Known issues in VE 2015

[Terence]

Colour Code: Current issues, Resolved issues

Section 6 2015 - Incorrect floor construction assigned to Notional Building floor

Version: VE 2015 Feature Pack 2 (2015.2.0.0)
Module: VE Compliance - Section 6 2015
Summary: Incorrect floor construction assigned to notional floor
Detail: For zones which are heated and cooled or heated and mechanically ventilated the u-value should be 0.2 W/m2K. It is currently set to:
NCM_CN13 NCM Notional Exposed Floor 0.22
Workaround: No workaround
Targeted version to be fixed for: VE 2018

VE Compliance Report is writing out wrong air permeability. BRUKL is correct

Version: VE 2015 Feature Pack 1 (2015.1.0.0)
Module: VistaPro - affects UK Regulations report
Summary: VE Compliance Report is writing out wrong air permeability
Detail: The air permeability for side-lit and top-lit spaces on Building Details tab in Set Building & System Data is not being reported correctly in the Summary report for VE Compliance in VistaPro
Workaround: View the BRUKL Certificate which displays the correct air permeability @ 50pa.
Targeted version to be fixed for : VE 2018

Section 6 2015 - Portable or Modular building. "Is more than 70%" check box is not retained

Version: VE 2015 Feature Pack 2 (2015.2.0.0)
Module: VE Compliance - Section 6 2015
Summary: Portable or Modular building - checkbox setting isn't retained when you leave and reopen the dialog.
Detail: In Set Building & System Data > Building Details tab, the check box "Is more than 70%" is not retained.
Workaround: Do not enter Set Building & System Data after this has been ticked. If you do enter Set Building & System Data, then make sure it is selected before selecting OK.
Targeted version to be fixed for: VE 2018

Daylight results don't seem normal due to presence of central areas

Version: VE 2014 (2014.0.0)
Module: Flucs DL/Flucs Pro
Summary: Flucs calculation results and working planes can include external areas in cases where room being modelled has central outdoor area.
Detail: If a model has an outdoor area such as a courtyard/atrium, then this may be included in the calculation results
Workaround: Make use of RadianceIES AOI option.
Fixed In : VE 2015 Feature Pack 1

'Use existing results for benchmark buildings?' option is grayed out

Version: VE 2015 Feature Pack 2 (2015.2.0.0)
Module: VE Compliance - ApacheSim
Summary: 'Use existing results for benchmark buildings?' option under Simulation Settings is grayed out
Detail: For ApacheSim method, the option to use existing results for benchmark buildings under Set Building & System Data > Simulation Settings is greyed out, even when existing results are available.
Workaround: If you are affected by this issue then please contact the technical support team who will provide a step by step workaround.
Fixed In : VE 2017

BRUKL crashing when model has more than one room set to room type "Other Buffer Space"

Version: VE 2015 Feature Pack 2 (2015.2.0.0)
Module: VE Compliance - ApacheSim
Summary: If a user has set more than one room in their model to be room type "Other Buffer Space", then BRUKL.exe will crash.
Detail: If a model has more than one room set to be a "Other buffer space", then BRUKL.exe will stop before it produces the BRUKL Certificate and reports "[BRUKL-PROJECT] MJ/M2-HEAT-DEM is not a keyword of this object".
Workaround: No workaround for rooms that are actually buffer spaces. Most of the time the room type "Other buffer space" or "Unheated Roof" has been applied incorrectly, and users should instead use "Internal Void or Warm Roof". See the FAQ: https://www.iesve.com/support/faq/pdf/c ... obj030.pdf
Fixed in version: VE 2016

Section 6 (2010) - Notional building is assuming the same infiltration levels as the Actual building

Version: VE 2015 Feature Pack 2 (2015.2.0.0)
Module: VE Compliance - Section 6 (2010) - ApacheSim method
Summary: The 2010 Notional Building is assuming the same infiltration levels as the Actual building.
Detail: If you look at the AB & NB Infiltration on the Building details tab in Set Building & System Data, you can see they are different. If you look at a Room> Room query> Air exchanges> Infiltration in the AB and then the same in the NB, they both have the same infiltration rate. Running the simulation the infiltration rates for the same room in the Actual and Notional Building are identical.
Workaround: No workaround
Fixed in version: VE 2016

