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

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