Comparison of building cooling capacities modelled in different ways using IDA ICE program

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to investigate how the IDA ICE building simulation produces the most accurate results for cooling capacities and sub-needs, and what are the main differences between the models. The paper is based on an office building at 59 Lvivo Street, Vilnius, for which 3 models have been developed. Model 1 is a building with all the rooms, model 2 is modelled with exclusive floors and a typical office floor which is replicated using the multiplication function, model 3 is modelled with exclusive floors and the typical floor is created as a single area. The building simulation results in the power and heat gains per unit area of the building cooling system, which are highest in model 3. The results of models 1 and 2 are similar, with differences often less than 10%, and the difference in heat gains due to occupants or fresh air supply are due to the non-significant change in the layout of the typical floor. The most important aspect of the model comparison is the peak cooling capacity, which shows the real difference between the models and is crucial for the selection of ventilation system equipment. The difference in peak power between Models 1 and 2 is 6%, while between Models 3 and 2 it is 25%. This shows that the most accurate data is obtained for Models 1 and 2.