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Dept. of Energy releases EnergyPlus and OpenStudio updates

Codes and Standards

Dept. of Energy releases EnergyPlus and OpenStudio updates

New features include Python Plugin features and additional tabular reporting options.


By Peter Fabris, Contrbuting Editor | June 2, 2021

Courtesy Pixabay

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.

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