Design Options

User Guide
IES Virtual Environment

Copyright © 2014 Integrated Environmental Solutions Limited. All rights reserved.

No part of the manual is to be copied or reproduced in any form without the express agreement of
Integrated Environmental Solutions Limited.
Contents

Design Options User Guide ............................................................................................................. 1

1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 2
2 Design options concepts ............................................................................................................. 3
2.1 Data import......................................................................................................................... 4
2.2 Design option operations .................................................................................................... 4
2.2.1 Modify application object ............................................................................................................................7
2.2.2 Value constraints handling for value model variables .................................................................................7
2.2.3 Units handling for value model variables and parser variables ...................................................................7
2.3 Filtering formula ................................................................................................................. 8
2.3.1 Formula operators .......................................................................................................................................8
2.3.2 Formula variables .........................................................................................................................................9
2.4 Design options model variables ......................................................................................... 20
3 VE interfaces ............................................................................................................................ 50
3.1 Accessing Design options ................................................................................................... 50
3.2 Design options wizard ....................................................................................................... 51
3.3 Design options restore dialog ............................................................................................ 54

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1 Introduction
Design options tool allows user to rapidly define and apply high-level batch changes to the
model. It also provide a powerful filtering facility which allows user to filtering out parts of the
model when applying any changes.
Within the tool, changes are organized into two levels: actions group (i.e., design option) and
action. Each design option may contain a single or multiple actions. User can either define
design options from scratch, or import any design options from a pre-defined master template
with design options, or a combination of these two. User can also export any design options as
a master template for building up design options library for sharing or later use. Prior to any
execution of actions within the tool, a restore point is created to allow user to review what
changes have been applied at which timestamp, and enable them to revert back to the state of
the model prior to applying those changes.
The following sections detail the concepts and the VE interfaces developed.

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2 Design options concepts
Design options are defined by two data components:
 Design options database: this is a file located within the .mit folder and named with
the model name plus .slf extension. Each design option may contain a single or multiple
actions. It also allow a cost template and an environmental impact template to be
attached. Each action is made up by the following elements:
o Model variable: specifies what is to be changed.
o Filtering formula: specifies under what criteria the change is to be
made (filtering criteria). This is made up by parser variables, parser
variable operators, and any additional operands required by the
operators.
o Operation: specifies how changes are to be made.
o Operation value: specifies what to change to.
o Unit: only relevant to model variables that have units and require
value updates. It specifies the unit on which the operation value is
based.
Relationships of the above elements: model variable determines which parser
variables, operations and units (if there is any) are relevant. Model variable
together with operation determine what kind of operation values are valid. The
parser variable determines which parser variable operators are available, and any
additional value required by its parser variable operator.
 VE model - contains all the data required by any action in the design options database.
Each model contains a single design options database created automatically on using
the tool.

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 2.1 Data import
This becomes relevant when importing design options from a master template. Any
missing model data required by the imported design options will be imported from
the master template to the current model.

Here lists the possible data to be imported:

 Construction
 Room attributes template
 Thermal conditions template
 Profile (either absolute or modulate)
 Apache system
 Internal gain
 Air exchange
 Macroflo opening type

The following two objects are exempt from importing:

 Weather file – if a weather file is not installed in the machine where the target model
is, log the error.
 System heating or cooling fuel – note all models has the same default list of fuels, so
fuels does not to be imported.
Three scenarios exist:
 Scenario 1: the required model object already exists in the target model,
either with the same ID or different ID. The importing process will check this
is the case and no data will be imported. The object in the target model will
be used during applying the query.
 Scenario 2: the required model object does not exist in the target model.
However, there is an object with the same ID exist in the target model. The
import process will make import the object from the source model to the
target model and assign it with a new ID. The imported object will then be
used during applying the query.
 Scenario 3: the required model object does not exist in the target model.
However, there is NOT an object with the same ID exist in the target model.
The import process will just import in the model object from the source
model to the target model and keep its original ID.

2.2 Design option operations

The following operations are allowed in the tool, the first three operations are only relevant to
constructions.

Operation type Details

Add Layers On Outer Face Opaque construction specific operation.

Operation value: all construction of a given type in the project

construction database.

Action: add layers of the chosen constructions (specified in the

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 operation value) in to out on the outer surface of those constructions
to be changed in the model (determined by the model variable and
filtering criteria).

May need to import a construction.

Add Layers On Inner Face Opaque construction specific operation.

Operation value: all construction of a given type in the project

construction database.

Action: add layers of the chosen constructions (specified in the

operation value) out to in on the inner surface of those constructions
to be changed in the model (determined by the model variable and
filtering criteria).

May need to import a construction.

Replace Outermost Cavity Opaque construction specific operation.

Operation value: all insulating materials in the project materials

database.

Action: insert the chosen insulating material (specified in the

operation value) to the outermost cavity of the constructions to be
changed in the model (determined by the model variable and filtering
criteria) should those constructions have an outermost cavity layer.
No changes are made to those constructions that do not have an
outmost cavity layer.

May need to import a material.

Replace Macroflo opening Operation only available to the following Macroflo category variables:
type
External window
External door
Roof light

Operation value: all Macroflo opening types in the Macroflo opening

database.

Action: replace the macroflo opening types for the chosen windows or
doors to the specified type.

May need to import a macroflo opening type.

Replace Replace deal with replacing the following types of object in the model
with another object:

Construction
Room attributes template

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 Thermal condition s template
Profile ( either absolute or modulate )
Apache system
Internal gain
Air exchange
Weather file
System heating or cooling fuel

Operation value: all the relevant objects in the project object

database.

May need to import the following objects:

 Construction
 Room attributes template
 Thermal condition s template
 Profile ( either absolute or modulate )
 Apache system
 Internal gain
 Air exchange

Value Increase Only relevant to model variables of the value type, e.g.,
CoolingSetpointConstant

Operation value: any numeric number.

Action: increase the value to the specified number.

No import issue.

Value Decrease Only relevant to model variables of the value type, e.g.,
CoolingSetpointConstant

Operation value: any numeric number.

Action: decreases the value to the specified number.

No import issue.

Value Replacement Only relevant to model variables of the value type, e.g.,
CoolingSetpointConstant

Operation value: any numeric number.

Action: replaces the value with the specified number.

No import issue.

Add Ext. Glazing by Only available to variable “Windows” under the “Surface objects”
Percentage Area (Remove category.
Existing Glazing)

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 Operation value: percentage of glazing area needed.
Action: Add the specified percentage of glazing on the desired
external surfaces including the ground floor (remove their existing
glazing).

No import issue.
Add Ext. Glazing by Only available to variable “Windows” under the “Surface objects”
Percentage Area (Keep category.
Existing Glazing)
Operation value: percentage of glazing area needed.
Action: Add the specified percentage of glazing on the desired
external surfaces including the ground floor (keep their existing
glazing).

No import issue.

2.2.1 Modify application object

An important detail that are relevant to all the listed operations apart from Replace is to
make sure the following when an application object ( i.e. apache system, construction, or
macroflo opening type ) is to be modified:

 Only modify the object directly if it is not used by parts of the model that are filtered
out.
 Otherwise, make only one copy of the object and reassign the copied object back
to the filtered parts of the model. Then alter the copied object to the desired
change.

2.2.2 Value constraints handling for value model variables

The model variable may have valid value range which will be checked against prior to the
intended change. If the resulting value is out of range, no changes will be made to the
model and errors will be logged.

2.2.3 Units handling for value model variables and parser variables

The model variable may have multiple eligible units. The tool allows users to specify which
unit the operation value is based on, which can be different from the current unit settings
in the model. The tool will perform the required unit conversion to ensure value updates
are operated on the same unit. Note that the unit the operation value is based on are also
the unit used by the parser variable 2nd operand should the model variable is also used as
the parser variable.

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 2.3 Filtering formula

2.3.1 Formula operators

The tool provides the following operators to create a filtering formula. Operators are
processed in order of precedence. Operators of equal precedence are evaluated in
left-to-right order. Brackets override the processing order. A categorization of the
operators is listed after the table.

Operator Precedence Unary Usage Details

Contains 1 No Facilitate “String containing a substring” scenario, e.g.,
“RoomName Contains office”
Both operands must be a string.
Return 1 if the right operand is a substring of the left operand.
Otherwise return 0.

Is 1 No Allow string comparison scenario.

Both operands must be a string.

Return 1 if the both operands are the same string. Otherwise

return 0.

& 3 No AND Logic operator which connects two formula.

Return 1 if both formula is evaluated to 1, otherwise return 0.

| 4 No OR Logic operator which connects two formula.

