A THERMAL DESIGN TOOL FOR BUILDINGS IN-GROUND CONTACT

Simulation of the heat flow into the ground underneath a building is u sually performed by means of involved calculation procedures which do not lake into account other heat flow paths. An efficient design tool for buildings in ground contact is lacking. This paper consequently de scribes how heat flow into the ground can be simplified and incorporat ed in an efficient design tool. The design tool is based on a first or der thermal model calculated by means of straightforward equations. Ot her features of the design tool include the simulation of multizone be haviour, comfort temperatures, time dependent thermal parameters such as variable ventilation as well as alternative air-conditioning system s such as evaporative and structural cooling. The proposed simulation of ground contact is validated in 53 existing buildings comprising a w ide range of thermal characteristics.