onsider:
Identify the aspect of calculations that consumes the most amount of time and resources: Based on what I have understood till now about the parametric workflow within the Grasshopper environment I don’t think it is Rhino/Grasshopper that consumes the maximum amount of time/resources (unless you are handling complex geometry and using native rendering). So, if you could identify the part of your iterations that consumes the maximum amount of resources we can look into parallelizing/optimizing that. It could be something like (RhinoModelling-15%, E+-40%,Radiance-45%)… If there is no way to keep track of that right now in Grasshopper, let me know, I might be able to write a custom script that records the timestamp for each part of the calculation.
Parallelizing Grasshopper: I have no idea of how to do this so I think the best resource/forum would the Grasshopper/Honeybee discussion board. I think at the very least, to make Grasshopper run on remote computers, you’d have to install Rhino/Grasshopper on those computers as well.
Parallelizing EnergyPlus/Radiance: Based on what I understand from reading Mostapha’s source code and also talking to him on this issue, Honeybee typically creates batch files ie radiance or e+ instructions which are then used to run EnergyPlus and Radiance. Radiance runs can be parallelized to a great extent, however, owing to the modular nature of how calculations are setup for grid point calculations , image rendering and some of the new matrix based calculations, there is no single answer to parallelizing Radiance calculations. One can look into optimizing a certain type of calculation and then code instructions for implementing those. E+, which I have only been using for the past month or so, doesn’t seem to have a native way of setting up parallel runs. One can, however, set up multiple separate runs of E+ and direct them to separate processors. I think there was some discussion E+ in the Honeybee forum so you might get a better answer from there on this issue.
Clustering computers and GPU based calculations: One way of implementing the kind of parallelizing that you are referring to, ie. utilizing unused desktops is to cluster computers. Penn State has a dedicated, text-only, Linux-based cluster system which I have been tinkering with for the past year or so. A single node of this cluster has 60 parallel cores and close to 300GB or RAM. Each node, in turn, was created by linking a bunch of computers together. Implementing such a cluster would require an active participation from IT systems admins in your firm. Another option is to use Accelerad for Radiance which parallelizes Radiance . Radiance doesn’t have a limitation regarding the number of cores you could use. I think the 8 processors that you mentioned is more a function of the currently available desktop computer configurations than Radiance’s ability to handle more processors(i7 for example, has 8 processors). In the past, I have run parallel renderings with up to 20 processors. Radiance code is optimized to run on Linux systems so the performance on Windows systems is likely to be somewhat slower.
Finally, unless there is a pre-existing platform to handle such parallel processing, some scripting effort would be required to direct calculation files outwards into different systems/processors and then fetch and consolidate results from those calculations into a single location and then visualize those results on an interface like Mostapha’s Design Explorer.
Sarith…
ing ways to leverage simulation results from ladybug and inform design of building envelops with benefits that can be modeled. Given 20 percent of the cost of a project typically goes to the facades, and maybe a half of that goes to the openings, there is a good enough reason to question how to materialize that 10 percent, which can result in 10-30 percent difference in total energy comsumption.
I think ideally radiation analysis, natural ventilation and daylight analysis on floors should all inform opening sizes and placements, as well as the building sections at large. However natural ventilation seems to be the most complicated one because it couples airflow and thermo dynamics. I have a definition setup so that I can batch simulations for radiation analysis and daylight analysis, but natural ventilation is the missing link. So for what I am doing now I will select a handful of design that seem to work the best based on the two available analysis and convert all the geometry into CAD files so that I can run them in an evaluation copy of autodesk simulation CFD. So for now I can do this in 2 stages.
But for the future, given the possibility of actually have that as a part of grasshopper feature, which would be lovely, I want to understand the science behind it and share some links.
(http://www.wbdg.org/resources/naturalventilation.php) In this link the author outlines quite a few general principles and variables to consider for natural ventilated buildings.
For example, how stack effect works.
