Energy Model Segmentation for Design Iteration Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current building energy modeling software lacks the ability to efficiently analyze and compare energy performance across different design iterations and material/geometric variations, limiting the potential for energy-efficient building design.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that generates and analyzes energy models by receiving design profile data, determining energy transmissions, and presenting them in a user-friendly format, allowing users to select and compare alternate materials and geometries based on energy profiles and chronologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If building energy modeling software is used to predict energy needs, then energy performance can be estimated, but the software lacks the ability to efficiently analyze and compare energy performance across different design iterations and material/geometric variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the design model into discrete model objects with associated design profiles, allowing individual tracking and comparison of energy performance for each object across design iterations. This segmentation enables efficient analysis of specific materials and geometries without requiring complete re-analysis of entire building designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically generating design profiles and associated energy analysis models at each design iteration before comparisons are needed. Energy transmissions are calculated and stored in advance, enabling rapid comparison across iterations without performing full energy analyses when comparisons are requested.
2Measurement precision
If detailed energy analysis is performed on each design iteration, then accurate energy performance data is obtained, but the time and computational resources required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary energy analysis and stores energy transmission data for each design profile in advance. When design iterations are compared, the pre-calculated energy data is retrieved and contrasted rather than performing full energy analyses at comparison time, significantly reducing computation time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates copies of design profiles with their associated energy analysis models for each design iteration. These profile copies can be efficiently stored, retrieved, and compared without requiring the original complex energy analysis computations to be repeated, enabling rapid iteration through multiple design options.
3Loss of information
If the system tracks all design changes to generate energy chronologies, then complete energy evolution history is available, but the complexity of monitoring and quantifying variances increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that automatically detect when design model variances exceed predetermined thresholds, triggering energy chronology generation only when significant changes occur. This feedback-based approach ensures complete tracking of meaningful energy evolution while avoiding unnecessary analysis of minor design variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors parameter changes in design profiles (materials, geometries) and uses these parameter variations as triggers for energy analysis. By focusing on parameter changes rather than all possible design modifications, the system efficiently tracks energy evolution with reduced complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for generating an energy model and tracking evolution of an energy model are disclosed. An example method comprises receiving material information and geometry information associated with a design model, and generating, based on the material information, geometry information, location information, and constraints, an energy analysis model associated with energy transmissions for the design model, wherein the energy transmissions are based on energy transmissions through surfaces of a plurality of model objects that collectively form the design model.