2.8.0.0 (January 4, 2017) ------- Modeling Features - Added central fan integrated supply (CFIS) mechanical ventilation type - Added ducted mini-split heat pump (MSHP) options (w/ sample MSHP ducting option) - Switched to new Kiva ground heat transfer model - Added boiler input to specify if it is modulating - Updated to EnergyPlus v8.8 Interface Features - Allow basement heights to be changed - New version of DView Modeling Fixes - Various bugfixes for ERI calculation - Bugfix for dehumidifier energy consumption - Bugfix for ceiling insulation install grade - Bugfix where, e.g., an AC with electric baseboard would show double the cooling capacity - Bugfixes for HPWH ambient air temperature depression model - Various bugfixes for HVAC sizing algorithm - Fixed MSHP capacity unit conversion Costs - Fixed mini-split heat pump costs - Updated double/triple-pane window costs - Utility bill bugfix for not including heat pump supplemental heating electricity usage - Utility bill bugfix for true up of annual excess electricity with real time pricing 2.7.0.0 (November 7, 2016) ------- Modeling Features - Updated mini-split heat pump EnergyPlus model - Added inputs for heating capacity retention during cold outdoor air temperatures - Added input for presence of pan heater - Added new options to better representative market-available models - Infiltration model can account for flues/chimneys (furnace, boiler, water heater, fireplace) - Updated to EnergyPlus v8.6 Interface Fixes - Fixed error when a multifamily building has corridor space and a pier & beam foundation - Fixed tiered incentives from being reset to non-tiered incentives when re-opening project file Modeling Fixes - Various ERI fixes for reference & rated building specifications - 2013 ASHRAE 62.2 infiltration credit can now apply to new construction homes - Fixed duct losses hourly output - Fixed EnergyPlus error when using a ground-source heat pump with a multifamily building - Fixed amount of natural ventilation in multifamily buildings - Fixed possible error for multifamily buildings with finished basements Costs - Fixed utility bill calculations when the building has a heat pump water heater - Updated PV costs per latest LBL report - Updated LED lighting costs/lifetimes - Updated mini-split heat pump costs - Updated heat pump water heater costs - Updated attic insulation costs 2.6.0.1 (February 27, 2016) ------- Modeling Fixes - ERI: Fixed missing mechanical ventilation energy use - ERI: Fixed zero heating fan energy use for reference buildings with air-source heat pumps - ERI: Prevent auto-sizing the rated home HVAC when a fixed capacity was entered - Fixed accidental disabling of attic perimeter taper effect - Fixed possible stratified tank error in high hot water usage situations - Fixed possible sizing error when modeling certain HVAC equipment in very small houses Interface Fixes - Fixed possible error when aggregating results in End Use graph - Fixed possible "Index was outside the bounds of the array" error 2.6.0.0 (February 1, 2016) ------- Interface Features - Ability to calculate Energy Rating Index (ERI), per the ANSI/RESNET 301-2014 "Standard for the Calculation and Labeling of the Energy Performance of Low-Rise Residential Buildings using the HERS Index" as well as the ANSI/RESNET 301-2014 Addendum A-2015 "Addendum on Domestic Hot Water (DHW) Systems" Modeling Features - Updated to EnergyPlus v8.4 Update 1 - Distribution System Efficiency (DSE) option type in the Ducts category - Adjustment of duct nominal R-value to actual R-value per Palmiter & Kruse 2006 - ACH value for pier & beam foundation type - Clothes dryer monthly schedule Interface Fixes - Fixed ability to download weather files (EnergyPlus website changed) - Fixed possible error when opening a BEopt project file by double-clicking on it - Fixed error when selecting a DR signal type for non-California Metrics project types - Fixed interface appearing when using --geoInput argument - Fixed missing corridor space number in help file Modeling Fixes - Fixed error when there is an ERV and no forced air equipment 2.5.0.0 (October 30, 2015) ------- Interface Features - Multifamily mode - Ability to see output for each unit in the End Use graph and DView - Units can now be deleted even if they have drawn floor area - PV production is allocated to each unit based on finished floor area - Disaggregated loads not met in End Use graph by living vs basement - Disaggregated heating and water heating energy in End Use graph by main vs. supplemental - Added water heating delivered energy and pipe losses to End Use graph - HVAC capacities are now displayed in the End Use graph - Preserve geometry screen settings when creating new cases and re-opening project files - Renamed 'Heating & Cooling' end use graph type to 'Delivered Energy' - Highlight display values (vs simulation inputs) in the Option Input Screen Modeling Features - New categories: - Central Water Heater (Multifamily) - Central Hot Water Distribution (Multifamily) - Steel Stud walls - New simulation variables: - Ducting options, HVAC interaction factor, and temperature depression for heat pump water heaters - Forced draft fan power and parasitic electric power for non-electric water heaters - Corridor lighting power density (Multifamily) - Tank/collector/pump properties for solar water heating - Insulation install grade for foundation ceilings, attic ceilings/roofs, and double stud walls - Stud & gap depths (instead of cavity depth) for double stud walls - New residential heat pump water heater model - Updated to EnergyPlus v8.4 (custom version with HPWH bugfix) - Using detailed minute-by-minute hot water draw profiles - Tiered electricity rates are now supported for multifamily buildings Interface Fixes - Fixed missing erase button on 2nd level of a MF building - Removed screen resolution limitation - Fixed Shower gal/unit/day display value for multifamily buildings Modeling Fixes: - Improvements to mini-split heat pump model based on field data - Updated finished basement heat load calculation to better follow Manual J - Updated vented crawlspace air leakage distribution (ceiling/walls/floor) per LBL recommendation - Fixed Infiltration + Mech. Vent. hourly output for balanced systems - Fixed swapped simulation variable values for natural ventilation - Fixed EnergyPlus to use sea level atmospheric pressure for HPWH ratings - Fixed water mains temperatures used in EnergyPlus for southern hemispheres. Costs - Fixed door area cost multiplier for multifamily buildings - Fixed air conditioner retrofit install labor cost - Updated some hot water distribution costs 2.4.0.1 Beta (August 31, 2015) ------- Interface Features: - Uses DView 2.0.0.3 - Allows opening EnergyPlus detailed output files directly - Includes group names (e.g., "Point X" in BEopt) for exported data/images Interface Fixes - Fixed geometry rendering for some buildings with both deck and attic space on the same level - Improved interface when using "Medium" or "Large" Window fonts or low screen resolutions - Fixed possible "Window area for the facade differs from user input" error message - Fix for possible error when visualizing weather data in DView - Fixed possible python errors if python environment variables (e.g., PYTHONHOME) are set - Fixed possible error while migrating project files from an older version - Modified "Heating (E)" end use bar color to make text overlay more visible Modeling Fixes: - Fixed error when using mechanical ventilation in retrofit mode - E+ coil objects were incorrectly using Install Supply Fan Power instead of Rated - Fixed EnergyPlus DX heating coil defrost operation - Fixed delivered heating for MSHPs when energy multiplier is less than 1 (energy use was correct) - Disallow infiltration credit for ASHRAE 62.2 2013 mechanical ventilation for multifamily Costs - Fixed zero PV utility bill credit when using a detailed electric rate with a feed-in tariff - Fixed possibility of PV costs that are way too large 2.4.0.0 Beta (July 1, 2015) ------- Interface Features - Multifamily mode - Dwelling unit geometry can be drawn in detail - Copy/Mirror button allow quick duplication of drawn units - Units are simulated together as a whole-building model - Unit-specific autosizing of HVAC equipment (or user-specified fixed sizing) - Unit-specific duct locations, dependent on adjacency to attics or other unconditioned spaces - Multi-family assumption for number of occupants as a function of number of bedrooms - Unit-specific hourly outputs available in DView (except energy use) - Gas and electric can be centrally or individually metered - New enclosed corridor space type - Infiltration based on unit-specific exposed surface area - Can handle up to 5 stories, plus an attic level - Added separate PV cost multipliers to