www.iesve.com
IES Virtual Environment
2012 Feature Pack 02
Release Notes
Integrated Environmental Solutions Limited
Developers of the IES Virtual Environment
February 2013
IES VE 2012 Feature Pack 02 Release Notes
VE 2012 Feature Pack 02 ....................................................................................................................................................... 3
VE 2012 Feature Pack 01 Hotfix 03 Changes ...................................................................................................................... 12
VE 2012 Feature Pack 01 Hotfix 02 Changes ...................................................................................................................... 13
VE 2012 Feature Pack 01 Hotfix 01 Changes ...................................................................................................................... 16
VE 2012 Feature Pack 01 Changes ..................................................................................................................................... 17
VE 2012 Hotfix 02 Changes.................................................................................................................................................. 22
VE 2012 Hotfix 01 Changes.................................................................................................................................................. 24
VE 2012 Changes ................................................................................................................................................................. 25
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Virtual Environment 2012 Feature Pack 02
Release Notes
IES VE 2012 Feature Pack 02 Release Notes
VE 2012 Feature Pack 02
General
Units checked when opening project [ID-0018255]: If your current units are different from the project you are opening
then a message will be shown giving the option to change to the project units. This will then be the default for any new
project.
Save performed automatically on upgraded project [ID-0049514]: When upgrading a model from a previous version a
save is automatically performed.
Cab creation browse dialog defaults to backups directory [ID-0034551]: When creating a cab archive the browse
dialog now defaults to the backups folder for the project to be archived.
Layer properties toolbar button only enabled at model level [ID-0041763]: The Layer properties toolbar button has
been disabled when not at model level.
Tabular Room Data: Gain "Lamp Type" column displayed for valid rooms [ID-0054178]: The Lamp Type column
now appears correctly when any of the rooms has a valid lamp type to display (Inference input mode in Compliance).
Tabular Room Data updated to prevent values being displayed in the wrong order [ID-0054170]: Under certain
circumstances possible incorrect values for data could be displayed. This has now been prevented.
View reset after switching licences on/off [ID-0042446]: After switching licences on/off the view will be reset back to
model level.
Room Grouping Scheme Editor and Grouping Schemes dialog refresh improvements [ID-0030128]: Refreshing the
dialog via the menu option or F5 has been disabled to prevent error.
Export to RT2012 converts non-ascii characters [ID-0054807]: If any rooms, constructions etc contain non-ascii
characters (e.g. accented characters) they will be converted to underscores.
ModelIT
Locks dialog remains open when during modelling [ID-0051437]: The Lock Settings dialog now remains open during
modelling when the Shape Settings dialog is opened.
Room selection improvements [ID-0041927]: The room selection procedure when using drag in axonometric view room
selection has been improved.
Edit element heights can be used to modify ceiling height when selection includes rooms of different heights [ID0045421]: When the selection includes rooms of different heights then Edit element heights can now be used to change
the height of any rooms in the selection.
Openings matched to adjacencies [ID-0054111]: If you draw a zone adjacent to another zone, which also overlaps its
openings, then the openings will be matched to the adjacency.
Thermal template profiles not affected when importing Monodraught Windcatchers [ID-0052867]: When
Monodraught Windcatchers are imported to the project the profiles assigned to internal gains and air exchanges are not
overwritten by Monodraught profiles.
Export DXF corrected for Windows XP machines [ID-0051207]: DXF files can be exported on a PC running Windows
XP.
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Virtual Environment 2012 Feature Pack 02
Release Notes
IES VE 2012 Feature Pack 02 Release Notes
Screen refresh improvements when panning [ID-0031328]: The screen refresh has been improved when mouse is
panning and drawing at same time.
Inner volume updated when a wall changes from external to internal [ID-0049846]: When adding a zone adjacent to
a zone with inner volumes applied then the inner volume for both zones will be updated correctly.
ModelIT log slivers units corrected [ID-0043688]: The Model Check Report shows correct units when project is using
IP units.
Glazing stamp improvements [ID-0055345]: Glazing stamp technique now works when using drag face or when editing
vertices. Also, fixes to prevent overlapping glazing areas when the stamp is bigger than the area being stamped on.
Component Modeller
Can view DXF in Components View [ID-0006370]: Attached .dxf will now be visible in ModelIT and Components view as
long as you're looking at the same display level and view type.
SunCast
"Error Reading Shading File" message no longer occurs [ID-0044395]: The "Error Reading Shading File: V1.05
Shading File does not match model" warning message no longer occurs at the end of a SunCast calculation.
Solar Analysis results can be overwritten [ID-0052264]: When using an existing save name you will now be asked if
you want to overwrite the existing results.
Load button disabled when no results are present [ID-0052262]: The Solar Analysis load results button is disabled if
there are no results present.
Changing tabs disabled during Solar Analysis calculation [ID-0051886]: While a Solar Analysis calculation is running
you are prevented from switching tabs.
Solar shading calculation button disabled when no geometry present [ID-0054711]: The Solar shading calculation
button is only enabled when there is geometry in the project.
Shading file azimuth set to 0.0 for horizontal windows [ID-0054141]: The shading (.shd) file calculated by SunCast
will show an azimuth of 0.000 for horizontal windows.
ApacheSim
All Apache files written out during batch simulation [ID-0050914]: Apache simulation files, including the .ajf file, will
now be written out correctly for models during batch simulation.
Apache progress bar matches simulation day [ID-0021289]: Correct pre-conditioning days are shown so the progress
bar now matches the simulation day.
Duplicate room unit controllers removed from .con file [ID-0047805]: When running a simulation linked to an
ApacheHVAC file the duplicate room unit controller(s) occasionally generated in the .con file for each multiplex layer have
been removed.
ASHRAE Loads dialog retains settings when closed due to error [ID-0048880]: If the ASHRAE Loads dialog is closed
due to an error then the settings will be saved.
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Virtual Environment 2012 Feature Pack 02
Release Notes
IES VE 2012 Feature Pack 02 Release Notes
Error prevented in solar water heater simulation [ID-0054395]: A divide by zero error has been prevented in the
calculation of the flow ratio frat (fraction of loop flow diverted through the SWH tank) in the ApacheHVAC solar water
heater simulation.
DHW Consumption limit increased [ID-0052294]: The maximum DHW Consumption you can enter has been increased
from 500 to 10,000 l/(h pers).
Tabular Room Data Paste from clipboard applies Timed Setpoint profile [ID-0054874]: When using the Paste from
clipboard function in Tabular Room Data or Tabular BTM then the Timed Heating and Cooling Setpoint profiles are
correctly applied.
ApPro
ApPro dialog improvements [ID-0041862]: You can no longer close the ApPro window while a message box is still
open.
Missing profile check ignores non-thermal bodies [ID-0049383]: The check for missing profiles referenced in a project
does not look at (or report) profiles referenced in Shading objects (local shading, adjacent building shading or
topographical shading) of other non-thermal bodies.
Can't delete profile if in use [ID-0050180]: You are now prevented from deleting any profiles referenced anywhere in the
model, templates, room data, gains etc. When trying to delete a profile that is in use an information box is displayed
showing where in the model the profile is referenced.
Building Template Manager
Internal gains and air exchanges no longer removed from thermal templates [ID-0052669]: Assigned internal gains
and air exchanges are no longer removed from thermal templates when gains or exchanges are modified in the Tab
Room Data.
Prevented from entering negative values for unit size [ID-0047709]: Negative values for heating unit size are now
disallowed in Tabular Room Data, Room Query and Edit Group Attributes.
Constructions
Condensation Analysis graph includes added cavity layers [ID-0054585]: When a cavity layer is added to a
construction the Condensation Analysis graph includes this layer.
Condensation Analysis: Glazed layers included [ID-0055101]: In the Condensation Analysis dialog glazed layers are
now correctly accounted for.
Glazed condensation analysis takes account of layers which have been edited [ID-0055165]: When editing a layer
which has the same material as another layer in the glazed constructions dialog, a copy of the material is made. This
copy is then added to the glazed materials list associated with the project and the glazed condensation analysis will then
take account of the edited layer.
Ground contact U-value adjustment prevented for certain constructions [ID-0045828]: Ground contact U-value
adjustments are not permitted when a construction already has the maximum number of layers.
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Virtual Environment 2012 Feature Pack 02
Release Notes
IES VE 2012 Feature Pack 02 Release Notes
ApacheHVAC
Append option in multiplex assign from room group corrected [ID-0055902]: Layers are now assigned in the correct
order when using the "Keep selected layers and append layers for all of group" option when assigning layers from a
Room Group.
New boilers added to an imported library get unique ID [ID-0055780]: Adding a boiler to a plant after having imported
one of the prototype systems will assign a unique ID to the boiler.
WAHP dialog values retained when switching performance curve type [ID-0052955]: The values in the Rated
condition tab of the Water-to-Air Heat Pump are set correctly and also retained when switching the Performance curve
set.
