how to generate or edit an epw file?

elena · Posts: 25

hi!
again another question..
i need to simulate the building like if i am using a stationary program (and not dinamic).
so the difference with the current way of working of design builder is the weather file (in the stationary program there's only one average temperature for all the month and in the dinamic one there's a different temperature for every hour)..
so i'd like to know how to generate or edit an .epw file in order to simulate the building in this other way.
thanks again.
this forum is very helpful...and patient! Wink

ele.

Andy Tindale · Posts: 1162 Location: Stroud

Hi,

You can use DesignBuilder to carry out steady state EnergyPlus simulations directly by using the Heating design tab. In this case, the outside conditions are considered to be at the Winter design conditions as defined at the Site level and there is no solar radiation. Please note that when carrying out Heating design calculations, internal gains from occupants, lighting and other equipment are not used in the simulation.

Alternatively, as you say in your message, you could set up a steady state epw file. This can be done by exporting the epw file to csv format using the DesignBuilder weather data translator, editing the data as required in a spreadsheet program then converting back to epw format.

I just tested this procedure and it seems to work OK. I can't guarantee that you won't get (non-steady state) solar radiation on your external elements because EnergyPlus calculates the position of the Sun regardless of the data set in the epw file.

I'm glad to hear you find this forum useful Smile

Andy

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