ApacheSim User Guide

IES Virtual Environment

Copyright © 2015 Integrated Environmental Solutions Limited. All rights reserved.

No part of the manual is to be copied or reproduced in any form without the express agreement
of Integrated Environmental Solutions Limited.
Contents
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 3
2. Interface for ApacheSim ............................................................................................................. 4
2.1. Simulation ........................................................................................................................... 4
2.1.1. Simulation Period (From, To) ................................................................................................................................4
2.1.2. Simulation Time Step ............................................................................................................................................4
2.1.3. Reporting Interval .................................................................................................................................................4
2.1.4. Preconditioning Period ..........................................................................................................................................4
2.1.5. Save & Exit .............................................................................................................................................................5
2.1.6. Simulate ................................................................................................................................................................5
2.1.7. Cancel ....................................................................................................................................................................5
2.2. Results File ........................................................................................................................... 5
2.3. Model Links ......................................................................................................................... 5
2.3.1. SunCast Link ..........................................................................................................................................................5
2.3.2. MacroFlo Link ........................................................................................................................................................5
2.3.3. ApacheHVAC Link ..................................................................................................................................................5
2.3.4. Radiance Link.........................................................................................................................................................5
2.3.5. Auxiliary Ventilation Air Exchange ........................................................................................................................6
2.3.6. Natural Ventilation Air Exchange ..........................................................................................................................6
2.4. Simulation Options .............................................................................................................. 6
2.4.1. Heat Transfer Coefficient ......................................................................................................................................6
2.4.2. Solar Radiation Model ...........................................................................................................................................7
2.4.3. Initial Temperature ...............................................................................................................................................7
2.4.4. Psychrometric Results ...........................................................................................................................................7
2.4.5. Tariff Analysis ........................................................................................................................................................8
2.5. Output Options .................................................................................................................... 8
2.5.1. Vista Output ..........................................................................................................................................................8
2.5.2. Other Output Modes .............................................................................................................................................9
3. Batch Simulation ...................................................................................................................... 10
3.1. Queue File ......................................................................................................................... 10
3.2. New Batch Simulation Queue ............................................................................................. 10
3.3. Open Simulation Queue ..................................................................................................... 11
3.4. Close Simulation Queue ..................................................................................................... 11
3.5. Add Model to Queue .......................................................................................................... 11
3.6. Remove Model from Queue ............................................................................................... 12
3.7. Move Up ............................................................................................................................ 12
3.8. Move Down ....................................................................................................................... 12
3.9. Add Current Model to Batch ............................................................................................... 13
3.10. Simulate........................................................................................................................... 13
3.11. Stop ................................................................................................................................. 13

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1 Introduction
ApacheSim is a dynamic thermal simulation program based on first-principles mathematical
modelling of the heat transfer processes occurring within and around a building.

Results from ApacheSim are viewed using the programs Vista, OutView and Apache Review.

For an account of calculation methods used in ApacheSim see ApacheSim Calculation Methods.

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2 Interface for ApacheSim

2.1 Simulation
2.1.1 Simulation Period (From, To)
Specify the dates for the first and last days of the simulation.

2.1.2 Simulation Time Step

Specify the time step to be used in the simulation. A time step of 10 minutes is suitable for
most building simulations. Smaller time steps may be necessary to capture the detail of control
operation in simulations involving ApacheHVAC.

2.1.3 Reporting Interval

Specify the time interval at which you require results to be recorded. The reporting interval
must be greater than or equal to the time-step and not less than 6 minutes. A reporting interval
of 1 hour is satisfactory for most simulations. A shorter interval allows you to examine
simulation results in more detail.

2.1.4 Preconditioning Period

A period of preconditioning is necessary to ensure that the building enters the simulation
period in a realistic thermal state. Preconditioning is necessary because of heat storage in the
building fabric. For lightweight buildings a preconditioning period of 10 days is sufficient. For
heavyweight buildings as much as 30 days or more may be needed. The appropriate period of

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 preconditioning may be established by increasing the number of preconditioning days until the
effect of further increments produces a negligible change in the first day’s simulation results.

2.1.5 Save & Exit

Save the simulation settings.

