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Basic tutorials on HVAC modeling

asked 2016-06-30 21:16:17 -0600

oat's avatar

updated 2016-07-01 05:07:33 -0600

May I ask if the experts here can recommend entry level tutorial on how to model HVAC system in EnergyPlus and OpenStudio?

Currently, I'm using the Ideal Loads Air System to estimate cooling/heating loads and plug loads in teaching of energy modeling. However, for more realistic and detailed HVAC system design in practice, the workflow might be quite different and complicated.

I'd appreciate if you can suggest good textbook or tutorials for starters in this regard that explains the basics of HVAC system and the technical procedures to model typical HVAC systems in EnergyPlus and OpenStudio!

Thank you very much!

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answered 2016-07-02 14:51:19 -0600

updated 2017-04-16 11:44:48 -0600

Textbook: The design textbook that was taught in my HVAC class was "Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning Analysis and Design" by McQuiston and Parker. It explains in detail the basics of HVAC system design, psychometrics, ventilation and load calculations.

Tutorials: I would start with the basics on the OpenStudio website: http://nrel.github.io/OpenStudio-user....

Once you've reviewed that, David Goldwassers tutorials on youtube are very detailed in setting up some basic HVAC systems and supply/return plenums:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKLnZ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_u3W...

For more advanced HVAC systems (radiant, chilled beams, dedicated outside air systems (DOAS)) the way I've learned how to the build them in OpenStudio is to apply a Ruby measure such as 'Replace HVAC with WSHP and DOAS', then running the model. If the model runs successfully, then I examine the HVAC systems tab and evaluate how the measure has set up that specific type of system. This should get you started on the general work flow of a variety of HVAC systems.

I learned (and am still learning) HVAC systems on OpenStudio first, then on EnergyPlus. Although OpenStudio greatly simplifies setting up the HVAC system, it can be a bit confusing if you are unsure what to make of some of the objects that appear to have no use, such as 'nodes'. This make a lot more sense when you learn how EnergyPlus models the systems.

For EnergyPlus, I would recommend opening the .idf file from a successful OpenStudio run (under folder 'run/#-EnergyPlusPreProcess) in the idf editor and examining the HVAC design objects. I like to resave the 'preprocess' idf file in the idf editor with 'Save options > Sorted', so that I can then open the idf file directly and review how the components are connected together.

Hopefully this helps.

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Dear Jonny, thank you very much for your suggestions!

oat's avatar oat  ( 2016-07-23 08:11:56 -0600 )edit
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answered 2016-07-02 02:52:12 -0600

Dave's avatar

I'm not sure what information is available directly for E+, but you might find that DesignBuilder's tutorials on EnergyPlus Detailed HVAC modelling help put these systems into context, particularly as they show a number of system types schematically so you can see how the plant loops and zone equipment all hang together. The tutorials are freely available from the DB website or the DB YouTube channel, and there is information in the DB Help file (online version also freely available) that provides supplementary information to the E+ documentation.

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thank you very much, Dave? I shall take a look of DesignBuilder's tutorials.

oat's avatar oat  ( 2016-07-23 08:12:51 -0600 )edit

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Asked: 2016-06-30 21:16:17 -0600

Seen: 5,725 times

Last updated: Apr 16 '17