Question

1. What is Building Energy Modeling? Include in your answer discussion of:

• Calculations that underlie a building energy model

• Databases that are integrated in the model

• Why zoning is important in constructing a building energy model

• How energy models are used for code compliance and can be used to consider alternative designs.

Answer 1

Building Energy Modeling (BEM) is a flexible, generalpurpose mechine which is used in retrofit design, code compliance, new building ,green certification, and utility incentives, and real-time building control.In large-scale analyses to develop building energy-efficiency codes and inform policy decisions (BEM) Building Energy Modeling is used.

Building EnergyPlus modeling uses these values in calculations for:

(1) Convection coefficients used in the exterior surface heat balance;

(2) Zone air infiltration and simple ventilation;

(3) External air condition used in the airflow network

Modeling the energy use of a building in an urban context requires simulating interactions with other buildings and with the urban microclimate. Interactions with other buildings include shading, long-wave radiant

Many buildings already exist in an urban context, in close proximity to many other buildings of similar or larger size and in micro-climates . BEM presents several new features recently implemented in EnergyPlus modeling to improve its use for urban context and urban scale building energy modeling. Simulation examples demonstrate their use and impact on runtime adetailed simulation and quantification of the effects of building interactions and coupling between buildings and urban microclimate at a larger scale is also needed.environment solar reflection etc.

zoning is very important in constructing a builing energy model becaus it gives the correct idea about the whole structure.

1. One zone per floor

2. 15' perimeter depth that are not divided into further zones

3. Cardinal direction zoning

4. 10’ perimeter depth

5. 20’ perimeter depth

6. Level cut at floor instead of mid-way between levels

7. 15' perimeter depth, no maximum zone length

8. 15' perimeter depth, perimeter divided per ASHRAE 90.1. Plan cut at 5’ above floor with a maximum 70’ zone length.

eQUEST a builing energy programe which  provide templates for zoning many different floor plan configurations; however, changing this configuration from floor to floor is difficult and time consuming. Advances in building modeling software, as well as design trends, are making more complex shaped buildings easier to design and build.