Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP
As part of IEA EBC Annexes 58 and 71, two comprehensive empirical validation experiments for dynamic building energy simulation (BES) programs were conducted at Fraunhofer IBP in Holzkirchen. The experiments are based on two identical Twin Houses, whose thermal and energy performance was measured under realistic yet controlled boundary conditions. The resulting BES validation datasets contain information on building geometry, envelope constructions, building services systems, occupancy profiles, weather data, and the collected measurement data. They enable simulation models to be built in a transparent and reproducible manner, allow simulation results to be checked against measured data, and support the assessment of the accuracy and predictive capability of building energy simulations under near-realistic conditions.
The objective of the BES Model Validation was to provide a robust basis for the empirical testing of building energy simulation (BES) programs. To this end, experiments were designed beyond simple single-zone test cells and idealized boundary conditions: the Twin Houses were operated under defined heating, ventilation, occupancy, and moisture scenarios, thereby representing the key building physics processes of real residential buildings. At the same time, geometry, building components, thermal bridges, building services systems, meteorological boundary conditions, and operational profiles were documented in detail to allow modelers to replicate the buildings in a reproducible manner.
The focus is on the quality and transparency of the validation datasets. These comprise experiment specifications, supplementary technical documentation, photographs and drawings, as well as measurement data in tabular form. By providing this information, the datasets support research, software development, and quality assurance in the field of building energy simulation.
