The mechanical analysis workflow

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The workflow starts with initial rev project set up.

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This includes setting the building location

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which also establishes weather information,

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then continues with linking the architects model.

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It's not essential to work with every aspect of the linked project model.

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But it is important to leverage information wherever possible.

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And that can include referencing the project

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levels from the linked architects model.

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The architects model can be too detailed for conceptual analysis.

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So the use of conceptual masses will provide a level of information suitable at

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this stage and provide an ideal starting point for energy and systems analysis.

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The architects model can be used as a guide to create

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the conceptual masses and are created much quicker than physical walls,

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floors, roofs and other elements found in the detailed architects model.

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Conceptual masses represent the overall building shell rather than

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the spaces more often associated with energy modeling.

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And the levels leveraged from the architects model are

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used to define the project flaws within the conceptual mass

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project.

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Energy settings are set at the whole building

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level and in the absence of specific detail,

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provide a range of assumptions for early stage analysis

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without the need to manually create an energy model.

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These assumptions describe how building geometry is interpreted with different

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modes to determine how their energy model will be created.

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The resolution or tightness of the building can be set

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and under certain circumstances will control

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the automatic detection of void spaces.

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Additionally,

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energy related data can be applied providing details such as

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building type which in turn makes assumptions about occupancy,

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lighting and equipment and whether R

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space data is utilized

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finally,

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material thermal properties can be set in accordance

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with the level of detail for the building.

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At an early stage.

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The material thermal properties can be taken from the conceptual masses

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and as the level of detail increases individual

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material overrides can be applied or the material

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thermal properties can be taken from the physical

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elements used in the architectural model itself.

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The energy model once created is made

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up of analytical spaces and analytical surfaces,

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both of which are required to perform energy simulations and loads calculations.

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The spaces represent the volumes of air within

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the building that require heating and cooling.

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And the analytical surfaces represent the material

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thermal properties for surfaces in the project

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and the heat transfer between the outside and the inside and between spaces.

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The analytical spaces and surfaces created in the energy model can

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be checked with the use of standard rivet tools such as schedules

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where it schedules can be used to understand the breakdown of

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the component parts of the energy model and without any intervention.

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Each analytical surface understands if it is external or internal.

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If it is a wall, a door or window, a floor or a roof

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insight takes the completed energy model and performs an

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analysis in the cloud using green building studio.

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When the results are complete,

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you'll receive an email and the results of the

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analysis can be accessed to the insight website.

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The results of the report focus on whole

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building energy use and whole building energy cost

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and are broken down into key areas such as building orientation,

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internal loads,

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infiltration and construction

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for each of these areas. The model is measured against a scale

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and the position of the model on that scale will change

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depending on changes to things like glazing properties and insulation.

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The key feature here is the interactive and dynamic nature of the feedback

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which provides guidance and direction rather than a set of static analysis results

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as the model moves from concept through to schematic and detailed design,

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additional features can be added to gradually increase

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the detail to suit the level of analysis required

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features such as curtain walling can be added to the conceptual mass model.

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Then further details such as walls, roofs and windows can be added as required

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providing an accurate model for the purpose of analysis.

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Before finally committing to using the fully detailed architectural model

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at each stage of increased level of detail,

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the results can be reviewed and monitored using insight