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<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">I have worked with hourly building simulation since 1977 and DOE-2 in particular since 1984. I consider myself a decent simulation user, but must continuously consult with my HVAC colleagues in insure that what the simulation is doing is:</FONT></P>
<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">a) Something that can happen in reality</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">b) Happens in the expected sequence of operations</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">c) Is simulated conservatively enough to predict results that can be verified.</FONT>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">My biggest complaint with the current DOE-2 is that I must consult FOUR manuals (DOE-2.1A Reference, DOE-2.1E BDL Summary and Supplement, the JJ Hirsch Version 110 and higher Supplement, and the Current Errata Tables), each in the proper sequence, to insure the model takes all the proper parameters into account.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">"User Friendly" for Building Simulation to ME should be a complex documentation (Read:<B> BOOK</B>, not on-line menus) of</FONT>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">1) The sequencing and interrelationship between program modules</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">2) The HVAC systems that can be simulated, with their related parameters</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">3) Documentation of error messages and what they can mean</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">4) Updates to this documentation, not Supplements !!</FONT>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">User friendly should mean that a person who has sufficient understanding of HVAC systems can find answers to his simulation question. One who does NOT foster this understand will naturally be lost.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">If I don't use DOE-2 for a few months (other tasks become prevalent), I sometime feel I must relearn part of the program, because the "A" manual explanation was then changed in the "C" version, and once again in the "E" version 110 and higher. A single, complex, but annotated documentation of a building simulation program will give the appropriate users all the "User Friendliness" they need.</FONT></P>
<P><B><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">John R. Aulbach, PE, CEM</FONT></B>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Project Engineer</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Sempra Energy Solutions</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">555 West Fifth Street</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Mail Location 27F3</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Los Angeles, CA 90071</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Tel :(213) 244-8551 Beeper (888) 520-1051</FONT>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Times New Roman">"Sempra Energy Solutions is not the same company as SDG&E/ SoCalGas, the Utilities. Sempra Energy Solutions is not regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission, and you do not have to buy Sempra Energy Solutions products or services to continue to receive quality regulated service from the Utilities." </FONT></P>
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