2.3. Introduction to space types and constructions
2.4. Checkpoint 1 : Reader’s first energy model with ideal loads
2.5. Advanced envelope topics
2.5.1. BIM interoperability
2.5.2. Photovoltaics
2.5.3. Shading surfaces
3. Space Type Definitions
3.1. Space type concept overview
3.2. Space type templates and data inheritance
3.3. Load definition
3.4. Schedules
3.5. Introduction to the OpenStudio Standards Gem
3.5.1. Prototype models
3.5.2. Automated code compliance
3.6. Checkpoint 2: Creating custom space type definitions
4. Introduction to Mechanical Systems
4.1. Overview of basic HVAC concepts
4.2. Model zoning
4.3. System topologies and OpenStudio/EnergyPlus paradigms
4.4. Sizing
4.5. Weather and design day files
4.6. Checkpoint 3: Using template mechanical systems
5. Advanced HVAC Topics
5.1. Checkpoint 4: Air Loops
5.2. Checkpoint 5: Plant Loops
5.3. Checkpoint 6: Zone Equipment
5.4. District Systems
5.5. Checkpoint 7: Packaged HVAC control strategies
6. OpenStudio Measures
6.1. Introduction to OpenStudio Measures
6.2. Accessing and using existing Measures
6.2.1. Energy efficiency measures
6.2.2. Reporting measures
6.2.3. Model creation measures and reference models
6.3. Checkpoint 8: Introduction to Parametric Analysis
7. Parametric Analysis
7.1. Introduction to OpenStudio Server
7.2. Checkpoint 9: Sampling problems and uncertainty analysis
7.3. Checkpoint 10: Sensitivity analysis
7.4. Checkpoint 11: Optimization
7.5. Checkpoint 12: Model calibration
8. Daylighting Analysis
8.1. Introduction
8.1.1. Radiance
8.1.2. Daylighting-specific model objects
8.2. Augmenting an energy model for daylighting analysis
8.3. Checkpoint 13: Performing a basic daylighting analysis
8.4. Checkpoint 14: Daylighting with advanced fenestration and controls
9. The OpenStudio Software Development Kit
<9.1. Overview, philosophy and examples
9.2. Measure Authoring
9.2.1. Checkpoint 15: Creating a new Measure
9.2.2. Checkpoint 16: Adapting Measures
9.2.3. Testing Measures
9.3. The OpenStudio Command Line Interface (CLI)
9.4. The OpenStudio Meta CLI
10. Appendix A - Resources
11. Appendix B – HVAC System “Glossary”
Dr. Larry J. Brackney joined the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in 2009, and works in the Commercial Buildings Research Group as a project manager leading the development of building energy analysis tools for the United States Department of Energy (DOE). He specializes in system modeling, control and embedded systems design, and analysis-led design process.. Prior to joining NREL, Dr. Brackney taught electrical engineering at the University of Canterbury, and worked extensively in the automotive sector developing combustion and power train controls. He earned his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University.
Andrew Parker joined NREL in 2010, and focuses on improving the usability of building energy analysis and design tools. He is an applications engineer for DOE’s OpenStudio project, and regularly works with third-party developers, utilities, and architecture and engineering firms to create innovative energy analysis software and workflows. He earned his BS in Textile Engineering from North Carolina State University.
Daniel Macumber joined NREL in 2008 and is a lead software developer for DOE’s OpenStudio building energy modeling project. Daniel’s areas of interest include building geometry representation, software interoperability, and urban-scale analysis. Prior to joining NREL, he developed algorithms and software for object tracking. He earned his MS in Mechanical Engineering from MIT.
Kyle Benne joined NREL in 2007, and is a lead software developer for DOE’s OpenStudio building energy analysis platform and EnergyPlus simulation engine. Kyle specializes in heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems modeling and analysis. Prior to joining NREL, he was a graduate researcher on fluid mechanics and numerical simulation topics. He earned his MS in Mechanical Engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology.
This textbook teaches the fundamentals of building energy modeling and analysis using open source example applications built with the US DOE’s OpenStudio modeling platform and EnergyPlus simulation engine. Designed by researchers at US National Laboratories to support a new generation of high performance buildings, EnergyPlus and OpenStudio are revolutionizing how building energy modeling is taught in universities and applied by professional architects and engineers around the world. The authors, all researchers at National Renewable Energy Laboratory and members of the OpenStudio software development team, present modeling concepts using open source software that may be generally applied using a variety of software tools commonly used by design professionals. The book also discusses modeling process automation in the context of OpenStudio Measures—small self-contained scripts that can transform energy models and their data—to save time and effort. They illustrate key concepts through a sophisticated example problem that evolves in complexity throughout the book. The text also examines advanced topics including daylighting, parametric analysis, uncertainty analysis, design optimization, and model calibration. Building Energy Modeling with OpenStudio teaches students to become sophisticated modelers rather than simply proficient software users. It supports undergraduate and graduate building energy courses in Architecture, and in Mechanical, Civil, Architectural, and Sustainability Engineering.
Includes assignable problems, worked examples, and online solutions to modeling exercises
Teaches students and professionals the fundamentals of building energy modeling and analysis using US DOE’s open source modeling platform, OpenStudio
Presents methods for tackling complex new construction or retrofit projects quickly and cost-effectively
Reveals processes that boost building energy modeling productivity
Conveys basic energy modeling concepts in the context of the broader set of skills professional engineers and architects need to design highly efficient buildings
Discusses OpenStudio as an extensible platform that supports the development of innovative applications for building science research and design
Authored by key members of the OpenStudio software development team at National Renewable Energy Laboratory