IDA-ICE

IDA Indoor Climate and Energy (IDA-ICE) [75] software is a whole year detailed and dynamic multi-zone simulation application for the study of indoor climate and energy. The IDA-ICE user interface is designed to ease the development and simulation of both simple and advanced cases, in a 3D environment, in combination with comprehensive tables, providing the optimal feedback. A simple procedure for calculating and reporting thermal loads and energy demand, together with a built-in version handling system, facilitates comparisons among different systems and results.

IDA physical systems are described using symbolic equations, in either Neutral Model Format (NMF) or Modelica. IDA-ICE offers separated but integrated user interfaces to different user categories, e.g., wizard interfaces for developing the building model, standard interface serving for model setup by means of concepts and objects (such as zones, radiators, and windows), interfaces for advanced users to import, browse, and edit the mathematical formulations, etc.

Salvalai [76] used IDA-ICE as a building energy simulation platform within which a water-to-water heat pump model was implemented. Results obtained were in good agreement with experimental data. Hesaraki and Holmberg [77] also used IDA ICE to investigate the impact of low-energy heating systems in newly built semi-detached dwellings in Stockholm, in relation to the Swedish building regulations. They demonstrated that the installation of heating systems in combination with under-floor and ventilation radiators not only met energy requirements of regulations but also provided thermal comfort. Numerical results were validated with measured data. Rabani et al. [78] used the software to develop a fully integrated BES optimization CFD daylight simulation applied for a generic office building located in Oslo. The proposed model successfully optimized building envelope properties, fenestration parameters, and HVAC systems' set points towards minimization of building energy consumption and acceptable thermal and visual comfort conditions. As far as its accuracy is concerned, very good agreement with internal air temperature has been documented in comparison with measurements obtained at controlled free-floating conditions regarding PCM performance [62]. Recently, IDA-ICE was used for the energy-renovation study of two Danish heritage/historical buildings [79]. Two renovation cases were studied through the available measurement and calculation results before and after renovations and significant energy-saving amounts were demonstrated without compromising the cultural values of buildings.
