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 | Oct 1, 2020
Deadline extension for LEED 2009 project certifications
Delivery timeline delays due to COVID-19 pandemic prompt action.
Codes and Standards | Sep 29, 2020
New drinking water standard criteria further restricts lead leaching in plumbing products
Tightened standard applies to endpoint devices that dispense drinking water, and other plumbing components
Codes and Standards | Sep 29, 2020
Groups sue CDC over eviction moratorium
Natl. Apartment Assn. and New Civil Liberties Alliance want hearing by October.
Codes and Standards | Sep 24, 2020
Benefits of building enclosure commissioning include reduced costs
Savings achieved in less rework and fewer and shorter punch lists.
Codes and Standards | Sep 23, 2020
Intl. Code Council aims to stay ahead of new tech, efficiency trends, and resiliency
Passive survivability, social resiliency, and community health among the goals.
Codes and Standards | Sep 22, 2020
Air cleaners, chemical and UV treatments among tools to safeguard indoor air amid pandemic
Strategies augment social distancing, increased air flow to combat COVID-19 spread.
Codes and Standards | Sep 21, 2020
No ease of lumber price spikes in sight
Wildfires strike Northwest timber industry in wake of Covid-19 shutdowns.
Codes and Standards | Sep 17, 2020
Spate of energy code appeals could hamper efficiency progress
Construction and fossil fuel interests oppose portions of latest model energy code.
Codes and Standards | Sep 16, 2020
Heat pumps are the future for hot water
Sustainability policies will drive trend.
Codes and Standards | Sep 15, 2020
Taller timber buildings approved in National Fire Protection Association code
Ensures compatibility with the International Building Code.
