3.0 Introduction
3.1 Getting started on the workstation.
3.2 Configuring the workstation for ESP-r use.
3.3 Overview of ESP-r.
3.4 Exploring the in-built training exemplars.
3.5 Defining a problem to ESP-r - the basics.
3.6 Simulation - the basics.
3.7 Results analysis - the basics.
3.8 Problem definition - databases.
3.9 Problem definition - geometry.
3.10 Problem definition - constructions
3.11 Problem description - operations
3.12 Problem definition - inter-zone connections
3.13 Climate data and its analysis
3.14 Control capabilities
3.15 Simulation - advanced facilities
3.16 Results analysis - additional facilities
3.17 Review of progress
3.18 Review of files and program modules
3.19 Shading and insolation analysis
3.20 Fluid flow analysis
3.21 Plant and control modelling
3.22 Lighting analysis
3.23 Other ESP-r facilities
3.24 Upcoming ESP-r features
3.25 Edit/ compile/ link test cycle
3.26 Making Models: CAD and Attribution
3.27 Making Models: Fluid Flow, Plant and Control Networks
3.28 Making Models: Enhanced Resolution
3.29 Integrated Performance Appraisal
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Section Three

Exercises

3.0 Introduction

In order to be able to use ESP-r and to appreciate the following chapters, 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 skills. The exercises that follow are 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 chapter 4 can be attempted. It is suggested that the following assignments are adhered to in the order given. These 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 send by electronic mail to the supervisor.

Image FIGS/grohtml-179621.png

3.1 Getting started on the workstation.

Objectives:

To become familiar with the elements of a Unix workstation, to become proficient in the use of a X Window manager and to utilise some essential software tools.

Procedure:

Image FIGS/grohtml-179622.png

Note:

In case of any questions or problems regarding these issues, your local administrator or computer center help desk should be able to help you.

Outcome:

Familiarity with the workstation, the window manager and basic Unix software tools.

3.2 Configuring the workstation for ESP-r use.

Objectives:

To become familiar with the configuration and directory structure of the ESP-r system, and to develop an appreciation of file management.

Procedure:

Image FIGS/grohtml-179623.png

Note:

In case of any questions or problems regarding these issues, your local administrator or computer center helpdesk should be able to help you.

Outcome:

Familiarity with the ESP-r directory structure and an appreciation of file management.

3.3 Overview of ESP-r.

Objectives:

To explore the ESP-r interface and understand the basic stages of an ESP-r session: database assignment, problem definition, simulation results analysis and report generation.

Procedure:

Image FIGS/grohtml-179624.png

Outcome:

Familiarity with the ESP-r interface.

3.4 Exploring the in-built training exemplars.

Objectives:

Exploration of the in-built training exemplars. Note that at this point we only want to have a brief look at the exemplars. More in depth discussions are covered in Chapter 4 of this User Guide.

Procedure:

Image FIGS/grohtml-179625.png

Outcome:

Familiarity with ESP-r in-built exemplars.

3.5 Defining a problem to ESP-r - the basics.

Objectives:

To understand the essential building description data necessary for simulations and the concept of thermal zones.

Procedure:

Image FIGS/grohtml-179626.png

Outcome:

Familiarity with the essential building description data necessary for simulations and the concept of thermal zones.

3.6 Simulation - the basics.

Objectives:

To understand the major features of ESP-r’s Simulator.

Procedure:

Image FIGS/grohtml-179627.png

Outcome:

Familiarity with ESP-r’s Simulator.

3.7 Results analysis - the basics.

Objectives:

To investigate the range of analysis options.

Procedure:

Image FIGS/grohtml-179628.png

Outcome:

Familiarity with some of the results analysis options.

3.8 Problem definition - databases.

Objectives:

The exercises to this point should have supplied you with a basic understanding of the requirements and procedures for the use of ESP-r. The following exercises now step through each aspect in more detail, particularly the problem definition phase. Exercise 8 is concerned with manipulation of the databases.

Procedure:

Image FIGS/grohtml-179629.png

Outcome:

Familiarity with some of ESP-r’s databases.

3.9 Problem definition - geometry.

Objectives:

To learn how to create the geometrical description of a zone.

Procedure:

Image FIGS/grohtml-1796210.png

Outcome:

Familiarity with ESP-r’s geometrical description of a zone.

3.10 Problem definition - constructions

Objectives:

To create the definition of the constructions that bound a zone.

Procedure:

Image FIGS/grohtml-1796211.png

Outcome:

Familiarity with ESP-r’s description of the constructions that bound a zone.

3.11 Problem description - operations

Objectives:

To learn how to enter the required information describing zone operations.

Procedure:

Image FIGS/grohtml-1796212.png

Outcome:

Familiarity with ESP-r’s description of zone operations.

3.12 Problem definition - inter-zone connections

Objectives:

To understand how zones connect (ESP-r contiguities) and the possibilities for defining external boundary conditions.

Procedure:

Image FIGS/grohtml-1796213.png

Outcome:

Familiarity with ESP-r’s description of how zones connect (contiguities) and the possibilities for defining external boundary conditions.

