The software THERAKLES

If the software is installed under Windows, the installation program automatically creates a new entry IBK/Therakles in the start menu. In addition to the program start entry, the physical model documentation is also installed as a menu item.

For Mac users (MacOS X 10.11 and higher) the program including the physical model documentation is included in the dmg file.

Under Linux the program is available in a packed archive containing program files and documentation. The installation of the required shared libraries (Qt5 libraries) is required.

The software requires about 40 MB of data storage in the installation folder.

THERAKLES uses a numerical solution method with the following special features:

By using this modern and efficient calculation algorithm it is possible to solve detailed physical models with high accuracy very efficiently.

The DIN 4108-2 Mode means the input mask, the calculation model and the the corresponding evaluation according to DIN 4108-2. This also includes a printable report with all project input data and result variables.

Details on input and evaluation in this mode are described in chapter DIN 4108-2 Mode.

One of THERAKLES' strengths, in addition to its powerful computing core, is its compact and clearly arranged input of all model data using the available databases.

Once the model projects have been parameterized, they can be entered into input data for other models/simulation programs or can be exported to independent simulation components:

Details are described in the chapter Model export.

The program interface of THERAKLES is divided into the upper (1) and lower (2) half of the program. On the right side (3) there is a bar with the program buttons (project menu and databases).

In the standard view, the input windows are displayed in the upper half, which can be selected by clicking on the tabs above. In the picture the tab `Geometry and Climate' is selected. The lower half contains the result view.

THERAKLES contains the following input windows:

Depending on the setting of the room editing mode, only certain input windows can be selected, where tabs 1, 2, 10 and 12 are always active. If the calculation is selected according to DIN 4108-2 almost all inputs are made with field 11. The other input windows are then not selectable. The individual windows are described below.

In the "Geometry and Climate" tab, the geometry of the zone or room to be calculated is displayed (1) as well as the properties of the room boundary surfaces (2) and the local climate (3).

You will find the explanations on the topic of location climate in the chapter Climate and location

The geometry is defined by the surrounding surfaces: - walls (including windows and doors) - ceilings or roofs - flooring

In the section shown above, the following components or elements are shown:

The basic room properties can be set in dialog 1 (figure above). A click on the button next to Volume opens an additional option for entering storage masses as shown in the figure below.

The area describes the net floor area of a room, i.e. the floor area determined according to internal dimensions in the unit m². The room height describes the clear room height in the unit m. If there are height differences in the room, the average room height averaged over the surfaces shall be used as the clear room height. The net or air volume of the room in the unit m³ is automatically calculated from the room height and area.

The air volume is exclusively decisive for determining the ventilation heat loads. Information on mechanical ventilation is given in m³/h, independent of room volume. The room area represents the reference value for the area-related heat loads. In addition, for reasons of comparability, the characteristic values of the annual balance are related to this area unit W/m².

To the right of the input field of the volume is the symbol for extended possible settings for the room storage behaviour. There you can define an additional absolute storage mass in kg and the associated specific storage capacity of this term in J/kgK. Additional storage masses are installations with significant storage capacity, e.g. pieces of furniture. Here it is to be noted that it concerns the storage masses, which are available to the room time-independently, i.e. immediately. For realistic calculations, therefore, only near-surface layers should be considered in the mass calculation.

The lower window (2) shows a list of all room enclosing surfaces. In the illustration this list is to be seen with an unfolded menu for the construction selection.

There are different types of components which require different input data. These are external components (1), internal components (2) as well as components to adjacent zones with given temperature (3). For each of these components, a design structure should be selected in the "Construction" column. Double-click on the corresponding cell in this column opens the existing selection list. This list contains all constructions, which were created in the construction database. When new constructions are created, these must be created in the construction database and then appear automatically in the selection list. To delete an existing component, select the point No construction;

For outside components (1), in addition to the construction and the usage type "Outside construction", the following properties are available to specify the properties listed below in the respective columns.

Alignment angles and inclination angles are information which are necessary for the calculation of the radiation inputs. Only values for a horizontal surface are stored in the stored weather data set. These must be converted, since the radiation input depends on the angle of incidence and self-shading takes place. The degree of absorption is also necessary for the calculation of the radiation entries. The brighter and smoother a component surface is, the lower is the amount of the absorption coefficient. It is about 0.9 for common building materials (e.g. bricks, concrete) and can be found in the relevant table books.

The window type including area and shading type shall only be indicated if a window is present. In this case, the component area is corrected during the calculation. It is automatically reduced by the area specified there. The program does not allow for the specification of windows in interior components. The existing window types are taken from the window database. as well as the type of shading.

The transition coefficients depend on the radiation conditions, i.e. the building environment. (radiation exchange with soil and surrounding buildings), the climatic conditions (radiation exchange with sky vault) and convective conditions, i.e. the air velocities at the component surface. Further information and reference values can be found in the EN ISO 6946 standard.

For *internal components (2) to adjoining rooms with the same or similar temperature conditions specify only the area and the internal transition coefficient in addition to the design and use type 'Internal design'.

