Press Release

Carmelsoft Awarded ASHRAE Research Contract to Update gbXML Schema to Better Model Occupant Behavior

Carmelsoft was awarded a new ASHRAE research project, titled "ASHRAE 1815-TRP, Integrating Occupant Behavior Data into Building Information Modeling for Performance Simulation".
San Rafael, CA
September 26, 2022
Contact: Lucy Gooden
Phone: 800-339-6030
Carmelsoft was awarded a new ASHRAE research project, titled "ASHRAE 1815-TRP, Integrating Occupant Behavior Data into Building Information Modeling for Performance Simulation". The objectives of this research are to research and document how detailed occupant behavior data, related to occupants’ presence, actions, and interactions, can be integrated into existing standard BIM frameworks. The intent is to facilitate the standardized collection of occupant behavior data and the transfer of occupant behavior data from BIM authoring tools to building simulation tools using schemas and standards such as gbXML and IFCs.

Occupant behaviors change the state of energy consuming systems such as window shading, thermostat setpoints, and lighting levels, on an irregular basis not currently captured in pre-defined schedules or programmed system state triggers (e.g., dynamic daylight dimming controls) commonly used in current energy simulation data models. Also, occupants move around in a building or may leave a building for short periods such as during lunch breaks, unlike fixed building features like windows and zones, in ways that again are not captured in pre-defined occupancy schedules. The proposed research does not focus on the analysis of underlying behavioral theories responsible for occupants’ behavior, rather the emphasis is on the behavioral actions and interactions data required for energy simulation. The intent of the proposed research project is to directly address the integration of occupant behavior and energy simulation data to bring these building information models together. The scope is limited to enhancements in BIM data schemas and future work may include improvements in energy modeling software. The objectives are as follows:
  1. Review existing occupant behavior and energy simulation data models.
  2. Explore how these disparate data models might best be integrated into a common data model.
  3. Document the integration of common data models.
  4. Provide an example dataset merging into the common data model, with written user guidance.

About Carmel Software

Carmel Software Corporation has been a leader in HVAC design software since 1995. In fact, our software currently powers the analysis capabilities of Autodesk's (makers of AutoCAD) 3D modeling software tools. Also, ASHRAE, Mitsubishi Electric, Trane, Johnson Controls, the U.S. Department of Energy, Honeywell, Carrier Corp., large western utilities, and other Fortune 500 building-services companies rely upon Carmel to develop custom mobile and desktop applications for their clients. We currently offer more than 40 iOS and Android mobile apps for HVAC.
Media Contact: Lucy Gooden, Phone: 800-339-6030