Question-and-Answer Resource for the Building Energy Modeling Community
 | 1 | initial version |
Your system setup may differ from what I understand, but I'm uncertain about the necessity of including the import and export interface in the IDF.
If your aim is to adjust setpoints from Python, there are other approaches to consider. One option is exporting EnergyPlus as an FMU, which would expose the setpoints you want to adjust as inputs of the FMU, while indoor temperature and A/C energy would be exposed as outputs. Once you've exported such an FMU, Python can be used to calculate the desired setpoints and interact with the FMU using a master algorithm like PyFMI.
However, it's important to note that with this approach, recompiling the FMU is necessary every time you modify your building model.
Another option is utilizing the BCVTB (Building Controls Virtual Test Bed). Here, you could employ Python actors or the SystemCommand (calling python script) actor to compute the setpoints using Python, with EnergyPlus exposing the required inputs and outputs for interfacing.
With the BCVTB approach, modifying your building model would only necessitate adjustments to the IDF, offering a more adaptable and efficient workflow.
