Performance validation and energy analysis of HVAC systems using simulation

This paper describes the concept of using simulation as a tool for performa nce validation and energy analysis of HVAC systems. Recent advances in cont rol system technology, including the development of open protocols such as BACnet(TM) have made sensor and control signal information from various com ponents and subsystems in a building more accessible. This development has created significant potential for improving the monitoring and supervision of building systems in order to optimize operational performance. The paper describes one way of making use of this new technology by applying simulat ions, configured to represent optimum operation, to monitored data. The ide a is to use simulation predictions as performance targets with which to com pare monitored system outputs for performance validation and energy analysi s. The paper presents results from applying the concepts to a large dual-du el air-handling unit installed in an office building in San Francisco. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.