A holistic microclimate model

You are here: Technical Model Webpage » intro » ENVI-met Model Architecture

Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

Link to this comparison view

Both sides previous revisionPrevious revision
Next revisionBoth sides next revision
intro:modelconcept [2019/05/31 13:15] – [Software Versions] enviadminintro:modelconcept [2021/07/28 00:36] – enviadmin
Line 4: Line 4:
 ===== Overview in a Nutshell===== ===== Overview in a Nutshell=====
  
-ENVI-met V4 is a holistic three-dimensional non-hydrostatic model for the simulation of surface-plant-air interactions not only limited to, but very often used to simulate urban environments and to asses the effects of green architecture visions.  +ENVI-met is a holistic three-dimensional non-hydrostatic model for the simulation of surface-plant-air interactions not only limited to, but very often used to simulate urban environments and to asses the effects of green architecture visions.  
-It is designed for microscale with a typical horizontal resolution from 0.5 to 10 m and a typical time frame of 24 to 48 hours with a time step of 1 to 5 seconds. This resolution allows to analyze small-scale interactions between individual buildings, surfaces and plants.+It is designed for microscale with a typical horizontal resolution from 0.5 to 10 m and a typical time frame of 24 to 48 hours with a time step of 1 to 5 seconds. This resolution allows to analyze small-scale interactions between individual buildings, surfaces and plants. Depending on computer resources and time, you can also use ENVI-met to simulate complete months or even a whole year.
  
 The model calculation includes: The model calculation includes:
  
-  * Shortwave and longwave radiation fluxes with respect to shading, reflection and re-radiation from building systems and the vegetation +  * Shortwave and longwave radiation fluxes with respect to shading, reflection and re-radiation from building systems and the vegetation. ENVI-met provides high-resolution modelling of all radiative fluxes, including multiple reflections in urban areas and radiation diffusion in tree canopies.
   * Transpiration, Evaporation and sensible heat flux from the vegetation into the air including full simulation of all plant physical parameters (e.g. photosynthesis rate)    * Transpiration, Evaporation and sensible heat flux from the vegetation into the air including full simulation of all plant physical parameters (e.g. photosynthesis rate) 
   * Dynamic surface temperature and wall temperature calculation for each facade and roof element supporting up to 3 layers of materials and 7 calculation points in the wall/ roof.    * Dynamic surface temperature and wall temperature calculation for each facade and roof element supporting up to 3 layers of materials and 7 calculation points in the wall/ roof. 
Line 19: Line 19:
  
 ===== Software Versions ===== ===== Software Versions =====
-The **LITE** version of ENVI-met V4 is free and comes along as a complete model including the basic simulation core for non-commercial applications, but is restricted in domian to 50 x 50 grids and has less calculation features. In addition to the free version (**"ENVI-met LITE"**), there are  the **BUSINESS Version** and **SCIENCE Version** which include advanced modelling features and the newest simulation techniques. While the **LITE** version can be downloaded and used freely based on the Creative Commons License  BY-NC-SA, the **BUSINESS Version** and  **SCIENCE Version** need to be licensed and are not free.+The **LITE** version of ENVI-met is free and comes along as a complete model including the basic simulation core for non-commercial applications, but is restricted in domian to 50 x 50 grids and has less calculation features. In addition to the free version (**"ENVI-met LITE"**), there are  the **BUSINESS Version** and **SCIENCE Version** which include all modules of the ENVI-met software and free updates to the newest simulation techniques . While the **LITE** version can be downloaded and used freely based on the Creative Commons License  BY-NC-SA, the **BUSINESS Version** and  **SCIENCE Version** need to be licensed and are not free.
  
