Basic Model Data package includes all the Basic Geometry training modules:

1. Model Data, Activities and Zone Merging
2. Constructions and Infiltration
3. Openings Model Data
4. Modelling Non-Standard Adjacency Conditions
5. Using Templates
6. Timing and Schedules
7. Heating and Cooling Design Calculations
8. QA, Simulation and Comparing results
9. Lighting and Daylight Control
10. Simple HVAC
11. Solar Shading
12. PV and Wind Electricity Generation

Introducing model data and templates, and tools and techniques to maximise efficiency of data input.

1. Site-level data including location templates and weather files
2. Model data input tabs
3. Data hierarchy and inheritance for fast data input
4. Clearing data back to default settings
5. Activity tab data
6. Using activity (and other) templates
7. When it’s suitable to use the zone multiplier option
8. Excluding blocks and zones from simulations
9. Merging zones
10. Simulation results for merged zones

How to specify the opaque building fabric performance, model adjacent conditions, use geometry convention templates to ensure correct volumes and surface areas, and model air infiltration.

1. Construction tab, templates and library data.
2. Sub-surfaces including opaque doors
3. Thermal mass
4. Component block shading and reflection
5. Adjacency manual input options
6. Geometry, areas and volumes inputs
7. Internal voids
8. Thermal bridging
9. Editing and creating constructions
10. Model data colour coding and locked library data
11. Visualising construction assignments
12. Fabric losses in heating design calculation
13. Air infiltration

How to specify the performance of openings (focused on glazing), different methods of specifying and editing opening dimensions, copying openings, and fast methods to apply selected opening and shading data to selected facades.

1. Openings tab and templates
2. Façade options (%WWR etc.)
3. Window cills, reveals, frames and dividers
4. Overview of shading options
5. Glazing library
6. Creating and editing glazing
7. Glazing simplifications
8. Drawing openings onto surfaces
9. Customised surfaces
10. Cloning openings at surface and building levels
11. Editing the dimensions of existing openings
12. Using the load data from template tool to apply different glazing and shading types to facades with different orientations etc.
13. Reviewing glazing performance using a cooling design calculation

How to model non-standard adjacency conditions on external surfaces, such as above-ground walls in direct contact with the ground or an adjacent building. Additional considerations including shading and reflection and variability in heat transfer in an adjacent building.

1. Adjacency settings – automatic and manual options
2. Ground blocks for modelling adjacent ground contact
3. Site-level ground data
4. Viewing surface adjacencies at zone level
5. Shading and reflection settings for component blocks
6. Adiabatic blocks for modelling adjacent buildings
7. Heat transfer and thermal mass implications

Explaining the different types of template available in DesignBuilder and how to use them, customise them and create your own templates to maximise modelling efficiency.

1. Program Help on Templates
2. Library templates
3. Model data tab templates
4. Load data from template tool
5. Creating a new template
6. Importing templates into models and the DesignBuilder template library

How to model the time-varying heat gains in a building from occupancy, equipment, lighting etc., and the time-varying operation of HVAC systems. The session focuses on the use of compact schedules.

1. Typical workday, 7/12 and compact schedules
2. Timing – Model Options
3. Program Help – Components (Schedules)
4. Schedule libraries
5. Editing and creating compact schedules
6. Fractional operation schedules
7. Winter and summer design day schedules
8. Set-point schedules
9. Holidays

Introduce the key heating and cooling design concepts, show you how to set up and run the calculations and review the results.

1. Heating Design model data settings
2. Heating Design calculation options
3. Interpreting Heating Design calculation results
4. Cooling Design model data settings
5. Cooling Design calculation options
6. Interpreting Cooling Design calculation results

Introduce important QA-checking concepts and tools, show you how to set up and run simulations and display the most commonly used results in different ways in both the DesignBuilder results and visualisation screens, plus viewing detailed results using the Results Viewer.

1. QA-checking considerations
2. QA-checking using the Model Data Grid View
3. Setting up and running simulations
4. Identifying what different simulation outputs mean
5. Model options > simulation tab
6. Simulation calculation options
7. Viewing results in DesignBuilder’s interface
8. Display options
9. Creating results templates
10. Data visualisation tab
11. Using the Simulation Manager and Results Viewer

Introduce the lighting tab, explain and demonstrate the most important aspects of EnergyPlus electric lighting and associated daylight controls.

