eQUEST Training Module 4

Detail Edit Mode

and Parametrics

INTEGRATED idl DESIGN LAB

BOZEMAN
MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

Integrated Design Lab, Bozeman

June 2012

Tom Wood, Director

Lab Assistants Christopher
Hancock, Shelby Hinchliff,
Justina Hohmann, Amy Lindgren,
Heather Schroeder, Bill Zanoni,
Emily Sikorski, and Colleen DeVoe

406-994-4934
[email protected]
www.idlbozeman.com
The Integrated Design Lab - Bozeman is funded by the Northwest
Energy Efficiency Alliance. Our services include energy and lighting
analysis for Montana architects and engineers who wish to become
more aware of the environmental impacts of energy consumption.

As a member of the BetterBricks Lab Network, Montana State

University’s Integrated Design Lab- Bozeman is your Montana
contact for energy and daylighting information, education and tools
for assessing integrated design decisions, including daylighting and
effecient electric lighting techniques.

We are available for consulting and training workshops.

Visit us on the web at www.idlbozeman.com

BetterBricks is the commercial building initiative of the Northwest

Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA), which is supported by Northwest
electric utilities. Through BetterBricks, NEEA advances ideas to
accelerate energy savings in new and existing commercial buildings.
BetterBricks education & training, online resources and recognition of
industry leaders guide and inspire building professionals to embrace
best practices, improve energy performance an achieve their
sustainability goals. Visit www.BetterBricks.com to connect to these
powerful energy ideas and more.
 What is eQUEST?

WHAT IS eQUEST?

eQUEST is a building energy simulation tool based on the older and more widely known energy
analysis program, DOE-2, from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and James J. Hirsch
and Associates. While DOE-2 was a powerful tool, it was too complicated to be useful to the
entire design team and too time-consuming for it to fit into the budget of most projects.

eQUEST took the brains of DOE-2 and added a graphic user interface, wizards, and industry-
standard defaults. Now eQUEST can be used for anything from basic energy strategizing to
detailed life-cycle costing by anyone from new users to experienced energy modelers.

This training module series focuses on the intuitive side of eQUEST, understanding that not
everyone has the time for or need to create highly detailed building simulations. Some of the
benefits of simple energy modeling include:

 Gain an intuitive understanding of the effects that basic energy-saving variables can have
on a design.
 Study relative cost analysis (i.e. cost #1 vs. cost #2 if x, y, z changes are made) in a short
amount of time.
 Propose new and innovative energy design ideas to skeptical critics.

The Integrated Design Lab—Bozeman has created a series of four modules that teach the basics
and some advanced features of eQUEST. Designed for architects, this module series explains
everything from simple to more complex features, and gives users more tools for the building
profession.

The modules will first walk you through the use of the Schematic Design Wizard, a wizard
designed to be used in the earliest stages of design when little detailed information is known
about the systems of the building. The Energy Efficiency Measure Wizard, a tool for analyzing
multiple options for a model at once, is also covered. An introduction to the Design
Development Wizard follows for when you are prepared for more specific modeling control.
Then eQUEST’s Life-Cycle Cost Analysis features are demonstrated. Finally, an in-depth
explanation of how to perform Parametric Runs and use the Detail Data Edit mode is presented,
providing the user with access to the more advanced features of eQUEST.

For more information concerning eQUEST and a free download, visit: http://www.doe2.com/
equest/.

Created by Integrated Design Lab—Bozeman

Training Module Series eQUEST Module 4

THE TRAINING MODULES

Since eQUEST is a powerful vast computer program, four training modules have been created
for the purposes of teaching eQUEST to the interested user. Each module builds on the
information presented in the previous module and all of the modules include an example at the
end that the user can recreate by following step-by-step instructions. Each module is explained
in more detail below:

 Module 1: Basic Energy Modeling and Comparative Runs

This module gives an overview of some of the very basic functions of eQUEST and
teaches the user how to set up a simple energy model based on schematic design
information. It then explains how to use the EEM Wizard to create multiple scenarios for
portions of the model that can be compared in order to provide the user with data as to
which scenario is the best for the building.

