[Bldg-sim] Expert Opinion on Energ. Bldg Simulation in Urban Context

[fazia.alitoudert at daad-alumni.de]

Dear Colleagues,

I am just starting with a research dealing with the energy performance  
of urban
buildings. The focus is put on the urban context, that is how would be  
the energy consumption, thermal and comfort conditions of a building  
if placed in a dense built area? also which urban and building  
describers are the most decisive? Several urban arrangements (plan  
density, H/W, etc.) and various building shapes (and  
properties:Materials, Use, etc.) will be studied.

I am right now looking for the best tool for performing my  
simulations, so preferably a building energy model (with a strong  
physical basis) but including a 3D geometry module.
I would be very grateful if I can have some expert opinion on which  
tool would be the most appropriate:
1. TRNSYS is a powerful tool but I still do not know whether it can  
include any
surrounding buildings (or even vertical screens offset from the main  
building which would serve to represent those surroudings?)
2. TAS includes a 3D modeller which allows the design of the whole 3D  
area but I have not used it so far so I do not really know its  
capabilities, strengthens and weaknesses.
3. Other models...? Please let me know for any proposed tool about its  
ease of use vs. complexity. and how much time I need to learn use it.
4. Of course, I welcome every advice, literature references, or any  
useful material.
Many Thanks in advance,
Best regards,
Fazia A.

---------------------------------------------
Fazia Ali-Toudert, Arch. Ph.D.
University of Dortmund - Faculty of Building
Chair for Environmental Architecture
Baroper Str. 301
D-44227 Dortmund
Phone:  +49 231 755 5426
Fax:    +49 231 755 5423
website: http://www.bauwesen.uni-dortmund.de/ka/
email:   fazia.alitoudert at daad-alumni.de
          fazia.alitoudert at tu-dortmund.de