EnergyPlus™ Version 8.

5 Documentation

Input Output Reference

U.S. Department of Energy

March 31, 2016

COPYRIGHT (c) 1996-2016 THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF

ILLINOIS AND THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA THROUGH THE
ERNEST ORLANDO LAWRENCE BERKELEY NATIONAL LABORATORY. ALL RIGHTS
RESERVED. NO PART OF THIS MATERIAL MAY BE REPRODUCED OR TRANSMITTED
IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF
THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS OR THE ERNEST ORLANDO LAWRENCE BERKELEY
NATIONAL LABORATORY. ENERGYPLUS IS A TRADEMARK OF THE US DEPARTMENT
OF ENERGY.
Contents

1 Input-Output Reference 3
1.1 What’s different about EnergyPlus Input and Output? . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.1.1 EnergyPlus Input Processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.1.2 General Input Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.1.3 EnergyPlus Output Processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.2 IDD Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.2.1 IDD – IP Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.3 Input – Output Descriptions (Document) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
1.3.1 Input Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
1.3.2 Output Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
1.4 Group – Simulation Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
1.4.1 Version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
1.4.2 Timestep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
1.4.3 ConvergenceLimits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
1.4.4 Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
1.4.5 SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:Inside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
1.4.6 SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:Outside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
1.4.7 HeatBalanceAlgorithm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
1.4.8 HeatBalanceSettings:ConductionFiniteDifference . . . . . . . . . . . 29
1.4.9 ZoneAirHeatBalanceAlgorithm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
1.4.10 ZoneAirContaminantBalance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
1.4.11 ShadowCalculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
1.4.12 Output:Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
1.4.13 Output:DebuggingData . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
1.4.14 Output:PreprocessorMessage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
1.4.15 ZoneCapacitanceMultiplier:ResearchSpecial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
1.4.16 SimulationControl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
1.4.17 ProgramControl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
1.4.18 Meter:Custom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
1.4.19 Meter:CustomDecrement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
1.4.20 Custom Meter Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
1.4.21 Simulation Parameter Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
1.5 Group – Compliance Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
1.5.1 Compliance:Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

2
CONTENTS 3

1.6 Group – Location – Climate – Weather File Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

1.6.1 Site:Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
1.6.2 SizingPeriod:DesignDay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
1.6.3 Longer Design Periods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
1.6.4 SizingPeriod:WeatherFileDays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
1.6.5 SizingPeriod:WeatherFileConditionType . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
1.6.6 RunPeriod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
1.6.7 RunPeriod:CustomRange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
1.6.8 RunPeriodControl:SpecialDays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
1.6.9 RunPeriodControl:DaylightSavingTime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
1.6.10 WeatherProperty:SkyTemperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
1.6.11 Site:WeatherStation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
1.6.12 Site:HeightVariation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
1.6.13 Site:GroundTemperature:BuildingSurface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
1.6.14 Site:GroundTemperature:Shallow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
1.6.15 Site:GroundTemperature:Deep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
1.6.16 Site:GroundTemperature:Undisturbed:FiniteDifference . . . . . . . . 70
1.6.17 Site:GroundTemperature:Undisturbed:KusduaAchenbach . . . . . . . 71
1.6.18 Site:GroundTemperature:Undisturbed:Xing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
1.6.19 Site:GroundDomain:Slab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
1.6.20 Site:GroundDomain:Basement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
1.6.21 Site:GroundTemperature:FCfactorMethod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
1.6.22 Site:GroundReflectance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
1.6.23 Site:GroundReflectance:SnowModifier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
1.6.24 Site:WaterMainsTemperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
1.6.25 Site:Precipitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
1.6.26 RoofIrrigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
1.6.27 Solar and Visible Spectrum Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
1.6.28 Site:SolarAndVisibleSpectrum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
1.6.29 Site:SpectrumData . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
1.6.30 Outputs for local temperature/wind speed calculations . . . . . . . . 97
1.7 Group – Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
1.7.1 Day Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
1.7.2 ScheduleTypeLimits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
1.7.3 Day Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
1.7.4 Schedule:Day:Hourly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
1.7.5 Schedule:Day:Interval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
1.7.6 Schedule:Day:List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
1.7.7 Week Schedule(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
1.7.8 Schedule:Week:Daily . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
1.7.9 Schedule:Week:Compact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
1.7.10 Schedule:Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
1.7.11 Schedule:Compact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
1.7.12 Schedule:Constant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
1.7.13 Schedule:File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
4 CONTENTS

1.8 Group – Surface Construction Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

1.8.1 Specifying the Building Envelope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
1.8.2 Material and Material Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
1.8.3 Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
1.8.4 Material:NoMass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
1.8.5 Material:InfraredTransparent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
1.8.6 Material:AirGap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
1.8.7 MaterialProperty:MoisturePenetrationDepth:Settings . . . . . . . . . 118
1.8.8 MaterialProperty:PhaseChange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
1.8.9 MaterialProperty:VariableThermalConductivity . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
1.8.10 MaterialProperty:HeatAndMoistureTransfer:Settings . . . . . . . . . 126
1.8.11 MaterialProperty:HeatAndMoistureTransfer:SorptionIsotherm . . . . 127
1.8.12 MaterialProperty:HeatAndMoistureTransfer:Suction . . . . . . . . . 128
1.8.13 MaterialProperty:HeatAndMoistureTransfer:Redistribution . . . . . . 129
1.8.14 MaterialProperty:HeatAndMoistureTransfer:Diffusion . . . . . . . . . 130
1.8.15 MaterialProperty:HeatAndMoistureTransfer:ThermalConductivity . . 130
1.8.16 Materials for Glass Windows and Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
1.8.17 WindowMaterial:Glazing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
1.8.18 WindowMaterial:Glazing:RefractionExtinctionMethod . . . . . . . . 138
1.8.19 Glass Optical Properties Conversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
1.8.20 WindowMaterial:GlazingGroup:Thermochromic . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
1.8.21 WindowMaterial:Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
1.8.22 WindowMaterial:GasMixture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
1.8.23 WindowMaterial:Gap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
1.8.24 WindowGap:DeflectionState . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
1.8.25 WindowGap:SupportPillar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
1.8.26 WindowMaterial:SimpleGlazingSystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
1.8.27 WindowMaterial:Shade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
1.8.28 WindowMaterial:Blind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
1.8.29 WindowMaterial:ComplexShade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
1.8.30 WindowMaterial:Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
1.8.31 WindowMaterial:Shade:EquivalentLayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
1.8.32 WindowMaterial:Drape:EquivalentLayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
1.8.33 WindowMaterial:Blind:EquivalentLayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
1.8.34 WindowMaterial:Screen:EquivalentLayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
1.8.35 WindowMaterial:Glazing:EquivalentLayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
1.8.36 WindowMaterial:Gap:EquivalentLayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
1.8.37 Material:RoofVegetation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
1.8.38 Ecoroof / RoofVegetation outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
1.8.39 MaterialProperty:GlazingSpectralData . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
1.8.40 Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
1.8.41 Site:GroundTemperature:FCfactorMethod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
1.8.42 Constructions - Modeling Underground Walls and Ground Floors De-
fined with C and F Factors for Building Energy Code Compliance . . 205
1.8.43 Construction:CfactorUndergroundWall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
CONTENTS 5

1.8.44 Construction:FfactorGroundFloor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206

1.8.45 Construction:InternalSource . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
1.8.46 Composite Wall Constructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
1.8.47 Construction:ComplexFenestrationState . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
1.8.48 WindowThermalModel:Params . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
1.8.49 Matix:TwoDimension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
1.8.50 Construction:WindowEquivalentLayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
1.8.51 Construction:WindowDataFile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
1.9 Group – Thermal Zone Description/Geometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
1.9.1 Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
1.9.2 Zone Thermal Output(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
1.9.3 ZoneList . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
1.9.4 ZoneGroup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
1.9.5 Surface(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
1.9.6 Interzone Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
1.9.7 Surface View Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
1.9.8 GlobalGeometryRules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
1.9.9 Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
1.9.10 Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
1.9.11 Wall:Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
1.9.12 Wall:Adiabatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
1.9.13 Wall:Underground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
1.9.14 Wall:Interzone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
1.9.15 Roofs/Ceilings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
1.9.16 Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
1.9.17 Ceiling:Adiabatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
1.9.18 Ceiling:Interzone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
1.9.19 Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
1.9.20 Floor:GroundContact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
1.9.21 Floor:Adiabatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
1.9.22 Floor:Interzone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
1.9.23 Windows/Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
1.9.24 Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
1.9.25 Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
1.9.26 GlazedDoor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
1.9.27 Window:Interzone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
1.9.28 Door:Interzone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
1.9.29 GlazedDoor:Interzone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
1.9.30 Surface Vertices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
1.9.31 Building Surfaces - Detailed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
1.9.32 Wall:Detailed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
1.9.33 RoofCeiling:Detailed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
1.9.34 Floor:Detailed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
1.9.35 BuildingSurface:Detailed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
1.9.36 FenestrationSurface:Detailed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
6 CONTENTS

1.9.37 Window Modeling Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276

1.9.38 InternalMass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
1.9.39 Surface Output Variables/Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
1.9.40 Window Output Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
1.9.41 Surface Output Variables (all heat transfer surfaces) . . . . . . . . . 284
1.9.42 Surface Output Variables (exterior heat transfer surfaces) . . . . . . 289
1.9.43 Opaque Surface Output Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
1.9.44 Window Output Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
1.9.45 Thermochomic Window Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
1.9.46 Other Surface Outputs/Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
1.9.47 Shading Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
1.9.48 Detached Shading Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
1.9.49 Shading:Site, Shading:Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
1.9.50 Shading:Site:Detailed, Shading:Building:Detailed . . . . . . . . . . . 313
1.9.51 Attached Shading Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
1.9.52 Shading:Overhang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
1.9.53 Shading:Overhang:Projection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
1.9.54 Shading:Fin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
1.9.55 Shading:Fin:Projection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
1.9.56 Shading:Zone:Detailed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
1.9.57 ShadingProperty:Reflectance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
1.9.58 WindowProperty:ShadingControl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
1.9.59 WindowProperty:FrameAndDivider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
1.9.60 WindowProperty:AirflowControl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
1.9.61 WindowProperty:StormWindow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
1.9.62 Importing Windows from WINDOW program . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
1.9.63 Zone Thermal Output(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
1.10 Group – Advanced Surface Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
1.10.1 SurfaceProperty:HeatTransferAlgorithm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
1.10.2 SurfaceProperty:HeatTransferAlgorithm:MultipleSurface . . . . . . . 351
1.10.3 SurfaceProperty:HeatTransferAlgorithm:SurfaceList . . . . . . . . . . 352
1.10.4 SurfaceProperty:HeatTransferAlgorithm:Construction . . . . . . . . . 353
1.10.5 SurfaceControl:MoveableInsulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
1.10.6 SurfaceProperty:OtherSideCoefficients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
1.10.7 SurfaceProperty:OtherSideConditionsModel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
1.10.8 SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:Inside:AdaptiveModelSelections . . . . . 361
1.10.9 SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:Outside:AdaptiveModelSelections . . . . 371
1.10.10 SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:Inside:UserCurve . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
1.10.11 SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:Outside:UserCurve . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
1.10.12 SurfaceProperty:ConvectionCoefficients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375
1.10.13 SurfaceProperty:ConvectionCoefficients:MultipleSurface . . . . . . . . 377
1.10.14 Convection Coefficient Application Hierarchy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
1.10.15 Convection Coefficients Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
1.10.16 SurfaceProperties:VaporCoefficients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
1.10.17 SurfaceProperty:ExteriorNaturalVentedCavity . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387
CONTENTS 7

1.10.18 SurfaceProperty:SolarIncidentInside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390

1.10.19 ComplexFenestrationProperty:SolarAbsorbedLayers . . . . . . . . . . 391
1.10.20 GeometryTransform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393
1.10.21 Zone Property View Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393
1.10.22 ZoneProperty:UserViewFactors:bySurfaceName . . . . . . . . . . . . 396
1.11 Group – Detailed Ground Heat Transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 396
1.11.1 Detailed Ground Heat Transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 396
1.11.2 GroundHeatTransfer:Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397
1.12 Group – Room Air Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398
1.12.1 Room Air Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398
1.12.2 RoomAirModelType . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399
1.12.3 RoomAir:TemperaturePattern:UserDefined . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400
1.12.4 RoomAir:TemperaturePattern:ConstantGradient . . . . . . . . . . . 401
1.12.5 RoomAir:TemperaturePattern:TwoGradient . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402
1.12.6 RoomAir:TemperaturePattern:NondimensionalHeight . . . . . . . . . 404
1.12.7 RoomAir:TemperaturePattern:SurfaceMapping . . . . . . . . . . . . 407
1.12.8 RoomAir:Node . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 408
1.12.9 RoomAirSettings:OneNodeDisplacementVentilation . . . . . . . . . . 409
1.12.10 RoomAirSettings:ThreeNodeDisplacementVentilation . . . . . . . . . 410
1.12.11 RoomAirSettings:CrossVentilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 413
1.12.12 RoomAirSettings:UnderFloorAirDistributionInterior . . . . . . . . . 416
1.12.13 RoomAirSettings:UnderFloorAirDistributionExterior . . . . . . . . . 419
1.12.14 RoomAirflowNetwork Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 422
1.12.15 RoomAirSettings:AirflowNetwork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 422
1.12.16 RoomAir:Node:AirflowNetwork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 423
1.12.17 RoomAir:Node:AirflowNetwork:AdjacentSurfaceList . . . . . . . . . . 424
1.12.18 RoomAir:Node:AirflowNetwork:InternalGains . . . . . . . . . . . . . 424
1.12.19 RoomAir:Node:AirflowNetwork:HVACEquipment . . . . . . . . . . . 425
1.13 Group – Internal Gains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 431
1.13.1 People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 431
1.13.2 Simplified ASHRAE 55 Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 448
1.13.3 ComfortViewFactorAngles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 449
1.13.4 Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 450
1.13.5 ElectricEquipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 459
1.13.6 GasEquipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 462
1.13.7 HotWaterEquipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 465
1.13.8 SteamEquipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 467
1.13.9 SwimmingPool:Indoor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 470
1.13.10 OtherEquipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 475
1.13.11 ElectricEquipment:ITE:AirCooled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 482
1.13.12 ZoneContaminantSourceAndSink:CarbonDioxide . . . . . . . . . . . 492
1.13.13 ZoneContaminantSourceAndSink:Generic:Constant . . . . . . . . . . 493
1.13.14 SurfaceContaminantSourceAndSink:Generic:PressureDriven . . . . . 494
1.13.15 ZoneContaminantSourceAndSink:Generic:CutoffModel . . . . . . . . 496
1.13.16 ZoneContaminantSourceAndSink:Generic:DecaySource . . . . . . . . 497
8 CONTENTS

1.13.17 SurfaceContaminantSourceAndSink:Generic:BoundaryLayerDiffusion 499

1.13.18 SurfaceContaminantSourceAndSink:Generic:DepositionVelocitySink . 500
1.13.19 ZoneContaminantSourceAndSink:Generic:DepositionRateSink . . . . 501
1.13.20 ZoneBaseboard:OutdoorTemperatureControlled . . . . . . . . . . . . 502
1.14 Group – Daylighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507
1.14.1 Daylighting:Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507
1.14.2 Guidelines for Daylighting Modeling (Detailed Method) . . . . . . . . 513
1.14.3 DElight Daylighting Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 519
1.14.4 Daylighting:DELight:Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 520
1.14.5 Daylighting:DELight:ReferencePoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 523
1.14.6 Daylighting:DELight:ComplexFenestration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 525
1.14.7 Output:IlluminanceMap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 530
1.14.8 OutputControl:IlluminanceMap:Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 531
1.14.9 Daylighting Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 532
1.14.10 DaylightingDevice:Tubular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 532
1.14.11 DaylightingDevice:Shelf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 537
1.14.12 DaylightingDevice:LightWell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 541
1.14.13 Daylighting Modeling Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 542
1.15 Group – Exterior Energy Use Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 543
1.15.1 Exterior:Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 543
1.15.2 Exterior:FuelEquipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 545
1.15.3 Exterior:WaterEquipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 545
1.16 Group – Airflow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 547
1.16.1 ZoneInfiltration:DesignFlowRate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 547
1.16.2 ZoneInfiltration:EffectiveLeakageArea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 551
1.16.3 ZoneInfiltration:FlowCoefficient . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 553
1.16.4 ZoneVentilation:DesignFlowRate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 557
1.16.5 ZoneVentilation:WindandStackOpenArea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 564
1.16.6 ZoneAirBalance:OutdoorAir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 570
1.16.7 ZoneMixing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 574
1.16.8 ZoneCrossMixing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 579
1.16.9 ZoneRefrigerationDoorMixing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 584
1.16.10 ZoneEarthtube (Earth Tube) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 587
1.16.11 ZoneEarthTube Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 591
1.16.12 ZoneCoolTower:Shower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 593
1.16.13 ZoneThermalChimney (Thermal Chimney) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 598
1.16.14 ZoneThermalChimney Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 600
1.16.15 ZoneAirMassFlowConservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 601
1.17 Group – Design Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 604
1.17.1 Input for Design Calculations and Component Autosizing . . . . . . 604
1.17.2 DesignSpecification:OutdoorAir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 628
1.17.3 DesignSpecification:ZoneAirDistribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630
1.17.4 Sizing:Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 632
1.17.5 OutputControl:Sizing:Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 633
1.17.6 Sizing:Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 633
CONTENTS 9

1.17.7 DesignSpecification:ZoneHVAC:Sizing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 639

1.17.8 Sizing:System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 648
1.17.9 Sizing:Plant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 655
1.18 HVAC: Primary and Secondary Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 657
1.19 Group – Node-Branch Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 659
1.19.1 NodeList . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 659
1.19.2 BranchList . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 664
1.19.3 Branch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 665
1.19.4 ConnectorList . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 668
1.19.5 Pipe:Adiabatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 669
1.19.6 Pipe:Adiabatic:Steam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 669
1.19.7 Pipe:Indoor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 670
1.19.8 Pipe:Outdoor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 672
1.19.9 Pipe:Underground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 674
1.19.10 PipingSystem:Underground Class Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 676
1.19.11 PipingSystem:Underground:Domain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 676
1.19.12 PipingSystem:Underground:PipeCircuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 679
1.19.13 PipingSystem:Underground:PipeSegment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 681
1.19.14 Duct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 683
1.20 Group – Plant-Condenser Loops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 684
1.20.1 PlantLoop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 684
1.20.2 CondenserLoop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 693
1.21 Group – Plant-Condenser Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 699
1.21.1 Operation Schemes (Plant and Condenser) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 699
1.21.2 PlantEquipmentOperationSchemes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 699
1.21.3 CondenserEquipmentOperationSchemes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 700
1.21.4 PlantEquipmentOperation:Uncontrolled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 702
1.21.5 PlantEquipmentOperation:CoolingLoad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 702
1.21.6 PlantEquipmentOperation:HeatingLoad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 702
1.21.7 PlantEquipmentOperation:OutdoorDryBulb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704
1.21.8 PlantEquipmentOperation:OutdoorWetBulb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704
1.21.9 PlantEquipmentOperation:OutdoorRelativeHumidity . . . . . . . . . 704
1.21.10 PlantEquipmentOperation:OutdoorDewpoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . 704
1.21.11 PlantEquipmentOperation:OutdoorDryBulbDifference . . . . . . . . 705
1.21.12 PlantEquipmentOperation:OutdoorWetBulbDifference . . . . . . . . 705
1.21.13 PlantEquipmentOperation:OutdoorDewpointDifference . . . . . . . . 705
1.21.14 PlantEquipmentOperation:ComponentSetpoint . . . . . . . . . . . . 705
1.21.15 PlantEquipmentOperation:ThermalEnergyStorage . . . . . . . . . . . 707
1.21.16 PlantEquipmentList . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 709
1.21.17 CondenserEquipmentList . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 709
1.22 Group – Plant Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 710
1.22.1 Equipment Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 710
1.22.2 Generic Chiller Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 710
1.22.3 Chiller:Absorption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 716
1.22.4 Chiller:Absorption:Indirect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 721
10 CONTENTS

1.22.5 Chiller:ConstantCOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 727

1.22.6 Chiller:Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 730
1.22.7 Chiller:Electric:EIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 739
1.22.8 Chiller:Electric:ReformulatedEIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 748
1.22.9 Chiller:EngineDriven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 755
1.22.10 Chiller:CombustionTurbine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 764
1.22.11 ChillerHeater:Absorption:DirectFired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 775
1.22.12 ChillerHeater:Absorption:DoubleEffect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 783
1.22.13 Boiler:HotWater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 793
1.22.14 Boiler:Steam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 799
1.22.15 Water to Water Heat Pumps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 803
1.22.16 HeatPump:WaterToWater:EquationFit:Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . 805
1.22.17 HeatPump:WaterToWater:EquationFit:Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . 808
1.22.18 HeatPump:WaterToWater:ParameterEstimation:Cooling . . . . . . . 809
1.22.19 HeatPump:WaterToWater:ParameterEstimation:Heating . . . . . . . 811
1.22.20 DistrictCooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 817
1.22.21 DistrictHeating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 818
1.22.22 PlantComponent:TemperatureSource . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 820
1.22.23 CentralHeatPumpSystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 822
1.22.24 ChillerHeaterPerformance:EIectric:EIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 828
1.22.25 ChillerHeaterPerformance:Electric:EIR Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . 835
1.22.26 Thermal Storage Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 838
1.22.27 ThermalStorage:Ice:Simple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 839
1.22.28 ThermalStorage:Ice:Detailed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 841
1.22.29 ThermalStorage:ChilledWater:Mixed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 845
1.22.30 ThermalStorage:ChilledWater:Stratified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 850
1.23 Group – Water Heaters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 857
1.23.1 Standard Ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 859
1.23.2 WaterHeater:Mixed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 860
1.23.3 WaterHeater:Stratified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 871
1.23.4 WaterHeater:Sizing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 881
1.23.5 WaterHeater:HeatPump:PumpedCondenser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 883
1.23.6 WaterHeater:HeatPump:WrappedCondenser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 894
1.24 Group – Condenser Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 903
1.24.1 Equipment Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 903
1.24.2 CoolingTower:SingleSpeed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 903
1.24.3 CoolingTower:TwoSpeed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 914
1.24.4 CoolingTower:VariableSpeed:Merkel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 926
1.24.5 CoolingTower:VariableSpeed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 937
1.24.6 CoolingTowerPerformance:CoolTools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 946
1.24.7 CoolingTowerPerformance:YorkCalc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 949
1.24.8 EvaporativeFluidCooler:SingleSpeed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 952
1.24.9 EvaporativeFluidCooler:TwoSpeed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 960
1.24.10 FluidCooler:SingleSpeed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 969
1.24.11 FluidCooler:TwoSpeed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 972
CONTENTS 11

1.24.12 GroundHeatExchanger:Vertical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 976

1.24.13 GroundHeatExchanger:Slinky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 981
1.24.14 GroundHeatExchanger:Pond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 985
1.24.15 GroundHeatExchanger:Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 988
1.24.16 GroundHeatExchanger:HorizontalTrench . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 991
1.24.17 HeatExchanger:FluidToFluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 993
1.25 Group – Plant-Condenser Flow Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1002
1.25.1 Connector:Splitter, Connector:Mixer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1002
1.25.2 Connector:Splitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1002
1.25.3 Connector:Mixer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1003
1.25.4 TemperingValve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1003
1.26 Group – Air Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1005
1.26.1 AirLoopHVAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1005
1.26.2 Systems Level Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1014
1.26.3 System Loads Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1015
1.26.4 System Energy Use Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1015
1.26.5 System Component Loads Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1016
1.26.6 System Component Energy Use Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1017
1.26.7 Overall Air Loop Syntax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1019
1.26.8 AirLoopHVAC:ControllerList . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1019
1.26.9 AvailabilityManagerAssignmentList . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1020
1.26.10 AirLoopHVAC:OutdoorAirSystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1021
1.26.11 AirLoopHVAC:OutdoorAirSystem:EquipmentList . . . . . . . . . . . 1023
1.26.12 OutdoorAir:Node . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1024
1.26.13 Outdoor Air Node outputs: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1025
1.26.14 OutdoorAir:NodeList . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1025
1.26.15 OutdoorAir:Mixer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1025
1.27 Group – Airflow Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1026
1.27.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1026
1.27.2 Summary of Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1027
1.27.3 Airflow Network Example Files (included in the installation) . . . . . 1031
1.27.4 What the Airflow Network Model Can and Cannot Do . . . . . . . . 1032
1.27.5 AirflowNetwork:SimulationControl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1033
1.27.6 AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1038
1.27.7 AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1043
1.27.8 AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:ReferenceCrackConditions . . . . . . . . . 1049
1.27.9 AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Surface:Crack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1050
1.27.10 AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Surface:EffectiveLeakageArea . . . . . . . 1051
1.27.11 AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:DetailedOpening . . . . . . . 1052
1.27.12 AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:HorizontalOpening . . . . . . 1056
1.27.13 AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:SimpleOpening . . . . . . . . 1057
1.27.14 AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:ZoneExhaustFan . . . . . . . 1058
1.27.15 AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:ExternalNode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1059
1.27.16 AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:WindPressureCoefficientArray . . . . . . . 1060
1.27.17 AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:WindPressureCoefficientValues . . . . . . 1061
12 CONTENTS

1.27.18 AirflowNetwork:OccupantVentilationControl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1062

1.27.19 AirflowNetwork:Intrazone:Node . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1064
1.27.20 AirflowNetwork:Intrazone:Linkage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1065
1.27.21 AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Node . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1067
1.27.22 AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:Leak . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1069
1.27.23 AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:LeakageRatio . . . . . . . . 1070
1.27.24 AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:Duct . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1072
1.27.25 AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1074
1.27.26 AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:Coil . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1074
1.27.27 AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:HeatExchanger . . . . . . . 1076
1.27.28 AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:TerminalUnit . . . . . . . . 1077
1.27.29 AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:ConstantPressureDrop . . . 1078
1.27.30 AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Linkage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1079
1.28 Group - Zone Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1098
1.28.1 ZoneHVAC:AirDistributionUnit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1099
1.28.2 ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1103
1.28.3 ZoneHVAC:EquipmentList . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1106
1.29 Group – Air Distribution Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1108
1.29.1 AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1108
1.29.2 AirTerminal:SingleDuct:ConstantVolume:Reheat . . . . . . . . . . . 1110
1.29.3 AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:Reheat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1111
1.29.4 AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:Reheat:VariableSpeedFan . . . . . . . . 1117
1.29.5 AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:HeatAndCool:Reheat . . . . . . . . . . 1120
1.29.6 AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:NoReheat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1123
1.29.7 AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:HeatAndCool:NoReheat . . . . . . . . . 1125
1.29.8 AirTerminal:SingleDuct:SeriesPIU:Reheat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1127
1.29.9 AirTerminal:SingleDuct:ParallelPIU:Reheat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1131
1.29.10 AirTerminal:SingleDuct:ConstantVolume:FourPipeInduction . . . . . 1134
1.29.11 AirTerminal:SingleDuct:ConstantVolume:FourPipeBeam . . . . . . . 1138
1.29.12 AirTerminal:SingleDuct:ConstantVolume:CooledBeam . . . . . . . . 1144
1.29.13 AirTerminal:SingleDuct:InletSideMixer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1148
1.29.14 AirTerminal:SingleDuct:SupplySideMixer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1149
1.29.15 AirTerminal:DualDuct:ConstantVolume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1151
1.29.16 AirTerminal:DualDuct:VAV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1152
1.29.17 AirTerminal:DualDuct:VAV:OutdoorAir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1154
1.30 Group – Zone Forced Air Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1156
1.30.1 ZoneHVAC:IdealLoadsAirSystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1156
1.30.2 ZoneHVAC:FourPipeFanCoil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1168
1.30.3 ZoneHVAC:UnitVentilator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1178
1.30.4 ZoneHVAC:UnitHeater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1187
1.30.5 ZoneHVAC:EvaporativeCoolerUnit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1193
1.30.6 ZoneHVAC:OutdoorAirUnit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1198
1.30.7 ZoneHVAC:OutdoorAirUnit:EquipmentList . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1204
1.30.8 ZoneHVAC:WindowAirConditioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1205
1.30.9 ZoneHVAC:PackagedTerminalAirConditioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1211
CONTENTS 13

1.30.10 ZoneHVAC:PackagedTerminalHeatPump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1221

1.30.11 ZoneHVAC:RefrigerationChillerSet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1232
1.30.12 ZoneHVAC:WaterToAirHeatPump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1234
1.30.13 ZoneHVAC:Dehumidifier:DX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1246
1.30.14 ZoneHVAC:EnergyRecoveryVentilator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1252
1.30.15 ZoneHVAC:TerminalUnit:VariableRefrigerantFlow . . . . . . . . . . 1260
1.31 Group – Unitary Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1267
1.31.1 Furnace and Unitary Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1267
1.31.2 AirLoopHVAC:UnitarySystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1267
1.31.3 UnitarySystemPerformance:Multispeed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1286
1.31.4 AirLoopHVAC:Unitary:Furnace:HeatCool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1288
1.31.5 AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatCool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1294
1.31.6 Unitary System Heat and Cool (AirLoopHVAC) Outputs . . . . . . . 1299
1.31.7 AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1300
1.31.8 AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed . . . . . . . . 1307
1.31.9 AirLoopHVAC:Unitary:Furnace:HeatOnly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1321
1.31.10 AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatOnly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1325
1.31.11 AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:WaterToAir . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1329
1.31.12 AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatCool:VAVChangeoverBypass . . . . . . . 1340
1.32 Group – Variable Refrigerant Flow Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1352
1.32.1 AirConditioner:VariableRefrigerantFlow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1355
1.32.2 AirConditioner:VariableRefrigerantFlow:FluidTemperatureControl . . 1372
1.32.3 ZoneTerminalUnitList . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1390
1.33 Group – Radiative / Convective Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1391
1.33.1 ZoneHVAC:Baseboard:RadiantConvective:Water . . . . . . . . . . . 1391
1.33.2 ZoneHVAC:Baseboard:RadiantConvective:Steam . . . . . . . . . . . 1396
1.33.3 ZoneHVAC:Baseboard:RadiantConvective:Electric . . . . . . . . . . . 1400
1.33.4 ZoneHVAC:Baseboard:Convective:Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1404
1.33.5 ZoneHVAC:Baseboard:Convective:Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1407
1.33.6 ZoneHVAC:LowTemperatureRadiant:VariableFlow . . . . . . . . . . 1409
1.33.7 ZoneHVAC:LowTemperatureRadiant:ConstantFlow . . . . . . . . . . 1417
1.33.8 ZoneHVAC:LowTemperatureRadiant:Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1425
1.33.9 ZoneHVAC:LowTemperatureRadiant:SurfaceGroup . . . . . . . . . . 1428
1.33.10 ZoneHVAC:HighTemperatureRadiant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1429
1.33.11 ZoneHVAC:VentilatedSlab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1434
1.33.12 ZoneHVAC:VentilatedSlab:SlabGroup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1446
1.34 Group – Refrigeration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1447
1.34.1 Refrigeration:CompressorRack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1448
1.34.2 Refrigeration:Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1461
1.34.3 Refrigeration:CaseAndWalkInList . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1473
1.34.4 Refrigeration:WalkIn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1474
1.34.5 Refrigeration Case and WalkIn Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1479
1.34.6 Refrigeration:System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1483
1.34.7 Refrigeration:TranscriticalSystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1498
1.34.8 Refrigeration:Compressor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1506
14 CONTENTS

1.34.9 Refrigeration:CompressorList . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1510

1.34.10 Refrigeration:Subcooler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1510
1.34.11 Refrigeration:Condenser:AirCooled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1512
1.34.12 Refrigeration:Condenser:EvaporativeCooled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1517
1.34.13 Refrigeration:Condenser:WaterCooled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1526
1.34.14 Refrigeration:Condenser:Cascade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1531
1.34.15 Refrigeration:GasCooler:AirCooled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1534
1.34.16 Refrigeration:TransferLoadList . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1537
1.34.17 Refrigeration:SecondarySystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1538
1.34.18 Additional Refrigeration Outputs Available for Each Zone . . . . . . 1546
1.34.19 Additional Refrigeration Outputs for Each Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . 1546
1.34.20 Refrigeration:AirChiller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1549
1.35 Group - Zone Controls - Thermostats and Humidistats . . . . . . . . . . . . 1559
1.35.1 ZoneControl:Thermostat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1560
1.35.2 Zone Thermostat Setpoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1565
1.35.3 ThermostatSetpoint:SingleHeating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1565
1.35.4 ThermostatSetpoint:SingleCooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1566
1.35.5 ThermostatSetpoint:SingleHeatingOrCooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1566
1.35.6 ThermostatSetpoint:DualSetpoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1566
1.35.7 ZoneControl:Thermostat:OperativeTemperature . . . . . . . . . . . . 1567
1.35.8 ZoneControl:Thermostat:TemperatureAndHumidity . . . . . . . . . . 1569
1.35.9 ZoneControl:Thermostat:StagedDualSetpoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1571
1.35.10 ZoneControl:Humidistat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1575
1.35.11 ZoneControl:Thermostat:ThermalComfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1577
1.35.12 Thermal Comfort Setpoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1582
1.35.13 ThermostatSetpoint:ThermalComfort:Fanger:SingleHeating . . . . . 1582
1.35.14 ThermostatSetpoint:ThermalComfort:Fanger:SingleCooling . . . . . . 1582
1.35.15 ThermostatSetpoint:ThermalComfort:Fanger:SingleHeatingOrCooling 1583
1.35.16 ThermostatSetpoint:ThermalComfort:Fanger:DualSetpoint . . . . . . 1583
1.35.17 ZoneControl:ContaminantController . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1584
1.36 Group – Air Path . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1586
1.36.1 AirLoopHVAC:SupplyPath, AirLoopHVAC:ReturnPath . . . . . . . . 1586
1.36.2 AirLoopHVAC:SupplyPath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1587
1.36.3 AirLoopHVAC:ReturnPath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1588
1.36.4 AirLoopHVAC:ReturnPlenum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1589
1.36.5 AirLoopHVAC:SupplyPlenum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1590
1.36.6 AirLoopHVAC:ZoneSplitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1593
1.36.7 AirLoopHVAC:ZoneMixer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1593
1.37 Group – Non-Zone Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1594
1.37.1 LoadProfile:Plant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1594
1.38 Group Solar Collectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1596
1.38.1 SolarCollector:FlatPlate:Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1596
1.38.2 SolarCollectorPerformance:FlatPlate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1598
1.38.3 SolarCollector:IntegralCollectorStorage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1600
1.38.4 SolarCollectorPerformance:IntegralCollectorStorage . . . . . . . . . . 1601
CONTENTS 15

1.38.5 SolarCollector:FlatPlate:PhotovoltaicThermal . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1605

1.38.6 SolarCollectorPerformance:PhotovoltaicThermal:Simple . . . . . . . . 1608
1.38.7 Solar Collector Heating System Plant Connections . . . . . . . . . . 1609
1.38.8 Solar Heating System Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1610
1.38.9 SolarCollector:UnglazedTranspired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1614
1.38.10 SolarCollector:UnglazedTranspired:MultiSystem . . . . . . . . . . . . 1621
1.39 Group Pumps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1623
1.39.1 Pump:VariableSpeed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1623
1.39.2 Pump:ConstantSpeed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1628
1.39.3 Pump:VariableSpeed:Condensate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1632
1.39.4 HeaderedPumps:ConstantSpeed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1636
1.39.5 HeaderedPumps:VariableSpeed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1640
1.40 Group Heating and Cooling Coils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1644
1.40.1 Coil:Cooling:Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1644
1.40.2 Coil:Heating:Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1648
1.40.3 Coil:Heating:Steam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1651
1.40.4 Heating Coil (Steam) Outputs: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1653
1.40.5 Coil:Heating:Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1653
1.40.6 Coil:Heating:Electric:MultiStage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1655
1.40.7 Coil:Heating:Desuperheater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1657
1.40.8 Coil:Cooling:DX:VariableRefrigerantFlow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1661
1.40.9 Coil:Heating:DX:VariableRefrigerantFlow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1664
1.40.10 Coil:Cooling:DX:VariableRefrigerantFlow:FluidTemperatureControl . 1667
1.40.11 Coil:Heating:DX:VariableRefrigerantFlow:FluidTemperatureControl . 1670
1.40.12 Coil:Heating:Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1672
1.40.13 Coil:Heating:Gas:MultiStage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1675
1.40.14 Coil:Cooling:Water:DetailedGeometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1679
1.40.15 Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1684
1.40.16 Coil:Cooling:DX:TwoSpeed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1693
1.40.17 Coil:Cooling:DX:TwoStageWithHumidityControlMode . . . . . . . . 1703
1.40.18 Coil:Cooling:DX:MultiSpeed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1707
1.40.19 Coil:Cooling:DX:VariableSpeed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1722
1.40.20 CoilPerformance:DX:Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1733
1.40.21 Coil:Heating:DX:SingleSpeed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1742
1.40.22 Coil:Heating:DX:MultiSpeed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1751
1.40.23 Coil:Heating:DX:VariableSpeed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1762
1.40.24 Coil:WaterHeating:Desuperheater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1771
1.40.25 CoilSystem:Cooling:DX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1777
1.40.26 CoilSystem:Heating:DX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1782
1.40.27 CoilSystem:Cooling:DX:HeatExchangerAssisted . . . . . . . . . . . . 1783
1.40.28 CoilSystem:Cooling:Water:HeatExchangerAssisted . . . . . . . . . . 1786
1.40.29 Coil:WaterHeating:AirToWaterHeatPump:Pumped . . . . . . . . . . 1789
1.40.30 Coil:WaterHeating:AirToWaterHeatPump:Wrapped . . . . . . . . . . 1797
1.40.31 Coil:Cooling:WaterToAirHeatPump:ParameterEstimation . . . . . . 1803
1.40.32 Coil:Cooling:WaterToAirHeatPump:EquationFit . . . . . . . . . . . . 1807
16 CONTENTS

1.40.33 Coil:Cooling:WaterToAirHeatPump:VariableSpeedEquationFit . . . . 1812

1.40.34 Coil:Heating:WaterToAirHeatPump:ParameterEstimation . . . . . . 1824
1.40.35 Coil:Heating:WaterToAirHeatPump:EquationFit . . . . . . . . . . . 1827
1.40.36 Coil:Heating:WaterToAirHeatPump:VariableSpeedEquationFit . . . . 1830
1.40.37 Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed:ThermalStorage . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1841
1.40.38 Secondary Coils of DX System and Heat Pump . . . . . . . . . . . . 1873
1.40.39 Secondary DX Coil Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1880
1.41 Group Fans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1881
1.41.1 Fan:ConstantVolume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1882
1.41.2 Fan:OnOff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1884
1.41.3 Fan:VariableVolume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1886
1.41.4 Fan:ZoneExhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1889
1.41.5 FanPerformance:NightVentilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1893
1.41.6 Fan:ComponentModel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1894
1.42 Group – Humidifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1904
1.42.1 Humidifier:Steam:Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1904
1.42.2 Humidifier:Steam:Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1907
1.43 Group Desiccant Dehumidifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1910
1.43.1 Dehumidifier:Desiccant:NoFans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1910
1.43.2 Dehumidifier:Desiccant:System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1916
1.44 Group Energy Management System (EMS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1923
1.44.1 EnergyManagementSystem:Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1923
1.44.2 EnergyManagementSystem:Actuator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1924
1.44.3 EnergyManagementSystem:ProgramCallingManager . . . . . . . . . 1925
1.44.4 EnergyManagementSystem:Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1928
1.44.5 EnergyManagementSystem:Subroutine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1929
1.44.6 EnergyManagementSystem:GlobalVariable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1930
1.44.7 EnergyManagementSystem:OutputVariable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1930
1.44.8 EnergyManagementSystem:MeteredOutputVariable, . . . . . . . . . 1931
1.44.9 EnergyManagementSystem:TrendVariable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1935
1.44.10 EnergyManagementSystem:InternalVariable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1935
1.44.11 EnergyManagementSystem:CurveOrTableIndexVariable . . . . . . . . 1936
1.44.12 EnergyManagementSystem:ConstructionIndexVariable . . . . . . . . 1937
1.45 Group ExternalInterface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1937
1.45.1 ExternalInterface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1938
1.45.2 Building Controls Virtual Test Bed (BCVTB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1938
1.45.3 ExternalInterface:Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1938
1.45.4 ExternalInterface:Actuator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1939
1.45.5 ExternalInterface:Variable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1940
1.45.6 Functional Mock-up Unit (FMU) Import . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1940
1.45.7 ExternalInterface:FunctionalMockupUnitImport . . . . . . . . . . . . 1940
1.45.8 ExternalInterface:FunctionalMockupUnitImport:From:Variable . . . . 1941
1.45.9 ExternalInterface:FunctionalMockupUnitImport:To:Schedule . . . . . 1942
1.45.10 ExternalInterface:FunctionalMockupUnitImport:To:Actuator . . . . . 1943
1.45.11 ExternalInterface:FunctionalMockupUnitImport:To:Variable . . . . . 1945
CONTENTS 17

1.45.12 Functional Mock-up Unit (FMU) Export . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1945

1.45.13 ExternalInterface:FunctionalMockupUnitExport:From:Variable . . . . 1946
1.45.14 ExternalInterface:FunctionalMockupUnitExport:To:Schedule . . . . . 1946
1.45.15 ExternalInterface:FunctionalMockupUnitExport:To:Actuator . . . . . 1947
1.45.16 ExternalInterface:FunctionalMockupUnitExport:To:Variable . . . . . 1948
1.46 Group User Defined HVAC and Plant Component Models . . . . . . . . . . 1949
1.46.1 ZoneHVAC:ForcedAir:UserDefined . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1949
1.46.2 AirTerminal:SingleDuct:UserDefined . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1951
1.46.3 Coil:UserDefined . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1954
1.46.4 PlantComponent:UserDefined . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1956
1.46.5 PlantEquipmentOperation:UserDefined . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1960
1.47 Group System Availability Managers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1961
1.47.1 AvailabilityManager:Scheduled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1962
1.47.2 AvailabilityManager:ScheduledOn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1963
1.47.3 AvailabilityManager:ScheduledOff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1964
1.47.4 AvailabilityManager:NightCycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1965
1.47.5 AvailabilityManager:DifferentialThermostat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1966
1.47.6 AvailabilityManager:HighTemperatureTurnOff . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1967
1.47.7 AvailabilityManager:HighTemperatureTurnOn . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1968
1.47.8 AvailabilityManager:LowTemperatureTurnOff . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1968
1.47.9 AvailabilityManager:LowTemperatureTurnOn . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1969
1.47.10 AvailabilityManager:NightVentilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1970
1.47.11 AvailabilityManager:HybridVentilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1971
1.47.12 AvailabilityManager:OptimumStart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1975
1.48 Group Setpoint Managers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1978
1.48.1 SetpointManager:Scheduled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1980
1.48.2 SetpointManager:Scheduled:DualSetpoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1981
1.48.3 SetpointManager:OutdoorAirReset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1982
1.48.4 SetpointManager:SingleZone:Reheat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1984
1.48.5 SetpointManager:SingleZone:Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1985
1.48.6 SetpointManager:SingleZone:Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1986
1.48.7 SetpointManager:SingleZone:Humidity:Minimum . . . . . . . . . . . 1987
1.48.8 SetpointManager:SingleZone:Humidity:Maximum . . . . . . . . . . . 1988
1.48.9 SetpointManager:MixedAir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1989
1.48.10 SetpointManager:OutdoorAirPretreat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1991
1.48.11 SetpointManager:Warmest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1993
1.48.12 SetpointManager:Coldest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1995
1.48.13 SetpointManager:ReturnAirBypassFlow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1996
1.48.14 SetpointManager:WarmestTemperatureFlow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1997
1.48.15 SetpointManager:MultiZone:Cooling:Average . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1999
1.48.16 SetpointManager:MultiZone:Heating:Average . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2000
1.48.17 SetpointManager:MultiZone:MinimumHumidity:Average . . . . . . . 2001
1.48.18 SetpointManager:MultiZone:MaximumHumidity:Average . . . . . . . 2002
1.48.19 SetpointManager:MultiZone:Humidity:Minimum . . . . . . . . . . . . 2003
1.48.20 SetpointManager:MultiZone:Humidity:Maximum . . . . . . . . . . . 2004
18 CONTENTS

1.48.21 SetpointManager:FollowOutdoorAirTemperature . . . . . . . . . . . 2006

1.48.22 SetpointManager:FollowSystemNodeTemperature . . . . . . . . . . . 2007
1.48.23 SetpointManager:FollowGroundTemperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2008
1.48.24 SetpointManager:CondenserEnteringReset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2009
1.48.25 SetpointManager:CondenserEnteringReset:Ideal . . . . . . . . . . . . 2011
1.48.26 SetpointManager:SingleZone:OneStageCooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2012
1.48.27 SetpointManager:SingleZoneOneStageHeating . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2013
1.48.28 SetpointManager:ReturnTemperature:ChilledWater . . . . . . . . . . 2014
1.48.29 SetpointManager:ReturnTemperature:HotWater . . . . . . . . . . . . 2016
1.49 Group Controllers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2018
1.49.1 Controls (Air Loop and Zone Equipment) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2018
1.49.2 Controller:WaterCoil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2018
1.49.3 Controller:OutdoorAir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2020
1.49.4 Controller:MechanicalVentilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2029
1.49.5 ZoneHVAC:EnergyRecoveryVentilator:Controller . . . . . . . . . . . 2032
1.50 Group Evaporative Coolers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2036
1.50.1 EvaporativeCooler:Direct:CelDekPad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2036
1.50.2 EvaporativeCooler:Direct:ResearchSpecial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2040
1.50.3 EvaporativeCooler:Indirect:CelDekPad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2045
1.50.4 EvaporativeCooler:Indirect:WetCoil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2049
1.50.5 EvaporativeCooler:Indirect:ResearchSpecial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2054
1.51 Group Heat Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2061
1.51.1 HeatExchanger:AirToAir:FlatPlate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2061
1.51.2 HeatExchanger:AirToAir:SensibleAndLatent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2065
1.51.3 HeatExchanger:Desiccant:BalancedFlow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2074
1.51.4 HeatExchanger:Desiccant:BalancedFlow:PerformanceDataType1 . . . 2079
1.52 Group Demand Limiting Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2087
1.52.1 DemandManagerAssignmentList . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2088
1.52.2 DemandManager:ExteriorLights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2091
1.52.3 DemandManager:Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2092
1.52.4 DemandManager:ElectricEquipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2094
1.52.5 DemandManager:Thermostats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2096
1.52.6 DemandManager:Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2097
1.52.7 DemandManager:Ventilation Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2099
1.53 Group – Electric Load Center-Generator Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . 2099
1.53.1 ElectricLoadCenter:Transformer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2100
1.53.2 ElectricLoadCenter:Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2106
1.53.3 ElectricLoadCenter:Generators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2116
1.53.4 ElectricLoadCenter:Inverter:Simple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2118
1.53.5 ElectricLoadCenter:Inverter:FunctionOfPower . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2119
1.53.6 ElectricLoadCenter:Inverter:LookUpTable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2121
1.53.7 ElectricLoadCenter:Storage:Converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2124
1.53.8 Electric Load Center Converter Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2125
1.53.9 ElectricLoadCenter:Storage:Simple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2127
1.53.10 ElectricLoadCenter:Storage: Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2129
CONTENTS 19

1.53.11 ElectricLoadCenter: Storage:Battery Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2133

1.53.12 Generator:InternalCombustionEngine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2135
1.53.13 Generator:CombustionTurbine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2141
1.53.14 Generator:MicroTurbine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2147
1.53.15 Generator:MicroCHP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2158
1.53.16 Generator:MicroCHP:NonNormalizedParameters . . . . . . . . . . . 2159
1.53.17 Generator:FuelCell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2166
1.53.18 Generator:FuelCell:PowerModule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2175
1.53.19 Generator:FuelCell:StackCooler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2180
1.53.20 Generator:FuelCell:AirSupply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2182
1.53.21 Generator:FuelCell:WaterSupply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2185
1.53.22 Generator:FuelCell:AuxiliaryHeater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2187
1.53.23 Generator:FuelCell:ElectricalStorage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2192
1.53.24 Generator:FuelCell:Inverter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2193
1.53.25 Generator:FuelSupply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2194
1.53.26 Photovoltaic Generators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2196
1.53.27 Generator:Photovoltaic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2197
1.53.28 PhotovoltaicPerformance:Simple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2199
1.53.29 PhotovoltaicPerformance:EquivalentOne-Diode . . . . . . . . . . . . 2200
1.53.30 PhotovoltaicPerformance:Sandia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2205
1.53.31 Generator:WindTurbine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2209
1.54 Group Water Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2215
1.54.1 WaterUse:Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2217
1.54.2 WaterUse:Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2222
1.54.3 WaterUse:Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2227
1.54.4 WaterUse:RainCollector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2231
1.54.5 WaterUse:Well . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2232
1.55 Group - Operational Faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2234
1.55.1 Introduction to Operational Faults Modeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2234
1.55.2 Operational Fault Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2235
1.55.3 FaultModel:TemperatureSensorOffset:OutdoorAir . . . . . . . . . . . 2235
1.55.4 FaultModel:HumiditySensorOffset:OutdoorAir . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2236
1.55.5 FaultModel:EnthalpySensorOffset:OutdoorAir . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2237
1.55.6 FaultModel:TemperatureSensorOffset:ReturnAir . . . . . . . . . . . . 2238
1.55.7 FaultModel:EnthalpySensorOffset:ReturnAir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2239
1.55.8 FaultModel:Fouling:Coil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2239
1.55.9 FaultModel:ThermostatOffset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2241
1.55.10 FaultModel:HumidistatOffset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2242
1.55.11 An example of IDF codes for the thermostat/humidistat offset fault
models: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2243
1.55.12 FaultModel:Fouling:AirFilter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2243
1.55.13 An example of IDF codes for the fouling air filter fault models: . . . 2244
1.56 Group - Performance Curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2245
1.56.1 Curve:Linear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2245
1.56.2 Curve:QuadLinear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2247
20 CONTENTS

1.56.3 Curve:Quadratic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2251

1.56.4 Curve:Cubic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2252
1.56.5 Curve:Quartic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2254
1.56.6 Curve:Exponent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2256
1.56.7 Curve:Bicubic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2258
1.56.8 Curve:Biquadratic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2261
1.56.9 Curve:CubicLinear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2263
1.56.10 Curve:ChillerPartLoadCustom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2265
1.56.11 Curve:QuadraticLinear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2268
1.56.12 Curve:Triquadratic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2270
1.56.13 Curve:Functional:PressureDrop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2274
1.56.14 Curve:FanPressureRise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2276
1.56.15 Curve:ExponentialSkewNormal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2278
1.56.16 Curve:Sigmoid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2279
1.56.17 Curve:RectangularHyperbola1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2281
1.56.18 Curve:RectangularHyperbola2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2282
1.56.19 Curve:ExponentialDecay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2284
1.56.20 Curve:DoubleExponentialDecay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2286
1.57 Group Performance Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2287
1.57.1 Table:OneIndependentVariable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2288
1.57.2 Table:TwoIndependentVariables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2291
1.57.3 Lookup Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2296
1.57.4 Table:MultiVariableLookup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2296
1.57.5 Data Input Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2303
1.57.6 Lookup Table Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2308
1.58 Group Fluid Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2308
1.58.1 FluidProperties:Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2309
1.58.2 FluidProperties:GlycolConcentration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2310
1.58.3 FluidProperties:Temperatures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2311
1.58.4 FluidProperties:Saturated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2311
1.58.5 FluidProperties:Superheated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2312
1.58.6 Glycol Fluid Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2313
1.58.7 FluidProperties:Concentration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2313

2 HVAC Template Objects 2315

2.1 HVACTemplate Processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2315
2.2 Group – HVAC Templates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2316
2.2.1 HVACTemplate:Thermostat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2320
2.2.2 HVACTemplate:Zone:IdealLoadsAirSystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2321
2.2.3 HVACTemplate:Zone:BaseboardHeat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2327
2.2.4 HVACTemplate:Zone:FanCoil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2329
2.2.5 HVACTemplate:Zone:PTAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2335
2.2.6 HVACTemplate:Zone:PTHP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2342
2.2.7 HVACTemplate:Zone:WaterToAirHeatPump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2351
2.2.8 HVACTemplate:Zone:VRF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2360
CONTENTS 21

2.2.9 HVACTemplate:Zone:Unitary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2367

2.2.10 HVACTemplate:Zone:VAV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2371
2.2.11 HVACTemplate:Zone:VAV:FanPowered . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2379
2.2.12 HVACTemplate:Zone:VAV:HeatAndCool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2386
2.2.13 HVACTemplate:Zone:ConstantVolume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2391
2.2.14 HVACTemplate:Zone:DualDuct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2396
2.2.15 HVACTemplate:System:VRF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2401
2.2.16 HVACTemplate:System:Unitary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2408
2.2.17 HVACTemplate:System:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir . . . . . . . . . 2417
2.2.18 HVACTemplate:System:UnitarySystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2428
2.2.19 HVACTemplate:System:VAV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2443
2.2.20 HVACTemplate:System:PackagedVAV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2455
2.2.21 HVACTemplate:System:ConstantVolume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2467
2.2.22 HVACTemplate:System:DualDuct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2480
2.2.23 HVACTemplate:System:DedicatedOutdoorAir . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2497
2.2.24 HVACTemplate:Plant:ChilledWaterLoop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2508
2.2.25 HVACTemplate:Plant:Chiller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2515
2.2.26 HVACTemplate:Plant:Chiller:ObjectReference . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2517
2.2.27 HVACTemplate:Plant:Tower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2518
2.2.28 HVACTemplate:Plant:Tower:ObjectReference . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2521
2.2.29 HVACTemplate:Plant:HotWaterLoop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2521
2.2.30 HVACTemplate:Plant:Boiler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2526
2.2.31 HVACTemplate:Plant:Boiler:ObjectReference . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2528
2.2.32 HVACTemplate:Plant:MixedWaterLoop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2529

3 EnergyPlus Economics 2534

3.1 Group – Economics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2534
3.2 Introduction to Economics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2535
3.3 Conceptual Framework – Variables and Hierarchy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2536
3.4 UtilityCost:Tariff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2537
3.4.1 Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2538
3.5 UtilityCost:Qualify . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2543
3.5.1 Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2543
3.6 UtilityCost:Charge:Simple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2544
3.6.1 Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2545
3.7 UtilityCost:Charge:Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2546
3.7.1 Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2546
3.8 UtilityCost:Ratchet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2548
3.8.1 Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2549
3.9 UtilityCost:Variable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2550
3.9.1 Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2550
3.10 UtilityCost:Computation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2551
3.10.1 Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2551
3.11 UtilityCost:Tariff Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2551
3.12 UtilityCost:Tariff Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2561
22 CONTENTS

3.13 Economic Results Summary Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2561

3.14 Complex Tariff Modeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2562
3.15 Cost Estimating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2566
3.15.1 ComponentCost:LineItem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2566
3.15.2 ComponentCost:Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2571
3.15.3 ComponentCost:Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2572
3.15.4 Economics Cost Estimate Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2573
3.16 Life-Cycle Costing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2575
3.17 LifeCycleCost:Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2576
3.17.1 Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2576
3.18 LifeCycleCost:RecurringCosts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2580
3.18.1 Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2580
3.19 LifeCycleCost:NonrecurringCost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2582
3.19.1 Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2582
3.20 LifeCycleCost:UsePriceEscalation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2584
3.20.1 Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2584
3.21 LifeCycleCost:UseAdjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2586
3.21.1 Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2586

4 Parametric Objects 2589

4.1 Group – Parametrics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2589
4.1.1 Expressions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2590
4.1.2 Processing Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2590
4.1.3 Parametric:SetValueForRun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2590
4.1.4 Parametric:Logic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2591
4.1.5 Parametric:RunControl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2596
4.1.6 Parametric:FileNameSuffix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2596

5 Input for Output 2597

5.1 Group – Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2597
5.1.1 Variable Dictionary Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2597
5.1.2 Surface Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2598
5.1.3 Output:Surfaces:List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2598
5.1.4 Output:Surfaces:Drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2599
5.1.5 Output:Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2601
5.1.6 Output:Constructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2601
5.1.7 Output:DaylightFactors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2602
5.1.8 Output:EnergyManagementSystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2602
5.1.9 OutputControl:SurfaceColorScheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2603
5.1.10 OutputControl:ReportingTolerances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2604
5.1.11 Output:Variable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2605
5.1.12 Output:Meter and Output:Meter:MeterFileOnly . . . . . . . . . . . . 2606
5.1.13 Output:Meter:Cumulative and Output:Meter:Cumulative:MeterFile-
Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2606
5.1.14 Output:EnvironmentalImpactFactors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2610
CONTENTS 23

5.1.15 EnvironmentalImpactFactors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2611

5.1.16 FuelFactors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2612
5.1.17 Output:SQLite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2641

6 Output 2642
6.1 Using ReadVarsESO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2643
6.1.1 Creating Charts and Spreadsheet files from Output Variables . . . . 2643

7 Standard Output Reports 2647

7.1 Output:Table:TimeBins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2647
7.1.1 Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2647
7.2 Output:Table:Monthly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2648
7.2.1 Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2649
7.3 Output:Table:Annual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2651
7.3.1 Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2651
7.4 Output:Table:SummaryReports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2654
7.4.1 Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2654
7.5 OutputControl:Table:Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2682
7.5.1 Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2682

8 Weather Data 2684

8.1 Missing Weather File Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2684
8.2 Weather Data Hourly Interpolation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2685
8.3 Weather File Data Reporting (errors) during Simulation . . . . . . . . . . . 2686

9 Running EnergyPlus 2688

9.1 Energy+.ini . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2688
9.2 Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2689
9.3 EnergyPlus Execution Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2692
9.3.1 Reducing Run Time Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2692

10 Appendix A. Units and Abbreviations 2694

10.1 Standard EnergyPlus Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2694
10.1.1 Standard Temperature and Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2694
10.2 Standard EnergyPlus Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2694
Chapter 1

Input-Output Reference

This document is intended to be an encyclopedic reference for the EnergyPlus Input Data
Dictionary (IDD), Input Data File (IDF) and potential resultant outputs (various output
files).
The following descriptions are “grouped” by the elements in the IDD (ref: Getting Started
Document and the IDD Conventions). In some cases, the descriptions of reporting will be
done for an object (e.g., Lighting electrical consumption or thermal comfort value for a group
of people) and in some cases for the entire group (e.g., ambient condition reports).

1.1 What’s different about EnergyPlus Input and Out-

put?
The usual procedure for non-interactive programs is to process all the input necessary to “do
the job”, perform the actions required by the input, and somewhere along the way produce
reports on the actions. Usually, there will be error messages on incorrect input statements
and/or incorrect conditions detected during processing. Usually, the input is echoed in its
entirety so that the context of errors is shown clearly.
Results are typically output into reports as well as a compilation of various inputs refor-
matted into different groupings than were originally entered (defaults filled in, etc.)
EnergyPlus does all the above. However, some nuances are different from the usual
actions.

1.1.1 EnergyPlus Input Processing

1) EnergyPlus reads the data dictionary (Energy+.idd) and the input data file (in.idf)
prior to doing anything else. Only after this is done does processing start. HOWEVER, the
input processor only knows as much as the data dictionary has told it. It knows which fields
should be alpha and which should be numeric. All of this information (including the IDD)
is echoed to the audit file (audit.out) in case errors occur. Most of the errors show up (out
of context) in the standard error file (eplusout.err) – there might be enough information to
decipher where the error is or you may have to look at the more inclusive audit file. Invalid
numeric fields are detected during this processing and default numeric fields are filled. For

24
1.1. WHAT’S DIFFERENT ABOUT ENERGYPLUS INPUT AND OUTPUT? 25

more information on the IDD, its structure and implications, please see the IDD Conventions
discussion below.
2) The biggest difference between EnergyPlus and more traditional input processing is
that EnergyPlus is modular in its actual filling in the details for the simulation. Because of
the modular structure of EnergyPlus, each module is responsible for “getting” its own input.
It receives this input from the input processor in the form of alpha and numeric fields. Each
module typically gets all its input the first time it is called. The implication for the user is
that error messages may show up in somewhat peculiar places. A further implication is that
no order is needed in the input data file! Data that is not needed by a particular simulation
is not processed.
3) The data dictionary has the capability to do “automatic” range checking on numeric
fields as well as fill in numeric defaults. Both filling in defaults and “automatic” range
checking are done when the data is read. Other checks may need a combination of fields and
won’t be done until the data is “processed” (after the simulation starts).
4) A couple of other differences that might not be true in other programs: Blanks are
significant in alpha fields SO DesignDay is not the same as Design Day (1 space between De-
sign and Day) nor Design Day (2 spaces between Design and Day). Alpha objects, however,
are case insensitive SO DesignDay is the same as ‘designday’ or ‘SizingPeriod:DesignDay’.

1.1.2 General Input Rules

Rules shown here are for the input data files. Rules about the Input Data Dictionary are
shown in the Interface Developer’s Guide (there is much similarity and overlap) but most
users don’t need to touch the IDD (Input Data Dictionary).
The input data file is the primary file that EnergyPlus uses to create the building simu-
lation. The only additional files are referenced by certain objects (such as the Schedule:File
object). The input is order-independent; data can appear in any order and will be retrieved
and sorted as necessary by the EnergyPlus simulation modules. In addition, EnergyPlus
allocates everything dynamically, so there are no limitations as to number of zones, surfaces,
etc.

• The initial line of an input object MUST have a comma or semicolon.

• Fields do not extend over line boundaries. Usually, if a comma or (as appropriate)
semi-colon is not the last field value on a line, one will be inserted. Of course, several
fields may appear on a single line as long as they are comma separated. (And the last
could be followed by a semi-colon).

• Commas delimit fields – therefore, no fields can have embedded commas. No error
will occur but you won’t get what you want. You cannot surround a field with “ to
accommodate commas in the fields.

• Blank lines are allowed.

• The comment character is a exclamation “!”. Anything on a line after the exclamation
is ignored.
26 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• Input records (aka input line length) can be up to 500 characters in length. If you go
over that, no error will occur but you won’t get what you want.

• Each Alpha string in the input data file (aka alpha field length) can be up to 100
characters in length. Anything beyond that is truncated. This would apply to all
names (such as zone name, node name, schedule name) in fields.

• Each Alpha string (including Section and Class/Object keywords) is mapped to

UPPER case during processing, unless the “retaincase” flag marks the field in the
IDD. Get routines from the EnergyPlus code that use the Section and Object
keywords automatically map to UPPER case for finding the item. The primary
drawback with this is that error messages coming out of the input processor will be in
UPPER case and may not appear exactly as input.

• Special characters, such as tabs, should NOT be included in the file. However, tabs
can be accommodated and are turned into spaces.

• All numbers can be flexibly input and are processed into single precision variables
(i.e. 1.0, 1.000, 1, .1E+1 are all processed equally).

1.1.3 EnergyPlus Output Processing

1. Unlike the usual formatted output text formatted reports, EnergyPlus usual output
is either at the summary or at the detailed (variable) level. Summary reports exist
for many inputs as well as sizing results. The more detailed variable level reporting
is produced as “stream of consciousness” (as the simulation happens) and must be
post-processed for more sensible viewing. Note that the terms “output variable” and
“output variable” (accessed by the Output:Variable and/or Output:Meter objects) are
used interchangably in this document.

2. Most EnergyPlus reporting can be readily viewed in current spreadsheet programs

– or other software that can process “delimited variable” reports. In these kind of
reports, each “column” is separated from the next by a “delimiter”. Typical delimiters
are “comma” and “tab”. Gradually, EnergyPlus reporting is moving from all comma
separated reports to allow the user to select the delimiter via “style” objects.

3. Styled reports allow for more selectable output reporting but also increase the number
of output files as we have chosen to create the report names with extensions that typify
the actual reporting. Depending on the reporting, these can be:

• Tab – reports with a .tab extension have tabs as the delimiter. These report
files (directly from EnergyPlus) will be named something like “eplus<xxx>.tab”
where the <xxx> is a short name of the kind of report (e.g. Zsz for Zone Sizing,
Map for Daylighting Map)
• Csv – reports with a .csv extension have commas as the delimiter. These are
also specially formatted for use in spreadsheets (such as the compilation of results
1.2. IDD CONVENTIONS 27

from the eplusout.eso file into the eplusout.csv file using the default post-processor
program).
• Txt – reports with a .txt extension have spaces as the “delimiter” but only certain
of these are really formatted the way you might expect: where multiple spaces
make printing with a non-proportional font would produce readable output.
• Html – reports with a .html extension are “web-browser” ready.

1.2 IDD Conventions

The following is a basic description of the structure of the IDD (it’s actually taken directly
from the IDD file). As noted within, ! signifies a comment character as does the \. \ has
also been adopted as a convention for including more specific comments about each field in
an object. These have been used with success in the IDFEditor and it is hoped the flexibility
will provide other interface developers with useful information.
!IDD_Version ** VERSION NUMBER **
! **************************************************************************
! This file is the Input Data Dictionary (IDD) for EnergyPlus.
! The IDD defines the syntax and data model for each type of input "Object ."
! Lines in EnergyPlus input files (and IDD) are limited to 500 characters.
!
! Object Description
! ------------------
! To define an object (a record with data), develop a key word that is unique
! Each data item to the object can be A (Alphanumeric string) or N (numeric)
! Number each A and N. This will show how the data items will be put into the
! arrays that are passed to the Input Processor "Get" (GetObjectItem) routines.
! All alpha fields are limited to 100 characters. Numeric fields should be
! valid numerics (can include such as 1.0E+05) and are placed into double
! precision variables.
!
! NOTE: Even though a field may be optional , a comma representing that field
! must be included (unless it is the last field in the object). Since the
! entire input is "field -oriented" and not "keyword -oriented", the EnergyPlus
! Input Processor must have some representation (even if blank) for each
! field.
!
! Object Documentation
! --------------------
! In addition , the following special comments appear one per line and
! most are followed by a value. Comments may apply to a field or the object
! or a group of objects.
!
! Field -level comments:
!
! \field Name of field
! (should be succinct and readable , blanks are encouraged)
!
! \note Note describing the field and its valid values. If multiple lines ,
! start each line with \note. Limit line length to 100 characters.
!
! \required -field To flag fields which may not be left blank
! (this comment has no "value ")
!
! \begin -extensible Marks the first field at which the object accepts an extensible
! field set. A fixed number of fields from this marker define the
! extensible field set , see the object code \extensible for
! more information.
!
! \units Units (must be from EnergyPlus standard units list)
28 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

! EnergyPlus units are standard SI units

!
! \ip -units IP -Units (for use by input processors with IP units)
! This is only used if the default conversion is not
! appropriate.
!
! \unitsBasedOnField For fields that may have multiple possible units , indicates
! the field in the object that can be used to determine
! the units. The field reference is in the A2 form.
!
! \minimum Minimum that includes the following value
!
! \minimum > Minimum that must be > than the following value
!
! \maximum Maximum that includes the following value
!
! \maximum < Maximum that must be < than the following value
!
! \default Default for the field (if N/A then omit entire line)
!
! \deprecated This field is not really used and will be deleted from the object.
! The required information is gotten internally or
! not needed by the program.
!
! \autosizable Flag to indicate that this field can be used with the Auto
! Sizing routines to produce calculated results for the
! field. If a value follows this , then that will be used
! when the "Autosize" feature is flagged. To trigger
! autosizing for a field , enter Autosize as the field 's
! value. Only applicable to numeric fields.
!
! \autocalculatable Flag to indicate that this field can be automatically
! calculated. To trigger auto calculation for a field , enter
! Autocalculate as the field 's value. Only applicable to
! numeric fields.
!
! \type Type of data for the field -
! integer
! real
! alpha (arbitrary string),
! choice (alpha with specific list of choices , see
! \key)
! object -list (link to a list of objects defined elsewhere ,
! see \object -list and \reference)
! external -list (uses a special list from an external source ,
! see \external -list)
! node (name used in connecting HVAC components)
!
! \retaincase Retains the alphabetic case for alpha type fields
!
! \key Possible value for "\ type choice" (blanks are significant)
! use multiple \key lines to indicate all valid choices
!
! \object -list Name of a list of user -provided object names that are valid
! entries for this field (used with "\ reference ")
! see Zone and BuildingSurface:Detailed objects below for
! examples.
! ** Note that a field may have multiple \object -list commands.
!
! \external -list The values for this field should be selected from a special
! list generated outside of the IDD file. The choices for the
! special lists are:
! autoRDDvariable
! autoRDDmeter
! autoRDDvariableMeter
! When one of these are selected the options for the field
! are taken from the RDD or MDD file or both.
!
1.2. IDD CONVENTIONS 29

! \reference Name of a list of names to which this object belongs

! used with "\ type object -list" and with "\object -list"
! see Zone and BuildingSurface:Detailed objects below for
! examples:
!
! Zone ,
! A1 , \field Name
! \type alpha
! \reference ZoneNames
!
! BuildingSurface:Detailed ,
! A4 , \field Zone Name
! \note Zone the surface is a part of
! \type object -list
! \object -list ZoneNames
!
! For each zone , the field "Name" may be referenced
! by other objects , such as BuildingSurface:Detailed , so it is
! commented with "\ reference ZoneNames"
! Fields that reference a zone name , such as BuildingSurface:Detailed 's
! "Zone Name", are commented as
! "\ type object -list" and "\object -list ZoneNames"
! ** Note that a field may have multiple \reference commands.
! ** This is useful if the object belongs to a small specific
! object -list as well as a larger more general object -list.
!
! Object -level comments:
!
! \memo Memo describing the object. If multiple lines , start each line
! with \memo.
! Limit line length to 100 characters.
!
! \unique -object To flag objects which should appear only once in an idf
! (this comment has no "value ")
!
! \required -object To flag objects which are required in every idf
! (this comment has no "value ")
!
! \min -fields Minimum number of fields that should be included in the
! object. If appropriate , the Input Processor will fill
! any missing fields with defaults (for numeric fields).
! It will also supply that number of fields to the "get"
! routines using blanks for alpha fields (note -- blanks
! may not be allowable for some alpha fields).
!
! \obsolete This object has been replaced though is kept (and is read)
! in the current version. Please refer to documentation as
! to the dispersal of the object. If this object is
! encountered in an IDF , the InputProcessor will post an
! appropriate message to the error file.
! usage: \obsolete New = >[New object name]
!
! \extensible :<\#> This object is dynamically extensible -- meaning , if you
! change the IDD appropriately (if the object has a simple list
! structure -- just add items to the list arguments (i.e. BRANCH
! LIST). These will be automatically redimensioned and used during
! the simulation. <\#> should be entered by the developer to signify
! how many of the last fields are needed to be extended (and EnergyPlus
! will attempt to auto -extend the object). The first field of the first
! instance of the extensible field set is marked with \begin -extensible.
!
! \begin -extensible See previous item , marks beginning of extensible fields in
! an object.
!
! \format The object should have a special format when saved in
! the IDF Editor with the special format option enabled.
! The options include SingleLine , Vertices , CompactSchedule ,
! FluidProperties , ViewFactors , and Spectral.
30 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

! The SingleLine option puts all the fields for the object
! on a single line. The Vertices option is used in objects
! that use X, Y and Z fields to format those three fields
! on a single line.
! The CompactSchedule formats that specific object.
! The FluidProperty option formats long lists of fluid
! properties to ten values per line.
! The ViewFactor option formats three fields related to
! view factors per line.
! The Spectral option formats the four fields related to
! window glass spectral data per line.
!
! \reference -class -name Adds the name of the class to the reference list
! similar to \reference.
!
! Group -level comments:
!
! \group Name for a group of related objects
!
!
! Notes on comments
! -----------------
!
! 1. If a particular comment is not applicable (such as units , or default)
! then simply omit the comment rather than indicating N/A.
!
! 2. Memos and notes should be brief (recommend 5 lines or less per block).
! More extensive explanations are expected to be in the user documentation

1.2.1 IDD – IP Units

In addition, the IDD contains indications of IP (inch-pound) units for the EnergyPlus stan-
dard SI (Systems International) units. These may be used by input and output interfaces to
display values in the IP system. As noted, if the IP units are “standard” (first block below),
then no \ip-units is expected in the field. Note that for some fields – due to their multiple
use (for example, schedule values) – there cannot be a ip-unit designation.
! Default IP conversions (no \ip -units necessary)
! $/(m3/s) = > $/(ft3/min) 0.000472000059660808
! $/(W/K) = > $/(Btu/h-F) 0.52667614683731
! $/kW = > $/( kBtuh/h) 0.293083235638921
! $/m2 = > $/ft2 0.0928939733269818
! $/m3 = > $/ft3 0.0283127014102352
! (kg/s)/W = > (lbm/sec)/(Btu/hr) 0.646078115385742
! 1/K = > 1/F 0.555555555555556
! 1/m = > 1/ft 0.3048
! A/K = > A/F 0.555555555555556
! C = > F 1.8 (plus 32)
! cm = > in 0.3937
! cm2 = > inch2 0.15500031000062
! deltaC = > deltaF 1.8
! deltaJ/kg = > deltaBtu/lb 0.0004299
! g/GJ = > lb/MWh 0.00793664091373665
! g/kg = > grains/lb 7
! g/MJ = > lb/MWh 7.93664091373665
! g/mol = > lb/mol 0.0022046
! g/m-s = > lb/ft -s 0.000671968949659
! g/m-s-K = > lb/ft -s-F 0.000373574867724868
! GJ = > ton -hrs 78.9889415481832
! J = > Wh 0.000277777777777778
! J/K = > Btu/F 526.565
! J/kg = > Btu/lb 0.00042986
! J/kg -K = > Btu/lb -F 0.000239005736137667
1.2. IDD CONVENTIONS 31

! J/kg -K2 = > Btu/lb -F2 0.000132889924714692

! J/kg -K3 = > Btu/lb -F3 7.38277359526066E-05
! J/m2 -K = > Btu/ft2 -F 4.89224766847393E-05
! J/m3 = > Btu/ft3 2.68096514745308E-05
! J/m3 -K = > Btu/ft3 -F 1.49237004739337E-05
! K = > R 1.8
! K/m = > F/ft 0.54861322767449
! kg = > lb 2.2046
! kg/J = > lb/Btu 2325.83774250441
! kg/kg -K = > lb/lb -F 0.555555555555556
! kg/m = > lb/ft 0.67196893069637
! kg/m2 = > lb/ft2 0.204794053596664
! kg/m3 = > lb/ft3 0.062428
! kg/m-s = > lb/ft -s 0.67196893069637
! kg/m-s-K = > lb/ft -s-F 0.373316072609094
! kg/m-s-K2 = > lb/ft -s-F2 0.207397818116164
! kg/Pa -s-m2 = > lb/psi -s-ft2 1412.00523459398
! kg/s = > lb/s 2.20462247603796
! kg/s2 = > lb/s2 2.2046
! kg/s-m = > lb/s-ft 0.67196893069637
! kJ/kg = > Btu/lb 0.429925
! kPa = > psi 0.145038
! L/day = > pint/day 2.11337629827348
! L/GJ = > gal/kWh 0.000951022349025202
! L/kWh = > pint/kWh 2.11337629827348
! L/MJ = > gal/kWh 0.951022349025202
! lux = > foot -candles 0.092902267
! m = > ft 3.28083989501312
! m/hr = > ft/hr 3.28083989501312
! m/s = > ft/min 196.850393700787
! m/s = > miles/hr 2.2369362920544
! m/yr = > inch/yr 39.3700787401575
! m2 = > ft2 10.7639104167097
! m2/m = > ft2/ft 3.28083989501312
! m2/person = > ft2/person 10.764961
! m2/s = > ft2/s 10.7639104167097
! m2 -K/W = > ft2 -F-hr/Btu 5.678263
! m3 = > ft3 35.3146667214886
! m3 = > gal 264.172037284185
! m3/GJ = > ft3/MWh 127.13292
! m3/hr = > ft3/hr 35.3146667214886
! m3/hr -m2 = > ft3/hr -ft2 3.28083989501312
! m3/hr -person = > ft3/hr -person 35.3146667214886
! m3/kg = > ft3/lb 16.018
! m3/m2 = > ft3/ft2 3.28083989501312
! m3/MJ = > ft3/kWh 127.13292
! m3/person = > ft3/person 35.3146667214886
! m3/s = > ft3/min 2118.88000328931
! m3/s-m = > ft3/min -ft 645.89
! m3/s-m2 = > ft3/min -ft2 196.85
! m3/s-person = > ft3/min -person 2118.6438
! m3/s-W = > (ft3/min)/(Btu/h) 621.099127332943
! N-m = > lbf -in 8.85074900525547
! N-s/m2 = > lbf -s/ft2 0.0208857913669065
! Pa = > psi 0.000145037743897283
! percent/K = > percent/F 0.555555555555556
! person/m2 = > person/ft2 0.0928939733269818
! s/m = > s/ft 0.3048
! V/K = > V/F 0.555555555555556
! W = > Btu/h 3.4121412858518
! W/(m3/s) = > W/(ft3/min) 0.0004719475
! W/K = > Btu/h-F 1.89563404769544
! W/m = > Btu/h-ft 1.04072
! W/m2 = > Btu/h-ft2 0.316957210776545
! W/m2 = > W/ft2 0.09290304
! W/m2 -K = > Btu/h-ft2 -F 0.176110194261872
! W/m2 -K2 = > Btu/h-ft2 -F2 0.097826
! W/m-K = > Btu -in/h-ft2 -F 6.93481276005548
32 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

! W/m-K2 = > Btu/h-F2 -ft 0.321418310071648

! W/m-K3 = > Btu/h-F3 -ft 0.178565727817582
! W/person = > Btu/h-person 3.4121412858518
!
! Other conversions supported (needs the \ip -units code)
!
! kPa = > inHg 0.29523
! m = > in 39.3700787401575
! m3/s = > gal/min 15850.3222370511
! Pa = > ftH2O 0.00033455
! Pa = > inH2O 0.00401463
! Pa = > inHg 0.00029613
! Pa = > Pa 1
! W = > W 1
! W/m2 = > W/m2 1
! W/m-K = > Btu/h-ft -F 0.577796066000163
! W/person = > W/person 1
!
! Units fields that are not translated
! $
! 1/hr
! A
! Ah
! A/V
! Availability
! Control
! cycles/hr
! days
! deg
! dimensionless
! eV
! hr
! J/J
! kg/kg
! kg -H2O/kg -air
! kmol
! kmol/s
! m3/m3
! minutes
! Mode
! ms
! ohms
! percent
! ppm
! rev/min
! s
! V
! VA
! W/m2 or deg C
! W/m2 , W or deg C
! W/s
! W/W
! years
! **************************************************************************

1.3 Input – Output Descriptions (Document)

1.3.1 Input Descriptions
In the descriptions below, the fields for each input object will be described but the En-
ergy+.idd descriptions will not be shown. Refer to the actual Energy+.idd file for complete
specifications. Energy+.idd is a text file that can be viewed with many text editors or word
1.3. INPUT – OUTPUT DESCRIPTIONS (DOCUMENT) 33

processors. The Site:Location object will serve as an example.

