Influence of Building Envelope Modeling Parameters on Energy Simulation Results

Simon Muhič, Dimitrije Manić (), Ante Čikić and Mirko Komatina
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Simon Muhič: Institute for Renewable Energy and Efficient Exergy Use, INOVEKS d.o.o., Cesta 2. grupe odredov 17, 1295 Ivančna Gorica, Slovenia
Dimitrije Manić: The Innovation Center of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Belgrade, Kraljice Marije 16, 11120 Belgrade, Serbia
Ante Čikić: Department of Mechatronics, University North, 104. Brigade 3, 42000 Varaždin, Croatia
Mirko Komatina: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Belgrade, Kraljice Marije 16, 11120 Belgrade, Serbia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 12, 1-17

Abstract: This study investigates the influence of input values for building energy model parameters on simulation results, with the aim of improving the reliability and sustainability of energy performance assessments. Dynamic simulations were conducted in TRNSYS for three theoretical multi-residential buildings, varying parameters such as referent model dimensions, infiltration rates, envelope thermophysical properties, and interior thermal capacitance. The case study, based in Slovenia, demonstrates that glazing-related parameters, particularly the solar heat gain coefficient (g-value), exert the most significant influence—reducing the g-value from 0.62 to 0.22 decreased simulated heating ( q H,nd ) and cooling ( q C,nd ) demands by 25% and 95%, respectively. In contrast, referent dimensions for modeled floor area proved least influential. For Building III (BSF = 0.36), dimensional variations altered results by less than ±1%, whereas, for Building I (BSF = 0.62), variations reached up to ±20%. In general, lower shape factors yield more robust energy models that are less sensitive to input deviations. These findings are critical for promoting resource-efficient simulation practices and ensuring that energy modeling contributes effectively to sustainable building design. Understanding which inputs warrant detailed attention supports more targeted and meaningful simulation workflows, enabling more accurate and impactful strategies for building energy efficiency and long-term environmental performance.

Keywords: building energy modeling; dynamic simulation; TRNSYS; envelope modeling parameters; building energy performance (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:12:p:5276-:d:1674019

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