U&C New Product Introduction

Introduction

DesignBuilder is an architectural simulation software to optimize the thermal environment and energy consumption inside a building. As a solver, this program integrates Energyplus, which is made by the best standard technology of United States Department of Energy. It can modelize 3D building shape rapidly by using OpenGL and create precise environment performance result data and high-quality images and videos. In this topic, we introduce new functions of DesignBuilder Ver.6.

Improvement of the modeler, report, and visualization

Users can edit data in a list by using the model data grid tool and define user's personal view.

Fig.1 Model data grid tool

It is easy to check models since all materials and windows are graphically displayed and surface edge is shown sharply. The graphic display of calculated natural ventilation wind visualizes air current through windows, ventilation holes, and doors.

Fig.2 Rendering display screen

Improvement of simulation

DesignBuilder Ver.6 uses Energyplus Ver. 8.9 as solver and enables the modeling of the newest Phase Change Material (PCM) equipped with hysteresis. Old DesignBuilder was able to execute only 1 year's simulation, but now it can execute many year's simulations.

Fig.3 Display simulation result for 5 years

Uncertainty and Sensitivity Analysis, improvement of the optimization module

From the point of view of energy and environment, Uncertainty and Sensitivity Analysis tool that enables the systematic risk quantification and the evaluation of building design has been inplemented.

Fig.4 Analysis result of Uncertainty

In addition, "additional outputs" can be included in "objective" and "constraint" for the optimization, and it can execute more detailed analysis.

Addition of HVAC device

DesignBuilder has the detailed HVAC function that allows users to combine components, create air conditioning system, and simulate the energy. New components have been added in DesignBuilder Ver.6 such as a cogeneration (CHP, Combined Heat and Power) device equipped with options for the consturction of inner burning facility and micro turbin and a component that stores heat from the off-peak electricity by using the control scheme of ice heat storage and plant.

Improvement of Daylighting function

The Daylighting function that analyzes the lighting in building and the day light factor has also been improved. Numerical text can be plotted on each grid cell.

Fig.5 Display values in Daylighting result

In addition, the simulation time has been reduced because the illuminance simulation of Radiance can be executed at the same time now. The random option for the Radiance result has also been added.

Improvement of extensibility

API for plugins and Python script will be provided and a plugin that can be cooperated with DesignBuilder and can run on Revit2019 is being developed.