For components to adjacent, constantly tempered zones (3), the inner and the outer zones (3) are the outer transition coefficient and the temperature in the adjacent zone. Examples of such rooms are unheated cellars or unheated rooms. In the first case, the annual mean temperature of the outside air temperature can be used as an approximation. In the second case the fluctuation of the air temperature can be very large. Then it is possible, not to enter a single value in the "Temperature in adjacent zone" field, but a path to a ccd file with the room air temperatures in this zone.

The path to the climate file can be absolute or relative to the current project file. In the figure above, an absolute path is selected. In the case of a relative path the current project must be saved as a project file.

The ccd file format is described in Program reference.

These climate data could be e.g. from measurements, external programs or also THERAKLES calculations of this unheated room. To increase the accuracy you can iterate over several rooms using the output data.

In the case of building components in contact with the ground, 50 cm of soil should be added to the construction as a buffer (see ISO 13791). As temperature the yearly average temperature or (better) monthly average values of the selected area can be taken here constantly. For a more exact consideration, the soil temperature can also be precalculated with an external tool. (e.g. DELPHIN). For a calculation according to ISO 13791, proceed as follows.

In this input dialog, information about the project or the editor can be entered. They are mainly used for documentation and in the report.

In this area, the model used to heat the zone is determined and how the temporal the course of the setpoint temperature. The ``Heating'' tab is divided into a left area for defining the system (1 - model parameters) and a right area for the Definition of the control profile (2 - target temperature for heating).

The type of heating system can be selected in the left area. The following options are available:

The maximum heating power indicated below generally corresponds to the standard heating load of the room. (see EN 12831). Heating load reference values range between about 50 (low-energy house standard). up to 150 (old building standard) watts per m² net floor area.

The time profiles of the setpoint temperature, as well as the temperature and humidity setpoints for the the air conditioning and ventilation systems, the flow rates for the ventilation system, the air exchange rates for the free ventilation, the thermal loads and the degree of shading, can be specified in four different variants. The selection can be made by clicking on the "Type" field. There are the following types:

For the "Constant" type, the constant setpoint can be entered directly via the surface.

In the case of a daily cycle profile, two daily profiles appear for which information on the validity period is displayed on the left-hand side:

The numerical values of the profiles are shown on the right. The setting of the values can be either over the displayed profile diagram (moving the points with the mouse) or by entering the values in the right-hand column. When entering numerical values, you can also enter several cells can be selected and changed together if they previously contained uniform initial values. To do this, click on the first value, hold down "Ctrl" and select the second value. The new number can then be entered and appears in all fields. Several single values are selected in a similar way using the "Shift" key. Left bottom can, as in any profile setting, the maximum value of the y-axis can be set.

The annual profiles cannot be edited in the diagram. Since the input is more comfortable via a external program (such as a text editor or spreadsheet program), the interface offers three options for importing data from the cache. For this purpose, one of the three variants listed below is created as a year profile in the external program, and then pasted it over the corresponding field in the year profile diagram. The following figure shows an example from a series of numbers created in Excel.

Here you can see the inserted values in THERAKLES as a diagram. A tabular view is also possible.

The default view in the diagram is always a year-round view. Here, you can use Pull up of a rectangle with the left mouse button. A click with the right mouse button leads back to the year-round view.

The calculated heating energy is calculated according to the setting of the set convective Share of useful heat loads in convective (to room air) and radiation share (evenly distributed on the wall surfaces). This value can be found in the tab << advanced settings,advanced settings>>. The default value there is 100%, i.e. a purely convective heating.

The current version of the cooling system is a simple air conditioning system for cooling the room air. (i.e. purely convective). The selection is made analogous to the heating system using the model properties by the entry "Simple air conditioning" in the selection field. If no cooling is available, select man "No cooling". The maximum cooling capacity is calculated on the basis of the calculated cooling load. (e.g. according to VDI 2078). Usually, the cooling load is in rooms without unusual Utilization properties and with fulfilled minimum standards of summer thermal insulation less than 50 watts per m² usable area. Should the internal heat loads be particularly high or should the other overheating factors are given, it can also be higher. For the maximum Cooling capacity can also be a function, cooling capacity depending on the temperature, can be used. However, this is not possible via the surface, but only directly in the Project file can be entered (see format specification). Both the following can be entered as setpoints temperatures as well as relative humidity. The target temperatures are according to the intended use. Reference values for target temperatures include, among other things, the following For most types of use, maximum temperatures of 26°C during the period of use are recommended.

The target values for the air humidity are only used if the humidity calculation is activated. (see Advanced settings). Likewise, the Dehumidification performance only then taken into account.