the Site screen - Added input for PV monthly grid connection fee ($ or $/kW) - Disaggregated HVAC Fan/Pump energy into Heating and Cooling components for End Use graph - Disaggregated Delivered Heating into main and supplemental systems - Output graph settings are synched across all cases with output - Added "Copy Data" menu item to all 3 output graphs Modeling Features - New categories: - Door construction and area - New options: - Condensing tank water heater - Heat pump clothes dryer (ventless) - Premium electric and gas clothes dryers - Window area options specified as window-to-wall ratios for each facade - Mechanical ventilation now accommodates ASHRAE 62.2-2013 in addition to ASHRAE 62.2-2010 - New simulation variables: - Occupancy multiplier for appliance categories - Separate Neighbor offsets for front, back, left, and/or right - Furnace fan power for when building has no central cooling equipment - Cold climate specification for heat pumps to be sized based on max of heating/cooling load - Added duct losses for ducts in finished basements - Updated AC, ASHP, and MSHP oversizing limits based on Manual S, 2nd edition - Benchmark options for appliances are now physical options - Removed support for DOE2 as a simulation engine option Interface Fixes: - Prevent "Invalid optimization stopping constraint specified" from potentially being displayed - Fixed possible "DView.exe has stopped working" error for some users - Fixed some calculated display values for finished and unfinished basements (results unaffected) - Fixed exported csv from the Options graph when designs have a comma in their name - Fixed delivered heating for ASHPs/MSHPs as well as electric furnaces with 2-stage ACs - Fixed natural gas fixed charge being applied to propane Modeling Fixes: - Fixed hot water mains temperature for southern hemisphere - Fixed Manual J infiltration load calculation for 1- and 2-story buildings - Fixed using 8760 hourly schedules in some categories (e.g., MELs) - Fixed EnergyPlus constraint on minimum compressor outdoor temp. for multispeed heat pumps - Fixed modeling of slab perimeter+gap insulation when the perimeter width approaches zero - Fixed terrain-adjusted wind speed in AIM-2 infiltration model - Improved HVAC sizing for post-retrofit buildings - Fixed natural ventilation algorithm with respect to zone humidity Costs - Updated PV costs per 2014 NREL/LBNL report - Revised costs for 3-pane windows with insulated frame - Revised costs/lifetime for radiant barrier - Annual excess sellback rate for electricity now defaults to $0.03/kWh (previously retail rate) - Fix for natural gas monthly fixed charge applying to propane/oil 2.3.0.2 (February 2, 2015) ------- Interface Features: - Ability to type in a user-specified optimization stopping constraint (e.g., "5%" or "120%") Interface Fixes: - Fixed interacting with Cost/Energy graph after zooming/panning - Fixed issue where part of the building geometry could disappear - Fix for creating/modifying interior shading options with option type "Schedule" - Fixed Above-Grade SLA display value inconsistency when the building has a finished attic - Some memory/speed improvements, particularly when there are lots of cases - Fixed missing help topic: Near Optimal Solutions Modeling Fixes: - Fixed cooling capacity reported by DOE2 for variable speed ACs - Fixed possible sizing error when ducts are present with negative intermediate cooling loads 2.3.0.1 (November 17, 2014) ------- Interface Fixes: - Fixed missing rows in option editor cost grid when creating (as opposed to copying) a new option - If design tabs are reordered, points on output screen are updated for consistency Modeling Fixes: - Fixed error with net-metered PV, Detailed utility rate, and a user-specified excess sellback rate 2.3.0.0 (October 31, 2014) ------- Interface Features: - Simplified cost framework (removed cost selector, cost groups, and cost sources) - Enhanced DView for hourly output visualization; including: - New Daily, Monthly, and Statistics tabs - Stacked area plots - Ability to open external datasets (including sub-hourly data) for comparison - And much more! - Detailed Heating & Cooling graph type for End Use graph - Ability to specify timesteps for EnergyPlus simulations; now defaults to 10 mins - Added setting to auto-save the project file after each case has been run - Added Site Energy graph type to End Use graph (sum of site energy for each fuel type, in MBtu) - Ability to specify Neutral Cost for optimization stopping constraint - Added "Optimal output" sections in the detailed report for optimization cases - Previous case runtimes are displayed on the output screen - Default to displaying all columns in Option input screen - Performance improvements Modeling Features: - New categories: - Pier & Beam foundation type - New options: - Phase change materials (PCMs) (E+ only) - LED lighting with updated efficacy values - Open & closed cell spray foam - Propane and electric boilers - Propane clothes dryer - Propane cooking range - New simulation variables: - PV System: Inverter efficiency - Thermal Mass: Generic thermal properties for up to 2 layers - New measures that cover various envelope insulation and/or sealing situations - Accommodate walls with essentially floor to ceiling windows - Added numerous hourly output variables - Re-organized/renamed a few categories Interface Fixes: - Fixed calculation of minimum utility bill charges - Fixed running simulations in multiple instances of BEopt if opened at nearly the same time - Fixed optimization mode not stopping at ZNE - Fixed error if running an optimization with only a single building design defined - Fixed error if using an EPW file generated from Meteonorm - Fixed error saving library changes if Windows username has non-ascii characters - General improvements to the EPW download form - Fixed optimal point numbers listed in Select dropdown, for consistency with detailed report - Fixed possible crash when using option sensitivity curve; improved performance - Fixed possibility of option control being incorrectly read-only - Fixed possible "column EconomicPropertyGUID is not unique" error - Fixed missing window if facade window area was less than 6sqft - Fixed possible rendering artifacts on some graphics cards - Fixed some water heaters not being available due to tank size Modeling Fixes: - Corrected handling of HPWH cooling effect in EnergyPlus for heating/cooling loads - Fixed auto-sizing issues for extremely cold climates that may have a negative cooling load - Fixed interaction of supply ventilation with exhaust flows (including duct leakage) - Implemented mini-split heat pump oversizing factor - Fixed error with ERV calculations when the whole-house ventilation equals 0 - Updated rules for water heaters (take into account tank volume; fixes for propane) - Fixed handling of incandescent efficacy in lighting equation - Fixed EnergyPlus error for large solar hot water systems Costs: - Updated LED costs/lifetimes 2.2.0.1 (March 13, 2014) ------- Interface Fixes: - Fixed possible issue with library migration - Improved option sensitivities in Cost/Energy graph for enhanced v2.2 optimization algorithm 2.2.0.0 (March 5, 2014) ------- Interface Features: - Utility rate wizard - Tiered - Time-of-use - Tiered time-of-use - Real-time pricing (8760 hourly values) - Fixed and/or minimum charges - Schedules wizard - Weekday/Weekend + Month profiles - 8760 profiles - Demand response (DR) analysis based on critical peak events - Output screen improvements: - Cost/Energy graph scale can be set via right-click, Graph Display > Set Scale - Groups on the Options graph can now be collapsed/expanded and synch with the Options input screen - Show Differences graph display added to Options graph - Graphs can now be interacted with (displayed metrics, etc.) while simulations are running - Allow aborting the simulation process while preserving output - Ability to copy graph images to clipboard - Enhanced sequential search optimization algorithm to incrementally choose (non-linear) PV points - Moved large appliance and misc load schedule definitions into separate categories - Various re-ordering of groups/categories - Added a geometry screen error if the building has windows on an attached wall Modeling Features: - Updated to EnergyPlus v8.1 build 009 (which includes a boiler fix reported by NREL) - Updated to 2014 Building America House Simulation Protocols - DR schedules for air conditioning, major appliances, and misc loads - Added rated air flow rate properties for air conditioners and air source heat pumps - Added closed cell spray foam ceiling insulation options for crawlspaces - SimMgrConsole.exe can now run on Linux (requires Mono 3.2.3; Wine for DOE2) - SimMgrConsole.exe now has a --summaryOutput argument to