1. Model Options lighting settings
2. Lighting templates
3. Lighting tab model data
4. Activity tab target illuminance input
5. Modelling occupancy sensors
6. Daylighting sensors and controls
7. Simulation solar distribution options
8. Task, display and exterior lighting
9. Reviewing lighting simulation results

Introduce the key features of DesignBuilder’s Simple HVAC method and the HVAC model data tab, followed by a demonstration showing how to set up a new Simple HVAC system.

1. Simple HVAC Model Options
2. Set-point inputs in Activity tab
3. HVAC model data tab: HVAC templates, ventilation, heating, cooling, DHWS, natural ventilation, mixed mode
4. Guidance on Ideal Loads and COPs
5. Demonstration of setting up HVAC and DHW systems
6. Reviewing Simple HVAC simulation results

Introduce the different types of shading available to reduce solar gain, show how they can be modelled in DesignBuilder and how to assess and compare the performance of shading systems using the Simulation Manager and Results Viewer.

1. Program Help shading information
2. Window shading library options including blinds and electrochromic windows and their controls
3. Shading-related simulation solar control calculation options
4. Local shading library options including louvers, overhangs and side-fins
5. Loading multiple results sets from Simulation Manager into Results Viewer for comparative analysis
6. Library window pane types for solar control including thermochromic glazing
7. Window reveal shading considerations
8. Standard component blocks used for shading, reflection and visualisation
9. Inappropriate use of component blocks for shading with specific geometry convention settings
10. Component block construction inputs including solar transmittance
11. Modelling external shading surfaces such as buildings and trees using standard component blocks
12. Viewing shading effects using the sunpath diagram in Visualisation and creating movies to illustrate shading effects

Add PV solar collectors to a model and connect them to an Electric distribution centre to supply the building and/or feed into the grid, specify and select storage options and inverters, review PV outputs, set up a wind turbine and run a simulation to view renewable energy contributions in results.

1. How to draw a solar collector (PV or solar hot water)
2. Collector data including material properties, shading and reflection
3. PV electrical data options and inputs
4. Interaction between the panel and the building
5. DC Electric load centres to supply power from panels to the building or grid
6. Inverter data
7. Simulating PV systems and reviewing results
8. AC Electric load centres
9. Specifying wind turbine data
10. Simulating wind turbine systems and reviewing results
11. Correlating wind direction and speed with wind turbine output

Natural Ventilation package includes all the Natural Ventilation training modules:

1. Scheduled Natural Ventilation and Infiltration
2. Calculated Natural Ventilation
3. Mixed Mode

Introduce the terminology and concepts associated with infiltration and scheduled natural ventilation (nat vent), and show how to set up and run a scheduled nat vent simulation.

1. Scheduled natural ventilation settings in Model Options
2. Infiltration options in the Construction tab
3. Natural ventilation set point and related inputs in the Activity tab
4. Natural ventilation inputs in the HVAC model data tab
5. Interzone airflow option from Tools Menu
6. Demonstration of setting up a scheduled natvent simulation
7. Comparing simulation results for different scheduled natvent configurations using Simulation Manager and Results Viewer

Introduce important calculated nat vent terminology and concepts, show how to set up and run a calculated nat vent simulation (using the EnergyPlus airflow network) and then interpret results including visualisation of airflow vectors through openings.

1. Calculated natural ventilation settings in Model Options
2. Site level “Exposure to wind” input
3. Related Activity tab inputs
4. Infiltration options in the Construction tab
5. Calculated natural ventilation related inputs in the Openings tab including windows, doors, holes and vents.
6. Discussion on the meaning of “free aperture”
7. When it can be beneficial to switch off “Learning Mode”
8. Generating surface and opening airflow data to check correct natvent operation in test simulations
9. Calculated natural ventilation inputs in the HVAC model data tab
10. Demonstration of setting up a calculated natvent simulation
11. Interpreting calculated natvent simulation results

Explain the different types of mixed mode and their operating criteria, show how to set up a change-over mixed mode simulation, and directly compare the difference in results between concurrent and change-over systems.