2.1.6 Simulate
Run the simulation.

2.1.7 Cancel
Exit the ApacheSim interface.

2.2 Results File

The Results File (which has extension *.aps) is used to store simulation results for later
viewing in Vista. By choosing a name for this file you will be able to keep it separate from
results from other simulation runs.
The estimated size of the results file is shown at the lower right of the dialogue.

2.3 Model Links

2.3.1 SunCast Link
Tick this box to include the effects of solar shading, as calculated by SunCast in the simulation.
It is important to ensure that the shading data is kept up to date with any changes to the
building geometry. The shading calculations should be repeated after any such changes.

2.3.2 MacroFlo Link

Tick this box to couple the simulation to MacroFlo or MacroFlo Lite natural ventilation analysis.

2.3.3 ApacheHVAC Link

Tick this box to couple the building simulation to ApacheHVAC system simulation, and select a
system file from the list.

2.3.4 Radiance Link

Tick this box to couple the building simulation to Radiance lighting simulation results.

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2.3.5 Auxiliary Ventilation Air Exchange
Air exchanges specified in Room Data are divided into three categories: infiltration, auxiliary
ventilation and natural ventilation. Any infiltration air exchanges are included unconditionally,
but auxiliary and natural ventilation air exchanges may be switched on or off at simulation time.
Tick this box if you wish to include Room Data auxiliary ventilation air exchanges in the
simulation. Note the setting system outside air supply is not disabled by this mechanism.
If ApacheHVAC is coupled to ApacheSim it is important that any mechanical ventilation air
exchanges are represented either in the Room Data or in ApacheHVAC but not both. It is
permissible to use these different specification mechanisms in different rooms, but if they are
applied in the same room they will be superimposed.

2.3.6 Natural Ventilation Air Exchange

Tick this box if you wish to include Room Data natural ventilation air exchanges in the
simulation.
If MacroFlo is coupled to ApacheSim it is important that any natural ventilation air exchanges
are represented either in the Room Data or in MacroFlo but not both. It is permissible to use
these different specification mechanisms in different rooms, but if they are applied in the same
room they will be superimposed.

2.4 Simulation Options

These options specify modelling techniques used in the simulation and the output variables to
be recorded for viewing in Apache’s Internal Results Review facility.

2.4.1 Heat Transfer Coefficient

The following internal convection models are available in ApacheSim:
Fixed coefficients specified by CIBSE
Variable coefficients calculated according to CIBSE methods
Variable coefficients calculated from the relations proposed by Alamdari
&Hammond
User-specified fixed convection coefficients

The first three options may be selected from the list-box. The fourth option will apply to any
constructions for which fixed internal surface coefficients are set in the constructions database
program APcdb. For such constructions the fixed value will override the method selected in the
Simulation Options interface.
A brief account of the convection models follows. For more detail see ApacheSim Calculation
Methods.

2.4.1.1 CIBSE Fixed Values

This setting specifies fixed internal convection coefficients as used in the CIBSE ‘Simple

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 Model’ for Heat Loss and Heat Gain calculations.

2.4.1.2 CIBSE Variable Values

This setting specifies varying convection coefficients dependent on surface orientation, air-
surface temperature difference and mean room air velocity, calculated by the procedure
described in CIBSE Guide C.

2.4.1.3 Alamdari & Hammond

This setting specifies varying convection coefficients dependent on surface orientation,
room geometry and air-surface temperature, calculated using correlations established by
Alamdari & Hammond.

2.4.2 Solar Radiation Model

This option allows you to select the solar radiation model to be used in the simulation. The
settings are:

2.4.2.1 Isotropic
This model treats the diffuse component of solar radiation as radiating with equal intensity
from all parts of the sky vault.

2.4.2.2 Anisotropic
This model applies an anisotropic diffuse radiation model in which the intensity of the
radiation is greater in the region near the sun. The degree of anisotropy is greatest under
clear sky conditions.

2.4.2.3 Off
This setting turns off all solar radiation. This can be useful in heat loss studies based on
zero heat gains.

2.4.3 Initial Temperature

At the start of the preconditioning period the building fabric will be initialised to this
temperature. Selecting a value that approximates the long-term average temperature inside
the building will minimise the amount of preconditioning required.