Improvements when node coincides with a multiplex boundary [ID-0052142]: If you have a controlled node at a
multiplex boundary then the node will be written out as inside the multiplex.
Printing network improvements [ID-0048589]: When printing a network from ApacheHVAC it will output all nodes,
components and controllers.
Network drawing tool improvements [ID-0051488]: The network drawing tool has been improved to correctly deal with
restored connectors (i.e. after delete the connector then use the Undo command subsequent use of drawing tool is now
corrected).
Advanced cooling coil manually edited values and "A" text colour retained [ID-0053830]: When manually editing an
Advanced cooling coil the value and "A" text colour won't revert to green when reopening the coil dialog.
Differential controller placement improved [ID-0053609]: A differential controller can now be placed when the grid
origin is within a multiplex.
CHR Source loop reported in CHR Sources list when Recipient = None [ID-0052195]: Previously a Condenser Heat
Recovery source did not show up in the source list if it had been selected in the source list for a different CHR recipient,
but with heat recovery disabled. Such CHR sources will now be available in the source list of other recipients.
First CWL in Library can be deleted [ID-0049380]: After importing the plant-only file you are not prevented from deleting
the first Chilled Water Loop in the library.
Room icon refreshed on exiting Assign room dialog [ID-0050201]: Canvas icons for Rooms is immediately updated
on exiting Assign rooms dialog.
Network check detects and reports components having no nodes assigned [ID-0052077]: When performing a
network check any components having no nodes assigned will be reported.
(This scenario can happen in invalid networks where no air inlet has been defined.)
Furnace for PRM Baseline systems AFUE value set to 78% [ID-0052061]: Baseline Furnace with constant efficiency
(AFUE) set to 78% for all PRM Baseline system files and also within the Plant-only file. The heating coils in Baseline
systems 03 and 09 have been assigned this heat source.
Fan component default over-sizing factor set to 1.0 [ID-0054493]: Over-sizing factors in fan components have been
set to 1.0 by default.
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Virtual Environment 2012 Feature Pack 02
Release Notes
IES VE 2012 Feature Pack 02 Release Notes
Vista/Vista Pro
Chart Data slider works with peak day graph [ID-0036831]: The peak day graph chart slider now appears and works
as for other charts.
Weather data range total number of hours correct [ID-0051697]: When performing a range test on weather file data
the total number of hours in the year has been corrected to 8760.
Cloud Cover with EPW files converted correctly [ID-0054397]: Cloud Cover with EPW files are converted correctly and
the maximum Oktas value is set to 8.
VistaPro Selected Variable list cell selection improvements [ID-0048346]: Double clicking the Variable Shading
upper/lower limit cell (when details checkbox is ticked) no longer opens the previously highlighted cell.
Chart data refreshes after using the menu [ID-0026917]: After using the Chart menu the Chart Data dialog updates
correctly.
Tariff
Export tariff default name added [ID-0045110]: When exporting tariffs it now defaults to the name Exported Tariff.xml.
Tariff Scope setting retained [ID-0052455]: In the Taxes and Discounts dialog the Tariff Scope selection is retained
when leaving the dialog.
Taxes and Discount dialog improvements [ID-0045111]: When selecting the Supplier or Tariff in the Taxes and
Discounts dialog clicking, Ctrl-click and shift-click all work as expected.
US flat rate state selection retained [ID-0045107]: When reopening the US flat rate dialog the state selection will be
retained rather than reverting to the default selection.
No error importing previously exported tariffs [ID-0045112]: No error message is shown when importing tariffs that
were previously exported and all the data is imported correctly.
Navigator for ASHRAE 90.1 App. G - PRM
Reported Proposed Interior Lighting Power Density ignores adjacent buildings and shading surfaces [ID0054967]: In the PRM Report the Interior Lighting Power Density does not take shading surfaces and adjacent buildings
into account.
Constructions used only in templates will not be reported as in use in PRM Report [ID-0050326]: Constructions
used only in the construction template and not in the model will not be reported in the PRM Report.
WAHP Peak demand reported in PRM report [ID-0049828]: Where a WAHP system exists in the proposed model the
peak space heating and space cooling demand will be reported.
Pre-loaded plant information removed from Baseline.asp [ID-0054774]: The pre-loaded plant information has been
removed from the Baseline.asp to prevent duplication of plant information.
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Virtual Environment 2012 Feature Pack 02
Release Notes
IES VE 2012 Feature Pack 02 Release Notes
VE Compliance
SBEM & EPCgen v4.1.e integrated [ID-]: VE Compliance (ApacheSim DSM and SBEM) is updated to include EPCgen
v4.1.e and VE-SBEM uses SBEM v4.1.e. Full details of the changes included in this version of SBEM can be found on
the BRE NCM website.
Please note for Section 6; from Monday 18th February, all new non-domestic EPCs are to be produced from data lodged
to the Scottish EPC register. For existing buildings, all non-domestic EPCs with a date of assessment of 18th February
2013 or later must be produced from data lodged to the Scottish EPC register.
Part F 2012 Compliance implemented [ID-]: Part F 2012 Northern Ireland Compliance option is added for both
ApacheSim and SBEM.
Notional Building Metal-clad activities updated for ApacheSim [ID-]: ApacheSim applies metal-clad Constructions to
rooms applicable for metal-cladding as defined the latest NCM Activities Database.
2
3
2
Where total floor area of building is less than 3500 m , these rooms will have a permeability of 7m /h per m at 50 Pa.
ApacheSim BRUKL includes Primary Energy [ID--]: BRUKL generated using ApacheSim will include the Primary
Energy consumption, calculated as described in the latest NCM Modelling Guide using the Primary Energy Factors for
non-domestic buildings.
A new input on Building and System Data allows the District Heating Primary Energy factor to be input.
Section 6 updated for EPC generation and lodgement [ID-]: Section 6 includes latest versions of SBEM and EPCgen
so that EPCs generated via either ApacheSim or VE-SBEM generate lodgable XML. Building and System Data includes
a restricted Protocol Organisation input listing IES approved schemes, Certifier email address input and new inputs on the
EPC frame for Inspection Date, Comparative Asset Rating and UPRN is restricted to 10 characters.
Mechanical Ventilation controls in the notional building are now displayed [ID-0050390]: When viewing the notional
building the mechanical ventilation controls are displayed but uneditable.
SFP values in Room Query are shown in Metric and IP units [ID-0053454]: Supply and exhaust SFP values in Room
query and Edit Group Attributes will show correct units W/cfm or W/(l/s) and can be edited correctly in Metric or IP units.
Compliance simulation won't run when brukl.pdf is open [ID-0039875]: A warning will now be shown if you attempt to
run a simulation while the brukl.pdf is open.
Prevented from enter invalid characters for building name [ID-0045226]: A warning will now be shown when trying to
enter any invalid characters in the building name field in the Building and System Data dialog.
View EPC buttons disabled when no pdf present [ID-0040229]: If no PDF exists in the project results folder then the
related View EPC buttons are disabled.
Where this occurs at the end of the simulation the user is advised to open the project results folder and check error logs
to find out why the PDF wasn’t generated.
PRM fuel convention not set for NCM simulation [ID-0053284]: Compliance simulations run after importing prototype
data will complete with no errors and generate valid BRUKL outputs.
"Use existing results for benchmark buildings" retains notional/reference results [ID-0053654]: Only the actual
building results will be recalculated when the "use existing results for benchmark buildings" checkbox is selected and you
choose "No" so that new results are generated. The notional and reference results will be retained.
Room Data System tab display corrected when reverting system inputs to "template" [ID-0048099]: When reverting
back to template after making edits to the system inputs in the Room Data system tab, the correct templates data are
displayed and set.
Template Natural Ventilation Air Exchanges retained from Apache [ID-0051457]: When a space has been assigned a
Natural Ventilation Air Exchange in Apache it will be retained in the Compliance Actual Building model.
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Virtual Environment 2012 Feature Pack 02
Release Notes
IES VE 2012 Feature Pack 02 Release Notes
Vista ADL2A report solar thermal DHW contribution corrected [ID-0053653]: The 'NCM DHW energy' and 'NCM
DHW CE' variables already take account of the benefit from the solar collector, so the separate entry for 'Renewables' is
not added to the total but just treated as supplementary information recording the contribution from this source which has
been accounted for.
ApacheSim EPC Main Heating Fuel corrected when using Bivalent system [ID-0049348]: When using a Bivalent
system then the fuel which covers the bigger partial load is reported in the EPC as the main heating fuel.
ADL2A Vista report includes "Heat Rejection Pump and Fan Power" as cooling energy [ID-0051407]: The ADL2A
Vista report, under the system Energy/Carbon section includes the "Heat Rejection Pump and Fan Power" as cooling
energy. While it is auxiliary energy, it does not come under the definition of aux energy as used throughout the
compliance framework and elsewhere, such as the BRUKL document, and is therefore included within the cooling energy
(NCM Cooling Energy = Chiller Energy + Heat Rejection Energy).
