This oversizing is expensive. Energy modeling Simply downsizing an HVAC system s peak load capacity saves money. But for an accurate picture of where the heating and cooling energy will go before the equipment is specified, architects and engineers are using energy modeling software systems. The best known of these is DOE-2, developed by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in the late 1970s. DOE-2, will be available in prototype next year.
Energy modeling software requires time and money to run.
If carefully done, energy modeling provides an accurate and revealing look at the building. She was surprised to learn that in the laboratory area of the building, the envelope accounted for a small percentage of thermal load. Because of the high air-change rate required, most of the cooling energy was going out with the exhaust air. In the office portion, however, the building envelope was more significant. That information allowed HOK to allocate its resources appropriately.