Re: [EnergyPlus_Support] general question

["Michael J. Witte" <mjwitte@xxxxxxxx>]

EnergyPlus can be used by an architect with HVAC systems knowledge adequate to 
specify the performance of various components.

EnergyPlus input files can be quite detailed.  Because there is no full-scale 
interface software available for EnergyPlus, it takes significantly more effort 
to get up the learning curve compared to the tools you have experience with.  I 
would suggest that you install EnergyPlus v1.2.0 and take some time to browse 
the documentation and some of the example input files to get a feel for the 
type of input that is required.  LgOffVAV.idf would be a good example to look 
at.

There are tools available to convert CAD files into EnergyPlus surface 
descriptions via IFC and gbXML, and there are some other interfaces to assist 
with the envelope description, but there are no interfaces to develop HVAC 
system descriptions yet.  There are template macros that come with EnergyPlus 
to help with that for certain system types.

Any simulation tool capable of modeling a 160,000 SF commercial project will 
have a significant learning curve.  Your choice of tool must take into 
consideration the types of envelope and system design features you need to 
model.  EnergyPlus has many capabilities that exceed other tools.  No matter 
what tool you choose to use, keep the model as simple as possible, focusing 
only on key features influencing energy consumption.

The 2-day training course covers basic skills for running EnergyPlus, including 
learning how to use the HVAC system templates to assist in generating initial 
HVAC input.  To model your project will most likely require learning additional 
features on your own.

Mike


On 22 Apr 2004, at 12:37, btfalcon71 wrote:

> Good morning all,
> 
> This will be a very simple question compared to many I have read 
> here.  Our (architecture firm)office may be looking into running 
> energy simulation as part of attaining LEED certification on future 
> projects.  I am an intern architect, with a pending masters degree in 
> sustainable architecture.  I have had limited exposure (residential 
> scale only) to Calpass, Energy 10 and MECcheck software.  Since I 
> would be the person running energy simulations in the office, I 
> wanted to know; how difficult is EnergyPlus to understand and run?  
> Would the two day training course offered on the web site be an 
> adequate introduction for implementing a full scale simulation for a 
> 160,000 SF commercial project?  I want to know just what I may be in 
> for before I commit myself, and the office to something this 
> technical and involved.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  
> Thanks in advance. 
> 
> Sincerely,
> 
> Brian T. Falcon
> Arcus Design Group  
> 
> 
> 
> The primary EnergyPlus web site is found at:
> http://www.energyplus.gov
> 
> The group web site is:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EnergyPlus_Support/
> 
> Attachments are not allowed -- please post any files to the appropriate folder
> in the Files area of the Support Web Site.
> 
> Yahoo! Groups Links
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 



========================================================
Michael J. Witte, GARD Analytics, Inc.
EnergyPlus Testing and Support      
EnergyPlus-Support@xxxxxxxx



The primary EnergyPlus web site is found at:
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