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Defining internal objects in EnergyPlus

asked 7 years ago

Dear All!

I intend to define an internal object (solid material) inside the building to evaluate the impact of thermal inertia for different materials, but Sketchup and EnergyPlus only allow me to define specific types of surfaces (roof, floor, wall) or subsurfaces (windows, doors, etc.). Would you please help me with that? Thanks a lot!

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answered 7 years ago

updated 7 years ago

You can add Internal Mass objects with an IDF editor. If you are using the Legacy OpenStuido SketchUp plugin, it doesn't have access to this, however Interior Partitions in OSM files are translated to EnergyPlus Internal mass objects by default. But keep in mind, their position in space doesn't mater for the internal mass object since it just has an area and a construction and not a specific position in space. The position on interior partitions is for the benefit Radiance analysis.

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Here is a view of the Internal Mass objet in the OpenStudio application which looks similar to the EnergyPlus fields, but also offers option to normalize internal mass area per person or floor area.

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Thanks a lot David! but there should be a difference if the material is next to the window or the other side of room where it doesn't receive much sunlight, no?

Pouya's avatar Pouya  ( 7 years ago )

Yes, it will affect daylighting levels and solar gain in the room.

David Goldwasser's avatar David Goldwasser  ( 7 years ago )

Depending on what you are trying to analyze, you may want to consider the Solar Distribution setting and how it may impact your results.

Lyle K's avatar Lyle K  ( 7 years ago )

Thanks for the hint Lyle, I intend to evaluate the influence of internal objects near the windows and how they can contribute to thermal performance of the building.

Pouya's avatar Pouya  ( 7 years ago )

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Asked: 7 years ago

Seen: 1,138 times

Last updated: Mar 07 '17