DOE-2
DOE-2 is a widely recognized computer program used for the simulation of energy use in buildings. Here are key details about DOE-2:
History and Development
- DOE-2 was initially developed by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) starting in the late 1970s. The first version was released in 1979, marking it as one of the earliest comprehensive building energy simulation tools.
- The program's development was spurred by the energy crisis of the 1970s, aiming to provide architects, engineers, and building designers with tools to predict energy consumption and evaluate energy conservation measures in buildings.
Functionality and Features
- DOE-2 calculates hourly energy consumption for heating, cooling, lighting, and other energy uses in buildings. It simulates thermal loads, HVAC system performance, and energy usage under various weather conditions and operational scenarios.
- It uses an hourly simulation approach, allowing for detailed analysis of how building design and operation affect energy performance over time.
- The software includes components like:
- Building envelope analysis for heat transfer through walls, roofs, floors, and windows.
- HVAC system modeling, which includes various types of heating and cooling equipment.
- Daylighting simulation to predict how natural light affects energy use for lighting.
- Economic analysis to evaluate the financial implications of energy efficiency measures.
Impact and Use
- DOE-2 has been instrumental in shaping building codes, standards, and practices related to energy efficiency. It has been used in numerous studies to assess building energy performance, inform policy decisions, and develop energy-efficient building designs.
- Despite the evolution of more modern simulation tools, DOE-2 remains relevant due to its comprehensive database, proven track record, and the fact that many energy efficiency programs still reference it for compliance.
Evolution and Legacy
- The development of DOE-2 led to the creation of other simulation tools like EnergyPlus, which incorporates many of the core algorithms and concepts from DOE-2 but with improved computational capabilities and expanded features.
- Although DOE-2 is no longer actively developed, its principles and methodologies continue to influence current building energy simulation software.
External Links
Related Topics