TRNSYS

What do you like best?

The TRNSYS has a modular approach for constructing models, by following the idea that each problem may be subdivided into smaller problems. Due to various existing components ("types") it becomes possible to create a model of the problem by employing different levels of detailness - from "black box" models that just gives results from inputs, to "white box" models (by coupling with computational fluid dynamic tool Fluent). The existing library is pre-filled with the most components required for creating the models for energy systems. If the project requires a more advanced approach, there are options to couple with external programs or implement your own calculation logic with an internal calculator tool; external ESS tool or couple with Matlab code.

There is extensive documentation that provides mathematical logic behind existing calculation components.

Have utilized the TRNSYS for scientific research during the master and PhD studies. The outcomes of my work were published in 12 peer-reviewed articles. The core of my MsC and PhD work is done with TRNSYS.

What do you dislike?

With the complexity and flexibility comes difficulties to lear the tool for a beginner. The basic ideas of model creation are quite simple and easy to understand, but building the understanding about the validity of the simulation results and verification may take more time than it will in the tools designed for daily engineers work to solve regular problems.

Recommendations to others considering the product:

Great tool for research: for creating the models, exploring the problems and examining the systems in detail before building the prototypes.

What problems are you solving with the product? What benefits have you realized?

Trnsys is really great for exploring the problems related to building energy systems. The simple conceptual system could be built up from scratch and after performing parametric analysis the limitations of the set up may be easily identified. The parametric may be easily done with TRNSYS internally. While the input calculation file is text-based, it is easy to integrate TRN.exe execution to Python or Matlab code where data analysis and chart creation could be easily automated.