ESP-r
ESP-r is an open-source building performance simulation software developed as a research tool. It was originally authored by Professor Joe Clarke at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow Scotland in the mid 1970s, to support dynamic, first principles assessments of building physics across multiple domains.
It has been further developed by numerous reserachers since its first inception and was moved from the University of Strathclyde to a public repository in 2002. In simple terms everthing in the tool is represented as a finite volume which preserves a mass and energy balance at each timestep, the complexity is very much up to the user. The University of Strathclyde descriobe the tool as:
"A general purpose, multi-domain simulation environment which has been under development for three decades. Building thermal behaviour, inter-zone air flow, intra-zone air movement, HVAC systems and electrical power flow can all be simulated in the software. In ESP-r simulation follows description, where additional technical domain solvers are invoked as the building and system descriptions evolve."
"Users have options to set the geometric, environmental control and operational complexity of models to match the requirements of particular projects. ESP-r supports explicit energy balances in each zone and at each surface. It uses message passing between the solvers to support inter-domain interactions. It works with third party tools such as Radiance to support higher resolution assessments as well as interacting with supply and demand matching tools."
"ESP-r is distributed as a suite of tools. A project manger controls the development of models and requests computational services from other modules in the suite as well as 3rd party tools. Supported modules include:
- clm — a weather display/analysis/conversion tool.
- bps — an integrated (all domain) simulation engine.
- cdb — a database manager for graphic plant descriptions.
- dfs — a stand-alone CFD engine.
- e2r — a manager, exporter, controller, and viewer of Radiance models.
- ecnv — a model import and export facility.
- ish — a shading and insolation pre-processor and display tool.
- grd — a 2D and 3D conduction gridding specification tool.
- mfs — a stand-alone network flow solver.
- mld — a stand-alone micotoxin display/reporting tool.
- net — a graphic network topology creation tool.
- pdb — a plant component database management tool.
- prj — the project manager facility.
- res — a graphic simulation predictions display and reporting tool.
- vwf — a suface-to-surface and MRT sensor body view factor calculation tool.
- viewer — a hidden-line model display tool.
"ESP-r can model heat flow in thermal zones, fluid flow using networks or CFD, electrical power flow, moisture flow, contaminant flow, hygrothermal and fluid flow in HVAC systems, as well as visual and acoustic performance aspects within a modeled energy system/building"
For further information about ESP-r visit https://www.esru.strath.ac.uk/Courseware/ESP-r/tour/
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- A Practical Guide to Building Thermal Modelling.
- CFD.
- Computational fluid dynamics.
- Computational fluid dynamics in building design: An introduction FB 69.
- Conventions for calculating linear thermal transmittance and temperature factors.
- Dynamic thermal modelling.
- Dynamic thermal modelling of closed loop geothermal heat pump systems.
- Heating degree days.
- Heat transfer.
- Indoor air velocity.
- Integrating CFD into the design process.
- Passive building design.
- The thermal behaviour of spaces enclosed by fabric membranes (Thesis).
- Thermal behaviour of architectural fabric structures.
- Thermal comfort.
- Thermal comfort and wellbeing.
- Thermal dynamic analysis.
- U-values.
- What is Building Thermal Modelling?.
Featured articles and news
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.