HVAC modeling - GSHP with hydronic low temp radiant

tungsten68 · Posts: 1

I want to use DesignBuilder for the optimization of ground loop heat pumps in connection with hydronic low temperature radiant systems.

I'm especially interestet in the consequences of the variation of the following parameters:
-spacing between the floor pipes
-horizontal ground loop spacing
-overall length of the vertical ground loop

I've tried the hvac templates for underfloor heating und water loop heat pump, but this doesn't seem to work. I looked at the *.idf files and couldn't find a trace of either the "heatpump:watertowater:..." or the "Low Temp Radiant System:Hydronic" objects.

I'm afraid the only solution is to use DesignBuilder to set up the base model and complete the model using IDF script.

Is there an easier way to model the hvac objects? How is the status of the GUI Interface mentioned in the article of O'Sullivan (see attachment)?

Thanks

Andy Tindale · Posts: 1149 Location: Stroud

DesignBuilder does not yet allow ground source heat pumps to be modelled directly - the best I can suggest is that you use DesignBuilder to set up the basic building model and then work directly with IDF data to set up the HVAC system.

We will be working on developing an interface to a wider range of the EnergyPlus HVAC objects using a diagrammatic editor later in the year, but in the meantime it will be necessary to export IDF data and work in the IDF editor.

The article you sent describes a project which never got off the ground (as far as I know). Since then we have decided to develop the HVAC interface ourselves and hope to release an initial version early 2007.

I hope this helps.

Regards
Andy

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