Site:Location ,
\unique -object
\min -fields 5
A1 , \field Name
\required -field
\type alpha
N1 , \field Latitude
\units deg
\minimum -90.0
\maximum +90.0
\default 0.0
\note + is North , - is South , degree minutes represented in decimal (i.e. 30 minutes is
.5)
\type real
N2 , \field Longitude
\units deg
\minimum -180.0
\maximum +180.0
\default 0.0
\note - is West , + is East , degree minutes represented in decimal (i.e. 30 minutes is .5)
\type real
N3 , \field Time Zone
\note basic these limits on the WorldTimeZone Map (2003)
\units hr
\minimum -12.0
\maximum +14.0
\default 0.0
\note Time relative to GMT. Decimal hours.
\type real
N4 ; \field Elevation
\units m
\minimum -300.0
\maximum < 8900.0
\default 0.0
\type real

The IDD excerpt above is the complete definition as seen in the IDD file.
First, the object name is given. (Site:Location) This is followed by a comma in both the
definition (IDD) and in an input file (IDF). In fact, all fields except the terminating field of
an IDD class object and IDF object are followed by commas. The final field in an IDD class
object or in an IDF object is terminated by a semi-colon.
Next is an alpha field, the location name. As noted above, for input, spaces are significant
in this field. The main inputs for Site:Location are numeric fields. These are numbered (as
is the alpha field) for convenience. The \ designations will show various information about
the objects as described above in the IDD conventions discussion. Of importance for reading
this document are the units and possible minimum and maximum values for a field.
There is automatic processing of the \minimum, \maximum and \default data for nu-
meric fields. Any infractions of the \minimum, \maximum fields are automatically detected
and messages will appear in the standard error file. After all the input is checked, infractions
will cause program termination (before the bulk of the simulation is completed). Defaults
are also enforced if you leave the numeric field blank.
Some objects need all the parameters listed by the definition; some do not. In the
descriptions that follow, we will try to indicate which parts are optional. Usually, these will
be the last fields in the object input or definition. Even if items are not used for a particular
object (e.g. Multiplier in the FenestrationSurface:Detailed and type = Door), the field must
be included unless it is the last field in the object. So, for this instance, one must include a
34 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

multiplier field (must be numeric and would need to obey any \minimum, \maximum rules)
for doors.
Two spreadsheet files are included with the installation:

• ExampleFiles.xls – shows many details about the included example files including high-
lights of features.

• ExampleFiles-ObjectsLink.xls – shows, for each object, the first three occurrences of

that object in an example file.

1.3.2 Output Descriptions

In the descriptions below, we will endeavor to have each object’s output displayed as well as
each of the outputs described. The output variables for a run are selected by choosing the
Output:VariableDictionary object. This object displays the available output variables for
a run on the eplusout.rdd (regular variables) and eplusout.mdd (meter variables) files.
Two significant styles are available for these displays and the descriptions below may have
one for some objects and another for other objects. The variables are the same but will look
a bit different. For clarity, the two displays are shown below:
Note that the IDF-Editor can interpret both sets of files and assist you in getting output
variables into your input files. But you will have to successfully run your input file first.
The Simple (or regular) display looks like the following figure and is interpreted:
Zone/HVAC – when the output is produced at the “Zone” timestep (ref: number of
timesteps in each hour) or at the “HVAC” aka System timestep (which can vary for each
hour).
Average/Sum – whether this is a averaged value over the reporting period (such as a
temperature or rate) or whether this is a summed value over the reporting period. Reporting
periods are specified in the Output:Variable or Output:Meter objects.
<Variable Name> – The variable name one uses for reporting is displayed (e.g., Site
Outdoor Drybulb Temperature) along with the units (e.g., [C]).
Example from the eplusout.rdd file:

• Zone,Average,Site Outdoor Air Drybulb Temperature [C]

• Zone,Average,Site Outdoor Air Dewpoint Temperature [C]

• Zone,Average,Site Outdoor Air Wetbulb Temperature [C]

• Zone,Average,Site Outdoor Air Humidity Ratio [kgWater/kgAir]

• Zone,Average,Site Outdoor Air Relative Humidity [%]

• Zone,Average,Site Outdoor Air Barometric Pressure [Pa]

• Zone,Average,Wind Speed [m/s]

• Zone,Average,Site Wind Direction [deg]

1.3. INPUT – OUTPUT DESCRIPTIONS (DOCUMENT) 35

• Zone,Average,Site Sky Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Air System Sensible Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Air System Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Air System Sensible Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Air System Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Air Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Thermostat Air Temperature [C]

Note that the eplusout.mdd file is similar, but meters are only available at the Zone
timestep.

• Zone,Meter,Electricity:Facility [J]

• Zone,Meter,ExteriorLights:Electricity [J]

• Zone,Meter,Grounds Lights:ExteriorLights:Electricity [J]

• Zone,Meter,EnergyTransfer:Facility [J]

• Zone,Meter,EnergyTransfer:Building [J]

• Zone,Meter,EnergyTransfer:Zone:R13WALL WALLS [J]

The IDF display has all the same information in an IDF-ready form (i.e., you could copy
and paste it into your input file using a text editor).
Example from the eplusout.rdd file:

• Output:Variable,*,Site Outdoor Air Drybulb Temperature,hourly; !- Zone Average [C]

• Output:Variable,*,Site Outdoor Air Dewpoint Temperature,hourly; !- Zone Average

[C]

• Output:Variable,*,Site Outdoor Air Wetbulb Temperature,hourly; !- Zone Average [C]

• Output:Variable,*,Site Outdoor Air Humidity Ratio,hourly; !- Zone Average [kgWa-

ter/kgAir]

• Output:Variable,*,Site Outdoor Air Relative Humidity,hourly; !- Zone Average [%]

• Output:Variable,*,Site Outdoor Air Barometric Pressure,hourly; !- Zone Average [Pa]

• Output:Variable,*,Zone Air System Sensible Heating Energy,hourly; !- HVAC Sum [J]

• Output:Variable,*,Zone Air System Sensible Cooling Energy,hourly; !- HVAC Sum [J]

36 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• Output:Variable,*,Zone Air System Sensible Heating Rate,hourly; !- HVAC Average

[W]

• Output:Variable,*,Zone Air System Sensible Cooling Rate,hourly; !- HVAC Average

[W]

• Output:Variable,*,Zone Air Temperature,hourly; !- HVAC Average [C]

• Output:Variable,*,Zone Thermostat Air Temperature,hourly; !- HVAC Average [C]

All of the same information appears in a slightly different form and defaults to “hourly”
reporting frequency (which, of course, can be changed when you put it into your input file).
The “*” is preselected so that you would be reporting for all those items.

1.4 Group – Simulation Parameters

This group of objects influences the simulation in various ways.

1.4.1 Version
1.4.1.1 Inputs
1.4.1.1.1 Field: Version Identifier
The Version object allows you to enter the proper version that your IDF was created
for. This is checked against the current version of EnergyPlus and a Severe error issued
(non-terminating) if it does not match the current version string. Note that versions are
often significant and there is no guarantee that the older file will run in the newer versions
of the program. See IDF Version Updater (Auxiliary Programs Document) for methods of
changing the older files to newer versions.

1.4.2 Timestep
1.4.2.1 Inputs
1.4.2.1.1 Field: Number of Timesteps per Hour
The Timestep object specifies the “basic” timestep for the simulation. The value entered
here is usually known as the Zone Timestep. This is used in the Zone Heat Balance Model
calculation as the driving timestep for heat transfer and load calculations. The value entered
here is the number of timesteps to use within an hour. Longer length timesteps have lower
values for Number of Timesteps per Hour. For example a value of 6 entered here directs the
program to use a zone timestep of 10 minutes and a value of 60 means a 1 minute timestep.
The user’s choice for Number of Timesteps per Hour must be evenly divisible into 60; the
allowable choices are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 15, 20, 30, and 60.
The choice made for this field has important implications for modeling accuracy and the
overall time it takes to run a simulation. Here are some considerations when choosing a
value:
1.4. GROUP – SIMULATION PARAMETERS 37

• The solution technique used in EnergyPlus has been designed to be stable with zone
timesteps of up to sixty minutes (Number Timesteps in Hour = 1). However, 60
minutes is considered a “long” timestep and it should only be used in rare occasions
where there is no HVAC system, accuracy is not a concern, and short run times are
critical. Such long timesteps are not recommended to use because simulation results
are more accurate for shorter timesteps, of say 10 minutes or less (Number of Timesteps
per Hour of 6 or more). Shorter zone timesteps improve the numerical solution of the
Zone Heat Balance Model because they improve how models for surface temperature
and zone air temperature are coupled together. Longer timesteps introduce more lag
and lead to more a dampened dynamic response.

• Simulation run time increases with shorter timesteps or larger values for Number of
Timesteps per Hour. The effect varies with the nature of the model. The user can test
out different values on their particular model to understand the implications for his or
her particular case. Sometimes large models with multizone HVAC and Plant systems
execute nearly as fast with 15 minute timesteps as with 60 minute timesteps because
fewer iterations are required in the system modeling since the prior timestep’s results
are close to the final outcome of next timestep.

• The weather data files usually have 60-minute (or hourly) data. However, it does not
follow that this should be used as the basis for choosing the zone timestep because:

• EnergyPlus carefully interpolates the weather data between data points for use at
shorter timesteps. This is discussed in a later section: Weather Data Hourly Interpo-
lation

• Many aspects of a model have time scales that differ from the that of the weather data.
A goal of the modeling is to predict how the building will respond to the weather.
However, the building’s response is not governed by the time scale that the weather
data are available at, but rather the time scales of the dynamic performance of the
thermal envelope as well as things like schedules for internal gains, thermostats, and
equipment availability.

• If the model will include calculating the cost of electricity, then the user should be
aware that many electric utility tariffs base charges on demand windows of a specified
length of time. If the choice of Number of Timesteps per Hour is not consistent with the
demand window, then unexpected results may be obtained. For reasonable prediction
of the maximum rates for electricity use for in calculating demand charges, the length
of the zone timestep needs to be consistent with the tariff’s demand window. The
following table lists what values are consistent with various demand windows.

Demand Window Applicable Number of Timesteps per Hour

QuarterHour 4, 12, 20, or 60
HalfHour 2, 4, 6, 10, 12, 20, 30, or 60
FullHour, Day, Week Any
38 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

There is also second type of timestep inside EnergyPlus that is known as the System
Timestep. This is a variable-length timestep that governs the driving timestep for HVAC
and Plant system modeling. The user cannot directly control the system timestep (except by
use of the ConvergenceLimits object). When the HVAC portion of the simulation begins its
solution for the current zone timestep, it uses the zone timestep as its maximum length but
then can reduce the timestep, as necessary, to improve the solution. The technical details of
the approach are explained in the Engineering Documentation under “Integrated Solution
Manager”.
Users can see the system timestep used if they select the “detailed” frequency option on
an HVAC output variable (e.g. Zone Air Temperature). To contrast, the “Zone” variables
will only be reported on the zone timestep (e.g. Zone Mean Air Temperature).
And, the IDF example:
Timestep , 6; !- Suggested default for most system simulations

Suggested defaults are 4 for non-HVAC simulations, 6 for simulations with HVAC, 20 is
the minimum for ConductionFiniteDifference and HeatAndMoistureFiniteElement simula-
tions. Green roof (ref: Material:RoofVegetation) also may require more timesteps.
Note that hourly data (such as outdoor conditions expressed by Design Days or Weather
data) are interpolated to the Zone Timestep. This is discussed in a later section: Weather
Data Hourly Interpolation

1.4.3 ConvergenceLimits
This item is an “advanced” feature that should be used only with caution. It is specifically
included to assist some users “speed up” calculations while not overly compromising accuracy.
The user must judge for him/herself whether the reduced run time is useful.

1.4.3.1 Inputs
1.4.3.1.1 Field: Minimum System Timestep
Usually the minimum system timestep is allowed to vary from the zone timestep (as
maximum) to a minimum timestep of 1 minute during certain system calculations. This
might be when the system turns on or off, for example. Entering 0 in this field sets the
minimum system timestep to be the same as the zone timestep. Otherwise the units of the
field are minutes. It’s probably a good idea to have any minimum entered be a divisor of
the zone timestep.

1.4.3.1.2 Field: Maximum HVAC Iterations

The HVAC Manager will iterate to a solution or up to a set number of iterations. If not
“converged”, then a warning error appears:
SimHVAC: Maximum iterations (20) exceeded for all HVAC loops , at CHICAGO IL USA TMY2 -94846 WMO# =
725300 , 10/07 14:06 - 14:08

In order to reduce time used in simulating your building, you may choose to enter a lesser
number than the default of 20 for the maximum number of iterations to be used. Or, you may
wish to enter a bigger number for certain buildings. To get more information printed with a
1.4. GROUP – SIMULATION PARAMETERS 39

“max iteration” message, you need to enter a “Output:Diagnostics, DisplayExtraWarnings;”

command (which may also generate other warnings than just this one).

1.4.3.1.3 Field: Minimum Plant Iterations

The plant system modeling includes a solver that iterates within a single HVAC manager
iteration. This input field and the next one provide some control over how the plant solver
iterates. This field sets a minimum threshold for plant interations. The default for this field
is the value “2” which indicates that a minimum of two full plant model interations will be
performed every time plant is called by the HVAC manager. For faster performance with
simple plant systems, this input field could be set to the value “1”. For complicated plant
systems that present difficulties to solve, this value may need to be set higher to ensure
accuracy but at the expense of speed. Complicated plant systems include those with several
interconnected loops, sizing miss-matches such that plant components are starved of flow
compared to their desired flow, heat recovery systems, and thermal load following onsite
generators.

1.4.3.1.4 Field: Maximum Plant Iterations

The plant system solver iterates within a single HVAC manager iteration. This input
field and the previous one provide some control over how the plant model iterates. This field
sets a maximum limit for plant interations. The default for this field is the value “8” which
indicates that the plant solver will exit after having completed eight full iterations. This
value can be raised for better accuracy with complex plants or lowered for faster speed with
simple plants. The output variable called “Plant Solver Sub Iteration Count” (typically
reported at the “detailed” frequency) is useful for understanding how many plant solver
iterations are actually being used during a particular simulation. The lower limit of the
value for this field is “2.”
Use in an IDF:
ConvergenceLimits ,
0, !- Minimum System Timestep (0 = same as zone timestep)
25, !- Maximum HVAC Iterations
3, !- Minimum Plant Iterations
9; !- Maximum Plant Iterations

1.4.4 Building
The Building object describes parameters that are used during the simulation of the building.
There are necessary correlations between the entries for this object and some entries in the
Site:WeatherStation and Site:HeightVariation objects, specifically the Terrain field.

1.4.4.1 Inputs

1.4.4.1.1 Field: Building Name

Building name is specified for output convenience.
40 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.4.4.1.2 Field: North Axis

The Building North Axis is specified relative to true North. Buildings frequently
do not line up with true north. For convenience, one may enter surfaces in a “regular”
coordinate system and then shift them via the use of the North Axis. The value is specified
in degrees from “true north” (clockwise is positive).
The figure below shows how the building north axis can be rotated to correspond with
one of the major axes of an actual building. The relevance of this field is described more
completely under “GlobalGeometryRules”; in particular, the value of “North Axis” is ignored
if a coordinate system other than “relative” is used.

Figure 1.1: Illustration of Building North Axis

1.4.4.1.3 Field: Terrain

1.4. GROUP – SIMULATION PARAMETERS 41

The site’s terrain affects how the wind hits the building – as does the building height. In
addition, the external conduction method usually has its own parameters for the calculation.
Please see the Engineering Documentation, External Conduction section for particulars. The
legal values for this field are shown in the following table.

Table 1.2: Values for “Terrain”

Terrain Type Value Terrain Description

Country Flat, Open Country
Suburbs Rough, Wooded Country, Suburbs
City Towns, city outskirts, center of large cities
Ocean Ocean, Bayou flat country
Urban Urban, Industrial, Forest

1.4.4.1.4 Warmup Convergence

The following two fields along with the minimum and maximum number of warmup days
(also in this object) define the user specified criteria for when EnergyPlus will “converge”
at each environment (each sizing period or run period set as Yes in the SimulationControl
object). EnergyPlus “runs” the first day of the environment (starting with a set of hard-
coded initial conditions: temperatures are initialized to 23C and zone humidity ratios are
initialized to the outdoor humidity ratio) until the loads/temperature convergence tolerance
values are satisfied (next two fields) or until it reaches “maximum number of warmup days”.
Note that setting the convergence tolerance values too loose will cause the program to be
satisifed too early and you may not get the results you expect from the actual simulation.

1.4.4.1.5 Field: Loads Convergence Tolerance Value

This value represents the number at which the loads values must agree before “conver-
gence” is reached. Loads tolerance value is a fraction of the load.

1.4.4.1.6 Field: Temperature Convergence Tolerance Value

This value represents the number at which the zone temperatures must agree (from
previous iteration) before “convergence” is reached. (Units for this field is delta C).
Convergence of the simultaneous heat balance/HVAC solution is reached when either the
loads or temperature criterion is satisfied.
All tolerances have units so the temperature tolerance is in degrees C (or degrees K)
and the loads tolerance is in Watts. Both tolerances work the same way, just one looks at
temperatures and one looks at heating and cooling loads. After the second warm-up day,
the program compares the maximum temperature experienced in a space with the maximum
temperature from the previous day. If those two temperatures are within the tolerance, then
it has passed the first warm-up check.
It does a similar comparison with lowest temperatures experience within all the zones.
If the current simulation day and the previous day values are within the tolerance, then it
42 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

has passed the second warm-up check. Similar things are done with the loads tolerance and
the maximum heating and cooling loads that are experienced within the spaces. Those are
compared individually to the values for the previous day. If they are both in tolerance, then
the simulation has passed the third and fourth warm-up check. The simulation stays in the
warm-up period until ALL FOUR checks have been passed. See Engineering Reference and
Output Details document for further explanation and outputs.
Please note–other “convergence tolerance” inputs are required for certain HVAC equip-
ment (unit ventilator, unit heater, window AC, etc.). The purpose and units of these parame-
ters are different from “load convergence tolerance” and “temperature convergence tolerance”
in the BUILDING object.

1.4.4.1.7 Field: Solar Distribution

Setting this value determines how EnergyPlus treats beam solar radiation and reflectances
from exterior surfaces that strike the building and, ultimately, enter the zone. There are five
choices: MinimalShadowing, FullExterior and FullInteriorAndExterior, FullExte-
riorWithReflections, FullInteriorAndExteriorWithReflections.
MinimalShadowing
In this case, there is no exterior shadowing except from window and door reveals. All
beam solar radiation entering the zone is assumed to fall on the floor, where it is absorbed
according to the floor’s solar absorptance. Any reflected by the floor is added to the trans-
mitted diffuse radiation, which is assumed to be uniformly distributed on all interior surfaces.
If no floor is present in the zone, the incident beam solar radiation is absorbed on all interior
surfaces according to their absorptances. The zone heat balance is then applied at each
surface and on the zone’s air with the absorbed radiation being treated as a flux on the
surface.
FullExterior, FullExteriorWithReflections
In this case, shadow patterns on exterior surfaces caused by detached shading, wings,
overhangs, and exterior surfaces of all zones are computed. As for MinimalShadowing,
shadowing by window and door reveals is also calculated. Beam solar radiation entering
the zone is treated as for MinimalShadowing – All beam solar radiation entering the zone is
assumed to fall on the floor, where it is absorbed according to the floor’s solar absorptance.
Any reflected by the floor is added to the transmitted diffuse radiation, which is assumed to
be uniformly distributed on all interior surfaces. If no floor is present in the zone, the incident
beam solar radiation is absorbed on all interior surfaces according to their absorptances. The
zone heat balance is then applied at each surface and on the zone’s air with the absorbed
radiation being treated as a flux on the surface.
FullInteriorAndExterior, FullInteriorAndExteriorWithReflections
This is the same as FullExterior except that instead of assuming all transmitted beam
solar falls on the floor the program calculates the amount of beam radiation falling on
each surface in the zone, including floor, walls and windows, by projecting the sun’s rays
through the exterior windows, taking into account the effect of exterior shadowing surfaces
and window shading devices.
If this option is used, you should be sure that the surfaces of the zone totally enclose
a space. This can be determined by viewing the eplusout.dxf file with a program like
1.4. GROUP – SIMULATION PARAMETERS 43

AutoDesk’s Volo View Express. You should also be sure that the zone is convex. Examples
of convex and non-convex zones are shown in Figure 1.2. The most common non-convex
zone is an L-shaped zone. (A formal definition of convex is that any straight line passing
through the zone intercepts at most two surfaces.) If the zone’s surfaces do not enclose a
space or if the zone is not convex you should use Solar Distribution = FullExterior instead
of FullInteriorAndExterior.
If you use FullInteriorAndExterior the program will also calculate how much beam
radiation falling on the inside of an exterior window (from other windows in the zone)
is absorbed by the window, how much is reflected back into the zone, and how much is
transmitted to the outside. In this calculation the effect of a shading device, if present, is
accounted for.

Figure 1.2: Illustration of Convex and Non-convex Zones

Reflection calculations
Note: Using the reflection calculations can be very time-consuming. Even error-prone.
As a possible alleviation, you can use the Output:Diagnostics,DoNotMirrorDetachedShading;
in many cases to get past a fatal error.
If using reflections, the program calculates beam and sky solar radiation that is reflected
from exterior surfaces and then strikes the building. These reflecting surfaces fall into three
categories:
1) Shadowing surfaces. These are surfaces like overhangs or neighboring buildings
entered with Shading:Site, Shading:Building, Shading:Site:Detailed, Shading:Building:-
Detailed, Shading:Overhang, Shading:Overhang:Projection, Shading:Fin, Shading:Fin:Pro-
jection or Shading:Zone:Detailed objects. See Figure 1.3.
These surfaces can have diffuse and/or specular (beam-to-beam) reflectance values that
are specified with the ShadingProperty:Reflectance object which specifies those parameters.
They have a default value of .2 for both visible and diffuse reflection.
44 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

2) Exterior building surfaces. In this case one section of the building reflects solar
radiation onto another section (and vice-versa). See Figure 1.4.
The building surfaces are assumed to be diffusely reflecting if they are opaque (walls, for
example) and specularly reflecting if they are windows or glass doors. The reflectance values
for opaque surfaces are calculated by the program from the Solar Absorptance and Visible
Absorptance values of the outer material layer of the surface’s construction (ref: Material
object properties). The reflectance values for windows and glass doors are calculated by the
program from the reflectance properties of the individual glass layers that make up surface’s
construction assuming no shading device is present and taking into account inter-reflections
among the layers (ref: Window Properties).
3) The ground surface. Reflection from the ground is calculated even if reflections
option is not used;l but then the ground plane is considered unobstructed, i.e., the shadowing
of the ground by the building itself or by obstructions such as neighboring buildings is
ignored. Shadowing by the building itself or neighboring buildings is taken into account
when the “with reflections” option is used but then the “view factor to ground” is NOT
used. This is shown in Figure 1.5.

Figure 1.3: Solar reflection from shadowing surfaces. Solid arrows are beam solar radiation;
dashed arrows are diffuse solar radiation. (a) Diffuse reflection of beam solar radiation from
the top of an overhang. (b) Diffuse reflection of sky solar radiation from the top of an
overhang. (c) Beam-to-beam (specular) reflection from the façade of an adjacent highly-
glazed building represented by a vertical shadowing surface.

1.4.4.1.8 Field: Maximum Number of Warmup Days

This field specifies the number of “warmup” days that might be used in the simulation
before “convergence” is achieved. The default number, 25, is usually more than sufficient for
this task; however, some complex buildings (with complex constructions) may require more
days. If you enter less than 25 as a maximum, that is the number of maximum warmup days
that will be used. An error message will occur when the simulation “runs” out of days and
has not converged:
CheckWarmupConvergence : Loads Initialization , Zone = "MAIN ZONE" did not converge after 30 warmup
days.
See Warmup Convergence Information in .eio file for details
.. Environment(SizingPeriod) = "DENVER CENTENNIAL GOLDEN N ANN CLG 1% CONDNS DB = >MWB"
1.4. GROUP – SIMULATION PARAMETERS 45

Figure 1.4: Solar reflection from building surfaces onto other building surfaces. In this
example beam solar reflects from a vertical section of the building onto a roof section. The
reflection from the window is specular. The reflection from the wall is diffuse.

Figure 1.5: Shadowing from building affects beam solar reflection from the ground. Beam-
to-diffuse reflection from the ground onto the building occurs only for sunlit areas, A and C,
not from shaded area, B.
46 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

..Max Temp Comparison = 2.06E -002 vs Temperature Convergence Tolerance = 0.50 – Pass Convergence
..Min Temp Comparison = 5.95E -003 vs Temperature Convergence Tolerance = 0.50 – Pass Convergence
..Max Cool Load Comparison = 9.5082E -002 vs Loads Convergence Tolerance = 5.00E -002 – Fail
Convergence

As noted in the message, there will be more information in the .eio file. (Refer to Output
Details document as well for examples.)
You may be able to increase the Maximum Number of Warmup Days and get convergence,
but some anomalous buildings may still not converge. Simulation proceeds for x warmup
days until “convergence” is reached (see the discussion under the Temperature Convergence
Tolerance Value field in this object, just above).

1.4.4.1.9 Field: Minimum Number of Warmup Days

This field specifies the minimum number of “warmup” days before EnergyPlus will check if
it has achieved convergence and can thus start simulating the particular environment (design
day, annual run) in question. Research into the minimum number of warmup days indicates
that 6 warmup days is generally enough on the minimum end of the spectrum to avoid
false predictions of convergence and thus to produce enough temperature and flux history to
start EnergyPlus simulation. This was based on a study that used the benchmark reference
buildings. It also was observed that convergence performance improved when the number
of warmup days increased. As a result, the default value for the minimum warmup days has
been set to 6. Users should decrease this number only if they have knowledge that a specific
file converges more quickly than 6 days. Users may wish to increase the value in certain
situations when, based on the output variables described in the Output Details document,
it is determined that EnergyPlus has not converged. While this parameter should be less
than the previous parameter, a value greater than the value entered in the field “Maximum
Number of Warmup Days” above may be used when users wish to increase warmup days
more than the previous field. In this particular case, the previous field will be automatically
reset to the value entered in this field and EnergyPlus will run exactly the number of warmup
days specified in this field.
An example from an IDF:

Building ,
PSI HOUSE DORM AND OFFICES , !- Name
36.87000 , !- North Axis {deg}
Suburbs , !- Terrain
0.04, !- Loads Convergence Tolerance Value
0.4000000 , !- Temperature Convergence Tolerance Value {deltaC}
FullInteriorAndExterior , !- Solar Distribution
40, !- Maximum Number of Warmup Days
6; !- Minimum Number of Warmup Days

1.4.5 SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:Inside
This input object is used control the choice of models used for surface convection at
the inside face of all the heat transfer surfaces in the model. This object sets the
selection for convection correlations in a global way. The Zone Inside Convection Al-
gorithm input field in the Zone object may be used to selectively override this value
on a zone-by-zone basis. Further, individual surfaces can refine the choice by each
1.4. GROUP – SIMULATION PARAMETERS 47

surface or surface lists – see object SurfaceProperty:ConvectionCoefficients and object

SurfaceProperty:ConvectionCoefficients:MultipleSurface.

1.4.5.1 Inputs
1.4.5.1.1 Field: Algorithm
The model specified in this field is the default algorithm for the inside face all the surfaces..
The key choices are Simple, TARP, CeilingDiffuser, and AdaptiveConvectionAlgo-
rithm.
The Simple model applies constant heat transfer coefficients depending on the surface
orientation.
The TARP model correlates the heat transfer coefficient to the temperature difference
for various orientations. This model is based on flat plate experiments.
The CeilingDiffuser model is a mixed and forced convection model for ceiling diffuser
configurations. The model correlates the heat transfer coefficient to the air change rate
for ceilings, walls and floors. These correlations are based on experiments performed in an
isothermal room with a cold ceiling jet. To avoid discontinuities in surface heat transfer rate
calculations, all of correlations have been extrapolated beyond the lower limit of the data
set (3 ACH) to a natural convection limit that is applied during the hours when the system
is off.
The AdaptiveConvectionAlgorithm model is an dynamic algorithm that organizes
a large number of different convection models and automatically selects the one that best
applies. The adaptive convection algorithm can also be customized using the SurfaceCon-
vectionAlgorithm:Inside:AdaptiveModelSelections input object. These models are explained
in detail in the EnergyPlus Engineering Reference Document.
The default is TARP.
IDF Example:

SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm :Inside ,TARP;

1.4.6 SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:Outside
Various exterior convection models may be selected for global use. The optional Zone Outside
Convection Algorithm input field in the Zone object may be used to selectively override
this value on a zone-by-zone basis. Further, individual surfaces can refine the choice by
each surface or surface lists – see object SurfaceProperty:ConvectionCoefficients and object
SurfaceProperty:ConvectionCoefficients:MultipleSurface.

1.4.6.1 Inputs
1.4.6.1.1 Field: Algorithm
The available key choices are SimpleCombined, TARP, MoWiTT, DOE-2, and
AdaptiveConvectionAlgorithm.
The Simple convection model applies heat transfer coefficients depending on the rough-
ness and windspeed. This is a combined heat transfer coefficient that includes radiation to
48 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

sky, ground, and air. The correlation is based on Figure 1.122, Page 25.1 (Thermal and
Water Vapor Transmission Data), 2001 ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals. Note that
if Simple is chosen here or in the Zone field and a SurfaceProperty:ConvectionCoefficients
object attempts to override the caulcation with a different choice, the action will still be one
of combined calculation. To change this, you must select one of the other methods for the
global default.
All other convection models apply heat transfer coefficients depending on the roughness,
windspeed, and terrain of the building’s location. These are convection only heat transfer
coefficients; radiation heat transfer coefficients are calculated automatically by the program.
The TARP algorithm was developed for the TARP software and combines natural and
wind-driven convection correlations from laboratory measurements on flat plates.
The DOE-2 and MoWiTT were derived from field measurements. DOE-2 uses a corre-
lation from measurements by Klems and Yazdanian for rough surfaces. MoWitt uses a cor-
relation from measurements by Klems and Yazdanian for smooth surfaces and, therefore, is
most appropriate for windows (see SurfaceProperty:ConvectionCoefficients:MultipleSurface
for how to apply to only windows).
The AdaptiveConvectionAlgorithm model is an dynamic algorithm that organizes
a large number of different convection models and automatically selects the one that best
applies. The adaptive convection algorithm can also be customized using the SurfaceConvec-
tionAlgorithm:Outside:AdaptiveModelSelections input object. All algorithms are described
more fully in the Engineering Reference.
The default is DOE-2.
Note that when the surface is wet (i.e. it is raining and the surface is exposed to wind)
then the convection coefficient appears as a very large number (1000) and the surface is
exposed to the Outdoor Wet-bulb Temperature rather than the Outdoor Dry-bulb Temper-
ature.
IDF Example:

SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm :Outside , AdaptiveConvectionAlgorithm ;

1.4.7 HeatBalanceAlgorithm
The HeatBalanceAlgorithm object provides a way to select what type of heat and moisture
transfer algorithm will be used for calculating the performance of the building’s surface
assemblies. This input controls the overall algorithm used for all the surfaces unless one or
more of the SurfaceProperty:HeatTransferAlgorithm:* objects are used to alter the selection
for particular surfaces.

1.4.7.1 Inputs
1.4.7.1.1 Field: Algorithm
Four values are allowed to select which solution will be used.

• The ConductionTransferFunction selection is a sensible heat only solution and does

not take into account moisture storage or diffusion in the construction elements.
1.4. GROUP – SIMULATION PARAMETERS 49

• The MoisturePenetrationDepthConductionTransferFunction selection is a sen-

sible heat diffusion and an inside surface moisture storage algorithm that also needs
additional moisture material property information. Sometimes, this is referred to as the
Effective Moisture Penetration Depth or EMPD. See the moisture material property
object for additional information and description of outputs:
• MaterialProperty:MoisturePenetrationDepth:Settings
• Advanced/Research usage:The ConductionFiniteDifference selection is a sen-
sible heat only solution and does not take into account moisture storage or diffusion in
the construction elements. This solution technique uses a 1-D finite difference solution
in the construction elements. Outputs for the surfaces are described with the material
property objects. The Conduction Finite Difference (aka CondFD) property objects
are:
• MaterialProperty:PhaseChange
• MaterialProperty:VariableThermalConductivity
• Advanced/Research usage: The CombinedHeatAndMoistureFiniteElement
is a coupled heat and moisture transfer and storage solution. The solution technique
uses a one dimensional finite difference solution in the construction elements and re-
quires further materialproperties described in the Heat and Moisture Transfer material
properties objects. Outputs from the algorithm are described with these objects. The
Heat and Moisture Transfer property objects are:
• MaterialProperty:HeatAndMoistureTransfer:Settings
• MaterialProperty:HeatAndMoistureTransfer:SorptionIsotherm
• MaterialProperty:HeatAndMoistureTransfer:Suction
• MaterialProperty:HeatAndMoistureTransfer:Redistribution
• MaterialProperty:HeatAndMoistureTransfer:Diffusion
• MaterialProperty:HeatAndMoistureTransfer:ThermalConductivity

1.4.7.1.2 Field: Surface Temperature Upper Limit

This field is a bit “advanced”. It should only be used when the simulation fails AND you
cannot determine a cause for the failure. That is, you receive an error similar to:
** Severe ** Temperature out of bounds (202.91) for surface = Wall1
** ~~~ ** in Zone = Zone01
** ~~~ ** Occurrence info = NEW YORK CITY NY SUMMER , 07/21 16:00 - 16:01
** ~~~ ** A temperature out of bounds problem can be caused by several things. The user
** ~~~ ** should check the weather environment , the level of internal gains with respect
** ~~~ ** to the zone , and the thermal properties of their materials among other things.
** ~~~ ** A common cause is a building with no thermal mass -- all materials with
** ~~~ ** Regular -R definitions.

And, after careful perusal, you cannot find a solution as suggested in the error description.
You may then want to enter a higher number than the default for this field.
50 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.4.7.1.3 Field: Minimum Surface Convection Heat Transfer Coefficient Value

This optional field is used to set an overall minimum for the value of the coefficient for
surface convection heat transfer (Hc) in W/m2-K. A minimum is necessary for numerical
robustness because some correlations for Hc can result in zero values and create numerical
problems. This field can be used to support specialized validation testing to suppress con-
vection heat transfer and to investigate the implications of different minimum Hc values.
The default is 0.1.

1.4.7.1.4 Field: Maximum Surface Convection Heat Transfer Coefficient Value

This optional field is used to set an overall maximum for the value of the coefficient for
surface convection heat transfer (Hc) in W/m2-K. High Hc values are used in EnergyPlus to
approximate fixed surface temperature boundary conditions. This field can be used to alter
the accepted range of user-defined Hc values.
And, a default IDF example
HeatBalanceAlgorithm , ConductionTransferFunction ; ! Solution Algorithm

1.4.8 HeatBalanceSettings:ConductionFiniteDifference
This object is used to control the behavior of the Conduction Finite Difference algorithm for
surface heat transfer. The settings are global and affect how the model behaves for all the
surfaces.

1.4.8.1 Inputs
1.4.8.1.1 Field: Difference Scheme
This field determines the solution scheme used by the Conduction Finite Difference
model. There are two options CrankNicholsonSecondOrder and FullyImplicitFirstOrder.
The CrankNicholsonSecondOrder scheme is second order in time and may be faster. But
it can be unstable over time when boundary conditions change abruptly and severely. The
FullyImplicitFirstOrder scheme is first order in time and is more stable over time. But it
may be slower. The default is FullyImplicitFirstOrder when ConductionFiniteDifference is
selected as the Heat Balance Algorithm.

1.4.8.1.2 Field: Space Discretization Constant

This field controls how the model determines spatial discretization, or the count of nodes
across each material layer in the construction. The model calculates the nominal distance
associated with a node, ∆x, using
√
∆x = Cα∆t (1.1)
Where
α is the thermal diffusivity of the material layer, in m2 /s
∆t is the length of the timestep in seconds.
1.4. GROUP – SIMULATION PARAMETERS 51

C is a constant set by this field.

The default is 3. Typical values are from 1 to 3. Lower values for this constant lead to
more nodes and finer-grained space discretization.

1.4.8.1.3 Field: Relaxation Factor

The finite difference solver includes under-relaxation for improved stability for interac-
tions with the other surfaces. This input field can optionally be used to modify the starting
value for the relaxation factor. Larger numbers may solve faster, while smaller numbers
may be more stable. The default is 1.0. If the program detects numerical instability, it may
reduce the value entered here to something lower and more stable.

1.4.8.1.4 Field: Inside Face Surface Temperature Convergence Criteria

The surface heat balance model at the inside face has a numerical solver that uses a
convergence parameter for a maximum allowable differences in surface temperature. This
field can optionally be used to modify this convergence criteria. The default value is 0.002
and was selected for stability. Lower values may further increase stability at the expense of
longer runtimes, while higher values may decrease runtimes but lead to possible instabilities.
The units are in degrees Celsius.
An example IDF object follows.
HeatBalanceSettings :ConductionFiniteDifference ,
FullyImplicitFirstOrder , !- Difference Scheme
3.0, !- Space Discretization Constant
1.0, !- Relaxation Factor
0.002; !- Inside Face Surface Temperature Convergence Criteria

1.4.9 ZoneAirHeatBalanceAlgorithm
The ZoneAirHeatBalanceAlgorithm object provides a way to select what type of solution
algorithm will be used to calculate zone air temperatures and humidity ratios. This object
is an optional object. If the default algorithm is used, this object is not required in an input
file.

1.4.9.1 Inputs
1.4.9.1.1 Field: Algorithm
Three choices are allowed to select which solution algorithm will be used. The Thir-
dOrderBackwardDifference selection is the default selection and uses the third order
finite difference approximation to solve the zone air energy and moisture balance equations.
The AnalyticalSolution selection uses the integration approach to solve the zone air en-
ergy and moisture balance equations. The EulerMethod selection uses the first order
finite backward difference approximation to solve the zone air energy and moisture balance
equations.
And, a default IDF example is shown below:
ZoneAirHeatBalanceAlgorithm , ThirdOrderBackwardDifference ; !- Algorithm
52 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.4.10 ZoneAirContaminantBalance
The ZoneAirContaminantBalance object provides a way to select which contaminant type
will be simulated. Although carbon dioxide is not considered as an indoor contaminant but
it is used as an indicator of indoor air quality in buildings. From modeling point of view
EnergyPlus treats carbon dioxide as a type of contaminant. In addition to carbon dioxide,
a generic contaminant type model was also added. This object is optional, only required in
the input data file if the user wishes to model contaminant concentration levels as part of
their simulation.

1.4.10.1 Inputs

1.4.10.1.1 Field: Carbon Dioxide Concentration

Input is Yes or No. The default is No. If Yes, simulation of carbon dioxide concentration
levels will be performed. If No, simulation of carbon dioxide concentration levels will not be
performed.

1.4.10.1.2 Field: Outdoor Carbon Dioxide Schedule Name

This field specifies the name of a schedule that contains outdoor air carbon dioxide level
values in units of ppm. One source of monthly average CO2 levels in the atmosphere is
available at a NOAA ftpsite as .

1.4.10.1.3 Field: Generic Contaminant Concentration

Input is Yes or No. The default is No. If Yes, simulation of generic contaminant con-
centration levels will be performed. If No, simulation of generic contaminant concentration
levels will not be performed.

1.4.10.1.4 Field: Outdoor Generic Contaminant Schedule Name

This field specifies the name of a schedule that contains outdoor air generic contaminant
level values in units of ppm.
An IDF example:
ZoneAirContaminantBalance ,
Yes , !- Carbon Dioxide Concentration
Outdoor CO2 Schedule , !- Outdoor Carbon Dioxide Schedule Name
Yes , !- Generic Contaminant Concentration
Generic Contaminant Schedule; !- Outdoor Generic Contaminant Schedule Name

1.4.10.2 Outputs

The following output variables are available when Carbon Dioxide Concentration = Yes.
HVAC ,Average ,Zone Air CO2 Internal Gain Volume Flow Rate
HVAC ,Average ,Zone Air CO2 Concentration [ppm]
1.4. GROUP – SIMULATION PARAMETERS 53

1.4.10.2.1 Zone Air CO2 Concentration [ppm]

This output variable represents the carbon dioxide concentration level in parts per million
(ppm) for each zone. This is calculated and reported from the Correct step in the Zone Air
Contaminant Predictor-Corrector module.

1.4.10.2.2 Zone Air CO2 Internal Gain Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]
This is the rate of carbon dioxide added to a zone from all types of sources or sinks, in
m3 /s.

1.4.10.3 Outputs

The following output variable is available when Generic Contaminant Concentration = Yes.
HVAC,Average,Zone Generic Air Contaminant Generation Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]
HVAC,Average,Zone Air Generic Air Contaminant Concentration [ppm]

1.4.10.3.1 Zone Air Generic Air Contaminant Concentration [ppm]

This output variable represents the generic contaminant concentration level in parts per
million (ppm) for each zone. This is calculated and reported from the Correct step in the
Zone Air Contaminant Predictor-Corrector module.

1.4.10.3.2 Zone Generic Air Contaminant Generation Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

This is the rate of generic air contaminant added (or subtracted) to a zone from all types
of sources or sinks.

1.4.11 ShadowCalculation
This object is used to control some details of EnergyPlus’s solar, shadowing and daylighting
models. There are two basic methods available for the calculations. In order to speed
up the calculations, shadowing calculations (sun position, etc.) for the default method are
performed over a period of days. Note that this value may be very important for determining
the amount of sun entering your building and by inference the amount of cooling or heating
load needed for maintaining the building. Though termed “shadowing” calculations, it in
affect determines the sun position for a particular day in a weather file period simulation.
(Each design day will use the date of the design day object). Even though weather file data
contains the amount of solar radiation, the internal calculation of sun position will govern
how that affects various parts of the building. By default, the calculations are done for every
20 days throughout a weather run period; an average solar position is chosen and the solar
factors (such as sunlit areas of surfaces) remain the same for that number of days. When
more integrated calculations are needed for controlling dynamic windows or shades, a secod
method is available where solar calculations are performed at each zone timestep.
54 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.4.11.1 Inputs
1.4.11.1.1 Field: Calculation Method
This field is used to control how the solar, shading, and daylighting models are calculated
with respect to the time of calculations during the simulation. The default and fastest
method is selected using the keyword AverageOverDaysInFrequency. A more detailed and
slower method can be selected using the keyword DetailedTimestepIntegration. The later
method is useful modeling dynamic fenestration and shading surfaces.

1.4.11.1.2 Field: Calculation Frequency

This numeric field will cause the shadowing calculations to be done periodically using
the number in the field as the number of days in each period. This field is only used if the
default method AverageOverDaysInFrequency is used in the previous field. Using this field
will allow you to synchronize the shadowing calculations with changes in shading devices.
Using the default of 20 days in each period is the average number of days between significant
changes in solar position angles. For these shadowing calculations, an “average” (over the
time period) of solar angles, position, equation of time are also used.

1.4.11.1.3 Field: Maximum Figures in Shadow Overlap Calculations

This numeric field will allow you to increase the number of figures in shadow overlaps.
Due to the shadowing algorithm, the number of shadows in a figure may grow quite large
even with fairly reasonable looking structures. Of course, the inclusion of more allowed
figures will increase calculation time. Likewise, too few figures may not result in as accurate
calculations as you desire.

1.4.11.1.4 Field: Polygon Clipping Algorithm

This is an advanced feature. Prior to V7, the internal polygon clipping method was a
special case of the Weiler-Atherton method. Now, two options are available: Sutherland-
Hodgman (default) and ConvexWeilerAtherton. Theoretically, Sutherland-Hodgman
is a simpler algorithm but it works well in cases where receiving surfaces (of shadows) are
non-convex. The Weiler-Atherton implementation is only accurate where both casting and
receiving surfaces are convex. Warnings/severe errors are displayed when necessary. More
details on polygon clipping are contained in the Engineering Reference.

1.4.11.1.5 Field: Sky Diffuse Modeling Algorithm

Two choices are available here: SimpleSkyDiffuseModeling and DetailedSkyDiffuseModel-
ing. SimpleSkyDiffuseModeling (default) performs a one-time calculation for sky diffuse
properties. This has implications if you have shadowing surfaces with changing transmit-
tance (i.e. not all opaque or not all transparent) during the year. The program checks to
see if this might be the case and automatically selects DetailedSkyDiffuseModeling if
the shading transmittance varies. Even if the transmittance doesn’t vary and the option for
detailed modeling is used, that option is retained (though it will increase execution time)
because you may be using EMS to vary the transmittance. When the detailed modeling is
done, there will be a warning posted if the Calculation Frequency (above) is > 1.
1.4. GROUP – SIMULATION PARAMETERS 55

In general (and you should also read the previous field description), if shadowing surfaces
are used with the transmittance property, the user should be careful to synchronize this
calculation with the scheduled occurrence of the transmittance (if any) (or use 1, which will
be the most accurate but will cause more time in the calculations).
This field applies to the method called “AverageOverDaysInFrequency.” When the
method called “DetailedTimestepIntegration” is used the diffuse sky modeling always uses
DetailedSkyDiffuseModeling.
Examples of this object in IDF: (note this object must be unique in an IDF)
ShadowCalculation ,AverageOverDaysInFrequency ,1;

ShadowCalculation , AverageOverDaysInFrequency , 1, , SutherlandHodgman , DetailedSkyDiffuseModeling

;

Note that the use of “1” in the examples is NOT the same as using DetailedTimestepIn-
tegration – “1” causes daily calculation of the sun position variables but does not change the
shadowing calculations more frequently than daily.

1.4.12 Output:Diagnostics
Sometimes, messages only confuse users – especially new users. Likewise, sometimes certain
output variables exist for only a certain condition but some take them at face value/name.
Some features may be very important but under certain instances cause problems. Thus,
we have added the diagnostic output object to be able to turn on or off certain messages,
variables, and features depending on conditions.
Both fields of the Output:Diagnostics command can accept all the applicable keys. More
than one object may be entered.

1.4.12.1 Inputs
1.4.12.1.1 Field: key1, key2
Allowable choices are:
DisplayAllWarnings – use this to get all warnings (except the developer warnings
“DisplayZoneAirHeatBalanceOffBalance”). This key sets all other display warning values to
on.
DisplayExtraWarnings – use this to get all extra warnings. An example of an extra
warning is when a user enters a ceiling height or volume with the Zone object and EnergyPlus
calculates something significantly different based on the entered zone geometry.
DisplayUnusedSchedules – use this to have the unused schedules (by name) listed at
the end of the simulation.
DisplayUnusedObjects – use this to have unused (orphan) objects (by name) listed at
the end of the simulation.
DisplayAdvancedReportVariables – use this to be able to use certain advanced out-
put variables where the name may be misleading and you need to understand the concepts
or reasons for use. If you put in this field, then you will be able to report on these features.
They are noted in the descriptions of objects or output variables.
DisplayZoneAirHeatBalanceOffBalance – this is a developer diagnostic which you
can turn on, if you desire.
56 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

DoNotMirrorDetachedShading – use this to turn off the automatic mirroring of

detached shading surfaces. These surfaces are automatically mirrored so that the user does
not need to worry about facing direction of the surface and the shading surface will shade
the building as appropriate. Note that Shading:Zone:Detailed surfaces are also mirrored and
there is no way to turn that “off”.
DisplayWeatherMissingDataWarnings – use this to turn on the missing data warn-
ings from the read of the weather file.
ReportDuringWarmup – use this to allow reporting during warmup days. This can
show you exactly how your facility is converging (or not) during the initial “warmup” days of
the simulation. Generally, only developers or expert simulation users would need this kind
of detail.
ReportDetailedWarmupConvergence – use this to produce detailed reporting (es-
sentially each warmup day for each zone) for warmup convergence.
ReportDuringHVACSizingSimulation – use this to allow controlling reporting to
SQLite database during sizing period simulations done for HVAC Sizing Simulation. The
regular reporting is done in the usual way. This can show details of how advanced sizing
adjustments were determined by documenting how the systems operated when doing the
intermediate sizing periods. Depending on the number of iterations performed for HVAC
Sizing Simulation, there will be a number of sets of results with each set containing all the
Sizing Periods.
In IDF use:
Output:Diagnostics ,
DisplayExtraWarnings ;

1.4.13 Output:DebuggingData
There may be times when a particular input file requires additional debugging. The Out-
put:DebuggingData object may be used to report all available node data (e.g., temperature,
mass flow rate, set point, pressure, etc.). The debug data is reported to the DBG text
file. The debug file first reports the node number and name, and then all available node
information for each zone time step (Ref. Timestep).
The 2 fields of the Output:DebuggingData object can accept either a 1 (turn on) or any
other value (turn off). Only one object may be entered.

1.4.13.1 Inputs
1.4.13.1.1 Field: Report Debugging Data
This field turns on debug reporting when a value of 1 is entered. Any other value (usually
0) disables debug reporting.

1.4.13.1.2 Field: Report During Warmup

This field allows the debug data to be reported during the warmup period. When a
value of 1 is entered the data is reported at all times, even during warmup. Any other
value (usually 0) disables “reporting at all time” and debug data is only reported for each
environment (RunPeriod or SizingPeriod:DesignDay).
1.4. GROUP – SIMULATION PARAMETERS 57

In IDF use:
Output:DebuggingData ,
1,1;

1.4.14 Output:PreprocessorMessage
The Output:PreprocessorMessage object can be used by preprocessor programs to Energy-
Plus for passing certain conditions/errors that might not be detected by scripts executing
the EnergyPlus system of programs. This allows EnergyPlus to intercept problems and
terminate gracefully rather than the user having to track down the exact conditions.
There is no reason for a user to enter an Output:PreprocessorMessage object but
you should encourage interface developers to use this feature. More than one Out-
put:PreprocessorMessage objects may be entered. Of course, no preprocessor message
objects are necessary if there is no error information to be passed.

1.4.14.1 Inputs
1.4.14.1.1 Field: Preprocessor Name
The preprocessor name (e.g. EPMacro, ExpandObjects) is entered here. Case is retained
so that messages from EnergyPlus look very similar to what a preprocessor would produce.

1.4.14.1.2 Field: Error Severity

This is the error severity. If Fatal, EnergyPlus will terminate after showing all prepro-
cessor messages.

1.4.14.1.3 Fields: Message Line 1 through Message Line 10

Each line is limited to 100 characters and an appropriate message can be composed.
An IDF Example:

Output:PreprocessorMessage ,
No Preprocessor Used , !- preprocessor name
Information , !- error severity
Illustrative Message , !- message line 1
No problems for processing; !- message line 2

And would appear in output:

Preprocessor = "No Preprocessor Used" has the following Information messages:
Illustrative Message
No problems for processing

1.4.15 ZoneCapacitanceMultiplier:ResearchSpecial
This object is an advanced feature that can be used to control the effective storage capacity
of the zone. Capacitance multipliers of 1.0 indicate the capacitance is that of the (moist)
air in the volume of the specified zone. This multiplier can be increased if the zone air
capacitance needs to be increased for stability of the simulation or to allow modeling higher
or lower levels of damping of behavior over time. The multipliers are applied to the base
58 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

value corresponding to the total capacitance for the zone’s volume of air at current zone
(moist) conditions.

1.4.15.1 Inputs
1.4.15.1.1 Field: Temperature Capacity Multiplier
This field is used to alter the effective heat capacitance of the zone air volume. This
affects the transient calculations of zone air temperature. Values greater than 1.0 have
the effect of smoothing or damping the rate of change in the temperature of zone air from
timestep to timestep. Note that sensible heat capacity can also be modeled using internal
mass surfaces.

1.4.15.1.2 Field: Humidity Capacity Multiplier

This field is used to alter the effective moisture capacitance of the zone air volume. This
affects the transient calculations of zone air humidity ratio. Values greater than 1.0 have
the effect of smoothing, or damping, the rate of change in the water content of zone air from
timestep to timestep.

1.4.15.1.3 Field: Carbon Dioxide Capacity Multiplier

This field is used to alter the effective carbon dioxide capacitance of the zone air volume.
This affects the transient calculations of zone air carbon dioxide concentration. Values
greater than 1.0 have the effect of smoothing or damping the rate of change in the carbon
dioxide level of zone air from timestep to timestep.

1.4.15.1.4 Field: Generic Contaminant Capacity Multiplier

This field is used to alter the effective generic contaminantcapacitance of the zone air
volume. This affects the transient calculations of zone air generic contaminantconcentration.
Values greater than 1.0 have the effect of smoothing or damping the rate of change in the
generic contaminantlevel of zone air from timestep to timestep.

1.4.16 SimulationControl
The input for SimulationControl allows the user to specify what kind of calculations a given
EnergyPlus simulation will perform. For instance the user may want to perform one or more
of the sizing calculations but not proceed to an annual weather file simulation. Or the user
might have all flow rates and equipment sizes already specified and desire an annual weather
without any preceding sizing calculations. Sizing runs, even for large projects, are quickly
run – they do not add much to the overall simulation time. The SimulationControl input
allows all permutations of run selection by means of 5 yes/no inputs.

Only one SimulationControl object is permitted for each EnergyPlus input file. While a
SimulationControl is needed to trigger sizing calculations, it is optional for other runs (design
days, run periods). The actions will still be shown in the eplusout.eio file (see Output Details
and Examples Document).
1.4. GROUP – SIMULATION PARAMETERS 59

1.4.16.1 Inputs
1.4.16.1.1 Field: Do Zone Sizing Calculation
Input is Yes or No. The default is No. Zone Sizing (see Sizing:Zone object) performs a
special calculation, using a theoretical ideal zonal system, and determines the zone design
heating and cooling flow rates and loads, saving the results in the zone sizing arrays.

1.4.16.1.2 Field: Do System Sizing Calculation

Input is Yes or No. The default is No. System Sizing (see Sizing:System object) also
performs a special calculation that, to oversimplify, sums up the results of the zone sizing
calculation and saves the results in the system sizing arrays for reporting on component size
requirements. Thus, in order to perform the system sizing calculations, the zone sizing arrays
need to be filled and hence the zone sizing calculations must be performed in the same run.
(This requirement is enforced by the program).

1.4.16.1.3 Field: Do Plant Sizing Calculation

Input is Yes or No. The default is No. Unlike Zone and System Sizing, Plant Sizing
does not use the Zone or System sizing arrays. Plant Sizing uses the Sizing:Plant object
fields and data on the maximum component flow rates. The data on component (such as
coil) flow rates is saved and made available to the Plant code whether or not component
autosizing is performed and whether or not zone sizing and/or system sizing is performed.
Therefore, you can specify Plant Sizing without also specifying to do Zone Sizing or System
Sizing calculations.

1.4.16.1.4 Field: Run Simulation for Sizing Periods

Input is Yes or No. The default is Yes. Yes implies that the simulation will be run on all
the included SizingPeriod objects (i.e., SizingPeriod:DesignDay, SizingPeriod:WeatherFile-
Days, and SizingPeriod:WeatherFileConditionType). Note that each SizingPeriod object
constitutes an “environment” and warmup convergence (see earlier topic under the Building
object) will occur for each.

1.4.16.1.5 Field: Run Simulation for Weather File Run Periods

Input is Yes or No. The default is Yes. Yes implies the simulation will be run on all the
included RunPeriod objects. Note that each RunPeriod object constitutes an “environment”
and warmup convergence (see earlier topic under the Building object) will occur for each.

1.4.16.1.6 Field: Do HVAC Sizing Simulation for Sizing Periods

This field is optional. It can be used to enable certain advanced sizing calculations that
rely on simulating the sizing periods to collect information. This is currently only applicable
when sizing plant loops using the sizing option called Coincident.

1.4.16.1.7 Field: Maximum Number of HVAC Sizing Simulation Passes

This field is optional and is only used if the previous field is set to Yes. The HVAC Sizing
Simulation approach can use iteration to improve sizing calculations. Each iteration is a
60 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Sizing Pass. This field is used to manually place an upper limit the number of passes that
the sizing algorithms can use.
An IDF example:
SimulationControl ,
No , !- Do Zone Sizing Calculation
No , !- Do System Sizing Calculation
No , !- Do Plant Sizing Calculation
Yes , !- Run Simulation for Sizing Periods
Yes , !- Run Simulation for Weather File Run Periods
No , !- Do HVAC Sizing Simulation for Sizing Periods
2; !- Maximum Number of HVAC Sizing Simulation Passes

1.4.17 ProgramControl
This object is currently disabled. The ProgramControl object can be used to control how
the EnergyPlus program executes on the computer. Portions of EnergyPlus have been pro-
grammed to use more than one processor, or CPU core, at the same time during a single
simulation. This multithreading may not be desireable when running more than one simula-
tion at a time on the same computer (because it can actually run more slowly). This input
object is optional and allows controlling the number of threads (or cores, or processors) that
EnergyPlus will use so that conflicts can be managed. When this object is used, its input
for the number of threads will take precedent over the value of the environment variable
“EP_OMP_NUM_THREADS” which is an alternate method of controlling the pro-
gram’s threading. Since the primary method for OpenMP simulations currently (V7.1 and
V7.2) is the interior radiant exchange to solve for inside surface temperatures, EnergyPlus
sets the threads to 1 if the nominal number of surfaces is < = 30.

1.4.17.1 Inputs
1.4.17.1.1 Field: Number of Threads Allowed
This field is used to specify a limit on the number of threads EnergyPlus will use. If a
zero is entered then the program will set the number of threads to the maximum available
on the computer. If the number entered is larger than the number of processors or cores,
then the hardware limits will take precedent over this limit.
An example IDF object that sets the program to use only one thread follows.
ProgramControl ,
1; !- Number of Threads Allowed

1.4.18 Meter:Custom
A custom meter allows the user to group variables or meters onto a virtual meter that can
be used just like a normal meter created by EnergyPlus. For consistency, the items being
grouped must all be similar.

1.4.18.1 Inputs
1.4.18.1.1 Field: Name
1.4. GROUP – SIMULATION PARAMETERS 61

This is a user defined name for the custom meter. Names for custom meters cannot
duplicate internal meter names.

1.4.18.1.2 Field: Fuel Type

A fuel type should be specified for the meter. All assignments to this meter will be
checked to assure that the same fuel type is used. Additionally, this may be used in other
objects (such as the Demand Limiting). Valid choices for this field are:

• Electricity

• NaturalGas

• PropaneGas

• FuelOil#1

• FuelOil#2

• Coal

• Diesel

• Gasoline

• Water

• Generic

• OtherFuel1

• OtherFuel2

Fuel types are generally self-explanatory. Generic is included for convenience when a
custom meter is defined that doesn’t quite fit the “fuel” categories. See the examples below.

1.4.18.1.3 Field: group(s) Key Name-Output Variable/Meter Name

The rest of the object is filled with parameters of the key name/output variable or meter
names. When a meter name is used, the key name field is left blank.

1.4.18.1.4 Field: Key Name #

A key name field is used when the following field specifies an output variable. If the field
is left blank, then all the output variables in the following field are assigned to the meter.

1.4.18.1.5 Field: Output Variable or Meter Name #

This field must be a valid output variable name or a valid meter name.
62 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.4.19 Meter:CustomDecrement
The decrement custom meter is very similar to the custom meter specification but addition-
ally allows a predefined meter to be used as the “source” meter and the remaining items
subtract from that predefined meter.

1.4.19.1 Inputs
1.4.19.1.1 Field: Name
This is a user defined name for the custom meter. Names for custom meters cannot
duplicate internal meter names.

1.4.19.1.2 Field: Fuel Type

A fuel type should be specified for the meter. All assignments to this meter will be
checked to assure that the same fuel type is used. Additionally, this may be used in other
objects (such as the Demand Limiting). Valid choices for this field are:
• Electricity
• NaturalGas
• PropaneGas
• FuelOil#1
• FuelOil#2
• Coal
• Diesel
• Gasoline
• Water
• Generic
• OtherFuel1
• OtherFuel2

1.4.19.1.3 Field: Source Meter Name

This name specifies the meter that will be used as the main source for the decrement
custom meter. The remainder of the fields are subtracted from the value of this meter
to create the meter value named above. The Source Meter is not changed in any way by
including this custom meter.

1.4.19.1.4 Field: group(s) Key Name-Output Variable/Meter Name

The rest of the object is filled with parameters of the key name/output variable or meter
names. When a meter name is used, the key name field is left blank.
1.4. GROUP – SIMULATION PARAMETERS 63

1.4.19.1.5 Field: Key Name #

A key name field is used when the following field specifies an output variable. If the field
is left blank, then all the output variables in the following field are assigned to the meter.

1.4.19.1.6 Field: Output Variable or Meter Name #

This field must be a valid output variable name or a valid meter name. Additionally, it
must be contained on the Source Meter. Note that, if an error occurs, only the Variable in
error will show – confusing things if what was entered was a meter name.

1.4.20 Custom Meter Examples

Details of the Meter:Custom/Meter:CustomDecrement are shown on the Meter Details file.
In the following examples, the custom meters are set up to illustrate the capabilities of cus-
tom meters. Custom meter “MyGeneralLights” duplicates the InteriorLights:Electricity
meter. Custom meter “MyBuildingElectric” duplicates the Electricity:Building meter (by
specifying that meter). Custom Meter (Decrement) “MyBuildingOther” uses the Electric-
ity:Building meter as the source meter and subtracts out the values for MyGeneralLights
(aka InteriorLights:Electricity). The resultant value for the MyBuildingOther meter should
be equal to the value for the meters Electricity:Building – InteriorLights:Electricity.
Meter:Custom ,
MyGeneralLights , !- Name
Electricity , !- Fuel Type
SPACE1 -1, !- Key Name 1
Lights Electric Energy , !- Output Variable or Meter Name 1
SPACE2 -1, !- Key Name 2
Lights Electric Energy , !- Output Variable or Meter Name 2
SPACE3 -1, !- Key Name 3
Lights Electric Energy , !- Output Variable or Meter Name 3
SPACE4 -1, !- Key Name 4
Lights Electric Energy , !- Output Variable or Meter Name 4
SPACE5 -1, !- Key Name 5
Lights Electric Energy; !- Output Variable or Meter Name 5

Meter:Custom ,
MyBuildingElectric , !- Name
Electricity , !- Fuel Type
, !- Key Name #1
Electricity:Building; !- Output Variable or Meter Name #1

Meter:CustomDecrement ,
MyBuildingOther , !- Name
Electricity , !- Fuel Type
Electricity:Building , !- Source Meter Name
, !- Key Name #1
MyGeneralLights; !- Output Variable or Meter Name #1

For an example of “generic” fuel type, one might put the Building Infiltration Heat Loss
& Heat Gain on a set of custom meters:
Meter:Custom ,
Building Infiltration Heat Loss , !- Name
Generic , !- Fuel Type
*, !- Key Name 1
Zone Infiltration Total Heat Loss Energy; !- Output Variable Name 1

Meter:Custom ,
Building Infiltration Heat Gain , !- Name
64 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Generic , !- Fuel Type

*, !- Key Name 1
Zone Infiltration Total Heat Gain Energy; !- Output Variable Name 1

One can then report these values the same way one reports other standard meters.

1.4.21 Simulation Parameter Outputs

These appear in the eplusout.eio file. For details of the reporting, please see the Output
Details and Examples document.

1.5 Group – Compliance Objects

Not necessarily related directly to simulation, the Compliance Object group provides a repos-
itory for a group of objects that can be used directly or indirectly in reporting compliance
(such as ASHRAE 90.1) to building standards.

1.5.1 Compliance:Building
The Compliance:Building object describes parameters related to compliance to building stan-
dards, building codes, and beyond energy code programs.

1.5.1.1 Inputs
1.5.1.1.1 Field: Building Rotation for Appendix G
Building Rotation for Appendix G allows for the building model to be rotated for use
with compliance such as ASHRAE 90.1 Appendix G. Appendix G requires the building to
be rotated 0, 90, 180 and 270 degrees and the values averaged to establish baseline energy
use. This input works with relative or world coordinate systems.
An example from an IDF:
Compliance:Building ,
90; !- Building Rotation for Appendix G

1.6 Group – Location – Climate – Weather File Access

This group of objects describes the ambient conditions for the simulation.

1.6.1 Site:Location
The location class describes the parameters for the building’s location. Only one location is
allowed. Weather data file location, if it exists, will override any location data in the IDF.
Thus, for an annual simulation, a Location does not need to be entered.
1.6. GROUP – LOCATION – CLIMATE – WEATHER FILE ACCESS 65

1.6.1.1 Inputs
1.6.1.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field is used as an identifying field in output reports.

1.6.1.1.2 Field: Latitude

This field represents the latitude (in degrees) of the facility. By convention, North Lati-
tude is represented as positive; South Latitude as negative. Minutes should be represented
in decimal fractions of 60. (15’ is 15/60 or .25)

1.6.1.1.3 Field: Longitude

This field represents the longitude (in degrees) of the facility. By convention, East Longi-
tude is represented as positive; West Longitude as negative. Minutes should be represented
in decimal fractions of 60. (15’ is 15/60 or .25)

1.6.1.1.4 Field: Time Zone

This field represents the time zone of the facility (relative to Greenwich Mean Time or the
th
0 meridian). Time zones west of GMT (e.g. North America) are represented as negative;
east of GMT as positive. Non-whole hours can be represented in decimal (e.g. 6:30 is 6.5).

1.6.1.1.5 Field: Elevation

This field represents the elevation of the facility in meters (relative to sea level).
Units with their abbreviations are shown in Appendix A. And, as shown in an IDF:
Site:Location , DENVER COLORADO , ! Name
39.75000 , ! Latitude {N+ S-}
-104.8700 , ! Longitude {W- E+}
-7.000000 , ! TimeZoneNumber {GMT+/-}
1610.26; ! Elevation {m}

Most examples in this document include the comment lines that illustrate each data
field’s value. However, this is not necessary (though it makes the IDF more readable). The
previous example could also be:
Site:Location , DENVER COLORADO ,39.75 , -104.87 , -7 ,1610.26;

1.6.2 SizingPeriod:DesignDay
The design day input describes the parameters to effect a “design day” simulation, often
used for load calculations or sizing equipment. Using the values in these fields, EnergyPlus
“creates” a complete days’ worth of weather data (air temperatures, solar radiation, etc.)
Normal operation uses the default range multipliers as shown in Figure 1.6 though users
may choose to input their own multiplier schedule. Likewise, normal operation specifies one
“humidity indicating condition” which is used to calculate the humidity ratio at maximum
temperature – this is used as the constant humidity ratio for the entire day. Again, this
can be overridden by specifying a relative humidity schedule or requesting generation of an
hourly wet-bulb temperature profile. Multiple design days may be specified.
66 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

We refer you to the ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals for philosophy of what param-
eters are important for use as “design conditions” in sizing equipment.

In the install, the “design day files” are included for the weather file locations that are
included (weatherdata folder). All the design day definitions from the ASHRAE design con-
ditions (latest publication date) are included, grouped by WMO region, on the main web
site with the weather data. http://www.energyplus.gov/cfm/weather_data.cfm These files
are in “macro” form but it is easy to cut and paste the appropriate definition segments.
These files include the location information as well as some locations have RunPeriodCon-
trol:DaylightSavingTime objects.

1.6.2.1 Inputs

1.6.2.1.1 Field: Name

This field, like the location name, is used simply for reporting and identification. This
name must be unique among the SizingPeriod names entered.

1.6.2.1.2 Field: Month

This numeric field specifies the month. That, in conjunction with the day of the month
and location information, determines the current solar position and solar radiation values
for each hour of the day.

1.6.2.1.3 Field: Day of Month

This numeric field specifies the day of the month. That, in conjunction with the month
and location information, determines the current solar position and solar radiation values
for each hour of the day.

1.6.2.1.4 Field: Day Type

This alpha field specifies the day type for the design day. This value indicates which day
profile to use in schedules. For further information, see the Schedule discussion later in this
document. (ref: Schedule) Note that two of the possible day types are SummerDesignDay
(for cooling) and WinterDesignDay (for heating) – allowing the user to customize schedules
for the design conditions. That is, for design days tagged with a SummerDesignDay type,
you can set schedules to be worst or typical schedules for a cooling season.

1.6.2.1.5 Field: Maximum Dry-Bulb Temperature

This numeric field should contain the day’s maximum dry-bulb temperature in degrees
Celsius. (Reference Appendix A of this document for EnergyPlus standard units and abbre-
viations). The MacroDataSets design day files show extreme temperature for locations as
indicated in the ASHRAE HOF design condition tables.
1.6. GROUP – LOCATION – CLIMATE – WEATHER FILE ACCESS 67

1.6.2.1.6 Field: Daily Dry-bulb Temperature Range

A design day can have a “high” temperature and a “low” temperature (or can be a
constant temperature for each hour of the day). If there is a difference between high and low
temperatures, this field should contain the difference from the high to the low. EnergyPlus,
by default, distributes this range over the 24 hours in the day as shown in the figure below:

Figure 1.6: Default Daily range Multiplier for Design Days

The multipliers are taken from the ASHRAE 2009 HOF. More explicitly, EnergyPlus
creates an air temperature for each timestep by using the entered maximum dry-bulb tem-
perature in conjunction with the entered daily range and the above multiplier values. The
actual equation used is shown below:

Tcurrent = TM ax − Trange · TM ultiplier (1.2)

where
Tcurrent = Air temperature of current Hour of Day
TM ax = User supplied Max Dry-bulb Temperature
Trange = User supplied Daily Temperature Range
TM ultiplier = Range multiplier as shown on the above graph
The range multiplier values represent typical conditions of diurnal temperatures (i.e. the
low temperature for the day occurring about 5:00 AM and the maximum temperature for
the day occurring about 3:00 PM. Note that EnergyPlus does not shift the profile based on
the time of solar noon as is optionally allowed in ASHRAE procedures.
ASHRAE research indicates that dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures typically follow
the same profile, so EnergyPlus can use the default profile to generate humidity conditions
(see Humidity Indicating Type = WetBulbProfileDefaultMultipliers below).

1.6.2.1.7 Field: Dry-Bulb Temperature Range Modifier Type

If you are happy with lows at 5am and highs at 3pm, you can ignore this field. If you want
to specify your own temperature range multipliers (see earlier discussion at the Temperature
Range field description), you can specify a type here and create a day schedule which you
reference in the next field.
68 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

If you specify MultiplierSchedule in this field, then you need to create a day schedule
that specifies a multiplier applied to the temperature range field (above) to create the proper
dry-bulb temperature range profile for your design day.
If you specify DifferenceSchedule in this field, then you need to create a day schedule
that specifies a number to be subtracted from dry-bulb maximum temperature for each
timestep in the day. Note that numbers in the delta schedules cannot be negative as that
would result in a higher maximum than the maximum previously specified.
If you specify TemperatureProfileSchedule in this field, then you need to create a
day schedule that specifies the actual dry-bulb temperatures throughout the day. You will
not need to include a Maximum Dry-Bulb Temperature in that field.
If you leave this field blank or enter DefaultMultipliers, then the default multipliers
will be used as shown in the “temperature range” field above.

1.6.2.1.8 Field: Dry-Bulb Temperature Range Modifier Day Schedule Name

This field is the name of a day schedule (ref. Schedule:Day:Hourly, Sched-
ule:Day:Interval, Schedule:Day:List objects) with the values as specified in the Dry-Bulb
Temperature Range Modifier Type field above.

1.6.2.1.9 Field: Humidity Condition Type

The values/schedules indicated here and in subsequent fields create the humidity values
in the 24 hour design day conditions profile. Valid choices here are: WetBulb, Dew-
point, WetBulbProfileDefaultMultipliers, WetBulbProfileDifferenceSchedule,
WetBulbProfileMultiplierSchedule, HumidityRatio, Enthalpy, and Schedule.
The Humidity Condition Type fields have interacting uses and units, summarized as
follows:

Table 1.3: Humidity Indicating Field Interactions - De-

sign Day

Humidity Condition Type Primary Humidity Indi- Humidity Indicating Day

cating Field Schedule
WetBulb Wetbulb or DewPoint at N/A (unused)
Maximum Dry-Bulb
DewPoint Wetbulb or DewPoint at N/A (unused)
Maximum Dry-Bulb
HumidityRatio Humidity Ratio at Max- N/A (unused)
imum Dry-Bulb
Enthalpy Enthalpy at Maximum N/A (unused)
Dry-Bulb
WetBulbProfile- Wetbulb or DewPoint at N/A (unused)
DefaultMultipliers Maximum Dry-Bulb
WetBulbProfile- Wetbulb or DewPoint at Fractions of wet-bulb daily
MultiplierSchedule Maximum Dry-Bulb range (0 – 1)
1.6. GROUP – LOCATION – CLIMATE – WEATHER FILE ACCESS 69

Table 1.3: Humidity Indicating Field Interactions - De-

sign Day

Humidity Condition Type Primary Humidity Indi- Humidity Indicating Day

cating Field Schedule
WetBulbProfile- Wetbulb or DewPoint at Difference between maxi-
DifferenceSchedule Maximum Dry-Bulb mum and hour/timestep
wet-bulb temperature, C
RelativeHumiditySchedule N/A Relative humidity (%, 0 –
100)

Humidity conditions over the day are derived as follows:

WetBulb, DewPoint, HumidityRatio, or Enthalpy:
These four methods assume constant absolute humidity over the day. Calculate W =
humidity ratio at Maximum Dry-Bulb Temperature and Humidity Indicating Conditions.
Derive hourly/timestep humidity conditions from W and hour/timestep dry-bulb tempera-
ture.
WetBulbProfileDefaultMultipliers
Generate the wet-bulb temperature profile using Default Daily Range Multiplier for De-
sign Days (shown in Figure 1.6 above) and Daily Wet-Bulb Temperature Range (below).
This method is analogous to DefaultMultiplier generation of the dry-bulb temperature pro-
file and is the procedure recommended in Chapter 14 of ASHRAE 2009 HOF.
WetBulbProfileMultiplierSchedule
Generate the wet-bulb profile using multipliers from the Humidity Indicating Day Sched-
ule and Daily Wet-Bulb Temperature Range (below). Analogous to dry-bulb Multiplier-
Schedule.
WetBulbProfileDifferenceSchedule
Generate the wet-bulb profile by subtracting Humidity Indicating Day Schedule values
from the daily maximum wet-bulb temperature (specified in Humidity Indicating Conditions
at Maximum Dry-Bulb). Analogous to dry-bulb DifferenceSchedule.
RelativeHumiditySchedule
Hourly relative humidity is specified in Humidity Indicating Day Schedule.
In all cases, the humidity ratio is limited to saturation at the hour/timestep dry-bulb
(that is, the dry-bulb temperature is used as specified, but the humidity ratio is modified
as needed to be physically possible). Once a valid air state is determined, a complete set of
consistent hour/timestep psychrometric values (dewpoint, wet-bulb, and enthalpy) is derived.

1.6.2.1.10 Field: Wetbulb or DewPoint at Maximum Dry-Bulb

If you choose Wetbulb or Dewpoint in the Humidity Condition Type field, then this
numeric field should contain that value. Note that this field is unnecessary when you put in
a humidity indicating day schedule (described later in this section).

1.6.2.1.11 Field: Humidity Condition Day Schedule Name

70 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Allows specification a day schedule (ref. Schedule:Day:Hourly, Schedule:Day:Interval,

Schedule:Day:List objects) of values for relative humidity or wet-bulb profile per Humidity
Indicating Type field.

1.6.2.1.12 Field: Humidity Ratio at Maximum Dry-Bulb

If HumidityRatio is chosen for the Humidity Condition Type field, then this numeric
field should contain the desired humidity ratio at maximum dry-bulb temperature (units kg
Water / kg Dry Air).

1.6.2.1.13 Field: Enthalpy at Maximum Dry-Bulb

If Enthalpy is chosen for the Humidity Condition Type field, then this numeric field
should contain the desired enthalpy at maximum dry-bulb temperature (units Joules /kg).

1.6.2.1.14 Field: Daily Wet-Bulb Temperature Range

The difference between the maximum and minimum wet-bulb temperatures on the de-
sign day (Celsius). Used for generating daily profiles of humidity conditions when Humidity
Condition Type field (above) is WetBulbProfileDefaultMultipliers or WetBulbPro-
fileMultiplierSchedule. Values for wet-bulb temperature range are tabulated by month
for 5564 locations worldwide on the CD that accompanies the ASHRAE 2009 HOF.

1.6.2.1.15 Field: Barometric Pressure

This numeric field is the constant barometric pressure (Pascals) for the entire day.

1.6.2.1.16 Field: Wind Speed

This numeric field is the wind speed in meters/second (constant throughout the day) for
the day. The MacroDataSets design day files includes wind speed values (99.6% - heating,
1% cooling) as indicated in ASHRAE HOF design condition tables. But, you should be
aware that traditional values for these are 6.7056 m/s (15 mph) for heating and 3.3528 m/s
(7 mph) for cooling. A reminder is shown in the comments for the wind speed values. The
comments also note the extreme wind speeds from the ASHRAE tables.

1.6.2.1.17 Field: Wind Direction

This numeric field is the source wind direction in degrees. By convention, winds from
the North would have a value of 0., from the East a value of 90.

1.6.2.1.18 Field: Rain Indicator

This field indicates whether or not the building surfaces are wet. If the value is Yes, then
it is assumed that the building surfaces are wet. Wet surfaces may change the conduction
of heat through the surface.

1.6.2.1.19 Field: Snow Indicator

This field indicates whether or not there is snow on the ground. If the value is Yes, then it
is assumed there is snow on the ground. Snow on the ground changes the ground reflectance
properties.
1.6. GROUP – LOCATION – CLIMATE – WEATHER FILE ACCESS 71

1.6.2.1.20 Field: Daylight Saving Time Indicator

This field specifies whether to consider this day to be a Daylight Saving Day. Yes in the
field indicates that daylight saving time is operational for this day. Yes essentially adds 1
hour to the scheduling times used in items with schedules.

1.6.2.1.21 Field: Solar Model Indicator

This field allows the user to select ASHRAEClearSky, ASHRAETau, Zhang-
Huang, or Schedule for solar modeling in the calculation of the solar radiation in
the design day. ASHRAEClearSky and ZhangHuang use the Clearness value as part of
their calculations. ASHRAETau invokes the revised model specified in Chapter 14 of the
ASHRAE 2009 HOF and uses Taub and Taud values (below). Technical details of the
models are described in the Engineering Reference. The Schedule choice allows you to
enter schedule values for the day’s profile (use the next two fields for the names).

