Does "Mechanically Ventilated" in DesignBuilder Account for Fan Energy Like "Cooled & Mechanically Ventilated"?

asked 2025-05-22 10:36:14 -0500

Anurag_G's avatar

updated 2025-05-22 13:32:34 -0500

I’m modeling a mixed-mode building in DesignBuilder (with EnergyPlus) where some zones are defined as "Mechanically Ventilated" (no cooling/heating). While the main HVAC system is accounted for, I’m unsure how local exhaust fans (e.g., toilet exhausts) are handled.When defining zones in DesignBuilder:

  1. If I select "Cooled and Mechanically Ventilated", EnergyPlus models cooling + fan energy (e.g., from HVAC supply fans).
  2. If I select only "Mechanically Ventilated", does this also account for fan energy, or is it treated as natural ventilation (no fan power)?
  3. Is there an implicit fan energy assumption when ticking "Mechanically Ventilated," or is it purely for air exchange (no fan power)?

I’m trying to isolate fan energy use in mixed-mode models.I don’t see clear documentation on whether "Mechanically Ventilated" alone includes fan power.

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