Learn TRNSYS from Udemy

TRNSYS is a powerful software package for developing energy models of a huge range of thermal systems, and has been used by students, researchers, and companies around the world for the last 35 years.

But learning TRNSYS can be difficult. Until today, no course like this has existed, only expensive in-person courses are available in faraway locations on specific dates. Don't waste your precious time trawling through endless PDFs, trying to make sense of complex example models and decrypting vague PhD thesis reports.

Join Alastair McDowell, TRNSYS Expert from EnergyAE Australia (Official TRNSYS Distributor) for a comprehensive TRNSYS course that will teach you all of the key concepts, how to use the modelling interfaces, and give you plenty of chances to practice and hone your skills. Explore all of the different component libraries available with many interesting case studies, including a building integrated PV/thermal system, and a thermal storage wall for a building.

Test yourself against frequent challenges and assignment projects. I demonstrate my solutions, and will answer any questions you have throughout the course. You will quickly be feeling confident to take on your personal TRNSYS projects.

Praise for the 'Learn TRNSYS' course:"I was a complete beginner in TRNSYS before taking this course, but after watching all the videos and completing the assignment projects over 3 weeks, I now feel very confident with TRNSYS and look forward to starting my post doctorate work on modelling smart energy network systems."

- Munur Sacit Herdem, University of Waterloo, Ontario, CA.

Frequently asked questions

Q: I can't afford the course. Are discounts available?A: Send me an email and I will give you a discount code: [email protected]

Q: I don't have TRNSYS. Can I take the course?

A: We are official TRNSYS software distributors, so please send me an email at [email protected] and I will send you a quote for the TRNSYS software.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Learn how to simulate the performance of renewable energy systems using trnsys 18
Use the trnsys simulation studio more effectively with tips & tricks
Critically analyse your simulation results

Model buildings using google sketchup trnsys 3d plugin, and the trnbuild interface
Learn how to implement control strategies, import weather data, validate your model, and much more!
Automate your trnsys simulations through simple vba code in excel

Learn how to simulate the performance of renewable energy systems using trnsys 18
Use the trnsys simulation studio more effectively with tips & tricks
Critically analyse your simulation results
Model buildings using google sketchup trnsys 3d plugin, and the trnbuild interface
Learn how to implement control strategies, import weather data, validate your model, and much more!
Automate your trnsys simulations through simple vba code in excel

Syllabus

Learn how to use the Simulation Studio user interface, including tips and tricks.

Welcome to the Learn TRNSYS complete course!

The TRNSYS Concept

Please note there is a mistake in the equation for U, it should read: Ln(Do/Di), rather than Ln(Di/Do).

Important note: in some versions of TRNSYS, this tank type can be found in the 'Obsolete' folder

TRNSYS 3D is now included in the folder C:\TRNSYS18\Tools\T3d_setup.exe

Run this program, then restart Google Sketchup.

Please download these resources for help with this section!

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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Provides a strong foundation for students interested in modeling thermal systems

Develops expertise in the TRNSYS software, which is widely used in industry for modeling energy systems

Taught by Alastair McDowell, an expert in TRNSYS from EnergyAE Australia, the official TRNSYS distributor

Covers a wide range of topics, from basic concepts to advanced modeling techniques, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced users

Includes hands-on practice and assignment projects to reinforce learning and provide opportunities for students to apply their skills

Provides tips and tricks for using the TRNSYS Simulation Studio more effectively, which can save time and improve productivity

Reviews summary

Comprehensive trnsys training for energy modeling

According to students, this comprehensive TRNSYS course is a highly effective way to master energy modeling, particularly for beginners. Learners say the practical assignments and projects provide ample opportunities to hone skills, leading to a rapid increase in confidence. The course's structure helps simplify what is often a complex software to learn independently, providing a clear path from basic concepts to advanced applications like building modeling with TRNSYS 3D and TRNBuild, and automating simulations with VBA. Students find the instructor's expertise and willingness to answer questions invaluable, making it a stand-alone solution for those seeking to apply TRNSYS in professional or academic contexts like post-doctorate work.

Taught by an official distributor with Q&A support.