produce only Costs.out and Sim.out files - create_xml_file.py can now handle changing building geometries via a --geoInput argument Interface Fixes: - Fixed HPXML export error if a supply and/or return duct has zero duct area - Fixed possible unsuccessful HPXML export related to missing weather file - Fixed issue where re-running one case would cause all other case output graph displays to reset - Fixed possible OpenGL crash for certain GPU configurations (updated to OpenTK 1.1 final) - Fixed possible "Object reference not set to an instance of an object" - Fixed possible "no such column: AnnualTDVValue" - Renamed "capital cost" to "initial cost", to clarify that the costs include labor Modeling Fixes: - Fixed Utilities/create_xml_file.py to correctly handle options with boolean properties - Eliminate gas fixed charges for all-electric homes - Fixed insulation level for gable walls when the unfinished attic's roof is insulated - Fixed error when running ERV/HRV with room air conditioner Costs: - ACs, ASHPs, Furnaces: Costs now disaggregated into fixed ($) plus variable ($/kbtuh) components 2.1.0.2 (January 8, 2013) ------- Interface Features: - Option sensitivities display for Cost/Energy graph (available for optimizations & large parametrics) Interface Fixes: - Improved algorithm for window area sizing and positioning - Fixed possible "Unable to open the database file" error when launching BEopt - Fixed possibility of BEopt 2.0 project files migrating unsuccessfully - Fixed entering labor cost data for ducts, where 2 cost types have the same name but different units Modeling Fixes: - Handle duct & window area inputs that don't follow the BEopt convention (fraction of total) 2.1.0.1 (December 13, 2013) ------- Modeling Features: - Added Utilities/create_xml_file.py, a script to facilitate running batch simulations; see Modeling Framework > BEopt XML Files in Help for details Interface Fixes: - Fixed error when saving the project if the project was opened by double-clicking the project file - Fixed small bugs with option type implementation for option editor - Fixed possible error when migrating an older project file to v2.1 - Fixed possible data inconsistency when renaming an option - Include inflation & escalation in Simulation Utility Bills section of the detailed report - Fixed 'hide constant end uses' graph display when showing Heating/Cooling Loads or Loads Not Met - Fixed error if exporting output points to a new case with the B10 Benchmark (or similar) included - Fixed possible weird fonts/menus when using high resolution monitors with DPI scaling Modeling Fixes: - Fixed possibility of window areas not exactly matching entered values 2.1.0.0 (November 27, 2013) ------- Interface Features: - "Option type" capability in Option Editor simplifies the required set of inputs within a category - Users can choose to show all options in Option screen, not just options filtered as acceptable/costable - Added y-axis metrics to Cost/Energy graph: - Energy Related Costs, Net Present Value - Energy Related Costs, Life Cycle Cost - Simple Payback - Modified Payback - Levelized Cost of Energy, Source - Added x-axis metrics to Cost/Energy graph: - CO2 Savings/Emissions - TDV Savings/Consumption (CA Utility Cost Test project type) - Added metrics to End Use graph: - Heating/Cooling Loads - TDV Energy (CA Utility Cost Test project type) - Added component-based air leakage estimate for existing buildings, based on age, location, and size - Gas hookup checkbox on site screen specifies whether the B10 Benchmark is all-electric or mixed fuel - BEopt now exports HPXML v1.1.1 - Added feed-in-tariff utility bill calculations, as an alternative to net metering for PV production - Updated to OpenEI v2 API, which provides more/updated utility rates - Better display of comparison option's costs/lifetimes in the Option Editor - Additional flexibility for modifying costs/properties in the Option Editor when there is output - Checkbox on incentives dialog allows incentives to be excluded from the reference building - CA Utility Cost Tests projects can now be run with DOE2 in addition to E+ - For optimizations, optimal points are available in the Select dropdown on the output screen - Added ability to generate simulation input files for points selected on the output screen - Irrelevant hourly output variables (e.g. crawl temp if no crawl) in DView are no longer displayed - Added area on site input screen to specify building address and enter notes - DView now displays a batch of simulations within a single window Modeling Features: - Updated to EnergyPlus v8.1 - Updated to DOE-2.2 48n (includes fixes for window heat transfer and PV, as reported by NREL) - Updated to latest version of Building America House Simulation Protocols - New categories: - Mini-Split Heat Pump (E+ only) - Room Air Conditioner (E+ only) - Disaggregated large, uncommon misc loads (Extra Refrigerator, Freezer, Pool Heater, Pool Pump, Hot Tub/Spa Heater, Hot Tub/Spa Pump, Well Pump, Gas Fireplace, Gas Grill, Gas Lighting) - New simulation variables: - Crawlspace & basements: rim joist insulation, ceiling joist height - Ducts: cfm/100ft2 at 25Pa (duct blaster test results) - Window Areas: absolute (not percentage-based) values - Major appliances & misc loads: monthly/hourly schedules - Slab: insulation R-values (replaces Winkelmann perimeter conductances) - Equipment categories: installed efficiency (in addition to rated efficiency) - Interior Shading: schedule for cooling shade months - Lighting: incandescent/CFL/LED/LFL efficacies - New measures: - Insulate the interior of CMU walls (spray foam, rigid board, or batt) - Insulate the roof with continuous insulation (and no cavity insulation) - Remove ceiling insulation and insulate the roof with spray foam - Remove ducts - Insulate interzonal walls with both loose fill and rigid foam board - Allow simulation of dehumidifiers without cooling equipment (E+) - Added additional insulation types for most envelope categories - New default pre-retrofit option for ducts is 20% Leakage, R-4 (previously: 30% Leakage, Uninsulated) - More general specification of slab insulation configurations, increasing the set of options available - BEopt categories.xsd schema now includes Option Type logic and is far more explicitly defined Interface Fixes: - Fixed possible option manager error related to deleting options - Fixed possible OpenGL crash for certain modern GPU configurations (updated to OpenTK 1.1 beta1) - Fixed possible Index out of range error after running simulations - Improved searching through the help file Modeling Fixes: - Fixed bug for two stage and var. speed ACs/HPs where single stage cooling EER was used for all stages - Fixed bug for HPWHs when there is no cooling equipment (HPWHs would always use electric resistance) - Fixed possible error with certain Ground Source HP configurations - Fixed HPWHs other than 50/80 gallons not showing up in the Options screen - ASHRAE design conditions are used for equipment sizing if in the EPW (else calculated from EPW weather) - Fixed bug when sizing equipment for houses with finished baseements in hot climates - Improved error handling for situations when modeled window area does not equal the user's inputs - Allow CMU furring insulation R-value to be entered as 0 (rather than the air film) when uninsulated - Clarified that Mechanical Ventilation options are based on 2010 ASHRAE 62.2 - Changed recovery efficiency to be more representative for several water heater options - Fix double-counting of tank losses during firing of non-electric water heaters Costs: - PV: Reduced costs and split apart inverter cost/lifetime; added non-linearity as a function of size - Fixed labor costs for Unfinished Attic measures - Disaggregated material and labor costs for several envelope categories 2.0.0.6 (August 22, 2013) ------- Interface Fixes: - Fixed possible error when running a parametric in retrofit mode - When running simulations, check that all categories have at least one selected option Costs: - Fixed retrofit costs for duct sealing and air sealing (broke in version 2.0.0.5) 2.0.0.5 (August 16, 2013) ------- Interface Fixes: - Fixed sizing of post-retrofit simulations that occur after a HVAC upgrade, when using autosizing - Fixed display of HVAC capacities in output screen when using E+ - Fixed possible error when bringing user options into a project - Fixed not being able to select certain OpenEI utility rates in the zipcode lookup dialog - Fixed freeze when opening projects with completely left-justified drawings - Fixed inability to select some costs when a cost group is being used by a case with output - Fixed synching of post-retrofit option selections when existing options are selected via the matrix - Disallow options at wear out as appropriate