[Bldg-sim] Building Energy Modeling Guidelines

[Jim Dirkes]

I love the concept! This could be due to my involvement in Tae Kwon Do for the last dozen years or so, but also because of the emphasis on gradual mastery of a complex skill.

 

The Building Performance Team
James V. Dirkes II, P.E., BEMP , LEED AP
1631 Acacia Drive NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
616 450 8653

 

From: bldg-sim-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org [mailto:bldg-sim-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org] On Behalf Of CleanTech Analytics
Sent: Monday, March 05, 2012 12:18 AM
To: Pavel Dybskiy
Cc: bldg-sim at lists.onebuilding.org
Subject: Re: [Bldg-sim] Building Energy Modeling Guidelines

 

Gentelmen, 

As a self educated Modeler, who takes the task very seriously I might add, I encourage you to read the publication by the rocky mountain institute on what they call "Black Belt Energy Modeling".. And see how you feel you rank in the system. (I would say I am a purple belt) 

 

Check this link http://www.rmi.org/Content/Files/Black%20Belt%20Modeling%20Matrix%20RMI%2008-27-10.pdf

 

Or see attachment for the full pdf,

 

Black Belt Energy Modeling1

The concept of black belt energy modeling arose from a need to set forth

expectations, training materials, and professional development paths for learning

this specialized skill. While contributions can be made at many levels, becoming a

master requires a depth and breadth of knowledge pertaining to engineering,

building science and energy simulation tools. The Black Belt Energy Modeling

Matrix presented below outlines a spectrum of modeling capabilities – from trainee

to master – along with the associated skills and background knowledge to support

success.

The framework and content of the matrix are based on providing integrated design

assistance as typically delivered to the private sector. Thus the outline may not align

well to other applications. It does not reflect the benefits of a streamlined BIM

process or software that automatically generates a minimally code‐compliant

building model.

1 Concept developed by Ellen Franconi, PhD, of the Rocky Mountain Institute. These materials are

copyrighted through a Creative Commons License, which allows use and distribution as long as credit is

given to the original author.

Black Belt Energy Modeling Matrix

Belt Capabilities Examples Background

Knowledge2

Trainee

White · Collect modeling

input data

· Gather information

needed for

characterizing the

building from

construction

documents,

narratives, survey

data, etc.

· Basic engineering

methods, units,

conversions

· Reading construction

drawings

· Familiarity with

construction materials,

methods, and

mechanical systems

· Familiarity with space

requirements as

outlined in Standards

(supply flow rates,

outdoor air, lumen

levels)

Yellow · Perform input data

calculations

· Convert data collected

from various sources

to a form used by the

simulation program

(fan power

calculations, EER to

EIR calculations,

window COG U‐value

to overall U‐value,

etc.)

· Spreadsheets

· Building load

calculation procedures

· Mechanical system

basics

Orange · Develop building

geometry and zoning

· Import AutoCAD files

and manipulate as

needed to incorporate

into modeling

software

· Develop zoning based

on thermal block

concepts

· Finalize zoning after

master modeler

review

· Computer drawing

programs as applicable

· Basic heat transfer

· Basic thermodynamics

· Basic mechanical

system design

concepts

2 Background knowledge for a belt includes that for lower-level belts

Belt Capabilities Examples Background

Knowledge2

Technician

Green · Create building input

file using software

wizard

· Use modeling

software graphical

user interface and

complete basic

building model based

on proposed design,

project input data and

software default

values

· Building science

(envelope, lighting,

electrical, mechanical,

renewable building

systems)

Blue · Build minimally‐code

compliant building

model

· Modify proposed

design model to

characterize

minimally‐compliant

building in adherence

to the referenced

method

· Reference Standards

(ASHRAE 90.1 ‐

Performance Rating

Method, ASHRAE 62.1,

COMNET)

