Comparison between measured and calculated energy performance for dwellings in a summer dominant environment

The objective of this study is to present a comparison between the measured and the calculated energy performance of dwellings. For this purpose, the energy consumption of ten dwellings is measured for one year. The added value of this work is that it is performed in a summer dominant environment. The energy needs of the same dwellings are also calculated by means of the methodology based on European Standards described in the CEN/TR 15615:2008 technical report. According to the findings of this study, a large gap exists between the calculated and the measured energy consumption of the examined dwellings. In order to evaluate the reasons for this deviation, a detailed analysis of the heating and cooling loads of the dwellings is performed. The intermittent heating of the building is found to be simulated accurately by the employed methodology, whereas the comparison between the calculated and the measured cooling loads reveals a large deviation of about 150%. Based on the findings of this study, a factor of 0.6 should be adopted in the case of cooling schedule, compared to the heating operation of the building.

► We compare the measured and the calculated energy performance of buildings.
► The energy consumption of ten dwellings is measured for one year.
► Their energy needs are calculated by applying a CEN/TR 15615:2008 based methodology with the use of the SBEM software.
► The study is performed in a summer dominant environment.
► A large deviation between calculation and measurement is revealed, especially for cooling loads.