Design & Analysis Software Training - Educational Resources

Design, analysis and system selection are critical elements of high performance building design. Trane C.D.S. software helps you save time, be more accurate and more cost effective in your computer aided design work.


Find a training class at Trane headquarters in La Crosse, Wisconsin or find a class in your area to learn how to get the most out of C.D.S. software. Choose the System Design and Analysis category to view classes.

Current course descriptions and learning outcomes include:

System Analyzer™

The intuitive reports and graphs help you evaluate the benefits of prospective system designs, what systems might be appropriate for an initial design or to get a general idea of how one system-and-equipment combination performs when compared with another.

Trane C.D.S. offers an 8-hour class providing users with a better understanding of System Analyzer allowing them to more effectively use the program. Concepts learned during the training include…

• Learn how to navigate the program and gain a better understanding of the various input fields.
• Discover how the program uses inputs to determine energy consumption and life cycle costs.
• Understand program assumptions and how they relate to results.
• Learn how to create multiple alternatives to model various choices.
• Learn how to create custom library values for specific applications.
• Interpret results and learn how to read the various output reports.
• Practice using the program through in-class exercises.
• Discover various resources available to help licensed users.

The class is designed primarily for beginning users, but advanced users will find the class useful based on tips provided by the trainer. If you have questions regarding training, please contact Trane C.D.S. at cdshelp@trane.com or 608-787-3926.

TRACE™ 700 Load Design

TRACE 700 Load software is a separate program incorporating the load and system section of TRACE 700. It contains the functionality of TRACE minus the energy and economic portions of the program. Users are able to complete complex building load calculations for virtually any building.

This 8-hour class provides users with a better understanding of TRACE 700 Load allowing them to more effectively use the program.

The class is designed primarily for beginning users, but advanced users will gain a better understanding of program methodology and garner tips from the trainer. The information in this class provides basic information critical for understanding subsequent C.D.S. TRACE courses (e.g. TRACE 700 Energy & Economics and the ASHRAE Standard 90.1/LEED Seminar). Concepts learned during the training include…

• Learn how to navigate the program and gain a better understanding of the various input fields.
• Understand how design weather is used to determine peak loads.
• Learn how TRACE calculates supply temperatures and airflows.
• Understand the plenum heat balance calculations and how TRACE balances airflows.
• Discover how TRACE determines coil capacities and how to zone spaces.
• Learn how to utilize templates to reduce input time.
• Learn how to create multiple alternatives to model various choices.
• Learn how to create custom library values for items such as construction types, schedules, and shading plus others.
• Learn how to share files and the difference between a stand-alone and network installation.
• Understand advanced features in the program to include modeling ASHRAE Standard 62.1, importing gbXML files, and various system types.
• Interpret results and learn how to read the various output reports.
• Practice using the program through in-class exercises.
• Discover various resources available to help licensed users.

TRACE™ 700 Energy and Economics

TRACE 700 software is the benchmark complete load, system, energy and economic analysis program that compares the energy and economic impact of such building alternatives as architectural features, HVAC systems, building utilization or scheduling and economic options.

This 8-hour class provides users with a better understanding of TRACE 700 enabling them to more effectively use the program.

The class is designed primarily for intermediate users. Participants are expected to know how to navigate the load portion of the program, effectively use templates, understand TRACE 700 Load methodology, understand the result of various zoning configurations, and be familiar with TRACE 700 Load output reports. Advanced users will gain a better understanding of program methodology and garner tips from the trainer. The information in this class provides basic information critical for understanding subsequent C.D.S. TRACE courses (e.g. the ASHRAE Standard 90.1/LEED Seminar and the Advanced training course). Concepts learned during the training include…

• Learn how to navigate the program and gain a better understanding of the various input fields.
• Understand how weather is used to determine peak and off-peak loads.
• Understand the various daytypes TRACE uses to calculate peak and off-peak loads.
• Understand how TRACE uses unloading curves to determine energy use.
• Learn how to create multiple alternatives to model various choices.
• Learn how to create custom library values for cooling and heating equipment.
• Understand how TRACE calculates life-cycle costs and other economic parameters.
• Learn how to create custom utility rate structures.
• Understand advanced features in the program to include modeling ASHRAE Standard 62.1, importing gbXML files, and Hot Water Reset.
• Interpret results and learn how to read the various output reports.
• Practice using the program through in-class exercises.
• Discover various resources available to help licensed users.

TRACE™ 700 ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007/LEED®

Many know TRACE 700 software as the benchmark complete load, system, energy and economic analysis program that compares the energy and economic impact of such building alternatives as architectural features, HVAC systems, building utilization or scheduling and economic options. But, did you know, the program is tested in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 140-2007, “Standard Method of Test for the Evaluation of Building Energy Analysis Computer Programs,” and it meets the requirements for simulation software set by ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007 and the LEED® Green Building Rating System.

This 8-hour class discusses how to utilize TRACE 700 for LEED Energy & Atmosphere Credit 1 analyses through the Performance Rating Method detailed in ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007.

The class is designed for advanced users. Those taking the course should understand how to perform basic functions such as navigation, creating templates, creating custom library values, program methodology, and how to interpret results. Attendees are encouraged to complete the TRACE 700 Load and TRACE 700 Energy & Economics courses prior to attending this course. Concepts learned during the seminar include…

• Overview of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) and the LEED program.
• Explore the various credits available through the LEED for New Construction rating system and how TRACE can aid in achieving various points.
• Gain a better understanding of ASHRAE Standard 90.1 and how it has evolved over the years.
• Learn details regarding the various sections of ASHRAE Standard 90.1 focusing on mandatory requirements.
• Delve into the specifics of Appendix G – Performance Rating Method.
• Relate ASHRAE Standard 90.1 requirements to TRACE 700.
• Discuss common mistakes made when performing these types of analyses.
• Learn what an unmet hour is and how to reduce/eliminate them.
• Learn to use specific features within TRACE to complete the analysis.
• Interpret results and learn how to read the various output reports.
• Discuss LEED template submittals.
• Build a baseline building to satisfy LEED EAc1 through in-class exercises.
• Gain a better understanding of TRACE 700 capabilities for modeling various energy saving measures.
• Discover various resources available to help licensed users.

In addition to the courses above, C.D.S. offers advanced TRACE 700 training. Please contact us if there is a specific topic you would like to cover.

See more information or find and register for a class. Training for our other software programs is also available through our on-site training program.