What is the best energy modeling software?
If you are asking this question, you are probably either really new to energy modeling or really experienced.
Unfortunately, nobody really has the answer to this flawed question. The problem is that best can mean a number of things. Some might think that it means, "The most powerful, flexible, modern software package". But if it takes 5 years to learn how to use it, would it still be the best?
Many would argue that EnergyPlus is the best energy modeling software package. I will say with certainty that, on it's own, EnergyPlus is not the best software package.
Why isn't EnergyPlus the best software package?
EnergyPlus is not a...
The increasing popularity of building energy modeling (BEM) yields growing awareness of BEM to a variety of professionals. With exposure to larger audiences of various technical nature, energy modeling remains under increasing scrutiny. This scrutiny extends to all energy models, including yours.
Critics, all too often, cite discrepancies between a given BEM's projected energy cost and the reported cost of the existing building.Thus, the perceived validity of the energy-model is tied to its accuracy relative to actual utility bill data. This accuracy is most easily determined in existing building energy retrofits, where one can easily cross-reference existing utility bills with the energy...
We are going to delve into “User Expressions”. This is a topic that scares many an eQUEST user, so let me be clear, you can very easily complete an eQUEST model without “User Expressions”. They are optional, but they can be very helpful.
What is a User Expression in eQUEST?A User Expression, also called a User Input Expression, is an input that is dependent on another input. This is very powerful because it allows interdependence of inputs, and allows dynamic modeling. To really explain a user expression, let’s start out with a simple example.
Example 1:
Let’s say we wish to place one window on each wall in our simulation. It’s common that a band of glass...
Unmet Load Hours (aka “The Bane of the Completed Simulation”)
What is an unmet load hour?
Oddly, the definition of an unmet load hour is partially dependent on the software you are using, which may or may not allow you to define the throttling range (the acceptable +/- degrees where a space is deemed to be within its target setpoint).
An unmet load hour occurs when the HVAC system lacks the capacity to keep the design setpoint within the throttling range for the duration of an hour. The other caveats are that the space must be conditioned, and in operating mode (occupied).
Why do unmet load hours affect you?
Unmet hours will...
If you are reading this, it is likely you clicked a link from our email series explaining energy modeling and it's benefits. Specifically, the email "How does Energy modeling save energy?"
In this case, R-50 insulation used more energy than R-25 in a building in Denver, Colorado.
The main issue was that the R-25 building did not need heating or cooling for most hours when the outdoor air temperature was between 50 and 67 degrees. The building with the extra insulation, on the other hand, did not need heating or cooling between 50 and 58 degrees (the sweet spot was half the size when adding the extra insulation).
In this example, R-50 used MORE energy than R-25. Here's why:
The extra insulation did save...
Has anyone else noticed that the last few months have brought some interesting new trends to the industry? This has also been evident given the inquiries here at Energy-models.com. (I should probably follow up on some of the trends that are changing in the building simulation community- yes, I am a data nerd). While our typical support request is usually a request to rectify some error or anomaly, the last few months have seen a slight change. Our number 1 inquiry has been for “taking over” an existing project, and we have simply not been able to accommodate these requests. We have tried to help where we can, which has often meant sending someone a referral. The trouble is that we only know so many people who we feel confident in...
It is very difficult to answer the question "What is Energy-modeling" in as few words as possible. Here is my latest attempt that will soon be edited and published in, Architectural Drafting and Design, published by Cengage, 7th Edition.
Definition of Energy ModelingEnergy modeling, short for Building energy modeling (often abbreviated as BEM), is the computer simulation of a building used to determine or estimate building energy usage. A virtual building is created in a software package, the building components are entered, and the building is simulated over the duration of 1 year using a weather file.
The components entered into the simulation are numerous and thus most energy models allow for some...
I read an article a few years back about how energy-modeling was inaccurate. I disagreed with a lot of the articles premise, but not the energy-nerd’s conclusion. The article failed to specify that they were talking about residential energy modeling, which I thought was a cheap shot, because it is easier to miss the mark on poorly controlled buildings. My biggest problem with the article was that it blamed the software. I have a saying: If you want to blame the software, please consult a mirror first.
The software packages are not the main problem. Not even close. Barking up that tree is the calling card of someone who just wants to bitch about energy-...
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