Core Analyst

Purple · Perform parametric

analysis for straight

forward design

alternates

· Review predicted

energy use by end

use and costs for

reasonableness

· Complete utility and

end‐use level

calibration of existing

building models

· Outline energy

conservation

measures applicable

to the project

· Characterize the

measures for

modeling

· Use modeling

software parametric

capabilities

· For an existing

building, reconcile

actual with predicted

utility resource use

through repeated

comparison and gross

model adjustment

· Actual building energy

consumption by end

use for different types

of buildings and

systems

· Energy efficiency

measures and their

performance

characterization

· Modeling software

commands and

keywords

· Utility rate structures

Belt Capabilities Examples Background

Knowledge2

Brown · Perform modeling of

complex features,

systems or

components not

readily characterized

in the software

· Complete detailed

quality assurance

review

· Complete system

level calibration of

existing building

models

· Make the most of

existing software

capabilities to model

UFAD, chilled beams,

make‐up air units, slab

losses, etc.

· Use detailed output

reports and postprocessing

tools to

perform a reality

check on component

and system‐level

results/metrics.

· Advanced heat transfer

· Advanced

thermodynamics

· Advanced building

science

· IPMVP/EVO concepts

including balancing risk

with value

Master

Red · Understand the

engineering

algorithms used by

the software and

modify modeling

input/methods to

improve input

characterizations

· Use supplemental

detailed analysis to

support simulation

software workarounds

or short cuts.

· Use supplemental CFD

modeling results to

characterize impact of

natural ventilation

strategy. Build an

hourly infiltration

schedule to mimic CFD

results and

incorporate into

whole‐building model.

· Deep knowledge of

modeling software

· Experience applying

heat transfer and

thermodynamic

algorithms related to

building science

Black · Balance modeling

level of detail against

accuracy of results

needed to support

decision making

· Provide qualitative

assessments of design

options and conduct

limited modeling as

needed

· Vast project modeling

experience

· Understanding of

application challenges

and actual achieved

performance

Black Belt Energy Modeling Matrix for PowerPoint Presentations

Belt Capabilities

Trainee

White · Collect modeling input data

Yellow · Perform input data calculations

Orange · Develop building geometry and zoning

Technician

Green · Create building input file using software wizard

Blue · Build minimally‐code compliant building model

Core

Analyst

Purple · Review results for reasonableness

· Complete calibrations

Brown · Perform complex modeling

· Complete detailed QC

· Complete system level calibration

Master

Red · Understand the algorithms

· Use supplemental analysis

Black · Balance modeling level of detail against accuracy of

results needed to support decision making

 

On Sun, Mar 4, 2012 at 5:40 PM, Pavel Dybskiy <pdybskiy at gmail.com> wrote:

Good analogy in case ... if the modeler's job is to run a model developed by an expert, and only change weather files and sometimes windows' size and temperature set point :)     

 Pavel 

 

On Sun, Mar 4, 2012 at 7:14 PM, Hussein Abaza <ahussein at spsu.edu> wrote:

I think modeling is one thing, and understanding the causes and results when modeling is something else. It is like the X-ray technician and the doctor who look at the X-ray image to interpret it.  Yes, we need professional modeler, but we also need building technology experts who can derive meaningful information from the energy model to evaluate and improve the design. Otherwise, it will be shooting in the dark. 


----- Original Message -----
From: "Jeff Haberl" <jhaberl at tamu.edu>
To: "Pavel Dybskiy" <pdybskiy at ryerson.ca>
Cc: bldg-sim at lists.onebuilding.org
Sent: Sunday, March 4, 2012 6:05:50 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
Subject: Re: [Bldg-sim] Building Energy Modeling Guidelines

O.K.

 

Here goes...

 

Jeff

 

  _____  

From: pdybskiy at gmail.com [pdybskiy at gmail.com] on behalf of Pavel Dybskiy [pdybskiy at ryerson.ca]
Sent: Sunday, March 04, 2012 3:48 PM
To: Jeff Haberl
Cc: Paul Carey; 韩星; Ellen Franconi; bldg-sim at lists.onebuilding.org
Subject: Re: [Bldg-sim] Building Energy Modeling Guidelines

Jeff, 

 

1) Is it correct to say that any problem discussed on this list can be answered by referring to some of sources that were just mentioned?