1.6.2.1.22 Field: Beam Solar Day Schedule Name

This field allows the option for you to put in your own day profile of beam solar values
(wh/m2). These values will replace the calculated values during design day processing. Only
day schedules (ref. Schedule:Day:Hourly, Schedule:Day:Interval, Schedule:Day:List objects)
are used here.

1.6.2.1.23 Field: Diffuse Solar Day Schedule Name

This field allows the option for you to put in your own day profile of diffuse solar values
(wh/m2). These values will replace the calculated values during design day processing. Only
day schedules (ref. Schedule:Day:Hourly, Schedule:Day:Interval, Schedule:Day:List objects)
are used here.

1.6.2.1.24 Field: ASHRAE Clear Sky Optical Depth for Beam Irradiance (taub)

Optical depth for beam radiation, used only when Solar Model Indicator is ASHRAETau.
See next field.

1.6.2.1.25 Field: ASHRAE Clear Sky Optical Depth for Diffuse Irradiance
(taud)
Optical depth for diffuse radiation, used only when Solar Model Indicator is ASHRAE-
Tau. Taub and Taud values are tabulated by month for 5564 locations worldwide on the CD
that accompanies the ASHRAE 2009 HOF.

1.6.2.1.26 Field: Sky Clearness

If the choice in the Solar Model Indicator field is ASHRAEClearSky or ZhangHuang,
then this numeric field should be entered. This value represents the “clearness” value for the
day. This value, along with the solar position as defined by the Location information and
the date entered for the design day, help define the solar radiation values for each hour of
the day. Clearness may range from 0.0 to 1.2, where 1.0 represents a clear sky at sea level.
Values greated than 1.0 may be used for high altitude locations. Traditionally, one uses 0.0
72 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

clearness for Winter Design Days. Note that this “sky clearness” does not have the same
meaning as output variable “Site Daylighting Model Sky Clearness”.
IDF Examples:
! Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl Ap_AZ_USA Annual Cooling (WB = >MDB)
! .4%, MDB = 35.8 °C WB = 24.5 °C
SizingPeriod:DesignDay ,
Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl Ap Ann Clg .4% Condns WB = >MDB , !- Name
7, !- Month
21, !- Day of Month
SummerDesignDay ,!- Day Type
35.8, !- Maximum Dry -Bulb Temperature {C}
12, !- Daily Dry -Bulb Temperature Range {C}
DefaultMultipliers , !- Dry -Bulb Temperature Range Modifier Type
, !- Dry -Bulb Temperature Range Modifier Schedule Name
Wetbulb , !- Humidity Condition Type
24.5, !- Wetbulb at Maximum Dry -Bulb {C}
, !- Humidity Indicating Day Schedule Name
, !- Humidity Ratio at Maximum Dry -Bulb {kgWater/kgDryAir}
, !- Enthalpy at Maximum Dry -Bulb {J/kg}
, !- Daily Wet -Bulb Temperature Range {deltaC}
97342. , !- Barometric Pressure {Pa}
4.1, ! Wind Speed {m/s}
260, !- Wind Direction {Degrees; N = 0, S = 180}
No , !- Rain {Yes/No}
No , !- Snow on ground {Yes/No}
No , !- Daylight Savings Time Indicator
ASHRAETau , !- Solar Model Indicator
, !- Beam Solar Day Schedule Name
, !- Diffuse Solar Day Schedule Name
0.588 , !- ASHRAE Clear Sky Optical Depth for Beam Irradiance (taub)
1.653; !- ASHRAE Clear Sky Optical Depth for Diffuse Irradiance (taud)

SizingPeriod:DesignDay ,
Denver Centennial Golden Ann Htg 99% Condns DB - sched solar , !- Name
1, !- Month
13, !- Day of Month
WinterDesignDay , !- Day Type
-16, !- Maximum Dry -Bulb Temperature {C}
0.0, !- Daily Dry -Bulb Temperature Range {deltaC}
, !- Dry -Bulb Temperature Range Modifier Type
, !- Dry -Bulb Temperature Range Modifier Schedule Name
Wetbulb , !- Humidity Condition Type
-16, !- Wetbulb or DewPoint at Maximum Dry -Bulb {C}
, !- Humidity Indicating Day Schedule Name
, !- Humidity Ratio at Maximum Dry -Bulb {kgWater/kgDryAir}
, !- Enthalpy at Maximum Dry -Bulb {J/kg}
, !- Daily Wet -Bulb Temperature Range {deltaC}
83411. , !- Barometric Pressure {Pa}
2.3, !- Wind Speed {m/s}
180, !- Wind Direction {deg}
No , !- Rain Indicator
No , !- Snow Indicator
No , !- Daylight Saving Time Indicator
Schedule , !- Solar Model Indicator
Winter (1/13) Beam Solar ,!- Beam Solar Day Schedule Name
Winter (1/13) Diffuse Solar; !- Diffuse Solar Day Schedule Name

Schedule:Day:Hourly ,
Winter (1/13) Beam Solar ,
Any Number ,
0 ,0 ,0 ,0 ,0 ,0 ,0 ,190 ,698 ,852 ,892 ,919 ,957 ,953 ,856 ,700 ,213 ,0 ,0 ,0 ,0 ,0 ,0 ,0;

Schedule:Day:Hourly ,
Winter (1/13) Diffuse Solar ,
Any Number ,
0,0,0,0,0,0,0,35,118,116,92,65,40,14,0,0,5,0,0,0,0,0,0,0;
1.6. GROUP – LOCATION – CLIMATE – WEATHER FILE ACCESS 73

Look at the example files 1ZoneUncontrolled_DDChanges.idf and 1ZoneUncontrolled_-

DD2009 for several examples of specifying Design Day inputs.

1.6.2.2 Outputs
For the schedule fields in the object, several output variables can be used:

• Zone,Average,Sizing Period Site Beam Solar Schedule Value [W/m2]

• Zone,Average,Sizing Period Site Diffuse Solar Schedule Value [W/m2]

• Zone,Average,Sizing Period Site Humidity Condition Schedule Value [%]

• Zone,Average,Sizing Period Site Humidity Condition Schedule Value []

• Zone,Average,Sizing Period Site Drybulb Temperature Range Modifier Schedule Value

[]

• Zone,Average,Sizing Period Site Drybulb Temperature Range Modifier Schedule Value

[deltaC]

• Zone,Average,Sizing Period Site Drybulb Temperature Range Modifier Schedule Value

[C]

• Zone,Average,Sizing Period Site Sky Temperature Schedule Value [deltaC]

• Zone,Average,Sizing Period Site Sky Temperature Schedule Value [C]

1.6.2.2.1 Sizing Period Site Beam Solar Schedule Value [W/m2]

1.6.2.2.2 Sizing Period Site Diffuse Solar Schedule Value [W/m2]

This schedule value is active when any Design Day objects have / use the solar schedule
option. For those objects that don’t have this option, the value will be displayed as -999.

1.6.2.2.3 Sizing Period Site Humidity Condition Schedule Value [%]

1.6.2.2.4 Sizing Period Site Humidity Condition Schedule Value []

This schedule value is active when any Design Day objects have / use the humidity
schedule option. For those objects that don’t have this option, the value will be displayed
as -999.

1.6.2.2.5 Sizing Period Site Drybulb Temperature Range Modifier Schedule

Value []

1.6.2.2.6 Sizing Period Site Drybulb Temperature Range Modifier Schedule

Value [deltaC]
74 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.6.2.2.7 Sizing Period Site Drybulb Temperature Range Modifier Schedule

Value [C]
This schedule value is active when any Design Day objects have / use the drybulb tem-
perature range modifier chedule option. For those objects that don’t have this option, the
value will be displayed as -999.

1.6.2.2.8 Sizing Period Site Sky Temperature Schedule Value [deltaC]

1.6.2.2.9 Sizing Period Site Sky Temperature Schedule Value [C]

This schedule value is active when any Design Day objects have / use the WeatherProp-
erties:SkyTemperature schedule option. For those objects that don’t have this option, the
value will be displayed as -999.

1.6.3 Longer Design Periods

Some features may benefit by using a longer design weather period for sizing or loads calcula-
tions. Longer design periods may be created by using the SizingPeriod:WeatherFileDays
or SizingPeriod:WeatherFileConditionType objects. These two objects allow for selec-
tions from an attached weather file to be used in the sizing calculations.

1.6.4 SizingPeriod:WeatherFileDays
The SizingPeriod:WeatherFileDays object describes using a selected period from the “at-
tached” weather file to be used in load calculations or sizing equipment. The period selected
can be as small as a single day or larger. Multiple periods may be input. While this object
may be used for sizing calculations, you should also consider using design days that represent
more long term extremes or conditions.

1.6.4.1 Inputs
1.6.4.1.1 Field: Name
This field allows for an assigned name for this run period so it can be tracked easily in
sizing and other outputs.

1.6.4.1.2 Field: Begin Month

This numeric field should contain the starting month number (1 = January, 2 = February,
etc.) for the annual run period desired.

1.6.4.1.3 Field: Begin Day of Month

This numeric field should contain the starting day of the starting month (must be valid
for month) for the annual run period desired.

1.6.4.1.4 Field: End Month

This numeric field should contain the ending month number (1 = January, 2 = February,
etc.) for the annual run period desired.
1.6. GROUP – LOCATION – CLIMATE – WEATHER FILE ACCESS 75

1.6.4.1.5 Field: End Day of Month

This numeric field should contain the ending day of the ending month (must be valid for
month) for the annual run period desired.

1.6.4.1.6 Field: Day of Week for Start Day

For flexibility, the day of week indicated on the weather file can be overridden by this
field’s value. Valid days of the week (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Fri-
day, Saturday) or special days (SummerDesignDay, WinterDesignDay, CustomDay1, Cus-
tomDay2) must be entered in this field. To clarify, this value will be used as the Start Day
(type) for this sizing period. When weekdays are used, each subsequent day in the period will
be incremented. When SummerDesignDay, WinterDesignDay, CustomDay1, CustomDay2
– are used, the day type will be applied for the entire period.

1.6.4.1.7 Field: Use Weather File Daylight Saving Period

Weather files can contain indicators of Daylight Saving Period days. For flexibility, you
may want to ignore these designations on the weather file. This field should contain the word
Yes if you will accept daylight saving period days as contained on the weather file (note:
not all weather files may actually have this period) or No if you wish to ignore Daylight
Saving Period days that may be on the weather file.
Note that a blank or null field in this field will indicate Yes.

1.6.4.1.8 Field: Use Weather File Rain and Snow Indicators

Weather files can contain “rain” and “snow” indicators. (EPW field “Present Weather
Codes” – described in the AuxiliaryPrograms document). In turn, rain indicates wet surfaces
which changes the film convection coefficient for the surface. Other models may use rain
as well (Ground Heat Exchangers). Snow indicators can change the ground reflectance if
there is snow on the ground. Entering “Yes” in this field allows the weather file conditions to
represent “Rain” and “Snow”; entering “No” in the field “turns off” the rain/snow indicators
for this period. You might use this to be able to compare two “same location” weather files
of different years, origins, etc.
IDF Example:
SizingPeriod:WeatherFileDays ,
Summer including Extreme Summer days , !- Name
7,18,7,25, !- Begin/end Day/Month
SummerDesignDay , !- Day type
No , !- Use Weather File Daylight Saving Period
No; !- Use Weather File Rain and Snow Indicators

SizingPeriod:WeatherFileDays ,
Winter including Extreme Winter days , !- Name
1,25,2,1, !- Begin/end Day/Month
WinterDesignDay , !- Day type
No , !- Use Weather File Daylight Saving Period
No; !- Use Weather File Rain and Snow Indicators
76 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.6.5 SizingPeriod:WeatherFileConditionType
When the EPW files are created, a heuristic procedure identifies extreme and typical periods
in the actual weather file. This object will allow one of those periods to be selected for sizing
or load calculations (typically). Multiple objects may be input. While this object may be
used for sizing calculations, you should also consider using design days that represent more
long term extremes or conditions.

1.6.5.1 Inputs

1.6.5.1.1 Field: Name

This field allows for an assigned name for this run period so it can be tracked easily in
sizing and other outputs.

1.6.5.1.2 Field: Period Selection

This field allows the generic period calculated from the weather file to be selected for
this run period. It is not completely generic as there may be extreme cold periods in some
weather files but extreme wet periods (tropical) in others. Not all weather files have all of
the valid choices. The choices for this field are:

• SummerExtreme

• SummerTypical

• WinterExtreme

• WinterTypical

• AutumnTypical

• SpringTypical

• WetSeason

• DrySeason

• NoDrySeason

• NoWetSeason

• TropicalHot

• TropicalCold
1.6. GROUP – LOCATION – CLIMATE – WEATHER FILE ACCESS 77

1.6.5.1.3 Field: Day of Week for Start Day

For flexibility, the day of week indicated on the weather file can be overridden by this
field’s value. Valid days of the week (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Fri-
day, Saturday) or special days (SummerDesignDay, WinterDesignDay, CustomDay1, Cus-
tomDay2) must be entered in this field. To clarify, this value will be used as the Start Day
(type) for this sizing period. When weekdays are used, each subsequent day in the period will
be incremented. When SummerDesignDay, WinterDesignDay, CustomDay1, CustomDay2
– are used, the day type will be applied for the entire period.

1.6.5.1.4 Field: Use Weather File Daylight Saving Period

Weather files can contain indicators of Daylight Saving Period days. For flexibility, you
may want to ignore these designations on the weather file. This field should contain the word
Yes if you will accept daylight saving period days as contained on the weather file (note:
not all weather files may actually have this period) or No if you wish to ignore Daylight
Saving Period days that may be on the weather file.
Note that a blank or null field in this field will indicate Yes.

1.6.5.1.5 Field: Use Weather File Rain and Snow Indicators

Weather files can contain “rain” and “snow” indicators. (EPW field “Present Weather
Codes” – described in the AuxiliaryPrograms document). In turn, rain indicates wet surfaces
which changes the film convection coefficient for the surface. Other models may use rain
as well (Ground Heat Exchangers). Snow indicators can change the ground reflectance if
there is snow on the ground. Entering “Yes” in this field allows the weather file conditions to
represent “Rain” and “Snow”; entering “No” in the field “turns off” the rain/snow indicators
for this period. You might use this to be able to compare two “same location” weather files
of different years, origins, etc.
IDF Example:
SizingPeriod:WeatherFileConditionType ,
Extreme Summer Weather Period for Design , !- Name
SummerExtreme , !- Period Selection
SummerDesignDay , !- Day Type
No , !- Use Weather File Daylight Saving Period
No; !- Use Weather File Rain and Snow Indicators

SizingPeriod:WeatherFileConditionType ,
Extreme Winter Weather Period for Design , !- Name
WinterExtreme , !- Period Selection
WinterDesignDay , !- Day Type
No , !- Use Weather File Daylight Saving Period
No; !- Use Weather File Rain and Snow Indicators

1.6.6 RunPeriod
The RunPeriod object describes the elements necessary to create a weather file simulation.
Multiple run periods may be input. EnergyPlus accepts weather files in the special Ener-
gyPlus weather format (described briefly below this document and in more detail in the
Auxiliary Programs document). These files can describe Daylight Saving Time periods as
78 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

well as holidays within their definitions. The RunPeriod object allows the user to over-
ride the use of both the Daylight Saving Period (i.e. use or ignore) and holidays that are
embedded within the weather file. Note that the weather file also may contain design con-
dition information, typical and extreme period information, ground temperatures based on
air temperature calculations.

1.6.6.1 Inputs
1.6.6.1.1 Field: Name
This optional field allows the RunPeriod to be named for output reporting. When left
blank, the weather file location name is used. Note that the weather file location name will
be appened to this name in tabular/summary reports.

1.6.6.1.2 Field: Begin Month

This numeric field should contain the starting month number (1 = January, 2 = February,
etc.) for the annual run period desired.

1.6.6.1.3 Field: Begin Day of Month

This numeric field should contain the starting day of the starting month (must be valid
for month) for the annual run period desired.

1.6.6.1.4 Field: End Month

This numeric field should contain the ending month number (1 = January, 2 = February,
etc.) for the annual run period desired.

1.6.6.1.5 Field: End Day of Month

This numeric field should contain the ending day of the ending month (must be valid for
month) for the annual run period desired.

1.6.6.1.6 Field: Day of Week for Start Day

For flexibility, the day of week indicated on the weather file can be overridden by this
field’s value. Valid days of the week (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday,
Friday, Saturday) must be entered in this field. To clarify, this value will be used as the
Start Day (type) for this run period and subsequent days will be implemented. If a blank
or UseWeatherFile is entered here, then the starting day type will be calculated from the
weather file (ref: Auxiliary Programs document about Data Periods).

1.6.6.1.7 Field: Use Weather File Holidays and Special Days

Weather files can contain holiday designations or other kinds of special days. These
day types cause a corresponding day’s schedule (see SCHEDULE definitions below) to be
used during that day. This field should contain the word Yes if holidays or other special
days indicated directly on the weather file should retain their “day type” or No if holidays
or other special days on the weather file should be ignored. Reference the RunPeriodCon-
trol:SpecialDays object below to enter your own special days and holidays.
1.6. GROUP – LOCATION – CLIMATE – WEATHER FILE ACCESS 79

Note that a blank or null field in this field will indicate Yes.

1.6.6.1.8 Field: Use Weather File Daylight Saving Period

Weather files can contain indicators of Daylight Saving period days. For flexibility, you
may want to ignore these designations on the weather file. This field should contain the word
Yes if you will accept daylight saving period days as contained on the weather file (note:
not all weather files may actually have this period) or No if you wish to ignore Daylight
Saving period days that may be on the weather file.
Note that a blank or null field in this field will indicate Yes.

1.6.6.1.9 Field: Apply Weekend Holiday Rule

In some countries (notably the US), when holidays fall on weekends, they are often ob-
served on a weekday close to the holiday day. (Usually if the specific day falls on a Saturday,
the observed day is Friday; if on a Sunday, the observed day is Monday). EnergyPlus will
represent this custom using the value in this field. If the field is Yes, then specific date
holidays that have a duration of one day, will be “observed” on the Monday after the day.
(Specific day holidays are such as January 1 – a day-month combination). If the field is
blank or No, then the holiday will be shown on the day-month as entered. As this option
is listed at the RunPeriod, all applicable special days for the run will use the rule – there is
no override for individual special days.
Note that a blank or null field in this field will indicate No.

Note: EnergyPlus processed weather files available on the EnergyPlus web site: http:
//www.energyplus.gov/cfm/weather_data.cfm have neither special days specified nor daylight
saving period. However, DDY (Design Day) files produced from the ASHRAE Design Con-
ditions that accompany the EPW files may include a DaylightSavingPeriod object for certain
locations.

1.6.6.1.10 Field: Use Weather File Rain Indicators

Weather files can contain “rain” indicators. (EPW field “Present Weather Codes” –
described in the AuxiliaryPrograms document). In turn, rain indicates wet surfaces which
changes the film convection coefficient for the surface. Other models may use rain as well
(Ground Heat Exchangers). Entering “Yes” in this field allows the weather file conditions
to represent “Rain”; entering “No” in the field “turns off” the rain indicator for this period.
You might use this to be able to compare two “same location” weather files of different years,
origins, etc.

1.6.6.1.11 Field: Use Weather File Snow Indicators

Weather files can contain “snow” indicators. (EPW field “Snow Depth” > 0 indicates
“Snow on the ground”). In turn, snow changes the reflectivity of the ground and cascades
changes of this reflectivity. Entering “Yes” in this field allows the weather file conditions to
represent “Snow”; entering “No” in the field “turns off” the snow indicator for this period.
You might use this to be able to compare two “same location” weather files of different years,
origins, etc.
80 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.6.6.1.12 Field: Number of Times Runperiod to be Repeated

This numeric field represents the number of times (usually years) the simulation has to
be carried out in a multi runperiod simulation. The default value is set to 1. The number of
years of simulation, in case of a Ground Loop Heat Exchanger (GLHE) simulation, should be
equal to the length of simulation field in GLHE object. Note that you can specify a number
of simulation years with a shorter run period (e.g. 1 week) and EnergyPlus will repeat the
simulation of the shorter run period for that many times. Note that repeating will work
with any weather file that contains the start date and end date in a “Data Period” (refer to
Auxiliary Programs document for more documentation on weather file contents).

1.6.6.1.13 Field: Increment Day of Week on Repeat

When repeating RunPeriods (see previous field), you can choose to increment the day of
week at the end of the period to have a more continuous day type. Enter Yes to increment
the day of the week (default). An entry of No will keep the same day of week values as in
the first time through.

1.6.6.1.14 Field: Start Year

When repeating a period, you might (for whatever reason), choose to have a specific
year as a starting year. Enter an appropriate 4 digit year in this field. Refer to Auxiliary
Programs document for more documentation on weather file contents, particularly in using
leap year data (or not) within weather files.
And, as shown in an IDF:
RunPeriod , ! Winter Simulation
Winter Simulation , !- Name
12, !- Begin Month
1, !- Begin Day of Month
3, !- End Month
31, !- End Day of Month
UseWeatherFile , !- Day of Week for Start Day
Yes , !- Use Weather File Holidays and Special Days
Yes , !- Use Weather File Daylight Saving Period
No , !- Apply Weekend Holiday Rule
Yes , !- Use Weather File Rain Indicators
Yes; !- Use Weather File Snow Indicators

! Multiple year simulation example

RunPeriod ,
Multiple Years , !- Name
1, !- Begin Month
1, !- Begin Day of Month
12, !- End Month
31, !- End Day of Month
UseWeatherFile , !- Day of Week for Start Day
Yes , !- Use Weather File Holidays and Special Days
Yes , !- Use Weather File Daylight Saving Period
No , !- Apply Weekend Holiday Rule
Yes , !- Use Weather File Rain Indicators
Yes , !- Use Weather File Snow Indicators
3; !- Number of Times Runperiod to be Repeated
1.6. GROUP – LOCATION – CLIMATE – WEATHER FILE ACCESS 81

1.6.7 RunPeriod:CustomRange
The RunPeriod:CustomRange object describes the elements necessary to use a specially
crafted (likely multiple year) weather file in a simulation. These kinds of weather files
and simulations might be useful for matching utility periods or simulating several years of
differing weather data. Multiple run periods may be input. EnergyPlus accepts weather files
in the special EnergyPlus weather format (described briefly below this document and in more
detail in the Auxiliary Programs document). In order to effectively use this object, however,
you will need to use a text editor (EnergyPlus weather files area simple text files) or possibly
a spreadsheet program and then save to a csv (comma separated variable) file. Weather
files can describe Daylight Saving Time periods as well as holidays within their definitions.
The RunPeriod:CustomRange object allows the user to override the use of both the Daylight
Saving Period (i.e. use or ignore) and holidays that are embedded within the weather file.
Note that the weather file also may contain design condition information, typical and extreme
period information, ground temperatures based on air temperature calculations.

1.6.7.1 Inputs
1.6.7.1.1 Field: Name
This optional field allows the RunPeriod to be named for output reporting. When left
blank, the weather file location name is used. Note that the weather file location name will
be appened to this name in tabular/summary reports.

1.6.7.1.2 Field: Begin Month

This numeric field should contain the starting month number (1 = January, 2 = February,
etc.) for the annual run period desired.

1.6.7.1.3 Field: Begin Day of Month

This numeric field should contain the starting day of the starting month (must be valid
for month) for the annual run period desired.

1.6.7.1.4 Field: Begin Year

This numeric field should contain the beginning year for the custom range. Though all
EnergyPlus (EPW) weather files contain a year/year field, the RunPeriod object does not
use this field (previous object). The RunPeriod:CustomRange object causes the program
to look specifically for the begin date specified by these three fields (i.e. Begin Month, Begin
Day of Month, Begin Year).

1.6.7.1.5 Field: End Month

This numeric field should contain the ending month number (1 = January, 2 = February,
etc.) for the annual run period desired.

1.6.7.1.6 Field: End Day of Month

This numeric field should contain the ending day of the ending month (must be valid for
month) for the annual run period desired.
82 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.6.7.1.7 Field: End Year

This numeric field should contain the end year for the custom range. Though all Ener-
gyPlus (EPW) weather files contain a year/year field, the RunPeriod object does not use
this field (previous object). The RunPeriod:CustomRange object causes the program to
look specifically for the end date specified by these three fields (i.e. End Month, End Day
of Month, End Year).

1.6.7.1.8 Field: Day of Week for Start Day

For flexibility, the day of week indicated on the weather file can be overridden by this
field’s value. Valid days of the week (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday,
Friday, Saturday) must be entered in this field. To clarify, this value will be used as the
Start Day (type) for this run period and subsequent days will be implemented. If a blank
or UseWeatherFile is entered here, then the starting day type will be calculated from the
weather file (ref: Auxiliary Programs document about Data Periods).

1.6.7.1.9 Field: Use Weather File Holidays and Special Days

Weather files can contain holiday designations or other kinds of special days. These
day types cause a corresponding day’s schedule (see SCHEDULE definitions below) to be
used during that day. This field should contain the word Yes if holidays or other special
days indicated directly on the weather file should retain their “day type” or No if holidays
or other special days on the weather file should be ignored. Reference the RunPeriodCon-
trol:SpecialDays object below to enter your own special days and holidays.
Note that a blank or null field in this field will indicate Yes.

1.6.7.1.10 Field: Use Weather File Daylight Saving Period

Weather files can contain indicators of Daylight Saving period days. For flexibility, you
may want to ignore these designations on the weather file. This field should contain the word
Yes if you will accept daylight saving period days as contained on the weather file (note:
not all weather files may actually have this period) or No if you wish to ignore Daylight
Saving period days that may be on the weather file.
Note that a blank or null field in this field will indicate Yes.

1.6.7.1.11 Field: Apply Weekend Holiday Rule

In some countries (notably the US), when holidays fall on weekends, they are often ob-
served on a weekday close to the holiday day. (Usually if the specific day falls on a Saturday,
the observed day is Friday; if on a Sunday, the observed day is Monday). EnergyPlus will
represent this custom using the value in this field. If the field is Yes, then specific date
holidays that have a duration of one day, will be “observed” on the Monday after the day.
(Specific day holidays are such as January 1 – a day-month combination). If the field is
blank or No, then the holiday will be shown on the day-month as entered. As this option
is listed at the RunPeriod, all applicable special days for the run will use the rule – there is
no override for individual special days.
Note that a blank or null field in this field will indicate No.
1.6. GROUP – LOCATION – CLIMATE – WEATHER FILE ACCESS 83

Note: EnergyPlus processed weather files available on the EnergyPlus web site: http:
//www.energyplus.gov/cfm/weather_data.cfm have neither special days specified nor daylight
saving period. However, DDY (Design Day) files produced from the ASHRAE Design Con-
ditions that accompany the EPW files may include a DaylightSavingPeriod object for certain
locations.

1.6.7.1.12 Field: Use Weather File Rain Indicators

Weather files can contain “rain” indicators. (EPW field “Present Weather Codes” –
described in the AuxiliaryPrograms document). In turn, rain indicates wet surfaces which
changes the film convection coefficient for the surface. Other models may use rain as well
(Ground Heat Exchangers). Entering “Yes” in this field allows the weather file conditions
to represent “Rain”; entering “No” in the field “turns off” the rain indicator for this period.
You might use this to be able to compare two “same location” weather files of different years,
origins, etc.

1.6.7.1.13 Field: Use Weather File Snow Indicators

Weather files can contain “snow” indicators. (EPW field “Snow Depth” > 0 indicates
“Snow on the ground”). In turn, snow changes the reflectivity of the ground and cascades
changes of this reflectivity. Entering “Yes” in this field allows the weather file conditions to
represent “Snow”; entering “No” in the field “turns off” the snow indicator for this period.
You might use this to be able to compare two “same location” weather files of different years,
origins, etc.

1.6.8 RunPeriodControl:SpecialDays
For weather file run periods, special day run periods can be described. These will always be
in effect for the selected days in the run period. Depending on the Use Special Days value
in the RunPeriod:* object(s), these can augment any special days included on the weather
file.

Note: EnergyPlus processed weather files available on the EnergyPlus web site: http:
//www.energyplus.gov/cfm/weather_data.cfm have neither special days specified nor daylight
saving period. However, DDY (Design Day) files produced from the ASHRAE Design Con-
ditions that accompany the EPW files may include a DaylightSavingPeriod object for certain
locations.

1.6.8.1 Inputs

1.6.8.1.1 Field: Name

This alpha field is the title for the special day period. It must be unique among all the
special day period objects entered.
84 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.6.8.1.2 Field: Start Date

This field is the starting date for the special day period. Dates in this field can be entered
in several ways as shown in the accompanying table:

Table 1.4: Date Field Interpretation

Field Contents Interpretation

< number > / < number > Month / Day
< number > Month Day and Month
Month < number > Day and Month
< number > Weekday in Month Numbered weekday of month
Last Weekday In Month Last weekday of month

In the table, Month can be one of (January, February, March, April, May, June, July,
August, September, October, November, December). Abbreviations of the first three char-
acters are also valid.
In the table, Weekday can be one of (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday,
Friday, Saturday). Abbreviations of the first three characters are also valid.

1.6.8.1.3 Field: Duration

This numeric field specifies how long (number of days) the special day period lasts.

1.6.8.1.4 Field: Special Day Type

This alpha field designates the “day type” for schedule use during the special period.
It must be one of (Holiday, SummerDesignDay, WinterDesignDay, CustomDay1, Custom-
Day2).
An example in the IDF would be:
RunPeriodControl:SpecialDays , ’Presidents Day , 3rd Monday in February ,1, Holiday;
RunPeriodControl:SpecialDays , Thanksgiving , 4th Thursday in November , 1,Holiday;
RunPeriodControl:SpecialDays , Halloween , 10/31 , 1, Holiday;
RunPeriodControl:SpecialDays , Vacation , 5/1, 14, CustomDay1;

1.6.9 RunPeriodControl:DaylightSavingTime
Similar to a special day period, a daylight saving period may be entered to be applied to
weather file run periods. These will always be in effect, regardless of the value entered on
the RunPeriod object. Note that this period will always override any daylight saving period
specified in a weather file.

Note: EnergyPlus processed weather files available on the EnergyPlus web site: http://
www.energyplus.gov/cfm/weather_data.cfm have neither special days specified nor daylight
saving period.
1.6. GROUP – LOCATION – CLIMATE – WEATHER FILE ACCESS 85

Note: For EnergyPlus Output:Variable and Output:Meter reporting, the time

stamps are always in standard time. When daylight saving time is active, scheduled
loads and controls will shift one hour relative to standard time.

1.6.9.1 Inputs

1.6.9.1.1 Field: Start Date

This is the starting date of the daylight saving period. Note that it can be entered in
several formats as shown in Table 1.4. Date Field Interpretation.

1.6.9.1.2 Field: End Date

This is the ending date of the daylight saving period. Note that it can be entered in
several formats as shown in Table 1.4. Date Field Interpretation.
And in the IDF:
! U.S. Standard for Daylight Saving
RunPeriodControl:DaylightSavingTime ,2nd Sunday in March , 1st Sunday in November; !2007
! Brazil standard
RunPeriodControl:DaylightSavingTime ,1st Sunday in October , Last Sunday in February;
! European Standard
RunPeriodControl:DaylightSavingTime , Last Sunday in March , Last Sunday in October;
! Syria Standard
RunPeriodControl:DaylightSavingTime , 4/1, 10/1;

Of course, these could not all appear in the same IDF as only one DaylightSavingPeriod
object per input file is allowed. More information on Daylight Saving Periods can be seen
on the web at: http://www.webexhibits.org/daylightsaving/. The ASHRAE Handbook of
Fundamentals [ASHRAE 2005] also contains information about daylight saving periods and
their climatic information now includes start and end dates for many locations.

1.6.10 WeatherProperty:SkyTemperature
Sky Temperature, or radiative sky temperature, is internally calculated by EnergyPlus using
an algorithm using horizontal infrared radiation from sky, cloudiness factors and current
temperaure. The algorithm is fully described in the Engineering Reference document. For
flexibility, the following object can be entered to override the internal calculations. Much
of the literature describes the sky temperature as relative to either drybulb or dewpoint
temperature.

1.6.10.1 Inputs

1.6.10.1.1 Field: Name

This name references an existing design period (i.e., SizingPeriod:DesignDay, SizingPe-
riod:WeatherFileDays, or SizingPeriod:WeatherFileConditionType) or run period (by name
or blank for all run periods).
86 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.6.10.1.2 Field: Calculation Type

Allowable entries here are: ScheduleValue, DifferenceScheduleDryBulbValue, or
DifferenceScheduleDewPointValue. In each case the following field must specify a valid
schedule name. ScheduleValue – the values in the schedule are used as the sky temperature.
DifferenceScheduleDryBulbValue – the values in the schedule are used as a difference
to the drybulb temperature value (+values would then be greater than the drybulb tem-
perature, -values would then be less than the drybulb temperature) for the resulting sky
temperature value. DifferenceScheduleDewPointValue – the values in the schedule are
used as a difference to the dewpoint temperature value (+values would then be greater than
the dewpoint temperature, -values would then be less than the dewpoint temperature) for
the resulting sky temperature value.

1.6.10.1.3 Field: ScheduleName

This field specifies a schedule name to accomplish the sky temperature calculation from
the previous field. A Schedule:Day:* (i.e., Schedule:Day:Hourly, Schedule:Day:Interval,
Schedule:Day:List) should be specified if the name in the name field matches a SizingPe-
riod:DesignDay object. If the name is one of the weather file period specifications (i.e.
matches a SizingPeriod:WeatherFileDays, SizingPeriod:WeatherFileConditionType or Run-
Period), then the schedule name must match a full year schedule (i.e. Schedule:Year, Sched-
ule:Compact, Schedule:File, or Schedule:Constant).
An example of IDF usage (with DesignDay):
SizingPeriod:DesignDay ,
DENVER_STAPLETON Ann Clg 1% Sky Temperature modfier , !- Name
32.6, !- Maximum Dry -Bulb Temperature {C}
15.2, !- Daily Temperature Range {deltaC}
15.5, !- Humidity Indicating Conditions at Maximum Dry -Bulb
83411. , !- Barometric Pressure {Pa}
4, !- Wind Speed {m/s}
120, !- Wind Direction {deg}
1.00, !- Sky Clearness
0, !- Rain Indicator
0, !- Snow Indicator
25, !- Day of Month
7, !- Month
SummerDesignDay , !- Day Type
0, !- Daylight Saving Time Indicator
WetBulb , !- Humidity Indicating Type
, !- Relative Humidity Day Schedule Name
deltaschedule , !- Dry -Bulb Temperature Range Modifier Type
temp range deltas; !- Dry -Bulb Temperature Range Modifier Schedule Name

WeatherProperty:SkyTemperature ,
DENVER_STAPLETON Ann Clg 1% Sky Temperature modfier , !- Name
ScheduleValue , !- Calculation Type
DaySchedule5; !- Schedule Name

Schedule:Day:Interval ,
DaySchedule5 , !- Name
Temperature , !- Schedule Type Limits Name
Yes , !- Interpolate to Timestep
until: 24:00 , !- Time 1
5; !- Value Until Time 1
1.6. GROUP – LOCATION – CLIMATE – WEATHER FILE ACCESS 87

1.6.11 Site:WeatherStation
The Site:WeatherStation object is used to specify the measurement conditions for the climatic
data listed in the weather file. These conditions indicate the height above ground of the air
temperature sensor, the height above ground of the wind speed sensor, as well as coefficients
that describe the wind speed profile due to the terrain surrounding the weather station.
There are necessary correlations between the entries for this object and some entries in the
Building object, specifically the Terrain field.
Weather stations throughout the world (ref: WMO – World Meteorological Organization)
take their measurements at standard conditions:

• Air temperature is measured at approximately 1.5 m above ground

• Wind speed is measured at 10 m above ground

• Weather station is in a flat, open field with little protection from the wind.

When using weather data from standard sources (e.g., TMY2, IWEC, TMY, or ASHRAE
design day data), it is not necessary to use the Site:WeatherStation object. However, if
you are using custom weather data or real-time weather data, you may need to read and
understand the concepts in the Site:WeatherStation object.
The measurement conditions at the weather station (i.e., the weather file) are used by
EnergyPlus in conjunction with the Terrain field of the Building object, or optionally with
the Site:HeightVariation object (see below), to calculate the local variation in atmospheric
properties as a function of height above ground. Outdoor air temperature decreases with
height, while wind speed increases with height. The algorithms for this calculation are in
the Engineering Reference.
The Site:WeatherStation object is useful when working with a custom weather file that
includes data that were not measured at the WMO standard conditions. For example, the
weather data could be measured on site, or on the roof top of a nearby building. The wind
speed profile coefficients can be estimated from the table below or calculated beforehand
using more sophisticated techniques such as CFD modeling of the weather station terrain.

Table 1.5: Wind Speed Profile Coefficients (ASHRAE

Fundamentals 2005).

Terrain Description Exponent Bounhary Layer Thickness (m)

Flat, open country 0.14 270
Rough, wooded country 0.22 370
Towns and cities 0.33 460
Ocean 0.10 210
Urban, industrial, forest 0.22 370

If the Site:WeatherStation object is omitted from the input file, the WMO standard
88 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

measurement conditions are assumed.

1.6.11.1 Inputs
1.6.11.1.1 Field: Wind Sensor Height Above Ground
The height [m] above ground for the wind speed sensor.

1.6.11.1.2 Field: Wind Speed Profile Exponent

The wind speed profile exponent for the terrain surrounding the weather station. The
exponent can be estimated from the table above or calculated beforehand using more so-
phisticated techniques, such as CFD modeling of the weather station terrain.

1.6.11.1.3 Field: Wind Speed Profile Boundary Layer Thickness

The wind speed profile boundary layer thickness [m] for the terrain surrounding the
weather station. The boundary layer can be estimated from the table above or calculated
beforehand using more sophisticated techniques, such as CFD modeling of the weather sta-
tion terrain.

1.6.11.1.4 Field: Air Temperature Sensor Height Above Ground

The height [m] above ground for the air temperature sensor.
For example, if you are using weather data measured on the top of your building, you
should set the Wind Sensor Height Above Ground and the Air Temperature Sensor Height
Above Ground to equal the height of your building (say 30 m). The Wind Speed Profile
Exponent and Wind Speed Profile Boundary Layer Thickness should be set to match the
values associated with the Terrain field of the Building object, or the equivalent fields of
the Site:HeightVariation object.
Or, in IDF terms, with a building in a town or city:
Site:WeatherStation ,
30, !- Wind Sensor Height Above Ground {m}
0.33, !- Wind Speed Profile Exponent {}
460, !- Wind Speed Profile Boundary Layer Thickness {m}
30; !- Air Temperature Sensor Height Above Ground {m}

This would change if you had a different wind speed profile exponent or wind speed profile
boundary layer thickness at your site.

1.6.12 Site:HeightVariation
The Site:HeightVariation object is used to specify the local variation in atmospheric prop-
erties at the site and should be used only if you require advanced control over the height-
dependent variations for wind speed and temperature. The coefficients set by this object
are used by EnergyPlus, in conjunction with the Site:WeatherStation object (see above), to
calculate the local variation in atmospheric properties as a function of height above ground.
Outdoor air temperature decreases with height, while wind speed increases with height. The
local outdoor air temperature and wind speed are calculated separately for all zones and
surfaces, and optionally for outdoor air nodes for which a height has been specified (see
1.6. GROUP – LOCATION – CLIMATE – WEATHER FILE ACCESS 89

OutdoorAir:Node object). With the default inputs, wind speed falls significantly at heights
lower than the weather station measurement height, and temperature increases slightly. The
algorithms for this calculation are in the Engineering Reference. There are necessary correla-
tions between the entries for this object and some entries in the Building object, specifically
the Terrain field.

Table 1.6: Atmospheric Variables at Two Different

Heights Above Ground Level.

Variable 1.5 m 284 m Absolute Diff Percent Diff

Air Temperature 15°C 13.15°C 1.85°C 12.3%
Barometric Pressure 101,325 Pa 97,960 Pa 3,365 Pa 3.3%
Wind Speed 2.46 m/s 7.75 m/s 5.29 m/s 215%

Note that using this object overrides the wind speed profile coefficients implied by the Ter-
rain field of the Building object even if the wind speed profile fields are left blank. The wind
speed profile coefficients can be estimated from the table above (see Site:WeatherStation)
or calculated beforehand using more sophisticated techniques such as CFD modeling of the
site terrain.

1.6.12.1 Inputs
1.6.12.1.1 Field: Wind Speed Profile Exponent
The wind speed profile exponent for the terrain surrounding the site. The exponent can
be estimated from the table above (see Site:WeatherStation) or calculated beforehand
using more sophisticated techniques, such as CFD modeling of the site terrain. Note that
using this object overrides the wind speed profile coefficients implied by the Terrain field of
the Building object even if this field is left blank. This field can be set to zero to turn off
all wind dependence on height.

1.6.12.1.2 Field: Wind Speed Profile Boundary Layer Thickness

The wind speed profile boundary layer thickness [m] for the terrain surrounding the site.
The boundary layer can be estimated from the table above (see Site:WeatherStation) or
calculated beforehand using more sophisticated techniques, such as CFD modeling of the
site terrain. Note that using this object overrides the wind speed profile coefficients implied
by the Terrain field of the Building object even if this field is left blank.

1.6.12.1.3 Field: Air Temperature Gradient Coefficient

The air temperature gradient coefficient [K/m] is a research option that allows the user
to control the variation in outdoor air temperature as a function of height above ground.
The real physical value is 0.0065 K/m. This field can be set to zero to turn off all tem-
perature dependence on height. Note that the Air Temperature Sensor Height in the
Site:WeatherStation object should also be set to zero in order to force the local out-
door air temperatures to match the weather file outdoor air temperature. This change is
90 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

required because the Site:WeatherStation object assumes an air temperature gradient of

0.0065 K/m. This field can be set to zero to turn off all temperature dependence on height.
Site:HeightVariation ,
0.22, !- Wind Speed Profile Exponent
370, !- Wind Speed Profile Boundary Layer Thickness {m}
0.0065; !- Air Temperature Gradient Coefficient {deltaC/m}

1.6.13 Site:GroundTemperature:BuildingSurface
Ground temperatures are used for the ground heat transfer model. There can be only one
ground temperature object included, and it is used as the outside surface temperature for all
surfaces with Outside Boundary Condition = Ground. The object is options if you have no
surfaces with ground contact. The outside surface temperature for individual surfaces can be
specified using the OtherSideCoefficients (ref: SurfaceProperty:OtherSideCoefficients) object
that allows Toutside to be set with a schedule. This permits using any number of different
outside face temperatures in addition to the ground temperature.

Caution: The “undisturbed” ground temperatures calculated by the weather con-

verter should not be used in building losses but are appropriate to be used in the
Site:GroundTemperature:Shallow and Site:GroundTemperature:Deep objects. The reasoning
(for building losses) is that these values are too extreme for the soil under a conditioned build-
ing. For best results, use the Slab or Basement program described in this document to calculate
custom monthly average ground temperatures (see the Ground Heat Transfer section). This
is especially important for residential applications and very small buildings. If one of these
ground temperature preprocessors is not used, for typical commercial buildings in the USA, a
reasonable default value is 2C less than the average indoor space temperature.

More information about determining appropriate ground temperatures is given in the

Auxiliary Programs document.

1.6.13.1 Inputs
1.6.13.1.1 Field: Month Temperature(s) – 12 fields in all
Each numeric field is the monthly ground temperature (degrees Celsius) used for the
indicated month (January = 1st field, February = 2nd field, etc.)
An IDF example:
Site:GroundTemperature :BuildingSurface ,19 ,20 ,20 ,20 ,20 ,20 ,20 ,20 ,20 ,20 ,20 ,20;

1.6.14 Site:GroundTemperature:Shallow
Site:GroundTemperature:Shallow are used by the Surface Ground Heat Exchanger (i.e. ob-
ject: GroundHeatExchanger:Surface). Only one shallow ground temperature object can be
included.
1.6. GROUP – LOCATION – CLIMATE – WEATHER FILE ACCESS 91

Note that the ground temperatures included in full year weather files may be suitable
of being used for the values in these fields – namely, the .5 m depth temperatures that are
calculated for “undisturbed” soil of “typical” conditions. However, you may wish to use some
other change effect – based on the weather conditions of the building location.

This object may be used for objects requiring “undisturbed” ground temperatures. In
these instances, the “name” input field is not required.

1.6.14.1 Inputs
1.6.14.1.1 Field: Month Temperature(s) – 12 fields in all
Each numeric field is the monthly surface ground temperature (degrees Celsius) used for
the indicated month (January = 1st field, February = 2nd field, etc.)
An IDF example:
Site:GroundTemperature :Shallow ,4,4,6,6,10,10,15,15,14,14,8 ,8;

1.6.15 Site:GroundTemperature:Deep
Site:GroundTemperature:Deep are used by the Pond Ground Heat Exchanger object (i.e.
object: GroundHeatExchanger:Pond). Only one deep ground temperature object can be
included.

Note that the ground temperatures included in full year weather files may be suitable of
being used for the values in these fields – namely, the 4 m depth temperatures that are calculated
for “undisturbed” soil of “typical” conditions. However, you may wish to use some other change
effect – based on the weather conditions or special knowledge of the building location.

This object may be used for objects requiring “undisturbed” ground temperatures. In
these instances, the “name” input field is not required.

1.6.15.1 Inputs
1.6.15.1.1 Field: Month Temperature(s) – 12 fields in all
Each numeric field is the monthly deep ground temperature (degrees Celsius) used for
the indicated month (January = 1st field, February = 2nd field, etc.)
An IDF example:
Site:GroundTemperature :Deep , 16 ,16 ,16 ,16 ,16 ,16 ,16 ,16 ,16 ,16 ,16 ,16;

1.6.16 Site:GroundTemperature:Undisturbed:FiniteDifference
Site:GroundTemperature:Undisturbed:FiniteDifference may be used by all objects requiring
“undisturbed” ground temperatures. The object uses a 1D finite difference heat transfer
92 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

model which uses the weather file to obtain surface boundary conditions. An annual sim-
ulation is run on the model during it’s initialization until the annual ground temperature
profile has reached steady periodic behavior. Once steady periodic behavior is reached, the
ground tempeatures are cached for retrieval during the rest of the simulation.

1.6.16.1 Inputs
1.6.16.1.1 Field: Soil Thermal Conductivity
The thermal conductivity of the soil, in W/m-K.

1.6.16.1.2 Field: Soil Density

The bulk density of the soil, in kg/m3.

1.6.16.1.3 Field: Soil Specific Heat

The specific heat of dry soil, in J/kg-K.

1.6.16.1.4 Field: Soil Moisture Content Volume Fraction

A nominal value of soil moisture content to be used when evaluating soil thermal prop-
erties.

1.6.16.1.5 Field: Soil Moisture Content Volume Fraction at Saturation

A nominal value of soil moisture content when the soil is saturated, this is used in
evaluating thermal properties of freezing soil.

1.6.16.1.6 Field: Evapotranspiration Ground Cover Parameter

Numeric field specifies the ground cover effects used in the evapotranspiration model at
the ground surface heat balance. The values range from 0 (solid, non-permeable ground
surface) to 1.5 (wild growth).
An IDF example:
Site:GroundTemperature :Undisturbed:FiniteDifference ,
FDTemps , !- Name of object
1.08, !- Soil Thermal Conductivity {W/m-K}
962, !- Soil Density {kg/m3}
2576, !- Soil Specific Heat {J/kg -K}
30, !- Soil Moisture Content Volume Fraction {percent}
50, !- Soil Moisture Content Volume Fraction at Saturation {percent}
0.408; !- Evapotranspiration Ground Cover Parameter

1.6.17 Site:GroundTemperature:Undisturbed:KusduaAchenbach
Site:GroundTemperature:Undisturbed:KusudaAchenbach may be used by all objects requir-
ing “undisturbed” ground temperatures. It provides an undisturbed ground temperature
based on the correlation developed by Kusuda T. and P. Achenbach. 1965. The correlation
uses three parameters for ground temperature at the surface to define a correlation for undis-
turbed ground temperatures as a function of depth and time. If one thinks of the ground
temperature for a given depth as a sinusoid, the average ground temperature, amplitude
1.6. GROUP – LOCATION – CLIMATE – WEATHER FILE ACCESS 93

(average difference between maximum ground temperature and minimum ground tempera-
ture), and the phase shift (day of minimum surface temperature) are all required to define
the correlation.
If the parameters are left blank they can be autocalculated by including soil surface
temperatures in the input using the Site:GroundTemperature:Shallow object. They can also
be calculated by using the CalcSoilSurfTemp preprocessor.
Kusuda, T. and P.R. Achenbach. 1965. ‘Earth Temperatures and Thermal Diffusivity at
Selected Stations in the United States.’ ASHRAE Transactions. 71(1): 61-74.

1.6.17.1 Field: Soil Thermal Conductivity

The thermal conductivity of the soil, in W/m-K.

1.6.17.2 Field: Soil Density

The bulk density of the soil, in kg/m3.

1.6.17.3 Field: Soil Specific Heat

The specific heat of dry soil, in J/kg-K.

1.6.17.4 Field: Average Annual Ground Surface Temperature

This is the average ground surface temperature throughout the entire year, in °C.

1.6.17.5 Field: Average Amplitude of Annual Ground Surface Temperature

This is the average amplitude of the ground surface temperature, in °C.

1.6.17.6 Field: Phase Shift of Minimum Surface Temperature

This is day of the year which has the lowest ground surface temperature.
An IDF example:
Site:GroundTemperature :Undisturbed:KusudaAchenbach ,
KATemps , !- Name of object
1.08, !- Soil Thermal Conductivity {W/m-K}
962, !- Soil Density {kg/m3}
2576, !- Soil Specific Heat {J/kg -K}
15.5, !- Average Soil Surface Temperature {C}
12.0, !- Average Amplitude of Surface Temperature {deltaC}
21; !- Phase Shift of Minimum Surface Temperature {days}

1.6.18 Site:GroundTemperature:Undisturbed:Xing
Site:GroundTemperature:Undisturbed:Xing may be used by all objects requiring “undis-
turbed” ground temperatures. It provides an undisturbed ground temperature based on the
correlation developed by Xing, 2014. The correlation is a 5 parameter, 2 harmonic model
based on the work of Lord Kelvin (Thomson, 1862). The average soil surface temperature
94 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

and two sets of surface temperature amplitude and phase shift must be provided. Parameters
for 4000+ international locations can be found in Xing, 2014.
Thomson, W. 1862. ‘On the Reduction of Observations of Underground Temperature,
with applications to Professor Forbes’ Edinburgh Observations and the continued Calton
Hill Series.’ Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. IV: 342-346.
Xing, L. 2014. Estimations of Undisturbed Ground Temperatures using Numerical and
Analytical Modeling. Ph.D. Diss. Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK.

1.6.18.1 Inputs
1.6.18.1.1 Field: Soil Thermal Conductivity
The thermal conductivity of the soil, in W/m-K.

1.6.18.1.2 Field: Soil Density

The bulk density of the soil, in kg/m3.

1.6.18.1.3 Field: Soil Specific Heat

The specific heat of dry soil, in J/kg-K.

1.6.18.1.4 Field: Average Soil Surface Temperature

The average annual surface temperature of the soil, in deg C.

1.6.18.1.5 Field: Soil Surface Temperature Amplitude 1

First soil surface temperature amplitude parameter, in deg C.

1.6.18.1.6 Field: Soil Surface Temperature Amplitude 2

Second soil surface temperature amplitude parameter, in deg C.

1.6.18.1.7 Field: Phase Shift of Surface Temperature Amplitude 1

Phase shift of surface temperature amplitude 1, in days.

1.6.18.1.8 Field: Phase Shift of Surface Temperature Amplitude 2

Phase shift of surface temperature amplitude 2, in days.
An IDF example:
Site:GroundTemperature :Undisturbed:Xing ,
Chicago -Ohare ,!- Name of object
1.08, !- Soil Thermal Conductivity {W/m-K}
962, !- Soil Density {kg/m3}
2576, !- Soil Specific Heat {J/kg -K}
11.1, !- Average Soil Surface Tempeature {C}
13.4, !- Soil Surface Temperature Amplitude 1 {deltaC}
0.7, !- Soil Surface Temperature Amplitude 2 {deltaC}
25, !- Phase Shift of Temperature Amplitude 1 {days}
30; !- Phase Shift of Temperature Amplitude 2 {days}
1.6. GROUP – LOCATION – CLIMATE – WEATHER FILE ACCESS 95

1.6.19 Site:GroundDomain:Slab
This section documents the input object used to simulate ground coupled heat transfer
with horizontal building surfaces within EnergyPlus. Horizontal ground surfaces within
EnergyPlus interact with the Site:GroundDomain object by utilizing the SurfaceProp-
erty:OtherSideConditionsModel object. By utilizing this object, multiple horizontal surfaces
can be coupled to the same Site:GroundDomain object. Each horizontal surface may also
have its unique ground domain, however, runtime will be adversely affected.
Generally, there are two scenarios which Site:GroundDomain is equipped to model: in-
grade slabs, and on-grade slabs.

Figure 1.7: In-grade configuration.

The in-grade slab option can be used to simulate situations when the upper slab surface
is near the ground surface level. For this situation, slab’s upper surface must interact with
the zone via an OSCM boundary. Due to this, the FloorConstruction object for the zone
floor must include a thin layer of the upper floor material. Horizontal and vertical insulation
are modeled by the GroundDomain in this scenario. Horizontal insulation can be modeled
as covering the full horizontal surface, or it can be limited to the perimeter regions only. In
the latter case, the perimeter insulation width must be specified.
The on-grade slab option can be used to simulate situations when the lower slab surface
is near the ground surface level. In this situation, the entire floor must be included within
96 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.8: On-grade configuration

1.6. GROUP – LOCATION – CLIMATE – WEATHER FILE ACCESS 97

the floor construction object. Vertical insulation is modeled by the GroundDomain in this
scenario. Horizontal insulation can only be modeled as covering the full horizontal surface.

1.6.19.1 Inputs
1.6.19.1.1 Field: Name
Alpha field used as a unique identifier for each ground domain.

1.6.19.1.2 Field: Ground Domain Depth

Numeric field used to determine the depth of the simulation domain, in meters.

1.6.19.1.3 Field: Aspect Ratio

Numeric field used to define the height to width ratio of the slab.

1.6.19.1.4 Field: Perimeter Offset

Numeric field used to determine the distance from the slab perimeter to the domain
perimeter, in meters.

1.6.19.1.5 Field: Soil Thermal Conductivity

The thermal conductivity of the soil, in W/m-K.

1.6.19.1.6 Field: Soil Density

The bulk density of the soil, in kg/m3.

1.6.19.1.7 Field: Soil Specific Heat

The specific heat of dry soil, in J/kg-K. If moisture is defined in this object, moisture
and freezing effects are accounted for by varying the specific heat value.

1.6.19.1.8 Field: Soil Moisture Content Volume Fraction

A nominal value of soil moisture content to be used when evaluating soil thermal prop-
erties.

1.6.19.1.9 Field: Soil Moisture Content Volume Fraction at Saturation

A nominal value of soil moisture content when the soil is saturated, this is used in
evaluating thermal properties of freezing soil.

1.6.19.1.10 Field: Type of Undisturbed Ground Temperature Object

This is the type of undisturbed ground temperature object that is used to determine the
ground temperature.

1.6.19.1.11 Field: Name of Undisturbed Ground Temperature Object

This is the name of the undisturbed ground temperature object that is used to determine
the ground temperature.
98 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.6.19.1.12 Field: Evapotranspiration Ground Cover Parameter

Numeric field specifies the ground cover effects used in the evapotranspiration model at
the ground surface heat balance. The values range from 0 (solid, non-permeable ground
surface) to 1.5 (wild growth).

1.6.19.1.13 Field: Slab Boundary Condition Model Name

This is the name of the other side boundary condition model used.

1.6.19.1.14 Field: Slab Location

Alpha field indicates whether the slab is in-grade (top surface level with ground surface)
or on-grade (bottoms surface level with ground surface). Options include “ONGRADE” and
“INGRADE”.

1.6.19.1.15 Field: Slab Material Name

Name of the material object representing the slab material. Only applicable to in-grade
situations.

1.6.19.1.16 Field: Horizontal Insulation

Alpha field indicates whether horizontal insulation is present. Options include “YES”
and “NO”. Only applicable to in-grade situations.

1.6.19.1.17 Field: Horizontal Insulation Material Name

Name of material object representing the horizontal slab insulation. Optional argument
only required if horizontal insulation is present.

1.6.19.1.18 Field: Horizontal Insulation Extents

Alpha field indicates whether the horizontal slab insulation extends to cover the full
horizontal area of the slab, or only covers the slab perimeter. Optional argument only
required if horizontal insulation is present. Options include “FULL” and “PERIMETER”.

1.6.19.1.19 Field: Perimeter Insulation Width

Numeric field indicating the width of the perimeter insulation measured from the slab
edge. Valid range from > 0 to < half of smallest slab width.

1.6.19.1.20 Field: Vertical Insulation

Alpha field indicates whether vertical insulation is present. Options include “YES” and
“NO”.

1.6.19.1.21 Field: Vertical Insulation Name

Name of material object representing the vertical slab insulation. Optional argument
only required if vertical insulation is present.
1.6. GROUP – LOCATION – CLIMATE – WEATHER FILE ACCESS 99

1.6.19.1.22 Field: Vertical Insulation Depth

Numeric field indicates the depth measured in meters from the ground surface to which
the vertical perimeter insulation extends. Valid range from > Slab Thickness to < Domain
Depth.

1.6.19.1.23 Field: Simulation Timestep

Alpha field indicating whether the domain will update temperatures at each zone
timestep, or at hourly intervals. Options include “timestep” and “hourly”.
An IDF example of an in-grade slab.
Site:GroundDomain:Slab ,
IngradeCoupledSlab , !- Name
5, !- Ground Domain Depth
1, !- Aspect Ratio
5, !- Domain Perimeter Offset
1.8, !- Soil Thermal Conductivity
3200, !- Soil Density
836, !- Soil Specific Heat
30, !- Soil Moisture Content Volume Fraction
50, !- Soil Moisture Content Volume Fraction at Saturation
Site:GroundTemperature:Undisturbed:KusudaAchenbach , !- Type of Undisturbed Ground Temperature
Object
KATemps , !- Name of Undisturbed Ground Temperature Object
1, !- Evapotranspiration Ground Cover Parameter
GroundCoupledOSCM , !- Name of Floor Boundary Condition Model
InGrade , !- Slab Location (InGrade/OnGrade)
Slab Material -In -grade , !- Slab Material Name
Yes , !- Horizontal Insulation
Slab Insulation , !- Horizontal Insulation Material Name
Perimeter , !- Full Horizontal or Perimeter Only
1, !- Perimeter insulation width
Yes , !- Vertical Insulation
Slab Insulation , !- Vertical Insulation Name
2, !- Vertical perimeter insulation depth from surface
Hourly; !- Simulation timestep

And IDF example of an on-grade slab

Site:GroundDomain:Slab ,
OngradeCoupledSlab , !- Name
5, !- Ground Domain Depth {m}
1, !- Aspect Ratio
5, !- Domain Perimeter Offset {m}
1.8, !- Soil Thermal Conductivity {W/m-K}
3200, !- Soil Density {kg/m3}
836, !- Soil Specific Heat {J/kg -K}
30, !- Soil Moisture Content Volume Fraction
50, !- Soil Moisture Content Volume Fraction at Saturation
Site:GroundTemperature:Undisturbed:KusudaAchenbach , !- Type of Undisturbed Ground Temperature
Object
KATemps; !- Name of Undisturbed Ground Temperature Object
1, !- Evapotranspiration Ground Cover Parameter
GroundCoupledOSCM , !- Name of Floor Boundary Condition Model
OnGrade , !- Slab Location (InGrade/OnGrade)
, !- Slab Material Name
, !- Horizontal Insulation (Yes/No)
, !- Horizontal Insulation Material Name
, !- Full Horizontal or Perimeter Only
, !- Perimeter insulation width (m)
Yes , !- Vertical Insulation (Yes/No)
Slab Insulation , !- Vertical Insulation Name
2, !- Vertical perimeter insulation depth from surface
Hourly; !- Simulation timestep. (Timestep/Hourly) </td >
100 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.6.19.2 Outputs
The following output variables are available.

• Zone, Average, Zone Coupled Surface Heat Flux [W/m2]

• Zone, Average, Zone Coupled Surface Temperature [C]

1.6.19.2.1 Zone Coupled Surface Heat Flux [W/m2]

This is the value of the heat flux provided to the GroundDomain as a boundary condition.
This is calculated by taking the average heat flux of all surfaces coupled to the domain’s
SurfaceProperty:OtherSideConditionsModel model.

1.6.19.2.2 Zone Coupled Surface Temperature [C]

This is the value of the SurfaceProperty:OtherSideConditionsModel surface temperature.
This is the temperature provided to the ground coupled surfaces as an outside boundary
condition.

1.6.20 Site:GroundDomain:Basement
This section documents the input object used to simulate ground coupled heat trans-
fer with underground zones within EnergyPlus. Zone surfaces within EnergyPlus
interact with the Site:GroundDomain:Basement object by utilizing the SurfaceProp-
erty:OtherSideConditionsModel object. Two separate OSCM are required for the basement
vertical and horizontal surfaces. Vertical wall surfaces will interact with the first OSCM
while the horizontal floor surface will interact with the second OSCM. Basement floor and
wall surfaces are constructed normally by using the BuildingSurface:Detailed object, with
the outside boundary condition being the OtherSideConditionsModel for the basement floor
or wall. The outside surface of the wall being the interface between the ground domain
and the EnergyPlus zone. Horizontal and vertical ground insulation are simulated by the
ground domain, and therefore should not be included in the wall and floor construction
objects.
Site:GroundDomain:Basement ,
CoupledBasement , !- Name
10, !- Ground Domain Depth {m}
1, !- Aspect ratio
5, !- Perimeter offset {m}
1.8, !- Soil Thermal Conductivity {W/m-K}
3200, !- Soil Density {kg/m3}
836, !- Soil Specific Heat {J/kg -K}
30, !- Soil Moisture Content Volume Fraction {percent}
50, !- Soil Moisture Content Volume Fraction at Saturation {percent}
Site:GroundTemperature:Undisturbed:KusudaAchenbach , !- Type of Undisturbed Ground Temperature
Object
KATemps , !- Name of Undisturbed Ground Temperature Object
1, !- Evapotranspiration Ground Cover Parameter
BasementFloorOSCM , !- Name of Basement Floor Boundary Condition Model
Yes , !- Basement Horizontal Underfloor Insulation Present (Yes/No)
Basement Insulation , !- Basement Horizontal Insulation Underfloor Material Name
Full , !- Full Horizontal or Perimeter Only (Full/Perimeter)
, !- Perimeter width (m)
2.5, !- Depth of Basement Wall In Ground Domain {m}
BasementWallOSCM , !- Name of Basement Wall Boundary Condition Model
1.6. GROUP – LOCATION – CLIMATE – WEATHER FILE ACCESS 101

Figure 1.9: Basement Configuration

102 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Yes , !- Basement Wall Vertical Insulation Present(Yes/No)

Basement Insulation , !- Basement Wall Vertical Insulation Material Name
2.5, !- Vertical insulation depth from surface (m)
Hourly; !- Domain Update interval. (Timestep , Hourly)
4; ! Mesh Density Parameter

1.6.20.1 Inputs
1.6.20.1.1 Field: Name
Alpha field used as a unique identifier for each basement domain. Multiple basements
domains can be simulated simultaneously, however, each domain must have a unique name.
Additionally, despite the ability to simulate multiple domains simultaneously, these domains
do not interact with each other and are treated as independent domains with boundary
conditions given by the model parameters below.

1.6.20.1.2 Field: Ground Domain Depth

Numeric field used to determine the depth of the simulation domain, in meters. A value
of 10 meters is the default.

1.6.20.1.3 Field: Aspect Ratio

Numeric field, which is the ratio of basement length to width, used to determine the
aspect ratio of the basement. This field along with the total basement floor area, which is
taken as the combination of all surfaces connected to the floor OtherSideConditionsModel,
are used to determine the size and shape of the basement domain. Aspect ratios and the
inverse of aspect ratios should produce identical results. i.e. AR = 2 equals AR = 0.5. This
field has units of meters/meters.

1.6.20.1.4 Field: Domain Perimeter Offset

Numeric field used to determine the distance from the basement perimeter to the domain
perimeter, in meters. A value of 5 is default.

1.6.20.1.5 Field: Soil Thermal Conductivity

The thermal conductivity of the soil, in W/m-K.

1.6.20.1.6 Field: Soil Density

The bulk density of the soil, in kg/m3.

1.6.20.1.7 Field: Soil Specific Heat

The specific heat of dry soil, in J/kg-K. If moisture is defined in this object, moisture
and freezing effects are accounted for by varying the specific heat value.

1.6.20.1.8 Field: Soil Moisture Content Volume Fraction

A nominal value of soil moisture content to be used when evaluating soil thermal prop-
erties.
1.6. GROUP – LOCATION – CLIMATE – WEATHER FILE ACCESS 103

1.6.20.1.9 Field: Soil Moisture Content Volume Fraction at Saturation

A nominal value of soil moisture content when the soil is saturated, this is used in
evaluating thermal properties of freezing soil.

1.6.20.1.10 Field: Type of Undisturbed Ground Temperature Object

This is the type of undisturbed ground temperature object that is used to determine the
ground temperature.

1.6.20.1.11 Field: Name of Undisturbed Ground Temperature Object

This is the name of the undisturbed ground temperature object that is used to determine
the ground temperature.

1.6.20.1.12 Field: Evapotranspiration Ground Cover Parameter

Numeric field specifies the ground cover effects used in the evapotranspiration model at
the ground surface heat balance. The values range from 0 (solid, non-permeable ground sur-
face) to 1.5 (wild growth). Model can be sensitive to variations in this parameter, especially
in dry climates.

1.6.20.1.13 Field: Basement Floor Boundary Condition Model Name

This is the name of the other side boundary condition model used for the basement floor
surface.

1.6.20.1.14 Field: Horizontal Insulation

Alpha field indicates whether horizontal insulation is present. Options include “YES”
and “NO”.

1.6.20.1.15 Field: Horizontal Insulation Name

Name of material object representing the horizontal underfloor basement insulation. Op-
tional argument only required if horizontal insulation is present.

1.6.20.1.16 Field: Horizontal Insulation Extents

Alpha field indicates whether the horizontal underfloor insulation extends to cover the full
horizontal area of the basement floor, or only covers the basement floor perimeter. Optional
argument only required if horizontal insulation is present. Options include “FULL” and
“PERIMETER”.

1.6.20.1.17 Field: Perimeter Insulation Width

Numeric field indicating the width of the perimeter insulation measured from the base-
ment floor edge. Valid range from > 0 to < half of smallest basement floor width.
104 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.6.20.1.18 Field: Basement Depth

Depth of basement floor surface referenced from the ground surface, in meters. This
domain should be the distance from the ground surface down to the basement floor surface.
In cases where the ground surface is below the main above-ground building level, a separate
wall surface should be employed between the basement walls and the main level walls.

1.6.20.1.19 Field: Basement Wall Boundary Condition Model Name

Name of the other side condition boundary model used for the basement walls.

1.6.20.1.20 Field: Vertical Insulation

Alpha field indicates whether vertical insulation is present. Options include “YES” and
“NO”.

1.6.20.1.21 Field: Vertical Insulation Name

Name of material object representing the vertical slab insulation. Optional argument
only required if vertical insulation is present.

1.6.20.1.22 Field: Vertical Insulation Depth

Numeric field indicates the depth measured in meters from the ground surface to which
the vertical perimeter insulation extends. Valid range from > 0 to < Basement Depth.

1.6.20.1.23 Field: Simulation Timestep

Alpha field indicating whether the domain will update temperatures at each zone
timestep, or at hourly intervals. Options include “timestep” and “hourly”.

1.6.20.1.24 Mesh Density Parameter

Integer field indicating the density of the finite difference ground domain cells between
the basement and the far field boundaries. Default value is 4. Total number of ground
domain cells, insulation cells, and ground surface cells are indicated as outputs to the eio
file.

1.6.20.2 Outputs
The following output variables are available.
• Wall Interface Heat Flux
• Wall Interface Temperature
• Floor Interface Heat Flux
• Floor Interface Temperature

1.6.20.2.1 Wall Interface Heat Flux [W/m2]

This is the value of the heat flux provided to ground domain as a boundary condition for
the basement walls. Should be equal to the basement wall outside heat flux.
1.6. GROUP – LOCATION – CLIMATE – WEATHER FILE ACCESS 105

1.6.20.2.2 Wall Interface Temperature [C]

This is the value of the SurfaceProperty:OtherSideConditionsModel surface temperature.
This is the temperature provided to the basement wall surfaces as an outside boundary
condition.

1.6.20.2.3 Floor Interface Heat Flux [W/m2]

This is the value of the heat flux provided to ground domain as a boundary condition for
the basement floor. Should be equal to the basement floor outside heat flux.

1.6.20.2.4 Floor Interface Temperature [C]

This is the value of the SurfaceProperty:OtherSideConditionsModel surface temperature.
This is the temperature provided to the ground coupled floor surfaces as an outside boundary
condition.

1.6.21 Site:GroundTemperature:FCfactorMethod
Site:GroundTemperature:FCfactorMethod is used only by the underground walls or slabs-on-
grade or underground floors defined with C-factor (Construction:CfactorUndergroundWall)
and F-factor (Construction:FfactorGroundFloor) method for code compliance calculations
where detailed construction layers are unknown. Only one such ground temperature object
can be included. The monthly ground temperatures for this object are close to the monthly
outside air temperatures delayed by three months. If user does not input this object in
the IDF file, it will be defaulted to the 0.5m set of monthly ground temperatures from the
weather file if they are available. Entering these will also overwrite any ground temperatures
from the weather file in the F and C factor usage. If neither is available, an error will result.

1.6.21.1 Inputs
1.6.21.1.1 Field: Month Temperature(s) – 12 fields in all
Each numeric field is the monthly ground temperature (degrees Celsius) used for the
indicated month (January = 1st field, February = 2nd field, etc.)
And, the IDF example:
Site:GroundTemperature :FCfactorMethod , 9.5, 3.5, -0.7, -1.7, -0.6, 3.6, 9.3, 14, 18.2, 22.7,
21.2, 16.8;

1.6.22 Site:GroundReflectance
Ground reflectance values are used to calculate the ground reflected solar amount. This
fractional amount (entered monthly) is used in this equation:

GroundReflectedSolar = (BeamSolar · cos (SunZenithAngle) + DiffuseSolar)·GroundReflectance

(1.3)
106 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Of course, the Ground Reflected Solar is never allowed to be negative. The ground
reflectance can be further modified when snow is on the ground by the Snow Ground Re-
flectance Modifier. To use no ground reflected solar in your simulation, enter 0.0 for each
month.

1.6.22.1 Inputs
1.6.22.1.1 Field: Month Average Ground Reflectance(s) – 12 fields in all
Each numeric field is the monthly average reflectivity of the ground used for the indicated
month (January = 1st field, February = 2nd field, etc.)
And use in an IDF:
Site:GroundReflectance ,
0.600 , !January Ground Reflectance
0.600 , !February Ground Reflectance
0.400 , !March Ground Reflectance
0.300 , !April Ground Reflectance
0.200 , !May Ground Reflectance
0.200 , !June Ground Reflectance
0.200 , !July Ground Reflectance
0.200 , !August Ground Reflectance
0.200 , !September Ground Reflectance
0.200 , !October Ground Reflectance
0.300 , !November Ground Reflectance
0.400; !December Ground Reflectance

1.6.23 Site:GroundReflectance:SnowModifier
It is generally accepted that snow resident on the ground increases the basic ground re-
flectance. EnergyPlus allows the user control over the snow ground reflectance for both
“normal ground reflected solar” calculations (see above) and snow ground reflected solar
modified for daylighting. These are entered under this object and both default to 1 (same
as normal ground reflectance – no special case for snow which is a conservative approach).

1.6.23.1 Inputs
1.6.23.1.1 Field: Ground Reflected Solar Modifier
This field is a decimal number which is used to modified the basic monthly ground
reflectance when snow is on the ground (from design day input or weather data values).

GroundReflectanceused = GroundReflectance · ModifierSnow (1.4)

The actual Ground Reflectance is limited to [0.0,1.0].

1.6.23.1.2 Field: Daylighting Ground Reflected Solar Modifier

This field is a decimal number which is used to modified the basic monthly ground
reflectance when snow is on the ground (from design day input or weather data values).

DaylightingGroundReflectanceused = GroundReflectance · ModifierSnow (1.5)

The actual Ground Reflectance is limited to [0.0,1.0].
1.6. GROUP – LOCATION – CLIMATE – WEATHER FILE ACCESS 107

An IDF example:
Site:GroundReflectance :SnowModifier ,
1.0; !- Ground Reflected Solar Modifier

Outputs will show both the inputs from the above object as well as monthly values for
both Snow Ground Reflectance and Snow Ground Reflectance for Daylighting.

1.6.24 Site:WaterMainsTemperature
The Site:WaterMainsTemperature object is used to calculate water temperatures delivered
by underground water main pipes. The mains temperatures are used as default, make-up
water temperature inputs for several plant objects, including: WaterUse:Equipment, Wa-
terUse:Connections, WaterHeater:Mixed and WaterHeater:Stratified. The mains
temperatures are also used in the water systems objects to model the temperature of cold
water supplies.
Water mains temperatures are a function of outdoor climate conditions and vary with
time of year. A correlation has been formulated to predict water mains temperatures based
on two weather inputs:

• average annual outdoor air temperature (dry-bulb)

• maximum difference in monthly average outdoor air temperatures

These values can be easily calculated from annual weather data using a spreadsheet or
from the “.stat” file available with the EnergyPlus weather files at www.energyplus.gov.
Monthly statistics for dry-bulb temperatures are shown with daily averages. The daily
averages are averaged to obtain the annual average. The maximum and minimum daily
average are subtracted to obtain the maximum difference. For more information on the
water mains temperatures correlation, see the EnergyPlus Engineering Document.
Alternatively, the Site:WaterMainsTemperature object can read values from a schedule.
This is useful for measured data or when water comes from a source other than buried pipes,
e.g., a river or lake.
If there is no Site:WaterMainsTemperature object in the input file, a default constant
value of 10 C is assumed.

1.6.24.1 Inputs
1.6.24.1.1 Field: Calculation Method
This field selects the calculation method and must have the keyword Schedule or Corre-
lation.

1.6.24.1.2 Field: Schedule Name

If the calculation method is Schedule, the water mains temperatures are read from the
schedule referenced by this field. If the calculation method is Correlation, this field is ignored.
108 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.6.24.1.3 Field: Annual Average Outdoor Air Temperature

If the calculation method is Correlation, this field is used in the calculation as the annual
average outdoor air temperature (dry-bulb) [C]. If the calculation method is Schedule, this
field is ignored.

1.6.24.1.4 Field: Maximum Difference In Monthly Average Outdoor Air Tem-

peratures
If the calculation method is Correlation, this field is used in the calculation as the maxi-
mum difference in monthly average outdoor air temperatures [∆C]. If the calculation method
is Schedule, this field is ignored.
Site:WaterMainsTemperature ,
Correlation , !- Calculation Method {SCHEDULE | CORRELATION}
, !- Schedule Name
9.69, !- Annual Average Outdoor Air Temperature {C}
28.1; !- Maximum Difference In Monthly Average Outdoor Air Temperatures {deltaC}

1.6.25 Site:Precipitation
The Site:Precipitation object is used to describe the amount of water precipitation at the
building site over the course of the simulation run period. Precipitation includes both rain
and the equivalent water content of snow. Precipitation is not yet described well enough in
the many building weather data files. So this object can be used to provide the data using
Schedule objects that define rates of precipitation in meters per hour.
A set of schedules for site precipitation have been developed for USA weather locations
and are provided with EnergyPlus in the data set called PrecipitationSchedulesUSA.idf. The
user can develop schedules however they want. The schedules in the data set were developed
using EnergyPlus’ weather file (EPW) observations and the average monthly precipitation
for the closest weather site provided by NOAA. EPW files for the USA that were based on
TMY or TMY2 include weather observations for Light/Moderate/Heavy rainfall, however
most international locations do not include these observations. The values were modeled by
taking the middle of the ranges quoted in the EPW data dictionary. The assumed piecewise
function is shown below.


Light = 0.0125

Amount (m/hour) = Moderate = 0.052 (1.6)


Heavy = 0.1
The values were inserted on hour by hour basis for the month based on the observations.
Then each month was rescaled to meet the average precipitation for the month based on the
30-year average (1971-2000) provided by the NOAA/NCDC. Therefore, the flags in the EPW
file match the precipitation schedules for the USA. Note that summing the average monthly
precipitation values will not give you the average yearly precipitiation. The resulting value
may be lower or higher than the average yearly value.
Once the typical rainfall pattern and rates are scheduled, the Site:Precipitation object
provides a method of shifting the total rainfall up or down for design purposes. Wetter or
1.6. GROUP – LOCATION – CLIMATE – WEATHER FILE ACCESS 109

drier conditions can be modeled by changing the Design Annual Precipitation although the
timing of precipitation throughout the year will not be changed.

1.6.25.1 Inputs
1.6.25.1.1 Field: Precipitation Model Type
Choose rainfall modeling options. Only available option is ScheduleAndDesignLevel.

1.6.25.1.2 Field: Design Level for Total Annual Precipitation

Magnitude of total precipitation for an annual period to be used in the model. Value
selected by the user to correspond with the amount of precipitation expected or being as-
sumed for design purposes. The units are in meters. This field works with the following two
fields to allow easily shifting the amounts without having to generate new schedules.

1.6.25.1.3 Field: Precipitation Rate Schedule Name

Name of a schedule defined elsewhere that describes the rate of precipitation. The pre-
cipitation rate schedule is analogous to weather file data. However, weather files for building
simulation do not currently contain adequate data for such calculations. Therefore, Ener-
gyPlus schedules are used to enter the pattern of precipitation events. The values in this
schedule are the average rate of precipitation in meters per hour. The integration of these
values over an annual schedule should equal the nominal annual precipitation.

1.6.25.1.4 Field: Average Total Annual Precipitation

Magnitude of annual precipitation associated with the rate schedule. This value is used
to normalize the precipitation.
IDF example:
Site:Precipitation ,
ScheduledAndDesignLevel , !- Precipitation Model Type
0.75, !- Design Level Total Annual Precipitation {m/yr}
PrecipitationSchd , !- Schedule Name for Precipitation Rates
0.80771; !- Average Total Annual Precipitation {m/yr}

1.6.26 RoofIrrigation
The RoofIrrigation object is used to describe the amount of irrigation on the ecoroof surface
over the course of the simulation runperiod. This object is used to provide irrigation data
using Schedule objects that define rates of irrigation in meters per hour. These schedules
can be one of two types: Schedule, or SmartSchedule.

1.6.26.1 Inputs
1.6.26.1.1 Field: Irrigation Model Type
Choose irrigation modeling options. Available options are Schedule and SmartSched-
ule. The Schedule type is used to force an irrigation schedule regardless of the current
moisture state of the soil. The SmartSchedule type allows the precipitation schedule to
be overridden if the current moisture state of the soil is greater than 40% saturated.
110 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.6.26.1.2 Field: Irrigation Rate Schedule Name

Name of a schedule defined elsewhere that describes the rate of irrigation. The values in
this schedule are the average rate of irrigation in meters per hour.

1.6.26.1.3 Field: Irrigation Maximum Saturation Threshold

Used with the SmartSchedule option in the Irrigation Model Type field to override the
default 40% saturation limit for turning off the irrigation: values of 0 to 100 (percent) can
be entered with 40% being the default.
IDF example:
RoofIrrigation ,
Schedule , !- Irrigation Model Type
IrrigationSchd; !- Schedule Name for Irrigation Rates

1.6.27 Solar and Visible Spectrum Objects

The next two objects enable users to enter solar and visible spectrum which is used to
calculate the thermal and visual performance of windows if their glazings are defined with full
spectral data. EnergyPlus versions 8.0 and older hard-wired the solar and visible spectrum.
The solar spectrum assumes air mass 1.5 terrestrial solar global spectral irradiance values
(W/m2-micron) on a 37o tilted surface, based on ISO 9845-1 and ASTM E 892; derived from
Optics5 data file ISO-9845GlobalNorm.std, 10-14-99. The visible/photopic spectrum is based
on CIE 1931 observer; ISO/CIE 10527, CIE Standard Calorimetric Observers; derived from
Optics5 data file “CIE 1931 Color Match from E308.txt”, which is the same as WINDOW4
file Cie31t.dat.

1.6.28 Site:SolarAndVisibleSpectrum
The SolarAndVisibleSpectrum object is used to specify the solar and visible spectrum data
which is used as spectral weighting function to calculate the window performance (trans-
mittance and absorptance) in EnergyPlus. This is a unique object, if it is missing from an
IDF file, the default (same as EnergyPlus version 8.0) solar and visible spectrum data will
be used.

1.6.28.1 Inputs
1.6.28.1.1 Field: Name
This field specifies the name of the SolarAndVisibleSpectrum object.

1.6.28.1.2 Field: Spectrum Data Method

This field specifies the method used to enter the spectrum data. Two choices are available:
Default and UserDefined. The choice Default will continue to use the hard-wired spectrum
data in EnergyPlus (for backward compatibility). The choice UserDefined allows users to
specify custom solar and visible spectrum data. The default choice is Default.
1.6. GROUP – LOCATION – CLIMATE – WEATHER FILE ACCESS 111

1.6.28.1.3 Field: Solar Spectrum Data Name

This field is required if the Spectrum Data Method is set to UserDefined. This field
references a spectrum dataset for solar.

1.6.28.1.4 Field: Visible Spectrum Data Name

This field is required if the Spectrum Data Method is set to UserDefined. This field
references a spectrum dataset for visible.
IDF example:
Site:SolarAndVisibleSpectrum ,
LocalSpectrum , !- Name
UserDefined , !- Spectrum Data Method: Default , UserDefined
SolarSpectrum , !- Solar Spectrum Data Object Name
VisibleSpectrum; !- Visible Spectrum Data Object

1.6.29 Site:SpectrumData
The Site:SpectrumData object holds the user defined solar or visible spectrum data. For solar
spectrum, up to 107 pairs of (wavelength, spectrum) can be entered. For visible spectrum,
up to 81 pairs can be entered.

1.6.29.1 Inputs
1.6.29.1.1 Field: Name
This field specifies the name of the SpectrumData object. The name must be unique
across all SpectrumData objects.

1.6.29.1.2 Field: Spectrum Data Type

This field specifies the type of spectrum data. Choices are Solar and Visible.

1.6.29.1.3 Field: Wavelength <n>

This field specifies the nth wavelength in micron.

1.6.29.1.4 Field: Spectrum <n>

This field specifies the nth spectrum corresponding to the nth wavelength.
IDF example:
Site:SpectrumData ,
SolarSpectrum , !- Name
Solar , !- Spectrum Data Type
0.3,0, !- up to 107 pair of (wavelength , spectrum)
0.305 ,3.4 ,
0.31 ,15.6 ,
0.315 ,41.1 ,
0.32 ,71.2 ,
0.325 ,100.2 ,
0.33 ,152.4 ,
0.335 ,155.6 ,
0.34 ,179.4 ,
0.345 ,186.7 ,
0.35 ,212 ,
0.36 ,240.5 ,
112 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

0.37 ,324 ,
0.38 ,362.4 ,
...;

1.6.29.2 Outputs
Climate related variables appear in two places for EnergyPlus outputs. Certain objects that
are invariant throughout a simulation period have lines appear in the eplusout.eio file. For
descriptions of this reporting, please see the Output Details and Examples document.

1.6.29.3 Outputs
Variables related to ambient environment data are available at timestep and higher resolu-
tions. Below is a variable dictionary of these variables and subsequent definitions:

• Zone,Average,Site Outdoor Air Drybulb Temperature [C]

• Zone,Average,Site Outdoor Air Dewpoint Temperature [C]

• Zone,Average,Site Outdoor Air Wetbulb Temperature [C]

• Zone,Average,Site Outdoor Air Humidity Ratio [kgWater/kgAir]

• Zone,Average,Site Outdoor Air Relative Humidity [%]

• Zone,Average,Site Outdoor Air Barometric Pressure [Pa]

• Zone,Average,Site Wind Speed [m/s]

• Zone,Average,Site Wind Direction [deg]

• Zone,Average,Site Sky Temperature [C]

• Zone,Average,Site Horizontal Infrared Radiation Rate per Area [W/m2]

• Zone,Average,Site Diffuse Solar Radiation Rate per Area [W/m2]

• Zone,Average,Site Direct Solar Radiation Rate per Area [W/m2]

• Zone,Sum,Site Precipitation Depth [m]

• Zone,Average,Site Ground Reflected Solar Radiation Rate per Area [W/m2]

• Zone,Average,Site Ground Temperature [C]

• Zone,Average,Site Surface Ground Temperature [C]

• Zone,Average,Site Deep Ground Temperature [C]

• Zone,Average,Site Simple Factor Model Ground Temperature [C]

1.6. GROUP – LOCATION – CLIMATE – WEATHER FILE ACCESS 113

• Zone,Average,Site Outdoor Air Enthalpy [J/kg]

• Zone,Average,Site Outdoor Air Density [kg/m3]

• Zone,Average,Site Solar Azimuth Angle [deg]

• Zone,Average,Site Solar Altitude Angle [deg]

• Zone,Average,Site Solar Hour Angle [deg]

• Zone,Average,Site Rain Status []

• Zone,Average,Site Snow on Ground Status []

• Zone,Average,Site Exterior Horizontal Sky Illuminance [lux]

• Zone,Average,Site Exterior Horizontal Beam Illuminance [lux]

• Zone,Average,Site Exterior Beam Normal Illuminance [lux]

• Zone,Average,Site Sky Diffuse Solar Radiation Luminous Efficacy [lum/W]

• Zone,Average,Site Beam Solar Radiation Luminous Efficacy [lum/W]

• Zone,Average,Site Daylighting Model Sky Clearness []

• Zone,Average,Sky Brightness for Daylighting Calculation []

• Zone,Average,Site Daylight Saving Time Status []

• Zone,Average,Site Day Type Index []

• Zone,Average,Site Mains Water Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Site Precipitation Rate [m/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Site Precipitation Depth [m]

• HVAC,Sum,Water System Roof Irrigation Scheduled Depth[m]

• HVAC,Sum,Water System Roof Irrigation Actual Depth[m]

Note that these data values may be interpolated from “hour” points (ref: Weather Data
Hourly Interpolation). Most of the data values represent the “average” over the reporting
resolution period.

1.6.29.3.1 Site Outdoor Air Drybulb Temperature [C]

This is the outdoor dry-bulb temperature in degrees C.

1.6.29.3.2 Site Outdoor Air Dewpoint Temperature [C]

This is the outdoor dewpoint temperature in degrees C.
114 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.6.29.3.3 Site Outdoor Air Wetbulb Temperature [C]

The outdoor wet-bulb temperature is derived (at the timestep) from the values for dry-
bulb temperature, humidity ratio and barometric pressure.

1.6.29.3.4 Site Outdoor Air Humidity Ratio [kgWater/kgAir]

The outdoor humidity ratio is derived (at the timestep) from the dry-bulb temperature,
relative humidity and barometric pressure.

1.6.29.3.5 Site Outdoor Air Relative Humidity [%]

This is the outdoor relative humidity expressed in percent.

1.6.29.3.6 Site Outdoor Air Barometric Pressure [Pa]

This is the atmospheric/barometric pressure in Pa.

1.6.29.3.7 Site Wind Speed [m/s]

This is the outdoor wind speed in m/s.

1.6.29.3.8 Site Wind Direction [deg]

This is the wind direction (N = 0, E = 90, S = 180, W = 270).

1.6.29.3.9 Site Sky Temperature [C]

The sky temperature is derived from horizontal infrared radiation intensity. It is ex-
pressed in degrees C. The default calculation is shown below but this value may be modified
by the WeatherProperty:SkyTemperature object. Note that Sigma is the Stefan-Boltzmann
constant in the following equation:

( ) 14
Horizontal IR
Sky T emperature = − 273.15Conversion f rom Kelvin to Centigrade (1.7)
Sigma

1.6.29.3.10 Site Horizontal Infrared Radiation Rate per Area [W/m2]

The horizontal infrared radiation intensity is expressed in W/m2 based, if missing from
the weather file, on opaque sky cover, sky emissivity, temperature and other factors. The
general calculation of Site Horizontal Infrared Radiation Rate per Area is discussed in both
the Engineering Reference and the Auxiliary Programs document.

1.6.29.3.11 Site Diffuse Solar Radiation Rate per Area [W/m2]

Diffuse solar is the amount of solar radiation in W/m2 received from the sky (excluding
the
solar disk) on a horizontal surface.

1.6.29.3.12 Site Direct Solar Radiation Rate per Area [W/m2]

Site Direct Solar Radiation Rate per Area is amount of solar radiation in W/m2 received
within a 5.7° field of view centered on the sun. This is also known as Beam Solar.
1.6. GROUP – LOCATION – CLIMATE – WEATHER FILE ACCESS 115

1.6.29.3.13 Site Precipitation Depth [m]

This is the amount of liquid precipitation (m). The source of this field may be the weather
file or the Site:Precipitation object. The weather file values are in millimeters, but the report
here is in meters. Two separate entities are displayed – from the weather file the key value
is “Environment”; from the Site:Precipitation object the key value is Site:Precipitation.
If the weather file does not have a liquid precipitation field but does have the present
weather fields, then a heuristic calculation is attempted for both flagging when it is raining
and the amount of precipitation. If the weather file does have liquid precipitation fields,
then the output (e.g. monthly) can be compared with the weather file stat file.

1.6.29.3.14 Site Ground Reflected Solar Radiation Rate per Area [W/m2]
The ground reflected solar amount (W/m2 ) is derived from the Beam Solar, Diffuse Solar,
User specified Ground Reflectance (for month) and Solar Altitude Angle:

Groundreflectedsolar
= (Beamsolar · cos (SolarAltitudeAngle) + Diffusesolar) · Groundreflectancemonth (1.8)

where if the calculation returns a value < 0.0, then 0.0 will be reported.

1.6.29.3.15 Site Ground Temperature [C]

The ground temperature is reported in degrees C – this is a user-specified input by month.

1.6.29.3.16 Site Surface Ground Temperature [C]

The ground temperature is reported in degrees C – this is a user-specified input (object:
Site:GroundTemperature:Shallow) by month.

1.6.29.3.17 Site Deep Ground Temperature [C]

The ground temperature is reported in degrees C – this is a user-specified input (object:
Site:GroundTemperature:Deep) by month.

1.6.29.3.18 Site Simple Factor Model Ground Temperature [C]

The Site Simple Factor Model Ground Temperature is reported in degrees C – this
is a user-specified input (object: Site:GroundTemperature:FCfactorMethod) by month or
gleaned from the weather file as noted in the description of the object.

1.6.29.3.19 Site Outdoor Air Enthalpy [J/kg]

Outdoor enthalpy is derived at each timestep from the Site Outdoor Air Drybulb Tem-
peratureand the Site Outdoor Air Humidity Ratio. It is reported in J/kg.

1.6.29.3.20 Site Outdoor Air Density [kg/m3]

Outdoor air density is derived at each timestep from the Site Outdoor Air Barometric
Pressure, the Outdoor Dry-bulb temperature and the Outdoor Humidity Ratio. It is reported
in units kg/m3 .
116 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.6.29.3.21 Site Solar Azimuth Angle [deg]

The Solar Azimuth Angle (f) is measured from the North (clockwise) and is expressed in
degrees. This is shown more clearly in the following figure.

Figure 1.10: Solar Position Illustration

1.6.29.3.22 Site Solar Altitude Angle [deg]

The Solar Altitude Angle (b) is the angle of the sun above the horizontal (degrees).

1.6.29.3.23 Site Solar Hour Angle [deg]

The Solar Hour Angle (H ) gives the apparent solar time for the current time period
(degrees). It is common astronomical practice to express the hour angle in hours, minutes
and seconds of time rather than in degrees. You can convert the hour angle displayed from
EnergyPlus to time by dividing by 15. (Note that 1 hour is equivalent to 15 degrees; 360°
of the Earth’s rotation takes place every 24 hours.) The relationship of angles in degrees to
time is shown in the following table:
1.6. GROUP – LOCATION – CLIMATE – WEATHER FILE ACCESS 117

Table 1.7: Relationship of Angles (degrees) to Time

Unit of Angle Equivalent time

1 radian 3.819719 hours
1 degree 4 minutes
1 arcmin 4 seconds
1 arcsec 0.066667 seconds

1.6.29.3.24 Site Rain Status []

This field shows whether or not (1 = yes, 0 = no) the weather shows “raining”. For a
Design Day, one can denote rain for the entire day but not timestep by timestep. Weather
files may indicate rain for a single time interval. This is an “averaged” field – thus a 1 shown
for a time period (e.g. daily reporting) means that it was raining during each timestep of
that period.

1.6.29.3.25 Site Snow on Ground Status []

This field shows whether or not (1 = yes, 0 = no) the weather shows “snow on the
ground”. For a Design Day, one can denote snow for the entire day but not timestep by
timestep. Weather files may indicate snow (snow depth) for a single time interval. This is
an “averaged” field – thus a 1 shown for a time period (e.g. daily reporting) means that
there was snow on the ground during each timestep of that period.

1.6.29.3.26 Site Daylight Saving Time Status []

This field shows when daylight saving time (1 = yes, 0 = no) is in effect. Though shown
as an average variable, this value is only set on a daily basis.

1.6.29.3.27 Site Day Type Index []

This field shows what “day type” the current day is. Daytypes are (1 = Sunday, 2 =
Monday, etc.) with Holiday = 8, SummerDesignDay = 9, WinterDesignDay = 10, Custom-
Day1 = 11, CustomDay2 = 12. Though shown as an average variable, this value is only set
on a daily basis.

1.6.29.3.28 Site Mains Water Temperature [C]

The value of the Water Mains Temperature is reported in C following the calculation
shown in the Water Mains Temperature object.

1.6.29.3.29 Site Precipitation Rate [m/s]

1.6.29.3.30 Site Precipitation Depth [m]

The rate and quantity of precipitation at the site. These outputs are only available if a
Site Precipication object is used. Precipitation is measured in meters.
118 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.6.29.3.31 Water System Roof Irrigation Scheduled Depth[m]

This is the scheduled amount of irrigation for the green roof (ecoroof) based on the user
input. Amount is measured in meters.

1.6.29.3.32 Water System Roof Irrigation Actual Depth[m]

This is the actual amount of irrigation for the green roof (ecoroof) based on the scheduled
user input and moisture state/saturation of the soil. Amount is measured in meters.

1.6.30 Outputs for local temperature/wind speed calculations

Local atmospheric properties for outdoor air temperature and wind speed are separately
calculated and reported for all zones, surfaces, and outdoor air nodes. The output variables
are associated with their respective objects:

• Zone,Average,Zone Outdoor Air Drybulb Temperature [C]

• Zone,Average,Zone Outdoor Air Wetbulb Temperature [C]

• Zone,Average,Zone Outdoor Air Wind Speed [m/s]

• Zone,Average,Surface Ext Outdoor Dry Bulb [C]

• Zone,Average,Surface Ext Outdoor Wet Bulb [C]

• Zone,Average,Surface Ext Wind Speed [m/s]

• HVAC,Average,System Node Temperature [C] (for OUTDOOR AIR NODE object)

1.6.30.1 Zone Outdoor Air Drybulb Temperature [C]

The outdoor air dry-bulb temperature calculated at the height above ground of the zone
centroid.

1.6.30.2 Zone Outdoor Air Wetbulb Temperature [C]

The outdoor air wet-bulb temperature calculated at the height above ground of the zone
centroid.

1.6.30.3 Zone Outdoor Air Wind Speed [m/s]

The outdoor wind speed calculated at the height above ground of the zone centroid.

1.6.30.4 Surface Ext Outdoor Dry Bulb [C]

The outdoor air dry-bulb temperature calculated at the height above ground of the surface
centroid.
1.7. GROUP – SCHEDULES 119

1.6.30.5 Surface Ext Outdoor Wet Bulb [C]

The outdoor air wet-bulb temperature calculated at the height above ground of the surface
centroid.

1.6.30.6 Surface Ext Wind Speed [m/s]

The outdoor wind speed calculated at the height above ground of the surface centroid.

1.6.30.7 System Node Temperature [C]

When reporting for the OutdoorAir:Node object, this is the outdoor air dry-bulb tem-
perature calculated at the height above ground of the node, if height is specified in the
input.

1.7 Group – Schedules

This group of objects allows the user to influence scheduling of many items (such as occu-
pancy density, lighting, thermostatic controls, occupancy activity). In addition, schedules
are used to control shading element density on the building.
EnergyPlus schedules consist of three pieces: a day description, a week description, and
an annual description. An optional element is the schedule type. Each description level
builds off the previous sub-level. The day description is simply a name and the values that
span the 24 hours in a day to be associated with that name. The week description also has
an identifier (name) and twelve additional names corresponding to previously defined day
descriptions. There are names for each individual day of the week plus holiday, summer
design day, winter design day and two more custom day designations. Finally, the annual
schedule contains an identifier and the names and FROM-THROUGH dates of the week
schedules associate with this annual schedule. The annual schedule can have several FROM-
THROUGH date pairs. One type of schedule reads the values from an external file to
facilitate the incorporation of monitored data or factors that change throughout the year.
Schedules are processed by the EnergyPlus Schedule Manager, stored within the Schedule
Manager and are accessed through module routines to get the basic values (timestep, hourly,
etc). Values are resolved at the Zone Timestep frequency and carry through any HVAC
timesteps.

1.7.1 Day Type

A brief description of “Day Type” which is used in the SizingPeriod objects, RunPeriod-
Control:SpecialDays object, the Sizing objects and also used by reference in the Sched-
ule:Week:Daily object (discussed later in this section).
Schedules work on days of the week as well as certain specially designated days. Days
of the week are the normal – Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
and Saturday. Special day types that can be designated are: Holiday, SummerDesignDay,
WinterDesignDay, CustomDay1, CustomDay2. These day types can be used at the user’s
120 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

convenience to designate special scheduling (e.g. lights, electric equipment, set point tem-
peratures) using these days as reference.
For example, a normal office building may have normal “occupancy” rules during the
weekdays but significantly different use on weekend. For this, you would set up rules/sched-
ules based on the weekdays (Monday through Friday, in the US) and different rules/schedules
for the weekend (Saturday and Sunday, in the US). However, you could also specially des-
ignate SummerDesignDay and WinterDesignDay schedules for sizing calculations. These
schedules can be activated by setting the Day Type field in the Design Day object to the ap-
propriate season (SummerDesignDay for cooling design calculations; WinterDesignDay
for heating design calculations).
In a different building, such as a theater/playhouse, the building may only have occupancy
during certain weeks of the year and/or certain hours of certain days. If it was every week, you
could designate the appropriate values during the “regular” days (Sunday through Saturday).
But this would also be an ideal application for the “CustomDay1” and/or “CustomDay2”.
Here you would set the significant occupancy, lighting, and other schedules for the custom
days and use unoccupied values for the normal weekdays. Then, using a weather file and
setting special day periods as appropriate, you will get the “picture” of the building usage
during the appropriate periods.

1.7.2 ScheduleTypeLimits
Schedule types can be used to validate portions of the other schedules. Hourly day schedules,
for example, are validated by range – minimum/maximum (if entered) – as well as numeric
type (continuous or discrete). Annual schedules, on the other hand, are only validated for
range – as the numeric type validation has already been done.

1.7.2.1 Inputs
1.7.2.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field should contain a unique (within the schedule types) designator. It is
referenced wherever Schedule Type Limits Names can be referenced.

1.7.2.1.2 Field: Lower Limit Value

In this field, the lower (minimum) limit value for the schedule type should be entered. If
this field is left blank, then the schedule type is not limited to a minimum/maximum value
range.

1.7.2.1.3 Field: Upper Limit Value

In this field, the upper (maximum) limit value for the schedule type should be entered. If
this field is left blank, then the schedule type is not limited to a minimum/maximum value
range.

1.7.2.1.4 Field: Numeric Type

This field designates how the range values are validated. Using Continuous in this field
allows for all numbers, including fractional amounts, within the range to be valid. Using
1.7. GROUP – SCHEDULES 121

Discrete in this field allows only integer values between the minimum and maximum range
values to be valid.

1.7.2.1.5 Field: Unit Type

This field is used to indicate the kind of units that may be associated with the schedule
that references the ScheduleTypeLimits object. It is used by IDF Editor to display the
appropriate SI and IP units. This field is not used by EnergyPlus. The available options are
shown below. If none of these options are appropriate, select Dimensionless.

• Dimensionless

• Temperature

• DeltaTemperature

• PrecipitationRate

• Angle

• Convection Coefficient

• Activity Level

• Velocity

• Capacity

• Power

• Availability

• Percent

• Control

• Mode

Several IDF Examples will illustrate the use:

ScheduleTypeLimits ,Any Number; ! Not limited
ScheduleTypeLimits ,Fraction , 0.0 , 1.0 ,CONTINUOUS;
ScheduleTypeLimits ,Temperature ,-60,200, CONTINUOUS;
ScheduleTypeLimits ,Control Type ,0,4, DISCRETE;
ScheduleTypeLimits ,On/Off ,0,1, DISCRETE;

1.7.3 Day Schedules

The day schedules perform the assignment of pieces of information across a 24 hour day.
This can occur in various fashions including a 1-per hour assignment, a user specified interval
scheme or a list of values that represent an hour or portion of an hour.
122 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.7.4 Schedule:Day:Hourly
The Schedule:Day:Hourly contains an hour-by-hour profile for a single simulation day.

1.7.4.1 Inputs
1.7.4.1.1 Field: Name
This field should contain a unique (within all DaySchedules) designation for this schedule.
It is referenced by WeekSchedules to define the appropriate schedule values.

1.7.4.1.2 Field: Schedule Type Limits Name

This field contains a reference to the Schedule Type Limits object. If found in a list of
Schedule Type Limits (see ScheduleTypeLimits object above), then the restrictions from the
referenced object will be used to validate the hourly field values (below).

1.7.4.1.3 Field: Hour Values (1-24)

These fields contain the hourly values for each of the 24 hours in a day. (Hour field 1
represents clock time 00:00:01 AM to 1:00:00 AM, hour field 2 is 1:00:01 AM to 2:00:00 AM,
etc.) The values in these fields will be passed to the simulation as indicated for “scheduled”
items.
An IDF example:
Schedule:Day:Hourly , Day On Peak , Fraction ,
0. ,0. ,0. ,0. ,0. ,0. ,0. ,0. ,0. ,1. ,1. ,1. ,1. ,1. ,1. ,1. ,1. ,1. ,0. ,0. ,0. ,0. ,0. ,0.;

1.7.5 Schedule:Day:Interval
The Schedule:Day:Interval introduces a slightly different way of entering the schedule val-
ues for a day. Using the intervals, you can shorten the “hourly” input of the “Sched-
ule:Day:Hourly” object to 2 fields. And, more importantly, you can enter an interval that
represents only a portion of an hour. Schedule values are “given” to the simulation at the
zone timestep, so there is also a possibility of “interpolation” from the entries used in this
object to the value used in the simulation.

1.7.5.1 Inputs
1.7.5.1.1 Field: Name
This field should contain a unique (within all DaySchedules) designation for this schedule.
It is referenced by WeekSchedules to define the appropriate schedule values.

1.7.5.1.2 Field: Schedule Type Limits Name

This field contains a reference to the Schedule Type Limits object. If found in a list of
Schedule Type Limits (see ScheduleTypeLimits object above), then the restrictions from the
referenced object will be used to validate the hourly field values (below).
1.7. GROUP – SCHEDULES 123

1.7.5.1.3 Field: Interpolate to Timestep

The value contained in this field directs how to apply values that aren’t coincident with
the given timestep (ref: Timestep) intervals. If “Yes” is entered, then any intervals entered
here will be interpolated/averaged and that value will be used at the appropriate minute in
the hour. If “No” is entered, then the value that occurs on the appropriate minute in the
hour will be used as the schedule value.
For example, if “yes” is entered and the interval is every 15 minutes (say a value of 0 for
the first 15 minutes, then .5 for the second 15 minutes) AND there is a 10 minute timestep
for the simulation: the value at 10 minutes will be 0 and the value at 20 minutes will be .25.
For the same input entries but “no” for this field, the value at 10 minutes will be 0 and the
value at 20 minutes will be .5.

1.7.5.1.4 Field-Set: Time and Value (extensible object)

To specify each interval, both an “until” time (which includes the designated time) and
the value must be given.

1.7.5.1.5 Field: Time

The value of each field should represent clock time (standard) in the format “Until:
HH:MM”. 24 hour clock format (i.e. 1PM is 13:00) is used. Note that Until: 7:00 includes
all times up through 07:00 or 7am.

1.7.5.1.6 Field: Value

This represents the actual value to be passed to the simulation at the appropriate
timestep. (Using interpolation value as shown above). Limits on the values are indicated by
the Schedule Type Limits Name field of this object.
And an example of use:
Schedule:Day:Interval ,
dd winter rel humidity , !- Name
Percent , !- Schedule Type Limits Name
No , !- Interpolate to Timestep
until: 24:00 , !- Time 1
74; !- Value Until Time 1

1.7.6 Schedule:Day:List
To facilitate possible matches to externally generated data intervals, this object has been
included. In similar fashion to the Schedule:Day:Interval object, this object can also include
“sub-hourly” values but must represent a complete day in its list of values.

1.7.6.1 Inputs
1.7.6.1.1 Field: Name
This field should contain a unique (within all day schedules) designation for this schedule.
It is referenced by week schedules to define the appropriate schedule values.
124 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.7.6.1.2 Field: Schedule Type Limits Name

This field contains a reference to the Schedule Type Limits object. If found in a list of
Schedule Type Limits (see ScheduleTypeLimits object above), then the restrictions from the
referenced object will be used to validate the hourly field values (below).

1.7.6.1.3 Field: Interpolate to Timestep

The value contained in this field directs how to apply values that aren’t coincident with
the given timestep (ref: Timestep) intervals. If “Yes” is entered, then any intervals entered
here will be interpolated/averaged and that value will be used at the appropriate minute in
the hour. If “No” is entered, then the value that occurs on the appropriate minute in the
hour will be used as the schedule value.
For example, if “yes” is entered and the minutes per item is 15 minutes (say a value of
0 for the first 15 minutes, then .5 for the second 15 minutes) AND there is a 10 minute
timestep for the simulation: the value at 10 minutes will be 0 and the value at 20 minutes
will be .25. For the same input entries but “no” for this field, the value at 10 minutes will
be 0 and the value at 20 minutes will be .5.

1.7.6.1.4 Field: Minutes Per Item

This field allows the “list” interval to be specified in the number of minutes for each item.
The value here must be < = 60 and evenly divisible into 60 (same as the timestep limits).

1.7.6.1.5 Field Value 1 (same definition for each value – up to 1440 (24*60)
allowed)
This is the value to be used for the specified number of minutes.
For example:
Schedule:Day:List ,
Myschedule , ! name
Fraction , ! Schedule type
No , ! Interpolate value
30, ! Minutes per item
0.0, ! from 00:01 to 00:30
0.5, ! from 00:31 to 01:00
<snipped >

1.7.7 Week Schedule(s)

The week schedule object(s) perform the task of assigning the day schedule to day types in
the simulation. The basic week schedule is shown next.

1.7.8 Schedule:Week:Daily
1.7.8.1 Inputs
1.7.8.1.1 Field: Name
This field should contain a unique (within all WeekSchedules) designation for this sched-
ule. It is referenced by Schedules to define the appropriate schedule values.
1.7. GROUP – SCHEDULES 125

1.7.8.1.2 Field: Schedule Day Name Fields (12 day types – Sunday, Monday, …
)
These fields contain day schedule names for the appropriate day types. Days of the week
(or special days as described earlier) will then use the indicated hourly profile as the actual
schedule value.
An IDF example:
Schedule:Week:Daily , Week on Peak ,
Day On Peak ,Day On Peak ,Day On Peak ,
Day On Peak ,Day On Peak ,Day On Peak ,
Day On Peak ,Day On Peak ,Day On Peak ,
Day On Peak ,Day On Peak ,Day On Peak;

1.7.9 Schedule:Week:Compact
Further flexibility can be realized by using the Schedule:Week:Compact object. In this the
fields, after the name is given, a “for” field is given for the days to be assigned and then a
dayschedule name is used.

1.7.9.1 Inputs
1.7.9.1.1 Field:Name
This field should contain a unique (within all WeekSchedules) designation for this sched-
ule. It is referenced by Schedules to define the appropriate schedule values.

1.7.9.1.2 Field-Set – DayType List#, Schedule:Day Name #

Each assignment is made in a pair-wise fashion. First the “days” assignment and then
the dayschedule name to be assigned. The entire set of day types must be assigned or an
error will result.

1.7.9.1.3 Field: DayType List #

This field can optionally contain the prefix “For” for clarity. Multiple choices may then
be combined on the line. Choices are: Weekdays, Weekends, Holidays, Alldays, SummerDe-
signDay, WinterDesignDay, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sat-
urday, CustomDay1, CustomDay2. In fields after the first “for”, AllOtherDays may also be
used. Note that the colon (:) after the For is optional but is suggested for readability.

1.7.9.1.4 Field: Schedule:Day Name #

This field contains the name of the day schedule (any of the Schedule:Day object names)
that is to be applied for the days referenced in the prior field.
Some IDF examples:
Schedule:Week:Compact , Week on Peak ,
For: AllDays ,
Day On Peak;

Schedule:Week:Compact , WeekDays on Peak ,

WeekDays ,
Day On Peak ,
AllOtherDays
126 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Day Off Peak;

1.7.10 Schedule:Year
The yearly schedule is used to cover the entire year using references to week schedules (which
in turn reference day schedules). If the entered schedule does not cover the entire year, a
fatal error will result.

1.7.10.1 Inputs

1.7.10.1.1 Field: Name

This field should contain a unique (between Schedule:Year, Schedule:Compact, and
Schedule:File) designation for the schedule. It is referenced by various “scheduled” items
(e.g. Lights, People, Infiltration) to define the appropriate schedule values.

1.7.10.1.2 Field: Schedule Type Limits Name

This field contains a reference to the Schedule Type Limits object. If found in a list of
Schedule Type Limits (see ScheduleTypeLimits object above), then the restrictions from the
referenced object will be used to validate the hourly field values (below).

1.7.10.1.3 Field Set (WeekSchedule, Start Month and Day, End Month and
Day)
Each of the designated fields is used to fully define the schedule values for the indicated
time period). Up to 53 sets can be used. An error will be noted and EnergyPlus will be
terminated if an incomplete set is entered. Missing time periods will also be noted as warning
errors; for these time periods a zero (0.0) value will be returned when a schedule value is
requested. Each of the sets has the following 5 fields:

1.7.10.1.4 Field: Schedule Week Name #

This field contains the appropriate WeekSchedule name for the designated time period.

1.7.10.1.5 Field: Start Month #

This numeric field is the starting month for the schedule time period.

1.7.10.1.6 Field: Start Day #

This numeric field is the starting day for the schedule time period.

1.7.10.1.7 Field: End Month #

This numeric field is the ending month for the schedule time period.
1.7. GROUP – SCHEDULES 127

1.7.10.1.8 Field: End Day #

This numeric field is the ending day for the schedule time period.
Note that there are many possible periods to be described. An IDF example with a single
period:
Schedule:Year , On Peak , Fraction ,
Week On Peak , 1,1, 12 ,31;

And a multiple period illustration:

Schedule:Year ,CoolingCoilAvailSched ,Fraction ,
FanAndCoilAllOffWeekSched , 1,1, 3,31,
FanAndCoilSummerWeekSched , 4,1, 9,30,
FanAndCoilAllOffWeekSched , 10,1, 12 ,31;

The following definition will generate an error (if any scheduled items are used in the
simulation):
Schedule:Year ,MySchedule ,Fraction ,4,1,9,30;

1.7.11 Schedule:Compact
For flexibility, a schedule can be entered in “one fell swoop”. Using the Schedule:Compact
object, all the features of the schedule components are accessed in a single command. Like
the “regular” schedule object, each schedule:compact entry must cover all the days for a
year. Additionally, the validations for DaySchedule (i.e. must have values for all 24 hours)
and WeekSchedule (i.e. must have values for all day types) will apply. Schedule values are
“given” to the simulation at the zone timestep, so there is also a possibility of “interpolation”
from the entries used in this object to the value used in the simulation.
This object is an unusual object for description. For the data the number of fields and
position are not set, they cannot really be described in the usual Field # manner. Thus, the
following description will list the fields and order in which they must be used in the object.
The name and schedule type are the exceptions:

1.7.11.1 Inputs
1.7.11.1.1 Field: Name
This field should contain a unique (between Schedule:Year, Schedule:Compact, and
Schedule:File) designation for the schedule. It is referenced by various “scheduled” items
(e.g. Lights, People, Infiltration) to define the appropriate schedule values.

1.7.11.1.2 Field: Schedule Type Limits Name

This field contains a reference to the Schedule Type Limits object. If found in a list of
Schedule Type Limits (see ScheduleTypeLimits object above), then the restrictions from the
referenced object will be used to validate the hourly field values (below).

1.7.11.1.3 Field-Set (Through, For, Interpolate, Until, Value)

Each compact schedule must contain the elements Through (date), For (days), Interpolate
(optional), Until (time of day) and Value. In general, each of the “titled” fields must include
128 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

the “title”. Note that the colon (:) after these elements (Through, For, Until) is optional
but is suggested for readability.

1.7.11.1.4 Field: Through

This field starts with “Through:” and contains the ending date for the schedule period
(may be more than one). Refer to Table 1.4. Date Field Interpretation for information
on date entry – note that only Month-Day combinations are allowed for this field. Each
“through” field generates a new WeekSchedule named “Schedule Name”_wk_# where # is
the sequential number for this compact schedule.

1.7.11.1.5 Field: For

This field starts with “For:” and contains the applicable days (reference the compact
week schedule object above for complete description) for the 24 hour period that must be
described. Each “for” field generates a new DaySchedule named “Schedule Name”_dy_#
where # is the sequential number for this compact schedule.

1.7.11.1.6 Field: Interpolate (optional)

This field, if used, starts with “Interpolate:” and contains the word “Yes” or “No”. If
this field is not used, it should not be blank – rather just have the following field appear in
this slot. The definition of “Interpolate” in this context is shown in the interval day schedule
above.

1.7.11.1.7 Field: Until

This field contains the ending time (again, reference the interval day schedule discussion
above) for the current days and day schedule being defined.

1.7.11.1.8 Field: Value

Finally, the value field is the schedule value for the specified time interval.
And, some IDF examples:
Schedule:Compact ,
POFF , !- Name
Fraction , !- Schedule Type Limits Name
Through: 4/30,
For: AllDays ,
Until: 24:00 , 1.0,
Through: 12/31 ,
For: Weekdays ,
Until: 7:00, .1,
Until: 17:00 , 1.0,
Until: 24:00 , .1,
For: Weekends Holidays ,
Until: 24:00 , .1,
For: AllOtherDays ,
Until: 24:00 , .1;

! Schedule Continuous
Schedule:Compact ,
Continuous ,
on/off ,
Through: 12/31 ,
For: AllDays ,
1.7. GROUP – SCHEDULES 129

Until: 24:00 , 1.0;

! Schedule Daytime Ventilation

Schedule:Compact ,
Daytime Ventilation ,
Fraction ,
Through: 12/31 ,
For: Weekdays SummerDesignDay ,
Until: 08:00 , 0.0,
Until: 18:00 , 1.0,
Until: 24:00 , 0.0,
For: Weekends WinterDesignDay ,
Until: 10:00 , 0.0,
Until: 16:00 , 1.0,
Until: 24:00 , 0.0,
For: Holidays AllOtherDays ,
Until: 24:00 , 0.0;

1.7.12 Schedule:Constant
The constant schedule is used to assign a constant hourly value. This schedule is created
when a fixed hourly value is desired to represent a period of interest (e.g., always on operation
mode for supply air fan).

1.7.12.1 Inputs

1.7.12.1.1 Field: Name

This field should contain a unique name designation for this schedule. It is referenced by
Schedules to define the appropriate schedule value.

1.7.12.1.2 Field: Schedule Type Limits Name

This field contains a reference to the Schedule Type Limits object. If found in a list of
Schedule Type Limits (see ScheduleTypeLimits object above), then the restrictions from the
referenced object will be used to validate the hourly field values (below).

1.7.12.1.3 Field: Hourly Value

This field contains a constant real value. A fixed value is assigned as an hourly value.
An IDF example:
Schedule:Constant ,
AlwaysOn , !- Name
On/Off , !- Schedule Type Limits Name
1.0; !- Hourly Value

ScheduleTypeLimits ,
On/Off , !- Name
0, !- Lower Limit Value
1, !- Upper Limit Value
DISCRETE , !- Numeric Type
Availability; !- Unit Type
130 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.7.13 Schedule:File
At times, data is available from a building being monitored or for factors that change through-
out the year. The Schedule:File object allows this type of data to be used in EnergyPlus as a
schedule. Schedule:File can also be used to read in hourly or sub-hourly schedules computed
by other software or developed in a spreadsheet or other utility.
The format for the data file referenced is a text file with values separated by commas (or
other optional delimiters) with one line per hour. The file may contain header lines that are
skipped. The file should contain values for an entire year (8760 or 8784 hours of data) or a
warning message will be issued. Multiple schedules may be created using a single external
data file or multiple external data files may be used. The first row of data must be for
January 1, hour 1 (or timestep 1 for subhourly files).
Schedule:File may be used along with the FuelFactors object and TDV files in the
DataSets directory to compute Time Dependent Valuation based source energy as used
by the California Energy Commission’s Title 24 Energy Code. See Fuel Factor for more
discussion on Time Dependent Valuation.
Two optional fields: Interpolate to Timestep and Minutes per Item allow for the
input of sub-hourly schedules (similar to the Schedule:Day:List object).

1.7.13.1 Inputs
1.7.13.1.1 Field: Name
This field should contain a unique (between Schedule:Year, Schedule:Compact, and
Schedule:File) designation for the schedule. It is referenced by various “scheduled” items
(e.g. Lights, People, Infiltration, FuelFactors) to define the appropriate schedule values.

1.7.13.1.2 Field: Schedule Type Limits Name

This field contains a reference to the Schedule Type Limits object. If found in a list of
Schedule Type Limits (see ScheduleTypeLimits object above), then the restrictions from the
referenced object will be used to validate the hourly field values (below).

1.7.13.1.3 Field: File Name

This field contains the name of the file that contains the data for the schedule. The
field should include a full path with file name, for best results. The field must be ≤ 100
characters. The file name must not include commas or an exclamation point. A relative
path or a simple file name should work with version 7.0 or later when using EP-Launch even
though EP-Launch uses temporary directories as part of the execution of EnergyPlus. If
using RunEPlus.bat to run EnergyPlus from the command line, a relative path or a simple
file name may work if RunEPlus.bat is run from the folder that contains EnergyPlus.exe.

1.7.13.1.4 Field: Column Number

The column that contains the value to be used in the schedule. The first column is
column one. If no data for a row appears for a referenced column the value of zero is used
for the schedule value for that hour.
1.7. GROUP – SCHEDULES 131

1.7.13.1.5 Field: Rows to Skip at Top

Many times the data in a file contains rows (lines) that are describing the files or contain
the names of each column. These rows need to be skipped and the number of skipped rows
should be entered for this field. The next row after the skipped rows must contain data for
January 1, hour 1.

1.7.13.1.6 Field: Number of Hours of Data

The value entered in this field should be either 8760 or 8784 as the number of hours of
data. 8760 does not include the extra 24 hours for a leap year (if needed). 8784 will include
the possibility of leap year data which can be processed according to leap year indicators
in the weather file or specified elsewhere. Note if the simulation does not have a leap year
specified but the schedule file contains 8784 hours of data, the first 8760 hours of data will
be used. The schedule manager will not know to skip the 24 hours representing Feburary
29.

1.7.13.1.7 Field: Column Separator

This field specifies the character used to separate columns of data if the file has more
than one column. The choices are: Comma, Tab, Fixed (spaces fill each column to a fixed
width), or Semicolon. The default is Comma.

1.7.13.1.8 Field: Interpolate to Timestep

The value contained in this field directs how to apply values that aren’t coincident with
the given timestep (ref: TimeStep object) intervals. If “Yes” is entered, then any intervals
entered here will be interpolated/averaged and that value will be used at the appropriate
minute in the hour. If “No” is entered, then the value that occurs on the appropriate minute
in the hour will be used as the schedule value.
For example, if “yes” is entered and the minutes per item is 15 minutes (say a value of
0 for the first 15 minutes, then .5 for the second 15 minutes) AND there is a 10 minute
timestep for the simulation: the value at 10 minutes will be 0 and the value at 20 minutes
will be .25. For the same input entries but “no” for this field, the value at 10 minutes will
be 0 and the value at 20 minutes will be .5.

1.7.13.1.9 Field: Minutes Per Item

This field represents the number of minutes for each item – in this case each line of the
file. The value here must be ≤ 60 and evenly divisible into 60 (same as the timestep limits).
Here is an IDF example:
Schedule:File ,
elecTDVfromCZ01res , !- Name
Any Number , !- ScheduleType
TDV_kBtu_CTZ01.csv , !- Name of File
2, !- Column Number
4, !- Rows to Skip at Top
8760, !- Number of Hours of Data
Comma; !- Column Separator

or with a relational path:

132 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Schedule:File ,
elecTDVfromCZ01res , !- Name
Any Number , !- ScheduleType
DataSets\TDV\TDV_kBtu_CTZ01.csv , !- Name of File
2, !- Column Number
4; !- Rows to Skip at Top

A sub-hourly indication. Note that this is identical to an hourly file because there are 60
minutes per item – the number of hours defaults to 8760 and the column separator defaults
to a comma. If the number of minutes per item had been, say, 15, then the file would need
to contain 8760*4 or 35,040 rows for this item.
Schedule:File ,
elecTDVfromCZ06com , !- Name
Any Number , !- Schedule Type Limits Name
DataSets\TDV\TDV_2008_kBtu_CTZ06.csv , !- File Name
1, !- Column Number
4, !- Rows to Skip at Top
, !- Number of Hours of Data
, !- Column Separator
, !- Interpolate to Timestep
60; !- Minutes per Item

1.7.13.2 Outputs

An optional report can be used to gain the values described in the previous Schedule objects.
This is a condensed reporting that illustrates the full range of schedule values – in the style
of input: DaySchedule, WeekSchedule, Annual Schedule.
! will give them on hourly increments (day schedule resolution)
Output:Reports , Schedules , Hourly;
! will give them at the timestep of the simulation
Output:Reports , Schedules , Timestep;

This report is placed on the eplusout.eio file. Details of this reporting are shown in the
Output Details and Examples document.

1.7.13.2.1 Schedule Value Output

Zone ,Average ,Schedule Value {[]}

1.7.13.2.2 Schedule Value

This is the schedule value (as given to whatever entity that uses it). It has no units in
this context because values may be many different units (i.e. temperatures, fractions, watts).
For best results, you may want to apply the schedule name when you use this output variable
to avoid output proliferation. For example, the following reporting should yield the values
shown above, depending on day of week and day type:
Output:Variable ,People_Shopping_Sch ,Schedule Value ,hourly;
Output:Variable ,Activity_Shopping_Sch ,Schedule Value ,hourly;
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 133

1.8 Group – Surface Construction Elements

This group of objects describes the physical properties and configuration for the building
envelope and interior elements. That is, the walls, roofs, floors, windows, doors for the
building.

1.8.1 Specifying the Building Envelope

Building element constructions in EnergyPlus are built from the basic thermal and other
material property parameters in physical constructions. Materials are specified by types and
named. Constructions are defined by the composition of materials. Finally, surfaces are
specified for the building with geometric coordinates as well as referenced constructions.

1.8.2 Material and Material Properties

There are several material “types” which may be used to describe layers within opaque
construction elements. The choice of which of these types to use is left up to the user.
However, some guidance as to which material type to use is appropriate before describing
each in detail. The opaque types are:

• Material

• Material:NoMass

• Material:AirGap

• Material:RoofVegetation

• Material:InfraredTransparent

Material is the “preferred” type of material. This requires knowledge of many of the ther-
mal properties of the material, but it allows EnergyPlus to take into account the thermal
mass of the material and thus allows the evaluation of transient conduction effects. Mate-
rial:NoMass is similar in nature but only requires the thermal resistance (R-value) rather
than the thickness, thermal conductivity, density, and specific heat. Note that using a sim-
ple R-value only material forces EnergyPlus to assume steady state heat conduction through
this material layer. Finally, Material:AirGap should only be used for an air gap between
other layers in a construction. This type assumes that air is sufficiently lightweight to re-
quire only an R-value. In addition, since it is not exposed to any external environment,
surface properties such as absorptance are not necessary. Material:RoofVegetation is used
to help model “green roofs”. Material:InfraredTransparent is used similarly to the NoMass
materials. Each of these materials is described in more detail below.
There are several material additions that can be made to the basic material properties.
These additional material types are:

• MaterialProperty:MoisturePenetrationDepth:Settings
134 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• MaterialProperty:HeatAndMoistureTransfer:SorptionIsotherm
• MaterialProperty:HeatAndMoistureTransfer:Diffusion
• MaterialProperty:HeatAndMoistureTransfer:Settings
• MaterialProperty:HeatAndMoistureTransfer:Redistribution
• MaterialProperty:HeatAndMoistureTransfer:Suction
• MaterialProperty:HeatAndMoistureTransfer:ThermalConductivity
• MaterialProperty:PhaseChange

These material property objects are used in conjunction with the basic material specifica-
tion and reference back to the name of the basic material type. Without the basic material
type specified the program, will give a severe error and terminate. For example, specifying
the moisture materials and changing the HeatBalanceAlgorithm to a moisture simulation
will allow the moisture simulation to take place.

1.8.3 Material
This definition should be used when the four main thermal properties (thickness, conduc-
tivity, density, and specific heat) of the material are known. This syntax is used to describe
opaque construction elements only.
When a Material is used for the Construction of a building surface, care should be
taken to not attempt to model assemblies that were not included in the intended scope of
applicability for the underlying heat transfer models. The building surface models are for
normal applications to building energy efficiency where the main focus is on assemblies with
some thermal resistance. Extremely thin and/or highly conductive material layers should be
neglected from the Construction rather than included because they will not contribute to the
assembly’s overall thermal resistance or heat capacity. For some cases, thin and/or highly
conductive materials are a serious problem for the heat transfer modeling and the values
for thickness, conductivity, density and specific heat are checked for appropriateness. This
check calculates the Material’s thermal diffusivity from the inputs for conductivity, density,
and specific heat and compares it to a maximum threshold of 1.E-5 (m2 /s). If the diffusivity
is above this threshold, then the program checks if the layer is sufficiently thick and may
issue a warning if it is too thin and highly conductive.
The absorptance values in this object impart surface properties to the construction and
should be applied to the thermally significant inner and outer layers in the overall assem-
bly. Attempting to trick the program by modeling thin “paint” layers to apply surface
properties is not a good idea; the models were not intended to support such strategies.

1.8.3.1 Inputs
1.8.3.1.1 Field: Name
This field is a unique reference name that the user assigns to a particular material. This
name can then be referred to by other input data (ref: Construction object).
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 135

1.8.3.1.2 Field: Roughness

This alpha field defines the relative roughness of a particular material layer. This pa-
rameter only influences the convection coefficients, more specifically the exterior convection
coefficient. A special keyword is expected in this field with the options being “VeryRough”,
“Rough”, “MediumRough”, “MediumSmooth”, “Smooth”, and “VerySmooth” in order of
roughest to smoothest options.

1.8.3.1.3 Field: Thickness

This field characterizes the thickness of the material layer in meters. This should be the
dimension of the layer in the direction perpendicular to the main path of heat conduction.
This value must be a positive. Modeling layers thinner (less) than 0.003 m is not
recommended; rather, add those properties to one of the adjacent layers.

1.8.3.1.4 Field: Conductivity

This field is used to enter the thermal conductivity of the material layer. Units for
this parameter are W/(m-K). Thermal conductivity must be greater than zero. Modeling
layers with conductivity higher than 5.0 W/(m-K) is not recommended; how-
ever, this may be appropriate for non-surfaces such as pipes and TDDs (ref.
DaylightingDevice:Tubular object).

1.8.3.1.5 Field: Density

This field is used to enter the density of the material layer in units of kg/m3 . Density
must be a positive quantity. In some cases textbooks and references may use g/m3 :
be careful to not confuse units.

1.8.3.1.6 Field: Specific Heat

This field represents the specific heat of the material layer in units of J/(kg-K). Note
that these units are most likely different than those reported in textbooks and references
which tend to use kJ/(kg-K) or J/(g-K). They were chosen for internal consistency within
EnergyPlus. Only values of specific heat of 100 or larger are allowed. Typical
ranges are from 800 to 2000 J/(kg-K).

1.8.3.1.7 Field: Thermal Absorptance

The thermal absorptance field in the Material input syntax represents the fraction of
incident long wavelength radiation that is absorbed by the material. This parameter is used
when calculating the long wavelength radiant exchange between various surfaces and affects
the surface heat balances (both inside and outside as appropriate). For long wavelength
radiant exchange, thermal emissivity and thermal emittance are equal to thermal absorp-
tance. Values for this field must be between 0.0 and 1.0 (with 1.0 representing “black body”
conditions). The default value for this field is 0.9.

1.8.3.1.8 Field: Solar Absorptance

The solar absorptance field in the Material input syntax represents the fraction of inci-
dent solar radiation that is absorbed by the material. Solar radiation includes the visible
136 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

spectrum as well as infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths. This parameter is used when cal-
culating the amount of incident solar radiation absorbed by various surfaces and affects the
surface heat balances (both inside and outside as appropriate). If solar reflectance (or re-
flectivity) data is available, then absorptance is equal to 1.0 minus reflectance (for opaque
materials). Values for this field must be between 0.0 and 1.0. The default value for this field
is 0.7.

1.8.3.1.9 Field: Visible Absorptance

The visible absorptance field in the Material input syntax represents the fraction of
incident visible wavelength radiation that is absorbed by the material. Visible wavelength
radiation is slightly different than solar radiation in that the visible band of wavelengths is
much more narrow while solar radiation includes the visible spectrum as well as infrared and
ultraviolet wavelengths. This parameter is used when calculating the amount of incident
visible radiation absorbed by various surfaces and affects the surface heat balances (both
inside and outside as appropriate) as well as the daylighting calculations. If visible reflectance
(or reflectivity) data is available, then absorptance is equal to 1.0 minus reflectance (for
opaque materials). Values for this field must be between 0.0 and 1.0. The default value for
this field is 0.7.
An IDF example:

Material ,A2 - 4 IN DENSE FACE BRICK , ! Material Name

Rough , ! Roughness
0.1014984 , ! Thickness {m}
1.245296 , ! Conductivity {W/M*K}
2082.400 , ! Density {Kg/M**3}
920.4800 , ! Specific Heat {J/Kg*K}
0.9000000 , ! Thermal Absorptance
0.9300000 , ! Solar Absorptance
0.9300000 ; ! Visible Absorptance

1.8.4 Material:NoMass
Use this definition when only the thermal resistance (R value) of the material is known. This
object is used to describe opaque construction elements.

1.8.4.1 Inputs
1.8.4.1.1 Field: Name
This field is a unique reference name that the user assigns to a particular material. This
name can then be referred to by other input data (ref: Construction object).

1.8.4.1.2 Field: Roughness

This alpha field defines the relative roughness of a particular material layer. This pa-
rameter only influences the convection coefficients, more specifically the exterior convection
coefficient. A keyword is expected in this field with the options being “VeryRough”,
“Rough”, “MediumRough”, “MediumSmooth”, “Smooth”, and “VerySmooth” in
order of roughest to smoothest options.
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 137

1.8.4.1.3 Field: Thermal Resistance

This field is used to enter the thermal resistance (R-value) of the material layer. Units
for this parameter are (m2 -K)/W. Thermal resistance must be greater than zero. Note that
most R-values in the USA are calculated in Inch-Pound units and must be converted to the
SI equivalent.

1.8.4.1.4 Field: Thermal Absorptance

The thermal absorptance field in the Material input syntax represents the fraction of
incident long wavelength radiation that is absorbed by the material. This parameter is used
when calculating the long wavelength radiant exchange between various surfaces and affects
the surface heat balances (both inside and outside as appropriate). For long wavelength
radiant exchange, thermal emissivity and thermal emittance are equal to thermal absorp-
tance. Values for this field must be between 0.0 and 1.0 (with 1.0 representing “black body”
conditions). The default value for this field is 0.9.

1.8.4.1.5 Field: Solar Absorptance

The solar absorptance field in the Material input syntax represents the fraction of inci-
dent solar radiation that is absorbed by the material. Solar radiation includes the visible
spectrum as well as infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths. This parameter is used when cal-
culating the amount of incident solar radiation absorbed by various surfaces and affects the
surface heat balances (both inside and outside as appropriate). If solar reflectance (or re-
flectivity) data is available, then absorptance is equal to 1.0 minus reflectance (for opaque
materials). Values for this field must be between 0.0 and 1.0. The default value for this field
is 0.7.

1.8.4.1.6 Field: Visible Absorptance

The visible absorptance field in the Material input syntax represents the fraction of
incident visible wavelength radiation that is absorbed by the material. Visible wavelength
radiation is slightly different than solar radiation in that the visible band of wavelengths is
much more narrow while solar radiation includes the visible spectrum as well as infrared and
ultraviolet wavelengths. This parameter is used when calculating the amount of incident
visible radiation absorbed by various surfaces and affects the surface heat balances (both
inside and outside as appropriate) as well as the daylighting calculations. If visible reflectance
(or reflectivity) data is available, then absorptance is equal to 1.0 minus reflectance (for
opaque materials). Values for this field must be between 0.0 and 1.0. The default value for
this field is 0.7.
An IDF example:

Material:NoMass ,R13LAYER , ! Material Name

Rough , ! Roughness
2.290965 , ! Resistance {M**2K/W}
0.9000000 , ! Thermal Absorptance
0.7500000 , ! Solar Absorptance
0.7500000 ; ! Visible Absorptance
138 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.8.5 Material:InfraredTransparent
A Infrared Transparent surface is similar to a resistance-only surface. The idd object for
this type of surface is shown below. The surface will actually participate in the transfer of
visible and solar radiation by doing a wavelength transformation and making all short wave
length radiation that is incident on the surface into long wave length radiation and having it
participate in the long wavelength radiant exchange. Note the ConvectionCoefficient
instructions that follow the Infrared Transparent construction object below.

1.8.5.1 Inputs
1.8.5.1.1 Field: Name
This field contains the unique name (across all Material objects) for the Infrared Trans-
parent material.
A Infrared Transparent surface should not participate in a convective/conductive ex-
change between the zones it separates. In order to minimize this effect, the Convection-
Coefficients object must be used for the surfaces referencing the Infrared Transparent (IRT)
construction.
An example idf object specification for use with the IRT surface is shown below. Note
that surfaces are not described in this example

Material:InfraredTransparent ,
IRTMaterial1; !- Name

Construction ,
IRTSurface , !- Name
IRTMaterial1; !- Outside Layer

SurfaceProperty:ConvectionCoefficients ,
Bottom:Top , !- SurfaceName
Outside , !- Convection Type 1
value , !- Convection Value Type 1
0.1, !- Convection value 1 {W/m2 -K}
, !- Convection Schedule 1
Inside , !- Convection Type 2
value , !- Convection Value Type 2
0.1; !- Convection value 2 {W/m2 -K}

SurfaceProperty:ConvectionCoefficients ,
SecondLevel:Bottom , !- SurfaceName
Outside , !- Convection Type 1
value , !- Convection Value Type 1
0.1, !- Convection value 1 {W/m2 -K}
, !- Convection Schedule 1
Inside , !- Convection Type 2
value , !- Convection Value Type 2
0.1; !- Convection value 2 {W/m2 -K}

SurfaceProperty:ConvectionCoefficients ,
SecondLevel:Top , !- SurfaceName
Outside , !- Convection Type 1
value , !- Convection Value Type 1
0.1, !- Convection value 1 {W/m2 -K}
, !- Convection Schedule 1
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 139

Inside , !- Convection Type 2

value , !- Convection Value Type 2
0.1; !- Convection value 2 {W/m2 -K}

SurfaceProperty:ConvectionCoefficients ,
ThirdLevel:Bottom , !- SurfaceName
Outside , !- Convection Type 1
value , !- Convection Value Type 1
0.1, !- Convection value 1 {W/m2 -K}
, !- Convection Schedule 1
Inside , !- Convection Type 2
value , !- Convection Value Type 2
0.1; !- Convection value 2 {W/m2 -K}

1.8.6 Material:AirGap
This material is used to describe the air gap in an opaque construction element. Glass
elements use a different property (WindowGas) to describe the air between two glass layers.

1.8.6.1 Inputs
1.8.6.1.1 Field: Name
This field is a unique reference name that the user assigns to a particular material. This
name can then be referred to by other input data (ref: Construction object).

1.8.6.1.2 Field: Thermal Resistance

This field is used to enter the thermal resistance (R-value) of the material layer. Units
for this parameter are (m2 -K)/W. Thermal resistance must be greater than zero. Note that
most R-values in the USA are calculated in Inch-Pound units and must be converted to the
SI equivalent.
An IDF example:

Material:AirGap ,B1 - AIRSPACE RESISTANCE , ! Material Name

0.1603675 ; ! Resistance {M**2K/W}

1.8.7 MaterialProperty:MoisturePenetrationDepth:Settings
This material is used to describe the five moisture material properties that are used in
the EMPD (Effective Moisture Penetration Depth) heat balance solution algorithm (known
there as MoisturePenetrationDepthConductionTransferFunction). The EMPD algorithm is a
simplified, lumped moisture model that simulates moisture storage and release from interior
surfaces. The model uses “actual” convective mass transfer coefficients that are determined
by existing heat and mass transfer relationships, e.g. the Lewis relation. An effective moisture
penetration depth may be determined from either experimental or detailed simulation data
by using actual surface areas and moisture sorption isotherms.
This moisture model will be used when the appropriate EMPD moisture materials are
specified and the Solution Algorithm parameter is set to EMPD.
140 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.8.7.1 Inputs
1.8.7.1.1 Field: Name
This field is a unique reference name that the user assigns to a particular material. This
name can then be referred to by other input data (ref: Construction object).

1.8.7.1.2 Field: Moisture Penetration Depth

This field is used to enter the effective moisture penetration depth of the material layer.
Units for this parameter are (m).

1.8.7.1.3 Field: Constants to Define Moisture Equilibrium Equation

The next four fields, coefficients “a”, “b”, “c”, and “d”, help define the sorption isotherm
curve used for building materials under equilibrium conditions. They are used to define the
relationship between the material’s moisture content and the surface air relative humidity
(ref: Effective Moisture Penetration Depth (EMPD) Model in the Engineering Reference):

U = aφb + cφd (1.9)

where
a,b,c,d = Coefficients to define the relationship between the material’s moisture
content and the surface air relative humidity
U = Moisture content defined as the mass fraction of water contained in
a material [kg/kg]
φ = Surface air relative humidity [0 to 1]

1.8.7.1.4 The next four fields are dimensionless coefficients:

1.8.7.1.5 Field: Moisture Equation Coefficient a

1.8.7.1.6 Field: Moisture Equation Coefficient b

1.8.7.1.7 Field: Moisture Equation Coefficient c

1.8.7.1.8 Field: Moisture Equation Coefficient d

Ann IDF example showing how it is used in conjunction with Material in synchronous
pairs:

Material ,
E1 - 3 / 4 IN PLASTER OR GYP BOARD , !- Name
Smooth , !- Roughness
1.9050000E-02, !- Thickness {m}
0.7264224 , !- Conductivity {W/m-K}
1601.846 , !- Density {kg/m3}
836.8000 , !- Specific Heat {J/kg -K}
0.9000000 , !- Thermal Absorptance
0.9200000 , !- Solar Absorptance
0.9200000; !- Visible Absorptance
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 141

MaterialProperty:MoisturePenetrationDepth :Settings ,
E1 - 3 / 4 IN PLASTER OR GYP BOARD , !- Name
0.004 , !- Effective Moisture Penetration Depth {m}
0.072549 , !- Moisture Equation Coefficient a {dimensionless}
0.397173 , !- Moisture Equation Coefficient b {dimensionless}
0.007774 , !- Moisture Equation Coefficient c {dimensionless}
11.7057; !- Moisture Equation Coefficient d {dimensionless}

Material ,
C10 - 8 IN HW CONCRETE , !- Name
MediumRough , !- Roughness
0.2033016 , !- Thickness {m}
1.729577 , !- Conductivity {W/m-K}
2242.585 , !- Density {kg/m3}
836.8000 , !- Specific Heat {J/kg -K}
0.9000000 , !- Thermal Absorptance
0.6500000 , !- Solar Absorptance
0.6500000; !- Visible Absorptance

MaterialProperty:MoisturePenetrationDepth :Settings ,
C10 - 8 IN HW CONCRETE , !- Name
0.004 , !- Effective Moisture Penetration Depth {m}
0.018062 , !- Moisture Equation Coefficient a {dimensionless}
0.451879 , !- Moisture Equation Coefficient b {dimensionless}
0.026178 , !- Moisture Equation Coefficient c {dimensionless}
10.8356; !- Moisture Equation Coefficient d {dimensionless}

1.8.7.2 Outputs
Output variables applicable to heat transfer surfaces using EMPD model:

• Zone,Average,EMPD Surface Inside Face Water Vapor Density [kg/m3]

• Zone,Average,EMPD Surface Inside Face Humidity Ratio [kgWater/kgDryAir]

• Zone,Average,EMPD Surface Inside Face Relative Humidity [%]

The following variables apply only to surfaces, where the material assigned to the inside
layers is MaterialProperty:MoisturePenetrationDepth:Settings. The EMPD (Effective Mois-
ture Penetration Depth) moisture balance solution algorithm is used to calculate the inside
surface moisture levels.

1.8.7.2.1 EMPD Surface Inside Face Water Vapor Density [kg/m3]

The vapor density at the inside surface, where the EMPD moisture balance solution
algorithm is applied.

1.8.7.2.2 EMPD Surface Inside Face Humidity Ratio [kgWater/kgDryAir]

The humidity ratio at the inside surface, where the EMPD moisture balance solution
algorithm is applied.
142 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.8.7.2.3 EMPD Surface Inside Face Relative Humidity [%]

The relative humidity at the inside surface, where the EMPD moisture balance solution
algorithm is applied.

1.8.8 MaterialProperty:PhaseChange
Advanced/Research Usage: This material is used to describe the temperature depen-
dent material properties that are used in the Conduction Finite Difference solution algo-
rithm. This conduction model is done when the appropriate materials are specified and
the Solution Algorithm parameter is set toConductionFiniteDifference. This permits simu-
lating temperature dependent thermal conductivity and phase change materials (PCM) in
EnergyPlus.

1.8.8.1 Inputs

1.8.8.1.1 Field: Name

This field is a regular material name specifying the material with which this additional
temperature dependent property information will be associated.

1.8.8.1.2 Field: Temperature Coefficient for Thermal Conductivity

This field is used to enter the temperature dependent coefficient for thermal conductivity
of the material. Units for this parameter are (W/(m-K2 ). This is the thermal conductivity
change per unit temperature excursion from 20 C. The conductivity value at 20 C is the
one specified with the basic material properties of the regular material specified in the name
field. The thermal conductivity is obtained from:

k = ko + k1 (Ti − 20) (1.10)

where:
ko is the 20C value of thermal conductivity(normal idf input)
k1 is the change in conductivity per degree temperature difference from 20C
(this field).

1.8.8.1.3 Field Set: Temperature-Enthalpy

The temperature – enthalpy set of inputs specify a two column tabular temperature-
enthalpy function for the basic material. Sixteen pairs can be specified. Specify only the
number of pairs necessary. The tabular function must cover the entire temperature range
that will be seen by the material in the simulation. It is suggested that the function start
at a low temperature, and extend to 100C. Note that the function has no negative slopes
and the lowest slope that will occur is the base material specific heat. Temperature values
should be strictly increasing. Enthalpy contributions of the phase change are always added
to the enthalpy that would result from a constant specific heat base material. An example
of a simple enthalpy temperature function is shown below.
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 143

Figure 1.11: Temp-Enth Example

144 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.8.8.1.4 Field: Temperature x

This field is used to specify the temperature of the temperature-enthalpy function for the
basic material. Units are C.

1.8.8.1.5 Field: Enthalpy x

This field specifies the enthalpy that corresponds to the previous temperature of the
temperature-enthalpy function. Units are J/kg.
And, an IDF example showing how it is used in conjunction with the Material:
Note, the following Heat Balance Algorithm is necessary (only specified once). Also,
when using ConductionFiniteDifference, it is more efficient to set the zone timestep shorter
than those used for the ConductionTransferFunction solution algorithm. It should be set to
12 timesteps per hour or greater, and can range up to 60.

HeatBalanceAlgorithm ,
ConductionFiniteDifference ;

Timestep ,
12;

Material ,
E1 - 3 / 4 IN PLASTER OR GYP BOARD , !- Name
Smooth , !- Roughness
1.9050000E-02, !- Thickness {m}
0.7264224 , !- Conductivity {W/m-K}
1601.846 , !- Density {kg/m3}
836.8000 , !- Specific Heat {J/kg -K}
0.9000000 , !- Thermal Absorptance
0.9200000 , !- Solar Absorptance
0.9200000; !- Visible Absorptance

MaterialProperty:PhaseChange ,
E1 - 3 / 4 IN PLASTER OR GYP BOARD , !- Name
0.0, !- Temperature coefficient ,thermal conductivity(W/m K2)
-20., !- Temperature 1, C
0.01, !- Enthalpy 1 at –20C, (J/kg)
20., !- Temperature 2, C
33400 , !- Enthalpy 2, (J/kg)
20.5, !- temperature 3, C
70000 , !- Ethalpy 3, (J/kg)
100., !- Temperature 4, C
137000; !- Enthalpy 4, (J/kg)

1.8.9 MaterialProperty:VariableThermalConductivity
This object is used to describe the temperature dependent material properties that are used
in the CondFD (Conduction Finite Difference) solution algorithm. This conduction model
is used when the appropriate CondFD materials are specified and the Solution Algorithm
parameter is set to condFD.

1.8.9.1 Inputs
1.8.9.1.1 Field: Name
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 145

This field is a regular material name specifying the material with which this additional
temperature dependent property information will be associated.

1.8.9.1.2 Field Set: Temperature-Thermal Conductivity

The temperature – conductivity set of inputs specify a two column tabular temperature-
thermal conductivity function for the basic material. Ten pairs can be specified. Specify
only the number of pairs necessary. Temperature values should be strictly increasing.

1.8.9.1.3 Field: Temperature x

This field is used to specify the temperature of the temperature-conductivity function for
the basic material. Units are C.

1.8.9.1.4 Field: Thermal Conductivity x

This field specifies the conductivity that corresponds to the temperature (previous field)
of the temperature-conductivity function. Units are W/m-K.
And, an IDF example showing how it is used in conjunction with the Materials:
Note, the following Heat Balance Algorithm is necessary (only specified once). Also, when
using Conduction Finite Difference, it is more efficient to set the zone time step shorter than
those used for the Conduction Transfer Function solution algorithm. It should be set to 12
time steps per hour or greater, and can range up to 60.

HeatBalanceAlgorithm ,
ConductionFiniteDifference ;

Timestep ,
12;

Material ,
PCMPlasterBoard , !- Name
Smooth , !- Roughness
1.9050000E-02, !- Thickness {m}
4.2, !- Conductivity {W/m-K}
1601.846 , !- Density {kg/m3}
836.8000 , !- Specific Heat {J/kg -K}
0.9000000 , !- Thermal Absorptance
0.9200000 , !- Solar Absorptance
0.9200000; !- Visible Absorptance

MaterialProperty:VariableThermalConductivity ,
PCMPlasterBoard , !- Name
0, !- Temperature 1 {C}
4.2, !- Thermal Conductivity 1 {W/m-K}
22, !- Temperature 2 {C}
4.2, !- Thermal Conductivity 2 {W/m-K}
22.1, !- Temperature 3 {C}
2.5, !- Thermal Conductivity 3 {W/m-K}
100, !- Temperature 4 {C}
2.5; !- Thermal Conductivity 4 {W/m-K}
146 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.8.9.2 Outputs
The Conduction Finite Difference solution algorithm uses a finite difference solution tech-
nique, the surfaces are divided into a nodal arrangement. The only output specific to Con-
duction Finite Difference solution (that is not include in other surface outputs) is node
temperatures.
The following output variables are applicable to all opaque heat transfer surfaces when
using Solution Algorithms ConductionFiniteDifference:

• Zone,Sum,CondFD Inner Solver Loop Iteration Count []

• Zone,Average,CondFD Surface Temperature Node <1> [C]

1.8.9.2.1 CondFD Inner Solver Loop Iteration Count []

This outputs the count of iterations on the inner solver loop of CondFD for each surface.

1.8.9.2.2 CondFD Surface Temperature Node <X> [C]

This will output temperatures for a node in the surfaces being simulated with Conduc-
tionFiniteDifference. The key values for this output variable are the surface name. The
nodes are numbered from outside to inside of the surface. The full listing will appear in the
RDD file

1.8.9.2.3 CondFD Surface Heat Flux Node <X> [W/m2]

This will output heat flux at each node in surfaces being simulated with Conduction-
FiniteDifference. The key values for this output variable are the surface name. The nodes
are numbered from outside to inside of the surface. The full listing will appear in the RDD
file. A positive value indicates heat flowing towards the inside face of the surface. Note that
this matches the sign convention for Surface Inside Face Conduction Heat Transfer Rate per
Area and is opposite the sign of Surface OUtside Face Conduction Heat Transfer Rate per
Area.

1.8.9.2.4 CondFD Surface Heat Capacitance Outer Half Node <X> [W/m2-K]

1.8.9.2.5 CondFD Surface Heat Capacitance Inner Half Node <X> [W/m2-K]

These will output the half-node heat capacitance in surfaces being simulated with Con-
ductionFiniteDifference. The key values for this output variable are the surface name. The
nodes are numbered from outside to inside of the surface. The full listing will appear in the
RDD file. For this output, the heat capacitance is defined as the product of specific heat, den-
sity, and node thickness. Zero is reported for R-layer half-nodes and for undefined half-nodes.
There is no outer half-node for Node 1 which is the outside face of the surface, and there is
no inner half-node for Node N which is the inside face of the surface. CondFD Surface Heat
Capacitance is only available with Output:Diagnostics,DisplayAdvancedReportVariables.
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 147

1.8.10 MaterialProperty:HeatAndMoistureTransfer:Settings
Advanced/Research Usage: This object is used to describe two of the seven additional
material properties needed for the CombinedHeatAndMoistureFiniteElement heat balance
solution algorithm. The settings object is used when the solutions algorithm is set to Com-
binedHeatAndMoistureFiniteElement and the appropriate material properties are assigned
to each material. This permits the simulation of the moisture dependant thermal properties
of the material as well as the transfer of moisture through, into and out of the material into
the zone or exterior.
In addition to the Porosity and Initial Water content properties described here, five
additional properties, described by tabulated relationships between variables, are required.
These properties are;

• MaterialProperty:HeatAndMoistureTransfer:SorptionIsotherm

• MaterialProperty:HeatAndMoistureTransfer:Suction

• MaterialProperty:HeatAndMoistureTransfer:Redistribution

• MaterialProperty:HeatAndMoistureTransfer:Diffusion

• MaterialProperty:HeatAndMoistureTransfer:ThermalConductivity

All materials in a construction are required to have all material properties defined for
HAMT to work.
Within the MaterialProperty:HeatAndMoistureTransfer:Settings object the following
fields are defined.

1.8.10.1 Inputs
1.8.10.1.1 Field: Material Name
This field is a unique reference name that the user assigns to a particular material. This
name can then be referred to by other input data.

1.8.10.1.2 Field: Porosity

The porosity of a material is the maximum fraction, by volume, of a material that can
be taken up with water. The units are [m3/m3].

1.8.10.1.3 Field: Initial Water Content Ratio

For this solution algorithm, the initial water content is assumed to be distributed evenly
through the depth of the material. The units are [kg/kg].
Below is an example input for the porosity and initial water content of a material.

MaterialProperty: HeatAndMoistureTransfer :Settings ,

Concrete , !- Name
0.76, !- Porosity
0.2; !- Initial (or typical) Water content
148 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.8.11 MaterialProperty:HeatAndMoistureTransfer:SorptionIsotherm
Advanced/Research Usage: This material property is used in conjunction with the Com-
binedHeatAndMoistureFiniteElement heat balance solution algorithm.
The Isotherm data relates the moisture, or water content [kg/m3] of a material with
the relative humidity (RH). The water content is expected to increase as relative humidity
increases, starting at zero content at 0.0relative humidity fraction and reaching a maximum,
defined by the porosity, at 1.0 relative humidity fraction, which corresponds to 100% relatve
humidity. Relative humidities are entered as fraction for this object ranging from 0.0 to 1.0.
These two extremes (0.0 and 1.0) are automatically set by the HAMT solution. However,
if they are entered they will be used as extra data points. Data should be provided with
increasing RH and moisture content up to as high an RH as possible to provide a stable
solution. One possible reason for the following error message may be that a material has a
very rapid increase in water content for a small change in RH, which can happen if the last
entered water content point is at a low RH and the material has a very high porosity.
** Warning ** HeatAndMoistureTransfer : Large Latent Heat for Surface ROOF

Another potential reason for this error being generated is the use of inappropriate values
for Vapor Transfer Coefficients. See the SurfaceProperties:VaporCoefficients object in the
Advanced Surface Concepts group.

1.8.11.1 Inputs
1.8.11.1.1 Field: Material Name
This field is a unique reference name that the user assigns to a particular material. This
name can then be referred to by other input data.

1.8.11.1.2 Field: Number of data Coordinates

A maximum of 25 coordinates can be specified.

1.8.11.1.3 Field Set: Relative Humidity-Moisture Content

1.8.11.1.4 Field: Relative Humidity Fraction x

The relative humidity of the xth coordinate. The relative humidity is entered as fraction,
not in percent.

1.8.11.1.5 Field: Moisture Content x

The Moisture Content of the xth coordinate. The units are [kg/m3]
Below is an example input for a material isotherm

MaterialProperty: HeatAndMoistureTransfer :SorptionIsotherm ,

Concrete , !- Name
10, !- Number of data Coordinates
0.2205 , !- Relative Humidity fraction #1
22.31 , !- Moisture content #1
0.202 , !- Relative Humidity fraction #2
19.665 , !- Moisture content #2
0.449 , !- Relative Humidity fraction #3
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 149

40.02 , !- Moisture content #3

0.454 , !- Relative Humidity fraction #4
36.915 , !- Moisture content #4
0.6506 , !- Relative Humidity fraction #5
56.005 , !- Moisture content #5
0.655 , !- Relative Humidity fraction #6
52.325 , !- Moisture content #6
0.824 , !- Relative Humidity fraction #7
72.565 , !- Moisture content #7
0.8725 , !- Relative Humidity fraction #8
85.1, !- Moisture content #8
0.924 , !- Relative Humidity fraction #9
91.08 , !- Moisture content #9
0.964 , !- Relative Humidity fraction #10
100.28; !- Moisture content #10

1.8.12 MaterialProperty:HeatAndMoistureTransfer:Suction
Advanced/Research Usage:This material property is used in conjunction with the Com-
binedHeatAndMoistureFiniteElement heat balance solution algorithm.
The suction data relates the liquid transport coefficient, under suction, to the water
content of a material. A data point at zero water content is required. The liquid transport
coefficient at the highest entered water content value is used for all liquid transport coefficient
values above this water content. These coefficients are used by HAMT when the rain flag is
set in the weather file.

1.8.12.1 Inputs
1.8.12.1.1 Field: Material Name
This field is a unique reference name that the user assigns to a particular material. This
name can then be referred to by other input data.

1.8.12.1.2 Field: Number of Suction points

A maximum of 25 points can be specified.

1.8.12.1.3 Field Set: Moisture Content-Liquid Transport Coefficient

1.8.12.1.4 Field: Moisture Content x

The moisture content of the xth point. The units are [kg/m3].

1.8.12.1.5 Field: Liquid Transport Coefficient x

The Liquid Transport Coefficient of the xth point. The units are [m2/s].
Below is an example input for a material liquid transport coefficient under suction.

MaterialProperty: HeatAndMoistureTransfer :Suction ,

Concrete , !- Name
5, !- Number of Suction points
0, !- Moisture content 1
0, !- Liquid Transport Coefficient 1
72, !- Moisture content 2
0.0000000000741 , !- Liquid Transport Coefficient 2
150 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

85, !- Moisture content 3

0.000000000253 , !- Liquid Transport Coefficient 3
100, !- Moisture content 4
0.00000000101 , !- Liquid Transport Coefficient 4
118, !- Moisture content 5
0.00000000128; !- Liquid Transport Coefficient 5

1.8.13 MaterialProperty:HeatAndMoistureTransfer:Redistribution
Advanced/Research Usage:This material property is used in conjunction with the Com-
binedHeatAndMoistureFiniteElement heat balance solution algorithm.
The redistribution data relates the liquid transport coefficient to the water content of
a material under normal conditions. A data point at zero water content is required. The
liquid transport coefficient at the highest entered water content value is used for all liquid
transport coefficient values above this water content. These coefficients are used by the Heat
and Moisture Transfer algorithm when the rain flag is NOT set in the weather file.

