Energy and Economic Analysis Software
1082 visits
Posting Date | 21 December 2009
Type of tool | Simulation Tool
Countries where the tool has been developed | North America
Geographic Coverage | International
Theme | Socio-economics and finances related to energy conservation and renewable energy in buildings, Calculation, simulation
Target Group | Building professionals
Conditions of availability | Sale
Validation/testing information | Software has been validated using the ‘ASHRAE Standard 140 – Standard Method of test for Building Simulation Software’. It is listed on the DOE Web site as qualified software for computing Federal Tax Deductions as per EPACT 2005 (see link above).
Expertise required | Minimal computer literacy and basic understanding of building construction and design.
Input of the tool | Via user-friendly forms with graphical tools to specify building orientation, calendar information, etc. Data for building location, HVAC zones and spaces within zones, envelope elements (like walls, roofs, floors, and fenestration), lighting, HVAC systems, hot water inputs, plant information and piping specifications are required as user input. Master libraries for constructs and materials, fenestration data, etc. make user input easy and flexible. Components are easily managed through a tree hierarchy visible on the left part of the screen.
Output of the tool | Detailed reports provide compliance status, calculated performance against various benchmarks, points earned (for LEED calculations) and building energy use by component.
Strengths | Easy, intuitive user interface; Versatile tool ranging from code compliance for Florida energy code and ASHRAE Standard 90.1 to whole building simulation for various performance benchmarks like LEED and ASHRAE Standard 90.1 Appendix G; Automatic generation of ASHRAE reference building from proposed building input; Automatic rotation of reference building in all 4 orientations when running LEED or ASHRAE Standard 90.1 Appendix G; Automatic generation and submission of PDF report to the USGBC Web site that is required to claim Energy & Atmosphere (EA) Credit 1 points for LEED certification; Detailed, uncluttered reporting format for simulation results; Comprehensive Web site and phone availability for technical support; User forums and knowledge base for FAQ’s also available.
Weaknesses | No graphical or interoperability available for import of DWG or other formats; Should not be used for HVAC sizing; Requires detailed understanding of building simulation concepts for debugging technical issues involving DOE2.1E simulation engine results.
Tool Languages | English
EnergyGauge is a family of user-friendly PC software tools that allow simple yet detailed performance-based analysis of building energy use and perform economic analysis of proposed energy improvements.
EnergyGauge will perform:
-Energy Code calculations and compliance reports
-Building Energy Ratings and Rating reports
-Economic analysis of building energy improvements
Tool website URL(s) | http://www.energygauge.com/
Submitted by Hicham LAHMIDI (BUREAU VERITAS)
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