DOE Prototype Models: Site Ground Temperature:FC Factor Input Explanation

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Both IO and Engineering References provide good overviews, IMHO. F/C factors are typically provided in building energy code appendices, e.g. ASHRAE 90.1 (SI) 2016 ... hopefully, fair infringement of copyright here:

Construction:FfactorGroundFloor objects are straightforward. In addition to F-factors, provide slab area and exposed slab perimeter. These IDF entries would remain as is if simply changing building location.

The initial IO link provides clear guidance on how to approximate monthly ground temperatures, e.g. based on EPW "GROUND TEMPERATURE" entries. Values at 0.5m depth are available in both EPWs:

• VNM_Hanoi.488200_IWEC
• THA_Bangkok.484560_IWEC

As stated in the docs, this is optional as EnergyPlus will automatically extract these entries from the EPW if needed.