eQUEST — The Complete Guide: Annual Building Energy Simulation with Friendly Wizards
eQUEST is a free graphical interface for the DOE-2.2 simulation engine, one of the longest-standing engines for calculating building energy use. Instead of writing a long input file, you step through a wizard that defines the building shape, envelope, windows, lighting and HVAC systems, and the program runs an hour-by-hour simulation over a full year and reports consumption and costs. It runs on Windows only and needs no licence key.
eQUEST
James J. Hirsch & Associates (DOE-2)
Year-round hourly building energy simulation, with wizards that take you from early design to comparing alternatives.
Get it from the vendorWhat you get
- Step-by-step building wizard — a first model in a short time, even without simulation experience.
- Annual hourly simulation — 8,760 hours driven by a weather file.
- Energy Efficiency Measure (EEM) wizard — comparing different insulation, glazing, lighting or HVAC options.
- Graphical reports — monthly consumption by end use and energy costs.
- Detailed mode — access to DOE-2.2 parameters when the wizard is no longer enough.
What to keep in mind
The program has not been updated for many years, its defaults and data libraries are geared to the US, and the interface feels dated. It is still a quick tool for learning the principles and comparing options early on, but for a new project that calls for a current engine it is worth looking at EnergyPlus-based tools.
Related tools
The modern US Department of Energy engine is EnergyPlus, and OpenStudio gives it a convenient interface. For research and integrated modelling of heat, air and moisture — ESP-r.
EnergyPlus
US Department of Energy
Annual building energy simulation — envelope, HVAC, thermal comfort and daylight. The US DOE engine.
Get it from the vendorOpenStudio
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Graphical workflow on top of EnergyPlus — geometry, systems and scenario comparison.
Get it from the vendorESP-r
ESRU, University of Strathclyde
Integrated building performance simulation — heat, air, moisture, light and electrical power — as open source.
Get it from the vendorClimate Consultant
UCLA Energy Design Tools Group
Graphic analysis of climate data (EPW files) with recommendations for passive building design.
Get it from the vendorThe bottom line
eQUEST is an accessible, free way into building energy simulation and comparing design options. It is old and no longer updated, but still useful for learning and quick checks.