DesignBuilder v3 introduces some important new features as well as widespread consolidation of existing functionality.

Expected Version 3.2 features:

• EnergyPlus v7.2
• Detailed HVAC template wizard allows fully connected systems to be loaded to the model
• More ASHRAE 90.1 and LEED options including Appendix G constructions and outline baseline HVAC systems
• Improved Simple HVAC simulations with options for humidity control, heat recovery and economiser as well as faster autosizing
• Change-over Mixed mode now available for all HVAC and Natural ventilation model options
• Simulate phase change materials (PCM) in detail
• Fanger PMV control
• Constant CoP chiller
• More flexible heated floors and chilled ceilings
• EnergyPlus database of 110 air-cooled chillers added to existing water-cooled chillers - total count of 274 chillers
• Latest v28 IGDB glass database and option to import Glass data from WINDOW6 files directly into DesignBuilder Pane dialog
• Custom crack templates can be defined  for Calculated natural ventilation
• Infiltration can be scheduled
• Many fixes and improvements, especially in Detailed HVAC
 
• Version 3.0 features:

• Detailed HVAC with access to a wide range of EnergyPlus HVAC systems through an easy to use diagrammatic interface.
• Radiance daylighting calculations with integrated graphical daylight distribution contour plots and reports for LEED, BREEAM and Green Star.
• EnergyPlus v7.0 with significant speed improvements over previous versions.
• SBEM v4.1.d
• Sunpath diagram option on the Visualisation screen
• Various improvements in the BIM import and the modeller
• v20 of the International Glazing Database (IGDB).
• Revit plugin which speeds up the data transfer process from Revit to DesignBuilder. Supports 32-bit and 64-bit Revit 2011, 2012 and 2013. .

Version 2.4 features:

• Compact HVAC now provides access to EnergyPlus boiler, chiller and fan part-load performance characteristics
• DesignBuilder EnergyPlus IDF output is now much more readable through use of user-defined zone names instead of numeric references used previously
• In Compact HVAC mode DesignBuilder outputs EnergyPlus-calculated plant energy consumption so DesignBuilder energy consumption outputs now agree with reports obtained directly from EnergyPlus
• Uses SBEM v4.1 for 2010 UK and Ireland Part-L and EPCs

Version 2.3 features:

• Uses EnergyPlus v6 which runs noticeably faster than previous versions
• Simple glazing where glazing systems can be defined using basic manufacturers data (including or excluding frame)
• Improvements in CFD robustness
• Many EnergyPlus summary outputs such as ABUPS reports can be generated and viewed from within DesignBuilder
  
• EnergyPlus daylight factor reports
• UK and Ireland SBEM 3.5.a approved
• Supports pay as you go licensing for SBEM EPC users
• Portuguese IEE module
  
• Ongoing improvements to gbXML import including full support for imported shading surfaces
  
• Embodied carbon outputs
  

Version 2.2 features:

• UK and Ireland SBEM 3.5.a approved
• CFD age of air and LMA data
  
• CFD numerical output
  
• Boolean geometry (part 1)
• Zone merging dialog means that use of holes to merge zones is not required
• Fan energy consumption can be modelled more accurately in Simple HVAC
• Exterior lighting energy modelling
• Lighting gains can be defined as W/m2/100 lux avoiding modelling errors that can occur with the other 'W/m2' lighting option when illuminance requirement is changed
• LIDER export works under Windows XP for Spanish certification

Version 2.1 features:

• EnergyPlus v4
• Substantial improvements and stabilisation in CFD and related documentation
• New site licensing system using network license server
• Latent gains can be specified for equipment
• Improvements in gbXML import
• German language interface option
• LIDER export for Spanish certification (free for all EnergyPlus license holders)
  

Version 2.0 features:

• 3-D Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) allows you to analyse the airflow and comfort distribution inside and outside of buildings. A link to EnergyPlus simulations provides simulated surface temperatures and natural ventilation flow rates as boundary conditons to the CFD simulations.
• CAD BIM import from Revit, ArchiCAD, Microstation and other CAD software supporting the gbXML interoperability standard.
• Mixed mode natural ventilation to ensure HVAC and natural ventilation do not ocur simultaneously.
• New HVAC modelling options include humidity control and baseboard heaters (convective and radiant). Further significant improvements in HVAC will be phased in over v.2 development cycle.
• EnergyPlus 3.1.
• Option to edit data at opening level allowing different window and door types on a single surface
• Assemblies for modelling CFD objects and solar shading systems.
• More flexibility in the cutting tool - in particular blocks can now be cut flush with other surfaces of the block
• Option to include/exclude zones from the analysis - useful for modelling certain parts of a building only.
• More configurable results display gives better control over simulation output and an option to save result templates
• Display of simulation results for individual surfaces and openings.
• Green roofs including irrigation control.
• Option for radiosity-based DElight daylight simulation integrated within EnergyPlus thermal simulation
• Parametric cooling design calculations and simulations.
• SBEM 3.4.a for UK and Ireland. This is required for lodging EPCs from 10 May 2009 onwards.

See also Revison history