Calibration of hourly energy simulations using hourly monitored data and monthly utility records for two case study buildings

This paper presents a calibration methodology using only two to four weeks of hourly monitored and monthly utility records. The methodology was developed and tested using two case study buildings. The building and HVAC systems data were collected from the building drawings and site visits. “On-off “ tests were conducted to accurately determine the power densities of the temperature-independent loads. The 24-hour use profiles were derived from the hourly monitored whole-building electricity use. The results were analyzed statistically, by calculating the CV(RMSE) and total percent difference; and visually, by comparing the hourly and monthly whole-building electricity use, the 24-hour use profiles, and the daily and monthly peak demands. Results from the two case study buildings showed that when the model was calibrated to the short-term hourly monitored data, it compared favorably to long-term monitored data as recorded in the monthly utility records. This confirms that energy use in existing buildings can be predicted with acceptable accurately without requiring long-term hourly monitored data.