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Image Trano

Trano is an innovative Python package that automates the creation of complex Building Energy Simulation (BES) Modelica models from simplified information contained in widely used data formats like YAML, JSON, or RDF. Unlike traditional tools that directly convert BIM to BES, Trano introduces an intermediate step, paving the way for seamless integration with IFC translators.

Trano is Modelica library agnostic but is natively designed to work with:
✅ Validated detailed Modelica libraries (e.g., Buildings, IDEAS,...)
✅ Reduced-order models (e.g., AIXLIB, ISO13790,...)
✅ your library...

🧪 Supported libraries and validation

Library Version Zone model Role
Buildings 13.0.0 Buildings.ThermalZones.Detailed.MixedAir detailed, validated
IDEAS 3.0.0 IDEAS.Buildings.Components.Zone detailed, validated
AixLib reduced order (reduced_order) 3.0.1 AixLib.ThermalZones.ReducedOrder.ThermalZone simplified, informational
ISO 13790 (iso_13790) AixLib 3.0.1 ISO13790.Zone5R1C simplified, informational
mpc - RC models (R1C1, R3C2, R4C3, ISO 13790) control-oriented, CasADi ready

The HVAC components (radiators, valves, pumps, boilers, heat pumps, air handling units) come from the Buildings library for every Modelica library. The Modelica name of every parameter in every library is listed in the parameter reference.

The models trano generates are validated against ASHRAE Standard 140 (BESTEST): the 27 single-zone cases are simulated for a year with every library and compared with the acceptance limits of the standard and the spread of the reference programs. Buildings and IDEAS pass every case (see the validation results and the walk through the cases); the two simplified zones are reported for information. Simulations run in the official OpenModelica image.

✨ Key Features

🛠️ Built for Open-Source BES

  • Designed with widespread adoption in mind.
  • Optimized for OpenModelica, but also compatible with Dymola.

🔥 Full Thermal & Electrical Modeling

  • Generates both thermal and electrical models.
  • Supports building envelope, systems, and electricity.
  • Models:
  • Envelope (geometry & materials) 🏢
  • HVAC systems (emission, hydronic distribution, boilers) ❄️🔥
  • Electrical components (PV systems, electrical loads) ⚡

🎨 Easy to Use & Modify

  • Generates graphical representations of components & connections 🎭. building.jpg
  • Fully modular design for seamless modifications:
  • Envelope 🏠
  • Emission 💨
  • Hydronic Distribution 🚰
  • Production & Electricity ⚡

🚀 With Trano, creating and modifying detailed BES models has never been easier!