Re: [EnergyPlus_Support] EnergyPlus V7.2 Released

On Mon, Oct 15, 2012 at 11:42 AM, Niraj Poudel <nirajpdl@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Thank you for all that you guys are doing. Much appreciated!!

On Mon, Oct 15, 2012 at 12:44 PM, Jim Dirkes <jim@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Thanks, EnergyPlus team!
I am particularly pleased to see that heat recovery VRF is now available!

James V Dirkes II, PE, BEMP, LEED AP
www.buildingperformanceteam.com
Energy Analysis, Commissioning & Training Services
1631 Acacia Drive, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 USA
616 450 8653

From: EnergyPlus_Support@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:EnergyPlus_Support@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Linda Lawrie
Sent: Monday, October 15, 2012 12:55 PM
Subject: [EnergyPlus_Support] EnergyPlus V7.2 Released

EnergyPlus Version 7.2 and OpenStudio Legacy Plug-in 1.0.9 Available

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released an updated version of EnergyPlus simulation software for modeling heating, cooling, lighting, ventilating, and other building energy flows. Additionally, a new version of OpenStudio Legacy Plug-in for Trimble SketchUp is available, which makes it possible to perform EnergyPlus simulations using Sketchup's user-friendly 3-D drawing interface.
Visit www.energyplus.gov to learn more and download EnergyPlus and OpenStudio Plug-in now.

Highlights of this release (V7.2.0.006)
** The highlights ? improved and new features ? are displayed by category.

General
* Speed improvements and many bug fixes throughout.

Datasets
* WindowConstructs.idf was revised so annotations properly reflect U, SHGC, TSOL, TVIS values in EnergyPlus
* FluidPropertiesRefData.idf was revised remove unused superheated specific heat objects. Data sources documented.

Input
* Corrected or clarified the units for various input fields
* Windows and Daylighting
* New detailed model for complex window systems with Bi-directional Scattering Distribution Functions (BSDF).

Zone and Surface Models
* Multiple surface heat transfer algorithms (CTF, CondFD, EMPD, HAMT) can now be used in a single simulation and selected for individual surfaces and constructions.
* Changed model coefficients for the default outside face surface convection heat transfer correlations called "DOE-2" and "MoWiTT."

HVAC and Refrigeration
* Expanded model for Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) to allow simultaneous heating and cooling (heat recovery) and water-cooled condensers.
* New detailed models for variable-speed DX cooling and heating coils.
* Zone sizing expanded to add method for the design supply air temperature to be based on differences with zone temperature.
* Detailed ice storage model expanded for inside melt systems to start charging from a bare coil.
* HVAC equipment standard rating calculations (Net capacity, SEER, IEER) expanded for multispeed DX coils, multi-speed heat pumps, and packaged variable air volume units.
* Improved warning message content when HVAC simulation maximum iterations limit is exceeded.
* Added option for non-coincident sizing in HVACTemplate system objects.
* Added options for humidity setpoints and desuperheater in HVACTemplate for dedicated outdoor air systems.
* Added options for supply air temperatures in HVACTemplate for zone sizing.
* Added options for supplementary heating coil to be hot water in HVACTemplates for heatpump and unitary equipment.
* Added options for substituting specific chiller, boiler, and cooling tower objects for the defaults normally generated by HVACTemplates.

Controls and User Functions
* System availability managers expanded to control operation of additional types of zone equipment including: fan coil units, zone energy recovery ventilators, zone outdoor air units, variable refrigerant flow terminals, and ventilated slabs.
* Availability schedule added to daylighting controls.

Output
* Error messages improved for recurring errors.
* Tabular reports improved formatting and clean up.
* Documentation and Guides
* Documentation has been updated for all documents.

Platforms
* Windows (XP, Vista, Windows 7) 32 and 64 bit versions
* Linux (Ubuntu 12.04 and compatible) 32 and 64 bit versions
* Mac (10.6, 10.7 and 10.8) 32 and 64 bit versions
* EnergyPlus V 7.2 has been tested on all of these platforms

And many other enhancements and speed improvements throughout.
Suggestion: get as much memory as possible in your computer for
running EnergyPlus.

Thanks!
The EnergyPlus Team

--
Niraj Poudel, Architectural Engineer.
PhD student, PDBE Program.
Clemson University, Clemson, SC.