Integration of CAAD, thermal building simulation and CFD by using the IFC data exchange format

This paper describes the results of a German research project, where a CAAD-program (Computer Architectural Aided Design) was integrated with two energetic building simulation programs to a software package for calculating and optimising the energy demand of CAAD-constructed buildings. The used key technology to transfer the huge number of geometrical, topological and physical build- ing parameters was the IFC data exchange format. For realising the project task, the CAAD-program was extended for the use with energetic building simulation and the building simulation tools were coupled. Furthermore a simulation user interface was implemented to improve the usability of such complex simulation tools. Different possibilities of a graphical and statistical postprocessing allow the user a better understanding of the simulation re- sults. The software package was used sucessfully to analyse some testcases of 3D digital building constructions.