DesignBuilder idf Converter for Trnsys

DesignBuilder is a GUI for EnergyPlus simulation engine. It includes a powerful and robust 3D geometric modeler. An input data file for EnergyPlus (so-called idf) can be exported from DesignBuilder.

Trnsys has come later to 3D geometric modeling. Its recent capabilities rely on OpenStudio plug-in for SketchUp. This plug-in has been adapted to fit Trnsys standards: the Trnsys version is called Trnsys3D. Trnsys3D enables to build an idf file based on SketchUp 3D modeling. The idf file can then be imported within Trnsys simulation environment through a plug-in integrated to Trnsys Studio. However due to specific conventions it was not possible to import a generic idf file generated by a third-party software e.g. DesignBuilder.

The application developped here bridges the gap. It brings together the best of two worlds: the advanced geometric modeling capabilities of DesignBuilder on the one hand and the extreme flexibility of Trnsys on the other hand.

In its current state of development the application only deals with geometry: the remaining information (e.g. construction, schedules, etc.) is not taken care of. It has to be manually input with Trnbuild after idf import.

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