[BLDG-SIM] 3D Modeling + Energy Analysis

[Monjur M Mourshed]

Mike
 
I agree with your point that energy conservation should begin with
Architects but I have reservation about how to implement it, given the
current circumstances. Energy simulation is a complex task oriented
process. It needs a lot of parameters to be specified to kick off and
that might not be available when a designer/ Architect starts the
design. 
 
Another point to note is the lack of integrated UI (User Interface) - be
it graphical or textual. Most of the researches in Energy Simulation /
Conservation are aimed at developing stand-alone utility or piece of
software to do certain job. In my opinion, the emphasis should be placed
on the integration with the design process and final outcome or product.
For example, I want to kick off Energy Simulation module from within the
CAD software I am working with, without specifying further parameters
and I want to check for energy consumption after every change I made to
the layout or component. I don't want to open a different window or
software and spend a week to define and run the simulation. You might as
well say IFC or STEP is there to help. To be honest these specifications
seem just prototypes to me, I have reservations about them being used in
real life situations - not in next 3/5 years at least.
 
It is wisely said; know your target audience before you even think to
code your software. Knowingly or unknowingly, Most of the software/
Interfaces are targeted towards HVAC Engineers, not architects. There's
a fundamental difference in the think/ work process of an architect with
Engineers. I don't think architects are too comfortable with what's
available out there, commercially or research wise. This is the only
reason for not using them in profession. Nobody has problems with
learning something new, if it increases the quality of the product or
increases efficiency of the process.
 
Regards,
 
Monjur Mourshed
IRUSE, Civil Engineering, UCC. Ireland
http://www.ecaad.com/monjur
http://www.ucc.ie/iruse/monjur
 
 
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: postman at gard.com [mailto:postman at gard.com] On Behalf Of Mike
Roberts
Sent: 12 February 2003 16:06
To: BLDG-SIM at gard.com
Subject: [BLDG-SIM] 3D Modeling + Energy Analysis
 
Warren,
 
I'm sure you have seen the discussion of eQUEST over the last few days.
I consider it and it's DOE-2.2 calculation engine the best available for
serious production energy simulation. My business is energy simulation
for other engineers and architects, and we do probably 90 percent of our
work with eQUEST/DOE-2.2.  It can even do rudimentary modeling, though
probably not what you would want to present to a client.  eQUEST's
wizard makes preliminary analysis very quick and easy.  You can then
take that model as far as you want with the Detailed Edit Mode.
 
On the other hand, any good simulation program will have a significant
learning curve.  I believe eQUEST to have the best user interface
available, but the program is not trivial to learn and use properly.  I
have worked with Marlin Addison on presenting two day eQUEST training
seminars to engineers and architects.  Normally, after a seminar, about
10 percent of the participants will contact me with questions,
indicating to me that they are actually using the program.  While I have
felt for a long time that energy conservation should start with the
architect, few of the seminar participants are architects and I cannot
remember a single architect with a follow up question.
 
I would highly recommend that whatever program makes your short list,
you attend a training seminar to determine if it is practical for you to
actually use the program.  I would be happy to talk or email further
about this subject.
 
Mike Roberts
816-942-8121
-----Original Message-----
From: postman at gard.com [mailto:postman at gard.com]On Behalf Of Warren A.
Campbell
Sent: Wednesday, February 12, 2003 7:55 AM
To: BLDG-SIM at gard.com
Subject: [BLDG-SIM] 3D Modeling + Energy Analysis
Hello All:
 
I have a request. I am an architect in North Carolina, and it is my job
to choose the next generation of software that my office will use in the
production of construction documents. On the one hand, I am considering
a 3D modeling program, such as Revit, in order to take advantage of both
the parametric and rendering capabilities. However, I also have a strong
interest in promoting high performance design. Therefore, I was hoping
there exists a program that can fluidly incorporate energy analysis into
the modeling software. Maybe there is even something on the horizon.
 
Any suggestions?
 
Warren A. Campbell, RA
Millennium 3 Design Group
1313 North Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28206
(704) 333-1965.Ext 22 phone
(704) 376-7122 fax
wcampbell at m3dg.com
 
 
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