NCM profiles/groups cannot be removed if in use anywhere in the project [ID-0040349]: Only templates and profiles
that are not in use are removed when importing new NCM templates due to changing building type or room activity.
Note; IES do not encourage users to reference NCM data outside of VE Compliance (instead copies should be taken)
however these steps should protect model integrity in cases where this has occurred.
Notional building glazing corrected on certain zones [ID-0054565]: Problem fixed where wrong notional glazing was
applied when there were two "floors" in a zone and the software incorrectly took the higher one as the start point for
adding the cill height above the floor.
NCM Server room upgrades correctly [ID-0054458]: When upgrading from VE 6.1.1 the following NCM templates
upgrade to NCM Misc24Hr: Server room:
NCM Misc24Hr: High density IT work space, NCM TelExchg: High density IT work space, NCM Airport: High density IT
work space, NCM Office: High density IT work space and NCM Ware: High density IT work space.
New Zealand Compliance
R-values take account of inside and outside surface resistances [ID-0053076]: The specified R-value now includes
the surface resistances. Specified value = R-value + outside surface resistance + inside surface resistance.
User edits in room are retained [ID-0052635]: Ensures that user edits in the room are retained and the Reference
building receives the Proposed building edits rather than explicitly getting the data from templates.
FlucsPro/DL
Loading previous lighting results improvements [ID-0042331]: If you rename zones after running a lighting calculation
you will receive a message saying that lighting results were found with a matching room ID but a mismatched room name.
You will need to confirm if you made the change in order to retain the lighting results.
False ceiling options can be set for individual rooms [ID-0046808]: The false ceiling settings are now set via the
lighting template in Building Template Manager. This gives you full control over individual rooms.
Radiance
No error when switching to Radiance after first installation [ID-0029301]: Errors regarding Raypath and file
registration are no longer displayed the first time RadianceIES is run on a new install of VE.
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Virtual Environment 2012 Feature Pack 02
Release Notes
IES VE 2012 Feature Pack 02 Release Notes
Sensor attached to non-rooms not simulated when switched off [ID-0049417]: If the sensor for an Adjacent building,
Topographical shade or Local shade is switched off it will not be simulated.
Image dialog improvements [ID-0053754]: Image window no longer resizes when moved.
Simulex
Narrow gaps closed when calculating distance map [ID-0010624]: Distance Map calculation has been adjusted to
make sure narrow gaps, in specific tightly defined geometries, are closed off.
Gaia
LEED daylight threshold table option removed from Preferences dialog [ID-0042660]: The LEED daylight threshold
table options have been removed from the Preferences and Analysis dialog. LEED day lighting should be done using the
navigator.
LEED 2009 EQ 8.1 report updates [ID-0040250]: The lowest, not average, percentage area from the two LEED 2009
calculations is shown (this does not apply to LEED v2.2 as there is only one calculation). Display "option 1" for LEED
2009.
Thermal simulations do not alter Apache Simulation settings [ID-0037838]: The current Apache Simulation settings
are not altered when running any thermal simulations via Gaia Navigators.
BREEAM Navigator
Duplicate dialog removed [ID-0048241]: When running BREEAM ENE01 and existing results exist the prompt to
overwrite is only displayed once.
LEED Navigator
Thermal templates only assigned to non-thermal room not included in LEED Comfort report [ID-0054148]: If
Thermal templates are only assigned to non-thermal rooms then they will not be included in the LEED Comfort report.
Revit
Autodesk Revit plug-in installer compatible with Building Design Suite 2013 [ID-0053794]: The Autodesk Revit plugin installer has been updated and is now compatible with Autodesk Building Design Suite 2013.
SketchUp Plug-in
No hanging when using the Geo-location function [ID-0051444]: When using the Geo-location page via the building
properties dialog no hanging occurs.
Failed groups/components reported in message [ID-0054287]: If an error occurs while exploding room
groups/components then a warning message will be shown displaying the failed groups.
Insert floors option works on L shape zone [ID-0053908]: Insert floors now works correctly on L shaped zones.
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Virtual Environment 2012 Feature Pack 02
Release Notes
IES VE 2012 Feature Pack 02 Release Notes
Duplicate dialog removed when creating new construction [ID-0053907]: The duplicate Room properties dialog that
was shown when you create a new construction has been removed.
Rooms no longer incorrectly identified as shading [ID-0038724]: On certain models some rooms were previously
identified as shading. These are now identified correctly as rooms.
Undo improved after using "build a thick wall storey" [ID-0034347]: After using "build a thick wall storey" the whole
building will be reverted when you use the undo function.
Crash prevented during room identification [ID-0031252]: A crash has been prevented during room identification when
there are lines with collinear vertices in the model.
page 11
Virtual Environment 2012 Feature Pack 02
Release Notes
IES VE 2012 Feature Pack 01 Hotfix 03 Release Notes
VE 2012 Feature Pack 01 Hotfix 03 Changes
ApacheHVAC
When copying a Chilled Water Loop unique ID's will be assigned [ID-0053353]: The condenser water loop and its
heat rejection device are assigned unique ID's after a Chilled Water Loop has been copied. This will ensure the correct
condenser water loop is used in the simulation.
Electric Water Cooled chiller capacity updated after autosizing [ID-0052409]: The Electric Water Cooled chiller
capacity will be updated correctly after a system sizing run.
Corrupted system references corrected [ID-0054583]: Corrupted system references in network objects are now
corrected at both load time and autosizing time.
Note: this only affected certain corrupted models and manifested in the wrong airflow data being copied to Baseline
network fans at the “Update baseline fan sizing data” action in the ASHRAE 90.1 PRM and System Sizing Navigators.
page 12
Virtual Environment 2012 Feature Pack 02
Release Notes
IES VE 2012 Feature Pack 01 Hotfix 02 Release Notes
VE 2012 Feature Pack 01 Hotfix 02 Changes
General
Tab Room Data: Adjacent Buildings and Shades removed [ID-0052909]: Tabular Room Data is only available in
thermal views. Therefore, you can't select adjacent rooms and shading objects. The scenarios where this was previously
possible have been corrected.
Tab Room Data: Applying thermal template updates [ID-0052385]: Applying thermal template changes via Tabular
Room Data will no longer cause NCM templates and constructions to be merged in.
This will continue to happen if you explicitly switch application to VE Compliance.
ModelIT
Viewing IFC imported model in MVII improvements [ID-0052334]: An imported IFC model containing surfaces with
"hole" openings can now be viewed in Model Viewer II.
Apache Sim
ApacheSim crash prevented when cooling tower is running at full capacity and the tower entering water
temperature approaches its lower limit [ID-0052429]: When the cooling tower cannot meet its imposed load but can
still provide some cooling (cooling tower is under-capacity) and when tower entering water temperature approaches its
lower limit, it can come too close to the lower limit. This meant that trying to evaluate the Merkel integral in this case
would lead to a divide by zero error. Therefore, evaluating the Merkel integral in this circumstance has been avoided.
Constructions
Ground-contact Floorplan area retained [ID-0050355]: Display issue corrected. The Ground-contact Floorplan area will
be retained when you exit and return to the dialog.
ApacheHVAC
Edit system parameters via ApHVAC toolbar button updated [ID-0052565]: When editing system parameters via the
toolbar button in ApHVAC it will access/update the Loads Data spreadsheet in the Proposed folder.
Perform multiplex validation to inform user of un-repairable corruption [ID-0052347]: When multiplexes cannot be
auto-repaired due to the layers' component order being different then validation of the multiplex is performed (at network
load time) and the user is informed of the best action.
Advanced Cooling coil Leaving DB temp correction [ID-0044191]: In the Advanced Cooling Coil the Leaving air drybulb temperature is updated for all layers when changes are applied in Global edit mode.
Default zone-level over-sizing factors updated [ID-0052224]: The default zone-level heating and cooling loads oversizing factors have been set to 1.0 so as not to oversize design flows in PRM Baseline systems.
HVAC PP1 profile updating correctly when Setback Strategy = "Temp Setback with OA off" [ID-0051504]: When
the setback strategy is set to "Temp Setback w/ OA off", the PP1 profile will no longer be on continuously - it will be off
during unoccupied hours.
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Virtual Environment 2012 Feature Pack 02
Release Notes
IES VE 2012 Feature Pack 01 Hotfix 02 Release Notes
Network import improvements [ID-0052240]: When importing a user exported network, the software will detect and
repair issues with the multiplex, remove duplicate components and will also assign a principle room if none is assigned.
Added new Baseline Furnace with efficiency (AFUE) set to 78% in all PRM Baseline system files [ID-0052061]: All
PRM Baseline system files have the new heat source "Furnace for PRM Baseline PSZ and Heat & Vent units" added with
the efficiency set to 78%. The heating coil in Baseline systems 03 and 09 is assigned this.