in mutually exclusive categories - Fixed OpenGL problems for some users by using the latest nightly version of OpenTK - Fixed possible crash when running simulations if the technology's remaining life is less than 1 year - Fixed initial renderings when opening retrofit project files - Fixed display order for options not being correctly preserved/saved - Fixed possible "Index must be within the bounds of the List" error - Fixed user water heater options with specified tank volumes not being available for selection Modeling Fixes: - Fixed utility bill calculations when there are oil/propane technologies - Fixed utility bill calculations when there is an electric furnace in DOE2 - Fixed duct leakage imbalance makeup air calculation when ducts in vented attic/crawlspace - Fixed simulating GSHPs with a user-specified cooling capacity - Fixed crankcase heating not being included for multi-speed air conditioners in EnergyPlus - Crankcase heating in E+ now shows up in the cooling end use, consistent with DOE2 - Improved C_d (cycling degradation coefficient) values for air conditioners and heat pumps 2.0.0.4 (May 10, 2013) ------- Interface Features: - Application type (New Const. vs Retrofit) is now set on splash screen; applies to entire project - Retrofit mode defaults to "Existing (w/ Min Replace)" reference - Window Areas wizard faciliates entering absolute (sqft) values - Ability to pause/resume simulations - OpenEI rate list is filtered by selected utility/climate zone for CA Utility Cost Tests projects Modeling Features: - Updated to work with EnergyPlus v8.0.0 (Build 008) Interface Fixes: - Fixed user options in envelope categories potentially not showing up in retrofit mode - Fixed non-electric source energy in DView's hourly output not using the correct source-to-site ratio - Fixed possible error when saving project ("no row was inserted") - Fixed possible error about being unable to modify an option selected in a case with output - Fixed possible application crash when running simulations - Fixed benefit/cost ratio calculations to calculate NaN (rather than zero) when the cost is zero - Fixed hpxml generation for buildings with vaulted ceilings - Fixed possible errors related to canceling the modify option dialog - Fixed display of costs in the Option input screen when the pre- & post-retrofit options are the same - Fixed opening OpenEI utility tariffs in their website (the OpenEI schema changed) - Prevent warnings when using DView checkbox in run dialog with E+ - Don't auto include copied options in new projects (now consistent with creating an option) - When generating DView simulation results upfront for retrofit mode, display the analysis years - Show additional warnings/errors in the console when using the BEopt.SimMgrConsole.exe - Allow BEopt to be run with non en-US cultures - Renamed "PROJX" dirs to "TEMPX", to make it clearer that user data shouldn't be saved here - Clarified inputs for HVAC capacities for heat pumps - Clarified that HVAC capacities on input and output screens are output capacities - Additional misc cosmetic improvements Modeling Fixes: - Allow simulating a non-integer number of bathrooms - Fixed simulating ground source heat pumps with non-Autosized field properties - Added error-checking for ERV/HRV effectiveness calculations Costs: - Fixed furnace costs to be based on input capacity instead of output capacity 2.0.0.3 Final (March 6, 2013) ------- Interface Features: - Added "Building America" project type with various interface customization - Allow autosizing and user-specified HVAC sizes for retrofit analysis - Allow user-specified HVAC sizes for new construction analysis - Ability to generate hourly output upfront for multiple design & small parametric cases - Additional customization for California Utility Cost Tests project type - Simplified option input screen for envelope measures in retrofit mode - Added ability to change to a user-defined reference from the output screen - Relaxed constraint on number of points that can be selected for generating hourly output - Added recent files list to File menu - Min Upgrade reference is now called Existing (w/ Min Replace) Modeling Features: - New Wall Sheathing category; OSB and/or rigid foam board can be added to any wall type - New properties for Basement categories for describing interior wood stud walls - Added algorithm to adjust window U-value and SHGC based on perimeter/area ratio - Updated to use Building America House Simulation Protocols (HSP) Addendum Interface fixes: - Various library management fixes/improvements and speed increases - Fixed possible error while saving the project file - Fixed possible error when changing the reference from the output screen for a retrofit case - Updated version of wxDView; fixes display of EPW weather data and possible memory/GDI errors - Fixed possible detailed output report error if using California utility cost tests - Fixed missing matrix box when using large fonts on Windows 7 - Fix for displayed MELs/MGLs for all-electric vs gas/electric homes; the values were swapped - Updated equations for CA utility cost test metrics related to net-to-gross and incentives - Improved y-axis resolution for benefit cost ratio metrics for CA utility cost tests - Fixed loading derivative project files in multiple instances of BEopt - Fixed crashes in some forms when using > 96 DIP on Windows Vista+ - Clarified air leakage options as above-grade (e.g. above-grade ACH50) Modeling fixes: - Workaround for DOE2 bug; off-normal window transmitted solar now matches E+ - Fix for E+ calculation of utility bills with net-metering - Fixed indoor & outdoor humidity ratios in E+ hourly output - Fixed reading of ceiling fan energy in DOE2 - Fixed clothes washer appliance energy use. - Fixed having attached walls while using the B10 Benchmark - Completed hpxml export; confirmed successful import into BA Field Data Repository - Completed BA House Simulation Protocols addendum modifications to BEopt Costs: - All envelope costs are now based on gross wall area rather than net wall area 2.0.0.1 Beta 2 (December 12, 2012) ------- Interface Features: - Lots of performance, memory, and file size improvements across the board - Added all four California Utility Cost Test metrics; switch to run BEopt in "California" mode - Ability to choose X and Y-axis metrics to optimize over - Ability to specify PV and whole-house efficiency incentives - Added Heating/Cooling HVAC sizes to Options graph display - Added detailed output report -- includes both inputs and outputs - Allow user to choose columns that show up in Option input screen - Additional Option Editor input validation - Enhanced Option Manager searching to look for all word matches, not entire phrase match - Split option cost multiplier into material and labor cost multipliers - Added ability to specify tax-deductible loans for retrofit mode and state tax rate - Added inputs for down payment (or cash payment in retrofit mode) - Improvements to display of envelope categories in retrofit mode - Ability to re-order case and design tabs via drag-n-drop - Added Help file; includes documentation on the BEopt Modeling Framework, which can be used to run batch simulations outside the interface, for example Modeling features: - Updates to work with E+ 7.2 - New Electric Baseboard category - Added HRV options in Mechanical Ventilation category (E+ only) - Added electric tankless water heater option - Implemented HSP lighting algorithm to adjust schedules per location's latitude/longitude - Expanded options in a number of categories, especially for retrofit analysis - Substantial completion of hpxml export Interface fixes: - Fix for unable to load sqlite dll errors - Fix for possible access denied error - Fix for switching the reference for a retrofit case with output - Fix for several hundred OpenEI utility rates not being available - Fix for possible crash related to Microsoft splash screen - Fixes for scrolling the Options graph - Fix refreshing of the rendering under certain circumstances - Fix for the geometry input error msgbox popping up repeatedly - Fix for inability to run simulations after the output screen's reference is changed - Allow "porch roof" to be drawn over "Flat Roof / Deck" in the drawing automation - Various option editor and cost selector fixes - ... and many more! Modeling fixes: - Improved HVAC sizing for buildings with ducts in an unconditioned attic - Fix E+ simulations when you have a dehumidifier and multi-speed cooling equipment - Restrict GSHP capacity to 1 ton minimum to prevent errors caused by zero flow rate - Fix for possible duct wall temperature out of bounds in E+ - Fixes for E+ handling of net metering with TOU rates - Fix to properly include adjustment charges ($/kWh) for TOU rates - Fix for possible DOE2 utility bill parsing error - DOE2/E+ fixes for buildings with shading surfaces - E+ bugfix when there are porch roof walls - Various fixes to cost/lifetime data 2.0.0.0 Beta (July 31, 2012) ------- Interface Features: - Redesigned and streamlined interface to better accommodate retrofit analysis - Available options and costs appropriately tailored for existing building - Simplified process for evaluating measures at "wear out" - Minimum Upgrade reference building - Integration with National Residential Efficiency Measures Database - HPXML export - Improved library & project file management - OpenEI utility tariffs for thousands of utilities around the country - Can handle time-of-use and tiered rates - Simplified and more flexible BA Benchmark reference - Ability to switch simulation engines within the same interface - Simulation speed (multi-threading) - Ability to download and visualize weather files - Batch simulation framework - DOE2 simulation now includes PV & HW models (no longer uses TRNSYS: faster) See the Features document on the BEopt website for more details. 