Available Parameters

Select the level of detail for the energy analysis parameters.

•    Basic: The parameter set is sufficient for generalized energy analysis

•    Advanced: Enables the display of additional, detailed panes in the project settings, for expert users who wish to specify parameters to a high level, as described in Advanced Energy Analysis

Project Location from Heliodon

The project location is automatically obtained from a known location close to that of the heliodon object, that is matched to Energos climate and location data; however, an alternative location can be selected from the list. Any advanced locations that have been specified are listed.

Location

The selected location is displayed below the list

Advanced Location

To specify a location that is different from the heliodon’s location, or to specify detailed climate data, click Advanced Location. The Advanced Location dialog box opens. Click Location and choose a different location’s climate information. Alternatively, click Custom to choose a custom location set from those you have defined, as described in the following section.

Project

Contains information about the project; while most fields are for informational purposes only, the Altitude does affect the energy calculations

Name/Description

Enter the name of the project and a brief description

Altitude

Specify the altitude above sea level of the project’s ground level (where slabs are located); this value comes from the climate data, but can be overridden by entering a different value here

Architect

Enter details about the architect or architectural firm

Services Engineer

Enter details about the services engineer or engineering firm

Year of Construction

Indicate the year of construction for the project

System Set

Lists the defined system sets. When one is selected, the associated system names are listed in the system list, where they can be edited and added to; edited system sets are saved in the user folder and are indicated with (user folder) appended to the system set name.

Rename

Opens the Rename List Set dialog box; provide a new name for the system set. Default system sets that are included with Vectorworks cannot be renamed. You are prompted to rename a copy of the set, which is saved in the user folder.

Delete

Deletes the selected set from the System Set list; default system sets that are included with Vectorworks cannot be deleted

System list

Lists the systems that are included in the selected System Set

New

Adds a new system to the system set as described in the following section

Edit

Edits the currently selected system as described in the following section

Duplicate

Creates a duplicate of the currently selected system, as described in the following section

Delete

Deletes the selected system from the set

Set As Default

Sets the currently selected system and system set as the default for new files

General tab

Location

Country/City

Enter the name of the country and city of the building site; the names display in the Setup pane for reference when an advanced location is specified

Longitude

Specify the longitude of the location in degrees

Latitude

Specify the latitude of the location in degrees

Altitude

Specify the location’s altitude above sea level

Building Site

Site Elevation

Select Site Elevation and enter an elevation value for the building site, only if the building site altitude is significantly different from the altitude of the weather station used to determine climate data

Outside Temperature

Specify the annual average temperature for the location

Unheated Space Temperature

Specify the average temperature of an unheated/uncooled area within the building envelope

Daily Summer Temperature Swing

Enter the typical daily temperature range (difference between high temperature and low temperature) that occurs during the summer at the location

Depth of Groundwater Table

Specify the depth of the groundwater table at the location

Groundwater Flow Rate

Indicate the flow rate of the groundwater at the location

Properties tab

Transfer to Annual Method

HT

Specifies the length of the heating period during the day, per year

GT

Specifies the heating degree days per year, which is the sum of the temperature difference between the interior and exterior

Global Radiation

Indicate the amount of solar radiation for the site

North/East/South/West/Global

For each direction and globally, specify the amount of solar radiation that affects the site

Heating/Cooling Loads tab

Solar radiation has an effect on heating and cooling based on the location and site of the building. The more glazing towards the sun, the more energy is gained, so the gains and losses are calculated based on orientation.

Heating Load

Specifies the amount of energy needed for a building or space to maintain an internal temperature with a certain set of external conditions or weather

Weather 1/Weather 2

The two different weather conditions mainly affect solar gains during the winter; one condition might be for a warmer winter and one for a more cloudy/cool winter

Cooling Load

Specifies the amount of energy to be removed from the space

Temperature

Indicates the ambient, sky, and ground temperatures

Radiation/Temperature tab

Radiation and temperature data represent annual fluctuations for the custom location

Include Ground Temperature Data

Select this option to include ground temperature climate data

Radiation/Temperature Data Graph

Each of the parameters selected in the Legend is graphed over a one-year period; the radiation Y-axis on the left applies to the Radiation parameters, and the Temperature Y-axis on the right applies to the Temperature parameters

Selected Point

Displays the data for the point selected on one of the graphs; the data can be edited by entering a new value or dragging the selected point

Legend

Shows the parameters selected for display on the graph, and their color key. Deselect parameters to reduce clutter when adjusting the data for one of the parameters.

