Highlights IDA ICE 5.2

BIM & Geometry Workflows

Alternative IFC Import

IDA ICE 5.2 introduces a new IFC import workflow that supports IFC4 and IFC4x3, which were not supported by the previous importer.The new importer also introduces partial model import, allowing large BIM models to be imported stepwise, for example one story at a time.

This makes it easier to work with large IFC files that would otherwise be difficult to handle as a single import.Compared to the previous workflow, the new importer is more flexible but also more manual.

Imported objects can be adjusted more easily during model preparation. For example, proxy objects can be converted into building elements such as walls, allowing users to reconstruct building geometry when the IFC model contains simplified or non-standard objects.

The new workflow therefore provides greater control when preparing simulation models from BIM data, particularly when working with large or imperfect IFC models.

Duplication functionality

A new functionality allows conversion and duplication between CAD geometry and IFC building objects.

Imported CAD geometries can now be converted into IFC objects, and IFC objects can also be converted back into CAD geometry. In addition, zones can be duplicated between these representations.

This allows users to switch between CAD-based geometry editing and IFC-based building objects depending on the modeling task. For example, geometry imported from BIM models can be modified as CAD objects and later reconstructed as IFC building elements.

These functions make it easier to repair or adjust imported BIM models and provide greater flexibility when preparing simulation models based on IFC geometry.

Crop zones (beta)

A new feature enables creating zone geometry by cropping zones with other zones or extruded geometries. This simplifies the creation of additional geometrical structures directly within the model.

Crop zones can be used to create internal building elements inside a zone, for example:

free-standing radiators and other systems

internal slabs in atria

The created geometries are fully thermal objects and participate in the thermal calculations. They are included in the view factor calculations for long-wave radiation exchange, and they can absorb and release heat like other building surfaces.

The feature therefore provides a convenient way to add thermally active internal geometry to a model without rebuilding the surrounding zone structure.

Selecting individual CAD objects in 3D

CAD geometries can now be selected individually in the 3D view.

Previously, this type of selection was only available for IFC objects. When working with CAD geometry, users first had to convert the objects to IFC geometry, perform the required operation, and then convert them back.

With this change, CAD geometries can now be selected directly, allowing editing commands to be executed directly from the 3D view without intermediate conversions.

Keeping objects when deleting

IDA ICE 5.2 improves object handling when replacing or modifying elements in the model by allowing objects to remain in place when related elements are deleted or replaced.

This is useful when creating new objects based on the position of existing objects. For example:

replacing balcony doors while creating balcony geometries at the same positions

creating façade elements below each window by duplicating and repositioning curtain wall elements

placing sensors at positions defined by existing objects

Previously, such operations often required manual reconstruction of positions after deleting or replacing objects. The improved behavior allows users to retain objects that depend on existing positions, simplifying workflows where new elements are created based on the location of other model objects.

Shift selected objects

IDA ICE 5.2 introduces an extended shift function for model objects.

Previously, objects could only be shifted by selecting them individually and using the right-click → shift command. This operation affected only the selected objects.

The new functionality allows users to shift all objects of a specified type using the command available under Edit. Both methods are now available in IDA ICE Standard.

This provides a more efficient way to reposition multiple objects in the model and simplifies editing workflows when many similar objects need to be moved.

Switch stories

IDA ICE 5.2 improves story navigation by allowing users to switch stories with a single button click.

The current story is also identified using the story name from the IFC file, making it easier to navigate between floors in imported BIM models and to keep the simulation model aligned with the original building structure.

Simulation & Analysis

Sun exposure according to EN 17037

A new output for thermal simulations allows evaluation of sunlight exposure duration on windows.

The implementation extends the predefined output object “Solar radiation through windows”. The calculation uses the solar radiation incident on façade surfaces as computed by the climate processor and the façade model based on the project location, the annual weather file and the corresponding solar radiation and cloud cover data.

To determine sunlight exposure, the window model includes a variable that detects whether direct solar radiation is present on the window surface during each simulation timestep. The resulting output is a binary time series indicating the presence or absence of direct sunlight.

Using the diagram settings, this time series can be converted into a duration plot, allowing the total annual duration of direct solar exposure for each window to be evaluated.

