Energy Simulations

1)Parallelization of EnergyPlus: A tool has been developed that splits a single EnergyPlus simulation into multiple smaller simulations, runs them in parallel over a cluster of 12 nodes, and collates the results once the simulations are finished. The tool uses Message Passing Interface API and runs on Linux. The project involves the preparation of methodology to prepare the input file for multiple runs, message passing & file sharing between the nodes, and collation of the results generated by multiple instances of EnergyPlus. Further, a quality check method has been developed which gives indication on the level of accuracy the parallel runs have achieved as compared to the results that would have been obtained by a single annual run. The tool has been tested on 16 different commercial reference buildings over 16 US weather files (total 256 combinations). The results of these 256 runs, showing the runtimes, overheads, speed gains, and accuracy of results were analyzed. 2) The method of calibrated simulation has been used to estimate the energy savings by application of cool roof for the building of Satyam Learning Centre (SLC) at Hyderabad (India). Energy simulation model of the building was created using ‘DesignBuilder v.1.95’ and the building was monitored for few months. Mismatch between the simulation results and actual energy consumption has been reduced to obtain the calibrated model of the building using the method suggested in IPMVP Option-D.

Faculty

1. Vishal Garg (Head)
2. Vishal Garg (Head)