[Equest-users] BDL Errors on a Six Story Building

Morteza Kasmai morteza.kasmai at gmail.com
Tue Jun 16 06:20:55 PDT 2020 

Hi Nick,


Thank you for providing your thoughts and suggestions on this issue.

Unfortunately toggling off the daylighting options didn’t work. Even after
removing daylighting options from all of the floors the message did not
disappear.

In another attempt to resolve the BDL Errors that was the main issue with
this model, Shaun Martin ran the project in DOE-2.2, made some changes and
the errors were gone. But the corrected model in DOE-2.2 had another issue
- too many unmet hours. The model simulates without any error but now there
are more than 3,000 heating throttling hours below the range, which are
distributed through all of the systems. I could not resolve the unmet hours
by increasing the minimum flow ratio or air flow of the zones within the
wizard mode.

Shaun kindly suggested several steps for resolving the unmet hours issue in
the DDE mode; however, I wanted to resolve some of the issues affecting the
unmet hours within the wizard mode.

Comparing the simulation results of this model from DOE-2.2 and 2.3 is very
interesting. Simulation results of the Five Story Building model (DOE-2.3)
that was attached in my first email showed no unmet hours. The corrected
Six Story Building (DOE-2.2) had too many unmet hours distributed through
all of the thermal zones; even the zones that had no unmet heating have
unmet hours now. And when comparing SV-A reports of identical VAV systems
from 2.3 and 2.2 there are huge differences between calculated capacities
and air flows.

Since I wanted to complete the model with DOE-2.3, tried to resolve the
encountered errors related to exceeding eQUEST expressions by combining
some of the similar thermal zones in the fifth & sixth floors. Surprisingly
there were no errors at this time and I could run the model and get the
simulation results with just 9 hours below the heating range!

In another attempt I noticed if I assume that the fifth floor and sixth
floor are identical and use floor multipliers there won’t be any errors.
However, if I do not use the floor multiplier I will encounter 4,916
errors.

It seems in any cases when the maximum number of expression dependency
lists exceeds the limit as shown in the screenshot below, I will get BDL
errors.

[image: image.png]

I’m wondering if this is the case for all models using DOE-2.3.

Thank you for your time.
Morteza,

Morteza Kasmaei
Senior Architect
LEED AP BD+C, GGP









On Fri, Jun 12, 2020 at 11:22 PM <equest-users-request at lists.onebuilding.org>
wrote:

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> Today's Topics:
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>    1. Re: BDL Errors on a Six Story Building (Nicholas Caton)
>    2. Re: Solar Thermal Energy Assisted Cooling (Nicholas Caton)
>    3. Re: Solar Thermal Energy Assisted Cooling (Damon Lapping)
>
>
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: Nicholas Caton <Nicholas.Caton at se.com>
> To: Morteza Kasmai <morteza.kasmai at gmail.com>
> Cc: "equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org" <
> equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org>
> Bcc:
> Date: Fri, 12 Jun 2020 16:23:00 +0000
> Subject: Re: [Equest-users] BDL Errors on a Six Story Building
>
> It sounds as though the wizards are struggling to apply/define inputs
> necessary for daylighting control, specifically for one or more zones which
> do not feature windows.
>
>
>
> To explore the matter, I might suggest toggling off the daylighting
> options for your 5th shell and see if that gets rid of the initial error
> and permits you to define your 6th shell without issue.  If that works,
> then you have isolated the matter and can explore some things like
> re-definining your custom window layout and combing through / iteratively
> enabling daylighting within that shell.
>
>
>
> Let us know if that helps
>
>
>
> ~Nick
>
>
>
> *Nick Caton, P.E., BEMP*
>
>   Senior Energy Engineer
>
>   Energy and Sustainability Services
>   Energy Performance Contracting
>
> D
> M
> E
>
>
> 913 . 564 . 6361
>
> 785 . 410 . 3317
>
> *nicholas.caton at se.com <nicholas.caton at se.com>*
>
> 15200 Santa Fe Trail Drive
> Suite 204
> Lenexa, KS 66219
>
>
>
>
>
> *From:* Equest-users <equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org> *On
> Behalf Of *Morteza Kasmai via Equest-users
> *Sent:* Friday, June 5, 2020 7:41 AM
> *To:* equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org
> *Subject:* [Equest-users] BDL Errors on a Six Story Building
>
>
>
> [External email: Use caution with links and attachments]
> ------------------------------
>
>
>
> Dear eQUEST experts,
>
> I’m using eQUEST 3-65 7175 DOE 2.3 to model a six story 260,000 GSF
> building. Up to level 05 the only issue that I have when leaving the Wizard
> is the following message. However the simulation works without any problem
> and provides the results.
>
>
>
> [image: image.png]
>
> When I add the sixth floor as a separate shell and leave the Wizard
> encounter 8,685 BDL Errors, which relates to exceeding eQUEST expressions.
>
>
>
> Inp and Pd2 files of both of the models are attached.
>
> I would appreciate your guidance on resolving this issue.
>
>
>
> Thanks,
> Morteza
>
> Morteza Kasmaei
> Senior Architect
>
> LEED AP BD+C, GGP
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________________
> This email has been scanned by the Symantec Email Security.cloud service.
> ______________________________________________________________________
>
>
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: Nicholas Caton <Nicholas.Caton at se.com>
> To: Damon Lapping <damon at greenlogik.co.za>
> Cc: "equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org" <
> equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org>
> Bcc:
> Date: Fri, 12 Jun 2020 16:41:11 +0000
> Subject: Re: [Equest-users] Solar Thermal Energy Assisted Cooling
>
> Hi Damon,
>
>
>
> So… a solar-powered refrigerant compressor?
>
>
>
> I suppose you could model a small PV array to generate an appropriate kW
> output profile within eQuest, then just dump that into the building meter
> with a normal DX-system.  You’ll want that airside system to have some
> deliberately-assigned availability scheduling so that it cannot actively
> cool when there is insufficient daylight… but otherwise I think you’d
> define that system normally.  The biggest potential hurdle with that
> approach might be extrapolating the actual efficiency/performance of the
> equipment (sans solar contributions) from the manufacturer.
>
>
>
> I might sooner use a 3rd party software, purpose built for estimating PV
> system performance, over eQuest though... eQuest is capable but frankly a
> bit unwieldy for average joes like me, lacking specialized and deep
> knowledge of PV technology.  I would avoid it through post-processing if
> possible, but if you do go a 3rd party PV analysis route and you MUST get
> that generation into your eQuest model, you can use the library entries for
> a PV generator alongside an electric sale meter to “back in” a generation
> profile aligning with your outside analysis.
>
>
>
> I hope this is helpful!
>
>
>
> ~Nick
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> *Nick Caton, P.E., BEMP*
>
>   Senior Energy Engineer
>
>   Energy and Sustainability Services
>   Energy Performance Contracting
>
> D
> M
> E
>
>
> 913 . 564 . 6361
>
> 785 . 410 . 3317
>
> *nicholas.caton at se.com <nicholas.caton at se.com>*
>
> 15200 Santa Fe Trail Drive
> Suite 204
> Lenexa, KS 66219
>
>
>
>
>
> *From:* Equest-users <equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org> *On
> Behalf Of *Damon Lapping via Equest-users
> *Sent:* Friday, June 5, 2020 5:47 AM
> *To:* equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org
> *Subject:* [Equest-users] Solar Thermal Energy Assisted Cooling
>
>
>
> [External email: Use caution with links and attachments]
> ------------------------------
>
>
>
> Good Day,
>
> Does anyone have experience in modelling solar thermal energy assisted
> cooling for HVAC? These systems use thermal energy collected
> from the solar collector and is converted into mechanical work, which is
> used then used to compress the working fluid in a vapor compression
> cycle directly. So the HVAC system achieves the required setpoint
> temperature with less energy required from the compressor than previously
> required.
>
> I have heard on some online platform that it can be done in equest but
> can't seem to find that link anymore.
>
> Can anyone help a brother out? :-)
>
> Thanks
>
> Regards
>
> Damon
>
>
>
> Regards
>
>
>
> *DAMON *LAPPING, CEM®
>
> Managing Consultant
>
> damon at greenlogik.co.za
>
> www.greenlogik.co.za
> <https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.greenlogik.co.za%2Fabout.html&data=02%7C01%7CNicholas.Caton%40se.com%7Cdf20d0d4d8434ef5a60408d8093ddb52%7C6e51e1adc54b4b39b5980ffe9ae68fef%7C0%7C0%7C637269508560993357&sdata=CqC6AvO52CV4I8FJW9BBcQAsCUJXxClDZY7bmW3fTDg%3D&reserved=0>
