3040 -- Verification of a Microcomputer Program Implementing the Mitalas Below-Grade Heat Loss Model

The object of the project reported here was to verify the simulation accuracy of the Mitalas below-grade heat loss model. This was done by verifying the accuracy of its implementation in HOTCAN3 .0, a simple residential energy analysis computer program that does one calculation per month. This verification was performed by comparing HOTCAN 3.0 predictions of energy consumption for full-depth basements and slabs-on-grade with results obtained using a finite difference computer program and an analytical method.

Monthly average heat losses were compared. There was good agreement between the heat loss predictions made by the three different methods for the basement walls. There was also good agreement between the basement floor and slab-on-grade heat loss predictions of HOTCAN 3.0 and the analytical method. There was poor agreement between the HOTCAN 3.0 and finite difference computer program predictions of the basement floor and slab-on-grade heat loss.

In conclusion, it appears that the Mitalas method of predicting basement heat loss is correctly implemented in HOTCAN 3.0. The predictions of HOTCAN 3.0 are in as close agreement with other calculations as the state of the art in this field will permit.

Units: SI