Thermal Analysis of Buildings - Configuration Perturbations and Observed Climate Interface

Results are presented that indicate a proportional relationship between building thermal loads for varying configuration parameters. Through the use of numerous building energy simulations using both the DOE-2.1 and BLAST energy analysis computer programs, it is shown that the relationship is independent of climatic location and covers a broad spectrum of those variables that influence a buildings energy use. The theoretical justification associated with such a phenomenon is treated using a multiple regression-derived algebraic expression that clearly establishes the linear independence of a buildings heat gain/loss components. Procedures are defined for the simplification of future parametric studies of the thermal analysis of buildings using a methodology that incorporates the observations reported herein.