[Equest-users] How to import 3D model

[Karen Walkerman]

I have also struggled with this issue.  In addition to setting up complex
geometry (pitched roofs, cathedral ceilings, floors that are partially
underground, etc) one of the other challenges of the eQuest workflow is the
requirement to re-define all custom windows if a zone line changes.  I
actually wrote a SketchUp plugin to help me get geometry from Sketchup into
eQuest (and EnergyPlus).  In eQuest, I also have the ability to set up
space types with global parameters so that all "office" spaces are named
"office" and their occupancy, lighting and equipment loads reference global
parameters named "office_occ", "office_lpd" and "office_equip".  This way
it's easy to make changes to large parts of the model when you're in
detailed edit mode.

The Sketchup model is a dedicated model created for the energy model, but
the geometry is MUCH easier to create in SU than in eQuest, and my export
method creates a much cleaner inp file than the wizard.  If there are 5
floors, there is only one exterior wall construction type, and only one
office_occ schedule.

Sketchup geometry:  http://imgur.com/eQHWq
eQuest geometry:  http://imgur.com/SU7oo

If there is enough interest, I can clean up the script and make it
available for a fee.  I spent too much time creating it to make it
available for free.

--
Karen

On Wed, Jan 4, 2012 at 12:14 PM, Neil Bulger <nbulger at integralgroup.com>wrote:

