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Hello Everyone,

I’m trying to figure out if there are some advantages in using Design Builder over OpenStudio. For example, would Design Builder allow me to create some more complex HVAC systems (such as DOAS with radiant slabs, or central ground source heat pump, etc.) and export an IDF file including the detailed HVAC components?

Can you guys share your thoughts about advantages/disadvantages of Design Builder over OpenStudio? I’m asking this question because I need some reality check in terms of time I spend on my models and would greatly appreciate any suggestion.

I used OpenStudio for several projects, but found specifying HVAC parameters in Open Studio time consuming and difficult (a lot of errors). To avoid many errors in HVAC, I would just create geometry and assign attributes in OpenStudio, and create all HVAC systems directly in IDF file by using E+. The building size I typically have to model is 150,000 sf to 200,000 sf.

How many of HVAC components/ controls, in general, are you guys able to specify in Open Studio before switching to E+ ( idf) for this building size? Also, how much time roughly does it take for you to complete a model with standard systems ( e.g. VAV w/ boiler chiller) and a model with a more complex system ( e.g., radiant slabs with with DOAS w/ DCV providing ventilation air directly to the spaces)? Let’s assume that the building has 150,000 sq.ft and a simple rectangular shape.

Thanks a lot,

Hello Everyone,

I’m trying to figure out if there are some advantages in using Design Builder over OpenStudio. For example, would Design Builder allow me to create some more complex HVAC systems (such as DOAS with radiant slabs, or central ground source heat pump, etc.) and export an IDF file including the detailed HVAC components?

Can you guys share your thoughts about advantages/disadvantages of Design Builder over OpenStudio? I’m asking this question because I need some reality check in terms of time I spend on my models and would greatly appreciate any suggestion.

I used OpenStudio for several projects, but found specifying HVAC parameters in Open Studio time consuming and difficult (a lot of errors). To avoid many errors in HVAC, I would just create geometry and assign attributes in OpenStudio, and create all HVAC systems directly in IDF file by using E+. The building size I typically have to model is 150,000 sf to 200,000 sf.

How many of HVAC components/ controls, in general, are you guys able to specify in Open Studio before switching to E+ ( idf) for this building size? Also, how much time roughly does it take for you to complete a model with standard systems ( e.g. VAV w/ boiler chiller) and a model with a more complex system ( e.g., radiant slabs with with DOAS w/ DCV providing ventilation air directly to the spaces)? Let’s assume that the building has 150,000 sq.ft and a simple rectangular shape.

Thanks a lot,

I’m trying to figure out if there are some advantages in using Design Builder over OpenStudio. For example, would Design Builder allow me to create some more complex HVAC systems (such as DOAS with radiant slabs, or central ground source heat pump, etc.) and export an IDF file including the detailed HVAC components?

Can you guys share your thoughts about advantages/disadvantages of Design Builder over OpenStudio? I’m asking this question because I need some reality check in terms of time I spend on my models and would greatly appreciate any suggestion.

I used OpenStudio for several projects, but found specifying HVAC parameters in Open Studio time consuming and difficult (a lot of errors). To avoid many errors in HVAC, I would just create geometry and assign attributes in OpenStudio, and create all HVAC systems directly in IDF file by using E+. The building size I typically have to model is 150,000 sf to 200,000 sf.

How many of HVAC components/ controls, in general, are you guys able to specify in Open Studio before switching to E+ ( idf) for this building size? Also, how much time roughly does it take for you to complete a model with standard systems ( e.g. VAV w/ boiler chiller) and a model with a more complex system ( e.g., radiant slabs with with DOAS w/ DCV providing ventilation air directly to the spaces)? Let’s assume that the building has 150,000 sq.ft and a simple rectangular shape.

Thanks a lot,shape.

I’m trying to figure out if there are some advantages in using Design Builder over OpenStudio. For example, would Design Builder allow me to create some more complex HVAC systems (such as DOAS with radiant slabs, or central ground source heat pump, etc.) and export an IDF file including the detailed HVAC components?

Can you guys share your thoughts about advantages/disadvantages of Design Builder over OpenStudio? I’m asking this question because I need some reality check in terms of time I spend on my models and would greatly appreciate any suggestion.

I used OpenStudio for several projects, but found specifying HVAC parameters in Open Studio time consuming and difficult (a lot of errors). To avoid many errors in HVAC, I would just create geometry and assign attributes in OpenStudio, and create all HVAC systems directly in IDF file by using E+. The building size I typically have to model is 150,000 sf to 200,000 sf.

How many of HVAC components/ controls, in general, are you guys able to specify in Open Studio before switching to E+ ( idf) for this building size? Also, how much time roughly does it take for you to complete a model with standard systems ( e.g. VAV w/ boiler chiller) and a model with a more complex system ( e.g., radiant slabs with with DOAS w/ DCV providing ventilation air directly to the spaces)? Let’s assume that the building has 150,000 sq.ft and a simple rectangular shape.