HVAC optimisation studies: Component modelling methodology

Abstract

Significant changes in the way HVAC systems are designed would be made possible by the application of optimal search techniques to find the 'best' design for any given criterion. A suite of programs has been developed which implements this type of optimisation; it was necessary to develop HVAC component models which are more extensive than the conventional performance or energy models used in contemporary system simulation. The paper describes the development of component models which: reproduce the characteristics of ranges of manufactured products; execute quickly when linked to form system models; and model on three levels: performance, economics and constraints. An example is given of the use of the models in the optimisation of a heat pump system for minimum energy consumption.