CoolCalc Truck Cab Climate Simulation Tool

CoolCalc simulates energy used for climate control in truck cabs and assesses the impact of thermal load-reduction technologies.

Image of three models of semi truck cabs. — Truck cab models drawn from computer-aided design geometry using CoolCalc (left and center); a model with computational-fluid-dynamics flow overlay (right) indicating areas of heat absorption and loss. *Illustrations by Jason Lustbader, Matt Jeffers, and Larry Chaney, NREL*

Researchers can calculate the potential benefits of thermal load reduction options in a range of use and weather scenarios. CoolCalc is built on NREL's original OpenStudio development and is a plug-in extension of Trimble's SketchUp software. The U.S. Department of Energy's EnergyPlus program is used as the heat transfer equation solver.

The tool's graphical user interface makes it possible for industry partners to quickly determine the impact of thermal load-reduction strategies. CoolCalc allows parametric trade-off studies to rapidly evaluate the impact of design factors (such as insulation thickness, material properties, and geometries) on HVAC loads.

Contact

For more information on how to become a CoolCalc partner and access the tool, contact us.

Jason Lustbader

Manager, Advanced Vehicles and Charging Infrastructure Group

[email protected]
303-275-4443