EP3 Solutions

EP3’s importer functionality sets it apart from all other EnergyPlus user interfaces. EP3 is the only EnergyPlus user interface capable of importing HVAC systems.

Importing

When importing complete idf files, we recommend that you start with a new Sketchup Model.

There are various options for importing IDF files or IDF elements into an EP3 model:

• Import a snippet of an IDF file by pasting text into the text box and then clicking Paste Elements – this is most appropriate for importing a few items into an EP3 model such as schedules or materials.
• Import a complet IDF file by clicking Import IDF File
• Import a set of Internal loads (Select Internal Load Set to Import) – Users can create custom internal loads set libraries by using the Export External Loads button in the Schedules and Internal Loads Dialog. EP3 comes with pre-installed libraries of internal loads sets for typical occupancy types. In addition, users can create internal loads set libraries for future use. The internal load sets include the following objects, plus any schedules required to support the objects:
  • People
  • Lights
  • ElectricEquipment
  • ZoneControl:Thermostat
  • ZoneList
• Import a set of Constructions (Select Default Construction Set to Import) – Users can create custom construction libraries by using the Create Constructions Library for Selected button in the Constructions Dialog. EP3 comes with pre-isntalled with default construction sets for ASHRAE Appendix G baseline regions. In addition, users can create custom construction sets and save them for future use.

When an IDF file or EnergyPlus example file is imported, the user has a number of options about what and how to import the file.

• Erase All Existing EP3 objects – even when starting with a new file, EP3 creates some default EP3 objects for all files. Setting this option to “Yes” will ensure the most accurate IDF import possible without any extra objects.
• Import Geometry – when set to “No”, no building geometry will be imported and no Spaces or Zones will be created. This will also affect other objects that reference Spaces and Zones such as ZoneList, and ZoneHVAC objects. This option can be set to “No” if the user wants to import only the HVAC system into a model, for example.
• Import Non-Geometry Objects (schedules, loads, etc) – the user can choose whether to import objects that are not explicitly included in one of the other categories (Building Geometry, Constructions, HVAC). However, many of the other objects rely on these objects and we recommend always importing these objects.
• If objects with the same name are found – in the case where the user is importing IDF into an existing file, EP3 may include an object of the same name. A typical use case is when a user is importing just the HVAC system into an existing model. In this case, the user can choose whether to overwrite values in the EP3 model, to leave the values as-in the EP3 model, or to change the values only in the current EEM.
• Import HVAC Systems? – User can choose whether or not to import HVAC Systems.
• Consolidate ZoneHVAC Objects if Possible? – In EP3, we have prioritized a minimalist HVAC user-interface. If ZoneHVAC objects have the same sub-component types and branch connections, then only one object is needed in the model, it is simply applied to each zone and copies are automatically created for each zone on export. Allowing consolidation on import allows EP3 to reduce the number of ZoneHVAC objects that it needs to display in the user space.
• Consolidate AirLoopHVAC Objects if Possible? – Like ZoneHVAC objects, AirLoopHVAC can be repetitive in EnergyPlus. In some models, there are almost identical AirLoopHVAC objects for each Zone or Floor. AirLoopHVAC can be consolidated if all branch components and sub-components are the same type and are connected to the same PlantLoops. Allowing consolidation on import allows EP3 to reduce the number of AirLoopHVAC objects that it needs to display in the user space.

We recommend that the user accept the defaults.

Import Reports

After importing an IDF file or snippet, EP3 will display an import report which gives details on how IDF objects were translated to EP3 objects. There are two separate reports.

The Import Report provides a complete list of all IDF objects in the original file and provides information as to how and if the IDF object was translated to EP3. The user can filter by object type, name, and import status.