Isover

Cuprins
Technical information ..................................................................................................................1

Fundamentals of building physics ...............................................................................................3
Geometry .......................................................................................................................................8
Glazing ..........................................................................................................................................17
Indirect systems ...........................................................................................................................20
Solar access ..................................................................................................................................32
Constructional details ..................................................................................................................33
Building use ..................................................................................................................................43
Options .........................................................................................................................................44
Calculation ...................................................................................................................................46

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Technical information

The aim of the program
Thermal performance, fabric protection and thermal comfort requirements must be considered from
the very beginning of the design as carefully as aesthetic, constructional and several other important
aspects. The first sketches are determinant, improper decisions can hardly be corrected later in a
more advanced stage of the design.
There are several excellent simulation program on the market, the only problem is that these
programs need detailed input data. However, detailed input data are available only in an advanced
stage of the design when it is difficult to carry out the necessary changes and corrections.
The present simple program intend to solve this conflict in such a way that it is based on input
which can be given in the very first stage of the design. Disregarding some simple numeral values,
such as floor, facade and glazing area, number of occupants and so on the majority of input can be
given by selecting one of the pictograms, shown on the screen. These pictograms illustrate several
important features of the building such as compactness, roof type, shading devices and obstructions,
position of thermal insulation layer if any, mass of building elements, indirect solar systems, etc. -
the task of the User is to click those which are the most similar to his/her building.

Calculation options 1/2
Calculation can be carried out in three different ways.
It is possible to give the U or R value of the element without specifying the layers and materials.
Building elements can be selected from a rich library, subdivided according their type. These
elements are checked for "normal" indoor conditions (ti=20C, RH = 65%), and their detailed
descriptions (material, thickness) are given and will be printed. The proposed solutions are
illustrated on drawings, available by clicking the "Help" button.
It is possible to compose special building elements, calculating the U value, temperature and partial
pressure distribution and yearly moisture balance as well.

Calculation options 2/2
The output includes several important energy data, such as monthly and yearly energy consumption
of the building, utilised gain, heat loss coefficient, design heat load. A series of different specific
thermal characteristic can be determined, such as average U value of the building shell, specific
energy consumption per volume or floor area, with or without ventilation losses, utilised gains and
so on. The user can select the specific value(s), appropriate to compare with the requirements of a
given building regulation.

Climatic data
The program already includes the climatic data for Hungary. Data of other climatic zones can be
given and saved deliberately. The content of data base is the following: monthly mean external
temperatures, monthly values of global solar radiation for 8 orientation, 3 tilts + for horizontal
surface, first and last months of the heating season if the conventional heating season is to be
considered (otherwise the length of the heating season can be calculated on the base of the thermal
balance). As a minimum, data should be given for the months of the heating season. If no radiation
data are available for tilted surfaces (30 and 45), the heat gain for vertical windows can only be
calculated.

Comparison of buildings
It is possible to open 8 windows at the same time. Every window displays the user's input data and
the calculated result sheets in the form of reports. Using the WYSIWYG (What You See Is What
You Get) technic, the video display of graphics and formatted text prepared for a printed document.
The new data input or recalcultaion regenarates the report automatically so every modification
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displays on the report immediately. The MDI (Multiple Document Interface) gives the possibility of
displaying several building version with different input datas and comparing the calculated results.

Rotation of the building
The building can be rotated step by step from N towards E, to study the effect of the orientation.
On the two diagrams the User can check the actual orientation of the original N elevation. By
rotating the building the environment (opposite buildings, vegetation) remains in the original
position.

Report formats
Reports in the building windows can be zoomed. User can zoom in by pressing the '+' key or zoom
out by pressing the '-' key of the Numeric Keypad.

Setting the visual attributes
Every text element of the report has some visual attributes, which control the displaying of the text.
The visual attributes can be modified in a dialog-box accessed from the Report Settings menu.
In this dialog box the user can modify the visual attributes of main titles, subtitles, the normal texts
or remarks by pressing the Def button.
By pressing the button a new dialog box pops up and gives the possibility to modify every attribute
(eg. text color, font, etc.)
The font list contains four font type (TimesRoman, Arial, Courier, Digital) and ten user defined font
which can be bind to special fonts.
The font weight and the font size and some formatting style (italic, underline) can be set in this
dialog box also.
The visual attributes can be saved in a user specific file and can be used on other building reports.

