Energy plus/open studio where to start?

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Two documents are really aimed at helping new users of EnergyPlus:

• https://energyplus.net/quick-start

• EnergyPlus Essentials (in the Documentation folder of where you installed EnergyPlus)

It is worth taking a look at these resources when you are first learning about EnergyPlus.

Both OpenStudio and Revit use EnergyPlus as the computation engine. With that said, both OpenStudio and Revit are limited and do not access the full abilities of EnergyPlus. OpenStudio has more access than Revit.

EnergyPlus is a gargantuan program to learn and is not very user friendly. It takes years of training and use to get good at EnergyPlus.

OpenStudio, although limited, is also very complicated because you must still have some knowledge of how EnergyPlus operates. That said, it has a more friendly user interface.

Revit is really intended for 3d modeling. It is limited to load calculations; although it does do energy calculations, those calculations are rudimentary and may not simulate the specific scenario that you need. Revit is also a gargantuan program, but more geared toward the 3d modeling and construction information management.

If you are looking for an Energy Plus based experience with a support center, consider TRACE 3D Plus as another option. The others above are also good options. Email cdshelp@trane.com if interested.