Question-and-Answer Resource for the Building Energy Modeling Community
 | 1 | initial version |
If the intention is just changing the setpoints, look at LoadProfile:Plant object (PlantLoadProfile EnergyPlus example file) to see if it can be of any help. It lets you specify the building load directly if you know it without creating building. Then you only need to add plant loop.
Otherwise, yes, building geometry with appropriate constructions/materials, windows data should be created using SketchUp/OpenStudio. Internal loads such as occupancy/lights/plug loads and infiltration values should be specified in the model and HVAC should be setup. Run the input file using weather file of building location (can insert measured outside data in weather file). Calibrate the model using measured energy consumption and/or inside temperature/RH data etc. Once there is enough confidence in the calibrated model, apply measures such as changing setpoints. This will be a fairly time consuming process which requires expertise. If you are not familiar with EnergyPlus, you have to start with tutorials available.
