The rapid progression in artificial intelligence has facilitated the emergence of large language models like ChatGPT, offering potential applications extending into specialized engineering modeling, especially physics-based building energy modeling. This paper investigates the innovative integration of large language models with building energy modeling software, focusing specifically on the fusion of ChatGPT with EnergyPlus. A literature review is first conducted to reveal a growing trend of incorporating large language models in engineering modeling, albeit limited research on their application in building energy modeling. We underscore the potential of large language models in addressing building energy modeling challenges and outline potential applications including simulation input generation, simulation output analysis and visualization, conducting error analysis, co-simulation, simulation knowledge extraction and training, and simulation optimization. Three case studies reveal the transformative potential of large language models in automating and optimizing building energy modeling tasks, underscoring the pivotal role of artificial intelligence in advancing sustainable building practices and energy efficiency. The case studies demonstrate that selecting the right large language model techniques is essential to enhance performance and reduce engineering efforts. The findings advocate a multidisciplinary approach in future artificial intelligence research, with implications extending beyond building energy modeling to other specialized engineering modeling.

中文翻译：

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使用大型语言模型推进建筑能源建模：探索和案例研究


人工智能的快速发展促进了像 ChatGPT 这样的大型语言模型的出现，提供了扩展到专业工程建模，特别是基于物理的建筑能源建模的潜在应用。本文研究了大型语言模型与建筑能源建模软件的创新集成，特别关注 ChatGPT 与 EnergyPlus 的融合。首先进行了文献综述，揭示了将大型语言模型纳入工程建模的日益增长的趋势，尽管对其在建筑能源建模中的应用的研究有限。我们强调大型语言模型在解决建筑能源建模挑战方面的潜力，并概述了潜在的应用，包括模拟输入生成、模拟输出分析和可视化、进行误差分析、协同模拟、模拟知识提取和培训以及模拟优化。三个案例研究揭示了大型语言模型在自动化和优化建筑能源建模任务方面的变革潜力，强调了人工智能在推进可持续建筑实践和能源效率方面的关键作用。案例研究表明，选择正确的大语言模型技术对于提高性能和减少工程工作量至关重要。这些发现提倡在未来的人工智能研究中采用多学科方法，其影响不仅限于建筑能源建模，还扩展到其他专业工程建模。