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 | Jul 12, 2018
Developer says net zero Salt Lake City apartment high-rise built at standard cost
Off-site solar, and mechanical/electrical system savings aid the achievement.
Codes and Standards | Jul 11, 2018
D.C. local worker requirement not being met
Government doing little to verify self-reported project data.
Codes and Standards | Jul 10, 2018
Carbon emissions in cement production threaten GHG reduction goals
Cement is essential to many infrastructure projects that address climate change.
Codes and Standards | Jul 10, 2018
DOE’s Better Buildings Summit to be held in Cleveland, August 21-23
Agenda includes technical training and networking opportunities.
Codes and Standards | Jul 6, 2018
Houston’s lessons learned from Harvey include lack of awareness by residents of flood danger
Inconsistent regulatory environment also cited.
Codes and Standards | Jul 6, 2018
Delos and HDR will co-develop wellness design tools and collaborate on research
WELL Building Standard pioneer teams with architects to advance wellness innovations in the built environment.
Codes and Standards | Jul 5, 2018
BREEAM New Construction standard launched in U.S.
Follows successful launch of BREEAM In-Use standard.
Codes and Standards | Jun 29, 2018
Nearly half of nonresidential construction projects now delivered by design-build
‘Alternative’ method now mainstream for nonresidential, highway/street, and water/wastewater construction projects.
Codes and Standards | Jun 28, 2018
Modular construction may be key to relieving housing crunch
May be only way to meet needs as ranks of construction workers decline.
Codes and Standards | Jun 27, 2018
Thirty nine San Francisco high rises at risk of collapse in major earthquake
Vulnerable buildings have welded columns and beams.