Tutorial 1_Getting Started on EnergyPlus_20120618_0

8/10/2019 Tutorial 1_Getting Started on EnergyPlus_20120618_0

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A Getting Started with EnergyPlus

Tutorial 1 by

Dr. Vishal Garg

Aviruch Bhatia

RathishArumugam

Center for IT in Building Science

IIIT Hyderabad

India
http://cbs.iiit.net/http://www.iiit.net/http://www.iiit.net/http://cbs.iiit.net/


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Getting Started with EnergyPlus Tutorial: 1

Centre for IT in Building Science, IIIT, Hyderabad, India Page 2 of 28

Contents1. Objective ......................................................................................................................................... 3

2. Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 3

3. Installation ...................................................................................................................................... 3

4. The problem .................................................................................................................................... 4

5. Start IDF editor ................................................................................................................................ 5

6. Add Version ..................................................................................................................................... 6

7. Simulation Control .......................................................................................................................... 6

8. Building Object ................................................................................................................................ 7

9. Timestep ......................................................................................................................................... 810. RunPeriod .................................................................................................................................... 8

11. Material Regular ......................................................................................................................... 9

12. Construction .............................................................................................................................. 11

13. Global Geometry Rules ............................................................................................................. 11

14. Zone .......................................................................................................................................... 13

15. Wall:Exterior ............................................................................................................................. 14

16. Roof ........................................................................................................................................... 16

17. Floor: Adiabatic ......................................................................................................................... 18

18. Schedule Type ........................................................................................................................... 19

19. Schedule Compact .................................................................................................................... 20

20. HVAC Template Thermostat ..................................................................................................... 22

21. HVAC Template Zone: Ideal Loads Air System .......................................................................... 22

22. Output Table: Summary Report ................................................................................................ 23

23. Output Control: Table: Style ..................................................................................................... 24

24. Start EP launch .......................................................................................................................... 24

25. Select the IDF file ...................................................................................................................... 25

26. View 3D of the model ............................................................................................................... 25

27. During Simulation Run .............................................................................................................. 26

28. Run Status ................................................................................................................................. 27

29. Output data ............................................................................................................................... 27


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1. ObjectiveThis tutorial introduces EnergyPlus in simple steps. The tutorial uses a simple buildingexample to explain the basics of how to use EnergyPlus, give input and read the output ofEnergyPlus. The emphasis is on a very simple square single zone model without any internalgains and uses IdealLoadAirSystem for cooling and heating.

Most of the information is referred from the Energy plus documentation. You can accessEnergy Plus documentation from the following link

http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/energyplus_documentation.cfm

2. OverviewAbout EnergyPlus: (from http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ )EnergyPlus,DOEs fully integrated building; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC); andrenewables simulation program is one of the most robust simulation tools available in theworld today. It models building heating, cooling, lighting, ventilating, and other energyflows, as well as water. The program includes many innovative simulation capabilities, suchas time steps of less than an hour, modular systems and plant integrated with heat balance-

based zone simulation, multizone air flow, thermal comfort, water use, natural ventilation,and photovoltaic systems.

EnergyPlus is a stand-alone simulation program without a 'user friendly' graphical interface.EnergyPlus reads input and writes output as text files. Many graphical user interfaces for

EnergyPlus are available or under development .CYPE-Building Services,

Demand ResponseQuickAssessmentToo l, DesignBuilder , Easy energyPlus , EFEN , AECOsim , Hevacomp , MC4Suite , and SMART ENERGY are now available.

Software tools that were specifically designed to create Energyplus input file includ eEasyEnergyPlus , ECOTECT , EP Geo, EP Sys , EP-Quick , IFCtoIDF , ESP-r , Green BuildingStudio , and IHIT .

You can give input to EnergyPlus by either making the input file (*.idf) in a simple test editor(such as TextEdit or notepad) or by using a simple user interface ( IDF Editor) which comeswith EnergyPlus installation. This tutorial uses IDF editor for creating the input file.

The tutorial assumes that the reader knows the basics of energy simulation.

3. Installation

How to install EnergyPlus?