3.13 Climate data and its analysis

Objectives:

To become familiar with the ESP-r climate analysis facility and available climate databases.

Procedure:

Image FIGS/grohtml-1796214.png

Outcome:

Familiarity with ESP-r’s climate analysis facility and the available climate databases.

3.14 Control capabilities

Objectives:

To familiarise the user with the control options available in ESP-r.

Procedure:

Image FIGS/grohtml-1796215.png

Outcome:

Familiarity with ESP-r’s control options.

3.15 Simulation - advanced facilities

Objectives:

To investigate additional simulation facilities.

Procedure:

Image FIGS/grohtml-1796216.png

Outcome:

Familiarity with some of ESP-r’s advanced simulation features.

3.16 Results analysis - additional facilities

Objectives:

To review the results analysis options and explore additional facilities.

Procedure:

Image FIGS/grohtml-1796217.png

Outcome:

Understanding of ESP-r’s results analysis options and additional facilities.

3.17 Review of progress

Objectives:

To consolidate the understanding of the overall procedure for undertaking simulations.

Procedure:

Image FIGS/grohtml-1796218.png

Outcome:

Consolidation of the understanding of the overall procedure for undertaking simulations.

3.18 Review of files and program modules

Objectives:

To encourage you to view the files and program modules that lie behind the Project Manager. Knowledge is power !

Procedure:

Image FIGS/grohtml-1796219.png

Outcome:

Knowledge of the files and program modules that lie behind the Project Manager.

3.19 Shading and insolation analysis

Objectives:

To enable the user to undertake an analysis of the shading on the external surfaces of a building, the insolation of internal surfaces, and to integrate the resulting time-varying factors into the simulation.

Procedure:

Image FIGS/grohtml-1796220.png

Outcome:

To enable the user to undertake an analysis of the shading on the external surfaces of a building, the insolation of internal surfaces, and to integrate the resulting time-varying factors into the simulation.

3.20 Fluid flow analysis

Objectives:

To undertake a detailed study of mass flow in conjunction with thermal simulation.

Procedure:

Image FIGS/grohtml-1796221.png

Outcome:

Understanding of how to undertake a detailed study of mass flow in conjunction with thermal simulation.

3.21 Plant and control modelling

Objectives:

To explore ESP-r’s facilities with respect to simplified and detailed plant and control modelling.

Procedure:

Image FIGS/grohtml-1796222.png

Outcome:

Initial experience of ESP-r’s facilities with respect to abstract versus explicit modelling of plant and control systems.

3.22 Lighting analysis

Objectives:

To undertake a study of an artificial lighting control system in conjunction with thermal simulation.

Procedure:

Image FIGS/grohtml-1796223.png

Outcome:

Understanding of how to undertake a study of artificial lighting control within a thermal simulation context.

3.23 Other ESP-r facilities

Objectives:

To investigate optional facilities which may prove useful in projects with a specific technical focus.

Procedure:

Image FIGS/grohtml-1796224.png

Outcome:

Initial idea of some of ESP-r’s additional facilities.

3.24 Upcoming ESP-r features

Objectives:

To investigate ESP-r facilities which are prototypical at present but will be available for general release in the near future.

Please note (and hopefully appreciate) that these facilities are still under development (often in the context of postgraduate projects).

Procedure:

Image FIGS/grohtml-1796225.png

Outcome:

Appreciation of recent developments, ongoing work and features expected to mature in the near future.

3.25 Edit/ compile/ link test cycle

Objectives:

To make a modification in the source code, recompile and test the program.

Procedure:

Image FIGS/grohtml-1796226.png

Outcome:

Appreciation of how to change algorithms and I/O structures with the ESP-r’s source code.

3.26 Making Models: CAD and Attribution

Objectives:

To become proficient in the creation and exchange of ESP-r models using CAD and product databases.

Procedure:

Image FIGS/grohtml-1796227.png

Outcome:

Appreciation of how to make realistic models, commission simulations, analyse results and prepare reports.

3.27 Making Models: Fluid Flow, Plant and Control Networks

Objectives:

To explore ESP-r’s facilities for the creation of component networks defining fluid flow, plant and control systems.

Procedure:

Image FIGS/grohtml-1796228.png

Outcome:

Appreciation of how to define plant and control systems, associate fluid flow and integrate these definitions with the building model.

3.28 Making Models: Enhanced Resolution

Objectives:

To explore ESP-r’s facilities for the enhancement of modelling resolution at particular points.

Procedure:

Image FIGS/grohtml-1796229.png

Outcome:

Appreciation of how to increase the resolution of an ESP-r problem in order to model special processes, such as photovoltaic cells and moisture flow, or specific phenomena, such as intra-zone air movement or mould growth.

3.29 Integrated Performance Appraisal

Objectives:

To undertake an integrated performance appraisal in which all aspects of performance are assessed.

Procedure:

Image FIGS/grohtml-1796230.png

Outcome:

An understanding of the elements of an integrated performance appraisal and how to extract these elements from ESP-r simulations.

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