Regression-based approach to modeling emerging HVAC technologies in EnergyPlus: A case study using a Vuilleumier-cycle heat pump

Journal Article · Tue Jan 22 00:00:00 EST 2019 · Energy and Buildings

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2019.01.008· OSTI ID:1494734

Woods, Jason ^[1]; Bonnema, Eric ^[1]

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1. National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)

This paper presents a regression-based approach for modeling emerging heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) technologies using the user-defined coil object in the building simulation software EnergyPlus. The approach can use output from HVAC system models or experimental data to create regression-based performance curves, which are then used within the building simulation. The regression approach is an alternative to modeling new HVAC technologies directly in EnergyPlus or performing co-simulation with a system model in a separate program. The proposed approach connects component and system level designs, and their associated performance, with annual energy use and costs in a variety of climates. This study focused on a Vuilleumier-cycle heat pump for a commercial building. We describe (1) the design and modeling of this system, (2) methods for translating this performance into a simplified model in EnergyPlus, and (3) building energy simulation results in United States climate zones 4-6. The results predict that the Vuilleumier-cycle heat pump will use 34 to 44% less source heating energy than an 80% efficient gas furnace, and more source cooling energy than a SEER 13 air conditioner. Total energy costs are lower when electricity prices are high and natural gas prices are low.

• Research Organization: National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE; Wells Fargo Foundation, Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2)
• Grant/Contract Number: AC36-08GO28308
• OSTI ID: 1494734
• Report Number(s): NREL/JA--5500-71439
• Journal Information: Energy and Buildings, Journal Name: Energy and Buildings Journal Issue: C Vol. 186; ISSN 0378-7788
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
EnergyPlus
HVAC modeling
HVAC regression
Vuilleumier cycle heat pump
building energy simulations