WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a new version of its EnergyPlus building energy analysis simulation program. EnergyPlus models a building’s heating, cooling, ventilating, water, lighting, and other energy flows so designers and engineers can test different system combinations before construction begins. Version 3.0 - available for the Windows, Linux, and Macintosh operating systems-includes several new features such as:

• New datasets

• Updated zone and ventilation controls and models

• Enhanced cost calculations and economic reporting

• Extended documentation and guides

For users interested in retrofitting, DOE has also updated and extended the program’s capabilities for modeling existing building envelope, daylighting, and HVAC equipment and systems.

For more information on EnergyPlus Version 3.0 and to download the software at no cost, go to http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/.

Publication date: 12/22/2008