[Ibpsausa] EnergyPlus V7.2 Released

[Linda Lawrie]

EnergyPlus Version 7.2 and OpenStudio Legacy Plug-in 1.0.9 Available

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released 
an updated version of EnergyPlus simulation 
software for modeling heating, cooling, lighting, 
ventilating, and other building energy flows. 
Additionally,  a new version of OpenStudio Legacy 
Plug-in for Trimble SketchUp is available, which 
makes it possible to perform EnergyPlus 
simulations using  Sketchup's user-friendly 3-D drawing interface.
Visit www.energyplus.gov to learn more and 
download EnergyPlus and OpenStudio Plug-in now.

Highlights of this release (V7.2.0.006)
** The highlights – improved and new features – are displayed by category.

General
* Speed improvements and many bug fixes throughout.

Datasets
* WindowConstructs.idf was revised so annotations 
properly reflect U, SHGC, TSOL, TVIS values in EnergyPlus
* FluidPropertiesRefData.idf was revised remove 
unused superheated specific heat objects. Data sources documented.

Input
* Corrected or clarified the units for various input fields
* Windows and Daylighting
* New detailed model for complex window systems 
with Bi-directional Scattering Distribution Functions (BSDF).

Zone and Surface Models
* Multiple surface heat transfer algorithms (CTF, 
CondFD, EMPD, HAMT) can now be used in a single 
simulation and selected for individual surfaces and constructions.
* Changed model coefficients for the default 
outside face surface convection heat transfer 
correlations called "DOE-2" and "MoWiTT."

HVAC and Refrigeration
* Expanded model for Variable Refrigerant Flow 
(VRF) to allow simultaneous heating and cooling 
(heat recovery) and water-cooled condensers.
* New detailed models for variable-speed DX cooling and heating coils.
* Zone sizing expanded to add method for the 
design supply air temperature to be based on 
differences with zone temperature.
* Detailed ice storage model expanded for inside 
melt systems to start charging from a bare coil.
* HVAC equipment standard rating calculations 
(Net capacity, SEER, IEER) expanded for 
multispeed DX coils, multi-speed heat pumps, and 
packaged variable air volume units.
* Improved warning message content when HVAC 
simulation maximum iterations limit is exceeded.
* Added option for non-coincident sizing in HVACTemplate system objects.
* Added options for humidity setpoints and 
desuperheater in HVACTemplate for dedicated outdoor air systems.
* Added options for supply air temperatures in HVACTemplate for zone sizing.
* Added options for supplementary heating coil to 
be hot water in HVACTemplates for heatpump and unitary equipment.
* Added options for substituting specific 
chiller, boiler, and cooling tower objects for 
the defaults normally generated by HVACTemplates.

Controls and User Functions
* System availability managers expanded to 
control operation of additional types of zone 
equipment including: fan coil units, zone energy 
recovery ventilators, zone outdoor air units, 
variable refrigerant flow terminals, and ventilated slabs.
* Availability schedule added to daylighting controls.

Output
* Error messages improved for recurring errors.
* Tabular reports improved formatting and clean up.
* Documentation and Guides
* Documentation has been updated for all documents.

Platforms
* Windows (XP, Vista, Windows 7) 32 and 64 bit versions
* Linux (Ubuntu 12.04 and compatible) 32 and 64 bit versions
* Mac (10.6, 10.7 and 10.8) 32 and 64 bit versions
* EnergyPlus V 7.2 has been tested on all of these platforms

And many other enhancements and speed improvements throughout.
Suggestion: get as much memory as possible in your computer for
running EnergyPlus.

Thanks!
The EnergyPlus Team
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