 Module 2: Intermediate Energy Modeling

This module teaches the user how to navigate the DD Wizard and create a more
comprehensive energy model for simulations. The module highlights some of the main
features of this wizard and walks the user through creating a model from scratch, as well
as updating a previously created SD model.

 Module 3: Life-Cycle Cost Analysis

This module explains what a Life-Cycle Cost Analysis is and how to perform such an
analysis using eQUEST.

 Module 4: Advanced Energy Modeling and Complex Comparative Runs

This module shows the user how to modify the properties of an energy model to suit the
specific needs of the project. The Detailed Data Edit mode is explored and Parametric
Runs are created in order to perform more specific energy analyses.

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 MODULE 4 TEXT
MODULE 4:
Detail Edit Mode
and Parametrics

idl
 Table of Contents eQUEST Module 4

TABLE OF CONTENTS
MODULE TEXT

Executive Summary 3

Are You Using the Latest Version of eQUEST? 3

The Detailed Interface 4-5

Changing from Design Wizard to Detail Edit Mode. 6

Building Shell Module 7-9

Project and Site Module 10

Internal Loads Module 11-12

Water Side HVAC Module 13-14

Air Side HVAC Module 15-16

Utility and Economics Module 17

Building Description Language 18

Parametric Runs

Introduction 19-20
Step 1: Define Global Parameters 21-22

Step 2: Assigning Global Parameters 23-24

Step 3: Defining Parametric Runs 25

Step 4: Defining Parametric Components 26

Step 5: Run Parametric Simulations 27

Step 6: Analyze Parametric Simulation Results 28-30

Conclusion 31

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Advanced Energy Modeling Executive Summary

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

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eQUEST is a free building energy simulation tool based on the older and more widely known
energy analysis program, DOE-2, from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and James J.
Hirsch and Associates (JJHA). Although DOE-2 is powerful, it is very complicated and can be
very difficult for the entire design team to use. eQUEST integrates the DOE-2 engine with a
graphic user interface, wizards, and industry-standard defaults, making it a useful design tool for
both beginner and experienced energy modelers.

The Integrated Design Lab Bozeman has created a series of four modules that teach the basics
and some advanced features of eQUEST. Designed for architects, this module series explains
everything from the simplest to the more complex features, and gives users more tools for the
building profession.

Module 4 in the series builds on the previous modules and explores the Detail Edit Mode and
Parametric Runs in eQUEST. It is recommended that you already have a working knowledge of
eQUEST and have read through Modules 1 through 3 before proceeding with this module. The
Detailed Data Edit mode can be used for more advanced energy modeling and this module
explains how to do just that. At the end of this module, the user will be able to create a more
comprehensive energy model of a single building or multiple buildings and simulate different
options to determine the best energy performance options.

ARE YOU USING THE LATEST VERSION OF eQUEST?

On August 25, 2010 JJHA released a new version of eQUEST, eQUEST v. 3.64. This version includes
many program and utility rate updates. If you have not already upgraded to this new version,
do so before beginning this tutorial. To learn more about eQUEST and to download your free
copy, go to: doe2.com/equest.

Some things to ALWAYS keep in mind while working in eQUEST:

 Work in a linear fashion. It is important to note that the DD wizard overall is not
dependent upon sequential modifications. The Detailed Interface does not need to
be completed in a linear fashion; however, within each component you should still try
to input information as linearly as possible because information on earlier screens will
affect model choices on later screens.
 Save frequently. Like any computer program, some newer versions of eQUEST have a
tendency to crash at inconvenient moments. Make sure you are prepared.
 Keep it simple. There are some details in your building design that will have little or no
impact on energy performance. Leave them out!
 Analyze the results with caution. Always check the reports for numbers that seem
inappropriate under the circumstances. While the computer is a valuable tool, it
does not understand the output it is producing. Use your knowledge to recognize
potential inaccuracies!
 Update your version. New versions of eQUEST come with better help and new
features.

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 Detailed Interface eQUEST Module 4

NOTE: This eQUEST Module assumes that the user already has a working knowledge of
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eQUEST and is familiar with the concepts and processes outlined in previous eQUEST
modules. Please refer to Module 1, 2, and 3 if you are unfamiliar with any of the material
presented here. All other manuals can be accessed at the following website: http://
www.idlbozeman.com/equest/ For more information, please contact IDL Bozeman (see
the front cover of this module for contact information).

