Energy modeling using spaces don’t get results.

[edgar.rey]

Hi, I am using Revit for energy modeling and in for that I created spaces and thermal zones in my model, because I wanted to do the modeling using spaces or zones. I selected this option in mode in the energy parameters, and in building data I assigned a building type for my model, so all characteristics such as lighting, miscellaneous loads, outdoor air are by type and not by space. For the material thermal properties, I used the conceptual and schematic type, and I didn’t select detailed elements.

Then I used the system analysis to run the model, but I couldn’t get any result for HVAC systems loads nor for annual simulations (it says in the “zone load summary” that there are not zones found for the HVAC systems loads). I tried to select different space types for the spaces instead of having all properties by building type, but I also couldn’t’ have a result.

However, when I assign in the mode option conceptual masses and building elements, I could get results. I wonder what I have been doing wrong for not having results using spaces and zones option. I appreciate any help about it. 

[barthbradley]

Use "Room or Spaces" and then toggle Export Category under Advanced to "Spaces". 

[edgar.rey]

Hi Barthbradley, thank you for you reply. I selected "spaces" in export category. I created the energy model again and made another energy analysis. The HVAC systems analysis said that there is not zones found and the annual simulation analysis works but I don't know why it only showed energy for cooling and heating and not for lighting, miscelaneous and other end uses, which are registered when the energy model is under conceptual masses and building elements

[barthbradley]

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@edgar.rey wrote:

 I don't know why it only showed energy for cooling and heating and not for lighting

Lighting (and Solar) are separate extensions. Did you install them?  Via your autodesk.manage.com account. 

[edgar.rey]

Hi, Barthbradley. Yes, I downloaded the lighting and solar add-ins and I could perform daylighting and solar analysis for my model. However, I didn't figure out how to make an energy model based on spaces with values for electric loads (lighting and power loads). Nevertheless, I was able to do the modeling with all loads using building elements instead.

[kmartin.bim]

It seems like you’re having trouble getting results when using spaces and zones for energy modeling in Revit. Here are a few things you might want to check:

Analytical Spaces View: When you create an energy model, Revit creates a 3D view named Analytical Spaces. This view helps you understand how Revit interpreted the building elements to create the energy model. You can pan, zoom, and rotate the energy model to examine it closely. If there are any unexpectedly large gaps between elements, this could be causing issues.

Analytical Spaces Schedule: The Analytical Spaces schedule lists the individual analytical spaces in the energy model. Review the schedule, looking for unexpectedly large or small spaces. If an analytical space is based on a room, the room name is also listed.

System-Zones View: A System-Zones view is also created and listed in the Project Browser under 3D Views. The System-Zones view displays the building elements the same way as the Analytical Space view, but displays the System-Zones instead of the Analytical Spaces.

Spaces in the Energy Analytical Model: In an energy analytical model, spaces are discrete volumes (masses) of air that experience heat loss or gain. These heat changes are due to internal processes like occupancy, lighting, equipment, and HVAC, as well as heat exchange with other spaces and with the exterior environment. You may need to subdivide large rooms (such as an open plan office or an atrium) so the heat transfer processes are represented more accurately.

Troubleshooting: If you’re seeing jagged edges and small gaps between surfaces, or if perimeter zones are missing interior surfaces, these could be causing issues with your energy model.

Remember, the role of spaces is to capture the variation of interior and exterior heat exchanges accurately throughout a building. If you’re not getting the results you expect, you may need to adjust your model or the parameters for Analytical Space Resolution and Analytical Surface Resolution.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

[barthbradley]

I think I get it now. You're missing the Heating and Cooling loads button; right?  It was removed from the default interface in 2022. Follow these steps to get it back:  

Revit Heating and Cooling Loads Revit 2022/2023/2024 – Ripple (rippleengineeringsoftware.com) 

[edgar.rey]

Hi Barthbradley, thank you for your answer. I did the changes that was explained in the link. Now, I have the “heating and cooling loads” button in the “reports and schedules” panel. I used the “calculate” buttom and I could get result for lighting and power loads and all the other components of the model using “spaces or rooms” or “conceptual masses or building elements” in the “mode” property. Thank you for your answer.

[edgar.rey]

Hi Kmartin, thank for your explanation. I was very helpful.
I would like to ask a question about the System-zones. I have this 3D view, but it shows building elements and not system zones (at least it is I can see). I reviewed the “system type” in each zone and it is assigned by “building” that was inputted in the “Advance energy setting” dialog box in the “building service” parameter (it is assigned VAV – single zone).