Use this skill when working with OpenStudio 3.10 .osm models to adjust HVAC systems, equipment, thermal zones, schedules, or constructions, then run simulations to validate changes. Handles applying existing measures, running CLI simulations, and saving versioned model files. Delegates to diagnosing-energy-models for simulation failures and writing-openstudio-model-measures for custom measure creation. Includes BCL measure search and download.

Running OpenStudio Models

This skill helps you work with OpenStudio 3.10 .osm models to modify building systems, apply measures, and run simulations. It focuses on practical model adjustments and validation runs using the OpenStudio CLI.

Critical Corrections

The Deliverable Is a Working .osm That Opens and Runs in OpenStudio Application

Every model modification session MUST produce an .osm file that the user can open in the OpenStudio Application and run successfully. No exceptions. No workarounds.

This means:

No Python/IDF-only fixes. If a fix only works via post-translation IDF editing (_fix_idf_and_run.py, manual IDF patching), it is NOT complete. The fix must be in the .osm itself.
No CLI-only workflows. The CLI is useful for fast iteration during debugging, but the final deliverable must run from the OS App GUI.
Test in the OS App before declaring success. A model that runs via openstudio.exe run --workflow but crashes in the OS App is a broken deliverable.

Common issues that break OS App runs but not CLI:

Empty Supply Air Fan Operating Mode Schedule Name on UnitarySystem (E+ 25.1.0 is stricter)
Autosized coils that fail when plant loop sizing changes (hard-code UA/capacity in the .osm)
CW/HW supply branch ordering (fix OS:Connector:Splitter / OS:Connector:Mixer in the .osm, don't rely on IDF reordering scripts)
OpenStudioResults measure crashes from Windows MAX_PATH (remove from Measures tab)

The user works in OpenStudio Application. That is the environment. Everything we produce must work there.

(Learned: 2026-02-25)

OS:ThermalZone Volume Must Be Set (Not Just OS:Space)

When hard-coding zone volume to bypass EnergyPlus enclosure calculation failures, you must set Volume, Ceiling Height, and Floor Area on the OS:ThermalZone object — not just the OS:Space. The OpenStudio forward translator maps OS:ThermalZone → EnergyPlus Zone. Setting these fields on OS:Space alone will NOT propagate to the IDF Zone object; the EnergyPlus simulation will still fail with the enclosure severe error.

Always set on both objects:

OS:Space — Volume {m3}, Ceiling Height {m}, Floor Area {m2}
OS:ThermalZone — Ceiling Height {m}, Volume {m3}, Floor Area {m2}

(Learned: 2026-02-17)

Generalize Session Scripts into Reusable Tools

When a Node.js or Python script is written during a session to fix a model problem (e.g., vertex winding reversal, volume hard-coding, bulk thermostat assignment), generalize it into a callable tool saved in the skill's tools/ directory. Future sessions with the same class of problem should invoke the existing tool rather than writing a new one-off script.

Pattern: Session script → extract reusable logic → save as tools/<descriptive-name>.mjs → document arguments and usage in this skill.

Check tools/ directory before writing new scripts — the solution may already exist.

(Learned: 2026-02-17)

WaterHeater:HeatPump — HP Compressor Will Be Silently Disabled If Setpoints Are Shared

When creating OS:WaterHeater:HeatPump objects wrapping an OS:WaterHeater:Mixed, the HP compressor and backup element MUST have separate setpoint schedules. If both reference the same schedule, the backup element's dead band fires first and EnergyPlus permanently disables the HP compressor with a warning:

WaterHeater:HeatPump:PumpedCondenser "...": Water heater tank set point temperature is greater than or equal to the cut-in temperature of the heat pump water heater. Heat Pump will be disabled.

This means ALL DHW energy comes from the resistance backup at COP 1.0. The HP compressor never runs. This warning is easy to miss in large .err files.

Correct HPWH configuration:

OS:WaterHeater:HeatPump — Compressor Setpoint Schedule = 60°C (primary heater), Dead Band = 0.5°C, Control = MutuallyExclusive
OS:WaterHeater:Mixed — Setpoint Schedule = 50°C (emergency backup only), Dead Band = 2°C

The HP fires at 59.5°C (primary), the backup only fires at 48°C (extreme draw events). Always check eplusout.err for "Heat Pump will be disabled" after any HPWH model run.

