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Simulation Parameters

EnergyPlus includes a group of input objects used to set general parameters related to how the simulation is performed. Some of these input objects are controlling different options that are allowed within EnergyPlus such as the selection of algorithms to use or parameters related to how an algorithm is used. For a new modeler, these input objects should be included with their default field values. Later when additional control is necessary to model a specific type of measure, the field values can be re-evaluated. The following input object allows you to control how you want the simulation to be performed. The input objects should appear in your file and appear in almost all of the example files:

  • SimulationControl - controls if the simulation is run for the weather file period and if sizing calculations are performed. You should become familiar with this input object since you may find it one that you frequently change during the Run-Check-Edit cycle.

Two other input objects should appear in your input file and are included in almost all example files:

  • Version - indicates what version of EnergyPlus is being used.
  • Building - includes fields for the name of the building, and the angle of the entire building compared to true north, as well as parameters related to the simulation that, in general, should be allowed to default.

For a new modeler, the following input objects may be omitted. They can be added later for special cases although they appear in almost all of the example files:

  • Timestep - the number of timesteps each hour and usually set to 6.
  • HeatBalanceAlgorithm - selects the algorithm used for simulating heat and moisture transfer through the surfaces of the building and usually set to ConductionTransferFunction.
  • SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:Inside - selects the algorithm used for the inside face of the building surfaces and is usually set to TARP.
  • SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:Outside - selects the algorithm used for the outside face of the building surfaces between interior and exterior conditions and is usually set to DOE-2.

These input objects and more are further explained in the InputOutputReference under the heading "Group-Simulation Parameters."