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Bad allocation error in EnergyPlus when using illuminance map

asked 2020-06-17 14:22:00 -0500

KerryHarp's avatar

updated 2020-06-18 14:05:13 -0500

Energyplus terminates and in the ERR file, all it says is * Severe * Bad Allocation. I know this is related to the Illuminance Map because if I take it out or make the map very small, the simulation completes. I want the illuminance map to fill the entire space (to get data from all orientations), but I get this error whenever the map crosses interior walls (all in the same zone).

! =========== ALL OBJECTS IN CLASS: Illuminance Map ================

Output:IlluminanceMap, Illuminance Map 1, !- Name living_unit1, !- Zone Name 3.352, !- Z height {m} 1.465, !- X Minimum Coordinate {m} 9.085, !- X Maximum Coordinate {m} 3, !- Number of X Grid Points 0.1, !- Y Minimum Coordinate {m} 3.048, !- Y Maximum Coordinate {m} 10; !- Number of Y Grid Points

I am running E+ with EP-launch. The construction is a modification of the prototype residential house. I have inserted BSDF data (exported from LBNL WINDOW 7.7) for complex glazing systems. This IDF of the prototype house does not import well into Sketchup/OpenStudio (HVAC data doesn't import)...therefore I'm just running E+.

Can someone help with this? I have many sims that need to be done. I would really like to get the illuminance data. Unmethours won't let me upload an image, even when logged in.

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@KerryHarp you should have enough karma points now to upload an image :)

Aaron Boranian's avatar Aaron Boranian  ( 2020-06-17 15:34:37 -0500 )edit

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answered 2020-06-17 15:43:45 -0500

The Bad Allocation error will happen when your computer is out of memory. That is why the file runs when you reduce the size of the map. How much memory does your computer have? You could try using a different computer or try reducing any unnecessary output reporting (Output:Variable) or combine zones if possible. Anything to reduce the size of memory needed to run the simulation.

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Thank you! I will reduce the output variables, for there are many. Need to get this work done, so I'm off to get a more powerful computer (I have a low-end new laptop for simulations, but do most all of my other on my Mac).

KerryHarp's avatar KerryHarp  ( 2020-06-17 15:59:08 -0500 )edit

Before you by a new computer, how much RAM do you have now?

rraustad's avatar rraustad  ( 2020-06-17 16:08:32 -0500 )edit

8GB. My husband's old personal laptop died last week. So I'm giving my current one to him and purchased a new one with 16GB and faster processor.

KerryHarp's avatar KerryHarp  ( 2020-06-17 16:39:52 -0500 )edit

I would think 8G would be enough for most simulations. I have seen some approach 8G but since your getting one anyway then why not. Why don't you open task manager (right click on task bar) and watch the memory while you run the simulation.

rraustad's avatar rraustad  ( 2020-06-17 18:09:26 -0500 )edit
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answered 2020-06-17 15:37:46 -0500

KerryHarp's avatar

C:\fakepath\Screen Shot 2020-06-17 at 2.14.20 PM.png

Here is what the illuminance map / reference point look like.

Thank you, Aaron for allowing the image upload.

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I'm not sure if it is legal for the illuminance map to cross a zone boundary. Could you create just a square map within the zone boundary? Do you really need the interior wall in what you describe as the same zone?

rraustad's avatar rraustad  ( 2020-06-17 15:46:49 -0500 )edit

The entire building is within 1 zone. As mentioned previously, this is a prototype model from NREL/DOE. I'm not sure why those interior walls are there, for they are not dividing the space into 4 zones. Being a bit of a newbie, I don't know what would happen if the walls were deleted (in terms of simulation results). I really appreciate the feedback you have been providing.

KerryHarp's avatar KerryHarp  ( 2020-06-18 08:01:06 -0500 )edit

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Asked: 2020-06-17 14:22:00 -0500

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Last updated: Jun 17 '20