Also applies to performance curves: The capacity and COP biquadratic curves must evaluate to 1.0 at rated conditions. If coefficient1 (constant term) is ~0.37, that does NOT mean the curve evaluates to 0.37 — evaluate the full 6-term biquadratic at (rated_air_WB, rated_condenser_water_T) before diagnosing. Normalize by dividing all coefficients by the evaluation value.

(Learned: 2026-02-27)

measure.xml Format for OpenStudio 3.10

The <measure> root element must NOT have an XML namespace attribute. It MUST include <outputs /> and <provenances /> between <arguments> and <tags>. Missing these causes openstudio.exe measure --update to fail with:

Element 'tags': This element is not expected. Expected is ( outputs ).

Correct structure:

<measure>
  ...
  <arguments>...</arguments>
  <outputs />
  <provenances />
  <tags>...</tags>
  <files>...</files>
</measure>

(Learned: 2026-02-18)

OpenStudioResults Measure Fails on Windows Long Paths

Copying the OpenStudioResults reporting measure to a new working directory will break due to Windows MAX_PATH on resource filenames like Siz.CoilCoolingWaterToAirHeatPumpVariableSpeedEquationFitSpeedData.rb. The measure will fail to load at runtime with LoadError: cannot load such file.

Fix: Skip OpenStudioResults entirely. Query eplusout.sql directly via Python + sqlite3 using extract-simulation-results.py or compare-simulation-runs.py from the tools/ directory.

(Learned: 2026-02-18)

PowerShell for File Operations with Spaces in Paths

Bash shell on Windows cannot reliably handle paths with spaces (e.g., DD Geometry AL) even with proper quoting. Write .ps1 scripts and run with:

powershell -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File script.ps1

Never pass $variables inline via powershell -Command from bash — they get eaten by bash's own variable expansion. Always use -File with a .ps1 script.

(Learned: 2026-02-18)

EnergyPlus Unmet Hours SQL Table Structure

The table name is Time Setpoint Not Met (not "During Occupied"). The occupied vs total distinction is in the column name: During Occupied Heating vs During Heating. Always explore table and column names with a diagnostic query before writing extraction logic:

SELECT DISTINCT TableName, ColumnName FROM TabularDataWithStrings
WHERE ReportName = 'SystemSummary' AND TableName LIKE '%Setpoint%'

(Learned: 2026-02-18)

Always Re-Run Baseline for Ground Truth

Design doc values from prior sessions may not match a fresh simulation. For example, fan energy was cited as 2,365 GJ but a fresh v9 run produced 1,992 GJ (the 2,365 was from an earlier model version). Always re-run the seed model with an empty-steps workflow to get actual baseline numbers before comparing against a modified run.

(Learned: 2026-02-18)

Best Practices

Python 3.12 Explicit Path on This System

The default python command may point to a missing Python 3.13 installation. Use the explicit path:

C:/Users/mcoalson/AppData/Local/Programs/Python/Python312/python.exe

This is also documented in the Tool Notes section under Reusable Tools.

(Learned: 2026-02-18)

Core Approach

Model Versioning: Always save new versions before making changes (format: projectname_YYYY-MM-DD_vX.osm)
Incremental Changes: Modify HVAC, zones, schedules, or constructions systematically
Apply Measures: Use existing measures from BCL or local libraries
Run & Validate: Execute simulations and verify successful completion
Delegate Issues: Hand off failures to diagnosing-energy-models skill
Delegate Custom Measures: Hand off measure creation to writing-openstudio-model-measures skill
Reuse Tools: Check tools/ for existing reusable scripts before writing new one-off scripts

OpenStudio CLI Basics

Installation Path: C:\openstudio-3.10.0\bin\openstudio.exe

Core Commands:

openstudio.exe run --workflow workflow.osw - Run complete simulation
openstudio.exe run --measures_only --workflow workflow.osw - Apply measures without simulation
openstudio.exe measure --update /path/to/measure/ - Update measure metadata

File Conventions:

No whitespace in paths: use underscored_path/my_model.osm not whitespace path/my model.osm
Use forward slashes in OSW files even on Windows

Step-by-Step Workflow

1. Version the Current Model

Before any changes, create a versioned working directory using the setup tool:

powershell -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File .claude/skills/running-openstudio-models/tools/setup-model-version.ps1 `
  -SeedModel "path/to/model_v9.osm" -NewVersion "v10"

This creates the directory, copies the model and weather file, and generates workflow.osw. See the "Reusable Tools" section below for full details.

