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beopt for residential code compliance - baseline/benchmark

Hey!

I'm a new user of this program, but I have some energy modeling background. I'm working on a residential project in Austin Texas USA. The owner wants to use a higher-than-code-SHGC glazing so we cant go with the prescriptive approach. The code person told us that we can try using Beopt so here I'm.

As far as I understand, we need to compare our design with the 2021 IRC baseline/benchmark model. I googled online and found that there should be a "B10 benchmark" I can choose as the reference but i dont see it in the pulldown menu https://tinypic.host/image/oQar6. Are there some extra files I need to download? I'm using the beopt 3.0.1. Also how can I know if the correct version of code is used as the reference?

EDIT I posted the link of the screenshot instead of adding the image directly to the post.

Thanks!

moseschong's avatar
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moseschong
asked 2023-10-17 16:59:18 -0500, updated 2023-10-18 09:22:17 -0500
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@moseschong it looks like your image didn't upload correctly. Could you please try again?

Aaron Boranian's avatar Aaron Boranian (2023-10-18 09:13:32 -0500) edit
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thanks for your reply! I added the the link to the screenshot. I dont know why adding the image directly didnt work.

moseschong's avatar moseschong (2023-10-18 09:23:52 -0500) edit
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The B10 Benchmark was removed from BEopt v3 because it is represents a typical new construction home built in the year 2010, which is not very relevant today. It also would not be very useful for your purpose of comparing a design to the 2021 IECC. You will need to manually define the individual components (envelope constructions, air leakage, etc.) of the 2021 IECC.

shorowit's avatar
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shorowit
answered 2023-10-18 10:38:39 -0500
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thanks for your reply! I was hoping that it's gonna be automatic like CBECC or Energypro.

moseschong's avatar moseschong (2023-10-18 10:53:50 -0500) edit
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Such canned approaches only work in limited cases anyhow, since so many jurisdictions amend the IECC reference code. Make two models, start with a case that has your local code's prescriptive requirements, then make a new case (or design, if in design mode). Make the necessary adjustments, run the models and compare results. These could be used for performance path (lower utility bills). Version 3 is expected to include component loads once final, which could be used for something akin to UA-alternative that is SHGC aware unlike REScheck. Otherwise, HouseRater.com can generate ERI scores.

jpierce's avatar jpierce (2023-10-23 08:58:22 -0500) edit
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