Return 1 if either of the two formula is evaluated to 1,
otherwise return 0.

< 2 No “Is less than” logical operator. Returns 1 if true, 0 if false.

<= 2 No “Is less than or equal” logical operator. Returns 1 if true, 0 if

false.

> 2 No “Is greater than” logical operator. Returns 1 if true, 0 if false.

>= 2 No “Is greater than or equal” logical operator. Returns 1 if true, 0 if

false.

== 2 No “Is equal” logical operator. Returns 1 if true, 0 if false.

!= 2 No “Is not equal” logical operator. Returns 1 if true, 0 if false.

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2.3.1.1 String operators
Contains
Is

2.3.1.2 Value operators

<
<=
>
>=
==
!=

2.3.1.3 Connector operators

&
|

2.3.2 Formula variables

Note: greyed out variables are the ones that have not been implemented in this version.

2.3.2.1 General building level variables

Variable Operators 2nd operands
RoomActivity
BuildingType

2.3.2.2 General room variables

Variable Operators 2nd operands
RoomName Contains A string
RoomID Is Any room id in the model
RoomArea All value operators A value
RoomVolume All value operators A value
RoomAvgHeight All value operators A value
RoomGroup Is Any defined room group in the model
CurSelRooms N/A N/A

2.3.2.3 General surface variables

Variable Operators 2nd operands
SurfaceArea All value operators A value
SurfaceType Is One of the following value:
"Floor [ 0 ]"
"Ceiling [ 1 ]"
"Wall [ 2 ]"
SurfaceWidth All value operators A value
SurfaceHeight All value operators A value
SurfaceOrientation All value operators A value
SurfaceAngle All value operators A value
SurfaceAzimuth All value operators A value
SurfaceTilt All value operators A value

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2.3.2.4 General opening variables
Variable Operators 2nd operands
OpeningWidth All value operators A value
OpeningHeight All value operators A value
MacrofloOpeningType Is All macroflo opening type in the model in
the following format:
“Description [ ID ]”
OpeningType Is One of the following value:
"Rooflight [ 5 ]"
"External glazing [ 6 ]"
“Internal Glazing [ 7 ]”
"Door [ 8 ]"

2.3.2.5 General apache system variables

Variable Operators 2nd operands
ApacheSystemName Is Any apache system
name in the model
ApacheSystemID Is Any apache system
id in the model

2.3.2.6 General Opaque construction variables

Variable Operators 2nd operands
UValue All value operators A value
TotalRValue All value operators A value
ThermalMassCm All value operators A value

2.3.2.7 General Glazed construction variables

Variable Operators 2nd operands
UValueGlassOnly All value operators A value
NetUValue All value operators A value
NetRValue All value operators A value
VisibleLightNormalTransmittance All value operators A value
gValueEN410 All value operators A value

2.3.2.8 General Internal gain variables (not used)

Variable Operators 2nd operands
InternalGainReference Is Any internal gains references in the model.

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2.3.2.9 General Air exchange variables (not used)
Variable Operators 2nd operands
AirExchangeReference Is Any air exchange references in the model.

2.3.2.10 Model variables

Variable Operators 2nd operands and variable details

Air exchange profile

AuxiliaryVariationProfile Is All the auxiliary variation profiles in the model in the

following format:

“Label [ profileID ]”
InfiltrationVariationProfile Is All the infiltration variation profiles in the model in the
following format:

“Label [ profileID ]”
NaturalVariationProfile Is All the natural variation profiles in the model in the
following format:

“Label [ profileID ]”

Air exchange (value)

AuxiliaryAdjacentCondition Is The auxiliary adjacent condition types exist in the model

in the following format:
“Description [ index ]”
AuxiliaryMaxFlowIndividualAirExchang All value A value
e operators This variable deals with the max flow for an individual
auxiliary air exchange, and compares against the value
specified in the 2nd operands.

AuxiliaryMaxFlowRoomTotal All value A value

operators This variable with the total max flow of all auxiliary air
exchanges in a room, and compares against the value
specified in the 2nd operands.

InfiltrationAdjacentCondition Is The infiltration adjacent condition types exist in the

model in the following format:
“Description [ index ]”
InfiltrationMaxFlowIndividualAirExcha All value A value
nge operators This variable deals with the max flow for an individual
infiltration air exchange, and compares against the
value specified in the 2nd operands.

InfiltrationMaxFlowRoomTotal All value A value

operators This variable with the total max flow of all infiltration air
exchanges in a room, and compares against the value
specified in the 2nd operands.

NaturalAdjacentCondition Is The natural adjacent condition types exist in the model

in the following format:
“Description [ index ]”

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NaturalMaxFlowIndividualAirExchang All value A value
e operators This variable deals with the max flow for an individual
natural air exchange, and compares against the value
specified in the 2nd operands.

NaturalMaxFlowRoomTotal All value A value

operators This variable with the total max flow of all natural air
exchanges in a room, and compares against the value
specified in the 2nd operands.

Air exchange individual

AuxiliaryAirExchangeIndividual Is The auxiliary air exchanges in the model in the following

format:
“Reference [ handle ]”
InfiltrationAirExchangeIndividual Is The infiltration air exchanges in the model in the
following format:
“Reference [ handle ]”
NaturalAirExchangeIndividual Is The natural air exchanges in the model in the following
format:
“Reference [ handle ]”

Apache system

ApacheSystem Is All the apache systems in the model in the following

format:
“Name [ systemID ]”

AuxVentSystem Is All the auxiliary ventilation systems in the model in the

following format:
“Name [ systemID ]”

CoolingPlantRadiantFraction All value A value

operators
This is to be compared against the value specified in the
2nd operands.

CoolingUnitSize All value A value

operators
This is to be compared against the value specified in the
2nd operands.

DHWSystem Is All the DHW systems in the model in the following

format:
“Name [ systemID ]”

HeatingUnitSize All value A value

operators
This is to be compared against the value specified in the
2nd operands.

HeatingPlantRadiantFraction All value A value

operators
This is to be compared against the value specified in the

VE2014 Design Options 12

 2nd operands.

SystemAirSupplyFlowRate All value A value

operators
This is to be compared against the value specified in the
2nd operands.

SystemAirSupplyFreeCoolingFlow All value A value

operators
This is to be compared against the value specified in the
2nd operands.

SystemAirSupplyVariationProfile Is All the system air supply variation profiles in the model
in the following format:

“Label [ profileID ]”
SystemAuxEnergyWPerM2 All value A value
operators
This is to be compared against the value specified in the
2nd operands.

SystemCoolingFuel Is List of cooling fuels used by all the apache systems in

the model in the following format:

“Name [ fuelType ]”
SystemCoolingNominalEER All value A value
operators
This is to be compared against the value specified in the
2nd operands.

SystemCoolingSeasonalEER All value A value

operators
This is to be compared against the value specified in the
2nd operands.

SystemCoolingSSEER All value A value

operators
This is to be compared against the value specified in the
2nd operands.

SystemHeatRecoveryEffectiveness All value A value

operators
This is to be compared against the value specified in the
2nd operands.

SystemHeatingFuel Is List of heating fuels used by all the apache systems in

the model in the following format:

“Name [ fuelType ]”
SystemHeatingSCoP All value A value
operators
This is to be compared against the value specified in the
2nd operands.

SystemHeatingSeasonalEfficiency All value A value

VE2014 Design Options 13

 operators
This is to be compared against the value specified in the
2nd operands.

SystemOffScheduleAuxEnergyWPerM All value A value

2 operators
This is to be compared against the value specified in the
2nd operands.

Constructions

ConstructionExtDoor Is All the external door constructions in the model in the

following format:
“Name [ ID ]”

ConstructionExtWall Is All the external wall constructions in the model in the

following format:
“Name [ ID ]”

ConstructionExtWindow Is All the external window constructions in the model in

the following format:
“Name [ ID ]”

ConstructionGroundFloor Is All the ground floor constructions in the model in the

following format:
“Name [ ID ]”

ConstructionIntCeilingFloor Is All the internal ceiling / floor constructions in the model

in the following format:
“Name [ ID ]”

ConstructionIntDoor Is All the internal door constructions in the model in the

following format:
“Name [ ID ]”

ConstructionIntWindow Is All the internal window constructions in the model in

the following format:
“Name [ ID ]”

ConstructionPartition Is All the partition constructions in the model in the

following format:
“Name [ ID ]”

ConstructionRoof Is All the roof constructions in the model in the following

format:
“Name [ ID ]”

ConstructionRoofLight Is All the roof light constructions in the model in the

following format:
“Name [ ID ]”

General

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BuildingOrientation All value A value
operators
This is to be compared against the value specified in the
2nd operands.

GeneralTemplate Is The name of all general templates in the model.

ThermalTemplate Is The name of all thermal templates in the model.

Internal gains (profiles)

ComputersVariationProfile Is All the computers variation profiles in the model in the

following format:

“Label [ profileID ]”
CookingVariationProfile Is All the cooking variation profiles in the model in the
following format:

“Label [ profileID ]”
LightingDimmingProfile Is All the lighting dimming profiles in the model in the
following format:

“Label [ profileID ]”
LightingVariationProfile Is All the lighting variation profiles in the model in the
following format:

“Label [ profileID ]”
MachineryVariationProfile Is All the machinery variation profiles in the model in the
following format:

“Label [ profileID ]”
MiscVariationProfile Is All the misc variation profiles in the model in the
following format:

“Label [ profileID ]”
PeopleVariationProfile Is All the people variation profiles in the model in the
following format:

“Label [ profileID ]”

Internal gains (values)

ComputersMaxSensibleGainIndividu All value A value

alGain operators This variable deals with the max sensible gain for an
individual computer internal gain, and compares against
the value specified in the 2nd operands.

ComputersMaxSensibleGainRoomTo All value A value

tal operators This variable with the total max sensible gain of all
computer internal gains in a room, and compares
against the value specified in the 2nd operands.

CookingMaxSensibleGainIndividualG All value A value

ain operators This variable deals with the max sensible gain for an
individual cooking internal gain, and compares against
the value specified in the 2nd operands.

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CookingMaxSensibleGainRoomTotal All value A value
operators This variable with the total max sensible gain of all
cooking internal gains in a room, and compares against
the value specified in the 2nd operands.

LightingInstalledPowerDensityIndivid All value A value

ualGain operators This variable deals with the installed power density for
an individual lighting internal gain, and compares
against the value specified in the 2nd operands.

LightingInstalledPowerDensityRoom All value A value

Total operators This variable with the total installed power density of all
lighting internal gains in a room, and compares against
the value specified in the 2nd operands.

LightingMaxIlluminanceIndividualGai All value A value

n operators This variable deals with the max illuminance for an
individual lighting internal gain, and compares against
the value specified in the 2nd operands.

LightingMaxIlluminanceRoomTotal All value A value

operators This variable with the total max illuminance of all
lighting internal gains in a room, and compares against
the value specified in the 2nd operands.

LightingMaxSensibleGainIndividualG All value A value

ain operators This variable deals with the max sensible gain for an
individual lighting internal gain, and compares against
the value specified in the 2nd operands.

LightingMaxSensibleGainRoomTotal All value A value

operators This variable with the total max sensible gain of all
lighting internal gains in a room, and compares against
the value specified in the 2nd operands.

MachineryMaxSensibleGainIndividua All value A value

lGain operators This variable deals with the max sensible gain for an
individual machinery internal gain, and compares
against the value specified in the 2nd operands.

MachineryMaxSensibleGainRoomTot All value A value

al operators This variable with the total max sensible gain of all
machinery internal gains in a room, and compares
against the value specified in the 2nd operands.

MiscMaxSensibleGainIndividualGain All value A value

operators This variable deals with the max sensible gain for an
individual misc. internal gain, and compares against the
value specified in the 2nd operands.

MiscMaxSensibleGainRoomTotal All value A value

operators This variable with the total max sensible gain of all misc.
internal gains in a room, and compares against the
value specified in the 2nd operands.

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PeopleMaxSensibleGainIndividualGai All value A value
n operators This variable deals with the max sensible gain for an
individual people internal gain, and compares against
the value specified in the 2nd operands.

PeopleMaxSensibleGainRoomTotal All value A value

operators This variable with the total max sensible gain of all
people internal gains in a room, and compares against
the value specified in the 2nd operands.

PeopleOccupancyIndividualGain All value A value

operators This variable deals with the people occupancy for an
individual people internal gain, and compares against
the value specified in the 2nd operands.

PeopleOccupancyRoomTotal All value A value

operators This variable with the total people occupancy of all
people internal gains in a room, and compares against
the value specified in the 2nd operands.

Internal gains individual

ComputersInternalGainIndividual Is The computer internal gains in the model in the

following format:
“Reference [ handle ]”
CookingInternalGainIndividual Is The cooking internal gains in the model in the following
format:
“Reference [ handle ]”
LightingInternalGainIndividual Is The lighting internal gains in the model in the following
format:
“Reference [ handle ]”
MiscInternalGainIndividual Is The misc. internal gains in the model in the following
format:
“Reference [ handle ]”
MachineryInternalGainIndividual Is The machinery internal gains in the model in the
following format:
“Reference [ handle ]”
PeopleInternalGainIndividual Is The people internal gains in the model in the following
format:
“Reference [ handle ]”

Macroflo

MaxAngleOpening All value A value

operators
This is to be compared against the value specified in the
2nd operands.

OpenableAreaPercentage All value A value

operators
This is to be compared against the value specified in the
2nd operands.

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OpeningVariationProfile Is The opening variation profiles assigned to all the
openings in the model in the following format:
“Label [ profileID ]”

Renewables

SolarPanelArea All value A value

operators
This is to be compared against the value specified in the
2nd operands.

SolarPanelAzimuth All value A value

operators
This is to be compared against the value specified in the
2nd operands.

SolarPanelInclination All value A value

operators
This is to be compared against the value specified in the
2nd operands.

WindGeneratorRatedPowerKW All value A value

operators
This is to be compared against the value specified in the
2nd operands.

Room conditions

AuxEnergyProfile Is All the plant (auxiliary energy) profiles assigned in the

model in the following format:
“Label [ profileID ]”

CoolingProfile Is All the cooling profiles assigned in the model in the

following format:
“Label [ profileID ]”

CoolingSetpointConstant All value A value

operators
This is to be compared against the value specified in the
2nd operands.

CoolingSetpointTimed Is All the profiles assigned to the cooling setpoint ( timed )

in the model in the following format:
“Label [ profileID ]”

DHWConsumption All value A value

operators
This is to be compared against the value specified in the
2nd operands.

DHWProfile Is All the profiles assigned to DHW pattern of use in the

model in the following format:

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 “Label [ profileID ]”

FurnitureMassFactor All value A value

operators
This is to be compared against the value specified in the
2nd operands.

HeatingProfile Is All the heating profiles assigned in the model in the

following format:
“Label [ profileID ]”

HeatingSetpointConstant All value A value

operators
This is to be compared against the value specified in the
2nd operands.

HeatingSetpointTimed Is All the profiles assigned to the heating setpoint ( timed )

in the model in the following format:
“Label [ profileID ]”

HumidityControlMax All value A value

operators
This is to be compared against the value specified in the
2nd operands.

HumidityControlMin All value A value

operators
This is to be compared against the value specified in the
2nd operands.

SolarReflectedFraction All value A value

operators
This is to be compared against the value specified in the
2nd operands.

Shade (cdb)

ProjectionsOverhangProjection All value A value

operators
This is to be compared against the value specified in the
2nd operands.

RecessLeftFinProjection All value A value

operators
This is to be compared against the value specified in the
2nd operands.

RecessOverhangProjection All value A value

operators
This is to be compared against the value specified in the
2nd operands.

RecessRightFinProjection All value A value

operators

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 This is to be compared against the value specified in the
2nd operands.

2.4 Design options model variables

The follow tables summaries the details of each model variable.

Variable Formula Variables Operations

Air exchanges (profiles)

Auxiliary variation profile General room variables Replace with any modulating profiles in the
(2.3.2.2) model.
AirExchangeReference
(2.3.2.9)
AuxiliaryVariationProfile

Infiltration variation profile General room variables Replace with any modulating profiles in the
(2.3.2.2) model.
AirExchangeReference
(2.3.2.9)
InfiltrationVariationProfile

Natural variation profile General room variables Replace with any modulating profiles in the
(2.3.2.2) model.
AirExchangeReference
(2.3.2.9)
NaturalVariationProfile

Air exchanges (value)

Auxiliary adjacent condition General room variables Replace

(2.3.2.2)
AirExchangeReference
(2.3.2.9)
AuxiliaryAdjacentCondition

Auxiliary max flow ( individual General room variables Value Increase

air exchange ) (2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
AuxiliaryMaxFlowRoomTotal Value Replacement
AuxiliaryMaxFlowIndividualAi
rExchange This is a property for auxiliary air exchange.
Update the value of an individual auxiliary
air exchange.

