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Is it possible to use ZoneMixing between non-adjacent zones?

asked 2025-08-06 01:54:13 -0500

Ne's avatar

I am currently attempting to simulate a model with five zones in EnergyPlus, as shown in the image. Air is sent from one zone (hereinafter referred to as the “transmitting zone”) to the remaining zones (hereinafter referred to as the “receiving zones”) through ducts, and air is returned from the receiving zones adjacent to the transmitting zone to the transmitting zone through ducts. There are always open doors between the transmitting zones, allowing air to flow naturally through them. To simplify the setup as much as possible, I am considering using ZoneMixing. However, is it possible to use it between Zones that are not adjacent to each other? I have read multiple threads on UnmetHours, but all of them involved only two Zones. image description

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If you're looking at ZoneMixing you probably also want to be aware of the issues raised in this thread.

Jamie Sullivan's avatar Jamie Sullivan  ( 2025-08-06 16:28:44 -0500 )edit

Thank you very much. I read that thread. I tried simulating it using ZoneMixing. I'm not sure if it will be useful, but I'll share the graph of the results. Here

Ne's avatar Ne  ( 2025-08-07 00:06:38 -0500 )edit

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answered 2025-08-06 12:57:50 -0500

Greg Estep's avatar

updated 2025-08-06 19:03:50 -0500

Yes. the object has an input field for "source zone" and "zone name". the zone name is the name of the zone receiving the air. And the source zone is the zone providing the air.

In your case, You would have 4 ZoneMixing object. One in each of the receiving zones, with the source zone always being the transmitting zone.

You could also just use an air loop. You did say that the air is ducted, which must mean there is a fan?

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Yes, the building I want to simulate in this model has an attached duct fan that extends from the transmitting zone to the receiving zone. This building is somewhat unique in that the transmitting zone is sufficiently cooled and cold air is sent to the receiving zone to cool it. In reality, ice is used to cool the transmitting zone, but for this simulation I am using IdealLoad. For this simulation, I am not considering the power consumption of the fans or the HVAC systems; rather, I am focusing primarily on the heat load of the receiving zone. Would using AirLoop be more accurate?

Ne's avatar Ne  ( 2025-08-06 20:51:08 -0500 )edit

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Asked: 2025-08-06 01:54:13 -0500

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Last updated: Aug 06