Qstack = Cd*A*[2gh(Ti-To)/Ti]^1/2, where
Qstack = volume of ventilation rate (m³/s)Cd = 0.65, a discharge coefficient.A = free area of inlet opening (m²), which equals area of outlet opening.g =9.8 (m/s²). the acceleration due to gravityh = vertical distance between inlet and outlet midpoints (m)Ti = average temperature of indoor air (K), note that 27°C = 300 K.To = average temperature of outdoor air (K)
The thing about natural ventilation is that not only the sizes and positioning of openings of the facade facing predominant wind matter, but also the openings on the other side matter. The vertical distance between the inlets and outlets also need to be taken into account. The author suggests that naturally ventilated buildings should be no wider than 45 feet.
and in this pdf presentation it discusses CFD for natural ventilation and illustrates why it is not easy
http://isites.harvard.edu/fs/docs/icb.topic882838.files/L17.6205Airflow-Modeling_Ibarra.pdf
and in this pdf briefly outlines the approach taken by designbuilder
http://isites.harvard.edu/fs/docs/icb.topic472869.files/DesignBuilder%20Simulation%20Training_HSD.pdf
Lastly a wide spectrum of environmental analysis works by e3lab
http://www.e3lab.org/research
http://www.e3lab.org/green-buildings
If I make progress on a way to tie the three analysis together (radiation, daylight and natural ventilation), I wont forget to post it on this thread.
Thanks.…
nergy plus silulation and this is the error text:
Current document units is in MetersConversion to Meters will be applied = 1.000Duplicate surface name! Name is changed to: Pelle_Sopra_DupDuplicate surface name! Name is changed to: Pelle_Nord_Dup[1 of 8] Writing simulation parameters...[2 of 8] No context surfaces...[3 of 8] Writing geometry...[4 of 8] Writing Electric Load Center - Generator specifications ...[5 of 8] Writing materials and constructions...[6 of 8] Writing schedules...[7 of 8] Writing loads and ideal air system...[8 of 8] Writing outputs......... idf file is successfully written to : C:\Users\Personal\Desktop\TESI\x006\THOR001\EnergyPlus\THOR001.idf
Analysis is running!...C:\Users\Personal\Desktop\TESI\x006\THOR001\EnergyPlus\eplusout.csv......
Done! Read below for errors and warnings:
Program Version,EnergyPlus, Version 8.3.0-6d97d074ea, YMD=2016.01.05 20:08,IDD_Version 8.3.0
************* IDF Context for following error/warning message:
************* Note -- lines truncated at 300 characters, if necessary...
************* 160 ScheduleTypeLimits,
************* indicated Name=ANY NUMBER
************* Only last 2 lines before error line shown.....
************* 161 ANY NUMBER, !- name
************* 162 ScheduleTypeLimits, !-
** Severe ** IP: IDF line~162 Invalid Number in Numeric Field#1 (Lower Limit Value), value=SCHEDULETYPELIMITS, in SCHEDULETYPELIMITS=ANY NUMBER
************* IDF Context for following error/warning message:
************* Note -- lines truncated at 300 characters, if necessary...
************* 258 ScheduleTypeLimits,
************* indicated Name=ANY NUMBER
************* Only last 2 lines before error line shown.....
************* 259 ANY NUMBER, !- name
************* 260 ScheduleTypeLimits, !-
** Severe ** IP: IDF line~260 Invalid Number in Numeric Field#1 (Lower Limit Value), value=SCHEDULETYPELIMITS, in SCHEDULETYPELIMITS=ANY NUMBER
