Energy Codes?

johntaylor · Posts: 52

I see that DB has energy code templates. But I don't see a place where they are used. Is this part of a unimplemented feature?

I'd like to use DB to do simulations and then get a automatic code checks on my models. Presumably these templates were created for such an application. It would be nice to get DB to run the model, and then compare it to the code template, and spit out a result file comparing energy use, and a summary list of model surface U-values & areas, and component efficiencies (this would be handy for a lot of things).

Also, I should note for the work we are doing, using IECC 2003 in the USA, the Code template needs fields for heating and cooling system efficienies.

Andy Tindale · Posts: 1235 Location: Stroud

John,

The energy codes feature in DesignBuilder works as follows:

When you create a new file or change the mandatory energy code at the site level, DesignBuilder regenerates the 'energy code' system constructions (listed in blue in version 1.2) using the maximum U-value data stored for the energy code. This system is only partially implemented in the sense that most energy codes are more complex than simply requiring maximum U-values (minimum R-values). Also, the maximum U-values entered for most of the energy codes may not necessarily be up-to-date.

In its present form, the energy code system is best thought of as a way to set up building constructions having 'reasonable' properties. We will be working on improving this mechanism over the next few months by:

1) Making it more flexible allowing for the requirements of a wide range of energy codes including IECC 2003.

2) Including up-to-date data.

When this work is complete you will be able to compare actual buildings with the equivalent building having energy code compliant constructions.

DesignBuilder version 2 will generate reports containing a summary list of surfaces, U-values etc.

Regards,

Andy

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