"The instructor, Alastair McDowell, being a TRNSYS Expert from an official distributor, adds immense credibility and value to the teaching."

"I greatly appreciated that the instructor demonstrated solutions and was available to answer any questions throughout the course."

"Having access to an expert who is an official distributor is incredibly helpful for navigating complex software like TRNSYS."

Covers core concepts to advanced topics like VBA automation.

"I learned all the key concepts and how to effectively use the TRNSYS modeling interfaces."

"The course includes valuable sections on modeling buildings using Google Sketchup TRNSYS 3D and TRNBuild."

"I now understand how to automate TRNSYS simulations through simple VBA code in Excel, which is a powerful skill for parametric analysis."

Features abundant exercises, case studies, and assignment projects.

"...after watching all the videos and completing the assignment projects over 3 weeks..."

"I received plenty of chances to practice and hone my skills through interesting case studies provided."

"The frequent challenges and assignment projects were crucial for testing my understanding and applying concepts."

Excellent for beginners, quickly building proficiency in TRNSYS.

"I was a complete beginner in TRNSYS before taking this course, but after watching all the videos and completing the assignment projects over 3 weeks, I now feel very confident with TRNSYS..."

"I quickly felt confident to take on my personal TRNSYS projects after completing the course material."

"This course significantly helped me transition from a novice to confidently using TRNSYS for complex tasks."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Learn TRNSYS with these activities:

Review Time Series Decomposition

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Refreshes the skill of time series decomposition to improve comprehension of how to simulate the performance of renewable energy systems

Browse courses on Time Series Decomposition

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Review the concept of time series decomposition into trend, seasonality, and residuals
Practice decomposing time series data using a moving average or exponential smoothing

Review principles of thermodynamics

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Strengthens foundational knowledge of thermodynamics to better understand the behavior of energy systems

Browse courses on Thermodynamics

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Review the laws of thermodynamics
Practice applying thermodynamic principles to energy systems

Develop a technical report on a TRNSYS simulation

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Enhances communication and documentation skills while reinforcing understanding of TRNSYS modeling

Browse courses on Technical Report Writing

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Organize the simulation results and findings
Write the technical report following scientific writing conventions
Proofread and edit the report for clarity and accuracy

Show all three activities

Career center

Learners who complete Learn TRNSYS will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Energy Modeler

An Energy Modeler develops and uses computer models to simulate the performance of energy systems. The 'Learn TRNSYS' course provides a comprehensive introduction to TRNSYS, a leading software package for energy modeling. The course covers topics such as building modeling, HVAC system modeling, and renewable energy integration, which are all essential for Energy Modelers. The course also provides hands-on experience with TRNSYS, which can be valuable for Energy Modelers entering the job market.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Modeler

Building Energy Analyst

A Building Energy Analyst evaluates the energy performance of buildings and identifies opportunities for improvement. The 'Learn TRNSYS' course can help Building Energy Analysts develop the skills needed to use TRNSYS to model and simulate the energy performance of buildings. The course covers topics such as building modeling, HVAC system modeling, and renewable energy integration, which are all essential for Building Energy Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Building Energy Analyst

Researcher

A Researcher conducts original research in a specific field, often using computer models and simulations. The 'Learn TRNSYS' course can provide a solid foundation for Researchers who want to specialize in the field of energy research. TRNSYS is a powerful tool for simulating the performance of energy systems and conducting research on energy-related topics. The course provides hands-on experience with TRNSYS, which can be valuable for Researchers entering the job market.

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Energy Engineer

An Energy Engineer designs, develops, and implements solutions to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, systems, and processes. The 'Learn TRNSYS' course can provide a solid foundation for this career by teaching the fundamentals of energy modeling and simulation. Energy Engineers use simulation software like TRNSYS to evaluate the performance of energy systems and identify opportunities for improvement. The course's focus on renewable energy systems, such as solar hot water and photovoltaic/thermal collectors, is particularly relevant to the field of Energy Engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Engineer

