1) EnergyPlus branch and node management: i read the E+ documentation about branch and node but i did not get fully imaging how a modeler should setup air and plant loop. Which part is used for determine boundary between supply and demand side in a loop (air/water) ? Have any good step-by-step procedure for implementing a HVAC system schematic into E+. Lastest version of energy plus have a lot groups for zoneHVAC equipment make me more confused especially node management.
The loops can seem complicated, but really they are quite straight-forward in their design. Since there is no documentation that describes these connections in detail, the best way to understand the loop topology is to study the example files. Start with the AirloopHVAC or PlantLoop object and, by following the node names, draw the loop on paper showing the component types and node names. Use a text editor and search for the component or node name to see where it connects (which is how I created this answer). When designing a new system the reverse is true, draw the system on paper and then enter the components needed to describe that loop. The following description uses the 5ZoneBoilerOutsideAirReset example file.
The boundary interface between supply and demand is the AirloopHVAC or PlantLoop objects. These objects have the node names of the supply and demand side inlet and outlet and the branch list name where components are entered in the order placed on the loop.
AirLoopHVAC,
VAV Sys 1, !- Name
VAV Sys 1 Controllers, !- Controller List Name
VAV Sys 1 Avail List, !- Availability Manager List Name
autosize, !- Design Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
VAV Sys 1 Branches, !- Branch List Name
, !- Connector List Name
VAV Sys 1 Inlet Node, !- Supply Side Inlet Node Name
PLENUM-1 Out Node, !- Demand Side Outlet Node Name
Zone Eq In Node, !- Demand Side Inlet Node Names
VAV Sys 1 Outlet Node; !- Supply Side Outlet Node Names
The PlantLoop also has connector list names where the splitter and mixer are defined. One connector list each for the plant and demand side of the loop.
PlantLoop,
Hot Water Loop, !- Name
Water, !- Fluid Type
, !- User Defined Fluid Type
Hot Loop Operation, !- Plant Equipment Operation Scheme Name
HW Supply Outlet Node, !- Loop Temperature Setpoint Node Name
100, !- Maximum Loop Temperature {C}
10, !- Minimum Loop Temperature {C}
autosize, !- Maximum Loop Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.0, !- Minimum Loop Flow Rate {m3/s}
autocalculate, !- Plant Loop Volume {m3}
HW Supply Inlet Node, !- Plant Side Inlet Node Name
HW Supply Outlet Node, !- Plant Side Outlet Node Name
Heating Supply Side Branches, !- Plant Side Branch List Name
Heating Supply Side Connectors, !- Plant Side Connector List Name
HW Demand Inlet Node, !- Demand Side Inlet Node Name
HW Demand Outlet Node, !- Demand Side Outlet Node Name
Heating Demand Side Branches, !- Demand Side Branch List Name
Heating Demand Side Connectors, !- Demand Side Connector List Name
SequentialLoad; !- Load Distribution Scheme
The AirloopHVAC branch list shows the branch used to describe the air loop components and the order in ... (more)
