OpenStudio
OpenStudio is a suite of software applications for building energy analysis used in building information modeling, that runs on Microsoft Windows, Macintosh, and Linux platforms.[1][2] Its primary application is a plugin for SketchUp, that enables engineers to view and edit 3D models for EnergyPlus simulation software.[1][3][4][5][6][7][8]
OpenStudio was first released in April 2008 by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, a part of the U.S. Department of Energy.[7][9] NREL reports an average of 700 OpenStudio downloads per month.[7] Google's strategist for SketchUp, remarked that "OpenStudio is lauded around our office as one of the most complicated plug-ins ever written for SketchUp".[7]
Features
OpenStudio includes a Sketchup Plug-in and other associated applications:
- The Sketchup Plug-in allows users to create 3D geometry needed for EnergyPlus using the existing drawing tools.
- RunManager manages simulations and workflows and gives users access to the output files through a graphical interface.
- ResultsViewer enables browsing, plotting, and comparing EnergyPlus output data, especially time series.[10]
Sketchup Plugin
The OpenStudio Sketchup Plug-in allows users to use the standard SketchUp tools to create and edit EnergyPlus zones and surfaces. It allows SketchUp to view EnergyPlus input files in 3D. The plug-in allows users to mix EnergyPlus simulation content with decorative content.[2]
The plug-in 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.[2]
- Create and edit EnergyPlus zones and surfaces
- Launch EnergyPlus and view the results without leaving SketchUp
- Match interzone surface boundary conditions
- Search for surfaces and subsurfaces by object name
- Add internal gains and simple outdoor air for load calculations
- Add the ideal HVAC system for load calculations
- Set and change default constructions
- Add daylighting controls and illuminance map
References
- ^ a b OpenStudio Homepage
- ^ a b c Legacy OpenStudio Plug-in for SketchUp, EnergyPlus Simulation Software, US Department of Energy
- ^ OpenStudio Application Suite, EnergyPlus Simulation Software, US Department of Energy
- ^ OpenStudio Training, PSD Consulting
- ^ Green Building's Open-Source Push, Bloomberg Business
- ^ NREL Software Could Cut Commercial Building Energy Audit Costs 75%, CleanTechnica
- ^ a b c d Google SketchUp 'plug-in' offers energy analysis, Cnet
- ^ National Renewable Energy Laboratory Offers Free Energy Conservation Software for Buildings, CleanTechnica
- ^ Free software for energy-efficient building design, ConstructionWeekOnline.com
- ^ OpenStudio ResultsViewer, EnergyPlus Simulation Software, US Department of Energy