A Practical Guide to Building Thermal Modelling
The development of thermal models is now an integral part of the design process, in particular to demonstrate compliance with the Building Regulations. In addition, project teams are increasingly being asked to commit to future energy use.
Modelling can provide accurate energy consumption data for a set of defined input criteria, but it generally requires that assumptions are made, and this may generate risks for a project. It is important therefore that thermal models are subject to rigorous quality control to mitigate this risk, reduce design errors and provide an audit trail in the event of future disputes or claims.
A Practical Guide to Building Thermal Modelling (BG48/2013) was published by BSRIA in 2013. It was written by Richard Tudor of WSP, with input from industry representatives. It provides an overview of the thermal modelling process with a high-level strategic approach to quality requirements.
It provides practical guidance about the delivery of thermal models based on feedback from practising engineers, focussing on dynamic and compliance modelling rather than computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation.
It covers planning, model construction, model output reporting, filing and archiving. It is primarily aimed at thermal modellers, but also provides guidance for organisations undertaking thermal modelling to improve working practices and help mitigate risks.
The guide is available in print, pdf and eBook format from the BSRIA bookshop.
--BSRIA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- BSRIA.
- BSRIA articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- Building regulations.
- CFD.
- Computational fluid dynamics.
- Computational fluid dynamics in building design: An introduction FB 69.
- Conventions for calculating linear thermal transmittance and temperature factors.
- Dynamic thermal modelling of closed loop geothermal heat pump systems.
- Heating degree days.
- Heat transfer.
- Indoor air velocity.
- Integrating CFD into the design process.
- Passive building design.
- The thermal behaviour of spaces enclosed by fabric membranes (Thesis).
- Thermal behaviour of architectural fabric structures.
- Thermal comfort.
- Thermal comfort and wellbeing.
- Thermal dynamic analysis.
- U-values.
Featured articles and news
Britain's underground asset register
Getting organised below the surface.
Securing suitable water systems.
Love them or hate them, they are popping up everywhere.
The initiative to enhance the environment continues.
Could underused community spaces offer an alternative to working from home?
Keeping workers and workplaces safe in the United States.
A history lesson in geographic information systems.
A low tech, easy to use method of extinguishing small fires.
How can these valued spaces be reused?
Partnership avoids the need for listed building consent.
Connecting building design from inception to completion to operations.
Gregor Harvie predicts interoperability will be construction’s Uber moment.