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Fundamentals of building physics

Effects and side effects of added thermal insulation /1 of 7

Simplified approach suggests, that energy saving is proportional with the improvement of the U
value. However, several side effects should be taken into account. Energy saving, resulting from the
side effects may be as important as that from the primary effect.


Providing continuous insulation layer is applied (external or cavity), thermal bridge losses decrease.
If external insulation is applied with water repelling surface finishing, driving rain effects decrease,
weather proofness improves. These statements are not valid for internal insulation, nevertheless, for
refurbishment of historical buildings it must be applied when the appearance of the facade should
be kept.

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Better thermal insulation results in higher inner surface temperature. To keep the same resultant
temperature, the indoor temperature can be lower - this is one reason of lower ventilation losses.
Providing continuous insulation is applied, the surface temperature along edges increases, the risk
of
capillary condensation and mould growth decreases, higher relative humidity of indoor air is
allowed
- less ACH is possible - this can be the other reason of lower ventilation loss. Besides of energy and
fabric protection aspects comfort conditions and indoor air quality improve.

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Fragments of heat losses are covered by solar and internal gains - the better the thermal insulation,
the higher percentage of losses is covered by these gains, the heating load (the maximal output of
the heating system) will be lower.

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External thermal insulation increases the thermal mass. Any kind of thermal insulation increases the
time constant - the thermal reaction of the room becomes slower. As a result, the built-in capacity of
the auxiliary heating system can be lower, the control of heating becomes simpler.


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Due to the solar and internal gains and the higher time constant on one hand, the utilisation of solar
gains will be better, on the other hand the heating season will be shorter.


Further solar measures, e.g. sunspaces facilitate the preheating of the ventilation air, may provide
additional living area, improve the weather proofness. The energy saving, due to the side effects can
be as important as that of the primary effect.

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Geometry

Geometry 1/1
Built in area is the area of the biggest floor of the building, calculated with external size. Total area
is the sum of the area of each floor, including heated attic. External size is considered.
Net floor area is the total area of all floors, calculated with internal size. Heated area is the sum of
net floor areas of heated zone (unheated store rooms, garage can make the difference).
Ceiling height is to be given if it is the same for each floor or it is easy to calculate an average one.
Else the heated volume of the building is to be given (calculated with internal size).

Lowest floor 1/1
Under the lowest heated spaces there can be floor slab on the soil, arcade, unheated room (e.g.
garage), unheated basement, heated basement.
Do not give the total area as heated basement, because in this case the basement is the lowest floor,
bordered by floor slab on the soil.

Footing, floor slab on the soil 1/14
Most of the heat loss towards the soil develops in a narrow lane along the perimeter of the building
thus this is the place where intensive thermal insulation should be applied. The heat loss are
calculated as the product of the length of perimeter and the relevant linear U value. The last depends
on the geodetic height of the floor and the thermal resistance of insulation, which can be horizontal
or vertical or the combination of both. The position can be selected by the buttons, material and
resistance should be marked in the library.

The acceptable minimum of the resistance of thermal insulation is shown in the table as a function
of the geodetic height.

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Thermal insulation of footing in vertical position is very efficient especially if it is burried in the
soil.

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Compactness in layout
Select a pictogram. The surface to volume ratio (in other term the form factor) is more favourable,
the area of the exposed building elements and the number of external corners and edges are less if
the building has a compact form and layout.
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Compactness in cross section
Select a pictogram. The surface to volume ratio (in other term the form factor) is more favourable,
the area of the exposed building elements and the number of external corners and edges are less if
the building has a compact form and layout.

Vertical boundary 1/3
Area of exposed elevations and elevations which are covered with sunspace should be given for the
8 orientation sectors. The width of the sectors (according to the change of the solar radiation) is
60 for N,
45 for NE, NW
60 for E, W
30 for SE, S, SW
Walls between heated and unheated spaces should be given separately as well as walls between the
building under design and a heated neighbouring building (e.g. the case of a unit in a terrace house
or semidetached house).

If there is an earth sheltered wall, besides of the area the length of this wall, the depth in the soil and
the resistance of the thermal insulation should be given. On the next screen a proposed solution of
the insulation can be studied.


Section of elevation
Type of balconies, loggias, cornices should be selected. Thermal bridge effect, shading in winter
and summer will be taken into consideration.
Clicking is to be repeated for each orientation - select the button for, and follow the sector of,
orientation !

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View of elevation
The "density" of balconies, loggias on the facade should be selected. Thermal bridge effect, shading
in winter and summer will be taken into consideration.
Clicking is to be repeated for each orientation - select the button for, and follow the sector of,
orientation !

