Low-order building model for district energy simulations in Matlab

District-level modeling and simulation can help optimize energy flows and identify energy-saving opportunities. This paper compares various existing Matlab-based libraries and toolboxes for modeling and simulating dynamic building performance systems. The paper presents a reduced-order model based on the VDI 6007 guideline, utilizing an electrical circuit analogy to represent thermal behavior. The model is validated against the ASHRAE Standard 140, showcasing its ability to simulate heat transfer characteristics accurately. Although further improvements are possible, SimScape proves to be a viable toolbox for simulating building models in Matlab. Furthermore, integrating other existing toolboxes for building and district-scale simulations is recommended.