Overview

Due to the complexity and depth of data that needs to be inputted to accurately model your building, there are many separate areas in OpenBuildings Energy Simulator that must be completed.

While these can be edited at any time as you wish, this article provides a suggested workflow to ensure no vital input is missed.

Method

Upon starting a new project, firstly examine the project tree.

1. Right-click on Project to set your Project properties - such as project name, units, standards etc.
   
   
   
   
   
2. Right-click on Site to set your Site properties -such as building location and terrain type.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Right-click on Building to set your Building properties - such as orientation, window areas, building dimensions.
   
   
   
   
4. Create new floors, importing your drawing plan.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. At this stage before tracing any rooms, you may wish to examine your Defaults, under Data Managers > Defaults. On the Application tab, check the values for Region, Building type and Construction, and so on. On the Project tab, set your default constructions for this project, floor heights, wall heights, etc.
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. Begin tracing rooms from the Home tab.
   
   
   
   
7. As rooms are completed they will be displayed in your project tree. Ensure all Surfaces and Components are as you require. Note rooms can be changed individually in the project tree or together by using the Global change option on the Home menu to make any changes if required.