FAQs

Yes, CogenS can run offline for 3 days or 25 runs (whichever comes first), before an internet connection is required. The API services cannot be used though, while using CogenS offline.

No, CogenS is a windows 64-bit based application, it can neither run on MAC OS nor on Linux.

No, CogenS is a windows 64-bit based application. It requires either Windows 10 (version 1909 or higher), or Windows 7 Service Pack 1.

MATLAB Runtime must be installed on the user’s computer in order to run the CogenS executable. MATLAB Runtime is a standalone set of shared libraries that enables the execution of CogenS. To download and install MATLAB Runtime, visit Mathworks.com and download MATLAB 2022b Runtime for windows 64-bit installation.

If your anti-virus has flagged CogenS as a concern, please rest assured that CogenS is virus free and does not contain any malware. Occasionally, antivirus programs may flag a program incorrectly, which is known as a false positive. Here are some suggested solutions to help prevent that from happening, as well as what you can do if it occurs:

1. Update Your Anti-Virus: Sometimes all that you need to do is just make sure that you have the most recent version of your anti-virus program. It’s possible that they have already patched the problem. If this doesn’t work, then let’s move on to the next possibility.
2. Flag The Report as a False Positive: If updating the software didn’t help, then you’ll need to flag the warning as a False Positive. To ensure that CogenS is able to run correctly, you will need to set it as a permitted program for any anti-virus or anti-malware application. This can be different for each program, but the below links may be able to help with some of the most common ones.
   • AVAST Anti-Virus
   • Bitdefender
   • Kaspersky
   • Malwarebytes
   • Norton
   • Windows Defender
   • Panda Security
   • McAfee
   • Trend Micro

CogenS runs best on 32+ GB RAM Computers. If there’s a long gap (more than one minute) between the time you double click on CogenS icon and the time you get the landing page for new projects, then your computer has less than 32 GB RAM capacity, or you have several applications running at the same instance.

We are aware of this issue and we are working on finding ways to solve it efficiently, without loosing the great Graphical Interface features that CogenS offers.

CogenS requires all CPU cores to be allocated to it for computational speed.

Please follow the steps below to resolve this issue:

1. Press Ctrl + Alt + Del  for Task Manager.
2. Find CogenS in the list of applications running.
3. Right click on CogenS and select Go to details.
4. Find CogenS.exe then Right Click  and select Set affinity.
5. Check all boxes.

Yes, CogenS can model steam CHP and boiler systems, however, it currently cannot model steam accumulators for steam thermal storage.

No, But we have plans to add Geothermal in the future.

CogenS can model Electric/Absorption chillers and Cooling Towers with the ability to simulate a Free Cooling mode for Cooling Towers. We plan to add Water Source Heat Pumps in the very near future.

Yes, CogenS can model Utility power outages, and produces a report at the end of the simulation run.

Since solar energy is becoming the most common form of on premise commercial renewable energy, CogenS, can currently include a Solar Photo-Voltaic System only as part of the Microgrid Energy resources to evaluate the potential for a CHP-PV Microgrid for the building. CogenS uses the PVWatts version 6 API for that purpose.

• CogenS is NOT a full building modelling and simulation solution. It is a modelling and simulation solution for CHP systems, with complementary modelling features for supporting systems.
• CogenS is NOT a full design solution. It is an easy, fast and accurate preliminary design solution for decision making. Instead of using several labor-intensive design and modelling tools for every system in a CHP Microgrid, the user can accurately evaluate the feasibility of the possible system configurations in a fraction of the time.
• CogenS is NOT a modelling solution for utility scale projects. CogenS is best suited for projects that range from a few kilo Watts up to tens of Mega Watts.

All subscriptions include access to a detailed user manual and tutorial training videos. In addition, basic email technical support with 3 business days response time is included. One on one engineering support can be purchased at an hourly cost upon request.

Basic support is limited to:

1. Installation and licensing.
2. Operational questions.
3. Reporting suspected bugs.

You can send all your questions to support@jisenergy.com.

CogenS was built using MATLAB App Designer, and MATLAB’s built-in libraries and carefully picked open source function codes available at MATLAB Central File Exchange.

In addition, CogenS used a plethora of publicly available research publications, reports, case studies, PhD and MSc theses, Department of Energy and National Renewable Energy Laboratory open-source software, and Equipment Manufacturer’s specifications, some of which are:

1. U.S. Department of Energy. (2021). In EnergyPlus™ Version 9.3.0 Documentation Engineering Reference (pp. 712 – 1717).
2. California Energy Commission, Nonresidential Alternative Calculation Method Reference manual for the 2019 Building Energy Efficiency Standards Title 24, Part 6, And Associated Administrative Regulations in Part 1.
3. M. R. S Goel, ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2016 Performance Rating Method Reference Manual.
4. Adriana Santamaria Padilla, H. R.-P. (2017). Comparative analysis and evaluation of reciprocating engines and gas turbines used in cogeneration systems up to 50 MW.
5. Buckley, R. C. (2012). DEVELOPMENT OF AN ENERGY STORAGE TANK MODEL. Chattanooga: The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
6. Dongmin Yu, Y. M. (2017). Sizing Combined Heat and Power Units and Domestic Building Energy Cost Optimization. http://www.mdpi.com/journal/energies.
7. Kawasaki Heavy Industries, L. (2019, December). Kawasaki Gas Turbine Generator Sets. Retrieved from global.kawasaki.com: global.kawasaki.com/en/energy/equipment/gas_turbines/index.html

Notice of Non-Affiliation and Disclaimer: JIS energy LLC is not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, maintained, or sponsored or in any way officially connected with the Department of Energy, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, ASHRAE organization, or any government, non-profit, private, or for-profit organization or any of their subsidiaries or their affiliates. . All product and company names are the registered trademarks of their original owners. The use of any trade name or trademark is for identification and reference purposes only and does not imply any association with the trademark holder of their product brand.

Jack Souweha, the founder of JIS energy LLC, started developing CogenS in May of 2020. Jack Souweha is a Control Systems Licensed Professional Engineer and holds a Master of Science in Systems and Control Engineering from Case Western Reserve University. Jack has been an avid contributor to the energy industry for more than 10 years. He has held various technical positions from design and field to sales and solutions roles. Jack expertise has been focused on HVAC design and regulatory control, Building Automation and Management Systems, and Integrated Systems Testing for Data Centers and commercial buildings. CogenS is the culmination of Jack’s expertise and education in the energy project lifecycle.