[Equest-users] How to import 3D model

[Neil Bulger]

Try looking at GreenspaceLIVE. This plugin for google sketchup for exporting gbXML file formats. The light weight plugin can rapidly decrease the time to draw geometry for use in multiple programs. I have exported files from here to eQuest, EnergyPro, Trace and EnergyPlus.  The tool is not without its flaws and we have been working to best understand the errors Autodesks GBS throws at us with the translation process to inp.

The big draw of this workflow model is the ability to push geometry to several tools and setup skill sets that can grow as energy modeling shifts to energyplus. The tool was free for a while but now has a monthly fee. 30 day trials are available though.

http://openrevit.com/2011/08/green-spaces-live-free-gbxml-tool/


Neil Bulger
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From: equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org [mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org] On Behalf Of Wolfe, Brian
Sent: Wednesday, January 04, 2012 8:19 AM
To: Matthew W. Higgins; Peter Hillermann; 'Sami, Vikram'; 'Adam Barker'; 'm zahid'; 'e quest'
Subject: Re: [Equest-users] How to import 3D model

I appreciate the comments that everyone has posted concerning this model importing issue.  There's  been some great discussions revolving around what others have tried and the pitfalls that have been dealt with till now.  I had no idea about the translation issues with .gbxml.  This is good to know, as it always seems to pop up as the saving grace in model export/importing.  I do know from discussions with model developers that this issue is understood.  But like what Patrick stated, it makes since that the different software companies aren't going to want its programs to be compatible with its competitors despite the demand that is obviously there.  (This thread is a great example.)

I know that this has been a beneficial discussion for me, and hopefully beneficial to others.  I would appreciate any updates that teams run across in this effort to bridge the gap between the design model and the energy model.  It will only benefit our industry.

Brian Wolfe, CDT, LEED AP BD+C
Sustainable Design Coordinator
HKS  |  Enhancing the Human Experience
If you are sending large files, please use my Thru<https://hks.thruinc.net/drop_box.asp?toemail=bwolfe@hksinc.com> dropbox.
vCard<http://vcard.hksinc.com/?email=bwolfe@hksinc.com>

From: equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org [mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org] On Behalf Of Matthew W. Higgins
Sent: Wednesday, January 04, 2012 9:36 AM
To: Peter Hillermann; 'Sami, Vikram'; 'Adam Barker'; 'm zahid'; 'e quest'
Subject: Re: [Equest-users] How to import 3D model

Though I was hoping to hear differently when opening this thread, I have to agree with the common opinion here, it's still easier to create a model in eQuest. I've tried Ecotect and GreenBuilding Studio and the results have been the same, too much information in the BIM model, and the import either doesn't happen or does not look at all like the building in question.

One thing I have been trying, for very large projects, is to use Revit's "Model Review" plug-in, in Revit MEP, to check the model before I export the XML. This tool is often pretty helpful, detecting glass types and rooms and other heat-transfer objects that will create errors. In a perfect world, the architects we work with should run this before they send us the model... because many of these errors have to do with the way they're creating the architecture in Revit.

One caveat that I have is that large models often have a lot of errors after "Model Review," and time remedying them often is longer than just creating the model in eQuest. I too would like to hear how DrawBDL works, I've been thinking about purchasing it for some time now.

Regards

Matthew Higgins, CEM, HBDP, LEED-AP (BD+C)
Energy Project Manager

Bridgers & Paxton Consulting Engineers, Inc.
4600-C Montgomery Blvd. NE
Albuquerque, NM  87109
505-883-4111
505-888-1436  Fax
mwhiggins at bpce.com<mailto:mwhiggins at bpce.com>

www.bpce.com<http://www.bpce.com>



From: equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org [mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org] On Behalf Of Peter Hillermann
Sent: Wednesday, January 04, 2012 8:08 AM
To: 'Sami, Vikram'; 'Adam Barker'; 'm zahid'; 'e quest'
Subject: Re: [Equest-users] How to import 3D model

I like this conversation cause it is one that I have battled with for a long time.

