Building energy simulation is an initial stage of the building design in which the real-time behavior of the building and all its engineering systems is modeled in real time under real environmental and indoor climatic conditions. Dynamic energy simulation of a building can accurately compute: Sun exposure, shading, the impact of solar control measures and payback; Exact heating and cooling power of every day in the year of each room in the building; Operation of natural and mechanical ventilation systems, infiltration, CO2 and humidity control; The most suitable heating and cooling supply devices, their operation; Possibilities and efficiency of using all types of renewable energy sources (geothermal, solar, wind); Natural and artificial indoor lighting. By performing dynamic energy simulation of the building in time, it is possible to optimize the amount and power of HVAC systems, thus ensuring rational system installation costs. MEPCO engineers uses advanced and specialized energy simulation software to design building engineering systems. Furthermore, performs modeling services as project consultants for clients seeking BREEAM or LEED certification for buildings.
MEPCO uses ICA-ICE (IDA Indoor Climate and Energy) simulation tool. IDA-ICE is a dynamic energy simulation software that allows to model a building, its systems and operation, to choose the optimal balance between the lowest energy consumption and the comfort of people. This software was developed in Sweden and is currently widely used in the Scandinavian countries. The official version of IDA-ICE currently in use is 4.8.
IDA-ICE can be used for the following building calculations:
• Indoor heat and energy balance: solar radiation, internal heat gains (from equipment, people, lighting), mechanical ventilation, heating / cooling devices, heat losses;
• Control systems: window and shading control;
• Occupancy of the building: for individual rooms or for the whole building;• Heat and mass transfer: detailed heat flows from surfaces or air streams;
• Indoor air quality: indoor air CO2 concentration, humidity, air change;
• Comfort indicators: operating temperature, surface temperature, PMV and PPD indicators;
• Energy demand: energy consumption by use, primary energy consumption.
