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1 | initial version |
It helps to understand the intent of each software:
If your goal is one-off models of single buildings, then DesignBuilder builder is an appropriate choice. It gives a friendlier feel to EnergyPlus objects which is nice for new modelers. There is a hefty license fee.
If your goal is to do quick analysis on multiple buildings, and are comfortable with scripting, you will appreciate the utility of OpenStudio and the Building Component Library. The recent inclusion of the OpenStudio command-line-interface makes it a good choice for server-based applications. OpenStudio is free and opensource, which is why many 3rd-party developers use it. The Rhino/Grasshopper plugin Ladybug/Honeybee is particularly nice for thermal comfort analysis and recently CFD. There are still EnergyPlus objects, particularly HVAC systems, that are present in EnergyPlus but not yet OpenStudio.
I find most of the value in modeling is early-phase comparisons of massing, shading, envelope, or HVAC system options, which I can do very quickly with Grasshopper/Honeybee and OpenStudio measures.
Both DesignBuilder and OpenStudio are limited by the lack of controls detail in EnergyPlus, OpenStudio particularly so. I may do early modeling up through schematic or design development phases in Grasshopper/Honeybee/OpenStudio, and then import into IES if I know the controls are going to be really complicated (multiple timeclocks/setbacks, staged humidity controls, zonal and partial air-based system).
Per your specific questions:
2 | No.2 Revision |
It helps to understand the intent of each software:
If your goal is one-off models of single buildings, then DesignBuilder builder is an appropriate choice. It gives a friendlier feel to EnergyPlus objects which is nice for new modelers. There is a hefty license fee.
If your goal is to do quick analysis on multiple buildings, and are comfortable with scripting, you will appreciate the utility of OpenStudio and the Building Component Library. The recent inclusion of the OpenStudio command-line-interface makes it a good choice for server-based applications. OpenStudio is free and opensource, which is why many 3rd-party developers use it. The Rhino/Grasshopper plugin Ladybug/Honeybee is particularly nice for thermal comfort analysis and recently CFD. There are still EnergyPlus objects, particularly HVAC systems, that are present in EnergyPlus but not yet OpenStudio.
I find most of the value in modeling is early-phase comparisons of massing, shading, envelope, or HVAC system options, which I can do very quickly with Grasshopper/Honeybee and OpenStudio measures.
Both DesignBuilder and OpenStudio are limited by the lack of controls detail in EnergyPlus, OpenStudio particularly so. I may do early modeling up through schematic or design development phases in Grasshopper/Honeybee/OpenStudio, and then import into IES if I know the controls are going to be really complicated (multiple timeclocks/setbacks, staged humidity controls, zonal and partial air-based system).
Per your specific questions: