Discrete event heat transfer simulation of a room

Abstract

The paper presents a new proposal of a discrete event simulation (DEVS) model for heat transfer in an enclosure. To our knowledge this is the first proposal in this direction, therefore the model is not comprehensive (has no windows, no ground coupling, etcetera). It is a first step of DEVS into the heat transfer in buildings. The model presented is just one possible implementation for a single thermal zone, although it has been designed to be used in multi-zone models. Common methods like CTF (conduction transfer functions) or RTF (response transfer functions) cannot be used. Instead it employs the successive transition state formulation for the 1D conduction heat transfer through multi-layered walls. An example test room has been calculated and the results compared with software that uses well known methods (CTF, RTF). Finally the DEVS model has been tested with a random convective internal-load signal.