EnergyPlus
EnergyPlus 7.1.0 is now available. Learn about the new features.
EnergyPlus is a whole building energy simulation program that engineers, architects, and researchers use to model energy and water use in buildings. Modeling the performance of a building with EnergyPlus enables building professionals to optimize the building design to use less energy and water. Each version of EnergyPlus is tested extensively before release.
EnergyPlus models heating, cooling, lighting, ventilation, other energy flows, and water use. EnergyPlus includes many innovative simulation capabilities: time-steps less than an hour, modular systems and plant integrated with heat balance-based zone simulation, multizone air flow, thermal comfort, water use, natural ventilation, and photovoltaic systems. Read about new features.
EnergyPlus runs on the Windows, Macintosh, and Linux platforms. Free add-ons and other third-party software products are available for use with EnergyPlus. Read a fact sheet on EnergyPlus.
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EnergyPlus Add-Ons
The products below all work with EnergyPlus to improve overall functionality.
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OpenStudio Application Suite
OpenStudio is a cross-platform (Windows, Mac, and Linux) collection of software tools to support whole building energy modeling using EnergyPlus and advanced daylight analysis using Radiance. OpenStudio is an open source project to facilitate community development, extension, and private sector adoption. OpenStudio includes graphical interfaces along with a Software Development Kit (SDK).
How it works with EnergyPlus: The OpenStudio Application Suite includes five tools that work with EnergyPlus, Radiance, and other formats such as gbXML. The Google SketchUp Plug-in allows users to quickly create geometry for EnergyPlus with Google SketchUp functionality including drawing tools, integration with Google Earth, Building Maker, and Photo Match. SystemOutliner lets you create and edit HVAC systems. ModelEditor is a generic interface to OpenStudio objects. RunManager manages multiple simulations and workflows. ResultsViewer enables browsing, plotting, and comparing EnergyPlus output data in a graphical format.
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Legacy OpenStudio Plug-in for Google SketchUp
The Legacy OpenStudio Plug-in for Google SketchUp makes it possible for architects and engineers to perform EnergyPlus simulations using Google SketchUp, a user-friendly 3-D drawing interface.
How it works with EnergyPlus: : The Legacy OpenStudio Plug-in automatically generates the input for an EnergyPlus object when the user draws a surface in SketchUp. The Legacy OpenStudio Plug-in then enables users to launch EnergyPlus simulations and view the results without leaving SketchUp. Additionally, the Legacy OpenStudio Plug-in will generate a design in SketchUp based on EnergyPlus input files. Read a fact sheet about OpenStudio.
EnergyPlus Example File Generator
EnergyPlus Example File Generator is a Web-based service that creates and runs EnergyPlus input files for simple models of commercial buildings. The input files (and annual results summary files) are sent to your e-mail address as attachments.
How it works with EnergyPlus: This tool will provide an EnergyPlus input file that you can then further modify. Or, you can just evaluate the EnergyPlus results file you receive. These simple models are built into full EnergyPlus input files based on defaults, building energy standards, and computer routines that automatically generate a complete geometry description. Read a fact sheet about the EnergyPlus Example File Generator.
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Weather Data
Weather data is available for over 2,000 locations in a file format that can be read by EnergyPlus.
How it works with EnergyPlus: You can download your desired weather data. EnergyPlus uses the weather data in the building simulations to analyze building energy use.
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OpenStudio ResultsViewer
OpenStudio ResultsViewer displays EnergyPlus output in a graphical format. This program is now included as part of the OpenStudio Application Suite.
How it works with EnergyPlus: OpenStudio ResultsViewer reads the output of EnergyPlus and displays the data in the form of line plots and two dimensional flood plots. You can chart EnergyPlus report variables and meters down to the detailed time step.
In addition to the EnergyPlus add-ons listed here, many third-party companies offer EnergyPlus tools that provide user interfaces, help create input files, and support computer-aided design.