Energy Analysis Tools

by Richard Paradis, P.E., BSCP

National Institute of Building Sciences
Last updated: 06-10-2010
Within This Page
Introduction
Description
Emerging Issues
Application
Relevant Codes and Standards
Additional Resources
Introduction
Building thermal performance calculations are made for two primary reasons. They are made to
size and select mechanical equipment or to predict the annual energy consumption of a structure.
While these two tasks are not mutually exclusive, and some programs can handle both tasks, they
do tend to be conducted in isolation from each other.
Sizing programs are primarily designed to calculate peak hourly loads during the heating
and cooling seasons. Almost all buildings of any complexity have a sizing analysis of
some kind run by an architect, engineer, or mechanical contractor. Most sizing programs
are based on consensus procedures and algorithms established by ASHRAE, but many
are proprietary products distributed or sold by equipment manufacturers.
Energy programs are primarily designed to predict the annual energy consumed by a
structure in terms of BTUs, dollars, or pollution avoidance. In the past, few buildings
benefited from energy analysis. Today energy analysis tools are becoming more common
and are being applied earlier in the design process.
To decide what computer-based, energy analysis tool is best for your project, it is important to
have a basic understanding of how these tools operate.
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Description
A. Calculating Annual Energy Consumption
The flowchart diagrammed in Fig. A indicates the steps that must be followed to fully estimate
project energy costs.

Fig. A. Flowchart to determine energy costs
Step One. Determine the Number of Thermal Zones
A "zone" is a segment of a building with similar thermal requirements serviced by the same
mechanical equipment and controls. The number of thermal zones will vary depending on many
factors including the building use, size, and shape. For example, a single family house or free-
standing branch bank may have only one or two zones while a large office building may have
over one hundred.
Step Two. Calculate Loads for Each Zone
A "load" is the required, hourly rate of heat removal in summer (or heat supply in winter)
necessary to keep a building comfortable. In step two, the annual, peak hourly heating and
cooling loads for each zone must be calculated.
Step Three. Select HVAC Systems
Based on the peak loads calculated in step two, size and select building mechanical equipment.
For comprehensive simulations of multi-zone structures, thermal interactions between zones
must be taken into account (such as the mixing that occurs in water-loop heat pump systems).
Step Four. Calculate Hourly Energy Consumption
Calculate the loads placed on the selected equipment for each hour of a Typical Meteorological
Year (TMY) and determine the amount of energy required by the equipmentbased on system
efficiencies and part load curvesto meet these loads.
Step Five. Input Electric Utility and Fuel Rate Information
For the specific building construction site, input energy rate information including electric peak
demand charges.
Step Six. Calculate Energy Costs
Calculate the cost of the fuel consumed for each hour of the year. Annual performance is
calculated by summing the hourly results for all 8,760 hours of the year.
Some software programs are designed to excel at one or two steps in this process while others
tackle the whole problem comprehensively. Other tools use simplified methods to expedite input
requirements or minimize run time, while still others are more detailed and precise.
For example, HVAC equipment manufacturers have emphasized the development of software
that addresses Steps Two and Three quite well. But these same programs often do not handle the
interaction between strategies (such as daylighting and energy efficient lighting) necessary to
accurately model energy consumption in Step Four.
Boundaries between energy analysis tools are beginning to blur as developers in different
industries are converging to produce software that is more graphic, easier to use, and capable of
greater accuracy. Nevertheless, important distinctions between software programs still remain
and will do so for the foreseeable future. What is unquestionably true is that with today's
powerful personal computers it is no longer necessary to compromisewe can have both speed
and accuracy.
B. Match Tool to Task
Not only do energy analysis software programs have varying levels of accuracy; they are also
intended to be used at different phases of the design process; and require very different levels of
effort and cost. For example, some tools have been designed to provide immediate feedback to
the designer or project manager during the earliest phases of a project while others such as DOE-
2 or BLAST, require more input time and detail. Consequently, they are generally reserved for
later in the design process when many architectural decisions have already been finalized.
EnergyPlus is a newer building energy simulation program for modeling building heating,
cooling, lighting, ventilating, and other energy flowsbuilding on the most popular features and
capabilities of BLAST and DOE-2. Most energy analysis tools can be classified as being one of
four generic types. Note: The software examples listed are meant to be indicative, not
exhaustive.
Screening Tools for use primarily during budgeting and programming of retrofits.
o FRESA
o FEDS
Architectural Design Tools for use primarily during programming, schematics, and
design development of new construction and major retrofit.
o Building Design Advisor
o Energy Scheming
Load Calculation and HVAC Sizing Tools for use primarily during design development
and construction documentation of new construction and major retrofit.
o HAP
o TRACE
o DOE-2
o BLAST
o VisualDOE
o EnergyPlus
Economic Assessment Tools for use throughout the design process.
o BLCC
o Quick BLCC
C. Screening Tools
Screening Tools are designed to evaluate project viability during the earliest stages of
programming and often include some economic analysis capability. They also tend to be
correlations, rather than full hourly simulations.
In a correlation-based program, daily, monthly, or seasonal building performance is computed by
comparing, or correlating, the performance of the building in question against predetermined
equations (or curves) that predict the performance of the building based on key thermal
characteristics and climate information. Correlation programs generally run quickly because they
demand a minimum of computation, but this speed is at the expense of some accuracy. Also
because of their relative simplicity, correlation programs are not able to evaluate the important
trade-offs between certain interactive energy strategies such as daylighting and heating or
thermal mass and cooling. The following are some examples of screening tools.

Fig. 1. FRESA screen capture
FRESA (The Federal Renewable Energy Screening Assistant)
Allows federal energy auditors to evaluate renewable energy opportunities and energy systems
options for possible inclusion in a facility's energy program. The purpose is to focus feasibility
study efforts on those applications most likely to prove cost-effective. FRESA can screen
facilities for the following renewable energy systems:
Daylighting Controls/Infiltration Control
Daylighting Apertures
Active Solar Cooling
Multiple Glazings
Window Shading Alternatives
Utilization of Wind Energy
Utilization of Water Power
Solar Thermal Electric
Solar Swimming Pools
Ground Coupled Heat Pumps
Active Solar Space Heating
Solar Hot Water
Photovoltaic Applications
Solar Ventilation Reheat
Conversion to Biomass
Conversion to Refuse
Table 1: FRESA Version 2.5 Key Characteristics
Key Strengths Key Weaknesses
Establishes consistent methodology
and reporting format for a large
number of audits in varying
locations and with varying building
use types
sophisticated analyses of
technology performance and cost
while keeping data requirements to
a minimum
Provides only first-order screening,
to focus design; requires more
detailed feasibility analyses on
applications most likely to be cost-
effective
requires high level of knowledge
about energy audits and the
limitations of the program
not suitable for general use
FEDS (The Facility Energy Decision System)
Provides a comprehensive method for quickly and objectively identifying energy improvements
that offer maximum savings. It is an easy to use tool for identifying retrofits, selecting minimum
life cycle costs, determining payback, and enabling users to prioritize options. The FEDS system
allows data input to range from minimal to extremely detailed.
Table 2: FEDS Version 5.0.1 Key Characteristics
Key Strengths Key Weaknesses
Technology and Fuel Independence
Life Cycle Cost Optimization
Peak Tracking
Alternate Financing Analysis
Optimizes retrofit opportunities
Cannot evaluate interaction of
some strategies
Not a buildings design tool
D. Architectural Design Tools
Architectural Design Tools are intended to evaluate the relative importance of design decisions
such as building orientation, glazing, and daylighting.
Residential and Small Commercial
Energy Scheming
A design tool to help the user create an energy-efficient building; provides loads analysis for 24
hours for each of 4 seasonal evaluation days. Input is graphical and intuitive and is designed to
support the earliest phases of design, where energy considerations can have the most impact.
