Large Scale Analysis

Although building energy modeling has been common for many years, large-scale analyses have more recently become achievable for more users with access to affordable and vast computing power in the cloud. Recently, the OpenStudio Parametric Analysis Tool was enhanced, allowing users to launch their own cloud resources to run a large number of simulations.

The Parametric Analysis Tool (PAT) now exports a spreadsheet format compatible with the OpenStudio-analysis-spreadsheet project for running large parametric analyses using cloud resources.

Go to the GitHub repository for information and code for the analysis spreadsheet. There are instructions and examples on the GitHub site.

The Workflow

  1. Build your baseline model with the OpenStudio Application
  2. Manipulate the Model with measures
  3. Run basic parametrics via PAT
  4. Export a spreadsheet view from PAT
  5. Fill in ranges, distributions, defaults, algorithms, objective functions
  6. Large Analyses via OpenStudio-Server
  7. Start Cluster
  8. Upload Data:
    • Measures
    • Variables
    • Seed Model
    • Weather Data
  9. Simulation Executive Runs Analysis
  10. Browse Results and Download Files
  11. Everything has a JSON-based API to access data programmatically
  12. Download results in CSV or R dataframe

Analysis Workflow


Starting OpenStudio's Cloud

gem install bundler
git clone https://github.com/NREL/OpenStudio-analysis-spreadsheet.git
bundle install

Export Spreadsheet

Select the measures you want to use in the analysis and export a spreadsheet by selecting that option under the File menu. Export Analysis Spreadsheet Menu

Edit the Template Spreadsheet

After exporting the spreadsheet from PAT, open the spreadsheet in Excel to edit fields.

Spreadsheet View

Above: Click to see a larger screenshot of the spreadsheet.

Running OpenStudio's Cloud

rake run

Buildings Specific Chef Cookbooks

Provisioning ensures that the appropriate tools are ready on the server, that there are consistent images across platforms, and makes it easier to test and deploy.

The OpenStudio Server uses Chef to help automate the workflow. Chef Documentation

OpenStudio - https://github.com/NREL-cookbooks/openstudio

EnergyPlus - https://github.com/NREL-cookbooks/energyplus

Radiance - https://github.com/NREL-cookbooks/radiance

R - https://github.com/NREL-cookbooks/cookbook-r


Server Architecture

Analysis Architecture


Publications

A GRAPHICAL TOOL FOR CLOUD-BASED BUILDING ENERGY SIMULATION (PDF)

SCALING BUILDING ENERGY MODELING HORIZONTALLY IN THE CLOUD WITH OPENSTUDIO (PDF).