Three settings are possible for mechanical ventilation:

For the type mechanical ventilation system, the course of the air flow rate is determined via the Schedule defined. In this case a heat recovery efficiency can be specified, i.e. the heat contained in the exhaust air can be used at the given percentage to heat up the fresh, cold supply air (outside air) can be used via a heat exchanger. Heat recovery only makes sense if the supply air must also be heated, i.e. if the room air temperature is below the target temperature for heating. The air flow rate can be expressed as a constant value, as a typical seasonal or weekday-dependent daily profile, or as a value for the air temperature. or can be defined as an annual profile (see heating ). Heat recovery efficiency and maximum temperature are constant values. The required flow rate of the mechanical ventilation system is determined according to DIN 13779 for Non-residential buildings according to building category and purpose of ventilation. The latter can determine the required minimum hygienic air exchange (removal of CO2) as well as the minimum required for heat, moisture, odour, or removal of pollutants may be necessary. This standard defines the personal air exchange with 10 to 40 l per second and person (2.8 to 11 m³/h person). The regulations for residential buildings are also contained in DIN 1946-6. The minimum volume flows are therefore 0.5 to 2 m³/hm² for smaller residential units. If no heat recovery system is installed, the efficiency value should be 0.0%. If a heat recovery system is available, the heat recovery efficiency depends on the installed system. A simple plate heat exchanger achieves heat recovery efficiency between 40 and 80% (see VDI 2071).

In the case of a flow-regulated ventilation system, a setpoint temperature is specified directly in the schedule. The input variables required here are the supply air temperature and a maximum air flow rate. The required air flow rate is calculated according to the cooling capacity of the supply air with the i.e. the flow rate from which this cooling capacity is reached to the The defined setpoint temperature is maintained. When determining the supply air temperature it must be ensured that the temperature spread, i.e. the temperature difference between supply air and room air, is not too high for reasons of comfort.

Under the "Free ventilation" tab, the air change resulting from the natural ventilation must be indicated. ventilation. This corresponds to the sum of window ventilation and infiltration. There are 4 input variants in the current version. These are:

In all cases, there is again the possibility to set the time profiles for the maximum air flow, Analogous to heating and cooling, select as constant, weekday-dependent, seasonal profile or annual profile (see Heating ).

A specified air flow (1) is specified directly as a time profile and is not dependent on any other factors. Relevant guide values include, for example, the standards for calculating energy requirements (e.g. DIN 18599-10). The listed values are based on the dimensioning of mechanical ventilation systems according to the following standards Target values. The listed minimum outdoor air volume flows range between 20 and 60 m³ per hour and person. They must be converted into the air exchange rate using the room air volume specified in the "geometry and climate" tab.

In contrast to the directly defined air flow, the use-dependent controlled air flow (2) contains the Specification of a minimum value for the room air temperature from which the specified air flow is given. and a basic air change which is not undercut. As long as the room air temperature is less than the Minimum values or the outside air temperature is higher than the room air temperature, the basic air change is used. Otherwise the air flow rate can be increased up to the maximum value.

The use-time-dependent airflow (3) is similar to the previous scheme, but contains more setting options. In addition, increased day and night air changes can be set here. In addition, an outdoor air temperature difference can be specified. This means the outside air temperature must be lower than the room air temperature by the specified amount so the increased ventilation can be active.

If increased ventilation is possible (condition day or night is fulfilled), the ventilation is increased to the value specified in the schedule. The values in the schedule should be must always be greater than or equal to the respective basic air changes. If not, the air exchange rate is reduced if the conditions are met. Here is an example of the conditions:

So if the existing room air temperature is greater than 23°C and at the same time the the outdoor air temperature is 1K lower than the room air temperature, then the conditions for intensive ventilation are met. In this case, the ventilation time specified in the schedule is used. Air exchange rate selected. This happens even if this air exchange rate is lower than the basic air exchange rate. For control it is recommended to check the resulting air exchange rates in the result files to evaluate.

All area-related internal heat loads that are not generated by persons are defined here. The flat-rate area loads can be used, for example, to determine the thermal load from lighting and the heat load is measured by heat-emitting technical and electrical equipment. DIN 18599 also contains guide values for these area loads. Accordingly, the area loads are in most cases between 2 and 8 W/m². In the thermal load time profile, also as for heating, cooling and mechanical ventilation, can be selected between single characteristic value, summer and winter profile, weekday profile or yearly profile. The flat rate per unit area is calculated from the sum of all heat loads caused by the equipment divided by the usable area of the thermal zone or room. In most cases, the heat dissipation almost equal to the connected load of these devices. The floor area of the room is used as the usable area. (defined in the tab "Geometry and climate").

The personal heat load is specified as the time-dependent number of persons and the personal heat load. The time-dependent product of both values corresponds to the resulting person heat load. The specified time profiles do not only specify the temporal distribution of the thermal loads, they are also decisive for the assessment according to DIN 15251, as they represent the reference to the period of use. The person-dependent heat emission depends on the activity of the user and amounts to at least (basal metabolic rate) approx. 70 to 80 watts per person. It should be noted here that it is not a question of the total heat output of a person, but the sensitive, i.e. perceptible or dry heat output, heat emission. The guidelines for this are again contained in the usage profiles of DIN 18599-10. The loads are therefore between 60 (seated pupils) and 125 watts per person (athletes).

The shading control refers to the settings in the "Geometry and climate" tab. with shading elements. All windows for which a shading system is available in form of a construction reference are activated according to this schedule. There is a choice of three models:

Constant means that shading is always active.

In the case of a schedule-dependent sunshade control (2), the degree of shading of the sunshade control (3) is always active. window construction is multiplied by the value specified in the schedule. If several window constructions with different sun protection systems are defined, the schedule will be applied to all. In this case, the control of the sunshade can only be specified uniformly. The figure below shows a shading device that is fully activated in summer between 8:00 and 18:00 hours, but is otherwise deactivated.

The variant, intensity-controlled control (3), comes closer to practical conditions, because the sun protection is always activated when the specified value of the radiation intensity is reached. (global radiation) on the respective orientation side of the room. This variant cannot be combined with a time schedule. It is similar to the approach, which is accepted for the standard certificate. The alignment-dependent limit values can be taken from standard 4108-2.

Structural shading is mapped using time-dependent shading levels for the existing windows. These shading levels are represented by csv or tsv files.

As shown in the above graphic, the list of components is displayed in this dialog in a simplified form. If a component contains a window, a file name for a shading file can be entered in the right selection box. Such a file may look like this:

The first line indicates the type of data and the units. The first column must contain the time. The second column then contains the degree of shading. In the above file there is no shading in winter, while in summer the window is completely shaded. The entry of the path to the shading file can take place directly (input or copy) or by means of a selection dialogue. This is opened by double-clicking on the input field.

The component list is kept synchronous with the list from the input in the field "Geometry and climate" and can only be changed there. The here given degree of shading is combined (multiplied) with that of the movable shading.

Explanations on the settings of the calculation mode for DIN 4108-2 compliant design can be found in a separate Help.

The last tab of the input area contains options for the calculation settings. Among other things, you can enter data for saving the calculation models, for calculation reference values and for the treatment of heat gains.

The output temperature of the room indicates which temperature the room air and the room enclosing constructions at the beginning of the calculation. For Central European locations, it should correspond approximately to the target temperature for heating, since the calculation in this case starts in the heating period (January 01). The selected value mainly affects the first calculation day, and in the case of extreme values, the second to third calculation day. The initial phase of two to three days should therefore only be included in the evaluation to a limited extent. Very high storage masses can extend this phase. Then it is recommended, to extend the calculation period to 2 years.

Another possibility of adjustment is convective part of solar heat loads through windows. This is the proportion of short-wave radiation (diffuse and direct radiation) which directly affects the room air. This proportion depends, among other things, on the radiation conditions and the room geometry and lies at approximately 50% of the total radiation input.

The convective part of the internal thermal loads describes the same facts as the Convective part of the short-wave irradiation. This value is used for internal loads and for heating. Heat sources such as computers give off their heat almost completely convectively, while for example, luminaires have a considerable amount of radiation. In case of doubt, a proportion of 50% is also recommended.

In addition to these options, a check box is listed for carrying out a moisture balance calculation. In this case, an initial humidity, analogous to the initial temperature, must also be specified for the room air and the construction. The moisture balance calculation takes into account the influence of vapour diffusion through the room enclosing constructions and the Influence of ventilation (no flow-controlled ventilation system) on the humidity balance of the room air. If this option is activated, additional humidity loads can be added analogous to the heat loads via the surface (see section below). The corresponding tab will then be activated. A consideration of the capillary water transport is not intended because this calculation requires more detailed information for the materials, structures and climatic conditions at the site. Such calculations can be performed with DELPHIN.

Two additional settings are listed in the Output Options section, the reference time series for the thermal comfort evaluation and the reference value for the period thermal balances. The first value ("evaluated thermal comfort independent of presence") refers to the evaluation according to EN 15251. The values listed therein correspond either only to the conditions, which prevail during the time of use specified under "Personal loads" (check box deactivated) or include the entire period. The second option allows a usable area related output. of the heat flows and thus a better comparability of the characteristic values among the projects.

In this dialog, humidity loads for the room air can be set. Similar to the other loads, these can be set as constant values or time-dependent (see heating).

The following tables show examples of dampening loads.

THERAKLES contains 4 databases. These can be extended with own entries. Therefore you have to switch from the ``room editing mode'' to one of the database modes in the program interface. This can be done by selecting the corresponding button on the right.

A click on the respective button displays the corresponding database in the main window.

The "Geometry and climate" tab contains the "Location and climate" input area. Here the climate data set and the albedo are specified. The albedo can be changed in the edit field 1 (see figure below).

Each building must be optimised in its climatic design for the climatic conditions prevailing at the location. For this optimization, typical climate data sets are to be selected, which are selected differently depending on the design purpose. Examples are the typical annual data sets, the test reference years (TRY) for the assessment of the energy demand, the summer case and the winter case. In the case of a design according to DIN 4108-2, the data for the climate areas described there are stored. The climate data set can be selected using selection box 2. Further information is displayed in field 3. Check box 4 allows to switch on a non-isotropic model for diffuse solar radiation.

