Computer modeling of commercial refrigerated warehouse facilities

Conference · Tue Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1997

OSTI ID:20001915

Nicoulin, C V; Jacobs, P C; Tory, S

The use of computer models to simulate the energy performance of large commercial refrigeration systems typically found in food processing facilities is an area of engineering practice that has seen little development to date. Current techniques employed in predicting energy consumption by such systems have focused on temperature bin methods of analysis. Existing simulation tools such as DOE2 are designed to model commercial buildings and grocery store refrigeration systems. The HVAC and Refrigeration system performance models in these simulations tools model equipment common to commercial buildings and groceries, and respond to energy-efficiency measures likely to be applied to these building types. The applicability of traditional building energy simulation tools to model refrigerated warehouse performance and analyze energy-saving options is limited. The paper will present the results of modeling work undertaken to evaluate energy savings resulting from incentives offered by a California utility to its Refrigerated Warehouse Program participants. The TRNSYS general-purpose transient simulation model was used to predict facility performance and estimate program savings. Custom TRNSYS components were developed to address modeling issues specific to refrigerated warehouse systems, including warehouse loading door infiltration calculations, an evaporator model, single-state and multi-stage compressor models, evaporative condenser models, and defrost energy requirements. The main focus of the paper will be on the modeling approach. The results from the computer simulations, along with overall program impact evaluation results, will also be presented.

• Research Organization: ECO Engineering (US)
• OSTI ID: 20001915
• Report Number(s): CONF-970750--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
ECONOMIC IMPACT
ENERGY AUDITS
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
FOOD INDUSTRY
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
REFRIGERATING MACHINERY
T CODES