Three-dimensional modeling of conditioned and unconditioned basement thermal performance

William P. Bahnfleth, Cynthia A. Cogil, Grenville K. Yuill

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

A detailed, three-dimensional numerical model of the thermal performance of conditioned and unconditioned residential basements is described. The model has the ability to simulate a basement’s geometry, construction, insulation treatment, and environmental control in detail. Hourly weather data are taken from standard Typical Meteorological Year (TMY) files. The transient foundation and soil temperature distributions are calculated using an ADI finite-difference numerical technique for a one-hour time step. A ground surface heat balance accounts for conduction, radiation, convection, and evapotranspiration. On the portion of the foundation wall extending above grade and along interior basement surfaces, both convective and radiative effects are modeled. Unconditioned basement air temperature is computed at each time step by a heat balance algorithm. Capabilities of the model are illustrated through representative case studies.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationBuildings VII
Subtitle of host publicationThermal Performance of Exterior Envelopes of Whole Buildings
PublisherAmerican Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
ISBN (Electronic)1883413702, 9781883413705
StatePublished - Jan 1 1998
Event7th International Conference on Thermal Performance of Exterior Envelopes of Whole Buildings 1998 - Clearwater, United States
Duration: Dec 6 1998Dec 10 1998

Publication series

NameThermal Performance of the Exterior Envelopes of Whole Buildings
ISSN (Electronic)2166-8469

Conference

Conference7th International Conference on Thermal Performance of Exterior Envelopes of Whole Buildings 1998
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityClearwater
Period12/6/9812/10/98

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Civil and Structural Engineering

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