No change will be made if the resulting value

is out of the valid range [0, 20000], error
will be logged in the log file.

Auxiliary max flow ( room General room variables Value Increase

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total ) (2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
AuxiliaryMaxFlowRoomTotal Value Replacement

This is a property for auxiliary air exchange.

If a room has a single auxiliary air exchange,

update the value.

If a room has multiple auxiliary air

exchanges, update the value of each
auxiliary air exchange proportional to their
current value.

Infiltration adjacent condition General room variables Replace

(2.3.2.2)
AirExchangeReference
(2.3.2.9)
InfiltrationAdjacentCondition

Infiltration max flow ( General room variables Value Increase

individual air exchange ) (2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
InfiltrationMaxFlowRoomTot Value Replacement
al
InfiltrationMaxFlowIndividual This is a property for infiltration air
AirExchange exchange.

Update the value of an individual infiltration

air exchange.

No change will be made if the resulting value

is out of the valid range [0, 20000], error
will be logged in the log file.
Infiltration max flow ( room General room variables Value Increase
total ) (2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
InfiltrationMaxFlowRoomTot Value Replacement
al Update the value on room level.

This is a property for infiltration air

exchange.

If a room has a single infiltration air

exchange, update the value.

If a room has multiple infiltration air

exchanges, update the value of each
infiltration air exchange proportional to their
current value.

Natural adjacent condition General room variables Replace

(2.3.2.2)
AirExchangeReference
(2.3.2.9
NaturalAdjacentCondition

VE2014 Design Options 21

Natural max flow ( individual General room variables Value Increase
air exchange ) (2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
NaturalMaxFlowRoomTotal Value Replacement
NaturalMaxFlowIndividualAir
Exchange This is a property for natural air exchange.

Update the value of an individual natural air

exchange.

No change will be made if the resulting value

is out of the valid range [0, 20000], error
will be logged in the log file.
Natural max flow ( room total General room variables Value Increase
) (2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
NaturalMaxFlowRoomTotal Value Replacement

This is a property for natural air exchange.

If a room has a single natural air exchange,

update the value.

If a room has multiple natural air exchanges,

update the value of each natural air
exchange proportional to their current
value.

Air exchanges (non-template assignments)

Auxiliary air exchange ( General room variables Replace the first qualified air exchange that
individual non-template ) (2.3.2.2) is user edited instead of template assigned,
AuxiliaryAirExchangeIndividu and retain the other air exchanges.
al
Note this operation will fail if the
replacement will result in two identical air
exchanges both being included in a room.

Infiltration air exchange ( General room variables Replace the first qualified air exchange that
individual non-template ) (2.3.2.2) is user edited instead of template assigned,
InfiltrationAirExchangeIndivid and retain the other air exchanges.
ual
Note this operation will fail if the
replacement will result in two identical air
exchanges both being included in a room.
Natural air exchange ( General room variables Replace the first qualified air exchange that
individual non-template ) (2.3.2.2) is user edited instead of template assigned,
NaturalAirExchangeIndividual and retain the other air exchanges.

Note this operation will fail if the

replacement will result in two identical air
exchanges both being included in a room.
Auxiliary air exchange ( room General room variables Replace room level auxiliary air exchange.
non-template ) (2.3.2.2) This variable only affects the user-edited
auxiliary air exchanges. Template assigned

VE2014 Design Options 22

 air exchanges will not be affected.

If a room has a single auxiliary air exchange

that is user edited, replace it.

If a room has multiple user-edited auxiliary

air exchanges, replace the first user-edited
auxiliary air exchange in the list of air
exchanges of the given room with the target
auxiliary air exchange; then remove all the
rest of the user-edited auxiliary air exchange
from the room.

Note this operation will fail if the

replacement will result in two identical air
exchanges both being included in a room.

Infiltration air exchange ( General room variables Replace room level infiltration air exchange.
room non-template ) (2.3.2.2) This variable only affects the user-edited
infiltration air exchanges. Template assigned
air exchanges will not be affected.

If a room has a single infiltration air

exchange that is user edited, replace it.

If a room has multiple user-edited

infiltration air exchanges, replace the first
user-edited infiltration air exchange in the
list of air exchanges of the given room with
the target infiltration air exchange; then
remove all the rest of the user-edited
infiltration air exchange from the room.

Note this operation will fail if the

replacement will result in two identical air
exchanges both being included in a room.
Natural air exchange ( room General room variables Replace room level natural air exchange.
non-template ) (2.3.2.2) This variable only affects the user-edited
natural air exchanges. Template assigned air
exchanges will not be affected.

If a room has a single natural air exchange

that is user edited, replace it.

If a room has multiple user-edited natural air

exchanges, replace the first user-edited
natural air exchange in the list of air
exchanges of the given room with the target
natural air exchange; then remove all the
rest of the user-edited natural air exchange
from the room.

Note this operation will fail if the

replacement will result in two identical air
exchanges both being included in a room.

VE2014 Design Options 23

Apache system ( heating )

General room variables Replace.

Heating fuel (2.3.2.2)
General Apache system This is an apache system property.
variables (2.3.2.5)
SystemHeatingFuel Replace the system heating fuel with a fuel
from the default fuels list. Only apply to non-
NCM systems.

The mechanism for modifying the

application object (section 2.2.1) will apply.
Heat recovery effectiveness General room variables Value Increase
(2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
General Apache system Value Replacement
variables (2.3.2.5)
SystemHeatRecoveryEffectiv This is an apache system property.
eness
Update the heat recovery effectiveness of all
apache systems that satisfy the selection
criteria.

No change will be made if the resulting value

is out of the valid range [0, 1], error will be
logged in the log file.

The mechanism for modifying the

application object (section 2.2.1) will apply.

Heating seasonal efficiency General room variables Value Increase

(2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
General Apache system Value Replacement
variables (2.3.2.5)
SystemHeatingSeasonalEffici This is an apache system property.
ency
Update the heating seasonal efficiency of all
apache systems that satisfy the selection
criteria.

No change will be made if the resulting value

is out of the valid range [0.01, 30], error will
be logged in the log file.

The mechanism for modifying the

application object (section 2.2.1) will apply.
Heating SCoP General room variables Value Increase
(2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
General Apache system Value Replacement
variables (2.3.2.5)
SystemHeatingSCoP This is an apache system property.

Update the heating SCoP of all apache

systems that satisfy the selection criteria.

No change will be made if the resulting value

VE2014 Design Options 24

 is out of the valid range [0.1, 80], error will
be logged in the log file.

The mechanism for modifying the

application object (section 2.2.1) will apply.

Apache system ( cooling )

Cooling fuel General room variables Replace.

(2.3.2.2)
General Apache system This is an apache system property.
variables (2.3.2.5)
SystemCoolingFuel Replace the system cooling fuel with a fuel
from the default fuels list. Only apply to non-
NCM systems.

The mechanism for modifying the

application object (section 2.2.1) will apply.
Cooling nominal EER General room variables Value Increase
(2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
General Apache system Value Replacement
variables (2.3.2.5)
SystemCoolingNominalEER This is an apache system property.

Update the cooling nominal EER of all

apache systems that satisfy the selection
criteria.

No change will be made if the resulting value

is out of the valid range [0.01, 80], error will
be logged in the log file.

The mechanism for modifying the

application object (section 2.2.1) will apply.
Cooling seasonal EER General room variables Value Increase
(2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
General Apache system Value Replacement
variables (2.3.2.5)
SystemCoolingSeasonalEER This is an apache system property.

Update the cooling seasonal EER of all

apache systems that satisfy the selection
criteria.

No change will be made if the resulting value

is out of the valid range [0.01, 80], error will
be logged in the log file.

The mechanism for modifying the

application object (section 2.2.1) will apply.
Cooling SSEER General room variables Value Increase
(2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
General Apache system Value Replacement
variables (2.3.2.5)
SystemCoolingSSEER This is an apache system property.

VE2014 Design Options 25

 Update the cooling SSEER of all apache
systems that satisfy the selection criteria.

No change will be made if the resulting value

is out of the valid range [0.01, 80], error will
be logged in the log file.

The mechanism for modifying the

application object (section 2.2.1) will apply.

Apache system ( aux energy )

Aux energy w/m2 General room variables Value Increase

(2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
General Apache system Value Replacement
variables (2.3.2.5)
SystemAuxEnergyWPerM2 This is an apache system property.

Update the aux energy value w/m2 of all

apache systems that satisfy the selection
criteria.

No change will be made if the resulting value

is out of the valid range [0, 100], error will
be logged in the log file.

