Ability to define the geometry of arbitrarily complex zones when interlinked to comprise a building model.

Task

Instructions

1. Design a simple enclosure.

Before using the ESP-r facilities for zone geometry definition, it is a very good idea to make a sketch showing the various dimensions. Begin with a simple shape such as a rectangular prism defined by

or with an extrusion from a floor plan defined by

From the Entry Level menu of the Project Manager, select commence new. Accept the default system configuration file name and use the standard folders. Enter a brief problem description and accept the default project log file (you do not need to edit the log file or associate any images with the problem at this stage). Select composition and accept the Project Manager option.

From the Zones definition menu choose the geometry & attribution and create via dimension input. Begin with an extruded rectangle and enter the dimensions from your sketch.

Now select save to add this zone to your active model and continue with another task or exit the Project Manager.

2. Examine the model folders.

A directory called new_model (or another name you gave to your model) now exists in your home directory. In this directory are the standard sub-directories used by ESP-r to organise the data corresponding to your evolving model.

At any later time you can change directory ('cd') to the cfg sub-directory and call up the model into the Project Manager (either by entering its name where requsted or issuing the command esp-r -file <name>.cfg.

3. Add/remove an adjacent zone.

From the Zones menu choose add/delete/copy to remove the zone(s) you have created, or add a new zone by following the procedure in Task 1.

Use the surface attributes facility to give names to each of the surfaces. N.B. West_wall makes more sense than surf-9.

Save the resulting zone geometry. Note that it is important to always save the entered data before moving to another aspect of the problem definition process.

6. Add an opening (e.g. a window or door) to a zone.

Choose surface list & edges and then add/ insert/ copy a surface, or surface attributes followed by a surface then add glazing/door/opening.

Define the opening where the offsets are measured from the bottom left corner of the associated surface when viewed from outside the zone.