Software comparison for built environment/building simulation

simoz · November 11, 2015, 05:29

Hi,

I am working as a consultant engineer in the field of energy efficient building design. I am currently trying to figure out which is the best software to carry out specific tasks (e.g natural ventilation of building, etc.) considering at the same time several other parameters (license cost, interface, etc.). Both tasks and parameters are reported in detail below. I am particularly focusing on OpenFoam, MicroFlo (IES) and Phoenics CHAM but I am open to other suggestions.

Tasks:
• Wind Site Analysis of an Urban Context (eg adjacent / nearby buildings and their effect on air flow on the building under consideration, how the shape and features of a building affect airflow into / around the building, etc.)
• Building Indoor Airflow both for Natural, Mechanical and Mixed Mode Ventilation (eg air movement across multiple zones, through atria and locally within a room, eg draughts) taking into account interactions with internal heat sources such as people and equipment.
• Analysis of ventilation components (eg windows, ventilation louvres) calculate the pressure drop / discharge coefficient (Cd) to verify the sketchy manufacturer data
• Large spaces (eg auditoria air movement from inlets under seats)

Other parameters:
• License cost
• User interface
• Learning Curve
• Feasibility of creating suitable meshes at appropriate length scales to get accurate results within a reasonable computing time
• Compatibility with other software (3D studio, Revit, AutoCAD - importing the geometry)
• Result Visualisation

Many thanks for your help!

shuimo · November 13, 2015, 04:46

Hallo,
happy to see the question here because I also need help to chose a CFD Code for built environment. The difference is I am considerung the commercial codes between Fluent and star ccm+. I would be grateful if someone can give some suggestions...
Please allow me to ask this question here, in oder to avoid double posts out there

Best

simoz · November 13, 2015, 08:23

I hope someone will reply

wyldckat · November 13, 2015, 08:57

Quick answers:

@simoz: There are several listed here: http://www.gbxml.org/software.php - they all make use of the gbXML file format, that was conceived precisely for interoperability between 3D building modelling (BIM) and simulations tools (HVAC and CFD). You will have to test them yourself, since each one have their own pros and cons.
@shuimo: Fluent and Star-CCM+ are hard-core CFD tools. In other words, if you want full CFD control over your simulations, then either one should be suitable. As for which one is the best, it's more a matter of personal opinion, since both should work well for building simulations. Ask for trial versions for each or view presentations online.

simoz · November 13, 2015, 12:09

Hi Wyldckat,

Many thanks for your help! I don't have enough time to try all of them. I hoped to have a review (pros/cons) from someone who has already used them.

November 11, 2015, 05:29	Software comparison for built environment/building simulation	#1
simoz New Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Posts: 6 Rep Power: 11	Hi, I am working as a consultant engineer in the field of energy efficient building design. I am currently trying to figure out which is the best software to carry out specific tasks (e.g natural ventilation of building, etc.) considering at the same time several other parameters (license cost, interface, etc.). Both tasks and parameters are reported in detail below. I am particularly focusing on OpenFoam, MicroFlo (IES) and Phoenics CHAM but I am open to other suggestions. Tasks: • Wind Site Analysis of an Urban Context (eg adjacent / nearby buildings and their effect on air flow on the building under consideration, how the shape and features of a building affect airflow into / around the building, etc.) • Building Indoor Airflow both for Natural, Mechanical and Mixed Mode Ventilation (eg air movement across multiple zones, through atria and locally within a room, eg draughts) taking into account interactions with internal heat sources such as people and equipment. • Analysis of ventilation components (eg windows, ventilation louvres) calculate the pressure drop / discharge coefficient (Cd) to verify the sketchy manufacturer data • Large spaces (eg auditoria air movement from inlets under seats) Other parameters: • License cost • User interface • Learning Curve • Feasibility of creating suitable meshes at appropriate length scales to get accurate results within a reasonable computing time • Compatibility with other software (3D studio, Revit, AutoCAD - importing the geometry) • Result Visualisation Many thanks for your help! Last edited by simoz; November 12, 2015 at 07:46.

November 13, 2015, 08:57		#4
wyldckat Retired Super Moderator Bruno Santos Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Lisbon, Portugal Posts: 10,981 Blog Entries: 45 Rep Power: 128	Quick answers: @simoz: There are several listed here: http://www.gbxml.org/software.php - they all make use of the gbXML file format, that was conceived precisely for interoperability between 3D building modelling (BIM) and simulations tools (HVAC and CFD). You will have to test them yourself, since each one have their own pros and cons. @shuimo: Fluent and Star-CCM+ are hard-core CFD tools. In other words, if you want full CFD control over your simulations, then either one should be suitable. As for which one is the best, it's more a matter of personal opinion, since both should work well for building simulations. Ask for trial versions for each or view presentations online.

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November 13, 2015, 04:46		#2
shuimo New Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Posts: 2 Rep Power: 0	Hallo, happy to see the question here because I also need help to chose a CFD Code for built environment. The difference is I am considerung the commercial codes between Fluent and star ccm+. I would be grateful if someone can give some suggestions... Please allow me to ask this question here, in oder to avoid double posts out there Best

November 13, 2015, 08:23		#3
simoz New Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Posts: 6 Rep Power: 11	I hope someone will reply

November 13, 2015, 12:09		#5
simoz New Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Posts: 6 Rep Power: 11	Hi Wyldckat, Many thanks for your help! I don't have enough time to try all of them. I hoped to have a review (pros/cons) from someone who has already used them.