1.4 (October 29, 2012) ------- Modeling Features: - [BEoptE+] Updated to work with EnergyPlus v7.2 Includes a correction to the model coefficients for outside surface convection heat transfer (identified and reported by NREL, http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy12osti/55787.pdf) 1.3 (June 12, 2012) ------- Modeling Features: - New Options: Storm windows (Window Type) - Allow AFUE to be specified for electric furnaces - [BEoptE+] Updated to work with EnergyPlus v7.1 - [BEopt] Add water heater skin losses (when water heater is in the living space) Modeling Fixes: - Fix 95% AFUE oil furnace option (simulation variable was incorrectly set at 94%) - Fix to Cold Water only clothes washer options - Fix to DHW recirculation system equations (applies to Timer and Demand options with R5 pipe insulation) - Provide user-friendly error message if window area > wall area for a given surface - [BEoptE+] Fix simulations with an auto-sized dehumidifier capacity <= 0 pints/day - [BEoptE+] Fix simulations using both heat pump water heaters and solar hot water - [BEoptE+] Fix possibility of temperature out of bounds error associated with ducts - [BEopt] Small fix to sensible fraction for space gains Interface Fixes: - Fix possibility of PV Start selecting the wrong optimization point 1.2 (January 31, 2012) ------- Modeling Features: - New Categories: Ground Source HP [BEoptE+] Humidity Set Point [BEoptE+] Dehumidifier - New Options: Cathedral batts (e.g. R30C) (Finished Roof) Whole slab insulation (Slab) ACs/HPs with SEER < 10 (Air Conditioner, Heat Pump) Variable-speed units (Air Conditioner, Heat Pump) Window types updated based on Efficient Windows Collaborative (Window Type) Adhesive solar control films added to single-pane window types (Window Type) [BEoptE+] Heat pump water heaters (Water Heater) - New simulation variables: Better seasonal control for heating season, cooling season and swing seasons (Natural Ventilation) Roof insulation & framing thicknesses, replaces combined thickness (Unfinished Attic) Roof cavity depth; insulation fills cavity? (Finished Roof) Material description/color (Roofing Material) Simplified inputs for creating user options (Air Conditioner, Heat Pump) Duct surface areas, location fraction, # returns (Ducts) Outdoor air temperature reset for condensing boilers (Hydronic Heating) Storage tank size (Water Heater) Actual and rated fan efficiencies (Air Conditioner, Heat Pump) SEER and HSPF derate factors based on cooling capacity (Air Conditioner, Heat Pump) - Equipment is sized using procedures consistent with ACCA Manuals J and S - Insulation installation quality derating based on RESNET - Perimeter attic insulation derating based on house geometry - Degradation factors for existing installed equipment (based on age and maintenance factor) - [BEoptE+] Updated to work with EnergyPlus v7 Interface Features: - Allow specifying attached walls for simple geometries - Roof structure specification on geometry screen - Example options now flagged with a * Modeling Fixes: - Improved energy savings for representative AC/HP SEER units - Updated duct film resistance per ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals - Removed discrete limitation on SDHW collector area size - Removed seasonal multipliers for large appliances and plug loads; was double-counting the effect - Removed unused DryerCapacity simulation variable for clothes dryers - Batt compression derating for wall/roof cavities (e.g. R19 in 2x6 cavities) - Fixed refrigerator energy use in Benchmark building - Fix missing AC/HP crankcase heating energy use in hourly output - Removed pilot lights and part load inputs for furnaces. These are accounted for in the AFUE. - Fix U/SHGC values for left- and right-facing windows when using facade-specific properties - Added minimal amount (0.10 ACH) of unfinished basement infiltration (humidity important for HPWH modeling) - PV system inverter is now more efficient - [BEopt] Window heat transfer workaround - [BEopt] Fix hydronic baseboard heating in finished basements - [BEoptE+] Fix for modeling two-speed air conditioners (workaround for E+ limitation) - [BEoptE+] Corrected natural ventilation limits - [BEoptE+] 10 minute minimum system time step Cost Fixes: - Updated state & US average utility rates based on latest EIA data - Fixed cost multipliers for exposed floor, unfinished basement ceiling, and crawlspace ceiling - Updated PV costs to reflect current prices - Modified Residual value calculations to include options with lifetime > analysis period - Cost for 2 heat pumps if needed - Window costs updated based on ASHRAE/NAHB-RC study (2009) 1.1 (March 29, 2011) ------- Modeling Features: - New Categories: Crawlspace (replaces Crawlspace 2' and Crawlspace 4') Overhangs - New Options: Benchmark (Lighting) Low-E V. High SHGC, Back Windows (Window Type) - New simulation variables: Total, instead of misc, framing factors (Walls) Power instead of unit power & efficiency (Ceiling Fans) Insulation R-value instead of R-value per inch (Unfinished Attic) Ceiling joist thickness, framing factor (Unfinished Attic) Cavity insulation fills cavity? (Wood Stud and Interzonal Walls) Cooling EER instead of EIR (Air Conditioner and Heat Pump) Condenser type for evaporatively cooled condensers (Air Conditioner and Heat Pump) Rigid insulation R-value and thickness (Interzonal Walls) Cavity, instead of assembly, R-value; framing factor (Interzonal Floors) - Allow different window types for each facade of the house - Crawlspace height can now be anywhere between 1.5ft and 5ft - Film coefficients automatically added when insulation doesn't fill wood stud wall cavity - [BEoptE+] Skip running simulation for sizing periods, increases speed Interface Features: - Undo/redo capabilities for drawing area - Added Total Annualized Cost, Life-Cycle Cost, and Net Present Value to Output Report - Added Internal Rate of Return and Modified Internal Rate of Return to Output Report - Clarified cost multiplier for wall categories as net area, not gross area - Provide examples in Interzonal Wall category notes - Sped up drawing/rendering component for buildings with large floor area - Changed terminology from "salvage" value to "residual" value, per NIST Handbook 135 Modeling Fixes: - Fix double stud wall model, was missing a stud&cavity layer - Fix plugin CFL fraction for "20% Fluorescent, Hardwired & Plugin" lighting option - Reduce unvented attic SLA to zero to avoid extra infiltration relative to a cathedral ceiling - Fix calculations for design and estimated space temperatures of unfinished basements and crawlspaces - Revised Smart-replacement Algorithm Factor used for BA Benchmark lighting calculations - Added seasonal multipliers for large appliances and plug loads per 2010 BA HSP - Updated combined hot water hourly profile per 2010 BA HSP - [BEopt] Hydronic heating loop is sized to same capacity as boiler - [BEopt] Updated design temperature calculations for buffer space temperature approximations - [BEopt] Fix error when buffer space heating design temp falls below 0 - [BEoptE+] Workaround for E+ bug in Output:Table:Monthly where hydronic heating pump energy is zero - [BEoptE+] Fix missing HVAC Fan/Pump energy when there is a furnace but no air conditioner - [BEoptE+] Use Log Mean Temperature Difference to calculate duct conduction losses - [BEoptE+] Fixes to 2 speed unit COPs - [BEoptE+] Fix incorrect unit conversion for specific heat - [BEoptE+] Fix missing auxiliary energy for furnaces with pilot lights Interface Fixes: - Small fixes to HVAC sizes displayed on output graph; doesn't affect energy use - Fix running simulations when cases have "$" in their name - If no cooling equipment and Benchmark