Default EA fan configuration for system types 01 and 02 updated [ID-0052064]: EA fan configuration for system
types 01 and 02 are set to use Central EA fan (outside of multiplex) as default for standard and PRM Baseline systems
01a and 02a. Default pressure is set to 0.00 and eff. to 50% in PRM Baseline systems.
PRM Baseline systems 01, 02 and standard systems 01a and 02a updated [ID-0052063]: Revised controls for
Continuous CV fan operation plus coil modulation for PRM Baseline systems 01 and 02 and standard systems 01a and
02a.
Prevention of network corruption improved [ID-0052060]: Prevention of network corruption improved when adding an
AND connection to a bypass damper Percentage Flow controller in certain networks.
WAHP Rating condition settings retained [ID-0052647]: Any edited values on the Water-to-air heat pump Rated
condition tab will be retained when switching between tabs.
Editing multiple System Parameters improvements [ID-0052239]: When editing multiple system parameters at once
only applicable controls for each network will be updated.
ASHRAE 90.1 App. G – PRM
Default System Schedules values retained [ID-0052400]: The default values in the System Schedules dialog will be
retained when you generate an alternate schedule. The edited values will be saved only to the new (alternate) schedule.
System Schedules default heating setpoint to match profile [ID-0052472]: The default Heating Setpoint (occupied)
values for both the standard System Schedules dialog and the Advanced System Schedules dialog have been updated to
70F to match the profile default value.
VE Compliance
Crash prevented in Section 6 when system is set to "None" [ID-0052921]: A crash has been prevented when
changing to the Notional building in Section 6 when your Apache System is set to none.
Guard against BRUKL crash [ID-0052786]: Added fix to guard against divide by zero in the brukl.inp file. In such
scenarios, output 0's to the .inp file from those numbers divided by zero.
Carbon Summary Table renewables calculation update [ID-0052220]: In the Carbon Summary Table, when PV or
CHP is specified then the Part L2 2010 Carbon Emission Factor value for Grid Displaced Electricity is used to calculate
the actual renewables.
EPC Results tab retained [ID-46801]: When the SunCast link is included in a simulation the EPC results tab will be
enabled and show the results when you leave and re-enter Compliance.
Section 6 SunCast shading file validation check updated [ID-0050754]: When performing a Compliance simulation
with the SunCast link on, the validation check has been updated to check for the Notional Building shading file with the
naming convention <model>_NS6.shd.
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Virtual Environment 2012 Feature Pack 02
Release Notes
IES VE 2012 Feature Pack 01 Hotfix 02 Release Notes
Simulex
Import DXF updated [ID-0050708]: Corrected issue when adding a floor and importing a DXF file. The floorplan will now
be imported.
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Virtual Environment 2012 Feature Pack 02
Release Notes
IES VE 2012 Feature Pack 01 Hotfix 01 Release Notes
VE 2012 Feature Pack 01 Hotfix 01 Changes
VE Compliance
Section 6 SunCast shading file validation check updated [ID-0050754]: When performing a Section 6 Compliance
simulation with the SunCast link on, the validation check has been updated to check for the Notional Building shading file
with the naming convention <model>_NS6.shd.
Section 6 Notional Building auxiliary energy calculation improved [ID-0052506]: Revisions made to the Section 6
auxiliary energy calculations for the Notional Building under certain Actual Building scenarios. Power factor and control
correction factor no longer applied to reported results.
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Virtual Environment 2012 Feature Pack 02
Release Notes
IES VE 2012 Feature Pack 01 Release Notes
VE 2012 Feature Pack 01 Changes
General
Creating a new project will delete any existing files with the same name [ID-0049609]: If you create a new project
with the same name as an existing project, any existing files will be deleted prior to the creation of the new files so the
existing project is completely overwritten.
Report "Save as Text" only saves relevant text [ID-0047690]: When saving a report as a text file the XML data is no
longer written out.
Tabular Room Data and BTM are refreshed following ApPro edits [ID-0049584]: Tabular Room Data and Tabular
Building Template Manager will both be refreshed to reflect any changes that are made in ApPro.
ModelIT
Tidy key-in updates [ID-0050663]: The Tidy key-in can no longer be used on composite spaces. It can only be used on
single spaces.
Subtract function updated [ID-0049157]: Trying to subtract an invalid zone will show an error message. The area to be
subtracted must bound the zone.
ModelIT status grid improved for different font and DPI settings [ID-0049560]: The ModelIT status grid dialog bars
will be sized to allow the grid text to be visible for a range of font sizes and DPI settings.
Trim can only be used on zones that intersect [ID-0047959]: The trim function can now only be performed on zones
that intersect each other.
"Fit view" accounts for components outside the zone [ID-0049422]: The "Fit view" option takes any components into
account when scaling to the zone.
Stay in Component mode after finalizing component [ID-0049332]: After finalizing a component it will remain in
component view rather than returning to the model level.
Fix key-in precision updated [ID-]: You can use the “Fix” key-in to set precision to 3, 4, 5 or 6 decimal places. In the
key-in box type “fix=x” to set the precision.
Apache View
Adjacency Temperature Profile input character limit updated [ID-0048272]: The Adjacency temperature profile
dropdown has been updated to allow profiles with names greater than 60 characters.
Tabular Room Data: Error message when changing Thermal Template no longer displayed [ID-0052211]: Changing
thermal template via Tabular Room Data without having first went into VE Compliance will no longer result in an error
about the BL2 file not being found.
Tabular Room Data: Crash prevented when adjusting % Saturation values [ID-0050040]: A problem could occur
when the template value for the setting would cause an invalid value to be applied (based on the value of the opposing
setting). This has now been prevented.
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Virtual Environment 2012 Feature Pack 02
Release Notes
IES VE 2012 Feature Pack 01 Release Notes
ApPro
Assigned daily profile type uneditable after importing weekly profiles [ID-0051422]: After importing a weekly profile,
the type (modulating or absolute) of any existing daily profiles is only editable if they are not referenced by any weekly
profile.
Profiles use correct references to weather variables [ID-0051763]: References to the weather variables; outside RH,
outside moisture content and outside wetbulb temp are correctly used in formula profiles.
Constructions
Prevent over counting of constructions in use [ID-0050326]: When reporting constructions in use only one model
variant will be used. This will prevent duplicate constructions being reported for the model variants for example in the
ASHRAE 90.1 App. PRM Reports.
Displayed EN410 g-value updated when glazing properties are edited [ID-0050078]: When changing the
transmittance of the glass the EN 140 g-value will be updated correctly and will match the value in the derived parameters
dialog.
Shading device profile setting retained [ID-0049136]: The shading device percentile profile group value will be retained
on re-entry to the Construction Database. Previously, if the shading device profile was set to 'None' it would be set as 'off
continuously' on re-entry.
Specific Heat Capacity reported in APcdb when using IP units [ID-0049919]: In the Construction Database, when
using IP units, all system and project materials have values displayed for specific heat capacity.
Condensation Analysis dry bulb and dew bulb temperatures corrected [ID-0050005]: In the Condensation Analysis
dialog the inside surface dry bulb and dew bulb temperatures are reported correctly.
Ground contact U-value adjustment validation improvements [ID-0050267]: Further validation done to the Ground
contact U-value adjustment dialog to prevent divide by zero errors.
ApacheHVAC
Low resolution graphics option added [ID-0050853]: A menu option which switches the canvas display from the
current alpha-blended icons (which are invisible on certain systems) to a set of non-blended, lower resolution icons is
added. This can be accessed via the menu option - ApHVAC > Options > Use low resolution network graphics.
Save button on main toolbar also calls HVAC save function [ID-0048933]: The Save project button in the main VE
toolbar now also saves the HVAC network.
HVAC check network improvements [ID-0025569]: When performing a network check, any ductwork running straight
through a multiplex, without a component, will be highlighted and an error message shown.
Warning when Multiplexes connected by only Ductwork [ID-0022145]: It is invalid to have multiple Multiplexes
connected only by ductwork, at least one component or junction should be present between them. When the Check
Network button is clicked and this scenario is sensed a warning message is displayed giving the IDs of the Multiplexes
and also highlighting them on the network.
Fix for boundary nodes of multiplexes containing a single component [ID-0051172]: Incorrect nodes are
occasionally written out at multiplex boundaries causing the simulation to fail. This would primarily affect multiplexes
containing a single component. A fix to correct this is now in place.
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Virtual Environment 2012 Feature Pack 02
Release Notes
IES VE 2012 Feature Pack 01 Release Notes
Copied system level components reference correct system [ID-0050859]: After copying a system, all the system level
components (components outside the multiplex) will reference the correct system.
Systems with DCV sizing improved to ensure Active Chilled Beam primary airflow meets exhaust air [ID-0051748]:
The Loads data spreadsheet is improved so that where a system has Demand Controlled Ventilation the Active Chilled
Beam primary airflow (Controller MC10) is adjusted to ensure it always meets exhaust air flow.
