BISCO v12.2.03

BISCO

 

BISCO, developed by Physibel, is a professional 2D finite element software for steady-state heat transfer analysis in building physics applications. Widely recognized as the industry standard for thermal bridge analysis, window frame U-value calculations, and building envelope thermal performance evaluation, BISCO provides engineers and researchers with the precision and reliability required for critical thermal assessments. Version 12.2.03 builds on decades of validated methodologies, offering full compliance with international standards including EN ISO 10077-2, EN ISO 12631, EN ISO 6946, and NFRC 100/500. The software’s intuitive interface, combined with its powerful calculation engine and comprehensive material libraries, enables users to accurately model complex geometries, simulate radiative heat transfer in cavities, and generate professional reports for product certification and regulatory compliance.

 

🏗️Primary Users

This specialized building physics software is designed for:

• Building Physicists & Thermal Engineers analyzing heat transfer through building envelope components.

• Window & Facade Designers calculating thermal transmittance (U-values) of frames, glazing edges, and complex profiles.

• Construction Material Manufacturers optimizing product designs for thermal performance and code compliance.

• Research & Testing Laboratories validating thermal performance of building components under standardized conditions.

• Code Compliance & Certification Bodies verifying that building elements meet energy efficiency regulations.

 

 

⚡ Key Features & Capabilities

🔬 Advanced Thermal Analysis

2D Steady-State Heat Transfer:

• Finite element analysis for accurate temperature distribution

• Calculation of thermal transmittance (U-values) and thermal coupling coefficients

• Determination of temperature factors (fRsi) for condensation risk assessment

• Heat flow visualization and quantification

Comprehensive Material Models:

• Isotropic and orthotropic thermal conductivities

• Temperature-dependent material properties

• Phase change and non-linear materials

• Air cavities with equivalent thermal conductivity according to EN ISO 6946, EN ISO 10077-2, and ISO 15099

• Gas layers for glazing systems (EN 673)

🪟 Window & Facade Analysis

Frame Profile Analysis:

• Calculate U-values for window, door, and curtain wall frames

• Model complex extrusions with multiple cavities and materials

• Assess thermal performance of thermal breaks and insulation inserts

Edge-of-Glass Calculations:

• Determine linear thermal transmittance (Ψ-value) for glazing/frame interfaces

• NFRC 100 and NFRC 100/500 compliant edge-of-glass analysis

• Accurate modeling of spacer systems and sealants

Complete Window Assembly:

• Combine frame and edge-of-glass results for overall window U-value

• Assess condensation resistance across the entire assembly

🏢 Thermal Bridge Analysis

Building Envelope Detailing:

• Analyze thermal bridges at wall/floor junctions, corner details, and balcony connections

• Quantify heat loss through structural thermal bridges

• Evaluate impact of insulation continuity

Linear Thermal Transmittance (Ψ-value):

• Calculate psi-values for repeating and non-repeating thermal bridges

• Determine temperature factors for surface condensation risk

• Generate data for whole-building energy models

🛠️ Model Creation & Geometry

DXF Import:

• Direct import of CAD drawings (DXF format)

• Automatic bitmap generation from DXF layers

• Layer-based color assignment for materials and boundary conditions

• Support for complex geometries with multiple materials

Bitmap Editing:

• Built-in BiscoBmp editor for pixel-level model refinement

• Drawing tools: rectangles, lines, and freehand

• Snap-to-pixel for precise control

• Clean-up functions for removing pixel noise

Automatic Model Preparation:

• Split zones for automatic detection of grooves and small cavities

• EN 10077 preparation function for standardized window frame analysis

• Automatic conversion of TRANSMAT to EQUIMAT for compliant modeling

📊 Boundary Conditions & Standards

Comprehensive BC Library:

• Surface heat transfer coefficients according to multiple standards

• Fixed temperature, heat flux, and adiabatic boundaries

• Symmetry conditions for efficient modeling

• BC_SKY for radiative exchange with the sky

Standard Compliance:

• EN ISO 10077-2: Thermal performance of windows, doors, and shutters

• EN ISO 12631: Thermal performance of curtain walls

• EN ISO 6946: Building components and building elements

• NFRC 100/500: U-factors and certification of fenestration products

• ISO 15099: Thermal performance of windows, doors, and shading devices

• EN 673: U-value calculation for glazing

🔄 Derived Thermal Properties

Flexible Output Definitions:

• Calculate U-values, thermal coupling coefficients, and equivalent thermal conductivities

• User-defined subscripts for thermal transmittances in reports

• Alternative definition of equivalent U-value based on incoming heat flow

• Option for 3rd flanking element for complex junction analysis

📈 Visualization & Results

Graphical Output:

• Temperature distribution with customizable color mapping

• Heat flow vectors and flux lines

• Isotherm plots with user-defined intervals

• Surface condensation and high relative humidity zone visualization

• Radiative heat flux visualization (with RADCON module)

Labeling & Annotation:

• Label images with material names, thermal properties, dimensions

• Display node temperatures, min/max temperatures

• Temperature factor and surface condensation indicators

• Heat flow through user-defined polylines

📑 Professional Reporting

PDF Report Generation:

• Multiple report templates: Custom, EN ISO 10077-2, NFRC 100, Summary

• Customizable title, comments, and company logo

• High-resolution figure export with user-defined image size

• Boundary condition tables with complete thermal parameters

Data Export:

• CSV output for derived thermal properties

• Text output in CSV format for post-processing (e.g., Excel)

• Batch processing capabilities for multiple files

• Command-line operation for automated workflows

⚡ Performance & Efficiency

Optimized Calculation Engine:

• Fast finite element solver with improved neighboring nodes algorithm

• Automatic view factor clustering for radiative simulations

• Multi-threaded processing for complex models

• Unlimited node count for large assemblies

Memory Management:

• Efficient handling of large, detailed models

• 64-bit architecture for maximum performance

• Optimized bitmap processing algorithms

🆕 What’s New in Version 12.2.03

v12.2.03 (Current Version)

• Bugfix: EN 10077 setting cavity type could not be set to TRANSMAT – resolved