1. Key model data inputs for mixed mode
2. Setting up a concurrent mixed mode simulation, using Simulation Manager to store results and reviewing results
3. Review change-over mixed mode controls, set up and run a change-over mixed mode simulation using Simulation Manager
4. Comparing concurrent and change-over mixed mode simulation results using the Results Viewer

Daylighting package includes both of the Daylighting training modules:

1. Daylighting 1 – Model Data Inputs
2. Daylighting 2 – Calculation Options and Results

Introduce the key concepts of daylighting and daylight modelling in DesignBuilder, review additional model data considerations related to light transmission and reflectance, and how to set up a model prior to running a Radiance daylighting simulation:

1. What model data is included and excluded from Radiance daylighting simulations
2. QA-checking Radiance inputs using Visualisation
3. Site level ground surface reflectance data
4. Construction materials visible absorptance, reflectance and specularity
5. Component blocks as internal and external shading and reflection surfaces
6. Window reveals, sills and frames
7. Glazing model data related to daylighting

Explain the main Radiance Illuminance method daylighting calculation options, run a daylighting simulation and review the outputs and display options.

1. Illuminance method calculation options dialog
2. LEED, BREEAM, GreenStar etc. and illuminance map report outputs
3. Guidance on the suitability of different detail templates
4. Working plane height, margin, Sky methods, grid guidance, randomness effects.
5. Calculation outputs, display options and report generation
6. Adjusting data to meet different code requirements
7. The effect of adding internal obstructions

Detailed HVAC includes all the Detailed HVAC training modules:

1. Introduction to Detailed HVAC
2. Introduction to HVAC Hot Water Plant Loops
3. CHW Loop and Air Loop with FCU
4. Heat Exchangers and Radiant Surfaces

Introduce DesignBuilder Detailed HVAC and fundamental concepts such as detailed HVAC activity data and zone groups. How to model a Detailed HVAC system using a simple VRF example.

1. The main differences between Simple and Detailed HVAC.
2. The Detailed HVAC tools and templates.
3. Zone groups to improve efficiency and simplify HVAC layouts.
4. Adding HVAC loops and zone equipment.
5. Editing HVAC component data.
6. Model data related to Detailed HVAC systems.
7. Detailed HVAC activity data options.
8. Generating additional outputs for HVAC systems to check simulated operation.
9. Simulating Detailed HVAC systems using the Simulation Manager.
10. Reviewing HVAC results using both DesignBuilder and the Results Viewer.

Show how to create a hot water plant loop with boiler and radiator system manually by adding and connecting components (not using a template).

1. Introduction to the HVAC loop concept and hot water plant loops.
2. Model data HVAC tab inputs related to Detailed HVAC.
3. Add and edit a zone group.
4. Add a hot water plant loop and review inputs.
5. Add zone HVAC equipment and review inputs.
6. Connecting HVAC loop components to form a system.
7. Introduction to the key data inputs in the plant edit dialogs.
8. Setpoint managers and HVAC control options.
9. Simulation and results viewing.

Introduce the template method of creating HVAC systems, explain the key inputs for chilled water (CHW) loops, air loops and fan coil units (FCUs), and show how to model the system and interpret the results.

1. Overriding Detailed HVAC template default settings.
2. Link between Detailed and Simple HVAC templates.
3. CHW loop, chiller, pump and setpoint manager key inputs.
4. Fan coil unit inputs.
5. Air loop, AHU, and setpoint manager key inputs.
6. Using the results viewer to QA-check and improve HVAC system simulated performance.
7. CHW and air loop with FCU exercise.

Introduce the fluid to fluid heat exchanger (HX), used to couple the supply side of one plant or condenser loop to the demand side of another. Introduce radiant surfaces that enable you to model a wide range of radiant systems. Show how to edit and replace components in a Detailed HVAC template.

1. Set up a fan coil unit system with natural ventilation.
2. Change internal loads to increase cooling demand.
3. Add zone group, zone components and plant and condenser loops to build a system.
4. Configuring the setpoint manager for free cooling.
5. Adding, connecting and configuring a HX component.
6. Simulating and reviewing HX component results.
7. Add a radiant surfaces template and configure it.
8. Introduce the ground heat exchanger component.
9. Editing a radiant surface and its controls.
10. Adding an internal source to a construction with a radiant surface.
11. Reviewing simulation results for radiant systems and surfaces.

