Numerical methods for diffusion phenomena in building physics: A practical introduction

This book intends to stimulate research in simulation of diff usion problems in building physics, by fi rst providing an overview of mathematical models and numerical techniques such as the fi nitediff erence and fi nite-element methods traditionally used in building simulation tools. Then, nonconventional methods such as reduced order models, boundary integral approaches and spectral methods are presented, which might be considered in the next generation of building-energy-simulation tools. The advantage of these methods includes the improvement of the numerical solution of diff usion phenomena, especially in large domains relevant to building energy performance analysis.