Conference Paper

Proceedings of SimBuild Conference 2024

     

Assessment of Simulation Models when Considering Energy Efficiency in a Real-World District Cooling System Condenser Loop

Michael Huylo 1, Ardeshir Moftakhari 2, Atila Novoselac 1
1 University of Texas at Austin, United States of America
2 Oklahoma State University, United States of America

Abstract: In the past, researchers have published many studies investigating the usefulness of reducing condenser loop flow in chiller systems. Some authors broadly recommended reducing condenser loop flow rate to save system power, while others claimed that reducing condenser loop flow rate was not always advisable. This study aims to compare results from two widely used chiller model calibration methods. A model of a real system was built and validated in Modelica, and test simulations were performed as part of a case study. Presented results for several 24-hour test periods indicate that in this particular system reduced condenser loop flow generally causes an increase in system power, and even when condenser loop flow is optimized, savings compared to a baseline are 1.5% or lower.
Keywords: Modelica, District Energy, Virtual Testbed, Optimal Control, Energy Efficiency
Pages: 809 - 817
Paper:

simbuild2024_2162