Learn TRNSYS from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Learn how to simulate the performance of renewable energy systems using trnsys 18
Use the trnsys simulation studio more effectively with tips & tricks
Critically analyse your simulation results

Model buildings using google sketchup trnsys 3d plugin, and the trnbuild interface
Learn how to implement control strategies, import weather data, validate your model, and much more!
Automate your trnsys simulations through simple vba code in excel

Learn how to simulate the performance of renewable energy systems using trnsys 18
Use the trnsys simulation studio more effectively with tips & tricks
Critically analyse your simulation results
Model buildings using google sketchup trnsys 3d plugin, and the trnbuild interface
Learn how to implement control strategies, import weather data, validate your model, and much more!
Automate your trnsys simulations through simple vba code in excel

Syllabus

Learn how to use the Simulation Studio user interface, including tips and tricks.

Welcome to the Learn TRNSYS complete course!

The TRNSYS Concept

Course overview

Purchasing TRNSYS software and extension libraries

Simulation Studio basics

Component Libraries

Running the first simulation

Building a solar hot water system from scratch

Adding weather data

Connecting weather data to the solar collector

Adding a pump

Replacing the single speed pump with a variable speed

Controlling the pump with a forcing function

Exercise: variable flow rate

Weekday and weekend forcing function sequences

Creating a macro

Customising link appearance

Adding an outlet pipe

Please note there is a mistake in the equation for U, it should read: Ln(Do/Di), rather than Ln(Di/Do).

Intro to Equations

Variable Pump Flow

Important note: in some versions of TRNSYS, this tank type can be found in the 'Obsolete' folder

Analysing output from the tank

Adding the hot water load profile

Adding the tempering valve

Setting up the tempering valve and flow mixer

Adding a differential controller

Building a solar water heater from scratch

You will learn how to set up printers, integrators, and simulation summaries with energy balances

Calculating the daily collector efficiency

Exercise: monthly integration

Calculating the minimum temperature delivery to the load

Mean collector temperature

Setting up a simulation summary

Setting up an energy balance check

Tidying up using layers

Generating Output

How to model a simple, single-zone building and implement temperature level controls with basic heating & cooling devices.

Investigating a simple single zone building model

Studying the single zone model documentation

Calculating the infiltration rate

Applying internal gains to the building with an occupancy schedule

Calculating heating & cooling loads

Single zone office building in London

Multizone Building Modelling with TRNSYS 3D

Google Sketchup

TRNSYS 3D is now included in the folder C:\TRNSYS18\Tools\T3d_setup.exe

Run this program, then restart Google Sketchup.

Sketching the first building zone

Sketching the second zone and matching adjacent surfaces

Adding an overlapping second floor

Drawing windows

Importing the building model to Simulation Studio

Introduction to TRNBuild

Creating new building materials

Modifying a construction type

Changing the horizontal roof construction

Adding a variable infiltration rate

Air coupling between zones

Adding an occupany schedule and gains

Updating the geometry of the building

Changing the type of windows

Outputting information from TRNBuild

Heating & Cooling Loads using TRNBuild

Multizone Building with TRNSYS 3D

Learn how to model different HVAC devices connected with the building for temperature control of zones, and how to setup controllers and implement complex control strategies.

Heating & cooling the building using basic HVAC devices

Exercise: using differential controllers instead of the room thermostat

Five stage room thermostat

Modelling an air-source heat pump

Control strategy for a heat pump

Testing the control strategy

Modelling a building-integrated photo-voltaic/thermal collector

Modelling & Controlling a Thermal Storage (Trombe) Wall

Learn how to validate your model by comparing results with real measured weather data. We will go over connecting customised weather data with a building model.

Please download these resources for help with this section!

Processing radiation data for a range of surface orientations

Setting the radiation processor parameters

Calculating the shift in solar time

Comparing the measured & simulated data on the plotter

Calculating the relative error between measured & simulated data

How to write a simple Excel VBA macro to automate the running of multiple TRNSYS simulations - useful for parametric analyses or sensitivity studies.

