DesignBuilder_DB501024| 2017/2018

INDEX

DesignBuilder v5 ReadMe - NOTE TO USERS

Welcome to DesignBuilder…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2
MAIN CHANGES IN V5.0 RELATIVE TO V4.7………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2

Knowledgebase: Hardware and OS

Hardware Requirements……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3
Screen refresh problem in Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8…………………………………………………………………………………….. 4
Does DesignBuilder run on Macs?.................................................................................................................................... 4

Knowledgebase: Installation and Licensing

Completely remove DesignBuilder v4 from a computer………………………………………………………………………………………...….. 5

CHAPTER [1] - Download the zip file DesignBuilder to your computer

Download the zip file DesignBuilder to your computer………………………………………………………………………………………………. 7

CHAPTER [2] – Set up DesignBuilder on your computer

Set up DesignBuilder on your computer.......................................................................................................................... 7

CHAPTER [3] – Run and configure the license server DesignBuilder software
Run and configure the license server DesignBuilder software……………..l…………………………………………………………………. 11

DesignBuilder Support Desk

DesignBuilder Support Desk........................................................................................................................................... 13

HELPDESK@DEC
HELPDESK@DEC Support…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 13

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DesignBuilder v5 ReadMe - NOTE TO USERS

This section is a integrate transcript of the “ReadMe.txt” file, that appears (optional) after installation (19.12.2016
– copy by N@).

Welcome to DesignBuilder
DesignBuilder is an easy-to-use yet powerful modelling tool for creating, visualising and simulating building thermal
models.
If you are having problems installing or running DesignBuilder, the first thing to do is to check our knowledgebase at:
http://support.designbuilder.co.uk/index.php?/default/Knowledgebase/List&Itemid=76

If this does not help resolve it please go to the support desk and request help from there:
http://support.designbuilder.co.uk/

Instructions for the support desk can be found at:

http://support.designbuilder.co.uk/index.php?/Knowledgebase/List/Index/16/support-general

MAIN CHANGES IN V5.0 RELATIVE TO V4.7

SIMULATION
- HAMT/EMPD Combined Heat and Moisture Simulation
- Ground domain
- BIPV
- Selective loading of templates
- EMS
- E+ v8.5

DAYLIGHTING
- Daysim for sDA and ASE outputs (coming soon)
- Flexibility in allowing different working plane heights (coming soon)

LEED
- Improvements and fixes for ASHRAE 90.1 and LEED modelling
- Baseline building generation
- 4 x rotated Baseline building simulation
- LEED summary reporting
- Links to LEED submission reporting tool (coming soon)

OPTIMISATION
- New tool allows selected design option to be made the current design
- Optimisation fixes and improvements

APPROVAL STATUS IN UK & REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

For an up to date summary of the approval status of this version See:
www.designbuilder.co.uk/ncmapprovals

KNOWN ISSUES
1. Bug when using library components and templates where user components from the library in model data are
repeated multiple times. One workaround to this is to save library data in ddf form, remove library data and load ddf
library each time as required when a new dsb file is created.
We hope you find this release of DesignBuilder useful and look forward to hearing your feedback.

DesignBuilder Support

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Knowledgebase: Hardware and OS

This section is a integrate transcript of the link (19.12.2016 – copy by N@):
http://support.designbuilder.co.uk/index.php?/Knowledgebase/Article/View/25/0/hardware-requirements
Hardware Requirements

Posted by Andy Tindale on 08-Dec-06 01:32 PM

DesignBuilder is a professional graphics application and requires a reasonably high standard of computer
hardware for successful use. This page contains information on the recommended specification. The main
areas you should pay attention to if you are buying or upgrading your computer system to run DesignBuilder
are:

 Graphics adapter - a good 100% OpenGL compatible graphics adapter is required to run DesignBuilder.
The mid-range and better NVIDIA cards are the most reliable. Some graphics adapters integrated with
the motherboard we have tested are unable to run DesignBuilder.
 Memory - DesignBuilder will use all the memory you can provide - at least 4GB is recommended and 8-
16GB for serious modelling and simulations.
 CPU speed - get as fast as you can afford. i7 or Xeon are ideal.
 Cores - having multiple processors does not necessarily speed up simulations in DesignBuilder but it
does allow you to continue using your computer while simulations are running. Quad (or more) core
processors also make the software more responsive in use. If you plan to run optimisations and would
prefer to avoid online services then a 16-32 (or more) core server will allow multiple simulations to be
run in parallel and allow optimisations to complete much more quickly than on a standard quad core
desktop or laptop.

