[BLDG-SIM] DOE-2

[Michael Andelman]

I agree with Dave Walker, the programs with GUI's are useful tools - like any tool they can be misused, but so can the
text-based DOE2 programs.  It's easy for a beginner to rely on defaults no matter what the program is.  A GUI based
program, such as PowerDOE can assist in making sure the geometry is correct (a major stumbling block to new users), and
the on-line help is easier than sifting through the manuals.  The one thing I like about PowerDOE is that it is fully
functional (all the DOE2.2 commands are available)- not all GUI based DOE2 programs are fully functional.  The
spreadsheet feature of PowerDOE is also an excellent way of checking through input data.  The other important feature
of PowerDOE is that it creates a BDL input file that is transpotrable - it can be modified outside PowerDOE (using a
text editor) and later modified using PowerDOE.

I've been using DOE2 since it started out as CAL-ERDA, and even though I have no problem with the BDL input language, I
find I'm using PowerDOE exclusively.

Over the years, I've found new users creating poor models because they did not spend the time to understand the input
and default values, they messed up on the geometry, and - most important - they did not understand the mechanical
systems they were trying to model.

Mike Andelman




david walker wrote:

> Tom Beekhuysen Wrote:
>
> >Can anyone advise me on which version of DOE-2 and add-on software would be >best to obtain for a first time user.
>
> I have to disagree with John Karasaki and Bill Koran when it comes to
> GUI's.  I used DOE 2.1e for several years and currently use PowerDOE.  I
> find the GUI with PowerDOE helpful in preventing acceptance of default
> values. While using DOE 2.1e, I spent hours looking through manuals
> trying to determine exactly what default values were being used.  There
> were times when defaults were affecting my simulations and I had no idea
> they even existed until I got unreasonable results.  PowerDOE includes
> inputs for all variables available in DOE 2.2 and the default values can
> be readily seen or called up on the screen.  Coupled with the on-line
> help, understanding the significance of each value and inputting correct
> values is much easier and quicker than with a text based version.
> Granted, you will have to review the screens to determine what defaults
> relate to your systems, but the time required is minimized.  I believe
> my simulations have improved significantly since I started using
> PowerDOE.
>
> The 3D visualization of the structure also is a great help for me.  I am
> an engineer, but I must be geometrically impaired. I have a difficult
> time getting roof overhangs and shading correct without being able to
> see a representation of the structure on the screen.
>
> I have also been impressed with response time from JJ Hirsh.  They
> actually answer questions and corrected a small bug that I found within
> three weeks.  They have a trial period and a reasonable price.  I would
> recommend PowerDOE to anyone, first time user or veteran.  I haven't
> used the other version, so I can't really tell you much about them.
>
> Dave
>
>
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