DesignBuilder Training in Stellenbosch

Date: 25 and 26 February 2010
Location: Stellenbosch
Cost: R4 000
Includes: Lunches and refreshments

To register for this event, please e-mail: francois@greenplan.co.za.

Please note the following:

• Everyone attending should bring a laptop or PC.
• We recommend that you download and install a fully operational version of DesignBuilder (at no cost) from the DesignBuilder UK website beforehand to save time and ensure that it works on your machine.
• We shall provide refreshments at tea breaks and a light lunch every day.
• To enable us to prepare for the event, we would need the final details of persons attending, about a week before the course starts.

After this course, trainees will be able to:

• Create building geometry either from scratch or from DXF, or other floor plan data, making best use of the powerful DesignBuilder productivity features.
• Enter data on activity, building constructions, glazing, solar shading, schedules of building operation, lighting systems and HVAC systems.
• Create components and templates and import/export these between projects.
• Understand the various model options.
• Size heating and cooling systems using EnergyPlus.
• Run EnergyPlus simulations using real weather data and check building energy consumption, CO2 emissions, occupant comfort etc.
• Work with Simple and Compact HVAC.

Detailed Programme

The proposed elements of the course are shown below under the header of the day on which it is expected that we will cover the material. The actual timing of each element may differ from this on the particular day.

Day 1 - Setting up the Model and Simulation Basics

Day 1 will cover the basics of entering DesignBuilder simulation models, running simulations and reviewing results. More specifically: Basics, terminology etc.

• Blocks, partitioning blocks into zones, setting model data, inheritance, navigating the model.

Importing DXF floor plan data

• 2-D and 3-D file imports.
• Consideration of DXF units, removing unnecessary details.

Creating blocks by tracing over DXF data.

• Controlling wall thickness, block height, block form, auto-complete etc.
• Moving DXF data
• Block types

Partitioning blocks by tracing over DXF data.

• Using partitions to zone blocks
• Controlling partition thickness
• Hanging partitions - comparison with internal mass
• Virtual partitions
• Avoiding snapping to DXF partition lines where these may compete with existing DesignBuilder block and partition snap points.

Using Outline Blocks

• Using outline blocks to create a roof gable block
• Convert to standard blocks

Using Snaps, Drawing Guides, Measure and Construction Lines

• Axis snaps
• Parallel and Normal snaps
• End point/midpoint snaps
• Edge snap
• DXF snap
• Increment snap
• Drawing guides
• Protractor
• Measure tool and construction lines

Block manipulation

• Changing block type and other geometric parameters for existing blocks
• Stretching, drag face, cutting tool.

Controlling adjacency

• Effect of adjacency Auto detection, block, zone or surface level definition
• Adjacency to ground - boundary condition
• Adiabatic

Creating openings: windows, doors and vents using model data

• Facade types
• Percentage glazing, window spacing, frames etc

Creating openings: windows, vents, doors, sub-surfaces and holes by drawing at the surface level.

Move, copy, delete openings at building level

Model data overview

• Activity
• Constructions - combined and separate
• Openings
• Lighting
• HVAC

Using local shading devices

• Overhangs, side fins, louvres.

Using standard, adiabatic and ground component blocks

• Modify adjacencies of touching building blocks

Using window shading devices

• internal, external and mid-pane blinds.

Using model options

• Compact HVAC, calculated ventilation, Advanced options, calculation options.

Creating custom components

• Constructions, glazing, shading devices etc. - understand difference between model components and library components.

Templates

• Clarify distinction between templates and components.
• Templates as the source of all data - header at the top of each tab.
• Understand most important templates: activity, constructions, glazing, lighting, HVAC
• Creating custom templates for easily accessing commonly used data sets

Model data management

• Load data from template
• Clear data
• Reload data

Program options

• Learning mode
• Automatic backups

Visualisation

• Rendering / wire frame

Day 2

Day 2 builds on the experience gained on Day 1 to learn more applications of the software to real world design processes.

Simple HVAC

• Based on purchased air.
• Energy consumption/plant modelled outside EnergyPlus using seasonal efficiency factors.
• Minimum fresh air data and other system control zone data associated with the activity set on the Activity tab.
• Setting minimum fresh air.

Compact HVAC

• 5 Compact HVAC types, description of each.
• Mechanical ventilation, setting minimum fresh air.
• Controlling VAV/CAV heating system types (pre-heat, main heating, reheat).
• Economisers, heat recovery, coil temperature reset options.
• DHW.
• Operation - mechanical ventilation operation required for heating/cooling with VAV.

Daylighting calculations

• One or two daylighting zones per zone
• Stepping/continuous dimming
• Positioning sensor
• HVAC downsizing results

Simulation results

• Understanding simulation output.

Export results

• Export DB data