Foundation Kiva inputs

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The SurfaceProperty:ExposedFoundationPerimeter object is used to define the floor edges that are exposed to outdoor air and/or soil and NOT a conditioned zone -- that's what is meant by "exposed to the exterior environment through the floor". This will include perimeter segments that have walls above them. For example, the walkout basement with variable grade shown in the Input-Output Reference section for the Foundation:Kiva object would have all basement floor perimeter segments exposed, because there are no conditioned zones adjacent to the basement looking at a floor plan view from above.

The "Surface Name" input field of the SurfaceProperty:ExposedFoundationPerimeter object should be set to the name of a surface object that is placed on the floor of a zone (BuildingSurface:Detailed, Floor:GroundContact, etc.).

The following example files for EnergyPlus v8.8 show how to apply the Foundation:Kiva, Foundation:Kiva:Settings, and SurfaceProperty:ExposedFoundationPerimeter objects:

• ZoneCoupledKivaBasement.idf
• ZoneCoupledKivaRefBldgMediumOffice.idf
• ZoneCoupledKivaSlab.idf
• ZoneCoupledKivaWalkoutBasement.idf (the one you are most likely to be interested in)