Recommended
 Windows 7
 i5, i7 or Xeon processor with 4 or more cores.
 8-16 GB (or more) RAM.
 At least 200 GB free disk space. SSD speed up software operation and are more robust especially for
laptops.
 Pointing device such as a mouse or laptop trackpad. Most users prefer using a mouse to trackpads.
 100% NVIDIA graphics adapter with hardware acceleration running in 32-bit color mode.
 17" or more, 1280x1024 pixels or larger screen for efficiency during the modelling process and for
displaying high-quality visualisation images and walk-throughs of DesignBuilder models and CFD
results. Large screens (e.g. 27") are ideal for use with DesignBuilder.

Windows 10, 8, 7
DesignBuilder works well under Windows 10, 8, 7. Windows XP and Vista are not recommended and are no
longer supported by the DesignBuilder Support Desk.

(Updated 23.Mar.2016)

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Knowledgebase: Hardware and OS

This section is a complete transcript of the hyperlink (19.12.2016 – copy by N@):
http://support.designbuilder.co.uk/index.php?/Knowledgebase/Article/View/74/4/screen-refresh-problem-in-vista-
and-windows-7
Screen refresh problem in Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8

Posted by Andy Tindale on 10-Jun-09 11:05 AM

When using DesignBuilder with Windows 8, 7 and Vista you should ensure that the "Windows XP
compatibility" option has been set. To do this right click on the DesignBuilder icon you use to start
DesignBuilder (usually either on the desktop or from the start menu) and select "Properties". Then click on
the "Compatibility" tab and check "Run this program in compatibility mode for:" and select Windows XP if
it is not already set.

Also check the "Disable desktop composition" to switch off the "Aero" transparent interface effects if this
option is available. Without these changes the DesignBuilder screen does not always refresh correctly.

This section is a complete transcript of the hyperlink (19.12.2016 – copy by N@):

http://support.designbuilder.co.uk/index.php?/Knowledgebase/Article/View/76/4/does-designbuilder-run-on-macs
Does DesignBuilder run on Macs?

Posted by Andy Tindale on 02-Sep-09 12:41 PM

DesignBuilder has been developed using a Windows-specific software development system and there is no
immediate prospect of the software running natively under the Mac operating system.

However the latest Mac computers do support 2 alternative approaches to running Windows software:
 Boot Camp where Intel-based Mac computers can be booted using either the Mac or Windows
operating systems. This is the recommended approach to use if possible as it runs faster and more
reliably than...
 Virtual machines such as Parallels. You can find more about users experience with these systems on a
forum post: compatibility with mac computer

The full spec of a known good Mac-based DesignBuilder system is:

 Machine spec: 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 4GB Ram (2GB allocated to Fusion). GeForce 8600M GT
graphics card with 256MB VRAM
 Mac running VMware Fusion V 1.1.3.
 Virtual machine running DB on Windows XP Pro Service Pack 3.

See also Which operating systems does DesignBuilder support?

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Knowledgebase: Installation and Licensing

This section is a complete transcript of the hyperlink (19.12.2016 – copy by N@):
http://support.designbuilder.co.uk/index.php?/Knowledgebase/Article/View/143/2/completely-remove-
designbuilder-v4-from-a-computer
Completely remove DesignBuilder v4 from a computer

Posted by Andy Tindale on 24-Sep-14 02:11 PM

Please note that by following these instructions you will also delete your Component, Template and
Weather data libraries. To avoid this you should export your libraries before removing DesignBuilder using
the File > Export > Library data menu command from the opening screen. You should also make copies of
any weather files you wish to keep.

Under certain circumstances it can be useful to completely remove all traces of previous DesignBuilder
installations from a computer in order to start from scratch. To do this follow the instructions below.

You will need Administrator privileges on the machine to carry put this procedure.

1. Start an DesignBuilder session and navigate to Help>License and on the License Manager dialog press the
"Reset" button to release any licenses.

2. If you haven't done so already, set your Folder Options so you can see hidden files, folders and drives:
On Windows XP:
From an Explorer window:
i) Tools -> Folder Options ...
ii) Click the view tab
iii) Select "Show hidden files, folder and drives"
iv) Click Ok.

On Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8:

From an Explorer window:
i) Organize -> Folder and Search Options
ii) Click the view tab
iii) Select "Show hidden files, folder and drives"
iv) Click Ok.