Partition walls
The "density" of internal partition walls should be selected. More dens partition results, on one
hand, higher thermal mass, on the other hand more thermal bridges at the T form joints of partition
and
external walls.

Roof
Select the appropriate type of roof or attic. The area of pitched roof should be given only if there is
a heated attic. Even in this case the roof area will be approximated by the program if its numeral
value is not given.

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Glazing

Exposed windows
Window area should be given with nominal sizes. The window type can be given in different ways:
either to select a type from the library (here LEC means Low Emissivity Coating),
or to give directly the shading coefficient (or "g" in German catalogues) and the U value of the
window.
The last method can be applied for shop windows, toplits, too.
Input is to be repeated for each orientation - select the button for, and follow the sector of,
orientation !

Window frame
Select the "density" of window frame, so the transparent ratio of the window will be approximated.
orientation !

Perimeter/area ratio
Select the appropriate pictogram. Around the window thermal bridge effect is to be considered.
orientation !

Movable shading devices 1/5
Movable shading devices can be given in two different ways:
either selecting one of the pictograms or giving the shading coefficient and the thermal resistance of
the shading device itself.
orientation !

Energy balance of transparent bodies /1 of 5
A fragment of the solar radiation is reflected, other one transmitted. The spectral distribution of the
transmitted radiation does not change. Absorbed energy warms up the body. The last is typically a
thin layer with negligible mass, thus it warms up rapidly.

Shading devices and movable insulation /1 of 3
Shading devices and movable insulation are of importance both in winter and summer from the
points of view of reducing transmission heat losses and controlling solar penetration.
The effect of the shading devices can be expressed by the solar heat gain factor or the shading
coefficient.
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These values depend on the material, geometry, surface properties and the position of the device. If
it is outside, in front of the glazing, the shading coefficient can be as low as 0,1-0,4. For the same
device, if it is behind of the glazing, the shading coefficient is higher: 0,4-0,7.
Thus, external shading devices are more efficient with regard to the risk of overheating of the room
in summer.

This is explained by the fact that if the shading devices are inside the room, the absorbed solar
radiation will be transferred by convection and long-wave infrared radiation into the room.

The movable shading devices have an insulation effect. Even if their own thermal resistance could
be neglected, the extra air-gap created by their closed position increases the thermal resistance. The
insulation effect can be improved in several ways. Two or more devices (e.g. Venetian blinds or
roller shades + curtain) add two or more extra air gaps.
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The U value of different window + night insulation combinations (W/mK)

Double glazing: two sheets in two frames
Insulating glazing: two sheets in one frame
LEC: Low Emissivity Coating

Roof windows
The input is the same as that of the exposed windows, plus the angle of tilt (from the horizontal
plane) is to be given. Due to the various forms of pitched roofs any orientation can be selected,
disregarding the orientation of the elevations.

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Indirect systems

Sunspace
The following data should be given:
How many square meter of the elevation is covered by the sunspace.
How many square meter of the partition between the sunspace and the parent house is window/door
The air change rate of the parent house is already given. Here the air change rate through the
sunspace towards the parent house is the question: the minimum is zero (fresh air enters the parent
house on another path), the maximum is the air change rate (ACH), already given (all of the fresh
air enters the parent house through the sunspace). In the sunspace the fresh air will be preheated, as
a consequence energy can be saved, on the other hand, the sunspace temperature and the number of
habitable hours decreases.
Glazing, movable shading devices, roof and frame construction are to be selected.
In general the number of sunspaces can be equal with the number of elevation. See exception for
corners on the next screens.
Orientation is to be selected clicking the appropriate button and checked in the diagram !

Sunspace
In the case of a sunspace in corner position the covered area of both elevation should be given.
Other data should be given for both elevations, self intended, glazing and frame of, and air change
rate in, sunspace should be the same.
Only one sunspace in corner position can be given for one building.
The different thermal phenomena in sunspaces can be studied on the following screens.

The sunspace
(in the UK. the term conservatory, in Germany Wintergarten are used)
Sunspaces are intermediate, temporary habitable spaces between the parent house and environment.
They are characterised by
visual and functional connections to the parent house and
exposed transparent surfaces and
absence of auxiliary heating.

The energy phenomena in a sunspace /1 of 7
The sunspace represents a buffer zone between the parent house and the environment. A fragment
of the solar radiation passes the sunspace and will be transmitted by the glazing between the
sunspace and the parent house. Its effect is the same as in a direct system.

