March 10th 2023

ChaAC I+N+C. use IES’ iSCAN to calibrate model for existing mall in Europe within 87% accuracy

ChaAC I+N+C. use IES’ iSCAN to calibrate model for existing mall in Europe within 87% accuracy

A long term user of the IES Virtual Environment (IESVE), ChaAC I+N+C. recently undertook model calibration training using IES’ Intelligent Control and Analysis tool, iSCAN. Since the training, its first calibrated modelling project – an existing mall in Europe – was a great success, with the model calibrated within 87% accuracy of the actual operational performance of the building.

ChaAC I+N+C. first created a model of the mall in IESVE based on Architectural plans for the geometry, using the building’s 2014 energy certificate to define construction materials and ASHRAE 90.1-2013 to define space types and loads. They then used iSCAN to calibrate the model with actual metered energy consumption data from the building.

Despite the challenges of accessing energy consumption data, particularly for heat, and some uncertainty due to the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on operations, the ChaAC team were able to produce a calibrated model that very closely matched the electrical consumption and conditioning of the building on an hourly basis.

Below is a heat map comparison of the metered data compared to simulated data. (Metered data from January to April is not representative of typical operation as there were COVID-19 restrictions in place at that time).

After calibrating the model, the team were then able to use IESVE to accurately model a number of Energy Efficiency Measures (EEMs), allowing them to consider the best options for reducing the energy consumption of the building. These included:

  • turning off lights and fans when the building is not in use,
  • adjusting temperature set points,
  • installing occupancy sensors for non-regularly occupied rooms,
  • replacing the water-to-water heat pump with space heating by air-to-air heat pump or ground source heat pump,
  • using Demand Control Ventilation to reduce the outdoor ventilation rate according to CO2 levels in the space (800ppm),
  • and reducing heat coil setpoints.

By applying all of the suggested EEMs it was discovered that the energy consumption could be reduced by 58.4%, with that figure increasing to 73.3% with the installation of 10,649.7m² of Photovoltaics (PV).

“This was our first calibrated modelling project with this client and they were very happy with the results. The client has seen the value and benefits of refining data and carrying out this level of detailed model calibration. We hope to continue using iSCAN on future projects where we have access to good quality data – it’s a highly useful tool.

The training provided by IES was also extremely useful. The consultant whom we worked with is highly skilled and experienced and they enabled us to really start to understand the different methods of, not just how to use iSCAN, but also how to interpret the data in general for model calibration.”


Jonathan Landry, CEO and Founder, ChaAC I+N+C.