HVAC Software 1

[azn78409]

Hi friends:

I am looking for a HVAC software package, commercially available, that can perform both energy calcuations and duct size design for a new three-story commercial building. Please advise me the name, cost, and your experience on using this software or why you think this software is better than others.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Regards,
Azn78409

 

[friartuck]

Depends where you are.

Hevacomp uk and CYMAP are good packages but will set you back between £1200 to £3000 per programme but they are excellent professional packages.

They will give you duct sizing, fan selections, pipework sizing, heat gains and losses, etc

Friar Tuck of Sherwood

 

[azn78409]

Hi Friartuck,

Thank you for your advice but I am in the US. Do you know other similar packages available in the United States?.

Thanks and have a good day.
Azn78409

 

[imok2]

I think his is good oftwar, ck them out at:

http://www.elitesoft.com

 

[GBAILEY]

I use Carrier's HAP (Hourly Analysis) for modeling, load determination, and system analysis:

http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/tools_directory/software/hap.htm

As for duct design, I find doing it manually is the best for my by way of the HAP data and a good 'ol ductulator.

Good Luck!

 

[NordicDesigner]

Azn78409,
Trane makes a really good hvac load calculating software called Trane Trace 700. I haven't used it since I worked for a different company, but it was a very good program. As far as duct design goes, I know they also have a program for that, but I don't know whether it's any good or not. I believe they have demo versions for free download on their website.
Also, it's expensive, but I believe the AutoDesk Building Systems may be worth checking out. I haven't used or seen it, but I've heard good things from people who know people who use it. It can't hurt to go to their web site and look.
Good Luck,
Eric

 

[HVAC68]

I've used and continue to use Carrier's HAP (Hourly Analysis Program) and it gets a star. It uses ASHRAE transfer function programs and has tremendous capabilities in energy analysis as well, more so after they converted the program to a windows based one. The F1 function (help menu) is a big winner too, whenever one gets stuck.

Ducting software - I don't recommend the one from Carrier. Not very user friendly. Have always the used conventional method and am not very familiar with other packages.

HVAC68

 

[ChrisConley]

For duct design I have recently started using CADVent, it will draw, and size ductwork based on your inputs - three dimensionnaly, it is available for 'free' from Lindab.... only to register and use the software you have to attend one of their training seminars, which will cost you a few bucks.

Still free software is free software.

http://www.lindabusa.com

**If you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the precipitate.**

 

[pooter]

Check out

http://www.wrightsoft.com.

All you have to do is draw your building and set the construction materials and infiltration, and it does the load and duct design for you. We've used it everyday for years and it works great. It is also ACCA approved.