A method for deriving a dynamic system model from actual building performance data

This paper reports a procedure for deriving a dynamic system model from actual building performance data. The modeling procedure has been tested in an actual single-family residence with electric resistance heating and can predict the indoor dry-bulb and mean radiant temperatures as a function of ambient temperature, solar radiation, and the heat input to the system. The model parameters derived from this procedure can be numerically related to the overall heat transfer coefficient for the building and to various significant time constants associated with the building envelope. This modeling procedure can be especially useful for optimal control strategies which require knowledge of the dynamic characteristics of the building system.