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A fragment of the solar radiation passes the sunspace and will be absorbed by the opaque wall
between the sunspace and the parent house. The phenomenon is the same as in a mass wall.

A fragment of the solar radiation will be absorbed by the floor of the sunspace. From the warm
surface a conductive heat flow develops towards the floor and the soil, and a convective heat
exchange warms up the air in the sunspace. The last phenomenon reduces the heat loss of the parent
house or provides heat gain.

The accumulated heat will be released during the night.

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The fresh air can be channelled to the parent house through the sunspace, where it will be
preheated. This way the ventilation losses of the parent house will be reduced.

If the air temperature in the sunspace exceeds that of the room, vents or windows between the
sunspace and the parent house should be open - the convective heat flow provides a heat gain.

Sunspaces should be evaluated from two aspects: on one hand they improve the energy balance of
the parent house, on the other hand they represent a temporary habitable extension of the living
space. It is important to define in advance which aspect is more important in a given case because
many parameters have opposite effects from these aspects.
Analysing the costs of a sunspace besides of its energy effect it should be considered that the
sunspace itself is a part of the living space: its floor area multiplied by the ratio of the habitable
hours per 8760 may be added to that of the parent house.
With regard to the habitable hours two options are to be mentioned:
"open door option" - when the sunspace temperature is not less than the required indoor
temperature: door between the sunspace and parent house can and has to be open, in the output this
option is given as "number of habitable hours".
"closed door option" - although the temperature in the sunspace is less than that of the parent
house, (i.e. door has to be closed), acceptable thermal comfort is provided by the compensating
effect of radiation.
With regard to the layout, attached, integrated and enclosed types can be distinguished.

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Sunspace in layout
Mark the type of the layout - in the case of corner position for both orientation.

Movable shading devices
Select the type of the movable shading devices.
orientation !

Mass wall
Area of mass wall, its glazing, opaque framework ratio, the use of movable shading devices and the
surface finishing are to be given.
orientation ! For one orientation only one energy collecting wall can be given (either mass or
Trombe wall or transparent insulation).
The different thermal phenomena in mass walls can be studied on the following screens.

The mass wall
The mass wall consists of a heavy external wall and a glazing in front of its external side. In the air
gap in between the application of a movable night insulation-shading device is advisable. The
exposed surface of the wall should have a high absorbtance, dark colour, eventually selective
surface coating. The absorbed energy is stored by the wall and transmitted by conduction towards
the room with considerable delay (approx. one hour per each 3 cm of the thickness).
The movable device represents additional thermal insulation in winter night and prevents the
overheating in summer day.
Winter day the solar radiation impinges the exposed surface of the wall. The absorbed energy will
be stored by the wall and transmitted by conductivity towards the room.

Winter night the movable device is closed, representing an additional thermal insulation (in itself
and with the second air gap) between the wall and the environment.
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Summer day the movable device is closed, the shading effect prevents the overheating.

Summer night the movable insulation is open facilitating the cooling of the wall.

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The performance of the mass wall /1 of 2

The performance of the mass wall /2 of 2
The performance of the mass wall is better if
the framing ratio is small,
the U value of the glazing is low,
movable night insulation is applied,
the absorbtivity of the exposed surface is high, or selective surface coating is applied,
the heat storage capacity of the wall is high,
the conductivity of the wall is high.
No thermal insulation layer can be applied in the mass wall, because it would considerably reduce
the conductive heat flow towards the room. This is why in cloudy days and during the nights the
heat loss of the mass wall is high, because its U value is not less than 1,0 ~ 1,2 W/m2K

Trombe wall
Area of mass Trombe wall, its glazing, opaque framework ratio, the use of movable shading devices
and the surface finishing are to be given.
The different thermal phenomena in Trombe walls can be studied on the following screens.

The Trombe wall
It consists of a heavy external wall and a glazing in front of its external side. In the air gap in
between the application of a movable night insulation-shading device is advisable. The exposed
surface of the wall should have a high absorbtance, dark colour, eventually selective surface
coating.
The absorbed energy is stored by the wall and transmitted by conduction towards the room with
considerable delay (approx. one hour per each 3 cm of the thickness). The movable device
represents additional thermal insulation in winter night and prevents the overheating in summer day.
There are openable vents at the top and at the bottom in the wall.
Heat can be transferred by convection from the exposed surface if vents are open and natural air
circulation develops.
Possibility of maintenance and cleaning must be provided.
Correct operation is of prevailing importance. E.g., opening the vents during winter nights heat
from the room would be transported by the air into the air gap and condensation on the glazing and
on the exposed wall surface would take place.