>
>
> *T.*    +27 (0) 87 470 0650    *F.*   +27 (0) 86 763 1323
>
> *C.*   +27 82 339 3865
>
> *UNIDO Certified Energy Management Professional *
>
> *AEE CEM (Association of Energy Engineers Certified Energy Manager)*
>
> *SA Green Building Council Existing Building Performance Accredited *
>
> *Professional *
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> [image: Avast logo]
> <https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.avast.com%2Fantivirus&data=02%7C01%7CNicholas.Caton%40se.com%7Cdf20d0d4d8434ef5a60408d8093ddb52%7C6e51e1adc54b4b39b5980ffe9ae68fef%7C0%7C0%7C637269508560993357&sdata=QUpZoYsPanGOpzB0qagRGdIMP5BoMqnQU2nSu5oh%2FbA%3D&reserved=0>
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>
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________________
> This email has been scanned by the Symantec Email Security.cloud service.
> ______________________________________________________________________
>
>
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: Damon Lapping <damon at greenlogik.co.za>
> To: "'Nicholas Caton'" <Nicholas.Caton at se.com>
> Cc: <equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org>
> Bcc:
> Date: Fri, 12 Jun 2020 19:17:01 +0200
> Subject: Re: [Equest-users] Solar Thermal Energy Assisted Cooling
>
> Hi Nick,
>
>
>
> Not solar powered but rather using thermal energy to assist the compressor
> in the vapour compression cycle.
>
>
>
> Regards
>
>
>
> *DAMON *LAPPING, CEM®, CRM®
>
> Managing Consultant
>
> damon at greenlogik.co.za
>
> www.greenlogik.co.za <http://www.greenlogik.co.za/about.html>
>
> *T.*    +27 (0) 87 470 0650    *F.*   +27 (0) 86 763 1323
>
> *C.*   +27 82 339 3865
>
> *UNIDO Certified Energy Management Professional *
>
> *AEE CEM (Association of Energy Engineers Certified Energy Manager)*
>
> *SA Green Building Council Existing Building Performance Accredited *
>
> *Professional *
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> *From:* Nicholas Caton <Nicholas.Caton at se.com>
> *Sent:* Friday, 12 June 2020 6:41 PM
> *To:* Damon Lapping <damon at greenlogik.co.za>
> *Cc:* equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org
> *Subject:* RE: [Equest-users] Solar Thermal Energy Assisted Cooling
>
>
>
> Hi Damon,
>
>
>
> So… a solar-powered refrigerant compressor?
>
>
>
> I suppose you could model a small PV array to generate an appropriate kW
> output profile within eQuest, then just dump that into the building meter
> with a normal DX-system.  You’ll want that airside system to have some
> deliberately-assigned availability scheduling so that it cannot actively
> cool when there is insufficient daylight… but otherwise I think you’d
> define that system normally.  The biggest potential hurdle with that
> approach might be extrapolating the actual efficiency/performance of the
> equipment (sans solar contributions) from the manufacturer.
>
>
>
> I might sooner use a 3rd party software, purpose built for estimating PV
> system performance, over eQuest though... eQuest is capable but frankly a
> bit unwieldy for average joes like me, lacking specialized and deep
> knowledge of PV technology.  I would avoid it through post-processing if
> possible, but if you do go a 3rd party PV analysis route and you MUST get
> that generation into your eQuest model, you can use the library entries for
> a PV generator alongside an electric sale meter to “back in” a generation
> profile aligning with your outside analysis.
>
>
>
> I hope this is helpful!
>
>
>
> ~Nick
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> *Nick Caton, P.E., BEMP*
>
>   Senior Energy Engineer
>
>   Energy and Sustainability Services
>   Energy Performance Contracting
>
> D
> M
> E
>
>
> 913 . 564 . 6361
>
> 785 . 410 . 3317
>
> *nicholas.caton at se.com <nicholas.caton at se.com>*
>
> 15200 Santa Fe Trail Drive
> Suite 204
> Lenexa, KS 66219
>
>
>
>
>
> *From:* Equest-users <equest-users-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org> *On
> Behalf Of *Damon Lapping via Equest-users
> *Sent:* Friday, June 5, 2020 5:47 AM
> *To:* equest-users at lists.onebuilding.org
> *Subject:* [Equest-users] Solar Thermal Energy Assisted Cooling
>
>
>
> [External email: Use caution with links and attachments]
> ------------------------------
>
>
>
> Good Day,
>
> Does anyone have experience in modelling solar thermal energy assisted
> cooling for HVAC? These systems use thermal energy collected
> from the solar collector and is converted into mechanical work, which is
> used then used to compress the working fluid in a vapor compression
> cycle directly. So the HVAC system achieves the required setpoint
> temperature with less energy required from the compressor than previously
> required.
>
> I have heard on some online platform that it can be done in equest but
> can't seem to find that link anymore.
>
> Can anyone help a brother out? :-)
>
> Thanks
>
> Regards
>
> Damon
>
>
>
> Regards
>
>
>
> *DAMON *LAPPING, CEM®
>
> Managing Consultant
>
> damon at greenlogik.co.za
>
> www.greenlogik.co.za
> <https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.greenlogik.co.za%2Fabout.html&data=02%7C01%7CNicholas.Caton%40se.com%7Cdf20d0d4d8434ef5a60408d8093ddb52%7C6e51e1adc54b4b39b5980ffe9ae68fef%7C0%7C0%7C637269508560993357&sdata=CqC6AvO52CV4I8FJW9BBcQAsCUJXxClDZY7bmW3fTDg%3D&reserved=0>
>
>
> *T.*    +27 (0) 87 470 0650    *F.*   +27 (0) 86 763 1323
>
> *C.*   +27 82 339 3865
>
> *UNIDO Certified Energy Management Professional *
>
> *AEE CEM (Association of Energy Engineers Certified Energy Manager)*
>
> *SA Green Building Council Existing Building Performance Accredited *
>
> *Professional *
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> [image: Image removed by sender. Avast logo]
> <https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.avast.com%2Fantivirus&data=02%7C01%7CNicholas.Caton%40se.com%7Cdf20d0d4d8434ef5a60408d8093ddb52%7C6e51e1adc54b4b39b5980ffe9ae68fef%7C0%7C0%7C637269508560993357&sdata=QUpZoYsPanGOpzB0qagRGdIMP5BoMqnQU2nSu5oh%2FbA%3D&reserved=0>
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> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
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