Table 4: Energy Scheming Key Characteristics
Key Strengths Key Weaknesses
Graphic input
Supports visual thinking
Educational tool
Apple only
Uses highly simplified algorithms;
single zone; does not size or
calculate HVAC
Building Design Advisor
The BDA is a computer program that supports the concurrent, integrated use of multiple
simulation tools and databases, through a single, object-based representation of building
components and systems. BDA (Building Design Advisor) acts as a data manager and process
controller, allowing building designers to benefit from the capabilities of multiple analysis and
visualization tools throughout the building design process. BDA is implemented as a Windows-
based application and is linked to a Schematic Graphic Editor and two simplified simulation
tools, one for daylight and one for energy analyses.
Table 5: Building Design Advisor Version 3.1 Key Characteristics
Key Strengths Key Weaknesses
Graphic input
Does not require in depth
knowledge to use linked tools for
energy and daylighting
Limited database of options for
building components and systems
E. Engineering Design Tools/Load Calculation & HVAC Sizing Tools
Engineering Design Tools/Load Calculation and HVAC Sizing Tools are designed primarily to
size and help select equipment such as boilers, furnaces, or chillers. Many load calculation and
HVAC sizing tools also include the ability to perform annual energy simulations. Some of the
sizing tools are proprietary software products created and distributed by equipment
manufacturers.
TRACE Load 700
Combines the power of the building and load design portions of TRACE 600 with the simplicity
of a Windows-based operating environment. TRACE Load 700 uses ASHRAE-standard
algorithms and enables non-sequential data entry that encourages "what if" analysis. You can
edit building construction details in any order and easily change the building model as the design
progresses. The extensive predefined (but editable) libraries and templates of construction
materials and building load information increase the speed and accuracy of the modeling process.
You can export the completed project file to TRACE 700 for a detailed energy analysis.
Table 6: Trace Load 700 Key Characteristics
Key Strengths Key Weaknesses
Intuitive Windows interface
Simplified input methods
Models more than 25 types of air
distribution systems
Requires TRACE 700 to perform
energy and cost analyses
HAP (Hourly Analysis Program)
A system design tool and an energy simulation tool in one package. Uses a Windows-based
graphical user interface and 32-bit software. HAP's design module uses a system-based approach
that tailors sizing procedures and reports to the specific type of system being considered. Central
AHUs, packaged rooftop units, split systems, fan coils, and PTACs can be designed, as can
CAV, VAV, single- and multiple-zone systems. The ASHRAE-endorsed Transfer Function
Method is used to calculate building heat flow.
HAP's energy simulation module performs a true 8,760 hour energy simulation of building heat
flow and equipment performance. It uses TMY weather data and the Transfer Function Method.
Many types of air handling systems, packaged equipment, and plant equipment can be simulated.
Costs can be computed using complex utility rates. Extensive reports and graphs document
hourly, daily, monthly, and annual energy and cost performance.
Table 7: HAP Version 4.2 Key Characteristics
Key Strengths Key Weaknesses
Bestested to DOE-2
Compares energy consumption and
operating costs of design
alternatives
Limited ability to calculate
interactions between some
strategies
DOE-2
Hourly, whole-building energy analysis program calculating energy performance and life-cycle
cost of operation. Can be used to analyze energy efficiency of given designs or efficiency of new
technologies. Other uses include utility demand-side management and rebate programs,
development and implementation of energy efficiency standards and compliance certification,
and training new corps of energy efficiency conscious building professionals in architecture and
engineering schools.
Table 8: DOE-2 Version 2.1E Key Characteristics
Key Strengths Key Weaknesses
Detailed, hourly, whole-building
energy analysis of multiple zones
in buildings of complex design
Widely recognized, the de-facto
standard
High level of user knowledge and
computer literacy required
VisualDOE
Windows interface to the DOE-2.1E energy simulation program. Through the graphical
interface, users construct a model of the building's geometry using standard block shapes or
using a built-in drawing tool. Building systems are defined through a point-and-click interface. A
library of constructions, fenestrations, systems, and operating schedules is included, and the user
can add custom elements as well. If desired, the program assigns default values for parameters
based on the vintage and size of the building.
VisualDOE is especially useful for studies of envelope and HVAC design alternatives. Up to 20
alternatives can be defined for a single project. Summary reports and graphs may be printed
directly from the program. Hourly reports of building parameters may also be viewed.
A graphical front-end to the DOE-2 building energy analysis software (see below). Includes
graphical editing and scheduling capabilities, and flexible output options. There is online help in
addition to a user manual. Designed for U.S. and international users. Weather data is available
for U.S. and some international locations; custom data may be entered by the user. A free demo
is available for download.
Table 9: VisualDOE 2.6 Key Characteristics
Key Strengths Key Weaknesses
Dramatically reduces the time
necessary to build a DOE-2 model
Uses DOE-2 as a simulation engine
Displays a 3-D model to help
verify accuracy
Implements DOE-2's daylighting
calculations
imports CADD data to define
thermal zones
Relatively expensive
Passive solar features poorly
modeled
BLAST (Building Loads Analysis and System Thermodynamics)
Performs hourly simulations of buildings, air handling systems, and central plant equipment in
order to provide mechanical, energy and architectural engineers with accurate estimates of a
building's energy needs. The zone models of BLAST that are based on the fundamental heat
balance method, are the industry standard for heating and cooling load calculations.
Evaluation of high-potential, cost-effective energy efficiency projects in existing Federal
buildings; calculates results that are within 4-5% of DOE-2 annual energy results; using quick
input routines, permits evaluation of a 10,000 sf. building in about ten minutes. ASEAM (A
Simplified Energy Analysis Method) Version 5.0 automatically creates DOE-2 input files.
Table 10: BLAST Key Characteristics
Key Strengths Key Weaknesses
Uses detailed heat balance
algorithms that allow for the
analysis of thermal comfort and
other factors that cannot be
analyzed in programs with less
rigorous zone models
High level of expertise required to
operate
EnergyPlus
is a building energy simulation program that builds on the most popular features and capabilities
of BLAST and DOE-2. EnergyPlus includes innovative simulation capabilities including time
steps of less than an hour, modular systems simulation modules that are integrated with a heat
balance-based zone simulation, and input and output data structures tailored to facilitate third
party interface development (see Table 11). A few of the new features in EnergyPlus Version
1.2.2 include: modeling of ventilated photovoltaic roof and other cladding systems, natural cross
ventilation, simplified definition of HVAC systems, refrigerated casework, variable speed
cooling towers and speed improvements throughout. Several interfaces and utilities for
EnergyPlus are available, including EP-Quick which creates an EnergyPlus input file based on a
broad range of zone templates. For up-to-date information on interfaces click here.
Table 11: EnergyPlus Version 1.2.2 Key Characteristics
Key Strengths Key Weaknesses
Accurate, detailed simulation
capabilities through complex
modeling capabilities
Input is geared to the 'object' model
way of thinking
Successful interfacing using IFC
standard architectural model
available for obtaining geometry
from CAD programs
Weather data for more than 550
locations worldwide available on
the website
Difficult to use without graphical
interfaces

Fig. 3. EnergyPlus screen capture
F. Economic Assessment Tools
BLCC (Building Life-Cycle Cost)
Provides comprehensive economic analysis of proposed building capital investments. BLCC is
especially useful for evaluating energy and water conservation projects in buildings. Up to 99
alternative designs can be evaluated simultaneously to determine which has the lowest life-cycle
cost. Economic measures, including net savings, savings-to-investment ratio, adjusted internal
rate of return, and payback period are calculated for any design alternative relative to the
designated base case. It contains modules to evaluate agency-funded projects according to 10
CFR 436A and projects that are financed through ESPC or utility contracts as directed by
Executive Order 13123. The remaining modules, now in BLCC4 (for DoD military construction
projects, OMB projects, and private-sector projects including taxes and financing) will be
programmed into BLCC5 in the next few years. It complies with ASTM International standards
related to building economics and NIST Handbook 135, Life-Cycle Costing Manual for the
Federal Energy Management Program (95 ed.).
Table 12: BLCC Version 5.3-05 Key Characteristics
Key Strengths Key Weaknesses
Updated annually for discount rates
and energy prices
Performs high quality LCC
analysis
User's Guide included as file
Results are not particularly graphic
User-requested improvements for
alternative financing are still being
incorporated
QuickBLCC (Quick Building Life-Cycle Cost)
Used to set up multiple project alternatives for life-cycle costing analysis in a single input file.
