Energy balancing buildings
Upgrade for software for fast building balancing

The energy balancing of buildings according to DIN V 18599 is often criticised because of its complexity and, as a result, the considerable amount of time required to process the information. The Excel-based EnerCalC tool was therefore developed as part of a research project. It is particularly suited for characterising the energy efficiency of buildings during the preliminary design phase because the results of design decisions or variants can be quickly calculated. The software is continuously maintained and further developed by its author, Dr Markus Lichtmeß.

Version 6 has now been released, which includes another major revision. This relates to the balancing methodology, various calculation modalities, extended weather data and the presentation of results. The changes are essentially concerned with assessing the energy efficiency of nearly-net zero energy buildings – a standard that will be mandatory for all new buildings from 2021 under the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive – and with incorporating the self-consumed electricity generated from wind turbines, combined heat and power (CHP) and photovoltaic systems in a more differentiated manner. In addition, the graphical depiction of the results has been extended with a clear dynamic energy flow diagram and some help topics have been added in the form of tool tips.

What's new in version 6?

Balancing electricity generated from combined heat and power or renewable electricity and calculating the self-used proportion is a complex issue. For this reason, version 6 of EnerCalC has implemented new calculation rules that can be used to determine the self-used electricity from photovoltaic systems, wind turbines or CHP plants and allocate them proportionately in terms of the self-consumption or grid injection. Battery storage systems for increasing the self-consumption of electricity can also be taken into account in the balancing. Optionally, other loads can also be included which are not covered by the standard. EnerCalC now calculates the coverage of the heat demand met by different heat generators and differentiates them monthly – this is particularly relevant for combined heat and power generation with regard to the self-consumption of electricity.

With a new balance model, systems for providing combined heat and power generation are evaluated in energy efficiency terms in accordance with the Building Energy Certificate system – but taking into account the self-consumed electricity. Wind energy and photovoltaic systems can also be considered in regard to the energy efficiency: their power generation or self-used share is then included in the balancing in accordance with DIN V 18599-9:2016-10.

Multilingual balancing

EnerCalC already became bilingual with version 5. You can switch between German and English on the start page or on every spreadsheet. In addition, extensive adaptations have been made to accord with EnEV 2016 and DIN V 18599. For example, the parts of DIN V 18599:2011-12 and 2016-10 relevant for EnerCalC have been integrated and the primary energy factors and usage profiles updated. Own usage profiles can be defined more precisely from version 5 onwards.

Improvements have also been made relating to daylight and illumination: a method has been implemented for automatically determining the daylighting from rooftop skylights and shed roofs, the data for glazing and solar shading has been updated, and options for inputting artificial lighting have been expanded.

The presentation of the results now also shows the statutory heat protection requirements for residential and non-residential buildings, including the energy efficiency classes for residential buildings.

Further details and ordering

Detailed information on EnerCalC, various tutorials, a FAQ list and ordering options can be found on the EnerCalC website.