Lecture 3: Output—Reports, Variables, and Meters

Material prepared by GARD Analytics, Inc. and University of Illinoisat Urbana-Champaign under contract to the National Renewable Energy

Laboratory. All material Copyright 2002-2003 U.S.D.O.E. - All rights reserved

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Importance of this Lecture to the Simulation of Buildings

Running a simulation program results in the production of output data

Understanding the output data and its format can help avoid mistakes and save time

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Purpose of this Lecture

Gain an understanding of: Different output files of EnergyPlus Which output will be the most useful

and how to get it Define accumulation “meters” to save

time in processing and analyzing results

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Keywords Covered in this Lecture

ReportReport VariableReport Meter

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Output Data Format

Same philosophy as for input; somewhat human readable output files

EnergyPlus can perform some output processing to help limit output size

User definable variable level reporting

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Output Reporting Flexibility

User can select any variables available for output

User can specify output at time step, hourly, daily, monthly, or environment intervals

User can schedule each output variable

User can select various meters by resource and end-use

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Types of Output

Report VariablesReport MetersDefault ReportsOptional Reports

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Output Files

Eplusout.<ext> Filename.<ext>eio Initialization Output – environments,

constructions, global settingseso Standard Output – numeric datacsv csv spreadsheet of eso dataerr Errors Output – always review this!rdd Report Data Dictionary – list of valid

report variables for a particular run

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Output Files (cont’d)

dxf dxf drawing of building surfacesmtr Meter output – numeric dataMeter.csv csv spreadsheet of meter datamtd Meter details – lists which report

variables are on which meterscif Comis input filezsz Zone sizing reportssz System sizing report

Created using CVBbRh.idf

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Output Files (cont’d)

bnd Branch and node detailsdbg Debug outputtrn Trnsys outputsln Vertices of surface

For more details see Output Details and Examples

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Report Commands

Report Variable, EAST ZONE, Mean Air Temperature, Timestep;

Report Variable, *, Mean Air Temperature, Daily, Report Schedule;

Report, Variable Dictionary;

Report, Construction;

Report, Surfaces, DXF;

Report, Surfaces, Details;

MAT only for EAST ZONE every timestep

MAT for all zones, daily average, only when “Report Schedule” equals 1

List all available variables *.rdd

List material and construction properties *.eio

Produce drawing of surfaces *.dxf

List all surfaces with area, tilt, construction, etc.

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Report Commands (cont’d)

Report Variable,,Outdoor Dry Bulb,monthly;Report Variable,Zone 1,Zone/Sys Sensible Cooling Energy,monthly;Report Variable,Zone 1,Zone/Sys Sensible Heating Energy,monthly;Report Variable,,Heating Coil Energy,monthly;Report Variable,,DX Coil Sensible Cooling Energy,monthly;Report Variable,,DX Coil Latent Cooling Energy,monthly;Report Variable,,DX Coil Total Cooling Energy,monthly;Report Variable,,DX Cooling Coil Electric Consumption,monthly;Report Variable,,Fan Electric Consumption,monthly;Report Variable,,Zone/Sys Air Temp,monthly;

Report,Variable dictionary;Report,surfaces,dxf;Report,surfaces,details;Report,construction;

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Output Data Dictionary (ESO File)

Data Dictionary - Beginning of Output Data File

1,5,Environment Title[],Latitude[degrees],Longitude[degrees],Time Zone[],Elevation[m]

2,6,Day of Simulation[],Month[],Day of Month[],DST Indicator[1=yes 0=no],Hour[],StartMinute[],EndMinute[],DayType

3,3,Cumulative Day of Simulation[],Month[],Day of Month[],DST Indicator[1=yes 0=no],DayType ! When Daily Report Variables Requested

246,2,ZN001:FLR001,Surface Inside Temperature[C] !TimeStep302,2,ZN002:FLR001,Surface Inside Temperature[C] !TimeStep. . .End of Data Dictionary

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Output Data (ESO File)

Output Data – After the Data Dictionary

1,CHANUTE AFB ILLINOIS SUMMER, 40.30, -88.13, -6.00, 229.51

2, 1, 7,21, 0, 1, 0.00,10.00,Monday

246,33.3319029536235

302,31.7565160760406

. . .

