Figure 5.6 Simplified diagram of the control of a generic simulation model

Table 5.1 gives examples of some well-known software and their associated replacement interfaces. In English, this type of interface is sometimes referred to as PAT - Parametric Analysis Tool, and the simulation model itself as the "underlying/generic model". The surrogate interface is tailored, so to speak, to the specific simulation (generic) model and allows, as already mentioned, to change some of the parameters or to select the simulated devices. Figure 1.3.3 describes a flowchart of the operation of such a generic model created by CAPSOL software and "controlled" by a surrogate external interface, which is an Excel workbook. Figure 5.6 shows a typical section of an Excel workbook and Figure 1.3.5 the form of the output. Of course, the generic model created can also be used directly through CAPSOL. However, the Excel workbook simplifies the work if we only want to change some selected parameters. The actual "control" of the generic model from Excel is provided by macros created using VBA (Visual Basic for Applications). The principle of most macros for transferring data from Excel to CAPSOL and back, or for running a calculation in CAPSOL, is described in the publication Excel 2007 [7] by J. Walkenbach.

Interface (MS Excel) Generic model created using Capsol

Call pre-made Capsol based generic model (Read Capsol Data)

Define or select calculation parameters

Run Capsol (-saves new capsol file -runs the calculation -reads the results)

Display results

"Empty" generic model containing preset heating systems, cooling and shading, which may or may not be used in a particular calculation

Calculation using the new file that contains a generic model with defined / selected parameters, including selected heating / cooling systems and shading

Simplified diagram of the control of a generic simulation model created in CAPSOL software through an external interface, which is an Excel workbook.

Figure 6.6Simplified diagram of the control of a generic simulation model

Similar approach has been chosen by developers of DesignBuilder [11] that “allows users to use EnergyPlus, change system parameters, run simulations, and process output without having to learn the intricacies of the entire EnergyPlus environment”. On the other hand advanced users are still given an opportunity to customise their simulations to match the real case through a range of methods [11]:

- Modify the simulation input files, either manually or automatically in a script (requires the Scripting module). - Customise the simulation using EMS runtime scripting (requires the Scripting module).