I do think that Honeybee is the best way to get more from your Rhino model. It is quite easy to collect your Rhino geometry inside of grasshopper, and use Honeybee components to then prepare the model for analysis. I am biased, I do work on the Honeybee project and contribute to it quite regularly, but there is only one other alternative (Diva).

A few features that are nice about Honeybee. You can have an un-zoned shape (no perimeter/core) and there is a component that, if the shape is not too complicated, will create a perimeter core zoned model for you, as well as break it up into separate floors. Many rhino models come as a single extruded mass. This is actually quite huge. The second thing, is that Honeybee also can automatically determine the difference between interior and exterior walls. This is something that, I believe, Diva cannot do.

Secondly, it is loaded with other features. You can assign space types, constructions, internal loads, schedules...all inside of the Grasshopper environment. You don't have to, you can do this elsewhere if you have a way that you like to do it. But you can make all of these changes.

Finally, there are two ways to define systems. One way is to use the E+ component, which creates an IdealAirSystem, with or without economizer. I have also worked quite hard on a series of OpenStudio components that automatically create AirLoops and PlantLoops for basic HVAC systems. (packaged units, and vav with chiller and cooling tower). You can also define fan powers and coil efficiencies inside of Grasshopper too, so all of this you can do inside of Rhino/Grasshopper without ever leaving the environment, and run the simulations.

Anyhow, there are a number of videos on this, all on YouTube. I personally think it is worth the investment to learn these tools. it does impress clients a great deal. Let us know (me, Mostapha, or Chris) if you need any help. There is a forum on Grasshopper. If you Google Grasshopper Ladybug Honeybee or something like that, you should see a pretty active user group that is monitored and answered frequently. Just sign up and ask questions. People want to help, and are nice.

YouTube:

• Mostapha's Videos
• Chris' Videos
• My Videos

Also, it is free and completely open source, so if you feel inclined, you can start adding to the source code.