The U.S. Department of Energy and National Labs released updated versions of their open-source, whole-building energy modeling tools, the EnergyPlus engine and the OpenStudio Software Development Kit.
EnergyPlus 9.5.0 includes fixes for over 60 known issues and bugs. The release also includes new features including a new battery model, enhancements to heat-pump water heaters and energy recovery ventilators, new tabular reporting options, and additional actuators for EMS and the Python Plugin. Starting with this release, a single application can run multiple EnergyPlus simulations that will not interfere with one another.
OpenStudio 3.2.0 includes updates to the OpenStudio Application Programming Interface, Command Line Interface, Server, and Standards gem. New features include Python API bindings, EnergyPlus export in epJSON input format, and OpenStudio Server support for URBANopt simulations.
The OpenStudio Standards gem has been updated to include data for ASHRAE 90.1-2016 models. In addition, all ASHRAE Standard 90.1 data tables are exported into a separate repository that can used by tools other than OpenStudio.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Dec 7, 2018
Florida tops ABC’s 2018 Merit Shop Scorecard rankings
Michigan rose fastest after passing prevailing wage law.
Codes and Standards | Dec 6, 2018
North American steel yields lower GHG emissions than Chinese steel
North American construction steel saves about half of GHG emissions on building project.
Codes and Standards | Dec 5, 2018
Canadian retailer builds net-zero stores
Other chains also boost green efforts with PVs, EV charging stations.
Codes and Standards | Dec 4, 2018
Action on building codes would spur low-carbon cities
Faster retrofit cycles, increased energy-efficiency requirements for existing buildings needed.
Codes and Standards | Nov 30, 2018
Best solution to prevent California wildfire disasters: Stop building in places likely to burn
Approach would be unpopular as people attracted to stunning wooded landscapes.
Codes and Standards | Nov 29, 2018
USGBC and BRE form partnership
Two green standards groups will collaborate on standards, platforms, and research.
Codes and Standards | Nov 29, 2018
Parking garages in N.Y. State will have to be inspected every three years
Professional engineer must assess conditions.
Codes and Standards | Nov 28, 2018
To build water-efficient cities, water managers and urban planners must coordinate better
Lack of time and resources, and practitioners not in habit of working together hamper efforts.
Codes and Standards | Nov 27, 2018
AAMA updates specification for roller assemblies in sliding doors, and lift and slide doors
Last update was in 2015.
Codes and Standards | Nov 26, 2018
All LEED-certified buildings eligible for LEED recertification
Projects must submit 12 months of data demonstrating continued or improved performance.