Collect Elements

Specify whether building information from all layers and/or classes should be analyzed, or whether only elements from certain layers and classes should participate in energy analysis calculations. If only specific layers should be included, choose On Specific Layers and then click Layers to specify which layers to use from the Select Layers dialog box. If only specific classes should be included, choose In Specific Classes and click Classes to select the classes to include from the Select Classes dialog box.

Building Elements

Lists the building elements (based on the selected layers and classes) that are included in the energy calculations

Edit Building Elements List

Opens the Edit Building Elements List dialog box, for modifying or adding to the list of included building elements, as described in the following section

Spaces

Total Relevant Floor Area

Automatic Calculation

Calculates the relevant floor area from the space objects in the drawing (based on the selected layers and classes)

Manual Input

Enter the floor area value manually, overriding the automatic calculation

Total Volume

Automatic Calculation

Calculates the space volume from the space objects in the drawing (based on the selected layers and classes)

Manual Input

Enter the volume value manually, overriding the automatic calculation

Edit Spaces List

Opens the Edit Spaces List, for modifying the list of included spaces, as described in the following section

Building Elements List View Filter

Toggles the display of specific types of building elements in the list; selected elements are displayed in the list. Only the display of listed items is affected. These settings do not affect energy calculations.

Filtered Building Elements List

Lists the building elements, based on filtering, that participate in energy calculations. A check mark in the Use column indicates that the element is included; deselect the check mark to remove the element from calculations. Other displayed data come from the drawing, from the element, or from manual modifications made by editing the element or creating a new virtual element. The element’s orientation is determined by the position of each element and the heliodon object present in the drawing.

New

Click New to add a building element. When creating a new element to add to energy calculations, the element’s Source is always Manual since the element is additional and does not come from the drawing. An element added in this way can be considered a virtual element since it does not actually exist in the drawing.

The Edit Building Element dialog box opens. Select the Type of element, and its Orientation parameters; provide an optional Name for the element and indicate its Area and R-Value/U-Value parameters.

Edit

Click Edit to edit the currently selected building element. The Edit Building Element dialog box opens. When editing a building element, the information can either come from the drawing or from values entered manually; click Modified to enter override values.

Specify the Orientation parameter; provide an optional Name for the element and indicate its Area and R-Value/U-Value parameters.

It is also possible to increase the Area value of drawing elements by including an area value from the attached record format. A valid record format must already be attached to the object. Click Insert Parameter to select a parameter with additional area from the list of records attached to the element. This action may be necessary to fine tune the height of the exterior walls where they join auto-bound slabs/roofs.

The building element overrides modify the element in the list and in the energy calculations.

Delete

Removes the selected element from the list of displayed building elements, and from energy calculations, but does not remove the selected element from the drawing

Select in Drawing

When one or more elements are selected in the list, click Select in Drawing to save all data, close all dialog boxes, and return to the drawing. The building elements are selected in the drawing, and the zoom level is set to Fit to Objects. Manually-entered elements cannot be selected in the drawing, since they are virtual elements.

Spaces List

Lists the space objects that participate in energy calculations. A check mark in the Use column indicates that the space is included; deselect the check mark to remove the space from calculations. Other displayed data come from the drawing, from the space object, or from manual modifications made by editing the space or creating a new virtual space.

New

Click New to add a space. When creating a new space to add to energy calculations, the space’s Source is always Manual since the space is additional and does not come from the drawing. A space added in this way can be considered a virtual space since it does not actually exist in the drawing.

The Edit Space dialog box opens. Provide an optional Name for the space and indicate its Area and Volume parameters.

A negative area value can be specified, allowing the calculation to be controlled without deleting spaces from the drawing.

Edit

Click Edit to edit the currently selected space. The Edit Space dialog box opens. When editing a space, the information can either come from the drawing or from values entered manually; click Modified to enter override values. When overridden with modified values, changes to spaces in the drawing have no effect on calculations.

Provide an optional Name for the space and indicate its Area and Volume parameters.

