OpenStudio v 1.0 was recently released by
DOE. OpenStudio (formerly known as the Energy Design Plugin) is a
free plugin for Google's SketchUp 3D drawing program. The plugin makes it
easy to create and edit the building geometry in EnergyPlus input files and to
run simulations directly within SketchUp. OpenStudio
was created by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory for
DOE and can be downloaded free at www.energyplus.gov.
OpenStudio provides users with access to
all the standard SketchUp tools and capabilities while creating
and editing EnergyPlus input files. Users can add as much extra detail as needed
to zones and surfaces, view the
building geometry from any vantage point, apply different rendering styles, and
perform accurate shadowing studies. Users also can mix EnergyPlus simulation
content with decorative content such as background images, landscaping, people,
and architectural finish details—all within the same SketchUp
model.
EnergyPlus Version
3.0, released in November, is available for Windows, Linux, and Macintosh
operating systems, and includes several new features such as new datasets, input
syntax changes, updated zone and ventilation controls and models, enhanced cost
calculations and economic reporting, and extended documentation and guides.
The
OpenStudio plugin is compatible with both the Free and the Pro versions of
Google SketchUp 6 & 7 for Windows. A version for Mac OS X is currently
in development. OpenStudio will have full access
to all of the plugin functionality
once both EnergyPlus and SketchUp are installed on your
computer.
More
information, along with a form to register for a free download of the OpenStudio
plugin and EnergyPlus, is available at www.energyplus.gov.