VisualDOE Frame

<body stylesrc="Desc_VD.htm" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">  <table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tr> <td width="100%" bgcolor="#000000"><font color="#FFCC00" size="5" face="Arial"><strong>VisualDOE </strong></font></td> </tr> </table> <blockquote> <p><font size="3">VisualDOE 2.0, a second generation Windows</font><font size="3" face="Symbol">ä</font><font size="3"> application, was released in February 1996 and is being used worldwide by private architects and engineers, utilities, national laboratories, universities and others to evaluate energy costs for alternative building system designs. Version 2.5, released in November 1996, offers significant enhancements, and the current release is Version 2.61. </font></p> <blockquote> <ul> <li><a href="../vd_overview.htm#easy%20input"><font size="3">Easy input</font></a></li> <li><a href="../vd_overview.htm#how%20to"><font size="3">How to build a VisualDOE model</font></a></li> <li><a href="../vd_overview.htm#capabilities"><font size="3">Capabilities</font></a></li> <li><a href="../vd_overview.htm#energy%20efficiency%20measures"><font size="3">Energy efficiency measures</font></a></li> <li><a href="../vd_overview.htm#design%20alternatives"><font size="3">Design alternatives</font></a></li> <li><a href="../vd_overview.htm#operating%20schedules"><font size="3">Operating schedules</font></a></li> <li><a href="../vd_overview.htm#help%20system"><font size="3">Help system and defaults</font></a></li> <li><a href="../vd_overview.htm#output%20report"><font size="3">Output reports</font></a></li> <li><a href="../vd_overview.htm#hourly%20reports"><font size="3">Hourly reports</font></a></li> <li><a href="../vd_overview.htm#output%20graphs"><font size="3">Output graphs</font></a></li> <li><a href="../vd_overview.htm#international%20use"><font size="3">International use</font></a></li> <li><a href="../vd_overview.htm#overview"><font size="3">Program module overview</font></a></li> </ul> </blockquote> <p><a name="easy input"></a><font size="3"><strong>Easy Input</strong><br> VisualDOE is the fastest way to build complex DOE2 building models and the easiest DOE2-based simulation tool to learn. The program features easy-to-read schematic diagrams that allow you to define and modify your building quickly, through all design phases. Pictures of your building and HVAC system diagrams are produced as you create your model. Building geometry may be constructed of standard block shapes, and complex shapes are defined with a drawing tool. Simply double click on a system component and enter the specifications on an illustrated form. An on-line help system explains the information needed to perform the simulation. The program is also supported by a Users Manual.</font></p> <p><a name="how to"></a><strong>How to Build a VisualDOE Model</strong><ol> <li><a href="../vd_blck.htm" target="main"><font size="3">Construct the Block Model</font></a></li> <li><a href="../vd_cstm.htm" target="main"><font size="3">Draw a Custom Block Shape</font></a></li> <li><a href="../vd_wndw.htm" target="main"><font size="3">Define Windows</font></a></li> <li><a href="../vd_zone.htm" target="main"><font size="3">Connect Zones with Systems</font></a></li> <li><a href="../vd_sys.htm" target="main"><font size="3">Define Systems</font></a></li> <li><a href="../vd_plnt.htm" target="main"><font size="3">Define the Central Plant</font></a></li> </ol> <p><a name="capabilities"></a><font size="3"><strong>Capabilities</strong><br> If you are already a DOE-2.1E user or if you would like to be one, you will appreciate the many capabilities of Visual DOE.</font><ul> <li><font size="3">Work in either inch-pound or SI (metric) units</font></li> <li><font size="3">Add and edit custom pieces of equipment and performance curves</font></li> <li><font size="3">Create customized schedules and apply them to an occupancy type</font></li> <li><font size="3">Create complex building shapes and zoning arrangements and import geometric data from a CADD file</font></li> <li><font size="3">Create custom graphs of simulation results and paste them into your reports</font></li> <li><font size="3">Display an isometric image of your model and copy it into your reports</font></li> <li><font size="3">Model just about any central plant configuration including thermal energy storage and cogeneration</font></li> <li><font size="3">Model seasonal building shade</font></li> <li><font size="3">Model miscellaneous process loads</font></li> </ul> <p><a name="energy efficiency measures"></a><font size="3"><strong>Energy Efficiency Measures</strong><br> With VisualDOE 2.5 you can analyze savings of HVAC, central