Delete

Removes the selected space from the list of spaces, and from energy calculations, but does not remove the selected space from the drawing

Select in Drawing

When one or more spaces are selected in the list, click Select in Drawing to save all data, close all dialog boxes, and return to the drawing. The spaces are selected in the drawing, and the zoom level is set to Fit to Objects. Manually-entered spaces cannot be selected in the drawing, since they are virtual spaces.

System Set

Lists the defined system sets. When one is selected, the associated system names are listed in the system list, where they can be edited and added to; edited system sets are saved in the user folder and are indicated with (user folder) appended to the system set name.

Rename

Opens the Rename List Set dialog box; provide a new name for the system set. Default system sets that are included with Vectorworks cannot be renamed. You are prompted to rename a copy of the set, which is saved in the user folder.

Delete

Deletes the selected set from the System Set list; default system sets that are included with Vectorworks cannot be deleted

System list

Lists the systems that are included in the selected System Set

New

Adds a new system to the system set as described in the following section

Edit

Edits the currently selected system as described in the following section

Duplicate

Creates a duplicate of the currently selected system as described in the following section

Delete

Deletes the selected system from the set

Set As Default

Sets the currently selected system and system set as the default for new files

Building Type

Specify whether the project is residential or non-residential. Residential projects use simplified electrical parameter input on the Usage Electricity pane (this pane is visible only when advanced parameters are selected for display), and also optimize the energy calculations for single-family types of buildings.

Utilization Pattern

Depending on whether the building type is residential or non-residential, different typical utilization patterns are available. Select one of the patterns that most closely fits the project. Automatic is a default pattern based on the living area and number of occupants. Sets can be created and edited; see Specifying System Sets.

Advanced

(Non-residential projects only)

Opens the Advanced Utilization for Non Residential Building dialog box, for specifying detailed heat gains and losses as described in the following section

Number of Occupants

Select whether to estimate the average number of occupants based on the type of building, building size, and usage profile; or whether to specify a custom number of occupants. If Custom is selected, the Custom Number of Occupants dialog box opens; specify the number of occupants in the entire project.

Number

Displays the number of occupants for the project

Interior Temperature

Specify the average interior temperature for the entire project

Number of Units

Specify the number of units of livable space

Internal Heat Gains

Specify the usage patterns that contribute to the heat gains for the building

Usage List

Lists the various types of usage patterns that have been defined for the building. As each pattern is defined, a blank usage pattern is created and moves to the bottom of the list for editing.

Usage

Displays the name of the currently selected usage pattern

Delete

Deletes the currently selected usage pattern from the Usage List. The blank default usage pattern cannot be deleted.

Space Use Pattern

Select the typical usage for the currently selected pattern; sets can be created and edited; see Specifying System Sets

Activity

Select the typical average activity for the majority of the occupants; sets can be created and edited; see Specifying System Sets

Planning by

Choose whether to consider the number of occupants of the floor area for defining the usage pattern

Number of Occupants

Specifies the average number of occupants for the selected usage pattern, when defined by number of occupants

Floor Area of Utilization Zone

Specifies the useful floor area for the selected usage pattern, when defined by floor area

Heat Loss

Specify the usage patterns that contribute to the building’s heat loss

Evaporation Emitted Per Person

Indicates the average heat emitted by evaporation, per person

Cold Water Due to Flushing WC

When there are a significant number of water closet units, select the check box to add the effect from flushing to the overall heat loss for the selected usage pattern

Number of WCs

Indicates the number of water closet units

Equipment list

Add

Opens the Electricity Equipment Edit dialog box, to specify the parameters of the appliance to add to the list of electrical equipment.

•    For general hourly or annual usage, indicate whether the equipment is existing; otherwise, planned is assumed. Specify the quantity and typical energy consumption parameters over time.

•    For specific appliance types, indicate whether the equipment is inside or outside of the building’s thermal envelope. When selected, the appliance is inside the envelope; otherwise, it is outside the envelope. Appliances that are outside of the thermal envelope participate differently in the energy calculations, since they still consume electricity but do not contribute to the heat gain. Specify the quantity and select the appliance system to which it belongs. The system list can be modified; see Specifying System Sets.

Edit

Opens the Electricity Equipment Edit dialog box, to edit the parameters of the selected electrical appliance or general usage

Delete

Deletes the currently selected equipment from the list

Cooking Space Use Pattern

Select the type of usage that occurs in the cooking area of the building. The system list can be modified; see Specifying System Sets.

