HVAC Descriptions

Gustafson · Posts: 36

Greetings:

We're modeling a building in compliance with ASHRAE 90.1 (2004). There are a couple of simulation requirements that I haven't seen how to do in DB:

1. Input part-load perfromance curves for mechanical equipment. (11.2.1.1 (e))

2. Capacity and efficiency correction curves for mechanical heating and cooling equipment. (11.2.1.1 (f))

3. The ability to break the fan data out of an air handling equipment package, rather than as an overall lump efficiency, for modeling purposes (11.3.2 (c))

I've included the ASHRAE paragraph references here, if they are of any help.

Two-part question here:

1. Is this data able to be modeled by DB? If so, point us in the right direction please.

2. If not able to be modeled by DB, and available in EnergyPlus, suggestions on the quickest way to get up to speed on idf file editing.

Thanks.

Bruce J. Gustafson

Andy Tindale · Posts: 1205 Location: Stroud

Hello Bruce,

In answer to your questions:

DesignBuilder does not allow:

- Part-load performance curves,
- Capacity and efficiency correction curves and
- Detailed fan modelling.

Unfortunately we cannot provide support for use of EnergyPlus IDF data, so I must pass you on to the EnergyPlus support desk for help with this:

EnergyPlus-Support@gard.com

I would recommend sending them the IDF file you wish to work with and ask them for suggestions as to how to extend the modelling to include 1,2,3 above.

We are currently working on extending the DesignBuilder interface to EnergyPlus systems to allow all of the options you mention above. We hope to have our first beta release detailed HVAC interface available towards the end of the year.

Regards,

Andy

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