Ventus 2025.1

What's New

This release adds further support for CONTAM features, alongside a flurry of User Experience Improvements.

This version of Ventus is designed for CONTAM version 3.4.0.6 and uses version 21.0.2+13 of the OpenJDK Java VM.

Additional Flow Element Support

Continuing with our mission of supporting CONTAM features, Ventus 2025.1 adds support for several new Fan and Forced Flow, Cubic Spline, and Two-way Flow Flow Elements. These non-Powerlaw Model Flow Elements are powerful tools to model relationships between pressure drop and mass flow.

"Example results of one performance curve type Flow Path." — Example results of one performance curve type Flow Path.

These new elements enable Ventus to model a broader range of airflow scenarios. New Fan Elements allow for modeling of different types of constant flow fans, the Performance Curve Flow Element allows for modeling of variable speed fan devices, and the new Two-Way Flow Elements allow for higher fidelity modeling of large openings. See the Flow Elements section of the Ventus User Manual for details about these new Flow Elements. You can also view the new Fan and Forced Flow tutorial for hands-on learning with some of these elements.

New Find Advanced search

In previous versions of Ventus, objects could be difficult to find in large models. Ventus 2025.1 introduces the Find Advanced search dialog, allowing searches for objects with specific properties.

The new Find Advanced Search is modeless, allowing users to edit the model while the search dialog is active. Any edits to object properties immediately updates the search results dialog.

"Example usage of the <em>Find Advanced</em> Search Dialog: A search for a Flow Element with a Powerlaw Model of Leakage Area and an Area per Unit Area greater than 0." — Example usage of the *Find Advanced* Search Dialog: A search for a Flow Element with a Powerlaw Model of Leakage Area and an Area per Unit Area greater than 0.

Zone Volume manual override

Previous versions of Ventus automatically calculated Zone Volume based on the geometric bounds of the Zone. While this calculation is still performed, it can be overridden for special use-cases involving non-orthogonal space, such as when modeling the attic space under a gable roof. Your Ventus models can now be modeled with higher fidelity thanks to this new feature.

User Experience Improvements

User Experience Improvements are a key focus in this Ventus update.

PDFs as Background Images

PDF files can now be imported for use when drawing your Ventus geometry. The process to import these files is the same as for importing Background Images. PDF files can be scaled, moved, and drawn on using the same techniques you are already familiar with.

"Importing a PDF file as a Background Image in Ventus." — Importing a PDF file as a Background Image in Ventus.

See the Creating Geometry with PDF Files section of the Ventus User Manual for more information.

New Object Labels in the workspace

This release features Flow Path name labels visible in the 3D Workspace and a LBL filter button to toggle their display. User preferences for color, opacity, and font size of these labels can be configured in the Preferences menu.

Flow Path Resilience

Ventus 2025.1 greatly improves the resilience of Flow Paths.

Flow Path endpoints can now be manipulated with the selection tool. This allows easy fixing of broken connections and manual adjustment of Flow Paths.
Flow Path connections to Zones in ambiguous cases are now detected better, such as when a Flow Path is on a corner between two Zones.
Flow Path Copy/Paste now detects connections and direction much better.

"Example modification to a Flow Path in this version of Ventus" — Example modification to a Flow Path in this version of Ventus

Improved Selection by Level

Ventus 2025.1 introduces a new Select within Level context submenu that allows for easy selection of Objects, or types of Objects, contained within a Level.

Flow Path marker size option

Flow Path marker sizes can now be modified to make certain Flow Paths more visible.

"Varied Flow Path marker size" — Varied Flow Path marker size

Changelog

See the Ventus User Manual for a full list of changes made in Ventus 2025.1.