is reference, the user should select a SEER 13 (not 10) AC - Fix possible errors when options of an include combination are also selected in their categories - [BEopt] Hydronic heating pump for retrofits now correctly shows up in HVAC Fan/Pumps, not Cooling - [BEoptE+] When using Benchmark reference building, prevent warning about humidity setpoint - [BEoptE+] Allow exporting to OpenStudio SketchUp plugin v0.3.0 Cost Fixes: - Lighting is now costed as $/sqft, which fixes bugs related to calculation of number of bulbs - For retrofit analysis, lighting costs must be selected as a function of the pre-retrofit condition - Changed air conditioner cost multiplier to 1 1.0.1 (November 24, 2010) ------- Modeling Fixes: - Fix possible attic-related simulation errors - Fix sens/lat/rad fractions for certain hot water distribution configurations - Fix simulation error when adding heating/cooling HVAC equipment as part of retrofit - [BEopt] Prevent heating design temperatures for spaces from being negative - [BEoptE+] Packaging error prevented buildings with PV from running successfully - [BEoptE+] Remove dehumidification (which is under development) from always being included in model Interface Fixes: - Fixed typo in natural gas carbon factor (should be 14.47, not 14.74) - Possibility of migrated options not being highlighted in red as needing lifetime selection - [BEoptE+] Fix running with 64bit version of EnergyPlus 1.0.0 (November 4, 2010) ------- Modeling Features: - Updated to B10 Benchmark specification - New Categories: Unfinished Attic (replaces Vented Attic and Unvented Attic) Crawlspace (replaces Vented Crawlspace and Unvented Crawlspace) - New Options: Uninsulated, R-7, R-13 loose-fill (Interzonal Walls) R11, R19 (Unfinished Attic) Exterior insulation options (Slab) R38 ceiling insulation (Crawlspace) 8ft R5 rigid wall insulation (Finished Basement) 8ft R5 rigid wall, R38 ceiling insulation (Unfinished Basement) Very Leaky and Leaky (Infiltration) Old, Top-Mount, Bottom-Mount, and Side-By-Side Freezers (Refrigerator) Induction cooktop (Cooking Range) Hardwired only, Hardwired & Plugin options (Lighting) Fuel oil and propane options (Furnace, Hydronic Heating, and Water Heater) More combinations of leakage and insulation (Ducts) Condensing gas tankless (Water Heater) R-5 pipe insulation (HW Distribution) - New simulation variables: Presence of OSB sheathing (Wood Stud Walls) Ventilation rate (Crawlspace) Window area as percent of wall area (Window Areas) Building shelter coefficient, Basement ACH (Infiltration) Include ASHRAE 62.2 infiltration credit for retrofit (Mechanical Ventilation) Energy Factors (Cooking Range) Modified Energy Factor (Clothes Washer) Exhaust cfm (Clothes Dryer) Wrap Insulation R-value, Energy Factor (Water Heater) - [BEopt] Updated design temperatures for buffer spaces based on ASHRAE Standard 152 - [BEoptE+] Updated to EnergyPlus v6.0.0 - [BEoptE+] Added a duct model that accommodates leakage and conduction losses Interface Features: - Retrofit analysis Life-cycle based economic metric Avg energy use (energy flows over time) metric Ability to specify equipment remaining life Allow evaluating options at wear-out Existing Building reference Loan payments or cash payments Ability to specify HVAC existing capacity - Allow multiple fuel types and corresponding utility rates - Display adjusted energy savings (due to Benchmark house size multiplier) in Cost/Energy graph - Allow fuel escalation for utility rates - Added Terrain (Suburban, City, etc.) dropdown to Site input screen - Merged Heat Fan/Pump and Cool Fan/Pump end uses into HVAC Fan/Pump for End Use graph - Wall R-assembly display values now include standard interior and exterior finishes - Add Select All checkbox to run dialog (when there are multiple cases) Cost Features: - Sourcing many costs/lifetimes from National Residential Efficiency Measures Database v2.0.0 - Duct costs now $/duct surface area rather than $/finished floor area - '999' lifetime flag denotes that options last for the life of the building Modeling Fixes: - Fix R-value for vinyl siding options - Assume there is always a layer of OSB sheathing on double stud walls - [BEopt] Switched to DOE2's DEFAULT sizing method to fix a bug with leaky ducts in a foundation space - [BEopt] Small fix to simplified window model - [BEoptE+] Use 2-speed DX cooling as appropriate - [BEoptE+] Switch to 1 hour system timesteps (better interaction with EMS and faster) - [BEoptE+] Improved fan energy for 2-speed heat pumps - [BEoptE+] Fix missing bathroom exhaust fan energy Interface Fixes: - Require at least a SEER 10 air conditioner in the prototype building when running the BA Benchmark. - Improved Include Combinations logic for optimizations - Fix use of inflation rate in annualized replacement costs, life-cycle costs - Fix possibility of running user-defined reference building unnecessarily in Design Mode - Report supplemental heating capacity for heat pumps rather than coil capacity - Mortgage interest rate is now compounded monthly rather than being taken as an APR - Fix harmless "subscript out of range" error for hourly output - Fix possibility of DView "sharing violation" when getting hourly output for multiple points 0.9.5.2 (March 22, 2010) ------- Modeling Features: - [BEoptE+] Initial Release Interface Features: - Add "Clear All Cases" to File menu - Add "Select All" checkbox to combined graph dialog when <=12 designs/cases available Modeling Fixes: - For conditioned, unfinished basements, properly account for OA makeup of duct leakage imbalance Interface Fixes: - Display Leakage Fraction for Duct options as total leakage (supply + return), not just supply-side - Interzonal Wall option named R-19 Batts, 2x6, 16"o.c. instead of 24"o.c. (simulations were correct) - Prevent crash if creating more than 10 Combined Graphs - Prevent opening output of older project files in newer versions of BEopt - Fix roof rendering bugs for complex building shapes 0.9.5.1 (February 25, 2010) ------- Modeling Fixes: - Fix drywall and roofing material layers in finished roof constructions Interface Fixes: - Correctly register roof DLL for some users 0.9.5 (February 24, 2010) ------- Modeling Features: - Updated to 2010 BA Benchmark - Added 2009 (~IECC) reference - New Categories: Misc Hot Water Loads Vented Attic (replaces Ceiling Insulation) Unvented Attic (replaces Ceiling and Roof Insulation) Finished Roof (replaces Roof Insulation) Exposed Floor (replaces Exposed Slab) Floor Mass Ext Wall Mass (replaces Wall Mass) Partition Wall Mass (replaces Wall Mass) Ceiling Fans Lighting (replaces Hardwired Lighting and Plugin Lighting) Hot Water Distribution - New Options: Ceiling insulation options in Unvented Crawlspace Vinyl and fiber-cement siding options in Exterior Finish Batt insulation options in Vented and Unvented Attic Supply options in Mechanical Ventilation None options in Refrigerator, Cooking Range, Dishwasher, and Clothes Washer - New simulation variables: Living space constant ACH (Infiltration category) Part Load performance curves (Furnace category) Carpet and pad R-value (Exposed Floor category) Slab mass properties and thickness (Slab category) Ceiling framing factor (Unfinished Basement and Crawlspace categories) - Generalized and simplified basement/crawlspace models to better accommodate user options - Simple U-value & SHGC sim variables for windows (model includes off-normal incidence modifiers) - Size HVAC equipment off the weather file, eliminating need for .stat files - Add carpeting to partition floors (based on Exposed Floor category option selection) Interface Features: - Warnings for occupancy deviations from BA Benchmark (previously errors that prevented simulations) - Drawing Drawing automation (which helps prevent drawing errors) Automatically pan drawing when mouse hits edge Allow zooming out Allow wall heights less than 8 ft for upper stories Add Garage Roof space Split Unfinished Attic space into Vented Attic and Unvented Attic - Rendering Quick access to front/back/left/right elevation views Enhanced gable algorithm to allow stacked gables; gable-ize certain L- and T-shaped roofs When drawn next to roof, decks are now surrounded by roof-level walls (i.e. cut-out) - Output Graphs Allow exporting point(s) from the Cost/Energy graph to a new case Add Mortgage/Utilities graph type for End Use graph - Reports Add optimal point Economics section to Detailed Output Report Add monthly Simulation Results section to Detailed Output Report - Allow generating hourly data with initial simulations for cases with a small number of simulations - Separate out Mechanical Ventilation in End Use graph - Display natural ACH for infiltration options Modeling Fixes: - Fixed exposed foundation area for Winkelmann model when building has multiple