Dynamic Energy Optimization With Revit And Insight 360
Dynamic Energy Optimization with Revit and Insight 360Daniel Stine, LHBClass DescriptionThis presentation will cover tools and features needed to do high performancebuilding analysis at various phases within the design process. A lot has changed inrecent versions and the options can be a little confusing as they overlap some ofthe MEP specific options. Plus the new Autodesk Insight 360.About the Speaker:Daniel John Stine, CSI, CDT is an author, instructor, BIM manager, and architect with24 years of experience. Working full-time at LHB, a 250-person multidiscipline firm inMinnesota, Daniel provides training and support for all disciplines of Autodesk Revit (Architecture, Structure and MEP), AutoCAD Civil 3D , and AutoCAD. Hecurrently teaches Revit to architecture and interior design students at North DakotaState University (NDSU). Leveraging his professional and academic experience,Daniel has also written the following textbooks: Interior Design using Revit 2017,Design Integration using Revit 2017 (Architecture, Structure and MEP), ArchitecturalCommercial Design using Revit 2017, Residential Design using Revit 2017, ResidentialDesign using AutoCAD 2017, Commercial Design using AutoCAD 2013, Chapters inArchitectural Drawing; Hand Sketching in a Digital World, Hand Sketching, AdobePhotoshop and Google SketchUp for Interior Designers and SketchUp 2013 forInterior Designers.
Dynamic Energy Optimization with Revit and Insight 360Daniel Stine, LHBHigh performance design is an important aspect of building design. LHB, theMinnesota based firm I have worked for since 2003, is actively involved in researchand development in this area. The firm was involved in the development of theState’s B3 Benchmarking program (required program for all Minnesota publicbuildings) and Regional Indicators Initiative (which collects and analysesperformance metrics for entire cities). In Minneapolis, our new office was third in thestate to achieve LEED CI Platinum (Commercial Interiors). Additionally, USGBC’sMinnesota Chapter is located within our Minneapolis office through donatedspace. Finally, LHB’s trademarked program, Performance Metrics , tracks theEnergy Use Intensity (EUI) of buildings we design and is used for research, validationand marketing to future clients.Autodesk Revit has several Building Performance Analysis (BPA) tools available tothose engaged in the art of building design. This presentation will provide adetailed look at the essentials of running an energy simulation from within Revit. Thiswill include an introduction to the new 3D energy model view in Revit 2016, theautomatic zoning feature in Revit 2016 R2 (update for subscription customers) andan overview of Autodesk Insight 360 cloud service that was announced atGreenbuild 2015. Finally, we will look at what’s new in Revit 2017, including the newAIA 2030 Commitment Design Data Exchange (DDx) feature which was justannounced at the AIA convention this past May in Philadelphia.Energy Simulations within RevitThe built-in ability to run an energy simulation within Revit represents the mostdemocratized opportunity for design professionals and students – period. If you oryour firm have Revit, you have access to this feature. There are no add-ins oradditional software costs. This is not to say it is free—Revit has to be on subscription,as the simulation itself is actually run in the Cloud using Autodesk’s GBS engine.However, subscription is becoming the norm with Autodesk’s new sales model.Note: Energy simulations and Insight 360 do not require cloud credits at this time.Page 2 of 52
Dynamic Energy Optimization with Revit and Insight 360Daniel Stine, LHBWhen getting started with the energy simulation features, you may wonder whereto begin given all the settings and related commands.Here is a basic overview of the workflow:1. Create a Revit model using masses, building elements, or both2. Energy Settings dialog (Analysis tab)o Set LocationoReview Energy Analytical Model settingsoAll other settings are optional3. Create Energy Modelo Views created: 3D Energy Model, Analytical Spaces(Schedule), Analytical Surfaces (Schedule)o Use this tool to delete and recreate the Energy AnalysisModel (EAM) anytime the Revit model changes4. Visually Review Energy Model5. Launch Insight 360 for interactive project exploration6. AIA 2030 Commitment Firms: Upload results to DDx7. Optional Settings and WorkflowsFollowing these steps will provide super-fast access to estimated Energy Cost andEUI information at any phase in a project. Next, we will take a detailed look at eachof these steps. Understanding what Revit wants (subliminal plug for Luke Johnson’sblog) will facilitate efficient and accurate use of this tool.Figure 1. Energy Analysis tools on the Analysis tab in Revit 2016 R2 & 2017, plus the Insight 360 add-in.Page 3 of 52
