Energy Calculations
ASHRAE Technical Committee 4.7

• Physics-Based Modeling (PBM) Subcommittee

• The Physics-Based Modeling (PBM) subcommittee develops, applies, and validates physics-based models, algorithms, and computational frameworks for building performance calculations. Physics-based models simulate real systems using mathematical equations to describe the interactions and physical phenomena. Physics-based modeling is sometimes referred to as forward modeling and can be used to predict the behavior of systems that do not yet exist and for which there is no performance data.
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• Data-Driven Modeling (DDM) Subcommittee

• The Data-Driven Modeling (DDM) subcommittee focuses on the development of models, algorithms, and computational frameworks (such as machine learning and artificial intelligence) that use data, either measured or simulated, to determine model forms and/or parameters for predicting energy consumption and environmental conditions. Uses of these models and algorithms include measurement and verification, load disaggregation, energy forecasting, and advanced controls. Hybrid methods are included in this scope that incorporate both data-driven models and physics-based models.
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• Handbook Subcommittee

• The Handbook subcommittee is concerned with developing and maintaining material that appears in the ASHRAE handbooks relating to energy calculation. The subcommittee works with handbook subcommittees of other TCs and the special publications department of ASHRAE in preparing the handbook material on a regular handbook update cycle. TC4.7 is responsible for the following chapter in the ASHRAE Handbook Fundamentals - Chapter 19 "Energy Estimating & Modeling." Energy requirements of HVAC systems directly affect a building’s operating cost and indirectly affect the environment. This chapter discusses methods for estimating energy use for two purposes: modeling for building and HVAC system design and associated design optimization (PBM), and modeling energy use of existing buildings for establishing baselines, calculating retrofit savings, and implementing model predictive control (DDM).
• Comment on the Handbook: ASHRAE welcomes your comments on the Handbook or a specific Handbook chapter.  To submit a comment about any aspect or part of the Handbook series, you can use the Handbook Comment Form.
• Review a Handbook Chapter: To provide your feedback about a specific Handbook chapter, you can answer the brief survey questions on the Handbook Chapter Review Form.
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• Research Subcommittee

• Technical Committees are responsible for identifying research topics, proposing research projects, selecting bidders, and monitoring research projects funded by ASHRAE. Information about their specific research program is discussed at each TC meeting and at the PBM and DDM Subcommittee meetings.
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• Program Subcommittee

• Technical committees develop and sponsor technical sessions at the winter and annual conferences. Information about their future technical program is discussed at each TC meeting and at the PBM and DDM Subcommittee meetings.
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• Standard Subcommittee

• Technical committees are responsible for the administrative functions of: 1) initiating the development of new standards, guidelines, or portions thereof; 2) initiating revision, reaffirmation, or withdrawal of existing standards, guidelines, or portions thereof, for which the TC is the designated cognizant TC and no PC (project committee) exists. Information about standards, for which the TC is the designated cognizant TC, is discussed at each TC meeting.
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ASHRAE writes standards to establish consensus for 1) methods of test for use in commerce, and 2) performance criteria for use as facilitators with which to guide the industry. ASHRAE publishes the following three types of voluntary consensus standards: Method of Measurement or Test (MOT), Standard Design and Standard Practice. ASHRAE does not write rating standards unless a suitable rating standard will not otherwise be available. ASHRAE is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and follows ANSI's requirements for due process and standards development. Standards may be purchased at the ASHRAE Bookstore.

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• This TC is cognizant for the following standards and proposed standards:
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•     • ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 140: Method of Test for Evaluating Building Performance Simulation Software
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•     • ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 205: Representation of Performance Data for HVAC&R and Other Facility Equipment
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•     • ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 209: Energy Simulation Aided Design for Buildings except Low-Rise Residential Buildings
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•     • Proposed Standard: SPC 229p: Protocols for Evaluating Ruleset Application in Building Performance Models
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•     • Proposed Standard: SPC 232p: Common Content and Specifications for Building Data Schemas
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ASHRAE Technical FAQs are provided as a service to ASHRAE members, users of ASHRAE publications, and the general public. While every effort has been made to ensure their accuracy and reliability, they are advisory and provided for informational purposes only, and in many cases represent only one person’s view. They are not intended and should not be relied on as an official statement of ASHRAE. Technical questions not addressed may be submitted to the ASHRAE Technical Services department at tse@ashrae.net.

This TC is responsible for the following FAQs:

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• What are the aims and scope of TC 4.7?
• ASHRAE Technical Committee 4.7 Energy Calculations identifies, evaluates, develops, and recommends procedures for calculating energy performance of the built environment. TC 4.7 procures research projects, organizes program events, prepares handbook information, and is responsible for standards relating to building performance modeling.
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• How can I contribute to TC 4.7?
• TC 4.7 meets at ASHRAE Winter and Annual conferences. Our meetings are open to everyone, including ASHRAE members, non-members, and visitors. All committee work is performed voluntarily. To become a corresponding member before the annual meeting, when the roster is updated, please use this link.