BRINGING ORDER TO THE ENERGY SIMULATION PROCESS

摘要

Building energy simulation practices have become a myriad of approaches and computer programs. The US Army Corps of Engineers, as the largest engineering organization in the country, has been exposed to most of these differing simulation techniques.rnEngineers who are cognizant of the-energy simulation criteria details and computer program applications find it difficult, professionally, to accept at face value the results of energy studies. The type of program used, the ability of the program user, the methodology dictated by the criteria all weigh heavily on the validity of the analysis. If the decision makers (in this case, building owners) are unaware of limitations in the energy analysis tool used for design studies, they may be led into making an incorrect architectural or mechanical system selection.rnProviding consistently credible energy studies would appear to be in the best interest of the energy simulation community. Certainly, support in this effort is expected from the building owners and users.rnThis paper describes the recent efforts by the Corps in addressing these issues. Recommendations for the future are presented.