Dynamic Energy Optimization with Revit and Insight 360Daniel Stine, LHB1Creating the Revit ModelThe obvious first step is to create the model. The ideal design process would be tostart with massing, quickly studying how shape and orientation impactperformance. As the project develops, Revit building elements can be added tothe mix for known aspects of the design, for example, curtainwall, windows,sunshades, etc. At some point, the mass elements are abandoned in favor of amore detailed model based solely on Revit building elements.Here are a few things to keep in mind concerning Revit model creation.MassingWhen using masses, be sure to select the mass and specify the floor levels as shownin the image below—using the Mass Floors tool. Also, use masses to define externalshades such as adjacent buildings, just don’t specify a mass floor for them. The Revitproject must have at least one mass with mass floors assigned to create a validEnergy Analysis Model (EAM).Figure 2. Masses must have ‘mass floors’ specified to create a valid EAM.Combined Massing and Building ElementsThe image below is an example of using massing and building elements together.This example makes the glazing size and locations explicit rather than beinggenerically based on a percentage of surface area and fixed sill height (Figure 3).Page 4 of 52
Dynamic Energy Optimization with Revit and Insight 360Daniel Stine, LHBFigure 3. Masses and Building Elements used together in energy analysis.Another example might be to use masses to study future expansion in the contextof an existing Revit model (Figure 4). When you get to the point in the design whereyou need to add masses to create sloped walls (e.g., using the Wall by Face tool),then it is time to stop using masses in the energy analysis. It is not possible to includesome masses and exclude others.Figure 3. Masses and Building Elements used together in energy analysis.Page 5 of 52
Dynamic Energy Optimization with Revit and Insight 360Daniel Stine, LHBBuilding ElementsMost Revit models can be used to create a decent EAM. The elements listed in theimage below (Figure 5), when set to Room Bounding, are used in the EAM creation.Figure 5. Building elements used in EAM creation; some sub-categories are not included.The tricky thing is dealing with aspects like sun shades as they are often modelled asGeneric Model. As seen in the list above, this category is not used, as it couldcontain any number of irrelevant items. Also note that doors are recognized butconverted to walls in an effort to simplify the EAM.The EAM will also include elements, set to Room Bounding, contained within linkedmodels—as long as the linked model itself is set to Room Bounding in the hostmodel—an Edit Type property.Page 6 of 52
Dynamic Energy Optimization with Revit and Insight 360Daniel Stine, LHB2Energy SettingsIn the Energy Settingsdialog, which has beenstreamlined in Revit 2017,there is one critical settingrelated to running thesimulation and a few morethat must be considered togenerate a valid EAM. Tostudy the real-time impacton overall performance, allother inputs can beadjusted in the cloud later.The Energy settings essential to a validEnergy Simulation are: LocationThe Energy settings essential to creating avalid Energy Analysis Model (EAM): In Revit 2017, theseimportant parameters havebeen separated from thesecondary options. The EnergySettings dialog is now split into two.The first dialog shown, see the imageto the right (Fig. 6), presents the moreessential parameters, while the OtherOptions “Edit ” button opens thesecondary dialog where optionalsettings can be adjusted.Analysis ModeGround PlaneProject PhaseAnalytical Space ResolutionAnalytical Surface ResolutionIf using masses (separately or inconjunction with building elements)o Perimeter Zone Deptho Perimeter Zone DivisionNow let’s take a look at each of thesesettings to better understand whatthey do and why they are important.Figure 6. New Energy Settings dialogPage 7 of 52
