[BLDG-SIM] cad/modeling interface

[Jeff Hirsch]

Currently posted most up-to-date eQUEST is version 3.37  ... many new features
in all areas, including wizards, with added material in the tutorial (version 3.25)
to explain simple use.  Program, documentation, weather files and training materials
are all freeware found at http://doe2.com/equest/ and this new version will soon be at 
http://www.energydesignresources.com/

For AutoCAD import and trace around (or just manually created floor plans,
spaces, or surfaces) the maximum number of vertices in 120.  This version
also allows up to 4000 spaces and 8000 each for exterior walls, windows and
2000 air-side HVAC systems.  A 1440 space run (with 792 exterior walls and 372
windows, 672 ground coupled surfaces, 4080 interior walls, 648 building shades, 720 air-side
AHU's) runs through BDL in 90 seconds and completes a year simulation, including
detail output reports, in just under 51 minutes on a Dell PWS450 (2.66GHz IX
processor and 1GB RAM) running Windows XP-Pro.  This model (a 14 building campus)
was created with the new muti-shell, muti-HVAC Design Development wizard in 
less than an hour; of course the use of custom footprints and adjustments to space and
HVAC details (needed to represent a final design) will add substantial information collection
and eQUEST input time.

In the interface there are many new wizard capabilities (in both model creation wizards and the EEM wizard)
to allow you to get much closer to the final model before making your transition into the detail
interface mode.  Many new graphics reports were added, including muti-run comparison graphics and input
summary reporting on the HVAC side (includes specified and calculated HVAC sizing parameters.)

In addition to interface additions, some of the Version 41 and 42 DOE-2.2 changes include
(see the six volume manual set posted in the download area):

Space modeling enhancement:
Ice-Skating Rinks (including hourly calculated radiative, convective, resurfacing, skater, and sub-floor heating loads)

Electric Generation Enhancement:
Photovoltaic Systems (including arrays, inverters and mounting/shading hourly modeling)

Chiller additions including: 
Air-Source Chiller/Heat-Pumps
Water-Source Chiller/Heat Pumps
Loop-to-Loop Chiller/Heat Pumps
Screw Chillers
Variable-Speed Centrifugals
Air-Cooled, Evaporatively-Cooled , and Remote condensers
Condenser models allowing both off-rated and variable flow
Independent specification of chiller rated vs. design conditions
(includes new CURVE-FIT TYPE of BI-QUADRATIC-RATIO&dT)

Air-side HVAC enhancements:
Staged-Volume, Packaged Single-Zone AHU model
Enhanced Economizer Controls
Air-to-Air Energy-Recovery Ventilators
AHU now has SIZING-METHOD specified as FLOW/CAPACITY (cfm/ton) or CAPACITY/FLOW (tons/cfm) to allow coupling between flow and capacity sizing
Return Duct Infiltration

We invite you to download, examine and use this freeware package and hope it
helps you deliver superior services to your customers in a more cost effective manner.

---
Jeff Hirsch
James J. Hirsch & Associates
Building Performance Analysis Software & Consulting
12185 Presilla Road
Camarillo, CA 93012-9243 USA
phone: (805) 553-9000
fax: (805) 532-2401
email: Jeff.Hirsch at DOE2.com
web: http://DOE2.com


  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Lukes, Jason 
  To: BLDG-SIM at GARD.COM 
  Sent: Wednesday, October 15, 2003 2:45 PM
  Subject: [BLDG-SIM] cad/modeling interface


  I used eQuest v2.55 to model a fairly complex floorplan (32 vertices) with success.  As John Aulbach indicated, this is accomplished by referencing a scaled AutoCAD drawing and then effectively tracing over it with polygons.  The interface is not difficult.  You can also create unique floorplans independently and then merge them into one model.  The challenge is getting the HVAC zones to recognize which walls are exterior versus interior partitions.  In the end, you will likely need to input each vertex manually to get this to work.  Later versions of the software (I believe they are up to v3.24) may have enhancements to this, such as referencing elevations to input window configurations.  

  Jason K. Lukes
  R.G. Vanderweil Engineers
  731 Alexander Road, Suite 300
  Princeton, NJ 08540
  (609) 987-1144 X5727 Phone
  (609) 987-9292 Fax
  JLukes at RGVP.Vanderweil.com 
  What does not destroy me, makes me stronger. -Friedrich Nietzsche 


   -----Original Message-----
  From: Aulbach, John [mailto:JAulbach at semprasolutions.com]
  Sent: Wednesday, October 15, 2003 5:07 PM
  To: BLDG-SIM at GARD.COM
  Subject: [BLDG-SIM] cad/modeling interface


    You can import an AutoCAD file into eQuest, and trace around the envelope to build your model. I have never done it personally, but it is in the latest eQuest Training manual.
      -----Original Message-----
      From: Alec Stevens [mailto:astevens at dmiinc.com]
      Sent: Wednesday, October 15, 2003 1:04 PM
      To: BLDG-SIM at GARD.COM
      Subject: [BLDG-SIM] cad/modeling interface


      General question for the list:    

      What is the latest progress and developments on the subject of integrating architectural CAD drawings of building shell into hourly energy modeling programs like DOE2 or EPlus?

      Are there software interfaces out there that have gotten this down to a usable product, or are we still a few years out?
      What are the obstacles to implementing this?  Any success stories that people care to share?  Any specific products that people have used?

      Thanks!
      Sincerely,

      Alec Stevens, PE, LEED AP
      DMI
      450 Lexington St, Newton, MA 02466
      p: 617-527-1525 x105  f: 617-527-6606
      e: astevens at dmiinc.com
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