BEMP study plan
BEMP · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Energy Modeling Fundamentals and Theory
Define the four modeling approaches (forward/simulation, inverse/data-driven, calibrated, hybrid) and state one valid use case for each
Derive and apply steady-state and transient conduction equations for a multilayered wall to compute U-factor and time lag
Solve 6 psychrometric problems by hand (mixed-air state, coil ADP, room sensible heat ratio) without software
Diagram the zone heat-balance concept, labeling surface, convective, radiative, and infiltration terms
Your checkpoint
Two-page handwritten formula and concept sheet covering conduction, convection, radiation, and psychrometrics, plus 10 fully worked numerical problems with units checked
Energy Modeling Fundamentals and Theory & Model Creation and Simulation
Compare radiant-time-series, heat-balance, and heat-balance/radiant-difference load calculation methods, listing assumptions and output differences
Trace how a simulation timestep and convergence tolerance affect reported peak load and unmet hours
Distinguish design load calculation from annual energy simulation, and list three inputs that legitimately differ between them
Build a forward model of a single zone by hand (one day, hourly) and compare results to a tool run of the same zone
Your checkpoint
A comparison table plus a written narrative explaining deviations of more than 10% between the hand calculation and the tool output
Model Creation and Simulation
Construct thermal zoning for a two-story mixed-use building and justify each zone boundary with an explicit criterion
Input envelope assemblies, including layer-by-layer constructions with correct absorptance, roughness, and thermal mass
Define internal loads and schedules for occupancy, lighting, and plug loads consistent with a stated building type and standard
Specify infiltration and outside-air intake values and document the source for each assumption
Your checkpoint
A complete, runnable model of a 1,000 m2 (roughly 10,000 ft2) office with an input register listing every value, its source, and its units
Model Creation and Simulation
Configure an air-side HVAC system (single-duct VAV with reheat) including fan curves, coil performance, and control sequences
Set up plant equipment and loops, and confirm flow and capacity autosizing results against a hand-calculated check
Execute a one-year simulation and diagnose three common failure modes (non-convergence, zero-flow loops, schedule gaps)
Assemble a baseline-versus-proposed run pair and verify only intended inputs differ
Your checkpoint
A simulated annual run with a convergence log and a delta table proving the two runs differ only in the intended parameters
Results Analysis and Interpretation
Compute NMBE and CV(RMSE) from 12 months of utility data against modeled output and interpret the result against the accepted calibration thresholds
Break down annual results by end use and explain each of the five largest contributors to total energy
Evaluate unmet load hours and zone-level comfort metrics, and distinguish a model defect from a design deficiency
Rank the top five input parameters by sensitivity using a one-at-a-time perturbation of plus or minus 20%
Your checkpoint
A calibration report with monthly comparison chart data, NMBE and CV(RMSE) values, a list of adjustments made, and a written conclusion on model acceptability
Modeling Project Management, Documentation, and Quality Assurance
Write a basis-of-design scope statement that fixes model intent, level of detail, accuracy targets, and exclusions
Build a pre-run QA checklist covering geometry sanity checks, load and schedule reasonableness, and unit consistency
Establish a file naming, versioning, and change-log convention and apply it retroactively to the week-3 model
Draft a peer-review protocol with at least 10 review items and a named reviewer role for each
Your checkpoint
A reusable QA and documentation package: basis-of-design template, checklist, change log, and review protocol, each applied once to an existing model
Energy Modeling Fundamentals and Theory & Model Creation and Simulation & Results Analysis and Interpretation & Modeling Project Management, Documentation, and Quality Assurance
Complete 60 timed practice questions distributed across all four domains and record accuracy by domain
Re-teach the two weakest topics from memory in a five-minute recorded or written explanation without notes
Produce a baseline model per a code-compliance appendix and list the required baseline-versus-proposed changes
Review every missed question and write the underlying rule or concept it tested
Your checkpoint
A scored practice set with a per-domain accuracy table and a written corrective-action list for every domain below 70%
Results Analysis and Interpretation & Modeling Project Management, Documentation, and Quality Assurance
Complete one full-length timed mock exam under exam conditions and score it by domain
Rework every incorrect item to a correct final answer with a one-line justification
Consolidate the four formula sheets into a single one-page recall sheet for last-minute review
Confirm exam logistics and rehearse the time-allocation plan for each section
Your checkpoint
A final score report with domain breakdown, a resolved error log, and a one-page recall sheet
Milestones
Week 2: Can solve a mixed-air psychrometric problem and a layered-wall U-factor problem unaided in under 8 minutes each; hand-built single-zone model agrees with the tool within 15%
Week 4: The office model runs a full year to convergence and its autosized peak load is within 20% of the hand-calculated check value
Week 6: Calibration metrics computed and interpreted, and the QA package applied end-to-end to one existing model with all checklist items marked
Week 8: Mock exam score at or above 75% overall with no domain below 65%, and every missed item logged with a corrective note