Development of an IFC-based IDF Converter for Supporting Energy Performance Assessment in the Early Design Phase

Abstract

Currently, Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been recognized as one of the main processes and technologies that can enhance design and construction quality by simulating and optimizing business works for better performance, lower costs, and shorter lead times. Accordingly, BIM has emerged as one of the main issues of environmentally friendly and energy-efficient design in the field of architecture. In particular, several researches on BIM-based energy performance assessments have been carried out focusing on the early design phase. However, energy performance assessment tools have a fundamental problem concerning data interoperability among them owing to the lack of a standardized data format and access method.To address such issues, an Industry Foundation Classes (IFC)-based Input Data File (IDF) converter was developed in this research to use as a middleware to minimize the loss of information and generate additional information during the performance analysis process. This paper introduces the IDF converter supporting energy performance assessments, integrated material library, etc. and demonstrates the efficiency of its use in a case study.

Using BIM capabilities to improve existing building energy modelling practices

“…Until a whole building-modelling suite including all aspects of performance evaluation exists, methods of sharing information between parallel but non-integrated development platforms will continue to be developed (Bazjanac, 2008;Hitchcock and Wong, 2011;Kim et al, 2012;O'Sullivan and Keane, 2005) prior to open interoperability and widespread adoption by modelling software providers. Changes in processes used and skills held by those using the systems are required to facilitate both the development and adoption of these tools.…”

Thermisch‐energetische Gebäudesimulation auf Basis eines Bauwerksinformationsmodells

“…Bestehende Lösungen für den Datenaustausch zwischen IFC-Modellen und Softwaresystemen für die Gebäudesimulation zeigen ein hohes Maß an Modellkonventionen für die korrekte Interpretation einer entsprechenden Simulationssoftware [9], zudem beschränkt sich der Datenaustausch in der Regel auf geometrische Aspekte [8] oder ausgewählte BIM-fähige Software, wie ArchiCAD oder Autodesk Revit. Diese Konventionen und Beschränkungen auf bestimmte Software bieten keinen flexiblen und offenen Austausch von beliebigen Bauwerksmodellen zu Simulationsanwendungen [10].…”

BIM Environment Configuration for Data Interoperability based on Energy Analysis

“…Therefore, constructing specific property mapping system between energy analyses requires and BIM object properties can make accuracy energy analysis assessment in BIM process. Especially it needs to connect between building object properties and BIM software representation through the way of mapping in energy performance analysis assessment [5].…”