Conference Paper

Proceedings of Building Simulation 2021: 17th Conference of IBPSA

     

An automated approach to Parametric Design Analysis for large-scale design projects

Jeanie Chan 1, Junru Shen 2, Oscar Valdes 3, Luisa Drope 3, Andrea Frisque 4
1 AECOM, Burnaby, Canada
2 AME Group, Vancouver, Canada
3 Stantec, Vancouver, Canada
4 British Columbia Institute of Technology, Burnaby, Canada

DOI: https://doi.org/10.26868/25222708.2021.31080
Abstract: Parametric simulations have become popular in the building simulation industry. It can generate big data sets that provide extensive information about potential design options. As energy models become more complex and the number of simulations required exponentially grows, more computing power and time-savings initiatives are required to deliver results in a short amount of time. This paper presents a workflow using scripting tools and a computer server farm to automate the parametric simulations process. The proposed workflow pushes the limitations of simulation tools and gives practitioners the flexibility to generate custom parametric energy models, customize their simulation results, perform complex modelling workarounds, and produce data visualization based on specific project requirements. The workflow has been applied to the design of a large healthcare project in a continental Canadian climate. In this project, parametric simulations were used to drive design decisions and provide valuable insight into what measures will help the project achieve all its targets.
Keywords: Parametric, Energy Simulation, Design Assistance, Scripting, Automation
Pages: 3372 - 3378
Paper:

bs2021_31080