Use of EnergyPlus as an analysis tool to test the influence of constructional parameters on mold growth factors

Computer simulation was carried out with EnergyPlus software in order to understand the influence of thermal insulation and solar orientation in environmental conditions that can promotes mold growth. The object of study is a naturally ventilated low-rise residential building, located in subtropical climate, Brazil. The values used for occupancy, lighting and ventilation standards were set to occur at certain times or under different climatic conditions, with the aim of simulating a residence under natural conditions. As a result, it was observed that the system without insulation presented better ventilation conditions, so a smaller number of cases were observed due to the greater possibility of thermal variation and the internal relative humidity.