Preprint has been published in a journal as an article
DOI of the published article https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2022.118654
Preprint / Version 1

Modelica-Based Modeling and Simulation of District Cooling Systems: A Case Study

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31224/osf.io/vpafs

Keywords:

District Cooling, Modelica, Modeling and Simulation, Numerical Performance, Optimization, Waterside Economizer

Abstract

While equation-based object-oriented modeling language Modelica can evaluate practical energy improvements for district cooling systems, few have adapted Modelica for this type of large-scale thermo-fluid system. Further, to our best knowledge, district cooling modeling studies have yet to include hydraulics in piping network nor waterside economizers. These are critical details to include when looking to make energy and control improvements in many physical system installations. To fi?ll these gaps, this study applies newly developed open-source models from the Modelica Buildings library. For a real-world case study, we modeled and simulated a district cooling system at a college campus in Colorado, United States, with six buildings connected to a central chiller plant featuring a waterside economizer. Several energy saving strategies are pursued based on the validated model, including control setpoint optimization, equipment modification, and pump setpoint adjustments. Results indicate that optimizing the condenser water supply temperature setpoint can save 2.5% to 4.4% energy; the nonintegrated waterside economizer saves 6.4% energy while cutting down the chillers' run times by 201 days/year, reducing maintenance costs, and extending chiller life; and adjusting the condenser water pump flow settings can save 10.2% energy. Through a combination of the studied measures, the campus can annually save 84.6 MWh of energy, 8.9% of electricity costs, and 58.0 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Further, the numerical results of simulating districts from tens to hundreds of buildings are presented.

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Posted

2021-07-30