This output can be used to verify sunlight exposure requirements according to EN 17037, which specify minimum durations of direct sunlight.

Output for local discomfort according to ISO 7730

Additional outputs evaluating local thermal discomfort in zones using the stratified zone model are available in IDA ICE 5.2.

The new outputs report percentage dissatisfied (PD) for several local discomfort mechanisms defined in ISO 7730:

warm or cold floors

draught

vertical air temperature difference

radiant temperature asymmetry from warm or cold walls

radiant temperature asymmetry from warm or cold ceilings

These quantities are derived from the spatially resolved indoor climate conditions calculated by the stratified zone model. The model represents air stratification and local airflow patterns, including effects of supply air jets, thermal plumes and wall currents, which influence draught and vertical temperature gradients within the room.

In addition, the model computes long-wave radiative exchange using detailed view factor calculations between room surfaces and occupants, allowing radiant temperature asymmetry to be evaluated correctly even for complex room geometries.

The outputs are evaluated according to ISO 7730 criteria, which are widely used for assessing thermal comfort and are required in several building certification and performance assessment frameworks. This allows local comfort criteria to be assessed directly from the simulation results.

Controllable shades in daylight simulation

IDA ICE 5.2 supports controllable shading in climate-based daylight simulations.

The state of the shading devices is taken from the shading control signal calculated in the preceding thermal simulation and used as an input boundary condition for the daylight simulation. This allows the daylight analysis to reflect the actual shading operation determined by the building performance simulation.

Previously, controllable shading could not be represented in climate-based daylight simulations. With this improvement, daylight metrics calculated from climate-based simulations can account for the effect of shading operation.

This is particularly relevant for building certification schemes, where climate-based daylight metrics and the influence of shading devices are part of the mandatory evaluation.

Smooting by simulation type

Result smoothing can now be applied separately for different simulation types.

In previous versions, smoothing could only be applied globally. This caused problems in cases where smoothing was desirable for some simulation results but not for others.

For example, in some localizations such as Swiss and Finnish models, occupancy schedules are not binary but vary continuously. When smoothing was applied on top of such schedules, it could introduce additional variability in the results that was not intended.

With the new functionality, smoothing can be controlled per simulation type, allowing users to apply smoothing where it improves the interpretation of results, such as in energy simulations, while avoiding it for other analyses such as heating load calculations.

This makes it possible to work with a single model configuration for different simulation purposes, reducing the need to set up separate models and improving the overall workflow.

ISO 13370 ground model, model improvent

IDA ICE 5.2 improves the implementation of the ISO 13370 ground heat transfer model for floor slabs.

In previous versions, the thermal resistance of the ground was treated the same for all zones regardless of their location in the building. As a result, zones located in the center of the building had the same ground heat transfer conditions as zones located at the building perimeter.

The updated implementation now distinguishes between edge zones and inner zones when determining the temperature distribution in the ground. The virtual ground temperatures, to which the heat losses are referenced according to ISO 13370, are therefore calculated differently depending on the zone position.

This results in a more consistent implementation of the ISO 13370 method, improving the representation of ground heat losses for zones with different positions in the building footprint.

HVAC Systems & Controls

3D animation

Building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV)

IDA ICE 5.2 introduces a façade component for modeling building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) panels directly on building envelope surfaces.

BIPV systems can now be assigned to façade elements in the surfaces table. The required user inputs are limited to PV efficiency and the fraction of the façade area covered by PV panels. The component then calculates electrical power generation based on the solar radiation incident on the façade surface.

The model accounts for the interaction between solar radiation, PV electricity generation and thermal processes in the façade system. This includes the thermal behavior of the PV panel, radiative exchange with the sky and ground, and convective heat transfer in the ventilated air gap behind the panel.

The component provides outputs such as:

generated electrical power

PV panel temperature

air gap temperature

wall temperature

convective heat flow in the air gap

The BIPV model is integrated into the building energy model and the electrical energy management system, allowing the impact of façade-integrated photovoltaic systems on the building’s energy balance to be evaluated.

New control components

Three new model components for controllers are available to be used in custom control strategies:

Time delay

Count switches (off → on transitions)

Hold signal

These components extend the functionality of the controller palette and allow users to implement common control logics easier than before.

