Simulation weather data

Location tab on model data at Site level

Hourly weather data

Select the hourly weather data from the list of Hourly weather data components. These components reference the epw file that will be actually used in the simulation.

DesignBuilder uses EnergyPlus epw format hourly weather data for simulations (heating and cooling design calculations use much simpler design weather data).

You can review, edit and convert weather using the Edit hourly weather data dialog.

You can also add your own hourly weather data.

Note: As well as being used for EnergyPlus simulations, this hourly weather file is also used for Annual daylighting simulations.

See also the Site level data and weather files and Hourly weather data tutorials

Day of week for start day

For flexibility, the day of week indicated on the weather file can be overridden by this field’s value. Select from:

• 1-Sunday,
• 2-Monday,
• 3-Tuesday,
• 4-Wednesday,
• 5-Thursday,
• 6-Friday,
• 7-Saturday,
• 8-Use weather file - use the weather file to decide the first day of the week.

This value will be used as the Start day of the week for the simulation. The default is 8-Use weather file where the day of week comes from the weather file.

Note: There is no direct link between hourly weather data and the ASHRAE design values on the Winter and Summer design data tabs.