Efficient simulation of large, controlled passive solar systems: Forward differencing in thermal networks

Abstract Mathematical aspects of thermal network (TN) models are discussed in detail. Emphasis is given to forward differencing (FD) because of its efficiency in large controlled TN models. Accuracy is analyzed. Computational considerations are analyzed in detail. An example is given. FD in TN models is seen to be accurate and efficient in complex buildings. In addition, structural information contained in TN models is easily extracted as a bonus without simulation.