Re: [EnergyPlus_Support] Version 5 features (final draft)

Version 5.0, Release April 2010

Data Sets
* New refrigerated case data set.

Input
* Slab and Basement preprocessors integrated to run automatically
prior to EnergyPlus simulation
* New "Unit Type" field for schedules to support units conversions of
schedule values
* Added ExternalInterface to connect to the Building Controls Virtual
Test Bed using Ptolemy.

Geometry/Window/Wall/Shading
* 2-node ConductionFiniteDifferenceSimplified model added.

Daylighting
* Allow switchable windows like electrochromic windows to
continuously dim, instead of only switching to fully dark state.
Allows the zone to meet the maximum glare index while providing
daylight for spaces.

Zone Model
* Analytical and Euler solution options for zone air heat balance added.

Natural and Mechanical Ventilation
* Added minimum outdoor air flow rate operation controls to single
and dual duct VAV air terminals.
* Added maximum supply air flow rate during reheat to single duct VAV
air terminal.
* New object ZoneHVAC:OutdoorAir to describe outdoor air flow rate
for use by other objects.
* New ZoneVentilation:WindandStackOpenArea object calculates
ventilation rates based on winds and stack effects.
* Zone HVAC outdoor air unit module for make-up air and DOAS.

HVAC and Refrigeration
* Refrigeration loops can now model CO2 secondary loops.
* Lighting in refrigerated cases revised to better match
manufacturer's practices.
* Zone-side impacts of refrigerant piping heat exchange added.
* Default 'on' schedules for refrigerated cases and walk-ins added
* Dual layer controls for radiant systems removed
* Basin heater added to all chillers except absorption chillers.
* Basin heater added to one and two speed cooling towers.
* Pumps can ride curves based on pressure.
* New steam baseboard with radiant heat.
* New electric radiant/convective baseboard.
* Added HVACTemplate:Zone:WaterToAirHeatPump and
HVACTemplate:Plant:MixedWaterLoop
* Standard rating (net) cooling capacity and SEER value reported for
single speed DX cooling coil with air-cooled condenser.

Electrical Systems
* Improved methodology for electric load dispatch via the electric load center.

Controls and User Functions
* Enhancements to EMS including: system timestep built-in variable,
detect unbalanced parentheses in Erl, custom schedule output, and
coupling with ExternalInterface.

On-Site Energy Supply
* Wind turbine module (horizontal and vertical axis turbines).

Output
* New predefined output table for DX cooling coils as part of
EquipmentSummary report summarize the calculated capacity and SEER values.
* New simulations database table and tabular reports data added to
SQL database output.
* Added report variables for beam and diffuse solar radiation for blinds.
* Users can turn off most surface variables to a minimal critical set
with single command. Allows tremendous reduction in execution time
for large projects with many surfaces.

Utilities
* New utility EP-Compare allows users to graphically compare results
from two simulations.
* IDF Editor supports IP units in schedules and other objects.
* EP-Launch, IDF Editor, and WeatherConverter updates throughout.

Documentation and Guides
* Two new guides: Tips and Tricks Using EnergyPlus, and External
Interface Application Guide.
* Input/Output Reference and Engineering Reference updated and
extended for all new features and updates. Total documentation now
exceeds 4,700 pages.
* New translation capability added to EnergyPlus web site allows
translation into 50 languages.

Validation and Testing
* New testing report: EnergyPlus Testing with IEA BESTEST Mechanical
Equipment & Control Strategies for a Chilled Water and a Hot Water System

Platforms
* Windows (XP, Vista, 7), Linux, Mac (tested for Snow Leopard)