Download and install EnergyPlus from :http://www.eere.energy.gov .

If you find any difficulty in download and installation of EnergyPlus, you can write it toEnergyPlus help desk at http://energyplus.helpserve.com/ .
http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/energyplus_documentation.cfmhttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/energyplus_documentation.cfmhttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#cype-buildingserviceshttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#cype-buildingserviceshttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#cype-buildingserviceshttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#drqathttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#drqathttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#drqathttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#drqathttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#drqathttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#designbuilderhttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#designbuilderhttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#designbuilderhttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#easyenergyplushttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#easyenergyplushttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#easyenergyplushttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#efenhttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#efenhttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#efenhttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#aecosimhttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#aecosimhttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#aecosimhttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#hevacomphttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#hevacomphttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#hevacomphttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#mc4suitehttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#mc4suitehttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#mc4suitehttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#mc4suitehttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#smart_energyhttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#smart_energyhttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#smart_energyhttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/energyplus_input.cfm#easyenergyplushttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/energyplus_input.cfm#easyenergyplushttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/energyplus_input.cfm#easyenergyplushttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/energyplus_input.cfm#easyenergyplushttp://www.squ1.com/http://www.squ1.com/http://www.natural-works.com/energyplus/interface.phphttp://www.natural-works.com/energyplus/interface.phphttp://www.natural-works.com/energyplus/interface.phphttp://www.glazersoftware.com/ep-quick.htmhttp://www.glazersoftware.com/ep-quick.htmhttp://www.glazersoftware.com/ep-quick.htmhttp://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/interoperability.htmlhttp://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/interoperability.htmlhttp://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/interoperability.htmlhttp://www.esru.strath.ac.uk/Programs/ESP-r.htmhttp://www.esru.strath.ac.uk/Programs/ESP-r.htmhttp://www.esru.strath.ac.uk/Programs/ESP-r.htmhttp://www.greenbuildingstudio.com/http://www.greenbuildingstudio.com/http://www.greenbuildingstudio.com/http://www.greenbuildingstudio.com/http://www.ucc.ie/iruse/barry-cw.htmlhttp://www.ucc.ie/iruse/barry-cw.htmlhttp://www.ucc.ie/iruse/barry-cw.htmlhttp://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/cfm/reg_form.cfmhttp://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/cfm/reg_form.cfmhttp://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/cfm/reg_form.cfmhttp://energyplus.helpserve.com/http://energyplus.helpserve.com/http://energyplus.helpserve.com/http://energyplus.helpserve.com/http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/cfm/reg_form.cfmhttp://www.ucc.ie/iruse/barry-cw.htmlhttp://www.greenbuildingstudio.com/http://www.greenbuildingstudio.com/http://www.greenbuildingstudio.com/http://www.esru.strath.ac.uk/Programs/ESP-r.htmhttp://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/interoperability.htmlhttp://www.glazersoftware.com/ep-quick.htmhttp://www.natural-works.com/energyplus/interface.phphttp://www.squ1.com/http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/energyplus_input.cfm#easyenergyplushttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/energyplus_input.cfm#easyenergyplushttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/energyplus_input.cfm#easyenergyplushttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#smart_energyhttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#mc4suitehttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#mc4suitehttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#mc4suitehttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#hevacomphttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#aecosimhttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#efenhttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#easyenergyplushttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#designbuilderhttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#drqathttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#drqathttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#drqathttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/ep_interfaces.cfm#cype-buildingserviceshttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/energyplus_documentation.cfm


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Other software that you will need to install :

A text editor such as WordPad or Notepad to edit input files

A spreadsheet program such as OpenOfficeCalc, MS Excel etc. to view CSV formattedoutput files

A web browser to view HTML formatted output files

A 3-D DXF viewer such as Autodesk Designreview (http://usa.autodesk.com/design-review/ )

Adobe Acrobat Reader ( http://get.adobe.com/reader/ ) to view the PDF files

Assumptions in this tutorial:

Operating System: Windows 7

EnergyPlus Version: Version 7.1.0(released on 25/05/2012)

Tips on using this tutorial: It is recommended that you install E+ and follow the steps given in the tutorial. For moreinformation on any step please refer to the E+ documentation that comes with the installation.There are many screenshots that are used in this tutorial.