On Windows 10:
From an Explorer window:
i) Click the View tab
ii) Select "Hidden items"

3. Stop the simulation manager:

On Windows XP:
i) Open an explorer window and navigate to C:\Documents and Settings\<your username>\Local
Settings\Application Data\DesignBuilder\JobServer
ii) double click deleteservice.bat

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On Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10:

i) Open an explorer window and navigate to
C:\Users\<your_username>\AppData\Local\DesignBuilder\JobServer
ii) right click deleteservice.bat - select "Run as administrator"

Note:
If you experience problems with stopping the simulation manager then you may also need to navigate to
Task Manager and manually end the DBJobServer.exe process.

4. Uninstall DesignBuilder using the "Program and Features" program accessed from the Windows Control
Panel.

5. Delete the following folders, if they exist:

On Windows XP:
C:\Program Files\DesignBuilder
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\DesignBuilder
Delete folders and files at C:\Documents and Settings\<your username>\Local Settings\Application
Data\DesignBuilder EXCEPT those indicated on step 6 below:

On Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10:

C:\Program Files\DesignBuilder
C:\Program Files (x86)\DesignBuilder
C:\Users\<your username>\AppData\Local\DesignBuilder\
C:\Users\<your username>\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files\DesignBuilder
C:\Users\<your username>\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files (x86)\DesignBuilder
C:\Users\<your username>\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\ProgramData\DesignBuilder
Delete folders and files at the above locations EXCEPT those indicated on step 6 below:

6. Do NOT delete the following folders and files (if they exist):

On Windows XP:
C:\Documents and Settings\<your username>\Local Settings\Application
Data\DesignBuilder\Licenses
C:\Documents and Settings\<your username>\Local Settings\Application
Data\DesignBuilder\DBSystemSettings.txt
C:\Documents and Settings\<your username>\Local Settings\Application
Data\DesignBuilder\Reprise

On Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10:

C:\ProgramData\DesignBuilder\Licenses
C:\ProgramData\DesignBuilder\DBSystemSettings.txt
C:\ProgramData\RepriseSee also:

 Remove DesignBuilder Library folder

 Completely remove DesignBuilder v3 from a computer

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CHAPTER [1] - Download the zip file DesignBuilder to your computer

Step 1: Download the ‘[email protected]’ file from:

http://www.dec.uc.pt/~nalmeida/DesignBuilder/[email protected]

Step 2: unzip the downloaded file ‘[email protected]’ and keep the folder open

CHAPTER [2] – Set up DesignBuilder on your computer

ATTENTION !!!
You will need Administrator privileges or
through the Administrator account, on the
machine to carry put this procedure.

Step 1: Double click the ‘SetupDB501024.exe (available for

32/64 bits) file, located in the unzipped folder
‘[email protected]’, accept
changes to your computer and click ‘YES’ button

Step 2: Click ‘Next’ button to continue

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Step 3: Select ‘I accept the terms of the license agreement’

option and click ‘Next’ button to continue

Step 4: Enter your information:

» User name (ex.: Paulo Santos/Nuno Almeida/etc)
» Company name (same: Universidade de Coimbra)
Select ‘Only for me’ option and click ‘Next’ button

Step 5: Choose Destination Location and click ‘Next’

button

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Step 6: Select ‘Program Folder’ and click ‘Next’ button

Step 7: Review settings and start copying files, click ‘Next’

button and wait a few minutes

Step 8: Create Desktop icon (optional) and click the

‘Finish’ button.

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Example of DesignBuilder

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CHAPTER [3] – Run and configure the license server DesignBuilder software

Step 1: Start DesignBuilder software and wait a few

seconds.

Step 2: Open the Licence Manager dialog (Help > Licence)

Step 3: Click on the Licence button to open the Licence

Manager Wizard

Step 4: Select ‘Site network license’ option

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Step 5: Enter:
» server hostname: decsoft.dec.uc.pt
» port number (default): 5053
and click ‘Next’ button

Step 6: Server Settings changed and click ‘Finish’ button

and wait a few seconds

Step 7: DesignBuilder is currently licenced via this site

server: decsoft.dec.uc.pt, and click ‘Close’ button

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DesignBuilder Support Desk

http://support.designbuilder.co.uk/index.php?/Knowledgebase/List

HELPDESK@DEC
for technical support, send email to:
[email protected]

@ with the following information:

#your name
#send email ‘cc’ to the teachers Prof. Paulo
Santos (‘[email protected]’) or/and Prof.
Constança Rigueiro (‘[email protected]’)
#subject

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