IES-VE User Forum

Hi,

Where to begin! I'm not able to guide you through the whole package that IES offers but since you have the Revit plug-in that's where we will begin.

Why not try becoming familiar with the VE-Toolkits first. Use Set Model Properties on the IES toolbar to set up the model and export it, then use the Toolkits to run some simulations, modify the model (change % glazing, modify orientation of building, add solar shading devices), re-run the toolkits simulations and see the effects of the improvements.

The next level up would be to import the project to VE-Pro (use the <VE> button on the toolbar). Once in VE-Pro you can modify the Thermal Templates applied to the building (Building Template Manager) and the HVAC Systems (Apache Systems or more advanced Apache HVAC), set up passive ventilation systems based on bulk airflow (MacroFlo), modify the Constructions used in the model (Apache Constructions Database), perform detailed solar shading analysis (Suncast) then feed all of this information into Loads calcs (Perform ASHRAE or CIBSE Loads) and then full Dynamic simulation (Apache Simulation) to assess the Energy, Thermal and Carbon Emissions performance of the building (use Vista and advanced Vista Pro to get detailed outputs of the results analysis).

If you are interested in Lighting then the Lighting tab offers Flucs DL to assess daylight infiltration into the building, Flucs Pro to include artificial lighting designs in the analyses and RadianceIES to study luminance and illuminance, Daylight factors and produce photorealistic imagery.

<VE Compliance> will let you assess building performance against all UK Regulations including SAP for dwellings, SBEM and DSM to produce BRUKL and EPCs for non-dwellings.

Further information on all modules can be found in the User Guides that you can access from the <VE> by selecting Help >> User Guides.

You may also be interested to spend some time on the Software section on the IES website http://www.iesve.com/Software/

Finally IES are continually adding to the IES Youtube channel and you can already find some videos here detailing the plug-ins for SketchUp and Revit, as well as our free VE-Ware tool. http://www.youtube.com/iesve

Hope this gets you started,
Phil

Speaking of workflows ... if you have a trial of <VE. version 6 (just been released) you should definitely take alook at VE-Gaia, it contains workflows for different analyses that can be performed at different stages of the building design and is aimed at mid-level users who want a bit more than the VE-Toolkits offer but aren't quite experienced enough with VE-Pro.

This is a fairly new approach within the <VE> but think it would benefit users such as yourself greatly as it provides a Navigators to guide you through the model set up through to analysis in <VE>.

http://www.iesve.com/Software/VE-Gaia

If you don't have <VE> 6 you can get it form the download centre on the IES website

Phil

Hi PCully,

Could you please educate me on the differences and functions in between these both analysis type in ASHRAE Loads:
a. Room and Apache System loads
b. ApacheHVAC system loads

Thank you!

These relate to sizing the model based on

a) room loads base don the defined model but not taking into accoutn details of the HVAC system
b) System loads which then consider the detailed ApacheHVAC system you have created and linked to the model.

An easier way to investigate and understand would be to have a look at the system sizing process in the PRM or Prototype System Sizing Navigators to see this step by step and how it links tot he auto sizing in VE.

Phil