Share

A dynamic modeling framework for high-performance heat pumps and controls evaluations.

Number: 3273

Author(s) : LING J., THOMAS J., BENNE K., BLUM D.

Summary

High performance HVAC equipment such as cold climate heat pumps is crucial to the nation’s building electrification goals. The operation of HVAC systems is dynamic, subject to ambient conditions, controls and occupants’ interactions via thermostats. Moreover, a wider adoption of heat pumps relies on customers’ satisfaction on both energy efficiencies and thermal comfort. We developed a Modelica-based modeling framework that can simulate the dynamic operation and occupant’s thermal comfort of residential HVAC equipment, including air conditioners, furnace, heat pumps, fans and thermostats, in realistic house environment. The framework leverages multiple latest development from DOE Building Energy Modeling Program including Modelica Buildings Library, Spawn of EnergyPlus, ResStock and BOPTEST, from which high-fidelity and computationally efficient component models are applied in the framework to be used for evaluating various smart thermostat algorithms. These can include, for example, basic functions such as occupant-sensing based and/or schedule-based setpoint setbacks. We utilized the framework to conduct annual energy consumptions and thermal comfort simulations for over 250 houses across the United States and its climate zones. Our preliminary analysis shows different thermostat setback strategies may lead to energy savings range from 2% to more than 20%. In this paper, we focus on demonstrating the details of various HVAC equipment models and their operating modes such as controls of auxiliary heaters, frost and defrost operations and speed controls of double-speed and variable speed heat pumps. We believe the framework could be a useful virtual testbed for studying equipment impacts to building electrification.

Available documents

Format PDF

Pages: 10 p.

Available

Free

Download

Details

  • Original title: A dynamic modeling framework for high-performance heat pumps and controls evaluations.
  • Record ID : 30032944
  • Languages: English
  • Source: 2024 Purdue Conferences. 8th International High Performance Buildings Conference at Purdue.
  • Publication date: 2024/07/15

Links


See other articles from the proceedings (63)
See the conference proceedings

Indexing