Operating Agent: Prof J. Lebrun, Lab de Thermodynamique, University of Liège, Campus du Sart-Tilman, Bâtiment B49, Chemin des Chevreuils, B-4000 Liège, Belgium.
Tel: +32 (0)43 66 48 01
Fax: +32 (0)43 66 48 12
Email: j.lebrun@ulg.ac.be

Summary

A lot of calculation tools and simulation models have been developed over the past few years, both inside and outside IEA projects. These tools are still dispersed and their integration into the global energy analysis in the design practice has not been achieved until now. Further a great deal of effort has also been invested by other research organisations in order to produce user friendly simulation models, however, the practical use of existing simulation models is very limited in building and HVAC design.

Many powerful models stay unused because of their poor documentation, bad manuals and/or because the users are not provided with simple and transparent procedures for model input generation. This can be improved by giving guidelines for input generation and the use of standard product databases.

The aim of the project is to bring simulation to application. Simulation should be applied in all stages of the building design process, so that quick feedback on design implications can be given. Simulation tools should also allow the designer to compare various options and see whether (or to what extent) each component is necessary.

The Annex is divided into 4 Subtasks:

Subtask 1: Qualification of Simulation models:
The aim of this Subtask is to make safer the simulations, thanks to better selection and a better use of the models available. This activity will include a review of HVAC models available; a review of data sets; a definition of simulation requirements and a definition of qualification tests.

Subtask 2: Design Process Analysis
The aim of this Subtask is to make more efficient the use of simulation tools at different stages of the building cycle. This will include a description of the data required for the use of simulation in the different phases of design; a description of simulation results to support the decisions in the different phases and a description of the information flow from preliminary design until audit and retrofit.

Subtask 3: Information Management
The aim of this Subtask is to establish better communications among the "clients" the simulation "specialists" and the simulation software. It is planned to review the possibilities offered by existing simulation tools; classify these tools, establish a checklist of data required and propose default values and define possible support for data collection and communication language among users.

Subtask 4: Data Exchange
The aim of this Subtask is to make easier and more efficient the data exchange when using simulation tools all along the building life cycle. This activity will include a review of the data exchange formats available; a selection of one data exchange format, which has a connection to a simulation program.

Participants: (Full) Belgium, Finland, Germany, Poland and United Kingdom
Participants: China, Hong Kong
Observers: France

Technical Synthesis Report: Bringing Simulation to Application
by Peter Warren
UK, published by FaberMaunsell Ltd on behalf of IEA ECBCS, 2002, 64 pp, ISBN 0-9542670-2-8
Contents
Order Printed Copy £25.00 (Order Code ANN 30 TSR)
Free Download

Final Report on CD
edited by Philippe André and Jean Lebrun,
Belgium, University of Liège, Thermodynamics Laboratory, July 1999,
Belgian Legal Deposit numbers D/2000/0480/29 (paper edition) D/2000/0480/30 (CD-rom edition)
(Order the CD from Website: http://www.ulg.ac.be/labothap - (Look under Publications 1999)
Paper edition: 2000 BEF (or 50 euros), CD-Rom edition: 1000 BEF (or 25 euros), ref.: AN30-990701-01)