Updated versions of EnergyPlus and OpenStudio building energy modeling tools released

New versions of the EnergyPlus engine and the OpenStudio software development kit have been released by the U.S. Department of Energy and national labs.

EnergyPlus 8.8.0 includes the following enhancements:

• New features to support the use of EnergyPlus in urban-scale modeling applications
• Updated summary report tables for recent versions of LEED
• Support for multiple air systems serving a single zone
• An enhanced model for phase change materials
• Integration of Berkeley Lab’s WinCalc engine

OpenStudio 2.3.0’s main new feature is a new, open-source cross-platform 2D floor-plan editor. The editor supports story-by-story floor plan definition and extrusion; placement of doors, windows, and shading devices; and association of surfaces with constructions and spaces with space types and zones.

More information about all of DOE’s energy modeling software and research projects can be found at http://energy.gov/eere/buildings/building-energy-modeling/