Exercise 1A. Run Pre-Defined Building with no Windows[LINK]
Objective: Learn to use EP-Launch to run an EnergyPlus input file and view output files.
1. Open EP-Launch.
2. Under “Input File”, browse for input file Exercise1A.idf. This input file contains the 1-zone model described above without the windows and lights. This is located under the install folder <root>\ExampleFiles\BasicsFiles,
3. Under “Weather File”, select “No Weather File” (at the top of the pull-down list).
4. Press “Simulate”.
5. When the simulation is complete, review output files:
Press “Text Output Files” to see all text output. Look especially at the eio and err output files.
Press “Drawing Files” to see a dxf drawing of the building envelope. (If using Voloview Express, right-click to switch between wireframe and shaded orbit view. In DWG True View, use “View” -> “Visual Styles” to switch between wireframe and solid views. In both programs, use “View” à“Named Views” to select isometric views.)
An empty svg drawing file will also open (this will show HVAC system components in later exercises). Note that the Adobe SVG viewer is a “plug-in” for Internet Explorer (IE), so IE will open when viewing an SVG file. Depending on the security settings in IE, you may be prompted with a warning about “active” content.
Press “Spreadsheets” to open the numeric csv output files. In Exercise1a.csv, review the pattern of outdoor conditions and loads. (To make it easier to read the column headings, select Row 1, format cells, and turn on wrap text; then select cell B2 and select “freeze panes”.) In Exercise1aMeter.csv, review the facility district heating and cooling meters.
Zone/Sys Air Temperature – the zone air temperatures are already being reported.
Outdoor Dry Bulb – is being reported (so you can compare to outside temperature)
The meter for the heating in the facility - DistrictHeating:Facility – is being reported. Facility is the entire building.
The meter for the cooling in the facility - DistrictCooling:Facility – is being reported.
Exercise 1B. Add Windows[LINK]
Objective: Learn how to add materials, constructions, and a surface using 3-D coordinates.
1. In EP-Launch, with input file Exercise1A.idf still selected, press “Edit – IDF Editor”. This will open Exercise1A.idf in the IDF Editor, a tool that assists in editing EnergyPlus input files (idf).
2. In IDF Editor, select File -> Save Options . . . and set “Saved Order” to “Original with New at Top”, and “Special Format for Some Objects” to “Yes.” Check the “Set as Default” box.
3. In IDF Editor, Select File -> Save As . . . and save this file as Exercise1B.idf.
4. Create the construction definition for the windows which are double-pane clear gas with an air space:
Using File -> Open Dataset, open the window glass materials dataset file, WindowGlassMaterials.idf
Scroll down the Class list and select “WindowMaterial:Glazing”.
-Hint: In IDF Editor, View -> Show Classes with Objects Only (or ctl-L) will hide all empty object types from the class list.
Locate the object which defines the material properties for “CLEAR 6MM”. Select this object (by clicking on the column heading).
Using Edit -> Copy Object (or the toolbar button, or ctl-C), copy this object.
Switch windows to file Exercise1B.idf and paste the window material into this file. (Verify that is had been added by going to WindowMaterial:Glazing to view the object.)
Open dataset file WindowGasMaterials.idf.
Locate “AIR 3MM”, copy it and paste it into Exercise1B.idf.
In Exercise1B.idf, select the “Construction” class. There are three constructions pre-defined for the walls, roof, and floor.
Press “New Obj” to create a new blank Construction object.
Name this new construction “DOUBLE PANE WINDOW”.
Use the pulldown list to select “CLEAR 6MM” for the outside layer, then press “Enter” or “Return” to save this entry and move to the next field.
Select “AIR 3MM” for Layer 2, and “CLEAR 6MM” for Layer 3.
5. Add the east window (3m wide by 2m high, centered on wall, see the drawing in Figure to determine coordinates):
Select “FenestrationSurface:Detailed” class.
Add a new object named “EAST WINDOW”.
Set the remaining fields as listed:
Surface Type ………………………………………… = Window
Construction Name ………… = DOUBLE PANE WINDOW
Base Surface Name …………… = ZONE SURFACE EAST
OutsideFaceEnvironment Object ………………. = <blank>
View Factor to Ground …………………….. = autocalculate
Name of shading control ………………………… = <blank>
WindowFrameAndDivider Name ……………….. = <blank>
Multiplier ………………………………………………………. = 1
Number of Surface Vertex Groups ……………………… = 4
Vertex coordinates = as determined from the drawing Figure. Coordinates in this input are in World Coordinates (all relative to the global origin of 0,0,0). Coordinates are specified as viewed from the outside of the surface, using the rules specified in the SurfaceGeometry object.