Naming Convention: {projectname}_{YYYY-MM-DD}_v{X}.osm

projectname: Project identifier (e.g., Example-RecCenter, Example-Office)
YYYY-MM-DD: Today's date
vX: Version number for that day (v1, v2, v3, etc.)

2. Check for Weather File

Before running simulations, verify weather file exists:

# Check if .epw file exists in current directory
cmd /c "dir *.epw /b"

If no weather file found:

Prompt user: "No weather file found. Please provide the .epw file for this project."
Ask for location: User should place .epw in the project folder or provide path

3. Create or Modify OpenStudio Workflow (OSW)

Create a JSON workflow file to define the simulation:

Basic OSW Template (workflow.osw):

{
  "seed_file": "Example-RecCenter_2025-12-03_v1.osm",
  "weather_file": "USA_CO_Fort_Collins.epw",
  "steps": []
}

OSW with Measures:

{
  "seed_file": "Example-RecCenter_2025-12-03_v1.osm",
  "weather_file": "USA_CO_Fort_Collins.epw",
  "steps": [
    {
      "measure_dir_name": "AddMeter",
      "arguments": {
        "meter_name": "Electricity:Facility"
      }
    }
  ]
}

Use Node.js to generate OSW files programmatically:

#!/usr/bin/env node
import { writeFile } from 'fs/promises';

const workflow = {
  seed_file: "Example-RecCenter_2025-12-03_v1.osm",
  weather_file: "USA_CO_Fort_Collins.epw",
  steps: []
};

await writeFile('workflow.osw', JSON.stringify(workflow, null, 2));
console.log("Created workflow.osw");

4. Search and Download Measures from BCL

The Building Component Library (BCL) hosts community measures.

Search for measures:

Visit: https://bcl.nrel.gov/
Search by keyword (e.g., "HVAC", "schedule", "envelope")
Note the measure name and download URL

Download measures manually:

Download .tar.gz or .zip from BCL
Extract to measures/ directory in project folder
Update measure metadata:

C:\openstudio-3.10.0\bin\openstudio.exe measure --update measures/measure_name/

Organize measures:

# Create measures directory
mkdir measures

# After downloading and extracting BCL measure
C:\openstudio-3.10.0\bin\openstudio.exe measure --update_all measures/

5. Apply Measures to Model

Option A: Using OSW Workflow (Recommended)

Add measures to the steps array in your OSW file:

{
  "seed_file": "Example-RecCenter_2025-12-03_v1.osm",
  "weather_file": "USA_CO_Fort_Collins.epw",
  "steps": [
    {
      "measure_dir_name": "SetThermostatSchedules",
      "arguments": {
        "heating_setpoint": 20,
        "cooling_setpoint": 24
      }
    }
  ]
}

Run with measures only (no simulation):

C:\openstudio-3.10.0\bin\openstudio.exe run --measures_only --workflow workflow.osw

Option B: Compute Measure Arguments

If you need to see what arguments a measure accepts:

C:\openstudio-3.10.0\bin\openstudio.exe measure --compute_arguments Example-RecCenter_2025-12-03_v1.osm measures/SetThermostatSchedules/

6. Run Simulation

Execute the full simulation workflow:

C:\openstudio-3.10.0\bin\openstudio.exe run --workflow workflow.osw

With debugging (if issues expected):

C:\openstudio-3.10.0\bin\openstudio.exe --verbose run --debug --workflow workflow.osw

Output Files:

run/ directory created with simulation results
run/eplusout.err - EnergyPlus error file
run/eplusout.sql - Simulation results database
out.osw - Workflow output with execution log

7. Check Simulation Success

Quick Check:

# Check if error file exists and is small (successful runs have minimal errors)
cmd /c "dir run\eplusout.err"

# View last 20 lines of error file
cmd /c "type run\eplusout.err | more +20"

Success Indicators:

out.osw contains "completed_status": "Success"
eplusout.err has no severe errors
eplusout.sql file exists and has data

Failure Indicators:

out.osw shows "completed_status": "Fail"
eplusout.err contains ** Severe ** errors
Missing output files

8. Handle Simulation Failures

If simulation fails, delegate to diagnosing-energy-models skill:

Gather context:

# Read error file
type run\eplusout.err

# Check out.osw for step_errors
type out.osw | findstr "step_errors"

# Get model summary
C:\openstudio-3.10.0\bin\openstudio.exe --verbose run --measures_only --workflow workflow.osw

Hand off to diagnostic skill:

Provide path to .err file
Include out.osw step_errors
Describe what changes were made
Share OSW file contents

Example delegation:

"Simulation failed with severe errors. Delegating to diagnosing-energy-models skill to analyze run/eplusout.err and diagnose the issue. Changes made: [describe HVAC/zone/schedule modifications]."

Model Modification Patterns

Modifying HVAC Systems

OpenStudio models use object-oriented HVAC components. Common modifications:

Access HVAC loops programmatically (requires Ruby or Python bindings):

Air loops: model.getAirLoopHVACs
Plant loops: model.getPlantLoops
Thermal zones: model.getThermalZones

Recommended approach: Use existing measures from BCL

"Add HVAC System" measure family
"Replace HVAC" measures
"Modify HVAC" measures

If custom HVAC logic needed, delegate to writing-openstudio-model-measures skill.

Modifying Thermal Zones

Via Measures:

"Set Thermal Zone Properties"
"Assign Spaces to Thermal Zones"
"Merge Thermal Zones"

Manual edits: Not recommended via CLI (use OpenStudio Application GUI or custom measure)

Modifying Schedules

Via Measures:

"Set Thermostat Schedules"
"Modify Occupancy Schedules"
"Add Typical Schedules"

Arguments example:

{
  "measure_dir_name": "SetThermostatSchedules",
  "arguments": {
    "heating_setpoint_schedule": "HtgSetp 20C",
    "cooling_setpoint_schedule": "ClgSetp 24C"
  }
}

Modifying Constructions

Via Measures:

"Set Construction Properties"
"Increase Insulation R-Value"
"Replace Constructions"

Arguments example:

{
  "measure_dir_name": "IncreaseInsulationRValueForExteriorWalls",
  "arguments": {
    "r_value": 3.5
  }
}

Validation Checklist

After running simulation, verify:

New versioned .osm file created
Simulation completed without severe errors
eplusout.sql file generated
out.osw shows "completed_status": "Success"
Extract results with extract-simulation-results.py (see Reusable Tools)
Compare against baseline with compare-simulation-runs.py if applicable
Results make sense for changes made

If failures occur:

Delegate to diagnosing-energy-models with error context
Include .err file path and recent changes

Parametric ECM Sweep Workflow

When to recommend this workflow:

User wants to test multiple ECMs (controls, setpoints, schedules) against a baseline
User wants to "run this overnight" or "test these 5 changes"
User needs a side-by-side comparison table of EUI, unmet hours, and end-use breakdown
Any time 3+ model variants need to be simulated and compared

Why this exists: Claude's context window + token cost makes it wasteful to babysit 6 sequential 20-minute simulations. This workflow front-loads the Claude work (writing ECM functions, validating text replacements) then runs unattended with zero tokens. Results are machine-readable markdown ready for the next session.

How to use:

Copy tools/parametric-sweep-template.py into the project step directory
Claude customizes the CONFIGURATION section and writes ECM functions
Phase 1 runs in-session: create variants + validate file sizes (catches bugs)
Phase 2 runs unattended: launch with run_in_background: true on the Bash tool
Phase 3 auto-generates parametric_sweep_results/parametric_results.md
User (or next session) reads the results markdown

Key design patterns:

Registry-driven: ECMs are data (ECM_REGISTRY list), not hard-coded logic. Easy to add/remove.
Two-phase validation: All variants are created and size-checked BEFORE any simulation runs. A corrupt OSM is caught in seconds, not after 30 min of sim time.
Text-based OSM editing: str.find() + str.replace() with anchored searches. No OpenStudio SDK needed. Works on any OSM.
Sequential simulation: E+ is RAM-heavy (~2-4 GB). Parallel runs cause swapping. Sequential is faster in practice.
Standalone: Pure stdlib Python. No pip install, no venv, no Claude API. Copy and run.

