How to Run URBANopt Output Models in Alfalfa

This section describes the process of running OpenStudio Models created using URBANopt in Alfalfa. It also enables setting up actuators to the corresponding EnergyPlus models and receiving sensor values from the Alfalfa simulation to implement control strategies.

This workflow can be accessed using the urbanopt_to_alfalfa script found here.

Prior to running the script, Alfalfa Client must be installed as described in How to Install Alfalfa Client. The Alfalfa host client url must also be defined.

The script can take OpenStudio models and the weather file from an URBANopt simulation and generate the OpenStudio model setup required for Alfalfa. This OpenStudio model setup consists of the following folders:

• measures folder : This contains OpenStudio measures that are to be run in Alfalfa. Each OpenStudio measure has a measure folder containing the measure.rb and measure.xml file.

• models folder : This stores the OpenStudio model that is copied over from the URBANopt run and is uploaded to Alfalfa.

• weather folder : This contains the .epw weather file that is used in the URBANopt simulation.

• workflow.osw file : The OpenStudio workflow file is used as a model input for OpenStudio, and follows a standard structure as described in Required Structure of OpenStudio Workflow. The script generates this workflow file and adds folder paths as specified by the user. The following values are added by the user to define the folder paths:

  • uo_folder : URBANopt Scenario Directory
  • weather: Weather file name used in the URBANopt project
  • workflow: OpenStudio workflow file name