As you probably know, IFC HVAC definitions have been extended to support
exchange among design and simulation applications.  The integration of
the HVAC extension schemata with the IFC core model is in progress right
now; the new version of the IFC data model (IFC2x2) that will include
these extensions will be released in May 2003.  Software implementation
of the new IFC2x2 model (based on the beta release) can start in three
months from now.  LBNL plans to follow that schedule and develop a
comprehensive IFC2x2 interface to EnergyPlus that will implement the new
IFC HVAC definitions.

The extended IFC HVAC model includes more than most HVAC and/or related
applications need to implement individually.  HVAC and related
developers need to agree which definitions need to implemented by *all*
implementations, and which need not be implemented.  In addition, they
need to agree how to commonly implement definitions that need to be
implemented.  In other words, there is a need to formulate implementers'
agreements for HVAC applications, similar to what IAI CAD developers did
for CAD implementations a few years ago.

HVAC implementers' agreements should provide the basis for HVAC data
exchange among more than just HVAC applications.  Critical application
developers from other related industry disciplines that also use HVAC
data (such as cost estimating, CAD, construction management, project
management and facilities management) should also participate in the
forging of HVAC implementers' agreements.

LBNL is organizing an HVAC developers' "round table" at LBNL offices in
Washington, DC on Friday, December 13.  HVAC related software developers
are also invited to this round table.  If West Coast developers cannot
travel to Washington, DC they can join a telecast of that meeting at
LBNL offices in Berkeley.  Alternatively, a limited number of phone
links to the meeting will be available free of charge for those who
cannot attend at either LBNL location.  The meeting will start promptly
at 11:00 EST and end at 14:00 EST.  Follow-up meetings, teleconferences,
and/or video conferences will be subsequently scheduled as needed.
Please let me know if, and at which site, you can attend this meeting.

You can download the new IFC HVAC extensions schemata for IFC2x2 from
the BS-8 project web site.  The URL is
http://iaiweb.lbl.gov/bs8/documents/BS-8_Model/; from there download
file BS8HtmlDocumentation_15Jun02.zip, unzip it and save extracted files
on your system, open with your browser any *.html file you just saved,
and then navigate as needed.  If you chose to attend the meeting, I will
send you more pertinent information and files prior to the meeting.
___________________________________________________

The meeting of HVAC software developers to start forging agreements
needed for the implementation of the IFC HVAC definitions will be held
at LBNL Washington, DC offices on December 13, as previously announced.
The meeting will start promptly at 11:00 EST, and will last three to
four hours.  Lunch will be provided.  You can find directions to the
LBNL in Washington, DC at
http://www.lbl.gov/Washington/wash-map-page.html.  If you need
additional information, please contact Dr. Rob Hitchcock at (202)
646-7959 or at RJHitchcock@lbl.gov.

Those unable to attend the meeting in Washington, DC can participate by
dialing in free of charge at the beginning of the meeting.  Those in the
San Francisco Bay area should dial (510) 486-5008; the teleconference ID
number is 4092#.  Those not in the San Francisco Bay area should dial
(877) 252-5250; the teleconference ID number is the same (4092#). THERE
WILL BE NO VIDEOCAST AT THE BERKELEY LAB as previously announced.
Instead, we will use MS NetMeeting to share files and display
information at your location.  The IP address of the host computer that
you will dial into will be given over the phone at the beginning of the
meeting/teleconference.

The alpha version of the IFC2x2 model with the HVAC schemata that will
be used in the implementations is now available on the ftp site
(ftp://iaiweb.lbl.gov/), files 20021203_IfcR2x2_alpha_express_lf.zip and
20021203_IfcR2x2_alpha_html_distribution.zip.  The former zip file
contains the schemata defined in EXPRESS language; the latter contains
the model in HTML, and is easier to follow and understand.  Please
review them so that we can have a productive meeting.  You will also
receive another file (by Wednesday) that will contain the first proposal
of the list of definitions for exchange, based on the needs of
EnergyPlus.  Please expand that list by adding the needs of your
software prior to the meeting, if possible at all.

We are looking forward to your participation in the Friday meeting.