** Warning ** IP: Note -- Some missing fields have been filled with defaults. See the audit output file for details.
** Severe ** IP: Possible incorrect IDD File
** ~~~ ** IDD Version:"IDD_Version 8.3.0"
** ~~~ ** Version in IDF="8.3.0" not the same as expected="8.3"
** ~~~ ** Possible Invalid Numerics or other problems
** Fatal ** IP: Errors occurred on processing IDF file. Preceding condition(s) cause termination.
...Summary of Errors that led to program termination:
..... Reference severe error count=3
..... Last severe error=IP: Possible incorrect IDD File
************* Warning: Node connection errors not checked - most system input has not been read (see previous warning).
************* Fatal error -- final processing. Program exited before simulations began. See previous error messages.
************* EnergyPlus Warmup Error Summary. During Warmup: 0 Warning; 0 Severe Errors.
************* EnergyPlus Sizing Error Summary. During Sizing: 0 Warning; 0 Severe Errors.
************* EnergyPlus Terminated--Fatal Error Detected. 1 Warning; 3 Severe Errors; Elapsed Time=00hr 00min 0.30sec
thanks for any help
Lhor…
os3D + Grasshopper3D + Maya + Advanced Plugins & Demo Toolkits]
// Level
Basic, Intermediate & Advanced
(Previous parametric design knowledge not obligatory - Studio is adaptive to basic & advanced users)
// Agenda
The workshop aims to provide a detailed insight to ‘parametric design’ and embedded logics behind it through a series of design explorations using Rhinoceros & Grasshopper platforms, along with understanding of data-driven design strategies. An insight to Computational Design and its subsets of Parametric Design, Algorithmic Design, Generative Design and Evolutionary Design will be provided through presentations, technical sessions & studio work. Studio work will be focusing on modulation of geometry and iterative form using Parametric Design methods that will lead to explorations of spatial geometries that can be articulated as architectural constructs or abstract artistic interventions. There will be a demonstration of Fluid Form Modelling using Autodesk Maya on Day03.
The 1st batch of workshop in London took place in January 2020 with an exploratory learning output for ~20+ participants that travelled from different parts of the world to be a part of 3-day workshop titled Parametric Modulations. V2.0 is the evolved workshop with new toolkit add-ons for the 2nd batch and demonstrative tools & examples for future use of participants to get a deeper understanding of Computational & Parametric Design.
// Methodology
The 3-day studio / workshop shall focus on inculcating the following aspects as a part of curriculum:
Computational Design Techniques & Parametric Design
Data, Mathematics & Geometry
Geometry Rationalization
Iterative Form Development
Digital simulation of forces
Environmental Analysis (Tool-kits & Example files for future use)
Collaborative Design Exercises to understand application of the learnt tools
Documentation and Presentation
Hands-on Demonstration of Maya (Polygonal Mesh Modelling)
The workshop is suitable for beginners, intermediate as well as advanced users of these tools and very helpful for anyone planning to start their Masters in UK as this 3-day workshop would serve as a bootcamp to kick-start anyone's journey in Computational Design.
…
d the fact that one pipe goes out and one goes in, that the surface normal direction is opposite for the two surfaces? Based on an earlier thread, you should know why by now. The two curves have opposite directions (again!); see the white arrows using Rhino 'Analyze | Direction'?