I'm going to respond on top of the previous comments in saying that it all depends on your comfort with software and 3D modeling. As below I agree with Vikram that at the moment it is easier to just model the project directly in eQuest and not import at all. Let me however tell you that I have built models in eQuest, Vasari, REVIT and Ecotect and they all work fine as long as you understand the basic principles of computer modeling. Vasari is definitely not ready for prime time however you can use it as your integrated modeler between eQuest and REVIT.

The one main issue that I have run into and it is working as an architect and coordinating with our engineer that I have found out that architectural REVIT models with gbXML information looks totally different than the zoning model for an HVAC layout used in eQuest. The ways these models are constructed are total different even though the exterior skin might look the same.

I've done this before but I have attached images of all the softwares to show the model.

Just stick with the wizard for now unless the geometries are extremely complex.

Thanks,

PETER HILLERMANN

peterh at westallarchitects.com<mailto:peterh at westallarchitects.com>

westall
architects
3404 pierce drive
chamblee, georgia 30341

o 770.458.4113
c 678.898.2936

westallarchitects.com
[cid:image013.jpg at 01CCCAC0.762EC550][cid:image014.gif at 01CCCAC0.762EC550]



From: equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org<mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org> [mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org] On Behalf Of Sami, Vikram
Sent: Wednesday, January 04, 2012 9:23 AM
To: Adam Barker; 'm zahid'; 'e quest'
Subject: Re: [Equest-users] How to import 3D model

// all things considered it seems that importing 3D geometry is not that big of a timesaver compared to the design wizard//

I agree. The argument is that with importing from Revit there is already a 3d model available. The issue normally is that there is too much information in the Revit model and most often it needs a LOT of clean up. Its potentially easy if you are a person with really fantastic model management skills (I haven't met one yet).


Vikram Sami, LEED AP BD+C
Sustainable Design Analyst
1315 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
t: 404-443-7462    f: 404.892.5823       e: vikram.sami at perkinswill.com<mailto:vikram.sami at perkinswill.com>   www.perkinswill.com<http://www.perkinswill.com/>
Perkins+Will.  Ideas + buildings that honor the broader goals of society


From: equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org<mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org> [mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org] On Behalf Of Adam Barker
Sent: Wednesday, January 04, 2012 9:13 AM
To: 'm zahid'; 'e quest'
Subject: Re: [Equest-users] How to import 3D model

One potential workflow is Revit > Ecotect > eQuest.

If you google exporting Revit to Ecotect there are several videos / step by step instructions to show you what you need to do to prepare the model. It mainly has to do with how you define rooms, which become your thermal zones. However, Ecotect to eQuest I haven't been able to do very successfully. There seems to be some problems with exporting the geometry and zones properly (which is really the major and some would say only benefit). The only thing I was able to import were wall constructions, which I would rather define in eQuest anyways. I haven't been able to find a thorough explanation of what to do in Ecotect to prepare your geometry for eQuest. FYI, Ecotect also exports to gbXML, Energy Plus, Radiance, etc.

Another workflow is Vasari > eQuest. Vasari is an, as of now, free Autodesk program in trial stages that is basically Revit combined with some basic DOE2 based energy modeling capability, really just for comparing different scenarios in early design. In my opinion this software is not ready for creating more complex models as I found creating the zones lacks the flexibility most models would need - The software will automatically create zones based on ASHRAE 90.1 perimeter set backs, 1 per floor, etc. Unless you have an open office plan, this is probably not what you need. You can define your zones manually, but not easily in my opinion. http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/vasari/ - if you're interested.

I've tried to look into this a few times now, and all things considered it seems that importing 3D geometry is not that big of a timesaver compared to the design wizard, if at all. If anyone has experience with these workflows, I would be grateful to hear it.

________________________________
From: equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org<mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org> [mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org] On Behalf Of m zahid
Sent: Wednesday, January 04, 2012 2:46 AM
To: e quest
Subject: [Equest-users] How to import 3D model

hi

Happy New Year to All. Does anybody know the any software from which we can import 3D model into eQuest.


thanks

zahid


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