NOTE: The material in this module is not recommended for beginners. Any and all
information can be modified within Detail Edit Mode. It is just easiest to do this through the
Wizards. If the user transverses back to a Wizard, all information modified in the Detail Edit
Mode will be lost and replaced by the previous inputs made in the Wizards. Detailed Edit
Mode will only modify the base model, with parametric runs replacing the EEM Wizard
information.

THE DETAILED INTERFACE

Now that you have mastered the DD Wizard and EEM’s, it is time to explore some advanced
energy modeling in eQUEST. To do this, we will be using the Detail Edit Mode. Detail Edit Mode
should be used after either of the two wizards, when detail about the systems or building
components are needed. For instance, detail edit mode might be used to edit only one of
several walls throughout the building exterior, creating a more accurate model. Each
component of the building is individualized and can be edited independent of the other
components.

In addition to providing you with more modeling flexibility, detail edit mode requires that you
use more caution and take a greater responsibility for your energy model information than you
did with the wizards. Within detail edit mode, you have more control over entering information
about schedules, loads, zones, building construction, and HVAC systems. Consequentially,
eQUEST uses more complex calculation methods within the model than it did in the other
wizard models. So with this greater freedom, comes greater responsibility.

To help accommodate a more complex energy model, the eQUEST detailed interface is
broken up into several categories that can be revisited in any order. This is different than the
process used in either wizard which relies on sequential input in order to build a basic energy
model.

Detail Edit Mode allows you to input or change data regardless of order and independent of
the other building systems and components. However, it is still recommended that you work
linearly in each component. All the information that you provided for either wizard will be kept
as a baseline to add more detail upon, but you will not be allowed to go back into the wizards
to change any information. Therefore, be sure that all the information that was input within the
wizards is accurate to create a baseline.

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Advanced Energy Modeling Detailed interface

The following pages describe how to use many features of the Detail Edit Mode in depth, but
the basic screens and views within the Detail Edit Mode are listed here along with their

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respective detailed tab views:

1. Building Shell Module

2-D Geometry Similar to the screens categorized
3-D Geometry within the wizards, the Detail Edit
Spreadsheet/Tabbed Dialog Mode has categorized the
2. Project and Site Module building systems into Modules. To
Spreadsheet/Tabbed Dialog access any of these modules,
3. Internal Loads Module click the desired one from the
Internal Loads module navigation bar near the
Spreadsheet/Tabbed Dialog top of the screen. Within each
4. Water-Side HVAC Module module, there are several ways of
Plant Equipment inputting data. These ways
Spreadsheet/Tabbed Dialog include the Component Tree and
5. Air-Side HVAC Module the Detailed Tabs within the
Air-Side HVAC System Module. These will be further
Spreadsheet/Tabbed Dialog described in the following pages.
6. Utility and Economics Module Pictured below uses the Building
Spreadsheet/Tabbed Dialog Shell Module as an example to
point out the different
components.

Modules

Detailed Tabs
(vary by Module)
Component Tree
(vary by Module)

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 Changing to Detailed Data Edit Mode eQUEST Module 4
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CHANGING FROM WIZARD DATA EDIT TO DETAILED DATA EDIT

To edit the model within Detail Edit Mode, the user must first change into that mode. This is
completed from the menu bar on top, through the Mode tab menu, then select Detailed Data
Edit. A warning message will appear to confirm the change of mode.

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Advanced Energy Modeling Building Shell Module

BUILDING SHELL MODULE

Upon entering Detailed Edit Mode, the user arrives at the Building Shell Module by default.

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Through this module, the user can edit any building shell component. For example, if you have
only one wall that is different than the others, that specific wall can be changed independently
of the others.

2-D Geometry Tab and Component Tree

3-D Geometry Tab and Component Tree

Changing to the 3-D Geometry Tab is done by clicking on “3D Geometry” tab at the top of the
detailed diagram area. All of the commands to zoom, pan, rotate, and tilt are all the same as
previously done. Please refer to Module 1 for more information about the view commands.

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 Building Shell Module eQUEST Module 4

To look at any detail of any object, click on the desired object in 3D solid view. Every building
object that is intersected by the mouse, even the objects hidden behind, will be seen in a pop
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up list. The selected object will then become highlighted in the Component Tree while also
appearing a bold red border in 3D View.

The details of the selected component can be viewed two different ways, the spreadsheet
view and the tabbed dialog view.

Tabbed Dialog View

After selecting the desired component to be edited, right click and expand the menu by the
arrow on the right side. Select “Properties” to reveal the details of that component. Within the
properties dialog, the details are broken down into Basic Specifications and Daylighting/
Shading/Other. All the information can be edited here directly, with all the modified
information changing color to become red text.

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Advanced Energy Modeling Building Shell Module

Spreadsheet View
After selecting an object in the 3D View, click to display the Spreadsheet View Tab. This has all

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the details of that component, with the selected object highlighted. Here, any detail can be
modified to create a more detailed model.

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 Project and Site Module eQUEST Module 4

PROJECT AND SITE MODULE

From the project and site module, annual, weekly, and daily schedules can be modified to
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match the project. The project and site module has only one tab view, which is the
spreadsheet view tab. The detail information can also be viewed in the tabbed dialog view.
Important components to note in this module are the schedules and the global parameters.
Global parameters are presented about later in this eQUEST Module 4.

Tabbed Dialog View

Similar to the shell module, the desired
component can be selected from the
component tree. Right clicking the
component will bring up a menu. From this
menu, click “Properties” to reveal the details of
that component. All the detail values can
then be edited.

Spreadsheet View
To view the properties in the spreadsheet, the desired component must be selected from the
component tree. After selected the component, the details of that component are visible.

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Advanced Energy Modeling Internal Loads Module

INTERNAL LOADS MODULE

The Internal Loads Module is used to set and confirm internal loads. Internal loads deal with

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people and equipment. Two examples of elements that can be modified within this module
are defining which spaces are conditioned and defining building HVAC schedules.

Internal Loads View

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 Internal Loads Module eQUEST Module 4

Tabbed Dialog View

Right click any of the
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components and select

“Properties” to display a tabbed
dialog of the internal loads
details.

Spreadsheet View
To view the properties in the
spreadsheet, the desired
component must be selected
from the component tree. After
selected the component, the
details of that component are
visible by each pull down menu.

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Advanced Energy Modeling Water Side HVAC Module

WATER SIDE HVAC MODULE

The Water Side HVAC Module is used to review, input, and modify features of the project water

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side of the HVAC System.

Plan Equipment View

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 Water Side HVAC Module eQUEST Module 4

Tabbed Dialog View

Right click any of the components
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and select “Properties” to display

a tabbed dialog of the internal
loads details.

Spreadsheet View
To view the properties in the spreadsheet, the desired component must be selected from the
component tree. After selected the component, the details of that component are visible.

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Advanced Energy Modeling Air Side HVAC Module

AIR SIDE HVAC MODULE

The Air Side HVAC Module is used to review, input, and modify features of the project air side.

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Plan Equipment View

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 Air Side HVcAC Module eQUEST Module 4

Tabbed Dialog View

Right click any of the
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component s and
select “Properties” to
display a tabbed
dialog of the internal
loads details.

Spreadsheet View
To view the properties in the spreadsheet, the desired component must be selected from the
component tree. After selected the component, the details of that component are visible.

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Advanced Energy Modeling Utility and Economics Module

UTILITY AND ECONOMICS MODULE

The Utility and Economics Module is used to review, input, and modify features of utility rates

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and life-cycle costs. Here, users can input a specific utility schedule that is not defined through
eQUEST.

Tabbed Dialog View

Similar to the other modules, the desired
component can be selected from the
component tree. Right clicking the component
will bring up a menu. From this menu, click
“Properties” to reveal the details of that
component. All the detail values can then be
edited.

Spreadsheet View
To view the properties in the spreadsheet, the desired component must be selected from the
component tree. After selected the component, the details of that component are visible.

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 Building Description Language eQUEST Module 4

Building Description Language

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Building Description Language (BDL) is the computer input language structure of the DOE-2
computation engine. BDL consists of a comprehensive list of commands and keywords that de-
scribe building construction, occupancy schedules, lighting schedules, etc. (See example be-
low). Fortunately, eQuest allows the user to create a DOE-2 input file without needing to know
BDL.

