Energy Modeling for LEED
Energy Modeling for LEED
(OP)
Hello,
I am a mechanical engineer at a small firm that is working on a LEED project, and I have been assigned the task of doing the energy modeling.
Can someone recommend some software to me? I doubt we'll be doing a lot of LEED projects and I really just want something that is easy to use because I will have to learn it on my own.
What do you guys use and recommend?
I did search, but I could not find anything on ease of use.
Thanks!
I am a mechanical engineer at a small firm that is working on a LEED project, and I have been assigned the task of doing the energy modeling.
Can someone recommend some software to me? I doubt we'll be doing a lot of LEED projects and I really just want something that is easy to use because I will have to learn it on my own.
What do you guys use and recommend?
I did search, but I could not find anything on ease of use.
Thanks!





RE: Energy Modeling for LEED
That should get you going in the right direction.
RE: Energy Modeling for LEED
That being said, it seems everyone uses Equest and it is free.
RE: Energy Modeling for LEED
I had not heard of Visual DOE, but it costs money and does not seem to have a trial version so I think I will pass on that.
I currently have eQUEST, and trial versions of Carrier's HAP and Trane's Trace, so I think I'll play around with those and see what I come up with.
Thanks again!
RE: Energy Modeling for LEED
The next one is this coming week.
It is worth the money for somneone not well versed into energy modeling. Bu I suggest that you take a normal Trace Tutorial before you jump into the advanced portion.
RE: Energy Modeling for LEED
My two cents, would be to use Trane or Carrier energy model programs for the LEED model as most engineers are more familiar with these programs. So far LEED appears to be a "rubber stamp" process. Even a recent article in ASHRAE states current energy models are guessimates at best.
RE: Energy Modeling for LEED
EQUEST is based on BLAST/DOE-2 algorhythms, and has multiple interfaces available. BLAST sucked, DOE-2 sits in my drawer.
HAP and TRACE are more suited to specific devices (chiller, AHU) as opposed to including envelope calculations and selecting alternatives. If you are looking at sizing a chiller or AHU with constant envelope or internal load, use HAP or TRACE. If you are looking at whole building, use EQUEST. Go to the DOE or Whole Building Design Guide (WBDG.ORG) for a free download, front ends, and user group). You might find it under the PECI site (may need to yahoo) with tutorial.
Being an ME, I was used to BLAST, HAP or TRACE. If you are looking for LEED goo, then EQUEST is a good fit.
RE: Energy Modeling for LEED
HTH,
Brad