Installation and Introductory Tutorial

This page walks you through installing the OpenStudio Application, the basics of its suite of applications, and the fundamental workflow.

Installation Instructions

OpenStudio Application is supported on 64-bit versions of Windows, OS X, and Ubuntu. OpenStudio Application is supported on 64-bit ARM versions of OS X. Each OpenStudio Application release supports the latest EnergyPlus release which is bundled with the OpenStudio Application installer. Check the version compatibility-matrix for more details about each version.

Installation Steps

Download and install OpenStudio Application

  1. Download the latest release of OpenStudio Application here.
  2. Choose the installer that matches your operating system. The OpenStudio Application package contains the following components:
    • OpenStudio Application
    • EnergyPlus
    • Ruby API
    • C# API
    • Command Line Interface
    • Radiance
    • Application Resources

Optional - Download and install SketchUp and the Openstudio SketchUp Plug-in here

There are a few options for generating geometry for the OpenStudio Application, including the built-in FloorspaceJS interface. One option is to use the OpenStudio Sketchup Plug-in. To use the plug-in:

  1. Download and install SketchUp, only the Pro or Studio versions of SketchUp are compatible . Check the version compatibility-matrix to see which versions of SketchUp and the OpenStudio SketchUp Plug-in are compatible with the installed version of the OpenStudio Application.
  2. Download the OpenStudio SketchUp Plug-in RBZ package here.
  3. Follow the Installing extensions manually in SketchUp Preferences to install the Plug-in.

Optional - Setup a Building Component Library (BCL) Account

Building Component Library (BCL) content can now be accessed from within the OpenStudio SketchUp Plug-in and from the standalone OpenStudio Application without a BCL key.

Optional - Install Parametric Analysis Tool (PAT)

  1. Download the latest release of PAT here (not available for Linux).

Workflow Overview

The typical OpenStudio Application workflow is shown in the diagram below.

Workflow Diagram

About: Click on the diagram above to view a larger version.

Data Viewer is used to view simulation results. The section within documentation for Running Simulation & Viewing Results has information on using Data Viewer.

The Parametric Analysis Tool Interface Guide provides an introduction to the interface and workflow for creating multiple design alternatives from a seed model.

Introductory Tutorial

The tutorial below was created before the grid view was added to the Space Types and Thermal Zones tabs. Grid view allows you to view and edit more than one space type or thermal zone at a time. Go to the OpenStudio Application Interface Guide to learn more about grid view.

Selecting a Library for Constructions, Loads, and Schedules

Libraries that are included with the OpenStudio Application contain data for constructions, loads, and schedules for 6 vintages across all U.S. climate zones. They also contain data for 9 vintages specific to DEER. The Libraries do not contain any geometry. Load libraries by using the menu under File/Load Library. Then select your vintage from the default file set. The Library data is organized such that you can access specific constructions and loads, or you can apply construction sets and space types that contain whole packages of subsequent dependent characteristics. For example a Library Space Type contains several specific loads and associated schedules for that space type, all of which become part of your model if you add the Space Type to your model. You can also load previously generated models as Libraries through the File/Load Library menu by navigating to any OpenStudio Model file from the browser window that pops up. It can take a few minutes to load.

New OpenStudio Model From Template Dialog

Above: Load a new Library using the menu.

It is good practice to regularly clear the Libraries that load when the OpenStudio Application opens by using the menu under Preferences/Change Default Libraries and selecting Restore Defaults. If the OpenStudio Application is loading several Libraries it will slow down significantly.

New OpenStudio Model From Template Dialog

Vintages:

  • DOE reference (Pre-1980, 1980-2004)
  • ASHRAE standard (189.1-2009, 90.1-2004, 90.1-2007, 90.1-2010, 90.1-2013)
  • DEER (pre-1975, 1985, 1996, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2017)

Climate Zones: 1 - 8

Climate Zone Map

FloorspaceJS - Building Envelope

For additional information on the integrated FloorspaceJS interface, go to the FloorspaceJS Interface Guide

SketchUp Plug-in - Building Envelope

For additional information on the SketchUp Plug-in interface, go to the OpenStudio SketchUp Plug-in Interface Guide.