Pre- and Post-Conference Courses

Pre-conference Radiance workshop

Post-conference courses in EnergyPlus, ESP-r and TRNSYS

More details on the training courses:

• EnergyPlus
• ESP-r
• TRNSYS

EnergyPlus training course
What is EnergyPlus?
EnergyPlus models the complex interactions of building heating, cooling, lighting, ventilating, and other energy flows. While it is based on the most popular features and capabilities of BLAST and DOE-2, it includes many innovative simulation capabilities such as time steps of less than an hour, modular systems and plant integrated with heat balance-based zone simulation, multizone air flow, thermal comfort, and photovoltaic systems.
More information

What is the course about?
This course will provide an introduction to EnergyPlus, its utilities and the range of interfaces available. Participants will obtain hands-on experience running Energyplus during the course (and will receive a series of exercises to try after the workshop).

Who will teach the course?
Drury B. Crawley is the program manager for Analysis Tools at the U. S. Department of Energy, Washington, DC, USA.

ESP-r training course
What is ESP-r?
ESP-r is a general purpose, multi-domain--building thermal, inter-zone air flow, intra-zone air movement, HVAC systems and electrical power flow--simulation environment which has been under development for more than 25 years. It follows the patterns of 'simulation follows description' where additional technical domain solvers are invoked as the building and system description evolves. Users control the complexity of the geometric, environmental control and operations to match the requirements of particular projects. It supports an explicit energy balance in each zone and at each surface. ESP-r is distributed under a GPL license.
The University of Strathclyde Web site includes pre-compiled downloads for a range of computers and operating systems, extensive publications list, example models, source code, tutorials and resources for developers and users.

What is the course about?
The one day workshop will a fast-paced exploration of design decision support activities via ESP-r with an emphasis on simulation strategies, model planning, understanding of performance predictions, working with 3rd party tools, modifying models in support of what-if questions. There will be demonstrations of advanced facilities, and if time permits the option to explore your own designs.
This course is intended for those who have prior experience in building simulation.
Although computers are provided, participants are encouraged to bring their own laptops.

Who will teach the course?
The course will be given by Dr. Jon Hand of the University of  Strathclyde (who has been active in ESP-r development, training and  consulting for 15 years).
For more information on the course and for advise on pre-course machine configuration Contact: Jon Hand @ jon@esru.strath.ac.uk

TRNSYS training course
What is TRNSYS?
TRNSYS is a modular simulation program that was designed to solve complex energy system problems by breaking the problem down into a series of smaller components. TRNSYS components (referred to as "Types") may be as simple as a pump or pipe, or as complicated as a multi-zone building model.
The components are configured and assembled using a fully integrated visual interface known as the TRNSYS Simulation Studio, and building input data is entered through a dedicated visual interface (TRNBuild). The simulation engine then solves the system of algebraic and differential equations that represent the whole system.
In addition to a detailed multizone building model, the TRNSYS library includes components for solar thermal and photovoltaic systems, low energy buildings and HVAC systems, renewable energy systems, cogeneration, fuel cells, etc. The modular nature of TRNSYS facilitates the addition of new mathematical models to the program. In addition to the ability to develop new components in any programming language, the program allows to directly embed components implemented using other software (e.g. Matlab/Simulink, Excel/VBA, and EES). TRNSYS can also generate executables that allow non-expert to run parametric studies.
More information

What is the course about?
The course will introduce you to the basic concepts in TRNSYS and give you a quick start to use the software in a productive manner.
Practitioners who are considering TRNSYS use will have ample opportunities to evaluate its facilities and ask questions. Those who have recently acquired TRNSYS will be avoiding the hassles and pitfalls of self instruction and users at all levels will learn how to use some of the new features in TRNSYS 16.
Course outline: