I want to analyze a building with significantly different material properties between the first and second floors (i.e. solid concrete vs. wood framing). Is it necessary for wall material information to be accurate in Revit before I export the gbXML file? Other than volume, what other parameters need to be set in Revit for an effective energy analysis?
It is not necessary for your wall constructions to be detailed in order to get useful energy analysis results with your Revit model. Your model can be conceptual. All that is needed for a reasonable energy result are the model itself( geometry, etc.,), buidling type, and location. The other parameters are automatically assigned, based upon reasonable defaults for new constructions by using ASHRAE baseline standards and other references. See this blog posting for more details. Default Inputs for Revit and Vasari Energy Analysis
Just doing a reverse on this question; Is it possible to assess the energy efficiency given that the model i uploaded has detailed information already? Just to check if i already have an efficient building?
Thanks.
Yes, you can analyze a model with detailed information.
In order for these components to be used in the analysis make sure to configure the Energy Settings (Analyze tab in the ribbon>Energy Analysis>Energy Settings)
Refer to the screenshot.
You can perform Energy Analysis using Conceptual Energy Analysis, or the new feature: Insight360, which allows you to quickly compare how different factors will impact your building’s energy usage.
You can learn more about Insight360 by visiting the Insight360 webpage: https://insight360.autodesk.com/oneenergy/ and by reading the blog: http://blogs.autodesk.com/insight360/#
NOTE: Some differences between the two workflows: the Insight360 Analysis uses an Office building type, an ASHRAE 90.1 HVAC system, and the Office building type operating schedule. The Conceptual Analysis workflow uses the Energy Setting Building Type, HVAC system, and Operating Schedule.
Let us know if you have more questions on this topic, otherwise please accept it as a solution so that others can benefit from this information.
Regards,