Energy Modeling Training

This 2-day hands-on course will teach students how to generate effective EnergyPlus models quickly and efficiently using the free NREL OpenStudio energy modeling ecosystem. Students will learn how to leverage effective modeling workflows by using Sketchup to construct building forms and fabric and assign space classifications and attributes.
The OpenStudio application integrates with NREL’s Building Component Library (BCL), providing easy methods for modifying energy models. Model variants are configurable to run in cloud environments (Amazon EC2). Students will also learn how to view summary and detailed output using the OpenStudio Results Manager.

This training is aimed at students interested in developing software interfaces for EnergyPlus, Radiance, and other tools using the OpenStudio API/SDK. The hands-on training teaches students how to programmatically access the OpenStudio software interface to create and modify building energy models using the Ruby programming language. The class format consists of a series of exercises beginning with creating and saving a new model, reading the results data, and making modifications using OpenStudio Measures. Methods, classes, and class extensions are covered in extensive detail.
Required Prerequisites: A thorough understanding of the EnergyPlus object model and a basic understanding of programming using scripting languages is required.

This course is designed to help participants better understand how commercial sector performance benchmarking tools such as EPA’s Portfolio Manager (and optionally other tools including PSD’s Building Performance Compass) function and can be used. The course begins by covering sector-wide historical energy performance indicators for key commercial building segments. Next, participants will learn how Portfolio Manager rating models are developed and extensively used. Important Portfolio Manager concepts such as data sharing and access privileges are discussed in detail. Participants are led through hands-on examples of Portfolio Manager Ratings using data from regional buildings to reinforce the concepts covered. Finally, advanced benchmarking concepts for non-energy performance such as water, indoor environmental quality, acoustics, and thermal comfort are discussed.

The purpose of measurement and verification (M&V) is to establish the potential of a project’s measures to save demand and energy and to determine the actual savings produced by those measures. Through presentation and discussion, this course exposes participants to the fundamental principles needed to produce quality M&V. The four IPMVP Options for reporting savings are presented, as well as real-world examples of each. For each option, participants will gain an understanding and appreciation for the principles of good M&V – Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Relevant, and Transparent. This course does NOT lead to Certified Measurement & Verification Professional (CMVP) certification.

This three-day instructional program is designed to provide the specific training and background needed by professionals preparing to sit for the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) Building Energy Simulation Analyst (BESA) certification examination. Attendees will gain a clear, in-depth understanding of the theory and practice of computerized building energy modeling, and will conduct hands-on energy simulation exercises using eQUEST® software. PSD is one of only two organizations approved by AEE to offer this training for individuals with expertise in using modeling software. The BESA exam will be administered at the close of instruction on day three of each seminar — only to those who have qualified in advance to sit for the exam by submitting a completed BESA application and fee.

An energy analyst armed with both a strong understanding of the fundamental principles behind energy usage and an understanding of how to systematically perform field assessments of lighting, HVAC and motors can quickly begin adding value to their firm’s business. Uniquely designed and adapted to local building types, this course combines morning classroom presentations with afternoon ‘hands-on’ field assessments of real-world energy conservation scenarios. Throughout this course (up to a week in overall duration) students will actively engage in developing credible energy savings estimates, and learn to present them in easy-to-understand formats.

It is generally accepted that using whole-building energy modeling tools represents the best-in-class approach for estimating energy savings associated with deep retrofits. This course, designed for practitioners with little energy modeling experience, covers the fundamentals of general energy modeling tools. An agonistic software course, students completing this course will develop a sense of how/when/why, and where energy simulation could best be used as a problem-solving tool. The course includes demonstrations of several different simulation/modeling tools. It discusses in depth the pros and cons of non-simulation modeling methods such as custom spreadsheets, measure-specific spreadsheets, and calculators.

Designed around the eQUEST energy simulation tool, this course leads practitioners through eQUEST examples of advanced modeling topics such as modeling complex control strategies, developing custom performance curves to represent existing mechanical equipment, modeling complex utility tariff structures, and configuring the energy model as a reporting device to assist in M&V (measurement and verification) activities. This course requires prior modeling experience using eQUEST. Interested?