Reusable Tools

The tools/ directory contains deterministic scripts for common simulation workflows. Always check here before writing one-off scripts.

setup-model-version.ps1

Purpose: Creates a versioned working directory from a seed model, handling Windows paths with spaces.

When to use: At the start of every new model iteration (Step 1 of the workflow).

Usage:

powershell -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File .claude/skills/running-openstudio-models/tools/setup-model-version.ps1 `
  -SeedModel "C:\path\to\model_v9.osm" `
  -NewVersion "v10"

What it does:

Creates model_v10/ directory with measures/ and files/ subdirectories
Copies seed model renamed to new version
Auto-detects and copies .epw weather file from seed directory
Generates empty workflow.osw pointing to new model and weather file
Optionally copies measures from an existing measures directory (-MeasuresSource)

Arguments:

Parameter	Required	Description
`-SeedModel`	Yes	Path to the seed `.osm` file
`-NewVersion`	Yes	Version identifier (e.g., "v10", "v11")
`-ProjectDir`	No	Parent directory (defaults to seed model's directory)
`-WeatherFile`	No	Path to `.epw` file (auto-detected if not specified)
`-MeasuresSource`	No	Path to existing measures directory to copy

parametric-sweep-template.py

Purpose: Template for automated multi-ECM parametric analysis. Copy into project directory, customize configuration and ECM functions, launch unattended.

When to use: When testing 3+ ECM variants against a baseline. See "Parametric ECM Sweep Workflow" section above for full guidance.

Usage:

# 1. Copy template to project directory
cp .claude/skills/running-openstudio-models/tools/parametric-sweep-template.py \
   path/to/project/step/parametric_sweep.py

# 2. Edit CONFIGURATION section and ECM_REGISTRY (Claude does this)

# 3. Run (unattended — takes 10-30 min per ECM variant)
C:/Users/mcoalson/AppData/Local/Programs/Python/Python312/python.exe parametric_sweep.py

What it does:

Phase 1: Creates versioned variant directories with modified OSM files, validates file sizes
Phase 2: Runs sequential EnergyPlus simulations via OpenStudio CLI
Phase 3: Extracts EUI, unmet hours, end-use breakdown from each eplusout.sql
Generates parametric_sweep_results/parametric_results.md comparison table

Customization points:

Section	What to change
`PROJECT_DIR`, `BASE_OSM`	Paths to your baseline model
`BASELINE_EUI`, `BASELINE_END_USES`	Values from your baseline simulation
`TARGET_EUI`	Compliance target (0 to skip gap analysis)
`PROJECT_NAME`	Used in file naming and report headers
ECM functions	Write `ecm_*(osm_text) -> (text, info)` functions
`ECM_REGISTRY`	Register your ECM functions with version numbers

Python: 3.x stdlib only (sqlite3, json, subprocess, shutil, uuid, logging, pathlib)

extract-simulation-results.py

Purpose: Queries eplusout.sql and produces a structured results summary with facility unmet hours, zone-level unmet hours, end-use energy breakdown, site energy/EUI, and severe error count.

When to use: After every successful simulation run to extract and document results.

Usage:

python .claude/skills/running-openstudio-models/tools/extract-simulation-results.py <run-dir>
python .claude/skills/running-openstudio-models/tools/extract-simulation-results.py <run-dir> --format json --output results.json
python .claude/skills/running-openstudio-models/tools/extract-simulation-results.py <run-dir> --format both --output results

What it does:

Locates eplusout.sql in <run-dir>/ or <run-dir>/run/
Queries facility-level occupied heating/cooling unmet hours
Queries zone-by-zone occupied heating and cooling unmet hours (sorted by highest first)
Extracts end-use energy breakdown by fuel type (GJ)
Extracts site energy totals and converts EUI from MJ/m2 to kBtu/ft2
Counts severe errors from eplusout.err

Arguments:

Argument	Required	Description
`<run-dir>`	Yes	Path to run directory containing `eplusout.sql`
`--format`	No	Output format: `markdown` (default), `json`, or `both`
`--output`	No	Write to file instead of stdout

Python: 3.x stdlib only (sqlite3, json, sys, os, re)

compare-simulation-runs.py

Purpose: Side-by-side comparison of two EnergyPlus simulation runs with deltas and percentage changes.

