I am debugging an ice rink module that is not yet part of EnergyPlus. Ice rinks are similar to low temperature radiant systems embedded in the floor. However, low temp radiant systems are treated as zone HVAC component in EnergyPlus: they are modeled as part of a plant loop and they are hydronic. On the other hand, ice rinks run on refrigerants (glycol, brine, etc.). The module was built to be a component of a plant loop, and plant loops are not meant for refrigeration and they use chilled water.
My question is: is there a way to model a plant loop with a refrigerant? (i.e. the ice rink with an air cooled condenser) Or, this module needs to be changed to be part of an a refrigeration system?
Thanks.
