Big for energy planners and experts!
The U.S. Department of Energy has released updated versions of its popular EnergyPlus simulation software for modeling heating, cooling, lighting, ventilating, and other energy flows as well as water in buildings, as well as its OpenStudio plug-in for Google's SketchUp program. EnergyPlus includes many innovative simulation capabilities such as time steps of less than an hour, modular systems and plant integrated with heat balance-based zone simulation, multizone air flow, thermal comfort, water use, natural ventilation, and photovoltaic systems. A list of features by EnergyPlus version is available.
Available for Windows, Linux, and Macintosh operating systems, EnergyPlus 4.0 also includes two new application guides: "Energy Management System Application Guide" and "Using EnergyPlus for Compliance." There is no charge to install and use EnergyPlus. Download EnergyPlus 4.0. The next version is scheduled for release in April 2010. Read full from EERE progress alerts