Energy Modeling
SWA often performs energy modeling to simulate the performance of a residence and systems within that residence. Accurate simulation is the key to finding solutions to existing problems or making improvements to buildings during the design stages.
SWA staff is experienced with several different software tools and can select the most appropriate tool for the task. For whole-building energy analyses, SWA uses REM/Rate, EnergyGauge USA, Energy-10, eQuest/DOE-2, and TREAT. For detailed heat and mass transfer analyses, SWA uses finite element analysis (THERM) or computational fluid dynamics (CFD2000) software. SWA staff can also model the performance of daylighting design strategies using Radiance or the output of solar systems using F-Chart or PV Watts.
When necessary, SWA also develops its own tools for performance analysis. SWA developed Multicogen, an Excel-based screening tool specifically designed for multifamily buildings to assess the potential for combined heat and power systems.
Sample energy modeling reports
Projects:
Improving the built environment through research, sustainable design and technology. © 2008 Steven Winter Associates, Inc.