foundations - Improved estimates of buffer zone temperatures for sizing calculations and load estimates - Surface film coefficients depend on orientation with weighting based on HDD/CDD - Revised radiant barrier model from a constant thermal resistance to variable film coefficients - Corrected calculation of internal gains in DOE2 - Prevent simulation errors when using PV/SHW options of type RoofPitch on a flat roof - Removed erroneous Field Use Factor (FU) from clothes dryer calculation Interface Fixes: - Prevent eaves inside the building (cost issue only) - Fix exporting of option data for BAB/IECC reference buildings - Fix possibility of PV missing from End Use chart on combined graph - Converted reports to true CSV (Excel) files - Provide a more descriptive variable name for framing in wall categories - Prevent user from choosing stop at PV Start/End for optimizations without PV options - Prevent possible crash in floor island detection algorithm 0.9.04 (November 6, 2009) ------- Interface Features: - Add optimal point Options List section to Detailed Output Report - Use user-defined reference options in optimization starting point where possible Modeling Fixes: - Add surface film resistance to ducts - Fix radiant barrier only being modeled when ceiling insulation exists Interface Fixes: - Accommodate new 2009 ASHRAE Design Day format in EnergyPlus 4.0 EPW .stat files - Fix possibility of identical hourly output results for multiple selected points - Fix costing of unfinished basement ceiling insulation options - Fix costing of interzonal floor insulation options - Fix ACH50 display variable for infiltration - Use proper UA values for ducts in conditioned, unfinished basements - Fix exported Options Graph data for BAB/IECC references 0.9.03 (September 4, 2009) ------- Modeling Fixes: - Properly adjust infiltration in unvented attics - Fix hardcoded roof framing factor from overriding user inputs (e.g. SIP roof options) - Fix cavity depth for some wood stud options - Decreased effective R-value for radiant barrier - Corrections to cost calculations for ceilings, roofs and exterior wall mass of indirectly conditioned spaces Interface Fixes: - Fix hourly output for Mechanical Ventilation energy consumption - Fix display of AC/HP properties for ~IECC reference (simulations were correct) - Prevent possible error due to exponential notation values returned from Min(), Max() - Fix possible missing exterior walls when cathedral space next to living space - Prevent possible "could not get point in roof surface" errors with low pitched roofs - Fix option editor not updating comment box when tabbing/entering - Fix error message when analysis period < mortgage period - Fix exporting graph data when case name has invalid windows file path characters 0.9.02 (May 26, 2009) ------- Interface Features: - Allow panning the drawing area via middle-click and drag - Center drawing when opening project files - Library manager copy/paste improvements (e.g. copy one cell, paste to multiple cells) - Add menu option to show first costs in Options graph instead of present value Modeling Features: - Conditioned unfinished basements (basements with registers, but no electric loads or drywall) Modeling Fixes: - Fix window conduction for BAB/IECC resulting from absorbed solar through the frame - Fix for calculating internal mass in partition walls Interface Fixes: - Fix saving of project files on network drives - Save user library with project files - Prevent harmless option validation warnings in library manager for some categories - Prevent possible identical vertices when wall split by roof - Prevent possible "could not get point in roof surface" errors - Fix floor surfaces when drawing has cathedral/open-to-below island spaces - Fix attic walls' height being constrained by the wall height input. - Fix matrix when selecting options in mutually exclusive categories in parametric mode - Prevent crash for (unlikely) self-intersecting polygons - Fix possible corruption if importing cases from a project file with >= 10 cases - Fix exporting geometry to eQuest 3-63 0.9.01 April 16, 2009 ------- Modeling Fixes: - Fix zero water heating energy use in BAB/IECC reference when water heater is electric Interface Fixes: - Fix display variables in MEL category to include both fixed and variable portions - Fix display variable in Water Heater category for tank volume size - Prevent Interzonal Floor category from appearing when porch roof/protruded deck exists - Prevent warning about misc. gas loads for all electric reference buildings - Fix hourly output for certain reference points if reference point is directly selected - Fix possibility of clockwise roof/floor surface vertices - Fix possible error about not getting horiz/vert line 0.9 (March 31, 2009) ------- Modeling Features: - Updated to 2009 Building America Benchmark specification - 2006 IECC-based reference, supplemented with BA Benchmark - Multiple foundations - Open to Below, Cathedral, and Finished Attic spaces - Roof type/pitch and wall heights by building level - Deck and porch roofs for shading - Buildings larger than 2 stories - Seasonal natural ventilation operation - Implemented new model for infiltration based on AIM2 (ASHRAE Enhanced) method - Implemented new model for interactions between infiltration and exhaust ventilation - Ability to set water heater location and supply temperature - New Groups Operation (Moved from Building group) Walls (Moved from Envelope group) Ceilings/Roofs (Moved from Envelope group) Foundation/Floors (Moved from Foundation and Envelope groups) Airflow (Moved from Envelope and Equipment groups) Space Conditioning (supersedes Equipment group) Water Heating (Moved from Equipment and Renewables groups) Power Generation (Moved from Renewables group) - New categories Wood Stud Walls (replaces wall insulation category) CMU Walls Double Stud Walls (replaces wall insulation category) SIP Walls (replaces wall insulation category) ICF Walls Other Walls Exterior Finish Interzonal Walls Roof Insulation Interzonal Floors (supersedes Garage Ceiling category) Interior Shading Hydronic Heating Finished Basement (replaces basement category) Unfinished Basement (replaces basement category) Vented Crawl 2' (replaces crawlspace category) Vented Crawl 4' (replaces crawlspace category) Unvented Crawl 2' (replaces crawlspace category) Unvented Crawl 4' (replaces crawlspace category) Mechanical Ventilation (combined with Ventilation Rate) - New Options Electric Furnace Seasonal Natural Ventilation (Replaces 'Smart' option) More crawlspace options from Winkelmann Interface Features: - Rapid drawing of floor plan levels (with ability to see outline of levels above/below) - Built-in 3D rendering - Category visibility based on geometry drawn - Category options have variables displayed dynamically, updated based on geometry drawn - Allow running medium-size parametrics (up to 37,500 points) - Error checking for user-defined options in Library Manager - Ability to aggregate End Use graph by end uses or fuel types - Checkbox for applying Building America state multipliers to Misc. Electric/Gas Loads - Generate TDV results in end use graph when CA Climate Zone weather file used - Allow choosing which options/costs are imported into library manager - New variables in DView hourly output: Indoor Humidity, Heating Pump, Ventilation (rated) - Show option descriptions when Reference point is selected on output screen - Allow double-clicking on *.bpj project files to open file in BEopt - Improved Detailed Output Report - Find/Find Next in Library Manager - Auto-launch CSV application for output report and exported data Costs & Economics - Cost for 2 air conditioners in hot climates if needed - Update default unit costs/lifetimes to RS Means 2009 and DEER 2008 - Update state/national utility rates to latest EIA data Modeling Fixes: - Workaround for large HVAC capacities in DOE2 when using inside or no ducts - Workaround for possibility of no heating/cooling results with DOE2 version 46 - Fix for modeling natural ventilation when there is no cooling equipment specified - Ducts category fix for no system imbalance - Correct Sink/Shower/Bath hot water use equations - Fix a bug where insulation in unvented crawlspaces was not properly specified - Fix a bug where DOE-2 could not handle foundation walls with exterior insulation - Fix a bug where small tight buildings had negative infiltration coefficients - Include MELs/Lighting internal loads in finished basements (elec. usage was correct) - Fix TRNSYS simulations using initial conditions for the first hour of the year - Recompile of TRNSYS.dll for more consistent Type numbers - Neighbor distance is now wall-to-wall, not eave-to-eave - Changed inputs for Dishwasher and Clothes Washer/Dryer to reflect EnergyGuide