Export Files from ARCHICAD to Energy Analysis Software
Before the architectural model is exported to an energy analysis application, a 3D model view with simplified content must be defined. The ARCHICAD Building Energy Model view should be simplified, by hiding unnecessary data. Volumes of internal spaces and their relative positions should be properly modeled.
For detailed information on building energy model creation with ARCHICAD, please consult the following ARCHICAD Help chapters (under Energy Evaluation Workflow: Overview):
- Prepare the Architectural BIM for Energy Evaluation
- Automatic Model Geometry and Material Property Analysis
There are two file formats available to export data from ARCHICAD to energy analysis applications: IFC and Excel.
Using IFC
Energy specialists who work with applications offering the IFC-based file import option should create a custom IFC translator setup in ARCHICAD, whose settings are tailored to satisfy the energy program’s geometry data input requirements. For example, the exported architectural model must contain relation information between the Zones and their boundary elements (called 'Space Boundary' data in the IFC scheme). By default, the COBie translator produces an IFC file that contains the space boundary data required by energy simulation software.
To find out more about IFC File Export, see Export Functions.
Using Excel
Use the Geometry Data page of the result Excel table as an input for other energy calculation software, such as third-party excel spreadsheets that utilize simplified stationary energy calculation algorithms.