The Quick BLCC (Quick Building Life-Cycle Cost) program provides a convenient method for
solving relatively simple LCC problems that require finding the lowest LCC design alternative
among many mutually exclusive alternatives for the same project. Input data files are
transferable to BLCC for more detailed analysis.
Table 13. QuickBLCC Version 2.9-05 Key Characteristics
Key Strengths Key Weaknesses
Ideal for preliminary economic
evaluation of multiple design
alternatives
Users guide included as file with
program
No private-sector tax analysis
included
G. The Limits and Benefits of Energy Analysis Tools
Users of energy analysis tools should be aware that energy calculations, regardless of their
sophistication, cannot precisely predict actual energy consumption. Factors such as construction
quality, occupancy schedules, and maintenance procedures may vary markedly from assumptions
contained in the analysis and skew results. However, this does not mean that energy analyses are
not important tools.
It is also important for users of energy analysis tools to understand the interrelationships among
all aspects of building design. Employing an integrated 'whole building' design approach to site
selection, orientation, building envelope and high-performance HVAC system choices, while
considering life cycle cost analysis, is critical to achieving a truly successful building design.
Conducting an energy study of a new building or a major retrofit project is an excellent means by
which to evaluate the relative energy performance of alternative designs. In particular, the effect
of low-energy strategies such as moving windows from one faade to another for passive solar
heating or improved daylighting, optimizing glazing selection or installing dimmable ballasts can
be carefully evaluated on a comparative basis.
H. Other Thermal Simulation Software
In addition to providing energy analysis, programs are available that analyze other building
thermal issues, including:
Mold and Moisture Dynamics in building assemblies such as wall and roofs
An example of such a program is MOIST available free from the National Institute of
Standards and Technology (NIST) Building Fire Research Laboratory (BFRL).
Window Performance including the effects of frame area on net window performance
An example of such a program is WINDOW developed at the Lawrence Berkeley
National Laboratory (LBNL); it calculates U
values
, SHGF, and T
vis
of window systems
constructed from glass and frames of known properties.
Natural Ventilation including the effects of complex airflow patterns in atriums and multi-zone
spaces
Programs based on the principles of Computational Fluid Dynamics, (CFD) can calculate
three-dimensional airflow effects.
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Emerging Issues
Software developers call the core set of instructions (or algorithms) that determine what
calculations are to be performed, a program's "simulation engine." These engines are usually
developed over long periods of time by experienced building researchers and programmers
invariably with the benefit of government funding. In sophisticated computer models, these
engines are written in basic programming languages such as Fortran or C++ with input and
output formats that are not easily understood by the average professional user.
To address this problem, third party vendors have emerged who have created highly graphic
input (called front ends) and output screens to sandwich around public domain simulation
engines. For example, VisualDOE and DOE 2.2 are proprietary programs developed around
DOE-2.
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Application
Some Federal agencies may require use of energy analysis tools to determine a project's annual
energy consumption or to verify a project's compliance with agency energy criteria. However,
before selecting a tool, check with your agency's project manager for approved computer-based,
energy analysis tools.
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Relevant Codes and Standards
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (PDF 1.9 MB)
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Additional Resources
WBDG
Products and Systems
Atria Systems
Federal Green Construction Guide for Specifiers:
14 20 00 (14200) Elevators
23 70 00 (15700) Central HVAC Equipment
26 50 00 (16500) Lighting
48 14 00 (13600) Solar Energy Electrical Power Generation Equipment
48 15 00 (13600) Wind Energy Electrical Power Generation Equipment
48 30 00 (13600) Biomass Energy Electrical Power Generation Equipment

DOE Office of Building Technology, State & Community ProgramsBuilding Energy
Software Tools Directory
FEMPProcuring Architectural and Engineering Services for Energy Efficiency and
Sustainability: A Resource Guide for Federal Construction Project Managers (PDF 1.9
MB)
GSA LEED Applications Guide
GSA LEED Cost Study
WBDG Tools