Creating Detailed Energy Models Using Revit

Creating a Detailed Energy Model from a Revit Model

Before optimizing energy performance using a detailed building model, it is essential to prepare the model thoroughly. This preparation ensures the resulting energy model is as complete and accurate as possible.

Follow these steps in the order presented below. Each section provides detailed guidance for the corresponding step.

Isolation will be used to select the elements necessary for the energy model.

Focus on the relevant parts of the model to reduce processing time.

Identify and resolve issues such as missing elements or significant gaps.

Create the energy model and evaluate the results carefully.

Gradually decrease the model’s resolution as needed to optimize performance.

1. Isolation of Elements

When elements are set to “Room boundary,” Revit uses the following components to generate the energy model:

• Ceilings
• Pillars
• Curtain wall panels
• Curtain walls
• Curtain wall mullions
• Doors
• Floor slabs
• Quality elements
• Roofs, including common edges, hidden lines, internal edges, eaves, and baseboards
• Vertical shaft entrances
• Venues: Building floors
• Structural columns
• Walls, including common edges and hidden lines
• Windows

To isolate these elements:

• Create a new 3D view of your model.
• In this view, adjust the Visibility/Graphics settings to display only the elements listed above, including the specified subcategories.

For more detailed information, please refer to the section titled About creating energy models from building elements.

2. Focusing on the Model

Adjusting the building model helps maximize energy model accuracy while minimizing processing time.

Within the 3D view, identify any elements located outside the building that do not affect the energy model.

For example, floor slabs used as backdrops on roads, paths, or walls may be excluded.

Select these elements and disable their “Room boundary” attribute.

This ensures they are ignored during energy model creation.

To hide these elements in the view, right-click them and choose Hide in view.

This step helps streamline the energy modeling process by reducing unnecessary data.

3. Identifying and Resolving Issues

For an energy model to be accurate, building elements must form a properly enclosed volume. While small gaps and overlaps are common in real-world models and are generally acceptable, major issues must be addressed.

For instance, missing roofs, lost walls, or large gaps relative to the spatial resolution (usually one to two times larger than the set value) can cause problems.

Regularly inspect the 3D view for obvious missing elements or large gaps, especially around the building’s perimeter, top, and bottom.

Not all gaps are easy to spot, so focus on those that are apparent and could impact the energy model.

Fix any significant omissions or gaps you identify.

Once you are confident the model is essentially enclosed, proceed to step 4: creating the energy model and evaluating the results.

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The General Modeling Process Steps in Revit

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