<HTML><HEAD>
<META http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=utf-8">
<META content="MSHTML 6.00.2900.3395" name=GENERATOR></HEAD>
<BODY style="MARGIN: 4px 4px 1px; FONT: 10pt Tahoma">
<DIV>Also, it's important to note that EnergyPlus is not an easy tool to use - it's powerful and flexible, but not easy. I actually use it quite a bit and like it, but I had some very good engineering teachers. The SketchUp tool is great, and if you just wanted to do sort of a loads analysis (not looking at the effects of different HVAC systems or controls, just those of layout, constructions, glazing, orientation, etc.), then you could do that within the SketchUp tool with "purchased air" systems. But once you want to start putting in any HVAC, you should get someone experienced to help you. Good luck!</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Kristin</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>
<DIV><BR>***************************************************************</DIV>
<DIV>Kristin M. Field, EI</DIV>
<DIV>Energy Analysis Group</DIV>
<DIV>Architectural Energy Corporation</DIV>
<DIV>2540 Frontier Ave., Suite 201</DIV>
<DIV>Boulder, CO 80301</DIV>
<DIV>303.444.4149</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV><BR><BR>>>> "Mostapha Sadeghipour" <sadeghipour@gmail.com> 9/11/2008 12:15 PM >>><BR></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr>Scot,
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV>If you are not interested in the most accurate results, and you want to use it during the conceptual design period in a comparative method, I think Ecotect could be a good suggestion. The interface is great, and it is specially designed for architects.</DIV>
<DIV>Except the CFD simulation other simulation such as Lighting and energy simulation is acceptable. And you can also export the model to other softwares, e.g. EnergyPlus, ESP-r, Radianec, etc.</DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV>Best,</DIV>
<DIV>Mostapha</DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV><BR>
<DIV class=gmail_quote>On Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 7:57 PM, Scott Schreffler <SPAN dir=ltr><<A href="mailto:ScottS@dykeman.net">ScottS@dykeman.net</A>></SPAN> wrote:<BR>
<BLOCKQUOTE class=gmail_quote style="PADDING-LEFT: 1ex; MARGIN: 0px 0px 0px 0.8ex; BORDER-LEFT: #ccc 1px solid">Sorry, forgot to add: I'm particularly interested in EnergyPlus since it has a Sketch-Up interface and I use Sketch-Up quite a bit.<BR><BR>Thank you.<BR><FONT color=#888888><BR>Scott<BR></FONT>
<DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV class=Wj3C7c><BR>-----Original Message-----<BR>From: <A href="mailto:bldg-sim-bounces@lists.onebuilding.org">bldg-sim-bounces@lists.onebuilding.org</A><BR>[mailto:<A href="mailto:bldg-sim-bounces@lists.onebuilding.org">bldg-sim-bounces@lists.onebuilding.org</A>]On Behalf Of Scott<BR>Schreffler<BR>Sent: Thursday, September 11, 2008 9:25 AM<BR>To: <A href="mailto:bldg-sim@onebuilding.org">bldg-sim@onebuilding.org</A><BR>Subject: Re: [Bldg-sim] Ebergy Plus and SketchUp<BR><BR><BR>Hello,<BR>I am interested in learning an energy simulation software and need some advice from you experts. I am architecturally trained with over ten years experience. Unfortunately I am not trained in mechanical engineering and have only a cursory knowledge of a variety of the more common mechanical and electrical systems. I have taken quite a few lighting classes.<BR><BR>Which program would be the best for me in terms of balancing<BR>a. User-friendly for an architect and<BR>b. Robust and commonly accepted standard for LEED et al.<BR><BR>Thanks very much in advance for your comments!<BR><BR>Scott<BR><BR>_______________________________________________<BR>Bldg-sim mailing list<BR><A href="http://lists.onebuilding.org/listinfo.cgi/bldg-sim-onebuilding.org" target=_blank>http://lists.onebuilding.org/listinfo.cgi/bldg-sim-onebuilding.org</A><BR>To unsubscribe from this mailing list send a blank message to <A href="mailto:BLDG-SIM-UNSUBSCRIBE@ONEBUILDING.ORG">BLDG-SIM-UNSUBSCRIBE@ONEBUILDING.ORG</A><BR>_______________________________________________<BR>Bldg-sim mailing list<BR><A href="http://lists.onebuilding.org/listinfo.cgi/bldg-sim-onebuilding.org" target=_blank>http://lists.onebuilding.org/listinfo.cgi/bldg-sim-onebuilding.org</A><BR>To unsubscribe from this mailing list send a blank message to <A href="mailto:BLDG-SIM-UNSUBSCRIBE@ONEBUILDING.ORG">BLDG-SIM-UNSUBSCRIBE@ONEBUILDING.ORG</A><BR></DIV></DIV></BLOCKQUOTE></DIV><BR></DIV></DIV></BODY></HTML>