Introduction to ESP-r

ESP-r is a modular, open-source, freeware, comprehensive energy simulation program developed and validated over decades by researchers around the globe1. ESP-r is a research code, and as such, the efforts put into software development were mainly focused on adding new calculation functionalities rather than improving documentation and user experience (which are often the focuses of commercial software). This explains the historical challenge of learning ESP-r, characterised by its sparse and incomplete documentation and its temperamental user interface. This document aims to contribute to addressing these issues by bringing a straightforward overview of ESP-r capabilities so new users can understand the sort of things that can simulate with this program. By addressing the main ESP-r functionalities, this document is meant to help the reader on using building physics knowledge and understanding regarding modelling to develop a model in ESP-r, run simulations and analyse results. This document was conceived as a self-contained introduction to ESP-r, and as such, it does not assume previous knowledge of Linux (the operational system where it runs). For new users, it provides a chance to familiarise themselves with some Linux commands and functionalities. However, it is strongly recommended that ESP-r users invest some time learning Linux, as this document only addresses the minimum necessary Linux features to run ESP-r.