Courtesy of NREL OpenStudio Youtube New Geometry Tools in OpenStudio 0.5 (Space Diagram and Projecting Loose Geometry) This video shows some new geometry creation tools in OpenStudio 0.5 More New in OpenStudio 0.5 (Spaces, Space Types, Stories and Thermal Zones) This video introduces some new concepts in OpenStudio 0.5. Geometry is now contained by a space rather than a thermal zone. One or a number of spaces combine to create a thermal zone. Spaces can also be associated with a space type and a building story. More New in OpenStudio 0.5 (The Object Inspector) This video introduces you to the new Object Inspector in the OpenStudio SketchUp Plugin. This is the next generation of the Object Information Window. Instead of an HTML dialog within SketchUp, this is it’s own application that launches and quits with SketchUp. Data from the model is synchronized between the SketchUp and Inspector window. When you select an object in SketchUp, this is where you can see and alter attributes. For most situations this will replace the need to use OpenStudio ModelEditor. More Applying Surface Constructions in OpenStudio 0.5 This video describes the different ways you can apply surface constructions to your model. While you can still apply surfaces to each … Continue reading →

New site theme! Had some problems with the old one, anyway, on to the videos! I have been getting lots of emails about posting new videos specifically those related to HVAC systems which is obviously what everyone wants to learn and what we all struggle with. I am starting simple here by showcasing what I believe to be the most powerful part of Energyplus and perhaps one of the best implementations of creating HVAC systems in any analysis tool to date. I am a big fan of the HVAC Template modules and use them to create simple systems and ultimately expand them into more complex systems. For instance you may want to model a GSHP system. In the past I would create a standard Water Cooled Chiller system and swap out the tower for a ground loop and the chiller for a WSHP. By using the template to create the base branches and nodes you can easily swap out the equipment later on, making the difficult piece of the branches automated. So check out the videos and you’ll be creating HVAC systems in minutes, in some instances faster then you ever have before, enjoy! HVAC Templates in Energyplus — Part … Continue reading →