BEopt versions

v2.5 [Nov 11, 2015]
A main focus of this BEopt version is:
Enhanced capabilities for analysis of multifamily buildings
Other new features include:
New options/technologies
Central water heaters and recirculation (multifamily)
Steel stud walls
Enhanced heat pump water heater models
Heat pump clothes dryers
Premium electric/gas clothes dryers
Condensing tank water heaters
Door construction and area
Window areas defined by façade-specific WWRs
2013 ASHRAE 62.2 mechanical ventilation
Expanded solar water heating inputs
Expanded simulation outputs
Updated heat pump sizing
PV cost multipliers on the site screen
PV monthly grid connection fee
Updated costs for PV, radiant barriers, and windows
Updated to EnergyPlus v8.4

v2.5 beta [Nov 17, 2015]
Interface Features
- Multifamily mode
- Ability to see output for each unit in the End Use graph and DView
- Units can now be deleted even if they have drawn floor area
- PV production is allocated to each unit based on finished floor area
- Disaggregated loads not met in End Use graph by living vs basement
- Disaggregated heating and water heating energy in End Use graph by main vs. supplemental
- Added water heating delivered energy and pipe losses to End Use graph
- HVAC capacities are now displayed in the End Use graph
- Preserve geometry screen settings when creating new cases and re-opening project files
- Renamed 'Heating & Cooling' end use graph type to 'Delivered Energy'
- Highlight display values (vs simulation inputs) in the Option Input Screen

v2.3 [Nov 10, 2014]
- Simplified cost framework
- Enhanced DView hourly output visualization
- Detailed heating & cooling outputs
- Added options/technologies
- LED lighting with updated efficacy values
- Open/closed cell spray foam options in numerous envelope categories
- Propane and electric boilers
- Propane clothes dryer and cooking range
- Thermal mass categories that allow up to 2 generic layers
- Phase change materials (PCMs) in the thermal mass categories (E only)
- PV inverter efficiency
- User-specified EnergyPlus timesteps
- Performance improvements