Modeling

Affiliated Engineers uses modeling software to provide an accurate depiction of the impact different systems will have on a facility. Modeling can provide information on annual energy consumption, how building systems impact the space and what the psychological benefits of the space might mean to the occupants. Early energy and daylighting modeling can provide analysis of different strategies and reasonable paybacks for alternative building systems.

DOE-2 is a computer simulation tool that predicts a building's energy performance characteristics. The simulation is based on a building model that describes the building's geometry and dynamic systems. Using weather data specific to the project site, energy consumption data is calculated based on the building model. This, coupled with financial analysis, predicts the annual energy cost to operate the building.

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) performs detailed system/spatial analysis. This software offers highly detailed modeling which can be used to create scenario analysis that assesses space temperatures, air change effectiveness, thermal stratification and overall system dynamics.

Computer modeling for daylight and electric light is used for “proof of concept” studies as well as for creating highly accurate three-dimensional images for internal building environments. These models can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of various daylighting schemes, allowing designers to evaluate numeric analysis of light distribution and help to sense the psychological impact of various aspects of the lit environment.

Hand-made, rough foam and poster board, balsa wood and card stock paper models are often created for the schematic phase of projects to rapidly test different daylight and electric lighting options before committing acceptable concepts to computational modeling. This cost effective method is especially useful in that it also helps to convey a rudimentary impression of how the physical space will eventually be visually perceived.

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