Join us for a new EnergyPlus Training series and get exclusive first access to the software shown in the video, where you can finally learn EnergyPlus visually and interactively!
Join us for a new EnergyPlus Training series and get exclusive first access to the software shown in the video, where you can finally learn EnergyPlus visually and interactively!
Discover a revolutionary tool while expanding your understanding of EnergyPlus.
The power of EnergyPlus
The ease of eQUEST
The speed of SketchUp
From building geometry to HVAC systems, see how EnergyPlus is now more accessible than ever with EP3.
Karen Walkerman is a seasoned Energy Modeling Professional with 18 years of experience. From small passive-solar homes to complex, large-scale projects, Karen has modeled it all. She developed EP3 as an in-house simulation tool and has used it to model hundreds of buildings.
Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your skills and discover how EP3 can transform your workflow.
About two months ago, I created an AI energy model to determine how much time and effort it required. Much to my surprise, it was faster and easier than I expected, with some interesting challenges, and I will outline the process here. Note that this process works with any software. I chose eQUEST because it required me to gather data from varying text-based files. After all, most AI requires collecting and organizing data that isn't in Excel format.
Here's a quick rundown of how it worked:
What exactly is the AI Model I created? It is a tiny calculator that can instantly predict the load for the "CAD Captivity Center" for infinite combinations of LPD, Shading Coefficient, and R-value. Effectively a little machine brain that computes the load for the Captivity Center, using 3 variables (and assuming EVERYTHING else stays the same). It is very good at that, and it cannot do anything else.
This approach offers plenty of practical uses. For example, we could set the variables to a cost function (e.g., Insulation Cost = Install Fee + Factor * R-Value), and we can solve for the lowest-cost options to achieve a target load—without running 5,000 iterations.
One of the great things about this method is its expandability. There is no strict limit on input and output variables—only the availability of a broad dataset. The model works for any combination of inputs and outputs. For example, we could train it to predict energy consumption using any input variables. One simply needs to obtain enough data and define reasonable variables to make a conclusive output, and understand its limits. For example, we could make a model that predicts the energy consumption of a building based on LPD and plug loads. However, it would be limited to one specific building, assuming no other variables.
Of course, you can expand variables as long as you have enough data! For example, to expand the load calculator of the CAD Captivity center, we could add a new variable, such as glass R-value, to the initial models. This requires re-running initial simulations with the four variables. We might need to run 80 iterations (or more) to maintain the same accuracy as we obtained with three variables in 50 simulations.
1. Data Collection The biggest hurdle is building a dataset to train the model, involving two key steps:
In my example, the load outputs were found in eQUEST simulation files. To extract these values, I wrote a Python script to pull outputs from 50 SIM files. This was tricky for a few of them. Another option is to plug the data into CSV manually.
2. Model Expansion We can expand the model. The expanded model requires data. If we wanted to add complex variables such as climate zone, we'd need to simulate all iterations for each climate zone—an 8x increase if the input is Climate Zone 1-8 (not including a, b, c). This would push the iteration requirement to a minimum of 400. In reality, location has so many variables, that it might require thousands of models. The point is that it is expandable.
Below is a screenshot of TensorFlow training from the data. I set it to run 100 "Epochs" and you can choose more or less. The machine learns more and more as Epochs progress; here you can see that most epochs took 3 milliseconds, so this is not a significant limitation.
Limitations
The model is limited to the variables on which it was trained and isn't designed to replace traditional modeling software. Instead, it acts as a powerful, complementary tool, enabling one to explore thousands of iterations of variables.
Once created, the AI model is a compact file, easily shareable—a small but powerful calculator. I considered embedding it here, but why would I want to answer a bunch of emails about it?
The key takeaway is that AI modeling is readily available and it is highly specialized. With sufficient training data, it can handle certain tasks exceptionally well—and extremely fast. I see a future where robust AI simulations emerge. At first, they will be used in conjunction with models, and eventually, AI engines can become energy modeling software. We simply need a large enough dataset.
From what I've seen, an AI model could produce "above average" results using 20 inputs. This is because I have seen many models that are GIGO (garbage in garbage out). An AI engine would ensure users only input the relevant items. It could easily replace a weak modeler. On the other hand, AI is far away from competing with expert models.
Interested in the Steps? The step-by-step procedure? If you're curious about the exact steps I took to build this AI model, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn below.
The 179D deduction, officially known as the Energy-Efficient Commercial Buildings Deduction, is a federal incentive designed to encourage energy savings in commercial and government buildings. Qualifying building upgrades, whether in HVAC systems, lighting, or overall building envelope improvements, can mean significant tax savings. For organizations that want to demonstrate sustainability while directly benefiting the bottom line, 179D is a valuable tool.