> Try looking at GreenspaceLIVE. This plugin for google sketchup for
> exporting gbXML file formats. The light weight plugin can rapidly decrease
> the time to draw geometry for use in multiple programs. I have exported
> files from here to eQuest, EnergyPro, Trace and EnergyPlus.  The tool is
> not without its flaws and we have been working to best understand the
> errors Autodesks GBS throws at us with the translation process to inp.****
>
> ** **
>
> The big draw of this workflow model is the ability to push geometry to
> several tools and setup skill sets that can grow as energy modeling shifts
> to energyplus. The tool was free for a while but now has a monthly fee. 30
> day trials are available though.****
>
> ** **
>
> http://openrevit.com/2011/08/green-spaces-live-free-gbxml-tool/****
>
> ** **
>
> ** **
>
> *Neil Bulger* ****
>
> *________________________________*****
>
> I N T E G R A L****
>
> *                         ** **GROUP*****
>
> ** **
>
> *From:* equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org [mailto:
> equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org] *On Behalf Of *Wolfe, Brian
> *Sent:* Wednesday, January 04, 2012 8:19 AM
> *To:* Matthew W. Higgins; Peter Hillermann; 'Sami, Vikram'; 'Adam
> Barker'; 'm zahid'; 'e quest'
>
> *Subject:* Re: [Equest-users] How to import 3D model****
>
> ** **
>
> I appreciate the comments that everyone has posted concerning this model
> importing issue.  There’s  been some great discussions revolving around
> what others have tried and the pitfalls that have been dealt with till
> now.  I had no idea about the translation issues with .gbxml.  This is good
> to know, as it always seems to pop up as the saving grace in model
> export/importing.  I do know from discussions with model developers that
> this issue is understood.  But like what Patrick stated, it makes since
> that the different software companies aren’t going to want its programs to
> be compatible with its competitors despite the demand that is obviously
> there.  (This thread is a great example.)  ****
>
> ** **
>
> I know that this has been a beneficial discussion for me, and hopefully
> beneficial to others.  I would appreciate any updates that teams run across
> in this effort to bridge the gap between the design model and the energy
> model.  It will only benefit our industry.   ****
>
> ** **
>
> *Brian Wolfe*, CDT, LEED AP BD+C
> Sustainable Design Coordinator ****
>
> HKS  |  Enhancing the Human Experience ****
>
> If you are sending large files, please use my *Thru*<https://hks.thruinc.net/drop_box.asp?toemail=bwolfe@hksinc.com>dropbox.
> *vCard* <http://vcard.hksinc.com/?email=bwolfe@hksinc.com> ****
>
> ** **
>
> *From:* equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org [mailto:
> equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org] *On Behalf Of *Matthew W.
> Higgins
> *Sent:* Wednesday, January 04, 2012 9:36 AM
> *To:* Peter Hillermann; 'Sami, Vikram'; 'Adam Barker'; 'm zahid'; 'e
> quest'
> *Subject:* Re: [Equest-users] How to import 3D model****
>
> ** **
>
> Though I was hoping to hear differently when opening this thread, I have
> to agree with the common opinion here, it’s still easier to create a model
> in eQuest. I’ve tried Ecotect and GreenBuilding Studio and the results have
> been the same, too much information in the BIM model, and the import either
> doesn’t happen or does not look at all like the building in question.****
>
> ** **
>
> One thing I have been trying, for very large projects, is to use Revit’s
> “Model Review” plug-in, in Revit MEP, to check the model before I export
> the XML. This tool is often pretty helpful, detecting glass types and rooms
> and other heat-transfer objects that will create errors. In a perfect
> world, the architects we work with should run this before they send us the
> model… because many of these errors have to do with the way they’re
> creating the architecture in Revit.****
>
> ** **
>
> One caveat that I have is that large models often have a lot of errors
> after “Model Review,” and time remedying them often is longer than just
> creating the model in eQuest. I too would like to hear how DrawBDL works,
> I’ve been thinking about purchasing it for some time now.****
>
> ** **
>
> Regards****
>
> ** **
>
> Matthew Higgins, CEM, HBDP, LEED-AP (BD+C)* *
>
> *Energy Project Manager***
>
> * *
>
> *Bridgers & Paxton Consulting Engineers, Inc.*
>
> 4600-C Montgomery Blvd. NE****
>
> Albuquerque, NM  87109****
>
> 505-883-4111****
>
> 505-888-1436  Fax****
>
> mwhiggins at bpce.com ****
>
> ** **
>
> *www.bpce.com*
>
> ** **
>
> ** **
>
> ** **
>
> *From:* equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org [mailto:
> equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org] *On Behalf Of *Peter
> Hillermann
> *Sent:* Wednesday, January 04, 2012 8:08 AM
> *To:* 'Sami, Vikram'; 'Adam Barker'; 'm zahid'; 'e quest'
> *Subject:* Re: [Equest-users] How to import 3D model****
>
> ** **
>
> I like this conversation cause it is one that I have battled with for a
> long time.****
>
> ** **
>
> I’m going to respond on top of the previous comments in saying that it all
> depends on your comfort with software and 3D modeling. As below I agree
> with Vikram that at the moment it is easier to just model the project
> directly in eQuest and not import at all. Let me however tell you that I
> have built models in eQuest, Vasari, REVIT and Ecotect and they all work
> fine as long as you understand the basic principles of computer modeling.
> Vasari is definitely not ready for prime time however you can use it as
> your integrated modeler between eQuest and REVIT.****
>
> ** **
>
> The one main issue that I have run into and it is working as an architect
> and coordinating with our engineer that I have found out that architectural
> REVIT models with gbXML information looks totally different than the zoning
> model for an HVAC layout used in eQuest. The ways these models are
> constructed are total different even though the exterior skin might look
> the same.****
>
> ** **
>
> I’ve done this before but I have attached images of all the softwares to
> show the model.****
>
> ** **
>
> Just stick with the wizard for now unless the geometries are extremely
> complex.****
>
> ** **
>
> Thanks,****
>
> ** **
>
> *PETER HILLERMANN*
>
> ** **
>
> peterh at westallarchitects.com****
>
> ** **
>
> *westall*****
>
> *architects*****
>
> 3404 pierce drive****
>
> chamblee, georgia 30341****
>
> ** **
>
> o 770.458.4113****
>
> c 678.898.2936****
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>
> westallarchitects.com****
>
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> Description: Description: Description: USGBC-Logo]****
>
> ** **
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> ** **
>
> *From:* equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org [
> mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org<equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org>]
> *On Behalf Of *Sami, Vikram
> *Sent:* Wednesday, January 04, 2012 9:23 AM
> *To:* Adam Barker; 'm zahid'; 'e quest'
> *Subject:* Re: [Equest-users] How to import 3D model****
>
> ** **
>
> // all things considered it seems that importing 3D geometry is not that
> big of a timesaver compared to the design wizard//****
>
> ** **
>
> I agree. The argument is that with importing from Revit there is already a
> 3d model available. The issue normally is that there is too much
> information in the Revit model and most often it needs a LOT of clean up.
> Its potentially easy if you are a person with really fantastic model
> management skills (I haven’t met one yet).****
>
> ** **
>
> * *
>
> *Vikram Sami*, LEED AP BD+C****
>
> Sustainable Design Analyst****
>
> 1315 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309****
>
> t: 404-443-7462    f: 404.892.5823       e: vikram.sami at perkinswill.com
> www.perkinswill.com****
>
> *Perkins+Will.*  Ideas + buildings that honor the broader goals of society
> ****
>
> ** **
>
> ** **
>
> *From:* equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org [
> mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org<equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org>]
> *On Behalf Of *Adam Barker
> *Sent:* Wednesday, January 04, 2012 9:13 AM
> *To:* 'm zahid'; 'e quest'
> *Subject:* Re: [Equest-users] How to import 3D model****
>
> ** **
>
> One potential workflow is Revit > Ecotect > eQuest. ****
>
> ** **
>
> If you google exporting Revit to Ecotect there are several videos / step
> by step instructions to show you what you need to do to prepare the model.
> It mainly has to do with how you define rooms, which become your thermal
> zones. However, Ecotect to eQuest I haven’t been able to do very
> successfully. There seems to be some problems with exporting the geometry
> and zones properly (which is really the major and some would say only
> benefit). The only thing I was able to import were wall constructions,
> which I would rather define in eQuest anyways. I haven’t been able to find
> a thorough explanation of what to do in Ecotect to prepare your geometry
> for eQuest. FYI, Ecotect also exports to gbXML, Energy Plus, Radiance, etc.
> ****
>
> ** **
>
> Another workflow is Vasari > eQuest. Vasari is an, as of now, free
> Autodesk program in trial stages that is basically Revit combined with some
> basic DOE2 based energy modeling capability, really just for comparing
> different scenarios in early design. In my opinion this software is not
> ready for creating more complex models as I found creating the zones lacks
> the flexibility most models would need - The software will automatically
> create zones based on ASHRAE 90.1 perimeter set backs, 1 per floor, etc.
> Unless you have an open office plan, this is probably not what you need.
> You can define your zones manually, but not easily in my opinion.
> http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/vasari/ - if you’re interested.****
>
> ** **
>
> I’ve tried to look into this a few times now, and all things considered it
> seems that importing 3D geometry is not that big of a timesaver compared to
> the design wizard, if at all. If anyone has experience with these
> workflows, I would be grateful to hear it.****
>
> ** **
> ------------------------------
>
> *From:* equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org [
> mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org<equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org>]
> *On Behalf Of *m zahid
> *Sent:* Wednesday, January 04, 2012 2:46 AM
> *To:* e quest
> *Subject:* [Equest-users] How to import 3D model****
>
> ** **
>
> hi
>
> Happy New Year to All. Does anybody know the any software from which we
> can import 3D model into eQuest.*   *
>
>  ****
>
> thanks ****
>
>
> zahid ****
>
>  ****
>
>
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