alter-CLIM : a decision tool for passive and hybrid thermal control strategies

A free access internet tool has been designed for architects. The objective is to give them knowledge about passive free cooling and active slab cooling strategies and convince them to study those further in their projects. The software, called “alter-CLIM”, is based on a transient simulation database build with Trnsys16. Simulations determine thermal comfort and energy consumption for various architectures and system designs. Investigated parameters are glazing surface, shading devices, lighting control, thermal mass, orientation, hygienic air flow, free cooling management and implementation (without or with complementary mechanical cooling : hybrid solutions). Various room destinations, such as individual or landscape offices, hotel rooms and meeting rooms are studied. New build and renovations cases are taken into account. The software is easy to handle in order to become an often used tool by architects or engineers. Thanks to the comparison of various strategies’ performances, alter-CLIM helps to choose thermal control strategies in early design stages and to modify architecture in order to achieve thermal comfort and energy savings. The starting point of alter-CLIM’s message is that architectural design and design of systems have to be determined simultaneously. The author believes this starting point is a condition to reach sustainable design.