Implementation of ground response functions in TRNSYS for faster ground coupling calculations

This paper presents a method that uses ground response functions to model annual or multi-annual building foundation heat transfer. The ground response functions can be obtained from detailed 3-dimensional calculations. They only depend on ground properties and the geometry of building surfaces in contact with the ground, so the same set of functions can be applied when simulating different building construction details, operation strategies, or HVAC systems, without any loss of accuracy. The paper describes the implementation of the proposed method in TRNSYS and its application to typical small residential buildings with slabs-on-grade and basements in the Canadian context. The developed TRNSYS component will be made available as an opensource contribution.