Identification of Building Envelope Overall Coefficient of Heat Transfer Using Recursive Least Squares Algorithm

This paper introduces the methodology and procedures of identification of overall coefficient of heat transfer (U-factor) of building envelopes using recursive least squares algorithm and dynamic heat transfer data. Application this method to three types of typical to examine the correctness and feasibility of this method. The following conclusions can be obtained: 1) Identification of U-factor of building envelopes using recursive least squares algorithm is feasible for engineering purpose, the identified U-factor can be near to its real value; 2)The testing periods can be much shorter than the steady testing; 3)The identification error is associated with the thermal inertia. The error is larger as the thermal inertia of building envelope is large within the same testing circumstances.