4. The problemWe will simulate a simple single zone square model with following parameters:

Dimension of the building (5m X 5m X 3m)

No windows, doors or any openings

Single zone with no partitions

Surface Construction:

To simplify the problem it is assumed that all the surfaces (walls, roof and floor) are made ofconcrete and plaster with the following properties:

Name Concrete PlasterRoughness MediumRough MediumRoughThickness {m} 0.10 0.015Conductivity {W/m-K} 0.81 0.160Density {kg/m3} 977.00 600.00Specific Heat {J/kg-K} 830.00 1000.00Absorptance:Thermal 0.90 0.90Absorptance:Solar 0.65 0.50Absorptance:Visible 0.65 0.50

Windows: None

Internal Load: None

Heating and cooling system: IdealLoadAirSystem
http://usa.autodesk.com/design-review/http://usa.autodesk.com/design-review/http://usa.autodesk.com/design-review/http://get.adobe.com/reader/http://get.adobe.com/reader/http://get.adobe.com/reader/https://sites.google.com/site/energyplustutorial/theproblemhttps://sites.google.com/site/energyplustutorial/theproblemhttp://get.adobe.com/reader/http://usa.autodesk.com/design-review/


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Heating setpoint 20 C, Cooling setpoint 24 C

Environment

Location: San Francisco, USA

5. Start IDF editor

You can create or edit EnergyPlus input data files (IDF), with IDF Editor. You can access itwith following path.

Click: Start > All programmes> EnergyPlus V7-1 Programms>IDFEditor

Any EnergyPlus object may be viewed and edited using a spreadsheet-like grid. For inputswith several options, a list is provided. When a numeric input has a range of valid values,

Click on IDFEditor to Start


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those values are displayed. It also automatically provides a list of object names when anobject needs to be linked to another. By displaying all objects of the same kind next to eachother in a grid, it is easy to see how inputs are different across the building. The IDF Editoroutputs an EnergyPlus input file with proper syntax and comments to help the user

understand the input values. In addition, the IDF Editor converts standard inch-pound unitsinto SI units compatible with EnergyPlus.

The IDF Editor does not check inputs for validity, although some numeric fields arehighlighted if out of range.

6. Add VersionClick 'Version' in the 'Class List' on the top left of the IDF editor and then click 'New Obj' from the tool bar on the top.

'Obj1' will appear in the first line of the bottom window.

Enter '7.1' in the 'Version Identifier ' Field of 'Obj1' as shown in the figure below:

"The Version object allows you to enter the proper version that your IDF was created for.This is checked against the current version of EnergyPlus and a severe error issued(nonterminating) if it does not match the current version string."

Save your fi le: You can save your file with any name. In this tutorial the file is names as'tutorial.idf'. Keep saving your work frequently as IDF editor does not save fileautomatically.

7. SimulationControlThe input for Simulation Control allows the user to specify what kind of calculations a givenEnergyPlus simulation will perform. For instance the user may want to perform one or moreof the sizing calculations but not proceed to a annual weather file simulation. Or the user

Step 1: Click on

Version

Step 3: Add version ofEnergyPlus 7.1Step 2: Click

on New Obj


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might have all flow rates and equipment sizes already specified and desire an annual weatherwithout any preceding sizing calculations.

When using HVACTemplate:Zone:IdealLoadsAirSystem, there is no sizing required.HVACTemplate:Zone:IdealLoadsAirSystem provides an unlimited amount of heating and

cooling as the zone requires. When modeling other types of HVAC equipment, then you mustactivate the necessary sizing calculations.

8. Building ObjectThe Building object describes parameters that are used during the simulation of the building.

Click the 'Building' Object in 'Simulation Parameters' Class and then click 'New Obj' . Fill the

data as shown below:

Field: Building NameBuilding name is specified for output convenience.