When to use: After running a modified model to compare against its baseline.

Usage:

python .claude/skills/running-openstudio-models/tools/compare-simulation-runs.py <baseline-dir> <modified-dir>
python .claude/skills/running-openstudio-models/tools/compare-simulation-runs.py <baseline-dir> <modified-dir> --labels "v9" "v10"
python .claude/skills/running-openstudio-models/tools/compare-simulation-runs.py <baseline-dir> <modified-dir> --output comparison.md --json comparison.json

What it does:

Queries both eplusout.sql databases
Produces facility-level comparison table (unmet hours, fan energy, site energy, EUI, severe errors)
Produces zone-by-zone occupied heating unmet hours delta table (sorted by baseline hours descending)
Produces end-use energy comparison table with deltas and percentage changes
Optionally outputs structured JSON for programmatic consumption

Arguments:

Argument	Required	Description
`<baseline-dir>`	Yes	Path to baseline run directory
`<modified-dir>`	Yes	Path to modified run directory
`--labels A B`	No	Labels for the two runs (default: "Baseline" "Modified")
`--output FILE`	No	Write markdown to file instead of stdout
`--json FILE`	No	Write structured JSON comparison to file
`--threshold N`	No	Only show zones with >N unmet hours in either run (default: 0)

Python: 3.x stdlib only (sqlite3, json, sys, os, re)

Tool Notes

Python path: Use C:/Users/mcoalson/AppData/Local/Programs/Python/Python312/python.exe (system python may point to wrong version)
EUI conversion: Tools automatically convert EnergyPlus MJ/m2 to kBtu/ft2 (factor: 0.088055)
SQL location: Tools check both <dir>/eplusout.sql and <dir>/run/eplusout.sql
Windows paths with spaces: Use setup-model-version.ps1 (PowerShell) rather than bash for directory setup when paths contain spaces

Common Issues & Quick Fixes

Issue: Missing Weather File

Symptoms: Workflow fails immediately with "weather file not found"

Solution:

# Check for weather files
cmd /c "dir *.epw /b"

# If missing, prompt user for .epw file path

Prompt: "No weather file found. Please provide the .epw file path for this project."

Issue: Measure Not Found

Symptoms: out.osw shows measure directory not found

Investigation:

# Check measures directory
cmd /c "dir measures /b"

# Update measure if it exists
C:\openstudio-3.10.0\bin\openstudio.exe measure --update measures/MeasureName/

Solution:

Download measure from BCL
Verify measure directory name matches OSW measure_dir_name
Run --update to regenerate metadata

Issue: Model Translation Failure

Symptoms: Fails when translating OSM to IDF

Delegate to: diagnosing-energy-models skill

Likely geometry issues (intersecting surfaces, non-planar surfaces)
Could be orphaned objects

Issue: EnergyPlus Simulation Severe Errors

Symptoms: Simulation runs but produces severe errors in eplusout.err

Delegate to: diagnosing-energy-models skill with:

Path to run/eplusout.err
Description of model changes
OSW file contents

Skill Orchestration

When to Stay in This Skill

Running existing models
Applying downloaded/existing measures
Making straightforward HVAC, zone, schedule, or construction changes
Versioning and managing model files

When to Delegate to `diagnosing-energy-models`

Simulation fails with severe errors
Model translation fails (OSM → IDF)
Geometry errors appear
Complex diagnostic analysis needed
Unmet hours root cause analysis (per-zone diagnostics, multi-run comparison, heating load decomposition, capacity gap analysis — tools now live in diagnosing-energy-models/tools/)
Provide: .err file path, out.osw errors, recent changes

