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Energy Simulation Modeling

What Exactly is Energy Modeling and Building Simulation?

by greenbuildingsme

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:

Building simulation is the process of creating a virtual replica of a building using a computer. In layman’s terms, the building is built on a computer from its component parts, and a simulation is run that takes the building through the weather conditions of an entire year. Building simulation, in some ways, is a way to quantitatively predict the future and thus has significant value. Building simulation is commonly classified into two types: load design and energy analysis. Energy-modeling is a common term for building simulation when energy is involved.

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).

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