Field: North AxisThe Building North Axis is specified relative to true North.

Click on

Simulationcontrol and addnew obj

These all are default values,not required to change for thisexercise

Click on Building

and add new Obj

Enter field Name as MYBUILDINGand give North Axis value is 0 deg.

Other field values retain as default.


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This syntax simplifies building geometry specification by designating onewall of the buildingas the buildings north pointing axis. The building model North axis ismeasured from true(compass) North. Surface facing angles are then specified relative to the building north axis.The North Axis entry illustrates specification of the building north axis.

9. TimestepThe Timestep object specifies the "basic" time step for the simulation. The value entered hereis usually known as the Zone Timestep. This is used in the Zone Heat Balance Modelcalculation as the driving time step for heat transfer and load calculations. The value enteredhere is the number of time steps to use within an hour. Longer length time steps have lowervalues for Number of Timesteps per Hour. For example a value of 6 entered here directs the

program to use a zone time step of 10 minutes and a value of 60 means a 1 minute time step.

The users choice for Number of Timesteps per Hour must be evenly divisible into 60; theNumber in hour: normal validity 4 to 60.

10. RunPeriodThe RunPeriod object describes the elements necessary to run simulation with use of aweather file. Multiple run periods may be input. TheRunPeriod object allows the user tooverride the use of both the Daylight Saving Period (i.e. use or ignore) and holidays that areembedded within the weather file.

F ield: Name

Click on Timestepand add new Obj Retain default

value for this field


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This optional field allows the RunPeriod to be named for output reporting.

F ield: Begin M onth

This numeric field should contain the starting month number (1=January, 2=February,etc.)for the annual run period desired.

F ield: B egin Day of M onth

This numeric field should contain the starting day of the starting month (must be validformonth) for the annual run period desired.

F ield: End Month

This numeric field should contain the ending month number (1=January, 2=February, etc.)forthe annual run period desired.

F ield: End Day of M onth

This numeric field should contain the ending day of the ending month (must be validformonth) for the annual run period desired.

11. Material RegularYou can define different construction materials that are used in project. For this exercise twomaterial plaster and concrete has been created.

Click onRunPeriod andadd new Ob

Enter Name and Periodfor simulation

Other retain as default

Click on Material andadd two Objects

Define material name and values,for values refer Problemstatement of this tutorial


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Materials

This definition should be used when the four main thermal properties (thickness,conductivity, density, and specific heat) of the material are known.

F ield: Name

This field is a unique reference name that the user assigns to a particular material. This namecan then be referred to by other input data (ref: Construction).

F ield: Roughness

This field is a character string that defines the relative roughness of a particular materiallayer.A special keyword is expected in this field with the options being VeryRough,Rough, MediumRough, MediumSmooth, Smooth, and VerySmooth in order ofroughest to smoothest options.

F ield: Thickness

This field characterizes the thickness of the material layer in meters. This should be thedimension of the layer in the direction perpendicular to the main path of heat conduction.This value must be a positive .

F ield: Conductivity

This field is used to enter the thermal conductivity of the material layer. Units for this parameter are W/(m-K). Thermal conductivity must begreater than zero.

F ield: D ensity

This field is used to enter the density of the material layer in units of kg/m3. Density must bea positive quantity.

F ield: Specifi c H eat

This field represents the specific heat of the material layer in units of J/(kg-K). Note thatthese units are most likely different than those reported in textbooks and references whichtend to use kJ/(kg-K) or J/(g-K). They were chosen for internal consistency withinEnergyPlus. An only positive value of specific heat is allowed.

F ield: Absorptance:Thermal

The thermal absorptance field in the Material input syntax represents the fraction of incidentlong wavelength radiation that is absorbed by the material. This parameter is used whencalculating the long wavelength radiant exchange between various surfaces and affects thesurface heat balances (both inside andoutside as appropriate). Values for this field must be

between 0.0 and 1.0 (with 1.0representing black body conditions).