When to Delegate to `writing-openstudio-model-measures`

Custom measure logic required
Existing BCL measures don't fit use case
Need to create reusable measure for repeated operations
Provide: Desired functionality, model context, argument requirements

Context Awareness

This skill integrates with work-command-center session tracking:

Check Active Context:

node .claude/skills/work-command-center/tools/session-state.js status

Returns: Project name, project number, duration, and deliverables context

Log Activity Checkpoints:

node .claude/skills/work-command-center/tools/session-state.js checkpoint \
  --activity "running-openstudio-models: Simulation completed successfully, annual EUI: 42.3 kBtu/sf"

Signal Completion (called by WCC after skill returns):

node .claude/skills/work-command-center/tools/session-state.js skill-complete \
  --skill-name "running-openstudio-models" \
  --summary "Simulation successful. EUI: 42.3 kBtu/sf. Model saved as v2.osm." \
  --outcome "success"

Benefits:

WCC tracks time spent in this skill
Session logs include skill work breakdown
Context visible across skill transitions
Deliverables auto-update from skill outcomes

Reference Resources

Official Documentation

OpenStudio CLI Reference: https://nrel.github.io/OpenStudio-user-documentation/reference/command_line_interface/
OpenStudio SDK Docs: https://nrel.github.io/OpenStudio-user-documentation/
Measure Writer's Guide: https://nrel.github.io/OpenStudio-user-documentation/reference/measure_writing_guide/

Troubleshooting Resources

OpenStudio Coalition Troubleshooting: https://openstudiocoalition.org/getting_started/troubleshooting/
Unmet Hours Forum: https://unmethours.com/ (community Q&A)

Measure Resources

Building Component Library (BCL): https://bcl.nrel.gov/
NREL GitHub: https://github.com/NREL/ (official measures and tools)

See ./openstudio-cli-reference.md for detailed CLI command syntax and examples.

Saving Next Steps

When running-openstudio-models work is complete or paused:

node .claude/skills/work-command-center/tools/add-skill-next-steps.js \
  --skill "running-openstudio-models" \
  --content "## Priority Tasks
1. Run simulation with updated HVAC measures
2. Validate results and check for severe errors
3. Extract EUI and utility costs from eplusout.sql"

See: .claude/skills/work-command-center/skill-next-steps-convention.md

running-openstudio-models

Running OpenStudio Models

Critical Corrections

The Deliverable Is a Working .osm That Opens and Runs in OpenStudio Application

OS:ThermalZone Volume Must Be Set (Not Just OS:Space)

Generalize Session Scripts into Reusable Tools

WaterHeater:HeatPump — HP Compressor Will Be Silently Disabled If Setpoints Are Shared

measure.xml Format for OpenStudio 3.10

OpenStudioResults Measure Fails on Windows Long Paths

PowerShell for File Operations with Spaces in Paths

EnergyPlus Unmet Hours SQL Table Structure

Always Re-Run Baseline for Ground Truth

Best Practices

Python 3.12 Explicit Path on This System

Core Approach

OpenStudio CLI Basics

Step-by-Step Workflow

1. Version the Current Model

2. Check for Weather File

3. Create or Modify OpenStudio Workflow (OSW)

4. Search and Download Measures from BCL

5. Apply Measures to Model

6. Run Simulation

7. Check Simulation Success

8. Handle Simulation Failures

Model Modification Patterns

Modifying HVAC Systems

Modifying Thermal Zones

Modifying Schedules

Modifying Constructions

Validation Checklist

Parametric ECM Sweep Workflow

Reusable Tools

setup-model-version.ps1

parametric-sweep-template.py

extract-simulation-results.py

compare-simulation-runs.py

Tool Notes

Common Issues & Quick Fixes

Issue: Missing Weather File

Issue: Measure Not Found

Issue: Model Translation Failure

Issue: EnergyPlus Simulation Severe Errors

Skill Orchestration

When to Stay in This Skill

When to Delegate to diagnosing-energy-models

When to Delegate to writing-openstudio-model-measures

Context Awareness

Reference Resources

Official Documentation

Troubleshooting Resources

Measure Resources

Saving Next Steps

When to Delegate to `diagnosing-energy-models`

When to Delegate to `writing-openstudio-model-measures`