The Building Dynamic Simulation Software ODESSE (Optimal DESign for Smart Energy): Analysis and Suggested Improvement

Dynamic simulation software packages allow us to describe a building-plant system over time and are very useful for estimating energy consumption in architectural projects. However, its use by professionals in the construction industry is currently rather limited because it is difficult to use. In fact many dynamic simulation software programs are not widely used because of their complicated Graphical User Interface (GUI). The software ODESSE (Optimal Design for Smart Energy), developed by ENEA (National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development) in Italian and English, has the great advantage of a simple and intuitive GUI. On the other hand, compared to other programs it is not yet entirely satisfactory from the technical and mathematical points of view. This article presents an analysis of ODESSE and some proposals for its improvement, in particular with regard to heat exchange algorithms between thermal zones of a building and to the program language. In order to achieve these objectives, a new simulation engine written in C++ has been created that is able to evaluate heat exchanges between zones, even when they are connected temporarily or permanently by doors or openings of some type. The tests performed demonstrate the stability of the multi-zone model developed, but the numerical method of resolution initially used needs to be changed.