Dynamic Energy Optimization with Revit and Insight 360Daniel Stine, LHBLocationThe Location setting provides localized weather and utility data which is vital increating a legitimate energy simulation. There are two steps involved in accuratelyspecifying location; Project Address and Weather Station.Project Address specifies the project location on earth. This can be a city, a specificpostal address or Lat/Long values. If the project site does not have an address,enter the City name and then drag the Project Location Pin (red) to the desiredlocation on the map. You can zoom and pan in this map view as well as make thedialog larger.Once the geographic location has been specified, the Weather Station optionsshould be evaluated. Revit will automatically select the closest option, but this maynot always be the best selection. Consider the example shown in the image below(Figure 7). In my location, two of the closest stations have an 800 foot elevationdifference. Additionally, depending on project location in this area, one of the twobuoy-based weather stations may be closest—which would not be ideal (this is thelargest freshwater lake in the world).FYI from Autodesk’s help page:“Weather stations include ‘actual year’ virtual weather stations and typical yearweather stations (TMY2 and other formats) based on 30-year averages of weatherdata, typically taken from airport locations.”Don’t bother to change anything on the Weather tab as this data only relates toRevit’s built-in, and older, Heating and Cooling Loads feature.Page 8 of 52
Dynamic Energy Optimization with Revit and Insight 360Daniel Stine, LHBFigure 7. The Location Weather and Site dialog.Analysis ModeAnalysis Mode determines if Revit should use Masses, Building Elements, or both tocreate the EAM.The Analysis Mode options are: Use Conceptual Masses (never select this option!) Use Building Elements Use Conceptual Masses and Building Elements (new in Revit 2016)As it turns out, the “Use Conceptual Masses” only option uses an older internalalgorithm, so don’t use that one. Rather, use the combined option which will workon mass-only models.Page 9 of 52
Dynamic Energy Optimization with Revit and Insight 360Daniel Stine, LHBGround PlaneProperly setting the Ground Plane parameter ensures that spaces which occurbelow this level are understood to be below grade by the cloud-based GBScalculation engine. For masses, the EAM will not generate glazing below theground plane and a different construction can be selected for undergroundexterior walls. Keep in mind, when using Building Elements the toposurface elementsare NOT used.Project PhaseFor projects with phasing—e.g., existing, new construction, phase demolished—besure this is set correctly. The phase settings for the 3D Energy Model view have noimpact on the EAM created.EAM Creation Level of DetailThese two properties control the accuracy of the EAM when it is created: Analytical Space Resolution (default: 1’-6”)This allows small gaps to exist in the model—both exterior and interior.Remember, Revit ignores elements in several categories such as GenericModel and In-Place families, so gaps are not uncommon. Analytical Surface Resolution (default: 1’-0”)This setting works in conjunction with the Analytical Space Resolution settingto control the accuracy of the surface boundaries.If portions of the Revit model are complex and not coming out right in the EAM,these values can be lowered. It is recommended that both of these values beadjusted proportionally. Lowering these values will result in a more accurate EAMbut will take longer to create—the simulations will take more time to process as well.Large projects may require these values to be increased.Automatic Thermal Zoning SettingsThese two properties control the inclusion of space sub-divisions in the EAM: Core Depth (or Perimeter Zone Depth)The distance to measure inward from the exterior walls to define the corezone. Divide Perimeter Zones (or Perimeter Zone Division)Check this box to divide the perimeter into multiple zones.Page 10 of 52
