Building Energy Simulation Using EQUEST Software

Explore building energy simulation with the free Equest tool, model a project in 3D, and analyze occupancy, equipment, and schedules to meet energy performance and LEED requirements.

Learn how to import DXF files into EQUEST software to streamline and accurately build energy simulations.

Define building elements, zones, occupancies, and space uses in Equest wizard mode, then switch to detailed mode to assign properties and manage zoning across basement, ground floors, and storage spaces.

Add doors and windows to the building model by manual modeling or replacement. Model dimensions by width, height, elevation, and x-axis placement from floor plans for EQUEST.

Configure exterior window shade options with overhang and vertical fins, then set up hvac options including evaporative cooler, chilled water, and variable refrigerant volumes, in detail mode.

Set up and optimize occupancy, equipment, lighting, exterior lighting, and fan schedules, plus cooling and heating schedules, in Equest software, including holidays and temperature settings.

Set up interior loads by configuring basement and ground floor lighting with LPD values, apply occupancy and heat data, and assign equipment power density for all floors.

Compute wall and roof u-values from material layers, deriving total r-values. Assign building schedules for occupancy, lighting, and parking, with LAPD 0.21, and plan the ASHRAE baseline case.

Explore the eight ASHRAE HVAC system types, distinguishing conditioned from unconditioned spaces. Assign per-zone systems across floors, including basements, and select split, VRV, and package terminal options in Equest.

Learn to read the Equest output file to analyze annual energy consumption and its breakdown by hvac, lighting, and other loads, including solar contributions and pie charts.

Explore modeling diverse hvac systems in equest, from package variable volume and vrv to variable air volume, with schedules for cooling, heating, and fan.

Learn to model chiller and boiler on the water side by defining a chilled water loop and adding the default loop from the library via the variable air volume option.

Model a dummy VR system in equest, set vref and constant-volume parameters, apply ashrae sizing, configure cooling capacity, outdoor air, and weather data, then simulate.

Use Equest software to perform fresh air calculations for accurate building energy simulations and ventilation assessment.

Import and configure a weather file in equest by downloading a pdf, converting it to bin, and setting Delhi as the site, altitude, and north orientation before importing.

Add an air change per hour for basement and interior or exterior loads in Equest, using the insert tab to configure the exterior schedule.

Begin by adding HVAC systems and equipment to the simulation file, initiating the building energy model in EQUEST.

Model the baseline in Equest using 90.1 2010 appendix g for Delhi climate zone. Configure the building envelope, interior loads, lighting, and non-residential system six package for a g+5.

Model the baseline hvac for a g+5 building under 25,000 square feet using package rooftop units with reheat valves, direct expansion, and electric heating.

Model system sizing and fan power, verify cooling tonnage per floor, and convert capacity to BTU/hr. Ashrae table 6.8.1 guides selecting minimum efficiency for air-cooled units and computing COP.

Execute ASHRAE fan power calculations by entering CFM data from each floor into the fan power calculation sheet, convert to BHP and kilowatt, and compare results with the proposed case.

Rotate the building azimuth across 0, 90, 180, and 270 degrees with parametric runs in equest, then compare baseline and proposed results against Ashrae 90.1 2010 to reveal energy savings.

Define wall, roof, and glazing u-values and shgc to reduce heat gains in the building envelope and simulate a Gurgaon commercial project with base and proposed cases.

Assign occupancy, lighting power, equipment, and daylight schedules, including sun path and building location considerations, to zones; apply controls to reduce energy use; work through weekly and annual schedules.

Compare base case and project case per Ashrae 90.1 to show energy savings for IGBC and LEED, modeling system eight for large buildings and reporting percentage savings.