在建筑设计过程中使用计算机模拟的一个更强大的好处是，能够尝试表面上可能不可行但可能具有某些优点的想法。在调查建筑能耗时尤其如此——计算机模拟允许建筑师和工程师合理预测特定建筑的能耗，并尝试提高其效率或在设计中应用特定技术，而无需实际建造建筑。因此，可以在计算机实验室尝试想法，结果可以微调设计，并导致更明智的决策和综合设计过程。模拟技术在一定程度上落后于现有技术的一个领域是辐射供暖和制冷系统。直到最近，在综合能量分析程序中还没有一个辐射系统模型，该模型将基于等效热舒适度的结果与传统的强制通风系统进行比较。 随着美国能源部新的建筑能源分析计划于2001年4月发布，这一问题已得到部分解决。该项目最近的改进包括将辐射系统直接连接到冷却塔而不是冷却水管线的能力。本研究的重点是讨论模拟程序的这种改进，并演示如何在几种气候条件下使用这种技术来降低冷却成本，包括通常不采用这种策略的气候条件。单位:双引文:研讨会，ASHRAE交易，第109卷，第。堪萨斯城，2003年

One of the more powerful benefits of using computer simulation in the process of designing buildings is the ability to try ideas that may not appear feasible on the surface but could potentially have some merit. This is especially true when investigating the energy consumption of buildings—computer simulation allows the architect and engineer to reasonably predict the energy consumption of a particular building and attempt to increase its efficiency or apply a particular technology to the design without actually constructing the building. Thus, ideas can be tried in the computer laboratory and results can fine tune the design and lead to more informed decisions and an integrated design process. One area where simulation has somewhat lagged available technology is radiant heating and cooling systems. Until recently, a radiant system model within a comprehensive energy analysis program that compares the results on the basis of equivalent thermal comfort with conventional forced air systems has not existed. With the release of the new U.S. Department of Energy building energy analysis program in April 2001, this has been partially resolved. Recent improvements to the program include the ability to link a radiant system directly to a cooling tower rather than a chilled water line. The focus of this study is the discussion of this improvement to the simulation program and a demonstration of how this technology might be used to reduce cooling costs in several climates, including those in which such a strategy would typically be dismissed.Units: Dual