What is energy modeling?
Energy modeling can be described as the process of using computer-based models to analyze the energy performance of an entire building or the systems within a building.
Former Energy Modeling Practices
In the days before BIM energy modeling, stand-alone applications were used to explore and test sustainable ideas. As a result, multiple models had to be made in order to perform building analysis. Many of these models had to be recreated when studied in other applications. For example: one model for energy consumption, one for daylighting, etc. This method of using BIM added extra time and labor to study energy modeling issues, not to mention all of the added effort that went into making changes to them. As a result, most of the performance studies were conducted late in the design process, when decisions regarding energy saving measures are more finalized.
Current Energy Modeling Practices
Now, with BIM, you have the capability to create a master building geometry, and take it from there into different applications. When changes are made, it is no longer necessary to rework every drawing within every application. After editing the master model, which contains the required information, you can share the new data with other software for evaluation. Starting with a basic model, you can analyze, compare, and evaluate how design decisions affect the buildings energy performance. When design decisions are being made early on, they have the biggest impact on the buildings life cycle. When BIM is used in this way, energy modeling and responsiveness become core components of the design process.
BIM Energy Analysis Software today
The technology to simulate building analysis has been around for years but has gone through several changes. At one time the software was only available to those firms that could afford its high price, and risk included to train others, but this is no longer the case. As building energy software has changed to share BIM data, it has become less problematic and more available for firms that are willing to adapt and learn how to use them.
A seamless design process using energy modeling and BIM is not yet here, but there have been significant advances made in recent years. One of such advances has been the gbXML format, which allows users to use a BIM output when sharing work between users. Many of the leading energy analysis application names are picking up on this output type (including Autodesk, Graphisoft, Bentley Systems,Elite Software, ECOTECT and GeoPraxis).
With gbXML output, other project consultants in addition to the architect (engineers, manufacturers, etc.) are able to share information amongst one another more easily. The BIM process can be further enhanced when all building systems and mechanical data are integrated.
Green Building Studio is a current web-based service that works with a gbXML file exported from various BIM applications, and uses the building information to perform energy evaluations.
Ecotect is a standard sustainable design analysis software is a comprehensive concept-to-detail sustainable building design tool. Ecotect Analysis offers a wide range of simulation and building energy analysis functionality that can improve performance of existing buildings and new building designs.
Energy Modeling in Design Phases
Within the system of BIM, energy modeling can be used in each of the design phases for different important analysis.
During the conceptual design phase, energy modeling can provide valuable input about the site location, building massing, and building orientation. This early analysis can help with choosing between multiple design concepts.
Once in the schematic design phase, energy modeling allows for the designers to optimize the focus on the most promising energy-saving strategies. It allows the designer to see how the energy consumption of a building breaks down by different categories such as fuel type, task, and building component.
During the design development phase of the project, energy modeling allows for parametric studies to be done which allows for a better understanding of the energy use of each building component.
Finally, in the construction document phase, energy modeling allows for the comparison between the actual project and the minimally code-complaint building. This comparison happens most offer in modeling for LEED.
A Look into the Future of Energy Modeling – project Chicago (http://vimeo.com/4975963)
A couple of years ago, Autodesk developed a long-term vision of what sustainable design might look like in the future. Autodesk demoed a multitouch concept screen and interactive LEED based design software to demonstrate the impact of design decisions on sustainability.
With help from the Green Building Research team, they investigated how modeling, analysis, and sustainable validation could converge into an improved design process. They wanted to see how an instant and interactive means to evaluate innovation, water, energy, indoor environmental quality, and carbon footprint elements could give designers an immediate sense of the results of different design scenarios.
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