The mechanism for modifying the

application object (section 2.2.1) will apply.
Off schedule aux energy General room variables Value Increase
w/m2 (2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
General Apache system Value Replacement
variables (2.3.2.5)
SystemOffScheduleAuxEnerg This is an apache system property.
yWPerM2
Update the off schedule aux energy w/m2 of
all apache systems that satisfy the selection
criteria.

No change will be made if the resulting value

is out of the valid range [0, 100], error will
be logged in the log file.

The mechanism for modifying the

application object (section 2.2.1) will apply.

Apache system ( room level )

System air supply variation General room variables Replace with any modulating profiles in the
profile (2.3.2.2) model.
SystemAirSupplyVariationPro
file

Aux vent system General room variables Replace the Auxiliary system with any model

VE2014 Design Options 26

 (2.3.2.2) supported system in the apache systems
AuxVentSystem database.

Untick Template check box.

Untick the “Use same system for auxiliary
vent. system” check box

DHW system General room variables Replace the DHW system with any model
(2.3.2.2) supported system in the apache systems
DHWSystem database.

Untick Template check box.

Untick the “Use same system for DHW
system” check box

HVAC system General room variables Replace the apache system with any model
(2.3.2.2) supported system in the apache systems
ApacheSystem database.

Untick Template check box.

Heating unit size General room variables Value Increase

(2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
HeatingUnitSize Value Replacement

This is a room property.

Update the value.
No change will be made if the resulting value
is out of the valid range [0, 1e+006], error
will be logged in the log file.

Cooling unit size General room variables Value Increase

(2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
CoolingUnitSize Value Replacement

This is a room property.

Update the value.
No change will be made if the resulting value
is out of the valid range [0, 1e+006], error
will be logged in the log file.

Heating plant radiant fraction General room variables Value Increase

(2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
HeatingPlantRadiantFraction Value Replacement

This is a room property.

Update the value.
No change will be made if the resulting value
is out of the valid range [0, 1], error will be
logged in the log file.

If value update succeeds, untick Template

check box.
Otherwise, no change should be made.

Cooling plant radiant fraction General room variables Value Increase

VE2014 Design Options 27

 (2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
CoolingPlantRadiantFraction Value Replacement

This is a room property.

Update the value.
No change will be made if the resulting value
is out of the valid range [0, 1], error will be
logged in the log file.

If value update succeeds, untick Template

check box.
Otherwise, no change should be made.

System air supply flow rate General room variables Value Increase
(2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
SystemAirSupplyFlowRate Value Replacement

This is a room property.

Update the value.
No change will be made if the resulting value
is out of the valid range [0, 999999], error
will be logged in the log file.

If successful updated the value, the

Template check box should be unticked.

System air supply free cooling General room variables Value Increase
flow (2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
SystemAirSupplyFreeCooling Value Replacement
Flow
This is a room property.
Update the value.
No change will be made if the resulting value
is out of the valid range [0, 999999], error
will be logged in the log file.

If successful updated the value, the

Template check box should be unticked.

Constructions

External door General room variables Add Layers On Inner Face

(2.3.2.2) Add Layers On Outer Face
General opaque construction Replace Outermost Cavity
variables (2.3.2.6) Replace
General surface variables
(2.3.2.3) See section 2.2 for details on each
ConstructionExtDoor operation.

The mechanism for modifying the

application object (section 2.2.1) will apply
to all operations except “Replace”.

VE2014 Design Options 28

External wall General room variables Add Layers On Inner Face
(2.3.2.2) Add Layers On Outer Face
General opaque construction Replace Outermost Cavity
variables (2.3.2.6) Replace
General surface variables
(2.3.2.3) See section 2.2 for details on each
ConstructionExtWall operation.

The mechanism for modifying the

application object (section 2.2.1) will apply
to all operations except “Replace”.

External window General room variables Replace

(2.3.2.2)
General glazed construction See section 2.2 for details on each
variables (2.3.2.62.3.2.7) operation.
General surface variables
(2.3.2.3)
ConstructionExtWindow

Ground floor General room variables Add Layers On Inner Face

(2.3.2.2) Add Layers On Outer Face
General opaque construction Replace Outermost Cavity
variables (2.3.2.6) Replace
General surface variables
(2.3.2.3) See section 2.2 for details on each
ConstructionGroundFloor operation.

The mechanism for modifying the

application object (section 2.2.1) will apply
to all operations except “Replace”.

Internal ceiling / floor General room variables Add Layers On Inner Face
(2.3.2.2) Add Layers On Outer Face
General opaque construction Replace Outermost Cavity
variables (2.3.2.6) Replace
General surface variables
(2.3.2.3) See section 2.2 for details on each
ConstructionIntCeilingFloor operation.

The mechanism for modifying the

application object (section 2.2.1) will apply
to all operations except “Replace”.

Internal door General room variables Add Layers On Inner Face

(2.3.2.2) Add Layers On Outer Face
General opaque construction Replace Outermost Cavity
variables (2.3.2.6) Replace
General surface variables
(2.3.2.3) See section 2.2 for details on each
ConstructionIntDoor operation.

The mechanism for modifying the

application object (section 2.2.1) will apply
to all operations except for “Replace”.

VE2014 Design Options 29

Internal window General room variables Replace
(2.3.2.2)
General glazed construction See section 2.2 for details on each
variables (2.3.2.62.3.2.7) operation.
General surface variables
(2.3.2.3)
ConstructionIntWindow

Partition General room variables Add Layers On Inner Face

(2.3.2.2) Add Layers On Outer Face
General opaque construction Replace Outermost Cavity
variables (2.3.2.6) Replace
General surface variables
(2.3.2.3) See section 2.2 for details on each
ConstructionPartition operation.

The mechanism for modifying the

application object (section 2.2.1) will apply
to all operations except “Replace”.

Roof General room variables Add Layers On Inner Face

(2.3.2.2) Add Layers On Outer Face
General opaque construction Replace Outermost Cavity
variables (2.3.2.6) Replace
General surface variables
(2.3.2.3) See section 2.2 for details on each
ConstructionRoofLight operation.

The mechanism for modifying the

application object (section 2.2.1) will apply
to all operations except “Replace”.

Roof light General room variables Replace

(2.3.2.2)
General glazed construction See section 2.2 for details on each
variables (2.3.2.62.3.2.7) operation.
General surface variables
(2.3.2.3)
ConstructionRoofLight

General

Building orientation BuildingOrientation Value Increase

Value Decrease
Value Replacement

This is a model property.

Update the value.
No change will be made if the resulting value
is out of the valid range [0, 360], error will
be logged in the log file.

General template General room variables Replace with any general templates from
(2.3.2.2) the template database.

VE2014 Design Options 30

 GeneralTemplate

Thermal template General room variables Replace with any thermal templates from
(2.3.2.2) the template database.
ThermalTemplate

Weather file N/A Replace with any simulation weather file

installed in local computer.

Internal gains (profiles)

Computers variation profile General room variables Replace the computer variation profile of
(2.3.2.2) each computer internal gains with any
General internal gain modulating profiles in the model.
variables (2.3.2.8)
ComputersVariationProfile

Cooking variation profile General room variables Replace the cooking variation profile of each
(2.3.2.2) cooking internal gains with any modulating
General internal gain profiles in the model.
variables (2.3.2.8)
CookingVariationProfile

Lighting dimming profile General room variables Replace the lighting dimming profile of each
(2.3.2.2) lighting internal gains with any modulating
General internal gain profiles in the model.
variables (2.3.2.8)
LightingDimmingProfile

Lighting variation profile General room variables Replace the lighting variation profile of each
(2.3.2.2) lighting internal gains with any modulating
General internal gain profiles in the model.
variables (2.3.2.8)
LightingVariationProfile

Machinery variation profile General room variables Replace the machinery variation profile of
(2.3.2.2) each machinery internal gains with any
General internal gain modulating profiles in the model.
variables (2.3.2.8)
MachineryVariationProfile

Misc variation profile General room variables Replace the misc. variation profile of each
(2.3.2.2) misc. internal gains with any modulating
General internal gain profiles in the model.
variables (2.3.2.8)
MiscVariationProfile

People variation profile General room variables Replace the people variation profile of each
(2.3.2.2) people internal gains with any modulating
General internal gain profiles in the model.
variables (2.3.2.8)
PeopleVariationProfile

Internal gains (values)

VE2014 Design Options 31

Computers max sensible gain General room variables Value Increase
( individual gain ) (2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
ComputersMaxSensibleGainR Value Replacement
oomTotal
ComputersMaxSensibleGainI This is a property for computers internal
ndividualGain gain.
Update the value of an individual computers
internal gain.

