Hi again, HerrKaLeun,
I haven't looked at TRACE for quite a while. Perhaps I should! If it can do integrated daylighting control and custom plant loading sequences, that would be super.
HAP's limitations aren't bad for buildings that aren't too complex, but when it's a hospital with really advanced HVAC, lighting controls, process cooling loads (both water and air side), solar thermal, solar photovoltaic, and complex control sequences, it's much easier in eQuest / DOE 2.2. It has a nice but tedious method for custom chiller curves, cooling tower performance, and pumping strategies. VRF workarounds that are acceptable to LEED reviewers are easy to find. I agree that it's old and clunky... Free is a major benefit, though, and my clients have been writing eQuest into their contracts with me so I'm stuck with it.
In HAP, for example, you have a choice of four methods of chiller plant staging. Custom sequences can't be entered, so you really can't take advantage of the latest, greatest variable-speed chillers' performance by keeping loads low. There's no way at all to simulate process chilled water. Free-cooling heat exchangers are just a check-box, although they seem to give similar answers to eQuest.
I would disagree with the accuracy of Trace, HAP, and even EnergyPlus as well. There's no such thing as an accurate program in this genre. Anything a building simulation program spits out is an estimate. As long as it is consistent in comparing one scenario to another, that's fine. I like eQuest's GUI and wizard, but that may be due to my long experience with it. It's a bear for a new user.
eQuest's next update is due soon, and I look forward to it. I'll also be looking closely at Trace. You may anticipate some questions from me soon, I'll be curious to understand the latest Trace capabilities. I would also like to hear more about your concerns with the DOE 2.2 engine. I'm aware of a few shortcomings. since I'm almost always jammed with unreasonable job deadlines, I haven't taken much time to look into critiques.
Thanks for the info!
Best to you,
Goober Dave
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