Accim (software)
| Original author(s) | Daniel Sánchez-García, et al. |
|---|---|
| Stable release | 0.7.5
/ October 18, 2025 |
| Repository | github |
| Written in | Python |
| Engine | |
| Operating system | Cross-platform |
| License | GPLv3 |
| Website | accim |
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accim is a Python library designed to implement adaptive setpoint temperatures in building performance simulations. The software modifies EnergyPlus Input Data Files (IDF) to change conventional static setpoint temperatures to dynamic adaptive setpoints, based on various thermal comfort standards and models. This allows for the assessment of building energy performance under adaptive thermal comfort principles, which can lead to more realistic energy consumption estimates and improved occupant comfort.[1][2][3]
The tool is primarily aimed at researchers, building designers, and engineers who use EnergyPlus for building energy modeling and want to explore the impact of adaptive comfort strategies.[4]
Functionality
accim's core functionality revolves around the modification of EnergyPlus IDF files. It automates the process of applying complex adaptive comfort models, which would otherwise require manual and time-consuming modifications of simulation inputs.
The main functionalities include:
- Implementation of adaptive setpoint temperatures: accim can modify existing IDF files to replace fixed heating and cooling setpoints with dynamic setpoints that respond to outdoor temperature changes, in accordance with established adaptive comfort models.[1]
- Support for multiple thermal comfort standards: The software incorporates a wide range of international and regional thermal comfort standards, including:
- HVAC system integration: accim provides different script types to handle various HVAC configurations:
vrf_acandvrf_mm: These scripts add a standard VRF system to the model, suitable for both full air-conditioning and mixed-mode operation (with natural ventilation).ex_acandex_mm: These scripts work with existing HVAC systems in the model, modifying their setpoint controls for either full air-conditioning or mixed-mode operation.
- Customizable simulation parameters: Users can define numerous parameters for their simulations, such as comfort standard and category, HVAC operation mode, ventilation control strategies, and setpoint accuracy.[2]
- Batch processing: accim can process multiple IDF files and generate a large number of simulation cases by combining different adaptive comfort parameters, facilitating parametric studies.[1]
Requirements
To use accim, the following software needs to be installed:
- Python 3.9
- EnergyPlus (versions 9.1 to 25.1) installed in its default directory.
Jupyter Notebook is also recommended for using the example files provided with the library.
Usage
The primary function in accim is addAccis(), which can be called with a simple script. The user can either follow a command-line interface to input the desired simulation parameters or specify them directly as arguments in the function.
A basic usage example is:
from accim.sim import accis
accis.addAccis()
This will initiate a prompt asking the user to specify the script type, comfort standards, HVAC modes, and other settings to generate the corresponding IDF files for simulation.
Dependencies
The development of accim was made possible by leveraging other open-source Python packages, notably eppy and besos.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Sánchez-García, Daniel; Bienvenido-Huertas, David; Rubio-Bellido, Carlos (2021-11-01). "Computational approach to extend the air-conditioning usage to adaptive comfort: Adaptive-Comfort-Control-Implementation Script". Automation in Construction. 131. doi:10.1016/j.autcon.2021.103900. ISSN 0926-5805. Unknown parameter
|article-number=ignored (help) - ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Sánchez-García, Daniel; Martínez-Crespo, Jorge; Hernando, Ulpiano Ruiz-Rivas; Alonso, Carmen (2023-06-01). "A detailed view of the Adaptive-Comfort-Control-Implementation Script (ACCIS): The capabilities of the automation system for adaptive setpoint temperatures in building energy models". Energy and Buildings. 288. Bibcode:2023EneBu.28813019S. doi:10.1016/j.enbuild.2023.113019. ISSN 0378-7788. Unknown parameter
|article-number=ignored (help) - ↑ Sánchez-García, Daniel (2025-10-18), dsanchez-garcia/accim: Version v0.7.5, doi:10.5281/zenodo.17383896, retrieved 2025-10-24
- ↑ Sánchez-García, Daniel; Bienvenido-Huertas, David; O’Brien, William (2025). "accim: a Python library for adaptive setpoint temperatures in building performance simulations". Journal of Building Performance Simulation. 0: 1–13. doi:10.1080/19401493.2025.2472305. ISSN 1940-1493.
