[Bldg-sim] SITE PLAN MODEL

[Nathan Kegel]

My opinion:
 
There are many tools that would be appropriate for this task.  eQuest,
TRACE, EcoTect and Green Building Studio, the plug-ins for Sketch-Up
from EnergyPlus and IES VE, etc.
 
For something this high level (conceptual pre-design and planning), I'd
personally lean toward using one of the plug-ins for Google Sketch-Up
(assuming you can get a conceptual site model in Sketch-Up).  Sketch-Up
allows for quick construction of a site and for visually impactful
presentations.  Since this is so high level with very few (if any)
design decisions actually having been made, the "black-box" nature of
these programs is acceptable for comparing alternatives.  Obviously as
the design progresses, the value of these tools diminishes.  Each of
these plug-ins is also free - and Sketch-Up is free as well.
 
I prefer the VE plug-in over the EnergyPlus plug-in because it allows
for zones to be constructed first - then assigned to a system and
analyzed.  The EnergyPlus plug-in required the masses be drawn with the
energy model in mind.  If you're working with an architect who uses
Sketch-Up regularly, the VE plug-in (likely) more closely resembles an
actual workflow for conceptual pre-design work.
 
I'd also take into consideration which tool I am more comfortable with
(don't know your experience level in energy modeling).  The plug-ins are
probably the easiest to learn in a short amount of time.
 
You can find YouTube tutorials for both the EnergyPlus and IES VE
plug-ins.  These are probably a good place to start if you want to go
that route.
 
Nathan Kegel LEED AP

HGA   Architects and Engineers 
Direct 612.758.4335 


Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.
 

________________________________

From: bldg-sim-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org
[mailto:bldg-sim-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org] On Behalf Of John
Aulbach
Sent: Wednesday, September 29, 2010 2:14 PM
To: Rob Hudson; bldg-sim at lists.onebuilding.org
Subject: Re: [Bldg-sim] SITE PLAN MODEL


How far are these Sites apart? All eQuest or any energy simulation
program) will influence will be facing direction, any shading from other
structures, and weather (including Solar).
 
Not sure what parameters you expect compared..
 


John R. Aulbach, PE, CEM

Senior Energy Engineer

________________________________

Partner Energy

1990 E. Grand Avenue, El Segundo, CA 90245
W: 888-826-1216, X254| D: 310-765-7295 | F: 310-817-2745

www.ptrenergy.com <http://www.ptrenergy.com/>  | jaulbach at ptrenergy.com
<mailto:%7C%20jaulbach at ptrenergy.com> 


________________________________

From: Rob Hudson <rdh4176 at gmail.com>
To: bldg-sim at lists.onebuilding.org
Sent: Wed, September 29, 2010 11:39:27 AM
Subject: [Bldg-sim] SITE PLAN MODEL

I am going to be given a task in the near future to help influence a
site plan over another site plan.  Before i start this endeavor, i would
like the community's opinion on the best approach to do this, be it
eQuest or Green Building Suite or some other program.  

-- 
Rob Hudson


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