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ESO vs. CSV

ESO “Raw” data in comma separated format “Stream of conscience” report—variables

print as they are determined Less convenient for viewing variables

CSV Organized data in comma separated format Each row contains data in columns for a

particular time step More convenient for viewing variables Requires an .rvi file and must run post-

processing program EP-Launch handles this automatically

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CSV File Sample

Date/Time Environment:Outdoor Dry Bulb [C](Monthly)

ZONE ONE:Zone/Sys Sensible Heating Energy[J](Monthly)

ZONE ONE:Zone/Sys Sensible Cooling Energy[J](Monthly)

ZONE ONE:Zone/Sys Air Temp[C](Monthly)

July 25.58495468 0.00E+00 19028775.23 24.4112152January -17.77778 253868837.1 0.00E+00 20.28659003January -4.63546707 4144370093 0.00E+00 20.43495965February -2.23312872 3151142586 0.00E+00 20.46221742March 1.603242608 2545318797 0.00E+00 20.54348182April 8.370677083 1431785319 324853.0522 21.20071107May 15.30398185 639305402.1 51404202.22 22.43806808June 21.09550347 164326207.4 145308752.2 23.40095162July 23.49973118 65628804.19 244539864.1 23.81873695August 21.75707325 96943677.86 103740404 23.32673507September 18.11458333 346023544.8 45088296.07 22.40959675October 11.73642473 1065565115 714539.5928 21.18788477November 4.232118056 2260965068 0.00E+00 20.49516327December -2.566599462 3853388966 0.00E+00 20.46126771

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CSV File Sample (cont’d)

Part of the CSV file created when the CVBbRh.idf file is run in EnergyPlus:

Date/Time

RESISTIVE ZONE:Mean Air Temperature[C](Hourly:REPORTSCH)

EAST ZONE:Mean Air Temperature[C](Hourly:REPORTSCH)

NORTH ZONE:Mean Air Temperature[C](Hourly:REPORTSCH)

RESISTIVE ZONE:Zone/Sys Sensible Cooling Energy[J](Hourly:REPORTSCH)

EAST ZONE:Zone/Sys Sensible Cooling Energy[J](Hourly:REPORTSCH)

NORTH ZONE:Zone/Sys Sensible Cooling Energy[J](Hourly:REPORTSCH)

RESISTIVE ZONE:Zone/Sys Sensible Heating Energy[J](Hourly:REPORTSCH)

EAST ZONE:Zone/Sys Sensible Heating Energy[J](Hourly:REPORTSCH)

NORTH ZONE:Zone/Sys Sensible Heating Energy[J](Hourly:REPORTSCH)

ZONE1BASEBOARD:Baseboard Heating Rate[W](Hourly:REPORTSCH)

ZONE2BASEBOARD:Baseboard Heating Rate[W](Hourly:REPORTSCH)

ZONE3BASEBOARD:Baseboard Heating Rate[W](Hourly:REPORTSCH)

DETAILED COOLING COIL:Total Water Cooling Coil Rate[W](Hourly:REPORTSCH)

07/21 01:00:0032.35558 31.84687 32.54195 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 07/21 02:00:0031.81557 31.36997 31.94508 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 07/21 03:00:0031.31389 30.93895 31.42794 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 07/21 04:00:0030.84865 30.52358 30.96918 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 07/21 05:00:0030.42387 30.11834 30.52752 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 07/21 06:00:0030.03226 29.72461 30.09109 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 07/21 07:00:0029.80721 29.84088 29.9142 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 07/21 08:00:0024.12819 24.20936 24.22478 7969336 1.02E+07 1.20E+07 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 4065.72 2024.82 2997.335 19442.14 07/21 09:00:0024.00079 23.99989 23.99957 1.45E+07 1.33E+07 1.83E+07 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 2190.512 1066.101 1132.316 18783.6 07/21 10:00:00 24.0007 24.0003 23.99982 1.51E+07 1.39E+07 1.89E+07 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 1987.641 869.9992 944.2528 18799.07 07/21 11:00:0023.99996 24.00012 24.00022 1.61E+07 1.48E+07 1.96E+07 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 1708.771 635.6866 732.0659 18802.23 07/21 12:00:0024.00028 24.00011 24.00003 1.72E+07 1.56E+07 2.04E+07 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 1389.911 390.1691 516.0278 18803.26 07/21 13:00:0023.99991 23.99997 24.00001 1.81E+07 1.62E+07 2.07E+07 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 1196.966 270.4863 460.9324 18783.9 07/21 14:00:0023.99956 24.01824 24.0001 1.92E+07 1.71E+07 2.17E+07 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 879.5861 35.07354 196.6353 18781.08 07/21 15:00:0023.99998 24.1879 24.0387 1.99E+07 1.73E+07 2.23E+07 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 656.8229 0.00E+00 14.17869 18849.89 07/21 16:00:0024.00017 24.35251 24.24059 2.03E+07 1.75E+07 2.26E+07 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 516.8994 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 18973.62 07/21 17:00:0024.00003 24.33324 24.34564 2.03E+07 1.75E+07 2.29E+07 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 523.1177 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 19013.39 07/21 18:00:0038.04053 35.66377 35.93962 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 07/21 19:00:0036.46327 34.70622 35.23245 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 07/21 20:00:0035.54667 33.74085 34.69495 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 07/21 21:00:0035.21486 33.5262 34.64345 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 07/21 22:00:0034.56882 33.18677 34.26335 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 07/21 23:00:0033.78711 32.78502 33.74649 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 07/21 24:00:0033.00431 32.36126 33.17585 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00 0.00E+00