As before, you can fix that by flipping one curve to match the other. HOWEVER, you connected your curves directly to the 'Divide' components instead of using 'Crv' geometry params - bad form. And as before, you "fixed it" by reversing the list of starting points ('S' input to 'BiArc'). Better like this - 'Crv' params are internalized, no need for Rhino file:
Well, well! That didn't fix the opposite surface normals after all! Trust me, though, using geometry params and being conscious about matching curve directions is "best practice". But I haven't lofted 'BiArc' curves for awhile, it's late and I want to move on. OH! I just noticed that you reversed the 'Z' direction for one half of the 'BiArc' - that explains it:
Moving on... You've basically got it, though I would do it differently - same result, like this:
I haven't really explained surface normal vectors - can you figure it out from here? One more little wrinkle (Normal_2017Mar17b.gh):
…
Added by Joseph Oster at 12:03am on March 18, 2017
ported to Rhino and "set" in Grasshopper, i trim both surfaces from their rectangular bases so that when sDivide is used it creates and distributes the same number of points on each surface.But heres the problems: a) if i use the "trimmed" surfaces with SrfGrid it errors warning: "A point in the grid is null. fitting operation aborted".I'd learned this was caused by "nulls" replacing position Data Items when the rectangular grid(surface base) was trimmed away. So i used Clean Tree which worked removing all nulls, then Shift Paths\Flip Matrix to create line-endpoint pairs for Polyline\Evaluate Curve. I Flattened the last Flip Matrix placing all data items in one source for SrfGrid, like in the working Untrim\CopyTrim definition.This time,.b) SrfGrid errored with: "The UCount value is not valid for this amount of points",.So, i substituted a 356 value, numeric Slider in the Addition B param., and tested its range until a valid UCount was found. Then SrfGrid fitted a surface thru the points, BUT,d) those SrfGrid surfaces are extremely deformed even thought the points preceding it from Evaluate Curve are accurate,SEE: def: "3b-RGH_SurfaceBlend.gh",AND,.a2) if i use Untrim with CopyTrim then SrfGrid works, but since the Jokers limbs WILL be in different surface positions then the blends between the Arm (for example) will rise from its relative FLAT position on the untrimmed Source surface to the Arm on the Target surface, rather than morphing from the Corresponding Arm position on the Source surface,. ..see def.: "4-RGH_SurfaceBlend.gh"So please let me know,..1) how to produce accurate surfaces from SrfGrid in def.: "3b-RGH_SurfaceBlend.gh",. ..(NOTE: BOTH these def's contain 2 indentical, "internalized" surfaces, but if def. 3b can be made to work it will also work with Dis-similar surfaces)2) which component to use or how else to determine the correct UCount value for a specified amount of points(ie:155), re: SrfGrid error: "The UCount value is not valid for this amount of points",.3) how else to force SrfGrid to work with Trimmed surfaces?, AND,..4) how to force intersurface, point-blend correspondence lines: Polylines(PLine) to be connected between correctly! correponding positions (Limbs) on the surfaces?,
Really! appreciate all help, definitions and kind generosity common to this knowledgable membership,
Cheers!,
Jeff…
unity in Ukraine, which is orientated to contemporary architecture.
The results of CANactions will be published in ACC magazine (link), on the web-sites of “Architectural club” (link), AB "ZOTOV&CO" (www.zotov.com.ua),
Theme
Theme of CANactions 2009 is emergent design techniques.
This theme could include following architectural branches as Digital design, sustainable architecture and other sectors, which by the participants’ opinions, could be EMERGENT.???
Any architectural projects made earlier of specially for the CANactions’09 are allowed for submission.
Presentation
All the projects will be submitted in two phases:
Phase 1 – selection of 10-15 participants of CANactions.
Project has to be sent by e-mail to: (__) in PDF (not less then 300 dpi, not more then 10 Mb).
Phase 2 –the CANactions participants prepare 15-20 min presentation of their projects (screen projector, microphone) and materials for the exhibition in House of Architect, Kyiv. The project has to be presented by author. -> exhibition is the first architecture biennale
Presentation requirements: file should be composed in PDF format on A0 sheets, placed horizontal (not more then 1 sheets). This file should contain sufficient amount of the presentation graphic material, including text explanation up to 300 words.
The raster images should have printing definition not less then 300 dpi. It’s recommended to avoid solid black fillings, because the projects will be printed on ink-jet printer.
The presentation requirements could be changed after phase 1 results.
The presentation materials should be made in Ukrainian (or Russian) and English. Verbal part can be presented in any language.
Tarek Naga, Naga Studio, Los Angeles / USA (I can contact him - he will do it for free)
Awards
DIA (Dessau Institute of Architecture), Germany gives a prize: certificate for the education for 1 (2) semesters of Master-program in DIA for students and young architects (up to 30 years) from Ukraine. The decision about the prize winners will be made by selection board.
