OpenStudio-HPXML v0.9.0 Beta

OpenStudio-HPXML version 0.9.0 Beta has been released. Two packages are available, a minimal zip with a handful of weather files and full zip with all US TMY3 weather files.

The OpenStudio-HPXML measure translates a HPXML building description file into a residential building model for the Department of Energy's OpenStudio/EnergyPlus building simulation platform.

OpenStudio-HPXML v0.9.0 Beta uses OpenStudio v3.0.0, EnergyPlus v9.3.0, and a proposed HPXML v3.1.

Please visit the OpenStudio-HPXML v0.9.0 Beta documentation for instructions on how to get started, how to generate an appropriate HPXML file, etc.

New Features

• [Breaking Change] Updates to OpenStudio v3.0.0 and EnergyPlus 9.3
• Numerous HPXML inputs are now optional with built-in defaulting, particularly for water heating, appliances, and PV. Set the debug argument to true to output a in.xml HPXML file with defaults applied for inspection. See the documentation for defaulting equations/assumptions/references.
• [Breaking Change] If clothes washer efficiency inputs are provided, LabelUsage is now required.
• [Breaking Change] If dishwasher efficiency inputs are provided, LabelElectricRate, LabelGasRate, LabelAnnualGasCost, and LabelUsage are now required.
• Adds optional specification of simulation controls including timestep and begin/end dates.
• Adds optional extension/UsageMultiplier inputs for appliances, plug loads, lighting, and water fixtures. Can be used to, e.g., reflect high/low usage occupants.
• Adds ability to model a dehumidifier.
• Adds ability to model kitchen/bath fans (spot ventilation).
• Improved desuperheater model; desuperheater can now be connected to heat pump water heaters.
• Updated clothes washer/dryer and dishwasher models per ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301-2019 Addendum A.
• Solar thermal systems modeled with SolarFraction can now be connected to combi water heating systems.
• [Breaking Change] Replaces optional epw_output_path and osm_output_path arguments with a single optional output_dir argument; adds an optional debug argument.
• [Breaking Change] Replaces optional BuildingConstruction/extension/FractionofOperableWindowArea with optional Window/FractionOperable.
• [Breaking Change] Replaces optional extension/EPWFileName with optional extension/EPWFilePath to allow absolute paths to be provided as an alternative to just the file name.
• Replaces REXML xml library with Oga for better runtime performance.
• Additional error-checking.
• SimulationOutputReport reporting measure:
  • Now reports wood and wood pellets
  • Can report monthly timeseries values if requested
  • Adds hot water outputs (gallons) for clothes washer, dishwasher, fixtures, and distribution waste.
  • Small improvement to calculation of component loads

Bugfixes

• Fixes possible simulation error for buildings with complex HVAC/duct systems.
• Fixes handling of infiltration induced by duct leakage imbalance (i.e., supply leakage != return leakage). Only affects ducts located in a vented crawlspace or vented attic.
• Fixes an unsuccessful simulation for buildings where the sum of multiple HVAC systems' fraction load served was slightly above 1 due to rounding.
• Small fix for interior partition wall thermal mass model.
• Skip building surfaces with areas that are extremely small.