An Open Framework for Integrated Bim-Based Building Performance Simulation Using Modelica

Building Performance Simulation (BPS) is a key element in the design of energy efficient buildings. The Modelica modelling language is becoming increasingly important in the BPS field. The International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Annex 60 project, “New Computational Tools for Building Performance Simulation”, coordinates the development of BPS in Modelica. However, data collection and model generation are time-consuming processes, often leading to uncertainty. One subtask of the Annex 60 project focuses on the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) as basis for building performance simulation. This paper presents an open framework for automated Modelica model generation from a BIM data source. The project outcomes include open-source software tools and a Model View Definition (MVD) for IFC to BPS information exchange with Modelica.