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

  1. ↑ OpenStudio project, GitHub
  2. 1 2 OpenStudio Homepage
  3. 1 2 3 Legacy OpenStudio Plug-in for SketchUp, EnergyPlus Simulation Software, US Department of Energy
  4. ↑ OpenStudio Application Suite, EnergyPlus Simulation Software, US Department of Energy
  5. ↑ OpenStudio Training, PSD Consulting
  6. ↑ Green Building's Open-Source Push, Bloomberg Business
  7. ↑ NREL Software Could Cut Commercial Building Energy Audit Costs 75%, CleanTechnica
  8. 1 2 3 4 Google SketchUp 'plug-in' offers energy analysis, Cnet
  9. ↑ National Renewable Energy Laboratory Offers Free Energy Conservation Software for Buildings, CleanTechnica
  10. ↑ ASHRAE, DOE Update Green Building Guides, Software, EnvironmentalLeader
  11. ↑ Free software for energy-efficient building design, ConstructionWeekOnline.com
  12. ↑ Construction Corner: Computer-powered construction evolves, TECHNOLOGY, DailyCommercialNews
  13. 1 2 NREL Selects Performance Systems Development to Deliver OpenStudio Trainings, PRWeb
  14. ↑ OpenStudio ResultsViewer, EnergyPlus Simulation Software, US Department of Energy
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