ISO 52017-1:2017

Overview

ISO 52017-1:2017 sets forth generic procedures for calculating the energy performance of buildings, with a focus on the transient (hourly or subhourly) assessment of internal air and operative temperatures, as well as the determination of sensible and latent heat loads. This standard provides a foundational methodology for evaluating the heating, cooling, humidification, and dehumidification demands necessary to maintain a set internal temperature and moisture level within a single building zone.

By defining key assumptions, boundary conditions, and core equations, ISO 52017-1:2017 establishes a flexible yet rigorous approach suitable for adaptation across various building types and climates. It does not prescribe specific numerical techniques, allowing practitioners or dedicated application standards (such as ISO 52016-1) to select appropriate computational methods.

Key Topics

• Energy Performance Analysis: ISO 52017-1:2017 underpins the calculation of heating, cooling, humidification, and dehumidification loads that are essential for accurate energy assessment in buildings.
• Transient Thermal Behavior: The standard addresses the dynamic nature of internal temperatures and heat flows over time, enabling evaluations on an hourly or subhourly basis.
• Generic Calculation Procedures: The methodology includes all relevant assumptions, boundary conditions, and equations-enabling specialists to develop detailed or simplified energy performance models for single building zones.
• Internal Environment Parameters: Outputs governed by the standard include internal air temperature, operative temperature, mean radiant temperature, and moisture content.
• Adaptability and Customization: ISO 52017-1:2017 supports the creation or validation of calculation procedures tailored to local regulations, building types, and user requirements, utilizing normative templates for input and method selection.

Applications

ISO 52017-1:2017 is a key resource for:

• Architects and Engineers: Essential for the assessment and optimization of building design, including thermal mass, solar protection, and ventilation strategies aimed at ensuring thermal comfort and energy efficiency.
• Regulators and Policymakers: Provides a harmonized basis for setting and verifying compliance with energy performance regulations and facilitating transparent comparisons across building types.
• Simulation and Software Developers: Useful for creating building energy modeling tools or validating the accuracy of existing software used for energy audits, certification, or green building rating systems.
• Facility Managers and Consultants: Assists in diagnosing potential overheating risks, identifying opportunities for energy savings, and assessing the necessity for mechanical heating, cooling, or humidity control systems.

Common scenarios utilizing ISO 52017-1:2017 include:

• Evaluating annual or seasonal energy needs for heating and cooling.
• Determining design loads for HVAC system specification.
• Assessing indoor thermal comfort and the risk of overheating.
• Developing simplified or detailed calculation tools for regulatory or certification purposes.

Related Standards

ISO 52017-1:2017 forms part of the Energy Performance of Buildings (EPB) standards family, with several closely linked standards enhancing its implementation:

• ISO 52016-1: Provides specific calculation procedures building on the generic methods outlined in ISO 52017-1, offering tailored approaches for energy needs, internal temperatures, and heat load assessments.
• ISO 52000-1: Establishes the overarching general framework for EPB assessments, ensuring consistency and modularity across all related standards.
• ISO 52010-1: Focuses on the conversion and use of climatic data for energy calculations, which serve as critical inputs to the procedures defined in ISO 52017-1.
• ISO 13370: Addresses the calculation of heat transfer through the ground-a parameter required by ISO 52017-1.
• ISO 7345: Defines fundamental physical quantities and terms related to thermal insulation and thermal performance.

By leveraging ISO 52017-1:2017 in concert with these related standards, building professionals can perform holistic and internationally consistent energy performance assessments, supporting both regulatory compliance and high-performance building design.