6. Add the west window, similar to the east window.
7. Add a new Output:Surfaces:List object, type = Details. This report produces a list of all surfaces in the eio output summarizing area, azimuth, tilt, etc.
8. Save and close the IDF file, select Exercise1B.idf in EP-Launch, run the simulation and view outputs.
Always review the err file for errors and warnings. Fix problems if needed and re-run.
Are the windows in the right place in the dxf drawing file. (Use the Drawing File button or select the DXF file from View -> Single File or from the Quick-Open panel).
Review the surface details report in the eio file, search for “Zone/Shading Surfaces” to find this report. (Use the Text Output button, Quick Open “eio” button, or select from the single file menu, or use F7). This report is easier to read by pasting this section into a spreadsheet and using the text to columns function with comma as a delimiter).
Open the csv output file and compare the heating and cooling loads with the results from Exercise1A.csv.
Exercise 1C. Add Internal Loads[LINK]
Objective: Learn how to add schedules, internal loads, and report variables.
1. Save Exercise1B.idf as Exercise1C.idf.
2. Open the dataset file Schedules.idf:
Copy the Schedule:Compact object named “Office Lighting”, and paste it into Exercise1C.idf.
Copy the ScheduleTypeLimits object named “Fraction”, and paste it into Exercise1C.idf.
3. In Exercise1C.idf, add a LIGHTS object named ZONE ONE Lights, using the Office Lighting schedule, peak input is 1000W. Consult the EnergyPlus Input Output Reference section on Lights for values for the return, radiant, and visible fractions. Assume the lights are surface mounted fluorescents.
4. Save and close the IDF file, select Exercise1C.idf in EP-Launch, run the simulation and review outputs.
5. Open the rdd file (the report variable data dictionary) and find report variable names related to Lights. Add a new Output:Variable object to report the lighting electric consumption.
6. Run the simulation and review outputs.
7. Compare heating and cooling loads with Exercise1A and Exercise1B.
8. Add more Output:Variable objects as desired.
Exercise 1D. Annual Simulation and Predefined Reports[LINK]
Objective: Learn how to run an annual simulation using a weather data file and add table reports.
1. Save Exercise1C.idf as Exercise1D.idf.
2. Edit the SimulationControl object to turn off the design day simulations by setting “Run Simulation for Sizing Periods” to No and turn on the weather file (annual) simulation by setting “Run Simulation for Weather File Run Periods” to Yes..
3. Add a RunPeriod object to run a full annual simulation, let other fields default or remain blank.
4. Add a Output:Table:SummaryReports object, and select the following reports: “Annual Building Performance Summary” (ABUPS), “Input Verification and Results Summary” (IVRS), “Climate Summary”, and “Envelope Summary”.
5. Add a OutputControl:Table:Style object, and select HTML format (ColumnSeparator).
6. Edit existing Output:Variable and Output:Meter objects and change the reporting frequency from Hourly to Monthly.
7. Save and close the IDF file, select Exercise1D.idf in EP-Launch.
8. Select Chicago TMY2 weather file (or the weather file of your choice) and run the simulation.
9. Review outputs.
Solution: Exercise 1[LINK]
Try not to look at this section until you have completed the Exercise.
List of New Objects[LINK]
This is a listing of new and modified objects created in this Exercise.
