Re: [EnergyPlus_Support] I need advices for choosing a GUI

[Josh K <jeemang@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hello;

My feeling is that their currently is not a *perfect* GUI for EnergyPlus, especially if you're interested in interoperability (ie IFC, gbXML, etc). Designbuilder seems to be getting closest in this regard, but when I tested it a while ago I found the modelling interface to be a bit clumsy and restrictive. OpenStudio is not bad, but still needs a little work to be practical for every day use (for instance, to my knowledge there is currently no good way to specify a heat transfer surface's adjacency conditions). I currently use ECOTECT, which had a lot of promise when I started using it three years ago but has progressed exactly zero since then. I don't know much about the other system you mention.

To summarize: the three you mention will all probably work for you, and each have their own advantages and disadvantages. If you're specifically interested in IFC compatibility, I'm not sure about the status of DesignBuilder in this respect, but neither OpenStudio nor ECOTECT currently have this capability. 

Josh

On Thu, Oct 22, 2009 at 7:14 AM, bcavallier <bruno.cavallier@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

 

Hello,

I want to learn EnergyPlus but I need a GUI. As it is a new activity for me, I would like to find the better couple [E+/GUI] regarding my needs. I am mainly interested in building energy simulation, particularly on the topics of energy efficiency and the smart use of solar energy for solar passive designing. I saw a lot of software on the web : Google Sketch Up with Openstudio, Designbuilder (well described at Harvard), Ecotect...

How can I make the best choice? My choice will use the IFC standard. I saw another software : Digital Project of Gehry Technologies which is based on Catia (Dassault Systemes) that works with IFC standards, but has anyone made simulation with [E+/this soft]?

Could you give me advices, please...

Best regards

B.Cavallier

-- 
Josh Kjenner, P.Eng., LEED AP
Manasc Isaac Architects Ltd.
10225 100 Avenue :: Edmonton, AB T5J 0A1
780.429.3977

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