error expanding compact HVAC descriptions

hallik · Posts: 14

OK, here goes...

I started new simulation with compact HVAC in DB and kept eye on EnergyPlus folder. At the same time with error message popping up those manually created files (in.idf and expanded.idf) vanished and new versions of compact.idf and dbrunep.bat showed up. No sign of new in.idf reappearing, even for a moment.

Jaanus

Andy Tindale · Posts: 1160 Location: Stroud

OK thanks. Could you send me the diagnostics file immediately after this failure? You can access this with DB still open from the Tools menu. Click on 'Send to DesignBuilder Support' and let me know you have sent it with a post here.

Andy

hallik · Posts: 14

OK. I sent the log file via DesignBuilder "tools" menu a few minutes ago.

Thanks again for looking into this problem.

Jaanus

Andy Tindale · Posts: 1160 Location: Stroud

Thanks I got that, but it didn't shed any light on the problem so I've added some more diagnostic code to the next release and will give instructions when this is available.

In the meantime, have you tried selecting the DOE EXE version of EnergyPlus for use by DB on the EnergyPlus tab of the program options? If you have E+ v.2.1 installed you could try that to see if ExpandObjects behaviour is different.

Andy

hallik · Posts: 14

Hi Andy,

thanks for the tip. The DOE EXE version of E+ version 2.1 worked without errors.

Jaanus

alanjackson · Posts: 9

1. First run a DB simulation with a Compact HVAC description (you should get the "Error expanding compact HVAC descriptions.." message)
done.

2. In the dos command editor (type cmd in the Run dialog) go to the EnergyPlus folder (find this from within DB using the File > Folders > EnergyPlus folder menu command).
done.

Do this by typing in for example:

cd\Documents and Settings\Andy\Local Settings\Application Data\DesignBuilder\EnergyPlus

3. Then check that there is a file in this folder called in.idf (it should contain the compact HVAC idf data prior to expansion).
no there is not.

4. Type in:

ExpandObjects

This will run the ExpandObjects program and you should get a message like that shown below in the screenshot.
done.

5. Please report any messsages generated by ExpandObjects.
see screenshot

6. Then check to see if a file called "expanded.idf" has been generated. This should be the same file as in.idf but with the Compact HVAC descriptions commented out and expanded.
no, it is not there.

7. Also send a screenshot of a Windows explorer window showing the files in the EnergyPlus folder.
see screenshot

alanjackson · Posts: 9

oh great, DOE EXE works here too.

-
aj

Andy Tindale · Posts: 1160 Location: Stroud

I'd like to revisit this problem again once the next version of DesignBuilder has been released and installed - hopefully it will give us enough information to track the problem down without using DOE EXE option.

hallik · Posts: 14

OK, I'll keep eye on this thread for further instructions.

Jaanus

Andy Tindale · Posts: 1160 Location: Stroud

DB v.1.4.0.43 and later has extra diagnostics built in. Please try setting the EnergyPlus version on the EnergyPlus tab of the Program options dialog to 'recommended EXE' and the `Mode to 3-Executable (debug). This causes DB to pause after expanding HVAC allowing you to see the contents of the EnergyPlus folder at the time plus extra info is written to the diagnostics file.

hallik · Posts: 14

Hi Andy,

I installed the 1.4.0.044 version of software and changed the simulation settings according to your last post (recommended EXE and debug mode). In the EnergyPlus folder there were no new behaviours - just new versions of compact.idf and dbrunep.bat showed up while no sign of new in.idf appearing, even for a moment.

I also sent you the log from the Tools menu right after the failed simulation attempt.

I hope it helps. Late holiday greetings from Estonia.

Jaanus Hallik

Andy Tindale · Posts: 1160 Location: Stroud

Hi Jaanus,

Thanks for trying this. According to the log file you sent, the in.idf file is there just before the simulation (it must be because Compact.idf is a copy of it), but it is not there after the ExpandObjects call. So it sounds like ExpandObjects is somehow deleting the input file?!?

Would you mind if we tried an Internet debug session using GotoMeeting where I run DB on your computer from my computer? I think this would be the fastest way to solve this problem.

Please let me know if this is convenient with you.

Greetings and best wishes for 2008!

Andy

adfc · Posts: 45 Location: Montemerlo

I think I have a similar problem.

This problem does not occur when I run "Simulation" with Mechanical Ventilation on, but it occurs when I run the same "Simulation" with Mechanical Ventilation off (I do not change any other option).

I attach the error message (delete the .dsb extension, that I added because your site does not allow .err extension).

Do you think it is a DesignBuilder problem? or is there an error in my model?

alanjackson · Posts: 9

Andy

Has any progress been made on this issue since the latest postings. Will 1.5 or 2.0 address this issue, as it is still a problem for me with 1.4.

thanks

-
aj

Andy Tindale · Posts: 1160 Location: Stroud

Still no progress on this, so...

Alan, or anyone else having the 'error expanding compact HVAC' problem, it would be really helpful if you could try something to help us track it down.

If you have the current version of DB (1.5.0.076 or later), could you try running a Compact HVAC simulation and then send the corresponding diagnostic file (Tools > Show log file and 'Send to DesignBuilder Support' button). Then please let me know by email or through this forum that you have sent it. I need to find out for sure if the in.idf file is there before the expandobjects call and if not why not.

Thanks,

Andy

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