As mentioned in the Executive Summary of this manual, eQuest integrates the DOE-2 engine
with a graphic user interface and wizards that make it a useful design tool for both beginning
and experienced energy modelers. Experienced BDL users can go directly to the input file cre-
ated by eQuest (.inp) and directly edit that file with a text editor. This manual does not go into
the nuances of BDL. To learn more about direct BDL editing we recommend that you consult
DOE-2 manuals Volume 2: DOE– 2.2 Language Directory and Volume 3: DOE 2.2 Building Energy
Use and Cost Analysis Program. These manuals can be found at the DOE–2 website
(doe2.com) and at the Integrated Design Lab website (idlbozeman.com).

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Advanced Energy Modeling Creating Parametric Runs

PARAMETRIC RUNS

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Parametric runs provide a secondary means to define and run multiple, alternative simulation
cases, where each new case is a parametric variation of the base case. Although similar to
EEM runs, Parametric Runs modify the base building as defined in the Detailed Interface, rather
than the SD or DD Wizard. In general, Parametric Runs are more detailed and flexible than the
EEM Wizard, but require more insight and steps to define.

NOTE: The only changes that can be made are changes to the attributes of the existing
building components. No components may be created using Parametric Runs.

CREATING PARAMETRIC RUNS

Making Parametric Runs involves up to 6 steps, depending on the users preferred approach.
The first approach requires that global parameters be defined. The second approach defines
parametric runs and components which reference BDL commands and keywords directly,
instead of requiring global parameters to be user defined. The use of global parameters is
recommended when the parameter is a numeric value. The flow diagram is presented below.

STEP 1 Define Global Parameters

STEP 2 Assigning Global Parameters

STEP 3 Defining Parametric Runs

STEP 4 Defining Parametric Components
STEP 5 Run Parametric Simulations
STEP 6 Analyze Parametric Simulation Results

Optional
1 Define Global 3 Define 5 Simulated your
Parameters Parametric Runs Parametric Runs

2 Assign Global 4 Define one or 6 Analyze your

Parameters to more Parametric results using
define the attributes Components for each the Parametric
of selected model Parametric Run Reports

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 Creating Parametric Runs eQUEST Module 4

Examples of runs made using Parametric Runs are as follows:

Altering the efficiency, static pressure, head, operating temperature, performance,
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curve, or other property of an HVAC system.

Altering the solar/optical properties of a user-defined glass type.
Changing the assignment of glass types to any or all windows (the glass type must have
been previously searched and defined from the library).
Altering the insulation levels in the walls or roofs.
Altering the lighting power density in one or more spaces.
Altering the orientation of the building, enabling automatic daylighting controls.
Altering the schedule of operations for lights, people, and equipment.
Altering the geometry (for example, dimensions or placements) of walls, roofs, buildings
shades, etc.

Examples of runs that cannot be made using Parametric Runs are as follows:
Comparing rooftop systems versus built-up systems. If the rooftop system were the base
case, defining the built-up case would require that circulation loops, pumps, and
primary equipment be crated. This cannot currently be done using Parametric
Runs. Instead, save the file as a different, unique name to manually create the built-
up roof and separately run the two cases.
Changing HVAC system TYPEs using “Parameters”. No DOE-2 DL “TYPE” keyword may
be changed using Parameters. Instead, define Parametric Runs that directly
reference BDL command/keywords. See the following pages and example for
more information on BDL command keywords.
Installing skylights not included in the base case. To create a Parametric Run involving
skylights, define them all within the base case, but dimension them to be of
infinitesimal size. For the alternative run, “with skylights”, simply increase the
dimensions to the desired size. Remember that a parameter must be defined in the
base model before it can be modified and analyzed through parametric runs.
Installing building shades not included in the base case. This is the same situation as
described with the skylights above. Before going into Detail Data Edit, include all
the desired building shades within the model, but dimension the size to be
infinitesimal height. For the alternative run, simply increase the height to the desired
dimension. Note that DOE-2 considers Fins and Overhangs to be properties of each
window, thus these can be added without the trick of using infinitesimal dimensions.
Making parametric runs that involve retrieving items from the BDL Library or from the
User Library. Be sure to retrieve all desired objects while in the base case, then alter
the assignment references to them in the parametric runs. This technique will work
for all objects that are permitted to be unused/unassigned during a simulation.
Examples of objects that can be unassigned during a simulation include: opaque
constructions, glass types, schedules, and polygons. Examples of objects that
cannot remain unassigned during a simulation include: spaces and zones, HVAC
systems, and primary equipment (loops, pumps, chillers, boiler, etc.)

