Everyone is talking about the weather - and no longer just during the annual vacation season. Outdoor temperatures in particular are a hotly debated topic in times of climate change. And a decisive factor in adequately answering questions of energy efficiency and heating and cooling load calculation in construction projects. The standard outside temperature is decisive here.
But how can it be reliably calculated and to what extent does it influence heat planning during the course of a construction project? In the following, we break down the most important calculation principles for the outside temperature and show how it is correctly implemented in processes and to what extent it can influence the energy efficiency of a building.
The most important facts in brief
The standard outdoor temperature is defined as the lowest two-day average value that has been reached or fallen below ten times in a period of 20 years
It is decisive for heating and cooling load calculation
Appropriate software support ensures their correct implementation in complex construction processes
What is meant by standard outside temperature?
The standard external temperature is a term used in various technical and construction contexts to define standardized conditions for the calculation and design of buildings, heating and cooling systems and other technical applications. It serves as a reference value and enables uniform evaluation and comparability of different processes and products.
In general, the standard outdoor temperature is defined as the lowest two-day average value that has been reached or fallen below ten times in 20 years. It is usually specified in degrees Celsius (°C). In Germany, it is defined by DIN EN 12831. These values are based on long-term weather records and serve as a basis for modeling climatic conditions and dimensioning technical systems accordingly.
The standard external temperature in the building industry
In the construction industry, the outdoor temperature standard is of great importance as it is used when calculating the heat requirement of a building for heating in winter or cooling in summer. By taking the standard temperature into account, architects and engineers can plan the required insulation, heating and ventilation systems to ensure occupant comfort while optimizing energy consumption.
The average outside temperature is also used in technology and industry, for example to evaluate the performance of machines, the efficiency of heat exchangers or the function of cooling systems.
Where can I find the standard outside temperature?
The standardized outdoor temperature is an important reference point in various industries. The standardized temperature is needed to develop efficient and reliable systems and products that meet the respective climatic conditions of a region or a specific location. But where can you actually find the basis for calculation?
Climate databases and weather offices: In order to determine the average outdoor temperature, experts generally rely on long-term climatological data. Weather offices and climate databases collect and store extensive weather records from the German Weather Service, which have been collected over a long period of time. This data typically includes temperature measurements, precipitation levels and other relevant meteorological information.
Climate maps and standard values: Based on the collected data, climate researchers create climate maps that show the standard outdoor temperature for certain regions. These maps focus on the average outdoor temperature to be expected in a geographical area and serve as the basis for numerous technical and planning calculations.
International standards and guidelines: Various countries and organizations have developed national and international standards and guidelines such as the DIN standards, which also define the standard outdoor temperature for certain regions. These standards are often influenced by building regulations and technical standards and are decisive for planners, architects and engineers to design buildings and systems accordingly.
Regional and local studies: In some cases, regional or local studies can be carried out to obtain specific information on temperatures in a limited area. These studies take into account local topographical features, the impact of urban development or other influencing factors.
The outdoor temperature norm is not a fixed value, but can vary depending on the region and time period. It is therefore crucial to use up-to-date and reliable data on an ongoing basis in order to make realistic calculations and forecasts.
What is meant by standard internal temperature?
Similar to the standard outdoor temperature, it is used to create standardized and comparable reference values for the assessment of indoor climate, heating, ventilation and air conditioning. It represents an average or fixed indoor temperature that serves as a fixed point for assessing the comfort and energy efficiency of buildings and rooms.
In general, the standard internal temperature is also given in degrees Celsius (°C) and is based on scientific findings and many years of experience. It can vary depending on the area of application and geographical region. In most cases, the standard indoor temperature refers to rooms that are used for regular human activities.
The standard internal temperature has various applications:
Indoor climate and comfort rating: It serves as a reference value for assessing the indoor climate and thermal comfort in indoor spaces. Compliance with the standard internal temperature helps to ensure that people feel comfortable in the rooms.
Heating and energy efficiency: When planning heating systems and calculating the heating requirements of a building, the standard internal temperature is a decisive factor. It enables the correct dimensioning of radiators and heating systems and contributes to energy efficiency and cost savings.
Figure: Calculation of the standard external temperature in the CAD program Trimble Nova (Source: Trimble Inc.).
Air conditioning and ventilation: The standard internal temperature also plays an important role in the air conditioning and ventilation of rooms. It supports the design of appropriate systems to ensure adequate air quality and temperature, especially in areas with high outside temperatures.
What is the standard outside temperature needed for?
It is a decisive parameter in the construction industry in particular. It serves as a reference value for standardized climatic conditions and enables the reliable design and evaluation of buildings and technical systems. An overview of the most important areas of application:
Heating and cooling systems: When planning, it is essential to take the standard outdoor temperature into account, as the heating output of a building depends directly on the climatic conditions. It makes it possible to calculate the heating requirement in winter and the cooling requirement in summer and thus ensure the correct dimensioning of the heating and cooling systems.
Energy efficiency: It plays an important role in assessing the energy efficiency of buildings and technical systems. By taking into account typical outdoor temperatures, experts can forecast energy consumption and develop measures to optimize energy efficiency, such as better insulation or the use of renewable energies.
Building processes: The outdoor temperature standard influences the design of buildings, the selection of suitable building materials and the planning of ventilation systems. Adequate knowledge of the standard temperature makes it possible to design buildings to withstand climatic conditions while ensuring the comfort and safety of the occupants.
Comparability and standardization: The standard external temperature serves as a uniform benchmark that makes it possible to compare different technical solutions and products with each other. By using standardized conditions, experts can objectively evaluate the performance of systems and better compare the results of tests and calculations.
Conclusion - standard external temperatures are changing and therefore of increasing importance
In times of climate change, dealing with standard external temperatures is becoming increasingly important. It is indispensable as an essential reference point in various industries. From the planning of energy-efficient buildings and technical systems to the development of robust products for outdoor use - the standard temperature provides the basis for reliable calculations and forward-looking solutions.
In construction and engineering in particular, precise knowledge of the average outside temperature enables structures to be adapted to changing climatic conditions. In this way, it makes a sustainable contribution to mitigating climate change by helping to optimize energy efficiency and the sustainable use of resources.
In order to integrate the key figures seamlessly into construction processes, the appropriate software basis is essential. Trimble Nova is a CAD and calculation software that can realistically model even highly complex systems, taking into account the standard external temperature. Users can easily create 3D models and display the results in clear visualizations.
The integrated networking to Trimble Connect provides further efficiency benefits and is essential for a shared data environment and ensures that the calculated outdoor temperature standard is available to all relevant project participants in real time - without any loss of efficiency or time.
