> Easy to learn and use GUI, similar to AutoCAD®/IntelliCAD®

FineGREEN has a commonly familiar CAD user interface and uses the native DWG format for its files giving the end user a fairly flat learning curve.

> Full DWG and IFC Compatibility

FineGREEN can import any DWG file, as well as any 3D BIM architectural model from other programs like Revit®, Archicad®, Vectorworks®, SketchUp Pro® or equivalent. This means that practically every project can be opened and studied by FineGREEN.

> Smart 3D BIM Model

FineGREEN allows the user to work directly on the real 3D ΒΙΜ model to perform both, geometrical and intelligent/logical BIM operations within an open energy simulation environment (smart composition of the intelligent building entities, carrying their own specific properties such as the U-Values, results to a smart BIM model). FineGREEN models even the most complex buildings with the minimum of time and effort.

> Powered by EnergyPlus (e+)

FineGREEN embeds the Energy-Plus calculation engine (sponsored by DOE) ensuring reliability and absolute validity of results. 4M belongs to the (e+) 3rd party interface developers.

> Multi-objective Optimization

FineGREEN generates a wide range of outputs and reports (along with impressive images) to help the user to compare easily the performance of alternative design scenarios and get the optimum one following the client’s objectives.

> Seamless Integration with FineHVAC and FineMEP

FineGREEN belongs to the 4M BIM Suite including also Architectural Design (IDEA) and Mechanical /Electrical Services (FINE-MEP), within a collaborative environment which facilitates the sharing of 3D building models.

FineGREEN Modules
 

3D BIM Interface

FineGREEN is the only BIM Powered Software that provides the Energy Assessors, Architects and Engineers with an AutoCAD®-like look-and-feel interface to Energyplus® on top of a 3D BIM technology. Being at the same time full DWG compatible and full BIM compatible, FineGREEN can also import directly IFC files to make even easier the use of Energyplus® in its entirety.

FineGREEN's high efficiency is due to its Smart 3D BIM building model, being composed by intelligent building entities/objects with their own specific properties (i.e. U-Values, types following Ashrae etc). On this 3D BIM model, the user can easily define intelligent building properties (i.e. visual definition of building zones, non-conditioned spaces, shading from adjacent buildings, etc). Its easy-to-use (Autocad®-like) BIM interface is full DWG compatible and at the same time full IFC compatible to ensure the close collaboration with any other BIM application, such as Revit®, Archicad®, Allplan®, IDEA® etc.

Simulation with Energyplus®

FineGREEN calculations are based on the EnergyPlus® dynamic thermal simulation engine in full accordance with the ASHRAE and CIBSE standards.

FineGREEN offers the most familiar 3D BIM interface to Energyplus®, uses energy performance and consumption indicators, precisely calculated for alternative design scenarios and permits the real time extraction of the building annual energy consumption along with costs and other outcomes.

FineGREEN enables the designer to study effectively alternative design scenarios in order to reach the optimal solutions for any type of a new construction, as well as to identify the most interesting retrofit design alternatives.

Simulation results are organized in detailed output tables, charts and graphical representation forms, to make easy the comparative evaluation of the alternatives.

HVAC Systems Modeling

HVAC systems can be modelled in full detail using the FineGREEN HVAC System Editor for a precise simulation. Basic loop types (air loop, plant loop and condenser loop) can be connected to each other or stay independent with regards to the creation of the complete HVAC system, whereas there are also compound systems such as the Unitary and the VRF systems.

FineGREEN contains a wide range of predefined HVAC system templates that can be easily customized by the user, or even defined from scratch.

Some examples of predefined HVAC system templates are the following:

• VAV systems with a boiler (diesel or natural Gas, combined with air-cooled chiller or water-cooled chiller and/or  full humidity control, outdoor air reset, HR, mixed mode and others)
• VAV systems with a heat pump
• VRF (air-cooled) systems with a heat recovery system
• Mixed-mode systems with mechanical and natural ventilation control
• Fan coil units with a boiler (diesel or natural gas) and an air-cooled chiller
• Split systems (unitary cooling) with mechanical ventilation
• Radiator heaters with diesel or natural Gas combined with a natural ventilation or mixed mode natural ventilation and/or local comfort cooling
• GSHP unitary water to air-heat pump systems
• CAV systems with a boiler (diesel or natural gas with an air-cooled chiller), or CAV systems with a heat pump
• PTHP (packaged terminal heat pump) systems
• PTAC (packaged terminal air conditioner) electric heating systems
• Unitary heat pumps
• In-floor heating systems of any type (natural gas, heat pump, diesel, solar, GSHP water to water heat pump or any combination) along with natural ventilation
• Storage heaters with electricity and natural ventilation

Daylighting

FineGREEN supports detailed daylight calculations and generates automatically the Daylight Map for each zone.

Solar & Wind Energy Modeling

FineGREEN enables the placement of solar collectors and/o PV panels, as well as wind turbines in the building model, and connect them to one or more Electric Load Centers in the case of electricity generation.

Cost Analysis

FineGREEN enables a sophisticated building cost analysis, figuring out the cost of a building from the early design to the project completion and operation. It is divided into the categories “Construction cost”, “Utility cost” and “Life cycle cost”.

LEED Certification

FineGREEN produces the basic report for the LEED certification.

Contents of the LEED Report include:

Sec1.1A-General Information

EAp2-1. Space Usage Type
EAp2-2. Advisory Messages

EAp2-3. Energy Type Summary
EAp2-4/5. Performance Rating Method Compliance
EAp2-6. Energy Use Summary
EAp2-7. Energy Cost Summary
L-1. Renewable Energy Source Summary

EAp2-17a. Energy Use Intensity - Electricity
EAp2-17b. Energy Use Intensity - Natural Gas
EAp2-17c. Energy Use Intensity - Additional
EAp2-18. End Use Percentage
Schedules-Equivalent Full Load Hours (Schedule Type=Fraction)
Schedules-SetPoints (Schedule Type=Temperature)

Rich libraries open to the user

FineGREEN contains rich libraries open to the user, including weather files and climate data, building components, construction assemblies and materials, HVAC and lighting equipment, as well as ready to use templates with structure and system profiles, activity & operating schedules etc. More specifically:

> EnergyPlus location and weather data

Detailed weather data (temperature, humidity for one year can be loaded from the EnergyPlus® location on weather data. (https://energyplus.net/weather)

> Construction Materials

FineGREEN contains rich libraries of Construction materials based on the Ashrae Standards.

> Activity Analysis & Operation Schedules

FineGREEN contains rich libraries of Activity templates in fully compliance with ASHRAE 62.1, which can be further enriched with new templates. Operation schedules applied to the HVAC system(s) the lighting equipment and the domestic hot water, follow the Ashrae 90.1 standard.

FineGREEN collaborates seamlessly with FineMEP and FineHVAC to support the detailed sizing of the HVAC systems, by providing detailed calculations according to the specific standard/norm selected, plus complete drawings with construction details.