EnergyPlus
A whole building energy simulation program that engineers, architects, and researchers use to model both energy consumption and water use in buildings.
Overview
EnergyPlus is a console-based whole building energy simulation program that models heating, cooling, lighting, ventilation, and other energy flows. It is a versatile tool for engineers, architects, and researchers to model energy consumption and water use in buildings. Its development is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Building Technologies Office (BTO).
✨ Key Features
- Integrated, simultaneous solution of thermal zone conditions and HVAC system response
- Heat balance-based solution of radiant and convective effects
- Sub-hourly, user-definable time steps
- Combined heat and mass transfer model
- Advanced fenestration models
- Illuminance and glare calculations
- Component-based HVAC modeling
- Functional Mockup Interface (FMI) for co-simulation
🎯 Key Differentiators
- Open-source and free
- Highly detailed and flexible simulation capabilities
- Continuously developed and validated by the U.S. Department of Energy
Unique Value: Provides a free, open-source, and highly detailed building energy simulation engine for in-depth analysis and research.
🎯 Use Cases (4)
✅ Best For
- LEED energy modeling
- ASHRAE 90.1 compliance
- Academic research on building physics
💡 Check With Vendor
Verify these considerations match your specific requirements:
- Users without a technical background in building science
- Quick, early-stage design analysis without a graphical user interface
🏆 Alternatives
Offers a more detailed and flexible simulation environment compared to many commercial tools, but requires a higher level of user expertise and often a separate graphical user interface.
💻 Platforms
✅ Offline Mode Available
🔌 Integrations
💰 Pricing
Free tier: Full-featured, open-source software.
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