Use settings in the Energy Model - Building Services section of the Energy Settings dialog to refine the energy simulation performed using conceptual masses, building elements, or both.
These settings do not affect room-based or space-based gbXML export, or heating and cooling load calculations and cooling in Revit MEP.
To open the Energy Settings dialog, click Analyze tab
Energy Analysis panel
(Energy Settings).
Building Operating Schedule
The following parameters are listed under the Energy Model - Building Services heading.Specify the operating schedule for the building. This setting overrides the default operating schedule, which is based on the selected building type.
This schedule can have a significant impact on the energy results. Choose a schedule that most closely matches the building’s assumed hours of operation.
HVAC System
Specify an HVAC system for the project.
If the project goal is a carbon-neutral building, include an HVAC system only after optimizing all other features of the building. To learn more, see About Carbon-neutral Building Strategies.
Outdoor Air Information
In the Energy Settings dialog, click Edit to display the Outdoor Air Information dialog, and specify the desired settings.
If you select multiple options for outdoor air in one analysis, the simulation tool automatically calculates the largest outdoor air volume and uses only that category in the analysis.
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Outdoor Air per Person | The rate of outdoor air exchange measured in terms of CFM (cubic feet per minute) per person. |
| Outdoor Air per Area | The rate of outdoor air exchange measured in terms of CFM per square foot of occupied floor area. |
| Air Changes per Hour | The number of times in one hour that the total volume of air in the building is replaced with outdoor air. |
Outdoor air rates must balance competing needs for indoor air quality against energy efficiency. Depending on weather conditions, when fresh outside air for ventilation is introduced into the building, energy is required to heat or cool the air to the target indoor air temperature.
Typically, most energy codes have specified a minimum of 15 CFM (cubic feet per minute) per person of outside air. Some building uses require greater volumes of ventilation air, such as laboratories.
Consider the use of demand ventilation systems, which measure the levels of CO2 in the air and provide outdoor air accordingly for a more energy-efficient solution than constant outside air.