Horrible crash

rufus · Posts: 7 Location: France

Hi all.

Fairly new to DesignBuilder.... I have moved to it from ESP-R which was our main simulating environment until recently. I am very pleased with the user interface, congrats.

However : Our first real-life test involves the modelling of a portion of a future office block (circa 40 zones). Whenever a simulation is launched, DesignBuilder crashes during the 'Auto dimensionnement des équipements de climatisation' (french version)... The crash occurs at the same stage disregarding the version (we updated to see if this made a diference).

What may I send you to help me resolve these persitent crashes ?

Thanks

Andy Tindale · Posts: 1196 Location: Stroud

Hi Rufus, please post the .dsb file so we can look into it.

Thanks

Andy

rufus · Posts: 7 Location: France

Hello Mr. Tindale,

here are two files. the file "test de simul" is the same project, with the same geometry, but with all values reset to default (at least I think). The file "Vélizy_La Source_Modèle" is the project before Reset to default values.

I'm not panicking....I'm not....

thanks.

Andy Tindale · Posts: 1196 Location: Stroud

Rufus,

It looks like the problem here is the enormous number of shading devices being generated in the EnergyPlus IDF data. DesignBuilder has logic to reduce the number of windows using the Window multplier but does not also reduce corresponding shading devices.

We will add this option in a near future version but unfortunately not in the next few weeks as Steve Potter who looks after this part of the software will be on annual leave.

In the meantime you could manually delete the appropriate shading devices in the idf editor and run simulations outside DB.

Alternatively you could consider looking at simplifying the window configuration.

Regards,

Andy

rufus · Posts: 7 Location: France

Andy,

Well, I will attempt to diminish the number of shading elements - I will hand-draw the transparent surfaces (summing the total window surface by zone). Hopefully, the shading devices I then parameter will be fewer.

However - I still have a little question : If the crashes are due to the large number of shading devices, how come DB still crashes when the window and shading parameters are all reset to default values ? (as is the case in the file "vélizy-test de simul" which I sent with the prior post) ?

a bientot

Andy Tindale · Posts: 1196 Location: Stroud

Rufus,

There is a problem in the latest beta version with models using simple HVAC for zones with radiant heating and cooling selected. The bug will be fixed in the next beta release in the next day or two.

I'm not sure if this explains the problem you described with the 'test de simul' model but the model seems to run through OK on my development machine now.

Andy

rufus · Posts: 7 Location: France

Andy,

I think you're right. I simulated the 'test de simul' without any heating, air-conditioning or mechanical ventilation and it worked a treat. Now all I have to do is convince the client that this is a good idea.

cheers.

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