[Bldg-sim] U-Value Software

[Matutinovic, Luka]

Robby,

EE4 comes with a fairly good modelling guide which lists framing
percentages for typical assemblies based on stud spacing.  I really
don't see a problem with EE4's use of RSI values considering the
conversion is a simple calculation.  If you really want to calculate IP
for each assembly layer, it's an extra 30 seconds to convert each
layer's RSI value to IP manually.

I routinely use EE4 for assemblies, and another program for the full
energy simulation.  I may be a biased Canuck, but I think it meets all
of your needs, with minimal manual input.  Most software tools out there
have their pros and cons and you never really get all that you want, but
maybe a silver bullet does exist.

Luka Matutinovic, B.A.Sc., LEED(r) AP
Green Building Consultant
 
T. 416.487.5257 ext. 317  
F. 416.487.9766  
Toll Free 1.888.425.7255
www.halsall.com 

HALSALL ASSOCIATES LTD. 
Toronto  Richmond Hill  Ottawa  Sudbury 
Burlington  Calgary  Vancouver  Dubai 

'Best Workplaces in Canada' 
2009 Globe and Mail
P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail


-----Original Message-----
From: bldg-sim-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org
[mailto:bldg-sim-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org] On Behalf Of Robby
Oylear
Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2009 5:52 PM
To: bldg-sim at lists.onebuilding.org
Subject: Re: [Bldg-sim] U-Value Software

Thanks for all the replies, I've sifted through all of the software
tools that have been sent but haven't quite found what I'm looking for.
I'd prefer for the tool to be fairly simplistic in the fact that I don't
want to be calculating framing percentages for each type of wall (maybe
rules of thumb for each wall type would come into play here, but it'd be
nice if the program did this automatically).  EE4, GreenTools, and CHVAC
all required inputs for framing percentages.  Also, a conversion to IP
is nice, but not all that useful when all of the database materials are
labeled in RSI and mm values (EE4).  

EnergyPro has a fairly good assembly calculator in terms of using the
JA4 library for the framing values and not requiring any further inputs
in that matter.  However, EnergyPro doesn't have any material database
for the additional layers (polystyrene, polyiso, sheathing, etc.).

To summarize my needs:
- IP units
- Default values for framed walls OR R-values determined by spacing of
studs
- Material Database for other wall layers (exterior rigid, interior gyp,
etc.)
- Preferably not a subset of a larger program

Does anyone have any more ideas on whether there's a software package
out there that meets my needs, or am I just being too picky? 

-Robby

-----Original Message-----
From: B. Fountain [mailto:bfountain at greensim.com]
Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2009 7:15 AM
To: Robby Oylear
Cc: bldg-sim at lists.onebuilding.org
Subject: Re: [Bldg-sim] U-Value Software

The assembly construction editor is one of the best pieces of the EE4
software which is available free from Natural Resources Canada at...

http://canmetenergy-canmetenergie.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/eng/software_tools/e
e4
.html

It is very similar to Energy10 in format and allows dynamic switching
between SI & IP units.  There is a selection of common building
materials and the construction editor calculates equivalent 1-D heat
transfer U-value for 1 layer of framing elements.

Good luck.

> Robby
>
> Here are a few options that you could use:
>
> A simple excel sheet (offered as web form) 
> http://vesma.com/tutorial/uvalue01/uvalue01.htm
>
>
>
> If you don't mind SI units, there are some more advanced versions with

> good graphics
>
> from the UK http://www.builddeskonline.com/
>
> or also a nice Austrian tool by ArchiPhysik 
> http://www.archiphysik.at/webphysik/index.php that gives you also a 
> hygrothermal performance graph, which is required in some European 
> codes for hygrothermal performance.
>
> Both are free for simplified online usage. If you are looking for a 
> conversion tool for these SI units go to: 
> http://www.unitconversion.org/ or in your case to 
> http://www.unitconversion.org/unit_converter/thermal-conductivity.html
> or directly use the conversion factor: 1 BTU/h.sf.F equals 5.68 W/m2.K

> or the other way round 1 W/m2.K equals 0.176 BTU/h.sf.F
>
>
>
> Hope that helps,
>
> Georg
>
>
>
>
>
> Myers-Lawson School
> of Construction
> Department of Building Construction
> Virginia Polytechnic Institute
> and State University
> 430B Bishop-Favrao Hall (0156)
> Blacksburg, VA 24061
>
>
>   Dr. Georg Reichard
>   Assistant Professor
>   (540) 818-4603
>   e-mail: reichard at vt.edu
>   www.mlsoc.vt.edu
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> From: bldg-sim-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org
> [mailto:bldg-sim-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org] On Behalf Of Robby 
> Oylear
> Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2009 6:21 PM
> To: bldg-sim at lists.onebuilding.org
> Subject: [Bldg-sim] U-Value Software
>
>
>
> Is anyone aware of a software that calculates U-values of typical 
> construction assemblies?  I'm not looking for something as complicated

> as THERM, but more along the lines of a program with a database of 
> common materials and typical framing factors that will allow me to 
> calculate U-values quickly without thumbing through my ASHRAE 
> fundamentals handbook or my local energy code.
>
>
>
> Also, the units would need to be in IP.
>
>
>
> Thanks for your help,
>
>
>
> Robby Oylear, LEED(r) AP
>
> Mechanical Engineer
>
> direct: 206.788.4571
>
> cell: 206.354.2721
>
> www.rushingco.com <http://www.rushingco.com>
>
>
>
>
>
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