If your objective is to use EPlus to simulate PCM in walls, you may be using the Elus to set up an controlled environment for the zone under test.
The design and simulation conditions are quite different from those needed to produce a LEED certificate.
PCM for insulation is also different from PCM for storage. Very interesting subject for research. I understand the basic requirements, but I am not actively involved in the research in this field. PCM with a constant temerature at phase change temerature is not very useful.
Water has two such temperature, 0°C and 100°C. I have desiged a cooling system with an adjecent ice room in the 1960's. The system was purposely under sized. When there is a know heavy load ocation in the building, ice blocks are purchased and stored in this room to increase the cooling capacity of the cooling plant. The ice room was seldom used. The hot end phase change state has been used for steam cooling of large radio transmitter valves. The steam is condensed back into water at the cooling pool.
To use PCM as a daily cycling chiller, the storing temperature should be between 10 to 25°C by releasing heat and the operating temperature should be from 20°C and up, so that the material would release heat during the night and absorbe heat from a room during the day to deep it cool. The device will not absorbe heat until the room temperature is higher than, say, 27°C with controlled absorbtion rate. There is still the problem of moving the material from the activating site to the operating site. .
The HVACtemplate objects were introduced to show how the node, branch, equipment should be declared in the IDF file. Some of the steps in the IDF was to let the editing program have an overall look at the input fields. When a node list has been entered into the NodeList object, the IDFeditor has a pull down menu for these names, and to paste the zone name entry with other related objects. For a none programmer, the structure of equipment, connection list, branch list, etc. are not easy to fill with meaningful names. The template series provide a number of standard system and plant connections and the preferred way to use the inlet and outlet node names of the branches. The expIDF is the actual IDF used for simulatoin. The user can rename the expIDF to IDF, and add more components to it. However, once the expIDF is modified, the original template version should no longer be used, unless the modificationa can aalso be made by choosing different option field in the template objects..
I mentioned these, hoping that you will not drive into the more complex templaates and give up.
PTHP is in the template group.
Dr. Li
To: EnergyPlus_Support@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
From: nirajpdl@xxxxxxxxx
Date: Mon, 16 Jul 2012 16:54:57 -0400
Subject: Re: [EnergyPlus_Support] Zone Ventilation Fan Electric Consumption
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Primary EnergyPlus support is found at:
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The primary EnergyPlus web site is found at:
http://www.energyplus.gov
The group web site is:
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The design and simulation conditions are quite different from those needed to produce a LEED certificate.
PCM for insulation is also different from PCM for storage. Very interesting subject for research. I understand the basic requirements, but I am not actively involved in the research in this field. PCM with a constant temerature at phase change temerature is not very useful.
Water has two such temperature, 0°C and 100°C. I have desiged a cooling system with an adjecent ice room in the 1960's. The system was purposely under sized. When there is a know heavy load ocation in the building, ice blocks are purchased and stored in this room to increase the cooling capacity of the cooling plant. The ice room was seldom used. The hot end phase change state has been used for steam cooling of large radio transmitter valves. The steam is condensed back into water at the cooling pool.
To use PCM as a daily cycling chiller, the storing temperature should be between 10 to 25°C by releasing heat and the operating temperature should be from 20°C and up, so that the material would release heat during the night and absorbe heat from a room during the day to deep it cool. The device will not absorbe heat until the room temperature is higher than, say, 27°C with controlled absorbtion rate. There is still the problem of moving the material from the activating site to the operating site. .
The HVACtemplate objects were introduced to show how the node, branch, equipment should be declared in the IDF file. Some of the steps in the IDF was to let the editing program have an overall look at the input fields. When a node list has been entered into the NodeList object, the IDFeditor has a pull down menu for these names, and to paste the zone name entry with other related objects. For a none programmer, the structure of equipment, connection list, branch list, etc. are not easy to fill with meaningful names. The template series provide a number of standard system and plant connections and the preferred way to use the inlet and outlet node names of the branches. The expIDF is the actual IDF used for simulatoin. The user can rename the expIDF to IDF, and add more components to it. However, once the expIDF is modified, the original template version should no longer be used, unless the modificationa can aalso be made by choosing different option field in the template objects..
I mentioned these, hoping that you will not drive into the more complex templaates and give up.
PTHP is in the template group.
