In-Person Course | Code 1 | February 2025

Course Overview

This in-person training course is designed for mechanical engineers, architects, electrical engineers, and engineering students who want to develop practical skills in building energy modeling and simulation.

The course goes beyond software operation and focuses on building science, climate analysis, energy standards, and model interpretation. Participants learn not only how to use DesignBuilder and EnergyPlus, but also how to think like energy modelers and apply engineering judgment to simulation work.

Instructor

Alireza Mohammadzadeh
Instructor of Building Energy Modeling and Simulation
Energio

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

Understand the fundamentals of building science and climate in relation to energy modeli.
Install and configure DesignBuilder and its supporting tools.
Read and use software libraries, default values, and simulation assumptions.
Apply relevant ASHRAE standards and guidelines in model development.
Analyze weather data and understand its impact on heating and cooling loads.
Create accurate building geometry, zoning, and envelope definitions.
Define internal loads, schedules, HVAC systems, and boundary conditions.
Identify modeling mistakes that lead to unrealistic simulation outputs.
Interpret simulation results and verify model behavior.

Course Content
Building Science and Energy Fundamentals
Software Introduction
Software Installation
Installation of Supporting Auxiliary Tools
Review of Software Libraries and Default Values
Review of Standards and Guidelines:
ASHRAE 90.1
ASHRAE 90.2 (2024)
ASHRAE 169
ASHRAE 55 (2023)
ASHRAE Handbook: Fundamentals
ASHRAE 62.1
Carrier TDPs
Climate Data Analysis, Site Weather, and Their Importance in Load and Energy Calculations
Building Geometry, Design, and Zoning
Envelope Definition, Wall Properties, and Openings
Surface Adjacency and Available Methods
Common Modeling Errors That Cause Unrealistic Simulation Results
Internal Loads from Occupants and Equipment
Schedule Definition and Assignment
Cooling, Heating, and HVAC System Modeling
Result Analysis and Comparison for Simulation Validation
Software and Tools Used
DesignBuilder
EnergyPlus
Climate Consultant
Element
Result Viewer

Course Format
Delivery: In-person
Current Status: 4 sessions completed
Audience: Mechanical, architecture, electrical engineering professionals and students

Certification
Participants who pass both the theoretical and practical final examinations will receive an official certificate from the Technical and Vocational Organization, with an international ILO code.