Simulation and Thermal modelling

Energy options appraisal

An energy options appraisal can help to assess the energy demand, building performance, site characteristics and financial models for new or existing buildings or sites. This provides clients with clear and concise guidance when selecting an energy source, based on environmental, financial or other client influences, establishing the most suitable technologies for a particular site or development.

Internal environment modelling

Understanding and defining the internal environment of a design is extremely important given the impact that the level of user comfort can have on productivity and satisfaction.

Utilising state of the art simulation software BRE can undertake a range of modelling, simulation and analysis including:

  • Natural Ventilation,
  • Passive Heating and Cooling,
  • Solar Shading, and
  • Daylighting.

Thermal Bridging
Building regulations now require that thermal bridging be taken into account in SAP and SBEM calculations. As more stringent legislation and energy awareness has led to increased insulation levels, heat losses due to thermal bridging have become increasingly important.

The heat loss associated with these thermal bridges is expressed as a linear thermal transmittance (Ψ-value). The Temperature Factor (f) should also be calculated to determine surface temperature and the risk of mould growth, which can have significant health implications.

Where details do not conform to Government Accredited Construction Details, they should be evaluated using thermal simulation software, following agreed conventions and standards.

For thermal bridges, the BRE Scotland Thermal Performance Team can assess and provide consultancy on the following:

  • wall-ground floor junctions
  • wall-roof junctions
  • lintels, jambs and cills
  • intermediate floors
  • balconies
  • corners

Other services provided by the Thermal Performance team include:

  • Consultancy on reducing thermal bridging at junctions and improving the thermal performance of the overall building fabric
  • U-value calculations
  • Assessment of Interstitial Condensation Risk

U-Values

Virtually all building components have non-uniformities in thermal properties. The consequence of non-uniformities, or the presence of any layers that are not plane and parallel, is that the heat no longer travels in straight lines. That affects the total heat transfer through the element and needs to be allowed for in the determination of the U-value. BRE Scotland has leading experts available to undertake U-value calculation offering for even the most complex of elements.

For more information

Call us on +44 (0)1414 474999 if you would like to know more, or email [email protected]