There is a section in Getting Started document. Please see Here. I believe there are also other online resources that details zoning process.

Below are some of the zoning aspects that you may consider (thanks to Jim Dirkes)

• Use as few zones as possible to speed simulation time and debugging. DesignBuilder’s “Merge Zones” feature is very helpful for doing this.
• Normally, a zone should not represent each room or VAV box. Combine into one zone all areas which have:
  • Similar schedule
  • Similar densities (people, lighting and plug loads)
  • Use the same temperature and humidity setpoints
  • Have the same sun exposure
  • Are served by the same HVAC air system
• Note that you may combine rooms that use different thermostats as long as their temperature setpoints are the same.
• Separate HVAC systems (e.g., packaged rooftop units) may be combined if the efficiencies and operating controls are the same.
• Areas on different floors may become part of a single zone if they meet the criteria above
• Perimeter areas (within ~12-15 feet of the exterior wall) are normally treated separately from interior / core areas
  • If the perimeter is well insulated and has no windows, it may be combined with interior / core areas

There is a section in Getting Started document. Please see Here. I believe there are also other online resources that details zoning process.

Below are some of the zoning aspects that you may consider (thanks to Jim Dirkes)

• Use ·Use as few zones as possible to speed simulation time and debugging. DesignBuilder’s “Merge Zones” feature is very helpful for doing this.
• Normally, ·Normally, a zone should not represent each room or VAV box. Combine into one zone all areas which have:
  • · Similar schedule
  • · Similar densities (people, lighting and plug loads)
  • · Use the same temperature and humidity setpoints
  • Have ·Have the same sun exposure
  • Are ·Are served by the same HVAC air system
• Note ·Note that you may combine rooms that use different thermostats as long as their temperature setpoints are the same.
• Separate ·Separate HVAC systems (e.g., packaged rooftop units) may be combined if the efficiencies and operating controls are the same.
• Areas ·Areas on different floors may become part of a single zone if they meet the criteria above
• Perimeter ·Perimeter areas (within ~12-15 feet of the exterior wall) are normally treated separately from interior / core areas
  • If ·If the perimeter is well insulated and has no windows, it may be combined with interior / core areas

There is a section in Getting Started document. Please see Here. I believe there are also other online resources that details zoning process.process.