Progetto SIMEA - Automatica - Università degli Studi di Padova

SIMEA Stato dell’arte energetica degli edifici
56
Doc.No 20100610.SIMEA.MR.03
Versione 1
and operational attribution is achieved by selecting products and entities from the support databases and
associating these with the surfaces and spaces comprising the problem. Models can be further attributed to
account for temporal shading and insulation patterns, explicit radiation view factors, facade-integrated
photovoltaic modules, temperature dependent thermo physical properties and CFD domains. As required,
component networks can be defined to represent, for example, HVAC systems, distributed fluid flow (for the
building-side air or plant-side working fluids) and electrical distribution systems.
Simulations: with ESP-r functionality follows description - simple models and operating regimes
composed in a few minutes can be extended, in steps, to encompass the simultaneous solution of fabric
(1/2/3D), air flow (network and/or coupled, transient CFD), electrical power, embedded renewables, plant
system components, indoor air quality and lighting assessments via Radiance. Building and flow simulations
can be undertaken at frequencies of one minute to one hour and system simulations can be from fractions of
a second to an hour.
1.2.28.6. Output
Results analysis modules are used to view the simulation results, undertake a variety of performance
appraisals and explore the interactions between assessment domains. Tools are provided to enable the
construction of an Integrated Performance View which summaries performance over a range of relevant
criteria. Changes to the model parameters can then follow depending on these appraisals. The range of
analyses is essentially unrestricted and data can be exported to other analysis and graphing tools.
1.2.28.7. Computer Platform
Sun-Solaris, Silicon Graphics: Sparc5 or newer, 96+MB memory.
Linux (Redhat/ Mandrake/ SUSE etc): Pentium or newer, 128+MB memory.
Mac OS X 10.1 or newer, 128+MB memory.
Windows NT/2000/XP (graphic mode running under Cygwin), Pentium or newer, 128+MB memory.
Windows NT/2000/XP (console application for batch processing), Pentium or newer, 128+MB memory.
Disk requirements: ~12MB source distribution, ~200MB executables/libraries/example problems, 50-
500MB user project folders.
1.2.28.8. Programming Language
C and FORTRAN (F77 or F90) Compiles with most Unix and Linux compilers, GNU compilers and
MINGW.
1.2.28.9. Strengths
ESP-r is flexible and powerful enough to simulate many innovative or leading edge technologies
including daylight utilization, natural ventilation, combined heat and electrical power generation and
photovoltaic facades, CFD, multi-gridding, and control systems. An active user community and mailing list
ensures a quick response to technical issues.
1.2.28.10. Weaknesses
It is a general purpose tool and the extent of the options and level of detail slows the learning process.
Specialist features require knowledge of the particular subject. Although robust and used for consulting by
some groups, ESP-r still shows its research roots.