F ield: Absorptance:Solar

The solar absorptance field in the Material input syntax represents the fraction of incidentsolar radiation that is absorbed by the material. Solar radiation includes the visible spectrum

as well as infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths. Values for this field must be between 0.0 and1.0.


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F ield: Starti ng Vertex Positi on

The shadowing algorithms in EnergyPlus rely on surfaces having vertices in a certainorderand positional structure. Thus, the surface translator needs to know the starting point foreachsurface entry. The choices are: UpperLeftCorner, LowerLeftCorner,UpperRightCorner,

orLowerRightCorner. Since most surfaces will be 4 sided, the convention will specifythisposition as though each surface were 4 sided. Extrapolate 3 sided figures to thisconvention.For 5 and more sided figures; again, try to extrapolate the best corner starting

position.

F ield: Vertex Entry Di rection

Surfaces are always specified as being viewed from the outside of the zone to whichtheybelong.EnergyPlus needs to know whether the surfaces are being specifiedincounterclockwise or clockwise order (from the Starting Vertex Position). EnergyPlus usesthisto determine the outward facing normal for the surface (which is the facing angle ofthesurface very important in shading and shadowing calculations.

Y Axis

X Axis

Z Axis

Zone North Axis

F ield: Coordi nate System

Vertices can be specified in two ways: using Absolute/World coordinates, or arelativecoordinate specification. Relative coordinates allow flexibility of rapid change toobservechanges in building results due to orientation and position. World coordinates willfacilitateuse within a CADD system structure.

Relative coordinates make use of both Building and Zone North Axis values as well asZoneOrigin values to locate the surface in 3D coordinate space. World coordinates do notusethese values.

Typically, all zone origin values for World coordinates will be (0,0,0) but Building andzoneNorth Axis values may be used in certain instances (namely the Daylighting

CoordinateLocation entries).


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building coordinates in world coordinate or not. Zone Origin coordinates are specifiedrelative to the Building Origin (which always 0,0,0).

Field: Ceiling Height

Zone ceiling height is used in several areas within EnergyPlus. Energyplus automaticallycalculates the zone ceiling height (m) from the average height of the zone. If this field is 0.0or negative, then the calculated zone ceiling height will be used in subsequent calculations. Ifthis field is positive, then the calculated zone ceiling height will not be used -- the numberentered here will be used as the zone ceiling height. If this number differs significantly fromthe calculated ceiling height, then a warning message will be issued. Note that the ZoneCeiling Height is the distance from the Floor to the Ceiling in the Zone, not an absoluteheight from the ground.

15. Wall:ExteriorThe Wall:Exterior object is used to describe walls that are exposed to theexternalenvironment. They receive sun, wind all the characteristics of the external world.

F ield: Name

This is a unique name associated with the exterior wall. It is used in several other places asareference (e.g. as the base surface name for a Window or Door).

F ield: Construction Name

This is the name of the construction (ref: Construction) used in the surface.

F ield: Zone Name

This is the zone name to which the surface belongs.

F ield: Azimu th Angle

The Azimuth Angle indicates the direction that the wall faces (outward normal). The angleisspecified in degrees where East=90, South=180, West=270, North=0.

F ield: Ti lt Angle

The tilt angle is the angle (in degrees) that the wall is tilted from horizontal (or the ground).

Normally, walls are tilted 90 degrees and that is the default for this field.

Starti ng Corner for the sur face

The rectangular surfaces specify the lower left corner of the surface for theirstartingcoordinate. This is specified with (x,y,z) and can be relative to the zone origin or inworldcoordinates, depending on the value for rectangular surfaces specified intheGlobalGeometryRules object.

F ield: Starti ng X Coordin ate

This field is the X coordinate (in meters).F ield: Starti ng Y Coordinate


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This field is the Y coordinate (in meters).

F ield: Starti ng Z Coordinate

This field is the Z coordinate (in meters).

F ield: LengthThis field is the length of the wall in meters.

F ield: H eight

This field is the height of the wall in meters.

