websights

HVAC Simulation Software

Cloud-native CFD for HVAC design. From ductwork and fan performance to thermal comfort

Size ductwork, derive fan curves, and validate thermal comfort, all in a cloud-native platform that runs CFD, heat transfer, and FEA from a standard web browser.

cloud-native HVAC simulation software
Trusted by 900,000+ engineers worldwide

HVAC teams lose time to physical balancing rework and fragmented simulation tools. SimScale unifies airflow, thermal comfort, ductwork, and fan performance on one cloud platform, so engineers meet ASHRAE, LEED, and BREEAM requirements without costly prototypes.

HVAC simulation that covers your full design challenge

Airflow, thermal, and structural analysis in one platform

Airflow, thermal, and structural analysis in one platform

Simulate airflow distribution, thermal comfort, fan performance, and equipment structural integrity — independently or combined. Evaluate PMV and PPD per ASHRAE 55, model conjugate heat transfer in heat exchangers and fan coil units, and couple electromagnetic analysis for motor-driven components.

AI-native HVAC design optimization

AI-native HVAC design optimization

Physics AI delivers rapid airflow and thermal predictions for early-stage decisions on duct routing, diffuser placement, and equipment sizing. Engineering AI automates meshing and setup for complex duct networks, impeller geometries, and room models, so any engineer can run accurate HVAC simulations.

Run every HVAC scenario in parallel

Run every HVAC scenario in parallel

Compare duct layouts, test fan blade geometries, and evaluate competing equipment selections simultaneously in a single session. Share results directly with clients, planning authorities, or project partners without exporting files.

Thermal comfort & ASHRAE compliance

Thermal comfort & ASHRAE compliance

Predict PMV and PPD values and assess compliance with ASHRAE 55, ISO 7730, LEED, and BREEAM. Optimize supply air temperature, diffuser placement, and airflow to achieve comfortable, code-compliant indoor environments.

Duct design & pressure drop optimization

Ductwork design: pressure drop, air balancing & noise

SimScale runs CFD across full ductwork networks. Predicting pressure drop, flow splits, and diffuser throw before commissioning. Identify turbulent zones at elbows and take-offs, then reshape them virtually before fabrication.

Fan performance & heat exchanger optimization

Fan performance curves & aerodynamic optimization

Sweep mass flow rate across the operating envelope to derive full P-Q and η-Q curves, pinpoint the Best Efficiency Point, and optimize blade profiles, inlet cones, and volute geometry. All paired with FEA to confirm stress at speed. Schübeler Technologies validated a weight-optimized blade assembly at 50,000 rpm in just 21 minutes.

Related resources

All Resources
FEA basics: How to learn finite element analysis as a beginner
FEA basics: How to learn finite element analysis as a beginner

FEA basics for beginners: how finite element analysis works, stress and strain, use cases and industries, plus a learning path with books, courses, and validation cases.

Guillermo Giraldo

Guillermo Giraldo

October 3, 2026

FEA
What Is FEM? The Finite Element Method and FEA Explained
What Is FEM? The Finite Element Method and FEA Explained

What the finite element method is, how FEM differs from FEA, the PDEs and weak form behind it, discretization, solvers, and FEM variants.

Peter Selmeczy

Peter Selmeczy

October 2, 2026

FEA
Agentic Unlocks recap: 6 lessons from companies putting AI agents to work
Agentic Unlocks recap: 6 lessons from companies putting AI agents to work

Highlights from Agentic Unlocks: engineering leaders from Capgemini, Siemens, NVIDIA, Convion and more on moving AI from pilot to production.

Alex Graham

Alex Graham

October 1, 2026

Engineering AIProduct
PCB Parasitic RLC Extraction 
Luis Goncaves

Luis Goncaves

August 4, 2026

Supersonic Shock Tube
Luis Goncaves

Luis Goncaves

June 18, 2026

Voltage Forced Coils
Luis Goncaves

Luis Goncaves

January 27, 2026

Simulation for Every Designer: How AI Agents Democratize Simulation Inside Onshape
Agentic Unlocks
Peter Selmeczy

Peter Selmeczy

September 28, 2026

What’s New in SimScale – Autumn 2026
Alex Graham

Alex Graham

September 15, 2026

FAQs

New to CFD or evaluating SimScale? Here are the questions we hear most.

Contact
Can SimScale simulate both building HVAC systems and HVAC equipment?

Yes. SimScale is used for both: equipment-level CFD (fan performance, heat exchanger optimization, duct pressure drop) and building-level analysis (room airflow, thermal comfort, IAQ). The same platform handles both scales.

Does SimScale support ASHRAE 55 and LEED thermal comfort analysis?

Yes. SimScale calculates thermal comfort parameters including PMV and PPD per ASHRAE 55 and ISO 7730. Results can be used to support LEED and BREEAM certification submissions.

What types of ductwork systems can SimScale simulate?

Supply and return ductwork, exhaust and fume extraction runs, AHU internals, smoke control pressurisation, kitchen extraction, and full multi-zone building networks. CFD, thermal, and structural analysis run on the same geometry in a single project. Import via IFC, Revit, or STEP — mesh automation handles complex MEP geometry without manual cleanup.

How does SimScale derive fan performance curves?

SimScale sweeps mass flow rate across the operating envelope using MRF analysis for steady-state aerodynamics and sliding-mesh for unsteady transient effects. This produces complete P-Q and η-Q curves, identifies the Best Efficiency Point, and generates performance tables for fan selection software — all exportable from the browser.

Can I simulate natural ventilation as well as mechanical HVAC?

Yes. SimScale supports both natural ventilation (buoyancy-driven, wind-driven, and mixed-mode) and mechanical HVAC systems. This includes passive ventilation strategies such as stack effect, cross-ventilation, and night purging.

Start optimizing your HVAC designs in the cloud