Table of Contents
DesignBuilder
DesignBuilder is the most mature and capable user interface to EnergyPlus, our industry’s gold-standard Building Energy Simulation engine. DesignBuilder v7 includes the EnergyPlus v9.4 engine with various performance and feature enhancements. These include a new pixel counting shading method for faster simulations of large models on machines with dedicated graphics cards.
Features
- The Model data grid tool has been updated to allow HVAC data to be read and edited in a data grid form. The model data grid view data management tool enables you to define your own data views, optionally export the data to spreadsheet, modify it and then import it back to your DesignBuilder model. You can also now read in model data for component blocks and solar collectors. The tool is ideal for rapid bulk editing of model data and for QA processes. Templates can also be loaded to the Grid edit tool in the new version.
- A Follow Path tool has been added to help modellers generate complex block shapes, building on the capabilities provided by the existing block edit tools such as Boolean geometry, Add surface, Cutting, Drag face and Stretch tools.
DesignBuilder now offers to automatically reload templates to the model after they have been edited. - Improvements to the “snapping” mechanism including a new “sticky” feature which helps you to connect with existing points more positively. Also snaps have been added at site level to help multiple buildings to be accurately positioned relative to each other.
New Detailed HVAC sequencing controls are available at HVAC zone level.
High temperature radiant heater is ideal for simulating warehouses etc. - DesignBuilder v7 includes a major upgrade of our daylighting tools. The most important new features are:Annual Climate Based Daylight Modelling (CBDM) simulations are now run directly in Radiance fully implementing the method specified in LM-83-12, including dynamic blinds for sDA 300/50 calculations.
- New calculations and formatted reports are provided for:
LEED v4.1 Daylight Credit Options 1 + 2 and
BREEAM HEA 01 Option b annual daylighting credits. - Translucent Component blocks can now be simulated in daylighting simulations making it easier to accurately include objects such as trees in your model.
- Daylight distribution maps are now displayed in the 3D modeller with options for numeric labels to be displayed in each cell and for colour palettes to be used. The new display helps make the context of the daylighting results clearer and your reports more impactful.
System requirements
- Operating system: Windows 7/8 / 8.1 / 10/11
- Memory (RAM): Requires 1 GB RAM.
- Hard disk space: Need 650 MB of free space.
- Processor: Intel Dual Core processor or higher.
DesignBuilder Free Download
DesignBuilder 7.3.1.003
How to install
- Turn off anti-virus software (Note also turn off Windows Defender)
- Extract the downloaded software
- Run Setup to install the software
- Overwrite original files in C:\Program Files\DesignBuilder\Lib
- Restart service DBSimLServer or restart PC
- Done