Click on Wall:Exterior and add four

Objects


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16. RoofThe Roof object is used to describe roofs that are exposed to the external environment.

F ield: Name

This is a unique name associated with the roof.


This is the name of the construction (ref: Construction) used in the surface. Regardlessoflocation in the building, the full construction (all layers) is used.

F ield: Zone Name



The Azimuth Angle indicates the direction of the outward normal for the roof. The angleisspecified in degrees where East=90, South=180, West=270, North=0.

1. Define Wall Names2. Select construction name from Dropdown list3. Select Zone Name from Dropdown list4. Define Azimuth angle for all wall (East=90, South=180, West=270, North=0)5. Tilt Angle retain as default6. Enter (X,Y ,Z) coordinates of lower left corner of walls7. Enter Length and Height of all walls


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F ield: Ti lt Angle


Flat roofs are tilted 0 degrees and that is the default for this field.

Starti ng Corner for the sur faceThe rectangular surfaces specify the lower left corner of the surface for theirstartingcoordinate. This is specified with (x,y,z) and can be relative to the zone origin or inworldcoordinates, depending on the value for rectangular surfaces specified intheGlobalGeometryRules object.


This field is the X coordinate (in meters).

F ield: Starti ng Y Coordinate




F ield: Length

This field is the length of the roof in meters.

F ield: Width

This field is the width of the roof in meters.

Follow the same steps asdone in exterior wall


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17. Floor:AdiabaticThe Floor:Adiabatic object is used to describe interior floors or floors that you wish to

modelwith no heat transfer from the exterior to the floor.

F ield: Name

This is a unique name associated with the floor.


This is the name of the construction (ref: Construction) used in the surface.

F ield: Zone Name



The Azimuth Angle indicates the direction of the outward normal for the roof. The angle

isspecified in degrees where East=90, South=180, West=270, North=0.

F ield: Ti lt Angle


Flat floors are tilted 180 degrees and that is the default for this field.

Starti ng Corner for the sur face

The rectangular surfaces specify the lower left corner of the surface for their

startingcoordinate. This is specified with (x,y,z) and can be relative to the zone origin or in

worldcoordinates, depending on the value for rectangular surfaces specified in

theGlobalGeometryRules object.


This field is the X coordinate (in meters).

F ield: Starti ng Y Coordinate




F ield: Length


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This field is the length of the floor in meters.

F ield: Width

This field is the width of the floor in meters.

18. Schedule Type Now we start with a new group - Schedules

This group of objects allows the user to influence scheduling of many items (such asoccupancy density, lighting, thermostatic controls, occupancy activity). In addition, schedulesare used to control shading element density on the building. EnergyPlus schedules consist ofthree pieces: a day description, a week description, and an annual description. An optionalelement is the schedule type. Each description level builds off the previous sub-level. The day

description is simply a name and the values that span the 24 hours in a day to be associatedwith that name. The week description also has an identifier (name) and twelve additionalnames corresponding to previously defined day descriptions. There are names for eachindividual day of the week plus holiday, summer design day, winter design day and two morecustom day designations. Finally, the annual schedule contains an identifier and the namesand FROM-THROUGH dates of the week schedules associate with this annual schedule. Theannual schedule can have several FROM-THROUGH date pairs. One type of schedule readsthe values from an external file to facilitate the incorporation of monitored data or factors thatchange throughout the year. Schedules are processed by the EnergyPlus Schedule Manager,

stored within the Schedule Manager and are accessed through module routines to get the

Follow the samesteps as done inexterior wall


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basic values (timestep, hourly, etc). Values are resolved at the Zone Time Step frequency andcarry through any HVAC time steps.

Information from the EnergyPlus Input Output Reference:

ScheduleType

A schedule type can be used to validate portions of the other schedules. DaySchedules, forexample, are validated by range -- minimum/maximum (if entered) -- as well as numeric type(continuous or discrete). Schedules, on the other hand, are only validated for range as thenumeric type validation has already been done.

F ield: ScheduleType Name

This alpha field should contain a unique (within the schedule types) designator. It isreferenced wherever ScheduleTypes can be referenced.

