Improving the Characterization of Infiltration and Natural Ventilation Parameters in Whole-Building Energy Models of Multi-Unit Residential Buildings

This thesis investigated two low-cost, easy-to-implement procedures to reduce parameter uncertainty for infiltration and natural ventilation inputs in whole-building energy models. Window component infiltration rate testing was conducted at two buildings to develop a component-weighted average infiltration rate. Incorporation of these building-specific measurements reduced parameter uncertainty and accounted for the variation in zone infiltration rates based on type and quantity of leakage paths. The discretization of the infiltration rate can improve energy retrofit models specifically targeting building infiltration, by setting bounds on the maximum possible improvement. Various sensors were tested for their appropriateness in window monitoring applications. An accelerometer, state logger and string potentiometer were tested on both a sliding window and a tilting window. No one sensor distinguished itself as ideal for all applications so selection should be tailored to the window type and monitoring goals. Data on window operation patterns and schedules can improve energy model calibration.M.A.S