Evaluation of simplified building energy models for urban-scale energy analysis of buildings

Simplification of building energy models is one the most common approaches for efficiently estimating performance buildings over a whole city. In city-scale models, abstraction into an information model and division representative thermal zones cannot be building-specific but must generic applicable to many buildings. Considering limited research on such methods, in this study, comprehensive evaluation relevant assumptions zoning configurations levels detail conducted three simulation tools IDA ICE, TRNSYS, EnergyPlus. The findings from configuration level its comparison with measured suggest that single-zone residential gives very similar result multi-zone core zone perimeter every floor building. For model, ICE overestimates EnergyPlus underestimates demand compared more complex by approximately same amount, preferred due shorter time. It also proven higher can increase accuracy results 6% annually. When extending scope study district analysis where somewhat lesser degree allowed individual building, simplified give acceptable results. • Zoning LoDs UBEMs were analyzed using BEM tools. Results validated gave different responses simplifications. Simplified deviated negligibly detailed models.