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Can EnergyPlus fully replace WUFI for thermal behaviour simulations?

asked 9 years ago

luis melo's avatar

updated 9 years ago

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 9 years ago

updated 9 years ago

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's avatar Thierry Nouidui  ( 9 years ago )

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

MJWitte's avatar MJWitte  ( 9 years ago )
4

answered 9 years ago

Archmage's avatar

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.

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Asked: 9 years ago

Seen: 853 times

Last updated: May 04 '16