WHAT IS A THERMAL SIMULATION ASSESSMENT?
A Thermal Simulation assessment is a comprehensive 3-Dimensional computer calculation that is conducted using thermal simulation software that meets the Australian Building Code Protocol for the relevant Verification Method (Residential or Commercial). For commercial buildings, BCA Specification JV requires occupancy and operation schedules for electrical equipment, lighting, air-conditioning and hot water. The entire building is drawn in the thermal simulation software, and each zone’s heating/cooling load is calculated for every hour of every day for an entire year. The end result is the mega-joules of energy per square metre that will be required to keep the building at a ‘comfortable’ temperature. For a Residential Star Rating, this value is converted into a number of stars, similar to the energy ratings on certain appliances (the more stars, the better). The building complies with the Code if it achieves a minimum star rating. For commercial buildings the thermal simulation is rep
