Question-and-Answer Resource for the Building Energy Modeling Community
Get started with the Help page
Ask Your Question
1

How to Use "Group of Input Files" in EP-Launch?

asked 2025-07-03 20:59:37 -0500

Jack Lee's avatar

updated 2025-07-07 10:19:23 -0500

Hello everyone.

I want to analyze how energy performance varies by location by keeping the IDF model fixed and applying multiple EPW weather files.

Based on the Auxiliary Programs manual, I followed the steps under the "Group of Input Files" section:

  1. "New Group of Simulations"
  2. Select an IDF
  3. Select multiple EPW files
  4. Save the group file (.epg)
  5. Simulate Group

In the History tab, I reviewed the results (e.g., .csv files), but all the outputs appear to be the same. Did I miss something? I really appreciate any insights or suggestions. Thank you! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ktPw... image description

[(available from Drive) EP version: 8.4, IDF file: DOE commercial building model, EPW: CA_San.f; CO_Golden; FL_Tempa] https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kUV6...

edit retag flag offensive close merge delete

2 Answers

Sort by ยป oldest newest most voted
2

answered 2025-07-07 08:07:18 -0500

Simulating a model in a different location/climate is not as simple as selecting a different EPW. You also need to modify the following objects in the IDF to reflect the new location:

Site:Location

SizingPeriod:DesignDay (cooling and heating design days)

Site:WaterMainsTemperature (if applicable)

Site:GroundTemperature (if applicable)

Also, if your HVAC is hard-sized (meaning capacities/flows are specified with numbers, instead of "Autosize"), you may need to either change these to Autosize or consider re-sizing your equipment to reflect the capacities appropriate for the new location(s).

By the way, the Drive link you shared is restricted, consider changing its permissions to "anyone with the link".

edit flag offensive delete link more

Comments

Hello and thank you, ericmartinpe.

As advised, I changed the link to "anyone with the link".

First of all, I want to know that, how to use 'Group of input files'.I expected to see how the output (site temperature, solar radiation) changes when applying different EPWs. However, in the simulations I performed, the results from different EPWs were the same. link text

As advised, IDF needs to be updated in the 'SizingPeriod:DesignDay, Site:WaterMainsTemperature, Site:GroundTemperature' to ensure accurate simulation results.

Thank you!

Jack Lee's avatar Jack Lee  ( 2025-07-07 20:08:42 -0500 )edit
0

answered 2025-07-07 23:44:22 -0500

Jack Lee's avatar

updated 2025-07-07 23:46:45 -0500

It seems the problem might be solved. When you set the option in 'Step 4 of 5 output file location', you should choose the 'user defined location', not 'original input file location'. I don't know exactly why but it works.

edit flag offensive delete link more

Your Answer

Please start posting anonymously - your entry will be published after you log in or create a new account.

Add Answer

Training Workshops

Question Tools

1 follower

Stats

Asked: 2025-07-03 20:59:37 -0500

Seen: 85 times

Last updated: Jul 07