WindowMaterial:Glazing,
CLEAR 6MM, !- Name
SpectralAverage, !- Optical Data Type
, !- Name of Window Glass Spectral Data Set
0.006, !- Thickness {m}
0.775, !- Solar Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.071, !- Solar Reflectance at Normal Incidence: Front Side
0.071, !- Solar Reflectance at Normal Incidence: Back Side
0.881, !- Visible Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.080, !- Visible Reflectance at Normal Incidence: Front Side
0.080, !- Visible Reflectance at Normal Incidence: Back Side
0.0, !- IR Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.84, !- IR Hemispherical Emissivity: Front Side
0.84, !- IR Hemispherical Emissivity: Back Side
0.9; !- Conductivity {W/m-K}
WindowMaterial:Gas,
AIR 3MM, !- Name
Air , !- Gas Type
0.0032; !- Thickness {m}
Construction,
DOUBLE PANE WINDOW, !- Name
CLEAR 6MM, !- Outside Layer
AIR 3MM, !- Layer #2
CLEAR 6MM; !- Layer #3
FenestrationSurface:Detailed,
EAST WINDOW, !- User Supplied Surface Name
WINDOW, !- Surface Type
DOUBLE PANE WINDOW, !- Construction Name of the Surface
ZONE SURFACE EAST, !- Base Surface Name
, !- OutsideFaceEnvironment Object
autocalculate, !- View Factor to Ground
, !- Name of shading control
, !- WindowFrameAndDivider Name
1, !- Multiplier
4, !- Number of vertices
8, 1.5, 2.35, !- X,Y,Z 1 {m}
8, 1.5, 0.35, !- X,Y,Z 2 {m}
8, 4.5, 0.35, !- X,Y,Z 3 {m}
8, 4.5, 2.35; !- X,Y,Z 4 {m}
FenestrationSurface:Detailed,
WEST WINDOW, !- User Supplied Surface Name
WINDOW, !- Surface Type
DOUBLE PANE WINDOW, !- Construction Name of the Surface
ZONE SURFACE WEST, !- Base Surface Name
, !- OutsideFaceEnvironment Object
autocalculate, !- View Factor to Ground
, !- Name of shading control
, !- WindowFrameAndDivider Name
1, !- Multiplier
4, !- Number of Vertices
0, 4.5, 2.35, !- X,Y,Z 1 {m}
0, 4.5, 0.35, !- X,Y,Z 2 {m}
0, 1.5, 0.35, !- X,Y,Z 3 {m}
0, 1.5, 2.35; !- X,Y,Z 4 {m}
Output:Surfaces:List,Details;
Schedule:Compact,
Office Lighting, !- Name
Fraction, !- ScheduleType
Through: 12/31, !- Complex Field #1
For: Weekdays SummerDesignDay, !- Complex Field #2
Until: 05:00, 0.05, !- Complex Field #4
Until: 07:00, 0.1, !- Complex Field #6
Until: 08:00, 0.3, !- Complex Field #8
Until: 17:00, 0.9, !- Complex Field #10
Until: 18:00, 0.5, !- Complex Field #12
Until: 20:00, 0.3, !- Complex Field #14
Until: 22:00, 0.2, !- Complex Field #16
Until: 23:00, 0.1, !- Complex Field #18
Until: 24:00, 0.05, !- Complex Field #20
For: Saturday WinterDesignDay, !- Complex Field #21
Until: 06:00, 0.05, !- Complex Field #23
Until: 08:00, 0.1, !- Complex Field #25
Until: 12:00, 0.3, !- Complex Field #27
Until: 17:00, 0.15, !- Complex Field #29
Until: 24:00, 0.05, !- Complex Field #31
For: Sunday Holidays AllOtherDays, !- Complex Field #32
Until: 24:00, 0.05; !- Complex Field #34
ScheduleTypeLimits,
Fraction, !- ScheduleType Name
0.0, !- Lower Limit Value
1.0, !- Upper Limit Value
CONTINUOUS; !- Numeric Type
Lights,
ZONE ONE Lights, !- Name
ZONE ONE, !- Zone Name
Office Lighting, !- Schedule Name
LightingLevel, !- Design Level Calculation Method
1000, !- Lighting Level {W}
, !- Watts per Zone Floor Area {W/m2}
, !- Watts per Person {W/person}
0, !- Return Air Fraction
0.72, !- Fraction Radiant
0.18, !- Fraction Visible
1, !- Fraction Replaceable
General, !- End-Use Subcategory
No; !- Return Air Fraction Calculated from Plenum Temperature
Output:Variable,*,Lights Electric Consumption ,hourly;
RunPeriod,
1, !- Begin Month
1, !- Begin Day Of Month
12, !- End Month
31, !- End Day Of Month
UseWeatherFile, !- Day Of Week For Start Day
Yes, !- Use WeatherFile Holidays/Special Days
Yes, !- Use WeatherFile DaylightSavingPeriod
No, !- Apply Weekend Holiday Rule
Yes, !- Use WeatherFile Rain Indicators
Yes, !- Use WeatherFile Snow Indicators
1; !- Number of years of simulation
Output:Table:SummaryReports,
Annual Building Utility Performance Summary, !- ReportName1
Input Verification and Results Summary, !- ReportName2
Climate Summary, !- ReportName3
Envelope Summary; !- ReportName4
OutputControl:Table,
HTML; !- ColumnSeparator
SimulationControl,
No, !- Do the zone sizing calculation
No, !- Do the system sizing calculation
No, !- Do the plant sizing calculation
No, !- Do the design day simulations
Yes; !- Do the weather file simulation
Instructions[LINK]
Exercise 1A. Run Pre-Defined Building with no Windows[LINK]
Objective: Learn to use EP-Launch to run an EnergyPlus input file and view output files.
