SystemOutliner | Getting Started

The SystemOutliner application demonstrates how to use objects and methods exposed by the OpenStudio API to graphically edit mechanical systems. The application may be used to generate EnergyPlus input for single and multizone air and plant loops, as well as zone equipment. The SystemOutliner reference guide provides more details about the interface elements of SystemOutliner.

Recent developer builds of SystemOutliner have a limited ability to import idf files. Currently the zones and air loops are imported and connected, but many components are left behind. The import routine does not work on systems that use plenums. Zones attached to an air loop via plenums are not imported into SystemOutliner. The application also does not support dual duct air systems at this time.

Link to Release Notes page (New Features and Known Issues)
Link to Installation Instructions page

Click the image below to open an interactive PDF outlining a basic workflow and which OpenStudio SketchUp Plug-in and OpenStudio SystemOutliner tools are needed.

Screenshot of SystemOutliner Window With Labels
(Credit: David Goldwasser/NREL)