On Site Electricity Generation

If electricity usage is offset by the ability to generate electricity on-site, select On Site Electricity Generation and choose the generation method. Specify the planned annual electrical energy generated by the system.

Collect Elements

Specify whether building information from all layers and/or classes should be analyzed, or whether elements from only certain layers and classes should participate in energy analysis calculations. If only specific layers should be included, choose On Specific Layers and then click Layers to specify which layers to use from the Select Layers dialog box. If only specific classes should be included, choose In Specific Classes and click Classes to select the classes to include from the Select Classes dialog box.

Building Elements

Lists the building elements (based on the selected layers and classes) that are included in the energy calculations

Edit Building Elements List

Opens the Edit Building Elements List dialog box, for modifying the list of included building elements as described in Editing the Included Building Elements

Ground

Indicates the thermal properties of the ground at the building site

Thermal Conductivity

Specifies the thermal conductivity property of the ground at the building site

Heat Capacity

Indicates the heat capacity of the ground at the building site

Phase Shift

Indicates the ground temperature phase shift; this value overrides any thermal bridge calculations for the perimeter insulation

Thermal Bridges

Thermal bridges can account for significant energy loss even from energy efficient buildings; the list of thermal bridges that participate in the building envelope transmission loss can have positive or negative values.

Create a record format named Thermal Bridge with relevant record fields and values; when attached to drawing objects, these objects automatically display in the list of thermal bridges.

Automatic Calculation Based on the Thermal Bridges List

Once thermal bridges and their parameters have been listed, automatically calculates their effect on energy loss

Manual Input

Overrides the list of thermal bridges and their parameters with a manually input percentage value

Edit Thermal Bridges List

Opens the Edit Thermal Bridges List dialog box, for managing the list of thermal bridges as described in the following section

Thermal Bridges List

Lists the thermal bridges and their parameters

Add

Opens the Edit Thermal Bridge dialog box, for adding a new thermal bridge to the list. Enter a name for the list and indicate the number of bridges at that location. Select the location from the list. Specify the length and PSI of the thermal bridge. The thermal bridge is added to the end of the list.

Edit

Opens the Edit Thermal Bridge dialog box, to edit the parameters of the currently selected thermal bridge

Delete

Deletes the currently selected thermal bridge from the project

Collect Spaces

Specify whether space information from all layers and/or classes should be analyzed, or whether spaces from only certain layers and classes should participate in energy analysis calculations. If only specific layers should be included, choose On Specific Layers and then click Layers to specify which layers to use from the Select Layers dialog box. If only specific classes should be included, choose In Specific Classes and click Classes to select the classes to include from the Select Classes dialog box.

Total Relevant Floor Area

Automatic Calculation

Calculates the relevant floor area from the space objects in the drawing (based on the selected layers and classes)

Manual Input

Enter the floor area value manually, overriding the automatic calculation

Total Volume

Automatic Calculation

Calculates the space volume from the space objects in the drawing (based on the selected layers and classes)

Manual Input

Enter the volume value manually, overriding the automatic calculation

Edit Spaces List

Opens the Edit Spaces List, for modifying the list of included spaces as described in Editing the Included Spaces

Infiltration Air Change Range

Click one screening button to indicate the type of screening test conducted and the exposure conditions at the site

Airtightness Test Values

n50

Enter the results of the n50 airtightness test conducted at the site

q50

Enter the results of the q50 airtightness test conducted at the site

Include Ventilation System

Includes the ventilation system in the energy calculations

System Type

Select whether the system is a Mechanical Heat-Recovery Ventilation (MHRV) or pure extract system

Operation Modes

Select a typical operation mode. The system list can be modified; see Specifying System Sets.

System Design Results

Displays the results for the ventilation system; update the energy analysis calculations to view the latest system design results

System Selection

Select a ventilation system. The system list can be modified; see Specifying System Sets.

Include Summer Ventilation

When summer ventilation involves different system operation or specifications, select the option and click Advanced to specify the parameters

Advanced

Opens the Advanced Ventilation Settings dialog box, as described in the following section

Include Ventilation Distribution System

Includes the ventilation distribution system in the energy calculations; the ventilation system must already be included

System List

Select a ventilation distribution system. The system list can be modified; see Specifying System Sets.