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Winter, day
The movable device is open. Vents should be opened if and only if the temperature in the air
gap exceeds the room temperature and the heating is required.

Winter, night
The movable insulation and the vents must be closed in order to reduce heat losses.

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Summer, day
The movable device is closed in order to prevent the overheating. The vents are closed, as well.

Summer, night
The movable device is open, the openable vents of the glazing (if any) are open, in order to
facilitate the cooling of the wall.

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The performance of the Trombe wall /1 of 2

The performance of the Trombe wall /2 of 2
The performance of the Trombe wall is better if
the framing ratio is small,
the U value of the glazing is low,
movable night insulation is applied,
the absorbtivity of the exposed surface is high, or selective surface coating is applied,
the heat storage capacity of the wall is high,
the conductivity of the wall is high,
vents are operated correctly
No thermal insulation layer can be applied in the mass wall, because it would considerably reduce
the conductive heat flow towards the room. This is why in cloudy days and during the nights the
heat loss of the mass wall is high, because its U value is not less than 1,0 ~ 1,2 W/m2K
Incorrect operation of vents reduces the thermal performance and leads to fabric damages.

Tansparent insulation
Area of transparent insulation, its transmittance and thermal resistance, opaque framework ratio, the
use of movable shading, and the thermal resistance of the opaque wall are to be given.
The different thermal phenomena in transparent insulation can be studied on the following screens.

Transparent Insulation.
Although in general a collecting storage wall is spoken about, separate analysis may be reasonable
taking into account that transparent insulation materials combine the properties of good optical
transmittance and high thermal resistance, thus the defensive and interactive properties.
The most obvious application is to allocate transparent insulation on the outer side of massive walls.
Due to the good transmittance of the insulation (and "surface finishing", which in most cases is
glass) a major part of incident radiation is absorbed by the outer surface of - load bearing - massive
wall. The ratio of heat fluxes from this plane towards the room and the environment depends on the
ratio of thermal resistances between the absorbing surface and environment, and between the
absorbing surface and indoor space. This plane is separated from the environment by high thermal
resistance. This is why the absorbed energy flows through the wall (which has lower resistance)
towards the room. The temperature on the outer surface of the wall is high, the room has heat gain,
or at least lower transmission loss.
The main problem is the high temperature - fabric damage and overheating should be prevented in
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summer by shading or by thermotropic glazing (the last changes the transmittance at a given
temperature).
The usual thickness of the massive wall provides an appropriate time lag and a good
complementarity with direct gains.
Besides of the above application transparent insulation materials are going to be used in
combination
with glazing partly to replace conventional windows, partly to develop well-insulated translucent
building elements where daylight requirements take priority of visual contact.

The transparent insulation itself can be
a series of plastic films, parallel with the absorbing surface
honeycombs - like structure, perpendicular to the absorbing surface
scattering structures (foam, bubbles)
quasi homogeneous materials (aerogel, glass fibre)

Transparent insulation, winter, day
A fragment of the solar radiation will be absorbed in the transparent insulation, the rest on the
external surface of the opaque wall. The temperature increases, a heat flow develops towards the
room or at least the transmission loss will be reduced. The heat flow towards the environment is low
due to the high thermal resistance of the transparent insulation.
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Heat flows are inversely proportionate to the resistances from the absorber plane to the room
and the environment, respectively. The heat flow through the opaque wall is delayed due to the heat
storage capacity.

Transparent insulation in summer
The thermotropic glazing changes the transmittance at a given temperature. The low transmittance
at higher temperature prevents the overheating of the wall.
Shading can be provided by traditional movable devices, as well.

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The thickness of transparent insulation
The thickness of transparent insulation material of high transmittance should be rational from
economy point of view.
The thickness of transparent insulation material of lower transmittance exhibits an optimum value:
thicker layer decreases the solar gain, thinner one results in higher transmission heat loss.

The transparent insulation should be covered outside by glazing. Traditional movable shading
devices can be in front of the glazing or between the glazing and transparent insulation. Sometimes
there is an air gap between the transparent insulation and the wall, in this case there is no direct
contact between the absorber plane and the transparent insulation. The air gap facilitates the vapour
diffusion.
The typical thickness of the transparent insulation is 4-8 cm, its thermal resistance is 0,8 ~ 1,6
m2K/W, the transmittance is 0,5 ~ 0,7.

