Product(s):	OpenBuildings Energy Simulator
	Version(s):	CONNECT Edition
	Area:	Data Managers
	Subarea:	HVAC Manager

Overview

OpenBuildings Energy Simulator utilizes the industry-standard EnergyPlus simulation engine, which is console-based software created by the US Department of Energy. This means it offers text input only with little or no Graphical User Interface.

EnergyPlus is a console-based program that reads input and writes output to text files. It ships with a number of utilities including IDF-Editor for creating input files using a simple spreadsheet-like interface, EP-Launch for managing input and output files and performing batch simulations, and EP-Compare for graphically comparing the results of two or more simulations. Several comprehensive graphical interfaces for EnergyPlus are also available.

The above excerpt and further information can be found on the EnergyPlus website, here.

 

Method

While it is useful to have a knowledge of EnergyPlus to use OpenBuildings Energy Simulator, it is by no means essential as many prescribed HVAC systems are already included in the software as standard.

• Further details about the role of EnergyPlus in the modelling of these HVAC systems can be found here.
  
  
• If required, additional resources including details on suitable training providers, EnergyPlus specific support options and lectures can be found here.