plant, and other building design options including (but not limited to):</font><ul> <li><font size="3">Evaporative cooling/precooling</font></li> <li><font size="3">Thermal energy storage</font></li> <li><font size="3">Heat recovery</font></li> <li><font size="3">Economizers</font></li> <li><font size="3">Variable speed controls</font></li> <li><font size="3">High performance glazings</font></li> <li><font size="3">Exterior shading</font></li> <li><font size="3">Exterior Lights and other miscellaneous energy uses</font></li> <li><font size="3">Daylighting controls</font></li> <li><font size="3">Building shell insulation and mass</font></li> <li><font size="3">25 HVAC system types</font></li> </ul> <p><a name="design alternatives"></a><strong>Design Alternatives</strong><br> Each project file contains information about the basecase design as well as information about up to 20 design alternatives. Design alternatives can be quickly created from the basecase or one of the other design alternatives. If you know the construction cost associated with each of the design alternatives, VisualDOE will calculate the life-cycle cost of each one. A single run, all runs, or a selected group of runs can be made in a single batch. Advanced users can edit the DOE-2 input files to include modeling features not supported by the graphic interface. </p> <p><a name="operating schedules"></a><strong>Operating Schedules</strong><br> Scheduling building operation patterns is vastly simpler than using DOE-2 directly. You choose an occupancy type from the library and all the schedules and other information associated with that occupancy type are applied. The Schedule Maker program module can be used to create new schedules and combine these into occupancies. </p> <p><a name="help system"></a><strong>Help System and Defaults</strong><br> The program is supported by an on-line help system that explains how to use the program and gives details about information needed to perform a simulation. The help system is context sensitive, providing immediate information about the form displayed on the screen. Error checking is provided after you enter information in each field. If the information is outside an acceptable range or is of the wrong data type (date, numeric, alpha, etc.), a warning appears with information about how to correct the error. VisualDOE starts you with a set of reasonable defaults. These are generally consistent with the DOE-2 defaults, but sometimes depend on other data you have entered. The help system also contains explanatory information about the DOE-2 reports. </p> <p><a name="output report"></a><strong>Output Reports</strong><br> In addition to the reports generated by DOE-2, VisualDOE generates five additional reports that summarize information about your model(s) and present the results. Diagnostic information is provided to help you ensure that your results are reasonable. A Run|Diagnostics form presents average temperatures of each space, the hours that the space is cooler than the heating setpoint or warmer than the cooling setpoint. It also summarizes total and outside air volumes to each space. If a simulation fails, diagnostic information is written to a LOG file. Finally, there is the BDL report which has diagnostic errors, warnings and cautions from DOE-2. In addition to the on-line help system, the program is supported by a User's Manual. </p> <p><a name="hourly reports"></a><strong>Hourly Reports</strong><br> VisualDOE can report hourly results for a wide range of variables such as space temperatures, electric end-use demand, air flow, and heating and cooling loads. </p> <p><a name="output graphs"></a><strong>Output Graphs</strong><br> Graphs may be created within VisualDOE and pasted into other applications such as word processors and spreadsheets. Examples of the graphs available include end-use consumption (for multiple design alternatives), monthly energy consumption, weather data and any hourly variables. </p> <p><a name="international use"></a><strong>International Use</strong><br> VisualDOE can be used effectively by the international community. You can use either inch-pound or SI (metric) units, eliminating time consuming conversions. The VisualDOE library can be modified to include special holidays, schedules, equipment templates and other information unique to a particular country or region of the world. Specifying equipment is simplified through the use of templates. Templates can be created and edited with the Equipment Editor program module. In many cases an entire piece of equipment such as a chiller, boiler or cooling tower can be specified by making a single choice in the templates list box. </p> <p><a name="overview"></a><strong>Overview of Program Modules</strong><br> VisualDOE 2.5 includes eight program modules: Graphic Editor, Plant Only runs, Schedule Maker, Constructions Builder, Fenestrations Editor, Climate Editor, Utility Rates Editor, and Equipment Editor. Following is a brief description of each of the program modules. You can click on any of the icons to see a screen snapshot and a description of the interface.