I am using external interface in EnergyPlus to connect EnergyPlus idf file with Matlab scripts. At present I am making use of the Matlab toolbox MLE+. I would like to know if MLE+ uses or requires BCVTB? If yes, in what way is MLE+ different from BCVTB? What are the advantages and disadvantages of using MLE+ than using BCVTB when connecting EnergyPlus with Matlab?
MLE+ integrated and adapted source code from the BCVTB to provide a more direct coupling between Matlab and EnergyPlus. MLE+ does not require the BCVTB to be installed.
As far as I can tell, MLE+ doesn't use BCVTB. At least, the BCVTB gui doesn't need to be used while connecting Matlab to EnergyPlus via MLE+. Note that when I used MLE+, I had already tried using BCVTB so it was already installed on the computer.
I found MLE+ easier to use than BCVTB, which had a steeper learning curve. I think that BCVTB is probably more flexible because it can also link to other software/files than just Matlab, but if all you need is co-simulation between EnergyPlus and Matlab scripts, then MLE+ should be easier to figure out. It's been a little while since I've used it though, so I won't be able to provide anything more specific off the top of my head.
Comments
In addition to the pro’s and con’s which are already mentioned:
An advantage of BCVTB is that there is more support from other users (Google groups and unmethours).
An advantage of MLE+ Is the interface and the matlab pre- and post processing functions.
I personally use BCVTB in combination with the post processing functions from MLE+. The setup within Ptolemy II doesn’t have to be too complicated (you can use an example installed with BCVTB) and the challenging part is in matlab and Energyplus.