Field validation of EnergyPlus predictions of indoor air temperature in a hot-humid educational building

Reliable prediction of indoor air temperature (IAT) is fundamental to building performance simulation, particularly in hot-humid climates where envelope heat gains, moisture dynamics, and cooling system operation strongly influence indoor conditions. This study presents a rigorous field validation of an EnergyPlus model developed for a university educational building in a hot-humid region. IAT measurements were collected using two HOBO U12-012 instruments, installed 1 m above the floor surface on the second level in representative thermal zones. Data were recorded at regular intervals under real operating conditions to ensure temporal consistency with simulation outputs. Instrument verification demonstrated high measurement reliability within a single zone, yielding an R2 of 0.98 and an RMSE of 0.28 °C. Comparisons between north and south zones produced R2 values of 0.83–0.90, reflecting spatial thermal variability within the building. Model calibration results showed strong agreement between simulated and measured IAT, with R2 values of 0.82–0.89, RMSE of 0.08–0.11 °C, and MBE of 0.03–0.08 °C. These results confirm that the simulation reliably reproduces indoor thermal behaviour under dynamic operating conditions. This study provides a robust framework for subsequent analyses of building energy performance and infiltration impacts.