No change will be made if the resulting value

is out of the valid range [0, 5000000]. Errors
will be logged into the log file.

If successful updated the value, the Input

mode Template check box should be
unticked and the maximum power
consumption will be updated to the same
value as the max sensible gain.

Computers max sensible gain General room variables Value Increase

( room total ) (2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
ComputersMaxSensibleGainR Value Replacement
oomTotal
This is a property for computers internal
gain.

If a room has a single computers internal

gain, update the value.

If a room has multiple computers internal

gains, update the value of each computers
internal gain proportional to their current
value.

No change will be made if the resulting value

of any of the computer internal gains is out
of the valid range [-5000000, 5000000].
Errors will be logged into the log file.

If successful updated the value, the Input

mode Template check box should be
unticked and the maximum power
consumption will be updated to the same
value as the max sensible gain.

Cooking max sensible gain ( General room variables Value Increase

individual gain ) (2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
CookingMaxSensibleGainRoo Value Replacement
mTotal
CookingMaxSensibleGainIndi This is a property for cooking internal gain.
vidualGain Update the value of an individual cooking
internal gain.

No change will be made if the resulting value

is out of the valid range [-5000000,

VE2014 Design Options 32

 5000000]. Errors will be logged into the log
file.

If successful updated the value, the Input

mode Template check box should be
unticked and the maximum power
consumption will be updated by total up the
max sensible gain and maximum latent gain.

Cooking max sensible gain ( General room variables Value Increase

room total ) (2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
CookingMaxSensibleGainRoo Value Replacement
mTotal
This is a property for cooking internal gain.

If a room has a single cooking internal gain,

update the value.

If a room has multiple cooking internal gains,

update the value of each machinery internal
gain proportional to their current absolute
value at the same time retain the negative
or positive sign.

No change will be made if the resulting value

of any of the cooking internal gains is out of
the valid range [-5000000, 5000000]. Errors
will be logged into the log file.

If successful updated the value, the Input

mode Template check box should be
unticked and the maximum power
consumption will be updated by total up the
max sensible gain and maximum latent gain.

Lighting installed power General room variables Value Increase

density ( individual gain ) (2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
LightingInstalledPowerDensit Value Replacement
yRoomTotal
LightingInstalledPowerDensit This is a property for lighting internal gain.
yIndividualGain Update the value of an individual lighting
internal gain if it is in the LUX input mode.

No change will be made if the resulting value

is out of the valid range [0, 5000000]. Errors
will be logged into the log file.

If successful updated the value, the Input

mode Template check box should be
unticked.

Lighting installed power General room variables Value Increase

density ( room total ) (2.3.2.2) Value Decrease

VE2014 Design Options 33

 LightingInstalledPowerDensit Value Replacement
yRoomTotal
This is a property for lighting internal gain.

If a room has a single lighting internal gain in

LUX input mode, update the value.

If a room has multiple lighting internal gains

that are in the LUX input mode, update the
value of each computers internal gain
proportional to their current value.

No change will be made if the resulting value

of any of the lighting internal gains is out of
the valid range [-5000000, 5000000]. Errors
will be logged into the log file.

If successful updated the value, the Input

mode Template check box should be
unticked.

Lighting max illuminance ( General room variables Value Increase

individual gain ) (2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
LightingMaxIlluminanceRoo Value Replacement
mTotal
LightingMaxIlluminanceIndivi This is a property for lighting internal gain.
dualGain
Update the value of an individual lighting
internal gain if it is in the LUX input model.

No change will be made if the resulting value

is out of the valid range [0, 5000000]. Errors
will be logged into the log file.

If successful updated the value, the Input

mode Template check box should be
unticked.

Lighting max illuminance ( General room variables Value Increase

room total ) (2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
LightingMaxIlluminanceRoo Value Replacement
mTotal
This is a property for lighting internal gain.

If a room has a single lighting internal gain

that is in LUX input mode, update the value.

If a room has multiple lighting internal gains

in LUX input mode, update the value of each
computers internal gain proportional to
their current value.

No change will be made if the resulting value

of any of the lighting internal gains is out of
the valid range [-5000000, 5000000]. Errors
will be logged into the log file.

VE2014 Design Options 34

 If successful updated the value, the Input
mode Template check box should be
unticked.

Lighting max sensible gain ( General room variables Value Increase

individual gain ) (2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
LightingMaxSensibleGainRoo Value Replacement
mTotal
LightingMaxSensibleGainIndi This is a property for lighting internal
vidualGain gain.
Update the value of an individual lighting
internal gain if it is NOT in the LUX input
mode.

No change will be made if the resulting value

is out of the valid range [0, 5000000]. Errors
will be logged into the log file.

If successful updated the value, the Input

mode Template check box should be
unticked and the maximum power
consumption will be updated to the same
value as the max sensible gain.

Lighting max sensible gain ( General room variables Value Increase

room total ) (2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
LightingMaxSensibleGainRoo Value Replacement
mTotal
This is a property for lighting internal gain.

If a room has a single lighting internal gain

that is NOT in the LUX input mode, update
the value.

If a room has multiple lighting internal gains

that are NOT in the LUX input mode, update
the value of each computers internal gain
proportional to their current value.

No change will be made if the resulting value

of any of the lighting internal gains is out of
the valid range [-5000000, 5000000]. Errors
will be logged into the log file.

If successful updated the value, the Input

mode Template check box should be
unticked and the maximum power
consumption will be updated to the same
value as the max sensible gain.

Machinery max sensible gain ( General room variables Value Increase

individual gain ) (2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
MachineryMaxSensibleGainR Value Replacement
oomTotal
MachineryMaxSensibleGainI This is a property for machinery internal

VE2014 Design Options 35

 ndividualGain gain.
Update the value of an individual machinery
internal gain.

No change will be made if the resulting value

is out of the valid range [-5000000,
5000000]. Errors will be logged into the log
file.

If successful updated the value, the Input

mode Template check box should be
unticked and the maximum power
consumption will be updated by total up the
max sensible gain and maximum latent gain.

Machinery max sensible gain ( General room variables Value Increase

room total ) (2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
MachineryMaxSensibleGainR Value Replacement
oomTotal
This is a property for machinery internal
gain.

If a room has a single machinery internal

gain, update the value.

If a room has multiple machinery internal

gains, update the value of each machinery
internal gain proportional to their current
absolute value at the same time retain the
negative or positive sign.

No change will be made if the resulting value

of any of the machinery internal gains is out
of the valid range [-5000000, 5000000].
Errors will be logged into the log file.

If successful updated the value, the Input

mode Template check box should be
unticked and the maximum power
consumption will be updated by total up the
max sensible gain and maximum latent gain.

Misc internal gain ( individual General room variables Replace the first qualified gain that is user
) (2.3.2.2) edited instead of template assigned, and
MiscInternalGainIndividual retain the other gains.

Note this operation will fail if the

replacement will result in two identical gains
both being included in a room.
Misc internal gain ( room ) General room variables Replace room level misc internal gain.
(2.3.2.2) This variable only affects the user-edited
misc internal gain. Template assigned gains
will not be affected.

VE2014 Design Options 36

 If a room has a single a misc internal gain
that is user edited, replace it.

If a room has multiple user-edited misc

internal gains, replace the first user-edited
misc internal gain in the list of gains of the
given room with the target misc internal
gain, then remove all the rest of the user-
edited misc internal gain from the room.

Note this operation will fail if the

replacement will result in two identical gains
both being included in a room.
Misc max sensible gain ( General room variables Value Increase
individual gain ) (2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
MiscMaxSensibleGainRoomT Value Replacement
otal
MiscMaxSensibleGainIndivid This is a property for misc. internal gain.
ualGain Update the value of an individual misc.
internal gain.

No change will be made if the resulting value

is out of the valid range [-5000000,
5000000]. Errors will be logged into the log
file.

If successful updated the value, the Input

mode Template check box should be
unticked and the maximum power
consumption will be updated by total up the
max sensible gain and maximum latent gain.

Misc max sensible gain ( room General room variables Value Increase
total ) (2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
MiscMaxSensibleGainRoomT Value Replacement
otal
This is a property for misc. internal gain.

If a room has a single misc. internal gain,

update the value.

If a room has multiple misc. internal gains,

update the value of each machinery internal
gain proportional to their current absolute
value at the same time retain the negative
or positive sign.

No change will be made if the resulting value

of any of the misc. internal gains is out of
the valid range [-5000000, 5000000]. Errors
will be logged into the log file.