1. Open EP-Launch.
2. Under “Input File”, browse for input file Exercise1A.idf. This input file contains the 1-zone model described above without the windows and lights. This is located under the install folder <root>\ExampleFiles\BasicsFiles,
3. Under “Weather File”, select “No Weather File” (at the top of the pull-down list).
4. Press “Simulate”.
5. When the simulation is complete, review output files:
Press “Text Output Files” to see all text output. Look especially at the eio and err output files.
Press “Drawing Files” to see a dxf drawing of the building envelope. (If using Voloview Express, right-click to switch between wireframe and shaded orbit view. In DWG True View, use “View” -> “Visual Styles” to switch between wireframe and solid views. In both programs, use “View” à“Named Views” to select isometric views.)
An empty svg drawing file will also open (this will show HVAC system components in later exercises). Note that the Adobe SVG viewer is a “plug-in” for Internet Explorer (IE), so IE will open when viewing an SVG file. Depending on the security settings in IE, you may be prompted with a warning about “active” content.
Press “Spreadsheets” to open the numeric csv output files. In Exercise1a.csv, review the pattern of outdoor conditions and loads. (To make it easier to read the column headings, select Row 1, format cells, and turn on wrap text; then select cell B2 and select “freeze panes”.) In Exercise1aMeter.csv, review the facility district heating and cooling meters.
Zone/Sys Air Temperature – the zone air temperatures are already being reported.
Outdoor Dry Bulb – is being reported (so you can compare to outside temperature)
The meter for the heating in the facility - DistrictHeating:Facility – is being reported. Facility is the entire building.
The meter for the cooling in the facility - DistrictCooling:Facility – is being reported.
Exercise 1B. Add Windows[LINK]
Objective: Learn how to add materials, constructions, and a surface using 3-D coordinates.
1. In EP-Launch, with input file Exercise1A.idf still selected, press “Edit – IDF Editor”. This will open Exercise1A.idf in the IDF Editor, a tool that assists in editing EnergyPlus input files (idf).
2. In IDF Editor, select File -> Save Options . . . and set “Saved Order” to “Original with New at Top”, and “Special Format for Some Objects” to “Yes.” Check the “Set as Default” box.
3. In IDF Editor, Select File -> Save As . . . and save this file as Exercise1B.idf.
4. Create the construction definition for the windows which are double-pane clear gas with an air space:
Using File -> Open Dataset, open the window glass materials dataset file, WindowGlassMaterials.idf
Scroll down the Class list and select “WindowMaterial:Glazing”.
Locate the object which defines the material properties for “CLEAR 6MM”. Select this object (by clicking on the column heading).
Using Edit -> Copy Object (or the toolbar button, or ctl-C), copy this object.
Switch windows to file Exercise1B.idf and paste the window material into this file. (Verify that is had been added by going to WindowMaterial:Glazing to view the object.)
Open dataset file WindowGasMaterials.idf.
Locate “AIR 3MM”, copy it and paste it into Exercise1B.idf.
In Exercise1B.idf, select the “Construction” class. There are three constructions pre-defined for the walls, roof, and floor.
Press “New Obj” to create a new blank Construction object.
Name this new construction “DOUBLE PANE WINDOW”.
Use the pulldown list to select “CLEAR 6MM” for the outside layer, then press “Enter” or “Return” to save this entry and move to the next field.
Select “AIR 3MM” for Layer 2, and “CLEAR 6MM” for Layer 3.
5. Add the east window (3m wide by 2m high, centered on wall, see the drawing in Figure to determine coordinates):
Select “FenestrationSurface:Detailed” class.
Add a new object named “EAST WINDOW”.