1.8.13.1 Inputs
1.8.13.1.1 Field: Material Name
This field is a unique reference name that the user assigns to a particular material. This
name can then be referred to by other input data.

1.8.13.1.2 Field: Number of Redistribution points

A maximum of 25 points can be specified.

1.8.13.1.3 Field Set: Moisture Content– Liquid Transport Coefficient

1.8.13.1.4 Field: Moisture Content x

The moisture content of the xth point. The units are [kg/m3].

1.8.13.1.5 Field: Liquid Transport Coefficient x

The Liquid Transport Coefficient of the xth point. The units are [m2/s].
Below is an example input for the object.

MaterialProperty: HeatAndMoistureTransfer :Redistribution ,

Concrete , !- Name
5, !- Number of Redistribution points
0, !- Moisture content 1
0, !- Liquid Transport Coefficient 1
72, !- Moisture content 2
0.00000000000741 , !- Liquid Transport Coefficient 2
85, !- Moisture content 3
0.0000000000253 , !- Liquid Transport Coefficient 3
100, !- Moisture content 4
0.000000000101 , !- Liquid Transport Coefficient 4
118, !- Moisture content 5
0.000000000128; !- Liquid Transport Coefficient 5
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 151

1.8.14 MaterialProperty:HeatAndMoistureTransfer:Diffusion
Advanced/Research Usage:This material property is used in conjunction with the Com-
binedHeatAndMoistureFiniteElement heat balance solution algorithm.
The MU data relates the vapor diffusion resistance factor (dimensionless) to the relative
humidity as fraction(RH). A data point at zero RH is required. The vapor diffusion resistance
factor at the highest entered relative humidity (RH) value is used for all vapor diffusion
resistance factor values above this RH. The relative humidity maximum value in fraction is
1.0.

1.8.14.1 Inputs
1.8.14.1.1 Field: Material Name
This field is a unique reference name that the user assigns to a particular material. This
name can then be referred to by other input data.

1.8.14.1.2 Field: Number of Data Pairs

A maximum of 25 pairs can be specified.

1.8.14.1.3 Field Set: Relative Humidity-Vapor Diffusion Resistance Factor

1.8.14.1.4 Field: Relative Humidity Fraction #x

The moisture content of the xth pair. The relative humidity is entered as fraction, not in
percent.

1.8.14.1.5 Field: Vapor Diffusion Resistance Factor #x

The Liquid Transport Coefficient of the xth pair.
Below are some examples of the values for materials.

MaterialProperty: HeatAndMoistureTransfer :Diffusion ,

Plywood , !- Name
3, !- Number of data Points
0, !- Relative Humidity Fraction 1
700, !- Water Vapor Diffusion Resistance Factor 1
0.5, !- Relative Humidity Fraction 2
200, !- Water Vapor Diffusion Resistance Factor 2
1, !- Relative Humidity Fraction 3
20; !- Water Vapor Diffusion Resistance Factor 3

MaterialProperty: HeatAndMoistureTransfer :Diffusion ,

Concrete , !- Name
1, !- Number of Mu Points
0, !- Relative Humidity Fraction 1
180; !- Water Vapor Diffusion Resistance Factor 1

1.8.15 MaterialProperty:HeatAndMoistureTransfer:ThermalConductivity
Advanced/Research Usage:This material property is used in conjunction with the Com-
binedHeatAndMoistureFiniteElement heat balance solution algorithm.
152 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

The thermal data relates the thermal conductivity [W/m-K] of a material to the moisture
or water content [kg/m3]. A data point at zero water content is required. The thermal
conductivity at the highest entered water content value is used for all thermal conductivity
values above this water content. If this object is not defined for a material then the algorithm
will use a constant value entered in the Material object for all water contents.

1.8.15.1 Inputs
1.8.15.1.1 Field: Material Name
This field is a unique reference name that the user assigns to a particular material. This
name can then be referred to by other input data.

1.8.15.1.2 Field: Number of Thermal Coordinates

A maximum of 25 coordinates can be specified.

1.8.15.1.3 Field Set: Moisture Content- Thermal Conductivity

1.8.15.1.4 Field: Moisture Content x

The moisture content of the xth coordinate. The units are [kg/m3]

1.8.15.1.5 Field: Thermal Conductivity x

The Thermal Conductivity of the xth coordinate. The units are [W/m-K]
Below is an example of values for a material.

MaterialProperty: HeatAndMoistureTransfer : ThermalConductivity

Concrete , !- Name
2, !- Number of Thermal Coordinates
0, !- Moisture content \#1
1.6, !- Thermal Conductivity \#1
180, !- Moisture content \#2
2.602; !- Thermal Conductivity \#2

1.8.15.2 Outputs
• Zone,Average,HAMT Surface Average Water Content Ratio [kg/kg]

• Zone,Average,HAMT Surface Inside Face Temperature [C]

• Zone,Average,HAMT Surface Inside Face Relative Humidity [%]

• Zone,Average,HAMT Surface Inside Face Vapor Pressure [Pa]

• Zone,Average,HAMT Surface Outside Face Temperature [C]

• Zone,Average,HAMT Surface Outside Face Relative Humidity [%]

• Zone,Average,HAMT Surface Inside Face Relative Humidity [%]

1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 153

1.8.15.2.1 HAMT Surface Average Water Content Ratio [kg/kg]

This output is the summed water content [kg/kg] of all cells in a surface expressed as a
fraction of the mass of the water to the material mass.

1.8.15.2.2 HAMT Surface Inside Face Temperature [C]

This output is the temperature [C] on the internal “surface” of the surface.

1.8.15.2.3 HAMT Surface Inside Face Relative Humidity [%]

1.8.15.2.4 HAMT Surface Inside Face Relative Humidity [%]

This output is the relative humidity on the internal “surface” of the surface expressed as
a percentage.

1.8.15.2.5 HAMT Surface Inside Face Vapor Pressure [Pa]

This output is the vapor pressure [Pa] on the internal “surface” of the surface.

1.8.15.2.6 HAMT Surface Outside Face Temperature [C]

This output is the temperature on the external “surface” of the surface.

1.8.15.2.7 HAMT Surface Outside Face Relative Humidity [%]

This output is the relative humidity on the external “surface” of the surface.
Zone,Average,HAMT Surface Temperature Cell N [C]
Zone,Average,HAMT Surface Water Content Cell N [kg/kg]
Zone,Average,HAMT Surface Relative Humidity Cell N [%]
Detailed profile data for the variables Temperature [C], Relative Humidity [%] and Water
Content [kg/kg] within each surface can also be reported. To calculate the heat and moisture
transfer through surfaces HAMT splits up surfaces into discrete cells. Each cell is composed
of a single material and has a position within the surface. HAMT automatically assigns cells
to construction objects so that there are more cells closer to boundaries between materials
and also at the “surfaces” of the surface. It is not possible for users to define their own cells.

1.8.15.2.8 HAMT Surface Relative Humidity Cell <N> [%]

This is the relative humidity of the cell in the surface.

1.8.15.2.9 HAMT Surface Temperature Cell <N> [C]

This is the temperature of the cell in the surface.

1.8.15.2.10 HAMT Surface Water Content Cell <N> [kg/kg]

This is the relative water content of the cell in the surface.
Each surface is made from a particular construction. The construction-surface relation-
ship is output by HAMT to the eplusout.eio file with the following format.
! <HAMT cells >, Surface Name , Construction Name , Cell Numbers
! <HAMT origins >, Surface Name , Construction Name , Cell origins (m)
154 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

The output also contains the HAMT cell origins and cell number for each construction
– surface combination. The coordinate system origin is defined as the exterior surface of
the construction. Users can select any one of the Temperature, Relative Humidity or Water
Content variables for any cell to be reported, using the following naming scheme for the
output variable.
HAMT Profile Construction <Variable> Cell <Cell#>
It is better to specify the “key” or Surface Name in this output.
So for example to output the temperature of the 10th cell in a surface, eg “East Wall”
would require the following output variable.

Output:Variable ,
East Wall , !- Key Value
HAMT Profile Construction Temperature Cell 10, !- Variable Name
Hourly; !- Reporting Frequency

By selecting a whole range of these reports and using the information in the eplusout.eio
file it is possible to build up a temperature profile of the surface.

1.8.16 Materials for Glass Windows and Doors

All the materials for glass windows and doors have the prefix “WindowMaterial”. The fol-
lowing WindowMaterial descriptions (Glazing, Glazing:RefractionExtinctionMethod, Gas,
GasMixture, Shade, Screen and Blind) apply to glass windows and doors. The property
definitions described herein for Glazing, Gas and GasMixture are supported by the National
Fenestration Rating Council as standard.
“Front side” is the side of the layer opposite the zone in which the window is defined.
“Back side” is the side closest to the zone in which the window is defined. Therefore, for
exterior windows, “front side” is the side closest to the outdoors. For interior windows, “front
side” is the side closest to the zone adjacent to the zone in which the window is defined.
The solar radiation transmitted by the window layers enters the zone and is a component
of the zone load. The solar radiation absorbed in each solid layer (glass, shade, screen or
blind) participates in the window layer heat balance calculation. The visible transmittance
and reflectance properties of the window are used in the daylighting calculation.

1.8.17 WindowMaterial:Glazing
In the following, for exterior windows, “front side” is the side of the glass closest to the
outside air and “back side” is the side closest to the zone the window is defined in. For
interzone windows, “front side” is the side closest to the zone adjacent to the zone the
window is defined in and “back side” is the side closest to the zone the window is defined in.

1.8.17.1 Inputs

1.8.17.1.1 Field: Name

The name of the glass layer. It corresponds to a layer in a window construction.
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 155

1.8.17.1.2 Field: Optical Data Type

Valid values for this field are SpectralAverage, Spectral, BSDF.
If Optical Data Type = SpectralAverage, the values you enter for solar transmittance and
reflectance are assumed to be averaged over the solar spectrum, and the values you enter for
visible transmittance and reflectance are assumed to be averaged over the solar spectrum
and weighted by the response of the human eye. There is an EnergyPlus Reference Data
Set for WindowMaterial:Glazing that contains spectral average properties for many different
types of glass.
If Optical Data Type = Spectral, then, in the following field, you must enter the name
of a spectral data set defined with the WindowGlassSpectralData object. In this case, the
values of solar and visible transmittance and reflectance in the fields below should be blank.
If Optical Data Type = BSDF, the Construction:ComplexFenestrationState
object must be used to define the window construction layers. The Construc-
tion:ComplexFenestrationState object contains references to the BSDF files which
contain the optical properties of the Complex Fenestration layers. In this case,

1.8.17.1.3 Field: Window Glass Spectral Data Set Name

If Optical Data Type = Spectral, this is the name of a spectral data set defined with a
WindowGlassSpectralData object.

1.8.17.1.4 Field: Thickness

The surface-to-surface thickness of the glass (m).

1.8.17.1.5 Field: Solar Transmittance at Normal Incidence

Transmittance at normal incidence averaged over the solar spectrum. Used only when
Optical Data Type = SpectralAverage.
For uncoated glass, when alternative optical properties are available—such as thickness,
solar index of refraction, and solar extinction coefficient—they can be converted to equivalent
solar transmittance and reflectance values using the equations given in “Conversion from
Alternative Specification of Glass Optical Properties.”)

1.8.17.1.6 Field: Front Side Solar Reflectance at Normal Incidence

Front-side reflectance at normal incidence averaged over the solar spectrum. Used only
when Optical Data Type = SpectralAverage.

1.8.17.1.7 Field: Back Side Solar Reflectance at Normal Incidence

Back-side reflectance at normal incidence averaged over the solar spectrum. Used only
when Optical Data Type = SpectralAverage.

1.8.17.1.8 Field: Visible Transmittance at Normal Incidence

Transmittance at normal incidence averaged over the solar spectrum and weighted by
the response of the human eye. Used only when Optical Data Type = SpectralAverage.
156 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

For uncoated glass, when alternative optical properties are available—such as thickness,
visible index of refraction, and visible extinction coefficient—they can be converted to equiv-
alent visible transmittance and reflectance values using the equations given in “Conversion
from Alternative Specification of Glass Optical Properties.”)

1.8.17.1.9 Field: Front Side Visible Reflectance at Normal Incidence

Front-side reflectance at normal incidence averaged over the solar spectrum and weighted
by the response of the human eye. Used only when Optical Data Type = SpectralAverage.

1.8.17.1.10 Field: Back Side Visible Reflectance at Normal Incidence

Back-side reflectance at normal incidence averaged over the solar spectrum and weighted
by the response of the human eye. Used only when Optical Data Type = SpectralAverage.

1.8.17.1.11 Field: Infrared Transmittance at Normal Incidence

Long-wave transmittance at normal incidence.

1.8.17.1.12 Field: Front Side Infrared Hemispherical Emissivity

Front-side long-wave emissivity.

1.8.17.1.13 Field: Back Side Infrared Hemispherical Emissivity

Back-side long-wave emissivity.

1.8.17.1.14 Field: Conductivity

Thermal conductivity (W/m-K).

1.8.17.1.15 Field: Dirt Correction Factor for Solar and Visible Transmittance

This is a factor that corrects for the presence of dirt on the glass. The program multiplies
the fields “Solar Transmittance at Normal Incidence” and “Visible Transmittance at Normal
Incidence” by this factor if the material is used as the outer glass layer of an exterior window
or glass door.1 If the material is used as an inner glass layer (in double glazing, for example),
the dirt correction factor is not applied because inner glass layers are assumed to be clean.
Using a material with dirt correction factor < 1.0 in the construction for an interior window
will result in an error message.
Representative values of the dirt correction factor are shown in Table 1.8.

1
If Optical Data Type = Spectral, the program multiplies the solar and visible transmittance at each
wavelength by the dirt correction factor.
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 157

Table 1.8: Dirt Correction Factors

Type of Location Angle of Glazing

Vertical 45o Horizontal
Non-industrial 0.9 0.8 0.7
Industrial 0.7 0.6 0.5
Very Dirty 0.6 0.5 0.4
From Appendix A, “Daylighting in Sports Halls, Report 2,” SportScotland, Nov. 2002 (www.sportscotland.org.uk)

The default value of the dirt correction factor is 1.0, which means the glass is clean.
It is assumed that dirt, if present, has no effect on the IR properties of the glass.

1.8.17.1.16 Field: Solar Diffusing

Takes values No (the default) and Yes. If No, the glass is transparent and beam solar
radiation incident on the glass is transmitted as beam radiation with no diffuse component.
If Yes, the glass is translucent and beam solar radiation incident on the glass is transmitted as
hemispherically diffuse radiation with no beam component.2 See Figure 1.12. Solar Diffusing
= Yes should only be used on the innermost pane of glass in an exterior window; it does not
apply to interior windows.
For both Solar Diffusing = No and Yes, beam is reflected as beam with no diffuse com-
ponent (see Figure 1.12). Solar Diffusing cannot be used with Window Shading Control
devices (except Switchable Glazing). When attempted, the window property will be set to
No for Solar Diffusing. The Surface Details report will reflect the override.
If, in the Building object, Solar Distribution = FullInteriorAndExterior, use of Solar
Diffusing = Yes for glass in an exterior window will change the distribution of interior solar
radiation from the window. The result is that beam solar radiation that would be transmitted
by a transparent window and get absorbed by particular interior surfaces will be diffused by
a translucent window and be spread over more interior surfaces. This can change the time
dependence of heating and cooling loads in the zone.
In a zone with Daylighting:Detailed, translucent glazing—which is often used in
skylights—will provide a more uniform daylight illuminance over the zone and will avoid
patches of sunlight on the floor.

1.8.17.1.17 Field: Young’s modulus

A measure of the stiffness of an elastic material. It is defined as the ratio of the
unaxial stress over the uniaxial strain in the range of stress in which Hooke’s Law
holds. It is used only with complex fenestration systems defined through the Construc-
tion:ComplexFenestrationState object. The default value for glass is 7.2e10 Pa.
2
EnergyPlus does not model the “partially translucent” case in which beam solar radiation incident on
the glass is transmitted as a combination of beam and diffuse.
158 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.12: Comparison between transmittance properties of transparent glass (Solar Dif-
fusing = No) and translucent glass (Solar Diffusing = Yes).

1.8.17.1.18 Field: Poisson’s ratio

The ratio, when a sample object is stretched, of the contraction or transverse strain
(perpendicular to the applied load), to the extension or axial strain (in the direction of the
applied load). This value is used only with complex fenestration systems defined through
the Construction:ComplexFenestrationState object. The default value for glass is 0.22.
IDF examples of Spectral average and using a Spectral data set:

MATERIAL:WINDOWGLASS , GLASS - CLEAR SHEET 1 / 8 IN ,

SpectralAverage , ! Optical data type
0.003 , ! Thickness {m} 1/8"
0.850 , ! Solar transmittance at normal incidence
0.075 , ! Solar reflectance at normal incidence: front side
0.075 , ! Solar reflectance at normal incidence: back side
0.901 , ! Visible transmittance at normal incidence
0.081 , ! Visible reflectance at normal incidence: front side
0.081 , ! Visible reflectance at normal incidence: back side
0.0, ! IR transmittance at normal incidence
0.84, ! IR hemispherical emissivity: front side
0.84, ! IR hemispherical emissivity: back side
0.9; ! Conductivity {W/m-K}

WindowMaterial:Glazing ,SPECTRAL GLASS INNER PANE , ! Material name

Spectral , ! Optical data type {SpectralAverage or Spectral}
TestSpectralDataSet , ! Name of spectral data set
0.0099 , ! Thickness {m}
, ! Solar transmittance at normal incidence
, ! Solar reflectance at normal incidence: front side
, ! Solar reflectance at normal incidence: back side
, ! Visible transmittance at normal incidence
, ! Visible reflectance at normal incidence: front side
, ! Visible reflectance at normal incidence: back side
0.0, ! IR transmittance at normal incidence
0.84, ! IR emissivity: front side
0.84, ! IR emissivity: back side
0.798; ! Conductivity {W/m-K}

IDF example of Spectral Data Type = BSDF

WindowMaterial:Glazing ,
Glass_5012_Layer , !- Layer name : CLEAR_6.PPG
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 159

BSDF , !- Optical Data Type

, !- Spectral Data name
0.005664 , !- Thickness
, !- Solar Transmittance
, !- Solar Front Reflectance
, !- Solar Back Reflectance
, !- Visible Transmittance
, !- Visible Front Reflectance
, !- Visible Back reflectance
0.000000 , !- IR Transmittance
0.840000 , !-Front Emissivity
0.840000 , !-Back Emissivity
1.000000 , !-Conductivity
, !-Dirt Correction Factor for Sol/Vis Transmittance
, !-Solar Diffusing
7.2e10 , !-’Youngs modulus
0.22; !-’Poissons ratio

1.8.18 WindowMaterial:Glazing:RefractionExtinctionMethod
This is an alternative way of specifying glass properties. Index of refraction and ex-
tinction coefficient are given instead of the transmittance and reflectance values used
in WindowMaterial:Glazing. However, unlike WindowMaterial:Glazing, WindowMate-
rial:Glazing:RefractionExtinctionMethod is restricted to cases where the front and back
optical properties of the glass are the same. This means it cannot be used for glass with
a coating on one side. In that case WindowMaterial:Glazing should be used. Also, unlike
WindowMaterial:Glazing, WindowMaterial:Glazing:RefractionExtinctionMethod does not
allow input of glass wavelength-by-wavelength (spectral) properties.

1.8.18.1 Inputs
1.8.18.1.1 Field: Name
The name of the glass layer. It corresponds to a layer in a window construction.

1.8.18.1.2 Field: Thickness

The surface-to-surface thickness of the glass (m).

1.8.18.1.3 Field: Solar Index of Refraction

Index of refraction averaged over the solar spectrum.

1.8.18.1.4 Field: Solar Extinction Coefficient

Extinction coefficient averaged over the solar spectrum (m−1 ).

1.8.18.1.5 Field: Visible Index of Refraction

Index of refraction averaged over the solar spectrum and weighted by the response of the
human eye.

1.8.18.1.6 Field: Visible Extinction Coefficient

Extinction coefficient averaged over the solar spectrum and weighted by the response of
the human eye (m−1 ).
160 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.8.18.1.7 Field: Infrared Transmittance at Normal Incidence

Long-wave transmittance at normal incidence.

1.8.18.1.8 Field: Infrared Hemispherical Emissivity

Long-wave hemispherical emissivity, assumed the same on both sides of the glass.

1.8.18.1.9 Field: Conductivity

Thermal conductivity (W/m-K).

1.8.18.1.10 Field: Dirt Correction Factor for Solar and Visible Transmittance

This is a factor that corrects for the presence of dirt on the glass. It multiplies the solar
and visible transmittance at normal Incidence (which the program calculates from the input
values of thickness, solar index of refraction, solar extinction coefficient, etc.) if the material
is used as the outer glass layer of an exterior window or glass door. If the material is used as
an inner glass layer (in double glazing, for example), the dirt correction factor is not applied
because inner glass layers are assumed to be clean. Using a material with dirt correction
factor < 1.0 in the construction for an interior window will result in an error message.
Representative values of the direct correction factor are shown in Table 1.8.
The default value of the dirt correction factor is 1.0, which means the glass is clean. It
is assumed that dirt, if present, has no effect on the IR properties of the glass.

1.8.18.1.11 Field: Solar Diffusing

Takes values No (the default) and Yes. If No, the glass is transparent. If Yes, the glass is
translucent and beam solar radiation incident on the glass is transmitted as hemispherically
diffuse radiation with no beam component. (EnergyPlus does not model the “partially
translucent” case in which beam solar radiation incident on the glass is transmitted as
a combination of beam and diffuse.) Solar Diffusing = Yes should only be used on the
innermost pane of glass in an exterior window; it does not apply to interior windows.
If, in the Building object, Solar Distribution = FullInteriorAndExterior, use of Solar
Diffusing = Yes for glass in an exterior window will change the distribution of interior solar
radiation from the window. The result is that beam solar radiation that would be transmitted
by a transparent window and get absorbed by particular interior surfaces will be diffused by
a translucent window and be spread over more interior surfaces. This can change the time
dependence of heating and cooling loads in the zone.
In a zone with Daylighting:Detailed, translucent glazing, which is often used in skylights,
will provide a more uniform daylight illuminance over the zone and will avoid patches of
sunlight on the floor.
An IDF example:
WindowMaterial:Glazing:RefractionExtinctionMethod ,
4MM CLEAR GLASS , !- Material name
0.004 , !- Thickness {m}
1.526 , !- Solar index of refraction
30.0 , !- Solar extinction coefficient (1/m)
1.526 , !- Visible index of refraction
30.0 , !- Visible extinction coefficient (1/m)
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 161

0.0, !- IR transmittance at normal incidence

0.84, !- IR emissivity
0.9; !- Conductivity {W/m-K}

1.8.19 Glass Optical Properties Conversion

1.8.19.1 Conversion from Glass Optical Properties Specified as Index of Refrac-
tion and Transmittance at Normal Incidence

The optical properties of uncoated glass are sometimes specified by index of refraction, n,
and transmittance at normal incidence, T.
The following equations show how to convert from this set of values to the transmittance
and reflectance values required by WindowMaterial:Glazing. These equations apply only to
uncoated glass, and can be used to convert either spectral-average solar properties or spectral-
average visible properties (in general, n and T are different for the solar and visible). Note
that since the glass is uncoated, the front and back reflectances are the same and equal to
the R that is solved for in the following equations.
Given n and T , find R:
( )2
n−1
r=
n+1

1/2
[(1 − r)4 + 4r2 T 2 ] − (1 − r)2
τ=
2r2 T

(1 − r)2 rτ 2
R=r+
1 − r2 τ 2
Example:

T = 0.86156

n = 1.526

( )2
1.526 − 1
r=
1.526 + 1

τ = 0.93974

R = 0.07846
162 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.8.20 WindowMaterial:GlazingGroup:Thermochromic
Thermochromic (TC) materials have active, reversible optical properties that vary with
temperature. Thermochromic windows are adaptive window systems for incorporation into
building envelopes. Thermochromic windows respond by absorbing sunlight and turning the
sunlight energy into heat. As the thermochromic film warms it changes its light transmission
level from less absorbing to more absorbing. The more sunlight it absorbs the lower the light
level going through it. By using the suns own energy the window adapts based solely on the
directness and amount of sunlight. Thermochromic materials will normally reduce optical
transparency by absorption and/or reflection, and are specular (maintaining vision).
A thermochromic window is defined with a Construction object which references a special
layer defined with a WindowMaterial:GlazingGroup:Thermochromic object. The Window-
Material:GlazingGroup:Thermochromic object further references a series of WindowMate-
rial:Glazing objects corresponding to each specification temperature of the TC layer.
This object specifies a layer of thermochromic glass, part of a thermochromic window.
An example file ThermochromicWindow.idf is included in the EnergyPlus installation.

1.8.20.1 Inputs
1.8.20.1.1 Field: Name
A unique user assigned name for a particular thermochromic glass material.

1.8.20.1.2 Field Set (Optical Data Temperature, Window Material Glazing

Name) is extensible.

1.8.20.1.3 Field:Optical Data Temperature <N>

The temperature of the TC glass layer corresponding to the optical data of the TC layer.
Unit is °C.

1.8.20.1.4 Field: Window Material Glazing Name <N>

The window glazing (defined with WindowMaterial:Glazing) name that provides the TC
glass layer performance at the above specified temperature.
IDF Examples
Construction ,
window_const , !- Name
Usual Glass , !- Layer 1
AIR 6MM , !- Layer 2
TCGlazings , !- Layer 3
AIR 6MM , !- Layer 4
Usual Glass; !- Layer 5

WindowMaterial:Gas ,
AIR 6MM , !- Name
Air , !- Gas Type
0.0063; !- Thickness {m}

! Added for thermochromic glazings

WindowMaterial:GlazingGroup:Thermochromic ,
TCGlazings ,
0 , TCGlazing0 ,
20, TCGlazing20 ,
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 163

25, TCGlazing25 ,
30, TCGlazing30 ,
35, TCGlazing35 ,
40, TCGlazing40 ,
45, TCGlazing45 ,
50, TCGlazing50 ,
55, TCGlazing55 ,
60, TCGlazing60 ,
65, TCGlazing65 ,
75, TCGlazing75 ,
85, TCGlazing85;

WindowMaterial:Glazing ,
TCGlazing0 , !- Name
SpectralAverage , !- Optical Data Type
, !- Window Glass Spectral Data Set Name
0.0030 , !- Thickness
0.2442 , !- Solar Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.7058 , !- Front Side Solar Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.7058 , !- Back Side Solar Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.3192 , !- Visible Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.6308 , !- Front Side Visible Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.6308 , !- Back Side Visible Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.0000 , !- Infrared Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.9000 , !- Front Side Infrared Hemispherical Emissivity
0.9000 , !- Back Side Infrared Hemispherical Emissivity
0.0199 , !- Conductivity
1.0000 , !- Dirt Correction Factor for Solar and Visible Transmittance
No; !- Solar Diffusing

WindowMaterial:Glazing ,
TCGlazing20 , !- Name
SpectralAverage , !- Optical Data Type
, !- Window Glass Spectral Data Set Name
0.0030 , !- Thickness
0.2442 , !- Solar Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.7058 , !- Front Side Solar Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.7058 , !- Back Side Solar Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.3192 , !- Visible Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.6308 , !- Front Side Visible Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.6308 , !- Back Side Visible Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.0000 , !- Infrared Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.9000 , !- Front Side Infrared Hemispherical Emissivity
0.9000 , !- Back Side Infrared Hemispherical Emissivity
0.0199 , !- Conductivity
1.0000 , !- Dirt Correction Factor for Solar and Visible Transmittance
No; !- Solar Diffusing

WindowMaterial:Glazing ,
TCGlazing25 , !- Name
SpectralAverage , !- Optical Data Type
, !- Window Glass Spectral Data Set Name
0.0030 , !- Thickness
0.2442 , !- Solar Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.7058 , !- Front Side Solar Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.7058 , !- Back Side Solar Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.3192 , !- Visible Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.6308 , !- Front Side Visible Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.6308 , !- Back Side Visible Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.0000 , !- Infrared Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.9000 , !- Front Side Infrared Hemispherical Emissivity
0.9000 , !- Back Side Infrared Hemispherical Emissivity
0.0199 , !- Conductivity
1.0000 , !- Dirt Correction Factor for Solar and Visible Transmittance
No; !- Solar Diffusing

WindowMaterial:Glazing ,
TCGlazing30 , !- Name
164 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

SpectralAverage , !- Optical Data Type

, !- Window Glass Spectral Data Set Name
0.0030 , !- Thickness
0.2442 , !- Solar Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.7058 , !- Front Side Solar Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.7058 , !- Back Side Solar Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.3192 , !- Visible Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.6308 , !- Front Side Visible Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.6308 , !- Back Side Visible Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.0000 , !- Infrared Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.9000 , !- Front Side Infrared Hemispherical Emissivity
0.9000 , !- Back Side Infrared Hemispherical Emissivity
0.0199 , !- Conductivity
1.0000 , !- Dirt Correction Factor for Solar and Visible Transmittance
No; !- Solar Diffusing

WindowMaterial:Glazing ,
TCGlazing35 , !- Name
SpectralAverage , !- Optical Data Type
, !- Window Glass Spectral Data Set Name
0.0030 , !- Thickness
0.2442 , !- Solar Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.7058 , !- Front Side Solar Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.7058 , !- Back Side Solar Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.3192 , !- Visible Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.6308 , !- Front Side Visible Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.6308 , !- Back Side Visible Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.0000 , !- Infrared Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.9000 , !- Front Side Infrared Hemispherical Emissivity
0.9000 , !- Back Side Infrared Hemispherical Emissivity
0.0199 , !- Conductivity
1.0000 , !- Dirt Correction Factor for Solar and Visible Transmittance
No; !- Solar Diffusing

WindowMaterial:Glazing ,
TCGlazing40 , !- Name
SpectralAverage , !- Optical Data Type
, !- Window Glass Spectral Data Set Name
0.0030 , !- Thickness
0.2442 , !- Solar Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.7058 , !- Front Side Solar Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.7058 , !- Back Side Solar Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.3192 , !- Visible Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.6308 , !- Front Side Visible Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.6308 , !- Back Side Visible Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.0000 , !- Infrared Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.9000 , !- Front Side Infrared Hemispherical Emissivity
0.9000 , !- Back Side Infrared Hemispherical Emissivity
0.0199 , !- Conductivity
1.0000 , !- Dirt Correction Factor for Solar and Visible Transmittance
No; !- Solar Diffusing

WindowMaterial:Glazing ,
TCGlazing45 , !- Name
SpectralAverage , !- Optical Data Type
, !- Window Glass Spectral Data Set Name
0.0030 , !- Thickness
0.2442 , !- Solar Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.7058 , !- Front Side Solar Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.7058 , !- Back Side Solar Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.3192 , !- Visible Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.6308 , !- Front Side Visible Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.6308 , !- Back Side Visible Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.0000 , !- Infrared Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.9000 , !- Front Side Infrared Hemispherical Emissivity
0.9000 , !- Back Side Infrared Hemispherical Emissivity
0.0199 , !- Conductivity
1.0000 , !- Dirt Correction Factor for Solar and Visible Transmittance
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 165

No; !- Solar Diffusing

WindowMaterial:Glazing ,
TCGlazing50 , !- Name
SpectralAverage , !- Optical Data Type
, !- Window Glass Spectral Data Set Name
0.0030 , !- Thickness
0.2442 , !- Solar Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.7058 , !- Front Side Solar Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.7058 , !- Back Side Solar Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.3192 , !- Visible Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.6308 , !- Front Side Visible Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.6308 , !- Back Side Visible Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.0000 , !- Infrared Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.9000 , !- Front Side Infrared Hemispherical Emissivity
0.9000 , !- Back Side Infrared Hemispherical Emissivity
0.0199 , !- Conductivity
1.0000 , !- Dirt Correction Factor for Solar and Visible Transmittance
No; !- Solar Diffusing

WindowMaterial:Glazing ,
TCGlazing55 , !- Name
SpectralAverage , !- Optical Data Type
, !- Window Glass Spectral Data Set Name
0.0030 , !- Thickness
0.2442 , !- Solar Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.7058 , !- Front Side Solar Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.7058 , !- Back Side Solar Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.3192 , !- Visible Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.6308 , !- Front Side Visible Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.6308 , !- Back Side Visible Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.0000 , !- Infrared Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.9000 , !- Front Side Infrared Hemispherical Emissivity
0.9000 , !- Back Side Infrared Hemispherical Emissivity
0.0199 , !- Conductivity
1.0000 , !- Dirt Correction Factor for Solar and Visible Transmittance
No; !- Solar Diffusing

WindowMaterial:Glazing ,
TCGlazing60 , !- Name
SpectralAverage , !- Optical Data Type
, !- Window Glass Spectral Data Set Name
0.0030 , !- Thickness
0.2442 , !- Solar Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.7058 , !- Front Side Solar Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.7058 , !- Back Side Solar Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.3192 , !- Visible Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.6308 , !- Front Side Visible Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.6308 , !- Back Side Visible Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.0000 , !- Infrared Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.9000 , !- Front Side Infrared Hemispherical Emissivity
0.9000 , !- Back Side Infrared Hemispherical Emissivity
0.0199 , !- Conductivity
1.0000 , !- Dirt Correction Factor for Solar and Visible Transmittance
No; !- Solar Diffusing

WindowMaterial:Glazing ,
TCGlazing65 , !- Name
SpectralAverage , !- Optical Data Type
, !- Window Glass Spectral Data Set Name
0.0030 , !- Thickness
0.2442 , !- Solar Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.7058 , !- Front Side Solar Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.7058 , !- Back Side Solar Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.3192 , !- Visible Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.6308 , !- Front Side Visible Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.6308 , !- Back Side Visible Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.0000 , !- Infrared Transmittance at Normal Incidence
166 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

0.9000 , !- Front Side Infrared Hemispherical Emissivity

0.9000 , !- Back Side Infrared Hemispherical Emissivity
0.0199 , !- Conductivity
1.0000 , !- Dirt Correction Factor for Solar and Visible Transmittance
No; !- Solar Diffusing

WindowMaterial:Glazing ,
TCGlazing75 , !- Name
SpectralAverage , !- Optical Data Type
, !- Window Glass Spectral Data Set Name
0.0030 , !- Thickness
0.2442 , !- Solar Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.7058 , !- Front Side Solar Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.7058 , !- Back Side Solar Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.3192 , !- Visible Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.6308 , !- Front Side Visible Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.6308 , !- Back Side Visible Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.0000 , !- Infrared Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.9000 , !- Front Side Infrared Hemispherical Emissivity
0.9000 , !- Back Side Infrared Hemispherical Emissivity
0.0199 , !- Conductivity
1.0000 , !- Dirt Correction Factor for Solar and Visible Transmittance
No; !- Solar Diffusing

WindowMaterial:Glazing ,
TCGlazing85 , !- Name
SpectralAverage , !- Optical Data Type
, !- Window Glass Spectral Data Set Name
0.0030 , !- Thickness
0.2442 , !- Solar Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.7058 , !- Front Side Solar Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.7058 , !- Back Side Solar Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.3192 , !- Visible Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.6308 , !- Front Side Visible Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.6308 , !- Back Side Visible Reflectance at Normal Incidence
0.0000 , !- Infrared Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.9000 , !- Front Side Infrared Hemispherical Emissivity
0.9000 , !- Back Side Infrared Hemispherical Emissivity
0.0199 , !- Conductivity
1.0000 , !- Dirt Correction Factor for Solar and Visible Transmittance
No; !- Solar Diffusing

1.8.20.2 Outputs

1.8.20.2.1 Surface Window Thermochromic Layer Temperature [C]

The temperature of the TC glass layer of a TC window at each time step.

1.8.20.2.2 Surface Window Thermochromic Layer Property Specification Tem-

perature [C]
The temperature under which the optical data of the TC glass layer are specified.
The overall properties (U-factor/SHGC/VT) of the thermochromic windows at different
specification temperatures are reported in the EIO file. These window constructions are
created by EnergyPlus during run time. They have similar names with suffix “_TC_XX”
where XX represents a specification temperature.
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 167

1.8.21 WindowMaterial:Gas
This object specifies the properties of the gas between the panes of a multi-pane window.
Gas Type = Custom allows you to specify the properties of gases other than air, Argon,
Krypton or Xenon. There is an EnergyPlus Reference Data Set for Material:WindowGas
that contains several types of gas of different thicknesses. See Material:WindowGasMixture
for the case that the gas fill is a mixture of different gases.

1.8.21.1 Inputs
1.8.21.1.1 Field: Name
The name of the gas fill. It refers to a layer in a window construction.

1.8.21.1.2 Field: Gas Type

The type of gas. The choices are Air, Argon, Krypton, or Xenon. If Gas Type = Custom
you can use Conductivity Coefficient A, etc. to specify the properties of a different type of
gas.

1.8.21.1.3 Field: Thickness

The thickness (m) of the gas layer.

1.8.21.1.4 Properties for Custom Gas Types

The following entries are used only if Gas Type = Custom. The A and B coefficients are
those in the following expression that gives a property value as a function of temperature in
degrees K:

P roperty = Coef f icientA + Coef f icientB ∗ T emperatureK (1.11)

1.8.21.1.5 Field: Conductivity Coefficient A

The A coefficient for gas conductivity (W/m-K). Used only if Gas Type = Custom.

1.8.21.1.6 Field: Conductivity Coefficient B

The B coefficient for gas conductivity (W/m-K2 ). Used only if Gas Type = Custom.

1.8.21.1.7 Field: Conductivity Coefficient C

The C coefficient for gas conductivity (W/m-K3 ). Used only if Gas Type = Custom.

1.8.21.1.8 Field: Viscosity Coefficient A

The A coefficient for gas viscosity (kg/m-s). Used only if Gas Type = Custom.

1.8.21.1.9 Field: Viscosity Coefficient B

The B coefficient for gas viscosity (kg/m-s-K). Used only if Gas Type = Custom.
168 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.8.21.1.10 Field: Viscosity Coefficient C

The C coefficient for gas viscosity (kg/m-s-K2 ). Used only if Gas Type = Custom.

1.8.21.1.11 Field: Specific Heat Coefficient A

The A coefficient for gas specific heat (J/kg-K). Used only if Gas Type = Custom.

1.8.21.1.12 Field: Specific Heat Coefficient B

The B coefficient for gas specific heat (J/kg-K2 ). Used only if Gas Type = Custom.

1.8.21.1.13 Field: Specific Heat Coefficient C

The C coefficient for gas specific heat (J/kg-K3 ). Used only if Gas Type = Custom.

1.8.21.1.14 Field: Specific Heat Ratio

The specific heat ratio for gas. Used only if Gas Type = Custom.

1.8.21.1.15 Field: Molecular Weight

The molecular weight for gas. The molecular weight is the mass of 1 mol of the sub-
stance. This has a numerical value which is the average molecular mass of the molecules in
the substance multiplied by Avogadro’s constant. (kg/kmol) (Shown in the IDD as g/mol
for consistency)

1.8.21.1.16 Field: Specific Heat Ratio

The specific heat ratio for gas. The specific heat ratio of a gas is the ratio of the specific
heat at contant pressure, to the specific heat at constant volume. Used only if Gas Type =
Custom.
An IDF example:

WindowMaterial:Gas ,AIRGAP ,
AIR , ! Gas type (Air - Argon - Krypton - Xenon - Custom)]
0.0125; ! Thickness {m} 1/2 inch

An IDF example to be used with a WindowMaterial:Gap definition (see below)

WindowMaterial:Gas ,
Gas_1_W_0_0100 , !- gap name - Air
Air , !- type
0.0100; !- thickness

An IDF example for a Custom Gas

WindowMaterial:Gas ,
Gas_16_W_0_0003 , !- gap name
Custom , !- type
0.0003 , !- thickness
2.873000e-003, !- Conductivity Coefficient A
7.760000e-005, !- Conductivity Coefficient B
0.000000e+000, !- Conductivity Coefficient C
3.723000e-006, !- Conductivity Viscosity A
4.940000e-008, !- Conductivity Viscosity B
0.000000e+000, !- Conductivity Viscosity C
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 169

1002.737000 , !- Specific Heat Coefficient A

0.012324 , !- Specific Heat Coefficient B
0.000000 , !- Specific Heat Coefficient C
28.969999 , !- Molecular Weight
1.400000; !- Specific Heat Ratio

1.8.22 WindowMaterial:GasMixture
This object allows you to specify the fill between the panes of a multi-pane window to
be a mixture of two, three or four different gases chosen from air, argon, krypton and
xenon. It can also be used if only one type of gas in the fill. In this case you can also use
WindowMaterial:Gas. Note that the fractions of gas types in the mixture should add up to
1.0.

1.8.22.1 Inputs

1.8.22.1.1 Field: Name

The name of the gas mixture. It refers to a layer in a window construction.

1.8.22.1.2 Field: Thickness

The thickness (m) of the gas mixture layer.

1.8.22.1.3 Field: Number of Gases in Mixture

The number of different types of gas in the mixture ( a value from 1 to 4)

1.8.22.1.4 Set: Gas Type-Fraction (up to 4)

1.8.22.1.5 Field: Gas 1 Type

The type of the first gas in the mixture. Choices are Air, Argon, Krypton and Xenon.

1.8.22.1.6 Field: Gas 1 Fraction

The fraction of the first gas in the mixture.
An IDF example:

WindowMaterial:GasMixture ,ArgonKryptonMix ,
0.0125 , ! Thickness {m} 1/2 inch
2, ! Number of Gases in Mixture
Argon , ! Gas 1 Type
0.6, ! Gas 1 Fraction
Krypton , ! Gas 2 Type
0.4; ! Gas 2 Fraction
170 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.8.23 WindowMaterial:Gap
This input object is used to define the gap between two layers in a complex fenestration
system, where the Construction:ComplexFenestrationState object is used. It references the
gas or gas mixtures defined in the WindowMaterial:Gas and WindowMaterial:GasMixture
objects. It is referenced as a layer in the Construction:ComplexFenestrationState object ;it
cannot be referenced as a layer from the Construction object.

1.8.23.1 Inputs
1.8.23.1.1 Field: Name
Unique name of the gap.

1.8.23.1.2 Field: Thickness

The thickness (m) of the gap layer.

1.8.23.1.3 Field: Pressure

The pressure (Pa) of the gas in the gap layer, used to calculate the gas properties of
the glazing system gap. Default is atmospheric pressure, 101325 Pa.When modeling vacuum
glazing, this value should represent the pressure in the evacuated glazing system. If this
pressure is less that the ThermalModelParams:PressureLimit value, the the glazing system
will be modeled as a vacuum glazing.

1.8.23.1.4 Field: Deflection State

This field is used when modeling the deflection of the glass layers in a window if the
WinodowThermalModel:Params value for “deflection model” is “MeasuredDeflection”.

1.8.23.1.5 Field: Support Pillar

References the support pillar of the gap layer if vacuum glazing is being modeled. If left
empty, then it is considered that gap layer does not have support pillars.

1.8.23.1.6 Field: Gas (or GasMixture)

References gas (WindowMaterial:Gas) or gas mixture (WindowMaterial:GasMixture) of
the gap layer.
An IDF example for simple glazing:

WindowMaterial:Gas ,
Gas_1_W_0_0120 , !- gap name - Air
Air , !- type
0.0120; !- thickness

WindowMaterial:Gap ,
Gap_1_Layer , !- gap name: Air
0.0120 , !- thickness
Gas_1_W_0_0120 , !- Gas (or Gas Mixture) name
101325.0000; !- pressure

An IDF example for vacuum glazing:

1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 171

WindowMaterial:Gap ,
Gap_16_Layer , !- gap name: Vacuum_0 .001_pr -0.5_ps -50.8
0.0003 , !- thicknessGas_16_W_0_0003 ,
!- Gas (or Gas Mixture) name
0.1333 , !- pressure
, !- deflection state
SupportPillar_16_Gap_1 ; !- SupportPillar

WindowGap:SupportPillar ,
SupportPillar_16_Gap_1 , !- Name
0.0508 , !- spacing
0.0005; !- radius

1.8.24 WindowGap:DeflectionState
This input object is used to enter data describing deflection state of the gap. It is referenced
from WindowMaterial:Gap object only and it is used only when deflection model is set to
MeasuredDeflection (see WindowThermalModel:Params), otherwise it is ignored.

1.8.24.1 Inputs
1.8.24.1.1 Field: Name
Unique name of the deflection state.

1.8.24.1.2 Field: Deflected Thickness

The thickness (m) of the gap in deflected state. It represents value of deflection at point
of maximum which is usualy at the center poing of glazing system. It is used only with
tarcog algorithm set to Measured Deflection (WindowThermalModel:Params), otherwise this
field will be ignored.
An IDF example where WindowThermalModel:Params Deflection Model = Measured-
Deflection:

WindowMaterial:Gap ,
Gap_1_Layer , !- gap name: Air
0.0120 , !- thickness
Gas_1_W_0_0120 , !- Gas (or Gas Mixture) name
101325.0000 , !- pressure
Gap_1_Deflection; !- deflection state

WindowGap:DeflectionState , !- deflection state of gap

Gap_1_Deflection , !- name
0.011; !- gap thickness in deflected state

1.8.25 WindowGap:SupportPillar
This input object is used to enter data describing support pillar of the gap. Support pillars
are used in vacuum glazing in order to prevent deflection of glass layers.
172 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.13: Support Pillar

1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 173

1.8.25.1 Inputs

1.8.25.1.1 Field: Name

Unique name of the support pillar.

1.8.25.1.2 Field: Spacing

Distance (m) between support pillar centers (see the Engineering reference document for
more information).

1.8.25.1.3 Field: Radius

The radius (m) of the support pillar (see Engineering reference document for more infor-
mation).
An IDF example for vacuum glazing (see Vacuum Glazing example in WindowMate-
rial:Gap above)

WindowGap:SupportPillar , !- gap support pillar

SupportPillar_16_Gap_1 , !- basis matrix name
0.05, !- pillar spacing
0.005; !- pillar radius

1.8.26 WindowMaterial:SimpleGlazingSystem
This model should be used with caution. There may be significant differences in
performance between the simple window system and the usual more detailed model.
This input object differs from the other WindowMaterial objects in that it describes an entire
glazing system rather than individual layers. This object is used when only very limited information
is available on the glazing layers or when specific performance levels are being targeted. The layer
by layer description offers superior method of modeling windows that should be used instead of
this object when sufficient data are available. This object accesses a model that turns simple
performance indices into a fuller model of the glazing system.
The performance indices are U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, and optionally Visible
Transmittance. The values for these performance indices can be selected by the user to represent
either glazing-only windows (with no frame) or an average window performance that includes the
frame. Inside the program the model produces an equivalent window glazing layer with no frame.
The properties of the modeled glazing layer are reported to the EIO file using the IDF input object
syntax for the WindowMaterial:Glazing input object. This equivalent layer could be reused in
subsequent models if desired, however there will be important differences in the modeled window
performance because the simple glazing system model includes its own special model for angular
dependence when incident beam solar is not normal to the plane of the window.
When this object is referenced in a Construction object, it cannot be used with other glazing or
gas material layers. Shades or blinds cannot be located between the glass, but these can be used on
the inside or the outside of the glazing system. If the glazing system does have between-the-glass
shades or blinds, then the U and SHGC values entered in this object should include the impacts
of those layers. Adding window treatment layers such as shades or screens will alter the overall
performance to be different than the performance levels prescribed in this object.
174 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.8.26.1 Inputs
1.8.26.1.1 Field: Name
The name of the glazing system. This value is unique across all constructions.

1.8.26.1.2 Field: U-Factor

This field describes the value for window system U-Factor, or overall heat transfer coefficient.
Units are in W/m2 ·K. This is the rated (NFRC) value for U-factor under winter heating conditions.
The U-factor is assumed to be for vertically mounted products. Although the maximum allowable
input is U-7.0 W/m2 ·K, the effective upper limit of the glazings generated by the underlying model
is around U-5.8 W/m2 ·K.

1.8.26.1.3 Field: Solar Heat Gain Coefficient

This field describes the value for SHGC, or solar heat gain coefficient. There are no units. This
is the rated (NFRC) value for SHGC under summer cooling conditions and represents SHGC for
normal incidence and vertical orientation.

1.8.26.1.4 Field: Visible Transmittance

This field is optional. If it is omitted, then the visible transmittance properties are taken from
the solar properties. If it is included then the model includes it when developing properties for the
glazing system. This is the rated (NFRC) value for visible transmittance at normal incidence.
An example of this object.

WindowMaterial:SimpleGlazingSystem ,
SimpleWindow:DOUBLE PANE WINDOW , !- Name
2.716 , !- U-Factor
0.763 , !- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient
0.812 ; !- Visible Transmittance

1.8.27 WindowMaterial:Shade
This object specifies the properties of window shade materials. Reflectance and emissivity properties
are assumed to be the same on both sides of the shade. Shades are considered to be perfect
diffusers (all transmitted and reflected radiation is hemispherically-diffuse) with transmittance and
reflectance independent of angle of incidence. There is an EnergyPlus Reference Data Set for
WindowMaterial:Shade that contains properties of generic window shades.
Window shades can be on the inside of the window (“interior shades”), on the outside of the
window (“exterior shades”), or between glass layers (“between-glass shades”). When in place, the
shade is assumed to cover all of the glazed part of the window, including dividers; it does not cover
any of the window frame, if present. The plane of the shade is assumed to be parallel to the glazing.
WindowMaterial:Shade can be used for diffusing materials such as drapery and translucent
roller shades. For slat-type shading devices, like Venetian blinds, that have a strong angular
dependence of transmission, absorption and reflection, it is better to use WindowMaterial:Blind.
WindowMaterial:Screen should be used to model wire mesh insect screens where the solar and
visible transmission and reflection properties vary with the angle of incidence of solar radiation.
Transmittance and reflectance values for drapery material with different color and openness
of weave can be obtained from manufacturers or determined from 2001 ASHRAE Fundamentals,
Chapter 30, Fig. 31.
There are two methods of assigning a shade to a window:
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 175

1.8.27.1 Inputs
1.8.27.1.1 Method 1:
1) Define the construction of the window without the shade, the so-called “bare” construction.
2) Reference the bare construction in the FenestrationSurface:Detailed for the window.
3) Define the WindowMaterial:Shade.
4) Define a WindowProperty:ShadingControl for the window in which you (a) specify that this
WindowMaterial:Shade is the window’s shading device and (b) specify how the shade is controlled.

1.8.27.1.2 Method 2:
1) Define the Construction of the window without the shade, the so-called “bare” construction.
2) Reference the bare construction in the FenestrationSurface:Detailed for the window.
3) Define the WindowMaterial:Shade.
4) Define another Construction, called the “shaded construction,” that includes the Window-
Material:Shade.
5) Define a WindowProperty:ShadingControl for the window in which you (a) reference the
shaded construction and (b) specify how the shade is controlled.
Note that WindowProperty:ShadingControl has to be used with either method, even if the
shade is in place at all times. You will get an error message if you try to reference a shaded
construction directly from FenestrationSurface:Detailed.

1.8.27.1.3 Field: Name

Name of the shade. It is referenced as an inside or outside layer in a window construction.

1.8.27.1.4 Field: Solar Transmittance

Transmittance averaged over the solar spectrum. Assumed independent of incidence angle.

1.8.27.1.5 Field: Solar Reflectance

Reflectance averaged over the solar spectrum. Assumed same on both sides of shade and
independent of incidence angle.

1.8.27.1.6 Field: Visible Transmittance

Transmittance averaged over the solar spectrum and weighted by the response of the human
eye. Assumed independent of incidence angle.

1.8.27.1.7 Field: Visible Reflectance

Reflectance averaged over the solar spectrum and weighted by the response of the human eye.
Assumed same on both side of shade and independent of incidence angle.

1.8.27.1.8 Field: Thermal Hemispherical Emissivity

Effective long-wave emissivity. Assumed same on both sides of shade. We can approximate
this effective emissivity, εef f , as follows. Let η be the “openness” the shade, i.e., the ratio of the
area of openings in the shade to the overall shade area (see Field: Air-Flow Permeability, below).
Let the emissivity of the shade material be ε. Then

εeff ≈ ε (1 − η) (1.12)
For most non-metallic materials ε is about 0.9.
176 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.8.27.1.9 Field: Thermal Transmittance

Effective long-wave transmittance. Assumed independent of incidence angle. We can approxi-
mate this effective long-wave transmittance, Teff as follows. Let η be the “openness” of the shade,
i.e., the ratio of the area of openings in the shade to the overall shade area. Let the long-wave
transmittance of the shade material be T . Then

Teff ≈ η + T (1 − η) (1.13)

For most materials T is very close to zero, which gives

Teff ≈ η (1.14)

1.8.27.1.10 Field: Thickness

Thickness of the shade material (m). If the shade is not flat, such as for pleated pull-down
shades or folded drapery, the average thickness normal to the plane of the shade should be used.

1.8.27.1.11 Field: Conductivity

Shade material conductivity (W/m-K).

1.8.27.1.12 Field: Shade to Glass Distance

Distance from shade to adjacent glass (m). This is denoted by s in Figure 1.14 and Figure 1.15,
below. If the shade is not flat, such as for pleated pull-down shades or folded drapery, the average
shade-to-glass distance should be used. (The shade-to-glass distance is used in calculating the
natural convective air flow between glass and shade produced by buoyancy effects.). Note used for
between-glass shades.
In the following, H is the glazing height and W is the glazing width.

1.8.27.1.13 Field: Top Opening Multiplier

Effective area for air flow at the top of the shade divided by sW, the horizontal area between
glass and shade (see Figures below).

1.8.27.1.14 Field: Bottom Opening Multiplier

Effective area for air flow at the bottom of the shade divided by sW, the horizontal area between
glass and shade (see Figures below).

1.8.27.1.15 Field: Left-Side Opening Multiplier

Effective area for air flow at the left side of the shade divided by sH, the vertical area between
glass and shade (see Figures below).

1.8.27.1.16 Field: Right-Side Opening Multiplier

Effective area for air flow at the right side of the shade divided by sH, the vertical area between
glass and shade (see Figures below).
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 177

1.8.27.1.17 Field: Field: Air-Flow Permeability

The fraction of the shade surface that is open to air flow, i.e., the total area of openings (“holes”)
in the shade surface divided by the shade area, HW. If air cannot pass through the shade material,
Air-Flow Permeability = 0. For drapery fabric and screens the Air-Flow Permeability can be taken
as the “openness” of the fabric (see 2001 ASHRAE Fundamentals, Chapter 30, Fig. 31), which is
0.0 to 0.07 for closed weave, 0.07 to 0.25 for semi-open weave, and 0.25 and higher for open weave.

Figure 1.14: Vertical section (a) and perspective view (b) of glass and interior shade layers
showing variables used in the gap air flow analysis. In (b), the air-flow opening areas Abot ,
Atop , Al , Ar and Ah are shown schematically. See Engineering Manual for definition of
thermal variables.
An IDF example:
WindowMaterial:Shade ,
DRAPES - CLOSE WEAVE MEDIUM , !- Name
0.05, !- Solar transmittance
0.3000000 , !- Solar Reflectance
.05, !- Visible transmittance
0.3000000 , !- Visible reflectance
0.9000000 , !- Thermal Hemispherical Emissivity
0.0, !- Thermal Transmittance
0.003 , !- Thickness {m}
0.1, !- Conductivity {W/m-K}
0.050 , !- Shade to glass distance {m}
1.0, !- Top opening multiplier
1.0, !- Bottom opening multiplier
0.0, !- Left -side opening multiplier
0.0, !- Right -side opening multiplier
0.0; !- Air flow permeability
178 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.15: Examples of air-flow openings for an interior shade covering glass of height H
and width W . Not to scale. (a) Horizontal section through shade with openings on the
left and right sides (top view). (b) Vertical section through shade with openings at the top
and bottom (side view). In (a) Left-Side Opening Multiplier = Al /sH = min(l/s, 1) and
Right-Side Opening Multiplier = Ar /sH = min(r/s, 1). In (b) Top Opening Multiplier =
Atop /sW = t/s and Bottom Opening Multiplier = Abot /sW = b/s.
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 179

1.8.28 WindowMaterial:Blind
This object specifies the properties of a window blind consisting of flat, equally-spaced slats. Unlike
window shades, which are modeled as perfect diffusers, window blinds have solar and visible trans-
mission and reflection properties that strongly depend on slat angle and angle of incidence of solar
radiation. There is an EnergyPlus Reference Data Set for WindowMaterial:Blind that contains
properties of generic window blinds.
Blinds can be located on the inside of the window (“interior blinds”), on the outside of the
window (“exterior blinds”), or between two layers of glass (“between-glass blinds”). When in place,
the blind is assumed to cover all of the glazed part of the window, including dividers; it does not
cover any of the window frame, if present. The plane of the blind is assumed to be parallel to the
glazing. When the blind is retracted it is assumed to cover none of the window. The solar and
thermal effects of the blind’s support strings, tapes or rods are ignored. Slat curvature, if present,
is ignored.
There are two methods of assigning a blind to a window:

1.8.28.1 Inputs
1.8.28.1.1 Method 1:
1) Define the construction of the window without the blind, the so-called “bare” construction.
2) Reference the bare construction in the FenestrationSurface:Detailed for the window.
3) Define the WindowMaterial:Blind.
4) Define a WindowProperty:ShadingControl for the window in which you (a) specify that this
WindowMaterial:Blind is the window’s shading device and (b) specify how the blind is controlled.

1.8.28.1.2 Method 2:
1) Define the Construction of the window without the blind, the so-called “bare” construction.
2) Reference the bare construction in the FenestrationSurface:Detailed for the window.
3) Define the WindowMaterial:Blind.
4) Define another Construction, called the “shaded construction,” that includes the Window-
Material:Blind.
5) Define a WindowProperty:ShadingControl for the window in which you (a) reference the
shaded construction and (b) specify how the blind is controlled.
Note that WindowProperty:ShadingControl has to be used with either method, even if the blind
is in place at all times. You will get an error message if you try to reference a construction with a
blind directly from Window objects (FenestrationSurface:Detailed or Window).
Note also that WindowProperty:ShadingControl is used to determine not only when the blind
is in place, but how its slat angle is controlled.

1.8.28.1.3 Field: Name

Name of the blind. It is referenced as a layer in a window construction (ref: Construction
object) or as a “Material Name of Shading Device” in a WindowProperty:ShadingControl object.

1.8.28.1.4 Field: Slat Orientation

The choices are Horizontal and Vertical. “Horizontal” means the slats are parallel to the bottom
of the window; this is the same as saying that the slats are parallel to the X-axis of the window.
“Vertical” means the slats are parallel to Y-axis of the window.
180 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.8.28.1.5 Field: Slat Width

The width of the slat measured from edge to edge (m). See Figure 1.16.

1.8.28.1.6 Field: Slat Separation

The distance between the front of a slat and the back of the adjacent slat (m). See Figure 1.16.

1.8.28.1.7 Field: Slat Thickness

The distance between the faces of a slat (m). See Figure 1.16.

1.8.28.1.8 Field: Slat Angle

The angle (degrees) between the glazing outward normal and the slat outward normal, where
the outward normal points away from the front face of the slat (degrees). See Figure 1.16.
If the WindowProperty:ShadingControl for the blind has Type of Slat Angle Control for Blinds
= FixedSlatAngle, the slat angle is fixed at “Slat Angle.”
If Type of Slat Angle Control for Blinds = BlockBeamSolar, the program automatically adjusts
the slat angle so as just block beam solar radiation. In this case the value of “Slat Angle” is used
only when the blind is in place and there is no beam solar radiation incident on the blind.
If Type of Slat Angle Control for Blinds = ScheduledSlatAngle, the slat angle is variable. In
this case “Slat Angle” is not applicable and the field should be blank.
If Type of Slat Angle Control for Blinds = FixedSlatAngle and “Slat Angle” is less than the
minimum or greater than the maximum allowed by Slat Width, Slat Separation and Slat Thickness,
the slat angle will be reset to the corresponding minimum or maximum and a warning will be issued.

1.8.28.1.9 Field: Slat Conductivity

The thermal conductivity of the slat (W/m-K).

1.8.28.1.10 Field: Slat Beam Solar Transmittance

The beam solar transmittance of the slat, assumed to be independent of angle of incidence on
the slat. Any transmitted beam radiation is assumed to be 100% diffuse (i.e., slats are translucent).

1.8.28.1.11 Field: Front Side Slat Beam Solar Reflectance

The beam solar reflectance of the front side of the slat, assumed to be independent of angle of
incidence (matte finish). This means that slats with a large specularly-reflective component (shiny
slats) are not well modeled.

1.8.28.1.12 Field: Back Side Slat Beam Solar Reflectance

The beam solar reflectance of the back side of the slat, assumed to be independent of angle of
incidence (matte finish). This means that slats with a large specularly-reflective component (shiny
slats) are not well modeled.

1.8.28.1.13 Field: Slat Diffuse Solar Transmittance

The slat transmittance for hemispherically diffuse solar radiation. This value should equal “Slat
Beam Solar Transmittance.”

1.8.28.1.14 Field: Front Side Slat Diffuse Solar Reflectance

The front-side slat reflectance for hemispherically diffuse solar radiation. This value should
equal “Front Side Slat Beam Solar Reflectance.”
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 181

1.8.28.1.15 Field: Back Side Slat Diffuse Solar Reflectance

The back-side slat reflectance for hemispherically diffuse solar radiation. This value should
equal “Back Side Slat Beam Solar Reflectance.”

1.8.28.1.16 Field: Slat Beam Visible Transmittance

The beam visible transmittance of the slat, assumed to be independent of angle of incidence on
the slat. Any transmitted visible radiation is assumed to be 100% diffuse (i.e., slats are translucent).

1.8.28.1.17 Field: Front Side Slat Beam Visible Reflectance

The beam visible reflectance on the front side of the slat, assumed to be independent of angle of
incidence (matte finish). This means that slats with a large specularly-reflective component (shiny
slats) are not well modeled.

1.8.28.1.18 Field: Back Side Slat Beam Visible Reflectance

The beam visible reflectance on the front side of the slat, assumed to be independent of angle of
incidence (matte finish). This means that slats with a large specularly-reflective component (shiny
slats) are not well modeled.

1.8.28.1.19 Field: Slat Diffuse Visible Transmittance

The slat transmittance for hemispherically diffuse visible radiation. This value should equal
“Slat Beam Visible Transmittance.”

1.8.28.1.20 Field: Front Side Slat Diffuse Visible Reflectance

The front-side slat reflectance for hemispherically diffuse visible radiation. This value should
equal “Front Side Slat Beam Visible Reflectance.”

1.8.28.1.21 Field: Back Side Slat Diffuse Visible Reflectance

The back-side slat reflectance for hemispherically diffuse visible radiation. This value should
equal “Back Side Slat Beam Visible Reflectance..”

1.8.28.1.22 Field: Slat Infrared Hemispherical Transmittance

The slat Infrared transmittance. It is zero for solid metallic, wooden or glass slats, but may be
non-zero in some cases (e.g., thin plastic slats).

1.8.28.1.23 Field: Front Side Slat Infrared Hemispherical Emissivity

Front-side hemispherical emissivity of the slat. Approximately 0.9 for most materials. The
most common exception is bare (unpainted) metal slats or slats finished with a metallic paint.

1.8.28.1.24 Field: Back Side Slat Infrared Hemispherical Emissivity

Back-side hemispherical emissivity of the slat. Approximately 0.9 for most materials. The most
common exception is bare (unpainted) metal slats or slats finished with a metallic paint.

1.8.28.1.25 Field: Blind to Glass Distance

For interior and exterior blinds, the distance from the mid-plane of the blind to the adjacent
glass (m). See Figure 1.16. Not used for between-glass blinds. As for window shades (ref: Window-
Material:Shade) this distance is used in calculating the natural convective air flow between glass
and blind that is produced by buoyancy effects.
182 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.8.28.1.26 Opening Multipliers

The following opening multipliers are defined in the same way as for window shades (see Win-
dowMaterial:Shade, Figure 1.14 and Figure 1.15). Note that, unlike window shades, there is no
input for Air-Flow Permeability; this is automatically calculated by the program from slat angle,
width and separation.

1.8.28.1.27 Field: Blind Top Opening Multiplier

Defined as for Material:WindowShade.

1.8.28.1.28 Field: Blind Bottom Opening Multiplier

Defined as for Material:WindowShade.

1.8.28.1.29 Field: Blind Left-Side Opening Multiplier

Defined as for Material:WindowShade.

1.8.28.1.30 Field: Blind Right-Side Opening Multiplier

Defined as for Material:WindowShade.

1.8.28.1.31 Field: Minimum Slat Angle

The minimum allowed slat angle (degrees). Used only if WindowProperty:ShadingControl
(for the window that incorporates this blind) varies the slat angle (i.e., the WindowProp-
erty:ShadingControl has Type of Slat Angle Control for Blinds = ScheduledSlatAngle or
BlockBeamSolar). In this case, if the program tries to select a slat angle less than Minimum Slat
Angle it will be reset to Minimum Slat Angle. (Note that if the Minimum Slat Angle itself is less
than the minimum allowed by Slat Width, Slat Separation and Slat Thickness, it will be reset to
that minimum.)

1.8.28.1.32 Field: Maximum Slat Angle

The maximum allowed slat angle (degrees). Used only if WindowProperty:ShadingControl
(for the window that incorporates this blind) varies the slat angle (i.e., the WindowProp-
erty:ShadingControl has Type of Slat Angle Control for Blinds = ScheduledSlatAngle or
BlockBeamSolar). In this case, if the program tries to select a slat angle greater than Maximum
Slat Angle the slat angle will be reset to Maximum Slat Angle. (Note that if the Maximum
Slat Angle itself is greater than the maximum allowed by Slat Width, Slat Separation and Slat
Thickness, it will be reset to that maximum.)
An IDF example:

WindowMaterial:Blind ,
White Painted Metal Blind , !- Name
HORIZONTAL , !- Slat orientation
0.025 , !- Slat width (m)
0.01875 , !- Slat separation (m)
0.001 , !- Slat thickness (m)
45.0 , !- Slat angle (deg)
44.9 , !- Slat conductivity (W/m-K)
0.0 , !- Slat beam solar transmittance
0.8 , !- Front Side Slat beam solar reflectance
0.8 , !- Back Side Slat beam solar reflectance
0.0 , !- Slat diffuse solar transmittance
0.8 , !- Front Side Slat diffuse solar reflectance
0.8 , !- Back Side Slat diffuse solar reflectance
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 183

0.0 , !- Slat beam visible transmittance

0.7 , !- Front Side Slat beam visible reflectance
0.7 , !- Back Side Slat beam visible reflectance
0.0 , !- Slat diffuse visible transmittance
0.7 , !- Front Side Slat diffuse visible reflectance
0.7 , !- Back Side Slat diffuse visible reflectance
0.0 , !- Slat Infrared hemispherical transmittance
0.9 , !- Front Side Slat Infrared hemispherical emissivity
0.9 , !- Back Side Slat Infrared hemispherical emissivity
0.050 , !- Blind -to -glass distance
0.0 , !- Blind top opening multiplier
0.0 , !- Blind bottom opening multiplier
0.5 , !- Blind left -side opening multiplier
0.5 , !- Blind right -side opening multiplier
, !- Minimum slat angle (deg)
; !- Maximum slat angle (deg)

Figure 1.16: (a) Side view of a window blind with horizontal slats (or top view of blind with
vertical slats) showing slat geometry. The front face of a slat is shown by a heavy line. The
slat angle is defined as the angle between the glazing outward normal and the slat outward
normal, where the outward normal points away from the front face of the slat. (b) Slat
orientations for representative slat angles. The slat angle varies from 0o , when the front of
the slat is parallel to the glazing and faces toward the outdoors, to 90o , when the slat is
perpendicular to the glazing, to 180o , when the front of the slat is parallel to the glazing and
faces toward the indoors. The minimum and maximum slat angles are determined by the
slat thickness, width and separation.
184 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.8.29 WindowMaterial:ComplexShade
This input object is used to define shade layers used in the Construction:ComplexFenestrationState
object.

1.8.29.1 Inputs
1.8.29.1.1 Field: Name
Unique name of the shading layer.

1.8.29.1.2 Field: Shading Layer Type

The type of shading layer. The options are:

• Venetian – for modeling venetian blinds

• Woven – for modeling shading systems with a regular weave

• Perforated – for modeling perforated screens

• BSDF – for modeling shades whose properties are represented by a BSDF file

• OtherShadingType – for modeling shading systems which do not belong to the any of the
previous group

1.8.29.1.3 Field: Thickness

The thickness (m) of the shading layer. This value is ignored for ShadingLayerType = Venetian,
because the program will calculate the thickness based on the slat angle. This value is needed for
ShadingLayerType = Woven and Perforated

1.8.29.1.4 Field: Conductivity

The conductivity (W/mK) of the shading layer material. Default: 1.0

• Venetian – the conductivity of the venetian blind slat material

• Woven – the conductivity of the woven shade material (such as the thread for a fabric shade)

• Perforated – for modeling perforated screens

• BSDF – for modeling shades whose properties are represented by a BSDF file

• OtherShadingType – for modeling shading systems which do not belong to the any of the
previous group

1.8.29.1.5 Field: IR Transmittance

The IR transmittance of the shading layer. Minimum value: 0. Maximum value: 1. Default: 0.

1.8.29.1.6 Field: Front Emissivity

The front emissivity of the shading layer. Minimum value: 0. Maximum value: 1. Default:
0.90.
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 185

1.8.29.1.7 Field: Back Emissivity

The back emissivity of the shading layer. Minimum value: 0. Maximum value: 1. Default:
0.90.

1.8.29.1.8 Field: Top Opening Multiplier

The top opening multiplier value will depend on the location of the shading device within the
glazing system. There are several possible scenarios which can occur and they can be divided into
two groups:
Shading device on the indoor/outdoor side of the window
In this case the opening multiplier is calculated as the smallest distance between the shading
device and the frame (dtop ), divided by the gap width (S). There are three possible cases for the
position of a shading device the on indoor/outdoor side (see Figure 1.17).

Figure 1.17: Three cases for the Dtop calculation for an indoor/outdoor shade: Case a) A
shading device between the frame; Case b) A shading device outside the frame, covering the
frame; Case c) a shading device outside the frame, not covering the frame.

In the case where the distance between the frame and the shading device is bigger than the gap
width, the dtop multiplier is equal to one. Therefore, the calculation of the Dtop opening multiplier
is:

Atop = min(dtop /S, 1)

Shading device between glass layers
186 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

In this case the opening multiplier is calculated as the smallest distance between the shading
device and the frame or spacer (dtop ), divided by the smaller gap width (the minimum of (S1
andS2 )).

Figure 1.18: Calculation of Dtop for a shading device between glass layers

The Dtop opening multiplier for a between glass shade is calculated as:

Atop = min(dtop /Smin , 1)

Where

Smin = min(S1 , S2 )

1.8.29.1.9 Field: Bottom Opening Multiplier

The bottom opening multiplier (dbot ) is calculated in the same way as the top opening multiplier,
with the rules applied to the bottom of the shading device.
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 187

1.8.29.1.10 Field: Left Side Opening Multiplier

The left side opening multiplier (dlef t ) is calcuated in the same way as the top opening multi-
plier, with the rules applied to the left side of the shading device.

1.8.29.1.11 Field: Right Side Opening Multiplier

The right side opening multiplier (dright ) is calcuated in the same way as the top opening
multiplier, with the rules applied to the right side of the shading device.

1.8.29.1.12 Field: Front Opening Multiplier

The fraction of glazing system area that is open on the front of the shading layer (see Fig-
ure 1.19). This fraction is calculated as follows: Afront / (W * H), where Afront = Area of the
front of the glazing system that is not covered by the shading system, W = the width of the glazing
system (IGU) and H is height of the glazing system (IGU).

Figure 1.19: Front view of shading layer openings.

1.8.29.1.13 Field: Slat Width

The width (m) of the venetian slats. Used only for ShadingLayerType = Venetian.

1.8.29.1.14 Field: Slat Spacing

The distance (m) between front sides of the venetian slats. Used only for ShadingLayerType
= Venetian.
188 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.8.29.1.15 Field: Slat Thickness

The thickness (m) of the venetian slats. Used only for ShadingLayerType = Venetian.

1.8.29.1.16 Field: Slat Angle

The slat tilt angle (degrees) of the venetian slats. Used only for ShadingLayerType = Vene-
tian. Range of slat angle is from -90 to 90 degrees.

1.8.29.1.17 Field: Slat Conductivity

The conductivity (W/mK) of the venetian slats. Used only for ShadingLayerType = Venetian.

1.8.29.1.18 Field: Slat Curve

The curvature radius (m) of the venetian slats. Setting this value to zero means there is no
curvature in the slat (it is flat), while a non-zero value is the radius of the slat curve. This value
cannot be smaller than Slat Width / 2. Used only for ShadingLayerType = Venetian.
An IDF example for ShadingLayerType = Venetian

WindowMaterial:ComplexShade , !- venetian blind layer

Shade_30001_Layer , !- name
Venetian , !- shading layer type
0.005 , !- thickness
160, !- layer conductivity
0.0, !- IR transmittance
0.9, !- front emissivity
0.9, !- back emissivity
0.0, !- top opening multiplier
0.0, !- bottom opening multiplier
0.0, !- left side opening multiplier
0.0, !- right side opening multiplier
0.05, !- front opening multiplier
0.016 , !- venetian slat width
0.012 , !- venetian slat spacing
0.0006 , !- venetian slat thickness
-45.00, !- venetian slat angle
160.00 , !- venetian slat conductivity
0.0000; !- venetian slat curve

An IDF example for ShadingLayerType = Woven

(Note that it is not necessary to include “blank” lines for the venetian blind input for a Woven
shade definition).

WindowMaterial:ComplexShade , !- woven shade layer

Shade_30002_Layer , !- name
Woven , !- shading layer type
0.011 , !- thickness
1, !- layer conductivity
0.0, !- IR transmittance
0.9, !- front emissivity
0.9, !- back emissivity
0.0, !- top opening multiplier
0.0, !- bottom opening multiplier
0.0, !- left side opening multiplier
0.0, !- right side opening multiplier
0.17; !- front opening multiplier
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 189

Figure 1.20: Side view of horizontal venetian blind slats or top view of blinds with vertical
slats. Front face of slats is marked with red line.
190 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.8.30 WindowMaterial:Screen
This object specifies the properties of exterior window screen materials. The window screen model
assumes the screen is made up of intersecting orthogonally-crossed cylinders. The surface of the
cylinders is assumed to be diffusely reflecting, having the optical properties of a Lambertian surface.
The beam solar radiation transmitted through a window screen varies with sun angle and is
made up of two distinct elements: a direct beam component and a reflected beam component.
The direct beam transmittance component is modeled using the geometry of the screen material
and the incident angle of the sun to account for shadowing of the window by the screen material.
The reflected beam component is an empirical model that accounts for the inward reflection of
solar beam off the screen material surface. This component is both highly directional and small
in magnitude compared to the direct beam transmittance component (except at higher incident
angles, for which case the magnitude of the direct beam component is small or zero and the reflected
beam component, though small in absolute terms can be many times larger than the direct beam
component). For this reason, the reflected beam transmittance component calculated by the model
can be a. disregarded, b. treated as an additive component to direct beam transmittance (and in
the same direction), or c. treated as hemispherically-diffuse transmittance based on a user input
to the model.

Figure 1.21: Direct beam and reflected beam transmittance components

The window screen “assembly” properties of overall beam solar reflectance and absorptance (in-
cluding the screen material ‘cylinders’ and open area) also change with sun angle and are calculated
based on the values of the beam solar transmittance components (direct and reflected components
described above) and the physical properties of the screen material (i.e., screen material diameter,
spacing, and reflectance).
Transmittance, reflectance, and absorptance of diffuse solar radiation are considered constant
values and apply to both the front and back surfaces of the screen. These properties are calculated
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 191

by the model as an average value by integrating the screen’s beam solar properties over a quarter
hemisphere of incident radiation. Long-wave emissivity is also assumed to be the same for both
sides of the screen.
There is an EnergyPlus Reference Data Set for WindowMaterial:Screen that contains properties
for generic window screens. Window screens of this type can only be used on the outside surface
of the window (“exterior screens”). When in place, the screen is assumed to cover all of the glazed
part of the window, including dividers; it does not cover any of the window frame, if present. The
plane of the screen is assumed to be parallel to the glazing.
WindowMaterial:Screen can be used to model wire mesh insect screens where the solar and
visible transmission and reflection properties vary with the angle of incidence of solar radiation.
For diffusing materials such as drapery and translucent roller shades it is better to use the Win-
dowMaterial:Shade object. For slat-type shading devices like Venetian blinds, which have solar
and visible transmission and reflection properties that strongly depend on slat angle and angle of
incidence of solar radiation, it is better to use WindowMaterial:Blind.
There are two methods of assigning a screen to a window:

1.8.30.1 Inputs
1.8.30.1.1 Method 1:
1) Define the construction of the window without the screen, the so-called “bare” construction.
2) Reference the bare construction in the FenestrationSurface:Detailed for the window.
3) Define the WindowMaterial:Screen object.
4) Define a WindowProperty:ShadingControl for the window in which you (a) specify that
this Material:WindowScreen is the window’s shading device, and (b) specify how the screen is
controlled.

1.8.30.1.2 Method 2:
1) Define the Construction of the window without the screen, the so-called “bare” construction.
2) Reference the bare construction in the FenestrationSurface:Detailed for the window.
3) Define the WindowMaterial:Screen object.
4) Define another Construction, called the “shaded construction,” that includes the Window-
Material:Screen.
5) Define a WindowProperty:ShadingControl for the window in which you (a) reference the
shaded construction, and (b) specify how the screen is controlled.
Note that WindowProperty:ShadingControl has to be used with either method, even if the
screen is in place at all times. You will get an error message if you try to reference a shaded
construction directly from a FenestrationSurface:Detailed object.

1.8.30.1.3 Field: Name

Enter a unique name for the screen. This name is referenced as an outside layer in a window
construction.

1.8.30.1.4 Field: Reflected Beam Transmittance Accounting Method

This input specifies the method used to account for screen-reflected beam solar radiation that
is transmitted through the window screen (as opposed to being reflected back outside the building).
Since this inward reflecting beam solar is highly directional and is not modeled in the direction of
the actual reflection, the user is given the option of how to account for the directionality of this
192 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

component of beam solar transmittance. Valid choices are DoNotModel, ModelAsDirectBeam (i.e.,
model as an additive component to direct solar beam and in the same direction), or ModelAsDiffuse
(i.e., model as hemispherically-diffuse radiation). The default value is ModelAsDiffuse.

