Is there any way to retrieve set points from results files?

[electromechanics]

Hi all,

I am using IES to try and assess how much energy is required to maintain comfortable temperatures and climate conditions in schools in the Peruvian Andes region. I am assessing underfloor and radiator heating systems in 12 cities, with various occupancy schedules and number of students. I am also assessing orientation 0deg. 90deg. 180deg. and 270deg from north.

I would like some feedback on my method, and possibly some advice on how to improve it.

I have carried out co-heating tests in one upgraded classroom, and attained the overall U value, ACR, and energy required to sustain a given temperature while the classroom was unoccupied.

I built a school using Modilit, and set it up as close to reality as possible (custom materials etc.)

I ran the same test in my model as in reality, and made fine adjustments to get the model to preform as close to reality as possible (it ended up, that the model was using approximately 300W less than reality).

To speed up the process, I have built 16 schools, with 64 classrooms. I have four groups, group A, Underfloor with four buildings orientated as described above. Group B Radiators with four buildings orientated as described above. And group C and D are the same but with heat recovery.

So it is a big model, with lots of complex alterations in each building. To add to the complexity I am carrying out thees tests in 12 cities.

Each simulation take about an hour to set up and run, (Apache wont allow me to do any less than 6 minute steps).

To keep track of the results files, I have created a coding system (lots of abbreviations etc) However, after running 30 simulations, which has taken two weeks, it is getting difficult to keep track.
So my questions:
1. Can any one give me advice on how to make my investigation more efficient?
2. Is there any way to retrieve all the set points and details used to create the result files?
3. I do not know how to use the batch simulation function, can anyone give me advice or instructions on how to use this function.
4. With regard to underfloor heating, is there anything additional I should do to take account of the thermal inertia in the floor?
5.Is there any way to change or make the text bigger on tables created in Vista, and Vista Pro?
6. How important is the design weather data, if I am only using the model to determine the heating energy required. I always set the lat - long and altitude to reflect my actual site location)
7.How important is the radiance in my Apache simulations with regard to energy consumption?
8. In Apache systems, can anyone explain the master control? Is this to set one room as the control for the whole building?
9. O yes, and how do I post pictures in thees topics? the Img button only gives me Img Img

Sorry If thees questions are not all in the correct Index section.
I look forward to hearing your comments.

I have 6 weeks to pull this together and send it in for my thesis deadline...