Two benchmark model sets were used for testing the performance of the ENSIMS computers and comparing them to typical desktop and laptop PCs. The first set comprises selected example models shipped with EnergyPlus. More details can be found on the jeplus.org website.
The second benchmark set is based on the type of building models that practitioners create using DesignBuilder software. It aims to represent more realistic use cases, where simulation times and simulation output levels can vary widely. 24 models from the Design Optimisation Competition (DOC2012) were included in this benchmark set. They represent a good range of simulation complexity. PCMs, natural ventilation calculations and daylight-based lighting controls are known time consuming design options in terms of simulation. They are represented in the model set. The models use a number of different construction types, built forms, and glazing arrangements. Unfortunately, detailed HVAC has not been represented in the set. More details on the models included in this benchmark set can be found in Table 1 below.
Table 1 DOC 2012 models
| Model | Form | Glazing ratio | Roof lights | Construction | System | Ventilation | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 018 | L shaped, 6 floors | 50% | No | PCM | LTHW radiator heating | Mixed | Yes |
| 050 | Square, 5 floors | 50% | No | Medium | GSHP | Mixed | Yes |
| 054 | Mainly square, 2 floors | 70% | Yes | Medium | LTHW | Mixed | Yes |
| 060 | Sloping double skin south wall, 6 floors | 20%-50% variable | No | Medium | GSHP | Mixed | No |
| 077 | Square, 2 floors of different sizes | 35% | Yes | Heavy | LTHW | Mixed | Yes |
| 094 | Rectangular with wings, 5 floors | Variable | Yes | Light | VRF | Mechanical | Yes |
| 100 | Circular with a square top, 3 floors | 36% | Yes | Medium | ASHP | Natural | Yes |
| 109 | Rectangular with curved wall, 4 floors | Low % | No | Medium | Fan Coil | Mechanical | No |
| 116 | Square with overhangs, 4 floors | 50% | Yes | Medium | LTHW | Mixed | Yes |
| 128 | Distorted ‘H’ shape, 5 floors | Mostly 35% | No | Medium | LTHW | Natural | No |
| 130 | Rectangular, 6 floors | 0%- 25% variable | No | Light | LTHW & chilled beams | Mechanical | Yes |
| 140 | Rectangular, 5 floors | 30%-46% variable | No | Medium | GSHP | Natural | Yes |
| 158 | Rectangular, 4 floors | 60%-100% variable | Yes | PCM, light | VRF | Mixed | Yes |
| 173 | Irregular rectangle, 5 floors | High% S, Low% E/W/N | No | Medium | ASHP | Natural | Yes |
| 182 | Rectangular “stepped”, 4 floors | 50% S, low % E/W/N | Yes | Medium | VRF | Mechanical | Yes |
| 185 | Irregular rectangular polygon, 4 floors | 90% | No | Medium | GSHP | Mixed | Yes |
| 204 | Circular tower, 5 floors | 50% | No | Medium | VRF | Mechanical | Yes |
| 207 | Irregular U shap, 4 floors | 50% | No | Light | LTHW | Natural | Yes |
| 209 | Wide rectangular, 6 floors | 40% | No | Medium | VRF | Mechanical | Yes |
| 210 | H shaped, 4 floors | 85% S/N, 0% E/W | No | Medium | VRF | Mechanical | Yes |
| 213 | L shaped, 4 floors | 70% | No | Medium | VRF | Mixed | Yes |
| 214 | L shaped, 4 floors | 37% | No | Medium | LTHW | Natural | Yes |
| 216 | H shaped, 4 floors | 50% | No | Medium | Fan Coil | Mechanical |
No |
| 222 | Rectangular with courtyard, 4 floors | 40% | No | Light | LTHW | Natural | Yes |
The EnergyPlus models were exported from DesignBuilder, and then converted to E+ version 8. Orientation was added as an additional parameter, to create more simulation cases. A UK (London) weather file was used in all tests. The chart below shows the distribution of the average simulation time of each model, when executed on X3290 using 8 parallel threads. The simulations were done with no output files generated. Further tests also include three different output levels: no output, DesginBuilder's default output setting at hourly level, and DesignBuilder's all output setting at hourly level. These were used to test the impact of disc I/O on simulation performance.
Figure 1 Typical simulation time of the benchmark models
