Can EnergyPlus fully replace WUFI for thermal behaviour simulations?

asked 2016-02-26 04:43:00 -0600

luis melo
225 ●2 ●5

updated 2016-03-18 16:30:10 -0600

2208 ●6 ●10 https://github.com/jasondegraw

I need to analyse which is more applicable for whole building simulation take into account that bidirectional transfers were already calculated.

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answered 2016-03-18 14:07:31 -0600

MJWitte

9740 ●6 ●10 http://www.gard.com/

updated 2016-05-03 08:44:00 -0600

My understanding of WUFI is that it can model 1-D and 2-D heat transfer with detailed moisture (hygrothermal) modeling.

Surface heat transfer in EnergyPlus is 1-D transient with limited moisture modeling capabilities which should give similar results to a 1-D WUFI heat transfer model (no moisture).

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I am not sure WUFI can model 3D-heat transfer. WUFI has also limited capability in term of HVAC system modeling.

Thierry Nouidui ( 2016-03-21 10:39:34 -0600 )edit

Correct - no 3D in WUFI. I've edited the answer above.

MJWitte ( 2016-05-03 08:43:32 -0600 )edit

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answered 2016-05-04 08:51:12 -0600

Archmage

7185 ●3 ●11

If by "whole building simulation" you mean annual energy performance of the HVAC and other systems serving the building, then EnergyPlus may be the only choice. WUFI is probably better for a study focused mainly on moisture performance of the envelope. The model in EnergyPlus was similiar to 1-D WUFI at the time HAMT was added. Because of a lack of input data for materials, HAMT has not really been used all that much and it should be used with caution and probably checked against WUFI.