During the academic year 95-96 an NMF based model library has been developed by the IDA group. The library contains detailed and simplified zone models, full finite difference and reduced RC-network wall models, different types of solar radiation calculation models, state-of-the-art window models, local climate control models and some supporting Fortran subroutines. Among the most interesting models are the detailed convective - radiative zone with full non-linear radiative and convective heat transfer using a general view factor calculation algorithm and the RC-wall model.

A new method for predicting and evaluating the energy performance of large commercial and institutional buildings is developed, as an alternative to using existing comprehensive energy simulation programs like DOE-2 and BLAST, or oversimplified tools like analyzing monthly utility bills. The steps are convenient and practical in their potential use by the energy analysts.

In this paper ongoing work using the computer algebra system Maple V and the object-based en­vironment Spark is presented, that aim at the an­ alytical approximate resolution of problems en­countered in air flows in dwelling zones, using computer algebra and expert system techniques. The application domain is the building science. The current scope of the work at  this stage  is two dimensional and steady state.

This paper describes the contents of an application manual for building energy and environmental software to be published in the UK. The purpose of the manual is to provide advice to practising engineers on the selection and appropriate application of such software. This is believed to be the first such manual. UK organisations involved in the project are the Department of the Environment, CIBSE, the Building Research Establishment and BEPAC.

The IMAGE project aims to generate new performance information for advanced glazing and identify opportunities for applications. There are two main research activities in support of these aims: the laboratory and outdoor test cell monitoring of alternative systems; and the use of simulations to determine the cost-benefit of application to different building types when placed in different climate contexts. This paper describes the application of computer simulation as part of a cost-benefit analysis applied to a live building design project for a major office building in Birmingham.

Computational modeling of building performance can generate extensive amounts of data. For this data to be useful, it must effectively interface with the informational requirements and procedural constraints of the building delivery process. Toward this end, this paper specifically explores the potential of aggregate spacetime performance indicators.

The use of daylighting and artificial lighting simulation programs to calculate complex systems and models in the design practice often is impeded by the fact that the operation of these programs, especially the model input, is extremely complicated and time-consuming. Programs that are easier to use generally do not show the calculation capabilities required in practice.

While visual rendering of buildings is the state of the art in today' s design programs, acoustic or auditory rendering is still in its infancy. This paper reviews some promising approaches to the computer simulation of sound propagation and perception in buildings. The range of methods spans from the numerical solution of the wave equation to advanced geometric methods based on ray tracing and radiosity algorithms. Furthermore concepts for modelling the human sound perception are discussed. Finally some issues of practical implementation will be addressed.

Full simulation of a building’s HVAC control is important. Good control is the most cost-effective way to reduce plant size and save energy and maintenance cost. To address these issues the control designer needs an easy to use, but accurate tool that simultaneously solves the building thermal, the HVAC system and its control performance. We have developed such a tool. Our new simplified, yet extensively verified, building model made an efficient integrated tool possible. The system simulation is also done using simplified yet accurate component models.