Question-and-Answer Resource for the Building Energy Modeling Community
 | 1 | initial version |
The window model is selected by the type of construction object used to describe the window. A single window is only going to have one model at a time, but the building could have different window models assigned to different windows. The input object "Construction" will trigger the original model in EnergyPlus which is similiar to older versions of the Window program. The input object "Construction:WindowEquivalentLayer" will trigger the ASHWAT model. There is also a third option using the input object "Construction:ComplexFenestrationState."
As to which is better, it depends on how complex the window system is and what kinds of layers you need to model. The original model is fine for plain insulated specular windows. If you have special fabric or screen materials, the ASHWAT equivalent layer model might have some advantages on the ease of input. The complex fenestration can handle bidirectional light redirections.
