[BLDG-SIM] getting the whole design team ..., 3D Modeling + Energy Analysis

[Monjur M Mourshed]

Hello all

The discussion which was initiated a long time ago, has gained momentum
and we have responses from a wide variety of backgrounds and
geographical locations. I would like to take the opportunity to
summarise.

PRACTISING ARCHITECTS:
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a. Data input and output: Most software requires data to be prepared in
their own legacy format, which is the main barrier in integrating the
software into the design process. They argued on the need of software
which can take data from existing CAD software and archive the result
for future use.

COMMENTS: In my own view, IFC (from IAI) is in the process of
development and we can hope to see software able to be integrated with a
single design repository before the first quarter of 2004. For more
information see related BS-8 documents and webpages.

b. Integrated and intuitive tools for whole-building simulation: There
has been a paradigm shift in the way simulation software is designed.
EnergyPlus incorporated BLAST & DOE and can connect to other engines
like COMIS; BDA offers links to ASCII based simulation software. Members
of this group suggested tools like Ener-Win, Energy10, HEED, and
ECOTECT. The change is evident and developers are actually working on
that.
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HVAC PROFESSIONALS:
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a. HVAC and software designers think that the current generation of
simulation software are adequate for the purpose of energy efficient
design (Architects have reservations about it - they initiate designs
and most of the decisions are taken before passing on to HVAC
professionals. They need more intuitive and simplified tool to get a
feeling about the energy efficiency of building). 

b. HVAC designers are not too worried about the existing input and
output methods. They are happy because some tools are there to help
them: eQuest, Visual DOE and such which is a significant improvement
over generic TEXT based input.

c. **IMP**: HVAC designers insisted on to be integrated in the design
team from early stages which is not realistic for small to medium size
projects.
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I would like to extend Mr. Mark Case's view for a meeting/ seminar or
workshop among building design professionals for detailed discussion on
this topic. Can we have a teleconference/ web based video conference so
that geographically dispersed people can participate?

Professionals from different background may have varied opinions which
are healthy for overall development of the industry. Probably everybody
needs to sit together and sort out a framework for future development.

Regards,

Monjur Mourshed
http://www.ecaad.com/monjur
http://www.ucc.ie/iruse/monjur

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