Simulation of the performance of HVAC systems and central plant for energy calculations: a component based modelling approach

摘要

In recent years, operational prediction and optimisation of heating,ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and central plant tominimise the energy required to maintain building indoor conditions havebecome increasingly important. To effectively design and implement anenergy management program for building energy systems, a simulation studymust be performed.This thesis describes research conducted into the development of a modularsimulation program for analysing the performance of HVAC systems andcentral plant. The computer program uses a quasi-steady state modellingapproach and is able to simulate a wide variety of systems which areconfigured using available component models.Steady state mathematical models of HVAC components are developed usingfundamental heat and mass transfer principles, laws of conservation ofmass and energy and where appropriate empirical data. The carponent modelsare formulated to allow for the effects of various control strategies onthe performance of systems and plant to be investigated.The program is applied to simulate a part of the Collins' Building variableair volume (VAV) air conditioning system and a hypothetical central coolingplant. The results of the simulation exercises are presented and analysed.The issue of validation and building energy simulation models is discussed.Conclusions are drawn and recommendations for further work are made.