With building simulation: precision instead of a rough estimate

Buildings are becoming increasingly complex and are subject to constantly changing influences - be it seasonal temperature fluctuations, sudden changes in the weather or daily use by people. Nevertheless, many calculations on energy requirements and comfort (thermal, daylight, acoustics, etc.) are still based on simplified manual calculation methods and sometimes with rough monthly balancing methods that are anything but able to realistically reflect these dynamics and complexity. Their results are often only rough averages and do not take important influencing factors into account.

Unfortunately, many static methods are still used today that do not adequately capture the complex dynamics of buildings.

Detailed, physically precise simulations have long been standard in the transport and automotive industries. The reason is obvious - it is safer and more economical to simulate a model instead of encountering problems during operation.


Why do you want to do without it?

Outdated methods behind modern surfaces

Today, these outdated calculation methods are often hidden behind modern user interfaces. This makes it increasingly difficult to distinguish them from genuine, modern simulation technology. However, seemingly advanced planning can be deceptive: This seemingly advanced planning only gives a limited insight into possible solutions in a project. In the worst case, the standard solutions do not work or the results are so unreliable that the building envelope and systems are greatly oversized.

The OptiPower study by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy confirms that heating and cooling generators are often massively oversized.

Two OST institutes have conducted detailed analyses of a large number of heating systems to establish the facts and highlight the consequences for costs and efficiency. In over 600 new buildings in the apartment block sector, the oversizing of heat pump systems amounts to a median of 40 %, in some cases even up to 90 %. The situation is even more dramatic in office buildings, where the heating and cooling systems are oversized by a factor of 2 to 4.

The costs of oversizing far exceed the expenses for a simulation.

The advantages of modern, dynamic building simulation

We at the Swiss Building Simulation Association rely on modern, dynamic building simulation. This utilises validated, physically precise models that depict reality in detail and comprehensively map the building dynamics. Modern simulation programmes go far beyond the pure thermodynamic analysis of the building envelope, systems and control. They also offer a wide range of analysis and optimisation options. A simulation model thus becomes a virtual test bench on which various scenarios can be tested before faults occur in the real building.

Discover our success stories that illustrate the clear advantage of simulations based on real projects - SUCCES STORIES

Summarising the advantages of dynamic building simulation

Simulations are a tool for the overall optimisation of buildings, areas or infrastructure structures. The building is considered holistically across all trades. All system components interact with each other and the entire life cycle is taken into account. This allows questions to be answered early on in the planning phase and uncertainties to be eliminated. This enables the creation of diverse added value for the environment, the client, the construction project, the investor and the user of the building.

  • Reduction of energy consumption, grey energy and greenhouse gas emissions
  • Significant reduction in investment and operating costs
  • Optimisation of building technology
  • Avoidance of discomfort
  • Planners work in a coordinated manner on an overarching trade concept
  • Simulation serves as a virtual test bench
  • Opportunities and potential are recognised in good time, planning risks are reduced
  • Client receives a better basis for planning and implementation decisions
  • Findings from simulations become relevant for authorisation
  • Buildings function as planned during operation
  • Increase comprehensibility: Visualisation of results
  • Consideration and optimisation of buildings depending on different parameters simultaneously (e.g. daylight, thermal comfort, building services systems)


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