A simulation environment for performance analysis of HVAC systems
Due to the lack of a building simulation program that can simulate in details the combined heat, vapor, and liquid transfer in porous elements and the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) systems, a flexible computational algorithm has been elaborated in order to integrate models for both HVAC systems and multizone hygrothermal building model. In the algorithm, models for the primary system-composed of chiller, cooling tower, primary pumps, and condensation pumps—have been described. For the secondary system, models for the cooling and dehumidifying coil, humidifier, fan, and mixing box have been considered. Those mathematical models have been integrated into the whole-building PowerDomus simulation environment. The simulation environment is presented, and results show the usability aspects of the proposed computer environment by comparing air- and water-cooled equipment.