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EVENTS | ASHRAE CONFERENCE Transferred to building energy model A best case representation BIM representation Common error using internal layer of exterior wall as room boundary Figure 2: Examples of two common issues with translation from BIM output of a simple room to a building energy model, as illustrated in RP-1810 test cases Common error taking external layer of exterior wall as room boundary as boilers, effectively firewalled elements of control that could not be overridden by remote connections such as a flame failure device to block inappropriate access. Similar techniques are used to limit the level, or granularity, of data that can be downloaded from a device unless it is being accessed locally. Where the device itself does not include such facilities for example, in low-cost, ubiquitous sensors they should be connected through a gateway device that is specifically protected, such as through a digital firewall. Villaume concluded that building operators must be aware of the potential for cybersecurity risk by knowing how the items in the facility interact with the building. They should know if a device must be connected to the outside networks to function properly and understand if devices have built-in protection, or if additional protection is required external to the device. information from BIM to BEM software tools that include geometry misrepresentation and information deficiencies, as illustrated in Figure 2. In the same seminar, Weili Xu, of BuildSimHub, reported on the importance of the accessible web-based software tool for simple data validation and basic model checking that had been developed as part of the project. He introduced the different types of validation test cases that are required to successfully streamline the flow of building information from BIM to building analysis software tools. The project has initially developed 19 test-case documents, which have been chosen to represent areas that have proved challenging in the BIM to BEM transfer process, such as: atria; rooms inside rooms; concave-shaped zones; and window frames. These have been developed as a set of tests that assess the ability to create well-formed gbXML, an open schema developed to facilitate transfer of building data stored in building information models to engineering analysis tools. Software designers can use the test cases to create gbXML files that will then be uploaded to the web-based validator to provide feedback on the validity of the files. The current set of cases and more detailed information are available to view at data.ashrae.org/1810rp. Virtually interesting There were several sessions at the conference that encompassed personal communications skills, including a lively discussion chaired by ASHRAE Communications Committee vice-chair Karine LeBlanc. This virtual meet up discussed how to keep virtual meetings engaging, explored different ways to present, and considered how to minimise Zoom fatigue and maintain networking when working in a virtual environment. As well as providing some helpful practical examples during the session, LeBlanc highlighted a useful document, freely downloadable from the ASHRAE website, which provides guidance for holding virtual meetings. Although it is written to support ASHRAE meetings, it contains an excellent general resource for hosting any virtual meeting. The 20-page PDF document is available from bit.ly/CJSep21TD3 and gives an example of how free dissemination of information can make a significant contribution to the presidential aim of feeding the roots. CJ Continuing his theme of outreach, ASHRAE President Mick Schwedler recently participated in a CIBSE #WeChampion webinar on presentation skills, where he spoke on Present to win visit bit.ly/CJSep21TD4 Improving software interoperability The recently completed ASHRAE research project RP-1810 Development of reference building information model (BIM) test cases for improving usage of software interoperability schemas provided the basis for the three presentations of seminar 15. This research project has developed a series of standardised cases for testing the output from BIM software to ensure that data can then be appropriately used by building energy modelling (BEM) software. Stephen Roth, of Carmel Software, referred to the output of a recent survey of, predominantly US-based consulting engineers, energy modellers and researchers (undertaken by IBPSA-USA see bit.ly/CJSep21TD1), which showed that the transfer of information from BIM to BEM was considered to be the workflow task that could do with most improvement (see Figure 1). Roth focused on the issues involved with flow of Outgoing ASHRAE president Chuck Gulledge ASHRAE President 2021-22 Mick Schwedler 30 September 2021 www.cibsejournal.com CIBSE Sep 21 pp28-30 Ashrae conference.indd 30 27/08/2021 15:43