2.4.4 Psychrometric Results

This option relates to HVAC simulation results generated by ApacheHVAC that may later be
viewed using Apache’s Internal Results Review facility. Select the days of the week for which
you wish to record details of the psychrometric state of air at nodes in the air conditioning
system.

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2.4.5 Tariff Analysis
By default, the energy results available in the Apache Review program are available as monthly
totals. Select Detailed Loads File to record hourly energy totals, and Half Hourly Loads File to
record half-hourly energy totals. These settings do not affect results available in Vista.

2.5 Output Options

These options allow you to specify which simulation outputs will be available for viewing in
Vista. They also allow you to select alternative modes for viewing simulation results. These
parts of the interface appear on separate tabs.

2.5.1 Vista Output

This tab deals with output to be written to the results (.aps) file for display in Vista, and allows
you to specify which outputs will appear there.

2.5.1.1 Output for All Rooms

By ticking one or more of the following boxes you can specify the simulation outputs to be
written to the results file for all rooms:
Standard outputs: the basic set of room outputs
Sensible casual gain breakdown: a detailed breakdown of casual gains
Latent casual gain breakdown: a detailed breakdown of latent gains
Latent ventilation gain breakdown: a detailed breakdown of latent gains

2.5.1.2 Detailed Output for Selected Rooms (highlighted below)

By ticking one or more of the following boxes you can specify the simulation outputs to be
written to the results file for a subset of rooms selected in the list appearing at the bottom
of the dialogue:
Outputs required by MicroFlo: the outputs required for MicroFlo boundary conditions
Standard outputs: the basic set of room outputs
Sensible casual gain breakdown: a detailed breakdown of casual gains
Latent casual gain breakdown: a detailed breakdown of latent gains
Latent ventilation gain breakdown: a detailed breakdown of latent gains
Convective portion of plant & casual gains: the portion of plant and casual gains that is
input to the room air. This is one of the variables required by MicroFlo.
Surface temperatures: the temperatures of room surfaces. These are required by
MicroFlo.
External incident solar flux: the solar irradiance on the external surfaces of room
elements.
Internal incident solar flux: the solar irradiance on the internal surfaces of room elements.

2.5.1.3 Select Rooms for Detailed Output

The ‘detailed outputs for selected rooms’ specified above will be written to the results file
for rooms selected from this list. Select rooms by clicking, holding the control key down to
add further rooms to the list.

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2.5.2 Other Output Modes
This tab deals with output display modes other than Vista.

2.5.2.1 Run Apache Review

Tick this box to run the Apache Review program on completion of the simulation. This
provides options for displaying detailed results from ApacheHVAC. Apache Review will
shortly be superseded by facilities in Vista. In the interim it provides the means for viewing
surface temperatures and detailed psychrometric results generated by ApacheHVAC. To
view these results in Apache Review you will need to set Psychrometric Results to ‘All
Week’ in Simulation Options.

2.5.2.2 Run OutView

Tick this box to run the OutView program on completion of the simulation. OutView
provides a summary of the input data for the ApacheSim run and monthly energy totals.
This data is stored in the simulation output file (a text file with extension .out). OutView
provides facilities for browsing and printing this file.

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3 Batch Simulation

The batch simulation controller lets the user create a simulation queue.

3.1 Queue File

Shows the file path for the batch simulation queue file.

3.2 New Batch Simulation Queue

Creates a new queue for adding models to.

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3.3 Open Simulation Queue

Opens a queue previously created.

3.4 Close Simulation Queue

Closes currently displayed simulation queue.

3.5 Add Model to Queue

Pops up following dialogue box. A model can then be selected to add to the queue by
browsing the model .mit file.

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3.6 Remove Model from Queue

Removes currently selected model from queue.

3.7 Move Up

Moves currently selected model up the simulation queue order toward start.

3.8 Move Down

Moves currently selected model down the simulation queue order from the start.

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3.9 Add Current Model to Batch

Adds currently open model to the simulation queue.

3.10 Simulate

Starts the batch simulation queue with ApacheSim processing the listed models.

3.11 Stop

Will stop the batch simulation at the current point in the simulation queue.

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