Comparison of Lumped Simulation Models for Three Different Building Envelopes

Abstract—Over the last several decades, shading devices such as blinds, louvers, roll shades, etc., have received much attention due to their roles as indoor environmental controllers (preventing glare, blocking shortwave radiation, and contributing to thermal comfort). In order to allow the aforementioned systems to act as true optimal controllers, a fast and accurate mathematical model that is able to predict the dynamic behavior of the system is necessary. This paper describes the development of a lumped simulation model of an indoor blind system adjacent to double glazing (6 mm clear+12 mm air + 6 mm low-e). This is typical of office building shading systems in Korea. Rather than attempting to develop the most detailed and accurate model of the system, the approach described in this paper is based on the postulated minimalistic model augmented with a parameter estimation technique. The lumped simulation model was validated with measurements obtained from an in-situ, full-scale experimental facility mounted on the south-facing façade. It was found that the calibration method delivers accurate results for the unknown parameters (convective heat transfer coefficients and air permeability of the shading device), allowing the calibrated lumped model to be used in ensuing optimal control and performance studies. Keywords-blind; lumped model; parameter estimation; calibration; validation. I