Intro

This program is the next version of FreeRunner. It has a OpenGL modeller and interfaces with EnergyPlus. EnergyPlus is available here.

SolarShoeBox runs on both Windows and Macintosh (Universal).

Update-EnergyPlus runs on the Intel Mac!

User Interface

After you launch SolarShoeBox, there should be three windows open; 3D, 3D Control and the main window.

To view the contents of the 3D window you must move the scale slider in the 3D Control window. (This is a bug.)

This program does not require the 3D window contents to be visable in order to work, it is only a visual aid.

Move the sliders or enter text in the text boxes to change the building parameters. All units are metric. (I will add units soon)

If you want to use a weather file, check the box and change the beginning and end dates.

When you are finished click the "Generate IDF" button. This will create a IDF file called "shoe.idf" in the same folder that SolarShoeBox is in.

An IDF file is used by EnergyPlus and is just a text file. SolarShoeBox is basically a graphical text editor.

Instruction on how to use EnergyPlus are included with the energyplus download. An online tutorial is available here.

Screen Shot

Shown running with EP-Launch and xEsoView. EP-Launch comes with Energyplus, xEsoView is available here.

Download

Note: The software available at this site is free, but unfinished. I am trying to have the software run on as many platforms as possible.

If you download and use the program, please send me email me with your comments. troy@archiphysics.com

Windows Version 0.2 (Working)

Mac Version 0.2 (Working)