Building Simulation

Dynamic simulation, summer heat protection, BIM and comfort analysis

Dynamic building simulation models the thermal behaviour of a building across the full year, using hourly weather data, thermal mass and realistic usage profiles. It provides the basis for heating and cooling load calculation, summer heat protection and comfort assessment. This topic area explains the methods behind transient calculation and their normative foundations.

10 articles in this category

Dynamic Building Simulation: Fundamentals

Building simulation explained: dynamic vs. steady-state calculation, fields of application, result quantities and software for thermal building simulation.

Summer Thermal Protection (DIN 4108-2)

Verification per DIN 4108-2: solar heat gain coefficient vs. dynamic building simulation — methods, overheating degree hours and the 1200 Kh limit.

IFC Import for Building Simulation

From BIM model to simulation: how IFC files improve the workflow between CAD and building simulation

Steady-State vs. Dynamic Calculation

Comparison of steady-state energy demand calculation and dynamic simulation: methods, accuracy and fields of application

Building Simulation Software Comparison

EnergyPlus, IDA ICE, TRNSYS and VICUS Buildings: overview and comparison of the leading simulation programs

Indoor Climate & Comfort Analysis

Thermal comfort in buildings: how simulation predicts indoor temperatures, overheating and well-being

Validation Standards for Building Simulation

ASHRAE 140, EN 15255/15265, EN ISO 13791, IEA SHC Task 34, CIBSE TM 33 — overview of validation procedures for thermal building simulation.

VICUS Solver: the Engine Behind VICUS Buildings

How does a dynamic building simulation solve its equations? From the energy balance via the dependency graph and CVODE to the Newton iteration.

Building Energy Demand Calculation

Calculating building energy demand: heating and cooling demand, steady-state monthly balance (DIN V 18599) vs. dynamic building simulation — methods compared.

Hygrothermal Simulation

Hygrothermal simulation per DIN EN 15026: heat and moisture transport in building components — interior insulation, condensation and the limits of the Glaser method.

Other topics

Heat Generation Heat load demand, generation concepts, energy storage and efficiency
Network Design Pipe dimensioning, loss calculation, network temperatures and heat density
Network Hydraulics Pressurization, pressure profiles, operating modes and control
Heat Network Simulation Thermo-hydraulic network simulation, solver technology and numerical methods
Piping Technology Pipe systems, network structure, laying methods and thermal expansion
Cold District Heating 5GDHC networks, dimensioning and prosumer concepts
Plant Engineering Transfer stations, pumps, heating curves, hydraulic balancing and domestic hot water
Planning Supply area, planning phases and project workflow
Economics Economic analysis, funding, tariff design and contracts
Operations Optimization Return temperature, temperature reduction, monitoring and digital twin

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