topic Re: Revit MEP and Insight in Revit MEP Forum

Revit MEP and Insight

karli_aau — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 18:29:02 GMT

I would like to validate if Revit Energy analysis is a tool that would be able to compete with Equa IDA ICE energy analysis program and if Revit MEP Energy analysis would conform to the quidelines given to building designers by our local Estonian code.

To make an energy analysis accoording to our local Estonian energy calculation code the program has to conform to the following conditions (trying to translate as best as i can):

1) multiple zone calculations taking into account also the heat transfer between zones

2) using a climate processor that would be able to read a local test reference year (TRY) file data and make calculations based on it

3) has the ability to model ventilation heat recovery

4) is able to use the true room temperature in calculations

5) it is possible to enter energy data accoording to the local code

It also says that a validated software is one that has been validated with a comparing calculation accoording to CEN, ISO, ASHRAE or CIBSE standards and during what the (IEA) BESTEST method or an equal method has been used.

As far a i have understood so far it seems to be able to cope with requirements nr 1,4,5 but number 2 and 3 seem to be not doable. Opinions or expertise on that subject?

Re: Revit MEP and Insight

HVAC-Novice — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 20:46:59 GMT

the JHA typically validates the software and approves programs that meet their criteria.

that software vendor then uses that for advertisement(e.g. Title 24 approved). so ask the JHA.

Re: Revit MEP and Insight

karli_aau — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 04:36:59 GMT

What is the JHA?

Re: Revit MEP and Insight

karli_aau — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 18:27:23 GMT

I also found this paper which is comparing different softwares for calculating heating and cooling loads: https://vbn.aau.dk/ws/portalfiles/portal/233775444/paper_700.pdf This has been made on Revit 2015. But have these problems been removed or worked on in the mean time? I assume.

Re: Revit MEP and Insight

AutoCAT95 — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 07:47:36 GMT

Hi Karli,

I've done such a comparison year ago in Polish conditions and I wouldn't trust that results are close enought to reality/classic calculations. I had problems determining the resulting temperature in some rooms, heat loss through the floors, ventilation and infiltration heat loss and few more... I'm curious if I could improve something and get better results. Willing to exchange insights!

Re: Revit MEP and Insight

karli_aau — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 08:17:07 GMT

Yes, can imagine. But as i also understand Autodesk has developed that part further in the last year. So my question is if it is getting close to a usable tool or not. Even only for calculating cooling loads would be very helpful.

Re: Revit MEP and Insight

rafal.lewandowski — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 12:59:35 GMT

Hi @karli_aau,

Thank you for your questions. It is necessary to create a custom .osw file, which is the mechanism in place to allow more advanced users the ability to customize specific aspects of the calculations. Watch the Autodesk University presentation for more details in this topic: Revit Systems Analysis Features and Framework-Creating Custom Workflows.

It provides useful information on:

Discover how Revit enables new systems analysis workflows in a significantly more BIM-based, open, and extensible manner.
Learn how EnergyPlus and OpenStudio power Revit Systems Analysis, and learn how to use it to write own measures and workflows.
Learn how to use example custom workflows provided as the basis of creating own workflows.
Discover more resources on using OpenStudio and EnergyPlus with Revit to create own systems analysis workflows.

An example of a repository on Github may be helpful: Customizing Systems Analysis.

I hope the above information will be helpful for you.

Re: Revit MEP and Insight

AutoCAT95 — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 12:57:17 GMT

First link you posted seems unavailable.

Re: Revit MEP and Insight

rafal.lewandowski — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 13:00:52 GMT

Yeah, that was my mistake. I have already corrected it. Thanks for being so perceptive!