Set the remaining fields as listed:
Surface Type ………………………………………… = Window
Construction Name ………… = DOUBLE PANE WINDOW
Base Surface Name …………… = ZONE SURFACE EAST
OutsideFaceEnvironment Object ………………. = <blank>
View Factor to Ground …………………….. = autocalculate
Name of shading control ………………………… = <blank>
WindowFrameAndDivider Name ……………….. = <blank>
Multiplier ………………………………………………………. = 1
Number of Surface Vertex Groups ……………………… = 4
Vertex coordinates = as determined from the drawing Figure. Coordinates in this input are in World Coordinates (all relative to the global origin of 0,0,0). Coordinates are specified as viewed from the outside of the surface, using the rules specified in the SurfaceGeometry object.
6. Add the west window, similar to the east window.
7. Add a new Output:Surfaces:List object, type = Details. This report produces a list of all surfaces in the eio output summarizing area, azimuth, tilt, etc.
8. Save and close the IDF file, select Exercise1B.idf in EP-Launch, run the simulation and view outputs.
Always review the err file for errors and warnings. Fix problems if needed and re-run.
Are the windows in the right place in the dxf drawing file. (Use the Drawing File button or select the DXF file from View -> Single File or from the Quick-Open panel).
Review the surface details report in the eio file, search for “Zone/Shading Surfaces” to find this report. (Use the Text Output button, Quick Open “eio” button, or select from the single file menu, or use F7). This report is easier to read by pasting this section into a spreadsheet and using the text to columns function with comma as a delimiter).
Open the csv output file and compare the heating and cooling loads with the results from Exercise1A.csv.
Exercise 1C. Add Internal Loads[LINK]
Objective: Learn how to add schedules, internal loads, and report variables.
1. Save Exercise1B.idf as Exercise1C.idf.
2. Open the dataset file Schedules.idf:
Copy the Schedule:Compact object named “Office Lighting”, and paste it into Exercise1C.idf.
Copy the ScheduleTypeLimits object named “Fraction”, and paste it into Exercise1C.idf.
3. In Exercise1C.idf, add a LIGHTS object named ZONE ONE Lights, using the Office Lighting schedule, peak input is 1000W. Consult the EnergyPlus Input Output Reference section on Lights for values for the return, radiant, and visible fractions. Assume the lights are surface mounted fluorescents.
4. Save and close the IDF file, select Exercise1C.idf in EP-Launch, run the simulation and review outputs.
5. Open the rdd file (the report variable data dictionary) and find report variable names related to Lights. Add a new Output:Variable object to report the lighting electric consumption.
6. Run the simulation and review outputs.
Check the err file.
Find the lighting electric consumption in the csv output file.
7. Compare heating and cooling loads with Exercise1A and Exercise1B.
8. Add more Output:Variable objects as desired.
Exercise 1D. Annual Simulation and Predefined Reports[LINK]
Objective: Learn how to run an annual simulation using a weather data file and add table reports.
1. Save Exercise1C.idf as Exercise1D.idf.
2. Edit the SimulationControl object to turn off the design day simulations by setting “Run Simulation for Sizing Periods” to No and turn on the weather file (annual) simulation by setting “Run Simulation for Weather File Run Periods” to Yes..
3. Add a RunPeriod object to run a full annual simulation, let other fields default or remain blank.
4. Add a Output:Table:SummaryReports object, and select the following reports: “Annual Building Performance Summary” (ABUPS), “Input Verification and Results Summary” (IVRS), “Climate Summary”, and “Envelope Summary”.
5. Add a OutputControl:Table:Style object, and select HTML format (ColumnSeparator).
6. Edit existing Output:Variable and Output:Meter objects and change the reporting frequency from Hourly to Monthly.
7. Save and close the IDF file, select Exercise1D.idf in EP-Launch.
8. Select Chicago TMY2 weather file (or the weather file of your choice) and run the simulation.
9. Review outputs.
Check the err file.
Look at the monthly results in the csv output.
Press the Table output button to view the predefined reports.
Solution: Exercise 1[LINK]
Try not to look at this section until you have completed the Exercise.
List of New Objects[LINK]
This is a listing of new and modified objects created in this Exercise.
Documentation content copyright © 1996-2017 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois and the Regents of the University of California through the Ernest Orlando Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. All rights reserved. EnergyPlus is a trademark of the US Department of Energy.
This documentation is made available under the EnergyPlus Open Source License v1.0.