Food4Rhino

Hi all - Archsim Energy Modeling is a plugin that, for the first time, brings fully featured EnergyPlus simulations to Rhino/Grasshopper and thus links the EnergyPlus simulation engine with a powerful parametric design and CAD modeling environment. Archsim allows you to effortlessly create complex multi-zone energy models, simulate them and visualize results without ever switching between tools. Archsim supports advanced daylighting and shading controls, ventilation modules such as wind and stack natural ventilation, airflow-networks, simple HVAC, photovoltaics and phase changing materials. It is typically used for rapid early design exploration where building shape, window to wall ratios, facade and glazing systems and passive approaches such as shading and natural ventilation potential are tested for their impact on the building environmental performance and comfort. Simulation inputs such as model geometry, materiality, constructions and zone usage profiles are fully parametric and can be coupled with optimization algorithms within Grasshopper. Archsim is a young tool under heavy development and new features are added frequently. Archsim exports native IDF files that are fully customizable. Besides EnergyPlus version 8-1-0 support the same workflow can also produce TRNSYS B17 files. Documentation and example files, community support and most importantly a copy of Archsim are available under www.archsim.com

I have tested the project in all conscience but the simulations as well as the code might still contain errors. Please use it "as is", it does not come with warranties. I spent a lot of time developing the logic and implementing it, please give credit where credit is due. Your feedback is, of course, very welcome and it would help me a lot to further improve the tool.

The installation assumes that you have EnergyPlus v8.1 already installed on your computer. Energy Plus is free and can be downloaded here.

To install the plugin:

• Close Rhino and Grasshopper
• Remove all oder versions of Archsim
• Run the RHI intaller
• Select "Just Me" - ("Anyone" will not work)

To install the Grasshopper components manually:

• Unzip the RHI file to get the component files and dlls.
• In Grasshopper, choose File > Special Folders > Components folder. Save all delivered files [gha,dll,xmls] there.
• Right-click the file > Properties > make sure there is no "blocked" text
• Restart Rhino and Grasshopper

Documentation is available on archsim.com.

By downloading or using the software you acknowledge that you have read and accepted the terms and conditions of this agreement. If you do not agree to the terms and conditions, do not download, install, or attempt to use the software.

- Timur