EA P2- ASHRAE 90.1 Compliance & Building Simulation

We have almost the same problem in a model we are putting toghether. The difference is that we have a decidius vineclimb shading device on the outside of the building, but we are not sure how to model the shading performance of the proposed element. Did you found anything regarding this issue?

I think this is going to be tricky, taking something with so much natural variation, and about which there is very little data, and trying to make the computer model understand it. Also, how are we do know how the vines will do over the years—will they be fully functional when the building is built, in 5 years, 10 years? I might consider not modeling this strategy.

In our opinion you will need to base the assumptions in the model on imperical data from a study rather than your best estimates. If the product manufacturer has data that you can use that would work but the LEED reviewer will likely want to see what your assumptions were based upon. As such you should model these under the Exceptional Calcualtion Method. You ask some difficult questions. Rather than ask them here I would suggest, if you have not done so already, that you post them on the Bldg-Sim - http://onebuilding.org/ - and Energy+ - http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/energyplus_support.cfm discussion groups.