Loads Data spreadsheet update for systems 3 and 4 [ID-0050782]: The Loads data spreadsheet has been improved
to increase stability for Prototype systems 3 and 4. The default coil temperature reset value will automatically be set to a
larger value (greater reset range) when Constant Air Volume is used rather than Variable Air Volume airflow.
Use chilled/hot water loop supply temperature checkbox persists [ID-0050830]: The checkbox on a Radiator or
Chilled ceiling Control dialog to "Use hot/chilled water loop supply temperature" will retain its status when it is
ticked/unticked and room component behaves accordingly.
Fixed auto-assignment of ASHRAE 90.1 DX/AAHP plants in PRM baselines [ID-0051936]: The selection of which
type of DX or AAHP to assign to a given system type is now using the updated format.
Predefined AAHP missing/incomplete error not shown if duplicates present [ID-0050819]: Importing a system with
"All" plant options set will duplicate the predefined Air-to-Air Heat Pumps. During Room sizing these duplicates are
ignored so the "Warning: Air-Air Heat Pumps are incomplete or missing" message will not be shown.
Adding controller to multiplex allowed only in global edit mode [ID-0049416]: In order to add a controller to a
multiplex you need to be in Global edit mode.
Multiplex data table edit improvements [ID-0050664]: Editing values in a multiplex data table using the paste function
will no longer revert manually edited values back to the previously set value.
Multiplexed junction updated on exit from Junction dialog [ID-0051049]: When changing the orientation of a junction
in a multiplex it will be updated on exit from Junction dialog.
Heat transfer loop dialog corrections [ID-51915]: When editing an existing heat transfer loop with the loop configuration
set to Primary-Secondary, the heat transfer loop dialog will populate the edit control and combo box for the secondary
circuit.
Condenser mass flow calculation and condenser entering temperature overload adjustment corrections [ID0051623]: The Condenser water loop entering condenser temperature is now adjusted when the cooling tower is
overloaded. This will effect computation of chiller operating performance.
Dewpoint temperature control permitted for DX coil [ID-0051274]: Dewpoint temperature control is now enabled for
DX cooling.
Maximum storage tank temperature for Solar Water Heater updated [ID-0051395]: The maximum storage tank
temperature set for the Solar Water Heater on the Hot Water Loop is no longer restricting the SWH. The SWH can now
make full use of its heating potential.
Vista
Vista Compliance report updated for Shell and Core buildings [ID-0049028]: For Shell and Core buildings only rooms
ticked as part of the core area will be included in the Vista compliance report.
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Virtual Environment 2012 Feature Pack 02
Release Notes
IES VE 2012 Feature Pack 01 Release Notes
ASHRAE 90.1 App. G - PRM
PRM full report: solar water heating count corrected [ID-0051992]: In the energy uses table Solar Water Heating has
already been taken off Domestic Hot Water. SHW will not get subtracted a second time in table 1.8.2 when Renewables
are discounted from the total energy.
BPRM report window to wall ratio update [ID-50327]: Window to gross wall ratio in the BRPM report now uses above
ground constructions only.
Tariff Analysis
Renewables in Tariff Analysis dialog corrected [ID-0052011]: Renewables in the Tariff dialog now match the PRM
Cost Savings Summary report for PRM models.
VE Compliance
Export as 6.1.1 model disclaimer updated [ID-0051100]: Following note added to disclaimer:
NCM Templates may be downgraded and so room data derived from these templates, including Casual Gains and Air
Exchanges, will be affected. In those instances we advise users to verify changes to room data.
NCM Template upgrade improvements [ID-0051099]: When opening a model created in an earlier version of the VE, if
there are any NCM templates with invalid ID's, these will be upgraded correctly and a file containing any affected
templates will be created and stored in the project folder. Where this occurs a message will be displayed to inform the
user.
Demand Controlled Ventilation input displayed in EGA when Thermal Template has System set to None [ID0044322]: When a room is assigned a Thermal Template with the System set to None, the Edit Group Attributes dialog
will display the Demand Controlled Ventilation input options.
Can remove Air Exchanges in any order [ID-0048520]: You can now remove air exchanges in any order without
receiving any error messages.
Possible to enter a negative value for "Rating with improvements" [ID-0044366]: For a Section 6 EPC it is possible
to enter a negative value for "Rating with improvements".
District Heating data written to brukl.inp file [ID-0041013]: When the Actual Building system has District Heating as a
heat source the energy value will be written to the brukl.inp file. This is reported as KWH/M2-DISTRICT-HEATING.
Generated energy written out to ApacheSim brukl.inp [ID-0050438]: When a Renewable technology is present in a
project the brukl.inp generated by ApacheSim will write out the generated energy as KWH/M2-DISP.
KWH/M2-SUPELEC value written to BRUKL.inp from Apache corrected [ID-0050435]: The Actual Building KWH/M2SUPELEC value written in the BRUKL.inp from an ApacheSim has been updated. It no longer includes Equipment
Energy. E.g. for a simple model set up with Natural Gas as the Heating fuel then SUPELEC should only account for
LIGHTS energy and Auxiliary Energy + COOLING if a Cooling system.
FlucsPro/DL
Sky view threshold report updated [ID-0051096]: Sometimes when viewing the sky view threshold report incorrect
values would be reported for the area and percentage area. This has been corrected to always display the correct values.
page 20
Virtual Environment 2012 Feature Pack 02
Release Notes
IES VE 2012 Feature Pack 01 Release Notes
Contour colours updated [ID-0051094]: When viewing sky view with filled contours any area without a sky view will be
shown in black as indicated in the key.
Lighting Analysis quality settings defaults updated [ID-0051097]: When performing a Daylighting Analysis using the
low setting then the Obstruct light for internal room surfaces will be checked by default.
Navigator for LEED
LEED EQ7.1 Thermal Comfort Report updates [ID-0051150]: The report will now highlight any test failures in red.
Revit Plug-in
IESVE Plug-in for Revit compatible with Revit 2013 [ID-0051731]: The IESVE plug-in for Revit is updated to be
compatible with Revit Architecture and MEP 2008 - 2013.
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Virtual Environment 2012 Feature Pack 02
Release Notes
IES VE 2012 Hotfix 02 Release Notes
VE 2012 Hotfix 02 Changes
SunCast
Solar results analysis displayed correctly for month ranges with non-standard characters [ID-0050461]: When the
starting or ending month of the range to display has a non-standard character e.g. Décembre, the results will not hang
and will be displayed correctly.
Solar Energy Analysis imperial legend values corrected [ID-0050721]: When using IP units the correct Solar Energy
Analysis values will be shown in the legend.
Constructions
Assigning "Internal Floor/Ceiling" constructions assigns to the ceiling of the highlighted zone [ID-0050476]: When
assigning constructions of the type "Internal Floor/Ceiling" the constructions are assigned to the ceiling of the highlighted
zone only.
ApacheHVAC
System 9 FCU Fan Speed selector corrected in Loads Data spreadsheet [ID-0050709]: In the Loads Data
spreadsheet the dropdown menu selector for 2-speed vs. VSD fans in fan-coil units on the System 09 tab now sets the
correct proportional bandwidth value.
Timed Hot water supply temperature set point defaults to "constant 0" [ID-0050577]: When the Hot Water Loop
supply temperature set point uses a timed profile the profile will default to "constant 0".
Timed source water temperature profile defaults to “constant 0” [ID-0050514]: When the Water source heat
exchanger uses a timed profile for the source water temperature the profile will default to "constant 0".
Systems with Demand Controlled Ventilation sizing improved to ensure minimum outside air ventilation meets
exhaust air [ID-0050710]: The Loads data spreadsheet is improved so that where a system has Demand Controlled
Ventilation the minimum ventilation (Controller MC3) is adjusted to ensure it always meets exhaust air flow (room
minimum ventilation will take value of 30% of ventilation unless Exhaust air flow is greater in which case the minimum is
increased to meet this).
Further, to ensure the System total of all minimum ventilation rates meets total Exhaust a check is added in Cell S26 to
display the Ratio of System Total Minimum OA airflow for Ventilation (MC3 column AW) to System Total Exhaust Airflow
(MC6 column BJ). Where this does not meet total exhaust a System loads calculation will fail with "Negative flow" error so
the cell is formatted to highlight this within the spreadsheet giving an opportunity to address the problem prior to leaving
spreadsheet and assigning system parameters and zone sizing data.
Multiplex corruption error reporting improvements [0050808]: Error reporting in Apache, where multiplex corruption
has occurred, now details the affected multiplex name and layer.
ASHRAE 90.1 App. G – PRM
PRM Baseline model retained on upgrade [ID-0050372]: The PRM Baseline model is retained when you upgrade an
existing project to VE 2012.
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Virtual Environment 2012 Feature Pack 02
Release Notes
IES VE 2012 Hotfix 02 Release Notes
Legacy spreadsheets renamed to use new system ID format [ID-0050299]: On opening the System parameters dialog
any legacy spreadsheets are renamed to use the new naming convention.
Can assign constructions to the PRM Baseline [ID-0049940]: In the Assign Constructions dialog the Replace button is
enabled to allow constructions to be assigned to the Baseline building.
MicroFlo
Source Components recognised in CFD calculations [ID-0050255]: Non-solid Source Components are recognised
during MicroFlo CFD calculations.
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Virtual Environment 2012 Feature Pack 02
Release Notes
IES VE 2012 Hotfix 01 Release Notes
VE 2012 Hotfix 01 Changes
ModelIT
Place Openings Width Input displayed [ID-0049878]: The Place Openings tool Width field is displayed so Width of
opening can be modified before openings are placed on surfaces.
Place Openings can be used at Body level [ID-0049943]: The Place Openings tool can be used to place windows,
doors and holes on surfaces when at body level (i.e. when have selected a room and gone down one level of
decomposition).
ApacheHVAC
Temperature profiles can be assigned without error [ID-0049922]: Modulating profiles assigned to Temperature inputs
do not result in errors when try to run Apache simulations.
VE Compliance
NCM Activity can be assigned using Tabular Room Data [ID-0050088]: NCM Activity can be assigned to a room (or
set of rooms) by pasting into Tabular Room Data.
Building Template Manager
Thermal Templates NCM Data upgraded correctly [ID-0050070]: NCM Template Data is upgraded correctly so there is
no crash on opening Building Template Manager.
Issue mainly affected thermal templates imported via the IESVE plug-ins.
IESVE Plug-in for Autodesk Revit
IESVE Toolbar installs to Revit 2008 - 2012 [ID-0050356]: The IESVE Plug-in for Revit will install correctly so the
IESVE Toolbar is displayed in any version of Revit Architecture or MEP 2008 - 2012.
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Virtual Environment 2012 Feature Pack 02
Release Notes
IES VE 2012 Release Notes
VE 2012 Changes
ApacheHVAC
Proportional Controller must have a sensor specified [ID-0046538]: A proportional controller must have a sensor
specified as either "set point" or "proportional control", scenarios where it was possible to specify neither of these have
been removed and a warning is displayed if attempt to uncheck both.
Room Units Proportional Sensor room assignment stored correctly when add layers to a multiplex [ID-0045886]:
When layers are added to a Multiplex which includes room units with proportional sensor assigned to a room, the new
layers will include a proportional sensor referencing the room for that layer and this is retained when close and reopen the
network.
Delete Prototype System can be Undone [ID-0031111]: Undo (via Edit menu item or Ctrl+Z keyboard shortcut) after
deleting a Prototype system will reinstate the complete Prototype system (including boundary) in the HVAC network.
Autosizing of MC8 controller setpoint [ID-0042051]: In Zone sizing of System types 3 and 4, only the Setpoint value
within the MC8 controller will be linked to the Loads Data spreadsheet.
Selection via browser [ID-0038820]: Selection of HVAC network components via the browser tree now works
consistently, with the exception of unassigned or adiabatic room components (i.e., any that are not yet associated with a
space in the model).
Edit Multiplex scrollbar [ID-0032024]: In the Edit multiplex dialog, the behaviour of the scrollbar is improved.
Boundary line visibility during zoom [ID-0033024]: Boundaries of both multiplexes and prototype systems remain
visible during zoom operations.
Part load Heating performance curve [ID-0042030]: In the Part load curve Heating plant, the bottom row of the
performance curve can be removed without error.
Mouse panning to outside of HVAC window [ID-0026690]: When panning with middle mouse button, going outside the
HVAC window boundary no longer disables component selection.
Room Units' on/off and proportional sensor routes now independent [ID-0016105]: In Room Units, the On/off sensor
checkbox is reinstated, and also does not have to be checked. In other words, the On/off and Proportional sensor routes
are now independently settable.
Upgrade of legacy chillers [ID-0048065]: Upgrading an old non-looped chiller to a Chilled water loop now will not crash.
Fan oversizing factor [ID-0035511]: Fan components can now be given an oversizing factor.
Import Library on low-resolution screen [ID-0040719]: Import from Library is usable on a screen of the minimum
supported resolution (1152 x 864).
Display of electric watercooled chiller sizing status [ID-0032105]: When a sized parameter in an Electric water cooled
chiller is manually edited, the number field colour reverts to black.
Display of controller sizing status [ID-0047354] [ID-0042055]: When sizable parameters in a controller are either
autosized or manually edited, the colours of the number field and the "A" label are both updated correctly.
Display of part load chiller sizing status [ID-0039230]: When a part load curve chiller is autosized, the colours of the
"A" labels update correctly both at initial sizing and at subsequent manual edits.
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Virtual Environment 2012 Feature Pack 02
Release Notes
IES VE 2012 Release Notes
Multiplexed active ducts in simulation [ID-0036880]: Multiplexed active ducts are now simulated correctly on each
layer.
Pump usage in Generic heat source [ID-0047312]: The pump usage % in a Generic heat source is now correctly
applied.
Unmet load hours during unoccupied times [ID-0046798]: HVAC profiles have been adjusted wherever necessary to
prevent excessive unmet load hours during unoccupied times.
Correct default DHW Heat source [ID-0046437]: All baseline PRM systems with Electrical heating now default to have
DHW / SHW served by the Heat source "Baseline SHW heating plant (electric)-set eff.per 90.1 table 7.8; set SL in apsys"
as per ASHRAE table G3.1.
ApacheLoads
ASHRAE Loads applies Daylight Savings Time for southern hemisphere locations [ID-0046569]: For southern
hemisphere locations where Daylight Savings Time is applied over winter (default 1 hour from October to March)
ASHRAE Loads results show the correct solar gains.
ApacheSim
Shell & core building load variables exclude shell rooms [ID-0034883]: At building level shell & core building load
variables exclude shell rooms.
Edit Group Attributes flow rate input retained [ID-0048613]: In IP mode, when using EGA the System air supply flow
rate units are retained after editing the value.
ApacheSim Auxiliary energy values from old methodology updated [ID-0044160]: When using the NCM System
wizard when not using the "NCM Compliance (2010) method" the Auxiliary Energy value calculated has been corrected.
ApLocate
Simulation Calendar settings are fixed and cannot be edited [ID-0033413]: When APLocate is launched in VE
Compliance, the Simulation Calendar settings are fixed and cannot be edited.
Correction to Latent Cooling Loads when no cooling provided [ID-0044499]: When the temperature of a room air
supply (which may be an air exchange or an air supply from an Apache System) is set to follow an absolute profile, there
may be dehumidification of the supply air if the implied cooling (from the outside air condition) raises its percentage
saturation near to 100%. Previously the maximum % saturation was set at 90% to represent the typical condition leaving
a cooling coil, but this could give rise to unrealistic dehumidification loads when the temperature drop was small. This
model has been replaced by one in which the off-coil (supply) % saturation is set to the higher of 90% and the outside air
% saturation.
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Virtual Environment 2012 Feature Pack 02
Release Notes
IES VE 2012 Release Notes
ApPro
Correction to Latent Cooling Loads when no cooling provided [ID-0044499]: When the temperature of a room air
supply (which may be an air exchange or an air supply from an Apache System) is set to follow an absolute profile, there
may be dehumidification of the supply air if the implied cooling (from the outside air condition) raises its percentage
saturation near to 100%. Previously the maximum % saturation was set at 90% to represent the typical condition leaving
a cooling coil, but this could give rise to unrealistic dehumidification loads when the temperature drop was small. This
model has been replaced by one in which the off-coil (supply) % saturation is set to the higher of 90% and the outside air
% saturation.
Create new profile improvements [ID-0043731]: After pressing the New button, the new profile is no longer deleted if
you cancel the edit dialog. The New button now always creates a new profile, and cancelling the edit dialog only undoes
any edits to the new profile - it does not undo the creation of the new profile. This is to guard against the situation where
new profiles can already be referenced from other profile dialogs before closing the new profile dialog.
Daily profile graph colour retained [ID-0031766]: The graph colour for the daily profile is now saved globally.
APView
Edits made to Room Data do not lead to missing profiles [ID-0048121]: When edits are made to PRM Baseline or
Proposed Room data (via room data, edit group attributes or tabular room data) the model is not corrupted and no profile
references are lost.
Tab Edit - Error message for no valid Room ID updated [ID-0041505]: When importing data, if no valid Room ID is
found in the *.txt file or if the room is not currently selected then an error message will be shown highlighting these rooms.
Room Data dropdown style consistent [ID-0042026]: The Room Data dialog dropdown fields have been updated so
that they have a consistent style.
Tab Edit - Actions to "select all rooms" added [ID-0041509]: “Select all rooms” function added to the Action menu.
Tab Edit - Exported filename prefixed with [TB] [ID-0041504]: Exporting a file in Tab Edit will prefix the default
filename with "[TB]".
