Overview
The EP3 Results Viewer provides a comprehensive interface for analyzing and comparing EnergyPlus simulation results across multiple Energy Efficiency Measures (EEMs). This tool streamlines the process of evaluating building performance improvements and generating professional reports for stakeholders.
Key Features
Results Comparison
The Results Viewer enables side-by-side comparison of simulation outcomes across different EEMs, making it easy to identify the most effective efficiency measures for your project. Each results table automatically includes data for all EEMs included in your analysis, allowing you to quickly assess relative performance.
Default Results Display
Upon opening the Results Viewer, you’ll see the most commonly-used results tables automatically displayed. These default views are selected based on typical energy analysis workflows and include key metrics such as energy consumption, demand, and cost summaries. This eliminates the need to manually search for standard outputs and accelerates your initial review.
You can change which tables are shown by clicking the Select Reports to Display button, and selecting additional reports from the dialog. When you’ve completed your selection, use the Update button to register your selection.
This flexibility allows you to tailor the display to your specific analysis needs, whether you’re focusing on HVAC performance, lighting energy use, or other specialized metrics.
Selecting Results Files to View
When a simulation completes, the Results Viewer automatically opens showing results from the simulated files. You may update which results files are show by clicking Select Files To Display. This allows you to select files in the current simulation folder (and subfolders). To select files located in a different directory, select a new directory by clicking Select Folder, and then select the files in the new directory.
Data Visualization
Transform numerical results into clear visual comparisons using built-in graphing capabilities. The Results Viewer supports four chart types:
- Bar Graph: Compare individual metrics across EEMs with vertical bars
- Adjacent Bar Graph: Display multiple metrics side-by-side for each EEM
- Pie Chart: Show proportional relationships and percentage distributions
- Stacked Bar Graph: Visualize component breakdowns and cumulative totals
These visualization options help you quickly identify trends, outliers, and the relative impact of different efficiency measures.
Hourly and Timestep Data Visualization
For detailed operational analysis, the Results Viewer provides access to granular time-series data. Click the “View Hourly Variables” or “View Timestep Variables” button to examine how building systems operate throughout the simulation period. This detailed view is particularly useful for comparing operational differences between EEMs, identifying peak demand events, understanding load profiles, and troubleshooting unexpected performance patterns.
Use the default variable name, or assign an Alias:
Add or remove a variable to the display by clicking the + or –:
Variables that will be displayed in the graph are shown in bold
To view the chart click Update Graph
When viewing hourly or timestep data for a single EEM, the Results Viewer offers an additional diagnostic capability: system node states can be displayed directly on the HVAC system diagram. This visual representation helps you understand fluid flows, temperatures, and other critical parameters at specific points in your HVAC systems, making it easier to verify proper system operation or diagnose performance issues.
Export and Reporting Integration
The Results Viewer includes a powerful export feature that saves all displayed graphs and tables as image files to a folder you specify. These exported images are designed for seamless integration with document editors like Microsoft Word through dynamic linking. When you update your simulation results and re-export, any dynamically linked images in your reports will automatically refresh, dramatically reducing the time required to produce updated client deliverables.
Typical Workflow
- Run simulations for your baseline and EEM cases in EP3
- Open the Results Viewer to see default results tables
- Review the standard metrics and add any additional tables or charts needed for your analysis
- Generate data visualizations to compare EEM performance
- For detailed analysis, use the “View Hourly Variables” or “View Timestep Variables” buttons to examine operational patterns
- If troubleshooting a single EEM, review system node states on the HVAC diagram
- Export all results to a designated folder as image files
- Link exported images into your report template using your document editor’s dynamic linking feature
- When results are updated, simply re-export from EP3 and your report images will automatically update