The time series contained in the data set include the weather elements short-wave solar radiation, divided into diffuse and direct radiation, air temperature and relative humidity outdoors. THERAKLES cannot currently take other weather elements into account. In the case of a hygrothermal component simulation as it can be done for example with DELPHIN, could also be the amount of precipitation, wind direction and wind speed, as well as longwave the counter-radiation of the sky.

The time series of direct solar radiation are stored as normal solar radiation in the climate files. In order to determine the direct solar radiation on an arbitrarily inclined and aligned Bauteilfläche from these data is the calculation of the sun’s position in the course of the year, usually in the form of hourly values. This position of the sun is dependent on the local time (taken from the weather data set) as well as latitude and longitude (time correction). Therefore, in addition to the time series of the weather elements, an indication of the degree of latitude of the building location is required. This location is specified in the c6b data records as well as in the alternative data sets (epw) and cannot be changed via the program interface. New climate locations can be created by copying the corresponding climate file into the climate folder of Therakles (Therakles_folder/resources/DB_Climate). The formats here are c6b (own format) and epw (EnergyPlus weather).

A further location-related characteristic of the building is the Albedo, is also referred to as the average reflectance of the building environment. Typical urban areas (e.g. asphalted or concreted surfaces) show a reflectance of approx. 10-20%. Bright surrounding surfaces (e.g. light masonry) can result in an albedo of approx. 50-60%, snow-covered areas up to 90%.

THERAKLES offers basically different evaluation options:

The creation of the result files must be selected in the start dialog. The results are stored in the same folder in which the project file (which is why the project file must have been saved before).

Dragging a frame with the mouse creates an enlarged view of the selected area (zooming in). A click with the right mouse button within the diagram area goes back one step (zoom out). Several clicks generate the initial overview image with the values for one year.

If the mouse is moved while the middle mouse button is held down, the current diagram area can be moved.

The Temperatures tab contains the outside air temperatures and the relative humidity as well as, after successful calculation, the air temperature and the operative temperature of the room. The latter value represents the mean value of air temperature and radiation temperature (mean surface temperature of the room enclosure components).

The output field EN 15251 contains the operative temperature displayed in the "Temperatures" tab, plotted over the moving average of the outside air temperature as a scatter plot. This diagram is an approach for the long-term comfort evaluation of the indoor climate. It is based on the assumption that the optimal operative room temperature is linearly depends on the outside air temperature. The empirical equations for this Approach can be taken from EN 15251. It also lists different comfort categories, which in the diagram are each provided with an upper and lower limit value and the corresponding category identifier (I, II, III). If the requirement for a category is fulfilled, the note "Requirements of the category …​ fulfilled" appears above the legend. A category is considered fulfilled if less than 5% of the hourly values are outside the limits.

This tab shows a short tabular view of important inputs and results. The type of data depends on the selected calculation mode. The following picture shows the output in normal mode.

A fixed limit temperature of 26°C is used for the overtemperature hours and a maximum temperature is output.

More outputs are available for DIN 4108 mode. For the overtemperature hours the limit value according to the selected climatic region is used. If an hourly overtemperature value exceeds the limit value for the building type, this value is displayed in red (see figure above).

The short-wave radiation loads are displayed under the Radiation loads tab, divided into diffuse and direct radiation entries. These are the values of the short-wave radiation stored in the climate data set. Here, too, individual areas can be enlarged or reduced with the mouse and the Current local value is displayed at the mouse cursor.

The hourly values of the thermal loads and the hourly values of the moisture loads show the time series of the heat and moisture flows of the room required for the balancing. These are those currents which result from heating, cooling, ventilation (mechanical /natural), air conditioning (mechanical /natural) and air conditioning. and the usage loads. You can also use the "Fluxes_Integrals.tsv" output file to can be inspected and further processed. The hourly values of the dampening loads are only available in the then in the outputs to the opinion if the humidity balance into the computation with has been locked up. This setting is displayed in the project editing area. under "advanced settings". To improve the clarity, the value series in both output sources can be changed by Click on the respective legend entry to activate or deactivate it. The usual navigation functions are also available.

The next tab contains the monthly sum values of the thermal loads. It has the same functions as the previous tab with the hourly values.

The tab Annual total values contains the total energy balance of the year in the left area. and in the right area the heat quantities which can be measured from the units for conditioning the room air. (heating, cooling, supply air cooling). The right side shown Energy demand represents the useful energy demand in the zone. To calculate the final energy demand, this value must be supplemented with the distribution and generation losses.

The selection of the available climatic conditions is limited to the 3 areas described in the standard.

The region must, according to the location of the building to be dimensioned, from the map shown below (excerpt from DIN 4108-2 2013 p. 21).

Explanatory information and descriptions can be added to the project information. These will then also appear in the output report.

