OpenStudio

OpenStudio is a suite of free and open source software applications for building energy analysis used in building information modeling.[1] OpenStudio applications run on Microsoft Windows, Macintosh, and Linux platforms.[2][3] Its primary application is a plugin for SketchUp, that enables engineers to view and edit 3D models for EnergyPlus simulation software.[2][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]

OpenStudio was first released in April 2008 by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, a part of the U.S. Department of Energy.[8][11] NREL reports an average of 700 OpenStudio downloads per month.[8] Google's strategist for SketchUp, remarked that "OpenStudio is lauded around our office as one of the most complicated plug-ins ever written for SketchUp".[8]

OpenStudio was designed to work with SketchUp, because many architects already use SketchUp for building designs. The integration allows architects to analyze a design's energy performance before beginning construction.[12]

The first private organization selected by NREL to conduct OpenStudio courses was Performance Systems Development, a New York-based training institute.[13] Courses will be conducted for building professionals, software developers, and utility administrators.[13]

Features

OpenStudio includes a Sketchup Plug-in and other associated applications:

Sketchup Plugin

The OpenStudio Sketchup Plug-in allows users to use the standard SketchUp tools to create and edit EnergyPlus zones and surfaces. It allows SketchUp to view EnergyPlus input files in 3D. The plug-in allows users to mix EnergyPlus simulation content with decorative content.[3]

The plug-in adds the building energy simulation capabilities of EnergyPlus to the SketchUp environment. Users can launch an EnergyPlus simulation of the model and view the results without leaving SketchUp.[3]

The Plug-in allows engineers to:

See also

References

External links