Automatic Estimation Based on Building Type and Size

Select this option to automatically estimate the distribution system’s ductwork length based on the building information

Manual Input

Select this option to manually enter the pipework and exhaust air duct length values

General tab

Demand

Determines whether air demand per person and extract air demand should be automatically calculated or use the manually entered value; enter the value if manual input is selected

Ground Source Heat Exchange Efficiency

Specifies the efficiency of the ground source heat exchange for the ventilation system

Summer tab

Specifies the summer ventilation parameters, which are taken into account when Include Summer Ventilation is selected on the Systems Ventilation pane. Windows that participate in summer ventilation also have advanced parameters to be set on the Window Settings - Energos pane as described in Window Settings: Energos Pane.

Type

Select the summer ventilation system (manually or automatically controlled)

Inside Thermal Envelope

Indicates whether the summer ventilation system is within the thermal envelope and will be considered for energy calculations. If it is outside the building envelope, it is not part of the building energy balance calculation but it is still be part of the primary energy calculation since it uses energy.

Minimum Acceptable Indoor Temperature

This is the baseline from which the overheating maximum is calculated. In hot climate zones (depending on humidity) an 8 Kelvin temperature difference is usually acceptable and is referred to as cooler than the external environment. The cooling target baseline can be moved up without reducing comfort levels to the user.

Mechanical Ventilation

Specifies the air change rate information for the summer ventilation

Overheating Limit

Indicates the overheating temperature limit

With Heat Recovery

Select this option when the summer ventilation also includes heat recovery capacity

Spec. Capacity

Indicates the specific capacity of the actual building structure. The heavier a building (bricks and mortar, or concrete), the more energy the structure buffers during heat peaks.

Day GF/Day UF/Night

These tabs specify the manual cooling options (manually opening windows) for the ground floor and upper floor for a portion of the day, and for all floors at night

Fraction Of Operation

Indicates the percentage of time that the windows are open

Temperature Diff Interior - Exterior

Specifies the difference in temperature between the interior of the building and the outdoor ambient temperature

Wind Velocity

Indicates the speed of the wind coming through any open windows. The wind speed is normally 0 (zero) during summer nights as there is little temperature difference between the interior and exterior to generate non-mechanical wind.

Include Heating System

Includes the heating system in the energy calculations. If this option is deselected, but the configuration includes an electrical energy demand, the total heating energy demand is assumed to be electric.

Primary System

Coverage

Displays the percentage of the building that is heated by the primary heating system based on whether there is a secondary system and what its coverage percentage is. If there is no secondary system, the primary system automatically covers 100%.

System

Select a heating category, and then a heating system. The system list can be modified; see Specifying System Sets.

Secondary System

To include a secondary system, set a coverage value other than 0 (zero) percent

Coverage

Indicates the percentage of the building that is heated by the secondary system

System

Select a secondary heating category, and then a heating system. The system list can be modified; see Specifying System Sets.

Include Heating Distribution System

Includes the heating distribution system in the energy calculations; the heating system must already be included

System list

Select a heating distribution system. The system list can be modified; see Specifying System Sets.

Automatic Ductwork Length Estimation Based on Building Type and Size

Select this option to automatically estimate the distribution system’s ductwork length based on the building information

Manual Ductwork Length

Select this option to manually enter the pipework and exhaust air duct length values through the warm (heated) area of the building and up to two unheated or outdoor zones

Include Cooling System

Includes the cooling system in the energy calculations

Primary System

Coverage

Displays the percentage of the building that is cooled by the primary cooling system based on whether there is a secondary system and what its coverage percentage is. If there is no secondary system, the primary system automatically covers 100%.

System

Select a cooling category, and then a cooling system. The system list can be modified; see Specifying System Sets.

Additional Air Change Rate

When an additional centralized ventilation system is installed, select this option to match the required demand, and specify the air change rate

Humidification/Dehumidification

When either humidification or dehumidification is part of the cooling system, select this option and select a system. The system list can be modified; see Specifying System Sets.

Secondary System

To include a secondary system, set a coverage value other than 0 (zero) percent

Coverage

Indicates the percentage of the building that is cooled by the secondary system

System

Select a secondary cooling category, and then a cooling system. The system list can be modified; see Specifying System Sets.

