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Software and Tools
The design and optimisation of energy-efficient buildings – whether for new buildings, refurbishments or during building operation – requires suitable design methods, data and tools. Of course, architects, designers and building operators have considerable experience in using computer-aided planning tools. However, the challenges when designing particularly energy-efficient buildings are diverse: in addition to planning software currently available on the market, there are also specialist tools and innovative approaches for simulating buildings and systems, which have been developed and tested as part of research projects.
Here we present a range of planning tools that have been developed as part of the EnOB research.
WUFI is a simulation program for calculating the coupled heat and moisture transfer in building elements. The main application area initially focused on forecasting possible moisture damage or humidity-dependent heat losses caused by indoor climate and natural weather effects. The features were gradually expanded to form complex software for simulating complete buildings including the heating systems and ventilation. With WUFI Plus Therm, a German-language version has now been developed that focuses on thermal simulations.
more details WUFI Plus Therm – Reduced complexity for thermal building simulations
This is a new approach for online monitoring operations in complex buildings and real estate property: the EnSim energy management system intends to improve the coordination of the building services technology in larger real estate property and will be used to apply optimised control strategies. The system is currently under development and, as part of the research project, it is planned to test it in two large properties and continually further develop it. A special feature of EnSim is the integration of a continual "online simulation" for the performance-deciding system technology.
more details EnSim – Simulation-based energy management for real estate property
The energy balancing of buildings according to DIN V 18599 has been frequently criticised because of its complexity and time-consuming application. Calls to simplify the process came soon after the pre-standard series was first published. As part of a research project, the Excel-based EnerCalC tool has now been developed that is particularly suited for characterising buildings in terms of their energy use during the preliminary design phases.
more details EnerCalC – Simplified energy balancing to DIN V 18599
The Internet-based working platform enables the design of system descriptions, automatic analyses of operating data and reporting functions for engineers, building owners and users. Thanks to innovative Web 2.0 technologies, the working platform can be used online by all project participants throughout the entire lifecycle. The Energy Navigator enables the operation of buildings to be systematically supported.
more details The Energy Navigator: Energy-optimised design and operation
When renovating old buildings, problems such as mould formation or corrosion often occur that usually stem from a lack of knowledge. For example, there is often insufficient knowledge about the moisture characteristics of the construction materials used in the original construction and those used today. MASEA, a materials database that is freely accessible online, now provides detailed hygrothermal material characteristics for a wide selection of typical construction materials.
more details Material data for structurally and hygrothermally optimised renovation
