Bentley released the newest version of AECOsim Energy Simulator (08.11.09.33) on May 21st. A few of the new features in AECOsim Energy Simulator V8i SS3 include:
* Conceptual design modeling-- 10 inputs, sketch the floor plan, select HVAC system type, and simulate
* Creating energy models from PDFs, BMP, and other formats
* ASHRAE Standards 90.1?2010 and 62.1?2010 compliance and data sets
* EnergyPlus version 7.2 simulation engine
* Drag?and?drop HVAC component-based interface for modeling HVAC systems (more than 30 preconfigured HVAC systems).

Ok, but what is AECOsim Energy Simulator?
* Graphic interface built from the ground up on a Building Information Modeling (BIM) platform
* Built around US DOE?s flagship energy simulation engine, EnergyPlus
* Provides users with intelligent default values for all EnergyPlus inputs rather than hard-wired data or templates with limited control of inputs
* Easy import of building models through DGN, DWG, gbXML, PDF, and other formats
* Conceptual design energy modeling -- 10 inputs, sketch the floor plan, select HVAC system type, and simulate
* Standardized building design load calculations from ASHRAE and CIBSE, and ASHRAE energy and ventilation standards [ASHRAE Standards 90.1 and 62.1 (2004, 2007, and 2010 versions)].
* Automates the creation of baseline building and budget buildings models for Standard 90.1, easing complicated calculations for LEED energy points
* HVAC component-based, drag?and?drop interface for modeling HVAC systems with 31 preconfigured HVAC systems and 48 HVAC components available. Users can drill down, modify, reconfigure, and change all the HVAC inputs or create their own components and systems from EnergyPlus HVAC objects.
* Extensive databases of materials, constructions, schedules, room types, HVAC equipment, and system which users can customize and extend for their project-specific needs or their company?s standards

See the attached PDF for more info and images of the interface and new features, along with Energy Simulator?s YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/EnergySimulator More videos will be added about the new HVAC Designer, Conceptual modeling, PDF import and other new features in the near future.

For more information and to request a 30-day free trial, go to http://www.bentley.com/en-US/Products/AECOsim+Energy+Simulator/ (bottom left, contact?)