VE-Pro is IES’ most powerful, most flexible, and most in-depth suite of building performance analysis tools. For use at any stage of the design process, a variety of different interconnected modules and capabilities are available so users can build the suite to meet their needs. VE-Pro training allows users to understand core details about each module within VE-Pro individually.
These courses are available as online e-training sessions as standard. However, custom face-to-face options are also available. For training in any VE-Pro module you should first complete ModelIT training.
Model Building
SketchUp into IES (UK)
In order to take advantage of the advanced workflow between IES and the SketchUp™ platform the model must be properly prepared for analysis. Like any type of analysis, the usefulness and accuracy of the results depends greatly on the quality of the inputs. In this training you will be shown how to export geometry from Google SketchUp into the IES Virtual Environment using the IES VE SketchUp plug-in. You will see how to set building location, construction data and HVAC systems data using the plug-in. Those using the Revit® platform should contact our training department to discuss your requirements.
ModelIT - 3D model creation (2 consecutive sessions)
At the heart of the IES Virtual Environment is ModelIT, our Integrated Data Model. This is shared by all of IES’ building performance assessment modules. In ModelIT training you will see how to create the geometry of a 3D building model using a variety of techniques. You will also learn how to edit the geometry and to add glazing. This model can then be used by IES' thermal, shading, lighting, UK Compliance and other analysis tools. ModelIT training should be completed before undertaking any other VE-Pro module training.
Solar
SunCast – solar shading analysis (1 session)
In SunCast training you will be shown how to create images and movies of the solar shading in and around the building, and how to perform shading calculations for subsequent use by IES's thermal tools. Trainees in SunCast should first have had training in ModelIT.
Energy
ApacheSim – dynamic thermal simulation (2 consecutive sessions)
ApacheSim training will show you how to create construction and thermal data within the Virtual Environment. This is required if you want to perform dynamic thermal simulations, thermal load calculations and UK/Republic of Ireland compliance checks and EPC/BER creation. You will also be shown how to assign this thermal and construction data to the 3D building model, learn how to perform dynamic thermal simulations/load calculations, and view results such as room conditions, building energy consumption and building carbon dioxide emissions. Users are recommended to also have training in SunCast and MacroFlo. NOTE: <BER Assessor> users need only attend Session A (please book via telephone rather than online)
MacroFlo- bulk airflow analysis (1 session)
In MacroFlo training you will learn how to perform wind and buoyancy driven natural ventilation studies for a building by defining building opening characteristics and then reforming a dynamic thermal simulation with a link to MacroFlo. Trainees in MacroFlo should first have had training in ModelIT and ApacheSim.
ApacheHVAC – HVAC plant & control system modeling/simulation (2 consecutive sessions)
In ApacheHVAC training you will be shown the basics of creating HVAC plant and control networks for a building. You will see how to create HVAC networks for subsequent use by ApacheSim, IES’s dynamic thermal simulation module. You will be shown how to perform ApacheSim dynamic simulations using these networks and how to look at relevant results within Vista, IES’s results viewer. Trainees in ApacheHVAC should first have had training in ModelIT, ApacheSim and MacroFlo.
Light/Daylighting
LightPro - luminaire database and placement tool (1 session)
In LightPro training you will learn how to select luminaires from a database and to place them in a room in the 3D building model. You will also see how to manipulate the fittings in a room. These luminaires are then ready for subsequent analysis by our FlucsPro lighting design and analysis software or by RadianceIES, our 3D lighting simulation model.
FlucsPro/FlucsDL – lighting design and analysis (1 session)
In FlucsPro training you will see how to perform a lighting design calculation to calculate the required number of luminaires to achieve a required lighting level. You will also learn how to perform an artificial lighting analysis for a room with luminaires placed as a result of the FlucsPro lighting design calculation, or for rooms with luminaires placed using LightPro. You will also be shown how to perform daylight or artificial/daylight analyses for rooms with windows. Trainees in FlucsPro should first have training in LightPro if required to perform electric lighting analysis.
RadianceIES - 3D lighting simulation for artificial light and daylight (2 consecutive sessions)
In RadianceIES training you will learn how to perform sophisticated internal and external luminance or illuminance daylight simulations, to generate 3D lighting images and to view daylighting levels or daylight factors within a building. You will be shown how to incorporate luminaires (placed in rooms using LightPro) into the simulations to allow you to perform electric lighting, or electric lighting plus daylight simulations. Trainees in RadianceIES should first have training in LightPro if it is required to perform electric lighting simulations.
