Hi. Are there any other Hevacomp Mechanical Designer users currently learning to use OpenBuildings Energy Simulator (Update 7)? I am new to it myself and would be interested to know how you are getting on with the functionality of the Energy Simulator platform for modelling and steady state calculations.
How do you feel it compares with Hevacomp Mechanical Designer DDB?
Hi Brian, I am literally starting from scratch with OBD not even able to access models at the moment as all info assumes you are familiar with OBD we are trying to get started did you have similar problems ? and were you able to find the right sort of assistance?
Hi Phil,
Could you please let us know where exactly you are having difficulty you are having and we can assist?
I had a look on our systems and couldn't find any previous queries from you so please do let us know if you are having difficulty by one of the following:
*Logging a new Service Request here
*For Hevacomp post to our Hevacomp Forum here
*For OpenBuildings Energy Simulator see our Energy Simulation Forum here
We have many resources available for users new to OpenBuildings Energy Simulator - to get started with the software I would recommend utilising the Communities page here. This goes step by step through how to get going on the software, from download and install, to starting a project, and finding training.
Once installed, I would suggest making use of the free QuickStart courses and videos to help get a feel for the software, as detailed here.
If you need anything or run into any difficulties just let us know and we are more than happy to assist.
Shane Regan | Principle Building Performance Support EngineerHevacomp to OpenBuildings - A complete guide for every user | Bentley Communities
Good Afternoon Shane,
I have recently installed OpenBuildings Station Designer we are just starting the design of mechanical services for a new Railway Depot we are currently using revit as our 3D design tool. I have installed Revit 2020 and have tried exporting both ifc and dgn files but in each case openbuilding designer fails to load. I am starting to go through your online learning. I would however be grateful for any assisstance.
Kind Regards
Phil Cottrell
Hopefully the below helps to clarify:
*OpenBuildings Designer is multidiscipline software for the creation of BIM models. It would be akin to Revit.
*One of the disciplines included as standard is OpenBuildings Energy Simulator. This is what should be used model heat gains, losses, simulations and PartL calculations, and so on. If you are familiar with Hevacomp then it contains all the aspects of Design Database and Simulator.
*OpenBuildings Station Designer is a separate software package for pedestrian analysis.
To get started on Energy Simulator and create a new project please refer to the below:
How to install OpenBuildings Energy Simulator
Starting OpenBuildings Energy Simulator
Creating a Project - Workspaces and Worksets explained
You mention building services - are you looking to model building loads at this point? Or are you looking to size duct/pipework?
Regards,
Shane
Good Morning Shane,
We are looking at initially building loads but shortly there after being able to progress to both ductwork and pipework sizing. I have installed OpenBuilding Station Designer but when it loads the interface seems to be different to what is being shown on the online training video media. Please bear in mind that we don't have any previous projects to refer back to to enable us to format our data at this time. We are currently using design data base and Netsys but even these are older versions so we are keen to try this new software but so far at an impass until I can get the package running properly, incidentally we are currently using Revit as the architectural interface complicating the issue. We would very much appreciate any information and guidance you can provide.
Phil Cottrell Principal Mechanical Engineer
Hi Phil, OpenBuildings Station Designer is entirely unrelated software for pedestrian analysis.
Have you installed OpenBuildings Designer as shown here?
If so could you please reply with a screenshot of the menu you are seeing when you try to open the software.
Hi Shane,
The software was installed for me by our IT Helpdesk so I do not have any knowedge of how it was installed.
Screen shot of where I load the dgn file from hope this is of assistance have recently updated with the log when error message is generated. Phil.C
Thanks Phil,
That explains your difficulties - the above is different software altogether.
Please instead instruct your IT to install as shown here:
To then get going on the software please refer to the steps here. This will, for example, walk you through how to start the software: