Re: [EnergyPlus_Support] Modeling Methods - Sharing

["Jim Dirkes jim@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [EnergyPlus_Support]" <EnergyPlus_Support@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Ivan,

We use DesignBuilder and are keeping our eye on OpenStudio.  Both appear to be developing quickly and are much more capable than even a couple of years ago.  Kudos to all of the developers for those software platforms!  They continue to make giant leaps forward.

The main areas for which we continue to use a spreadsheet are:

• rapid development of custom schedules, which are always needed for existing building projects 
• rapid creation of custom, ordered output:variables and RVI files
• detailed, formatted review of output:variables
• Objects that are not included in the GUI (As an example, refrigerated casework is not yet included in DB)
• Although you can review / check input values in the GUIs, it is cumbersome!  If, for example, you want to confirm that the proper economizer is selected for 6 air loops, you must click a dozen or more times.  For zone information, many more clicks are required.  Spreadsheet tables can arrange information such as this side-by-side for quick review.

Essentially, a spreadsheet that assists with these tasks saves us valuable time and increases our accuracy.  It comes, however, with the burden to maintain it as new versions of E+ are released and bugs are discovered.  In addition, our fairly complex spreadsheet template requires 20-30 seconds to completely recalculate in a fairly new i5 processor PC.  That's too much waiting for me and I hope to move out of the spreadsheet software developer mode as soon as possible.

On Fri, Dec 19, 2014 at 7:34 AM, Ivan Mezzacapa ivan_slip@xxxxxxxxxxx [EnergyPlus_Support] <EnergyPlus_Support@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

 

Hi everyone!

i've a doubt, but i'm here to know how is the modeling methods of each one.

We have Design Builder, Google Scketchup with Open Studio, and i've heard that some professionals model with excel macro spreadsheets to take the coordinates of each zone.

Someone models with spreadsheets?

I'm using desing builder and i like it. What program do you think is better?

I would like to know how to do.

Thanks for all!

Técg. Ivan Mezzacapa

Projetista  de Ar Condicionado / Consultor em Eficiência Energética

LinkedIN: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanmezzacapa

Celular: (11)9963-9326

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James V Dirkes II, PE, BEMP, LEED AP
CEO/President
Building Performance Team
1631 Acacia Dr, GR, Mi 49504

Direct: 616.450.8653
jim@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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Posted by: Jim Dirkes <jim@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

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