DesignBuilder is the easiest mainstream building performance analysis software to learn. Beginners and students can learn DesignBuilder faster than with comparable tools, becoming productive with the software more quickly. These productivity benefits continue as the user becomes familiar with the more advanced features of the software.
Architects, engineers, building designers, building scientists, academic research and teaching departments. DesignBuilder is the easiest and most powerful software available for teaching students building energy simulation. Its combination of power and ease of use is unmatched in the industry.
OpenGL solid modeler, allows building models to be assembled simply by positioning, stretching and cutting 'blocks' in 3-D space. Realistic 3-D elements provide visual feedback of actual element thickness and room areas and volumes. Building geometry can be imported from 3D BIM models, drawn freehand or from imported 2D floor plans.
DesignBuilder’s unique data management system enables you to input the most common data at the site, building, block, zone or surface levels so that it is then automatically set for all attributes in the levels sitting below that. This significantly reduces the amount of data you need to input, reducing modeling time and reducing the risk of data input error.
Internal air, mean radiant and operative temperatures and humidity.
Comfort output including temperature distribution curves, ASHRAE 55 comfort criteria, CIBSE TM52 and TM59, Fanger PMV, Pierce PMV ET, Pierce PMV SET, Pierce Discomfort Index (DISC), Pierce Thermal Sens. Index (TSENS), Kansas Uni TSV, under-heating and overheating hours distribution curves.
Site weather data.
Heat transmission through building fabric including walls, roofs, infiltration, ventilation etc.
Heating and cooling loads.
Emissions of CO2 and other pollutants.
Heating and cooling plant sizes can be calculated using design weather data.
Data can be displayed graphically or in tabular form and can be exported in a range of formats to spreadsheet and custom reports. It is also possible to visualize surface and zone data rendered on the model using false colors.
Optimization outputs allows you to pinpoint the options with the very best combinations of cost, energy and comfort performance and to navigate the complex relationship between design objectives, constraints and possible design options.
ASHRAE 90.1 Appendix G 2007 and 2010 Performance Rating Method reports to support LEED EAp2 and EAc1.
DesignBuilder is an excellent choice for early-stage modeling to test building design concepts, allowing you to easily develop those concepts as the design evolves and the model matures. With DesignBuilder you really can develop your early-stage model all the way through to detailed design and certification without having to rip it up and start again.
The DesignBuilder concept of “Simulation Made Easy” is exemplified by its ability to very quickly set up an early-stage massing model using quick geometry creation and editing tools, data input templates and simplified methods of HVAC and ventilation simulation. Detail is then added to the model as the design matures by finessing the geometry, selecting more advanced HVAC and natural ventilation options and increasing the model detail.
DesignBuilder’s fully-integrated approach enables you to develop one core model and use it to run a variety of analysis types using different engines (EnergyPlus, Radiance, or CFD) without the need to import and export the model between different tools and programs. LEED daylighting and energy efficiency credits can be quickly calculated and reported after creating the ASHRAE 90.1 baseline building and HVAC system through an automated process.
For more advanced users, DesignBuilder’s unique EMS scripting tools can be used to customize the simulation at run-time. Custom versions of EnergyPlus can be used with DesignBuilder, allowing researchers to improve productivity by combining the GUI ease-of-use and speed benefits with "under the hood" modifications to the EnergyPlus source code.
Reviews
I've used DesignBuilder for
I've used DesignBuilder for the last 10 years. Initially, it's capabilities were marginal, though helpful.
Since then, DB has steadily improved and is now my mainstay for almost every project. Their "hierarchical" data structure and input color-coding makes assigning inputs MUCH more straightforward and easier to check - this is a key element that makes model preparation much faster and error-free. In addition, they've added forward-thinking tools such as 2-axis optimization and continue to develop other capabilities.
Just as crucial, the DB support has been outstanding for the entire period, as has been their receptivity to suggestions!