Highlights in IDA ICE 5.1 

Up till now, automatic optimization in IDA ICE has been practically limited to a handful of parameters using brute force methods or similar. Now, using Multi-Objective Optimization, with an easy to set-up system, users can combine large number of parameters including different simulation types (daylight versus overheating and heating) in the same optimization.

This allows users to easily study complex real-life problems in an efficient way using powerful guiding algorithm that automatically selects the best optimization algorithms and their appropriate parameters. Built with reproducibility in mind, users can be assured to attain the optimal results every time.

• Easy to set-up.
• Supports single and multiple objectives.
• Supports a mix of categorical parameters (i.e. list selections), integers, and real parameters with arbitrary precision.
• Supports user-defined objective functions through graphical scripts.
• Possibility to add calculated results from reports, e.g. the delivered energy report, to outputs.
• Pause and save functionality gives the user full control over the optimization process.
• Integrated within the already appreciated parametric runs interface.

Automatic DWG conversion

Non supported DWG-files can be automatically converted into supported versions, both DWG and DXF, using internal or manually added open-source conversion tools.

Divide thermal zones by IFC walls²

IFC walls can optionally divide thermal zones during creation with correct thickness. This shortens modeling time substantially in projects where IFC models without spaces are available.

Adjust thermal spaces to IFC²

Wall constructions, windows and doors in thermal zones can automatically be created based upon surrounding IFC objects using the new command “Adjust to IFC”.

Multiple selections

Multiple objects can be selected in 3D or details tables and views are synchronized for easy object identification.

Additional Details tables

A large number of Details tables have been added, for example building bodies, IFC- and CAD-objects, wall parts, sensors and terminals. This can be used for sorting, selecting and editing objects parameters in a simple and efficient way, visualizing object parameters in 3D and run commands on selected objects. Example of new commands are “Run script” (only available in Expert version of IDA ICE) and duplication of object into other object types. Tables are now grouped for easy access.

Additional Details table columns

A number of new columns have been added to details tables for simple editing and visualization in 3D. Some examples are:

• Zone model type and room height to roof
• Rooms units area and heating and cooling power per square meter
• Clothing and location for internal loads
• Many new surface and window parameters including calculated frame width
• Annotations

There are also two highly customizable new zone parameters, “Custom text” and “Custom numbers” that can be used for grouping, scripting, data storage or visualization. 

Simplified object creation and editing

One or many objects on surfaces and facades can easily be created using the improved insert command. This command allows the creation on any selected surfaces in details tables and 3D. Users have the option to fill a given part of selected surfaces with objects in an array. Objects can easily be shaped to non-rectangular surfaces with given offset using the new command “Update shape to geometry”.

Flexible IFC geometry import²

Users can now choose what IFC geometries to import based upon IFC element type to improve import speed and memory usage. It is also possible to import IFC site objects, spaces, windows and openings as geometries. This makes it possible to, for example, create sloping roof windows and non-prismatic thermal spaces based upon IFC. IFC spaces are visualized in 3D to validate import and to easily compare against IFC space geometries. It is also possible to import more complex IFC geometries than before with a customizable maximum number of faces and polygons.

Improved building body modeling

A large number of new commands have been added to simplify the creation of complex building bodies without using external CAD tools. Some of these are:

• Extrude selected measuring planes into building bodies vertically or perpendicular to a façade or surface. 
• Split building bodies with level like slabs for zones.
• Boolean operations like crop and merge building bodies.
• Convert imported CAD- or IFC objects into building bodies. This is especially useful for creating building bodies from slabs.
• Extrude CAD- or IFC objects into building bodies. This is especially useful for creating building bodies from sloping roofs.

Duplicate object into other object types

A number of objects can be duplicated into other object types to avoid usage of external tools.

• Duplicate building bodies into imported CAD objects and vice versa. This allows users to draw shading objects in floor plan tab and perform complex scaling and rotation on building bodies.
• Duplicate thermal zones into building bodies and vice versa.
• Duplicate IFC- and CAD geometries into CAD objects. This makes it possible to set optical properties like transparency to individual geometrical objects.
• Duplicate extruded objects into CAD objects. This makes it possible to easily create complex shading objects without external CAD tools.
• Duplicate IFC- and CAD geometries into face windows or openings. This makes it possible to create windows and doors from any geometry, for example transparent curtain wall elements. 

Zone templates are saved as zone usage type

The template used to create a thermal zone is saved with the zone. This makes it possible to reset one or many properties to template default values or change the template used for selected zones. It is also possible to visualize if any properties differ from selected zone template.

And more!

• Move windows from building bodies to zones and vice versa without scripting.
• Simplified deletion of points during editing by holding down “Delete”.
• Run scripts for selected objects.
• It is no longer possible to perform simulations with missing shading CAD objects.
• IFC import is more robust and no longer require walls.²