Introduction to Building Energy Modeling

There is good reason that so much attention is paid to the concept of mathematical model in engineering and physics curriculum. Simple regressions derived from empirical data, differential equations based on first-principles, or detailed computational fluid dynamic simulations each provide an analytical framework that yields insight into the behavior of physical systems. In turn, those insights can lead to design decisions that have real impact on safety, cost, and performance of the cars we drive, the power grids that deliver our electricity, and the energy efficiency of the buildings we live and work in.