Modeling Multifamily Projects in Ekotrope

Modeling Multifamily Projects with Ekotrope

Given Ekotrope's ability to model single family homes efficiently, efforts have been made to address the unique modeling needs for multifamily (MF) projects.  MF projects include various Unit-Types across one or more buildings, so having the ability to quickly enter and link the Unit-Types is important. In order to help model the Unit-Types quickly and efficiently in Ekotrope, we recommend modeling them using the process outlined below for creating projects representing Unit-Types and how to link them in order to filter the list to a specific project name.    

The steps include future capabilities in Ekotrope to assist with modeling MF Unit-Types across an entire MF project.

1.  Creating Unit-Types related to a MF project

• Select "New Project" button
• Enter unique name of the Multifamily Project into Community Field (Allows users to filter projects based on Community to view Unit-Types in MF project)
• Enter Unit-Type name, electric rates and project information to set a Unit-Type (This project will represent a unique Unit Type)
• Complete geometry, design and specifications for the Unit-Type the same as with single-family homes
• Select "Copy" button and create remaining Unit-Types based on design and specifications

2.  Sharing Unit-Types with Provider

• Filter projects (Unit-Types) by Community using unique Multifamily Project name
• Select all projects (Unit-Types)
• Select "Batch Actions" and choose "Share with Rater" if you want to share with your Rater
• Select "Batch Actions" and choose "Share with Provider"
• Projects can be unshared. Select "Batch Actions" and choose "Unshare with Provider"

3.  Batch Editing 

• Filter projects (Unit-Types) by Community using unique Multifamily Project name
• Select all projects (Unit-Types)

• Select "Batch Actions" and choose "Modify Projects"

• Enter the desired changes for all selected projects. Ekotrope currently supports batch modifications to the project info, building envelope, infiltration rate, onsite generation and dehumidifiers

• If other modifications are required, select "Request a custom batch modification" and describe the changes. This emails Ekotrope support team to modify the selected projects. See point 4 "Modeling Mechanical Equipment" for modeling guidance in multifamily projects  

• All projects can be rotated to worst-case orientation. Select "Batch Actions", choose "Set to Worst Case Orientation"
  
  

4.  Modeling Mechanical Equipment

• How to model central mechanical equipment and appliances

• How to model shared multifamily mechanical ventilation systems

• How to model shared boilers with water loop heat pumps

• How to model shared chillers and cooling towers with water loop heat pumps

5.  Creating Reports for Projected Ratings/Permitting

• Filter projects (Unit-Types) by Community using unique Multifamily Project name
• Select all projects (Unit-Types)
• Select "Batch Actions" and choose "Batch Export CSV"  (Emails spreadsheet with design and results)
• Select "Batch Actions" and choose "Projected Reports"  (View and print reports for client). Here is a more detailed guidance on printing reports in batch 

6.  Batch editing Inspection Sync files

• Inspection Sync files - select "Batch Actions", choose "Upload Inspection Sync Json". Choose the inspection files to be uploaded. Here is more guidance on using Inspection Sync

7.  Confirmed Ratings - Submit for QA

• Filter projects (Unit-Types) by Community using unique Multifamily Project name
• Select all projects (Unit-Types)
• Select "Batch Actions" and choose "Submit for QA"  (Alerts Provider that Units have been final tested and ready for QA)
• Projects can be unsubmitted for QA. Select "Batch Actions" and choose "Unsubmit to QA"

8.  Confirmed Ratings - Upload to RESNET Registry

• Filter projects (Unit-Types) by Community using unique Multifamily Project name
• Select all projects (Unit-Types)
• Select "Batch Actions" and choose "Register with RESNET"  (Uploads all Unit-Types to RESNET Registry)

9.  Confirmed Ratings - Reporting

• Filter projects (Unit-Types) by Community using unique Multifamily Project name
• Select all projects (Unit-Types)
• Select "Batch Actions" and choose "Final Reports" (Select required reports necessary). Here is a more detailed guidance on printing reports in batch
• Select "Batch Actions" and choose "Batch Export CSV" (Emails batch results on Unit-Types)
• Select "Batch Actions" and choose "Submit to XX Utility Program"  (Submit Unit-Types to XX Utility Programs that Ekotrope supports)