1.8.30.1.5 Field: Diffuse Solar Reflectance

This input specifies the solar reflectance (beam-to-diffuse) of the screen material itself (not the
effective value for the overall screen “assembly” including open spaces between the screen material).
The outgoing diffuse radiation is assumed to be Lambertian (distributed angularly according to
Lambert’s cosine law). The solar reflectance is assumed to be the same for both sides of the screen.
This value must be from 0 to less than 1.0. In the absence of better information, the input value
for diffuse solar reflectance should match the input value for diffuse visible reflectance.

1.8.30.1.6 Field: Diffuse Visible Reflectance

This input specifies the visible reflectance (beam-to-diffuse) of the screen material itself (not the
effective value for the overall screen “assembly” including open spaces between the screen material)
averaged over the solar spectrum and weighted by the response of the human eye. The outgoing
diffuse radiation is assumed to be Lambertian (distributed angularly according to Lambert’s cosine
law). The visible reflectance is assumed to be the same for both sides of the screen. This value
must be from 0 to less than 1.0.
If diffuse visible reflectance for the screen material is not available, then the following guidelines
can be used to estimate this value:

• Dark-colored screen (e.g., charcoal): 0.08 – 0.10

• Medium-colored screen (e.g., gray): 0.20 – 0.25

• Light-colored screen (e.g., bright aluminum): 0.60 – 0.65

Commercially-available gray scale or grayscale reflecting chart references can be purchased

for improved accuracy in estimating visible reflectance (by visual comparison of screen reflected
brightness with that of various known-reflectance portions of the grayscale).

1.8.30.1.7 Field: Thermal Hemispherical Emissivity

Long-wave emissivity ε of the screen material itself (not the effective value for the overall screen
“assembly” including open spaces between the screen material). The emissivity is assumed to be
the same for both sides of the screen.
For most non-metallic materials, ε is about 0.9. For metallic materials, ε is dependent on
material, its surface condition, and temperature. Typical values for metallic materials range from
0.05 – 0.1 with lower values representing a more finished surface (e.g. low oxidation, polished
surface). Material emissivities may be found in Table 1.6 from the 2005 ASHRAE Handbook of
Fundamentals, page 3.9. The value for this input field must be between 0 and 1, with a default
value of 0.9 if this field is left blank.

1.8.30.1.8 Field: Conductivity

Screen material conductivity (W/m-K). This input value must be greater than 0. The default
value is 221 W/m-K (aluminum).
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 193

1.8.30.1.9 Field: Screen Material Spacing

The spacing, S, of the screen material (m) is the distance from the center of one strand of screen
to the center of the adjacent one. The spacing of the screen material is assumed to be the same in
both directions (e.g., vertical and horizontal). This input value must be greater than the non-zero
screen material diameter. If the spacing is different in the two directions, use the average of the
two values.

Figure 1.22: Screen Material Spacing and Diameter

1.8.30.1.10 Field: Screen Material Diameter

The diameter, D, of individual strands or wires of the screen material (m). The screen material
diameter is assumed to be the same in both directions (e.g., vertical and horizontal). This input
value must be greater than 0 and less than the screen material spacing. If the diameter is different
in the two directions, use the average of the two values.

1.8.30.1.11 Field: Screen to Glass Distance

Distance from the window screen to the adjacent glass surface (m). If the screen is not flat, the
average screen to glass distance should be used. The screen-to-glass distance is used in calculating
the natural convective air flow between the glass and the screen produced by buoyancy effects. This
input value must be from 0.001 m to 1 m, with a default value of 0.025 m if this field is left blank.

1.8.30.1.12 Field: Top Opening Multiplier

Effective area for air flow at the top of the screen divided by the horizontal area between the
glass and screen (see the same field for the Material:WindowShade object for additional description).
The opening multiplier fields can be used to simulate a shading material that is offset from the
window frame. Since window screens are typically installed against the window frame, the default
value is equal to 0.This input value can range from 0 to 1.
194 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.8.30.1.13 Field: Bottom Opening Multiplier

Effective area for air flow at the bottom of the screen divided the horizontal area between the
glass and screen (see the same field for the Material:WindowShade object for additional description).
The opening multiplier fields can be used to simulate a shading material that is offset from the
window frame. Since window screens are typically installed against the window frame, the default
value is equal to 0. This input value can range from 0 to 1.

1.8.30.1.14 Field: Left-Side Opening Multiplier

Effective area for air flow at the left side of the screen divided the vertical area between the glass
and screen (see the same field for the Material:WindowShade object for additional description). The
opening multiplier fields can be used to simulate a shading material that is offset from the window
frame. Since window screens are typically installed against the window frame, the default value is
equal to 0. This input value can range from 0 to 1.

1.8.30.1.15 Field: Right-Side Opening Multiplier

Effective area for air flow at the right side of the screen divided the vertical area between the
glass and screen (see the same field for the Material:WindowShade object for additional description).
The opening multiplier fields can be used to simulate a shading material that is offset from the
window frame. Since window screens are typically installed against the window frame, the default
value is equal to 0. This input value can range from 0 to 1.

1.8.30.1.16 Field: Angle of Resolution for Screen Transmittance Output Map

Angle of resolution, in degrees, for the overall screen beam transmittance (direct and reflected)
output map. The comma-separated variable file eplusscreen.csv (Ref. OutputDetailsandExam-
ples.pdf) will contain the direct beam and reflected beam solar radiation that is transmitted through
the window screen as a function of incident sun angle (0 to 90 degrees relative solar azimuth and
0 to 90 degrees relative solar altitude) in sun angle increments specified by this input field. The
default value is 0, which means no transmittance map is generated. Other valid choice inputs are
1, 2, 3 and 5 degrees.
An IDF example for this object, along with Construction and WindowProperty:ShadingControl
objects, is shown below:

WindowMaterial:Screen ,
EXTERIOR SCREEN , !- Name
ModelAsDiffuse , !- Reflected Beam Transmittance Accounting Method
0.6, !- Diffuse Solar Reflectance
0.6, !- Diffuse Visible Reflectance
0.9, !- Thermal Hemispherical Emissivity
221.0 , !- Conductivity {W/m-K}
0.00154 , !- Screen Material Spacing (m)
0.000254 , !- Screen Material Diameter (m)
0.025 , !- Screen -to -Glass Distance {m}
0.0, !- Top Opening Multiplier
0.0, !- Bottom Opening Multiplier
0.0, !- Left -Side Opening Multiplier
0.0, !- Right -Side Opening Multiplier
0; !- Angle of Resolution for Output Map {deg}

Construction ,
DOUBLE PANE WITHOUT SCREEN , !- Name
GLASS - CLEAR SHEET 1 / 8 IN , !- Outside Layer
WinAirB1 - AIRSPACE RESISTANCE , !- Layer \#2
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 195

GLASS - CLEAR SHEET 1 / 8 IN; !- Layer \#3

WindowProperty:ShadingControl ,
DOUBLE PANE WITH SCREEN , !- User Supplied Shading Control Name
ExteriorScreen , !- Shading Type
, !- Name of construction with shading
AlwaysOn , !- Shading Control Type
ScreenSchedule , !- Schedule Name
20.0, !- SetPoint {W/m2 , W or deg C}
YES , !- Shading Control Is Scheduled
NO , !- Glare Control Is Active
EXTERIOR SCREEN , !- Material Name of Shading Device
, !- Type of Slat Angle Control for Blinds
; !- Slat Angle Schedule Name

1.8.31 WindowMaterial:Shade:EquivalentLayer
This object specifies the properties of Equivalent Layer window shade (roller blind) materials.
Shades are considered to be thin, flat and perfect diffusers (all transmitted and reflected radiation
is hemispherically-diffuse). However, shades can have beam-beam transmittance by virtue of their
material openness. The beam-beam transmittnec is assumed to be the same for both sides of the
shade and is the same as the openness area fraction. Beam-dffuse transmittance and reflectance,
and emissivity properties can be different for front and back side of the shade.Window shades can
be placed on the inside of the window, on the outside of the window, or between glass layers.
WindowMaterial:Shade:EquivalentLayer is used for roller blinds. The off-normal solar property
calculation of shades (roller blind) is based on a set of correlations developed from measurement of
samples of commercially produced roller blind material with openness fraction less than 0.14. The
model is not intended for materials with unusually high values of openness and should be limited
to a mximum openness fraction of 0.20. The visible spectrum solar properties input fields are not
used currently hence can be left blank.

1.8.31.1 Inputs
1.8.31.1.1 Field: Name
Name of the shade. It is referenced as an inside, inbetween or outside layer in an equivalent
layer window construction.

1.8.31.1.2 Field: Shade Beam-Beam Solar Transmittance

This value is the beam-beam transmittance of the shade at normal incidence and it is the same
as the openness area fraction of the shade material. Assumed to be the same for front and back
sides of the roller blinds. The minimum value is 0.0 and maximum value is less than 1.0. The
default value is 0.0. For most common shade materials (e.g. Roller Blinds) the material oppeness
fraction doesn’t exceed 0.20.

1.8.31.1.3 Field: Front Side Shade Beam-Diffuse Solar Transmittance

This value is the front side beam-diffuse transmittance of the shade material at normal incidence
averaged over the entire spectrum of solar radiation. The minimum value is 0.0 and maximum value
is less than 1.0. The default value is 0.0.
196 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.8.31.1.4 Field: Back Side Shade Beam-Diffuse Solar Transmittance

This value is the back side beam-diffuse transmittance of the shade material at normal incidence
averaged over the entire spectrum of solar radiation. The minimum value is 0.0 and maximum value
is less than 1.0. The default value is 0.0.

1.8.31.1.5 Field: Front Side Shade Beam-Diffuse Solar Reflectance

This value is the front side beam-diffuse reflectance of the shade material at normal incidence
averaged over the entire spectrum of solar radiation. The minimum value is 0.0 and maximum
value is less than 1.0.

1.8.31.1.6 Field: Back Side Shade Beam-Diffuse Solar Reflectance

This value is the back side beam-diffuse reflectance of the shade material at normal incidence
averaged over the entire spectrum of solar radiation. The minimum value is 0.0 and maximum
value is less than 1.0.

1.8.31.1.7 Field: Shade Beam-Beam Visible Transmittance

This value is the beam-beam transmittance at normal incidence averaged over the visible spec-
trum of solar radiation. Assumed to be the same for front and back sides. The minimum value is
0.0 and maximum value is less than 1.0. Currently this input field is not used.

1.8.31.1.8 Field: Shade Beam-Diffuse Visible Transmittance

This value is the beam-diffuse transmittance at normal incidence averaged over the visible
spectrum of solar radiation. Assumed to be the same for front and back sides. The minimum value
is 0.0 and maximum value is less than 1.0. Currently this input field is not used.

1.8.31.1.9 Field: Shade Beam-Diffuse Visible Reflectance

This value is the beam-diffuse reflectance at normal incidence averaged over the visible spectrum
of solar radiation. Assumed to be the same for front and back sides. The minimum value is 0.0
and maximum value is less than 1.0. Currently this input field is not used.

1.8.31.1.10 Field: Shade Material Infrared Transmittance

This value is the long-wave transmittance of the shade material and assumed to be the same
for front and back sides of the shade. The minimum value is 0.0 and maximum value is less than
1.0. Default value is 0.05.

1.8.31.1.11 Field: Front Side Shade Material Infrared Emissivity

This value is the front side long-wave hemispherical emissivity of shade material. The minimum
value is 0.0 and maximum value is less than 1.0. Default value is 0.91. The front side effective
emissivity of the shade layer is calculated using this value and the material openness specified
above.

1.8.31.1.12 Field: Back Side Shade Material Infrared Emissivity

This value is the back side long-wave hemispherical emissivity of shade material. The minimum
value is 0.0 and maximum value is less than 1.0. Default value is 0.91. The back side effective
emissivity of the shade is calculated using this value and the material openness specified above.
An IDF example for this object is shown below:
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 197

WindowMaterial:Shade:EquivalentLayer ,
Shade1 , !- Name
0.190 , !- Shade Beam -Beam Solar Transmittance
0.206 , !- Front Side Shade Beam -Diffuse Solar Transmittance
0.206 , !- Back Side Shade Beam -Diffuse Solar Transmittance
0.499 , !- Front Side Shade Beam -Diffuse Solar Reflectance
0.499 , !- Back Side Shade Beam -Diffuse Solar Reflectance
0.0, !- Shade Beam -Beam Visible Transmittance
0.0, !- Shade Beam -Diffuse Vissible Transmittance
0.0, !- Shade Vissible Reflectance
0.0, !- Shade Material Infrared Transmittance
0.84, !- Front Side Shade Material Infrared Emissivity
0.84; !- Back Side Shade Material Infrared Emissivity

1.8.32 WindowMaterial:Drape:EquivalentLayer
Specifies the optical and thermal properties of equivalent layer window drape fabric materials.
Drapery fabric shades are commonly placed on the the inside of the window. The long-wave
(infrared) properties for commonly used drapery fabrics are assumed to be the same on both sides
but different values can be specified when required. Drape fabric shade layers are considered
to be perfect diffusers (reflected radiation is hemispherically-diffuse independent of angle of inci-
dence). Unpleated drape fabric is treated as thin and flat layer.The off-normal optical properties
of drapery fabric is determined from user specified optical properties at normal incidence using
empirical correlations. Pleated drape fabric requires entering the pleated section average width
and length as showsn in Figure 1.23.For pleated drapes the effective beam-beam and beam-diffuse
solar properties are determined by tracking both radiation components, for a given incident angle
solar radiation, through various interactions with a fabric pleated in a rectangular geometry shown
in Figure 1.23. The solar properties of the two different pleat facets are evaluated on the basis of
the local solar incidence angle. Therefore, the effective layer properties are influenced not just by
horizontal solar profile angle, but also by incidence angle. The correlations used for drape fabrics
optical property calculations reqiure that the solar absorptance of the fabric, at normal incidence,
is not less than 1%.

1.8.32.1 Inputs
1.8.32.1.1 Field: Name
Name of the drape fabric shade layer. It is referenced as an inside, in between or outside layer
in an equivalent layer window construction.

1.8.32.1.2 Field: Drape Beam-Beam Solar Transmittance

This value is the drape fabric beam-beam transmittance at normal incidence, and it is the same
as the drape fabric openness area fraction. Assumed to be the same for front and back sides of the
drape fabric layer. The minimum value is 0.0 and maximum value is less than 1.0. For most drape
fabric materials the maximum frabric openness fraction do not exceed 0.2. The default value is
0.0.

1.8.32.1.3 Field: Front Side Drape Beam-Diffuse Solar Transmittance

This value is the front side beam-diffuse solar transmittance of the drape fabric material at
normal incidence averaged over the entire spectrum of solar radiation. The minimum value is 0.0
and maximum value is less than 1.0.
198 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.23: Geometry used for Pleated Drape Analysis

1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 199

1.8.32.1.4 Field: Back Side Drape Beam-Diffuse Solar Transmittance

This value is the back side beam-diffuse solar transmittance of the drape fabric material at
normal incidence averaged over the entire spectrum of solar radiation. The minimum value is 0.0
and maximum value is less than 1.0.

1.8.32.1.5 Field: Front Side Drape Beam-Diffuse Solar Reflectance

This value is the front side beam-diffuse solar reflectance of the drape fabric material at normal
incidence averaged over the entire spectrum of solar radiation. The minimum value is 0.0 and
maximum value is less than 1.0.

1.8.32.1.6 Field: Back Side Drape Beam-Diffuse Solar Reflectance

This value is the back side beam-diffuse solar reflectance of the drape fabric material at normal
incidence averaged over the entire spectrum of solar radiation. The minimum value is 0.0 and
maximum value is less than 1.0.

1.8.32.1.7 Field: Drape Beam-Beam Visible Transmittance

This value is the drape fabric beam-beam visible transmittance at normal incidence averaged
over the visible spectrum range of solar radiation. Assumed to be the same for front and back sides
of the drape fabric layer. The minimum value is 0.0 and maximum value is less than 1.0. The
default value is 0.0. This input field is not used currently.

1.8.32.1.8 Field: Front Side Drape Beam-Diffuse Visible Reflectance

This value is the front side drape fabric beam-diffuse visible reflectance at normal incidence
averaged over the visible spectrum range of solar radiation. Assumed to be the same for front and
back sides of the drape. The minimum value is 0.0 and maximum value is less than 1.0. The
default value is 0.0. This input field is not used currently.

1.8.32.1.9 Field: Back Side Drape Diffuse-Diffuse Visible Reflectance

This value is the back side drape fabric diffuse-diffuse visible reflectance at normal incidence
averaged over the visible spectrum range of solar radiation. Assumed to be the same for front and
back sides of the drape. The minimum value is 0.0 and maximum value is less than 1.0. The
default value is 0.0. This input field is not used currently.

1.8.32.1.10 Field: Drape Material Infrared Transmittance

This value is the long-wave hemispherical transmittance of the fabric material at zero fabric
openness fraction. Assumed to be the same for front and back sides of the drape fabric material
layer. The minimum value is 0.0 and maximum value is less than 1.0. The default value is 0.05.

1.8.32.1.11 Field: Front Side Drape Material Infrared Emissivity

This value is the front side long-wave hemispherical emissivity of fabric material at zero shade
opennes. The minimum value is 0.0 and maximum value is less than 1.0. the default value is 0.87.
The front side effective emissivity of the drape fabric layer is calculated using this value and the
fabric openness area fraction specified above.
200 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.8.32.1.12 Field: Back Side Drape Material Infrared Emissivity

This value is the back side long-wave hemispherical emissivity of fabric material at zero fabric
openness fraction. The minimum value is 0.0 and maximum value is less than 1.0. The default
value is 0.87. The back side effective emissivity of the drape fabric layer is calculated using this
value and the fabric openness area fraction specified above.

1.8.32.1.13 Field: Width of Pleated Fabric

This value is the width of the pleated section of the draped fabric, w(m). If the drape fabric is
flat (unpleated), then the pleated section width is set to zero. The default value is 0.0, i.e., assumes
flat drape fabric.

1.8.32.1.14 Field: Length of Pleated Fabric

This value is the length of the pleated section of the draped fabric, s(m). If the drape fabric
is flat (unpleated), then the pleated section length is set to zero. The default value is 0.0, i.e.,
assumes flat drape fabric.
An IDF example for this object is shown below:
WindowMaterial:Drape:EquivalentLayer ,
Drape02 , !- Name
0.14, !- Shade Beam -Beam Solar Transmittance
0.10, !- Front Side Shade Beam -Diffuse Solar Transmittance
0.10, !- Back Side Shade Beam -Diffuse Solar Transmittance
0.40, !- Front Side Shade Beam -Diffuse Solar Reflectance
0.50, !- Back Side Shade Beam -Diffuse Solar Reflectance
0.0, !- Shade Beam -Beam Visible Transmittance
0.0, !- Shade Beam -Diffuse Visible Transmittance
0.0, !- Shade Beam -Diffuse Visible Reflectance
0.10, !- Shade Material Infrared Transmittance
0.90, !- Front Side Shade Material Infrared Emissivity
0.80, !- Back Side Shade Material Infrared Emissivity
0.01, !- Width of Pleated Fabric
0.025; !- Length of Pleated Fabric

1.8.33 WindowMaterial:Blind:EquivalentLayer
This object specifies the properties of an Equivalent Layer window blind consisting of thin and
equally-spaced slats. The the model assumes that slats are flat and thin, and applies correction for
the slat curvature effect based on the user specified slat crwon. Slats are assumed to transmit and
reflect diffusely.The effective shortwave optical and longwave optical properties of venetian blind
layer is estimated analytically. The Equivalent Layer blind model requires optical properties and
geometry of the slats shown in Figure 1.24. Likewise, effective longwave properties are obtained
for the layer knowing longwave properties of the slats.
The input data required to characterize a venetian blind are: front and back side reflectance
and transmittance of the slat, geometry (Slat width, w, slat spacing, s, slat crown, c, and slat angle,
f, and long wave emittance and transmittance of the slat. Blinds can be located on the inside of
the window, on the outside of the window, or between two layers of glass. The blind is assumed to
cover all of the glazed part of the window.

1.8.33.1 Inputs
1.8.33.1.1 Field: Name
Name of the venetian blind. It is referenced as an inside, outside or in between layers in an
equivalent layer window construction.
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 201

Figure 1.24: Geometry and Properties used for venetian blind analysis
202 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.8.33.1.2 Field: Slat Orientation

The choices are Horizontal and Vertical. “Horizontal” means the slats are parallel to the bottom
of the window; this is the same as saying that the slats are parallel to the X-axis of the window.
“Vertical” means the slats are parallel to Y-axis of the window. The default is “Horizontal”.

1.8.33.1.3 Field: Slat Width

This value is the width of the slat measured from edge to edge (m). The default value is 0.0254.

1.8.33.1.4 Field: Slat Separation

The distance between the front of a slat and the back of the adjacent slat (m). The default
value is 0.025. The slat separation should not be greater than the slat width.

1.8.33.1.5 Field: Slat Crown

The perpendicular length between the slat cord and the curve (m). Crown = 0.0625x“Slat
width”. Slat is assumed to be rectangular in cross section and flat. The crown accounts for curvature
of the slat. The minimum value is 0.0, and the default value is 0.0015m.

1.8.33.1.6 Field: Slat Angle

The angle (degrees) between the glazing outward normal and the slat outward normal, where
the outward normal points away from the front face of the slat (degrees). If the “Slat Angle Control”
input field below specified is “FixedSlatAngle”, then the slat angle is fixed at “Slat Angle” value
entered. Minimum value is zero, and the maximum value allowed is 180.0 degrees. The default
value is 45 degrees.

1.8.33.1.7 Field: Front Side Slat Beam-Diffuse Solar Transmittance

This value is the slat front side beam-diffuse solar transmittance at normal incidence averaged
over the entire spectrum of solar radiation. Any transmitted beam radiation is assumed to be 100%
diffuse (i.e., slats are translucent). Minimum value is 0.0, and the maximum value is less than 1.0.
The default value is 0.0.

1.8.33.1.8 Field: Back Side Slat Beam-Diffuse Solar Transmittance

This value is the slat back side beam-diffuse solar transmittance at normal incidence averaged
over the entire spectrum of solar radiation. Any transmitted beam radiation is assumed to be 100%
diffuse (i.e., slats are translucent). Minimum value is 0.0, and the maximum value is less than 1.0.
The default value is 0.0.

1.8.33.1.9 Field: Front Side Slat Beam-Diffuse Solar Reflectance

This value is slat front side beam-diffuse solar reflectance at normal incidence averaged over the
entire spectrum of solar radiation. All the reflected component is assumed to be diffuse. Minimum
value is 0.0, and the maximum value is less than 1.0.

1.8.33.1.10 Field: Back Side Slat Beam-Diffuse Solar Reflectance

This value is the slat back side beam-diffuse solar reflectance at normal incidence averaged
over the entire spectrum of solar radiation. All the reflected component is assumed to be diffuse.
Minimum value is 0.0, and the maximum value is less than 1.0.
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 203

1.8.33.1.11 Field: Front Side Slat Beam-Diffuse Visible Solar Transmittance

This value is the slat front side beam-diffuse visible transmittance at normal incidence averaged
over the visible spectrum range of solar radiation. Any transmitted beam radiation is assumed to
be 100% diffuse (i.e., slats are translucent). Minimum value is 0.0, and the maximum value is less
than 1.0. The default value is 0.0.

1.8.33.1.12 Field: Back Side Slat Beam-Diffuse Visible Solar Transmittance

This value is the slat back side beam-diffuse visible transmittance at normal incidence averaged
the visible spectrum range of solar radiation. Any transmitted beam radiation is assumed to be
100% diffuse (i.e., slats are translucent). Minimum value is 0.0, and the maximum value is less
than 1.0. The default value is 0.0.

1.8.33.1.13 Field: Front Side Slat Beam-Diffuse Visible Solar Reflectance

This value is the slat front side beam-diffuse visible reflectance at normal incidence averaged
over the visible spectrum range of solar radiation. All the reflected component is assumed to be
diffuse. Minimum value is 0.0, and the maximum value is less than 1.0

1.8.33.1.14 Field: Back Side Slat Beam-Diffuse Visible Solar Reflectance

This value is the slat back side beam-diffuse visible reflectance at normal incidence averaged
over the visible spectrum range of solar radiation. All the reflected component is assumed to be
diffuse. Minimum value is 0.0, and the maximum value is less than 1.0

1.8.33.1.15 Field: Slat Diffuse-Diffuse Solar Transmittance

This value is the slat diffuse-diffuse solar transmittance for hemispherically diffuse solar radia-
tion. This value is the same for front and back side of the slat. Minimum value is 0.0, and the
maximum value is less than 1.0.

1.8.33.1.16 Field: Front Side Slat Diffuse-Diffuse Solar Reflectance

This value is the slat front side diffuse-diffuse solar reflectance for hemispherically diffuse solar
radiation. Minimum value is 0.0, and the maximum value is less than 1.0.

1.8.33.1.17 Field: Back Side Slat Diffuse-Diffuse Solar Reflectance

This value is the slat back side diffuse-diffuse solar reflectance for hemispherically diffuse solar
radiation. Minimum value is 0.0, and the maximum value is less than 1.0.

1.8.33.1.18 Field: Slat Diffuse-Diffuse Visible Transmittance

This value is the slat diffuse-diffuse visible transmittance for hemispherically diffuse visible spec-
trum range of solar radiation. This value is the same for front and back side of the slat. Minimum
value is 0.0, and the maximumvalue is less than 1.0. This input field is not used currently.

1.8.33.1.19 Field: Front Side Slat Diffuse-Diffuse Visible Reflectance

This value is the slat front side diffuse-diffuse visible reflectance for hemispherically diffuse
visible spectrum range of solar radiation. Minimum value is 0.0, and the maximum value is less
than 1.0. This input field is not used currently.
204 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.8.33.1.20 Field: Back Side Slat Diffuse-Diffuse Visible Reflectance

This value is the slat back side diffuse-diffuse visible reflectance for hemispherically diffuse
visible spectrum range of solar radiation. Minimum value is 0.0, and the maximum value is less
than 1.0. This input field is not used currently.

1.8.33.1.21 Field: Slat Infrared Transmittance

This value is the long-wave hemispherical transmittance of the slat material. Assumed to be
the same for both sides of the slat. The minimum value is 0.0, the maximum value is less than
1.0. The default value is 0.0.

1.8.33.1.22 Field: Front Side Slat Infrared Emissivity

This value is the front side long-wave hemispherical emissivity of the slat material. The mini-
mum value is 0.0, the maximum value is less than 1.0. The default value is 0.9.

1.8.33.1.23 Field: Back Side Slat Infrared Emissivity

This value is the back side long-wave hemispherical emissivity of the slat material. The minimum
value is 0.0, the maximum value is less than 1.0. The default value is 0.9.

1.8.33.1.24 Field: Slat Angle Control

This input field is used only if slat angle control is desired. The three key choice inputsallowed
are “FixedSlatAngle”, “MaximizeSolar”, and “BlockBeamSolar”. The default value is “FixedS-
latAngle”.If Type of Slat Angle Control for Blinds = MaximizeSolar the slat angle is adjusted to
maximize solar gain. If Type of Slat Angle Control for Blinds = BlockBeamSolar, the slat angle
is adjusted to maximize visibiity while eliminating beam solar radiation. If Type of Slat Angle
Control for Blinds = FixedSlatAngle, then the model uses a fixed slat angle specified above.
An IDF example for this object, is shown below:

WindowMaterial:Blind:EquivalentLayer ,
VBU8D6 +45SW1 , ! - Name
Horizontal , ! - Slat Orientation
0.025 , ! - Slat Width
0.025 , ! - Slat Separation
0.0, ! - Slat Crown
45.0, ! - Slat Angle
0.0, ! - Front Side Slat Beam -Diffuse Solar Transmittance
0.0, ! - Back Side Slat Beam -Diffuse Solar Transmittance
0.0, ! - Front Side Slat Beam -Diffuse Solar Reflectance
0.0, ! - Back Side Slat Beam -Diffuse Solar Reflectance
0.0, ! - Front Side Slat Beam -Diffuse Visible Transmittance
0.0, ! - Back Side Slat Beam -Diffuse Visible Transmittance
0.0, ! - Front Side Slat Beam -Diffuse Visible Reflectance
0.0, ! - Back Side Slat Beam -Diffuse Visible Reflectance
0.0, ! - Slat Diffuse -Diffuse Solar Transmittance
0.80, ! - Front Side Slat Diffuse -Diffuse Solar Reflectance
0.60, ! - Back Side Slat Diffuse -Diffuse Solar Reflectance
0.0, ! - Slat Diffuse -Diffuse Visible Transmittance
0.0, ! - Front Side Slat Diffuse -Diffuse Visible Reflectance
0.0, ! - Back Side Slat Diffuse -Diffuse Visible Reflectance
0.0, ! - Slat Infrared Transmittance
0.90, ! - Front Side Slat Infrared Emissivity
0.90, ! - Back Side Slat Infrared Emissivity
FixedSlatAngle; ! - Slat Angle Control
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 205

1.8.34 WindowMaterial:Screen:EquivalentLayer
This object specifies the optical and thermal properties of exterior screen materials for Equivalent
Layer Window. Can only be placed on the exterior side of window construction. The window
screen model assumes the screen is made up of intersecting orthogonally-crossed cylinders. The
surface of the cylinders is assumed to be diffusely reflecting. The beam solar radiation transmitted
through an equivalent Layer window screen varies with sun angle and is made up of two distinct
elements: a beam-beam component and a beam-difuse component. The beam-beam transmittance
component is calculated using screen openness area fraction determined from the geometry of the
screen and the incident angle of the sun. Empirical correlations are used to obtain the effective
off-normal solar and longwave properties of insect screens. Insect screen geometry is shown in
Figure 1.25. The calculation of effective solar properties requires a set of properties measured at
normal incidence.
The formulation of the model, assumption and correlations used to calculate effective solar and
longwave properties of insect screens are described in the Engineering Reference.

1.8.34.1 Inputs
1.8.34.1.1 Field: Name
Name of the insect screen. It is referenced as an outside layer in an equivalent layer window
construction.

1.8.34.1.2 Field: Screen Beam-Beam Solar Transmittance

This value is the beam-beam transmittance of the screen material at normal incidence. This
value is the same as the screen oppenness area fraction. This value can be autocalculated from the
wire spacing and wire diameter. It is the same for both sides of the screen. The minimum value is
0.0, and maximum value is less than 1.0.

1.8.34.1.3 Field: Screen Beam-Diffuse Solar Transmittance

This value is the beam-diffuse solar transmittance of the screen material at normal incidence
averaged over the entire spectrum of solar radiation. Assumed to be the same for both sides of the
screen. The minimum value is 0.0, and the maximum value is less than 1.0.

1.8.34.1.4 Field: Screen Beam-Diffuse Solar Reflectance

This value is the beam-diffuse solar reflectance of the screen material at normal incidence
averaged over the entire spectrum of solar radiation. Assumed to be the same for both sides of the
screen. The minimum value is 0.0, and the maximum value is less than 1.0.

1.8.34.1.5 Field: Screen Beam-Beam Visible Transmittance

This value is the beam-beam visible transmittance of the screen material at normal incidence
averaged over the visible spectrum range of solar radiation. Assumed to be the same for both sides
of the screen. The minimum value is 0.0, and maximum value is less than 1.0. This input input
field is not used currently.

1.8.34.1.6 Field: Screen Beam-Diffuse Visible Transmittance

This value is the beam-diffuse visible reflectance of the screen material at normal incidence
averaged over the visible spectrum range of solar radiation. Assumed to be the same for both sides
206 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.25: Geometry used for insect screen analysis

1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 207

of the screen. The minimum value is 0.0, and the maximum value is less than 1.0. This input input
field is not used currently.

1.8.34.1.7 Field: Screen Beam-Diffuse Visible Reflectance

This value is the beam-diffuse visible reflectance of the screen material at normal incidence
averaged over the visible spectrum range of solar radiation. Assumed to be the same for both sides
of the screen. The minimum value is 0.0, and the maximum value is less than 1.0. This input input
field is not used currently.

1.8.34.1.8 Field: Screen Infrared Transmittance

This value is the long-wave hemispherical transmittance of the the screen material. Assumed
to be the same for both sides of the screen material. The minimum value is 0.0, the maximum
value is less than 1.0. The default value is 0.02

1.8.34.1.9 Field: Screen Infrared Emissivity

This value is the long-wave hemispherical emissivity of the screen material. Assumed to be the
same for both sides of the screen material. The minimum value is 0.0, the maximum value is less
than 1.0. The default value is 0.93.

1.8.34.1.10 Field: Screen Wire Spacing

The spacing, S (m), of the screen material is the distance from the center of one strand of screen
to the center of the adjacent one. The spacing of the screen material is assumed to be the same in
both directions (e.g., vertical and horizontal). This input value must be greater than the non-zero
screen material diameter. If the spacing is different in the two directions, use the average of the
two values. Default value is 0.0025m.

1.8.34.1.11 Field: Screen Wire Diameter

The diameter, D (m), of individual strands or wires of the screen material. The screen material
diameter is assumed to be the same in both directions (e.g., vertical and horizontal). This input
value must be greater than 0 and less than the screen wire spacing. If the diameter is different in
the two directions, use the average of the two values. Default value is 0.005m.
An IDF example for this object, is shown below:

WindowMaterial:Screen:EquivalentLayer ,
INSCRN , !- Name
0.763 , !- Screen Beam -Beam Solar Transmittance
0.052 , !- Screen Beam -Diffuse Solar Transmittance
0.076 , !- Screen Beam -Diffuse Solar Reflectance
0.0, !- Screen Beam -Beam Visible Transmittance
0.0, !- Screen Beam -Diffuse Visible Transmittance
0.0, !- Screen Beam -Diffuse Visible Reflectance
0.0, !- Screen Infrared Transmittance
0.84, !- Screen Infrared Emissivity
0.025 , !- Screen Wire Spacing
0.005; !- Screen Wire Diameter

1.8.35 WindowMaterial:Glazing:EquivalentLayer
Glass material properties for equivalent layer window model. Uses transmittance/reflectance input
method. For exterior windows, “front side” is the side of the glass closest to the outside air and
208 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

“back side” is the side closest to the zone the window is defined in. For interzone windows, “front
side” is the side closest to the zone adjacent to the zone the window is defined in and “back side”
is the side closest to the zone the window is defined in.

1.8.35.1 Inputs
1.8.35.1.1 Field: Name
The name of the glass layer. It corresponds to a layer in an equivalent layer window construction.

1.8.35.1.2 Field: Optical Data Type

Valid values for this field are SpectralAverage, or Spectral. If Optical Data Type = SpectralAv-
erage, the values you enter for solar transmittance and reflectance are assumed to be averaged over
the solar spectrum, and the values you enter for visible transmittance and reflectance are assumed
to be averaged over the solar spectrum and weighted by the response of the human eye. The
spectral data input is not supported now.

1.8.35.1.3 Field: Window Glass Spectral Data Set Name

This input field is not used currently.

1.8.35.1.4 Field: Front Side Beam-Beam Solar Transmittance

This value is the front side beam-beam solar transmittance of the glazing at normal incidence
averaged over the entire spectrum of solar radiation. Used only when Optical Data Type =
SpectralAverage. The minimum value is 0.0, and the maximum value is less than 1.0.

1.8.35.1.5 Field: Back Side Beam-Beam Solar Transmittance

This value is the back side beam-beam solar transmittance of the glazing at normal incidence
averaged over the entire spectrum of solar radiation. Used only when Optical Data Type =
SpectralAverage. The minimum value is 0.0, and the maximum value is less than 1.0.

1.8.35.1.6 Field: Front Side Beam-Beam Solar Reflectance

This value is the front side beam-beam solar reflectance of the glazing at normal incidence
averaged over the entire spectrum of solar radiation. Used only when Optical Data Type =
SpectralAverage. The minimum value is 0.0, and the maximum value is less than 1.0.

1.8.35.1.7 Field: Back Side Beam-Beam Solar Reflectance

This value is the back side beam-beam solar reflectance of the glazing at normal incidence
averaged over the entire spectrum of solar radiation. Used only when Optical Data Type =
SpectralAverage. The minimum value is 0.0, and the maximum value is less than 1.0.

1.8.35.1.8 Field: Front Side Beam-Beam Visible Transmittance

This value is the front side beam-beam visible transmittance of the glazing at normal incidence
averaged over the visible spectrum range of solar radiation. Used only when Optical Data Type
= SpectralAverage. The minimum value is 0.0, and the maximum value is less than 1.0.
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 209

1.8.35.1.9 Field: Back Side Beam-Beam Visible Transmittance

This value is the back side beam-beam visible transmittance of the glazing at normal incidence
averaged over the visible spectrum range of solar radiation. Used only when Optical Data Type
= SpectralAverage. The minimum value is 0.0, and the maximum value is less than 1.0.

1.8.35.1.10 Field: Front Side Beam-Beam Visible Reflectance

This value is the front side beam-beam visible reflectance of the glazing at normal incidence
averaged over the visible spectrum range of solar radiation. Used only when Optical Data Type
= SpectralAverage. The minimum value is 0.0, and the maximum value is less than 1.0.

1.8.35.1.11 Field: Back Side Beam-Beam Visible Reflectance

This value is the back side beam-beam visible reflectance of the glazing at normal incidence
averaged over the visible spectrum range of solar radiation. Used only when Optical Data Type
= SpectralAverage. The minimum value is 0.0, and the maximum value is less than 1.0.

1.8.35.1.12 Field: Front Side Beam-Diffuse Solar Transmittance

This value is the front side beam-diffuse solar transmittance of the glazing at normal incidence
averaged over the entire spectrum of solar radiation. Used only when Optical Data Type =
SpectralAverage. For clear glazing the beam-diffuse transmittance is zero. The minimum value is
0.0, and the maximum value is less than 1.0. Default value is 0.0.

1.8.35.1.13 Field: Back Side Beam-Diffuse Solar Transmittance

This value is the back side beam-diffuse solar transmittance of the glazing at normal incidence
averaged over the entire spectrum of solar radiation. Used only when Optical Data Type =
SpectralAverage. For clear glazing the beam-diffuse solar transmittance is zero. The minimum
value is 0.0, and the maximum value is less than 1.0. Default value is 0.0.

1.8.35.1.14 Field: Front Side Beam-Diffuse Solar Reflectance

This value is the front side beam-diffuse solar reflectance of the glazing at normal incidence
averaged over the entire spectrum of solar radiation. Used only when Optical Data Type =
SpectralAverage. The minimum value is 0.0, and the maximum value is less than 1.0. Default
value is 0.0.

1.8.35.1.15 Field: Back Side Beam-Diffuse Solar Reflectance

This value is the back side beam-diffuse solar reflectance of the glazing at normal incidence
averaged over the entire spectrum of solar radiation. Used only when Optical Data Type =
SpectralAverage. The minimum value is 0.0, and the maximum value is less than 1.0. Default
value is 0.0.

1.8.35.1.16 Field: Front Side Beam-Diffuse Visible Transmittance

This value is the front side beam-diffuse visible transmittance of the glazing at normal incidence
averaged over the visible spectrum range of solar radiation. Used only when Optical Data Type =
SpectralAverage. For clear glazing the beam-diffuse visible transmittance is zero. The minimum
value is 0.0, and the maximum value is less than 1.0. Default value is 0.0. This input field is not
used currently.
210 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.8.35.1.17 Field: Back Side Beam-Diffuse Visible Transmittance

This value is the back side beam-diffuse visible transmittance of the glazing at normal incidence
averaged over the visible spectrum range of solar radiation. Used only when Optical Data Type =
SpectralAverage. For clear glazing the beam-diffuse visible transmittance is zero. The minimum
value is 0.0, and the maximum value is less than 1.0. Default value is 0.0. This input field is not
used currently.

1.8.35.1.18 Field: Front Side Beam-Diffuse Visible Reflectance

This value is the front side beam-diffuse visible reflectance of the glazing at normal incidence
averaged over the visible spectrum range of solar radiation. Used only when Optical Data Type
= SpectralAverage. The minimum value is 0.0, and the maximum value is less than 1.0. Default
value is 0.0. This input field is not used currently.

1.8.35.1.19 Field: Back Side Beam-Diffuse Visible Reflectance

This value is the back side beam-diffuse visible reflectance of the glazing at normal incidence
averaged over the visible spectrum range of solar radiation. Used only when Optical Data Type
= SpectralAverage. The minimum value is 0.0, and the maximum value is less than 1.0. Default
value is 0.0. This input field is not used currently.

1.8.35.1.20 Field: Diffuse-Diffuse Solar Transmittance

This value is the diffuse-diffuse solar transmittance of the glazing averaged over the entire spec-
trum of solar radiation. Used only when Optical Data Type = SpectralAverage. The diffuse-diffuse
transmittance is assumed to be the same for both sides of the glazing. EnergyPlus automatically
estimates the diffuse-diffuse solar transmittance from other inputs. If this input field is specified as
“Autocalculate”, then the calculated transmittance will be used. The minimum value is 0.0, and
the maximum value is less than 1.0.

1.8.35.1.21 Field: Front Side Diffuse-Diffuse Solar Reflectance

This value is the front side diffuse-diffuse solar reflectance of the glazing averaged over the entire
spectrum of solar radiation. Used only when Optical Data Type = SpectralAverage. EnergyPlus
automatically estimates the diffuse-diffuse reflectance from other inputs. If this input field is spec-
ified as “Autocalculate”, then the calculated reflectance will be used. The minimum value is 0.0,
and the maximum value is less than 1.0.

1.8.35.1.22 Field: Back Side Diffuse-Diffuse Solar Reflectance

This value is the back side diffuse-diffuse solar reflectance of the glazing averaged over the entire
spectrum of solar radiation. Used only when Optical Data Type = SpectralAverage. EnergyPlus
automatically estimates the diffuse-diffuse reflectance from other inputs. If this input field is spec-
ified as “Autocalculate”, then the calculated reflectance will be used. The minimum value is 0.0,
and the maximum value is less than 1.0.

1.8.35.1.23 Field: Diffuse-Diffuse Visible Solar Transmittance

This value is the diffuse-diffuse visible transmittance of the glazing averaged over the visible
spectrum range of solar radiation. Used only when Optical Data Type = SpectralAverage. The
diffuse-diffuse visible transmittance is assumed to be the same for both sides of the glazing. If
this input field is specified as “Autocalculate”, then the calculated transmittance will be used.
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 211

The minimum value is 0.0, and the maximum value is less than 1.0. This input field is not used
currently.

1.8.35.1.24 Field: Front Side Diffuse-Diffuse Visible Reflectance

This value is the front side diffuse-diffuse visible reflectance of the glazing averaged over the
visible spectrum range of solar radiation. Used only when Optical Data Type = SpectralAverage.
EnergyPlus automatically estimates the front side diffuse-diffuse visible reflectance from front side
beam-beam visible reflectance at normal incidence specified above. If this input field is specified as
“Autocalculate”, then the calculated reflectance will be used. The minimum value is 0.0, and the
maximum value is less than 1.0. This input field is not used currently.

1.8.35.1.25 Field: Back Side Diffuse-Diffuse Visible Reflectance

This value is the back side diffuse-diffuse visible reflectance of the glazing averaged over the
visible spectrum range of solar radiation. Used only when Optical Data Type = SpectralAverage.
EnergyPlus automatically estimates the back side diffuse-diffuse visible reflectance from back side
beam-beam visible reflectance at normal incidence specified above. If this input field is specified as
“Autocalculate”, then the calculated reflectance will be used. The minimum value is 0.0, and the
maximum value is less than 1.0. This input field is not used currently.

1.8.35.1.26 Field: Infrared Transmittance (applies to front and back)

This value is the long-wave hemispherical transmittance of the glazing. Assumed to be the same
for both sides of the glazing. The minimum value is 0.0, the maximum value is less than 1.0. The
default value is 0.0.

1.8.35.1.27 Field: Front Side Infrared Emissivity

This value is the front side long-wave hemispherical emissivity of the glazing. The minimum
value is 0.0, the maximum value is less than 1.0. The default value is 0.84.

1.8.35.1.28 Field: Back Side Infrared Emissivity

This value is the back side long-wave hemispherical emissivity of the glazing. The minimum
value is 0.0, the maximum value is less than 1.0. The default value is 0.84.
An IDF example for this object, is shown below:

WindowMaterial:Glazing:EquivalentLayer ,
GLZCLR , !- Name
SpectralAverage , !- Optical Data Type
, !- Window Glass Spectral Data Set Name
0.83, !- Front Side Beam -Beam Solar Transmittance
0.83, !- Back Side Beam -Beam Solar Transmittance
0.08, !- Front Side Beam -Beam Solar Reflectance
0.08, !- Back Side Beam -Beam Solar Reflectance
0.0, !- Front Side Beam -Beam Visible Transmittance
0.0, !- Back Side Beam -Beam Visible Transmittance
0.0, !- Front Side Beam -Beam Visible Reflectance
0.0, !- Back Side Beam -Beam Visible Reflectance
0.0, !- Front Side Beam -Diffuse Solar Transmittance
0.0, !- Back Side Beam -Diffuse Solar Transmittance
0.0, !- Front Side Beam -Diffuse Solar Reflectance
0.0, !- Back Side Beam -Diffuse Solar Reflectance
0.0, !- Front Side Beam -Diffuse Visible Transmittance
0.0, !- Back Side Beam -Diffuse Visible Transmittance
0.0, !- Front Side Beam -Diffuse Visible Reflectance
0.0, !- Back Side Beam -Diffuse Visible Reflectance
212 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

0.76, !- Diffuse -Diffuse Solar Transmittance

0.14, !- Front Side Diffuse -Diffuse Solar Reflectance
0.14, !- Back Side Diffuse -Diffuse Solar Reflectance
0.0, !- Diffuse -Diffuse Visible Transmittance
0.0, !- Front Side Diffuse -Diffuse Visible Reflectance
0.0, !- Back Side Diffuse -Diffuse Visible Reflectance
0.0, !- Infrared Transmittance
0.84, !- Front Side Infrared Emissivity
0.84; !- Back Side Infrared Emissivity

1.8.36 WindowMaterial:Gap:EquivalentLayer
This object is used in windows equivalent layer construction object andspecifies the properties of
the gap between the layers in multi-layer equivalent layer window object. There is an EnergyPlus
Reference Data Set for Material:WindowGas that contains several types of gas. This object uses
the gas types: Air, Argon, Xenon, Crypton, and Custom. For Custom gas type users are required
to entering the thermophicial properties.

1.8.36.1 Inputs
1.8.36.1.1 Field: Name
The name of the gap. It refers to a layer in a window construction equivalent layer.

1.8.36.1.2 Field: Gas Type

The type of gas. The choices allowed are AIR, ARGON, XENON, KRYPTON, or CUSTOM.

1.8.36.1.3 Field: Thickness

The thickness (m) of the gap layer.

1.8.36.1.4 Field: Gap Vent Type

This inputfiled contains the valid key choice for gap vent type. The valid vent types are: Sealed,
VentedIndoor, and VentedOutdoor. Sealed means the gap is enclosed and gas tight, i.e., no venting
to indoor or outdoor environment. The gap types “VentedIndoor” and “VentedOutdoor” are used
with gas type “Air” only. VentedIndoor means the air in the gap is naturally vented to indoor
environment, and VentedOutdoor means the air in the gap is naturally vented to the outdoor
environment.

1.8.36.1.5 Properties for Custom Gas Types

The following entries are used only if Gas Type = Custom. The A, B and C coefficients are
those in the following expression that gives a property value as a function of temperature in degrees
K:

P roperty = Coef fA + Coef fB × T emperatureK + Coef fC × T emperature2K (1.15)

1.8.36.1.6 Field: Conductivity Coefficient A

The A coefficient for gas conductivity (W/m-K). Used only if Gas Type = Custom.

1.8.36.1.7 Field: Conductivity Coefficient B

The B coefficient for gas conductivity (W/m-K2 ). Used only if Gas Type = Custom.
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 213

1.8.36.1.8 Field: Conductivity Coefficient C

The C coefficient for gas conductivity (W/m-K3 ). Used only if Gas Type = Custom.

1.8.36.1.9 Field: Viscosity Coefficient A

The A coefficient for gas viscosity (kg/m-s). Used only if Gas Type = Custom.

1.8.36.1.10 Field: Viscosity Coefficient B

The B coefficient for gas viscosity (kg/m-s-K). Used only if Gas Type = Custom.

1.8.36.1.11 Field: Viscosity Coefficient C

The C coefficient for gas viscosity (kg/m-s-K2 ). Used only if Gas Type = Custom.

1.8.36.1.12 Field: Specific Heat Coefficient A

The A coefficient for gas specific heat (J/kg-K). Used only if Gas Type = Custom.

1.8.36.1.13 Field: Specific Heat Coefficient B

The B coefficient for gas specific heat (J/kg-K2 ). Used only if Gas Type = Custom.

1.8.36.1.14 Field: Specific Heat Coefficient C

The C coefficient for gas specific heat (J/kg-K2 ). Used only if Gas Type = Custom.

1.8.36.1.15 Field: Specific Heat Ratio

The specific heat ratio for gas. Used only if Gas Type = Custom.

1.8.36.1.16 Field: Molecular Weight

The molecular weight for gas. The molecular weight is the mass of 1 mol of the substance. This
has a numerical value which is the average molecular mass of the molecules in the substance
multiplied by Avogadro’s constant. (kg/kmol) (Shown in the IDD as g/mol for consistency)

1.8.36.1.17 Field: Specific Heat Ratio

The specific heat ratio for gas. The specific heat ratio of a gas is the ratio of the specific heat
at contant pressure, to the specific heat at constant volume. Used only if Gas Type = Custom.
An IDF example for this object, is shown below:

WindowMaterial:Gap:EquivalentLayer ,
Custom CO2 Sealed 12mm , !- Name
CUSTOM , !- Gas Type
0.0120 , !- Thickness {m}
Sealed , !- Gap Vent Type
-5.8181E-3, !- Conductivity Coefficient A {W/m-K}
7.4714E-5, !- Conductivity Coefficient B {W/m-K2}
0.0, !- Conductivity Coefficient C {W/m-K3}
8.5571E-7, !- Viscosity Coefficient A {kg/m-s}
4.7143E-8, !- Viscosity Coefficient B {kg/m-s-K}
0.0, !- Viscosity Coefficient C {kg/m-s-K2}
5.76903E2 , !- Specific Heat Coefficient A {J/kg -K}
9.18088E-2, !- Specific Heat Coefficient B {J/kg -K2}
0.0, !- Specific Heat Coefficient C {J/kg -K3}
44.01; !- Molecular Weight {g/mol}
214 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.8.37 Material:RoofVegetation
This definition must be used in order to simulate the green roof (ecoroof) model. The material
becomes the outside layer in a green roof construction (see example below). In the initial release of
the green roof model, only one material may be used as a green roof layer though, of course, several
constructions using that material may be used. In addition, the model has only been tested with
the ConductionTransferFunction solution algorithm – a warning will be issued for other solution
algorithm choices. This model was developed for low-sloped exterior surfaces (roofs). It is not
recommended for high-sloped exterior surfaces (e.g., walls).

1.8.37.1 Inputs
1.8.37.1.1 Field: Name
This field is a unique reference name that the user assigns to a particular ecoroof material. This
name can then be referred to by other input data.

1.8.37.1.2 Field: Height of Plants

This field defines the height of plants in units of meters. This field is limited to values in the
range 0.005 < Height < 1.00 m. Default is .2 m.

1.8.37.1.3 Field: Leaf Area Index

This is the projected leaf area per unit area of soil surface. This field is dimensionless and is
limited to values in the range of 0.001 < LAI < 5.0. Default is 1.0. At the present time the fraction
vegetation cover is calculated directly from LAI (Leaf Area Index) using an empirical relation. The
user may find it necessary to increase the specified value of LAI in order to represent high fractional
coverage of the surface by vegetation.

1.8.37.1.4 Field: Leaf Reflectivity

This field represents the fraction of incident solar radiation that is reflected by the individual leaf
surfaces (albedo). Solar radiation includes the visible spectrum as well as infrared and ultraviolet
wavelengths. Values for this field must be between 0.05 and 0.5. Default is .22. Typical values are
.18 to .25.

1.8.37.1.5 Field: Leaf Emissivity

This field is the ratio of thermal radiation emitted from leaf surfaces to that emitted by an ideal
black body at the same temperature. This parameter is used when calculating the long wavelength
radiant exchange at the leaf surfaces. Values for this field must be between 0.8 and 1.0 (with 1.0
representing “black body” conditions). Default is .95.

1.8.37.1.6 Field: Minimum Stomatal Resistance

This field represents the resistance of the plants to moisture transport. It has units of s/m.
Plants with low values of stomatal resistance will result in higher evapotranspiration rates than
plants with high resistance. Values for this field must be in the range of 50.0 to 300.0. Default is
180.

1.8.37.1.7 Field: Soil Layer Name

This field is a unique reference name that the user assigns to the soil layer for a particular
ecoroof. This name can then be referred to by other input data. Default is Green Roof Soil.
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 215

1.8.37.1.8 Field: Roughness

This alpha field defines the relative roughness of a particular material layer. This parameter
only influences the convection coefficients, more specifically the exterior convection coefficient. A
keyword is expected in this field with the options being “VeryRough”, “Rough”, “MediumRough”,
“MediumSmooth”, “Smooth”, and “VerySmooth” in order of roughest to smoothest options. De-
fault is MediumRough.

1.8.37.1.9 Field: Thickness

This field characterizes the thickness of the material layer in meters. This should be the dimen-
sion of the layer in the direction perpendicular to the main path of heat conduction. This value
must be a positive number. Depths of .10m (4 inches) and .15m (6 inches) are common. Default if
this field is left blank is .1. Maximum is .7m. Must be greater than .05 m.

1.8.37.1.10 Field: Conductivity of Dry Soil

This field is used to enter the thermal conductivity of the material layer. Units for this parameter
are W/(m-K). Thermal conductivity must be greater than zero. Typical soils have values from .3
to .5. Minimum is .2 (specified in IDD). Default is .35 and maximum (in IDD) is 1.5.

1.8.37.1.11 Field: Density of Dry Soil

This field is used to enter the density of the material layer in units of kg/m3 . Density must be
a positive quantity. Typical soils range from 400 to 1000 (dry to wet). Minimum is 300, maximum
is 2000 and default if field is left blank is 1100.

1.8.37.1.12 Field: Specific Heat of Dry Soil

This field represents the specific heat of the material layer in units of J/(kg-K). Note that these
units are most likely different than those reported in textbooks and references which tend to use
kJ/(kg-K) or J/(g-K). They were chosen for internal consistency within EnergyPlus. Only positive
values of specific heat are allowed.

1.8.37.1.13 Field: Thermal Absorptance

The thermal absorptance field in the Material input syntax represents the fraction of incident
long wavelength radiation that is absorbed by the material. This parameter is used when calculating
the long wavelength radiant exchange between various surfaces and affects the surface heat balances
(both inside and outside as appropriate). For long wavelength radiant exchange, thermal emissivity
and thermal emittance are equal to thermal absorptance. Values for this field must be between 0.0
and 1.0 (with 1.0 representing “black body” conditions). Typical values are from .9 to .98. The
default value for this field is 0.9.

1.8.37.1.14 Field: Solar Absorptance

The solar absorptance field in the Material input syntax represents the fraction of incident solar
radiation that is absorbed by the material. Solar radiation includes the visible spectrum as well
as infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths. This parameter is used when calculating the amount of
incident solar radiation absorbed by various surfaces and affects the surface heat balances (both
inside and outside as appropriate). If solar reflectance (or reflectivity) data is available, then
absorptance is equal to 1.0 minus reflectance (for opaque materials). Values for this field must be
between 0.0 and 1.0. Typical values are from .6 to .85. The default value for this field is 0.7.
216 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.8.37.1.15 Field: Visible Absorptance

The visible absorptance field in the Material input syntax represents the fraction of incident
visible wavelength radiation that is absorbed by the material. Visible wavelength radiation is
slightly different than solar radiation in that the visible band of wavelengths is much more narrow
while solar radiation includes the visible spectrum as well as infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths.
This parameter is used when calculating the amount of incident visible radiation absorbed by
various surfaces and affects the surface heat balances (both inside and outside as appropriate) as
well as the daylighting calculations. If visible reflectance (or reflectivity) data is available, then
absorptance is equal to 1.0 minus reflectance (for opaque materials). Values for this field must be
between 0.5 and 1.0. The default value for this field is 0.75.

1.8.37.1.16 Field: Saturation Volumetric Moisture Content of the Soil Layer

The field allows for user input of the saturation moisture content of the soil layer. Maximum
moisture content is typically less than .5. Range is [.1,.5] with the default being .3.

1.8.37.1.17 Field: Residual Volumetric Moisture Content of the Soil Layer

The field allows for user input of the residual moisture content of the soil layer. Default is .01,
range is [.01,.1].

1.8.37.1.18 Field: Initial Volumetric Moisture Content of the Soil Layer

The field allows for user input of the initial moisture content of the soil layer. Range is (.05, .5]
with the defaulte being .1.

1.8.37.1.19 Field: Moisture Diffusion Calculation Method

The field allows for two models to be selected: Simple or Advanced.
Simple is the original Ecoroof model - based on a constant diffusion of moisture through the
soil. This model starts with the soil in two layers. Every time the soil properties update is called,
it will look at the two soils moisture layers and asses which layer has more moisture in it. It then
takes moisture from the higher moisture layer and redistributes it to the lower moisture layer at a
constant rate.
Advanced is the later Ecoroof model. If you use it, you will need to increase your number
of timesteps in hour for the simulation with a recommended value of 20. This moisture transport
model is based on a project which looked at the way moisture transports through soil. It uses
a finite difference method to divide the soil into layers (nodes). It redistributes the soil moisture
according the model described in:
Marcel G Schaap and Martinus Th. van Genuchten, 2006, ‘A modified Maulem-van Genuchten
Formulation for Improved Description of the Hydraulic Conductivity Near Saturation’, Vadose Zone
Journal 5 (1), p 27-34.
An IDF example:

Material:RoofVegetation ,
BaseEco , !- Name
0.5, !- Height of Plants {m}
5, !- Leaf Area Index {dimensionless}
0.2, !- Leaf Reflectivity {dimensionless}
0.95, !- Leaf Emissivity
180, !- Minimum Stomatal Resistance {s/m}
EcoRoofSoil , !- Soil Layer Name
MediumSmooth , !- Roughness
0.18, !- Thickness {m}
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 217

0.4, !- Conductivity of Dry Soil {W/m-K}

641, !- Density of Dry Soil {kg/m3}
1100, !- Specific Heat of Dry Soil {J/kg -K}
0.95, !- Thermal Absorptance
0.8, !- Solar Absorptance
0.7, !- Visible Absorptance
0.4, !- Saturation Volumetric Moisture Content of the Soil Layer
0.01, !- Residual Volumetric Moisture Content of the Soil Layer
0.2, !- Initial Volumetric Moisture Content of the Soil Layer
Advanced; !- Moisture Diffusion Calculation Method

Material:RoofVegetation ,
LowLAI , !- Name
0.5, !- Height of Plants {m}
0.5, !- Leaf Area Index {dimensionless}
0.2, !- Leaf Reflectivity {dimensionless}
0.95, !- Leaf Emissivity
180, !- Minimum Stomatal Resistance {s/m}
EcoRoofSoil , !- Soil Layer Name
MediumSmooth , !- Roughness
0.18, !- Thickness {m}
0.4, !- Conductivity of Dry Soil {W/m-K}
641, !- Density of Dry Soil {kg/m3}
1100, !- Specific Heat of Dry Soil {J/kg -K}
0.95, !- Thermal Absorptance
0.8, !- Solar Absorptance
0.7, !- Visible Absorptance
0.4, !- Saturation Volumetric Moisture Content of the Soil Layer
0.01, !- Residual Volumetric Moisture Content of the Soil Layer
0.2, !- Initial Volumetric Moisture Content of the Soil Layer
Advanced; !- Moisture Diffusion Calculation Method

And construction using the ecoroof material:

Construction ,
ASHRAE 90.1 -2004 _Sec 5.5-2_Roof , !- Name
BaseEco , !- Outside Layer
ASHRAE 90.1 -2004 _Sec 5.5-2 _Roof Insulation_1 , !- Layer \#2
ASHRAE 90.1 -2004 _Sec 5.5-2_MAT -METAL; !- Layer \#3

1.8.38 Ecoroof / RoofVegetation outputs

The following outputs are available for the Roof Vegetation surface.

• Zone,Average,Green Roof Soil Temperature [C]

• Zone,Average,Green Roof Vegetation Temperature [C]

• Zone,Average,Green Roof Soil Root Moisture Ratio []

• Zone,Average,Green Roof Soil Near Surface Moisture Ratio []

• Zone,Average,Green Roof Soil Sensible Heat Transfer Rate per Area [W/m2]

• Zone,Average,Green Roof Vegetation Sensible Heat Transfer Rate per Area [W/m2]

• Zone,Average,Green Roof Vegetation Moisture Transfer Rate [m/s]

• Zone,Average,Green Roof Soil Moisture Transfer Rate [m/s]

218 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• Zone,Average,Green Roof Vegetation Latent Heat Transfer Rate per Area [W/m2]

• Zone,Average,Green Roof Soil Latent Heat Transfer Rate per Area [W/m2]

• Zone,Sum,Green Roof Cumulative Precipitation Depth [m]

• Zone,Sum,Green Roof Cumulative Irrigation Depth [m]

• Zone,Sum,Green Roof Cumulative Runoff Depth [m]

• Zone,Sum,Green Roof Cumulative Evapotranspiration Depth [m]

• Zone,Sum,Green Roof Current Precipitation Depth [m]

• Zone,Sum,Green Roof Current Irrigation Depth [m]

• Zone,Sum,Green Roof Current Runoff Depth [m]

• Zone,Sum,Green Roof Current Evapotranspiration Depth [m]

1.8.38.1 Green Roof Soil Temperature [C]

Temperature of the Soil layer temperature in C.

1.8.38.2 Green Roof Vegetation Temperature [C]

Temperature of the Vegetation layer temperature in C.

1.8.38.3 Green Roof Soil Root Moisture Ratio []

Mean value of root moisture (m3 /m3 )

1.8.38.4 Green Roof Soil Near Surface Moisture Ratio []

The moisture content in the soil near the surface (m3 /m3 )

1.8.38.5 Green Roof Soil Sensible Heat Transfer Rate per Area [W/m2]
Sensible heat flux to ground (W/m2 )

1.8.38.6 Green Roof Vegetation Sensible Heat Transfer Rate per Area [W/m2]
Sensible heat transfer to foliage (W/m2 )

1.8.38.7 Green Roof Vegetation Moisture Transfer Rate [m/s]

Water evapotranspiration rate associated with latent heat from vegetation (m/s)

1.8.38.8 Green Roof Soil Moisture Transfer Rate [m/s]

Water evapotranspiration rate associated with latent heat from ground surface (m/s)
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 219

1.8.38.9 Green Roof Vegetation Latent Heat Transfer Rate per Area [W/m2]
Latent heat flux from vegetation (W/m2 )

1.8.38.10 Green Roof Soil Latent Heat Transfer Rate per Area [W/m2]
Latent heat flux from ground surface (W/m2 )

1.8.38.11 Green Roof Cumulative Precipitation Depth [m]

1.8.38.12 Green Roof Current Precipitation Depth [m]
Cumulative or current precipitation (m)

1.8.38.13 Green Roof Cumulative Irrigation Depth [m]

1.8.38.14 Green Roof Current Irrigation Depth [m]
Cumulative or current irrigation (m)

1.8.38.15 Green Roof Cumulative Runoff Depth [m]

1.8.38.16 Green Roof Current Runoff Depth [m]
Cumulative or current runoff (m). Multiply by roof area to get volume.

1.8.38.17 Green Roof Cumulative Evapotranspiration Depth [m]

1.8.38.18 Green Roof Current Evapotranspiration Depth [m]
Cumulative or current evapotranspiration from soil and plants (m).

1.8.39 MaterialProperty:GlazingSpectralData
With the MaterialProperty:GlazingSpectralData object, you can specify the wavelength-by-
wavelength transmittance and reflectance properties of a glass material. To determine the overall
optical properties of a glazing system (solar and visible transmittance and solar absorptance
vs. angle of incidence) EnergyPlus first calculates transmittance and absorptance vs. angle of
incidence for each wavelength. This is then weighted by a standard solar spectrum to get the solar
transmittance and absorptance vs. angle of incidence (for use in the solar heat gain calculations),
and further weighted by the response of the human eye to get the visible transmittance vs. angle
of incidence (for use in the daylighting calculation).
MaterialProperty:GlazingSpectralData should be used for multi-pane windows when one or
more of the glass layers is spectrally selective, i.e., the transmittance depends strongly on wavelength.
An example is glass with a coating that gives high transmittance in the daylight part of the solar
spectrum (roughly 0.4 to 0.7 microns) and low transmittance at longer wavelengths, thus providing
better solar heat gain control than uncoated glass. If spectral data is not used in case, the overall
optical properties of the glazing system that EnergyPlus calculates will not be correct.
You can input up to 450 sets of values for wavelengths covering the solar spectrum. Each set
consists of {wavelength (microns), transmittance, front reflectance, back reflectance}
220 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Spectral data of this kind are routinely measured by glass manufacturers. Data sets for over
800 commercially available products are contained in an Optical Data Library maintained by the
Windows Group at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. This library can be downloaded from
http://windows.lbl.gov/. You will have to edit entries from this library to put them in the format
required by the EnergyPlus WindowGlassSpectralData object.
An alternative to using the MaterialProperty:GlazingSpectralData object is to run the WIN-
DOW window analysis program. This program has built-in access to the Optical Data Library
and let’s you easily create customized, multi-layer glazing systems that can be exported for use in
EnergyPlus. For more details, see “StormWindow”.

1.8.39.1 Inputs

1.8.39.1.1 Field: Name

The name of the spectral data set. It is referenced by WindowMaterial:Glazing when Optical
Data Type = Spectral.

1.8.39.1.2 Fields 1-4 (repeated up to 450 times)

Sets of values for wavelengths covering the solar spectrum (from about 0.25 to 2.5 microns [10−6
m]). Each set consists of
{wavelength (microns), transmittance, front reflectance, back reflectance}
The wavelength values must be in ascending order. The transmittance and reflectance values
are at normal incidence. “Front reflectance” is the reflectance for radiation striking the glass from
the outside, i.e., from the side opposite the zone in which the window is defined. “Back reflectance”
is the reflectance for radiation striking the glass from the inside, i.e., from the zone in which the
window is defined. Therefore, for exterior windows, “front” is the side closest to the outdoors and
“back” is the side closest to the zone in which the window is defined. For interior windows, “front”
is the side closest to the adjacent zone and “back” is the side closest to the zone in which the
window is defined.
An IDF example:

MaterialProperty:GlazingSpectralData ,
TestSpectralDataSet ,
! { from WINDOW 4 library }
! { actual 9.91 mm clear laminate: 15 _mil PVB , ID :37966/50032 -39 -9 } 10.38
! { conductivity PVB adjusted , W/M/K } 0.798
! { thermal IR transmittance , assumed } tir = 0.00
! { thermal IR hemispherical emittance , assumed } emis = 0.84 0.84

! WL T Rfront Rback
.300, 0.000 , 0.045 , 0.045 ,
.310, 0.000 , 0.044 , 0.044 ,
.320, 0.000 , 0.044 , 0.044 ,
.330, 0.000 , 0.042 , 0.042 ,
.340, 0.000 , 0.041 , 0.041 ,
.350, 0.000 , 0.040 , 0.040 ,
<snip >
2.450 , 0.200 , 0.040 , 0.040 ,
2.500 , 0.214 , 0.039 , 0.039;
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 221

1.8.40 Construction
For walls, roofs, floors, windows, and doors, constructions are “built” from the included materials.
Each layer of the construction is a material name listed in order from “outside” to “inside”. Up
to ten layers (eight for windows) may be specified (one of the few limitations in EnergyPlus!).
“Outside” is the layer furthest away from the Zone air (not necessarily the outside environment).
“Inside” is the layer next to the Zone air. In the example floor below, for example, the outside
layer is the acoustic tile below the floor, the next layer is the air space above the tile, and the inside
layer is the concrete floor deck.

Figure 1.26: Example Floor Construction illustration.

Window constructions are similarly built up from items in the Window Materials set using
similar layers.. See Figure 1.27. Illustration for material ordering in windows, which shows the case
where an interior shading layer such as a blind is present. The gap between the inside glass layer
(layer #3) and the interior shading layer is not entered. Similarly, for an exterior shading layer,
the gap between the outside glass layer and the shading layer is not entered.
However, for a between-glass shading device the gaps on either side of the shading layer must
222 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.27: Illustration for material ordering in windows.

be entered and they must have the same gas type. In addition, the gap widths with and without
the between-glass shading layer must be consistent (see Figure 1.28).
A maximum of four glass layers and one shading layer is allowed. A gas layer must always
separate adjacent glass layers in a multi-pane glazing without a between-glass shading layer.
Outside and inside air film resistances are never given as part of a construction definitions since
they are calculated during the EnergyPlus simulation. Note also that constructions are assumed
to be one-dimensional in a direction perpendicular to the surface.

1.8.40.1 Inputs
1.8.40.1.1 Field: Name
This field is a user specified name that will be used as a reference by other input syntax.
For example, a heat transfer surface (ref: Building Surfaces) requires a construction name to define
what the make-up of the wall is. This name must be identical to one of the Construction definitions
in the input data file.

1.8.40.1.2 Field: Outside Layer

Each construction must have at least one layer. This field defines the material name associated
with the layer on the outside of the construction—outside referring to the side that is not exposed
to the zone but rather the opposite side environment, whether this is the outdoor environment
or another zone. Material layers are defined based on their thermal properties elsewhere in the
input file (ref: Material and Material Properties and Zone,Average,HAMT Surface Average Water
Content Ratio [kg/kg]
Zone,Average,HAMT Surface Inside Face Temperature [C]
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 223

Figure 1.28: Window construction with and without a between-glass shading layer. Shown
are gap widths g, g1 and g2 , and shading layer width, w. An error will result if g1 + g2 + w
is not equal to g, where w is zero for a blind and greater than zero for a shade.

Zone,Average,HAMT Surface Inside Face Relative Humidity [%]

Zone,Average,HAMT Surface Inside Face Vapor Pressure [Pa]
Zone,Average,HAMT Surface Outside Face Temperature [C]
Zone,Average,HAMT Surface Outside Face Relative Humidity [%]
Zone,Average,HAMT Surface Inside Face Relative Humidity [%]

1.8.40.1.3 HAMT Surface Average Water Content Ratio [kg/kg]

This output is the summed water content [kg/kg] of all cells in a surface expressed as a fraction
of the mass of the water to the material mass.

1.8.40.1.4 HAMT Surface Inside Face Temperature [C]

This output is the temperature [C] on the internal “surface” of the surface.

1.8.40.1.5 HAMT Surface Inside Face Relative Humidity [%]

1.8.40.1.6 HAMT Surface Inside Face Relative Humidity [%]

This output is the relative humidity on the internal “surface” of the surface expressed as a
percentage.

1.8.40.1.7 HAMT Surface Inside Face Vapor Pressure [Pa]

This output is the vapor pressure [Pa] on the internal “surface” of the surface.
224 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.8.40.1.8 HAMT Surface Outside Face Temperature [C]

This output is the temperature on the external “surface” of the surface.

1.8.40.1.9 HAMT Surface Outside Face Relative Humidity [%]

This output is the relative humidity on the external “surface” of the surface.
Zone,Average,HAMT Surface Temperature Cell N [C]
Zone,Average,HAMT Surface Water Content Cell N [kg/kg]
Zone,Average,HAMT Surface Relative Humidity Cell N [%]
Detailed profile data for the variables Temperature [C], Relative Humidity [%] and Water Con-
tent [kg/kg] within each surface can also be reported. To calculate the heat and moisture transfer
through surfaces HAMT splits up surfaces into discrete cells. Each cell is composed of a single
material and has a position within the surface. HAMT automatically assigns cells to construction
objects so that there are more cells closer to boundaries between materials and also at the “surfaces”
of the surface. It is not possible for users to define their own cells.

1.8.40.1.10 HAMT Surface Relative Humidity Cell <N> [%]

This is the relative humidity of the cell in the surface.

1.8.40.1.11 HAMT Surface Temperature Cell <N> [C]

This is the temperature of the cell in the surface.

1.8.40.1.12 HAMT Surface Water Content Cell <N> [kg/kg]

This is the relative water content of the cell in the surface.
Each surface is made from a particular construction. The construction-surface relationship is
output by HAMT to the eplusout.eio file with the following format.
! <HAMT cells>, Surface Name, Construction Name, Cell Numbers
! <HAMT origins>, Surface Name, Construction Name, Cell origins (m)
The output also contains the HAMT cell origins and cell number for each construction – surface
combination. The coordinate system origin is defined as the exterior surface of the construction.
Users can select any one of the Temperature, Relative Humidity or Water Content variables for
any cell to be reported, using the following naming scheme for the output variable.
HAMT Profile Construction <Variable> Cell <Cell#>
It is better to specify the “key” or Surface Name in this output.
So for example to output the temperature of the 10th cell in a surface, eg “East Wall” would
require the following output variable.

Output:Variable ,
East Wall , !- Key Value
HAMT Profile Construction Temperature Cell 10, !- Variable Name
Hourly; !- Reporting Frequency

By selecting a whole range of these reports and using the information in the eplusout.eio file it
is possible to build up a temperature profile of the surface.
Materials for Glass Windows and Doors). As noted above, the outside layer should NOT be a
film coefficient since EnergyPlus will calculate outside convection and radiation heat transfer more
precisely.
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 225

1.8.40.1.13 Field(s) 2-10: Layers

The next fields are optional and the number of them showing up in a particular Construction
definition depends solely on the number of material layers present in that construction. The data
expected is identical to the outside layer field (see previous field description). The order of the
remaining layers is important and should be listed in order of occurrence from the one just inside
the outside layer until the inside layer is reached. As noted above, the inside layer should NOT be
a film coefficient since EnergyPlus will calculate inside convection and radiation heat transfer more
precisely.
IDF Example (floor construction):

Construction , FLOOR38 , ! Material layer names follow:

E5 - ACOUSTIC TILE ,
E4 - CEILING AIRSPACE ,
C12 - 2 IN HW CONCRETE;

IDF Example (window construction, no shade):

Construction , DOUBLE PANE WINDOW , !- Material layer names follow:

GLASS - CLEAR SHEET 1 / 8 IN ,
WinAirB1 - AIRSPACE RESISTANCE ,
GLASS - CLEAR SHEET 1 / 8 IN;

IDF Example (window construction, with interior shade):

Construction , DOUBLE PANE WITH ROLL SHADE , !- Material layer names follow:
GLASS - CLEAR SHEET 1 / 8 IN ,
WinAirB1 - AIRSPACE RESISTANCE ,
GLASS - CLEAR SHEET 1 / 8 IN ,
ROLL SHADE - LIGHT

1.8.41 Site:GroundTemperature:FCfactorMethod
Site:GroundTemperature:FCfactorMethod is used only by the underground walls or slabs-on-grade
or underground floors defined with C-factor (Construction:CfactorUndergroundWall) and F-factor
(Construction:FfactorGroundFloor) method for code compliance calculations where detailed con-
struction layers are unknown. Only one such ground temperature object can be included. The
monthly ground temperatures for this object are close to the monthly outside air temperatures
delayed by three months. If user does not input this object in the IDF file, it will be defaulted to
the 0.5m set of monthly ground temperatures from the weather file if they are available.

1.8.41.1 Inputs
1.8.41.1.1 Field: Month Temperature(s) – 12 fields in all
Each numeric field is the monthly ground temperature (degrees Celsius) used for the indicated
month (January = 1st field, February = 2nd field, etc.)
And, the IDF example:
Site:GroundTemperature :FCfactorMethod , 9.5 ,3.5 , -0.7 , -1.7 , -0.6 ,3.6 ,9.3 ,14 ,18.2 ,22.7 ,21.2 ,16.8;
226 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.8.42 Constructions - Modeling Underground Walls and Ground

Floors Defined with C and F Factors for Building Energy
Code Compliance
Building energy code and standards like ASHRAE 90.1, 90.2 and California Title 24 require the
underground wall constructions and slabs-on-grade or underground floors not to exceed certain
maximum values of C-factor and F-factor, which do not specify detailed layer-by-layer materials
for the constructions.
A simplified approach is introduced to create equivalent constructions and model the ground
heat transfer through underground walls and ground floors for the building energy code com-
pliance calculations. The approach is to create constructions based on the user defined C or
F factor with two layers: one concrete layer (0.15 m thick) with thermal mass, and one fic-
titious insulation layer with no thermal mass. Three new objects were created for such pur-
pose: Construction:CfactorUndergroundWall, Construction:FfactorGroundFloor, and
Site:GroundTemperature:FCfactorMethod. Details of the approach are described in the En-
gineering Reference document. The wall and floor construction objects are described in this section;
the ground temperature object is described with the other ground temperature objects.
When a underground wall or ground floor surface (BuildingSurface:Detailed, Floor:Detailed,
and Wall:Detailed) references one of the two construction objects, its field ‘Outside Boundary
Condition’ needs to be set to GroundFCfactorMethod. For simple (rectangular) wall and floor
objects, the outside boundary condition is inferred from the construction type.
The Site:GroundTemperature:FCfactorMethod is described in the section for ground tempera-
tures, the following section describes the two new construction objects.

1.8.43 Construction:CfactorUndergroundWall
This input object differs from the usual wall construction object in that it describes an entire
construction rather than individual layers. This object is used when only the wall height (depth to
the ground) and the C-factor are available. This object accesses a model that creates an equivalent
layer-by-layer construction for the underground wall to approximate the heat transfer through the
wall considering the thermal mass of the earth soil.
This object is referenced by underground wall surfaces with their fields ‘Outside Boundary
Condition’ set to GroundFCfactorMethod.

1.8.43.1 Inputs
1.8.43.1.1 Field: Name
The name of the underground wall construction.

1.8.43.1.2 Field: C-Factor

C-Factor is the time rate of steady-state heat flow through unit area of the construction, induced
by a unit temperature difference between the body surfaces. The C-Factor unit is W/m2 ·K. The
C-factor does not include soil or air films. ASHRAE Standard 90.1 and California Title 24 specify
maximum C-factors for underground walls depending on space types and climate zones.

