Model Quality Check

Inspect the current model for common issues before running a simulation.

Steps

1. Quick automated check:

   validate_model()
   

   Checks weather, design days, HVAC, constructions in one call.

2. Get model overview:

   get_model_summary()
   get_building_info()
   

3. Check for missing critical elements:

   • Zones without HVAC: list_thermal_zones() — look for zones with no equipment
   • Spaces without zones: list_spaces() — look for spaces not assigned to a thermal zone
   • Missing constructions: list_surfaces() — look for surfaces without constructions
   • No weather file: get_weather_info() — check if EPW is attached
   • No design days: needed for HVAC sizing
   • No run period: get_run_period() — check if simulation dates are set

4. Run ASHRAE QA/QC checks (if model has been simulated):

   run_qaqc_checks(run_id=<completed run_id>, template="90.1-2019")
   

5. Report findings organized by severity (same buckets validate_model uses):

   Errors (will cause simulation failure):

   • Missing design days (HVAC sizing fails)
   • Air loops serving no thermal zones (EnergyPlus fatal)
   • Single-zone setpoint managers without a control zone (EnergyPlus fatal)

   Warnings (may fail later or produce bad results):

   • No weather file on the model (can still pass epw_path to run_simulation)
   • Zones with no HVAC and no ideal air loads
   • Surfaces with no construction
   • Zones with no loads (people, lights, equipment)
   • No run period set (only sizing runs)
   • Unmet hours above threshold

   Info (notable but not problems):

   • Object counts by category
   • Total conditioned area
   • HVAC system types in use

6. Suggest fixes for each issue found, referencing specific tools.