The 'DIN 4108-2' tab can be used to enter the parameters. This dialog is divided into the following tabs:

Outside the margins there are headers and footers. There you will find the program version and the licensing information (name and company). The data in header and footer are always displayed and cannot be deactivated. Only whether a page number is displayed is selectable. On the first page of the report at the top there is the project information under the main heading (not changeable). These must be entered in the corresponding tab of the main window (see here). If no project information has been entered, this area remains empty. Also there is the input field for the annotations to the project. These are appended to the end of the report if data is available there. Furthermore a font and size can be selected. These settings apply to the normal font. All other text elements will be adjusted based on this.

First comes the area for the room data. It displays geometry information about the room (Geometry and climate) and the building type.

In the climate section, the location, the selected climate region and the environmental albedo are presented. The location can be entered at Project information. Climate region and Albedo are selected in the window Geometry and climate.

Next are the components. In 4 tables, the most important component data and the associated constructions are displayed. There are: - Exterior components (walls, roof) - Components adjacent to Areas of fixed temperature (to neighbouring rooms or ground) - Internal components adjacent to Areas of the same temperature (as the room in question) - Windows

This corresponds essentially to the entries in the table in Geometry and climate. The ID in the first column of the table is only used to identify the component and is no longer used. In the column `Design name' the ID of the construction is shown in square brackets. This ID appears afterwards in the construction tables in the heading and thus allows a clear assignment. The shading device of the windows is specified here only as the pass factor z. The selected type or its ID is not displayed.

In the Constructions section, all constructions used are displayed with layer sequence and base material data. Each construction has its own table. The name and ID are displayed in the table heading. The ID of the respective material is in the first column. The material and design IDs can also be found in the in the THERAKLES project files and database files.

The Ventilation section displays the settings for basic ventilation and intensive day and night ventilation. If one of the intensive ventilation types is activated, the description entered in the DIN 4108-2 tab is displayed here.

In the next area, internal loads, depending on the selected building type, the internal load, the time-of-use and the setpoint temperature for the heating system.

In the Shadow control section, the type of control and any existing parameters are displayed.

Then follows the section passive cooling. If this is present, the maximum cooling capacity will be used, the setpoint temperature, the annual total cooling load and the description are also output.

The last point in section input show consideration of structural shading.

The Results section is divided into two sections, overtemperature degree hours and temperature curves.

The overtemperature hours are calculated according to DIN 4108-2 Chapter 8.4.1 depending on the climatic region and the building type. In addition, the output of the +2K and +4K excess temperatures can also be displayed. The calculated values are compared with the value permissible according to the standard and checked for admissibility.

The last section shows a diagram with the calculated operative temperature, the outside air temperature and the design limit of the selected climatic region.

The report display can be enlarged or reduced and printed or exported. This is done using the buttons at the bottom of the report window.

The buttons have the following functions:

The console version of THERAKLES requires the specification of a project file (relative or absolute path to the file):

Syntax:

Possible options:

Example:

In addition to the project input data, all database entries used are also contained in the project file. Thus, project files with their own definitions can be transferred from one computer to another without exchanging the databases themselves.

When importing a project file into THERAKLES, all not yet existing definitions (materials, constructions, etc.) are transferred to the user-defined databases of the THERAKLES installation.

It consists of a header and the data:

Important is the line with the type definition and the unit: TEMPER C, followed by the actual data.

The numbers are separated by spaces or tab characters. Each line defines a time and in the last column the temperature value (English number format, do not use a comma!).

The time points must be strictly monotonously increasing, whereby the time intervals can be arbitrary (variable time steps are possible).

Since THERAKLES carries out yearly simulations, the times 0 00:00:00 and 365 00:00:00 are the same and must therefore not both (with possibly different temperatures) be present in the file.

The file CCD-Dateivorlage.ods can be used for convenient creation of CCD files (LibreOffice, Excel etc.). The actual CCD file is best created in a text editor by copying and pasting the entire previously marked content of the CCD file template.

TSV files are simple files that are created directly when a table is copied from the spreadsheet. The individual columns are separated by tabs (hence the extension TSV - tab separated values). THERAKLES requires exactly two columns for simple time series. The first line of the file must be the header line with the following format:

Instead of the time unit h, another time unit (s, m, d, a) can also be used. Likewise, K (for Kelvin) can be used instead of C (for degrees Celsius). __ stands for the tab character.

In the following lines there are two numbers: the time and the temperature.

The times must be strictly monotonously increasing and with cyclic annual data the times 0 d and 365 d must not occur twice.

Since version 3.2 THERAKLES is distributed as 64 bit program. This affects the name of the installation folder under Windows. It would then read as follows for program version 3.3:

C:\Program Files\IBK\Therakles Professional 3.3

The installation folder contains the original translation and climate files as well as the component, material, window and shading databases.

The following files are created in the main folder under Windows:

The directory resources contains the files for the databases, the translations and the climate files. All other directories contain further runtime libraries.

On the Mac, the application resources are contained in the application bundle, i.e. in the path

TheraklesApp.app/Contents/resources

The contents of the resources directory is the same as the Linux directory tree shown below.

