3.0 Introduction
3.1 List of Exercises
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Section Three

Exercises

3.0 Introduction

There a number of simulation tools available for energy efficient building design, ranging from simplified tools to detailed simulation programs. Several of these are described on Web pages that can be found via the Web address given later in this section. To learn the capability of such design tools, it is useful to study:

a)

the types of analysis questions that they can address and the benefits of using energy and environmental simulation;

b)

how to use the tools; and

c)

the underlying theory upon which the numerical processing and analysis functions of the tools are based.

The exercises and assignments described in this section are concerned with how to use one particular detailed simulation program, ESP-r, but those following the course are encouraged to also refer to related Web-based material.

In order to be able to use ESP-r and to appreciate the following sections, it is assumed that you have access to a Unix workstation (you will need a personal user account on the machine) and that you have a number of basic computer skills. A number of exercises have been designed to progress ESP-r users from the category of novice to specialist over a period of time which will depend on the individual’s aptitude and stamina. Once a level of proficiency has been attained, the exercises of section 4 can be attempted.

With the exercises are ten assignments which gradually increase in difficulty. It is suggested that the course participant follows the exercises and assignments in the order given. The assignments serve a dual purpose. They enable the instructor to assess whether or not the training material is being absorbed effectively. For the course participant they form a series of "real world" consultancy sub-tasks enabling the participant to check whether the training material is understood, while at the same time placing ESP-r in a realistic context. Each assignment has an associated prerequisite exercise, such as learning email in the case of assignment 1. The outcome of each assignment should be sent by electronic mail to the supervisor.

The exercises and assignments can be accessed by a Web browser, and it is suggested that they are constantly displayed in one window as the course participant progresses through the course.

The relevant Web address is:      

http://www.esru.strath.ac.uk

The course participant should follow links from this high level page to ESP-r training courses and from there to the structured exercises.

3.1 List of Exercises

Foundation level exercises

1 Getting started on the workstation
2 Configuring the workstation for ESP-r use
3 Overview of ESP-r
4 Exploring the in-built training exemplars
5 Defining a problem to ESP-r - the basics
6 Simulation - the basics
7 Results analysis - the basics
8 Problem definition - databases
9 Problem definition - geometry
10 Problem definition - constructions
11 Problem description - operations
12 Problem definition - inter-zone connections
13 Climate data and its analysis
14 Control capabilities
15 Simulation - advanced facilities
16 Results analysis - additional facilities
17 Review of files and program modules
18 Review of progress

Intermediate level exercises

19 Shading and insolation analysis
20 Fluid flow analysis
21 Plant and control modelling
22 Lighting analysis
23 Other ESP-r facilities
24 Upcoming features

Expert level exercises

25 Making Models: CAD and Attribution
26 Making Models: Fluid Flow, Plant and Control Networks
27 Making Models: Enhanced Resolution
28 Integrated Performance Appraisal
29 Edit/ compile/ link test cycle

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