  
Line 61: Line 61:
 <WRAP column 115px> {{:architecture:shadow_logo.png?100|}} </WRAP> <WRAP column 115px> {{:architecture:shadow_logo.png?100|}} </WRAP>
 **Radiative fluxes** **Radiative fluxes**
-ENVI-met contains newly developed analysis modules to model the fluxes of shortwave and longwave radiation inside of complex environments. The scheme takes into account shading by complex geometries, reflections by different surface and building materials and the effect of vegetation on all radiative fluxes. The Expert Version introduces the new IVS method, in which each urban element is considered using its actual state (sun reflection, thermal radiation) instead of averaged fluxes.+ENVI-met contains newly developed analysis modules to model the fluxes of shortwave and longwave radiation inside of complex environments. The scheme takes into account shading by complex geometries, reflections by different surface and building materials and the effect of vegetation on all radiative fluxes. The full versions of ENVI-met include the new IVS method, in which each urban element is considered using its actual state (sun reflection, thermal radiation) instead of averaged fluxes.
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
  
Line 71: Line 71:
 <WRAP column 115px> {{:architecture:pollutants_logo.png?100|}} </WRAP> <WRAP column 115px> {{:architecture:pollutants_logo.png?100|}} </WRAP>
 ** Pollutant dispersion ** ** Pollutant dispersion **
-The pollutant dispersion model of ENVI-met allows the synchronous release, dispersion and deposition of up to 6 different pollutants including particles, passive gases and reactive gases. Sedimentation and deposition at surfaces and vegetation is taken into account as well as the photochemical reaction between NO, NO<sub>2</sub> and Ozone (O<sub>3</sub>). The Expert version of ENVI-met also allows to simulate the effects of photocatalytic activated surfaces on air quality.+The pollutant dispersion model of ENVI-met allows the synchronous release, dispersion and deposition of up to 6 different pollutants including particles, passive gases and reactive gases. Sedimentation and deposition at surfaces and vegetation is taken into account as well as the photochemical reaction between NO, NO<sub>2</sub> and Ozone (O<sub>3</sub>). 
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
Line 89: Line 89:
  
 ** Soil water content ** ** Soil water content **
-Simulating the water balance of the surface and the soil is a crucial aspect in urban microclimatology. While humid soils can act as cooling devices, dry soils are often hotter than asphalt. In addition, the cooling effect, and -on a longer time perspective- the vitality of vegetation depends on available soil water. ENVI-met dynamically solves the soil hydraulic state of the soil based on [[wp>Darcy's_law|Darcy's law]] taking into account evaporation, water exchange inside the soil and water uptake by plant roots.  The consulting version of ENVI-met can also handle complex types of irrigation methods or subsurface water sources.+Simulating the water balance of the surface and the soil is a crucial aspect in urban microclimatology. While humid soils can act as cooling devices, dry soils are often hotter than asphalt. In addition, the cooling effect, and -on a longer time perspective- the vitality of vegetation depends on available soil water. ENVI-met dynamically solves the soil hydraulic state of the soil based on [[wp>Darcy's_law|Darcy's law]] taking into account evaporation, water exchange inside the soil and water uptake by plant roots.  
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
  
Line 140: Line 140:
 <WRAP column 115px>{{:apps:envimetv4_iconblack.png?100|}}</WRAP> <WRAP column 115px>{{:apps:envimetv4_iconblack.png?100|}}</WRAP>
 **Vegetation health assessment/ TreePass/ Wind Risk Assessment** **Vegetation health assessment/ TreePass/ Wind Risk Assessment**
-The impact of vegetation on the microclimate is only one side of the story. To grow and live, plants also need adequate local climate conditions fitting to their individual demand profile. Too much or too little sun, to heavy wind loads on the trees or stagnating air: Many aspects of the microclimate can interfere with the plants requirements and hinder a healthy and robust growth. Using our TreePass technology, the local growing conditions and the plants profiles can be matched to provide an optimal placement. Our wind risk assessment simulates the tree mechanics in order to assess the risk of wind and storm damage depending on the crown structure and the tree location. (Consulting only). +The impact of vegetation on the microclimate is only one side of the story. To grow and live, plants also need adequate local climate conditions fitting to their individual demand profile. Too much or too little sun, to heavy wind loads on the trees or stagnating air: Many aspects of the microclimate can interfere with the plants requirements and hinder a healthy and robust growth. Using our TreePass technology, the local growing conditions and the plants profiles can be matched to provide an optimal placement. Our wind risk assessment simulates the tree mechanics in order to assess the risk of wind and storm damage depending on the crown structure and the tree location. (TreePass Module to-come). 
 </WRAP> </WRAP>