The U.S. Department of Energy and National Labs released updated versions of their open-source, whole-building energy modeling tools, the EnergyPlus engine and the OpenStudio Software Development Kit.
EnergyPlus 9.5.0 includes fixes for over 60 known issues and bugs. The release also includes new features including a new battery model, enhancements to heat-pump water heaters and energy recovery ventilators, new tabular reporting options, and additional actuators for EMS and the Python Plugin. Starting with this release, a single application can run multiple EnergyPlus simulations that will not interfere with one another.
OpenStudio 3.2.0 includes updates to the OpenStudio Application Programming Interface, Command Line Interface, Server, and Standards gem. New features include Python API bindings, EnergyPlus export in epJSON input format, and OpenStudio Server support for URBANopt simulations.
The OpenStudio Standards gem has been updated to include data for ASHRAE 90.1-2016 models. In addition, all ASHRAE Standard 90.1 data tables are exported into a separate repository that can used by tools other than OpenStudio.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Nov 29, 2021
Ithaca, N.Y., votes to electrify, decarbonize all its buildings
First initiative of its kind in U.S.
Codes and Standards | Nov 29, 2021
FAA seeking design of air traffic control towers of the future
Call for design submissions for safe, efficient structures.
Codes and Standards | Nov 28, 2021
Efficient electric water heaters in multifamily buildings significantly reduce carbon emissions
In buildings with 5+ units, water heating uses more energy than space heating, cooling, or lighting.
Codes and Standards | Nov 23, 2021
New York’s Labor Law Section 240 and how it affects general contractors
The ‘Scaffold Law’ was first enacted by the New York State Legislature in 1885 and is one of the single most-used laws in construction accident cases.
Codes and Standards | Nov 22, 2021
ABC’s Construction Technology Report finds focus on solving operational problems
More than half rely on project management software.
Codes and Standards | Nov 22, 2021
Contractors say 811 utility location system has significant flaws
More than half of firms in survey report damages, near misses because lines were unmarked or marked incorrectly.
Codes and Standards | Nov 19, 2021
Creating net-zero/net-positive buildings is top priority in Green Building Trends 2021 report
Findings also demonstrate compelling business case for building green.
Codes and Standards | Nov 19, 2021
Construction Startup Competition 2021 awards highlight tech innovations
AI-powered software to identify and explain critical issues in construction contracts takes top prize.
Codes and Standards | Nov 18, 2021
Infrastructure bill contains $5 billion for energy efficiency in buildings
Wide range of programs to reduce energy use, improve materials, train workers.
Codes and Standards | Nov 17, 2021
Skanska will provide embodied carbon assessments on all new projects over 53,000 sf
Will use the Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator it helped create.
