University of Idaho · Integrated Design Lab

EnergyPlus Fan Energy Calculator

Determine the three supply-fan inputs EnergyPlus needs — total efficiency, delta pressure (Pa), and motor efficiency — from ASHRAE 90.1-2007 Appendix G equations (baseline systems) or equipment specifications (proposed systems).

Pick a workflow, enter what you know, and the inputs update live. Baseline calculations begin after an EnergyPlus sizing run; proposed calculations come straight off the fan-coil schedule. Reference tables are at the bottom of the page.

1
Select your baseline system
Choose the Appendix G baseline system for your building. Not sure which applies? Pick by building type instead.
Building typeFossil fuel / hybrid / purchased heatElectric & other
Residential
Nonresidential, ≤3 floors and <25,000 ft²
Nonresidential, 4–5 floors and <25,000 ft², or ≤5 floors and 25,000–150,000 ft²
Nonresidential, >5 floors or >150,000 ft²
2
Enter the design supply airflow
Run an EnergyPlus sizing run first, then read the “Maximum Air Flow Rate” from the Fan section of the output. Enter it in either unit.
3
Pressure-drop adjustment A
From Table 6.5.3.1.1B. Sum any applicable credits/deductions. Use 0 to be conservative (baseline default).
DeviceAdjustment
Credits
Fully ducted return and/or exhaust air systems0.5 in. w.c.
Return and/or exhaust airflow control devices0.5 in. w.c.
Exhaust filters, scrubbers, or other exhaust treatmentDevice ΔP at design condition
Particulate filtration: MERV 9–120.5 in. w.c.
Particulate filtration: MERV 13–150.9 in. w.c.
Particulate filtration: MERV 16+ / electronically enhanced2× clean-filter ΔP at design
Carbon / gas-phase air cleanersClean-filter ΔP at design
Heat-recovery deviceDevice ΔP at design
Evaporative humidifier/cooler in series with cooling coilDevice ΔP at design
Sound attenuation section0.15 in. w.c.
Deductions
Fume-hood exhaust exception (per 6.5.3.1.1 Exception [c])−1.0 in. w.c.
4
Motor efficiency
Per Appendix G, use the next motor size greater than the brake horsepower in the Enclosed / 1800 RPM column of Table 10.8. The suggested motor is selected automatically; override it if your design differs.
Auto-filled from Table 10.8 · editable
5
Assumed total efficiency
EnergyPlus fan power depends only on the ΔP-to-efficiency ratio, so total efficiency is fixed at 70 % per the baseline method (G3.1.2.9). This value is locked — the resulting delta pressure carries the calibration.

EnergyPlus inputs SYSTEM

Select a system and enter the design airflow to see your EnergyPlus inputs.

QA/QC — verify against a completed baseline simulation

After running the baseline simulation, enter the values from the Fan section of the output table. Relationships should agree within 5 %.

Reference tables

ASHRAE 90.1-2007 Appendix G — Tables G3.1.1B, 6.5.3.1.1B, and 10.8.