Dynamic Energy Optimization with Revit and Insight 360Daniel Stine, LHBThese settings are used to divide large spaces into smaller subdivisions for moreaccurate simulations. These settings used to only work on masses, but, new to Revit2016 R2, they now also apply to large spaces defined by building elements. Forexample, we recently worked on a 200,000sf office and warehouse building. Thelarge warehouse space would have benefited from this subdivision feature.When creating the EAM for building elements, the interior walls are typicallysufficient to naturally ‘zone’ the model. In these situations, set the Core Depth tozero and uncheck the divide option.TIP: For Building Element-based analysis, set the Core Depth to zeroand uncheck the divide option.Page 11 of 52
Dynamic Energy Optimization with Revit and Insight 360Daniel Stine, LHB3Create/Delete Energy ModelClicking this tool creates the analytical model, resulting inthree related views created in the Revit model: 3D Energy Model Analytical Spaces (schedule) Analytical Surfaces (schedule)This is a new feature added back in Revit 2016 and, as covered in the next section,allows the designer to visually validate model fidelity prior to running a simulation.As mentioned, the analytical energy model is created from Room Boundingelements within the Revit model. The result is a simplified model consisting ofsurfaces somewhat analogous to a SketchUp model. By selecting surfaces andadjusting the 3D Energy Model view’s visibility, the designer can make sure thereare no anomalies before starting a simulation. For example, we had a projectwhere precast panels were modelled separately and then Edit Profile was used, asshown in the image below (Figure 8), for an overhead door. This created a problemin the EAM as the opening was hosted by one precast panel and the adjacentvoids represented significant leaks in the space—larger than the Analytical SpaceResolution value.Figure 8. Problems in Energy Analysis Model due to use of Edit Profile on walls.The next image (Figure 9) shows the categories and sub-categories in theAnalytical Model Categories tab of the Visibility/Graphics Overrides dialog,automatically turned on in the 3D Energy Model view. All other categories on thistab are related to structural analysis and can be ignored.Page 12 of 52
Dynamic Energy Optimization with Revit and Insight 360Daniel Stine, LHBAs more analysis tools like this become available, it is important that models arecreated correctly. For example, ceilings should not be used for floors or floors forcountertops. If thin floors are used for finishes on top of a structural floor, they shouldhave Room Bounding unchecked.Figure 9. Analytical Spaces and Surfaces in Visibility/Graphic Overrides dialog for 3D Energy Model view.The analytical model can actually be seen in any view by adjusting theVisibility/Graphic Overrides. However, the 3D Energy View provides dedicated andinstant access. The Hide/Show Analytical Model toggle on the View Control Bar, inthe lower left corner of each view, will toggle the Analytical Model Categories onor off for the current view.Page 13 of 52
Dynamic Energy Optimization with Revit and Insight 360Daniel Stine, LHBNote: This tab used to be exclusively for structural analytical visibility control.It is important to understand that the analytical surfaces do not updateautomatically as the model changes. When the Revit model changes, the EAMmust be deleted and recreated.A few of the Analytical Surfaces sub-categories may be confusing. Revit Windowsare translated to an analytical surface called Operable Windows even though theymay not actually be operable, and Curtainwall walls are all called Fixed Windows.Page 14 of 52
Dynamic Energy Optimization with Revit and Insight 360Daniel Stine, LHB4Visually Review Energy ModelIt is important to visually validate the Energy Model prior to running a simulation toensure valid results. If there are problem areas, the Revit model needs to beadjusted and the EAM recreated. The analytical surfaces cannot be modifieddirectly in any way.In the 3D Energy Model view, some of the Model Categories are turned on (and setto be partially transparent). It may be helpful to turn these off to clean up the view.Two things to look for are missing spaces and excessive shades. In the 3D EnergyModel view, the sub-categories can be adjusted to isolate these items; or theHide/Isolate feature can also be used. The image below (Fig. 10) shows just theAnalytical Spaces; both occupiable spaces and plenum spaces (i.e., aboveceilings). There are no large missing spaces within the building so all is well.Remember, the Analytical Space Resolution aims to simplify model complexity and,as such, some smaller spaces may be omitted.Figure 10. 3D Energy Model view adjusted to show only Analytical Spaces.The next image (Fig. 11) shows just the Exterior Walls, Fixed Windows and OperableWindows analytical surfaces. The Function setting (i.e., Interior vs. Exterior) for wallsdoes not matter as the EAM algorithm automatically determines this. Notice thatthree interior curtainwall Walls appear due to their close proximity to the exterior.Page 15 of 52