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Solar access

Opposite buildings in layout 1/1
Selecting one of the pictograms data of obstructions and insolation will be estimated, to calculate
the solar gain and the risk of summer overheating.
orientation !

Deciduous vegetation 1/1
Selecting one of the pictograms data of obstructions and insolation for summer will be estimated to
calculate the solar gain and the risk of summer overheating.
Take into consideration the height of the building and that of the trees. If the building is higher than
the trees, the upper floors will not be shadowed. This fact can be compensated selecting less dense
vegetation.
orientation !

Evergreen vegetation 1/1
Selecting one of the pictograms data of obstructions and insolation will be estimated, to calculate
the solar gain and the risk of summer overheating..
Take into consideration the height of the building and that of the trees. If the building is higher than
the trees, the upper floors will not be shadowed. This fact can be compensated selecting less dense
vegetation.
orientation !

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Constructional details

Floor covering 1/2
Select the typical floor covering of the rooms of the given orientation. Doing so the thermal mass of
the rooms will be estimated. The higher thermal mass facilitates the better utilisation of solar gains
in winter and decreases the risk of overheating in summer.
orientation !

Floor covering 2/2
Selection can be based on the followings:
Very light: carpet on foam
Light: carpet without foam
Medium: PVC flooring, wooden flooring on batten
Heavy: wooden flooring on filling
Very heavy: wooden flooring on concrete, floor tiles
(The specific heat of wood is two-three times higher than that of other building materials, this is the
reason of the "heavier" categories.)

Position of thermal insulation 1/19
Decide whether there is a separate thermal insulation layer in the wall, and, if yes, where.
External thermal insulation considerably decreases the thermal bridge losses, improves the heat
storage capacity, thus the utilisation of solar gains in winter and decreases the risk of overheating in
summer. Continuous insulation between two layers (cavity insulation) has similar effect, however, a
part of the thermal mass is "cut away" from the room. Internal thermal insulation is less favourable
from both of the above aspects, on the other hand, facilitates energy saving in the case of
intermittent heating and occupation.

Position of thermal insulation 2/19
If there is a separate insulation layer, on the following screens proposed solutions can be studied.
Select example of
External insulation
Cavity insulation
Internal insulation

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Insulated exposed wall 3/19


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Exposed wall 1/1
The higher the mass of the exposed wall, the better is the heat storage capacity, at the same time the
higher will be the thermal bridge loss. Both parameters are considerably influenced by the position
of thermal insulation layer.
The mass can be estimated as follows:
- 700 kg/m3 aerated concrete, light weight panels
700 - 900 kg/m3 aerated hollow masonry blocks
900 -1400 kg/m3 light hollow masonry blocks, light concrete
1400-1700 kg/m3 traditional bricks
2200- kg/m3 concrete, reinforced concrete (thickness min. 12 cm)

Floor slabs 1/1
The higher the mass of the floor slabs, the better is the heat storage capacity, at the same time the
higher will be the thermal bridge loss. Thermal bridge loss is considerably influenced by the
position of thermal insulation layer.
Very light: light-weight slabs and any floor slab with suspended ceiling
Light: ceramic filler blocks between beams
Medium: reinforced concrete floor slabs, less than 12 cm thickness
Heavy: concrete filler blocks between beams
Very heavy: reinforced concrete floor slabs, more than 12 cm thickness

Partition walls 1/1
The higher the mass of the partition walls, the better is the heat storage capacity, at the same time
the higher will be the thermal bridge loss. Thermal bridge loss is considerably influenced by the
position of thermal insulation layer.
- 60 kg/m2 prefabricated light-weight walls ("dry technology")
60 - 120 kg/m2 aerated concrete or gypsum elements
130 - 150 kg/m2 brick or concrete, less than 6 cm thickness
160 - 200 kg/m2 10 cm brick or 8 cm concrete, plastered
200 - kg/m2 12 cm brick or 10 cm concrete, plastered
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Building use

Use of the building 1/3
Indoor temperature: the average of the set temperature of the spaces of heated zone in winter.
Energy saving by intermittent heating operation or night set back is estimated automatically.
Design external temperature: the base of the calculation of design heat load and built in boiler
capacity.