Example: A typical use case is window control, where a window should remain open for a minimum time once it has been opened, even if the control variable that triggered the opening changes shortly afterwards.

Wise control system

A new type of distribution system is available for ESBO Plants (also in IDA ESBO). The WISE control allows coordinated control of heating and cooling supply temperature based on conditions in multiple rooms, influencing the operation of the air handling unit.
Several components support this functionality:

AHU with limited capacity, allowing system performance limits to be represented

Extended zone controller, providing additional control signals from the zones

New AHU controller, coordinating the air handling unit operation based on the system state

The new AHU controller adjusts the supply temperature setpoint dynamically based on valve positions and system offsets. The controller evaluates the control signal relative to defined thresholds and limits the resulting temperature setpoint within configurable bounds. This allows the system to react to zone demands while preventing excessive offsets and maintaining stable operation.

Previously, implementing such coordinated control strategies required building custom control logic at the Advanced level, which made them difficult to apply in standard projects. With the new controllers available at the Standard level, these strategies can now be implemented more easily.

This improves the workflow and makes advanced system control accessible without custom advanced-level modeling, allowing better system operation to be applied in both standard and complex projects.

New sensors

IDA ICE 5.2 extends the functionality of the Zone Sensor.

The zone sensor can now read not only standard result variables such as air temperature, humidity, CO₂ concentration and dew point, but also control signals from other zone controllers as well as operational signals including setpoints, in-use status, time before use and VAV damper position.

The functions available for assigning sensor signals have also been extended. Sensor values can now be calculated using:

Average (unweighted)

Average over zone volume

Average over floor area

Average over envelope area

These additions make it easier to develop more complex control strategies directly at the standard modeling level. Previously, such signals often had to be retrieved from variables only available in the Advanced level, which made controller development more complicated.

New air handling units

IDA ICE 5.2 introduces new air handling unit (AHU) configurations with transparent humidity control.

The new AHUs include controllers for:

Evaporative humidification with cooling-based dehumidification

Steam humidification with cooling-based dehumidification

These controllers replace the previous implementation where the humidity control logic was implemented as a black-box controller. While the functionality existed earlier, the internal control behavior was not visible to the user.

With the new implementation, the control logic is explicitly represented in the controller, making it easier to understand how humidification and dehumidification interact with cooling operation. This simplifies troubleshooting and debugging in situations where the system does not behave as expected.

Air terminals

Predefined air terminal types to be used for simulations with the stratified zone model simplify the definition of diffuser throw characteristics.
The following terminal types are available:

circular terminal

rectangular diffuser

four-way diffuser

radial diffuser

For these terminals, the throw coefficient (k-value) is automatically assigned based on the selected terminal type.

Previously, the k-value had to be entered manually, which often required looking up manufacturer data or estimating the value. The new predefined terminals make it much easier to define realistic air distribution characteristics in the model.

Model Inspection & Results

Sensor Logging

Logging of sensor measurements for result diagrams is now available.
Sensors can be logged for variables such as:

air temperature
relative humidity
absolute humidity
CO₂ concentration
Illuminance
operative temperature

Depending on the zone model used, the values can represent either zone averages or point measurements at the sensor position.

Previously, users had to route sensor signals through a zone controller and log the output from there. This workaround was inefficient and not obvious to users. The new functionality allows sensor measurements to be logged directly.

Extended list of output objects

The range of variables that can be logged from the list of output objects is extended.

The complete climate file data can now be logged, which simplifies external post-processing and analysis of weather-dependent simulation results.

In addition, window opening control signals can be logged for each individual window, allowing detailed analysis of window operation during the simulation.

Previously, these types of outputs were not directly available. Users had to implement custom logging or post-processing workflows using the advanced level. The new logging options make these analyses more accessible and easier to perform.

Detailed results selection

IDA ICE 5.2 introduces improved functionality for editing values in the detailed tables.

Users can now select multiple rows based on any parameter value. By right-clicking a value in the table and choosing “select all objects with same value”, all rows with that value are selected. A new value can then be copied to memory and applied to all selected objects using Shift + right-click + paste.

Previously, such bulk edits were not possible, and parameters often had to be modified individually for each object. The new functionality provides a more convenient way to update parameters across many objects directly in the detailed tables.