Dynamic Energy Optimization with Revit and Insight 360Daniel Stine, LHBFigure 11. 3D Energy Model view adjusted to show only Exterior Walls and Windows analytical surfaces.Review the Analytical Surfacesschedule to verify the right mix ofsurface types (Figure 12). If there areonly shades and/or no windows, thatwould be a "red flag.”The Analytical Spaces schedule can beused to verify rooms and areas (Figure13). The rows without a room name arevoid/shaft and plenum spaces. SplittingFigure 12. Analytical Surfaces Schedule showing surfacethe screen to show both the Analyticaltypes.Space schedule and the 3D EnergyModel view facilitates highlighting a space in the 3D view by selecting a row in theschedule.Page 16 of 52
Dynamic Energy Optimization with Revit and Insight 360Daniel Stine, LHBDue to the voids and plenumspaces, don’t expect the totalsquare footage (SF) to match thetotal in a room schedule.These two schedules are based onthe Analytical Surfaces andAnalytical Spaces categories.Don’t get confused by the titleAnalytical Spaces—the term“Spaces” does not relate to Roomversus Space elements.If using Design Options, note thatFigure 13. Analytical Spaces Schedule showing rooms andonly elements in the Main Modelareas.and the Primary Options are usedin the EAM. If you want to use Design Options, the desired design must be set asPrimary before creating the EAM. This should be fine early in the design process, butlater (e.g., bid alternates), changing the primary designation can mess upconstruction document views.Page 17 of 52
Dynamic Energy Optimization with Revit and Insight 360Daniel Stine, LHB5Insight 360 – The Revit Add-inAutodesk has recently released this new tool which also combines separate add-insand formalizes Autodesk Labs and Vasari tools! The installer can be found via thislink: https:
Commercial Design using Revit 2017, Residential Design using Revit 2017, Residential Design using AutoCAD 2017, Commercial Design using AutoCAD 2013, Chapters in . as the simulation itself is actually run in the Cloud using Autodesk’s GBS engine. However, subscription is becoming the norm with Autodesk’s new sales model.
The Revit MEP function are found under the SYSTEMS TAB This compendium is targeted towards Revit Architecture 2013/14/15, but also users who have ‘only’ installed Revit Architecture 2013 may use the compendium. Starting Revit Architecture 2014 or Revit 2015 Once Revit Architecture 2014 or Revit
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In previous years Revit came in multiple versions: Revit Architecture, Revit Structure, Revit MEP and an all-in-one version just called Revit. Now there is only one version which includes all features—it is just called Revit (or Autodesk Revit). F. IGURE . 8-1.1. The completed structural model for the office created in this chapter
2. Using the built-in Revit gbXML export menu option The diagram below shows the processes required in the 2 methods of data transfer from Revit. Data Diagram for the Revit to DesignBuilder Transition 1. Start with a standard Revit Architecture or Revit MEP model 2. Create an Analytical M odel by adding Rooms to the Revit model. 3.
Examples of different Merge settings in Revit and Apply to object method in Twinmotion: (Revit model description: 2 Floor levels, 2 Window families with the same material) Revit: No Merge Revit: ByFamily Revit: ByMaterial The most optimal procedure: - Revit: assign materials to objects, Merge settings: By Material
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2. Using the built-in Revit gbXML export menu option The diagram below shows the processes required in the 2 methods of data transfer from Revit. Data Diagram for the Revit to DesignBuilder Transition 1. Start with a standard Revit Architecture or Revit MEP model 2. Create an Analytical M ode
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