F ield: r ange

Since schedule values, in their base descriptions, are all numeric, this field will represent themin and max range for the values. If this field is left blank, then the schedule type is notlimited to a minimum/maximum value range.

F ield: Numer ic Type

This field designates how the range values are validated. Using CONTINUOUS in this fieldallows for all numbers, including fractional amounts, within the range to be valid. UsingDISCRETE in this field allows only integer values between the minimum and maximumrange values to be valid.

19. Schedule CompactFor flexibility, a schedule can be entered in one fell swoop. Using the Schedule:Compact object, all the features of the schedule components are accessed in a single command. Likethe regular schedule object, each schedule:compact entry must cover all the days for a year.Additionally, the validations for DaySchedule (i.e. must have values for all 24 hours) andWeekSchedule (i.e. must have values for all day types) will apply. Schedule values aregiven to the simulation at the zone time step, so there is also a possibility of interpolation

from the entries used in this object to the value used in the simulation.This object is an unusual object for description. For the data the number of fields and position

Write name for ScheduleType anddefine unit type from Dropdown

list


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are not set, they cannot really be described in the usual Field # manner. Thus, thefollowingdescription will list the fields and order in which they must be used in the object.

F ield: Name

This field should contain a unique (within all Schedules) designation for this schedule. It isreferenced by various scheduled items (e.g. Lights, People, Infiltration) to define theappropriate schedule values.

F ield: Schedul eType

This field contains a reference to the ScheduleType. If found in a list of ScheduleTypes (seeabove), then the restrictions on the ScheduleType could be used to validate the referencedWeekSchedule (which reference DaySchedule) hourly field values. Field-Set (Through, For,

Interpolate, Until, Value) each compact schedule must contain the elements Through (date),For (days), Interpolate (optional), Until (time of day) and Value. In general, each of thetitled fields must include the title.

F ield: Thr ough

This field starts with Through: and contains the endin g date for the schedule period (may be more than one). Date Field Interpretation for information on date entry note that onlyMonth- Day combinations are allowed for this field. Each through field generates a newWeekSchedule named Schedule Name_wk_# where # is the sequential number for thiscompact schedule.

F ield: For

This field starts with For: and contains the applicable days (reference the compact weekschedule object above for complete description) for the 24 hour period that must bedescribed. Each for field generates a new DaySchedule named Schedule Name_dy_#where # is the sequential number for this compact schedule.

F ield: Until

This field contains the ending time (again, reference the interval day schedule discussionabove) for the current days and day schedule being defined.

F ield: Valu e

Create 3 schedules with theschedule type limit AnyNumber through 12/31 forall days, 24 hours with thevalues 4, 20, 24


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Finally, the value field is the schedule value for the specified time interval.

20. HVAC Template ThermostatYou can define HVAC thermostat schedule in this template.

Each type of HVAC template zone object may reference one of these HVAC templatethermostat objects. The object allows the set points to be specified either as a constant for theentire simulation or as schedules.

F ield: Name

A name used to reference this object.

F ield: H eating Setpoint Schedule Name

Enter the name of a heating setpoint schedule that has values that change at different times ofthe day or year. If a constant set point is needed simply leave this field blank and use the nextfield. The values in the schedule are in degrees C.

F ield: Constant H eating Setpoint

Enter the heating setpoint temperature in degrees C if constant throughout the year. If the previous field is used this field should be left blank and will be ignored.

F ield: Cooling Setpoin t Schedule Name

Enter the name of a cooling setpoint schedule that has values that change at different timesofthe day or year. If a constant set point is needed simply leave this field blank and use thenext

field. The values in the schedule are in degrees C.F ield: Constant Cooling Setpoint

Enter the cooling set point temperature in degrees C if constant throughout the year. If the previous field is used this field should be left blank and will be ignored.