Internal and External CFD Package CFD package includes all the CFD training modules:

1. CFD Introduction & External CFD Analysis
2. Introduction to Internal CFD Analysis
3. Internal CFD 2
4. Linked EnergyPlus-DesignBuilder CFD

To provide an introduction into DesignBuilder’s computational fluid dynamics (CFD) capabilities and introduce some important CFD principles. Highlight ways that external CFD analysis can improve the building design process. Show how to undertake a basic external CFD analysis.

1. CFD introduction.
2. Introduction to external CFD analysis.
3. New external analysis setup dialog including CFD grid basics, wind data, and CFD site domain factors.
4. Introduction to and editing the CFD grid (mesh).
5. CFD calculation options including: turbulence models and normalised residuals.
6. Calculation progress, dependent variable control settings and termination residual value.
7. Solution convergence.
8. Calculation results display options including: adding/removing slices and interpreting results.
9. Exporting CFD results.
10. Introduction to the CFD Analysis Manager.

Provide guidance on potential internal CFD applications and introduce some basic internal CFD analysis concepts. Introduce internal boundary conditions and show how to define surface boundaries. Introduce the CFD grid and show how to run an internal CFD simulation and review the results.

1. DesignBuilder geometry conventions related to internal CFD analysis.
2. Introduction to internal CFD analysis and boundary conditions (temperature, heat flux, none/air momentum only).
3. Surface boundaries: surface temperature boundaries; boundary conditions objects such as HVAC diffusers; component blocks and component assemblies as boundary conditions.
4. Adding supply, extract and display screen surface boundaries to the model.
5. Internal CFD calculation setup including grid fundamentals.
6. Editing the internal CFD grid.
7. Running and pausing a CFD simulation.
8. Reviewing CFD results and changing display options to enhance visibility of selected variables.

Introduce more advanced types of surface boundary. Show how to use component blocks and assemblies as boundary conditions. Introduce the CFD analysis manager tool, monitor points and comfort analysis.

1. Supply air diffuser discharge velocity.
2. Using component blocks as boundary conditions.
3. Using library assemblies as boundary conditions.
4. Creating and using bespoke assemblies as boundary conditions.
5. Using the CFD Analysis (and results) Manager.
6. Internal CFD grid and monitor points.
7. CFD convergence and troubleshooting.
8. Reviewing CFD results.
9. Running a CFD comfort calculation and reviewing results.

Set up a calculated natural ventilation model and generate simulation results using the EnergyPlus airflow network. Quickly import realistic boundary conditions from an EnergyPlus simulation into DesignBuilder CFD. Generate more detailed comfort analysis, Age of Air and Air Change Effectiveness results using DesignBuilder CFD.

1. Create a single-zone calculated natural ventilation model, review inputs in the context of the CFD calculation, and generate EnergyPlus results.
2. Use the Boundary Condition (BC) Editor to import airflow and surface temperature simulation results at a selected time-step.
3. Review the CFD model data to confirm the data import.
4. Create a zone-level CFD analysis, review the grid and calculation details and run the CFD simulation.
5. Review the temperature and airflow results to compare with EnergyPlus results.
6. Run a Local Mean Age of Air (LMA) calculation and review results.
7. Set up and run an Air Change Effectiveness calculation and review results

After a short introduction to the theory and general concepts of optimisation, you will learn how to effectively and efficiently set up an optimisation study in DesignBuilder. You will also learn how to interpret optimisation results, which can yield powerful insights into what is driving good and/or bad predicted performance in your model. This course includes:

1. Choosing objectives, constraints and variables
2. Optimisation tips and tricks
3. Optimisation settings and parallel computing
4. Interpretation of optimisation results
5. More advanced analyses
6. And finally, some examples of what not to do!