labels Interface Fixes: - Allow running BEopt as non-administrator - Fixes for TMY and TMY3-based EPWs - Better logic for optimizing across various heating/cooling equipment - Fix displayed costs in right-hand graph when reference building has PV - Fix bugs related to Include Combinations - Fix reverting foundation option for user-defined reference - Fix display of incremental costs when using efficiency cost multiplier other than 1 0.8.7 (March 31, 2008) ------- Modeling Features: - Conditioned/Finished Basements - New Categories: Natural Ventilation Exposed Floor (replaces Exposed Slab and applies to all foundation types) - New options Spot Ventilation only Multiple New Basement Options - wood frame and ceiling insulation 100% Fluorescent Hard-wired lighting 100% CFL Plug-in lighting - Ability to set duct location for Duct options - Simplified inputs for Window Type options (including spacer type) Interface Features: - Switch to chm help file Modeling Fixes: - Allow outside air makeup to change depending on duct leakage distribution (previously hard coded to be the same as the BA benchmark) - Fixed BA benchmark duct location logic for buildings with no attic - Hardwired lighting options now represent percentage of total lighting (not just incandescent) - Fixed error in lighting energy calculations (correctly accommodates for user options) - Improved BA Benchmark simulations of Basements. The location of insulation (walls or ceiling) in benchmark basements follows that of the prototype - Small fixes to better model foundation heat flow - Fixed window area calculation for Benchmark (and show actual window areas under "BAB Option Names" menu) - Fixed exterior garage wall R-value calculation - Corrected Crawlspace costs to accommodate for ceiling and wall insulation - Updated performance coefficients for 2-speed heat pumps and air conditioners Interface Fixes: - Prevent selection of new options in older project files - Missing MELs and appliances energy in DView hourly output - Fixed user-defined reference building for parametric/optimization modes - Prevent possible corruption of cost selection file - Sync reference radio buttons if a category's options list is scrollable - Removed User.xls - users can now work directly in Standard.xls 0.8.6 (January 30, 2008) ------- Modeling Features: - Updated to 2008 Building America Benchmark specification - New categories Mechanical ventilation (supersedes ERV category) Ventilation Rate Roofing Material Radiant Barrier Wall Mass Garage Ceiling Misc Gas Loads Exposed Slab - New options SIP walls No ducts Cellulose ceiling insulation Interface Features: - Show Building America Benchmark option descriptions from Tools menu - Documentation of simulation variables in library manager - Enforce selection of a building foundation type - Allow generating hourly output for Building America Benchmark - Combine DOE2 and TRNSYS simulation results for Tools > Output Report Modeling Fixes: - Fix simulation errors when there is a garage completely inset (0% protrusion) - Fix simulation errors for a one story building with a flat roof - Use different Title 24 furnace HIR equation when AFUE < 83.5% - Always apply spot ventilation as unbalanced, even in BA Benchmark - Improved duct options with regard to return ducts and outside air leakage Interface Fixes: - Fix building rendering path error for newer versions of SketchUp - Fix importing of cases - Better validation of simulation variable inputs for user options - Remove harmless errors when saving project files without access to root drive - Remove maximum number of bathrooms limitation - Various interface fixes 0.8.5 (August 3, 2007) ------- Modeling Features: - Conform to Building America Benchmark (BAB) 2007 rules - Allow running simulations with no heating and/or cooling equipment - Model MELs and most appliances to have energy use as function of number of occupants - Allow looping in define statements (BEopt macro language) Interface Features: - New Library Manager selecting costs editing options/costs importing/exporting options and cost data sets - New End Use graph views: CO2 Emissions and Loads Not Met - Allow adding/deleting/clearing Design Mode designs even if case has output - Show net uses (total - PV) in End Use graph - Split up large appliances from miscellaneous end uses in End Use graph - Updated state/national utility rate averages to EIA 2006 - Allow PV in the reference building - Save reference buildings' simulation results; ref bldg selection from output screen - Pre-optimization of PV/SDHW to potentially reduce number of required simulations - Allow running multiple optimizations from different BEopt instances simultaneously (useful for multi-core processors) - Include source end uses in DView's hourly output - Add fixed charges to end use graph in energy costs view - Add "min cost" and "pv start" to combined graph target energy savings dropdown box - If an optimization only has "ZNE" selected for PV Size, automatically include "0 kW" - Store lib/bmi/epw files in project files for better future BEopt compatibility - Improved exporting to SketchUp (requires SketchUp 6) and eQUEST - Upgraded to latest version of Graphics Server Modeling Fixes: - Update infiltration to better model impact of number of floors - Fixed hot water loads to vary seasonally - Altered ventilation schedules to minimize building overheating - Update water heater U-values based on their energy factors - Added interior walls to building simulation - Prevent TRNSYS errors in extreme northern climates (e.g. Barrow, Alaska) Interface Fixes: - Allow linked DView for point with PV and point without PV - Fix possible cost calculation error for combined graphs design/parametric cases - Show auxiliary heating end use in hourly output for buildings with heat pump - Ensure BAB end uses are displayed if all other optimization points have PV - Increased sequential search robustness for handling ZNE PV, stop at PV, etc - Force heating/cooling capacity categories to same lifetimes as equipment (not 15yrs) - Account for daylight savings time in DView output - Fix for TMY-based locations that don't have a CMCWB 1% in their stat file 0.8.0.1 (0.8 fixes) (January 11, 2007) ------- Modeling Fixes: - Corrected orientation rendering in Sketchup - Fix combination of multiple orientation and roof-mounted SDHW options Interface Fixes: - Fixed cases run with BAB reference where all points other than BAB were incorrect - Minor interface issues 0.8 (December 1, 2006) ------- Modeling Features: - Add absolute PV/SDHW azimuth options (South, West, etc) - Added wall height to building description input screen (default: 8 ft) Interface Features: - Improved interface - Ability to delete/modify options from BEopt - Specify case reference buildings from the input screen (with additional choices) - Additional exporting of graph data - Improved point selection in graph (click point or drag box; hold control to toggle) - Stop an optimization when PV or Min Cost is reached (to reduce runtime) in run dialog - Include heating/cooling setpoints in hourly output - On the fly compatibility checking for Building America benchmark - Ability to look at site electric and site gas end uses in kWh and Therms, respectively - Allow three-category parametrics - Display graph total in End Use graph when data labels are shown Modeling Fixes: - Correctly account for mechanical ventilation electricity use - Fixed ducts UA Interface Fixes: - Corrected HVAC sizing - Corrected misc electric use and PV in hourly output - Include column headings in TRNSYS output file - Fixed Tools > Input/Output Reports to work with design and parametric mode cases 0.7.1 (November 3, 2006) ----- Interface Fixes: - Fix various resolution and DPI issues 0.7 (October 17, 2006) ----- Modeling Features: - ERV, Misc Electric Loads, Heating/Cooling setpoints categories - New R-30 crawlspace option and tighter infiltration options - Allow nested MAX(), MIN(), AVG(), and SUM() statements in BEopt macro language Interface Features: - Parametric Mode (select options in 2 categories, up to 12 combinations of points) - Capability to add new options from the interface - Renamable design mode building designs - Zipped project files (drastically smaller *.bpt files) - Display point number labels when multiple points are selected on swoosh graph Modeling Fixes: - Improved natural ventilation Interface Fixes: - Replacement costs were not correctly calculated for Swoosh graph - Prevent getting stuck in an infinite loop with the Cost Combination Editor - Lots of code refactored for sequential search (causes project file incompatibility) - Show PV values instead of "0" when exporting End Use data - Include electric heating and glazing solar gains in hourly output 0.6.1 (August 11, 2006) 0.6 (July 26, 2006)