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| title | chunk | source | category | tags | date_saved | instance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building performance simulation | 3/3 | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Building_performance_simulation | reference | science, encyclopedia | 2026-05-05T13:59:10.370223+00:00 | kb-cron |
Architectural Design: quantitatively compare design or retrofit options in order to inform a more energy-efficient building design HVAC Design: calculate thermal loads for sizing of mechanical equipment and help design and test system control strategies Building Performance Rating: demonstrate performance-based compliance with energy codes, green certification, and financial incentives Building Stock Analysis: support development of energy codes and standards and plan large scale energy efficiency programs CFD in buildings: simulation of boundary conditions like surface heat fluxes and surface temperatures for a following CFD study of the situation
== Software tools == There are hundreds of software tools available for simulating the performance of buildings and building subsystems, which range in capability from whole-building simulations to model input calibration to building auditing. Among whole-building simulation software tools, it is important to draw a distinction between the simulation engine, which dynamically solves equations rooted in thermodynamics and building science, and the modeler application (interface). In general, BPS software can be classified into
Applications with integrated simulation engine (e.g. EnergyPlus, ESP-r, TAS, IES-VE, IDA ICE) Software that docks to a certain engine (e.g. Designbuilder, eQuest, RIUSKA, Sefaira) Plugins for other software enabling certain performance analysis (e.g. DIVA for Rhino, Honeybee, Autodesk Green Building Studio) Contrary to this presentation, there are some tools that in fact do not meet these sharp classification criteria, such as ESP-r which can also be used as a modeler application for EnergyPlus and there are also other applications using the IDA simulation environment, which makes "IDA" the engine and "ICE" the modeler. Most modeler applications support the user with a graphical user interface to make data input easier. The modeler creates an input file for the simulation engine to solve. The engine returns output data to the modeler application or another visualization tool which in turn presents the results to the user. For some software packages, the calculation engine and the interface may be the same product. The table below gives an overview about commonly used simulation engines and modeler applications for BPS.
== BPS in practice == Since the 1990s, building performance simulation has undergone the transition from a method used mainly for research to a design tool for mainstream industrial projects. However, the use in different countries still varies greatly. Building certification programs like LEED (USA), BREEAM (UK) or DGNB (Germany) showed to be a good driving force for BPS to find broader application. Also, national building standards that allow BPS based analysis are of good help for an increasing industrial adoption, such as in the United States (ASHRAE 90.1), Sweden (BBR), Switzerland (SIA) and the United Kingdom (NCM). The Swedish building regulations are unique in that computed energy use has to be verified by measurements within the first two years of building operation. Since the introduction in 2007, experience shows that highly detailed simulation models are preferred by modelers to reliably achieve the required level of accuracy. Furthermore, this has fostered a simulation culture where the design predictions are close to the actual performance. This in turn has led to offers of formal energy guarantees based on simulated predictions, highlighting the general business potential of BPS.
== Performance-based compliance == In a performance-based approach, compliance with building codes or standards is based on the predicted energy use from a building simulation, rather than a prescriptive approach, which requires adherence to stipulated technologies or design features. Performance-based compliance provides greater flexibility in the building design as it allows designers to miss some prescriptive requirements if the impact on building performance can be offset by exceeding other prescriptive requirements. The certifying agency provides details on model inputs, software specifications, and performance requirements. The following is a list of U.S. based energy codes and standards that reference building simulations to demonstrate compliance:
ASHRAE 90.1 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Globes California Title 24 EnergyStar Multifamily High rise Program Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) Living Building Challenge
== Professional associations and certifications == Professional associations International Building Performance Simulation Association (IBPSA) American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Certifications BEMP - Building Energy Modeling Professional, administered by ASHRAE BESA - Certified Building Energy Simulation Analyst, administered by AEE
== See also == Energy modeling Computer simulation Energy signature
== References ==
== External links == Bldg-sim mailing list for building simulation professionals: http://lists.onebuilding.org/listinfo.cgi/bldg-sim-onebuilding.org Simulation modeling instruction and discussion: http://energy-models.com/forum