Simulations
Dynamic simulations
Nowadays, the increased use of predictive tools in buildings is in demand. Kopitsis Bauphysik AG has specialized in such computational modelling techniques since 1986 and offers thermal building simulations and airflow simulations on demand.
Thermal building simulations
As part of the thermal building simulations, the concepts of room conditioning and the façade for selected building areas are examined in detail in their interaction with the expected use. The building is put to the virtual test, so to speak, by means of a computer calculation. As a result, statements on the thermal behavior in the annual cycle are provided in short time steps, from which practical building recommendations for further planning are derived.
The simulations are carried out using the HTB2 and EnergyPlus/DesignBuilder programs. The following sub-steps are included:
- Creation of the simulation model (multi-zone model) using 3D modeling
- Use of hourly weather data bylocation and load profiles by building type and usage
- Detailed design of HVAC systems
- Use of different HVAC systems (floorheating, recirculating chillers, combination, etc.)
- Use of natural and/or mechanicalventilation
- Use of various solar and glarecontrol systems with solar control
- Prediction of natural daylightdistribution in rooms using Radiance simulations
The simulation results are evaluated according to the following aspects:
- Calculation of the energyconsumption of buildings
- Determination of expected room air,surface and perceived (operative) temperatures
- Comfort evaluation according to PMVindex (Predicted mean value) and PPD index (Predicted Percentage ofDissatisfied)
- Determination of relative indoor airhumidity
- Determination of simulation data for HVAC systems (flow and supply air temperatures, volume flow, etc.)
- Calculation of losses/gains due tointernal loads, windows, HVAC systems, etc.
Air flow simulations
Airflow models based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) can be used to predict airflows and the resulting heat distribution within the building. They can also be used to predict the natural ventilation rate and the movement of pollutants or smoke distribution in rooms during a fire (smoke simulations).
Key aspects of the investigation using airflow simulations are air and surface temperatures, heat flow densities through the building components, mass flows, etc.
The air flow simulations are carried out with the WinAir and EnergyPlus/DesignBuilder programs and the smoke simulations with the Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) program.