IDF Import

 

This page brings together some additional information relating to the IDF import option which can be accessed from the Import 3-D Model

 

The IDF Import tool allows the building geometry and materials and construction data in EnergyPlus IDF model files to be imported into a DesignBuilder model. All EnergyPlus versions from 7.2 forwards are supported.

 

In summary the process to use IDF Import tool is as follows:

 

  1. Select the Import 3-D Model toolbar icon (above), or use the File > Import > Import IDF file menu command.

  2. On the first page of the Import 3-D Model dialog select the 2-IDF File type if it is not already selected.

  3. Select the IDF file to be imported and press the Next Button.

  4. On the second page make any selections as described on the Import 3-D Model dialog help page.

 

The import may take a while especially if the IDF file is an old version and the IDF data needs updating to the latest version.

 

The IDF Import processor places a log file in the same location as the main DesignBuilder diagnostics file in the form of IDF_Import_YYYY_MM_DD_HH_MM_SS.log. The latest 10 log files are retained. Any errors in updating IDF files to the latest version ahead of the import are included in the log file.

 

The following model data objects are supported for import:

General

Detailed Surfaces

Simple Surfaces

Materials & Constructions