OpenStudio explained

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 proprietary 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 said 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] From May 2018, The Energy Simulation Academy (TESA) was selected as another private organization to conduct such training.^[14]

Features

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

• The Sketchup Plug-in allows users to create 3D geometry needed for EnergyPlus using the existing drawing tools.
• RunManager manages simulations and workflows and gives users access to the output files through a graphical interface.
• ResultsViewer enables browsing, plotting, and comparing EnergyPlus output data, especially time series.^[15]

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:

• Create and edit EnergyPlus zones and surfaces
• Launch EnergyPlus and view the results without leaving SketchUp
• Match interzone surface boundary conditions
• Search for surfaces and subsurfaces by object name
• Add internal gains and simple outdoor air for load calculations
• Add the ideal HVAC system for load calculations
• Set and change default constructions
• Add daylighting controls and illuminance map

See also

• Building information modeling
• SketchUp
• Trimble Navigation

External links

• OpenStudio Suite, U.S. DOE
• OpenStudio Plug-in, U.S. DOE
• Project homepage
• GitHub project

Notes and References

1. https://github.com/NREL/OpenStudio OpenStudio project
2. https://www.openstudio.net/ OpenStudio Homepage
3. http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/openstudio.cfm Legacy OpenStudio Plug-in for SketchUp
4. http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/openstudio_suite.cfm OpenStudio Application Suite
5. http://psdconsulting.com/openstudio-training/ OpenStudio Training
6. https://www.bloomberg.com/bw/technology/content/oct2009/tc20091015_927728.htm Green Building's Open-Source Push
7. http://cleantechnica.com/2013/10/29/nrel-software-cut-commercial-building-energy-audit-costs-75/ NREL Software Could Cut Commercial Building Energy Audit Costs 75%
8. http://www.cnet.com/news/google-sketchup-plug-in-offers-energy-analysis/ Google SketchUp 'plug-in' offers energy analysis
9. http://cleantechnica.com/2011/03/16/national-renewable-energy-laboratory-offers-free-energy-conservation-software-for-buildings/ National Renewable Energy Laboratory Offers Free Energy Conservation Software for Buildings
10. http://www.environmentalleader.com/2010/11/23/ashrae-doe-update-green-building-guides-software/ ASHRAE, DOE Update Green Building Guides, Software
11. http://www.constructionweekonline.com/article-10337-free-software-for-energy-efficient-building-design/ Free software for energy-efficient building design
12. http://www.dailycommercialnews.com/Technology/News/2014/11/Construction-Corner-Computer-powered-construction-evolves-1003954W/ Construction Corner: Computer-powered construction evolves
13. https://www.prweb.com/releases/nrel_selects_performance_systems_development_to_deliver_openstudio_trainings/prweb11295644.htm NREL Selects Performance Systems Development to Deliver OpenStudio Trainings
14. https://nrel.github.io/OpenStudio-user-documentation/help/training/ OpenStudio Training providers
15. http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/resultsviewer.cfm OpenStudio ResultsViewer