Estonian test reference year for energy calculations

Building simulation is increasingly being used in energy performance and indoor climate analysis and heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems design. Simulation requires hourly weather data. In this study Estonian climate was analysed to construct a test reference year for heating and cooling energy calculations and simulations according to a new standard, ISO15927-4. The selection was made on the basis of temperature, humidity, and global solar radiation and wind speed recordings at six weather stations over a period of 31 years, from 1970 to 2000. The constructed test reference year contains typical months from a number of different years. The average number of heating degree-days was calculated from data at six locations. The test reference year has many applications, including energy consumption and energy performance certificate calculations according to the directive about energy performance in buildings.