Study on multi-zone airflow model calibration process and validation

Abstract

The multi-zone network models simulating airflow and contaminants distribution inside a building are also useful tools to predict the air tightness of the building. However, the simulation outcomes of the multi-zone network models may have significant deviations from the actual building air tightness because the initial conditions entered for the simulation are commonly selected by subjective judgment of the engineer. Thus, the calibration of the multi-zone network models is required for getting more reliable and objective prediction of building air tightness. In this study, the model calibration process is proposed, and then verified for actual building cases. As a multi-zone network airflow modeling tool, CONTAMW3.1 is selected, and the simulation results acquired at each calibration step are compared to the actual test results. The result shows that the proposed model calibration process improves accuracy of the predicted air tightness of the building.