Modelkit integrates two powerful concepts: templates and scripting. Templates are an old method for combining static content with dynamic inputs. Scripting is a relatively new method for automating the process of modeling. We developed Modelkit to automate the generation and management of EnergyPlus models but it’s generic enough to be used with any simulation engine that accepts text-based input files. Modelkit has been used with the following simulation engines and tools: – EnergyPlus – CBECC-Com – California Simulation Engine (CSE) – CBECC-Res By integrating templates and scripting, Modelkit makes it possible to create a highly-efficient and flexible workflow for generating building energy models for parametric analysis. When used with EnergyPlus, the Modelkit framework includes the following major features: – Access to all of the capabilities and power of EnergyPlus – Works directly with IDF objects; no special API to learn – Nearly unlimited flexibility for configuring templates – Comprehensive library of EnergyPlus templates – “Baked-in” energy-efficiency measures – Easy-to-learn syntax accessible to non-programmers – Full-featured, modern scripting language via Ruby – Optimized for version control and collaboration – Direct replacement for EPMacro and DOE-2 macros Modelkit is suited for a number of building energy modeling applications: – Comparison of baseline versus proposed models – Comparison of multiple model cases – Parametric sweeps of inputs – Swapping out entire HVAC systems – Prototype model analysis and research – Market sector analysis of multiple building types and climates.