Variables required for energy simulation through GBS

[hijazi]

What are the variables required for accurate energy simulation through GBS? 
If I imported a gbXML file to GBS, how do I know if all the information required for the simulation are in that gbXML file? If there is missing data what happens? Does GBS automatcally fill it in with defaults? If so what are the defaults?

[mra1242 · Accepted solution]

Hi,

If you upload a gbXML file to GBS and the simulation does not fail, it means that the gbXML file has minimum required information for GBS to run the energy simulation. 

GBS has a rich and extensive database of defaults for building constructions, schedules, internal loads, HVAC equipment, and other inputs needed for the energy analysis. The Revit inputs that are exposed in the Energy Settings are primarily based upon CBECS characteristics and standard practices in the construction industry. You can edit these settings within the Energy Settings dialog in Revit. Additional input defaults used in the energy analysis, but not exposed in the Revit Energy Settings, are based upon ASHRAE Standards. You can view these input assumptions by logging in directly to the Green Building Studio website. Navigate to your projects, choose the project, click on the specific simulation run you wish to review, and navigate to the Building Assumptions and Details section of the Energy and Carbon Results.

Green Building Studio also supports a workflow which allows you to upload gbXML files directly to the GBS website. In cases where the energy setting parameters are not already defined in the gbXML files, defaults are applied which, in some cases, differ from the defaults used within Revit. These defaults are primarily based upon the ASHRAE 90.1, ASHRAE 90.2, ASHRAE 62.1 and CBECS data, and vary with building type, location, size, and number of floors.

See more details on Assumptions and Default Values in GBS.

Here to help if additional clarification is needed, otherwise please accept as a solution so that others can benefit from this information.