Export movie (Beta, right now series of images, no movie file)

IDA ICE 5.2 introduces functionality for creating animations directly from the visualization view.

Two types of animations are supported:

View animation, where a series of images is generated from a 360° fly-by around a selected focus point
Time animation, where simulation results are animated over time. This can either show a regular time sequence or visualize a fixed time of day over the course of the year The animations are generated as a series of images (not yet a video file). Any visualization available in the Animation tab can be used as the basis for the exported sequence.
Previously, creating such visualizations required taking many manual screenshots, which was time-consuming. The new functionality automates this process and produces more consistent visual results that are easier to use in presentations and reports.

Workflow and Productivity

More details in tables

IDA ICE 5.2 extends the information available in model tables, providing additional data that simplifies inspection and verification of building elements and system parameters.

The tables now include more detailed information such as:
• U-values for doors and windows
• distinction between external and internal windows
• zone totals shown directly in the zone tables
• additional surface columns for clearer overview of surface properties
• variable air flow values in absolute units for VAV systems

These additions make it easier to review model data and verify key parameters directly in the tables without additional calculations or manual checks.

Parametric Runs interface

A new interface for parametric runs, providing clearer access to the functionality for performing parameter studies is introduced.

Parametric simulation capabilities already existed in earlier versions, but the workflow was difficult to understand and use. In many cases, users needed prior training or course material to learn how to set up parametric runs effectively.

The new interface exposes the available functionality in a more structured way, making it easier to define parameter variations and manage simulation runs. This simplifies the setup of parametric studies without requiring advanced knowledge of the previous workflow.

Fast model editing

IDA ICE 5.2 improves the performance of model editing operations, particularly in models containing many zones or building bodies.

Several internal optimizations have been implemented to improve operations in the model update routines. As a result, editing tasks such as modifying zones or building bodies can be significantly faster, in some cases up to 70% faster.

These improvements are most noticeable in large models where many objects need to be updated during editing operations, resulting in a smoother and more responsive workflow.

Platform & Extensions

Minimized Risk for data loss

IDA ICE 5.2 introduces several improvements to reduce the risk of data loss and corrupted model files when working with large simulation models.

When a model crash occurs, IDA ICE now provides a recovery window listing available model files, allowing the user to restore the latest recoverable version.

The saving procedure for large model files has also been improved. Before writing a new model file, the system now evaluates the packed project file to ensure that it is complete, preventing damaged files from overwriting a previously valid version.

In addition, the autosave mechanism has been redesigned. Earlier versions saved all project data during autosave, including large CAD and HDF5 files, which resulted in long saving times and large autosave files.

The new autosave strategy prioritizes essential model data, while large data structures such as CAD geometry and HDF5 result files are not included in autosave. This significantly reduces autosave time and improves reliability when working with large models.

Localization Denmark

IDA ICE 5.2 introduces a new Danish localization supporting workflows required for compliance with the Danish Building Regulation BR18.

The localization includes support for thermal comfort assessment according to BR18 and climate-based daylight calculations required by BR18.

To simplify project setup, the localization also provides preconfigured weather files and template project files tailored to Danish regulatory workflows.

These additions allow engineers to perform the required analyses for BR18 compliance using predefined configurations, reducing the effort needed to set up compliant simulation models

Localization Sweden

IDA ICE 5.2 includes updates to the Swedish localization to support the latest regulatory requirements.

The daylight factor calculation has been updated according to BFS 2024:8. The evaluation is now performed at the apartment level, instead of being calculated separately for each zone.

This change aligns the daylight assessment workflow with the updated Swedish regulation and simplifies the evaluation of daylight compliance in residential buildings.

License management system

IDA ICE 5.2 introduces a new License Management System (LMS) replacing the previous HASP-based licensing.

The new system simplifies license handling and allows the same license to be used more easily across different machines. It also improves the management and sharing of network licenses, which is particularly useful for larger organizations where multiple users access the software.

The LMS also improves the software support workflow for maintenance customers. Support tickets can now be generated directly from within the software, making it easier to contact support and provide the necessary information.

These improvements streamline both license management and communication with support, improving the overall user experience for maintenance customers.

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