If successful updated the value, the Input

mode Template check box should be

VE2014 Design Options 37

 unticked and the maximum power
consumption will be updated by total up the
max sensible gain and maximum latent gain.

People max sensible gain ( General room variables Value Increase

individual gain ) (2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
PeopleMaxSensibleGainRoo Value Replacement
mTotal
PeopleMaxSensibleGainIndivi This is a property for people internal gain.
dualGain Update the value of an individual people
internal gain.

No change will be made if the resulting value

is out of the valid range [0, 5000000]. Errors
will be logged into the log file.

If successful updated the value, the Input

mode Template check box should be
unticked.

People max sensible gain ( General room variables Value Increase

room total ) (2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
PeopleMaxSensibleGainRoo Value Replacement
mTotal
This is a property for people internal gain.

If a room has a single people internal gain,

update the value.

If a room has multiple people internal gains,

update the value of each people internal
gain proportional to their current value.

No change will be made if the resulting value

of any of the people internal gains is out of
the valid range [-5000000, 5000000]. Errors
will be logged into the log file.

If successful updated the value, the Input

mode Template check box should be
unticked.

People occupancy ( individual General room variables Value Increase

gain ) (2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
PeopleOccupancyRoomTotal Value Replacement
PeopleOccupancyIndividualG
ain This is a property for people internal gain.
Update the value of an individual people
internal gain.

No change will be made if the resulting value

is out of the valid range [0, 1e+006] when
using unit people or [0, 1e+007] when
using unit m2/people, error will be logged in

VE2014 Design Options 38

 the log file.

If successful updated the value, the Input

mode Template check box should be
unticked.

People occupancy ( room General room variables Value Increase

total ) (2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
PeopleOccupancyRoomTotal Value Replacement

This is a property for people internal gain.

If a room has a single people internal gain,

update the value.

If a room has multiple people internal gains,

update the value of each people internal
gain proportional to their current value.

Any errors will be logged into the log file.

If successful updated the value, the Input

mode Template check box should be
unticked.

Internal gains (non-template assignments)

Computers internal gain ( General room variables Replace the first qualified gain that is user
individual non-template ) (2.3.2.2) edited instead of template assigned, and
ComputersInternalGainIndivi retain the other gains.
dual
Note this operation will fail if the
replacement will result in two identical gains
both being included in a room.
Computers internal gain ( General room variables Replace room level computers internal gain.
room non-template ) (2.3.2.2) This variable only affects the user-edited
computers internal gain. Template assigned
gains will not be affected.

If a room has a single a computer internal

gain that is user edited, replace it.

If a room has multiple user-edited

computers internal gains, replace the first
user-edited computers internal gain in the
list of gains of the given room with the
target computers internal gain, then remove
all the rest of the user-edited computers
internal gain from the room.

Note this operation will fail if the

replacement will result in two identical gains
both being included in a room.

VE2014 Design Options 39

Cooking internal gain ( General room variables Replace the first qualified gain that is user
individual non-template ) (2.3.2.2) edited instead of template assigned, and
CookingInternalGainIndividua retain the other gains.
l
Note this operation will fail if the
replacement will result in two identical gains
both being included in a room.
Cooking internal gain ( room General room variables Replace room level cooking internal gain.
non-template ) (2.3.2.2) This variable only affects the user-edited
cooking internal gain. Template assigned
gains will not be affected.

If a room has a single a cooking internal gain

that is user edited, replace it.

If a room has multiple user-edited cooking

internal gains, replace the first user-edited
cooking internal gain in the list of gains of
the given room with the target cooking
internal gain, then remove all the rest of the
user-edited cooking internal gain from the
room.

Note this operation will fail if the

replacement will result in two identical gains
both being included in a room.
Lighting internal gain ( General room variables Replace the first qualified gain that is user
individual non-template ) (2.3.2.2) edited instead of template assigned, and
LightingInternalGainIndividua retain the other gains.
l
Note this operation will fail if the
replacement will result in two identical gains
both being included in a room.
Lighting internal gain ( room General room variables Replace room level lighting internal gain.
non-template ) (2.3.2.2) This variable only affects the user-edited
lighting internal gain. Template assigned
gains will not be affected.

If a room has a single a lighting internal gain

that is user edited, replace it.

If a room has multiple user-edited lighting

internal gains, replace the first user-edited
lighting internal gain in the list of gains of
the given room with the target lighting
internal gain, then remove all the rest of the
user-edited lighting internal gain from the
room.

Note this operation will fail if the

replacement will result in two identical gains
both being included in a room.
Machinery internal gain ( General room variables Replace the first qualified gain that is user
individual non-template ) (2.3.2.2) edited instead of template assigned, and
MachineryInternalGainIndivi retain the other gains.
dual

VE2014 Design Options 40

 Note this operation will fail if the
replacement will result in two identical gains
both being included in a room.
Machinery internal gain ( General room variables Replace room level machinery internal gain.
room non-template ) (2.3.2.2) This variable only affects the user-edited
machinery internal gain. Template assigned
gains will not be affected.

If a room has a single a machinery internal

gain that is user edited, replace it.

If a room has multiple user-edited

machinery internal gains, replace the first
user-edited machinery internal gain in the
list of gains of the given room with the
target machinery internal gain, then remove
all the rest of the user-edited machinery
internal gain from the room.

Note this operation will fail if the

replacement will result in two identical gains
both being included in a room.
People internal gain ( General room variables Replace the first qualified gain that is user
individual non-template ) (2.3.2.2) edited instead of template assigned, and
PeopleInternalGainIndividual retain the other gains.

Note this operation will fail if the

replacement will result in two identical gains
both being included in a room.
People internal gain ( room General room variables Replace room level people internal gain.
non-template ) (2.3.2.2) This variable only affects the user-edited
people internal gain. Template assigned
gains will not be affected.

If a room has a single a people internal gain

that is user edited, replace it.

If a room has multiple user-edited people

internal gains, replace the first user-edited
people internal gain in the list of gains of the
given room with the target people internal
gain, then remove all the rest of the user-
edited people internal gain from the room.

Note this operation will fail if the

replacement will result in two identical gains
both being included in a room.

Macroflo

Max angle opening General room variables Value Increase

(2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
General surface variables Value Replacement
(2.3.2.3)
General opening variables This is a macroflo opening property when

VE2014 Design Options 41

 (2.3.2.4) opening category is within certain categories
MaxAngleOpening (see table below for relevant categories).

Update the max angle opening of all

macroflo openings that satisfy the selection
criteria.

No change will be made if the resulting value

is out of the valid range for a relevant
category (see table below). Error will be
logged in the log file.

Valid value range against each relevant

opening category:

Opening Category Max Angle

Open Range
Window / door - side hung [10,90]
Window - centre hung [15,90]
Window - top hung [10,90]
Window - btm hung [10,90]
Parallel hung windows / flap [15,90]

The mechanism for modifying the

application object (section 2.2.1) will apply.

Openable area percentage General room variables Value Increase

(2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
General surface variables Value Replacement
(2.3.2.3)
General opening variables This is a macroflo opening property.
(2.3.2.4)
OpenableAreaPercentage Update the openable area percentage of all
macroflo openings that satisfy the selection
criteria.

No change will be made if the resulting value

is out of the valid range [0, 5000], error will
be logged in the log file.

The mechanism for modifying the

application object (section 2.2.1) will apply.

Opening variation profile General room variables Replace the opening variation profile of all
(2.3.2.2) macroflo openings that satisfy the selection
General surface variables criteria with any modulating profiles in the
(2.3.2.3) model.
General opening variables
(2.3.2.4) The mechanism for modifying the
OpeningVariationProfile application object (section 2.2.1) will
apply.

External window General room variables “Replace Macroflo Opening Type”

(2.3.2.2)
General glazed construction See section 2.2 for details on the operation.

VE2014 Design Options 42

 variables (2.3.2.62.3.2.7)
General surface variables
(2.3.2.3)
ConstructionExtWindow

External door General room variables “Replace Macroflo Opening Type”

(2.3.2.2)
General opaque construction See section 2.2 for details on the operation.
variables (2.3.2.6)
General surface variables
(2.3.2.3)
ConstructionExtDoor

Roof light General room variables “Replace Macroflo Opening Type”

(2.3.2.2)
General glazed construction See section 2.2 for details on the operation.
variables (2.3.2.62.3.2.7)
General surface variables
(2.3.2.3)
ConstructionRoofLight

Renewables

Replace each individual people internal gain.

If a room has multiple people internal gains,
replace each of them.

Solar panel area SolarPanelArea Value Increase

Value Decrease
Value Replacement

This is a model PV level property.

