EnergyPlus will include innovative simulation capabilities including time steps of less than an hour, modular systems simulation modules that are integrated with a heat balance-based zone simulation, and input and output data structures tailored to facilitate third party interface development. Other planned simulation capabilities include solar thermal, multizone air flow, and electric power simulation including photovoltaic systems and fuel cells. Has been successfully compiled on UNIX and Linux platforms. Accurate, detailed simulation capabilities through complex modeling capabilities.
Input is geared to the 'object' model way of thinking.
Successful interfacing using IFC standard architectural model has been demostrated. Difficult to use without graphical interfaces. EnergyPlus has been tested against the IEA BESTest building load and HVAC tests. Results are available under Testing and Validation on the EnergyPlus web site . EnergyPlus Version 1.0 is currently available for download from the Web site .