 

I have always found that the sample files that come with DOE-2 and EQUEST provide advise on how to model 90% of most buildings. The 10% would include things that can't be modeled well with DOE-2 and/or EQUEST including: atriums, borrowed-lite windows (i.e., glass on an inside partition), courtyard buildings with interior gardens (i.e., evaporative cooling that leads to different temps in the courtyard -- see John Reynolds book). If one adds the 17 DOE EnergyPlus files, then you could make that 95%.

 

2) More general.. Can you give an estimate on how many professionals in BEM community (ten, hundred, thousand) are, let's say, 100% educated, 'self-sufficient', capable of demonstrating the ultimate level of knowledge?

 

Whew! I think there are about 100+ or so ASHRAE Certified BEM modelers...which grows every month. Conservatively, if you doubled or tripled that number to include good modelers that have not taken the exam, then you might have a few hundred folks that are certified or equivalent.

 

If you want to know those who are capable of demonstrating the ultimate knowledge, you'd have to be code-specific, and then I would guess there are probably less than 20 persons per code or less that really know what they are doing well enought to write rewrite the code (i.e., DOE-2), or edit the FORTRAN and recompile the code. Unfortunately, many of the folks who wrote the original algorithms for DOE-2 and BLAST (a part of EnergyPlus) are no longer around.

 

In the case of EnergyPlus, I would guess there are maybe 20 people that really know the code well enough to edit it and/or write new modules. Obviously, those who worked on it, and a few more, that's about it.

 

For TRNSYS, the number is probably smaller. In the U.S. the source of most knowledge about TRNSYS is in Wisconsin (i.e., TESS or UofW-M).

 

3) More specifically.. From your experience, what is an average percentage of  graduates from your school  who becomes an expert in BEM? 

 

I've always believed that it takes about 10 years of constant use to become expert. I educate about 10 to 20 persons per year, and have done so for 27 years. So, about 1/2 of my students may or may not have been praticing for 10 years, which brings them into the realm of becoming expert. Our current staff at the ESL who work on our code-compliant web-based calculator are all expert level (...they now teach me!).

4) More on this... How many BEM schools are there in US? 

 

I'm sure I'll insult someone here...

 

Can you name them?    

I can name schools where I know folks: MIT, PSU, TAMU, UT, OSU, CU, UC Berkeley, UofI, ASU, UofW-Milwaukee, UofW-Madison, UofW-Milwaukee, Purdue,UPenn, Cornell, CUNY, U.Kansas...and others.

 

Jeff

 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


Thank you,

 

Pavel Dybskiy



2012/3/4 Jeff Haberl <jhaberl at tamu.edu>

Ellen,

 

Here's a few more:

 

1. In a way the sample files that come with DOE-2.1e are showing you examples of buildings that LBNL assembled to go with DOE-2. You can view these with DrawBDL. However, there is only limited text that explains he intent of the file, and now guideline so to speak about modeling a building, in general.

 

In a similar fashion, EQUEST comes with input files that you can view as well that pretty much cover the full range of building types.

 

Finally, the DOE EnergyPlus standard 17 building type files (that came originally from Joe Huang I'm told) are also examples of how to model different building types. 

 

There are also the books by Joe Clarke, Godfried Augenbroe, Jan Hensen/Roberto Lambert on simulation that provide varying advice on simulation.

 

Also, TRNSYS has lots of files in their library that show how to model different things (mostly systems), that are useful as well.

 

Problem is with any guide, anywhere is that, at some point,  is has to be specific to a particular simulation program, or else it becomes so general that it loses it meaning.

 

If you want something that is really interesting, look at the 1958 ASHRAE paper by Buchberg that talks about modeling a one room hut using an analog electrical circuit...this was the start of it all. 

 

Jeff

 

 

8=!  8=)  :=)  8=)  ;=)  8=)  8=(  8=)  8=()  8=)  8=|  8=)  :=')  8=)8=?

