The following is an outline of the knowledge and practical skills required at each achievement level in the area of thermal analysis and design.
Achieving a level requires passing the assessment for that level. Assessment can be undertaken for free on the Square One website or at one of many accredited training centres around the world. Each level must be passed consecutively - it is not possible to achieve Level 2 without having first successfully achieved Level 1.
Level 1 (Understanding) - View
At this level users should be able to access an analysis model and extract the basic information they need without having to go through another user. This typically means understanding what metrics are referenced and how to display them in a visual or tabulated form, as well as being able to extract the images and/or tables required for use in other documentation or drawings.
Knowledge
- Understand basic heat flow concepts.
Read More... - Understand the core heat flow pathways in buildings.
Read More... - Understand human thermal comfort and the factors that govern it.
Read More... - Understand thermal insulation and its use in buildings.
Read More... - Understand thermal mass and its appropriate application.
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Practical Skills
- Able to display internal temperatures for a thermal zone.
Read More - Able to display heat losses and gains for a thermal zone.
Read More... - Able to display heating and cooling demands for thermal zones in a model.
Read More... - Able to export tabulated thermal data in a range of different formats.
Read More... - Able to copy images of results graphs to another application.
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Level 2 (Capability) - View & Assist
Level 2 users should be able - under supervision - to carry out most of the basic tasks such as creating and editing building models suitable for this kind of analysis, undertaking most of the simpler calculations and formatting results appropriate to the specific needs of each project.
Knowledge
- Know how to generate a zonal model for thermal analysis.
Read More... - Understand the various zone settings that affect thermal performance.
Read More... - Know the difference between ventilation and infiltration.
Read More... - Know what operation schedules are and how they are used.
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Practical Skills
- Able to generate a simple thermal model suitable for analysis.
Read More... - Able to apply realistic settings to each thermal zone in a model.
Read More... - Able to create an operational schedule and assign it to objects/zones.
Read More... - Able to isolate individual components of the thermal loads on any zone.
Read More... - Able to calculate a passive gains breakdown for a thermal model.
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Level 3 (Proficiency) - View, Assist & Produce
Level 3 users should have basic proficiency, being able to independently build models suitable this type of analysis, undertake those analysis and produce the results and/or other deliverables required for any project.
Knowledge
- Know how radiant temperatures affect thermal comfort perception.
Read More... - Know the difference between air temperature and environment temperature.
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Practical Skills
- Able to add an appliance and set its outputs and operation.
Read More... - Able to display dynamic spatial comfort over an analysis grid.
Read More... - Able to define the heat flow for a surface and see its radiant effect.
Read More... - Able to export to EnergyPlus and generate a standard report.
Read More... - Able to track down simple modelling errors that affect EnergyPlus exports.
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Level 4 (Expertise) - View, Assist, Produce & Manage
Level 4 users require real expertise, able to determine the types of analysis required to solve specific design problems, devise the work flows and schedules required to undertake them and effectively manage and supervise the whole process to ensure the timeliness and quality of all deliverables.
Knowledge
- <<More here>>
Practical Skills
- Able to calculate values for any variable in EnergyPlus.
Read More... - Able to create and edit complex EnergyPlus materials.
Read More... - Able to use scripts to control dynamic overshadowing situations.
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Level 5 (Innovation) - "Break New Ground"
To reach Level 5, users must demonstrate real innovation in the application of thermal analysis within a design project. There is no direct assessment for this level, instead individuals or firms are required to submit a short article for review by the Natural Frequency editorial board that describes a specific project and details the innovative application of thermal analysis and design.