Technique of Sensitivity Analysis Applied to an Infiltration Multizone Model

This paper presents the results of simulations of test houses using a nodal simulation infiltration code. The two detached houses are three-level family houses consisting of a basement where technical rooms and instruments are placed; the first floor, which is the test level; and a loft. The paper also presents the fractional factorial experimental design used to estimate parameter and interactive effect coefficients; by varying input parameters, such as airtightness and wind speed, for example, it is possible to make obvious which are the critical parameters and what level of confidence is required for input parameters to guarantee a given confidence in the output. The capability of the sensitivity analysis and the mean age-of-air to serve as tools for air quality evaluation is discussed. Comments on parameter interaction, as well as recommendations for a more general sensitivity study including several types of buildings, are also provided.