ASHRAE RP-1815
This is the repository for assets related to the ASHRAE Research Project RP-1815 "Development of Reference Building Information Model (BIM) Test Cases for Improving Usage of Software Interoperability Schemas"
The ASHRAE RP-1815 project centers on advancing the state of occupant behavior modeling as part of building information modeling (BIM) and energy modeling and simulation (BEM) workflows. Enhancements to the industry data standards IFC and gbXML for BIM and BEM to support occupant behavior modeling data were a specific area of focus and project deliverable. The research draws heavily on Lawrence Berkeley’s obXML occupant behavior modeling schema as an influence and point of departure for this work.
As part of this research, 16 stakeholder interviews were conducted to assess the state of the art and needs for improvements. A dozen existing research programs, software products and relevant data standards were evaluated to determine requirements for Occupant Behavior Modeling (OBM) supported BIM and BEM workflows and data standardization support.
The final report (available to ASHRAE members only) provides a comprehensive survey and review of existing technologies and standards' support of occupant behavior modeling. It emphasizes the crucial role of OBM in enhancing energy modeling accuracy and building performance analysis, identifying the need for more effective integration to capture the impact of occupant behavior on building energy use.
Revisions to the gbXML schema have been developed and are now incorporated in the current gbXML consensus standard specification. IFC targeted enhancements have led to the development of a private online data dictionary hosted on building smart’s BSDD service. This work specifically anticipates use of gbXML and IFC in energy modeling workflows using the DOE’s EnergyPlus energy modeler including the system’s Functional Mockup (FMU) co-simulation capabilities, and the Open Studio application and APIs for model import, editing and export.
Beyond these requirements, the research identified key enhancements in two other data formats: the obXML schema itself, where XML compliancy and other enhancements are proposed based on learning from the gbXML – obXML integration effort, and the DOE’s new epJSON input format as an alternative to today’s IDF for EnergyPlus model import.
Repo Folder Directory:
- bSDD - files pertaining to the proof-of-concept of an obXML data dictionary using the buildingSMART International Data Dictionary Service
- gbXML V7.04 Release - proposed updated gbXML schema incorporating the proposed obXML V1.3.4 schema elements
- obXML V1.3.4 Release - proposed updated obXML schema based on recommendations for XML schema best practices
- obFMU - input and output files for the obFMU and OB Simulator
- Sample Project - files of sample prototype, including Revit model file and resulting gbXML, ifcXML, manually edited gbXML with obXML extension, IDF for Energy+, and CSV files for transporting data between systems.