Welcome to the BIM HVACTool Community
Your platform for knowledge, collaboration, and innovation in building technology
CFD Simulation with OpenFOAM and BIM HVACTool Fluid AddOn
One-Click SetUp
Ideally, you can import an IFC file and export it to OpenFOAM with just a single click.
BIM Support
Thanks to support for common BIM formats, you can import your models from a wide range of software.
Easy to Use
We strive to make the interface as simple as possible. You’ll notice that it has been developed by engineers, for engineers.
AI Support
With the help of AI, you can simplify setting up your simulations, as the AI provides you with tips and suggested settings.
Explore BIM HVACTool
With the BIM HVACTool AddOn Fluid, you can easily conduct a flow simulation using OpenFOAM. The BIM HVACTool supports the latest OpenFOAM version 2312+. Unlike a “black box” solution, BIM HVACTool allows you to view and adjust all settings after exporting to OpenFOAM. This flexibility enables you to run flow simulations on Windows, Linux, macOS, or even HPC systems. Additionally, the software is not “magic” but rather a helpful tool to efficiently set up a building simulation from a BIM model. If you have experience with OpenFOAM, you’ll notice that the dictionaries are also available in the software—just in a more user-friendly format.
Example ControlDict
On the left side of the image, you can see the implementation of solver control in OpenFOAM. The settings used to control the solver in OpenFOAM are referred to as the “controlDict.” You’ll notice that this text file is presented in a graphical format within the software. However, it doesn’t stop there — you also have a preview showing how it will be exported to OpenFOAM. Additionally, you can enable extra features that are useful during the runtime of a simulation, which would otherwise require tedious manual setup. This saves you a significant amount of time.
Example fvSchemes
The GUI simplifies the representation of settings, making it easier for users to configure and understand key parameters without needing to manually edit the raw text files. This intuitive interface ensures that even complex configurations, like the fvSchemes settings in OpenFOAM, are accessible and user-friendly.
Furthermore, the software only provides the settings that are essential for conducting a building simulation, ensuring a focused and streamlined configuration process.
Example Turbulence
The tool also offers various helpful features, such as turbulence estimation tools for initializing a simulation. Additionally, it allows you to use the results of a thermal simulation as initial and boundary conditions for a flow simulation. Switching between turbulence models, such as RANS or LES, is incredibly simple and doesn’t require you to completely rebuild your simulation. The interface is designed to intuitively understand your intentions and streamline your workflow.
HVAC Simulation
With the BIM HVACTool, you can perform advanced building simulations incorporating complex building systems such as HVAC. The tool is not primarily designed for use in the early design phase; instead, it focuses more on the development and validation of designs, particularly when the ventilation concept has already been roughly established.
The more accurately the air inlet is implemented in the CFD simulation, the more precise the results will be. Thanks to the BIM HVACTool, even complex air outlets can be seamlessly utilized.
Using SnappyHexMesh, the geometry is prepared in such a way that almost no manual adjustments are needed. The image demonstrates how even swirl diffusers are efficiently meshed.
As a result, you obtain the flow profile—coming remarkably close to real-world conditions. The best part is that you can generate a function from this profile and map it onto a simplified geometry.
Natural ventilation / stack effects
Passive night cooling
Passive night cooling, also known as night ventilation cooling, is an energy-efficient strategy used to cool buildings by harnessing the lower outdoor temperatures during nighttime. This approach leverages the thermal mass of a building, such as concrete walls or floors, to absorb heat during the day and release it at night when cool air is introduced. By reducing indoor temperatures without relying on mechanical cooling systems, passive night cooling helps lower energy consumption and improves thermal comfort.
