VIP-Core Dynamic Simulation Engine
Specification
The VIP energy simulation software module integrated in ArchiCAD (a.k.a. engine) is a result of more than 20 years of research and commercial use. It relies entirely on dynamic models, in which every model is broken down to a level where facts and behavior are known. Each component group is analyzed separately. The calculation is repeated every hour. The accuracy of each model has been validated and verified against real buildings under real usage. In calculating a building’s energy consumption, the program utilizes known or measured facts about all parts of the energy flow.
VIP-Energy is produced by Structural Design Software in Europe AB http://www.strusoft.com/
For technical information about VIP-Energy and for a more detailed explanation of the different calculating models, see http://vip.strusoft.com/.
Validation of Calculation Accuracy
Energy Evaluation uses the same simulation kernel as EcoDesigner* add-on for ArchiCAD. This kernel is validated with ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 140-2007: Standard Method of Test for the Evaluation of Building Energy Analysis Computer Programs.
Note: To produce code-compliant energy simulation results, the expert user interface of EcoDesigner* is necessary.
The ASHRAE Standard 140 test documentation for EcoDesigner* will be available on the official product website, following the add-on’s release.
The stand-alone VIP Energy product, which also uses the same simulation kernel as Energy Evaluation in ArchiCAD and EcoDesigner*, is also validated with the following tests:
•EN-15265
•IEA-BESTEST
•ASHRAE-BESTEST (ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 140-2001)
•StruSoft-BESTEST
Validation results can be read at http://www.strusoft.com/index.php/en/validationvip