A poorly calibrated model undermines confidence in the effectiveness of building energy simulation, impeding the widespread application of advanced energy conservation measures (ECMs). Striking a balance between information-gathering efforts and achieving sufficient model credibility is crucial but often obscured by ambiguities. To address this gap, we model and calibrate a test bed with different levels of information (LOI). Beginning with an initial model based on building geometry (LOI 1), we progressively introduce additional information, including nameplate information (LOI 2), envelope conductivity (LOI 3), zone infiltration rate (LOI 4), AHU fan power (LOI 5), and HVAC data (LOI 6). The models are evaluated for accuracy, consistency, and the robustness of their predictions. Our results indicate that adding more information for calibration leads to improved data fit. However, this improvement is not uniform across all observed outputs due to identifiability issues. Furthermore, for energy-saving analysis, adding more information can significantly affect the projected energy savings by up to two times. Nevertheless, for ECM ranking, models that did not meet ASHRAE 14 accuracy thresholds can yield correct retrofit decisions. These findings underscore equifinality in modeling complex building systems. Clearly, predictive accuracy is not synonymous with model credibility. Therefore, to balance efforts in information-gathering and model reliability, it is crucial to (1) determine the minimum level of information required for calibration compatible with its intended purpose and (2) calibrate models with information closely linked to all outputs of interest, particularly when simultaneous accuracy for multiple outputs is necessary.

校准不当的模型会削弱人们对建筑能源模拟有效性的信心，阻碍先进节能措施 (ECM) 的广泛应用。在信息收集工作和获得足够的模型可信度之间取得平衡至关重要，但往往因含糊不清而被掩盖。为了解决这一差距，我们使用不同级别的信息（LOI）对测试台进行建模和校准。从基于建筑几何形状的初始模型 (LOI 1) 开始，我们逐步引入附加信息，包括铭牌信息 (LOI 2)、围护结构电导率 (LOI 3)、区域渗透率 (LOI 4)、AHU 风扇功率 (LOI 5)和 HVAC 数据 (LOI 6)。对模型的预测准确性、一致性和稳健性进行评估。我们的结果表明，添加更多校准信息可以改善数据拟合。然而，由于可识别性问题，这种改进在所有观察到的输出中并不统一。此外，对于节能分析，添加更多信息可能会对预计节能产生高达两倍的影响。然而，对于 ECM 排名，不符合 ASHRAE 14 精度阈值的模型可以产生正确的改造决策。这些发现强调了复杂建筑系统建模的等效性。显然，预测准确性并不等同于模型可信度。因此，为了平衡信息收集和模型可靠性方面的努力，至关重要的是（1）确定与其预期目的相一致的校准所需的最低信息水平，以及（2）使用与所有感兴趣的输出密切相关的信息来校准模型，特别是当需要同时保证多个输出的精度时。