How to incorporate biomimicry into a building system model?
Dear Biophile, To answer this question, the first important step is to understand what biomimicry is and to distinguish between biomimetic and non-biomimetic design practices...
Modeling novel or atypical envelope materials or assemblies
Dear Leading Edge, Energy modeling is a critical tool in evaluating the performance of new envelope technologies under diverse sets of conditions – building type, operation, climate conditions, and others...
Are there strategies to save cost and energy by changing the way HVAC load is calculated?
Dear Right Size, Rejoice, as gone are the days of boasting about the biggest kit in town. Now is the time of the kit that is just the right size to do the right job right...
How do you utilize utility bill data to guide retrofit projects?
Dear Bill Overload, Retrofit analysis uses historic utility bill data (consumption, demand, and cost) to inform a utility efficiency project’s design strategy. Utility bill data can be compiled into a broad overview of a building’s energy usage...
What to know about participating in IBPSA hackathon?
Dear Hack-Curious, You are interested in participating in a hackathon? Congratulations! You are ready to become a vital team member for whatever project you are going to be a part of...
How to Connect EnergyPlus with Other Energy Modeling Tools?
This month, we will focus on how we can connect EnergyPlus with other applications and discuss some exciting use cases–like storing ice cream!
When and How Should I Update My Energy Modeling Software?
This month, we will focus on the first of these questions: When during my project lifecycle should I update energy modeling software, and how should I go about it?
How can I talk to clients about uncertainty in models?
Dear Uncertain in Urbana, My first instinct is to recommend that you bang loudly on your client’s desk while shouting the aphorism (generally attributed to the statistician George Box), ‘ALL MODELS ARE WRONG BUT SOME ARE USEFUL...
What do I need to know in order to properly model heat pump water heaters?
Dear Hot For Heat Pump, Good question! Heat pumps are getting more attention these days for both space conditioning and water heating as electrification is increasingly seen as part of the path to reducing emissions...
How do we better prepare students for the building simulation industry?
Dear Prof. Wellwisher, Wherever I go, at least one professor asks the question, “What can I do to better prepare students for the building simulation industry?”. The question often leads to a really fiery and interesting discussion...