Reference Method

Reference Method Overview

The Reference Method is a series of tests designed to verify that Compliance Software meets the certification requirements defined by the California Energy Commission (CEC). These tests are described in the Alternative Calculation Method (ACM) Reference Manual.

The Reference Method consists of two test suites:

1. Software Sensitivity Tests

A series of quantitative tests designed to demonstrate that Compliance Software tools produce acceptable simulation results.

These tests are conducted by performing a pair of simulations:

• The base case model
• A modified case model, created by adjusting one or more parameters of the base case

After running the simulations, the change in Long-term System Cost (LSC) and/or source energy between the two runs is calculated.

Applicant Compliance Software tools must:

• Perform these sensitivity tests
• Record the simulation results
• Compare the results to the CEC’s Reference Results

The Reference Results are generated using the CEC’s compliance software CBECC. Applicant software must produce comparable changes in LSC and/or source energy. While absolute energy consumption results are also captured, pass/fail criteria is determined based on changes in LSC.

2. Ruleset Implementation Tests

A series of qualitative tests designed to demonstrate that Compliance Software tools can accurately and automatically produce the Standard Design (baseline) building model as described in the ACM Reference Manual.

The process is as follows:

1. Create a User Model containing several parameters that do not meet Standard Design requirements.
2. The Compliance Software processes the User Model to generate:
   • The Proposed Model
   • The Baseline Model
3. Both models are reviewed to confirm that all “non-compliant” parameters have been correctly replaced per ACM Reference Manual rules.

3. Documentation

Documentation and model files for the Sensitivity and Ruleset Implementation Tests can be found under the Assets section for the CBECC releases. Not all CBECC releases will have both the tests available and may be limited to major or minor releases.