BuildingSim
BuildingSim allows users to model a building and analyze the heating and cooling energy costs in any climate. Users can create any building—from a one-room apartment up to a 100+ floor skyscraper--and account for everything from window coverings to shade trees. BuildingSim uses actual hourly weather data from over 90 climates around the world to numerically solve the full thermodynamic differential equations every minute of the year, giving the user the actual energy use down to the cent.
The simulation algorithm fully accounts for thermostat and HVAC controls, allowing the user to analyze the effects of different thermostat algorithms (programmable thermostats, setback, split-zone, etc.) on the energy costs for a specific building and climate. Screen Shots
Keywords
thermostat, simulation, energy cost
Validation/Testing
Algorithms have been validated against theoretical setups. Real-world validation is currently in progress.
Expertise Required
Basic understanding of HVAC systems and building construction
Users
International
Audience
Energy auditors, architects, consumers
Input
Building construction, energy and fuel costs, climate, thermostat control type
Output
Energy costs with minute-by-minute data for all thermodynamic conditions in the building
Computer Platform
All (Web-based, works on Chrome and Firefox browsers)
Programming Language
JavaScript
Strengths
BuildingSim allows analysis of different thermostat and control strategies on energy cost.
Weaknesses
Simulation step size is small, so simulation time takes longer than some competitors.
Contact
Company: |
Paragon Robotics, LLC |
Address: |
P.O. Box 282 |
E-mail: |
|
Website: |
http://paragonrobotics.com/#website/home/free-tools/buildingsim/en-US.html |
Availability
Free