Include Cooling Distribution System

Includes the cooling distribution system in the energy calculations; the cooling system must already be included

System

Select a cooling distribution system. The system list can be modified; see Specifying System Sets.

Automatic Ductwork Length Estimation Based on Building Type and Size

Select this option to automatically estimate the distribution system’s ductwork length based on the building information

Manual Ductwork Length

Select this option to manually enter the duct length value

Include Main Hot Water System

Includes the main hot water system in the energy calculations. If the water is heated by the same system as the heating system, indicate this by selecting the appropriate type of hot water heating system from the System list.

Primary System

Coverage

Displays the percentage of the building with water heated by the primary system based on whether there is a secondary system and what its coverage percentage is. If there is no secondary system, the primary system automatically covers 100%.

System

Select a water heating category, and then a heating system. The system list can be modified; see Specifying System Sets.

Secondary System

To include a secondary system, set a coverage value other than 0 (zero) percent

Coverage

Indicates the percentage of the hot water system that is heated by the secondary system

System

Select a secondary water heating category, and then a heating system. The system list can be modified; see Specifying System Sets.

Include Hot Water Distribution System

Includes the hot water distribution system in the energy calculations; the hot water system must already be included

System list

Select a hot water distribution system. The system list can be modified; see Specifying System Sets.

Automatic Pipework Length Estimation Based on Building Type and Size

Select this option to automatically estimate the distribution system’s ductwork length based on the building information

Manual Pipework Length

Select this option to manually enter the pipework and exhaust air duct length values through the warm (heated) area of the building and up to two unheated or outdoor zones

Scaling Factor

Specifies the label size; increase the scale value to obtain a larger object

On Schedule

Select whether to include the label information in worksheets for reporting purposes

Display Type

Select the label format

Length

For bar labels, indicates the length of the bar

Draw As Placeholder

For bar labels, places loci on the drawing instead of the label. Use the loci as guidelines for creating a custom label.

Bar Height

For bar labels, indicates the height of the bar

Result Value

Select the category of results to display

Show Compliance Check

For bar labels with supported categories and selected compliance standards, displays the compliance levels on the bar

Label Setting

Opens the Energos Label Settings dialog box to determine which results should be displayed on the Object Info palette for convenient reference. All available detailed calculation results are listed for selection, or click Settings to choose a saved set of results. Place a check mark in the Show column to display the result.

Placing a check mark in a heading category automatically selects all sub-categories. To select or deselect specific data within the category, click the disclosure arrow. The category expands, listing all data for individual inclusion in or exclusion from the display.

Click Save to save the label settings as a set. See Managing Energos Label Display Settings to manage the label sets. Saved sets can be selected from the Settings list.

Click Restore Defaults to return to the default parameter display on the Object Info palette.

Energos

Opens the Energos Project Settings dialog box; if any changes are made to the settings, click Update 

Update

Recalculates the energy analysis results and updates all labels, including labels within symbols, to reflect the latest changes

Energy Analysis parameters

Displays the energy analysis results, depending on the selections in the Label Settings dialog box

Rename

Select and enter a new name for the saved set

Delete

Select to delete the set. You are prompted to confirm that you want to delete the saved set.

Export

Select the data to export.

•    All Data: Exports all of the energy analysis data

•    Custom: Displays the data list, to select specific data for export; the data list displays for any modifications

•    Saved set: Select a named saved set of data to export

Manage Saved Sets

Opens the Manage Saved Sets dialog box, to rename or delete saved sets. Select a name from the list, and then click the appropriate button.

•    Rename: Enter a new name for the set. If the entered name is already assigned to another set, you are prompted to confirm that you want to replace the existing set with the set being saved.

•    Delete: When prompted, confirm that you want to delete the saved set.

Data list

Show

A check mark in the Show column indicates that the data will be exported

Disclosure arrow

Each set of data is grouped into categories; when the category heading is selected in the Show column, all of the category’s data exports.

Placing a check mark in a heading category automatically selects all sub-categories for export. To select or deselect specific data within the category, click the disclosure arrow. The category expands, listing all data for individual inclusion in or exclusion from export.

Name

Lists the data sets by name

Save as Saved Set

Opens a dialog box to name and save the currently selected settings so that they can quickly be selected as a set