Whats new in PHPP 9?
Jessica Grove-Smith from the Passive House Institute & Dave Edwards, author of designPH, delivered an advanced masterclass on the latest version of PHPP (v9.3) showcasing what is new with the Passivhaus design tools.
30 delegates attended the event hosted in the Business Design Centre. Jessica explained and demonstrated the main highlights in the latest version of PHPP:
PHPP 9.3
Error messages & checks within worksheets
Results, errors and checks are now visible on each worksheet, making the spreadsheet easier to use. This is also coupled with the ability to comment on aspects, making dialogue between designers and certifiers more accessible.
Improved international climate zones
As the standard gets adopted in more countries, and to facilitate the expansion of the standard globally, there is improved climatic data sets sorted by country and region (where applicable) which are all assigned a unique ID for better transparency and provide quality assurance. There are links to the interational component database as well as component recommendations (with copy paste updates coming soon.)
Enhanced heat loss calculations for DHW & Internal Heat Gains.
There are a few updates to some calculations to include thermal bridges in insulation of distribution pipes. To counter over estimations there is a new assumption of 6 tappings daily/person, regardless of the number of taps in a residential building. There are now considerations for heat recovery from shower water.
New assumptions concerning internal heat gains have also been implemented resulting in higher standard values in smaller units.
Variants – comparisons
A key addition is the ability to make meaningful comparisons within one model in PHPP. Parrallel calculations of up to 100 variants can be conducted. This is a great tool to see how varying specific aspects can benefit or hinder the design. It also allows cost-efficiency comparisons.
PER & additional classes
A Passivhaus is still a Passivhaus! The old PE calculation will be around for a while to come…. However, new classes provide for future scenarios where renewable energy & its associated storage and losses are taken into consideration in the new energy calculations. These will be calculated as Primary Energy Renewable.
To meet Passivhaus Classic, no renewable energy generation is required, and either PE or PER calculations can be used. Plus and Premium are calculated using PER, and not only have an improved energy efficiency, they also generate energy from renewables. The energy generation does not need to be on-site, and can be from a local 'new initiative.'
The new PER calculations presumes most renewable sources will provide electric energy, and are based upon many future scenario assumptions, such as the grid will be able to decarbonise and facilitate such instances.
An updated version of the Passivhaus criteria [for all classes] can be downloaded here:
Passive House Institute Building Criteria.
Updates are already being worked upon which will allow assessment of step by step retrofits in PHPP 9.4 (potentially due for release at the International Conference in 2016) feasible.
DesignPH 1.1
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The 3D sketch up plugin can be used to export data into PHPP. Dave Edwards highlight how the new PER changes are accommodated in the latest version of design PH. The following updates are scheduled before Christmas 2015!
- Detection of projected building footprint area [Working with the new classes in PHPP 9]
- Entry of PV modules
- Improved entry of components, making use of the component database & updating batches.
Version 2 is expected in 2016 and is aiming to implement a clear and intuitive graphic interface.
Free Download (no export to PHPP)
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PHT & AECB members can purchase the latest software here. |
If you missed the masterclass, the new classes will also be presented at the UK Passivhaus Conference Tuesday 20th October, and again in Glasgow during a tutorial. Keep an eye out for presentation slides.
Further Information
19th October 2015
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