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)