Best Practices - Window to Wall Ratio Simulation Factor

Use these best practices when modeling in Revit to ensure the best results when using the Window to Wall Ratio Simulation Factor in Autodesk Insight.

Configire the Model in Revit

Energy settings in the Revit model can affect how the Energy Analytical Model is created and has impacts on how the Window to Wall Simulation Factor is analyzed in Autodesk Insight.

• When using a mass model, set the target percentage glazing in the advanced energy settings, this is reflected in the Windows-to-Wall Ratio Simulation Factors and added metrics. Explore other Windows-to-Wall ratio options without needing to make changes to the Revit model in order to change analysis inputs.
• Energy Analytical Model surfaces with complex geometry may not be processed accuratly. This will affect the energy related metrics.Ensure you understand how the energy settings in Revit affect the representation of exterior walls, curtain walls (glazed or opaque panels and windows) in the Energy Analytical Model.
  • Advanced Energy Settings such as Export Complexity, determine whether openings like curtain walls are represented as one analytical surface or divided into panels. The Energy Analytical Model generation time will increase proportionally with the complexity of the setting.
  • Building Envelope has two options:
    • Identify Exterior Elements - Distinguishes exterior components (walls and roofs) crucial for accurate energy analysis. When using this setting, Revit analyzes the building geometry and surrounding elements to automatically differentiate between exterior and interior components. This involves analyzing the placement, type, and connectivity of elements to determine their role in the energy model.
    • Use Function Parameter - Employs predefined functions to automatically classify elements based on their roles. For instance, a wall might be classified as an exterior wall based on its function parameter.
• Several other energy settings in Revit affect the accuracy of envelope analytical surfaces, including:
  • Detailed Element Properties: Ensures rooms and spaces are correctly defined, influencing how internal divisions and boundaries are considered in the energy model.
  • Building Orientation and Location: Considers site-specific data like geographical location, orientation, and climate data, crucial for accurate energy analysis.
  • Detailed Element Properties: Includes material thermal properties, thickness, and insulation levels that directly affect heat retention and loss calculations.

Simulation Details

When simulating an option for Windows-to-Wall Ratio, all exterior openings including doors are considered and the areas of exterior openings and exterior walls are recalculated. Underground Walls are excluded from this calculation. Post-simulation areas can be inspected under the Analysis Results category, including Area-Exterior Walls and Area-Exterior Openings. These Data-points can be used in custom-created metrics for expanding the analysis.

Known Limitaitons

• New geometry is not gnerated in the 3D viewer when interacting with Windows-to-Wall Ratio and Building Orientation.
• When using both Building Orientation and Windows-to-Wall Ratio per Orientation Simulation Factors, rotating the building will not update the cardinal orientation of the Windows-to-Wall Ratio per Orientation cards.