OpenStudio
OpenStudio is a suite of free and open source software applications for building energy analysis used in building information modeling.[1] OpenStudio applications run on Microsoft Windows, Macintosh, and Linux platforms.[2][3] Its primary application is a plugin for SketchUp, that enables engineers to view and edit 3D models for EnergyPlus simulation software.[2][4][5][6][7][8][9]
OpenStudio was first released in April 2008 by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, a part of the U.S. Department of Energy.[8][10] NREL reports an average of 700 OpenStudio downloads per month.[8] 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".[8]
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.[11]
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.[3]
The plug-in adds the building energy simulation capabilities of EnergyPlus to the SketchUp environment. Users can launch an EnergyPlus simulation of the model and view the results without leaving SketchUp.[3]
The Plug-in allows engineers to:
- 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
- ^ OpenStudio project, Github
- ^ 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