Introduction to Parametric Analysis

Preparing a solar hot water system model for parametric analysis

Setting up the Excel Workbook

Creating the VBA Macro - reading in information from the spreadsheet

For Loops, and planning the macro script

Read the text from the template deck file

Replace parameter values into the template deck

Write the new deck file

Running the TRNSYS simulation from the command shell

Count the number of TRNSYS simulations running

Importing results to Excel

Extra tips with VBA

Multi-system analysis

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a strong foundation for students interested in modeling thermal systems

Develops expertise in the TRNSYS software, which is widely used in industry for modeling energy systems

Taught by Alastair McDowell, an expert in TRNSYS from EnergyAE Australia, the official TRNSYS distributor

Covers a wide range of topics, from basic concepts to advanced modeling techniques, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced users

Includes hands-on practice and assignment projects to reinforce learning and provide opportunities for students to apply their skills

Provides tips and tricks for using the TRNSYS Simulation Studio more effectively, which can save time and improve productivity

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Learn TRNSYS with these activities:

Review Time Series Decomposition

Show steps

Refreshes the skill of time series decomposition to improve comprehension of how to simulate the performance of renewable energy systems

Browse courses on Time Series Decomposition

Show steps

Review the concept of time series decomposition into trend, seasonality, and residuals
Practice decomposing time series data using a moving average or exponential smoothing

Review principles of thermodynamics

Show steps

Strengthens foundational knowledge of thermodynamics to better understand the behavior of energy systems

Browse courses on Thermodynamics

Show steps

Review the laws of thermodynamics
Practice applying thermodynamic principles to energy systems

Develop a technical report on a TRNSYS simulation

Show steps

Enhances communication and documentation skills while reinforcing understanding of TRNSYS modeling

Browse courses on Technical Report Writing

Show steps

Organize the simulation results and findings
Write the technical report following scientific writing conventions
Proofread and edit the report for clarity and accuracy

Show all three activities

Career center

Learners who complete Learn TRNSYS will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Energy Modeler

An Energy Modeler develops and uses computer models to simulate the performance of energy systems. The 'Learn TRNSYS' course provides a comprehensive introduction to TRNSYS, a leading software package for energy modeling. The course covers topics such as building modeling, HVAC system modeling, and renewable energy integration, which are all essential for Energy Modelers. The course also provides hands-on experience with TRNSYS, which can be valuable for Energy Modelers entering the job market.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Modeler

Building Energy Analyst

A Building Energy Analyst evaluates the energy performance of buildings and identifies opportunities for improvement. The 'Learn TRNSYS' course can help Building Energy Analysts develop the skills needed to use TRNSYS to model and simulate the energy performance of buildings. The course covers topics such as building modeling, HVAC system modeling, and renewable energy integration, which are all essential for Building Energy Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Building Energy Analyst

Researcher

A Researcher conducts original research in a specific field, often using computer models and simulations. The 'Learn TRNSYS' course can provide a solid foundation for Researchers who want to specialize in the field of energy research. TRNSYS is a powerful tool for simulating the performance of energy systems and conducting research on energy-related topics. The course provides hands-on experience with TRNSYS, which can be valuable for Researchers entering the job market.

See salaries and explore the career path for Researcher

Energy Engineer

An Energy Engineer designs, develops, and implements solutions to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, systems, and processes. The 'Learn TRNSYS' course can provide a solid foundation for this career by teaching the fundamentals of energy modeling and simulation. Energy Engineers use simulation software like TRNSYS to evaluate the performance of energy systems and identify opportunities for improvement. The course's focus on renewable energy systems, such as solar hot water and photovoltaic/thermal collectors, is particularly relevant to the field of Energy Engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Engineer

Sustainability Manager

A Sustainability Manager develops and implements sustainability initiatives for organizations, including those related to energy efficiency and renewable energy. The 'Learn TRNSYS' course can be useful for Sustainability Managers who want to develop their skills in energy modeling and simulation. TRNSYS is a powerful tool for evaluating the performance of energy systems and identifying opportunities for improvement. The course provides hands-on experience with TRNSYS, which can be valuable for Sustainability Managers entering the job market.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Energy Consultant

