Uncertainty Analysis in Building Energy Measurement with a Case Study

Abstract

Due to the inherent uncertainty of a variety of elements impacting building energy use, uncertainty analysis in building energy assessment has emerged as an active study area. This study aims to assess the uncertainty of building energy measurement for a case study (classroom-cooling system) in a hot and humid region. The temperature and humidity of significant parts of the room and the cooling system have been considered measurement parameters. The required transmitter and data logger has been installed in the case study for data collection. Following measurement verification, data were collected for six months. The values of three uncertainty factors concerning transmitter, data acquisition, and overall uncertainty for each measured parameter have been identified to assess data accuracy. The measurement and uncertainty assessment demonstrates that the cooling system could deliver the appropriate supply of air temperature for thermal comfort with an overall uncertainty value of $\pm 0.68^{\circ}C$ but cannot maintain the necessary humidity ratio for the comfort of the classroom.