MODELING SOFTWARE

 

The software listed below have either been used for Harvard projects, or are widely-used programs. In general, Harvard prefers a free software that the University has access to such as EnergyPlus or eQUEST, though often times it may be necessary to use a different program to run more sophisticated analysis.  Harvard considers the electronic energy model files to be part of the building design and expects an as-built model to be submitted as part of the project close-out documentation.

 

SOFTWARE
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

PROJECTS

equest logo

eQUEST

Pros:

  • Available free of charge online --easily reviewed by HGCI or other sustainability consultants
  • Easy to use
  • (Uses DOE2.2, so different from models done with DOE-2)

Law School NW Corner

Schlesinger Library

energy plus logo

EnergyPlus
Pros:
  • A DOE-2 tool
  • From the creators of BLAST and DOE-2 - merges the two programs
  • One of the most powerful - allows detailed analysis for complex designs
  • Includes time steps of less than one hour, modular systems and plant integrated with heat balance-based zone simulation, multizone air flow, thermal comfort, water use, natural ventilation, and photovoltaic systems
  • Can calculate life cycle costing
  • Can model specific design issues and innovations, such as photovoltaics, time units of less than one hour, and thermal comfort

Cons:

  • Stand along program without a 'user'-friendly graphical interface, reads and write as text files, which makes it more difficult to use. A graphic interface, and an possibly open source option, are under development, to increase usability.
None to date

visual doe logo

VisualDOE
Pros:
  • A DOE-2.1E tool
  • Graphic interface with a customizable library of building elements
  • Good for modeling envelope and HVAC options - up to 20 options
  • Can print summaries, graphics, and hourly reports directly from the program

Cons:

  • Passive solar capabilities not as good

Hamilton Hall

Wyss Hall

5 Cowperthwaite

Gallatin Hall

visual spark logo

VisualSPARK

Pros:

  • Models complex building envelopes and mechanical systems beyond the scope of EnergyPlus and DOE-2
  • Runs 10-20 times faster than similar programs
  • Graphical interface
  • Available free of charge
None to date

trane trace logo

Trane Trace 700

Pros:

  • Good for sizing equipment and determining loads
  • Ability to model additional options, such as cogneration, heat recovery, and thermal storage
  • Can perform life cycle cost analysis

Cons:

  • Not DOE-2 software
  • Not as useful for energy simulation - mainly for sizing
  • Some limitation in modeling some architectural features

Blackstone

90 Mount Auburn Street

60 Oxford

One Western Avenue (Trane Trace 600)

Weld Hill, Arnold Arboretum

elite software logo

Development, HVAC Loads Calculation Program

Cons:

  • Not DOE-2 software
  • More of a load calculation tool than energy modeling simulation
Zero Arrow Street

 

For more information:

 

U.S. Department of Energy: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Energy Software Tools Directory

 

Whole Building Design Guide: Energy Analysis Tools

 

Contrasting the Capabilities of 20 Building Simulation Programs, July 2005.

 

 

Updated: Thursday, August 13, 2009 9:48 AM

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