Editing Cbecc-Com XML input with Python?

asked 2017-11-30 17:38:54 -0600

_sleepyowl
101 ●4

updated 2017-12-28 12:52:27 -0600

Hi I was wondering if anyone out there has a workflow that involves editing Cbecc-Com's XML input files with Python? It seems do-able (or does it?), I thought I would ask before I start giving it a go.

My thoughts are:

Create initial Geometry in IES
Export to CBECC-Com
Save CBECC-Com file as XML
Run python scripts to parse/edit XML elements
Import XML to CBECC com
Repeat steps 3-5

Would be interested in hearing any work flows that include python scripts / input files!

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Comments

I haven't heard of one, but Python has a built-in XML module that could be used for this. Also, CBECC-Com apparently has an API that might be useful.

MatthewSteen ( 2017-12-01 12:06:44 -0600 )edit

I personally haven't done any scripts, but know its possible. There are several firms in the LA and San Francisco area who have presented at local IBPSA meetings on their developed processes which involve this. So all I can say is its very possible!

I know some firms have scripts to take the .idf file, auto-size the HVAC system in EnergyPlus, and then re-import autosized data into the XML file in CBECC-Com, as well as do other processes. If you are located in LA or SF, I'd highly encourage getting involved with IBPSA to chat with these firms.

Anna Osborne Brannon ( 2017-12-11 20:14:26 -0600 )edit

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Comments

That is actually a very interesting idea! Unfortunately I haven't had any time to play with python and the XML files. We're currently using Energy Pro here at the office with sikuli, which is an automation tool. I've been able to write a few python scrips which allow me to input data from excel -> energy pro using sikuli, but it isn't as efficient as editing the information in the XML document directly. I'm also not a big fan of the Epro/CBECC interface which is why I'd like to edit the XML files.