COMFEN: A COMMERCIAL FENESTRATION/FAÇADE DESIGN TOOL

COMFEN is a new tool intended to promote design and deployment of high performance fenestration systems by making complex simulation comparisons of alternative fenestration design choices accessible to a wide audience of users. COMFEN version 1.0 provides a simple user interface that focuses attention on key variables in fenestration design. EnergyPlus simulates the effects of these variables on energy consumption, peak energy demand, and thermal and visual comfort. Results are presented in graphical and tabular format to help users move toward optimal fenestration design choices for their project. This paper discusses the objectives in developing COMFEN, the implementation methods used, and plans for future development.