Re: [EnergyPlus_Support] Which software to use?

There is a range of simulation tools available, but it tends to be the case that the easier the tool is to use, the less flexible and capable it is. On one end you have eQuest, simple to get started with but will typically require some work around to produce useful results most of the time, so ends up being more difficult in the long run due to the workarounds, it is great for self driven learning due to its integrated documentation however it has no official support and has not really been updated since the 90's. Then there is TRNSYS, very powerful and very flexible, but it is also very time consuming and may require you to write a custom "TYPE" to get the desired results, but has a great support team. Then there is Energy Plus, very close to TRNSYS in potency, and flexibility and has the best in the way of support. Each of the tools I mentioned have had some type of government support in their development. There are other simulation engines, such as IES that have been developed by private companies. Personally I like to use design builder because it allows close to the level of simplicity involved with eQuest, but is much more flexible allowing for importing GBXML format, and exporting to Energy Plus .IDF format to get into details not available in the UI, also it has great documentation, as well as support from design builder, and support can be attained from the E+ help desk and on this list.

On Thu, Mar 15, 2012 at 5:16 AM, YuanLu Li <yli006@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

EPlus by itself is a complete piece of research software.

All those who started from a thirt party interface has problems, because they have missed the learning phase of how to use EPlus, and to use the debugging and worked examples provided with the download.

The new OpenStudio, I am afraid is starting on the wrong format. The GUI should be written as an IDE and not as an Application for limited and packaged use. For example, select a PTAC and then allowed to add more components to it without restriction and option guides and then simulate with lots of warnings. I do not think that it is a good idea.

The multi-format use by the new OS for different sections of the IDF is not a bad idea, but it should be able to accept the text format IDF for that section. The new OSM format will not help user to understand the structure of the Fortran modules. No one can remember all those connection numbers. Of couse, the NewOS can have their own math modules.

Anyway, I noticed that most user of this group is no longer interested in energy saving by building design. They are mainly interested in providing HVAC to a bueutiful building designed by Graphic interface or to some so called "baseline buildings".

GUI is not really a learning tool. I am also worried that what all those "APPS" on the iPhone and iPad will do to the education of the next generation.

"What software to use?" If you widen the scope for this question, there are many problems.

What is the use of a beautiful building input with which the material and construction may not be correctly spedified? I know there are software that can do both well.

The Windows OS are getting bigger and therefore slower on an older PC. Windows 7 is not better than Windows Vista or XP. Windows 8 is on the way. They will be better for face book, U-tupe and digital TV. Why do I want to view TV on my PC?

I can still read and run my EPlus IDF on my PC with Windows ME.

Dr. Li

To: EnergyPlus_Support@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
From: loconinja@xxxxxxxxx
Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:53:55 +0100
Subject: Re: [EnergyPlus_Support] Which software to use?

IES VE, especially latest version, is extremely powerful all-in-one energy analysis software! I've worked in it.. it's easy to use, beautiful GUI, flexible, easy modeling modifications of any kind, with bunch of different modules available! The downside is that it costs an arm and a leg even with basic features.. but hey, you can't have it all. There is 30 days free trial, so give it a shot..

On the other hand, EnergyPlus and all Open Studio plugins are completely free, but in my experience can become really time consuming if you're using them separately.. for example OS just for modeling and E+ for simulation runs! A new GUI for E+ is expected this year by DOE, so you can check it out here: http://simulationresearch.lbl.gov/projects/gui We'll just have o wait and see..

P.S. Also, check out gModeller, a Green Space plugin for Sketchup. Modeling-vise only, it can be a piece of cake, so that later on you can use those models in E+ via Open Studio.

Cheers