The Swedish company EQUA is releasing version 4.5 of its building performance simulation (BPS) software IDA Indoor Climate and Energy (IDA ICE). The new version, which represents a leap forward in early stage optimizations and renewable energy systems, features new models for boreholes, wind turbines, solar collectors, stratified tanks, heat pumps, CHP, PV and other renewable energy components. A new user interface called Early Stage Building Optimization (ESBO) provides a smart method of describing complex buildings and innovative systems with minimum effort and time – without resorting to over-simplified models and non-physical efficiency input parameters.
Other improvements include the ability to use arbitrary geometries for both zones and building bodies, imported from SketchUp or other geometry tools, and a completely new 3D look with arrow animations visualizing ventilation air flows, window energy balances and wind velocity vectors.
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“We are proud of this new release of IDA ICE”, says Per Sahlin, EQUA’s CEO. “Since the release of version 4.0, we have seen how IDA ICE has become a critical tool in the Nordic, German and Swiss building industries. Many of the world’s most efficient buildings have been designed in IDA ICE.”
About IDA ICE
IDA ICE is a whole-year detailed and dynamic multi-zone simulation application for study of thermal indoor climate as well as the energy consumption of the entire building. The physical models of IDA ICE reflect the latest research and best models available, and the computed results compare well with measured data. While serving a global market, IDA ICE is adapted to local languages and requirements (climate data, standards, special systems, special reports, and product and material data).
The IDA ICE user interface is designed to make it easy to build and simulate both simple and advanced cases, and the real-time 3D environment in combination with comprehensive tables gives optimal feedback during the working process and while analyzing the results. A simple procedure for calculating and reporting cooling, heating, air demand and energy, together with a built-in version handling system, makes it easy and efficient to compare different systems and results.
Other powerful features are the possibility to import 3D CAD BIM models directly into a project, using the open and neutral IFC format, and to perform the Building Performance Rating Method in Appendix G of ASHRAE 90.1-2007, which is used in Green Building Programs like LEED and BREEAM.
Availability
IDA ICE is available for Microsoft Windows and in two different editions; Standard and Expert.
Educational offerings and trial versions are available. For more information, please visit http://www.equa.se.
About EQUA
EQUA Simulation AB is a privately held Swedish software and consultancy company, dedicated to developing state of the art simulation tools for the building and tunnel industries. The company is headquartered in Stockholm (Sweden) and was founded in 1995. EQUA is a global leader of simulation software, and is known for its expertise, high quality standards and leading edge technology development. The company distributes its products and services worldwide, and with reference customers such as Arups, WSP Group, AECOM, CH2M HILL, Jacobs, Rambøll Group, Pöyry, ÅF Group, Sweco, ABB Group, Züblin, PEAB, Skanska, NCC, Schneider Electric, Uponor, FläktWoods, Swegon, Halton, Knauf, Xella, VELUX Group, Danfoss, Siemens and many more.