Energy Consultant

An Energy Consultant provides advice and guidance to clients on how to improve their energy efficiency and reduce their energy costs. The 'Learn TRNSYS' course can be useful for Energy Consultants who want to develop their skills in energy modeling and simulation. TRNSYS is a powerful tool for evaluating the performance of energy systems and identifying opportunities for improvement. The course provides hands-on experience with TRNSYS, which can be valuable for Energy Consultants entering the job market.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Consultant

Sustainability Manager

A Sustainability Manager develops and implements sustainability initiatives for organizations, including those related to energy efficiency and renewable energy. The 'Learn TRNSYS' course can be useful for Sustainability Managers who want to develop their skills in energy modeling and simulation. TRNSYS is a powerful tool for evaluating the performance of energy systems and identifying opportunities for improvement. The course provides hands-on experience with TRNSYS, which can be valuable for Sustainability Managers entering the job market.

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Environmental Engineer

An Environmental Engineer designs and implements solutions to environmental problems, including those related to energy production and consumption. The 'Learn TRNSYS' course may be useful for Environmental Engineers who want to specialize in the field of energy engineering. TRNSYS is a powerful tool for simulating the performance of energy systems and identifying opportunities for improvement. The course provides hands-on experience with TRNSYS, which can be valuable for Environmental Engineers entering the job market.

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Policy Analyst

A Policy Analyst researches and analyzes public policy issues, including those related to energy and sustainability. The 'Learn TRNSYS' course may be useful for Policy Analysts who want to develop their skills in energy modeling and simulation. TRNSYS is a powerful tool for evaluating the performance of energy systems and identifying opportunities for improvement. The course provides hands-on experience with TRNSYS, which can be valuable for Policy Analysts entering the job market.

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Systems Analyst

A Systems Analyst analyzes and designs systems, including those related to energy and sustainability. The 'Learn TRNSYS' course may be useful for Systems Analysts who want to develop their skills in energy modeling and simulation. TRNSYS is a powerful tool for evaluating the performance of energy systems and identifying opportunities for improvement. The course provides hands-on experience with TRNSYS, which can be valuable for Systems Analysts entering the job market.

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Data Analyst

A Data Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets data to identify trends and patterns. The 'Learn TRNSYS' course may be useful for Data Analysts who want to specialize in the field of energy data analysis. TRNSYS is a powerful tool for simulating the performance of energy systems and generating large amounts of data. The course provides hands-on experience with TRNSYS, which can be valuable for Data Analysts entering the job market.

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Project Manager

A Project Manager plans, organizes, and executes projects, including those related to energy and sustainability. The 'Learn TRNSYS' course may be useful for Project Managers who want to develop their skills in energy modeling and simulation. TRNSYS is a powerful tool for evaluating the performance of energy systems and identifying opportunities for improvement. The course provides hands-on experience with TRNSYS, which can be valuable for Project Managers entering the job market.

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Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. The 'Learn TRNSYS' course may be useful for Software Engineers who want to specialize in the field of energy software development. TRNSYS is a powerful software package for energy modeling and simulation. The course provides hands-on experience with TRNSYS, which can be valuable for Software Engineers entering the job market.

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Mechanical Engineer

A Mechanical Engineer designs, builds, and tests mechanical systems, including those related to energy production and distribution. Taking the 'Learn TRNSYS' course may be useful for Mechanical Engineers who want to specialize in the design and analysis of energy systems. TRNSYS is a powerful tool for simulating the performance of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, as well as renewable energy systems. The course provides hands-on experience with TRNSYS, which can be valuable for Mechanical Engineers entering the job market.

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Educator

An Educator teaches students at the primary, secondary, or post-secondary level. The 'Learn TRNSYS' course may be useful for Educators who want to incorporate energy modeling and simulation into their teaching. TRNSYS is a powerful tool for simulating the performance of energy systems and demonstrating energy concepts to students. The course provides hands-on experience with TRNSYS, which can be valuable for Educators entering the job market.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates and maintains technical documentation, including that related to energy and sustainability. The 'Learn TRNSYS' course may be useful for Technical Writers who want to develop their skills in energy modeling and simulation. TRNSYS is a powerful tool for evaluating the performance of energy systems and generating technical documentation. The course provides hands-on experience with TRNSYS, which can be valuable for Technical Writers entering the job market.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer