Energy-10: a design-tool computer program

A major barrier to using energy simulation tools during the design process of a building has been the difficulty of using the available programs. The ENERGY-10 program overcomes this hurdle by automating many of the time-consuming tasks, shortening the time required from hours or days to minutes. Building descriptions are created automatically based on defaults. The APPLY and RANK features speed the process of comparing the performance of energy-efficient strategies by automatically modifying the building description and sequencing the operations. Graphical output greatly aids the process of assimilating and understanding the results. This paper describes the program’s features, simulation engines, the associated design guidelines book, and the workshop training program. It also outlines planned enhancements including a capability for photovoltaics simulation, and the steps required to make the program useful outside the United States.