  This paper deals with the empirical validation of a building thermal model
using a phase change material (PCM) in a complex roof. A mathematical model
dedicated to phase change materials based on the heat apparent capacity method
was implemented in a multi-zone building simulation code, the aim being to
increase understanding of the thermal behavior of the whole building with PCM
technologies. To empirically validate the model, the methodology is based both
on numerical and experimental studies. A parametric sensitivity analysis was
performed and a set of parameters of the thermal model have been identified for
optimization. The use of a generic optimization program called GenOpt coupled
to the building simulation code enabled to determine the set of adequate
parameters. We first present the empirical validation methodology and main
results of previous work. We then give an overview of GenOpt and its coupling
with the building simulation code. Finally, once the optimization results are
obtained, comparisons of thermal model of PCM with measurements are found to be
acceptable and are presented.