Jeff S. Haberl, Ph.D.,P.E., FASHRAE..............jhaberl at tamu.edu

Professor............................................................Office Ph: 979-845-6507

Department of Architecture.............................Lab Ph:979-845-6065

Energy Systems Laboratory.............................FAX: 979-862-2457

Texas A&M University.....................................77843-3581

College Station, Texas, USA, 77843..................URL:www.esl.tamu.edu

8=/  8=)  :=)  8=)  ;=)  8=)  8=()  8=)  :=)  8=)  8=!  8=)  8=? 8=)8=0

  _____  

From: bldg-sim-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org [bldg-sim-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org] on behalf of Paul Carey [paul at zed-uk.com]
Sent: Sunday, March 04, 2012 2:53 AM
To: 韩星; Ellen Franconi
Cc: bldg-sim at lists.onebuilding.org
Subject: Re: [Bldg-sim] Building Energy Modeling Guidelines

Ashrae 90.1 isn't a guideline? Its a set of massively prescriptive and defined rules for assessing buildings against benchmark buildings. 

We have a similar document to some extent in the UK. The national calculation methodology document that accompanies the iSBEM energy calculation tool available from the BRE outlines how to model in accordance with UK regulations or at least it does to some extent. 

Ok whilst writing this I've altered my opinions and so both are probably worth adding to list as they do have  some useful information on how to define zones, etc rather than just being code style documents.

Kind regards

Paul



Sent from my HTC

Dr Paul Carey
Director

Zero Energy Design Ltd
10a Portland Place
2-22 Mottram Road
Stalybridge
Cheshire
UK
SK15 3AD

Tel - +44 161 3386200
Mob - +44 789 4098012
Email - paul at zed-uk.com



----- Reply message -----
From: "韩星" <foolishstar at 163.com>
Date: Sun, Mar 4, 2012 03:02
Subject: [Bldg-sim] Building Energy Modeling Guidelines
To: "Ellen Franconi" <efranconi at rmi.org>
Cc: <bldg-sim at lists.onebuilding.org>


Of course ASHRAE 90.1 APPENDIX G is the most popular guideline I think




At 2012-03-04 06:05:51,"Ellen Franconi" <efranconi at rmi.org> wrote:
I am compiling a list of published Building Energy Modeling Guidelines. I know of a few and was hoping to get some help from all of you to fill it out. This is what I know of:

1) CIBSE Applications Manual AM11: 1998, Building Energy and Environmental Modelling. The manual is available to members of the United Kingdom organization - the Chartered Institution of Building Services (CIBSE).

2) From the Colorado Governor's Energy Office, ENERGY MODELING: A GUIDE FOR THE BUILDING PROFESSIONAL. See http://rechargecolorado.org/images/uploads/pdfs/Energy_Modelling_062411.pdf

3) AIA Modeling Guidelines (believe there is a draft out for public review) but what I find on their website is:
An Architects Guide to Integrated Modeling Within the Design Process

4) GSA BIM to BEM also out for public review,see: http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/105075

5) ASHRAE Research Project 1468 BIM to BEM,

What have others come across?

--
Ellen Franconi, PhD, LEED AP, BEMP
Senior Consultant, Built Environment Team

Rocky Mountain Institute
1820 Folsom Street
Boulder, CO 80302
303.567.8609 (Desk)
303.245.7213 (Fax)

Rocky Mountain Institute drives the efficient and restorative use of
resources, creating a world thriving, verdant, and secure, for all, for ever.

http://www.rmi.org




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-- 
Best Regards,

Pavel Dybskiy
M.A.Sc. Candidate, Department of Architectural Science
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Science, Ryerson University
E-mail: pdybskiy at ryerson.ca;
telephone: 647-984-4940


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-- 

Dr. Hussein Abaza, Assistant Professor

Construction Management Department 

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE’

CIVIL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

 And CONSTRUCTION

1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060-2896

Website:  <http://www.spsu.edu/cost> www.spsu.edu/cost  Tel: 678-915-3719 Fax: 678-915-4966

E-mail: ahussein at spsu.edu

 

 


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-- 

Best

-p.d.

 


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