[Bldg-sim] IES VE Ware

[Nick Caton]

Hi Scott!

 

I ran into similar head-scratchers as I learned the ins and outs of
where VE Ware fits in my kit of energy design/modeling tools.  My
ultimate conclusion is that VE Ware is a great tool for fast,
comparative studies of window/wall ratios, building massing studies,
basic envelope construction comparisons and overhang studies.  If and
when it comes to analyzing mechanical systems, VE Ware is not your tool
of choice for the reasons you're bringing up.  There's simply too many
variables not being accounted for, and it's not a very transparent tool
regarding what the various system options are actually modeling.  

 

If you own an IES suite of packages (beyond the free sketchup tool), I
believe you have the potential to transition your sketchup design work
into a more sophisticated (complex) energy model that can better account
for the myriad of variables you'll want to define when exploring
different HVAC system options.  I cannot vouch for this path as my firm
as of yet does not have the IES for-cost packages.

 

Personally, I find the IES VE sketchup plugin to be a great tool for the
above stated purposes.  I work with my architects to define a
"conceptual HVAC design" phase immediately following the building
massing/envelope/glazing/overhang decisions, wherin I take the sketchup
model as a reference and build an eQuest model that allows me to build
up the actual systems we're trying to compare to a degree I feel is
sufficiently accurate.

 

If I may, a single cautionary note - please tread carefully and
recognize that "carbon footprint" does NOT (often) necessarily correlate
to "energy efficiency" or "low utility bills."  All building designers
(architects + engineers) motivated for "green" design need to be very
self-aware of what their actual goals are, as these can cause some real
conflicts =).

 

I realize I'm dancing around your specific results without a specific
answer, and that's because I am not an expert on what's going on "behind
the scene" with the VEware plugin.  I'd strongly encourage you to pose
your exact situation at the IES support forums and/or the Virtual-Sim
mailing list here at onebuilding.org for specific advice regarding which
systems you should be choosing to get the intended comparisons!  I'd
venture a guess that you are incorrectly assuming "waterloop heat pump"
means "geothermal heat pump."  Both are loaded system descriptions that
could mean a lot of different things - again I would suggest selecting
another tool (perhaps including your project's energy/MEP consultant?)
to do the comparative mechanical system analyses you desire ;).

 

Best of luck!

 

~Nick

 

 

 

NICK CATON, E.I.T.

PROJECT ENGINEER

25501 west valley parkway

olathe ks 66061

direct 913 344.0036

fax 913 345.0617

Check out our new web-site @ www.smithboucher.com 

 

From: bldg-sim-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org
[mailto:bldg-sim-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org] On Behalf Of Scott
Schreffler
Sent: Thursday, February 04, 2010 10:47 AM
To: bldg-sim at lists.onebuilding.org
Subject: [Bldg-sim] IES VE Ware

 

Dear listers,

I was doing a simulation using VE Ware plug-in for sketchup carbon
footprint tool, and I am not a technically savvy user, just a dumb
architectural designer...so I had a question.

 

All variables were the same between two scenarios, except for the HVAC
type.  Under one scenario I was simulating a split mechanical system
with mechanical cooling, and under the other I was simulating a
waterloop heat pump (which I assume is the same as geothermal heat
pump?), and the fuel source was electric.

 

The carbon footprint for the waterloop heat pump was greater than the
split system with mechanical cooling.  I would've thought it would be
the reverse.

 

Can someone explain this to me?  Any other comments on the carbon
footprint tool for VE ware sketchup plugin?

 

Thanks so much for your time.

Scott G. Schreffler, LEED AP
designer

DYKEMAN | INSPIRING EVERYDAY SPACES
architecture + interior design + visual marketing

tel: 425.259.3161 ext. 2355
fax: 425.259.5242
direct: 425.609.2355
mobile: 425.870.2656

scotts at dykeman.net
www.dykeman.net 

	 

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