Dr. Li
To: EnergyPlus_Support@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
From: nirajpdl@xxxxxxxxx
Date: Mon, 16 Jul 2012 16:54:57 -0400
Subject: Re: [EnergyPlus_Support] Zone Ventilation Fan Electric Consumption
Jeremiah and Dr. Li,
--
Thank you again. Jeremiah, yeah I initially looked into the Example files for Nightime Ventilation 1, 2, and 3 . Never occurred to me to paste it into my IDF and run it. Im sure I need to tweak some portions here and there to get it to work. I'll get right on it. Yeah, I have been trying to set up for the PCM runs. I changed course a little from the last time we spoke, my research will carry on, but on Theoretical PCMs as opposed to an actual one. The decision was made solely due to time constraints in my program. Nevertheless, I must really thank you for sharing your hard work and data with me. Please keep in the loop.
Dr. Li, yeah I will delve deeper into the templates that you have mentioned. It seems like the only way around this is for me to learn more about HVAC systems. I thank you for your invaluable advice here, and always in the support group.
Niraj Poudel
Clemson University
On Mon, Jul 16, 2012 at 4:43 PM, YuanLu Li <yli006@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
PTHP and templates are easy to use, but you must watch out for operating conditions.
HP air to air is fine for cooling. When used for Heating, the system may not work well when the OD temperature is below tan 5°C. You will need to add other heaters in Winter.
HVACtemplateLsystem:unitary and HVACtemplat:Zone:Unitary are simpler. Do not forget to include the HVACThernistat. There are many combinations that you can choose from these objects to make up a system.
If you do not use templates, the DistrictCooling and DistricHeating are the two simplest HVAC xupply sources. This is the next level from IdealLoadsAirSystem, which allow you to use purchased heating and cooling to feed the coils and use a fan. Later these can be replaced with chilleror water HP for cooling, boilder or water HP for heating, etc.
PTHP uses DX coil for both cooling and heating, plus auxiliary heaters for Winter.
Unitary template allows you to select, Dx, gas, electriccoils, etc. The heating can also be provided in the zone with baseboard heater. In this way, OA plus DX with fan for cooling, OA and fan with baseboard for heating. Air loop and dampers are also included.
There are example files for all these in the exampleFiles folder.
Dr. Li
To: EnergyPlus_Support@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
From: jeremiah@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: Mon, 16 Jul 2012 13:17:01 -0700
Subject: Re: [EnergyPlus_Support] Zone Ventilation Fan Electric Consumption
Niraj,The best place I think for you to look is in the example file xls, search night cool, locate night ventilation file and copy paste to your IDF. I did not have success using this with ideal loads, so used an HVAC template for a heat pump and got my PCM night vent model to work. (I noticed in your IDF that you had the settings for finite difference enabled so assume you are doing the same)I suggest the heat pump HVAC template because it is very simple and provides a system close to that of the ideal loads template you have been using.
Jeremiah D. CrossettCleanTech AnalyticsThis document may contain valuable information proprietary to CleanTech Analytics which is private and confidential. It may not be shared, copied, stored or transmitted in any form without the prior written consent of CleanTech Analytics
On Mon, Jul 16, 2012 at 12:56 PM, Niraj Poudel <nirajpdl@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:Thank you all for taking the time out of your day to look into this. I am working on your recommendations and hope to hear back from anyone who might have more recommendations/constructive criticisms.
Thanking you,Niraj PoudelClemson UniversityOn Mon, Jul 16, 2012 at 2:51 PM, Vinay Devanathan <vinay.devanathan@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Also, I think the DesignVentilation object does not get included in sizing runs. I vaguely remember reading something like this very recently, but not able to recollect where from.
On Mon, Jul 16, 2012 at 2:50 PM, Vinay Devanathan <vinay.devanathan@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:When you use the ZoneVentilation:DesignAirFlow object for ventilation, the electric consumption of these fans are grouped in Fans end use, so if you look at the table - End Uses by subcategory, there will be something called SimpleVentilation. This is the ZoneVentilation object.
--On Mon, Jul 16, 2012 at 2:47 PM, CleanTech Analytics <jeremiah@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
I am under the impression that the design ventilation object is used for sizing only, and that you will need to use the previously mentioned recommendation to actually effect consumption.
Jeremiah D. CrossettCleanTech AnalyticsThis document may contain valuable information proprietary to CleanTech Analytics which is private and confidential. It may not be shared, copied, stored or transmitted in any form without the prior written consent of CleanTech Analytics
On Mon, Jul 16, 2012 at 10:45 AM, Niraj Poudel <nirajpdl@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Jeremiah,Thank you so much for looking into this. I just went over the I/O reference (Page 391) about the Zone:Ventilation:DesignFlowRate and under the Field: Ventilation Type this is what it says:Field: Ventilation TypeThis alpha character string defines the type of ventilation as one of the following options: Natural, Exhaust, Intake, or Balanced. Natural ventilation is assumed to be air movement/exchange as a result of openings in the building façade and will not consume any fan energy. Values for fan pressure and efficiency for natural ventilation are ignored. For either Exhaust or Intake, values for fan pressure and efficiency define the fan electric consumption. For Natural and Exhaust ventilation, the conditions of the air entering the space are assumed to be equivalent to outside air conditions. For Intake and Balanced ventilation, an appropriate amount of fan heat is added to the entering air stream. For Balanced ventilation, both an intake fan and an exhaust fan are assumed to co-exist, both having the same flow rate and power consumption (using the entered values for fan pressure rise andfan total efficiency). Thus, the fan electric consumption for Balanced ventilation is twice that for the Exhaust or Intake ventilation types which employ only a single fan.
