Compare and contrast

A new report from a group of industry experts contrasts the features and capabilities of 20 building energy simulation programs. The report includes an overview of each program as well as tables comparing specific features such as zone loads, ventilation and multizone airflow, renewable energy systems, climate data availability, results reporting, validation and user interfaces etc.

One of the report’s conclusions is that many users rely on a single simulation tool, when they might be more productive having a suite of tools to support the range of simulation needs they usually see in their practice.

The authors see the report as a community resource that will be regularly updated and expanded as the tools and the simulation field mature and grow. Ultimately, they see it as a dynamic web-based resource.To download a copy, go to www.energytoolsdirectory.gov.