In this Module series, we will not be getting into the detail of BDL (Building Description
Language). We will explore creating parameters with numeric values only. If the user would
like to get more in depth with Parametric Runs, please see other manuals such as eQUEST’s
Introductory Tutorial and the Language Dictionary located in eQuest manual Volume 2: DOE-
2.2. Another resource is the Help menu within eQuest. Section 5 is dedicated to Parametric
Runs in the Modeling Procedures Quick Reference guide. This Modeling Procedures Quick
Reference guides you through a few different scenarios based on their baseline model.

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Advanced Energy Modeling Parametric Runs: Step 1

STEP 1: DEFINE GLOBAL PARAMETERS

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As mentioned previously, the use of global parameters is optional, but recommended when
the parameter is a numeric quantity. Also, remember that a parametric value must exist in the
base model before it can be changed under Parametric Runs.

To start, confirm that the mode is set to “Detailed Data Edit.”

To define a Global Parameter right click on Global Parameters in the Component Tree. Then
the Create Parameter box will appear. Select Create Global Parameter.

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 Parametric Runs: Step 1 eQUEST Module 4

At the “Create Parameter” dialog box, name the parameter, define the parameter type (a
numeric value is used in our example), and specify the parameter value.
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In the Parameter Name field, type in the desired name (32 characters maximum). It is
recommended to copy the name (Ctrl + C) for ease in Step 2. If the name could not be
copied, it can be entered manually when needed in Step 2, but it must be replicated exactly
how it was created with the same capitalization, spacing, and any short cut names spelling.
Select “Numeric Value” under the Parameter Type pull down option menu. Enter the unit of
the parameter in the Parameter Value field. For example, if dealing with roof insulation, enter
the R-value of the parameter that you wish to simulate.

After you press “OK”, the Global Parameters dialog is displayed and the parameter is added to
the Component tree under the Global Parameters heading. To edit any global parameter
double click it on the component tree.

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Advanced Energy Modeling Parametric Runs: Step 2

STEP 2: ASSIGNING GLOBAL PARAMETERS

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Having DEFINED a global parameter, you must also ASSIGN the parameter to a selected BDL
keyword. In this example, the global parameter will be assigned to the roof layers description,
in order to specify the amount of additional insulation included in the roof construction.

To do so, double click on the desired component in the Component Tree. In this example,
double click the Roof Construction Layer . This will display the Construction Layers Properties
dialog box. (Depending on what component you are selecting either the Surface
Construction, Layers, and Material Properties; Space Properties; Glass Type Properties, or
Schedule Properties dialog will appear. Note: In the Layers tab the items under Material Name
list are in order from outside material to inside material).

Next, select the Materials tab.

From the Currently Active Building

Material field select the component
you want to modify from the pull down
list. In this example, we will be
modifying Roof Cons Mat 4.

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 Parametric Runs: Step 2 eQUEST Module 4

Next, right click on the “Resistance” input field and select “Edit/ View User Expression”. This
displays the User Input Expression dialog (shown in lower screenshot) into this initially blank space.
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The User Input Expression dialog box will appear. Type parameter followed by an open and
closed parenthesis. Inside the parenthesis, hit Ctrl + V to paste in the name of the global
parameter copied in the previous step. If the name was not copied previously, type the exact
name in this dialog box. The name must match exactly, with the same capitalization and any
short cut names for the components. After the component name is input, confirm that it
matches to the previous name and then press OK.

Confirm that the value now reads ,as the value input for the parameter. In this example, the
value should read 2.8, the value of the global parameter defined previously. This dialog box
can now be closed when all the correct information is input, click DONE.