</p> </blockquote> <div align="center"><center> <table border="0" cellpadding="7" cellspacing="0" width="90%"> <tr> <td valign="top" width="50"><img src="../../images/grphico.jpg" width="38" height="35"></td> <td>The <strong>Graphic Editor</strong> is the backbone of VisualDOE 2.55. The Graphic Editor can be used to create a basecase model and up to 20 design alternatives. The Graphic Editor uses the concept of blocks which you can stack one-on-top-of-the-other to create complex building shapes. You can choose from several standard zoning arrangements or create your own custom zoning for each block. As you create your model, plan and elevation views are drawn so what-you-see-is-what-you-get.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="50"><img src="../../images/ptnlico.jpg" width="38" height="35"></td> <td>The <strong>Plant Only Runs</strong> module allows you to choose from a library of predefined load profiles and only simulate the performance of central plant alternatives.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="50"><img src="../../images/climico.jpg" WIDTH="38" HEIGHT="35"></td> <td>The <strong>Climate Editor</strong> is used to add, delete or modify the climates in the library. Each climate has a weather file associated with it as well as elevation and other data.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="50"><img src="../../images/schico.jpg" width="38" height="35"></td> <td>The <strong>Schedule Maker</strong> is used to create patterns of building operation. With this tool you use graphic metaphors to describe how people come and go, how lights and equipment will be operated, what temperatures will be maintained and how outside air will be brought into the building. Day schedules can be created. These can be combined into annual schedules. Annual schedules can then be associated with an occupancy. Schedule maker also allows you to create non-standard (USA) holiday schedules.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="50"><img src="../../images/consico.jpg" width="38" height="35"></td> <td>The <strong>Constructions Builder</strong> enables you to edit and create wall, roof, and floor constructions. Once a construction is created and added to the library, it will be available in list boxes. </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="50"><img src="../../images/fensico.jpg" width="38" height="35"></td> <td>The <strong>Fenestrations Editor</strong> is used to review and extend the fenestration library. The Window 4.1 constructions can be added. </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="50"><img src="../../images/utilico.jpg" width="38" height="35"></td> <td>The <strong>Utility Rates Editor</strong> is used to create utility rates. The editor supports time-of-use rates, demand charges, monthly charges, block structures, kWh/kW ratios, multiple seasons and many other utility rate features. Once data has been entered and stored in the library, the newly created utility rate will appear in the appropriate list boxes.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="50"><img src="../../images/equpico.jpg" width="38" height="35"></td> <td>The <strong>Equipment Editor</strong> is used to add new equipment templates to the library or to modify equipment templates already in the library. Choose an equipment type, e.g. chiller, and all the chiller templates in the library are displayed in a list box. Double click on one of the templates, and a form comes up where you can define the template properties. An especially powerful and advanced feature of the Equipment Editor is the ability to create part-load curves for specific pieces of equipment. </td> </tr> </table> </center></div> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><font size="1" face="Arial"><strong><a href="../frm_gdt.htm" target="_top">Software</a> | <a href="../../services/services.htm" target="main">Services</a> | <a href="../../dwnlds.htm" target="main">Downloads</a> | <a href="../../about_ea.htm" target="main">About Us</a> |<a href="../../employ.htm" target="main"> Employment</a> | <a href="../../welcome.htm" target="main">Home</a></strong></font><font size="2"> |</font><font size="1" face="Arial"><strong> <a href="mailto:info@eley.com">Send E-Mail</a> </strong></font></p>  </body>