Reference
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Marc Rosenbaum's Writings
Understanding the Energy Modeling Process:
Simulation Literacy 101
from The Pittsburgh Papers (2003)
LIMITATIONS OF THE SOFTWARE
Previous Page: ACCURACY OF THE MODEL
Many different software packages are available. Some are sold by vendors of HVAC equipment, some are free from the government or electric utilities, and some are privately written and sold. None is perfect, and it’s important to understand the unique limitations of each. As much as possible, know whether the software proposed for modeling is appropriate for the building that is going to be created. If a good portion of the building will be below grade, can the software handle that well? If daylighting is a key strategy, will the model have enough daylight-modeling capability to be able to turn lights down when daylight is available? If the building will use advanced HVAC systems, such as structurally integrated radiant heating and cooling, can the software model this explicitly? (Very few can.) Can the model produce comfort criteria such as mean radiant temperature in occupied spaces? Can it model natural ventilation and enthalpic heat recovery? Most of the modeling programs commonly used have a hard time with many of these situations, so the rule is buyer beware: make certain you know what you’re getting before you commit significant resources to the modeling effort.Energysmiths
PO Box 194
Meriden, NH 03770
phone: 603-469-3355
e-mail: mjr@valley.net
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