Includes content from all training packages:

1. Basic Geometry Package
2. Basic Model Data Package
3. Natural Ventilation Package
4. Daylighting Package
5. Detailed HVAC Package
6. Internal and External CFD Package
7. DesignBuilder Optimisation Fundamentals

This ASHRAE 90.1/LEED course provides the knowledge you need to effectively and efficiently use DesignBuilder’s ASHRAE 90.1 and LEED modelling tools for maximum productivity. The course introduces the ASHRAE 90.1 standard and LEED modelling, then guides you through key aspects of setting up a proposed building model, auto-generating baseline models, and configuring ASHRAE 90.1 HVAC systems. You’ll also learn how to run simulations for both proposed and baseline models, review simulation outputs, and auto-populate LEED v4.1 MEPC reports with model data and results. This course provides 4 hours of CPD content.
It's important to note that this training primarily focuses on the LEED-specific functionality of DesignBuilder. The course requires suitable prior knowledge or experience of relevant DesignBuilder simulation modules. If you aren’t proficient using DesignBuilder for simulation including Detailed HVAC, you are unlikely to be able to follow all the information in this course. If you don’t have that knowledge and experience, we also offer this LEED training packaged cost effectively with the relevant simulation training content so you can build that foundation prior to the completing the LEED training. See our LEED Prerequisite training below for more information.

The LEED Prerequisite training is for those who don’t have sufficient experience and knowledge of DesignBuilder to accurately model the actual (proposed) building. The training provides a structured process for creating building geometry, defining model data, and modelling EnergyPlus Detailed HVAC systems. This LEED Prerequisite course provides the knowledge foundation less experienced users need before starting DesignBuilder’s ASHRAE 90.1 and LEED modelling course. This LEED Prerequisite + ASHRAE 90.1/LEED modelling course provides 26 hours of CPD content.

This course includes the on-demand SBEM, DSM, summer overheating prerequisite (preparatory) course content and the on-demand TM52/59 course content. Please see those course descriptions for full details. This course includes 39 hours of content for CPD.

This course will teach you how to use DesignBuilder SBEM to improve your UK Certification modelling productivity. It will take you through the process of creating an SBEM model in DesignBuilder’s UK Certification interface from start to finish. You will learn how to define the model geometry and then input the model data in the SBEM interface, QA-check your model, and run the calculation to produce EPCs and Building Regulations compliance documents. This course also provides a foundation for the DSM training for assessors wanting DSM accreditation. This course includes 7 hours of content for CPD.

This DSM training builds on the knowledge gained on the DesignBuilder SBEM for UK Certification course. You will cover the additional essential information required to quickly and efficiently produce accurate DSM EPCs and Building Regulations compliance documents in DesignBuilder. During the training you will model a building from beginning to end and cover the essential information relating to each aspect of the model at the relevant point in the DSM modelling process. The training will also include QA-checking your model, running DSM calculations, and reviewing DSM outputs. This course includes 7 hours of content for CPD.

Modelling the overheating risk in naturally ventilated buildings is more advanced than UK certification/NCM modelling and requires the ability to use DesignBuilder’s EnergyPlus airflow network calculated natural ventilation analysis tools. This course provides the required level of knowledge (for those that need it) to start DesignBuilder's TM52/59 summer overheating risk simulation training. The course includes the fundamentals of: Geometry creation and editing; DesignBuilder EnergyPlus model data input and editing; and setting up and running natural ventilation simulations. The general simulation sessions from our geometry, model data and natural ventilation training groups relevant to TM52/59 summer overheating risk modelling are included in this course. This course includes 18 hours of content for CPD.

This Overheating course provides the knowledge you need to confidently use DesignBuilder’s CIBSE TM52 and TM59 summer overheating assessment tools. The course includes relevant theory and practical sessions guiding you through the TM52 and TM59 overheating analysis workflows in DesignBuilder. After an introduction, the course includes specific sessions on TM52, TM59, and BB101. By the end of the training, you should know how to quantify and reduce the risk of overheating using DesignBuilder for the main UK regulations and schemes, including Part O. This course includes 7 hours of content for CPD.

This on-demand summer overheating content is for modellers who wish to deliver CIBSE TM52 and/or TM59 assessments but who don’t currently have the background knowledge in dynamic simulation and airflow network modelling. The course includes both the on-demand summer overheating prerequisite (preparatory) content and the on-demand TM52/59 course content. Please see those course descriptions for full details. This course includes 25 hours of content for CPD.