Guests presentations
- Daniel da Rocha DIA /Germany/ (flights, accommodation?). Theme: (scripting???)
- Aleksandr Kalachev DIA /Riussian Federation/, Tudor Cosmatu DIA /Romania/, Irina Bogdan DIA /Romania/ - "Parametrically Defined Urban Patterns".
- Grygorii Zotov DIA /Ukraine/ - “The Multicultural Columbarium”.
- Armen Menendian /USA/ - "Blending Parametric Methods With Traditional Design:
"The Danish Pavilion at Shanghai EXPO 2010".
Exhibitions
1. Projects of 10 (15) CANactions participants
2. other projects: Zotov+Co
Bollinger+Grohmann - structural eng.
the very many
C-Space Pavillon / alvin huang
ala _ amanda levete studio
anOtherArchitect
student work, Charles Walker, AA Unit Pavillon
Event schedule
Phase 1: 01.07.2009 – start of the CANactions 2009 and beginning of projects submission.
16.08.2009 - dead-line of the project submission of phase 1.
Phase 2: 17.08.2009 – announcement of the CANactions 2009 participants.
30.08.2009 – dead-line of submission of the CANactions 2009 exhibition materials.
14-26.09.2009 – exhibition of the CANactions 2009 projects in House of Architect, Kyiv.
25-26.09.2009 – CANactions 2009.
26.09.2009 - finnissage / announcement of competition winners for DIA study
Contacts: canactions2009@gmail.com…
Added by Grisha Zotov at 6:32am on August 10, 2009
50 and reduced the 'cell size' slider to 0.5. When the 'Azimuth' angle is changed to 180 +- 90 (dawn or dusk), the points are widely dispersed, reducing the density and increasing the number of cells in the "sparse grid". Under these conditions, the number of cells was ~2000 and the Profiler time for 'Boundary' went up to a full minute or more each time 'Altitude' or 'Azimuth' was changed.
So I created this code to benchmark some alternatives and found two interesting things:
'Boundary' surface performance (v.1) is not linear. As the number of surfaces goes from 1000 to 2000, the time per surface goes up dramatically.
I tried three alternatives for creating a rectangular surface at a given point that are all substantially faster: v.2, v.3 and v.4. For 2000 points, v.4 is 150 times faster than v.1 !!!
Performance of v.2, v.3 and v.4 are similar and all scale up very well. To benchmark beyond 2000 points, I recommend disabling the VERY SLOW v.1. At 5000 points the 'Pop2D' component takes ~11.3 seconds but v.3 and v.4 take less than one second to generate 5000 surfaces!
See boundary_2015Nov19a.gh attached.
So I replaced the 'Rectangle' and 'Boundary' components in my sun reflection model with v.4 in focus_2015Nov19b.gh (also attached) and the performance is amazing.
I'm sure someone has mentioned this performance issue with 'Boundary' on the forum before but as with many things, I didn't realize what a major obstacle it can be until I discovered this for myself.…
Added by Joseph Oster at 9:16pm on November 19, 2015
grout lines, a tile surface and tile perimeter poly line). I then use that as a Mesh (from Rhino) in the second definition.
2. I can tile out the mesh surface and rotate all the tiles in 90 deg. increments.
To get what I wanted. I took the Mesh and have copied it in series to make a grid. I can then control the dimensions of the grid. X and Y extents. I can also rotate the tiles around their centers.
The spacing of the grid is set from an edge curve of the tile (or mesh). This sets the size of the squares in the grid themselves.
See definition, images and Rhino 4 File, to give the definitions a shot. I have labeled how to use them.
My question -- how can I randomly rotate squares in my grid? I would like the deg of rotation to be random and also which tiles they are.
Also how might I rotate (every other tile) for example? So that I can control the pattern more?
Thoughts?
Thanks!
…