Section 6 2015 - District Heating Conversion Factor is not capped

Version: VE 2015 Feature Pack 2 (2015.2.0.0)
Module: VE Compliance - Section 6 2015 - ApacheSim
Summary: District Heating CO2 Conversion factor for Notional Building is not being capped.
Detail: For Section 6 2015, the modelling guide states that the Notional Building's District Heating CO2 conversion factor should be capped when the District Heating conversion factor for the Actual building is below 0.15 kgCO2/kWh or above 0.40 kgCO2/kWh. Unfortunately this cap is not being applied.
Workaround: If you are affected by this then please contact the technical support team for step by step instructions.
Fixed in version: VE 2016

Section 6 2015 ApacheSim - Air Permeability values are not being retained

Version: VE 2015 Feature Pack 2 (2015.2.0.0)
Module: VE Compliance - Section 6 2015 - ApacheSim
Summary: Air Permeability values entered by the user are not being retained
Detail: If a user changes the default values for Air Permeability and then leaves VE Compliance, when they come back into VE Compliance, the value is reset to default.
Workaround: Do not leave VE Compliance after editing the Air Permeability (i.e make it the last thing you do before the simualtion).
Fixed in version: VE 2016

ApacheHVAC Chiller Curve Edits not displayed

Version: VE 2015 Feature Pack 2 (2015.2.0.0)
Module: ApacheHVAC
Summary: Edits made to chiller curves not retained.
Detail: When changes have been applied to a chiller curve the dialog does not update to display these.
Workaround: If changes are entered and applied to the curve then these are passed to the simulations but this display issue means the next time the curve is checked they are not shown.
Fixed in version: VE 2015 Feature Pack 2 Hotfix 2 (2015.2.2.0)

ApacheHVAC System Library Energy Recovery link broken

Version: VE 2015 Feature Pack 2 Hotfix 2 (2015.2.2.0)
Module: ApacheHVAC
Summary: Error in Library Systems.
Detail: Component links on Energy Recovery devices are removed so these do not update automatically from system parameters and loads data sheet changes.
Fixed in version : VE 2015 Feature Pack 2 Hotfix 2 (2015.2.2.0) - installer reposted with system library updated

Section 6 2015 - Notional Building Mechanical Supply SFP is 0 W/l/s

Version: VE 2015 Feature Pack 2 (2015.2.0.0)
Module: VE Compliance - Section 6 2015 - ApacheSim
Summary: Room level mechanical supply SFP in the Notional Building is 0 W/l/s
Detail: If a user has a mechanical supply SFP for a room in their Actual Building, then for the same room in Notional Building the software will apply an SFP of 0 W/l/s
Workaround: No workaround
Fixed in version : VE 2015 Feature Pack 2 - Hotfix 1 - Released on 1st March 2016

Section 6 2015 - ApacheSim Notional Building auxiliary energy method isn't correct

Version: VE 2015 Feature Pack 2 (2015.2.0.0)
Module: VE Compliance - Section 6 2015 - ApacheSim
Summary: ApacheSim Notional Building auxiliary energy method isn't correct for the updated regulations
Detail: For Section 6 2015 the Notional Building should now be employing the auxiliary energy method used for Part L 2010 - England & Wales. It is still using the old Section 6 method, which is based on the Auxiliary Energy Value.
Workaround: No workaround
Fixed in version : VE 2015 Feature Pack 2 - Hotfix 1 - Released on 1st March 2016

Openings removed when Edit Element Heights is used on geometry containing intersections

Version: VE 2014 (2014.2.0.1)
Module: ModelIT
Summary: Openings are being deleted from rooms when Edit Heights is used if the model has intersections
Detail: If a user tries to use the Edit Element Heights tool on spaces containing intersections then they will receive an intersection warning and all openings from those spaces will be removed. There have also been instances where construction assignments have been lost.
Workaround: Geometry should not contain intersections. Intersections are user generated issues and should always be addressed. If you select Undo to recover the windows, turn the intersection check off by typing “int=off” in the key-in field then try Edit Room Heights again, then this intersection warning doesn’t appear and the windows are not removed. The intersection warning is a legitimate error though that there are problems with the geometry so we only recommend this as a last resort.
Fixed in : VE 2015 Feature Pack 2 - Released Friday 15th January 2016

