According to the DOE, EnergyPlus builds on the best features and capabilities of BLAST and DOE-2, but also includes such simulation capabilities as time steps of less than an hour, modular systems and plant integrated with heat balance-based zone simulation, multizone airflow, thermal comfort, and photovoltaic systems.

New features offered in Version 1.2.0 include enhancements to solar gain and daylighting calculations, airflow calculations, zone modeling, and a variety of HVAC modeling improvements for DX cooling coils, chilled water, and hot water systems.

EnergyPlus is available for free download. For more information, visit www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/.

Publication date: 05/10/2004