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RVI File

RVI: Report Variable InputList of variables to take from ESO

file and report to CSV fileExample:

eplusout.esoeplusout.csvOutdoor Dry BulbZone/Sys Air TempZone/Sys Sensible Cooling EnergyZone/Sys Sensible Heating EnergyFangerPMVPierceTSENSKsuTSV0

Input file name for post-processor

Output file name for post-processor

Report Variables (see IDF or RDD file) to be taken from ESO file and reported in CSV file

End of file marker

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Report Data Dictionary (RDD Files)

Var Type,Var Report Type,Variable Name [Units]Zone,Average,Outdoor Dry Bulb [C]Zone,Average,Outdoor Barometric Pressure [Pa]Zone,Average,Mean Air Temperature[C]HVAC,Sum,Zone/Sys Sensible Heating Energy[J]HVAC,Average,Zone/Sys Sensible Heating Rate[W]

Lists applicable output variables for a given input file

Must activate with “report, variable dictionary;” command

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Meters

Accumulate multiple outputs of same form Appropriate variables are grouped onto

“meters” for reporting purposes May ease analysis of output Values are put onto the eplusout.mtr file Meter component details in eplusout.mtd file Meter names applicable for the simulation are

shown on the Report Data Dictionary file Meter names are of two forms:

<FuelType>:<MeterType> <EndUseType>:<FuelType>:<MeterType>

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Meters – Resource Types

ElectricityGasGasolineDieselCoalFuelOil#1FuelOil#2

PropaneWaterSteamPurchasedCoolingPurchasedHeatingEnergyTransfer

(coil & equipment loads)

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Meters – End Use Types

GeneralLightsTaskLightsExteriorLightsZoneSourceExteriorEquipmen

tFansPumps

HeatingCoolingHeatRejectionHumidifierHeatRecoveryDHWCogenerationMiscellaneous

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Meters – Meter Types

Facility (Master Meters)Submeters:

Zone (lights, plug loads, etc.) Building (all zones combined plus

exterior) System (air handlers, terminal units) Plant (chillers, boilers, DHW, etc.)

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Meters – Meter Types

Zone Air loop

Plant Loop

Gas:HVAC

Elec:Plant Gas:Plant

Lights:Zone

Elec:HVAC Elec:Zone

Building System

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Input for Meters

Report Meter, Electricity:*, Hourly;

Report Meter, Electricity: Facility, monthly;

Report Meter, Cooling: Electricity, monthly;

All electric meters, for all end uses and all levels

Master electric meter

Cooling equipment

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Input for Meters (cont’d)

Report Meter,Fans:Electricity,monthly;

Report Meter,Cooling:Electricity,monthly;

Report Meter,Heating:Electricity,monthly;

Report Meter,Electricity:HVAC,monthly;

Report Meter,Electricity:Facility,monthly;

Report Meter,Heating:Gas,monthly;

Report Meter,Gas:HVAC,monthly;

Report Meter,Gas:Facility,monthly;

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Meter Details File

Lists exactly what is included in each meter

*.mtd output file For Meter=Electricity:Plant [J], contents are:

LITTLE CHILLER:Chiller Electric Consumption [J]

BIG CHILLER:Chiller Electric Consumption [J]

CIRC PUMP:Pump Electric Consumption [J]

COND CIRC PUMP:Pump Electric Consumption [J]

HW CIRC PUMP:Pump Electric Consumption [J]

BIG TOWER:Tower Fan Electric Consumption [J]

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Output Files Summary

Simple ASCII filesSimple input format (self-

contained)User-defined output can be

interpreted by many programs Spreadsheets Databases Custom Programs

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Summary

ESO (EnergyPlus Standard Output) file provides user with “raw” output data from EnergyPlus run

CSV file is a version of the ESO file that is in a format more readily usable in a spreadsheet program

Meters and meter output are convenient ways of grouping data for output analysis