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 (SDK) and Application.
EnergyPlus 9.0.1 is a traditional update that resolves over 70 bugs and issues, while adding new features. The new features include:
· WinCalc engine integration
· ASHRAE Fan Energy Index (FEI) calculations
· Inclusion of fan heat in cooling coil sizing calculations
· AirflowNetwork enhancements to allow multiple primary air loops
OpenStudio 2.7.0 supports EnergyPlus version, 9.0.1. The new release includes improvements to the Application Programming Interface (API), Command Line Interface (CLI), and the OpenStudio Standards gem. New features include:
· API access to multiple HVAC air-loops per zone
· API access to ExternalFile and ScheduleFile objects
· CLI access to custom Ruby gems
· OpenStudio Server enhancements for Resque job-queuing environments
· Miscellaneous OpenStudio Standards fixes and new feature for commercial prototype building models
Both EnergyPlus and OpenStudio are available for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux Ubuntu platforms.
Related Stories
| May 27, 2013
Support increasing in Ontario to change codes to allow taller wood frame construction
Developers and home builders are asking the Ontario government to change the building code to allow construction of six-story wood frame buildings.
| May 27, 2013
'JUST' label aims to assess social justice on building material manufacturers
At the Living Future's annual conference in May, Jason McLennan, and architecture firm BNIM founder Bob Berkebile launched the JUST label, an extension of the Declare label that addresses social justice and equity issues.
| May 27, 2013
Bipartisan legislation filed to revamp EPA lead rule
Bipartisan legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to reform the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting (LRRP) Rule.
| May 27, 2013
Bill would mandate contractors use subs identified in bids on federal projects
Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) filed a bill in May that would require prime contractors that bid on federal construction projects over $1 million to list each subcontractor they plan to use for $100,000 or more of work.
| May 27, 2013
Maryland law on codes for wind resistance will take effect in October
The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety says that Maryland citizens will be safer due to legislation passed by the legislature and signed into law by Gov. Martin O’Malley.
| May 23, 2013
AGC Contractors Environmental Conference focuses on compliance issues
The 2013 AGC Contractors Environmental Conference June 13 and 14 in Arlington, Va., will include cost-effective strategies for firms to remain compliant and competitive.
| May 23, 2013
ASTM releases new carbon steel hollow structural sections
ASTM has released a new HSS standard, A1085 - 13 Standard Specification for Cold-Formed Welded Carbon Steel Hollow Structural Sections (HSS).
| May 23, 2013
Group Health Puyallup medical center first project to achieve 'LEED for Health Care' certification
The Group Health Puyallup (Wash.) Medical Center is the first facility to be certified under the LEED for Healthcare (LEED-HC) rating system, earning LEED Gold.
| May 17, 2013
LEED v4 has provision to reduce water use in cooling towers
The next version of the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED rating system will expand water-savings targets to appliances, cooling towers, commercial kitchen equipment, and other areas.
| May 15, 2013
New York City Council okays plans for Cornell's huge net-zero tech campus
Cornell University's proposal to build a two million sf tech campus on Roosevelt Island has been approved by the New York City Council.
