Search

This paper is the second of two papers that report on the results ofASHRAEResearchProjectRP-1468.Accuratebuilding performance analysis is necessary for designing highperformance sustainable buildings. This paper discusses the analysis of selected test cases conducted to arrive at mapping rules. The test cases presented include alternative modeling of curved facades; alternative modeling of an arched window with shades; and the analysis of the alternative location of thermal surfaces with respect to the outside face, centerline, and inside face of an exterior wall. The test cases were modeled using Building Information Models (BIMs) and building energy simulation (BES) tools, and simulations were performed. A Rapid Analysis of Energy Simulation Results (RAESR) spreadsheet tool was developed to support the comparison of simulation results. The development process and tools used to conduct the analyses are provided in the final three-volume report so theymaybe of use to other researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is the first two that report on the results of ASHRAE Research Project RP-1468. This paper presents an overview of the projectandthe three volumes of documentation included in the final report (Clayton et al. 2013). The purpose of the project was to produce reference models and guidelines for developing software to automate thermal model creation fromabuilding informationmodelintoabuilding energy simulation (BES) for energy simulations. This paper describes the methods of the research and presents highlights of the guidelines. The variety of uses for energy simulation in the building design process leads to a differentiation of several different kinds of thermal models that may be extracted from a BIM. A Series 2, Level 1 model that addresses whole-building energy use at schematic stages of design is developed into a set of guidelines. A recommendation is to use the centerlines of enclosure elements to determine areas of thermal surfaces. Various recommendations are made for resolving curved surfaces, shading elements, and site elements. The guidelines are supported by detailed sensitivity studies and analysis, presented in the final report (Clayton et al. 2013). The investigations led to identification of future work to improve energy simulation tools and BIM tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]