The U.S. Department of Energy and the National Labs have released updated versions of their open-source, whole-building energy modeling tools: the EnergyPlus engine and the OpenStudio software development kit and application.
EnergyPlus V8.7.0 includes the following enhancements:
- New features to support residential modeling including a new attic duct model and the Kiva ground heat exchange model.
- Support for non-rectangular windows.
- A new generalized fan model.
- Enhanced plant auto-sizing.
- Full support for variable speed DX coils.
- Regular expression support in output variables for easier report generation.
- A refactored output module for improved performance.
The release also includes resolutions and fixes to 50 known bugs and issues.
OpenStudio 2.1.0 has a new feature, a completely revamped Parametric Analysis Tool (PAT) application. The interface has been rewritten in JavaScript to leverage the browser-based Electron framework. The back end also uses the new OpenStudio 2.0 Server architecture, including OpenStudio Command Line Interface (CLI), OpenStudio Meta-CLI, and the new OpenStudio Workflow (OSW) and OpenStudio Analysis (OSA) file formats. The new PAT supports both local and cloud-based execution and adds support for “algorithmic” workflows like uncertainty quantification, design optimization, large-scale parametric analysis, and model input calibration that can automatically generate large numbers of runs. Use of the new file formats means that the new PAT is not compatible with PAT 1.X projects.
More information about all of DOE’s energy modeling software and research projects can be found at https://energy.gov/eere/build
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Aug 15, 2018
ICC creates new committee on building safety and security
Will include experts from many different disciplines.
Codes and Standards | Aug 14, 2018
Philadelphia adopts 2018 IECC energy code, while state opts for 2015 code
City is one of the first jurisdictions to adopt newest code.
Codes and Standards | Aug 9, 2018
Denver’s goal of 100% renewable energy by 2030 includes net zero energy buildings
Community solar programs for low income residents part of plan.
Codes and Standards | Aug 8, 2018
Too much parking in U.S. cities proving costly
As car ownership rates drop, excess parking seems more wasteful.
Codes and Standards | Aug 7, 2018
International Fire Safety Standards (IFSS) Coalition created
Professional associations and building standards organizations join forces.
Codes and Standards | Jul 31, 2018
Workers allegedly held in captivity by construction subcontractor in San Jose pay theft case
Contractor pays $250,000 in back wages in Dept. of Labor enforcement action.
Codes and Standards | Jul 17, 2018
Heat island effect can turn deadly in extreme conditions
Of all the impacts of global climate change, it’s extreme heat that kills more Americans each year than any other weather-related event.
Codes and Standards | Jul 17, 2018
NIMBYism, generational divide threaten plan for net-zero village in St. Paul, Minn.
The ambitious redevelopment proposal for a former Ford automotive plant creates tension.
Codes and Standards | Jul 17, 2018
In many markets, green features are more of a requirement for apartment renters
Renters in many U.S. cities have come to expect green features in apartments that they rent, with an eye toward energy efficiency and healthy indoor air.
Codes and Standards | Jul 16, 2018
Length of North American construction disputes continues to increase
They already far exceed global average.