Constructions
Construction can't be deleted when referenced in a construction template [ID-0042555]: When a construction is
referenced in a template then it can no longer de deleted.
"High usage entrance door" added to Construction Database NCM Type dropdown [ID-0049124]: In CDB for the
purposes of UK regs Compliance it is possible to represent a glazed door as a Window and then use the NCM Type
option (Regulations section) to class the window as a door for the purposes of the criterion 2 U-value check. The NCM
type list now includes the "High usage entrance door" option.
Visible Light Transmittance value editable after saying Yes to the VLT default value message [ID-0048133]: For
any new project if you edit a glazed constructions Visible Light Transmittance to any value that is not 0.76 when you exit
CDB a warning is displayed and you can choose yes to set it back to 0.76. Any time you subsequently edit VLT and exit
CDB the edited value will be retained.
SBEM "Metal cladding" parameter visibility [ID-0035797]: SBEM "Metal cladding" parameter is now only displayed in
the Opaque construction dialog if the user has licences for UK compliance methods.
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Virtual Environment 2012 Feature Pack 02
Release Notes
IES VE 2012 Release Notes
U-value Adjustment dialog Rounding improvements for ground-contact floor area [ID-0035764]: If the actual floor
area is an even number in IP units, for example, 10,000 ft2, then the dialog reports this as a slightly smaller number, in
this example, 10,000 becomes 9,999.996. This has been corrected.
Glazed construction dialog shows frame width in mm or in [ID-0048288]: In the glazed construction dialog the frame
width was previously shown in m or ft. It is now shown in mm or in (depending on the units set).
"Apply current standards to ALL" action removed [ID-0047694]: "Apply current standards to ALL" action has been
removed from the Project Construction Tools menu.
FlucsPro/DL
Room window transmittances not replaced by 100% when other rooms taken into account [ID-0041446]: Corrected
the way windows from other rooms are used by only using them as obstructions.
Model browser is refreshed after Working Plane is deleted [ID-0040204]: After deleting a Working Plane the Model
Browser is automatically refreshed to reflect this change.
Daylight Factor table aligned to right of model [ID-0033607]: The Daylight Factor table will always be aligned to the
right hand side of the model for all view rotations.
Threshold contour Close button does not save changes [ID-0041231]: The Filled threshold contour dialog Close
button does not save changes. You must first click Apply after making changes for them to be saved.
Gaia
Climate Metric report units retained [ID-0045885]: In the climate metrics report the correct units are shown and
retained when switching between Metric and IP units.
Gaia Daylighting settings updated [ID-0046308]: Reflections set to "Full inter-reflections" and Sky Model set to "CIE
overcast sky".
BREEAM HEA1: Check B room area improvements [ID-0046806]: Only the area of the rooms passing check B are
included in the total area. We have changed the totalisation of the two B checks (uniformity and minimum DF): previously
the complying areas for each room were all counted and if the total percentage area was > 80% this was deemed a pass.
Now the complying areas for each room are only counted if the room itself passes.
Building Metric Set building type step updated [ID-0046852]: The "Set building type" step in the Building Metrics
navigator now opens the "Set building type" dialog rather than the Building Template Manager.
System can't be deleted when referenced in Thermal Template [ID-0042380]: It is not possible to delete an Apache
system that is referenced by a room or by any thermal template in the project.
General
Set grid alignment button disabled when project has no geometry [ID-0041809]: The Set grid alignment button is
disabled until the model contains geometry.
Tabular Room Data window retains its size after VE is restored [ID-0042557]: The Tabular Room Data window
retains its previous state after the VE is minimised and then restored.
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Virtual Environment 2012 Feature Pack 02
Release Notes
IES VE 2012 Release Notes
Text editing key improvements [ID-0042518]: Arrow keys, the home key and the End key now cause the cursor to
move within text boxes when editing text in a cell.
Room Groupings retained when switching applications [ID-0042361]: When switching between applications then the
Room Group currently being viewed in the model browser and any selected rooms will be retained.
LightPro
Zoom functionality improved [ID-0015718]: Zoom functionality improved when visualising the photometric web in the
Viewer.
ModelIT
Storey index improvements [ID-0042448]: When a model is built "top down" the Room story index now accounts for this
and will be shown correctly.
Tidy key-in improvements [ID-0046643]: Using any of the tidy key-ins (tidy, tidymirror, tidysurfs and tidyunbound) will
now no longer automatically apply inner volumes to the zone.
Intersections not reported for zones drawn inside "donut" shaped room [ID-0042691]: When you create a "donut"
shaped room e.g. a zone with a subtracted second zone to create a hole. You can place a zone in the centre of the newly
created hole and will not receive any intersection error.
“Merge” and “Subtract” tool improvements [ID-0039649]: The “merge” and “subtract” tools have been improved and
they do not change internal walls to external walls. The default construction will be applied to internal walls and will be
shown correctly.
Subtracting zones improvements to avoid coincident vertices warning [ID-0044520]: Additional refinement when
subtracting zones to avoid coincident vertices warning.
Number pad enabled for use in ModelIT [ID-0038434]: You can now use the number pad with the key-in box in
ModelIT.
Crash prevented when changing colour in ModelIT [ID-0016954]: Crash prevented in ModelIT when setting the view
to "Object" and editing the colours in the Colour Table.
Object Bar shows area to four decimal places [ID-0047375]: Changes to the Object Bar to show four decimal places
and also in the "Zone" check where it shows areas and volumes.
Placed components not lost when using connect, merge or separate functions [ID-0033719]: Components are not
deleted when any of the “Connect”, “Merge” or “separate” tools are used.
Coincident vertices error removed after dividing space [ID-0044789]: If you draw a prism then divide the space using
the Divide Space facility on the Edit space dialog you no longer get a coincident vertices error reported.
ASHRAE 90.1 App. G - PRM
Can add custom currencies in the Tariff Cost data section [ID-0041449]: Can now add a custom currency with the
values currency, country and symbol (Up to 3 characters).
Full PRM sim or Proposed model only uses proposed.asp as default [ID-0039578]: Proposed.asp is now the default
in both the full PRM simulation dialog and the proposed model simulation dialog.
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Virtual Environment 2012 Feature Pack 02
Release Notes
IES VE 2012 Release Notes
PRM Report U-value units improvements [ID-0043936]: The U-values reported in the PRM report will be consistent
with the units set in user preferences.
Plenum space not included in the project area [ID-0038555]: If you have a building with a plenum space, assigned to
plenum room group and thermal template, it is not included in the project area.
Number of floors count doesn't include overhead voids, plenums and other unoccupied spaces [ID-0040525]: All
non-shade volumes including voids, plenums, and thermally stratified zones with a unique floor/ceiling height are no
longer being treated as a "floor" of the building.
Baseline skylight area corrected [ID-0044060]: The skylight rules for the auto creation of the baseline model are
implemented as per table G3.1.
Room conditions (setpoints) help PDF for PRM Navigator updated [ID-0048298]: Room conditions (setpoints) help
PDF for PRM Navigator now updated.
Shift-click behaviour is updated in Edit Room Groups [ID-0042520]: In the Edit Room Groups dialog Shift-Click and
Ctrl-Click works as expected in the grouping schemes and room group.
Climate zone for Sde-Dov (Tel-Aviv) corrected [ID-0041448]: For Sde-Dov (Tel-Aviv) the PRM report correctly shows
the ASHRAE climate zone as 2A.
Import Prototype Model data defaults to 90_1_2007_IP.mit [ID-0042031]: When you click the Prototype Data action in
PRM Navigator the Import Prototype Model Data dialog opens and by default chooses 90_1_2007_IP.mit
BPRM Report On Site Renewable Energy section improvements [ID-0044605]: In the On Site Renewable Energy
section of the BPRM report the Rated Capacity is no longer written out when no Renewable Sources are assigned.
Zone boundary values not simulated [ID-0041971]: In the WP data simulation, values that are on the boundary of a
zone are no longer simulated.
Radiance
Able to change the sensor direction after editing vector [ID-0046934]: After moving the zone you can change the
Radiance sensor value to set the sensor direction.
Threshold area shown works with AOI [ID-0047110]: Area of interest threshold area reports correct area in threshold
settings dialog when using custom AOI.
Radiance sensors file writes out data for inactive rooms [ID-0046373]: If a model contains rooms on a layer that is
inactive/switched off then an error will no longer be flagged up with the Radiance sensors file when an Apache simulation
is run.
Creating an AOI joins up the first and last vertices [ID-0044616]: Creating an Area of Interest joins the first and last
vertices closing the polygon.
ShowMe
Room Group Creator error removed [ID-0026355]: Creating a grouping scheme by thermal template now no longer
causes an error message when there are no zones in the project.
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Virtual Environment 2012 Feature Pack 02
Release Notes
IES VE 2012 Release Notes
SunCast
Solar Azimuth can only be between 0 and 360 degrees [ID-0043256]: For a shading file with a large site rotation, the
Solar Azimuth cannot be greater than 360 degrees.
