In the ExampleFiles folder is a file called ExampleFiles-ObjectLinks.html. This file shows all the EnergyPlus objects and which files those objects are used in. Since the common pipe is not an object it was just luck that showed the example file CommonPipe_Pri-Sec.idf. The common pipe is modeled in the PlantLoop object using the common pipe input field.
From CommonPipe_Pri-Sec.idf example file:
PlantLoop,
Chilled Water Loop, !- Name
Water, !- Fluid Type
, !- User Defined Fluid Type
CW Loop Operation, !- Plant Equipment Operation Scheme Name
CW Supply Outlet Node, !- Loop Temperature Setpoint Node Name
98, !- Maximum Loop Temperature {C}
1, !- Minimum Loop Temperature {C}
autosize, !- Maximum Loop Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.0, !- Minimum Loop Flow Rate {m3/s}
autocalculate, !- Plant Loop Volume {m3}
CW Supply Inlet Node, !- Plant Side Inlet Node Name
CW Supply Outlet Node, !- Plant Side Outlet Node Name
Cooling Supply Side Branches, !- Plant Side Branch List Name
Cooling Supply Side Connectors, !- Plant Side Connector List Name
CW Demand Inlet Node, !- Demand Side Inlet Node Name
CW Demand Outlet Node, !- Demand Side Outlet Node Name
Cooling Demand Side Branches, !- Demand Side Branch List Name
Cooling Demand Side Connectors, !- Demand Side Connector List Name
SequentialLoad, !- Load Distribution Scheme
, !- Availability Manager List Name
, !- Plant Loop Demand Calculation Scheme
CommonPipe; !- Common Pipe Simulation
From Energy+.idd:
PlantLoop,
A17, \field Common Pipe Simulation
\note Specifies a primary-secondary loop configuration. The plant side is the
\note primary loop, and the demand side is the secondary loop.
\note A secondary supply pump is required on the demand side.
\note None = Primary-only, no secondary simulation
\note CommonPipe = Primary-secondary with no temperature control at primary-secondary interface
\note TwoWayCommonPipe = Primary-secondary with control of secondary supply temperature or
\note primary return temperature (requires a setpoint be placed on the
\note plant side or demand side inlet node).
\type choice
\key CommonPipe
\key TwoWayCommonPipe
\key None
\default None