Performing a Parametric Analysis
Single Parameter
For typical use cases such as sensitivity analysis, the user will have the opportunity to investigate how single parameters will impact the building’s systems and operation, and correspondingly the internal environment.
The parameters will be imported into Parametric from Elements as single parameters, hence the parameters are not grouped as shown below.
Each permutation in the single parameters will be indepented and will not effect the output of additional simulation parameters.
The total number of simulation of a study consisting of only single parameters will be the sum of the simulations to be completed for each parameter as highlighted. Therefore, the total number of simulations highlighted previously will equate to 13.
Example 1 compromises four simulation parameters:
1. Independent parameter: Room Occupancy Sensible Gain
2. Independent parameter: Room Fluorescent Lighting Gain
3. Independent parameter: Room Computer Gain
4. Independent parameter: Apache System Cooling SSEER
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Parameter 01
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Room Occupancy Sensible Gain W/m2
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55
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60
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65
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70
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75
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The independent parameter Room Occupancy Sensible Gain will run a total of 5 permutations between 55 W/m2 and 75 W/m2.
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Parameter 02
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Room Fluorescent Lighting Gain W/m2
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6
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12
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18
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The independent parameter Room Fluorescent Lighting Gain will run a total of 3 permutations between 6 W/m2 and 18 W/m2.
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Parameter 03
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Room Computer Gain W/m2
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5
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10
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15
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The independent parameter Room Computer Gain will run a total of 3 permutations between 5 W/m2 and 15 W/m2.
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Parameter 04
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Apache System Cooling SSEER
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0.65
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1.00
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The independent parameter Apache System Cooling SSEER will run a total of 2 permutations between 0.65 and 1.00.
Total number of simulations: 5 + 3 + 3 + 2 = 13
Grouping Parameters
Within Parametric the user will also have the option to ‘Combine’ or ‘Link’ parameters which allows for multiple parameter changes within a single simulation. When added up across a range of parameter steps this leads on huge number of simulation permutations which can be quickly defined:
o Combining two or more parameters will result in running a simulation for each change of the combination of parameters. Meaning, a series of simulations will run to log all of the possible outputs of the combined parameters.
o Linked parameters must be associated to a parent “Combined” parameter, this will result in the addition of an extra set of simulations to each of the combined parameters.
The grouping functionality has the power to significantly enhance the scope of a study and will therefore increase the total number of simulations performed.
Four examples follow providing an insight to the grouping capability.
