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