eQUEST simulation application

eQuest is another building performance simulation application developed by the US Dept. of Energy. eQUEST was designed to allow you to perform detailed analysis of today’s state-of-the-art building design technologies using today’s most sophisticated building energy use simulation techniques but without requiring extensive experience in the "art" of building performance modeling. The application can utilize the 3D model geometry which was previously used in the Green Building Studio. In GBS, we have an option to save the file in the DOE-2 file format which is also accessible through the eQuest application. The EcoTec program also has a similar option to convert the model into a DOE-2 file format in order to be used in eQuest and EnergyPlus application.



The application is mainly used to calculate peak energy load consumption and the energy consumption distribution through the year. It can also perform Life cycle analysis and DEER (daylighting analysis). Following is a screen shot showing the peak energy consumption distribution throughout the year:



The only drawback in importing the model from GBS is that it does not allow to make any modifications in the model geometry. Although we cannot change the project geometry, we can still change the properties of various building components such as material properties. The variety of building materials (roofs, doors, walls etc.) available in eQuest, are completely different from the building materials that are available in the Revit model. Thus the results obtained may not be exactly the same as the designers intended to have in their design.