DesignBuilder combines advanced simulation with the fastest 3D modeling technology on the market, allowing architects, engineers, and energy specialists to quickly obtain the necessary data.

Most Common Uses:

• comprehensive dynamic building simulations using the EnergyPlus calculation engine,
• building certification (e.g., LEED, BREEAM, Green Star),
• thermal comfort assessment,
• 3D geometry creation for EPC calculations,
• multi-criteria optimization,
• daylight calculation,
• environmental assessment,
• lifecycle cost analysis,
• CFD analysis of internal and external spaces.

DesignBuilder Enables You To:

• easily compare different design alternatives,
• optimize building design at any stage according to client requirements,
• quickly model even complex buildings,
• easily import existing BIM and CAD designs,
• generate impressive visualizations and short films,
• simplify dynamic simulation work using the EnergyPlus calculation engine.

DesignBuilder Includes the Following 11 Modules:

• 3-D Modeler: basic module for efficient 3-D building modeling.
• Visualization: rendered views and shading analysis.
• Certification: EPCs and Part-L2 (UK and Ireland only).
• Simulation: EnergyPlus simulations for energy consumption and thermal comfort analysis.
• Daylight: detailed daylight calculations.
• HVAC: detailed HVAC system simulations using HVAC simulation in EnergyPlus.
• Costs: lifecycle cost analysis in the early project stages.
• LEED: calculations according to LEED EAp2 and ASHRAE 90.1.
• Optimization: advanced multi-criteria analysis of various measures using genetic optimization.
• EMS: Allows user-defined adjustments in calculations through EMS scripting.
• CFD: enables detailed analysis of temperature, pressure, thermal comfort, airflow velocity, etc., within building interiors. It also allows calculations of airflow velocity and pressure conditions in external environments.

Modeler

• The tabular display of model data now allows editing data for solar panels, HVAC system elements, component blocks, and template uploads.
• Automatic loading of updated templates.
• "Site level" snapping for precise alignment of multiple buildings.
• New block geometry creation method "Follow path".
• Option to change the color scheme of the program and building model.
• Integration with MagiCAD, including result export.
• IDF file import including geometry, constructions, window fill elements, and materials.
• Enhanced gbXML import.

Simulation

• EnergyPlus v9.4
• New interface for soil modeling and connection with the Kiva calculation engine.

Daylight

• Climate-based daylight calculations now use the Radiance calculation engine instead of the previous Daysim.
• Ability to include dynamic solar shading devices (e.g., blinds) in the calculation.
• Redesigned daylight map display - now it is possible to view results for multiple floors simultaneously in the 3D model and use zooming.
• Ability to set translucent Component blocks.

Optimization

• Ability to use any EnergyPlus output as a KPI.

Detailed HVAC:

• High-temperature radiant heaters.
• New options for controlling indoor conditions at the zone level.

Scripting:

• Ability to access the API using Python.

LEED/ASHRAE 90.1:

• Enhanced automatic generation of the LEED v4 Minimum Energy Performance Calculator report.
• Support for ASHRAE 90.1, Appendix G 2013 and 2016.

Climate data is an essential input for dynamic building simulations, comfort analyses, and daylighting. DesignBuilder Climate Analytics was specifically developed to meet the needs of building energy modeling professionals. It provides an extensive database of high-quality hourly weather data along with powerful tools to facilitate the selection of the most suitable data for specific projects.

Key Features

• Global Coverage: Access to hourly weather data for any location worldwide through an intuitive web interface
• Accurate Measurements: Data from over 43,000 meteorological stations and satellite measurements from 1970 to the present
• Analytical Tools: Graphical tools for climate analysis and selection of appropriate design data based on various criteria
• Data Format: Downloadable data in EPW format, commonly used for simulations in EnergyPlus
• Future Climate Scenarios: Ability to consider the impacts of future climate scenarios
• Urban Heat Island Effect: Supports analysis of urban heat island impacts on simulations
• Current Data: Monthly updates provide the latest data for the current year

Common Uses

• Typical climate data for dynamic building simulations
• Actual data for model calibration
• Overheating analysis in naturally ventilated buildings
• Verification of heating and cooling system performance under extreme conditions
• Testing resilience of buildings and systems to extreme climate events
• Simulations of future climate conditions
• Annual daylighting analysis

The program is sold separately and is not included in the standard DesignBuilder license. Please contact us for a price quote.