Validation and calibration of a biodigester thermal model with Energy Plus

MANRIQUE, S.; MARTIN, J. N.; ESTEVES, ALFREDO; BAREA, GUSTAVO

Roma

Congreso; IBPSA; 2019

Building Simulation 2019 in Rome, Italy

A "3-D" dynamic, thermal-energetic model, using Legacy Open Studio with 3 thermal zones, was developed. With the IDF Editor, materials of the envelope and border conditions of thermal zones were defined. Thermal mass was added for the heat accumulation effect in central zone. The validation study was conducted on an actual biodigester prototype made by the authors (scale 1:10). During 17 days, prototype temperatures, climatic variables and thermographic images were taken. With experimental data from the prototype, a weather file was created, and the model was calibrated. Encouraging adjustments were obtained, the Mean Absolute Error showed a good agreement of 0.70 °C (4,62 %) between the modeled and experimental data. High heat loss pathways to be evaluated and improved were identified.