V7.3 features list
UI and Modeller
- Boolean and Cutting tools can be applied to more complex blocks
- Improvements to the Clone tool workflow
- IGDB glazing database upgrade to v78
Optimisation
- Component blocks can be imported/exported in XML, enabling advanced parametric façade design.
- New “Run all combinations” option for optimisation.
Visualisation
- Linear thermal bridging length visualisation display at building, block, zone and surface levels
Daylighting
- Right to Light BS 8206-2 daylight reports for Annual Probably Sunlight Hours, Vertical Sky Component, No Sky Line and Average Daylight Factor.
- Rearranged Daylighting calculation and display options with all reports accessed from the same tab
- Improvements in sDA annual daylighting calculations with new options for dynamic shading through internal windows
LEED/ASHRAE 90.1
- Improvements to ASHRAE 90.1 App G 2016
- ASHRAE 90.1 App G HVAC Systems #11, #12, #13
- LEED v4.1 MEPC reports
HVAC
- Plant loop EIR heat pumps (water source and air source)
- Generic Unitary AHU component
- More flexible options for CO2 control in DOAS and other air systems
V7.2 features list
UK Certification
- Approved SBEM, DSM, Section 63.
Simulation
- Part O Overheating simulations.
V7.0 features list
UI and Modeller
- Model data grid view/edit tool access to:
- Component blocks and Solar panels.
- HVAC component data
- Template loading
- Automatically reload edited templates
- Snaps at site level allow multiple buildings to be accurately positioned relative to each other
- “Follow path” block creation tool
- Edit screen display colour themes: classic, architectural, surface openings with the option for users to create their own custom themes
- Links to MagiCAD with results export
- IDF file import including geometry, constructions, glazing and materials.
- Improvements to gbXML import
Simulation
- E+ v9.4 –fixes bugs with HVAC sizing excluding effect of outdoor air on Simple HVAC simulations and Kiva initialisation.
- New Ground modelling UI and links to Kiva engine for more accurate simulation of ground heat transfer.
- New pixel counting shading method for faster simulations.
Daylighting
- Annual simulations through Radiance – drop-in replacement for Daysim
- Support for dynamic and static blinds
- BREEAM HEA 01 Option b
- LEED v4.1 Daylight Credit Options 1 and 2
- Daylight distribution map display in modeller
- Translucent Component blocks
Parametric
- Use any EnergyPlus output as KPI in optimisation, parametric, uncertainty analysis etc
Scripting/API
- Python scripting access to API
HVAC
- High-temperature radiant heater
- New sequencing controls available at zone level
LEED/ASHRAE 90.1
- Improvements to LEED v4 Minimum Energy Performance Calculator report
- ASHRAE 90.1 App G 2013 and 2016
V6.1 features list
Daylighting
Daylighting auto ground plane moved from z=0 to below all building blocks
- LEED v4 Option 2 with separate illuminance data for 9am and 3pm.
- BREEAM Hea 01 4b for annual daylighting report
LEED
- LEED v4 reporting
- Option to convert the proposed building to baseline without copying for very large models.
- Approved SBEM, DSM, Section 63.
V6.0 features list
UI and Modeller
- Grid view/edit tool allows model data to be edited in bulk. Option to export the data to spreadsheet, modify and import to the same or different model.
- Plugin for Revit 2019.
Reporting and Visualisation
Graphical display of constructions and glazing used in the model on the Visualisation screen.
Graphical display of calculated natural ventilation airflows on the Simulation screen.
Improved rendered visualisations with an option for lines to be used to more clearly represent surface edges.
Simulation
EnergyPlus V8.9.
Latest Phase Change Materials with Hysteresis.
Simulations can be run for multiple years, helping improve accuracy for very high mass cases such as ground domains and ground heat exchangers.
Improved heating and cooling system design summary outputs, including fabric, ventilation and gains data.
Daylighting
Improved daylighting maps with text data available for each grid point and options for colour palettes.
Improved performance for Radiance illuminance simulations, significantly reducing wait times.
Improvements to the ASE Daysim simulations.
Option to define the ground plane extent.
Option to control randomness in Radiance results.
Improved management of calculation and display options.
HVAC
Co-generation equipment (CHP).
Ice thermal storage and new plant operation schemes.
Variable speed fan cooling towers.
Improvements to evaporative coolers.
UK and Ireland Certification
Latest SBEM 5.6a for England, Scotland and Wales.
Section 63 tools for Scotland.
Latest SBEM v5.5e for Part-L and BERs in Ireland.
Optimisation + Uncertainty and Sensitivity Analysis
A new set of Uncertainty Analysis and Sensitivity Analysis tools allows the variability of a model output due to uncertainty in inputs to be quantified. Also, analyse how variations in each simulation output can be apportioned to variations in inputs.
New parametric and optimisation engine based on JEA technology.
3 new types of Custom variables acting on the model, the IDF or at simulation time through EMS. The new custom script variable type allows models to be modified parametrically by writing C# scripts.
API with Plugin and Scripting Tools
API allows 3rd party plugin and C# script development linking to the DesignBuilder object model.
Python scripting.
Was this article helpful?
That’s Great!
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry! We couldn't be helpful
Thank you for your feedback
Feedback sent
We appreciate your effort and will try to fix the article