Update the solar panel area of all PVs that

satisfy the selection criteria.

No change will be made if the resulting value

is out of the valid range [0, 5000], error will
be logged in the log file.

Solar panel azimuth SolarPanelAzimuth Value Increase

Value Decrease
Value Replacement

This is a model PV level property.

Update the solar panel azimuth of all PVs

that satisfy the selection criteria.

No change will be made if the resulting value

is out of the valid range [0, 360], error will
be logged in the log file.

Solar panel inclination SolarPanelInclination Value Increase

VE2014 Design Options 43

 Value Decrease
Value Replacement

This is a model PV level property.

Update the solar panel inclination of all PVs

that satisfy the selection criteria.

No change will be made if the resulting value

is out of the valid range [0, 360], error will
be logged in the log file.

Wind generator rated WindGeneratorRatedPowerKW Value Increase

power kW Value Decrease
Value Replacement

This is a model Wind level property.

Update the wind generator rated power kW

of the wind generator if it satisfies the
selection criteria.

No change will be made if the resulting value

is out of the valid range [0, 1000000], error
will be logged in the log file.

Room conditions

Aux energy profile General room variables Replace the auxiliary energy profile of all
(2.3.2.2) rooms satisfying the selection criteria with
AuxEnergyProfile any modulating profiles in the model.

Cooling profile General room variables Replace the cooling profile of all rooms
(2.3.2.2) satisfying the selection criteria with any
CoolingProfile modulating profiles in the model.

Cooling setpoint ( constant ) General room variables Value Increase

(2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
CoolingSetpointConstant Value Replacement

This is a room property.

Update the value.
No change will be made if the resulting value
is out of the valid range [-100, 100], error
will be logged in the log file.

If value update succeeds, untick Template

check box. Otherwise, no change should be
made.

Cooling setpoint ( timed ) General room variables Replace the cooling setpoint timed profile of
(2.3.2.2) all rooms satisfying the selection criteria
CoolingSetpointTimed with any absolute profiles in the model.

VE2014 Design Options 44

DHW consumption General room variables Value Increase
(2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
DHWConsumption Value Replacement

This is a room property.

Update the value.
No change will be made if the resulting value
is out of the valid range [0, 10000], error will
be logged in the log file.

If value update succeeds, untick Template

check box. Otherwise, no change should be
made.

DHW profile General room variables Replace the DHW profile of all rooms
(2.3.2.2) satisfying the selection criteria with any
DHWProfile modulating profiles in the model.

Furniture mass factor General room variables Value Increase

(2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
FurnitureMassFactor Value Replacement

This is a room property.

Update the value.

Any errors occurred will be logged in the log

file.

If value update succeeds, untick Template

check box. Otherwise, no change should be
made.

Heating profile
Heating setpoint ( constant ) General room variables Value Increase
(2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
HeatingSetpointConstant Value Replacement

This is a room property.

Update the value.
No change will be made if the resulting value
is out of the valid range [-100, 100], error
will be logged in the log file.

If value update succeeds, untick Template

check box. Otherwise, no change should be
made.

Heating setpoint ( timed ) General room variables Replace the heating setpoint timed profile of
(2.3.2.2) all rooms satisfying the selection criteria
HeatingSetpointTimed with any absolute profiles in the model.

Humidity control max General room variables Value Increase

(2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
HumidityControlMax Value Replacement

VE2014 Design Options 45

 This is a room property.
Update the value.
No change will be made if the resulting value
is out of the valid range [0, 100] or lower
than the Humility control min value, error
will be logged in the log file.

If value update succeeds, untick Template

check box. Otherwise, no change should be
made.

Humidity control min General room variables Value Increase

(2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
HumidityControlMin Value Replacement

This is a room property.

Update the value.
No change will be made if the resulting value
is out of the valid range [0, 100] or higher
than the Humility control high value, error
will be logged in the log file.

If value update succeeds, untick Template

check box. Otherwise, no change should be
made.

Solar reflected fraction General room variables Value Increase

(2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
SolarReflectedFraction Value Replacement

This is a room property.

Update the value.
Any errors occurred will be logged in the log
file.

If value update succeeds, untick Template

check box. Otherwise, no change should be
made.

Shading ( cdb )

Projections overhang General room variables Value Increase

projection (2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
General surface variables Value Replacement
(2.3.2.3)
ConstructionExtWindow This is an external window property.
ProjectionsOverhangProjection Only make the update to an external
window if its local shading device setting is
“Projections”.

If an external window satisfies the above

criteria and the filtering criteria, update its
overhang projection.

No change will be made if the resulting value

VE2014 Design Options 46

 is out of the valid range [0, 100], error will
be logged in the log file.

If value update is successful, set the

overhang Offset to be 0.

The mechanism for modifying the

application object (section 2.2.1) will apply.

Recess depth General room variables Value Increase

(2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
General surface variables Value Replacement
(2.3.2.3)
ConstructionExtWindow This is an external window property.
RecessDepth Only make the update to an external
window if its local shading device setting is
“Recess”.

If an external window satisfies the above

criteria and the filtering criteria, update its
overhang projection, left fin projection and
right fin projection.

No change will be made if any resulting

value is out of the valid range [0, 100], error
will be logged in the log file.

If value update is successful, set the

overhang Offset, left fin offset and right fin
offset to be 0.

The mechanism for modifying the

application object (section 2.2.1) will apply.

Recess left fin projection General room variables Value Increase

(2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
General surface variables Value Replacement
(2.3.2.3)
ConstructionExtWindow This is an external window property.
RecessLeftFinProjection Only make the update to an external
window if its local shading device setting is
“Recess”.

If an external window satisfies the above

criteria and the filtering criteria, update its
left fin projection.

No change will be made if any resulting

value is out of the valid range [0, 100], error
will be logged in the log file.

If value update is successful, set the left fin

offset to be 0.

The mechanism for modifying the

VE2014 Design Options 47

 application object (section 2.2.1) will apply.

Recess overhang projection General room variables Value Increase

(2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
General surface variables Value Replacement
(2.3.2.3)
ConstructionExtWindow This is an external window property.
RecessOverhangProjection Only make the update to an external
window if its local shading device setting is
“Recess”.

If an external window satisfies the above

criteria and the filtering criteria, update its
overhang projection.

No change will be made if any resulting

value is out of the valid range [0, 100], error
will be logged in the log file.

If value update is successful, set the

overhang offset to be 0.

The mechanism for modifying the

application object (section 2.2.1) will apply.

Recess right fin projection General room variables Value Increase

(2.3.2.2) Value Decrease
General surface variables Value Replacement
(2.3.2.3)
ConstructionExtWindow This is an external window property.
RecessRightFinProjection Only make the update to an external
window if its local shading device setting is
“Recess”.

If an external window satisfies the above

criteria and the filtering criteria, update its
right fin projection.

No change will be made if any resulting

value is out of the valid range [0, 100], error
will be logged in the log file.

If value update is successful, set the right fin

offset to be 0.

The mechanism for modifying the

application object (section 2.2.1) will apply.

Surface objects

Windows General room variables Add Ext. Glazing by Percentage Area

(2.3.2.2) (Remove Existing Glazing)
General surface variables Add Ext. Glazing by Percentage Area (Keep
(2.3.2.3) Existing Glazing)

VE2014 Design Options 48

 Both operations will add the specified
percentage of glazing on external surfaces
(including the ground floor) satisfying the
filtering criteria. The different is that the first
operation will remove the existing glazing on
those affected surfaces while the second
operation will retain the existing glazing on
those surfaces.

No change will be made if any resulting

value is out of the valid range [0, 100], error
will be logged in the log file.

VE2014 Design Options 49

3 VE interfaces

3.1 Accessing Design options

Design options tool can be accessed via the ModelIT menu shown below.

For IES internal users, alternative key-in commands (capital insensitive) can be used within the
ModelIT module:

“SRW” for design options wizard

“SRR” for design options restore

VE2014 Design Options 50

3.2 Design options wizard

A note on the order of execution: the selected actions will be executed in the order of display
on the grid from the top to the bottom. This order can be altered by using the Move up and
Move down button.

VE2014 Design Options 51

Notes to the formula drop down window:
Grid selection and edits on exit of the drop window will always retained on next entry of the drop
window.
You need to click the ‘Create formula’ button to apply the grid changes to the formula edit box.
Should you forgot to do so before click the OK button to exit, a message box will pop up to remind
you of this.
Formula will be verified on clicking the OK button and any error will be reported.

VE2014 Design Options 52

VE2014 Design Options 53
3.3 Design options restore dialog

VE2014 Design Options 54