Compliance Simulation Cancelled - Notional & Reference Building's

Version: VE 2015 (2015.0.0.0)
Module: VE Compliance
Summary: Compliance Simulation Cancelled - Notional Building & Reference Building
Detail: When a user runs VE Compliance with Suncast link ticked on and the options found under Tools>Preferences>Simulation>Enable Faster calculations is set to "Off", the user will be presented with an error saying "Compliance Simulation Cancelled - Notional Building" or "Reference Building".
Workaround: Go to Tools>Preferences>Simulation>Enable Faster calculations and set to "On" or "Custom".
Fixed in: VE 2015 Feature Pack 2 - Released Friday 15th January 2016

Section 6 2015 - SBEM EPC results tab always shows 0/A+ for Actual BER

Version: VE 2015 Feature Pack 2 (2015.2.0.0)
Module: VE Compliance - Section 6 2015 - ApacheSim
Summary: The results tab on Section 6 2015 SBEM EPC always shows BER 0.0 A+ rather than the calculated BER.
Detail: The results tab on Section 6 2015 SBEM EPC always shows BER 0.0 A+ rather than the calculated BER (which is shown on the EPC)
Workaround: No workaround
Fixed In : VE 2017

Ventilation and Exhaust SFP not reported to BRUKL correctly

Version: VE 2015 (2015.0.0.0)
Module: VE Compliance - ApacheSim Method
Summary: The software isn't writing out ventilation and exhaust SFP's to BRUKL input file correctly
Detail: On section 2 of the BRUKL certificate there is a table listing each rooms mechanical ventilation and mechanical exhaust SFP (if applicable). These are used in the simulation & calculations but when it comes to reporting them the software isn't writing them to the BRUKL input file correctly so they don't appear on the BRUKL certificate.
Workaround: Columns A, E & F are correct. No workarounds to get correct SFP reported under Columns B, C, D, H and I
Fixed in: VE 2015 Feature Pack 2 - Released Friday 15th January 2016. Please see the forum post here which has more information on SFP reporting

Construction Lines show wrong length

Version: VE 2015 Feature Pack 1 (2015.1.0.0)
Module: ModelIT
Summary: Construction Lines show wrong length
Detail: When drawing construction lines the guide displays the wrong length (length shown is measured from the origin rather than starting point).
Workaround: When drawing Construction lines use the dx key-in to specify length of the line.
Fixed in: VE 2015 Feature Pack 2 - Released Friday 15th January 2016

Radiance error when model has inner volumes on

Version: VE 2015 Feature Pack 1 (2015.1.0.0)
Module: RadianceIES
Summary: Radiance calculations fail to run when model has any room with inner volumes switched on
Detail: When any room in model has inner volumes switched on then Radiance calculations fail to run. Log shows an error e.g. undefined modifier "CNCR0000:int:int".
Workaround: Turn off inner volumes in all rooms.
Fixed in: VE 2015 Feature Pack 2 - Released Friday 15th January 2016

Windows lost in GEM file

Version: VE 2015 Feature Pack 1 (2015.1.0.0)
Module: ModelIT
Summary: Windows not all recognised in GEM file
Detail: When export a GEM file and bring into a new project some windows may be lost.
Workaround: None, GEM import is affected in VE 2015 FP 1 but if import to VE 2014 then the geometry will be complete.
Fixed in: VE 2015 Feature Pack 2 - Released Friday 15th January 2016

Multiple nodes shown on a Psychrometric chart for a network with a single layer multiplex

Version: VE 2015 (2015.0.0.0)
Module: VistaPro
Summary: Multiple nodes shown on a Psychrometric chart for a network with a single layer multiplex.
Detail: For nodes next to multiplex boundary multiple data points of one node are displayed on Psychrometric chart if a network containing a multiplex with only the base layer is simulated.
Workaround: Not available, duplicate node data can be ignored.
Fixed in version : VE 2015 Hotfix 1 - Released 3rd August 2015

Psychrometric chart not displayed when an .epw weather file is used

Version: VE 2015 (2015.0.0.0)
Module: VistaPro
Summary: Psychrometric chart not displayed when an .epw weather file is used.
Detail: Psychrometric chart option in VistaPro currently only supports the .fwt weather file. If a user simulates a network with .epw weather file it causes VistaPro psychrometric chart option to fail when loading.
Workaround: Not available.
Fixed in version : VE 2015 Hotfix 1 - Released 3rd August 2015

