lack of knowledge as to whether the use of the building’s energy is correct, as well as its transmission efficiency in habitable venues considered as tridimensional spaces, with occupants, furniture, equipment, and other heat sources that actively intervene in the system. In order to predict the behaviour of these exchange systems, it is necessary to resort to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), previously validating the computer tool by comparison with measurements in existing buildings