Building Simulation Tools
Building Simulation Tools
TOOLS
SUBMITTED BY:
CHAITANYA BHATIA
4TH B
WHAT IS SIMULATION?
Building energy simulation, also called building energy modeling (or energy
modeling in context), is the use of software to predict the energy use of a
building.
Energy models will output building energy use predictions in typical end-
use categories:
1. heating,
2. cooling,
3. lighting,
4. plug, and process.
In addition to energy units, most software includes utility rates input, and
can predict energy costs.
It is also used to evaluate the payback of green energy solutions like solar
panels and photovoltaic, wind turbines and high efficiency appliances.
A typical energy model will have inputs for
1. Climate;
2. Envelope;
3. Internal gains from lighting, equipment, and occupants;
4. Heating, cooling, and ventilation systems;
5. Schedules of occupants, equipment, and lighting.
ADVANTAGES OF SIMULATION
• An important support used for building designers to reduce the cost
of energy in buildings
• The energy simulation software allow to determinate with accuracy
some variables that can support designers to take decisions about
the best measures to apply for any building to built or already
existent.
The calculation of energy consumptions allow a more accurate
determination of design charges and help to decide with highest
accuracy the possible devices to be used in a room.
Energy simulation software tools can also allow considering all the
regulations in force and simultaneously provide a sense of comfort.
Such software have also available tools to improve constructive
solutions through simulating the incorporation of passive solar
systems in buildings, such as horizontally and vertically shading
systems and a more accurate study of the HVAC system loads to
use.
DISADVANTAGES OF SIMULATION
Expensive to build a simulation model.
Model building requires special training.
Expensive to conduct simulation.
Sometimes it is difficult to interpret the simulation results
ENERGY SIMULATION TOOLS
NEO
EDAPT
Vasari
Sefaira
DesignBuilder
Green Building Studio
Open Studio
ECOTECT
eQUEST/DOE-2.2
Energy Plus
EnergyPro
IES VE
Trane Trace
Carrier Hap
Energy-10
Solar Shoebox
System Advisor Model (SAM)
TOOLS OVERVIEW
Open Studio
Open Studio can be used for early design and keep going through
detailed modeling
Talks with Sketchup
Interface for EnergyPlus
Free of cost
Highly adaptable
100% annual user increase for each of last 2 years.
Building component library constantly growing and improving
Energy Plus
Most sophisticated and reliable calculation engine available in the
market
Free of cost
Open source
Customizable
High performance technology capabilities
Appropriate for net zero buildings
Long term engine support
EDAPT: (OpenStudio + EnergyPlus)
Model geometry visualization (via OpenStudio)
EnergyPlus as engine (free, public, open)
Accurate and reliable engine
Schematic to detailed mode
Expanding library
High performance technology and net zero
Parametric runs can be defined, customized and automatic
Transparency
Aggregation of results
eQUEST
DOE2.2 engine
Schematic design option
User friendly interface
High market acceptance
Closed code source
Low prospect of future updates (currently stagnated)
Modelers moving towards EnergyPlus