Simple coils on water loops not providing cooling

Version: VE 2015 (2015.0.0.0)
Module: ApacheHVAC
Summary: Simple coils on water loops not providing cooling.
Detail: No results are displayed for chiller load, chiller energy, coil loads etc. when ‘Chilled water coil – simple model’ is chosen because the coil is not operating.
Workaround: The coil still works in VE 2014 version – this can be used as a short term solution. Alternatively ‘Advanced cooling coil’ can be used.
Fixed in version : VE 2015 Hotfix 1 - Released 3rd August 2015

Switching AHU heating coil type causes crash

Version: VE 2015 (2015.0.0.0)
Module: ApacheHVAC
Summary: Switching AHU heating coil type causes crash.
Detail: In the prototype HVAC systems it is not possible to change the AHU heating coil type if it is situated outside of the multiplex. Attempt to change advanced coil to any other type of coil as well as simple coil to advanced coil results in the system crashing.
Workaround: Not available.
Fixed in version : VE 2015 Hotfix 1 - Released 3rd August 2015

Apache simulation hangs at ‘processing data’ stage when compact profiles are used

Version: VE 2015 (2015.0.0.0)
Module: Apache
Summary: Apache simulation hangs at ‘processing data’ stage and will not proceed for models using compact profiles.
Detail: When compact type profiles are present in a model, the Apache simulation will stop running at the ‘processing data’ stage and will not display any error message.
Workaround: Remove any compact profiles from the project Apache Profiles Database.
Fixed in version : VE 2015 Hotfix 1 - Released 3rd August 2015

Apache simulation is aborted when Macroflo linked is ticked

Version: VE 2015 (2015.0.0.0)
Module: Apache
Summary: Apache simulation is aborted on some computers when Macroflo linked is ticked (only affects certain models).
Detail: Problem with initialization of the pressure matrix for the first timestep in Macroflo causes the Apache simulation abortion and VE can shut down. ‘Problem encountered during analysis, the simulation has been aborted’ error message is displayed.
Workaround: Not available.
Fixed in version : VE 2015 Hotfix 1 - Released 3rd August 2015

‘Edit Element Heights’ tool does not support imperial units

Version: VE 2015 (2015.0.0.0)
Module: ModelIT
Summary: ‘Edit Element Heights’ tool does not support imperial units.
Detail: When using ‘Edit Element Heights’ tool in ModelIT, the values entered in feet and inches are assumed to be meters.
Workaround: When using edit element heights enter values as if in Metric units (meters) to obtain correct adjustment.
Fixed in : VE 2015 Feature Pack 1 - Released 24th August 2015

OSM import gets blocked on some computers

Version: VE 2015 (2015.0.0.0)
Module: ModelIT
Summary: OSM import gets blocked on some computers.
Detail: When a user tries to import OSM map VE loads up the map and allows choosing location and radius, but once clicked on ‘save and import’ button no map gets imported to ModelIT.
Workaround: Not available.
Fixed in : VE 2015 Feature Pack 1 - Released 24th August 2015

Invalid row value error when importing NCM thermal template
Version: VE 2015 (2015.0.0.0)
Module: Building Template Manager
Summary: Importing NCM Templates causes error to be reported and the VE to shut down.
Detail: If a user attempts to import a NCM thermal template then they will receive an error that says "Invalid row value". The VE will then shut down.
Workaround: Not available. User should be aware that the NCM Templates are not to be used directly in projects. If they are being imported just to access the Building Types and Activities then follow this guide
Fixed in: VE 2015 Feature Pack 1 - Released 24th August 2015

Chart data does not show results file name for Building level variables

Version: VE 2015 (2015.0.0.0)
Module: VistaPro
Summary: Chart data does not show results file name for Building level variables.
Detail: When results for Building level variables (Loads, Energy or Carbon) are displayed on a chart in VistaPro and the Chart Data window is opened (double click on a chart), the ‘File name’ field is blank.
Workaround: Not available.
Fixed in : VE 2015 Feature Pack 1 - Released 24th August 2015

Illuminance images are generated with incorrect scale

Version: VE 2015 (2015.0.0.0)
Module: Radiance
Summary: Illuminance images are generated with incorrect scale.
Detail: When a user runs illuminance simulation in Radiance for a zone, the illuminance image statistics will show an area greater than the room dimensions.
Workaround: Not available.
Fixed in: VE 2015 Feature Pack 1 - Released 24th August 2015

[Terence]

Updated with fixed issue in VE 2015 Feature Pack 2. Also added known issues

[Terence]

Updated known issues with a couple more reports & workarounds

[Terence]

Updated issues fixed with the release of VE 2016.