Tariff
Tariff Analysis Site data edits retained [ID-0047655]: After editing the Site information in Tariff Analysis the changes
are retained.
Cost Analysis dropdown improved [ID-0037970]: Cost analysis dropdowns are no longer truncated and also now show
a tooltip. When adding a new currency with a longer name the dropdown will expand to show it all.
VE Compliance
Quote marks and commas not allowed in Location Description [ID-0045696]: Quote marks and Commas are not
allowed in the Location Description field in the Building Details tab of Building and System Data as they cause problems
for BRUKL and EPC generation, when try to enter these illegal characters a warning is displayed and they are replaced
by spaces.
"Shell and Core Building?" checkbox removed in Section 6 [ID-0040933]: The "Shell and Core Building?" checkbox
on Building Details tab of Building and System data is not required to be displayed in Section 6. It is required for Part L2
and Part F only.
Crash prevented when opening Apache Systems [ID-0046963]: Crash prevented when trying to open Apache
Systems when in the notional building when you have no geometry.
Saved compliance model settings improved [ID-0039449]: When a project is saved in SBEM or SBEM EPC method,
the correct regulation and method dropdowns are shown when you open the model. The building dropdown will also only
be shown for ApacheSim.
Section 6 Reference Building Infiltration Rate removed [ID-0040707]: Section 6 2010 no longer uses a Reference
Building so the Reference Infiltration Rate displayed on Building Details tab of Building and System Data has been
removed.
Edit Group Attributes Deadleg DHW pipe length units shown [ID-0029501]: In EGA the Deadleg DHW pipe length
input units are now shown when in Metric units.
ApacheSim BRUKL CHP Energy Production corrected [ID-0047715]: A BRUKL generated by ApacheSim will use the
Vista variable "CHP generated electricity" to calculate the Energy production value.
Notional Building Free Cooling Threshold Temp based on "high" heating setpoint [ID-0047818]: Free Cooling in the
Notional Building is applied using the threshold temperature based on the "high" heating setpoint.
Standalone Criterion 3 report shows grey N/A for rooms that are not checked [ID-0040901]: Rooms that have not
been checked for Criterion 3, due to being "unoccupied" or not mechanically cooled, show in the Report as N/A with a
grey background.
UK compliance view Save toolbar button prompts for project name [ID-0039968]: In a new untitled model, pressing
the Save toolbar button when in Compliance View now prompts for a filename.
Room Data edits to Air Exchanges improvements [ID-0042025]: If you add a new air exchange after previously editing
another air exchange when in Room Data then the previously edited air exchange doesn't revert back to template values.
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Virtual Environment 2012 Feature Pack 02
Release Notes
IES VE 2012 Release Notes
Default SBEM Air Permeability value set when importing model from plug-ins [ID-0027265]: When a model is
imported from the SketchUp or Revit plug-ins the Air Permeability in SBEM is set to the default of 10 m3/(h.m2).
Edit Group Attributes improvements [ID-0047532]: In Apache and Compliance views, selecting “Extract fan is remote
from room?” in Edit Group Attributes no longer sets the units for "Extract flow rate" in room query to "ach".
BRUKL lighting table sums general lighting gains only [ID-0046097]: In the BRUKL lighting table the General column
sums only the General gains. It previously included Display lighting gains.
L2 DSM Navigator Identify Dominant Issues Report shows correct average lighting [ID-0048854]: When a model
contains rooms on a layer which is inactive, the L2 DSM Navigator Identify dominant issues for improvement report no
longer displays the lighting gains for these rooms.
SBEM Edit Group Attributes improvements [ID-0042048]: The Edit Group Attributes dialog no longer retains the
previous Heat Recovery (SBEM only input) setting that was applied.
ApacheSim BRUKL Energy Consumption by End Use includes CHP electricity generated [ID-0047717]: The
ApacheSim generated BRUKL reported Total Energy Consumption accounts for Electricity generated by a CHP
generator.
Correct DCV options displayed on Edit Group Attributes when room thermal template has a Nat Vent system set
for DHW system [ID-0045064]: When the Mech Supply checkbox is edited in EGA dialog and ticked then the DCV
options will always be displayed for mechanical ventilation systems. Setting the DHW system to Nat Vent will not change
this.
Section 6 Glazed Door converted to opaque in Notional Building [ID-0048542]: Paragraph 36a in the NCM Modelling
Guide for Non Domestic Buildings in Scotland says that the Notional building should treat pedestrian doors as opaque.
When the actual building contains a glazed door it is converted to opaque in the notional building.
Solar thermal DHW included in Renewables section of IES Compliance Report [ID-0046379]: The IES Compliance
report includes DHW SES systems.
BRUKL Lighting table only lists Heated or Occupied room types [ID-0046098]: In the Lighting table of the BRUKL
document only Room Types set to "Heated or occupied room" will de displayed.
Floor areas corrected for shell & core building compliance rating calculations [ID-0034807]: When calculating
compliance ratings for such buildings (both Actual and Notional versions), and when passing the results to BRUKL, the
floor area includes only those rooms for which 'For shell and core building, room is part of core (fit-out) area?' is ticked.
EPC reports Main Heating Fuel by largest CO2 emission [ID-0036514]: The EPC reports the fuel of the Apache
System that produces the largest carbon emission.
Actual Building cooling setpoint matches Notional for changeover mixed mode systems [ID-0043355]: In
accordance with the NCM modelling guide, when a system type is specified as being mixed mode, the Actual Building
cooling setpoint will automatically be updated to 27 degC to match the Notional Building cooling setpoint.
Section 6 2010 Notional Building not based on Building Type [ID-0040963]: The Section 6 2010 Notional Building
glazing assignment is based on corresponding Actual building room activity (regardless of overall Building Type set).
NCM Hotel Bedroom upgrade correct for 6.1.1 model [ID-0045954]: "NCM Hotel: Bedroom" is changed to "NCM Hotel:
Ensuite Bedroom" when upgrading a version 6.1.1 model.
Level 5 Section 6 EPC generates successfully [ID-0046371]: Assessor Qualifications level written to .inp file to allow a
Section 6 Level 5 DSM EPC to be generated.
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Virtual Environment 2012 Feature Pack 02
Release Notes
IES VE 2012 Release Notes
EGA can be used to tick Mechanical Supply for Internal void or warm roof zones [ID-0042292]: When a room
(selection of rooms) are of type "Internal void or warm roof", Edit Group Attributes can be used to tick the Mechanical
Supply checkbox.
Occupancy Sensing Parasitic Power disabled when there is no sensing [ID-0021560]: If occupancy sensing is set to
NONE, the occupancy sensing parasitic power controls are disabled and this parameter is not written out the INP file.
Pack chiller type dropdown options updated [ID-0040049]: The Pack chiller type dropdown options in the NCM system
data wizard have been updated to match iSBEM. Any unnecessary entries have been removed.
Vista/VistaPro
Weather Files are not locked by VE [ID-0037639]: When a simulation weather file is in use in a VE session it is still
readable by subsequent VE sessions.
Heating And Cooling Report improvements when multiple loads results are selected [ID-0042042]: Crash
prevented when you have multiple .htg or .clg files selected and generate a Heating and Cooling Report.
EPC Vista Compliance Report updated [ID-0044036]: The colour bands and alignment have been improved for the
Compliance Report generated in Vista after a 2010 L2 EPC run.
Vista variable "Aero/Eqv area" renamed "Eqv area" [ID-0038981]: To avoid confusion, the Vista opening level variable
showing window open area "Aero/Eqv area" has been renamed to "Eqv area".
System name shown in graphs/tables [ID-0009974]: When viewing system results the system name is now displayed
next to the variable in the graph or table.
Vista lists fuel Carbon Emission variables for Waste Heat and Dual Fuel [ID-0039973]: When Waste Heat or Dual
Fuel is used as fuels in the model then the Vista Carbon variables will show the Carbon Emission for these fuels.
Vista Chart Preference improvements [ID-0019965]: Chart Preferences set via the Settings menu are now retained
correctly when leaving Vista\VistaPro.
Apache Loads results chart labelled with correct month [ID-0016290]: A chart produced by clicking on a graph of
Apache Loads results is labelled with the correct month.
VistaPro Floating Calendar removed [ID-0043322]: In VistaPro the date ranges can only be set via the Calendar on the
control bar.
MacroFlo Arrows Scaling Min and Max improvements [ID-0043401]: In IP units, the values for Minimum and
Maximum scaling are retained correctly when changing to another application and then back to VistaPro.
MacroFlo opening data reported for valid openings where rooms are connected by a hole [ID-0044237]: When
rooms are connected and the remove openings options is selected (so the partition between the rooms is a 100% hole)
Apache records MacroFlo data for the hole between the rooms. MacroFlo Arrows can then display results for that hole.
page 33
Virtual Environment 2012 Feature Pack 02
Release Notes