An algorithm to generate space boundaries for building energy simulation

We provide an algorithm based on graph theory to convert a three-dimensional architectural building model without defined thermal space boundaries into geometry suitable for import into a whole-building energy performance simulation engine such as EnergyPlus. Our algorithm expects input specified as an Industry Foundation Classes model, accepts a wide variety of input geometry, and is capable of accounting for a building's construction material configuration as well as its geometry. The described approach is limited to solid-to-solid heat exchange; solid-to-fluid and fluid-to-fluid heat exchanges are not considered. We analyze the performance of our algorithm on some test building models.