Building modeling using measured data

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You can also try training an artificial neural network (black box modelling). Depending on the type of data you have, you may be able to predict building energy consumption, thermal comfort etc. In this way you don't need model of the building, HVAC system etc. and you will be using historical data to train your neural network.

I hope this will help.

If I understand your question correctly you would like to simulate an existing shopping mall from which you have a year of measured data but would like to avoid or simplify building the model. This may be quite difficult because the data you have is the result of the geometry, construction, loads, and systems specific to that building. For reference, the traditional way one would conduct a calibrated simulation in OpenStudio is the following.

1. Obtain the design documentation from the architect to build model geometry [SketchUp]
2. Create spaces and assign them to thermal zones
3. Obtain actual meteorological year (AMY) file for the site and assign to model [OpenStudio]
4. Enter utility bill information (tutorial)
5. Assign schedules, constructions, and loads to model objects
6. Build the central HVAC system(s) and add zone HVAC equipment
7. Run the model, view results, and adjust inputs to train the model to the data

In your case I would consider using a DOE Commercial Reference Building as a proxy for the vintage, type, and climate zone of your building. Currently these complete EnergyPlus models cannot be imported directly into OpenStudio. However, the IDFs can be imported into SketchUp and/or OpenStudio which will preserve everything but the HVAC systems I believe. If you can wait until June OpenStudio Prototype Buildings may be available with the next release.

After updating the model inputs for the data you have instead of training your model to monthly energy use I would use monthly energy use intensity calculated from your utility data. From here you could (1) use the built in OS utility calibration feature shown in the tutorial link above or (2) use the OpenStudio Analysis Spreadsheet to calibrate your model using this example.

If the intention is just changing the setpoints, look at LoadProfile:Plant object (PlantLoadProfile EnergyPlus example file) to see if it can be of any help. It lets you specify the building load directly if you know it without creating building. Then you only need to add plant loop.

Otherwise, yes, building geometry with appropriate constructions/materials, windows data should be created using SketchUp/OpenStudio. Internal loads such as occupancy/lights/plug loads and infiltration values should be specified in the model and HVAC should be setup. Run the input file using weather file of building location (can insert measured outside data in weather file). Calibrate the model using measured energy consumption and/or inside temperature/RH data etc. Once there is enough confidence in the calibrated model, apply measures such as changing setpoints. This will be a fairly time consuming process which requires expertise. If you are not familiar with EnergyPlus, you have to start with tutorials available.

You will need to build the geometry of your building in SketchUp if you are trying to build a calibrated energy model. This is necessary to ensure that you have the correct area and envelope loads to the actual building that you are trying to calibrate to.

Does that answer your question?

I'm making a user guide for the OpenStudio Analysis Spreadsheet. Its taking longer than I would like, but here is a pre-release: https://github.com/NREL/OpenStudio-analysis-spreadsheet/tree/develop/documentation

Note this in the develop branch and will be updated as changes come in. Feedback on it is welcome.