ACH: Air Change rate per Hour, expressing how many times in one hour will the indoor air be
changed with fresh ventilation air. As first estimation 0,8 can be put for smaller and 0,5 for bigger
flats in buildings with good air tightness.
From the ACH the volume flow of the fresh air is
L = V*ACH, where V is the volume of the room, L the air flow in m3/h.
Heat recovery: if heat exchanger (heat recovery) is applied in the mechanical ventilation system, the
ventilation heat loss can considerably be decreased.
Note that in some regulations the ventilation heat loss is not limited because the necessary air
change depends on the number and activity of occupants. Other regulations use conventional
values, while in a few countries there are national standards prescribing the calculation of air
change rate.

Continuous or intermittent occupation should be marked. In some regulations the energy
requirements depend on the use in the above sense. If internal gains are not directly given and
therefore statistical data will be used, the occupation patterns will be taken into account
automatically.

Heating system control 1/1
Mark the type of the control. "Slow" is to be selected for stoves, floor heating, traditional central
heating of big water volume, column radiators, extended distribution network with manual or
central automatic control. "Medium" is to be selected for usual central heating system. "Flexible" is
to be selected for air heating and central heating with panel radiators, small water volume and
individual thermostatic control.
The more flexible is the control, the better will be the adjustment of the heat load and output, thus
the better will be the utilisation of the solar gains.

Internal gains 1/1
Internal or casual gains can be given in two different ways:
either directly in W (the real value, if known, or a standardised conventional value)
or by giving the number of occupants.
In the last case the gains will be determined by the program on the base of statistical data.

Ventilation 1/1
The risk of overheating in summer can be decreased by intensive ventilation or night ventilation.
"Intensive" should be marked if n>5 ACH can be guaranteed (e.g. by mechanical system) or natural
ventilation (e.g. cross ventilation, stack ventilation) evening, during the night and early morning
when the external temperature is low and the room can be pre-cooled.

Fuel consumption 1/1
Fuel price can be given in two different ways: either the price/MJ or price for other "natural" unit
(kg, tonne, m3, etc.). In the last case the heat value of the fuel for the same unit must be given.
The efficiency of the heating system is a complex value, which includes that of the combustion, the
losses of the distribution network, control, etc. and ranges from 40 % to 90 %.
44

Options

Options 1/3
The output includes several important energy data, such as monthly and yearly energy consumption
of the building, utilised gain, heat loss coefficient, design heat load. A series of different specific
thermal characteristic can be determined, such as average U value of the building shell, specific
energy consumption per volume or floor area, with or without ventilation losses, utilised gains and
so on. The user can select the specific value(s), appropriate to compare with the requirements of a
given building regulation.

Options 2/3
Average U value
Average U value of all transparent and opaque elements, based on one dimensional heat flow.
Partitions between heated zone and unheated buffer zones are corrected according to the estimated
temperature difference.
Average thermal resistance
Average resistance of all transparent and opaque elements, based on one dimensional heat flow.
Average U value including thermal bridge losses
Average U value of all transparent and opaque elements, including thermal bridge effect (thermal
bridge losses are added to the one dimensional heat losses and divided by the surface area).
Average thermal resistance including thermal bridge effect
Average thermal resistance of all transparent and opaque elements, including thermal bridge effect
(thermal bridge losses are added to the one dimensional heat losses and divided by the surface area).
Transmission Heat Loss Coefficient
Product of the area and the U value of all elements, including thermal bridge effect. Partitions
between heated zone and unheated buffer zones are corrected according to the estimated
Transmission Heat Loss Coefficient per floor area
Product of the area and the U value of all elements, including thermal bridge effect, divided by the
floor area of the heated zone.. Partitions between heated zone and unheated buffer zones are
corrected according to the estimated temperature difference.
Transmission Heat Loss Coefficient per volume
Product of the area and the U value of all elements, including thermal bridge effect, divided by the
volume of the heated zone. Partitions between heated zone and unheated buffer zones are corrected
according to the estimated temperature difference.
Heat Loss Coefficient
Product of the area and the U value of all elements, including thermal bridge effect plus ventilation
heat losses, including the effect of preheating or heat recovery. Partitions between heated zone and
unheated buffer zones are corrected according to the estimated temperature difference.
Heat Loss Coefficient per floor area
heat losses, including the effect of preheating or heat recovery, divided by the net floor area of the
heated zone. Partitions between heated zone and unheated buffer zones are corrected according to
the estimated temperature difference.
Heat Loss Coefficient per volume
heat losses, including the effect of preheating or heat recovery, divided by the volume of the heated
45