An Energy Consultant provides advice and guidance to clients on how to improve their energy efficiency and reduce their energy costs. The 'Learn TRNSYS' course can be useful for Energy Consultants who want to develop their skills in energy modeling and simulation. TRNSYS is a powerful tool for evaluating the performance of energy systems and identifying opportunities for improvement. The course provides hands-on experience with TRNSYS, which can be valuable for Energy Consultants entering the job market.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Consultant

Environmental Engineer

An Environmental Engineer designs and implements solutions to environmental problems, including those related to energy production and consumption. The 'Learn TRNSYS' course may be useful for Environmental Engineers who want to specialize in the field of energy engineering. TRNSYS is a powerful tool for simulating the performance of energy systems and identifying opportunities for improvement. The course provides hands-on experience with TRNSYS, which can be valuable for Environmental Engineers entering the job market.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Policy Analyst

A Policy Analyst researches and analyzes public policy issues, including those related to energy and sustainability. The 'Learn TRNSYS' course may be useful for Policy Analysts who want to develop their skills in energy modeling and simulation. TRNSYS is a powerful tool for evaluating the performance of energy systems and identifying opportunities for improvement. The course provides hands-on experience with TRNSYS, which can be valuable for Policy Analysts entering the job market.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Systems Analyst

A Systems Analyst analyzes and designs systems, including those related to energy and sustainability. The 'Learn TRNSYS' course may be useful for Systems Analysts who want to develop their skills in energy modeling and simulation. TRNSYS is a powerful tool for evaluating the performance of energy systems and identifying opportunities for improvement. The course provides hands-on experience with TRNSYS, which can be valuable for Systems Analysts entering the job market.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets data to identify trends and patterns. The 'Learn TRNSYS' course may be useful for Data Analysts who want to specialize in the field of energy data analysis. TRNSYS is a powerful tool for simulating the performance of energy systems and generating large amounts of data. The course provides hands-on experience with TRNSYS, which can be valuable for Data Analysts entering the job market.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Project Manager

A Project Manager plans, organizes, and executes projects, including those related to energy and sustainability. The 'Learn TRNSYS' course may be useful for Project Managers who want to develop their skills in energy modeling and simulation. TRNSYS is a powerful tool for evaluating the performance of energy systems and identifying opportunities for improvement. The course provides hands-on experience with TRNSYS, which can be valuable for Project Managers entering the job market.

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Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. The 'Learn TRNSYS' course may be useful for Software Engineers who want to specialize in the field of energy software development. TRNSYS is a powerful software package for energy modeling and simulation. The course provides hands-on experience with TRNSYS, which can be valuable for Software Engineers entering the job market.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

A Mechanical Engineer designs, builds, and tests mechanical systems, including those related to energy production and distribution. Taking the 'Learn TRNSYS' course may be useful for Mechanical Engineers who want to specialize in the design and analysis of energy systems. TRNSYS is a powerful tool for simulating the performance of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, as well as renewable energy systems. The course provides hands-on experience with TRNSYS, which can be valuable for Mechanical Engineers entering the job market.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Educator

An Educator teaches students at the primary, secondary, or post-secondary level. The 'Learn TRNSYS' course may be useful for Educators who want to incorporate energy modeling and simulation into their teaching. TRNSYS is a powerful tool for simulating the performance of energy systems and demonstrating energy concepts to students. The course provides hands-on experience with TRNSYS, which can be valuable for Educators entering the job market.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates and maintains technical documentation, including that related to energy and sustainability. The 'Learn TRNSYS' course may be useful for Technical Writers who want to develop their skills in energy modeling and simulation. TRNSYS is a powerful tool for evaluating the performance of energy systems and generating technical documentation. The course provides hands-on experience with TRNSYS, which can be valuable for Technical Writers entering the job market.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer