Quick results using Automatic Analysis
designPH uses an heuristic algorithm to perform an automatic analysis, which can infer element types, temperature zones and thermal area groups, allowing a preliminary result to be obtained for the energy balance very quickly using default U-values. After the analysis has run the model surfaces are given a coloured render according to the thermal area group assigned, so that it is possible to visually verify in the 3D model that all heat-transfer surfaces have been correctly taken into account. The automatic analysis allows the designer to test and compare different building forms without the need to specify the properties of each surface in great detail, allowing greater focus on the 3D modelling aspect (which is the inherent strength of working in SketchUp). To refine the model, the automatically assigned area groups and default U-values can also be over-ridden and specified for each separate surface if required.
A 3D interface for PHPP
After importing a model into PHPP, the primary inputs on the Areas, Windows and Shading sheets will be mostly complete. This enables a result for specific space heating demand to be calculated quickly and without the need for much direct data-entry in the PHPP, potentially saving a significant amount of time. The PPP export file created by designPH can be imported into PHPP 8.5 and/or PHPP 9. After import, you can add further detail in the PHPP and perform verification. See Export to PHPP for further details on the import-export process.
An iterative design tool
designPH also provides a simplified energy balance when the analysis process runs. This allows refinement of the design before exporting, thereby facilitating a more effective, iterative design process, and allowing poorly-performing design options to be eliminated early on. designPH facilitates the pre-planning and optimization of energy performance through the following steps:
- Draw your project in the 3D SketchUp interface or start from a saved model
- Select the correct orientation in the 3D model and select the climate data from the designPH library
- Run the analysis to obtain a preliminary energy balance value
Edit properties and refine the design if you wish - Check if your project is optimised for passive house standard using the 3-click export into PHPP
designPH Workflows
- Locate, create and edit model geometry using the standard SketchUp drawing tools.
- Assign a climate region for calculation of heat balance in the climate tab of the dialog window.
- Assign U-values to surfaces. Once a geometric model has been created, thermal and material properties can be assigned to it. This can be done manually or by using the automatic inference function that is built-in to designPH. This feature means that you can create a simple model and obtain a rough energy balance result, without having to make any manual property assignments to the model.
- Insert and assign properties to window elements. The window toolbar allows you to quickly insert window components. You can then assign them properties like frame type, glazing type or reveal properties, using the context menu (see for Windows - details & properties further details).
- Consider shading. You can draw surfaces that have a shading effect on the window components. designPH automatically detects shading surfaces and calculates a shading factor which is used in the designPH energy balance calculation. The shading parameters for each window can also be exported into the PHPP Shading sheet. See Shading for further details.
- Assign thermal bridges. You can assign lines as thermal bridges and assign a Psi-value (designPH 2.0 only). The details can then be exported to PHPP (see Assign thermal bridges for further details).
- Export to PHPP. When you have an initial design that is close to achieving the result you are aiming for, the model data can be exported to a ‘PPP’ file and imported into PHPP, in order to to add further detail and perform verification. Please see the PHPP manual for more details.