Development and Calibration of a Model of a University Building

Several simulation tools are available to evaluate the energy performance of buildings. EnergyPlus, a building energy analysis program, was first released in 2001. Several researchers have evaluated particular features of the program in specific context. However, only a limited amount of information, related to the simulation of large buildings, has been published so far. This work presents the development of a model of an academic building using the EnergyPlus program. The Concordia Sciences building has a total floor area of 32,000 m2. The size and the complexity of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning and heat recovery systems make the modeling process a challenge and an excellent way to evaluate the capabilities and features of EnergyPlus. The approach taken to develop the computer model, the analysis of measured data, the approach taken to calibrate the model, the results of calibration as well as comments about problems encountered throughout the process are presented. The model is calibrated over the spring season, from March 20th to June 20th.