Component based performance simulation of HVAC systems

The design process of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems is based upon selecting suitable components and matching their performance at an arbitrary design point, usually determined by an analysis of the peak environmental loads on a building. The part load operation of systems and plant is rarely investigated due to the complexity of the analysis and the pressure of limited design time. System simulation techniques have been developed to analyse the performance of specific commonly used systems: however these 'fixed menu, simulations do not permit appraisal of hybrid and innovative design proposals. The thesis describes research into the development of a component based simulation technique in which any system may be represented by a network of components and their interconnecting variables. The generalised network formulation described is based upon the engineer's schematic diagram and gives the designer the same flexibility in simulation as is available in design. The formulation of suitable component algorithms using readily available performance data is discussed, the models developed being of a 'lumped parameter' steady state form. The system component equations are solved simultaneously for a particular operating point using a gradient based non-linear optimisation algorithm. The application of several optimisation algorithms to the solution of RVAC systems is described and the limitations of these methods are discussed. Conclusions are drawn and recommendations are made for the required attributes of an optimisation algorithm to suit the particular characteristics of HVAC systems. The structure of the simulation program developed is given and the application of the component based simulation procedure to several systems is described. The potential for the use of the simulation technique as a design tool is discussed and recommendations for further work are made.