21. HVACTemplateZone:IdealLoadsAirSystem

The simplest piece of zone equipment is the ZoneHVAC:IdealLoadsAirSystem component.ZoneHVAC: Ideal LoadsAirSystem is used in situations where the user wishes to

Write thermostat nameand select schedule

from Dropdown list


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study theperformance of a building without modelling a full HVAC system. In such a case,the IdealLoadsAir System is usually the sole conditioning component: the user does not needtospecify air loops, water loops, etc. All that is needed for the ideal system are zonecontrols,zone equipment configurations, and the ideal loads system component.

This component can be operated with infinite or finite heating and cooling capacity. Foreither mode infinite or limited capacity the user can also specify on/off schedules forheating and cooling and outdoor air controls. There are also optional controls fordehumidification, humidification, economizer, and heat recovery. This component may beused in combination with other HVAC equipment serving the same zone.

This component can be thought of as an ideal unit that mixes air at the zone exhaust conditionwith the specified amount of outdoor air and then adds or removes heat and moisture at 100%efficiency in order to produce a supply air stream at the specified conditions. The energyrequired to condition the supply air is metered and reported asDistrictHeating and

DistrictCooling.

22. Output Table:SummaryReportThis object allows the user to call report types that are predefined and will appear with theother tabular reports. These predefined reports are sensitive to theOutputControl:Table:Style object and appear in the same files as the tabular reports. Theentry for this object is a list of the predefined reports that should appear in the tabular reportoutput file.

Select AllSummaryfrom Dropdown list

Write zone Name and selectTemplate Thermostat Name

from Dropdown list


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23. OutputControl:Table:StyleThe OutputControl:Table:Style object controls how all standardized reports are

produced.There are seven different option available for output table style such that Comma,Tab Fixed,HTML,CommaAndHTML,TabAndHTML, All.

The Comma style produces a text file (eplustbl.csv) with the values of the table separated bycommas. This is a good format for importing the results into a spreadsheet. If you doopenthe file with a spreadsheet, make sure you close the file prior to rerunningEnergyPlusotherwise the file will not be updated.

The HTML style produces a file (eplustbl.htm) that can be opened with an internet browserprogram. The values are shown in a tabular format that is easy to view. Oneadvantage of theHTML style is that the results can be viewed in an internet browser programand EnergyPluscan be rerun and the refresh button pressed i n the internet browser programto see the newresults.

Now Save thi s fi le to correct path and you have f ini shed creating the input fi lefor Tutori al: 1.I t is time to run the simul ation.

24. Start EP launch To run the simulation you have to start the programme EP Launch Go to Start > AllPrograms > EnergyPlus V7-1 Programs >EP-Launch as shown in the figure below.

Select HTML fromDropdown list


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25. Select the IDF fileIn the EP-Launch programme select the input file by clicking on the browse button.

Click Simulate button, located on the lower right corner of the window.

26. View 3D of the modelYou can check your 3D model with EP-launch. If you have installed any 3D viewer such that AutodeskDesignReview, the DXF drawing will be opened in it.

Click on EP-Launch

Select tutorial.idf file

Selectweatherfile for

simulation


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The drawing should look like as shown in the figure below. If it does not match there is some error inthe data given for surfaces.

27.

During Simulation RunOnce you start the simulation a DOS shell will openshowing the progress of simulation. This

blackwindow will close when the simulation is over or if there is an error.

Click on Drawing File, it will create.dxf file in the project directory.


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28. Run StatusAfter the simulation is over or EnergyPlus encounters an error, the DOS shell will close andthe focus will go back to the EP-Launch programme. A status window will open and showthe number of warnings and errors along with time elapsed. If you have entered the datacorrectly and installation of EnergyPlus is correct you will not get any errors. Press OK.

If there are errors press the ERR: button in the Quick Open Panel for Single Simulationwindow. This is a small window below the EP-Launch window. The error file will be openedin Notepad. Try to understand the error and fix it.

29. Output data Now it is time to see the results of the simulation. One of the outputs of EnergyPlus is theHTML file. You can see the file by clicking on the HTML button as shown in figure below.The file will be opened in internet browser.

Step 1: Check for warningand errors

Step 2: Press OK


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Documents

Tutorial 1_Getting Started on EnergyPlus_20120618_0