EnergyPlus Mastery Course: 8-Lesson Outline 

Gain hands-on expertise in EnergyPlus and EP-Launch (EP3), from foundational concepts through advanced HVAC and plant loop modeling. Perfect for engineers, energy modelers, and sustainability professionals.

1. Lesson 1: EnergyPlus Foundations

   • Understand the EnergyPlus simulation engine, its object-oriented paradigm, and why mastering IDF structure is essential.
   • Navigate EP-Launch (EP3) interface, run your first simulations, and explore key file types (IDF, EPW, ESO, RDD).

2. Lesson 2: Building Geometry Essentials

   • Learn how to define zones, spaces, surfaces, and fenestration objects.
   • Master adjacency settings, material definitions, and construction assignments for accurate heat transfer modeling.

3. Lesson 3: Advanced Scheduling & Internal Loads

   • Create and manage custom schedules (Compact, Week:Daily, Year) for occupancy, lighting, equipment, and controls.
   • Import external CSV schedules and avoid common pitfalls like over-scheduling and conflicts.

4. Lesson 4: Efficiency Measures & Quality Control

   • Compare EnergyPlus parametrics with EP3’s intuitive EEM workflow.
   • Implement robust QC checks—geometry gut checks, unmet load analysis, error file inspection, and node reporting techniques.

5. Lesson 5: Zone-Level HVAC Systems

   • Dive into ZoneHVAC objects, equipment lists, and connection nodes.
   • Configure control and availability schedules, auto-sizing parameters, and detailed fan-coil systems.

6. Lesson 6: Air-Loop HVAC & Airside Controls

   • Build air loops with supply- and demand-side components: outdoor-air systems, coils, fans, terminals, and DCV strategies.
   • Configure set-point managers, economizers, and heat-recovery ventilators for optimal indoor air quality and efficiency.

7. Lesson 7: Plant Loops & Waterside Systems

   • Architect hydronic loops: branches, splitters, mixers, and equipment lists.
   • Model boilers, chillers, pumps, towers, heat pumps, and solar collectors—plus geothermal and DOAS examples.

8. Lesson 8: Special Topics & EMS Integration

   • Explore utility cost modeling, life-cycle cost analysis, and currency objects.
   • Tackle advanced controls via EMS and Python plugins, simulate faulty control scenarios, and preview radiant/desiccant systems.

Why Enroll?

• End-to-End Workflow: Step through a real-world project—from geometry to economics.
• Hands-On with EP3: Leverage EP-Launch for rapid prototyping, bulk edits, and inheritance via EEMs.
• QC & Troubleshooting: Build confidence with proven checks, node reporting, and error-handling strategies.
• Advanced Control Techniques: Master EMS and Python plugins for custom logic and fault modeling.