Date of Award

2014

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Computer Engineering

First Advisor

Cherif Megri, Ahmed

Abstract

Various modeling approaches have been developed and applied to predict the heat and mass transfer phenomena within buildings. In consideration of the complexity of the phenomena observed, the results expected, the parameters investigated, and the degree of accuracy required, these modeling approaches can be categorized into three groups: Single-zone (and multi-zone) models, Zonal models, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models. Zonal models, which combine the simplicity of single/multi-zone models with the comprehensiveness of CFD models, become better substitutes to predict detailed indoor thermal and airflow behaviors. Based on a geometrical partition of a room into a number of subzones, zonal models can provide more accurate and detailed results than single/multi-zone models and use less computer resources than CFD models. In this work, firstly, a comprehensive building thermal modeling approach has been developed by integrating the zonal model, Pressurized zOnal Model with the Air diffuser (POMA), with a building multi-zone thermal model, in order to improve the prediction aptitudes of the model used in building environment, in terms of accuracy and comprehensiveness. Secondly, this developed integrated thermal model has been used for various building systems and applications, such as the estimation of building load and/or energy saving, the determination of the appropriate set point and position of room thermostat, and the prediction of indoor thermal comfort levels. In these applications, two systems have been considered, the UnderFloor Air Distribution (UFAD) system and the general heating system. Distinct advantages of this developed model over the conventional single/multi-zone thermal modeling approach have been demonstrated.

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