A simplified dynamic model for existing buildings using CTF and thermal network models

An alternative simplified building model is developed to describe existing building system aiming at providing performance benchmark for performance evaluation and diagnosis at building level and performance prediction for air-conditioning system optimal control. This model combines detailed physical models of building envelopes and a thermal network model of building internal mass. The detailed physical models are the CTF (Conduction Transfer Function) models of building envelopes based on the easily available detailed physical properties of exterior walls and roof. The thermal network model is the 2R2C model, and its parameters are estimated and optimized using genetic algorithm with short-term monitored operation data. The parameter optimization of the simplified building internal mass model (2R2C) and the simplified dynamic building model (i.e., CTF + 2R2C model) are validated in a high-rising commercial office building under various weather conditions. This CTF + 2R2C model is an alternative modeling approach for simulating the overall building dynamic thermal performance when CTF model is chosen to model the building envelope.