Paper Conference

Proceedings of ASHRAE/IBPSA-USA Building Simulation Conference

     

HVAC Degradation and Asset Management–A Novel Application of Whole Building Simulation

Jianmin Zhu, Khashayar Mahani, Mohsen Jafari, Niloofar Salahi, Yan Lu, Emmanuel Bisse
Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ
Siemens Corporation, Princeton, NJ

Abstract: Heating, ventilation, and airconditioning (HVAC) systems are crucial to maintaining habitable indoor environments. Enormous efforts have been spent in improving HVAC energy efficiency and indoor thermal comfort. Many simulation tools are available in this domain. However, most studies do not include system reliability and performance degradation, and few tools are dedicated to the performance assessment of HVAC systems for prolonged period. This study explores the possibility of using simulation techniques to estimate asset degradation. Asset loads are obtained from whole building energy simulation (EnergyPlus); and the degradation process is modeled as a combined consequence of operation and aging. Building models and degradation models are linked through EnergyPlus "External Interface". In addition the effect of potential maintenance actions can be evaluated with such a setup. The technology demonstrated here is the foundation of the Building Energy Asset Management (BEAM) application which provides predictive and evidencebased optimal solutions to HVAC maintenance.
Pages: 394 - 401
Paper:
simbuild2014_50