[Bldg-sim] Building Energy Modeling Guidelines

[Chris Jones]

And if anyone would like some more light reading from Jon, subscribe 
to the ESP-r users' list.
http://www.esru.strath.ac.uk/Programs/user_club.htm

I read AM11 at least once a year.   It reminds me that I need more 
than one tool in my building performance simulation toolbox.  I agree 
with Jon that an energy code compliance modelling tool should not be 
with the tools you might use during the design process.  The 
integrated design process often becomes a bunch of people reviewing 
how many energy points their design is getting.

Personally, I feel compliance modelling ("gold star chasing") and 
"wizards" make it hard to develop a deep understanding of QA process 
of building simulation.



At 05:38 AM 05/03/2012, you wrote:

>One of the better handbooks which cover all aspects of professional use
>of simulation software is the CIBSE AM-11.  Checklists, data 
>sources, discussions
>of methodology and not specific to any particular software.  And AM-11
>is currently being updated so there should be a new version out in 
>the mid-term.
>
>Regarding documentation and guides focused on code compliance such
>as the earlier reference to SBEM in the UK:  Compliance is a sub-set
>goal for the use of simulation -  focused on comparison with a specific
>set of rules.  These rules are not necessarily well matched if the purpose
>of simulation is to enquire about how a design actually works.
>
>Many practitioners have become confused over time about the differences
>between models defined for purposes of compliance and design.  Using a
>compliance tool and compliance rule set for design is a decision which
>may constrain your deliverables.
>
>Much of what we can observe in a building and measure via simulation
>does not fit in a compliance rule-set.  Goals differ.  The extents of the
>underlying physics which apply differ.  Check out what has to be
>stripped-out of an otherwise well-formed design model to confirm with
>compliance rule sets.  Mass flow networks no, CFD no way, explicit
>representations of raised floors, ceiling voids, buffer spaces and
>explicit mass within rooms are a few of the issues which are not
>discussed or forbidden.
>
>Regards, Jon Hand, ESRU Glasgow
>
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Christopher Jones, P.Eng.
Suite 1801, 1 Yonge Street
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Tel. 416-203-7465
Fax. 416-946-1005
email cj at enersave.ca