The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and National Laboratories released updated versions of open-source, whole-building energy modeling tools: the EnergyPlus engine and the OpenStudio software development kit and graphical application.
EnergyPlus 9.3.0 continues to emphasize object-oriented refactoring and defect resolution. It includes refactored implementations of all coils and plant components, as well as fixes for 76 known issues and bugs.
EnergyPlus 9.3.0 also incorporates several performance enhancements from the EnergyPlus 10X project, including the ability to run shading calculations on a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). One significant upgrade in EnergyPlus 9.3.0 is the capability to write Energy Management System (EMS) scripts in Python.
OpenStudio 3.0.0 supports the latest version of EnergyPlus, 9.3.0. This, and the latest version of Radiance 5.0.a.12, are bundled with OpenStudio distribution. This OpenStudio release includes updates to the SDK, Server, and Standards gem.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jul 29, 2020
Crackdowns grow on construction firms that fail to follow COVID-19 guidelines
States, cities, and OSHA enforce social distancing, hand-washing regulations.
Codes and Standards | Jul 28, 2020
California utility adopts climate emergency declaration
Sacramento-region company commits to working towards carbon neutrality by 2030.
Codes and Standards | Jul 23, 2020
North Carolina will stop relying on FEMA flood mapping
State will identify flood zones on its own.
Codes and Standards | Jul 22, 2020
New version of IAPMO’s Water Demand Calculator is available
Enhanced features include selection between single- and multifamily buildings.
Codes and Standards | Jul 22, 2020
Mobile app calculates sound transmission for wood-framed assemblies
American Wood Council tool for floor-ceiling assemblies.
Codes and Standards | Jul 22, 2020
Architecture billings remain in negative territory, begin to stabilize
Fewer architecture firms report declining billings this month.
Codes and Standards | Jul 20, 2020
N.Y. construction firm to pay $1.5 million to settle sexual harassment claim
Managers said to demand sex for pay and OT opportunities.
Codes and Standards | Jul 16, 2020
Tips to make optimal use of salvaged materials
Integrated teams, staging warehouse, and looking early and often, among recommendations.
Codes and Standards | Jul 15, 2020
Georgia gives the go-ahead for tall mass timber construction
Standards review scheduled to be completed by July 2021.
Codes and Standards | Jul 15, 2020
Softwood-lumber duties boost expenses amid COVID-19 outbreak
Little hope this year for resolution of trade dispute with Canada.