1.8.43.1.3 Field: Height

This field describes the height of the underground wall, i.e. the depth to the ground surface.
The unit is meters.
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 227

IDF Example:

Construction:CfactorUndergroundWall ,
CfactorUGWall ,
0.436 , ! C-factor (W/m2K), does not include soil or air films
4.57; ! Height (m)

BuildingSurface:Detailed ,
Zn001:Wall001 , !- Name
Wall , !- Surface Type
CfactorUGWall , !- Construction Name
ZONE ONE , !- Zone Name
GroundFCfactorMethod , !- Outside Boundary Condition
, !- Outside Boundary Condition Object
NoSun , !- Sun Exposure
NoWind , !- Wind Exposure
0.0, !- View Factor to Ground
4, !- Number of Vertices
0.0 ,0.0 ,4.572 , !- X,Y,Z = = > Vertex 1
0.0 ,0.0 ,0.0 , !- X,Y,Z = = > Vertex 2
15.24 ,0.0 ,0.0 , !- X,Y,Z = = > Vertex 3
15.24 ,0.0 ,4.572; !- X,Y,Z = = > Vertex 4

1.8.44 Construction:FfactorGroundFloor
This input object differs from the usual ground floor construction object in that it describes an
entire construction rather than individual layers. This object is used when only the floor area,
exposed perimeter, and the F-factor are available. This object accesses a model that creates an
equivalent layer-by-layer construction for the slab-on-grade or underground floor to approximate
the heat transfer through the floor considering the thermal mass of the earth soil.
This object is referenced by slab-on-grade or underground floor surfaces with their fields ‘Outside
Boundary Condition’ set to GroundFCfactorMethod.

1.8.44.1 Inputs
1.8.44.1.1 Field: Name
The name of the ground floor construction.

1.8.44.1.2 Field: F-Factor

F-Factor represents the heat transfer through the floor, induced by a unit temperature difference
between the outside and inside air temperature, on the per linear length of the exposed perimeter
of the floor. The unit for this input is W/m·K. ASHRAE Standard 90.1 and California Title 24
specify maximum F-factors for slab-on-grade or underground floors depending on space types and
climate zones.

1.8.44.1.3 Field: Area

This field describes the area (in square meters) of the slab-on-grade or underground floor.

1.8.44.1.4 Field: PerimeterExposed

This field describes the exposed (direct contact with ambient air) perimeter (in meters) of the
slab-on-grade or underground floor.
IDF Example:
228 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Construction:FfactorGroundFloor ,
slabconst ,
0.12, !F-factor in W/m-K
232.26 , !Area in m2
61.0; !Exposed perimeter in m

BuildingSurface:Detailed ,
Zn001:Flr001 , !- Name
Floor , !- Surface Type
slabconst , !- Construction Name , FLOOR
ZONE ONE , !- Zone Name
GroundFCfactorMethod , !- Outside Boundary Condition , Surface
, !- Outside Boundary Condition Object , Zn001:Flr001
NoSun , !- Sun Exposure
NoWind , !- Wind Exposure
0, !- View Factor to Ground
4, !- Number of Vertices
15.24 ,0.0 ,0.0 , !- X,Y,Z = = > Vertex 1
0.0 ,0.0 ,0.0 , !- X,Y,Z = = > Vertex 2
0.0 ,15.240 ,0.0 , !- X,Y,Z = = > Vertex 3
15.24 ,15.24 ,0.0; !- X,Y,Z = = > Vertex 4

1.8.45 Construction:InternalSource
In some cases such as radiant systems, a construction will actually have resistance wires or hydronic
tubing embedded within the construction. Heat is then either added or removed from this building
element to provide heating or cooling to the zone in question. In the case of building-integrated
photovoltaics, the energy removed in the form of electricity will form a sink. It is possible to enter
such constructions into EnergyPlus with the syntax described below. The definition is similar to
the Construction definition with a few additions related to radiant or other systems that will lead
to source/sink terms. The internal source capability is available with both the ConductionTrans-
ferFunction and ConductionFiniteDifference solution algorithms. The only difference is that
the two dimensional pipe arrangements are not available to ConductionFiniteDifference. Those
fields are ignored in that implementation.

1.8.45.1 Inputs
1.8.45.1.1 Field: Name
This field is a user specified name that will be used as a reference by other input syntax. For
example, a heat transfer surface (ref: Building Surfaces) requires a construction name to define
what the make-up of the wall is.

1.8.45.1.2 Field: Source Present After Layer Number

This field is an integer that relates the location of the heat source or sink. The integer refers to
the list of material layers that follow later in the syntax and determines the layer after which the
source is present. If a source is embedded within a single homogenous layer (such as concrete), that
layer should be split into two layers and the source added between them. For example, a value of
“2” in this field tells EnergyPlus that the source is located between the second and third material
layers listed later in the construction description (see layer fields below).

1.8.45.1.3 Field: Temperature Calculation Requested After Layer Number

1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 229

The nature of this field is similar to the source interface parameter (see previous field) in that
it is an integer, refers to the list of material layers that follow, and defines a location after the layer
number identified by the user-defined number. In this case, the user is specifying the location for a
separate temperature calculation rather than the location of the heat source/sink. This feature is
intended to allow users to calculate a temperature within the construction. This might be important
in a radiant cooling system where condensation could be a problem. This temperature calculation
can assist users in making that determination in absence of a full heat and mass balance calculation.

1.8.45.1.4 Field: Dimensions for the CTF Calculation

This field is also an integer and refers to the detail level of the calculation. A value of “1”
states that the user is only interested in a one-dimensional calculation. This is appropriate for
electric resistance heating and for hydronic heating (when boiler/hot water heater performance is
not affected by return and supply water temperatures). A value of “2” will trigger a two-dimensional
solution for this surface only. This may be necessary for hydronic radiant cooling situations since
chiller performance is affected by the water temperatures provided.
A few things should be noted about requesting two-dimensional solutions. First, the calcula-
tion of the conduction transfer functions (CTF) is fairly intensive and will require a significant
amount of computing time. Second, the solution regime is two-dimensional internally but it has a
one-dimensional boundary condition imposed at the inside and outside surface (i.e., surface tem-
peratures are still isothermal is if the surface was one-dimensional).

1.8.45.1.5 Field: Tube Spacing

This field defines how far apart in meters the hydronic tubing or electrical resistance wires
are spaced in the direction perpendicular to the main direction of heat transfer. Note that this
parameter is only used for two-dimensional solutions (see previous field).

1.8.45.1.6 Field: Outside Layer

Each construction must have at least one layer. This field defines the material name associated
with the layer on the outside of this construction—outside referring to the side that is not exposed
to the zone but rather the opposite side environment, whether this is the outdoor environment
or another zone. Material layers are defined based on their thermal properties elsewhere in the
input file (ref: Material and Material Properties and Zone,Average,HAMT Surface Average Water
Content Ratio [kg/kg]
Zone,Average,HAMT Surface Inside Face Temperature [C]
Zone,Average,HAMT Surface Inside Face Relative Humidity [%]
Zone,Average,HAMT Surface Inside Face Vapor Pressure [Pa]
Zone,Average,HAMT Surface Outside Face Temperature [C]
Zone,Average,HAMT Surface Outside Face Relative Humidity [%]
Zone,Average,HAMT Surface Inside Face Relative Humidity [%]

1.8.45.1.7 HAMT Surface Average Water Content Ratio [kg/kg]

This output is the summed water content [kg/kg] of all cells in a surface expressed as a fraction
of the mass of the water to the material mass.

1.8.45.1.8 HAMT Surface Inside Face Temperature [C]

This output is the temperature [C] on the internal “surface” of the surface.
230 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.8.45.1.9 HAMT Surface Inside Face Relative Humidity [%]

1.8.45.1.10 HAMT Surface Inside Face Relative Humidity [%]

This output is the relative humidity on the internal “surface” of the surface expressed as a
percentage.

1.8.45.1.11 HAMT Surface Inside Face Vapor Pressure [Pa]

This output is the vapor pressure [Pa] on the internal “surface” of the surface.

1.8.45.1.12 HAMT Surface Outside Face Temperature [C]

This output is the temperature on the external “surface” of the surface.

1.8.45.1.13 HAMT Surface Outside Face Relative Humidity [%]

This output is the relative humidity on the external “surface” of the surface.
Zone,Average,HAMT Surface Temperature Cell N [C]
Zone,Average,HAMT Surface Water Content Cell N [kg/kg]
Zone,Average,HAMT Surface Relative Humidity Cell N [%]
Detailed profile data for the variables Temperature [C], Relative Humidity [%] and Water Con-
tent [kg/kg] within each surface can also be reported. To calculate the heat and moisture transfer
through surfaces HAMT splits up surfaces into discrete cells. Each cell is composed of a single
material and has a position within the surface. HAMT automatically assigns cells to construction
objects so that there are more cells closer to boundaries between materials and also at the “surfaces”
of the surface. It is not possible for users to define their own cells.

1.8.45.1.14 HAMT Surface Relative Humidity Cell <N> [%]

This is the relative humidity of the cell in the surface.

1.8.45.1.15 HAMT Surface Temperature Cell <N> [C]

This is the temperature of the cell in the surface.

1.8.45.1.16 HAMT Surface Water Content Cell <N> [kg/kg]

This is the relative water content of the cell in the surface.
Each surface is made from a particular construction. The construction-surface relationship is
output by HAMT to the eplusout.eio file with the following format.
! <HAMT cells>, Surface Name, Construction Name, Cell Numbers
! <HAMT origins>, Surface Name, Construction Name, Cell origins (m)
The output also contains the HAMT cell origins and cell number for each construction – surface
combination. The coordinate system origin is defined as the exterior surface of the construction.
Users can select any one of the Temperature, Relative Humidity or Water Content variables for
any cell to be reported, using the following naming scheme for the output variable.
HAMT Profile Construction <Variable> Cell <Cell#>
It is better to specify the “key” or Surface Name in this output.
So for example to output the temperature of the 10th cell in a surface, eg “East Wall” would
require the following output variable.
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 231

Output:Variable ,
East Wall , !- Key Value
HAMT Profile Construction Temperature Cell 10, !- Variable Name
Hourly; !- Reporting Frequency

By selecting a whole range of these reports and using the information in the eplusout.eio file it
is possible to build up a temperature profile of the surface.
Materials for Glass Windows and Doors). As noted above, the outside layer should NOT be a
film coefficient since EnergyPlus will calculate convection and radiation heat transfer more precisely.

1.8.45.1.17 Field(s) 2-10: Layers

The next fields are optional and the number of them showing up in a particular Construction
definition depends solely on the number of material layers present in that particular construction.
The data expected is identical to the outside layer field (see previous field description). The order
of the remaining layers is important and should be listed in order of occurrence from the one just
inside the outside layer until the inside layer is reached. As noted above, the inside layer should
NOT be a film coefficient since EnergyPlus will calculate convection and radiation heat transfer
more precisely.

1.8.46 Composite Wall Constructions

Standard constructions in EnergyPlus are built with the materials and layers described earlier.
However, some configurations will not be adequately represented by using this approach. The Ref-
erence Data Set CompositeWallConstructions.idf contains constructions and associated materials
for a set of composite walls. These are walls—such as stud walls—that have complicated heat-
flow paths so that the conduction is two- or three-dimensional. Thermal bridges are one of the
common terms for these complicated heat-flow paths; this dataset will help you represent these in
EnergyPlus.
The materials here are not real materials but are “equivalent” materials obtained from finite-
difference modeling. (The thickness, conductivity, density and specific heat values of the material
layers for the different constructions have been taken from the ASHRAE report “Modeling Two-
and Three-Dimensional Heat Transfer through Composite Wall and Roof Assemblies in Hourly En-
ergy Simulation Programs (1145-TRP),” by Enermodal Engineering Limited, Oak Ridge National
Laboratory, and the Polish Academy of Sciences, January 2001.). EnergyPlus will calculate conduc-
tion transfer functions using these materials. The heat transfer based on these conduction transfer
functions will then be very close to what would be calculated with a two- or three-dimensional heat
transfer calculation.
For stud walls, using these composite constructions will give more accurate heat flow than you
would get by manually dividing the wall into a stud section and a non-stud section.
If your wall’s exterior or interior roughness or thermal, solar or visible absorptances are different
from those in the data set, you can make the appropriate changes to the first material (the outside
layer) or the third material (the inside layer). None of the other values should be changed.

Complete description of the CompositeWallConstructions data set are found in the Out-
putDetailsAndExamples document.
232 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.8.47 Construction:ComplexFenestrationState
This input object is used to describe the properties of a single state for complex fenestration. There
are two parts to the input, 1) layer-by-layer physical description of fenestration system and 2) a set
of matrices that describe overall system optical performance. Each layer also has associated with
it two matrices that give the layer absorptance (for front and back incidence on the system.
The optical properties are given as a two-dimensional matrix describing the basis and four
two-dimensional matrices of system bidirectional optical properties.
These input objects will generally be exported directly from the WINDOW program and it
is expected that users usually will not develop the input themselves. However, this is an option
for users who prefer to use a different method (e.g., Monte-Carlo ray-trace or measurement) of
determining optical properties.
Multiple instances of this object are used to define the separate operating states of complex
fenestration. For example, blinds could be deployed or redirected to create a new state, or elec-
trochromic glazings could change transmittance. Each separate state defines the materials present
and the overall optical performance. If the glazing system has only one state, then only one of
these objects is needed.
If there is more than one complex fenestration state, it will be controlled using the EMS actuator
called “Surface” with the control type “Construction State” and the EMS input object called
EnergyManagementSystem:ConstructionIndexVariable.

1.8.47.1 Inputs
1.8.47.1.1 Field: Name
Unique name of this construction. Used to identify type of window in surface objects.

1.8.47.1.2 Field: Basis Type keyword

Only value currently implemented is “LBNLWINDOW”. More options may be added in the
future.

1.8.47.1.3 Field: Basis Symmetry, keyword

Only value currently implemented is “None”. More options will be added in the future.

1.8.47.1.4 Field: Thermal Parameters

This field gives the name of WindowThermalModel:Params object used to keep common data
necessary for thermal simulation.

1.8.47.1.5 Field: Basis Matrix Name

This field gives the name of an 2 x N matrix object that defines the basis For a fenestration
basis, N would be the number of theta (polar angle) values, the first of the two elements for each
of the i = 1,..,N would be the theta value, and the second would be the number of phi (azimuthal
angle) values that 360º is divided into for that theta.

1.8.47.1.6 Field: Solar Optical Complex Front Transmittance Matrix Name

This field contains the name of matrix object that describes the solar transmittance at different
incident angles. This is from the outside toward the inside.
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 233

1.8.47.1.7 Field: Solar Optical Complex Back Reflectance Matrix Name

This field contains the name of matrix object that describes the solar back reflectance at different
incident angles. This is from the inside toward the outside.

1.8.47.1.8 Field: Visible Optical Complex Front Transmittance Matrix Name

This field contains the name of matrix object that describes the visible transmittance at different
incident angles. This is from the outside toward the inside.

1.8.47.1.9 Field: Visible Optical Complex Back Reflectance Matrix Name

This field contains the name of vector object that describes the visible back reflectance at
different incident angles. This is from the inside toward the outside.

1.8.47.1.10 Field: Outside Layer <x = 1>

Each construction must have at least one layer. The layer order is from outside to inside, with
the first layer being either WindowMaterial:Glazing or WindowMaterial:ComplexShade. The next
layer is a WindowMaterial:Gap layer, and the following layers then alternate between WindowMa-
terial:Glazing or WindowMaterial:ComplexShade and WindowMaterial:Gap. The last layer cannot
be WindowMaterial:Gap.

1.8.47.1.11 Field: Outside Layer Directional Front Absorptance Matrix Name

Points to an Nbasis x 1 matrix object.

1.8.47.1.12 Field: Outside Layer Directional Back Absorptance Matrix Name

Points to an Nbasis x 1 matrix object.

1.8.47.1.13 Above 3 fields are optionally repeated for layers 2-10

These layers include gaps, which do not need to have matrix data specified.
An IDF example of complex fenestration with single layer:

Construction:ComplexFenestrationState , !- single layer example

CFS_Glz_1 , !- name
LBNLWindow , !- basis type
None , !- basis symmetry type
ThermParam_1 , !- window thermal model
CFS_Glz_1_Basis , !- basis matrix name
CFS_Glz_1_TfSol , !- Tfsol
CFS_Glz_1_RbSol , !- Rbsol
CFS_Glz_1_Tfvis , !- Tfvis
CFS_Glz_1_Tbvis , !- Tbvis
Glass_102_Layer , !- layer 1 name
CFS_Glz_1_Layer_1_fAbs , !- fAbs
CFS_Glz_1_Layer_1_bAbs ; !- bAbs

An complex fenestration IDF example with double layer (first layer is shading device):

Construction:ComplexFenestrationState , !- double layer example

CFS_Glz_59 , !- name
LBNLWindow , !- basis type
None , !- basis symmetry type
ThermParam_59 , !- window thermal model
CFS_Glz_59_Basis , !- basis matrix name
234 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

CFS_Glz_59_TfSol , !- Tfsol
CFS_Glz_59_RbSol , !- Rbsol
CFS_Glz_59_Tfvis , !- Tfvis
CFS_Glz_59_Tbvis , !- Tbvis
Shade_30001_Layer , !- layer 1 name (shading device)
CFS_Glz_59_Layer_1_fAbs , !- fAbs
CFS_Glz_59_Layer_1_bAbs , !- bAbs
Gap_1_Layer , !- layer 1 name
, !- absorptance matrices for gaps should be empty for now
, !- it is for future use
Glass_3110_Layer , !- layer 2 name
CFS_Glz_59_Layer_3110_fAbs , !- fAbs
CFS_Glz_59_Layer_3110_bAbs ; !- bAbs

1.8.48 WindowThermalModel:Params
This input object is used with the Construction:ComplexFenestrationState

1.8.48.1 Inputs
1.8.48.1.1 Field: Name
Unique name of the window thermal model parameters.

1.8.48.1.2 Field: Calculation Standard

The type of the calculation standard. The choices are:

• ISO15099

• EN673Declared

• EN673Design

The default is ISO15099.

1.8.48.1.3 Field: Thermal Model

The type of thermal model. The choices are:

• ISO15099

• ScaledCavityWidth

• ConvectiveScalarModel_NoSDThickness

• ConvectiveScalarModel_withSDThickness

The default is ISO15099.

1.8.48.1.4 Field: SD Scalar

Shading Device Scalar Factor. Only used for Thermal Model = Convective Scalar Model. Fac-
tor of venetian shading device layer contribution to convection. Real value between 0 (where the
shading device contribution to convection is neglected) and 1 (where the shading device treated as
“closed” – as if it is a glass layer with thermal properties of SD slat material). Default: 1.0
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 235

1.8.48.1.5 Field: Deflection Model

The type of deflection model used to model deflection in windows and glass. The choices are:

• NoDeflection

• TemperatureAndPressureInput

• MeasuredDeflection

The default is NoDeflection.

1.8.48.1.6 Field: Vacuum Pressure Limit

The pressure (Pa) which will be considered to be the limit for vacuum glazing pressure. All
pressures less than or equal to this pressure will be considered to be vacuum. Default: 13.238 Pa.

1.8.48.1.7 Field: Initial Temperature

The temperature (o C) of the gap in the time of fabrication. It is used only when WindowTher-
malModel:Params DeflectionModel = TemperatureAndPressureInput

1.8.48.1.8 Field: Initial Pressure

The pressure (Pa) of the gap at the time of fabrication of the sealed glazing system unitIt is used
only when WindowThermalModel:Params DeflectionModel = TemperatureAndPressureInput.
An IDF example for WindowThermalModel:Params (without deflection):

WindowThermalModel:Params ,
ThermParam_59 , !- name
ISO15099 , !- standard
ISO15099 , !- thermal model standard
1.00, !- SD scalar
NoDeflection; !- deflection model

An IDF example for thermal paramters (with deflection):

WindowThermalModel:Params ,
ThermParam_59 , !- name
ISO15099 , !- standard
ISO15099 , !- thermal model standard
1.00, !- SD scalar
TemperatureAndPressureInput , !- deflection model
, !- vacuum pressure limit
21.00 , !- temperature at time of fabrication
10000.00; !- pressure at time of fabrication

An IDF example for WindowThermalModel:Params for modeling vacuum glazing

WindowThermalModel:Params ,
ThermParam_1006 , !- name
ISO15099 , !- standard
ISO15099 , !- thermal model
1.0000 , !- SDScalar
NoDeflection , !- deflection model
13.238; !- vacuum pressure limit
236 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.8.49 Matix:TwoDimension
This is input object is only used with Construction:ComplexFenestrationState object to enter a
two-dimensional matrix of values.
It is used to define the Basis Matrix for BSDF input data, and is also used to define the actual
BSDF matrices data for the complete fenestration definition as well as the individual layers of the
system.
The data are entered in row-major order: all the elements of row 1, followed by all the elements
of row 2, etc. The number of values to be entered depends on the number of rows and the number
of columns. Blank fields are treated as having been set to zero.
See example IDF file “SmOff_ CmplxGlz_IntExtShading.idf” for the definition of two complex
shading layers with matrix data defined.

1.8.49.1 Field: Name

Unique name of matrix input object.

1.8.49.2 Field: Number of Rows

This field is the number of rows in the matrix.

1.8.49.3 Field: Number of Columns

This field is the number of columns in the matrix

1.8.49.4 < Field Set: Value # N >

Repeat entering value exactly the same number of times as the number of rows times the number
of columns.

1.8.49.5 Field: Value # 1

This is the value of the matrix at the first row and first column.

1.8.49.6 Field: Value #2

This is the value of the matrix at the first row and the second column.
An IDF example of matrix for defining BSDF basis:

Matrix:TwoDimension , !- matrix for basis definition

CFS_Glz_1_Basis , !- basis matrix name
9, !- number of rows
2, !- number of colums
0.00000 , 1.00000 ,
10.00000 , 8.00000 ,
20.00000 , 16.00000 ,
30.00000 , 20.00000 ,
40.00000 , 24.00000 ,
50.00000 , 24.00000 ,
60.00000 , 24.00000 ,
70.00000 , 16.00000 ,
82.50000 , 12.00000;
1.8. GROUP – SURFACE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS 237

1.8.50 Construction:WindowEquivalentLayer
This object defines the construction for equivalent layer window (ASHWAT) model. This window
can model various mix of glazing and shading layers combination. Shadings are defined as an
integral part of the construction. The construction is defined by listing the layers name starting
with outside layer and work your way to the inside Layer. Up to six solid layers (glazing and shade)
and up to five gaps, i.e., a total of up to 11 layers maximum are allowed in equivalent layer window
object. The solid layer types allowed are: Glazing, Insect Screen, Roller Blinds, Venetian Blind, and
Drape Fabrics. This window model requires optical data of the individual glazing and shading layers
to calculate the effective optical properties of the composite fenestration construction. Venetian
blinds in equivalent layer window model can be in a fixed slat angle or has the option to control
the slat angle in order to maximize visibility, or maximize solar gains. An equivalent-layer concept
can simulate wide range of multiple glazing and shading layers combination and provides unlimited
flexibility to combine different types of shading layers in a fenestration. For the gap layer object
any one of the five different Gas types can be specified: AIR, ARGON, XENON, KRYPTON,
or CUSTOM.This window object is referenced by fenestration surfaces. For details of the model
description refer to Equivalent Layer Fenestration Model section in Engineering Reference. The
various layer objects that can be referenced in Equivalent Layer window model are:
WindowMaterial:Glass:EquivalentLayer
WindowMaterial:Shade:EquivalentLayer
WindowMaterial:Drape:EquivalentLayer
WindowMaterial:Blind:EquivalentLayer
WindowMaterial:Screen:EquivalentLayer
WindowMaterial:Gap:EquivalentLayer

1.8.50.1 Inputs
1.8.50.1.1 Field: Name
This field is a user specified name that will be used as a reference by other input syntax. For
example, a heat transfer surface (ref: Fenestration) requires a construction name to define what the
make-up of the fenestration is. This name must be identical to one of the Window Construction
Equivalent Layer definitions in the input data file.

1.8.50.1.2 Field: Outside Layer

Each equivalent layer window construction must have at least one layer. This field defines the
material name associated with the layer on the outside of the construction—outside referring to
the side that is exposed to the outdoor environment or another zone. Material layers for equivalent
layer window model are defined based on their thermal properties elsewhere in the input file (ref:
WindowEquivalentLayerMaterialNames)

1.8.50.1.3 Field: Layer 2 - Layer11

The next fields are optional and the number of them showing up in a particular equivalent
layer window construction definition depends solely on the number of material layers present in
that construction. The data expected is identical to the outside layer field (see previous field
description). The order of the remaining layers is important and should be listed in order of
occurrence from the one just inside the outside layer until the inside layer is reached. As noted
above, the inside layer should NOT be a film coefficient since EnergyPlus will calculate inside
convection and radiation heat transfer more precisely.
An IDF example for this object, is shown below:
238 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Construction:WindowEquivalentLayer ,
Six Solid Layers Window , !- Name
INSCRN , !- Outside Layer
Air GAP Outdoor 12.7mm , !- Layer 2
GLZGRY , !- Layer 3
Argon GAP Sealed 12.7mm , !- Layer 4
FEP , !- Layer 5
Xenon GAP Sealed 12.7mm , !- Layer 6
LOF1436 , !- Layer 7
Krypton GAP Sealed 12.7mm , !- Layer 8
GLZCLR , !- Layer 9
Air GAP Indoor 12.7mm , !- Layer 10
ShadeTrns; !- Layer 11

1.8.51 Construction:WindowDataFile
The WINDOW program, which does a thermal and optical analysis of a window under different
design conditions, writes a data file (“Window data file”) containing a description of the window
that was analyzed. The Construction:WindowDataFile object allows a window to be read in from
the WINDOW data file—see “Importing Windows from WINDOW.” For information on adding a
shading device to the window see “WindowProperty:ShadingControl.”

1.8.51.1 Inputs
1.8.51.1.1 Field: Name
This is the name of a window on the Window data file. An error will result if EnergyPlus
cannot find a window of this name on the file, or if the file, shown in the next field, is not present.
The location of the data file should be specified in the File Name field. For details on what is done
with the data if a matching window is found on the file see “Importing Windows from WINDOW.”

1.8.51.1.2 Field: File Name

This is the file name of the Window data file that contains the Window referenced in the
previous field. The field may include a full path with file name, for precise results. The field
must be < = 100 characters. The file name must not include commas or an exclamation point. A
relative path or a simple file name should work with version 7.0 or later when using EP-Launch
even though EP-Launch uses temporary directories as part of the execution of EnergyPlus. If using
RunEPlus.bat to run EnergyPlus from the command line, a relative path or a simple file name may
work if RunEPlus.bat is run from the folder that contains EnergyPlus.exe.
If this field is left blank, the file name is defaulted to Window5DataFile.dat.
Input Example
Construction:WindowDataFile ,
DoubleClear; !- Name of a Window on the Window Data File
! Note -- Window5DataFile .dat is presumed to be in the "run" folder where EnergyPlus.exe is

FenestrationSurface :Detailed ,
Zn001:Wall001:Win001 , !- Name
Window , !- Class
DoubleClear , !- Construction Name
Zn001:Wall001 , !- Base Surface Name , and Target (if applicable)
0.5, !- View Factor to Ground
, !- Window Shading Control name
, !- Frame/Divider name
1.0, !- Multiplier
4, !- Number of vertices
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 239

0.548 , 0.0, 2.5000 , !- X,Y,Z of Vertices

0.548 , 0.0, 0.5000 ,
5.548 , 0.0, 0.5000 ,
5.548 , 0.0, 2.5000;

An example showing use of specific data file name and complete path location follows:
Construction:WindowDataFile ,
DoubleClear , !- Name of a Window on the Window Data File
C:\ EnergyPlusData\DataSets\MyWindow.dat;

1.8.51.2 Outputs
An optional report (contained in eplusout.eio) gives calculational elements for the materials and
constructions used in the input. These reports are explained fully in the Output Details and
Examples document.

1.9 Group – Thermal Zone Description/Geometry

Without thermal zones and surfaces, the building can’t be simulated. This group of objects (Zone,
BuildingSurface) describes the thermal zone characteristics as well as the details of each surface to
be modeled. Included here are shading surfaces.

1.9.1 Zone
This element sets up the parameters to simulate each thermal zone of the building.

1.9.1.1 Inputs
1.9.1.1.1 Field: Direction of Relative North
The Zone North Axis is specified relative to the Building North Axis. This value is
specified in degrees (clockwise is positive). For more information, see the figure below as well as
the description under “GlobalGeometryRules”.

1.9.1.1.2 Field(s): (X,Y,Z) Origin

The X,Y,Z coordinates of a zone origin can be specified, for convenience in vertice entry. De-
pending on the values in “GlobalGeometryRules” (see description later in this section), these will
be used to completely specify the building coordinates in “world coordinate” or not. Zone Origin
coordinates are specified relative to the Building Origin (which always 0,0,0). The following
figure illustrates the use of Zone North Axis as well as Zone Origin values.

1.9.1.1.3 Field: Type

Zone type is currently unused.

1.9.1.1.4 Field: Multiplier

Zone Multiplier is designed as a “multiplier” for floor area, zone loads, and energy consumed by
internal gains. It takes the calculated load for the zone and multiplies it, sending the multiplied load
to the attached HVAC system. The HVAC system size is specified to meet the entire multiplied zone
load and will report the amount of the load met in the Zone Air System Sensible Heating or Cooling
240 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.29: Illustration of Zone North Axis and Origins

1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 241

Energy/Rate output variable. Autosizing automatically accounts for multipliers. Metered energy
consumption by internal gains objects such as Lights or Electric Equipment will be mutliplied. The
default is 1.

1.9.1.1.5 Field: Ceiling Height

Zone ceiling height is used in several areas within EnergyPlus (such as various room models,
some convection coefficient calculations and, primarily, in calculating zone volume in the absence
of other parameters). Energyplus automatically calculates the zone ceiling height (m) from the
average height of the zone. If this field is 0.0, negative or autocalculate, then the calculated zone
ceiling height will be used in subsequent calculations. If this field is positive, then the calculated
zone ceiling height will not be used – the number entered here will be used as the zone ceiling height.
If this number differs significantly from the calculated ceiling height, then a warning message will
be issued. If a zone ceiling height is entered, but no Volume is entered, then the floor area (if there
is one) times the zone ceiling height will be used as the volume.
Note that the Zone Ceiling Height is the distance from the Floor to the Ceiling in the Zone,
not an absolute height from the ground.

1.9.1.1.6 Field: Volume

Zone volume is used in several areas within EnergyPlus (such as calculating air change rates
for reporting or flow when air change rates are chosen as input, daylighting calculations, some
convection coefficient calculations). EnergyPlus automatically calculates the zone volume (m3 )
from the zone geometry given by the surfaces that belong to the zone. If this field is 0.0, negative
or autocalculate, then the calculated zone volume will be used in subsequent calculations. If this
field is positive, then it will be used as the zone volume. If this number differs significantly from
the calculated zone volume a warning message will be issued. For autocalculate to work properly,
the zone must be enclosed by the entered walls. Note that indicating the volume to be calculated
but entering a positive ceiling height in the previous field will cause the volume to be calculated
as the floor area (if > 0) times the entered ceiling height; else the volume will be calculated from
the described surfaces. If this field is positive, any ceiling height positive value will not be used in
volume calculations.

1.9.1.1.7 Field: Floor Area

Zone floor area is used in many places within EnergyPlus. EnergyPlus automatically calculates
the zone floor area (m2 ) from the zone geometry given by the surfaces that belong to the zone.
If this field is 0.0, negative or autocalculate, then the calculated zone floor area will be used in
subsequent calculations. If this field is positive, then it will be used as the zone floor area. If this
number differs significantly from the calculated zone floor area a warning message will be issued.

1.9.1.1.8 Field: Zone Inside Convection Algorithm

The Zone Inside Convection Algorithm field is optional. This field specifies the convection model
to be used for the inside face of heat transfer surfaes associated with this zone. The choices are:
Simple (constant natural convection - ASHRAE), Detailed (variable natural convection based on
temperature difference - ASHRAE), CeilingDiffuser (ACH based forced and mixed convection
correlations for ceiling diffuser configuration with simple natural convection limit), AdaptiveCon-
vectionAlgorithm (complex arrangement of various models that adapt to various zone conditions
and can be customized) and TrombeWall (variable natural convection in an enclosed rectangular
cavity). See the Inside Convection Algorithm object for further descriptions of the available models.
242 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

If omitted or blank, the algorithm specified in the SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:Inside object is

the default.

1.9.1.1.9 Field: Zone Outside Convection Algorithm

The Zone Outside Convection Algorithm field is optional. This field specifies the convection
model to be used for the outside face of heat transfer surfaces associated with this zone. The choices
are: SimpleCombined, TARP, DOE-2, MoWiTT, and AdaptiveConvectionAlgorithm.
The simple convection model applies heat transfer coefficients depending on the roughness and
windspeed. This is a combined heat transfer coefficient that includes radiation to sky, ground, and
air. The correlation is based on Figure 1.122, Page 25.1 (Thermal and Water Vapor Transmission
Data), 2001 ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals.
The other convection models apply heat transfer coefficients depending on the roughness, wind-
speed, and terrain of the building’s location. These are convection only heat transfer coefficients;
radiation heat transfer coefficients are calculated automatically by the program. The TARP al-
gorithm was developed for the TARP software and combines natural and wind-driven convection
correlations from laboratory measurements on flat plates. The DOE-2 and MoWiTT were derived
from field measurements. The AdaptiveConvectionAlgorithm model is an dynamic algorithm that
organizes a large number of different convection models and automatically selects the one that best
applies. The adaptive convection algorithm can also be customized using the SurfaceConvection-
Algorithm:Outside:AdaptiveModelSelections input object. All algorithms are described more fully
in the Engineering Reference.
If omitted or blank, the algorithm specified in the SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:Outside object
is the default.

1.9.1.1.10 Field: Part of Total Floor Area

This optional field defaults to Yes if not specified. The field is used to show when a zone is
not part of the Total Floor Area as shown in the Annual Building Utility Performance Summary
tables. Specifically, when No is specified, the area is excluded from both the conditioned floor area
and the total floor area in the Building Area sub table and the Normalized Metrics sub tables.
And, an IDF example:

Zone ,
DORM ROOMS AND COMMON AREAS , !- Name
0.0000000E+00, !- Direction of Relative North {deg}
0.0000000E+00, !- X Origin {m}
6.096000 , !- Y Origin {m}
0.0000000E+00, !- Z Origin {m}
1, !- Type
1, !- Multiplier
autocalculate , !-Ceiling Height {m}
autocalculate; !- Volume {m3}

1.9.1.2 Outputs
• Zone,Average,Zone Outdoor Air Drybulb Temperature [C]

• Zone,Average,Zone Outdoor Air Wetbulb Temperature [C]

• Zone,Average,Zone Outdoor Air Wind Speed [m/s]

1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 243

1.9.1.2.1 Zone Outdoor Air Drybulb Temperature [C]

The outdoor air dry-bulb temperature calculated at the height above ground of the zone cen-
troid.

1.9.1.2.2 Zone Outdoor Air Wetbulb Temperature [C]

The outdoor air wet-bulb temperature calculated at the height above ground of the zone cen-
troid.

1.9.1.2.3 Zone Outdoor Air Wind Speed [m/s]

The outdoor wind speed calculated at the height above ground of the zone centroid.

1.9.2 Zone Thermal Output(s)

In addition to the canned Surface reports (view the Reports section later in this document) and
surface variables (above), the following variables are available for all zones:

• Zone,Sum,Zone Total Internal Radiant Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Zone Total Internal Radiant Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Total Internal Visible Radiation Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Zone Total Internal Visible Radiation Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Total Internal Convective Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Zone Total Internal Convective Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Total Internal Latent Gain Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Zone Total Internal Latent Gain Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Total Internal Total Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Zone Total Internal Total Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Average,Zone Mean Air Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Air Temperature [C]

• Zone,Average,Zone Mean Air Dewpoint Temperature [C]

• Zone,Average,Zone Mean Radiant Temperature [C]

• Zone,Average,Zone Operative Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Air Heat Balance Internal Convective Heat Gain Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Air Heat Balance Surface Convection Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Air Heat Balance Interzone Air Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Air Heat Balance Outdoor Air Transfer Rate [W]

244 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• HVAC,Average,Zone Air Heat Balance System Air Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Air Heat Balance System Convective Heat Gain Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Air Heat Balance Air Energy Storage Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Air Heat Balance Deviation Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Air System Sensible Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Air System Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Air System Sensible Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Air System Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Air Humidity Ratio[kgWater/kgDryAir]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Air Relative Humidity[%]

Two of these are of particular interest:

Zone ,Average ,Zone Mean Air Temperature [C]
HVAC ,Average ,Zone Air Temperature [C]

These two variable outputs are/should be identical. However, note that they can be reported at
different time intervals. “Zone Mean Air Temperature” is only available on the Zone/HB timestep
(Number of Timesteps per Hour) whereas “Zone Air Temperature” can be reported at the HVAC
timestep (which can vary).

1.9.2.1 Zone Mean Air Temperature [C]

From the code definition, the zone mean air temperature is the average temperature of the air
temperatures at the system timestep. Remember that the zone heat balance represents a “well
stirred” model for a zone, therefore there is only one mean air temperature to represent the air
temperature for the zone.

1.9.2.2 Zone Air Temperature [C]

This is very similar to the mean air temperature in the last field. The “well stirred” model for the
zone is the basis, but this temperature is also available at the “detailed” system timestep.

1.9.2.3 Zone Mean Air Dewpoint Temperature [C]

This is the dewpoint temperature of the zone calculated from the Zone Mean Air Temperature
(above), the Zone Air Humidity Ratio (below) and the outdoor barometric pressure.

1.9.2.4 Zone Thermostat Air Temperature [C]

This is the zone air node temperature for the well-mixed room air model, which is the default room
air model type (RoomAirModelType = Mixing). But for other types of Room Air Model (the
RoomAir:TemperaturePattern:* and RoomAirSettings:* objects) the zone thermostat air temper-
ature may depend on the Thermostat Height and Thermostat Offset.
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 245

1.9.2.5 Zone Mean Radiant Temperature [C]

The Mean Radiant Temperature (MRT) in degrees Celsius of a space is a measure of the combined
effects of temperatures of surfaces within that space. Specifically it is the surface area × emissivity
weighted average of the zone inside surface temperatures (ref. Surface Inside Temperature), where
emissivity is the Thermal Absorptance of the inside material layer of each surface.

1.9.2.6 Zone Operative Temperature [C]

Zone Operative Temperature (OT) is the average of the Zone Mean Air Temperature (MAT) and
Zone Mean Radiant Temperature (MRT), OT = 0.5*MAT + 0.5*MRT. This output variable is not
affected by the type of thermostat controls in the zone, and does not include the direct effect of
high temperature radiant systems. See also Zone Thermostat Operative Temperature.

1.9.2.7 Zone Air Heat Balance Internal Convective Heat Gain Rate [W]
The Zone Air Heat Balance Internal Convective Heat Gain Rate is the sum, in watts, of heat
transferred to the zone air from all types of internal gains, including people, lights, equipment etc.
This and the following provide results on the load components of the zone air heat balance. This
field is not multiplied by zone or group multipliers.

1.9.2.8 Zone Air Heat Balance Surface Convection Rate [W]

The Zone Air Heat Balance Surface Convection Rate is the sum, in watts, of heat transferred to
the zone air from all the surfaces. This field is not multiplied by zone or group multipliers.

1.9.2.9 Zone Air Heat Balance Interzone Air Transfer Rate [W]
The Zone Air Heat Balance Interzone Air Transfer Rate is the sum, in watts, of heat transferred
to the zone air from all the transfers of air from other thermal zones. This field is not multiplied
by zone or group multipliers.

1.9.2.10 Zone Air Heat Balance Outdoor Air Transfer Rate [W]
The Zone Air Heat Balance Outdoor Air Transfer Rate is the sum, in watts, of heat transferred to
the zone air from all the transfers of air from the out side, such as infiltration. This field is not
multiplied by zone or group multipliers.

1.9.2.11 Zone Air Heat Balance System Air Transfer Rate [W]
The Zone Air Heat Balance System Air Transfer Rate is the sum, in watts, of heat transferred to
the zone air by HVAC forced-air systems and air terminal units. Such HVAC systems are connected
to the zone by an inlet node (see ZoneHVac:EquipmentConnections input field called Zone Air Inlet
Node or Node List Name) This field is not multiplied by zone or group multipliers.

1.9.2.12 Zone Air Heat Balance System Convective Heat Gain Rate [W]
The Zone Air Heat Balance System Convective Heat Gain Rate is the sum, in watts, of heat
transferred directly to the zone air by “non-air” HVAC systems. Such HVAC systems are not
connected to the zone by an inlet node but rather add or subtract heat directly to the zone air in a
246 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

manner similar to internal gains. These include the convective fraction of zone HVAC baseboards
and high temperature radiant systems, zone HVAC refrigeration chiller set, and the extra convective
cooling provided by the cooled beam air terminal unit. This field is not multiplied by zone or group
multipliers.

1.9.2.13 Zone Air Heat Balance Air Energy Storage Rate [W]
The Zone Air Heat Balance Air Energy Storage Rate is the heat stored, in watts, in the zone air as
result of zone air temperature changing from one timestep to the next. This field is not multiplied
by zone or group multipliers.

1.9.2.14 Zone Air Heat Balance Deviation Rate [W]

The Zone Air Heat Balance Deviation Rate is the imbalance, in watts, in the energy balance for
zone air. The value should be near zero but will become non-zero if zone conditions are chang-
ing rapidly or erratically. This field is not multiplied by zone or group multipliers. (This output
variable is only generated if the user has set a computer system environment variable DisplayAd-
vancedReportVariables equal to “yes”.)

1.9.2.15 Zone Air System Sensible Heating Energy [J]

This output variable represents the sensible heating energy in Joules that is actually supplied by
the system to that zone for the timestep reported. This is the sensible heating rate multiplied
by the simulation timestep. This is calculated and reported from the Correct step in the Zone
Predictor-Corrector module. This field is not multiplied by zone or group multipliers.

Zone Air System Sensible Heating (and Cooling) Energy (and Rate) all report the heating
or cooling delivered by the HVAC system to a zone. These values are calculated by multiplying
the supply air mass flow rate by the difference between the supply air temperature and the zone
air temperature. This does not always indicate the operation of heating or cooling coils. For
example, cooling will be reported if the supply air is cooled due to the introduction of outside
air, even if all coils are off.
Note that these variables are calculated at the system timestep. When reported at the
“detailed” reporting frequency, these variable will never show heating and cooling both in the
same system timestep. If reported at a frequency less than “Detailed” (for example, Hourly)
values may appear in both the heating and cooling variable for the same hour if the system
cooled the zone for part of the reporting period and heated the zone for another part of the
reporting period.

1.9.2.16 Zone Air System Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

This output variable represents the sensible cooling energy in Joules that is actually supplied by
the system to that zone for the timestep reported. This is the sensible cooling rate multiplied
by the simulation timestep. This is calculated and reported from the Correct step in the Zone
Predictor-Corrector module. This field is not multiplied by zone or group multipliers.
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 247

1.9.2.17 Zone Air System Sensible Heating Rate [W]

This output variable represents the sensible heating rate in Watts that is actually supplied by the
system to that zone for the timestep reported. This is calculated and reported from the Correct step
in the Zone Predictor-Corrector module. This field is not multiplied by zone or group multipliers.

1.9.2.18 Zone Air System Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

This output variable represents the sensible cooling rate in Watts that is actually supplied by the
system to that zone for the timestep reported. This is calculated and reported from the Correct step
in the Zone Predictor-Corrector module. This field is not multiplied by zone or group multipliers.

1.9.2.19 Zone Air Humidity Ratio [kgWater/kgDryAir]

This output variable represents the air humidity ratio after the correct step for each zone. The
humidity ratio is the mass of water vapor to the mass of dry air contained in the zone in (kg
water/kg air) and is unitless.

1.9.2.20 Zone Air Relative Humidity [%]

This output variable represents the air relative humidity after the correct step for each zone. The
relative humidity is in percent and uses the Zone Air Temperature, the Zone Air Humidity Ratio
and the Outside Barometric Pressure for calculation.

1.9.2.21 Zone Total Internal Radiant Heating Rate [W]

1.9.2.22 Zone Total Internal Radiant Heating Energy [J]
These output variables represent the sum of radiant gains from specific internal sources (e.g. equip-
ment) throughout the zone in Watts (for rate) or joules. This includes radiant gain from People,
Lights, Electric Equipment, Gas Equipment, Other Equipment, Hot Water Equipment, and Steam
Equipment.

1.9.2.23 Zone Total Internal Visible Radiation Heating Rate [W]

1.9.2.24 Zone Total Internal Visible Radiation Heating Energy [J]
These output variables expresse the sum of heat gain in Watts (for rate) or joules that is the
calculated short wavelength radiation gain from lights in the zones. This calculation uses the total
energy from lights and the fraction visible to realize this value, summed over the zones in the
simulation.

1.9.2.25 Zone Total Internal Convective Heating Rate [W]

1.9.2.26 Zone Total Internal Convective Heating Energy [J]
These output variables represent the sum of convective gains from specific sources (e.g. equipment)
throughout the zone in Watts (for rate) or joules. This includes convective gain from People,
Lights, Electric Equipment, Gas Equipment, Other Equipment, Hot Water Equipment, and Steam
Equipment.
248 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.9.2.27 Zone Total Internal Latent Gain Rate [W]

1.9.2.28 Zone Total Internal Latent Gain Energy [J]
These output variables represent the sum of latent gains from specific internal sources (e.g. equip-
ment) throughout the zone in Watts (for rate) or joules. This includes latent gain from People,
Electric Equipment, Gas Equipment, Other Equipment, Hot Water Equipment, and Steam Equip-
ment.

1.9.2.29 Zone Total Internal Total Heating Rate [W]

1.9.2.30 Zone Total Internal Total Heating Energy [J]
These output variables represent the sum of all heat gains throughout the zone in Watts (for rate)
or joules. This includes all heat gains from People, Lights, Electric Equipment, Gas Equipment,
Other Equipment, Hot Water Equipment, and Steam Equipment.

1.9.3 ZoneList
The ZoneList object defines a list of Zone objects. It is primarily used with the ZoneGroup object
to provide a generalized way for doing “Floor Multipliers”. (See the ZoneGroup description below.)
The associated ZoneList output variables also provide a way to aggregate and organize zone loads.
Zone lists are not exclusive. A zone can be referenced be more than one ZoneList object.

1.9.3.1 Inputs
1.9.3.1.1 Field: Zone List Name
The name of the ZoneList object. Must be unique across ZoneLists.

1.9.3.1.2 Field: Zone 1 - Zone 20 Name

Reference to a Zone object. This field is extensible; for greater than 20 zones, edit the IDD to
add more Zone Name fields.

ZoneList ,
Mid Floor List , !- Name
Mid West Zone , !- Zone 1 Name
Mid Center Zone , !- Zone 2 Name
Mid East Zone; !- Zone 3 Name

1.9.3.2 Outputs
The following output variables are reported by the ZoneList object:

• HVAC,Average,Zone List Sensible Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Zone List Sensible Cooling Rate [W]
• HVAC,Sum,Zone List Sensible Heating Energy [J]
• HVAC,Sum,Zone List Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

All ZoneList variables are the sum of the corresponding Zone variables. Zone Multiplier fields
in the Zone objects are also taken into account.
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 249

1.9.4 ZoneGroup
The ZoneGroup object adds a multiplier to a ZoneList. This can be used to reduce the amount
of input necessary for simulating repetitive structures, such as the identical floors of a multi-story
building. To create a “Floor Multiplier”, use the ZoneList object to organize several zones into
a typical floor. Then use the Zone List Multiplier field in the ZoneGroup object to multiply the
system load for the zones in the list will also be multiplied. Zones with a Multiplier field greater
than one in the Zone object are effectively double-multiplied.

NOTE: Although ZoneLists are not exclusive by themselves, ZoneLists used to form a
ZoneGroup are exclusive; the ZoneLists used with a ZoneGroup must not have any zones in
common.

1.9.4.1 Inputs
1.9.4.1.1 Tips for Multi-Story Simulations:

• For floors that are multiplied, connect exterior boundary conditions of the floor to the ceiling
and vice versa.

• Since exterior convection coefficients vary with elevation, locate the typical middle floor zones
midheight between the lowest and highest middle floors to be modeled.

• Shading must be identical for all multiplied floors or less accurate results may be obtained
by using the zone list multiplier.

ZoneGroup and ZoneList can also be used to simulate other repetitive cases, such as clusters
of zones on the ground.

1.9.4.1.2 Field: Zone Group Name

The name of the ZoneGroup object. This must be unique across ZoneGroups.

1.9.4.1.3 Field: Zone List Name

Reference to a ZoneList object. The zones in the list constitute the zones in the group.

1.9.4.1.4 Field: Zone List Multiplier

An integer multiplier. Zone List Multiplier is designed as a “multiplier” for floor area, zone loads,
and energy consumed by internal gains. It takes the calculated load for the zone and multiplies
it, sending the multiplied load to the attached HVAC system. The HVAC system size is specified
to meet the entire multiplied zone load and will report the amount of the load met in the Zone
Air System Sensible Heating or Cooling Energy/Rate output variable. Autosizing automatically
accounts for multipliers. Metered energy consumption by internal gains objects such as Lights or
Electric Equipment will be mutliplied. The default is 1.

ZONE GROUP ,
Mid Floor , !- Zone Group Name
Mid Floor List , !- Zone List Name
8; !- Zone List Multiplier
250 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.9.4.2 Outputs
The following output variables are reported by the ZoneGroup object:

• HVAC,Average,Zone Group Sensible Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Group Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Group Sensible Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Group Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

All ZoneGroup variables report the associated ZoneList value multiplied by the Zone List
Multiplier.

1.9.5 Surface(s)
What’s a building without surfaces?
EnergyPlus allows for several surface types:

• BuildingSurface:Detailed

• FenestrationSurface:Detailed

• Shading:Site:Detailed

• Shading:Building:Detailed

• Shading:Zone:Detailed

Each of the preceding surfaces has “correct” geometry specifications. BuildingSurface and
Fenestration surfaces (heat transfer surfaces) are used to describe the important elements of the
building (walls, roofs, floors, windows, doors) that will determine the interactions of the building
surfaces with the outside environment parameters and the internal space requirements. These
surfaces are also used to represent “interzone” heat transfer. All surfaces are modeled as a thin
plane (with no thickness) except that material thicknesses are taken into account for heat transfer
calculations.
During specification of surfaces, several “outside” environments may be chosen:

• Ground – when the surface is in touch with the ground (e.g. slab floors)

• Outdoors – when the surface is an external surface (e.g. walls, roofs, windows directly
exposed to the outdoor conditions)

• Surface – when the surface is

– An adiabatic internal zone surface

– A interzone surface

• Zone – when the surface is

– A interzone surface in which the other surface is not put in the input file.
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 251

• OtherSideCoefficients – when using a custom profile to describe the external conditions of

the surface (advanced concept – covered in subject: SurfaceProperty:OtherSideCoefficients)

• OtherSideConditionsModel – when using specially modeled components, such as active

solar systems, that cover the outside surface and modify the conditions it experiences.

Surface items must also specify an “outside face object”. This is

• Current surface name – for adiabatic internal surfaces.

• A surface name in another zone – for interzone heat transfer.
• An “opposing” surface name (in the current zone) – for representing “middle” zones.

Zone items must also specify an “outside face object”. This is

• The zone that contains the other surface that is adjactent to this surface but is not entered
in input.

Note that heat transfer surfaces are fully represented with each description. As stated
earlier in the Construction description, materials in the construction (outside to inside) are
included but film coeffients neither inside nor outside are used in the description – these are
automatically calculated during the EnergyPlus run. Interzone surfaces which do not have a
symmetrical construction (such as a ceiling/floor) require two Construction objects with the
layers in reverse order. For example, CEILING with carpet, concrete, ceiling tile and FLOOR
with ceiling tile, concrete, carpet. If interzone surfaces have a symmetrical construction, the
specification for the two surfaces can reference the same Construction. When a surface is
connected as the outside boundary condition for another surface, the two surfaces may be in
the same plane, or they may be separated to imply thickness.

Shading surfaces are used to describe aspects of the site which do not directly impact the
physical interactions of the environmental parameters but may significantly shade the building
during specific hours of the day or time so the year (e.g. trees, bushes, mountains, nearby buildings
which aren’t being simulated as part of this facility, etc.)

Note that surfaces which are part of the simulated building automatically shade other parts
of the building as geometry and time of day dictate – there is no need on the user’s part to
include surfaces that might be in other zones for shading.

Another surface type:

• InternalMass

is used to specify the construction/material parameters and area of items within the space
that are important to heat transfer calculations but not necessarily important geometrically. (For
example, furniture within the space – particularly for large spaces). Internal mass can also be used
for internal walls that are not needed (when FullInteriorAndExterior Solar Distribution is in effect)
for solar distribution or to represent many, if not all, interior walls when solar is distributed to the
floors only.
252 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.9.6 Interzone Surfaces

EnergyPlus can quite accurately simulate the surface heat exchange between two zones. However,
this accuracy is not always required and using interzonal heat transfer does add to the complexity
of the calculations – thus requiring more CPU time to simulate. More information about interzonal
heat transfer calculations is contained in the Engineering Reference. Some simple guidelines are
presented here – for three cases: adiabatic surfaces, surfaces in “middle” zones, and surfaces where
heat transfer is “expected” (e.g. between a residence and an unheated, attached garage).

• Adiabatic Surfaces – These surfaces would be represented as common surfaces (between two
zones) where both zones are typically the same temperature. Thus, no transfer is expected
in the surface from one zone to the next. These surfaces should be described as simply
internal surfaces for the zone referencing as their Outside Boundary Condition Object (see
later description in individual surface objects) their own surface names.

• Surfaces in Middle Zones – Middle zones in a building can be simulated using a judicious
use of surfaces and zone multipliers to effect the correct “loads” for the building. Thus,
middle zone behavior can be simulated without modeling the adjacent zones. This is done
by specifying a surface within the zone. For example, a middle floor zone can be modeled by
making the floor the Outside Boundary Condition Object for the ceiling, and the ceiling the
Outside Boundary Condition Object for the floor.

• Surfaces between Zones with differing temperatures – These zones represent the true use of
interzone surfaces. In a residence that has an attached garage, the garage may be unheat-
ed/uncooled or at least not conditioned to the same degree as the residence interior. In this
case, EnergyPlus can be used to accurately calculate the effects of the differently conditioned
space to the other spaces.

1.9.7 Surface View Factors

EnergyPlus uses an area weighted approximation to calculate “view factors” between surfaces within
a thermal zone. Each surface uses the total area that it can “see” among the other surfaces. The
approximate view factor from this surface to each other surface is then the area of the receiving
surface over the sum of areas that is visible to the sending surface.
In order to account in some limited way for the fact that certain surfaces will not see each other,
several assumptions have been built into this simple view factor approximation. First, a surface
cannot see itself. Second, surfaces with approximately the same azimuth (facing direction) and tilt
(“same” being within a built in limit) will not see each other. This means that a window will not
see the wall that it is placed on, for example. Third, floors cannot see each other. Fourth, if the
surface is a floor, ceiling, roof, or internal mass, the rule for the same azimuth and tilt eliminating
radiant exchange between surface is waived when the receiving surface is floor, roof, ceiling, or
internal mass as long as both surfaces are not floors.
Note that this does not take into account that surfaces may be “around the corner” from each
other and in reality not see each other at all. Rooms are assumed to be convex rather than concave
in this method.
To summarize, using the Surface “Class”, the approximate view factors have:

1. No surface sees itself.

2. No Floor sees another floor.

1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 253

3. All other surface types see Internal Mass.

4. All other surface types see floors.

5. Floors always see ceilings.

6. Floors always see roofs.

7. All other surfaces whose tilt or facing angle differences are greater than 10 degrees see each
other.

If geometry is correct, conditions 1, 3, and 7 should take care of all surfaces, but the other
conditions supply common sense when the geometry is incorrect. More information about the
EnergyPlus view factor calculation is contained in the Engineering Reference document.

1.9.8 GlobalGeometryRules
Before the surface objects are explained in detail, a description of geometric parameters used in
EnergyPlus will be given. Since the input of surface vertices is common to most of the surface
types, it will also be given a separate discussion.
Some flexibility is allowed in specifying surface vertices. This flexibility is embodied in the
GlobalGeometryRules class/object in the input file. Note that the parameters specified in this
statement are used for all surface vertice inputs – there is no further “flexibility” allowed.
In order to perform shadowing calculations, the building surfaces must be specified. EnergyPlus
uses a three dimensional (3D) Cartesian coordinate system for surface vertex specification. This
Right Hand coordinate system has the X-axis pointing east, the Y-axis pointing north, and the
Z-axis pointing up. See figure below.

Figure 1.30: EnergyPlus Coordinate System

254 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.9.8.1 Inputs
1.9.8.1.1 Field: Starting Vertex Position
The shadowing algorithms in EnergyPlus rely on surfaces having vertices in a certain order and
positional structure. Thus, the surface translator needs to know the starting point for each surface
entry. The choices are: UpperLeftCorner, LowerLeftCorner , UpperRightCorner, or LowerRight-
Corner. Since most surfaces will be 4 sided, the convention will specify this position as though each
surface were 4 sided. Extrapolate 3 sided figures to this convention. For 5 and more sided figures,
again, try to extrapolate the best “corner” starting position.

1.9.8.1.2 Field: Vertex Entry Direction

Surfaces are always specified as being viewed from the outside of the zone to which they belong.
(Shading surfaces are specified slightly differently and are discussed under the particular types).
EnergyPlus needs to know whether the surfaces are being specified in counterclockwise or clockwise
order (from the Starting Vertex Position). EnergyPlus uses this to determine the outward facing
normal for the surface (which is the facing angle of the surface – very important in shading and
shadowing calculations.

1.9.8.1.3 Field: Coordinate System

Vertices can be specified in two ways: using “Absolute”/“World” coordinates, or a relative
coordinate specification. Relative coordinates allow flexibility of rapid change to observe changes
in building results due to orientation and position. “World” coordinates will facilitate use within a
CADD system structure.
Relative coordinates make use of both Building and Zone North Axis values as well as Zone
Origin values to locate the surface in 3D coordinate space. World coordinates do not use these
values.
Typically, all zone origin values for “World” coordinates will be (0,0,0) but Building and Zone
North Axis values may be used in certain instances (namely the Daylighting Coordinate Location
entries).

1.9.8.1.4 Field: Daylighting Reference Point Coordinate System

Daylighting reference points need to be specified as well. Again, there can be two flavors;
relative and world. Daylighting reference points must fit within the zone boundaries.
Relative coordinates make use of both Building and Zone North Axis values as well as Zone
Origin values to locate the reference point in 3D coordinate space. World coordinates do not use
these values.

1.9.8.1.5 Field: Rectangular Surface Coordinate System

Simple, rectangular surfaces (Wall:Exterior, Wall:Adiabatic, Wall:Underground, Wall:Interzone,
Roof, Ceiling:Adiabatic, Ceiling:Interzone, Floor:GroundContact, Floor:Adiabatic, Floor:Interzone)
can be specified with their Lower Left Corner as relative or world.
Relative (default) corners are specified relative to the Zone Origin for each surface. World
corners would specify the absolute/world coordinate for this corner.

1.9.9 Surfaces
Surfaces make up the buildings and the elements that shade buildings. There are several methods to
inputting surfaces, ranging from simple rectangular surfaces to detailed descriptions that describe
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 255

each vertex in the order specified in the GlobalGeometryRules object. The simple, rectangular
surface objects are described first with the more detailed descriptions following.

1.9.10 Walls
Walls are usually vertical (tilt = 90 degrees). These objects are used to describe exterior walls,
interior walls (adiabatic), underground walls, and walls adjacent to other zones.

1.9.11 Wall:Exterior
The Wall:Exterior object is used to describe walls that are exposed to the external environment.
They receive sun, wind – all the characteristics of the external world.

1.9.11.1 Inputs
1.9.11.1.1 Field: Name
This is a unique name associated with the exterior wall. It is used in several other places as a
reference (e.g. as the base surface name for a Window or Door).

1.9.11.1.2 Field: Construction Name

This is the name of the construction (ref: Construction object) used in the surface. Regardless
of location in the building, the “full” construction (all layers) is used. For example, for an interior
wall separating two zones, zone x would have the outside layer (e.g. drywall) as the material that
shows in zone y and then the layers to the inside layer – the material that shows in zone x. For
symmetric constructions, the same construction can be used in the surfaces described in both zones.

1.9.11.1.3 Field: Zone Name

This is the zone name to which the surface belongs.

1.9.11.1.4 Field: Azimuth Angle

The Azimuth Angle indicates the direction that the wall faces (outward normal). The angle is
specified in degrees where East = 90, South = 180, West = 270, North = 0.

1.9.11.1.5 Field: Tilt Angle

The tilt angle is the angle (in degrees) that the wall is tilted from horizontal (or the ground).
Normally, walls are tilted 90 degrees and that is the default for this field.

Starting Corner for the surface

The rectangular surfaces specify the lower left corner of the surface for their starting coordi-
nate. This is specified with (x,y,z) and can be relative to the zone origin or in world coordinates,
depending on the value for rectangular surfaces specified in the GlobalGeometryRules object.

1.9.11.1.6 Field: Starting X Coordinate

This field is the X coordinate (in meters).
256 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.9.11.1.7 Field: Starting Y Coordinate

This field is the Y coordinate (in meters).

1.9.11.1.8 Field: Starting Z Coordinate

This field is the Z coordinate (in meters).

1.9.11.1.9 Field: Length

This field is the length of the wall in meters.

1.9.11.1.10 Field: Height

This field is the height of the wall in meters.

1.9.12 Wall:Adiabatic
The Wall:Adiabatic object is used to describe interior walls and partitions. Adiabatic walls are
used to describe walls next to zones that have the same thermal conditions (thus, no heat transfer).

1.9.12.1 Inputs
1.9.12.1.1 Field: Name
This is a unique name associated with the interior wall. It is used in several other places as a
reference (e.g. as the base surface name for a Window or Door).

1.9.12.1.2 Field: Construction Name

This is the name of the construction (ref: Construction object) used in the surface. Regardless
of location in the building, the “full” construction (all layers) is used. For example, for an interior
wall separating two zones, zone x would have the outside layer (e.g. drywall) as the material that
shows in zone y and then the layers to the inside layer – the material that shows in zone x. For
symmetric constructions, the same construction can be used in the surfaces described in both zones.

1.9.12.1.3 Field: Zone Name

This is the zone name to which the surface belongs.

1.9.12.1.4 Field: Azimuth Angle

The Azimuth Angle indicates the direction that the wall faces (outward normal). The angle is
specified in degrees where East = 90, South = 180, West = 270, North = 0.

1.9.12.1.5 Field: Tilt Angle

The tilt angle is the angle (in degrees) that the wall is tilted from horizontal (or the ground).
Normally, walls are tilted 90 degrees and that is the default for this field.

Starting Corner for the surface

The rectangular surfaces specify the lower left corner of the surface for their starting coordi-
nate. This is specified with (x,y,z) and can be relative to the zone origin or in world coordinates,
depending on the value for rectangular surfaces specified in the GlobalGeometryRules object.
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 257

1.9.12.1.6 Field: Starting X Coordinate

This field is the X coordinate (in meters).

1.9.12.1.7 Field: Starting Y Coordinate

This field is the Y coordinate (in meters).

1.9.12.1.8 Field: Starting Z Coordinate

This field is the Z coordinate (in meters).

1.9.12.1.9 Field: Length

This field is the length of the wall in meters.

1.9.12.1.10 Field: Height

This field is the height of the wall in meters.

1.9.13 Wall:Underground
The Wall:Underground object is used to describe walls with ground contact. The temperature at
the outside of the wall is the temperature in the GroundTemperature:BuildingSurface object.

1.9.13.1 Inputs
1.9.13.1.1 Field: Name
This is a unique name associated with the underground wall. It is used in several other places
as a reference (e.g. as the base surface name for a Window or Door).

1.9.13.1.2 Field: Construction Name

This is the name of the construction (ref: Construction object) used in the surface. Regardless
of location in the building, the “full” construction (all layers) is used. For example, for an interior
wall separating two zones, zone x would have the outside layer (e.g. drywall) as the material
that shows in zone y and then the layers to the inside layer – the material that shows in zone
x. For symmetric constructions, the same construction can be used in the surfaces described in
both zones. Note that if the construction is Construction:CfactorUndergroundWall then the
GroundFCfactoreMethod will be used for this wall.

1.9.13.1.3 Field: Zone Name

This is the zone name to which the surface belongs.

1.9.13.1.4 Field: Azimuth Angle

The Azimuth Angle indicates the direction that the wall faces (outward normal). The angle is
specified in degrees where East = 90, South = 180, West = 270, North = 0.

1.9.13.1.5 Field: Tilt Angle

The tilt angle is the angle (in degrees) that the wall is tilted from horizontal (or the ground).
Normally, walls are tilted 90 degrees and that is the default for this field.
258 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.9.13.1.6 Starting Corner for the surface

The rectangular surfaces specify the lower left corner of the surface for their starting coordinate.
This is specified with (x,y,z) and can be relative to the zone origin or in world coordinates, depending
on the value for rectangular surfaces specified in the GlobalGeometryRules object.

1.9.13.1.7 Field: Starting X Coordinate

This field is the X coordinate (in meters).

1.9.13.1.8 Field: Starting Y Coordinate

This field is the Y coordinate (in meters).

1.9.13.1.9 Field: Starting Z Coordinate

This field is the Z coordinate (in meters).

1.9.13.1.10 Field: Length

This field is the length of the wall in meters.

1.9.13.1.11 Field: Height

This field is the height of the wall in meters.

1.9.14 Wall:Interzone
The Wall:Interzone object is used to describe walls adjacent to zones that are significantly different
conditions than the zone with this wall.

1.9.14.1 Inputs
1.9.14.1.1 Field: Name
This is a unique name associated with the interzone wall. It is used in several other places as
a reference (e.g. as the base surface name for a Window or Door).

1.9.14.1.2 Field: Construction Name

This is the name of the construction (ref: Construction object) used in the surface. Regardless
of location in the building, the “full” construction (all layers) is used. For example, for an interior
wall separating two zones, zone x would have the outside layer (e.g. drywall) as the material that
shows in zone y and then the layers to the inside layer – the material that shows in zone x. For
symmetric constructions, the same construction can be used in the surfaces described in both zones.

1.9.14.1.3 Field: Zone Name

This is the zone name to which the surface belongs.

1.9.14.1.4 Field: Outside Boundary Condition Object

The Outside Boundary Condition Object field is the name of a wall in an adjacent zone or the
name of the adjacent zone. If the adjacent zone option is used, the adjacent wall is automatically
generated in the adjacent zone. If the surface name is used, it must be in the adjacent zone.
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 259

1.9.14.1.5 Field: Azimuth Angle

The Azimuth Angle indicates the direction that the wall faces (outward normal). The angle is
specified in degrees where East = 90, South = 180, West = 270, North = 0.

1.9.14.1.6 Field: Tilt Angle

The tilt angle is the angle (in degrees) that the wall is tilted from horizontal (or the ground).
Normally, walls are tilted 90 degrees and that is the default for this field.

1.9.14.1.7 Starting Corner for the surface

The rectangular surfaces specify the lower left corner of the surface for their starting coordinate.
This is specified with (x,y,z) and can be relative to the zone origin or in world coordinates, depending
on the value for rectangular surfaces specified in the GlobalGeometryRules object.

1.9.14.1.8 Field: Starting X Coordinate

This field is the X coordinate (in meters).

1.9.14.1.9 Field: Starting Y Coordinate

This field is the Y coordinate (in meters).

1.9.14.1.10 Field: Starting Z Coordinate

This field is the Z coordinate (in meters).

1.9.14.1.11 Field: Length

This field is the length of the wall in meters.

1.9.14.1.12 Field: Height

This field is the height of the wall in meters.

1.9.15 Roofs/Ceilings
Roofs and ceilings are, by default, flat (tilt = 0 degrees). These objects are used to describe roofs,
interior ceilings (adiabatic) and ceilings adjacent to other zones.

1.9.16 Roof
The Roof object is used to describe roofs that are exposed to the external environment.

1.9.16.1 Inputs
1.9.16.1.1 Field: Name
This is a unique name associated with the roof. It is used in several other places as a reference
(e.g. as the base surface name for a Window or Door).
260 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.9.16.1.2 Field: Construction Name

This is the name of the construction (ref: Construction object) used in the surface. Regardless
of location in the building, the “full” construction (all layers) is used. For example, for an interior
wall separating two zones, zone x would have the outside layer (e.g. drywall) as the material that
shows in zone y and then the layers to the inside layer – the material that shows in zone x. For
symmetric constructions, the same construction can be used in the surfaces described in both zones.

1.9.16.1.3 Field: Zone Name

This is the zone name to which the surface belongs.

1.9.16.1.4 Field: Azimuth Angle

The Azimuth Angle indicates the direction of the outward normal for the roof. The angle is
specified in degrees where East = 90, South = 180, West = 270, North = 0.

1.9.16.1.5 Field: Tilt Angle

The tilt angle is the angle (in degrees) that the wall is tilted from horizontal (or the ground).
Flat roofs are tilted 0 degrees and that is the default for this field.

1.9.16.1.6 Starting Corner for the surface

The rectangular surfaces specify the lower left corner of the surface for their starting coordinate.
This is specified with (x,y,z) and can be relative to the zone origin or in world coordinates, depending
on the value for rectangular surfaces specified in the GlobalGeometryRules object.

1.9.16.1.7 Field: Starting X Coordinate

This field is the X coordinate (in meters).

1.9.16.1.8 Field: Starting Y Coordinate

This field is the Y coordinate (in meters).

1.9.16.1.9 Field: Starting Z Coordinate

This field is the Z coordinate (in meters).

1.9.16.1.10 Field: Length

This field is the length of the roof in meters.

1.9.16.1.11 Field: Width

This field is the width of the roof in meters.

1.9.17 Ceiling:Adiabatic
The Ceiling:Adiabatic object is used to describe interior ceilings that separate zones of like condi-
tions.
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 261

1.9.17.1 Inputs
1.9.17.1.1 Field: Name
This is a unique name associated with the ceiling. It is used in several other places as a reference
(e.g. as the base surface name for a Window or Door).

1.9.17.1.2 Field: Construction Name

This is the name of the construction (ref: Construction object) used in the surface. Regardless
of location in the building, the “full” construction (all layers) is used. For example, for an interior
wall separating two zones, zone x would have the outside layer (e.g. drywall) as the material that
shows in zone y and then the layers to the inside layer – the material that shows in zone x. For
symmetric constructions, the same construction can be used in the surfaces described in both zones.

1.9.17.1.3 Field: Zone Name

This is the zone name to which the surface belongs.

1.9.17.1.4 Field: Azimuth Angle

The Azimuth Angle indicates the direction of the outward normal for the roof. The angle is
specified in degrees where East = 90, South = 180, West = 270, North = 0.

1.9.17.1.5 Field: Tilt Angle

The tilt angle is the angle (in degrees) that the wall is tilted from horizontal (or the ground).
Flat ceilings are tilted 0 degrees and that is the default for this field.

1.9.17.1.6 Starting Corner for the surface

The rectangular surfaces specify the lower left corner of the surface for their starting coordinate.
This is specified with (x,y,z) and can be relative to the zone origin or in world coordinates, depending
on the value for rectangular surfaces specified in the GlobalGeometryRules object.

1.9.17.1.7 Field: Starting X Coordinate

This field is the X coordinate (in meters).

1.9.17.1.8 Field: Starting Y Coordinate

This field is the Y coordinate (in meters).

1.9.17.1.9 Field: Starting Z Coordinate

This field is the Z coordinate (in meters).

1.9.17.1.10 Field: Length

This field is the length of the ceiling in meters.

1.9.17.1.11 Field: Width

This field is the width of the ceiling in meters.
262 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.9.18 Ceiling:Interzone
The Ceiling:Interzone object is used to describe interior ceilings that separate zones of differing
conditions (and expect heat transfer through the ceiling from the adjacent zone).

1.9.18.1 Inputs
1.9.18.1.1 Field: Name
This is a unique name associated with the interzone ceiling. It is used in several other places
as a reference (e.g. as the base surface name for a Window or Door).

1.9.18.1.2 Field: Construction Name

This is the name of the construction (ref: Construction object) used in the surface. Regardless
of location in the building, the “full” construction (all layers) is used. For example, for an interior
wall separating two zones, zone x would have the outside layer (e.g. drywall) as the material that
shows in zone y and then the layers to the inside layer – the material that shows in zone x. For
symmetric constructions, the same construction can be used in the surfaces described in both zones.

1.9.18.1.3 Field: Zone Name

This is the zone name to which the surface belongs.

1.9.18.1.4 Field: Outside Boundary Condition Object

The Outside Boundary Condition Object field is the name of a floor in an adjacent zone or the
name of the adjacent zone. If the adjacent zone option is used, the adjacent floor is automatically
generated in the adjacent zone. If the surface name is used, it must be in the adjacent zone.

1.9.18.1.5 Field: Azimuth Angle

The Azimuth Angle indicates the direction of the outward normal for the roof. The angle is
specified in degrees where East = 90, South = 180, West = 270, North = 0.

1.9.18.1.6 Field: Tilt Angle

The tilt angle is the angle (in degrees) that the wall is tilted from horizontal (or the ground).
Flat ceilings are tilted 0 degrees and that is the default for this field.

1.9.18.1.7 Starting Corner for the surface

The rectangular surfaces specify the lower left corner of the surface for their starting coordinate.
This is specified with (x,y,z) and can be relative to the zone origin or in world coordinates, depending
on the value for rectangular surfaces specified in the GlobalGeometryRules object.

1.9.18.1.8 Field: Starting X Coordinate

This field is the X coordinate (in meters).

1.9.18.1.9 Field: Starting Y Coordinate

This field is the Y coordinate (in meters).

1.9.18.1.10 Field: Starting Z Coordinate

This field is the Z coordinate (in meters).
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 263

1.9.18.1.11 Field: Length

This field is the length of the ceiling in meters.

1.9.18.1.12 Field: Width

This field is the width of the ceiling in meters.

1.9.19 Floors
Floors are, by default, flat (tilt = 180 degrees). These objects are used to describe floors on the
ground, interior floors (adiabatic) and floors adjacent to other zones.

1.9.20 Floor:GroundContact
The Floor:GroundContact object is used to describe floors that have ground contact (usually called
slabs). The temperature at the outside of the floor is the temperature in the GroundTempera-
ture:BuildingSurface object.

1.9.20.1 Inputs
1.9.20.1.1 Field: Name
This is a unique name associated with the floor.

1.9.20.1.2 Field: Construction Name

This is the name of the construction (ref: Construction object) used in the surface. Regardless of
location in the building, the “full” construction (all layers) is used. For example, for an interior wall
separating two zones, zone x would have the outside layer (e.g. drywall) as the material that shows
in zone y and then the layers to the inside layer – the material that shows in zone x. For symmetric
constructions, the same construction can be used in the surfaces described in both zones. Note that
if the construction is Construction:FfactorGroundFloor, then the GroundFCfactorMethod will
be used with this floor.

1.9.20.1.3 Field: Zone Name

This is the zone name to which the surface belongs.

1.9.20.1.4 Field: Azimuth Angle

The Azimuth Angle indicates the direction of the outward normal for the roof. The angle is
specified in degrees where East = 90, South = 180, West = 270, North = 0.

1.9.20.1.5 Field: Tilt Angle

The tilt angle is the angle (in degrees) that the wall is tilted from horizontal (or the ground).
Flat floors are tilted 180 degrees and that is the default for this field.

1.9.20.1.6 Starting Corner for the surface

The rectangular surfaces specify the lower left corner of the surface for their starting coordinate.
This is specified with (x,y,z) and can be relative to the zone origin or in world coordinates, depending
on the value for rectangular surfaces specified in the GlobalGeometryRules object.
264 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.9.20.1.7 Field: Starting X Coordinate

This field is the X coordinate (in meters).

1.9.20.1.8 Field: Starting Y Coordinate

This field is the Y coordinate (in meters).

1.9.20.1.9 Field: Starting Z Coordinate

This field is the Z coordinate (in meters).

1.9.20.1.10 Field: Length

This field is the length of the floor in meters.

1.9.20.1.11 Field: Width

This field is the width of the floor in meters.

1.9.21 Floor:Adiabatic
The Floor:Adiabatict object is used to describe interior floors or floors that you wish to model with
no heat transfer from the exterior to the floor.

1.9.21.1 Inputs
1.9.21.1.1 Field: Name
This is a unique name associated with the floor.

1.9.21.1.2 Field: Construction Name

This is the name of the construction (ref: Construction object) used in the surface. Regardless
of location in the building, the “full” construction (all layers) is used. For example, for an interior
wall separating two zones, zone x would have the outside layer (e.g. drywall) as the material that
shows in zone y and then the layers to the inside layer – the material that shows in zone x. For
symmetric constructions, the same construction can be used in the surfaces described in both zones.

1.9.21.1.3 Field: Zone Name

This is the zone name to which the surface belongs.

1.9.21.1.4 Field: Azimuth Angle

The Azimuth Angle indicates the direction of the outward normal for the roof. The angle is
specified in degrees where East = 90, South = 180, West = 270, North = 0.

1.9.21.1.5 Field: Tilt Angle

The tilt angle is the angle (in degrees) that the wall is tilted from horizontal (or the ground).
Flat floors are tilted 180 degrees and that is the default for this field.

1.9.21.1.6 Starting Corner for the surface

The rectangular surfaces specify the lower left corner of the surface for their starting coordinate.
This is specified with (x,y,z) and can be relative to the zone origin or in world coordinates, depending
on the value for rectangular surfaces specified in the GlobalGeometryRules object.
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 265

1.9.21.1.7 Field: Starting X Coordinate

This field is the X coordinate (in meters).

1.9.21.1.8 Field: Starting Y Coordinate

This field is the Y coordinate (in meters).

1.9.21.1.9 Field: Starting Z Coordinate

This field is the Z coordinate (in meters).

1.9.21.1.10 Field: Length

This field is the length of the floor in meters.

1.9.21.1.11 Field: Width

This field is the width of the floor in meters.

1.9.22 Floor:Interzone
The Floor:Interzone object is used to describe floors that are adjacent to other zones that have
differing conditions and you wish to model the heat transfer through the floor.

1.9.22.1 Inputs
1.9.22.1.1 Field: Name
This is a unique name associated with the floor.

1.9.22.1.2 Field: Construction Name

This is the name of the construction (ref: Construction object) used in the surface. Regardless
of location in the building, the “full” construction (all layers) is used. For example, for an interior
wall separating two zones, zone x would have the outside layer (e.g. drywall) as the material that
shows in zone y and then the layers to the inside layer – the material that shows in zone x. For
symmetric constructions, the same construction can be used in the surfaces described in both zones.

