COMFEN 2.2

Last Updated: 12/22/2009 

Overview

COMFEN is a tool designed to support the systematic evaluation of alternative fenestration systems for project-specific commercial building applications.  COMFEN provides a simplified Excel-based user interface that focuses attention on key variables in fenestration design.  Under the hood is EnergyPlus, a sophisticated analysis engine that dynamically simulates the effects of these key fenestration variables on energy consumption, peak energy demand, and thermal and visual comfort.  The results from the EnergyPlus simulation are presented in graphical and tabular format within the simplified user interface for up to four comparative fenestration design cases to help users move toward optimal fenestration design choices for their project.

GET A COPY of COMFEN 2.2  
 (Download the program)

KNOWLEDGE BASE
(A list of known issues that the user should be aware of)

DOCUMENTATION
(PDF file of draft documentation explaining how to use COMFEN -- it is included in the program installation)

SCREEN SHOTS

New Features in COMFEN 2.2

The primary change between COMFEN 2.1 and COMFEN 2.2 is to upgrade to the latest Energy Plus version 3.1 simulation engine.

COMFEN 2.2 upgrades the simulation engine to EnergyPlus Version 3.1, which is the current EnergyPlus version.

New Features in COMFEN 2.0 (compared to COMFEN 1)

There are several new features in COMFEN 2.0, compared to COMFEN 1. Each of these features is explained in detail in the COMFEN User’s Manual. The new features include:

  • Location Library

The Location Library allows you to add more locations, the only requirement being that an Energy Plus weather file must be available for that location. Energy Plus weather files can be downloaded from the Energy Plus support web page:

http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/cfm/weather_data.cfm

  • Glazing System Library

The Glazing System Library allows you to either import glazing systems from WINDOW 5 or WINDOW 6 databases, or define your own glazing system by defining glass and gas-filled gap layers. COMFEN will calculate the U-factor, SHGC, and Tvis values for the new glazing system, using the WINDOW 6 algorithms.

  • Shading Control Library

The Shading Control Library allows you to define and set control strategies for the following Shading Systems:

  • Venetian Blinds

  • Roller Shades

  • Exterior Screens

Last Updated: 12/22/2009