Evolusion Innovation provide expert Dynamic Simulation Modelling services delivered by our highly qualified and experienced Building Physics team. Past projects for which DSM solutions were provided include low, medium and high-rise residential and commercial developments.
What is it?
Dynamic Simulation Modelling (DSM) is an exceptionally accurate and powerful computer-based software simulation engine for assessing the environmental performance of a building. Using DSM, building performance can be simulated for every hour in a year. Therefore, results for 8,760 hours can be viewed and analysed for critical design decisions (note that SBEM is only capable of producing monthly results). It allows for a very detailed thermal model of a proposed building to be created for a more accurate assessment of prospective heating, cooling and ventilation issues that may arise.
By modelling a building using DSM engines, a deeper and more effective analysis can be performed, enabling users to better respond to and comply with planning and regulatory demands, while simultaneously addressing economic drivers. The modelling helps to optimize the performance of the building at early stages of the building design, which in turn leads to achieving environmentally friendly building designs and cost-effective solutions.
Process
Architects’ basic building geometry is used to carry out a detailed analysis, and through iterations of simulations this geometry is optimized by implementing passive strategies for high building performance. A range of highly developed software tools is then used to calculate and assess a building’s environmental performance.
A wide range of factors is taken into consideration including (but not limited to) a building’s location, shape and orientation, fabric insulation, glazing, heating and cooling systems and controls, thermal mass, airtightness, ventilation strategies and renewable energy technologies.
The skill is in the expertise with which the 3D model is developed and in how the various data fields are analysed. Innovative and imaginative design of complex details allows for trade-offs between specific requirements to be experimented with to ensure that the most cost-effective overall design solution is delivered to the client.
Uses
DSM has up until recently been more commonly used for buildings other than residential such as hotels, office buildings, mixed-use developments etc. but with the increasing complexity of building regulations and the need to optimise costs by managing materials and methodologies, it is becoming the practice to use DSM for the analysis of residential developments.
By more appropriately taking account of factors such as solar gain, and accurately analysing occupancy and behavioural factors, DSM provides a more detailed, accurate, comprehensive and integrated analysis than is possible with calculation tools such as DEAP, SAP and SBEM.
DSM enables Evolusion to provide our clients with demonstrations of necessary regulatory compliance. The power of the software tools also allows for strategic and beneficial bespoke designs to be developed, including for example overheating risk assessments and CIBSE Heating and Cooling Load Calculations.
DEAP/NEAP and BERs (Ireland), SAP and EPCs (UK), DSM/SBEM (Non-domestic)
Our Building Physics engineers are trained and qualified experienced experts in the energy analysis of both domestic and non-domestic buildings and use Dynamic Simulation Modelling tools and techniques to optimise building energy performance. Our Building Physics engineers are highly proficient in the Irish Dwellings Energy Assessment Procedure (DEAP), the Non-domestic Energy Assessment Procedure (NEAP), and in the UK's Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) calculation methodologies.
Our team includes NSAI certified thermal modellers and BBA u-value and condensation risk calculations accredited persons, as well as CIBSE certified Low Carbon Energy Assessors (LCEA) for the production of Level 5 Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) in England, Wales and N Ireland. We are registered with SEAI to produce BERs for buildings other than dwellings in Ireland.
Using DSM in conjunction with these tools, and leveraging on our experience and expertise in Building Energy Analysis, innovative and cost-effective solutions to energy performance problems are provided for our clients.
BREEAM/LEED
Evolusion also provide accredited BREEAM and LEED assessment services and by using DSM to thermally model a development, a range of characteristics can be analysed and BREEAM credits in relation to factors such as daylighting, thermal comfort, and energy and emissions reductions can be garnered.
ABOUT EVOLUSION INNOVATION
Our team of construction technology and MMC/Offsite Construction experts at Evolusion Innovation has been involved in over €2.5 billion worth of MMC/Offsite Construction projects across Ireland, the UK and Europe over the past 15 years. The company is growing quickly, and we recently opened our newest office in Birmingham in the UK. Brochures describing our various expert services are available for download.