LEED support

wholden · Posts: 5

I was just curious as to whether there was going to be some added functionality for modeling baseline building energy use for the purposes of LEED credits. More specifically something that would more easily model the 4 rotations of the building as required by LEED.
Thanks.

Andy Tindale · Posts: 2432 Location: Stroud

Yes we will provide extra modelling and reporting tools specifically for LEED in v.2 next year.

Andy

juncalixihan · Posts: 57

I also wonder if it will be possible to already include renewable energy sources like wind turbines, fuel cells and photovoltaics. New buildings we are working on are looking for LEED certifications and they already have these energy sources included in the designs.

Best regards,
Jun

Andy Tindale · Posts: 2432 Location: Stroud

We will include photovoltaics and solar hot water systems in DesignBuilder version 2 as part of the detailed HVAC modeller. I'm not sure about the other options you mentioned.

Andy

juncalixihan · Posts: 57

Thanks Andy for the reply.

These new features will minimize the assumptions and
limitations in modeling my projects. Is it also possible to add cooling tower water heat recovery in the future? (aside from exhaust air heat recovery that you already have). Again most of the building projects I'm working on have these.

thanks,
Jun

juncalixihan · Posts: 57

As per DB on-help the Heating and Cooling Fuel comes from the heating/cooling load with CoP and distribution losses factored in. So this is the input energy to the boilers/chillers regardless of fuel type. I ran some DB models with different fuel types and the simulation annual fuel consumption are the same for all types of fuel.

So my comment above on having cooling tower heat recovery is not applicable/possible. It would then be up to us users of DB to manually calculate the energy consumption/savings if cooling tower water heat recovery, fuel cell heat recovery and energy savings of absorption refrigeration.

Would just like to know other's opinions on this.

thanks!
Jun[/code][/quote]

juncalixihan · Posts: 57

after a lot of reading I understand it now. I have to modify the idf file generated by DB to access the Energyplus features on fuel cells and absorption chillers...but it really looks complicated how this is done in editing the idf file.. I hope future DB releases can access all E+ features..

rgds,
jun

Laurent_Support · Posts: 292 Location: Vincennes

Hello Jun,

I agree, E+ idf file is really complex. All detailed configuration you're talking is also very waited here (France).
The V2 and its detailed HVAC feature will answer (little by little I think) to our needs.
I hope this forum could also be a way to exchange about different methods explored around the world.

See you ...
Laurent

SPlamp · Posts: 31 Location: Omaha

Laurent and Jun,

I agree with you on unlocking advanced HVAC features from within DesignBuilder. I'd think the DesignBuilder folks are working very hard on the issue and I'm very excited for future releases. They always surprise me with neat features and firm results.

So here is to the DesignBuilder team, keep up the good work!

In my experience, first step is to locate appropriate EPlus example file (200+) for your HVAC demands. Next step is to identify differences in programming between the example file and your current EPlus input file. Major equipment is usually copied as an Object directly from the EPlus example file into your input file. Most time consuming is the rerouting/reconnection/updating of your existing branch/mixer/splitter information with the new imported equipment data.

If you study the example file long enough and compare it to your current input file you'll get the idea of how to do it very soon just by identifying objects from the example file and its purpose and placement in your input file. I therefore recommend and have acquired at least 2 high resolution monitors for side by side comparison (worth every penny!).

Next major step is to consult with yahoo EnergyPlus forum for advice on programming and identifying possible severe errors during continuous re-commissioning of your model.

Primary and/or secondary systems may be custom switched in a matter of 24-48 hours (keeping zone amount low certainly saves lives!).

Regards,

Sandro

juncalixihan · Posts: 57

Thanks Laurent, Sandro,

I'm slowly getting familiar with editing idf files. Don't have a 2nd monitor yet so I just print out a truncated idf file and print out the E+ references.

Still looking forward to DB v2, though.

Best Regards,
Jun

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