Investigating the Process of Exporting Autodesk Ecotect Models to Detailed Thermal Simulation Software

Abstract

Autodesk Ecotect 1 is a whole building simulation software that can predict the thermal, visual and acoustic performance of buildings. It is very user-friendly software that could potentially integrate with the architectural design process. Thermal performance analysis in Autodesk Ecotect is based on the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) admittance method and thus inherits its limitations. Hence, the need to use more detailed thermal simulation tools during the final stage of a building design or research project. This paper investigated the potential of using detailed thermal simulation software (HTB2) in conjunction with Autodesk Ecotect. Five primary classrooms built in a hot-dry climatic region were monitored. The same classrooms were modelled in Autodesk Ecotect using several modelling techniques and the internal temperatures were simulated using HTB2. Analysis of results suggested that a number of necessary measures are required to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the simulation results. 1. Research Background and Previous Work Computer modelling can allow architecture practitioners, researchers and students to predict the energy efficiency and environmental behaviour of buildings. There are a wide range of detailed thermal simulation software available such as HTB2 2 , DEROB-LTH 3 , DOE-2, EnergyPlus 4 and ESP-r 5 .