In EP3, we introduce the concept of Space and Zone Templates. Space and Zone Templates are simply a way to organize internal loads and Space / Zone properties by Space or Zone Type.
By default, EP3 assigns Spaces and Zones to SpaceTemplates and ZoneTemplates based on names. For example, if a user has a SpaceTemplate named “Office – Open Plan”, any Spaces that include the string “Office – Open Plan” in the name will appear on the SpaceTemplate:
Update Space and Zone Templates based on names allows quick and flexible re-assignment of Spaces and Zones whenever there is an update to building geometry.
If the modeler wishes to have more control over which Spaces and Zones are connected to each template, the settings can be changed to allow the modeler to manually select a Template for each Space and Zone:
Once this change is made, templates are changed using a drop-down menu for each Space or Zone:
Object Types for Space Templates:
| Object Type | Description |
| ASHRAE Space Types | Allow a modeler to define ASHRAE space types to be used by baseline model generators. Every SpaceTemplate includes ASHRAE Space Types. None of the inputs are required. |
| Lights | EnergyPlus Lights. Multiple lights can be assigned to a single SpaceTemplate. For example, for a Residential Space type where there is a different schedule and power density for plug vs overhead lighting. |
| ElectricEquipment | EnergyPlus ElectricEquipment. Multiple electric equipment can be assigned to a single SpaceTemplate. For example: a kitchen that has refrigeration equipment, electric oven, and electric stove. |
| People | EnergyPlus People. Multiple people objects can be assigned to a single SpaceTemplate. |
| OtherEquipment | EnergyPlus OtherEquipment. This object type allows the modeler to specify internal loads with an energy source other than electricity (Gas, Fuel, etc). Multiple other equipment objects can be assigned to a single SpaceTemplate. |
| Infiltration | EnergyPlus ZoneInfiltration:DesignFlowRate. This object type allows detailed modeling of infiltration. Multiple infiltration objects can be assigned to a single SpaceTemplate. |
Object Types for Zone Templates:
| Object Type | Description |
| Zone HVAC Operation | Allow a modeler to define properties common to the Zones connected to this Template. See more details in the Zone HVAC Operation Section below. |
| Sizing | EnergyPlus Sizing:Zone. This specifies all of the sizing parameters for the Zones assigned to this Template. All conditioned zones must have a Sizing:Zone. Only one allowed per Template. |
| Thermostat | Thermostats are required for all conditioned zones (as are Sizing:Zone). Multiple thermostat configurations are available (Simple, Detailed, StagedDualSetpoint, ThermalComfort). Only one Thermostat is allowed per ZoneTemplate |
| Water Use | EnergyPlus WaterUse:Equipment. Multiple objects are allowed for each Template |
Zone HVAC Operation
- Building Segment – select the building segment to be used by baseline model generators.
- ZoneHVAC Availability Schedule Name – this schedule will be used to define the availability of each ZoneHVAC equipment connected to a Zone that uses this template. The Availability schedule name is used to tell EnergyPlus when a ZoneHVAC object can be called on to meet a load. (A value of 1 indicates availability, and 0 indicates not available)
- Zone Supply Air Fan Operating Mode Schedule – this schedule will be used to define the supply air fan operating mode of each ZoneHVAC equipment connected to a Zone that uses this template. The supply air fan operating mode schedule is used to tell EnergyPlus when ZoneHVAC fans operate continuously vs cycling with the load. (A value of 1 indicates continuous operation, and 0 indicates not available)
- ZoneHVAC Design Specification Outdoor Air Object Name – this object is used to specify the DesignSpecification:OutdoorAir object used for demand control ventilation at an air terminal. AirTerminal:SignleDuct:VAV:NoReheat:
Each of the above fields can be edited for each Zone:
