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COMFIE

Performs hourly simulations of buildings, in order to provide mechanical, energy and architectural engineers or architects with accurate estimates of a building's energy needs and temperature profiles. The zone models of COMFIE (Calcul d'Ouvrages Multizones Fix� � une Interface Experte) are based upon a finite volume method on which a modal reduction technique is applied. The output comprises the yearly and hourly heating loads, hourly and mean temperatures in the thermal zones. Graphs and histograms may be obtained. Screen Shots

Keywords

energy performance, design, retrofit, residential buildings, commercial buildings, passive solar

Validation/Testing

N/A

Expertise Required

High level of computer literacy not required.

Users

Over 100.

Audience

Mechanical, energy, and architectural engineers working for architect/engineer firms, architects, consulting firms, utilities, federal agencies, universities, and research laboratories.

Input

Building geometry, thermal characteristics, internal loads and schedules, climate, heating and cooling equipment characteristics. Readable, structured input file should be generated by PLEIADES users interface (PC Windows and Macintosh).

Output

Formatted reports printed directly by PLEIADES; including input and output (tables and graphs).

Computer Platform

PC-compatible, 386 or higher, or Macintosh.

Programming Language

Pascal

Strengths

PC (Windows) and Macintosh Formats have a user friendly interface (PLEIADES) ; dynamic simulation allows for analysis of thermal comfort and passive solar structures ; focusing on the envelope allows for use by architects.

Weaknesses

Equipment is modelled very simply(maximum power, set point, position of the thermostat in the building). Moisture is not accounted for.

Contact

Company:
Address:	60, Bd St Michel 75272 Paris Cedex 0 France
Telephone:	+ 33 (1) 40519151
Facsimile:	+ 33 (1) 46342491
E-mail:	peuportier@cenerg.ensmp.fr
Website:	http://www-cenerg.ensmp.fr/english/themes/

Availability

 
Editor Contact:
IZUBA Energies
5, rue des Salins
34140 M�ze, France
 
Tel : (33) 4 67187702
Fax : (33) 4 67430124
e-mail : contact@izuba.fr
Web : http://www.izuba.fr/
 
Software price is approx. $1000 for new installations. This package contains the executable, weather files as well as documentation (all on CD ROM). Contact the author or the editor for additional information.