Residential Load Calculations Using the Heat Balance Method

Most residential cooling load calculations rely on CLTD methods that use single-point calculations for at most a few design days.  CLTD procedures make implicit assumptions about the time profiles of heat gains and the moderation of cooling loads by building thermal mass.  The heat balance method has the advantage of first-principles 24 hour calculations – gains are combined following their actual profiles.  It handles subtle interactions that occur in low energy houses and evaluates the effect of temperature swing that is typical of residential systems.  The presentation describes the heat balance method and shows comparisons to CLTD results.