[esp-r] Re: Complex Geometry Input: Optimized Approach

[Jon Hand]

ESP-r includes its own CAD functions, it is possible to input the scale of complexity
that you describe via the in-built interface.  If you were working with the 'X11' interface
you could take a bitmap image of the plan of the house and use the click-on-bitmap
faciility.

The Ecotect export facility (unless it has changed) writes to an ancient version of ESP-r.
You do not mention which version of Ecotect you are using.  It might be that someone
in the community might have had experience working with an exported Ecotect model.

Realistically, going through multiple tools just to compose geometry seems like lots of places for the
process to break down and entities to be mis-interpreted. 

I can imagine some roof forms which would be tedious to create - a geodesic dome or a
hyperbolic paraboloid would be examples. Windows - they are just polygons which have
additional attributes which let short-wave radiation pass.  Rectangular windows are not
much of a hassle, approximating a round window would take longer.  The main issue
is trying to put more than a couple of windows within a single wall.  Much better to subdivide
walls if there are going to be lots of windows in a facade.

Some people adapt to the ESP-r interface, others find it problematic.  I attach a link to
a short video showing the modification of a zone to include a sloped ceiling and some of
the in-built trig functions.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/17785121/video_tutorials/geometry_transforms_wc.mp4

Could you be more specific about the phrase 'I am unable to make satisfactory use of the Cookbook'
Do you need more detail or less detail?  Does it miss some topics that are of interest?

I can send you links to other video tutorials about materials and constructions and
air flow networks if requested.

Also - it is polite to you give your name when requesting help. Tell us a bit about
what goals you have for your simulation model.  It might be possible that you do not
need to represent all 10 zones or you might need more zones to make a model that
is fit-for-purpose.

-Regards, Jon Hand, ESRU

________________________________________
From: esp-r-bounces at lists.strath.ac.uk [esp-r-bounces at lists.strath.ac.uk] On Behalf Of Satya [ringo.satyarr at gmail.com]
Sent: 08 March 2013 22:40
To: esp-r at lists.strath.ac.uk
Subject: [esp-r]  Complex Geometry Input: Optimized Approach

Dear Fellow ESP-r Users,

I intend to investigate the thermal performance of a house having

one floor,
multiple zones (10 rooms),
multi-layered walls
a ventilated porch and
numerous obstructions.

After going through some of the threads in the archive I learned that importing/exporting isn't always possible, and when it is there are issues like 'Ecotect models can be exported into ESP-r but shading should be added using ESP-r' and that adding windows and roofs are tricky in ESP-r.

So, considering the description of the house, what in your opinion would be the best way to carry out the simulation?

I'm looking for something like 'Build CAD model using XYZ software, add windows using ABC and add the roof using PQR, then import into ESP-r and finally add zone and construction data' - or something like that.

Also, as a newbie, I am unable to make satisfactory use of the Cookbook and much of what the ESRU site provides. Anyone know of any better sources for tutorials?

And lastly, I had come across a thread in which someone spoke of testing the Beta version of an interface which would make modelling in ESP-r '80% faster'. Does something like that exist?



Thanks in advance and regards,
S