Also, the Zone ventilation outputs according to the I/O reference (Page 402) says:HVAC,Sum,Zone Ventilation Sensible Heat Loss [J]HVAC,Sum,Zone Ventilation Sensible Heat Gain [J]HVAC,Sum,Zone Ventilation Latent Heat Loss [J]HVAC,Sum,Zone Ventilation Latent Heat Gain [J]HVAC,Sum,Zone Ventilation Total Heat Loss [J]HVAC,Sum,Zone Ventilation Total Heat Gain [J]HVAC,Average,Zone Ventilation Volume Flow Rate Current Density [m3/s]HVAC,Average,Zone Ventilation Volume Flow Rate Standard Density [m3/s]HVAC,Sum,Zone Ventilation Volume Current Density [m3]HVAC,Sum,Zone Ventilation Volume Standard Density [m3]HVAC,Sum,Zone Ventilation Mass [kg]HVAC,Average,Zone Ventilation Air Change Rate [ach]HVAC,Sum,Zone Ventilation Fan Electric Consumption [J]HVAC,Average,Zone Ventilation Inlet Air Temperature [C]This is what led me to believe that I could ask for the output. But I am confused as to, should I define a separate Fan object and connect it to two nodes in order to get the electric consumption? The reason why I ask you this is because in my .IDF i havent actually defined a separate fan or separate nodes for that matter. But since the Ventilation:DesignFlow object asks for Fan parameters I thought the output would be generated automatically.I hope I am making sense. Please excuse my really long copy paste from the I/O reference manual and also do take your time responding to this post. Good luck on your project today.NirajOn Mon, Jul 16, 2012 at 1:25 PM, CleanTech Analytics <jeremiah@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Narj,I do not think you can get night ventilation from design flow rate.What I think you need to do is have a fan connected to an outdoor air node, and setup with an availability manager. There are a couple example files for this that come with e+..To use them I think you would need to use a HVAC template, I find the heat pump to be strait forward. I am busy with a project today but will look for the files I used for similar and send them to you when I dig them up..Jeremiah D. CrossettCleanTech AnalyticsThis document may contain valuable information proprietary to CleanTech Analytics which is private and confidential. It may not be shared, copied, stored or transmitted in any form without the prior written consent of CleanTech Analytics
On Mon, Jul 16, 2012 at 9:55 AM, Niraj Poudel <nirajpdl@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:Dear all,I have modeled an office room with night time forced ventilation that turns on when the outdoor temperature is 2 degrees below the indoor temperature. Since I am not familiar with HVAC systems I am having difficulty obtaining the fan electric consumption using an ideal air loads system. I have attached my .IDF file to this email. If anyone has the time to look at the Ventilation Object and help me figure out the "Zone Ventilation fan electric consumption" I would greatly appreciate it.Furthermore, the I/O Reference states that when using the balanced "ventilation type" as opposed to intake or exhaust, the fan electric consumption would be twice that of intake or exhaust. When in fact, intuitively it seems as though if you have two fans working in tandem (one intake, one exhaust = Balanced) each fan only needs to work half as much if there were only one fan, to get the job done?Thanking you,Niraj Poudel--Niraj Poudel, Architectural Engineer.PhD student, PDBE Program.Clemson University, Clemson, SC.
--Niraj Poudel, Architectural Engineer.PhD student, PDBE Program.Clemson University, Clemson, SC.
Vinay Dev
--Vinay Dev
--Niraj Poudel, Architectural Engineer.PhD student, PDBE Program.Clemson University, Clemson, SC.
Niraj Poudel, Architectural Engineer.
PhD student, PDBE Program.
Clemson University, Clemson, SC.
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Primary EnergyPlus support is found at:
http://energyplus.helpserve.com or send a message to energyplus-support@xxxxxxxx
The primary EnergyPlus web site is found at:
http://www.energyplus.gov
The group web site is:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EnergyPlus_Support/
Attachments are currently allowed but be mindful that not everyone has a high speed connection. Limit attachments to small files.
EnergyPlus Documentation is searchable. Open EPlusMainMenu.pdf under the Documentation link and press the "search" button.
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