by Brianna Crandall — November 26, 2010—The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released updated versions of its popular EnergyPlus simulation software and OpenStudio Plug-in for Google SketchUp, which help engineers and architects design better functioning, more energy-efficient buildings. DOE notes that there is no charge to install or use either software.
EnergyPlus 6.0 models heating, cooling, lighting, ventilation, and other building energy flows for commercial and residential buildings.
EnergyPlus 6.0, available for the Windows, Linux, and Macintosh operating systems, offers numerous enhancements over the previous version of the program: 25-40 percent reduction in execution time for most simulations; new low-energy example files; modeling of carbon dioxide concentrations in zone air; improved HVAC capabilities; enhanced modeling for refrigeration condensers; new controls functionality; and new life cycle cost calculations.
OpenStudio Plug-in 1.0.6 makes it possible to perform EnergyPlus simulations using Google’s user-friendly 3-D drawing interface, modeling design elements and their impact on energy use.
