Monthly Archives: August 2020

Importing DOE-2 INP

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Importing DOE-2 INP (eQuest) files into Tas

You can now import DOE-2 INP files from packages such as eQuest directly into Tas. You can then easily perform daylight analysis such as calculating daylight factors and Climate Based Daylight Modelling (CBDM), and thermal/HVAC simulations without having to re-create the geometry and constructions in Tas.

Original geometry in eQuest
Geometry imported into the Tas 3D modeller

There are three routes you can take to import DOE-2 INP data into Tas:

  • Import into the 3D modeller (Tas3D)
  • Import into the Building Simulator (TBD)
  • Import into both Tas3D and TBD and merge the data

Importing into the 3D Modeller

If you want to import geometry and building element type data into the 3D modeller, you can do so via File  >> Import. 

You will be able to:

  • Perform daylight calculations (Daylight Factors, CBDM)
  • Change zoning, surface types & building element assignments
  • Export to the Building Simulator (TBD)

Importing into the Building Simulator

The Visualisation in the building simulator allows you to quickly inspect zones and their applied constructions/internal gains

If you want to import geometry directly into the building simulator, you can do so via the import utility:

  • Geometry, constructions & Internal Gains/Activity data will be imported (everything required for an annual simulation)
  • Weather data in Tas TWD or EnergyPlus EPW format can be imported at the same time 

You can therefore simulate the file immediately after importing with no further changes required!

How fast is it?

We created a 200 room model in eQuest and imported it into Tas3D and the Building Simulator. We included weather data, and the import process took 10 seconds.

Can I import the 3D geometry & building data at the same time?

Yes! If you nagivate to the Utilities folder in the Tas Manager, you can import the DOE-2 INP files into the 3D modeller and the Building Simulator at the same time. 

My INP file has inconsistent geometry. Can I still import it?

Yes! The import utility has options to account for thermal bridging and to automatically correct inconsistent floor and inconsistent roof geometry. 

Automatically correcting footprints for badly defined floors saves you time and gives you extra confidence in the validity of the model. 

Want to try it?

If you’re an energy plus or eQuest user and want to try the DOE-2 INP import, you can get a free trial from here which includes full, unrestricted access to the software. 

If you have any questions about the software and its capabilities, get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.