Under Linux THERAKLES is distributed as a compressed directory structure. After unpacking, this directory structure looks like this:

The program resources are located in the subdirectory resources. There you will directly find the files for the THERAKLES databases:

A detailed description of the structure of these files can be found in Program Reference.

The built-in databases are overwritten during program updates and should therefore not be changed. Therefore, all user-defined materials, constructions, window and shading types are stored in user-defined database files, see User defined databases

The subdirectory translations contains the files necessary for switching the user interface to other languages are necessary. English does not require a separate file. The switch between languages is made in the program interface with the corresponding button in the right menu bar, or by calling up THERAKLES with the command line parameter --lang=<language abbreviation> (see )

The subdirectory DB_climate contains the climate files. For each existing climate data set a subdirectory a c6b- climate file exists. This climate file contains the (year-) Time series of the climate data and a location description. Subdirectories are used as standard for the Install the directory Validation, DIN4108-2 and the directory TRY_2010. ("Test Reference Year", German Weather Service). The folder TRY_2010 contains the data records designed for the engineering design of rooms. Dimensioning climate data sets for different reference locations in the Federal Republic of Germany. Subdirectory DIN4108-2 contains the data of the 3 climate regions of the standard.

As an alternative to this internal THERAKLES format, climate files in the format .ccd or .epw can also be created and read (see Program reference).

As soon as you create a new definition (material, construction, …​) in THERAKLES and end the program, this is stored in a user-specific database file. These database files are located in the following folder, depending on the operating system:

The files are located in this directory:

and the directory with user-specific climate files DB_climate.

When importing the databases, THERAKLES always reads the built-in database files and Climate data first, and then attaches the user-defined data to the lists.

The log file is especially useful for troubleshooting. If the calculation terminates or errors are reported when importing a database file or project file, is usually indicated in the log file etwwas more about the problem or cause.

The results of a THERAKLES simulation can be saved as files. This is done either automatically at the end of the simulation if in the Start dialog the option is set or by clicking on the 'save output files' button. In the latter case, the output folder itself can be selected.

When saving the result files automatically, the files are stored in the same folder, in which the project file was saved.

Example:

In both cases, single year and two year simulation, the calculation results of a whole year, the last year in the two-year simulation. The following directory structure is used:

The log folder contains the following files:

The solver statistics are particularly useful for performance analysis and optimization. (see chapter Diagnostics and performance options).

The results folder contains the hourly values of the calculation results as tsv files. The data are arranged in columns and separated by tabs. This makes them easy to use in Read in spreadsheet programs. The results are divided into the following areas:

Reference to time integrals: The files fluxes.tsv and wall_fluxes.tsv contain the current values the heat/moisture flows at each hour. Because THERAKLES calculates with higher temporal accuracy, also changes of currents and loads during one hour are taken into account, e.g. the first time the strong increase and then decay of the heating power when a heater is switched on. The integral values in the Files flux_integrals.tsv and wall_flux_integrals.tsv are converted numerically (trapezoidal rule) under consideration of the actual time integration steps. If one were to use the Simply summing up hourly values, one would generally other and above all perhaps receive incorrect integral values (a common cause of error in other simulation programs!). For the calculation of balances (hours, months etc.) you have to calculate the differences of the integral values. If the average loads are to be calculated, these differences must still be divided by the time span (e.g. hour).

For the evaluation of the tsv files the IBK software PostProc 2 is recommended. (see bauklimatik-dresden.de/postproc).

Furthermore the file RoomTemperature.ccd is stored there. It contains the room air temperatures as hourly values in the format of a DELPHIN climate file. If the humidity calculation was activated with extended attitudes, in addition still the relative humidity in the file RoomRelativeHumidity.ccd. Both files can then be used in a DELPHIN simulation for the indoor climate.

The new climate file is simply copied to any subdirectory below the user-defined climate database path (see User defined databases). For example, the climate file for Dresden Dresden.epw could be copied to the following directory:

However, it would also be possible to use additional subdirectories:

In THERAKLES this climate file would be displayed in the list of climate data independent of the location. The location name specified in the file is displayed.

The climate data tool CCMEditor can be downloaded from [bauklimatik-dresden.de], which can be used to create climate files whose data can be entered into a spreadsheet (e.g. Excel, Calc, …​). and lead it back from there.

For thermal calculations in THERAKLES, the following climate data are mandatory:

For hygrothermal calculations (humidity balance switched on) is additionally necessary:

All other climate data are currently ignored by THERAKLES.

It is also possible to copy the CCD files used in the DELPHIN into one of the to convert climate data files. The CCD files must be correctly named and copied into a directory:

The file DirectRadiation.ccd contains the direct radiation on a horizontal surface. If a file is missing, the corresponding column is completely set to 0 during import.

Once the files have been created, you can import the option ``CCD directory…​'' in the file menu of the CCMEditor. can be selected. For the conversion from horizontal to normal radiation, the location of the climate station (longitude and latitude and time zone).

It is possible to build individual wall constructions as DELPHIN 6. export project files to perform further analyses of the moisture behavior. This is done from the database view for constructions (see Constructions).

