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Energy Simulation Software -
A Beginner’s Guide
Emgy simulation software is used What is Energy Simulation Software?
to determine the energy use and
energy cost ofbuildings. This Tech-
nology Update describes three types
of energy simulation software and in-
dicates how you can obtain more in-
formatwn about these programs.
Energy simulation software is used primarily to determine energy use
and energy cost for existing or proposed buildings. In some cases, it is
also used to estimate HVAC equipment sizes, to estimate peak power
demands, and to disaggregate energy end uses in buildings. For en-
ergy conservation programs, this type of software is used to compare
the energy use of a building before and after the installation of energy
efficiency technologies.
For both existing and new facilities, energy simulation software re-
quires input information describing various architectural, mechanical,
and electrical features of the building as well as detailed building and
equipment operations. Typical input information includes the
following:
W Wall, roof, and floor characteristics
W Insulation levels
W Glass properties
W Type of HVAC systems
W Lighting systems
W Control systems for lighting, HVAC and other equipment
W Miscellaneous receptacle loads
Hot water system
W Building and equipment operating hours
W Temperature settings
W Utility rate schedules
Input requirements for the available programs vary widely. Most pro-
grams have standard default input values to allow less detailed data
entry.
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POWER ADMINISTRATION
Once this information is entered,
the software (1) processes the in-
formation using weather data to
simulate the thermal load charac-
teristics of the building, (2) simu-
lates the WAC systems and
controls to estimate terminal sys-
tem coil loads and primary sys-
tem energy (utility) demands,
and (3) derives overall energy use
and cost for