[Equest-users] How to import 3D model

[Greg Collins]

I'd like to jump in and provide a view that's contrary to the popular opinion. Our group does lots of modeling in eQuest, and our typical approach is to create a model geometry in Revit that is based on an architect's Revit model, CAD files, or whatever we're provided. There are several important rules that need to be followed, but it is possible to create a geometrically (hence, thermodynamically) accurate gbXML with Revit, Sketchup, and other 3D modeling tools. We then export the gbXML from Revit and import into Autodesk's Green Building Studio and download the DOE-2 file from there, which can be opened in eQuest.

This process won't be faster than the wizard right away, but once you figure out the rules (there are many resources available), it becomes pretty smooth to create the geometry and import into eQuest. There are some weird things that GBS does that need to be undone once in eQuest - mainly overriding input values - but we've developed other processes to speed this up as well.

It may not be for everybody, but it gets you a very accurate building geometry and can be faster and easier to manipulate complex geometries than within eQuest. And (as somebody already pointed out) you have a gbXML file that can be used in many platforms, and the DOE-2 and EnergyPlus files that GBS creates.

Greg Collins, PE, LEED AP+
Regional Manager
Energy Department

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From: equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org [mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org] On Behalf Of Peter Hillermann
Sent: Thursday, January 05, 2012 10:39 AM
To: 'Sivakumar, Sudheera'; 'Sami, Vikram'; 'Adam Barker'; 'm zahid'; 'e quest'
Subject: Re: [Equest-users] How to import 3D model

Sudheera,

Starting from scratch is your best option. You are in a tough spot.

Thanks,

PETER HILLERMANN

peterh at westallarchitects.com<mailto:peterh at westallarchitects.com>

westall
architects
3404 pierce drive
chamblee, georgia 30341

o 770.458.4113
c 678.898.2936

westallarchitects.com
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From: Sivakumar, Sudheera [mailto:Sudheera.Sivakumar at stantec.com]
Sent: Wednesday, January 04, 2012 5:15 PM
To: Peter Hillermann; 'Sami, Vikram'; 'Adam Barker'; 'm zahid'; 'e quest'
Subject: RE: [Equest-users] How to import 3D model

What do you guys think about how to tackle the situation , when the Architect changes the floor plan considerably in the middle of the project design and not enough budget available to create the model ( 7 storey building with different floor plates)  from scratch in the wizard? Going through the messages, creating from scratch is the best option. Am I wrong?

Thanks
Sudheera Sivakumar,

From: Peter Hillermann [mailto:peterh at westallarchitects.com]
Sent: Wednesday, January 04, 2012 7:08 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<mailto:peterh at westallarchitects.com>

westall
architects
3404 pierce drive
chamblee, georgia 30341

o 770.458.4113
c 678.898.2936

westallarchitects.com
[cid:image001.jpg at 01CCCBC1.475D5F50][cid:image002.gif at 01CCCBC1.475D5F50]



From: equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org<mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org> [mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org]<mailto:[mailto: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<mailto:vikram.sami at perkinswill.com>   www.perkinswill.com<http://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> [mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org]<mailto:[mailto: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> [mailto:equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org]<mailto:[mailto: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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