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 | Mar 4, 2016
U.S. Supreme Court lets San Jose affordable housing law stand
Law attempts to alleviate Silicon Valley’s high housing costs.
Codes and Standards | Mar 2, 2016
WELL standard offers multiple benefits for owners, says real estate executive
Could be a recruiting tool for occupant companies.
Cultural Facilities | Mar 1, 2016
China bans ‘weird’ public architecture, gated communities
Directs designers of public buildings to focus on functionality.
Energy Efficiency | Feb 23, 2016
Economists, energy efficiency practitioners need to work together for better cost/benefit studies
Flawed energy efficiency research yields misleading, confusing results.
Codes and Standards | Feb 16, 2016
New York City implements new crane safety plan following deadly accident
The plan includes restrictions on crawler cranes during windy conditions.
Resiliency | Feb 16, 2016
Obama establishes federal earthquake risk management standard
The standard requires federal agencies to use earthquake-resistant design provisions in current building codes.
Codes and Standards | Feb 12, 2016
ISO releases national assessment and state-by-state building codes evaluation
Report covers 87% of U.S. population.
Codes and Standards | Feb 12, 2016
Huge fraud case involving alleged engineering impostors uncovered in California
Hundreds of buildings may have to be demolished.
Codes and Standards | Feb 11, 2016
New York governor makes emergency design-build authorization
The declaration was issued in response to Winter Storm Jonas which dumped over 18 inches of snow in parts of the state.
Green | Jan 29, 2016
USGBC names top 10 states for LEED green building
Illinois leads the list for the third straight year.