The EnergyPlus low-temperature radiant model was experimentally validated by comparing measured data with results predicted by the model for a radiantly heated and cooled residence. The measured data were obtained from an instrumented house located in Carefree, Arizona, and monitored by Arizona State University. The study showed that the low-temperature radiant model is sensitive to both the construction parameters, including specification of the thermal mass, and the system parameters. Interaction of the complex thermal processes that result in a given thermal comfort level can be accurately predicted by a carefully tuned EnergyPlus model. On the other hand, a high degree of uncertainty in either the building specification or the system specification can lead to significant errors in the predicted space comfort and energy consumption.

Units: Dual