[Bldg-sim] U-Value Software

[Robby Oylear]

Thanks for all the replies, I've sifted through all of the software tools
that have been sent but haven't quite found what I'm looking for.  I'd
prefer for the tool to be fairly simplistic in the fact that I don't want
to be calculating framing percentages for each type of wall (maybe rules
of thumb for each wall type would come into play here, but it'd be nice if
the program did this automatically).  EE4, GreenTools, and CHVAC all
required inputs for framing percentages.  Also, a conversion to IP is
nice, but not all that useful when all of the database materials are
labeled in RSI and mm values (EE4).  

EnergyPro has a fairly good assembly calculator in terms of using the JA4
library for the framing values and not requiring any further inputs in
that matter.  However, EnergyPro doesn't have any material database for
the additional layers (polystyrene, polyiso, sheathing, etc.).

To summarize my needs:
- IP units
- Default values for framed walls OR R-values determined by spacing of
studs
- Material Database for other wall layers (exterior rigid, interior gyp,
etc.)
- Preferably not a subset of a larger program

Does anyone have any more ideas on whether there's a software package out
there that meets my needs, or am I just being too picky? 

-Robby

-----Original Message-----
From: B. Fountain [mailto:bfountain at greensim.com] 
Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2009 7:15 AM
To: Robby Oylear
Cc: bldg-sim at lists.onebuilding.org
Subject: Re: [Bldg-sim] U-Value Software

The assembly construction editor is one of the best pieces of the EE4
software which is available free from Natural Resources Canada at...

http://canmetenergy-canmetenergie.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/eng/software_tools/ee4
.html

It is very similar to Energy10 in format and allows dynamic switching
between SI & IP units.  There is a selection of common building materials
and the construction editor calculates equivalent 1-D heat transfer
U-value for 1 layer of framing elements.

Good luck.

> Robby
>
> Here are a few options that you could use:
>
> A simple excel sheet (offered as web form)
> http://vesma.com/tutorial/uvalue01/uvalue01.htm
>
>
>
> If you don't mind SI units, there are some more advanced versions with
> good graphics
>
> from the UK http://www.builddeskonline.com/
>
> or also a nice Austrian tool by ArchiPhysik
> http://www.archiphysik.at/webphysik/index.php that gives you also a
> hygrothermal performance graph, which is required in some European codes
> for hygrothermal performance.
>
> Both are free for simplified online usage. If you are looking for a
> conversion tool for these SI units go to: http://www.unitconversion.org/
> or in your case to
> http://www.unitconversion.org/unit_converter/thermal-conductivity.html
> or directly use the conversion factor: 1 BTU/h.sf.F equals 5.68 W/m2.K
> or the other way round 1 W/m2.K equals 0.176 BTU/h.sf.F
>
>
>
> Hope that helps,
>
> Georg
>
>
>
>
>
> Myers-Lawson School
> of Construction
> Department of Building Construction
> Virginia Polytechnic Institute
> and State University
> 430B Bishop-Favrao Hall (0156)
> Blacksburg, VA 24061
>
>
>   Dr. Georg Reichard
>   Assistant Professor
>   (540) 818-4603
>   e-mail: reichard at vt.edu
>   www.mlsoc.vt.edu
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> From: bldg-sim-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org
> [mailto:bldg-sim-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org] On Behalf Of Robby
> Oylear
> Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2009 6:21 PM
> To: bldg-sim at lists.onebuilding.org
> Subject: [Bldg-sim] U-Value Software
>
>
>
> Is anyone aware of a software that calculates U-values of typical
> construction assemblies?  I'm not looking for something as complicated
> as THERM, but more along the lines of a program with a database of
> common materials and typical framing factors that will allow me to
> calculate U-values quickly without thumbing through my ASHRAE
> fundamentals handbook or my local energy code.
>
>
>
> Also, the units would need to be in IP.
>
>
>
> Thanks for your help,
>
>
>
> Robby Oylear, LEED(r) AP
>
> Mechanical Engineer
>
> direct: 206.788.4571
>
> cell: 206.354.2721
>
> www.rushingco.com <http://www.rushingco.com>
>
>
>
>
>
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