Note that the magenta font indicates that the input value is derived from an expression. In this
case, assigning a global parameter to the input.

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Advanced Energy Modeling Parametric Runs: Step 3

STEP 3: DEFINING PARAMETRIC RUNS

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Once the global parameters have been defined and assigned we can create a Parametric
Run.

In the Tools menu select Parametric Runs from the drop down list. The Parametric Run Definition
box will open where you will select Create Parametric Run. STEP FOUR will take you through the
next tasks.

Rename the first parametric run. In this example, “Roof Insul (R18 to 39)” is used.

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 Parametric Runs: Step 4 eQUEST Module 4

STEP 4: DEFINING PARAMETRIC COMPONENTS

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Once the Parametric Run is created, the parametric components can be defined. This alters
what the variable within the parametric is. First click Create Parametric Component in the
lower left corner of the Parametric Run Definitions dialog.

1
2
3
4
5

1. Name. Name the parametric (32 character maximum).

2. Type. Select “BDL Command” .
3. Component Type. Select “Global Parameter.” Note that the only component types that
appear on this list are components found in the base model. (If global parameters had not
yet been defined, “Global Parameters” would not have been on the list.)
4. Global Parameter Type. Choose either Symbolic or Numeric. In this example we choose
Numeric.
5. References. This window lists the components of the type indicated. Place a check in the
box next to the corresponding component. In this example, place a check mark on
“Additional Roof Insul R-Value”.
6. Value. Change the base case parameter. In this example, we changed the R-value from
2.8 to 21.

Press Done.

More parametric runs may be created at this point in the process. After all the desired
parametric runs are created for the model, they may all be simulated at one time.

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Advanced Energy Modeling Parametric Runs: Step 5

STEP 5: RUN PARAMETRIC SIMULATIONS

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To perform a simulation click on the calculator button on the tool bar at the top of the Detailed
Interface Screen and the Parametric Run Selection dialog will appear.

From the runs that you have created, select the desired runs that you would like to simulate. If
you do not select all of the runs the Parametric Runs reports will not be fully populated. Click
Simulate after all the desired runs are selected. You will then be prompted to save your
project.

A series of Simulation Progress dialogs will appear while eQUEST is calculating the results. When
the runs are calculated the Simulation(s) Complete dialog will appear. Here, select “View
Summary Results/Reports”. This will navigate the user into the Results module.

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 Parametric Runs: Step 6 eQUEST Module 4

STEP 6: ANALYZE PARAMETRIC SIMULATION RESULTS

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After selecting the “View Summary Results/Reports”, the user will be navigated to the Results
module. You may also navigate into the Results module at any time by clicking on the Results
Module button on the tool bar at the top of the Detailed Interface screen.

Access to the individual reports can be done by selecting

the Reports tab at the lower left corner of the Results
module screen. In this report tree, all the single run reports
are listed as well as the parametric run comparisons. To
view the comparisons, select on of the files under the
“Parametric Run Reports” folder.

Two informative reports are the Annual Building Summary

and the Annual Enduse Summary. From the Reports “tree”
select Annual Building Summary report or the Annual
Enduse Summary report.

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Advanced Energy Modeling Parametric Runs: Step 6

The parametric report format provides a powerful quality control opportunity. By reporting the
incremental and cumulative savings for each run, by enduse, the impacts of each run on each

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enduse can be closely looked at. A summary of the parametric comparison report is shown
below (scaled down in size).

When comparing two or more runs, percentages and Life Cycle Cost analysis (LCC) are
valuable information to compare. This leads you to a design decision that influences the initial
cost of the building as well as the life cycle cost.

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 Parametric Runs: Step 6 eQUEST Module 4
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Advanced Energy Modeling Conclusion

CONCLUSION

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Energy modeling, especially when considered early in the design process, can have a
significant effect on the quality of the design. It is a simple way to consider the impact of
sustainable strategies, identify positive and negative features, and determine ways to improve
overall energy efficiency and building performance. By using the information outlined in this
module, anyone can create a sophisticated energy model and analyze its energy usage.

Thanks to the people supporting the Integrated Design Lab—Bozeman:

 Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
 NorthWestern Energy in Montana
 School of Architecture, Montana State University

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