Video: Perform an Energy Analysis

Create an energy model from building elements and massing elements in one model.

This video demonstrates the following:

  1. Set the location of the model.
  2. Set a weather station for the analysis.
  3. Verify energy settings.
  4. Create and analyze the energy model.
  5. Review the analysis on the Insight dashboard.

Transcript

Performing an energy analysis on your design is a 2-step process. First you generate an energy model from the model geometry and then use Autodesk Insight to understand how changes to your design impact the energy performance. ​

First, set the model location if you have not already done so. On the Analyze tab, select Location. In the Location dialog, set the location from the map by dragging the pin to the project location, or select a city from the default list. You can also choose a weather station near the project location as indicated by pins in the map. Because of microclimate conditions, you may not always want to select the closest weather station. Click OK. ​

Before creating the energy model, verify that the energy settings match your design intent. Select Energy Settings on the Analyze tab. In most cases, the default settings are adequate to produce a robust energy model. See the online help for information on each setting. Before exiting the dialog, set the Mode parameter to make sure you are using building elements, mass elements, or both for the energy analysis. Click OK. ​

On the Analyze tab, click Create Energy Model. In the dialog, click Create the Energy Analytical Model. Review the energy model created in the resulting 3D view to make sure it closely matches the expected geometry. ​

Now that you have the energy model, you can generate an analysis on Autodesk Insight. On the Analyze tab, click Generate to upload the energy model to the Insight service and begin the analysis. If the model geometry has changed since the energy model in Revit was created, you are given the opportunity to update the energy model or use the existing model. In this case, no geometry changes have been made so the existing model is used. ​

The model is uploaded to the analysis service. You will receive an e-mail when the analysis is complete. To view the analysis, click Optimize on the Analyze tab to open the Insight service. The Insight dashboard lists different aspects of the building relating to energy efficiency. To see how changes to the design can affect the overall energy efficiency, select a building aspect and click the "Flip" icon. ​

Here we will flip the Window-wall ratio for northern walls. The triangle on the graph indicates where the model currently rates. The dots on the graph represent possible other conditions. If we flip the cards for window shades and window glass on the north side of the building, we can see that the most impact on overall energy efficiency would be to make a change to the window wall ratio. ​

Click on the graph to make a hypothetical change to the design and see how it affects the energy efficiency. Move the arrow indicators to set a range you want to consider and see how the energy cost of the building is affected. Marks on the building cost indicator dial show target positions for energy efficiency. By changing the settings of multiple aspects of the design, you can see how design changes throughout the building can make it more energy efficient. ​

Use an energy model and test changes in the Insight dashboard to have the most impact on your design's overall energy efficiency.