[BLDG-SIM] Energy Modeling Software Recommendations for Architects

[CK Tang]

Robert,

I have been using the full IES <Virtual Environment> for a while now and 
it keeps getting better. It use to need quite a bit of background to use 
it, but recently it has included a quick 'advisor' for new users that 
requires minimum input to get started. The modeling in IES is very easy 
to learn but limited in capability as I know that there are better 3D 
modeling software out there, but it also takes slightly longer to learn 
too. For really advance modeling, IES now links through an api 
connection to the Autodesk Revit suite - it makes complex modeling much 
easier and quicker as long as you know how to use Revit.

A really nice new feature in the IES <Virtual Environment> is their new 
Sustainability Toolkit it has dynamic thermal modeling (energy, carbon 
and thermal comfort); ASHRAE/CIBSE loads calculations; solar shading 
animations; daylighting assessments with LEED daylighting reports with 
just a couple of clicks. But the best thing I like about it, is that it 
also allows me to conduct in-depth study whenever I needed it to gain a 
complete understanding of building physic that is happening to the 
building design.

Give it a try, is what I would recommend to you. I think they offer free 
trials.


Kind regards,

CK



Robert Des Rosiers wrote:
>
> All:
>
> Of course there are many software options for building performance 
> modeling. As an architecture studio we are concerned more w/ 
> developing form, assemblies, daylighting models, water use, etc… to 
> develop good building practice and are less interested in getting 
> overwhelmed by all the data required by software like eQuest. I 
> noticed that the DOE is developing an EnergyPlus plug-in for SketchUp 
> which sounds promising.
>
> What software is recommended for developing a simple but useful 
> in-house design tool for schematic building performance modeling? 
> Something that allows us to modify and evaluate the effects of 
> building orientation, form, fenestrations as well as insulation 
> values, mechanical systems, lighting, etc… Preferably something that 
> simulates performance from a 3D model (like SKP) not infinite fields 
> of data inputs (like eQuest).
>
> Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
>
> Robert Des Rosiers, LEED AP
>
> */STUDIO MA/**/ /***Architecture & Environmental Design******
>
> **www.studioma.com**
>
> **desrosiers@****studioma.com****
>
> 602 251 3800 fax 251 3100
>
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