PRM Navigator Introduction

 

VE-Gaia = Step-by -step analysis workflows - - VE-Gaia’s complete workflow environment is driven by “step-by-step” smart navigation that opens wide the power of IES analysis. A series of Navigators guide users through a range of tasks; from advanced modelling, to energy/carbon analysis, to LEED and Green Star credit interrogation and report creation

 

 

The PRM Navigator establishes a ‘workflow concept’ to guide the user through the Performance Rating Method process.  It particularly targets the USGBC LEED Energy & Atmosphere Credit 1 – Optimize Energy Performance energy modeling process, however it can be used in a number of other ways as well.  For example, the following Green Rating Systems (but not limited to) that are used in different parts of the world also point to ASHRAE 90.1 Appendix G – PRM process  as the requirement for energy credits as well:

-        LEED Canada (points to ASHRAE 90.1-2007)

-        Estidama (points to ASHRAE 90.1-2007)

-        LEED India (points to ASHRAE 90.1-2004*)

 

*template data within the PRM navigator is based on 90.1-2007 version, so user will currently need to edit the input assumptions to run analysis for a different version of ASHRAE 90.1.

 

-        It could be generally categorized as a wizard, but it’s a ‘smart navigator’ : The PRM Navigator not only allows users to implement and manage the PRM process in a new way it also ‘navigates’ how the user can access the different VE-Pro modules required (see required module list below) to complete the different types of analysis involved in the PRM process in a streamlined manner.  The user is also given real-time feedback along the way so they can compare how their design stacks up to the 90.1 requirements.

-        5 in 1:   All five models (proposed design + 4 baseline models) required for the PRM live in one file versus having to maintain the data across five different model files.

-        Input Data Once and Manage Edits effectively:   The manner in which inputs are handled allows the user to input the data within the model, which influences the inputs in all five models. 

-        Creating the Baseline Models:   The required baseline models are generated from the proposed design filtered through the requirements of ASHRAE 90.1 Appendix G, at the stage in the process the user chooses to develop them.  The user has two choices…

 

 

The main objectives of the VE-Gaia PRM (Performance Rating Method) Navigator are to:

 

                           1. Manage the overall process, including inputs, edits and cycles of the PRM (ASHRAE 90.1 Appendix G)

           2. Provide industry recognized defaults and input selection options (ASHRAE standards data as the basis) to assist the process

 

A range of individual software modules and features are available within the VE-Pro suite which can be used to construct a detailed PRM model. The user needs to manually switch between modules and know at which point in the process a specific feature needs to be used. In summary it can be difficult to understand how each module and feature fits into the overall PRM workflow analysis process.

 

The VE-Gaia PRM Navigator is a tool which brings all of the individual VE-Pro modules and features together in a single area and presents the user with step-by-step smart navigation and management of the PRM workflow and analysis process. The Navigator is driven through the successful execution of specific actions and commands which are activated by the user in a defined sequence.

 

This smart navigation leads the user through the process of basic geometry creation, to constructions/thermal data assignment, and ultimately to the automatic generation of a full set of PRM compliant results which are presented in a format similar to the LEED EAc1 Letter Template.

 

The Navigator also provides the user with predefined prototypical ASHRAE data which can be used to populate the model with default baseline information.

 

The main structure of the PRM Navigator workflow includes:

1.     Preliminary Data setup

2.     Envelope Thermo/Physical Properties

3.     Room/Zone Thermal Template Data

4.     HVAC systems

5.     Other Input Data

6.     Generate Baseline

7.     Sizing runs

8.     Simulations

9.     Results

 

The ASHRAE 90.1 App – G PRM Navigator functions as a series of hyperlinks that are accessed within the smart navigator tree structure that is located on the upper left side of the interface.  The hyperlinks take the user to the relevant VE-Pro module and dialog box to complete the tasks associated with that topic. 

 

Note:   that the user can increase the size of this area by dragging downward on the border between the VE-Gaia workflows area and the Rooms area. 

 

 

The following list of VE-Pro modules are classified into two categories – required and beneficial.  It is recommended that the user confirm which VE-Pro modules they have licenses for, so that they have the full capability of the PRM navigator available.

·       Required:

o   ModelIT

o   Suncast

o   ApacheSim

o   ApacheLoads

o   ApacheHVAC

·       Beneficial Based on what type of efficiency measures or HVAC system is being analyzed:

o   FlucsPro, LightPro, Radiance

o   Macroflo