Qualifying for the 179D deduction can mean up to $1.88 per square foot in deductions. For larger buildings, these savings can scale quickly, directly reducing taxable income. Imagine the impact of these savings across a portfolio of properties—it’s a straightforward way to turn energy-efficient initiatives into real financial gains.
By leveraging 179D, businesses can free up capital that would otherwise be spent on taxes. This can provide a boost in cash flow, allowing your organization to reinvest in other areas. Whether it's funding additional projects or improving operational flexibility, this deduction offers a tangible way to keep more cash on hand.
With investors and stakeholders increasingly prioritizing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria, participating in 179D projects can support your organization's ESG goals. Achieving these benchmarks not only improves the company’s image but can also be advantageous in securing funding and enhancing stakeholder trust.
For many, navigating the requirements of the 179D deduction may seem daunting. Eligibility involves meeting specific energy-saving benchmarks verified by a licensed professional. Key areas often include:
For designers and architects who work on energy-efficient upgrades for government-owned buildings, the 179D deduction presents a unique financial opportunity. Since government entities typically don't benefit from tax deductions, the IRS allows designers responsible for the energy-efficient elements of these buildings to claim the deduction instead. This includes architects, engineers, and other design professionals involved in key improvements.
To qualify, designers must be directly involved in creating and implementing energy-efficient features, such as lighting, HVAC, and building envelope components, that meet 179D’s efficiency standards. The government agency owning the building must allocate the deduction to the designer, and only one designer per project can claim the deduction. The energy savings achieved must be certified by a licensed professional to ensure compliance with IRS guidelines.
The 179D deduction allows designers to receive up to $1.88 per square foot on qualifying projects, which can quickly add up, especially on larger government facilities. This benefit not only rewards sustainable design work but also helps firms offset project costs and improve overall profitability.
Beyond the deduction itself, claiming 179D can set design firms apart by demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices. Government contracts often look for firms with a track record in energy-efficient design, making 179D a potential differentiator in competitive bidding processes.
Getting Started: If you're a designer looking to leverage the 179D deduction, it’s essential to understand the technical requirements and work closely with energy modeling experts who can guide you through the certification and allocation process. Our team specializes in helping designers maximize their deductions by ensuring accurate modeling and compliance, taking the guesswork out of the process.
Partnering with the right team can simplify the process. Look for experts who can provide energy modeling, technical expertise, and end-to-end management of the certification process. We work closely with clients from various sectors, ensuring accurate modeling and compliance with 179D requirements.
Our team brings over 150 years of experience in energy-efficient tax incentives, successfully guiding CFOs and finance teams through every step, from initial consultation to final certification. With a hands-on approach, we help ensure that your building upgrades not only qualify for the deduction but also maximize the financial benefits.
The 179D deduction is more than a tax incentive; it’s a strategic asset. As energy efficiency continues to grow in importance, now is the time to explore how your organization can benefit. By aligning with an experienced partner, you can unlock significant savings, boost cash flow, and strengthen your company’s commitment to sustainability.
Ready to explore how 179D can transform your tax strategy? Contact Us Today for a free consultation, and let's make energy efficiency work for your bottom line.
Rebates and tax deductions deductions are two pillars of energy modeling.
Everyone should know about the 179D tax deduction. It's basically like a LEED model without the LEED review, and you get paid if the results are promising.
With the help of eSai LLC experts, we will teach you how to receive as much as $5/square foot in federal tax deductions for your energy efficiency projects from 2006 to 2024. The session includes a Q & A discussion from an expert
Bob Fassbender and guest expert Nandini Mouli, PhD will work together to bring you up to speed. You can choose one of the following time slots:
Like all tax incentives, there is fine print that you must know. We’ll cover the nuances to ensure you can maximize your deduction. Items such as:
This webinar will show you how to improve your building's energy efficiency and claim the federal benefits you're entitled to.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to leverage 179D and save on energy costs! Build better buildings and lower carbon emissions without breaking the bank
Looking forward to seeing you there.
Energy-Models.com is a site for energy modelers, building simulators, architects, and engineers who want learn the basics, to advanced concepts of energy modeling. We've got online training courses and tutorials for eQUEST, Trane TRACE 700, OpenStudio, and LEED for energy modeling. All our energy modeling courses are video based. What better way to learn energy modeling software than screen-casts of exactly how things are done?
Copyright © 2010-2024 CosmoLogic LLC. TRACE 700 and eQUEST are ™ of Trane Inc. and James J. Hirsch respectively. Energy-Models.com is built in San Francisco, CA and Slinger, WI USA.