Modelling and simulation environment
Simulating energy and cost scenarios to guide efficient renovation roadmaps.
This service supports the development of integrated renovation roadmaps for cultural heritage buildings. By combining building data, energy simulations, and economic analysis, the service helps building owners and operators make informed decisions about energy-efficient renovation strategies.
Key features
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Intuitive scenario builder
Easily set up to gather building data related inputs and select renovation options through a guided interface.
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Dynamic energy modelling
Building performance simulations performed by the DREEM model.
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Custom renovation pathways
Tailor scenarios to reflect user priorities, budget limits, and conservation needs.
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Techno-economic insights
Evaluate costs, savings, and long-term benefits to support evidence-based decisions.
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Actionable renovation roadmaps
Generate clear, step-by-step plans outlining the most effective upgrade strategies.
Benefits
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Compares renovation options in advance to make informed decisions
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Balances energy efficiency improvements with heritage preservation needs
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Assesses investment costs and expected returns through integrated analysis
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Equips building owners and managers with a clear tool for sustainable planning
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Adapts to different building types and levels of data availability for broad applicability
How it works
The service operates through two main components: a web-based interface for data collection and a powerful simulation tool that models energy performance. Users begin by entering key information about their building, such as size, structure, heating and cooling systems, and energy consumption. This data is collected and exported for processing in the DREEM simulation environment.
Using this information, a baseline energy model of the building is created and calibrated with real consumption data from sensors or utility bills. Users can then select preferred renovation measures from a predefined checklist, which are simulated to predict their energy-saving potential. The DREEM model, developed using the open-source Modelica Buildings library and Python scripts, runs these simulations dynamically, calculating energy use and related costs for each scenario.
The final outcome of the service will be clear renovation roadmaps, showing potential savings, heating and cooling demands, and, where possible, techno-economic assessments. This allows building owners and stakeholders to compare scenarios, weigh benefits, and make evidence-based decisions about which renovation strategy best suits their goals and resources.
