VE-SCAN

VE-SCAN is a state of the art tool from IES R&D that goes beyond the traditional use of building simulation at the design stage. VE-SCAN uses building simulation to substantially improve the operational performance of a building. VE-SCAN provides the user with tools to more accurately ‘calibrate’ the model of the building by using the actual recorded information from the operational building data. By comparing the differences between the simulated calibrated model and the operational building data, it enables the user to identify where the building is underperforming which helps the user diagnose the problems.

Remarkable advances have been achieved in sustainable building design over the last decade. A key enabler of these sustainable designs has been innovations in the use of building energy simulation analysis tools. IES has had a major role in these achievements through its development of the Virtual Environment (VE), recognised internationally as a leading suite of building simulation analysis programs.

At European level, approximately 80% of a building’s total lifecycle energy usage occurs during its operational stage; therefore with many new, refurbished and existing buildings not operating as energy efficiently as designed, there is significant scope for improvement. However, as solutions such as Energy Conservation Measures (ECM) and Renewable Energy Sources (RES) are put in place to mitigate these operational inefficiencies, there becomes a greater need for improved control to ensure optimal building operation. In addition, targets set out by the EU to reduce energy consumption are a further catalyst to improved operating efficiency and building control. Energy rating tools that have been developed as a result of EU regulations (e.g. – BREEAM, LEED, HQE etc.), subsequently result in the creation of detailed 3D energy models; however these models are used only for the ‘rating’ of the building and are not realising their full potential with respect to improving the operating efficiency of the building.

As we make our buildings more energy efficient building controls will become increasingly important to maintain building energy performance. VE-SCAN has been developed to facilitate this requirement by overcoming two major obstacles: the discontinuity between the simulated performance of a building at the design stage and in operation; and the problems of maintaining efficient building control operation by the Building Management System (BMS).

VE-SCAN is a state of the art tool from IES R&D that goes beyond the traditional use of building simulation at the design stage. VE-SCAN uses building simulation to substantially improve the operational performance of a building.

VE-SCAN provides the user with tools to more accurately ‘calibrate’ the model of the building by using the actual recorded information from the operational building data. Comparing the differences between the simulated calibrated model and the operational building data enables the user to identify where the building is underperforming which helps the user diagnose the problems.

VE-SCAN incorporates a number of unique IES capabilities to help optimise building operation including being able to simulate the building sub-hourly - down to one minute intervals if necessary; generate free-form profiles of the operational building data to import into the calibrated model; and to easily compare the calibrated model results with the operational building data .

VE-SCAN will revolutionise a number of real-life services including remote monitoring services to selecting energy conservation methods for existing buildings and performance contracting.

Currently, IES provide this capability as a consulting service to allow us to understand how best to apply VE-SCAN to a vast range of applications.