Hevacomp to OpenBuildings - Transition update

This post is intended to offer clarity to Hevacomp users during the continuing transition to OpenBuildings.

Transition Progress

• Design Database and Dynamic Simulation

  Design Database and Simulator functionality is now available within OpenBuildings Energy Simulator.  Dynamic Simulation, PartL, and Daylighting Simulation comes as standard with no additional licenses required. To get started using Energy Simulator just follow the steps here.
  
  OpenBuildings Update 9 is now available for download, and includes many new Energy Simulator features, such as a new roof setup modeller, PartL for Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland, simplified HVAC interface to EnergyPlus, and many more items.
  
  

• PartL approved - free training available

  OpenBuildings Energy Simulator is fully approved for use by the Energy Performance of Buildings Division of the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, and our Energy Assessor accreditation exams are fully accredited by CIBSE.
  
  Related PartL training is available for free on our LearnServer, along with online Energy Assessor exams -  for further details see our Energy Simulation Forum. 
  
  

• Netsys Pipe and Duct sizing

  Pipe and Duct sizing will be available in OpenBuildings Designer as part of your OpenBuildings license, and duct Sizing is already available in OpenBuildings Designer. This has very similar workflows to Netsys, with single line tracing and connecting to outlets/inlets, and additionally, the ability to promote 3D.
  
  Completion of the duct sizing is scheduled for Update 10, in which UK fittings will be added. Pipe sizing is due to follow in Update 11.
  
  If you are interested in what the Duct sizing looks like you can find videos below:  

Introduction to the Duct System Sizing and Analysis Utility in OpenBuildings Designer
Promoting a Single Line Model to 3D in OpenBuildings Designer

• Hevacomp Electrical

  The first stages of the transition are in relation to the Simulation and Mechanical aspects of Hevacomp, so for electrical there is little change at this time.