Which Front End?

[Captain_Planet]

I would really like to start using Energy Plus but I do not think I can handle doing energy models using the included input program.  Is there a really great front end program out there that I can use?

[Bhandari]

You may want to try DesignBuilder software.  A fully functional 30 days evaluation version can be downloaded from:  www.designbuildersoftware.com

[Adam_Torborg]

I actually tried this program in the 30 day trial version.  It seemed very nice, but I got busy and was unable to give it a full review in the 30 days.  I emailed them and asked for an extension and they were more than willing to extend the 30 days to 60.  That bodes well for their support and everything. 

Sadly, I got busy again and have not been able to get back to checking that particular front end program. 

Has anyone here used Sketchup (a google program) to start an energy Plus energy model?

[em00105]

Hi there,

I´ve been usign the plugin together with DesignBuilder to create the geometry model for E+. If you want only to obtain building geometry, defining materials, constructions, etc. ,the plugin should do the job, however forget about HVAC system introduction, that´s only possible with DesignBuilder but only a few range of systems. Bottom line is that whether you want to work with DesignBuilder or the SkecthUp, you will always have to learn how to introduce HVAC in E+ engine itself and to learn it´s language. It´s quite hard at the beginning but with time and patiente will get there. The advantage is that E+ engine is quite precise in its simulations.

They have a very dynamic Support Group, I advise you to register: http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/EnergyPlus_Support/

Hope it helps with your choice
Regards,
Nuno

[kgus]

I used Sketchup for awhile before I discovered DesignBuilder, and sketchup was always prone to crashing (incredibly frustrating!) The only way I could get it to reliably work was to never close it - whenever a file was reopened it would promptly crash on simulation.

Perhaps you get what you pay for? Good luck.

[D.grous]

Go elsewhere to sell your wares bot.


-Adam