Contam-EnergyPlus Co-simulation Error - Function ContamFMU_fmiGetVersion not found in FMI functions library

[Muthukumar Maragathamayil]

Hi,

I am trying to run a Contam-EnergyPlus co-simulation (Contam version - 3.4.0.6, EnergyPlus-9.1). However, the co-simulation crashes with the following error message

** Severe  ** ExternalInterface/InitExternalInterfaceFMUImport: Error when trying to
   **   ~~~   ** load FMI functions library of instance
   **   ~~~   ** "ContamFMU" of FMU "ContamFMU.fmu".
   **   ~~~   ** "Chec".
   **  Fatal  ** ExternalInterface/StopExternalInterfaceIfError: Error in ExternalInterface: Check EnergyPlus *.err file.

Could this be due to compatibility issues between Energyplus version and the FMU created by Contam3DExport? Or am I missing something?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks and regards,

Muthu

[William Dols]

It's difficult to tell from the error message.

Share the following files, and I will look into your issue:

• The original CONTAM PRJ file used to generate the FMU file using 3DExporter
• Files generated by 3DExporter: IDF file, modelDescription.xml, and contam.vef
• Other input files you are using, e.g., EPW, CTM
• ERR file generated by EnergyPlus

- Stuart

[Muthukumar Maragathamayil]

Dear Stuart, Thanks for offering to take a look into my issue.

Attached are the files as requested.

BR,

Muthukumar

[Dols, William Stuart (Fed)]

Muthukumar,

It looks as though your windows are not fully contained within the walls on which they are placed.
Read about Windows in the EnergyPlus-CONTAM Coupling Process section of the CONTAM User Guide.

 

I could not work with the PRJ without the CVF file it references, so I had to create a CVF file that would allow me to edit the PRJ with ContamW.
A quick review of the PRJ reveals that you may be using the CVF file to schedule zone temperatures.
This goes against the purpose of co-simulation with EnergyPlus, in which EnergyPlus determines indoor temperatures.

The PRJ also references a WTH file, which should not be used when performing co-simulation with EnergyPlus.
Instead, co-simulation will use the EPW file.

You need to simulate complete days, starting and ending at 00:00:00 and 24:00:00, respectively.
It’s best if your CTM and CVF files do the same.

Start by correcting these errors and see how it goes.
- Stuart

 

From: Muthukumar Maragathamayil <muthukumar.mara...@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 3, 2026 3:57 PM
To: CONTAM <con...@list.nist.gov>
Cc: Dols, William Stuart (Fed) <willia...@nist.gov>; muthukumar.mara...@gmail.com <muthukumar.mara...@gmail.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Contam-EnergyPlus Co-simulation Error - Function ContamFMU_fmiGetVersion not found in FMI functions library

 

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[Muthukumar Maragathamayil]

Dear Stuart,

I have made the suggested modifications, but encounter the same error. Attached are the updated files.

I encountered the same error when trying to run the Sample file - MediumOffice.

Looking forward to your suggestions that could help understand the error and the cause,

Regards,

Muthukumar

[Dols, William Stuart (Fed)]

Muthukumar,

I was able to run your model once the CTM file was corrected.
If you run your model first with ContamW directly, you will see this error:

 

You can also see this error in the contam.xlog file after the co-simulation aborts:

 

As well as the following error in the ContamFMU.log file: