[BLDG-SIM] IES <VE> vs DesignBuilder

[Ramana Koti]

Mahabir,

Can you explain what you mean when you say IES <VE> cannot model water side?
Is it not possible to model a building that has a water side system at all
using IES <VE>?

Thanks,

Ramana Koti, LEED AP
Sustainable Building Analyst

ELEMENTS | a division of berkebile nelson immenschuh mcdowell architects
106 W. 14th Street Suite 200
Kansas City, Missouri 64105

p 816.783.1635 f 816.783.1501
www.bnim.com| elements.bnim.com

On 5/17/07, Mahabir Bhandari <Bhandari at designbuildersoftware.com> wrote:
>
> Josh,
>
> In my opinion, here are some points of comparison between DesignBuilder
> and
> IES <VE>:
>
>
> GENERAL BUILDING SIMULATION CAPABILITIES
> DesignBuilder and IES <VE> have quite similar capabilities for modeling
> fabric, solar shading, internal gains, daylighting, natural ventilation
> etc.
> DesignBuilder simulation is carried out using DOE EnergyPlus simulation
> engine and the IES <VE> simulations use the Apache simulator.
>
> EASE OF USE
> From the feedback we have had, DesignBuilder is much easier to use than
> IES
> <VE> both from the point of view of time taken to carry out a project,
> initial learning and picking up projects again months down the line.
>
> COST
> DesignBuilder initial purchase cost is much lower than IES <VE>. One
> should
> also bear in mind total cost of ownership rather than just initial
> purchase
> cost when making the decision, including consideration of time taken to
> learn software and the time it takes to create a building model.
>
> HVAC MODELING
> IES <VE> has a flexible modular HVAC modeling capability, but it takes a
> relatively long time to learn and set up a particular model. It does not
> model water side.
>
> DesignBuilder has compact HVAC which allows typical HVAC systems to be
> modeled quickly and easily, but is currently lacking in flexibility.
> DesignBuilder version 1.3 (to be released end May) will be a significant
> improvement with almost full implementation of EnergyPlus compact HVAC
> systems. Many advanced DesignBuilder users use the software for exporting
> EnergyPlus IDF building descriptions for more detailed modeling in the
> EnergyPlus editor.  DesignBuilder version 2 (to be released early 2008)
> will
> have a full diagrammatic modular HVAC UI providing access to most of the
> EnergyPlus HVAC systems.
>
> OTHER CAPABILITIES
> IES <VE> has a much wider range of other applications linked into the
> virtual environment including pipe and duct sizing, radiance, CFD, 3-D CAD
> interoperability through gbXML.
>
> DesignBuilder is a more focused building energy simulation, thermal design
> and visualization product. DesignBuilder version 2 will have high-quality
> CFD simulations and 3-D CAD interoperability through gbXML (as well as the
> above-mentioned diagrammatic EnergyPlus HVAC editor).
>
>
> Best regards,
>
> Mahabir
>
> _______________________________________________
> Mahabir Bhandari, Ph.D.
> LEED(r) Accredited Professional
> DesignBuilder Software
> 18 Tanglewood Rd.
> Amherst, MA 01002
>
> Tel: (413) 256-4647
> Fax: (413) 256-4823
> cell: (413) 575-6825
> email: bhandari at designbuildersoftware.com
> web: http://www.designbuildersoftware.com
>
>
>
> ________________________________________
> From: Josh K [mailto:jeemang at gmail.com]
> Sent: Wednesday, May 16, 2007 3:58 PM
> To: BLDG-SIM at gard.com
> Subject: [BLDG-SIM] IES <VE> vs DesignBuilder
>
> I work for an architectural firm that hired me to gain building energy
> modeling capabilities. As they've never done this before, the first order
> of
> business is selecting an application to carry out said building energy
> modeling.
>
> Taking a preliminary survey of the available applications and comparing
> them
> with our criteria yielded two "finalists": DesignBuilder and the IES <VE>.
> I've been demoing each of them for a little while and reading the
> documentation, and although I've definitely been able to identify some
> pros
> and cons for each, I feel I lack the experience/knowledge to make a
> definitive decision.
>
> If anyone uses or has used either of these programs, has any opinion of
> them, or has even heard rumours about them circulating about the grape
> vine,
> any insights they could offer would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Josh
>
>
>
> Josh Kjenner, EIT
> Manasc Isaac Architects Ltd.
> 10225 100 Ave :: Edmonton, AB T5J OA1
> 780.429.3977
>
>
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>


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