ABSTRACT
The theories of chapters 2 through 6 require that geometrical quantities, weather variables and heat transfer parameters be available at the time of equation formation. This chapter describes procedures for the determination of these essential data. These procedures may be invoked prior to a simulation or at each simulation time-step in the case of time dependent parameters.
7.1 Weather In most simulations the aim is to test alternative design possibilities against relatively short period data that characterise typical or extreme weather conditions for the location in question. In this way undesirable options may be disregarded before the near final scheme is subjected to long term simulations, usually annual, to determine energy consumption trends. The selection of an annual weather collection requires some care. Of particular importance is the applicability of the data in relation to the design problem in hand. Generally, two conditions require to be met:
