Energy modelling software for architects who aren’t energy modellers
In short: Energy modeling software for architects needs to run on concept-stage information, return results in minutes, and use a validated engine. FREDS builds a full EnergyPlus model from a limited amount of inputs and runs it in the browser, benchmarked within 20% on heating and cooling against a detailed model, an acceptable margin for early-stage design (Picco and Marengo, 2019).
EnergyPlus online? Building energy simulation without the desktop
In short: Running EnergyPlus online means using the same validated US Department of Energy simulation engine through a browser, with the model-building automated. Benchmarked against a detailed hand-built model of a Bergamo clinic, the cloud approach landed within 4.8% on heating and 14.0% on cooling, inside the 20% margin accepted for early-stage design (Picco and Marengo, 2019).
