I am working on modeling a small computer room. The computers are the major load. The space is served by a small water cooled chiller and an air handler, with economizer. The questions are:
1) Does EnergyPlus lend itself to such models, and are there specific tools that might be useful? I am interested in accurately modeling the computer room cooling with varying loads over the year, and with the economizer enabled to show the difference in various supply air temperatures and cooling tower strategies (multiple versus one cooling tower, variable versus multiple fans) as well as various economizer strategies (return air versus supply air control and the resulting chiller loading). I am also interested in detailed chiller modeling, as the load varies from full economizer to full chiller and the chiller part-load performance is a key attribute. The chiller supply temperature will be higher than typical for chilled water coil cooling, so that must be flexible as well.
2) Is there any specialized modeling tool that anyone knows about that is especially good for such modeling? I have heard about an EQuest version with DOE-2.3 with data center additions. Is this a good choice? I could make EnergyPro work, but I do not believe that the cooling tower / chiller interface is detailed enough.
Your thoughts are appreciated.