If you click on the button at the bottom right (see picture above), a dialog opens to open the folder and file name. THERAKLES suggests a file name consisting of the construction name and an ID.

All project export options are performed by the command line solver. The command line arguments required for this are described in the chapter link:reference/#command-line arguments of the console solver [Command-line arguments of the console solver].

The multi-zone building simulation program NANDRAD (see bauklimatik-dresden.de/nandrad) is in the position, to perform the same calculations as THERAKLES. However, it contains much more Possibilities and flexibility in terms of modelling and expenditure.

A NANDRAD project contains to the project file, all used materials and constructions (which are each DELPHIN 6 projects) and climate data.

The export is started from the main window by the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+E.

The export dialog opens with three options:

Options (1) selects the NANDRAD export. The export starts with a click on Export, where the project name of the NANDRAD project file must be selected.

The following subdirectories are created in the directory of the project file to be created:

It contains the files referenced from the NANDRAD project file.

THERAKLES calculates the dynamic temperature profiles and heat fluxes in the Space enclosure components using the finite volume method. If such a model is used in Modelica, the individual layers and their material parameters have to be linked very laboriously.

THERAKLES therefore offers a model export, which allows you to export the opaque components and their link to the room nodes with the same equations of the THERAKLES model are exported as Modelica models.

Analogous to the NANDRAD export, a Modelica model is created via the export dialog (Ctrl+E). When selecting the Modelica model export option, the name of the Modelica package must be specified. After clicking Export you have to select the destination directory for the Modelica package. The following files will be created in this directory:

Another export option is the creation of a Functional Mockup Unit, i.e. a simulation component that supports FMI (Functional Mockup Interface). THERAKLES can be used as ModelExchange and CoSimulation-FMU, and supports the Interface specification in version 2.0, including resetting the FMU state.

When exporting a THERAKLES-FMU, the kernel and all required resources, i.e. project file and climate data, are exported.

When selecting the FMU export option in the export dialog (Ctrl+E) a model name must be entered. This name will then be used as the FMU identifier in the model description file. In version 3.2 the interface of the FMU and cannot yet be adapted. Therefore the corresponding options are grayed out.

If you click on Export you have to select the file name of the FMU you want to generate.

The generated FMU (zip archive) then contains the project file, the required climate data, the runtime library with the implemented FMU interface and additional resources required.

THERAKLES contains a modular system of numerical time integrators and equation system solvers. Solver statistics provide a suitable analysis tool in the case of a non-performant simulation. Often it can be observed that an unusually long simulation time is an indication for false/unfavorable model parameters or unsuitable solver settings.

For error analysis it should be noted that the solution method consists of several components. This includes

There are various selection options for all components. For nonlinear equation systems (like THERAKLES) a Newton method is used by default. This generates a sequence of linear systems of equations, which have to be treated by an equation solver (LESSolver).

With the linear equation system solvers direct and iterative methods (Krylow subspace methods) are available. Krylow subspace methods generate an approximate solution of the linear system of equations, which usually only leads to a quick solution if the system of equations is conditioned.

By default, THERAKLES uses the CVODE integrator in conjunction with a direct equation system solver for weakly populated matrices.

For the analysis of the simulation performance statistics and timing data are stored in the files log/summary.txt. or log/screenlog.txt. The simulation times for various steps are recorded by the program and saved in form of statistics is written to the log files. When the command line solver is executed, this statistic is displayed on the screen at the end of each simulation.

Below is an example of this statistic when using a direct LES solver (495 balance equations/unknowns):

With a hygrothermal simulation the calculation takes a little longer (990 balance equations / unknown):

All work steps in the category Framework and Integrator add up to the total simulation time of (Wall clock time) (a small difference may result from the unrecorded overhead):

The times listed under the category LES show how the effort for creating the Jacobi matrix (LES setup) is composed.

Of particular interest for simulation analysis are the counters for the convergence errors (Integrator: Newton convergence failures) and the error estimation overruns (Integrator: Error test failures). A very large number of convergence errors indicates an invalid/bad parameterization of the model. The concrete values of the statistics and ratios of the counter variables, however, depend significantly on the calculated problem.

Normally the THERAKLES uses an idealized sorption isotherm with 3 support points:

w80 and wsat are part of the standard material parameterization and should be used for all materials, which are in principle capable of transporting moisture (i.e. no steel or glass).

It is also possible, however, to define a to define more detailed sorption isotherms. For this purpose, the material XML tag simply add more wXXX attributes, where XXX is an integer relative humidity.

Example:

The 3rd line, beginning with w33=…​ defines the sorption isotherm, where the moisture contents and The corresponding air humidity must be strictly monotonously increasing. The last value must always be wsat. w80 must also be validly defined for various consistency tests.

During the calculation, linear interpolation over the relative humidity is performed between these grid points.

It is not possible to enter the vapour diffusion transition coefficients in the program interface. The XML attributes beta_e (outside) and beta_i (inside) must be adapted in the project file:

The vapour diffusion transfer coefficients are given in the unit s/m.