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][10]
OpenStudio was first released in April 2008 by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, a part of the U.S. Department of Energy.[8][11] 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]
OpenStudio was designed to work with SketchUp, because many architects already use SketchUp for building designs. The integration allows architects to analyze a design's energy performance before beginning construction.[12]
The first private organization selected by NREL to conduct OpenStudio courses was Performance Systems Development, a New York-based training institute.[13] Courses will be conducted for building professionals, software developers, and utility administrators.[13]
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.[14]
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
See also
References
- ↑ OpenStudio project, GitHub
- 1 2 OpenStudio Homepage
- 1 2 3 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
- 1 2 3 4 Google SketchUp 'plug-in' offers energy analysis, Cnet
- ↑ National Renewable Energy Laboratory Offers Free Energy Conservation Software for Buildings, CleanTechnica
- ↑ ASHRAE, DOE Update Green Building Guides, Software, EnvironmentalLeader
- ↑ Free software for energy-efficient building design, ConstructionWeekOnline.com
- ↑ Construction Corner: Computer-powered construction evolves, TECHNOLOGY, DailyCommercialNews
- 1 2 NREL Selects Performance Systems Development to Deliver OpenStudio Trainings, PRWeb
- ↑ OpenStudio ResultsViewer, EnergyPlus Simulation Software, US Department of Energy