how can I fix this error in design builder file?

asked 2020-12-27 09:09:05 -0600

updated 2021-04-01 11:00:51 -0600

I am PhD student, I use design builder program to study indoor thermal comfort, the case study file which I modeled wasn't simulate completely, and there were error message, I need to know what are the right steps to can fix this file. the error massage :

Program Version,EnergyPlus, Version 8.9.0-40101eaafd, YMD=2020.12.27 16:55,
** Warning ** ManageSizing: For a zone sizing run, there must be at least 1 Sizing:Zone input object. SimulationControl Zone Sizing option ignored.
** Warning ** Site:GroundTemperature:BuildingSurface: Some values fall outside the range of 15-25C.
**   ~~~   ** These values may be inappropriate.  Please consult the Input Output Reference for more details.
** Warning ** CalcSurfaceCentroid: 8 Surfaces have the Z coordinate < 0.
**   ~~~   ** ...in any calculations, Wind Speed will be 0.0 for these surfaces.
**   ~~~   ** ...in any calculations, Outside temperatures will be the outside temperature + 9.750E-003 for these surfaces.
**   ~~~   ** ...that is, these surfaces will have conditions as though at ground level.
** Warning ** GetSurfaceData: There are 9 window/glass door(s) that may cause inaccurate shadowing due to Solar Distribution.
**   ~~~   ** For explicit details on each window, use Output:Diagnostics,DisplayExtraWarnings;
** Warning ** CalculateZoneVolume: 5 zones are not fully enclosed. For more details use:  Output:Diagnostics,DisplayExtrawarnings; 
** Warning ** CheckUsedConstructions: There are 5 nominally unused constructions in input.
**   ~~~   ** For explicit details on each unused construction, use Output:Diagnostics,DisplayExtraWarnings;
** Warning ** DeterminePolygonOverlap: Too many figures [>15000]  detected in an overlap calculation. Use Output:Diagnostics,DisplayExtraWarnings; for more details.
** Warning ** Output:Meter: invalid Key Name="GAS:FACILITY" - not found.
** Warning ** Output:Meter: invalid Key Name="GAS:FACILITY" - not found.
************* Testing Individual Branch Integrity
************* All Branches passed integrity testing
************* Testing Individual Supply Air Path Integrity
************* All Supply Air Paths passed integrity testing
************* Testing Individual Return Air Path Integrity
************* All Return Air Paths passed integrity testing
************* No node connection errors were found.
************* Beginning Simulation
** Severe  ** PsyRhoAirFnPbTdbW: RhoAir (Density of Air) is calculated <= 0 [-3.26553].
**   ~~~   ** pb =[100920.00], tdb=[-379.81], w=[5.9506811E-003].
**   ~~~   **  Routine=CorrectZoneHumRat, During Warmup, Environment=UNTITLED (28-O5:28-O5), at Simulation time=05/28 08:15 - 08:30
**  Fatal  ** Program terminates due to preceding condition.
...Summary of Errors that led to program termination:
..... Reference severe error count=1
..... Last severe error=PsyRhoAirFnPbTdbW: RhoAir (Density of Air) is calculated <= 0 [-3.26553].
*************
************* ===== Final Error Summary =====
************* The following error categories occurred.  Consider correcting or noting.
************* Nominally Unused Constructions
************* ..The nominally unused constructions warning is provided to alert you to potential conditions that can cause
************* ..extra time during simulation. Each construction is calculated by the algorithm indicated in the HeatBalanceAlgorithm
************* ..object. You may remove the constructions indicated (when you use the DisplayExtraWarnings option).
*************
************* EnergyPlus Warmup Error Summary. During Warmup: 0 Warning; 1 Severe Errors.
************* EnergyPlus Sizing Error Summary. During Sizing: 1 Warning; 0 Severe Errors.
************* EnergyPlus Terminated--Fatal Error Detected. 17 Warning; 1 Severe Errors; Elapsed Time=00hr 00min 10.51sec

Thanks.

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answered 2020-12-28 12:04:44 -0600

Aaron Boranian

14250 ●86 ●24 http://bigladdersoftware.com/

DesignBuilder is an interface for the EnergyPlus simulation engine, so these types of warning and error messages actually come from EnergyPlus itself. The severe errors indicate something VERY wrong with the model and usually cause EnergyPlus to stop the simulation. Your severe error is below:

** Severe  ** PsyRhoAirFnPbTdbW: RhoAir (Density of Air) is calculated <= 0 [-3.26553].
**   ~~~   ** pb =[100920.00], tdb=[-379.81], w=[5.9506811E-003].
**   ~~~   **  Routine=CorrectZoneHumRat, During Warmup, Environment=UNTITLED (28-O5:28-O5), at Simulation time=05/28 08:15 - 08:30
**  Fatal  ** Program terminates due to preceding condition.

EnergyPlus is trying to calculate the density of air in a zone, but the drybulb temperature value is so low (-379.81 C) that it calculates a negative density (this is physically impossible). So, something in your simulation is causing REALLY cold temperatures in at least one zone, and this occurs on 28th May at 08:15 AM. For your reference, there is an Unmet Hours post asking about this negative humidity severe error related to other models.

The other messages above this severe error are warnings that indicate things that may be questionable and need reviewing or updating. Some warnings can be ignored for your model, depending upon what you are trying to simulate, since they won't affect simulation accuracy, run time, etc. However, sometimes a warning is closely related to a severe error. Some warnings that you may want to investigate further:

** Warning ** Site:GroundTemperature:BuildingSurface: Some values fall outside the range of 15-25C.
**   ~~~   ** These values may be inappropriate.  Please consult the Input Output Reference for more details.

Temperature inputs for ground-contact surfaces (basement floors or walls, e.g.) may be too cold.

** Warning ** CalculateZoneVolume: 5 zones are not fully enclosed. For more details use:  Output:Diagnostics,DisplayExtrawarnings;

Some zones are not fully enclosed (surfaces surround the zone's air without any gaps or holes), which will impact heat transfer calculations (conduction in/out of zone, radiation between zone's surfaces, etc.).

A few warnings mention adding an Output:Diagnostics object to display extra warnings that aren't currently written to this error file you've copied and pasted. This can be turned on in DesignBuilder's Program Options dialog (see below).

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