Please excuse the cross-postings...

Energy Design Plugin public beta release now available

DOE and NREL are pleased to announce the public beta release of the
Energy Design Plugin--an EnergyPlus plugin for Google SketchUp.

The plugin can be downloaded for free from the EnergyPlus web site at:

http://www.energyplus.gov/energy_design_plugin.html

The plugin makes it easy to create and edit the building geometry in
your EnergyPlus input files. The plugin also allows you to launch
EnergyPlus simulations and view the results without leaving SketchUp.

Designed to integrate seamlessly with the SketchUp environment, the
plugin allows you to use the standard SketchUp tools to create and edit
EnergyPlus zones and surfaces. You can explore your EnergyPlus input
files by using all of the native SketchUp 3D capabilities to view the
geometry from any vantage point, apply different rendering styles, and
perform accurate shadowing studies. The plugin allows you to mix
EnergyPlus simulation content with decorative content such as background
images, landscaping, people, and architectural finish details-all within
the same SketchUp model.

The plugin adds the building energy simulation capabilities of
EnergyPlus to the SketchUp environment. You can launch an EnergyPlus
simulation of the model you are working on and view the results without
leaving SketchUp.

Highlights of the beta version of the Energy Design Plugin include:

* The ability to create and edit EnergyPlus zones and surfaces

* The ability to launch EnergyPlus and view the results without leaving
SketchUp

This plugin makes it easier to work with EnergyPlus. However, expertise
in using EnergyPlus at the text level is highly recommended for
performing successful and accurate simulations. The beta version of the
plugin does not yet handle all critical input objects. Some editing of
the input file will usually be required outside of SketchUp.

After installing, the help files should get you started. You might also
try opening some of the input files that are included in the Examples
directory to help get your feet wet. If you have any problems, please
contact me at the support email: energy_design_plugin at nrel.gov I would
really appreciate any bug reports, suggestions, or other feedback from
you.

Thanks!

Peter Ellis