What exactly is
Energy Modeling
and Building
Simulation?
Introduction
Energy simulation modelling is a virtual or digitalized simulation of a
building or complex that focuses on energy consumption, utility bills, and
the life cycle costs of various energy-related items such as air
conditioning, lighting, and hot water. It is also used to calculate the
return on investment of green energy solutions such as solar panels and
photovoltaics, wind turbines, and high-efficiency appliances.
Understanding building simulation is essential for understanding energy
modelling:
Who is benefited by energy
modelling?
●
Engineers (no more massive spreadsheets!
●
Manufacturers (Quantitatively prove that your product saves money in X amount
of time.)
●
Owners of buildings (Get the most bang for your buck up front)
●
Tenants of a building (lower monthly bills!)
●
The Natural World (one can determine the options to use the least energy and
have the least emissions)
●
As well as MANY MORE BENEFITS!
How do I create an energy-model or a
building simulation?
The right software is required to simulate a building on a
computer.
Although either software package can be learned quickly,
becoming a master takes years (just like anything else
worthwhile).
What do I need before I begin Energy Modeling?
●
Geometry and building location
●
Materials for construction (walls, windows, u-values, shading coefficients)
●
The building's overall operation
●
Every interior load value (Lighting, plug loads, occupant numbers and activity
level).
●
System types (is it constant volume or variable air volume? DX coils or ice cold
water?) - If you don't know what type of system you have, you can use a model to
determine what is best!
●
You must be astute...
Which software is the most effective?
This is not our place to say! We don't want to receive a lot of hate mail. Each package has
advantages and disadvantages. Some packages have excellent functionality but a poor
user interface, while others have excellent user interfaces but limited functionality. It is
entirely dependent on what you are doing.
eQUEST is probably the quickest and also cost-free option. Keep in mind that it is almost
entirely focused on energy, and that load design in eQUEST should be left to the experts.
If you need to do Load Design + Energy, the TRACE 700 is an excellent choice. Tell your
boss to swallow his pride and buy it for you. It includes free support.
Alternatively, if you are only interested in Load Design, TRACE 700 Load Design is an
option (it costs much less and you still get unlimited support).
Thanks!
Do you have any questions?
contact@envirolink.me
+ 971 557219696
greenbuildings.me