zone. Partitions between heated zone and unheated buffer zones are corrected according to the
estimated temperature difference.
Net balance of transmission losses and utilised direct solar gains
Product of the area and the U value of all elements, including thermal bridge effect minus the
utilised direct solar gains. Partitions between heated zone and unheated buffer zones are corrected
according to the estimated temperature difference.
Net balance of transmission losses and utilised direct solar gains per floor area
utilised direct solar gains, divided by the net floor area of the heated zone. Partitions between heated
zone and unheated buffer zones are corrected according to the estimated temperature difference.
Net balance of transmission losses and utilised direct solar gains per volume
utilised direct solar gains, divided by the volume of the heated zone. Partitions between heated zone
and unheated buffer zones are corrected according to the estimated temperature difference.
Net Heat Loss Coefficient
losses, including the effect of preheating or heat recovery, minus the utilised solar and internal
gains.
Net Heat Loss Coefficient per floor area
losses, including the effect of preheating or heat recovery, minus the utilised solar and internal
gains, divided by the net floor area of the heated zone. Partitions between heated zone and unheated
buffer zones are corrected according to the estimated temperature difference.
Net Heat Loss Coefficient per volume
losses including the effect of preheating or heat recovery, minus the utilised solar and internal gains,
divided by the volume of the heated zone. Partitions between heated zone and unheated buffer
zones are corrected according to the estimated temperature difference.
Net energy consumption per heating season
Energy consumption, taking into account transmission and ventilation losses as well as utilised
solar and internal gains, but without the losses of the heating system itself.
Net energy consumption per heating season per floor area
solar and internal gains, but without the losses of the heating system itself, divided by the net floor
area of the heated zone.
Net energy consumption per heating season per volume
solar and internal gains, but without the losses of the heating system itself, divided by the volume of
the heated zone.

Options 3/3
Climatic data
The program already includes the climatic data for Hungary. Data of other climatic zones can be
given and saved deliberately. The content of data base is the following: monthly mean external
temperatures, monthly values of global solar radiation for 8 orientation, 3 tilts + for horizontal
surface, first and last months of the heating season if the conventional heating season is to be
considered (otherwise the length of the heating season can be calculated on the base of the thermal
balance). As a minimum, data should be given for the months of the heating season. If no radiation
data are available for tilted surfaces (30 and 45), the heat gain for vertical windows can only be
calculated.

46

Calculation

Calculation
The options are the followings:
the User gives the U value or R value of the element - in this case the layers and materials are
not defined, only the thermal characteristic is fixed,
clicking the "Catalogue" the User can select an element from the given category of the library
(these elements are checked for normal indoor and external conditions) - the U value will be
taken into account and the description of layers and materials appears in the output,
the User can create a special new element or select one of his/her own design, saved in a
separate library, "jumping" into an other module.
Within the same procedure the different ways can be combined for different elements.
It is possible to study some proposed solutions.


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50



51



52



53



54

Insulated exposed wall


55

Footing/floor on the soil 0/11


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57



58



59



60



61

Floor slab over basement 1/7


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63



64


Arcade 1/1

65

Attic floor slab 1/6


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67



68

Flat roof 1/10

Flat roof 2/10

69

Flat roof 3/10

Flat roof 4/10

70

Flat roof 5/10

Flat roof 6/10

71

Flat roof 6/10

Flat roof 7/10

72

Flat roof 8/10

Flat roof 9/10

73

Flat roof 10/10

Heated attic - prevention of interstitial condensation
Wintertime the partial pressure of water vapour in the indoor air is higher than in the external air.-
as a result vapour diffusion develops through the building element. In order to prevent interstitial
condensation in the element, "free way" should be provided to the vapour flow towards the external
air.
If a vapour permeable foil is applied in the element, the "free way" is a ventilated air gap over the
foil.

74

Heated attic - prevention of interstitial condensation 2/2
Wintertime the partial pressure of water vapour in the indoor air is higher than in the external air.-
as a result vapour diffusion develops through the building element. In order to prevent interstitial
condensation in the element, "free way" should be provided to the vapour flow towards the external
air.
If a hermetic vapour barrier is applied in the element, the "free way" is a ventilated air gap under the
foil.

Heated attic 1/16

75

Heated attic 2/16

Heated attic 3/16

76

Heated attic 4/16

Heated attic 5/16

77

Heated attic 6/16

Heated attic 7/16

78

Heated attic 8/16

Heated attic 9/16

79

Heated attic 10/16

Heated attic 11/16

80

Heated attic 12/16

Heated attic 13/16

81

Heated attic 14/16

Heated attic 15/16

82

Heated attic 16/16

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