1.9.22.1.3 Field: Zone Name

This is the zone name to which the surface belongs.

1.9.22.1.4 Field: Outside Boundary Condition Object

The Outside Boundary Condition Object field is the name of a ceiling in an adjacent zone or the
name of the adjacent zone. If the adjacent zone option is used, the adjacent ceiling is automatically
generated in the adjacent zone. If the surface name is used, it must be in the adjacent zone.

1.9.22.1.5 Field: Azimuth Angle

The Azimuth Angle indicates the direction of the outward normal for the roof. The angle is
specified in degrees where East = 90, South = 180, West = 270, North = 0.

1.9.22.1.6 Field: Tilt Angle

The tilt angle is the angle (in degrees) that the wall is tilted from horizontal (or the ground).
Flat floors are tilted 180 degrees and that is the default for this field.
266 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.9.22.1.7 Starting Corner for the surface

The rectangular surfaces specify the lower left corner of the surface for their starting coordinate.
This is specified with (x,y,z) and can be relative to the zone origin or in world coordinates, depending
on the value for rectangular surfaces specified in the GlobalGeometryRules object.

1.9.22.1.8 Field: Starting X Coordinate

This field is the X coordinate (in meters).

1.9.22.1.9 Field: Starting Y Coordinate

This field is the Y coordinate (in meters).

1.9.22.1.10 Field: Starting Z Coordinate

This field is the Z coordinate (in meters).

1.9.22.1.11 Field: Length

This field is the length of the floor in meters.

1.9.22.1.12 Field: Width

This field is the width of the floor in meters.

1.9.23 Windows/Doors
The following window and door objects can be used to specify simple, rectangular doors and
windows. In each case, the lower left corner (locator coordinate) of the window or door is specified
relative to the surface it is on. Viewing the base surface as a planar surface, base the relative
location from the lower left corner of the base surface. Vertex entry description as well as provisions
for a few other surface types can be entered with the FenestrationSurface:Detailed object.

1.9.24 Window
The Window object is used to place windows on surfaces that can have windows, including exterior
walls, interior walls, interzone walls, roofs, floors that are exposed to outdoor conditions, interzone
ceiling/floors. These, of course, can be entered using the simple rectangular objects or the more
detailed vertex entry objects.

1.9.24.1 Inputs
1.9.24.1.1 Field: Name
This is a unique name associated with the window.

1.9.24.1.2 Field: Construction Name

This is the name of the subsurface’s construction (ref: objects: Construction, Construc-
tion:WindowDataFile, Construction:CompexFenestrationState).
For windows, if Construction Name is not found among the constructions on the input (.idf)
file, the Window Data File (ref. Construction:WindowDataFile object) will be searched for that
Construction Name (see “Importing Windows from WINDOW”). If that file is not present or if the
Construction Name does not match the name of an entry on the file, an error will result. If there is
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 267

a match, a window construction and its corresponding glass and gas materials will be created from
the information read from the file.

1.9.24.1.3 Field: Building Surface Name

This is the name of a surface that contains this subsurface. Certain kinds of surfaces may not
be allowed to have subsurfaces. For example, a surface in contact with the ground (e.g., Outside
Boundary Condition = Ground) cannot contain a window. The window assumes the outward facing
angle as well as the tilt angle of the base surface.

1.9.24.1.4 Field: Shading Control Name

This field, if not blank, is the name of the window shading control (ref: WindowProp-
erty:ShadingControl object) for this subsurface. It is used for Surface Type = Window and
GlassDoor. To assign a shade to a window or glass door, see WindowMaterial: Shade. To assign
a screen, see WindowMaterial:Screen. To assign a blind, see WindowMaterial:Blind. To assign
switchable glazing, such as electrochromic glazing, see WindowProperty:ShadingControl.

1.9.24.1.5 Field: Frame and Divider Name

This field, if not blank, can be used to specify window frame, divider and reveal-surface data (ref:
WindowProperty:FrameAndDivider object). It is used only for exterior GlassDoors and rectangular
exterior Windows, i.e., those with OutsideFaceEnvironment = Outdoors.
This field should be blank for triangular windows.

1.9.24.1.6 Field: Multiplier

This field is the number of identical items on the base surface. Using Multiplier can save input
effort and calculation time. In the calculation the area (and area of frame and divider, if present
and surface type is a window) is multiplied by Multiplier. The calculation of shadowing on the
subsurfaces (and the calculation of the interior distribution of beam solar radiation transmitted by
windows and glass doors) are done for the specified subsurface position and dimensions.
Multiplier should be used with caution. Multiplier > 1 can give inaccurate or nonsensical re-
sults in situations where the results are sensitive to window or glass door position. This includes
shadowing on the window/glass door, daylighting from the window/glass door, and interior dis-
tribution of solar radiation from the window/glass door. In these cases, the results for the single
input window/glass door, after multiplication, may not be representative of the results you would
get if you entered each of the multiple subsurfaces separately.
If Multiplier > 1, you will get
–a warning if Solar Distribution = FullExterior or FullInteriorAndExterior (ref: Building -
Field: Solar Distribution), indicating that the shadowing on the input window or the interior solar
radiation distribution from the input window may not be representative of the actual group of
windows. No warning is issued if Solar Distribution = MinimalShadowing.
–an error if the window is an exterior window/glass door in a zone that has a detailed daylighting
calculation (Daylighting:Detailed specified for the zone). Since a single window with a multiplier
can never give the same daylight illuminance as the actual set of windows, you are not allowed to
use Multiplier in this situation.

1.9.24.1.7 Starting Corner for the surface

268 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

The rectangular subsurfaces specify the lower left corner of the surface for their starting coor-
dinate. This corner is specifed relative to the lower left corner of the base surface by specifying the
X and Z values from that corner.

1.9.24.1.8 Field: Starting X Coordinate

This field is the X coordinate (in meters).

1.9.24.1.9 Field: Starting Z Coordinate

This field is the Z coordinate (in meters).

1.9.24.1.10 Field: Length

This field is the length of the window in meters.

1.9.24.1.11 Field: Height

This field is the height of the window in meters.

1.9.25 Door
The Door object is used to place opaque doors on surfaces that can have doors, including exterior
walls, interior walls, interzone walls, roofs, floors that are exposed to outdoor conditions, interzone
ceiling/floors. These, of course, can be entered using the simple rectangular objects or the more
detailed vertex entry objects.

1.9.25.1 Inputs
1.9.25.1.1 Field: Name
This is a unique name associated with the door.

1.9.25.1.2 Field: Construction Name

This is the name of the subsurface’s construction (ref: Construction object)

1.9.25.1.3 Field: Building Surface Name

This is the name of a surface that contains this subsurface. Certain kinds of surfaces may not
be allowed to have subsurfaces. The door assumes the outward facing angle as well as the tilt angle
of the base surface.

1.9.25.1.4 Field: Multiplier

This field is the number of identical items on the base surface. Using Multiplier can save input
effort and calculation time. In the calculation the area (and area of frame and divider, if present
and surface type is a window) is multiplied by Multiplier. The calculation of shadowing on the
subsurfaces (and the calculation of the interior distribution of beam solar radiation transmitted by
windows and glass doors) are done for the specified subsurface position and dimensions.
Multiplier should be used with caution. Multiplier > 1 can give inaccurate or nonsensical re-
sults in situations where the results are sensitive to window or glass door position. This includes
shadowing on the window/glass door, daylighting from the window/glass door, and interior dis-
tribution of solar radiation from the window/glass door. In these cases, the results for the single
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 269

input window/glass door, after multiplication, may not be representative of the results you would
get if you entered each of the multiple subsurfaces separately.
If Multiplier > 1, you will get
–a warning if Solar Distribution = FullExterior or FullInteriorAndExterior (ref: Building -
Field: Solar Distribution), indicating that the shadowing on the input window or the interior solar
radiation distribution from the input window may not be representative of the actual group of
windows. No warning is issued if Solar Distribution = MinimalShadowing.
–an error if the window is an exterior window/glass door in a zone that has a detailed daylighting
calculation (Daylighting:Detailed specified for the zone). Since a single window with a multiplier
can never give the same daylight illuminance as the actual set of windows, you are not allowed to
use Multiplier in this situation.

1.9.25.1.5 Starting Corner for the surface

The rectangular subsurfaces specify the lower left corner of the surface for their starting coor-
dinate. This corner is specifed relative to the lower left corner of the base surface by specifying the
X and Z values from that corner.

1.9.25.1.6 Field: Starting X Coordinate

This field is the X coordinate (in meters).

1.9.25.1.7 Field: Starting Z Coordinate

This field is the Z coordinate (in meters).

1.9.25.1.8 Field: Length

This field is the length of the door in meters.

1.9.25.1.9 Field: Height

This field is the height of the door in meters.

1.9.26 GlazedDoor
The GlazedDoor object is used to place doors on surfaces that can have doors, including exterior
walls, interior walls, interzone walls, roofs, floors that are exposed to outdoor conditions, interzone
ceiling/floors. These, of course, can be entered using the simple rectangular objects or the more
detailed vertex entry objects.

1.9.26.1 Inputs
1.9.26.1.1 Field: Name
This is a unique name associated with the glass door.

1.9.26.1.2 Field: Construction Name

This is the name of the subsurface’s construction (ref: objects: Construction, Construc-
tion:WindowDataFile, Construction:CompexFenestrationState).
For windows, if Construction Name is not found among the constructions on the input (.idf)
file, the Window Data File (ref. Construction:WindowDataFile object) will be searched for that
Construction Name (see “Importing Windows from WINDOW”). If that file is not present or if the
270 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Construction Name does not match the name of an entry on the file, an error will result. If there is
a match, a window construction and its corresponding glass and gas materials will be created from
the information read from the file.

1.9.26.1.3 Field: Building Surface Name

This is the name of a surface that contains this subsurface. Certain kinds of surfaces may not be
allowed to have subsurfaces. For example, a surface in contact with the ground (Outside Boundary
Condition = Ground) cannot contain a window. The door assumes the outward facing angle as
well as the tilt angle of the base surface.

1.9.26.1.4 Field: Shading Control Name

This field, if not blank, is the name of the window shading control (ref: WindowProp-
erty:ShadingControl object) for this subsurface. It is used for Surface Type = Window and
GlassDoor. To assign a shade to a window or glass door, see WindowMaterial: Shade. To assign
a screen, see WindowMaterial:Screen. To assign a blind, see WindowMaterial:Blind. To assign
switchable glazing, such as electrochromic glazing, see WindowProperty:ShadingControl.

1.9.26.1.5 Field: Frame and Divider Name

This field, if not blank, can be used to specify window frame, divider and reveal-surface data (ref:
WindowProperty:FrameAndDivider object). It is used only for exterior GlassDoors and rectangular
exterior Windows, i.e., those with OutsideFaceEnvironment = Outdoors.
This field should be blank for triangular windows.

1.9.26.1.6 Field: Multiplier

This field is the number of identical items on the base surface. Using Multiplier can save input
effort and calculation time. In the calculation the area (and area of frame and divider, if present
and surface type is a window) is multiplied by Multiplier. The calculation of shadowing on the
subsurfaces (and the calculation of the interior distribution of beam solar radiation transmitted by
windows and glass doors) are done for the specified subsurface position and dimensions.
Multiplier should be used with caution. Multiplier > 1 can give inaccurate or nonsensical re-
sults in situations where the results are sensitive to window or glass door position. This includes
shadowing on the window/glass door, daylighting from the window/glass door, and interior dis-
tribution of solar radiation from the window/glass door. In these cases, the results for the single
input window/glass door, after multiplication, may not be representative of the results you would
get if you entered each of the multiple subsurfaces separately.
If Multiplier > 1, you will get
–a warning if Solar Distribution = FullExterior or FullInteriorAndExterior (ref: Building -
Field: Solar Distribution), indicating that the shadowing on the input window or the interior solar
radiation distribution from the input window may not be representative of the actual group of
windows. No warning is issued if Solar Distribution = MinimalShadowing.
–an error if the window is an exterior window/glass door in a zone that has a detailed daylighting
calculation (Daylighting:Detailed specified for the zone). Since a single window with a multiplier
can never give the same daylight illuminance as the actual set of windows, you are not allowed to
use Multiplier in this situation.

1.9.26.1.7 Starting Corner for the surface

1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 271

The rectangular subsurfaces specify the lower left corner of the surface for their starting coor-
dinate. This corner is specifed relative to the lower left corner of the base surface by specifying the
X and Z values from that corner.

1.9.26.1.8 Field: Starting X Coordinate

This field is the X coordinate (in meters).

1.9.26.1.9 Field: Starting Z Coordinate

This field is the Z coordinate (in meters).

1.9.26.1.10 Field: Length

This field is the length of the door in meters.

1.9.26.1.11 Field: Height

This field is the height of the door in meters.

1.9.27 Window:Interzone
The Window:Interzone object is used to place windows on surfaces that can have windows, in-
cluding interzone walls, interzone ceiling/floors. These, of course, can be entered using the simple
rectangular objects or the more detailed vertex entry objects.

1.9.27.1 Inputs
1.9.27.1.1 Field: Name
This is a unique name associated with the window.

1.9.27.1.2 Field: Construction Name

This is the name of the subsurface’s construction (ref: objects: Construction, Construc-
tion:WindowDataFile, Construction:CompexFenestrationState).
For windows, if Construction Name is not found among the constructions on the input (.idf)
file, the Window Data File (ref. Construction:WindowDataFile object) will be searched for that
Construction Name (see “Importing Windows from WINDOW”). If that file is not present or if the
Construction Name does not match the name of an entry on the file, an error will result. If there is
a match, a window construction and its corresponding glass and gas materials will be created from
the information read from the file.

1.9.27.1.3 Field: Building Surface Name

This is the name of a surface that contains this subsurface. Certain kinds of surfaces may not be
allowed to have subsurfaces. For example, a surface in contact with the ground (Outside Boundary
Condition = Ground) cannot contain a window. The window assumes the outward facing angle as
well as the tilt angle of the base surface.

1.9.27.1.4 Field: Outside Boundary Condition Object

The Outside Boundary Condition Object field is the name of a window in an adjacent zone or the
name of the adjacent zone. If the adjacent zone option is used, the adjacent ceiling is automatically
generated in the adjacent zone. If the surface name is used, it must be in the adjacent zone.
272 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.9.27.1.5 Field: Multiplier

This field is the number of identical items on the base surface. Using Multiplier can save input
effort and calculation time. In the calculation the area (and area of frame and divider, if present
and surface type is a window) is multiplied by Multiplier. The calculation of shadowing on the
subsurfaces (and the calculation of the interior distribution of beam solar radiation transmitted by
windows and glass doors) are done for the specified subsurface position and dimensions.
Multiplier should be used with caution. Multiplier > 1 can give inaccurate or nonsensical re-
sults in situations where the results are sensitive to window or glass door position. This includes
shadowing on the window/glass door, daylighting from the window/glass door, and interior dis-
tribution of solar radiation from the window/glass door. In these cases, the results for the single
input window/glass door, after multiplication, may not be representative of the results you would
get if you entered each of the multiple subsurfaces separately.
If Multiplier > 1, you will get
–a warning if Solar Distribution = FullExterior or FullInteriorAndExterior (ref: Building -
Field: Solar Distribution), indicating that the shadowing on the input window or the interior solar
radiation distribution from the input window may not be representative of the actual group of
windows. No warning is issued if Solar Distribution = MinimalShadowing.
–an error if the window is an exterior window/glass door in a zone that has a detailed daylighting
calculation (Daylighting:Detailed specified for the zone). Since a single window with a multiplier
can never give the same daylight illuminance as the actual set of windows, you are not allowed to
use Multiplier in this situation.

1.9.27.1.6 Starting Corner for the surface

The rectangular subsurfaces specify the lower left corner of the surface for their starting coor-
dinate. This corner is specifed relative to the lower left corner of the base surface by specifying the
X and Z values from that corner.

1.9.27.1.7 Field: Starting X Coordinate

This field is the X coordinate (in meters).

1.9.27.1.8 Field: Starting Z Coordinate

This field is the Z coordinate (in meters).

1.9.27.1.9 Field: Length

This field is the length of the window in meters.

1.9.27.1.10 Field: Height

This field is the height of the window in meters.

1.9.28 Door:Interzone
The Door:Interzone object is used to place opaque doors on surfaces that can have doors, includ-
ing interzone walls, interzone ceiling/floors. These, of course, can be entered using the simple
rectangular objects or the more detailed vertex entry objects.
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 273

1.9.28.1 Inputs
1.9.28.1.1 Field: Name
This is a unique name associated with the door.

1.9.28.1.2 Field: Construction Name

This is the name of the subsurface’s construction (ref: Construction object).

1.9.28.1.3 Field: Building Surface Name

This is the name of a surface that contains this subsurface. Certain kinds of surfaces may not
be allowed to have subsurfaces. The door assumes the outward facing angle as well as the tilt angle
of the base surface.

1.9.28.1.4 Field: Outside Boundary Condition Object

The Outside Boundary Condition Object field is the name of a door in an adjacent zone or the
name of the adjacent zone. If the adjacent zone option is used, the adjacent ceiling is automatically
generated in the adjacent zone. If the surface name is used, it must be in the adjacent zone.

1.9.28.1.5 Field: Multiplier

This field is the number of identical items on the base surface. Using Multiplier can save input
effort and calculation time. In the calculation the area (and area of frame and divider, if present
and surface type is a window) is multiplied by Multiplier. The calculation of shadowing on the
subsurfaces (and the calculation of the interior distribution of beam solar radiation transmitted by
windows and glass doors) are done for the specified subsurface position and dimensions.
Multiplier should be used with caution. Multiplier > 1 can give inaccurate or nonsensical re-
sults in situations where the results are sensitive to window or glass door position. This includes
shadowing on the window/glass door, daylighting from the window/glass door, and interior dis-
tribution of solar radiation from the window/glass door. In these cases, the results for the single
input window/glass door, after multiplication, may not be representative of the results you would
get if you entered each of the multiple subsurfaces separately.
If Multiplier > 1, you will get
–a warning if Solar Distribution = FullExterior or FullInteriorAndExterior (ref: Building -
Field: Solar Distribution), indicating that the shadowing on the input window or the interior solar
radiation distribution from the input window may not be representative of the actual group of
windows. No warning is issued if Solar Distribution = MinimalShadowing.
–an error if the window is an exterior window/glass door in a zone that has a detailed daylighting
calculation (Daylighting:Detailed specified for the zone). Since a single window with a multiplier
can never give the same daylight illuminance as the actual set of windows, you are not allowed to
use Multiplier in this situation.

1.9.28.1.6 Starting Corner for the surface

The rectangular subsurfaces specify the lower left corner of the surface for their starting coor-
dinate. This corner is specifed relative to the lower left corner of the base surface by specifying the
X and Z values from that corner.

1.9.28.1.7 Field: Starting X Coordinate

This field is the X coordinate (in meters).
274 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.9.28.1.8 Field: Starting Z Coordinate

This field is the Z coordinate (in meters).

1.9.28.1.9 Field: Length

This field is the length of the door in meters.

1.9.28.1.10 Field: Height

This field is the height of the door in meters.

1.9.29 GlazedDoor:Interzone
The GlazedDoor:Interzone object is used to place doors on surfaces that can have doors, includ-
ing interzone walls, interzone ceiling/floors. These, of course, can be entered using the simple
rectangular objects or the more detailed vertex entry objects.

1.9.29.1 Inputs
1.9.29.1.1 Field: Name
This is a unique name associated with the glass door.

1.9.29.1.2 Field: Construction Name

This is the name of the subsurface’s construction (ref: objects: Construction, Construc-
tion:WindowDataFile, Construction:ComplexFenestrationState).
For windows, if Construction Name is not found among the constructions on the input (.idf)
file, the Window Data File (ref. Construction:WindowDataFile object) will be searched for that
Construction Name (see “Importing Windows from WINDOW”). If that file is not present or if the
Construction Name does not match the name of an entry on the file, an error will result. If there is
a match, a window construction and its corresponding glass and gas materials will be created from
the information read from the file.

1.9.29.1.3 Field: Building Surface Name

This is the name of a surface that contains this subsurface. Certain kinds of surfaces may not be
allowed to have subsurfaces. For example, a surface in contact with the ground (Outside Boundary
Condition = Ground) cannot contain a window. The door assumes the outward facing angle as
well as the tilt angle of the base surface.

1.9.29.1.4 Field: Outside Boundary Condition Object

The Outside Boundary Condition Object field is the name of a glazed (glass) door in an adjacent
zone or the name of the adjacent zone. If the adjacent zone option is used, the adjacent ceiling
is automatically generated in the adjacent zone. If the surface name is used, it must be in the
adjacent zone.

1.9.29.1.5 Field: Multiplier

This field is the number of identical items on the base surface. Using Multiplier can save input
effort and calculation time. In the calculation the area (and area of frame and divider, if present
and surface type is a window) is multiplied by Multiplier. The calculation of shadowing on the
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 275

subsurfaces (and the calculation of the interior distribution of beam solar radiation transmitted by
windows and glass doors) are done for the specified subsurface position and dimensions.
Multiplier should be used with caution. Multiplier > 1 can give inaccurate or nonsensical re-
sults in situations where the results are sensitive to window or glass door position. This includes
shadowing on the window/glass door, daylighting from the window/glass door, and interior dis-
tribution of solar radiation from the window/glass door. In these cases, the results for the single
input window/glass door, after multiplication, may not be representative of the results you would
get if you entered each of the multiple subsurfaces separately.
If Multiplier > 1, you will get
–a warning if Solar Distribution = FullExterior or FullInteriorAndExterior (ref: Building -
Field: Solar Distribution), indicating that the shadowing on the input window or the interior solar
radiation distribution from the input window may not be representative of the actual group of
windows. No warning is issued if Solar Distribution = MinimalShadowing.
–an error if the window is an exterior window/glass door in a zone that has a detailed daylighting
calculation (Daylighting:Detailed specified for the zone). Since a single window with a multiplier
can never give the same daylight illuminance as the actual set of windows, you are not allowed to
use Multiplier in this situation.

1.9.29.1.6 Starting Corner for the surface

The rectangular subsurfaces specify the lower left corner of the surface for their starting coor-
dinate. This corner is specifed relative to the lower left corner of the base surface by specifying the
X and Z values from that corner.

1.9.29.1.7 Field: Starting X Coordinate

This field is the X coordinate (in meters).

1.9.29.1.8 Field: Starting Z Coordinate

This field is the Z coordinate (in meters).

1.9.29.1.9 Field: Length

This field is the length of the door in meters.

1.9.29.1.10 Field: Height

This field is the height of the door in meters.
Examples of the rectangular surfaces are found in the example files 4ZoneWithShad-
ing_Simple_1.idf and 4ZoneWithShading_Simple_2. Some examples:

Wall:Exterior ,
Zn001:Wall001 , !- Name
EXTERIOR , !- Construction Name
ZONE 1, !- Zone Name
180, !- Azimuth Angle {deg}
90, !- Tilt Angle {deg}
0, !- Starting X Coordinate {m}
0, !- Starting Y Coordinate {m}
0, !- Starting Z Coordinate {m}
20, !- Length {m}
10; !- Height {m}

Window ,
Zn001:Wall001:Win001 , !- Name
276 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

SINGLE PANE HW WINDOW , !- Construction Name

Zn001:Wall001 , !- Building Surface Name
, !- Shading Control Name
, !- Frame and Divider Name
1, !- Multiplier
4, !- Starting X Coordinate {m}
3, !- Starting Z Coordinate {m}
3, !- Length {m}
5; !- Height {m}

Door ,
Zn001:Wall001:Door001 , !- Name
HOLLOW WOOD DOOR , !- Construction Name
Zn001:Wall001 , !- Building Surface Name
1, !- Multiplier
14, !- Starting X Coordinate {m}
0, !- Starting Z Coordinate {m}
3, !- Length {m}
5; !- Height {m}

Wall:Adiabatic ,
Zn001:Wall004 , !- Name
INTERIOR , !- Construction Name
ZONE 1, !- Zone Name
90, !- Azimuth Angle {deg}
90, !- Tilt Angle {deg}
20, !- Starting X Coordinate {m}
0, !- Starting Y Coordinate {m}
0, !- Starting Z Coordinate {m}
20, !- Length {m}
10; !- Height {m}

Floor:Adiabatic ,
Zn001:Flr001 , !- Name
FLOOR , !- Construction Name
ZONE 1, !- Zone Name
90, !- Azimuth Angle {deg}
180, !- Tilt Angle {deg}
0, !- Starting X Coordinate {m}
0, !- Starting Y Coordinate {m}
0, !- Starting Z Coordinate {m}
20, !- Length {m}
20; !- Width {m}

Ceiling:Interzone ,
Zn001:Roof001 , !- Name
CEILING34 , !- Construction Name
ZONE 1, !- Zone Name
Zn003:Flr001 , !- Outside Boundary Condition Object
180, !- Azimuth Angle {deg}
0, !- Tilt Angle {deg}
0, !- Starting X Coordinate {m}
0, !- Starting Y Coordinate {m}
10, !- Starting Z Coordinate {m}
20, !- Length {m}
20; !- Width {m}

Window ,
Zn002:Wall001:Win001 , !- Name
SINGLE PANE HW WINDOW , !- Construction Name
Zn002:Wall001 , !- Building Surface Name
, !- Shading Control Name
, !- Frame and Divider Name
1, !- Multiplier
4, !- Starting X Coordinate {m}
3, !- Starting Z Coordinate {m}
3, !- Length {m}
5; !- Height {m}
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 277

1.9.30 Surface Vertices

Each of the following surfaces:

• BuildingSurface:Detailed

• Wall:Detailed

• RoofCeiling:Detailed

• Floor:Detailed

• FenstrationSurface:Detailed

• Shading:Site:Detailed

• Shading:Building:Detailed

• Shading:Zone:Detailed

use the same vertex input. The numeric parameters indicated below are taken from the Build-
ingSurface:Detailed definition; the others may not be exactly the same but are identical in configu-
ration. They are also “extensible” – so, if you want more vertices for these surfaces, you may add to
the IDD definition as indicated in the “extensible” comment or, as EnergyPlus is “auto-extensible”
just add the number of vertices into your input file.. Note that FenestrationSurface:Detailed is not
extensible and is limited to 4 (max) vertices. If you leave the Number of Surface Vertex groups
blank or enter autocalculate, EnergyPlus looks at the number of groups entered and figures out
how many coordinate groups are entered.

Note that the resolution on the surface vertex input is 1 millimeter (.001 meter).
Therefore, using vertices that are very close together (< 1 mm) may result in invalid
dot product and fatal errors during shading calculations.

The figure above will help illustrate Surface Vertex entry. The convention used in “GlobalGe-
ometryRules” dictates the order of the vertices (ref: GlobalGeometryRules). In this example, the
conventions used are Starting Vertex Position = UpperLeftCorner and Vertex Entry Direction =
CounterClockwise. The surfaces for this single zone are:
4,0,0,H, 0,0,0, A,0,0, A,0,H; ! (4 vertices , South Wall)
4,A,0,H,A,0,0,A,B,0,A,B,H; ! (4 vertices , East Wall)
ignore other walls that are not shown in this figure
4,C,0,J,A,0,H,A,B,H,C,B,J; ! (4 vertices , roof)
3,C,0,J,0,0,H,A,0,H; ! (3 vertices , gable end)
4,0,0,H, 0,0,0, A,0,0, A,0,H; ! (4 vertices , South Wall)

Note that in this example, point 1 of the entry is the Upper Left Corner of the rectangular
surfaces and the point of the triangle for the 3 sided surface. The east wall shows the order of vertex
entry. For horizontal surfaces, any vertex may be chosen as the starting position, but the Vertex
Entry Direction convention must be followed. The surface details report (Output: Surfaces:List,
278 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.31: Illustration for Surface Vertices

Details;) is very useful for reviewing the accuracy of surface geometry inputs (ref: Surface Output
Variables/Reports and Variable Dictionary Reports).
From the detailed vertices, EnergyPlus tries to determine the “height” and “width” of the
surface. Obviously, this doesn’t work well for >4 sided surfaces; for these, if the calculated height
and width are not close to the gross area for the surface, the height and width shown will be the
square root of the area (and thus a square).

1.9.31 Building Surfaces - Detailed

A building surface is necessary for all calculations. There must be at least one building surface
per zone. You can use the detailed descriptions as shown below or the simpler, rectangular surface
descriptions shown earlier.

1.9.32 Wall:Detailed
The Wall:Detailed object is used to describe walls.

1.9.32.1 Inputs
1.9.32.1.1 Field: Name
This is a unique name associated with each building surface. It is used in several other places
as a reference (e.g. as the base surface name for a Window or Door).

1.9.32.1.2 Field: Construction Name

1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 279

This is the name of the construction (ref: Construction object) used in the surface. Regardless
of location in the building, the “full” construction (all layers) is used. For example, for an interior
wall separating two zones, zone x would have the outside layer (e.g. drywall) as the material that
shows in zone y and then the layers to the inside layer – the material that shows in zone x. For
symmetric constructions, the same construction can be used in the surfaces described in both zones.

1.9.32.1.3 Field: Zone Name

This is the zone name to which the surface belongs.

1.9.32.1.4 Field: Outside Boundary Condition

This value can be one of several things depending on the actual kind of surface.

1. Surface – if this surface is an internal surface, then this is the choice. The value will either be
a surface in the base zone or a surface in another zone. The heat balance between two zones
can be accurately simulated by specifying a surface in an adjacent zone. EnergyPlus will
simulate a group of zones simultaneously and will include the heat transfer between zones.
However, as this increases the complexity of the calculations, it is not necessary to specify
the other zone unless the two zones will have a significant temperature difference. If the two
zones will not be very different (temperature wise), then the surface should use itself as the
outside environment or specify this field as Adiabatic. The surface name on the “outside”
of this surface (adjacent to) is placed in the next field.

2. Adiabatic – an internal surface in the same Zone. This surface will not transfer heat out
of the zone, but will still store heat in thermal mass. Only the inside face of the surface
will exchange heat with the zone (i.e. two adiabatic surfaces are required to model internal
partitions where both sides of the surface are exchanging heat with the zone). The Outside
Boundary Condition Object can be left blank.

3. Zone – this is similar to Surface but EnergyPlus will automatically create the required surface
in the adjacent zone when this is entered for the surface. If there are windows or doors on
the surface, EnergyPlus automatically creates appropriate sub-surfaces as well.

4. Outdoors – if this surface is exposed to outside temperature conditions, then this is the
choice. See Sun Exposure and Wind Exposure below for further specifications on this kind
of surface.

5. Ground – if this surface is exposed to the ground, then this is the usual choice. The
temperature on the outside of this surface will be the Site:GroundTemperature:Surface value
for the month. For more information on ground contact surfaces, reference the Auxiliary
Programs document section on “Ground Heat Transfer in EnergyPlus”.

6. GroundFCfactorMethod – if this surface is exposed to the ground and using the Con-
struction:CfactorUndergroundWall, then this is the choice. The temperature on the
outside of this surface will be the Site:GroundTemperature:FcfactorMethod value for the
month.

7. OtherSideCoefficients – if this surface has a custom, user specified temperature or

other parameters (See SurfaceProperty:OtherSideCoefficients specification), then this
is the choice. The outside boundary condition will be the name of the SurfaceProp-
erty:OtherSideCoefficients specification.
280 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

8. OtherSideConditionsModel – if this surface has a specially-modeled multi-skin

component, such as a transpired collector or vented photovoltaic panel, attached
to the outside (See SurfaceProperty:OtherSideConditionsModel specification), then
this the choice. The outside face environment will be the name of the SurfaceProp-
erty:OtherSideConditionsModelspecification.

9. GroundSlabPreprocessorAverage – uses the average results from the Slab preprocessor

calculations.

10. GroundSlabPreprocessorCore – uses the core results from the Slab preprocessor calcu-
lations.

11. GroundSlabPreprocessorPerimeter – uses the perimeter results from the Slab prepro-
cessor calculations.

12. GroundBasementPreprocessorAverageWall – uses the average wall results from the

Basement preprocessor calculations.

13. GroundBasementPreprocessorAverageFloor – uses the average floor results from the

Basement preprocessor calculations.

14. GroundBasementPreprocessorUpperWall – uses the upper wall results from the Base-
ment preprocessor calculations.

15. GroundBasementPreprocessorLowerWall – uses the lower wall results from the Base-
ment preprocessor calculations.

1.9.32.1.5 Field: Outside Boundary Condition Object

If neither Surface, OtherSideCoefficients, or OtherSideConditionsModel are specified for the
Outside Boundary Condition (previous field), then this field should be left blank.
As stated above, if the Outside Boundary Condition is “Surface”, then this field’s value must
be the surface name whose inside face temperature will be forced on the outside face of the base
surface. This permits heat exchange between adjacent zones (interzone heat transfer) when multiple
zones are simulated, but can also be used to simulate middle zone behavior without modeling the
adjacent zones. This is done by specifying a surface within the zone. For example, a middle floor
zone can be modeled by making the floor the Outside Boundary Condition Object for the ceiling,
and the ceiling the Outside Boundary Condition Object for the floor.
If the Outside Boundary Condition is Zone, then this field should contain the zone name of the
adjacent zone for the surface.

Note: Zones with interzone heat transfer are not adiabatic and the internal surfaces con-
tribute to gains or losses. Adiabatic surfaces are modeled by specifying the base surface itself
in this field. Also, for interzone heat transfer, both surfaces must be represented – for example,
if you want interzone heat transfer to an attic space, the ceiling in the lower zone must have
a surface object with the outside face environment as the floor in the attic and, likewise, there
must be a floor surface object in the attic that references the ceiling surface name in the lower
zone.
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 281

Equally, if the Outside Boundary Condition is “OtherSideCoefficients”, then this field’s

value must be the SurfaceProperty:OtherSideCoefficients name. Or if the Outside Boundary
Condition is “OtherSideConditionsModel” then this field’s value must be the SurfaceProp-
erty:OtherSideConditionsModel name.

1.9.32.1.6 Field: Sun Exposure

If the surface is exposed to the sun, then “SunExposed” should be entered in this field. Other-
wise, “NoSun” should be entered.
Note, a cantilevered floor could have “Outdoors” but “NoSun” exposure.

1.9.32.1.7 Field: Wind Exposure

If the surface is exposed to the Wind, then “WindExposed” should be entered in this field.
Otherwise, “NoWind” should be entered.

Note: When a surface is specified with “NoWind”, this has several implications. Within the
heat balance code, this surface will default to using the simple ASHRAE exterior convection
coefficient correlation with a zero wind speed. In addition, since the ASHRAE simple method
does not have a separate value for equivalent long wavelength radiation to the sky and ground,
using “NoWind” also eliminates long wavelength radiant exchange from the exterior of the
surface to both the sky and the ground. Thus, only simple convection takes place at the
exterior face of a surface specified with “NoWind”.

1.9.32.1.8 Field: View Factor to Ground

The fraction of the ground plane (assumed horizontal) that is visible from a heat-transfer
surface. It is used to calculate the diffuse solar radiation from the ground that is incident on the
surface.
For example, if there are no obstructions, a vertical surface sees half of the ground plane and so
View Factor to Ground = 0.5. A horizontal downward-facing surface sees the entire ground plane,
so View Factor to Ground = 1.0. A horizontal upward-facing surface (horizontal roof) does not see
the ground at all, so View Factor to Ground = 0.0.
Unused if reflections option in Solar Distribution field in Building object input unless a Day-
lightingDevice:Shelf or DaylightingDevice:Tubular has been specified.
If you do not use the reflections option in the Solar Distribution field in your Building object
input, you are responsible for entering the View Factor to Ground for each heat-transfer surface.
Typical values for a surface that is not shadowed are obtained by the simple equation:
View Factor to Ground = (1-cos(SurfTilt))/2
For example, this gives 0.5 for a wall of tilt 90°. If the tilt of the wall changes, then the View
Factor to Ground must also change.
If you enter autocalculate in this field, EnergyPlus will automatically calculate the view factor
to ground based on the tilt of the surface.
If you do use the reflections option in the Solar Distribution field in your Building
object input, you do not have to enter View Factor to Ground values. In this case the program
will automatically calculate the value to use for each exterior surface taking into account solar
shadowing (including shadowing of the ground by the building) and reflections from obstructions
(ref: Building, Field: Solar Distribution).
282 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

However, if you do use the reflections option AND you are modeling a DaylightingDevice:Shelf
or DaylightingDevice:Tubular, then you still need to enter some values of View Factor to Ground.
For DaylightingDevice:Shelf you need to enter View Factor to Ground for the window associated
with the shelf. And for DaylightingDevice:Tubular you need to enter the View Factor to Ground
for the FenestrationSurface:Detailed corresponding to the dome of the tubular device.
Note 1: The corresponding view factor to the sky for diffuse solar radiation is not a user input;
it is calculated within EnergyPlus based on surface orientation, sky solar radiance distribution, and
shadowing surfaces.
Note 2: The view factors to the sky and ground for thermal infrared (long-wave) radiation
are not user inputs; they are calculated within EnergyPlus based on surface tilt and shadowing
surfaces. Shadowing surfaces are considered to have the same emissivity and temperature as the
ground, so they are lumped together with the ground in calculating the ground IR view factor.

1.9.32.1.9 Field: Number of Vertices

This field specifies the number of sides in the surface (number of X,Y,Z vertex groups). For
further information, see the discussion on “Surface Vertices” above.

1.9.33 RoofCeiling:Detailed
The RoofCeiling:Detailed object is used to describe walls.

1.9.33.1 Inputs
1.9.33.1.1 Field: Name
This is a unique name associated with each building surface. It is used in several other places
as a reference (e.g. as the base surface name for a Window or Door).

1.9.33.1.2 Field: Construction Name

This is the name of the construction (ref: Construction object) used in the surface. Regardless
of location in the building, the “full” construction (all layers) is used. For example, for an interior
wall separating two zones, zone x would have the outside layer (e.g. drywall) as the material that
shows in zone y and then the layers to the inside layer – the material that shows in zone x. For
symmetric constructions, the same construction can be used in the surfaces described in both zones.

1.9.33.1.3 Field: Zone Name

This is the zone name to which the surface belongs.

1.9.33.1.4 Field: Outside Boundary Condition

This value can be one of several things depending on the actual kind of surface.

1. Surface – if this surface is an internal surface, then this is the choice. The value will either be
a surface in the base zone or a surface in another zone. The heat balance between two zones
can be accurately simulated by specifying a surface in an adjacent zone. EnergyPlus will
simulate a group of zones simultaneously and will include the heat transfer between zones.
However, as this increases the complexity of the calculations, it is not necessary to specify
the other zone unless the two zones will have a significant temperature difference. If the two
zones will not be very different (temperature wise), then the surface should use itself as the
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 283

outside environment or specify this field as Adiabatic. The surface name on the “outside”
of this surface (adjacent to) is placed in the next field.

2. Adiabatic – an internal surface in the same Zone. This surface will not transfer heat out
of the zone, but will still store heat in thermal mass. Only the inside face of the surface
will exchange heat with the zone (i.e. two adiabatic surfaces are required to model internal
partitions where both sides of the surface are exchanging heat with the zone). The Outside
Boundary Condition Object can be left blank.

3. Zone – this is similar to Surface but EnergyPlus will automatically create the required surface
in the adjacent zone when this is entered for the surface. If there are windows or doors on
the surface, EnergyPlus automatically creates appropriate sub-surfaces as well.

4. Outdoors – if this surface is exposed to outside temperature conditions, then this is the
choice. See Sun Exposure and Wind Exposure below for further specifications on this kind
of surface.

5. Ground – if this surface is exposed to the ground, then this is the choice. The temperature
on the outside of this surface will be the Ground Temperature.

6. OtherSideCoefficients – if this surface has a custom, user specified temperature or

other parameters (See SurfaceProperty:OtherSideCoefficients specification), then this
is the choice. The outside boundary condition will be the name of the SurfaceProp-
erty:OtherSideCoefficients specification.

7. OtherSideConditionsModel – if this surface has a specially-modeled multi-skin

component, such as a transpired collector or vented photovoltaic panel, attached
to the outside (See SurfaceProperty:OtherSideConditionsModel specification), then
this the choice. The outside face environment will be the name of the SurfaceProp-
erty:OtherSideConditionsModelspecification.

8. GroundSlabPreprocessorAverage – uses the average results from the Slab preprocessor

calculations.

9. GroundSlabPreprocessorCore – uses the core results from the Slab preprocessor calcu-
lations.

10. GroundSlabPreprocessorPerimeter – uses the perimeter results from the Slab prepro-
cessor calculations.

11. GroundBasementPreprocessorAverageWall – uses the average wall results from the

Basement preprocessor calculations.

12. GroundBasementPreprocessorAverageFloor – uses the average floor results from the

Basement preprocessor calculations.

13. GroundBasementPreprocessorUpperWall – uses the upper wall results from the Base-
ment preprocessor calculations.

14. GroundBasementPreprocessorLowerWall – uses the lower wall results from the Base-
ment preprocessor calculations.
284 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.9.33.1.5 Field: Outside Boundary Condition Object

If neither Surface, OtherSideCoefficients, or OtherSideConditionsModel are specified for the
Outside Boundary Condition (previous field), then this field should be left blank.
As stated above, if the Outside Boundary Condition is “Surface”, then this field’s value must
be the surface name whose inside face temperature will be forced on the outside face of the base
surface. This permits heat exchange between adjacent zones (interzone heat transfer) when multiple
zones are simulated, but can also be used to simulate middle zone behavior without modeling the
adjacent zones. This is done by specifying a surface within the zone. For example, a middle floor
zone can be modeled by making the floor the Outside Boundary Condition Object for the ceiling,
and the ceiling the Outside Boundary Condition Object for the floor.
If the Outside Boundary Condition is Zone, then this field should contain the zone name of the
adjacent zone for the surface.

Note: Zones with interzone heat transfer are not adiabatic and the internal surfaces con-
tribute to gains or losses. Adiabatic surfaces are modeled by specifying the base surface itself
in this field. Also, for interzone heat transfer, both surfaces must be represented – for example,
if you want interzone heat transfer to an attic space, the ceiling in the lower zone must have
a surface object with the outside face environment as the floor in the attic and, likewise, there
must be a floor surface object in the attic that references the ceiling surface name in the lower
zone.

Equally, if the Outside Boundary Condition is “OtherSideCoefficients”, then this field’s

value must be the SurfaceProperty:OtherSideCoefficients name. Or if the Outside Boundary
Condition is “OtherSideConditionsModel” then this field’s value must be the SurfaceProp-
erty:OtherSideConditionsModel name.

1.9.33.1.6 Field: Sun Exposure

If the surface is exposed to the sun, then “SunExposed” should be entered in this field. Other-
wise, “NoSun” should be entered.
Note, a cantilevered floor could have “Outdoors” but “NoSun” exposure.

1.9.33.1.7 Field: Wind Exposure

If the surface is exposed to the Wind, then “WindExposed” should be entered in this field.
Otherwise, “NoWind” should be entered.

Note: When a surface is specified with “NoWind”, this has several implications. Within the
heat balance code, this surface will default to using the simple ASHRAE exterior convection
coefficient correlation with a zero wind speed. In addition, since the ASHRAE simple method
does not have a separate value for equivalent long wavelength radiation to the sky and ground,
using “NoWind” also eliminates long wavelength radiant exchange from the exterior of the
surface to both the sky and the ground. Thus, only simple convection takes place at the
exterior face of a surface specified with “NoWind”.

1.9.33.1.8 Field: View Factor to Ground

1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 285

The fraction of the ground plane (assumed horizontal) that is visible from a heat-transfer
surface. It is used to calculate the diffuse solar radiation from the ground that is incident on the
surface.
For example, if there are no obstructions, a vertical surface sees half of the ground plane and so
View Factor to Ground = 0.5. A horizontal downward-facing surface sees the entire ground plane,
so View Factor to Ground = 1.0. A horizontal upward-facing surface (horizontal roof) does not see
the ground at all, so View Factor to Ground = 0.0.
Unused if reflections option in Solar Distribution field in Building object input unless a Day-
lightingDevice:Shelf or DaylightingDevice:Tubular has been specified.
If you do not use the reflections option in the Solar Distribution field in your Building object
input, you are responsible for entering the View Factor to Ground for each heat-transfer surface.
Typical values for a surface that is not shadowed are obtained by the simple equation:
View Factor to Ground = (1-cos(SurfTilt))/2
For example, this gives 0.5 for a wall of tilt 90°. If the tilt of the wall changes, then the View
Factor to Ground must also change.
If you enter autocalculate in this field, EnergyPlus will automatically calculate the view factor
to ground based on the tilt of the surface.
If you do use the reflections option in the Solar Distribution field in your Building
object input, you do not have to enter View Factor to Ground values. In this case the program
will automatically calculate the value to use for each exterior surface taking into account solar
shadowing (including shadowing of the ground by the building) and reflections from obstructions
(ref: Building, Field: Solar Distribution).
However, if you do use the reflections option AND you are modeling a DaylightingDevice:Shelf
or DaylightingDevice:Tubular, then you still need to enter some values of View Factor to Ground.
For DaylightingDevice:Shelf you need to enter View Factor to Ground for the window associated
with the shelf. And for DaylightingDevice:Tubular you need to enter the View Factor to Ground
for the FenestrationSurface:Detailed corresponding to the dome of the tubular device.
Note 1: The corresponding view factor to the sky for diffuse solar radiation is not a user input;
it is calculated within EnergyPlus based on surface orientation, sky solar radiance distribution, and
shadowing surfaces.
Note 2: The view factors to the sky and ground for thermal infrared (long-wave) radiation
are not user inputs; they are calculated within EnergyPlus based on surface tilt and shadowing
surfaces. Shadowing surfaces are considered to have the same emissivity and temperature as the
ground, so they are lumped together with the ground in calculating the ground IR view factor.

1.9.33.1.9 Field: Number of Vertices

This field specifies the number of sides in the surface (number of X,Y,Z vertex groups). For
further information, see the discussion on “Surface Vertices” above.

1.9.34 Floor:Detailed
The Floor:Detailed object is used to describe walls.

1.9.34.1 Inputs
1.9.34.1.1 Field: Name
This is a unique name associated with each building surface. It is used in several other places
as a reference (e.g. as the base surface name for a Window or Door).
286 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.9.34.1.2 Field: Construction Name

This is the name of the construction (ref: Construction object) used in the surface. Regardless
of location in the building, the “full” construction (all layers) is used. For example, for an interior
wall separating two zones, zone x would have the outside layer (e.g. drywall) as the material that
shows in zone y and then the layers to the inside layer – the material that shows in zone x. For
symmetric constructions, the same construction can be used in the surfaces described in both zones.

1.9.34.1.3 Field: Zone Name

This is the zone name to which the surface belongs.

1.9.34.1.4 Field: Outside Boundary Condition

This value can be one of several things depending on the actual kind of surface.
1) Surface – if this surface is an internal surface, then this is the choice. The value will either
be a surface in the base zone or a surface in another zone. The heat balance between two zones
can be accurately simulated by specifying a surface in an adjacent zone. EnergyPlus will simulate
a group of zones simultaneously and will include the heat transfer between zones. However, as this
increases the complexity of the calculations, it is not necessary to specify the other zone unless the
two zones will have a significant temperature difference. If the two zones will not be very different
(temperature wise), then the surface should use itself as the outside environment or specify this
field as Adiabatic. The surface name on the “outside” of this surface (adjacent to) is placed in
the next field.
2) Adiabatic – an internal surface in the same Zone. This surface will not transfer heat out of
the zone, but will still store heat in thermal mass. Only the inside face of the surface will exchange
heat with the zone (i.e. two adiabatic surfaces are required to model internal partitions where both
sides of the surface are exchanging heat with the zone). The Outside Boundary Condition Object
can be left blank.
3) Zone – this is similar to Surface but EnergyPlus will automatically create the required
surface in the adjacent zone when this is entered for the surface. If there are windows or doors on
the surface, EnergyPlus automatically creates appropriate sub-surfaces as well.
4) Outdoors – if this surface is exposed to outside temperature conditions, then this is the
choice. See Sun Exposure and Wind Exposure below for further specifications on this kind of
surface.
5) Ground – if this surface is exposed to the ground, then this is the usual choice. The
temperature on the outside of this surface will be the Site:GroundTemperature:Surface value for
the month. For more information on ground contact surfaces, reference the Auxiliary Programs
document section on “Ground Heat Transfer in EnergyPlus”.
6) GroundFCfactorMethod – if this surface is exposed to the ground and using the Con-
struction:FfactorGroundFloor, then this is the choice. The temperature on the outside of this
surface will be the Site:GroundTemperature:FcfactorMethod value for the month.
7) OtherSideCoefficients – if this surface has a custom, user specified temperature or
other parameters (See SurfaceProperty:OtherSideCoefficients specification), then this is the choice.
The outside boundary condition will be the name of the SurfaceProperty:OtherSideCoefficients
specification.
8) OtherSideConditionsModel – if this surface has a specially-modeled multi-skin com-
ponent, such as a transpired collector or vented photovoltaic panel, attached to the outside (See
SurfaceProperty:OtherSideConditionsModel specification), then this the choice. The outside face
environment will be the name of the SurfaceProperty:OtherSideConditionsModelspecification.
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 287

9) GroundSlabPreprocessorAverage – uses the average results from the Slab preprocessor

calculations.
10)GroundSlabPreprocessorCore – uses the core results from the Slab preprocessor calcu-
lations.
11)GroundSlabPreprocessorPerimeter – uses the perimeter results from the Slab prepro-
cessor calculations.
12)GroundBasementPreprocessorAverageWall – uses the average wall results from the
Basement preprocessor calculations.
13)GroundBasementPreprocessorAverageFloor – uses the average floor results from the
Basement preprocessor calculations.
14)GroundBasementPreprocessorUpperWall – uses the upper wall results from the Base-
ment preprocessor calculations.
15)GroundBasementPreprocessorLowerWall – uses the lower wall results from the Base-
ment preprocessor calculations.

1.9.34.1.5 Field: Outside Boundary Condition Object

If neither Surface, OtherSideCoefficients, or OtherSideConditionsModel are specified for the
Outside Boundary Condition (previous field), then this field should be left blank.
As stated above, if the Outside Boundary Condition is “Surface”, then this field’s value must
be the surface name whose inside face temperature will be forced on the outside face of the base
surface. This permits heat exchange between adjacent zones (interzone heat transfer) when multiple
zones are simulated, but can also be used to simulate middle zone behavior without modeling the
adjacent zones. This is done by specifying a surface within the zone. For example, a middle floor
zone can be modeled by making the floor the Outside Boundary Condition Object for the ceiling,
and the ceiling the Outside Boundary Condition Object for the floor.
If the Outside Boundary Condition is Zone, then this field should contain the zone name of the
adjacent zone for the surface.

Note: Zones with interzone heat transfer are not adiabatic and the internal surfaces con-
tribute to gains or losses. Adiabatic surfaces are modeled by specifying the base surface itself
in this field. Also, for interzone heat transfer, both surfaces must be represented – for example,
if you want interzone heat transfer to an attic space, the ceiling in the lower zone must have
a surface object with the outside face environment as the floor in the attic and, likewise, there
must be a floor surface object in the attic that references the ceiling surface name in the lower
zone.

Equally, if the Outside Boundary Condition is “OtherSideCoefficients”, then this field’s

value must be the SurfaceProperty:OtherSideCoefficients name. Or if the Outside Boundary
Condition is “OtherSideConditionsModel” then this field’s value must be the SurfaceProp-
erty:OtherSideConditionsModel name.

1.9.34.1.6 Field: Sun Exposure

If the surface is exposed to the sun, then “SunExposed” should be entered in this field. Other-
wise, “NoSun” should be entered.
Note, a cantilevered floor could have “Outdoors” but “NoSun” exposure.
288 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.9.34.1.7 Field: Wind Exposure

If the surface is exposed to the Wind, then “WindExposed” should be entered in this field.
Otherwise, “NoWind” should be entered.

Note: When a surface is specified with “NoWind”, this has several implications. Within the
heat balance code, this surface will default to using the simple ASHRAE exterior convection
coefficient correlation with a zero wind speed. In addition, since the ASHRAE simple method
does not have a separate value for equivalent long wavelength radiation to the sky and ground,
using “NoWind” also eliminates long wavelength radiant exchange from the exterior of the
surface to both the sky and the ground. Thus, only simple convection takes place at the
exterior face of a surface specified with “NoWind”.

1.9.34.1.8 Field: View Factor to Ground

The fraction of the ground plane (assumed horizontal) that is visible from a heat-transfer
surface. It is used to calculate the diffuse solar radiation from the ground that is incident on the
surface.
For example, if there are no obstructions, a vertical surface sees half of the ground plane and so
View Factor to Ground = 0.5. A horizontal downward-facing surface sees the entire ground plane,
so View Factor to Ground = 1.0. A horizontal upward-facing surface (horizontal roof) does not see
the ground at all, so View Factor to Ground = 0.0.
Unused if reflections option in Solar Distribution field in Building object input unless a Day-
lightingDevice:Shelf or DaylightingDevice:Tubular has been specified.
If you do not use the reflections option in the Solar Distribution field in your Building object
input, you are responsible for entering the View Factor to Ground for each heat-transfer surface.
Typical values for a surface that is not shadowed are obtained by the simple equation:
View Factor to Ground = (1-cos(SurfTilt))/2
For example, this gives 0.5 for a wall of tilt 90°. If the tilt of the wall changes, then the View
Factor to Ground must also change.
If you enter autocalculate in this field, EnergyPlus will automatically calculate the view factor
to ground based on the tilt of the surface.
If you do use the reflections option in the Solar Distribution field in your Building
object input, you do not have to enter View Factor to Ground values. In this case the program
will automatically calculate the value to use for each exterior surface taking into account solar
shadowing (including shadowing of the ground by the building) and reflections from obstructions
(ref: Building, Field: Solar Distribution).
However, if you do use the reflections option AND you are modeling a DaylightingDevice:Shelf
or DaylightingDevice:Tubular, then you still need to enter some values of View Factor to Ground.
For DaylightingDevice:Shelf you need to enter View Factor to Ground for the window associated
with the shelf. And for DaylightingDevice:Tubular you need to enter the View Factor to Ground
for the FenestrationSurface:Detailed corresponding to the dome of the tubular device.
Note 1: The corresponding view factor to the sky for diffuse solar radiation is not a user input;
it is calculated within EnergyPlus based on surface orientation, sky solar radiance distribution, and
shadowing surfaces.
Note 2: The view factors to the sky and ground for thermal infrared (long-wave) radiation
are not user inputs; they are calculated within EnergyPlus based on surface tilt and shadowing
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 289

surfaces. Shadowing surfaces are considered to have the same emissivity and temperature as the
ground, so they are lumped together with the ground in calculating the ground IR view factor.

1.9.34.1.9 Field: Number of Vertices

This field specifies the number of sides in the surface (number of X,Y,Z vertex groups). For
further information, see the discussion on “Surface Vertices” above.
Some examples of using these objects:

Floor:Detailed ,
Floor_NorthZone_1stFloor ,!- Name
FLOOR -SLAB -ASSEMBLY , !- Construction Name
NorthZone_1stFloor , !- Zone Name
Ground , !- Outside Boundary Condition
, !- Outside Boundary Condition Object
NoSun , !- Sun Exposure
NoWind , !- Wind Exposure
0.0, !- View Factor to Ground
4, !- Number of Vertices
0, 11, 0, !- X,Y,Z 1 {m}
25, 11, 0, !- X,Y,Z 2 {m}
25, 5.5, 0, !- X,Y,Z 3 {m}
0, 5.5, 0; !- X,Y,Z 4 {m}

RoofCeiling:Detailed ,
Ceiling_SouthZone_1stFloor , !- Name
CEILING -FLOOR -ASSEMBLY , !- Construction Name
SouthZone_1stFloor , !- Zone Name
Surface , !- Outside Boundary Condition
Floor_SouthZone_2ndFloor ,!- Outside Boundary Condition Object
NoSun , !- Sun Exposure
NoWind , !- Wind Exposure
0.0, !- View Factor to Ground
4, !- Number of Vertices
0, 0, 3.4, !- X,Y,Z 1 {m}
25, 0, 3.4, !- X,Y,Z 2 {m}
25, 5.5, 3.4, !- X,Y,Z 3 {m}
0, 5.5, 3.4; !- X,Y,Z 4 {m}

Wall:Detailed ,
InteriorWall_SouthZone_1stFloor , !- Name
INTERIOR -WALL -ASSEMBLY , !- Construction Name
SouthZone_1stFloor , !- Zone Name
Surface , !- Outside Boundary Condition
InteriorWall_NorthZone_1stFloor , !- Outside Boundary Condition Object
NoSun , !- Sun Exposure
NoWind , !- Wind Exposure
0, !- View Factor to Ground
4, !- Number of Vertices
25, 5.5, 3.7, !- X,Y,Z 1 {m}
25, 5.5, 0, !- X,Y,Z 2 {m}
0, 5.5, 0, !- X,Y,Z 3 {m}
0, 5.5, 3.7; !- X,Y,Z 4 {m}

1.9.35 BuildingSurface:Detailed
The BuildingSurface:Detailed object can more generally describe each of the surfaces.

1.9.35.1 Inputs
1.9.35.1.1 Field: Name
290 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

This is a unique name associated with each building surface. It is used in several other places
as a reference (e.g. as the base surface name for a Window or Door).

1.9.35.1.2 Field: Surface Type

Used primarily for convenience, the surface type can be one of the choices illustrated above –
Wall, Floor, Ceiling, Roof. Azimuth (facing) and Tilt are determined from the vertex coordinates.
Note that “normal” floors will be tilted 180° whereas flat roofs/ceilings will be tilted 0°. EnergyPlus
uses this field’s designation, along with the calculated tilt of the surface, to issue warning messages
when tilts are “out of range”. Calculations in EnergyPlus use the actual calculated tilt values for
the actual heat balance calculations. Note, however, that a floor tilted 0° is really facing “into” the
zone and is not what you will desire for the calculations even though the coordinate may appear
correct in the viewed DXF display.
“Normal” tilt for walls is 90° – here you may use the calculated Azimuth to make sure your
walls are facing away from the zone’s interior.

1.9.35.1.3 Field: Construction Name

This is the name of the construction (ref: Construction object) used in the surface. Regardless
of location in the building, the “full” construction (all layers) is used. For example, for an interior
wall separating two zones, zone x would have the outside layer (e.g. drywall) as the material that
shows in zone y and then the layers to the inside layer – the material that shows in zone x. For
symmetric constructions, the same construction can be used in the surfaces described in both zones.

1.9.35.1.4 Field: Zone Name

This is the zone name to which the surface belongs.

1.9.35.1.5 Field: Outside Boundary Condition

This value can be one of several things depending on the actual kind of surface.
1) Surface – if this surface is an internal surface, then this is the choice. The value will either
be a surface in the base zone or a surface in another zone. The heat balance between two zones
can be accurately simulated by specifying a surface in an adjacent zone. EnergyPlus will simulate
a group of zones simultaneously and will include the heat transfer between zones. However, as this
increases the complexity of the calculations, it is not necessary to specify the other zone unless the
two zones will have a significant temperature difference. If the two zones will not be very different
(temperature wise), then the surface should use itself as the outside environment or specify this
field as Adiabatic. In either case, the surface name on the “outside” of this surface (adjacent to)
is placed in the next field.
2) Adiabatic – an internal surface in the same Zone. This surface will not transfer heat out of
the zone, but will still store heat in thermal mass. Only the inside face of the surface will exchange
heat with the zone (i.e. two adiabatic surfaces are required to model internal partitions where both
sides of the surface are exchanging heat with the zone). The Outside Boundary Condition Object
can be left blank.
3) Zone – this is similar to Surface but EnergyPlus will automatically create the required
surface in the adjacent zone when this is entered for the surface. If there are windows or doors on
the surface, EnergyPlus automatically creates appropriate sub-surfaces as well.
4) Outdoors – if this surface is exposed to outside temperature conditions, then this is the
choice. See Sun Exposure and Wind Exposure below for further specifications on this kind of
surface.
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 291

5) Ground – if this surface is exposed to the ground, then this is the usual choice. The
temperature on the outside of this surface will be the Site:GroundTemperature:Surface value for
the month. For more information on ground contact surfaces, reference the Auxiliary Programs
document section on “Ground Heat Transfer in EnergyPlus”.
6) GroundFCfactorMethod – if this surface is exposed to the ground and using the Con-
struction:CfactorUndergroundWall or Construction:FfactorGroundFloor (depending on
surface type), then this is the choice. The temperature on the outside of this surface will be the
Site:GroundTemperature:FcfactorMethod value for the month.
7) OtherSideCoefficients – if this surface has a custom, user specified temperature or
other parameters (See SurfaceProperty:OtherSideCoefficients specification), then this is the choice.
The outside boundary condition will be the name of the SurfaceProperty:OtherSideCoefficients
specification.
8) OtherSideConditionsModel – if this surface has a specially-modeled multi-skin com-
ponent, such as a transpired collector or vented photovoltaic panel, attached to the outside (See
SurfaceProperty:OtherSideConditionsModel specification), then this the choice. The outside face
environment will be the name of the SurfaceProperty:OtherSideConditionsModelspecification.
9) GroundSlabPreprocessorAverage – uses the average results from the Slab preprocessor
calculations.
10)GroundSlabPreprocessorCore – uses the core results from the Slab preprocessor calcu-
lations.
11)GroundSlabPreprocessorPerimeter – uses the perimeter results from the Slab prepro-
cessor calculations.
12)GroundBasementPreprocessorAverageWall – uses the average wall results from the
Basement preprocessor calculations.
13)GroundBasementPreprocessorAverageFloor – uses the average floor results from the
Basement preprocessor calculations.
14)GroundBasementPreprocessorUpperWall – uses the upper wall results from the Base-
ment preprocessor calculations.
15)GroundBasementPreprocessorLowerWall – uses the lower wall results from the Base-
ment preprocessor calculations.

1.9.35.1.6 Field: Outside Boundary Condition Object

If neither Surface, OtherSideCoefficients, or OtherSideConditionsModel are specified for the
Outside Boundary Condition (previous field), then this field should be left blank.
As stated above, if the Outside Boundary Condition is “Surface”, then this field’s value must
be the surface name whose inside face temperature will be forced on the outside face of the base
surface. This permits heat exchange between adjacent zones (interzone heat transfer) when multiple
zones are simulated, but can also be used to simulate middle zone behavior without modeling the
adjacent zones. This is done by specifying a surface within the zone. For example, a middle floor
zone can be modeled by making the floor the Outside Boundary Condition Object for the ceiling,
and the ceiling the Outside Boundary Condition Object for the floor.
If the Outside Boundary Condition is Zone, then this field should contain the zone name of the
adjacent zone for the surface.

Note: Zones with interzone heat transfer are not adiabatic and the internal surfaces con-
tribute to gains or losses. Adiabatic surfaces are modeled by specifying the base surface itself
292 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

in this field. Also, for interzone heat transfer, both surfaces must be represented – for example,
if you want interzone heat transfer to an attic space, the ceiling in the lower zone must have
a surface object with the outside face environment as the floor in the attic and, likewise, there
must be a floor surface object in the attic that references the ceiling surface name in the lower
zone.

Equally, if the Outside Boundary Condition is “OtherSideCoefficients”, then this field’s

value must be the SurfaceProperty:OtherSideCoefficients name. Or if the Outside Boundary
Condition is “OtherSideConditionsModel” then this field’s value must be the SurfaceProp-
erty:OtherSideConditionsModel name.

1.9.35.1.7 Field: Sun Exposure

If the surface is exposed to the sun, then “SunExposed” should be entered in this field. Other-
wise, “NoSun” should be entered.
Note, a cantilevered floor could have “Outdoors” but “NoSun” exposure.

1.9.35.1.8 Field: Wind Exposure

If the surface is exposed to the Wind, then “WindExposed” should be entered in this field.
Otherwise, “NoWind” should be entered.

Note: When a surface is specified with “NoWind”, this has several implications. Within the
heat balance code, this surface will default to using the simple ASHRAE exterior convection
coefficient correlation with a zero wind speed. In addition, since the ASHRAE simple method
does not have a separate value for equivalent long wavelength radiation to the sky and ground,
using “NoWind” also eliminates long wavelength radiant exchange from the exterior of the
surface to both the sky and the ground. Thus, only simple convection takes place at the
exterior face of a surface specified with “NoWind”.

1.9.35.1.9 Field: View Factor to Ground

The fraction of the ground plane (assumed horizontal) that is visible from a heat-transfer
surface. It is used to calculate the diffuse solar radiation from the ground that is incident on the
surface.
For example, if there are no obstructions, a vertical surface sees half of the ground plane and so
View Factor to Ground = 0.5. A horizontal downward-facing surface sees the entire ground plane,
so View Factor to Ground = 1.0. A horizontal upward-facing surface (horizontal roof) does not see
the ground at all, so View Factor to Ground = 0.0.
Unused if reflections option in Solar Distribution field in Building object input unless a Day-
lightingDevice:Shelf or DaylightingDevice:Tubular has been specified.
If you do not use the reflections option in the Solar Distribution field in your Building object
input, you are responsible for entering the View Factor to Ground for each heat-transfer surface.
Typical values for a surface that is not shadowed are obtained by the simple equation:
View Factor to Ground = (1-cos(SurfTilt))/2
For example, this gives 0.5 for a wall of tilt 90°. If the tilt of the wall changes, then the View
Factor to Ground must also change.
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 293

If you enter autocalculate in this field, EnergyPlus will automatically calculate the view factor
to ground based on the tilt of the surface.
If you do use the reflections option in the Solar Distribution field in your Building
object input, you do not have to enter View Factor to Ground values. In this case the program
will automatically calculate the value to use for each exterior surface taking into account solar
shadowing (including shadowing of the ground by the building) and reflections from obstructions
(ref: Building, Field: Solar Distribution).
However, if you do use the reflections option AND you are modeling a DaylightingDevice:Shelf
or DaylightingDevice:Tubular, then you still need to enter some values of View Factor to Ground.
For DaylightingDevice:Shelf you need to enter View Factor to Ground for the window associated
with the shelf. And for DaylightingDevice:Tubular you need to enter the View Factor to Ground
for the FenestrationSurface:Detailed corresponding to the dome of the tubular device.
Note 1: The corresponding view factor to the sky for diffuse solar radiation is not a user input;
it is calculated within EnergyPlus based on surface orientation, sky solar radiance distribution, and
shadowing surfaces.
Note 2: The view factors to the sky and ground for thermal infrared (long-wave) radiation
are not user inputs; they are calculated within EnergyPlus based on surface tilt and shadowing
surfaces. Shadowing surfaces are considered to have the same emissivity and temperature as the
ground, so they are lumped together with the ground in calculating the ground IR view factor.

1.9.35.1.10 Field: Number of Vertices

This field specifies the number of sides in the surface (number of X,Y,Z vertex groups). For
further information, see the discussion on “Surface Vertices” above.
IDF example of three walls (first is an exterior wall, second and third are interzone partitions):

BuildingSurface:Detailed ,Zn001:Wall001 , !- Base Surface Name

Wall ,EXTERIOR , !- Class and Construction Name
ZONE 1 @ 200 601 0 T, !- Zone
Outdoors ,, !- Outside Boundary Condition and Target (if applicable)
SunExposed , !- Solar Exposure
WindExposed , !- Wind Exposure
0.5000000 , !- VF to Ground
4, !-Rectangle
0.0000000E+00, 0.0000000E+00, 3.048000 ,
0.0000000E+00, 0.0000000E+00, 0.0000000E+00,
6.096000 , 0.0000000E+00, 0.0000000E+00,
6.096000 , 0.0000000E+00, 3.048000 ;

BuildingSurface:Detailed ,Zn001:Wall006 , !-Base Surface Name

Wall ,INTERIOR , !- Class and Construction Name
HEARTLAND AREA , !- Zone
Surface ,Zn004:Wall005 , !- Outside Boundary Conditions and Target (if applicable)
NoSun , !- Solar Exposure
NoWind , !- Wind Exposure
0.5000000 , !- VF to Ground
4, !-Rectangle
38.01000 , 28.25000 , 10.00000 ,
38.01000 , 28.25000 , 0.0000000E+00,
38.01000 , 18.25000 , 0.0000000E+00,
38.01000 , 18.25000 , 10.00000 ;

BuildingSurface:Detailed ,Zn001:Wall007 , !- Base Surface Name

Wall ,INTERIOR , !- Class and Construction Name
HEARTLAND AREA , !- Zone
Surface ,Zn003:Wall006 , !- Outside Boundary Conditions and Target (if applicable)
NoSun , !- Solar Exposure
NoWind , !- Wind Exposure
294 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

0.5000000 , !- VF to Ground
4, !-Rectangle
58.01000 , 18.25000 , 10.00000 ,
58.01000 , 18.25000 , 0.0000000E+00,
58.01000 , 28.25000 , 0.0000000E+00,
58.01000 , 28.25000 , 10.00000 ;

1.9.36 FenestrationSurface:Detailed
This surface class is used for subsurfaces, which can be of five different types: Windows, Doors,
GlassDoors, TubularDaylightDomes, and TubularDaylightDiffusers. A subsurface (such as a win-
dow) of a base surface (such as a wall) inherits several of the properties (such as Outside Boundary
Condition, Sun Exposure, etc.) of the base surface. Windows, GlassDoors, TubularDaylightDomes,
and TubularDaylightDiffusers are considered to have one or more glass layers and so transmit solar
radiation. Doors are considered to be opaque.

1.9.36.1 Inputs
1.9.36.1.1 Field: Name
This is a unique name associated with the heat transfer subsurface. It may be used in other
places as a reference (e.g. as the opposing subsurface of an interzone window or door).

1.9.36.1.2 Field: Surface Type

The choices for Surface Type are Window, Door, GlassDoor, TubularDaylightDome, and Tubu-
larDaylightDiffuser. Doors are assumed to be opaque (do not transmit solar radiation) whereas
the other surface types do transmit solar radiation. Windows and Glass Doors are treated iden-
tically in the calculation of conduction heat transfer, solar gain, daylighting, etc. A Window or
GlassDoor, but not a Door, can have a movable interior, exterior or between-glass shading device,
such as blinds (ref: WindowMaterial:Blind object), and can have a frame and/or a divider (ref:
WindowProperty:FrameAndDivider object). TubularDaylightDomes and TubularDaylightDomes
are specialized subsurfaces for use with the DaylightingDevice:Tubular object to simulate Tubu-
lar Daylighting Devices (TDDs). TubularDaylightDomes and TubularDaylightDomes cannot have
shades, screens or blinds. In the following, the term “window” applies to Window, GlassDoor,
TubularDaylightDome, and TubularDaylightDome, if not otherwise explicitly mentioned.
As noted in the description of the BuildingSurface:Detailed, Azimuth (facing angle) and Tilt
are calculated from the entered vertices. Tilts of subsurfaces will normally be the same as their
base surface. If these are significantly beyond the “normals” for the base surface, warning messages
may be issued. If the facing angles are not correct, you may have a window pointing “into” the zone
rather than out of it – this would cause problems in the calculations. Note, too, that a “reveal”
(inset or outset) may occur if the plane of the subsurface is not coincident with the base surface;
the reveal has an effect on shading of the subsurface.

1.9.36.1.3 Field: Construction Name

This is the name of the subsurface’s construction (ref: Construction object [for Door] and
Construction, Construction:ComplexFenestrationState, Construction:WindowDataFile objects [for
Window and GlassDoor]).
For windows, if Construction Name is not found among the constructions on the input (.idf)
file, the Window Data File (ref. Construction:WindowDataFile object) will be searched for that
Construction Name (see “Importing Windows from WINDOW”). If that file is not present or if the
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 295

Construction Name does not match the name of an entry on the file, an error will result. If there is
a match, a window construction and its corresponding glass and gas materials will be created from
the information read from the file.

1.9.36.1.4 Field: Building Surface Name

This is the name of a surface that contains this subsurface. Certain kinds of surfaces may not be
allowed to have subsurfaces. For example, a surface in contact with the ground (Outside Boundary
Condition = Ground) cannot contain a window.

1.9.36.1.5 Field: Outside Boundary Condition Object

If the base surface has Outside Boundary Condition = Surface or OtherSideCoefficients, then
this field must also be specified for the subsurface. Otherwise, it can be left blank.
If the base surface has Outside Boundary Condition = Zone, then this surface retains that
characteristic and uses the same zone of the base surface. It can be entered here for clarity or it
can be left blank.
If Outside Boundary Condition for the base surface is Surface, this field should specify the
subsurface in the opposing zone that is the counterpart to this subsurface. The constructions of
the subsurface and opposing subsurface must match, except that, for multi-layer constructions, the
layer order of the opposing subsurface’s construction must be the reverse of that of the subsurface.
If Outside Boundary Condition for the base surface is OtherSideCoefficients, this field could
specify the set of SurfaceProperty:OtherSideCoefficients for this subsurface. If this is left blank,
then the Other Side Coefficients of the base surface will be used for this subsurface. Windows and
GlassDoors are not allowed to have Other Side Coefficients.

1.9.36.1.6 Field: View Factor to Ground

The fraction of the ground plane (assumed horizontal) that is visible from a heat-transfer
surface. It is used to calculate the diffuse solar radiation from the ground that is incident on the
surface.
For example, if there are no obstructions, a vertical surface sees half of the ground plane and so
View Factor to Ground = 0.5. A horizontal downward-facing surface sees the entire ground plane,
so View Factor to Ground = 1.0. A horizontal upward-facing surface (horizontal roof) does not see
the ground at all, so View Factor to Ground = 0.0.
Unused if reflections option in Solar Distribution field in Building object input unless a Day-
lighting Device:Shelf or Daylighting Device:Tubular has been specified.
If you do not use the reflections option in the Solar Distribution field in your Building object
input, you are responsible for entering the View Factor to Ground for each heat-transfer surface.
Typical values for a surface that is not shadowed are obtained by the simple equation:
View Factor to Ground = (1-cos(SurfTilt))/2
For example, this gives 0.5 for a wall of tilt 90°. If the tilt of the wall changes, then the View
Factor to Ground must also change.
If you enter autocalculate in this field, EnergyPlus will automatically calculate the view factor
to ground based on the tilt of the surface.
If you do use the reflections option in the Solar Distribution field in your BUILDING
object input, you do not have to enter View Factor to Ground values. In this case the program
will automatically calculate the value to use for each exterior surface taking into account solar
shadowing (including shadowing of the ground by the building) and reflections from obstructions
(ref: Building, Field: Solar Distribution).
296 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

However, if you do use the reflections option AND you are modeling a DaylightingDevice:Shelf
or DaylightingDevice:Tubular, then you still need to enter some values of View Factor to Ground.
For DaylightingDevice:Shelf you need to enter View Factor to Ground for the window associated
with the shelf. And for DaylightingDevice:Tubular you need to enter the View Factor to Ground
for the FenestrationSurface:Detailed corresponding to the dome of the tubular device (ref: Day-
lightingDevice:Tubular).
Note 1: The corresponding view factor to the sky for diffuse solar radiation is not a user input;
it is calculated within EnergyPlus based on surface orientation, sky solar radiance distribution, and
shadowing surfaces.
Note 2: The view factors to the sky and ground for thermal infrared (long-wave) radiation
are not user inputs; they are calculated within EnergyPlus based on surface tilt and shadowing
surfaces. Shadowing surfaces are considered to have the same emissivity and temperature as the
ground, so they are lumped together with the ground in calculating the ground infrared view factor.

1.9.36.1.7 Field: Shading Control Name

This field, if not blank, is the name of the window shading control (ref: WindowProp-
erty:ShadingControl object) for this subsurface. It is used for Surface Type = Window and
GlassDoor. To assign a shade to a window or glass door, see WindowMaterial: Shade. To assign
a screen, see WindowMaterial:Screen. To assign a blind, see WindowMaterial:Blind. To assign
switchable glazing, such as electrochromic glazing, see WindowProperty:ShadingControl.

1.9.36.1.8 Field: Frame and Divider Name

This field, if not blank, can be used to specify window frame, divider and reveal-surface data (ref:
WindowProperty:FrameAndDivider object). It is used only for exterior GlassDoors and rectangular
exterior Windows, i.e., those with OutsideFaceEnvironment = Outdoors.
This field should be blank for triangular windows.

1.9.36.1.9 Field: Multiplier

Used only for Surface Type = Window, Door or Glass Door. It is the number of identical items
on the base surface. Using Multiplier can save input effort and calculation time. In the calculation
the area (and area of frame and divider, if present and surface type is a window) is multiplied by
Multiplier. The calculation of shadowing on the subsurfaces (and the calculation of the interior
distribution of beam solar radiation transmitted by windows and glass doors) are done for the
specified subsurface position and dimensions.
Multiplier should be used with caution. Multiplier > 1 can give inaccurate or nonsensical re-
sults in situations where the results are sensitive to window or glass door position. This includes
shadowing on the window/glass door, daylighting from the window/glass door, and interior dis-
tribution of solar radiation from the window/glass door. In these cases, the results for the single
input window/glass door, after multiplication, may not be representative of the results you would
get if you entered each of the multiple subsurfaces separately.
If Multiplier > 1, you will get
–a warning if Solar Distribution = FullExterior or FullInteriorAndExterior (ref: Building -
Field: Solar Distribution), indicating that the shadowing on the input window or the interior solar
radiation distribution from the input window may not be representative of the actual group of
windows. No warning is issued if Solar Distribution = MinimalShadowing.
–an error if the window is an exterior window/glass door in a zone that has a detailed daylighting
calculation (Daylighting:Detailed specified for the zone). Since a single window with a multiplier
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 297

can never give the same daylight illuminance as the actual set of windows, you are not allowed to
use Multiplier in this situation.

1.9.36.1.10 Field: Number of Vertices

The number of sides the surface has (number of X,Y,Z vertex groups). For further information,
see the discussion on “Surface Vertices” above. Door and GlassDoor subsurfaces are rectangular
and therefore have four vertices. Window subsurfaces can be rectangular or triangular and therefore
have four or three vertices, respectively.

1.9.36.1.11 Fields: Vertex Coordinates

This is a total of twelve fields giving the x,y,z coordinate values of the four vertices of rectangular
subsurfaces [m], or a total of nine fields giving the x,y,z coordinate values of the three vertices of
triangular windows.
For triangular windows the first vertex listed can be any of the three vertices, but the order
of the vertices should be counter-clockwise if VertexEntry is CounterClockWise and clockwise if
VertexEntry is ClockWise (ref: GlobalGeometryRules).
An IDF example of a rectangular subsurface (Window):

FenestrationSurface :Detailed ,
Zn001:Wall001:Win001 , !- SubSurface Name
Window ,SINGLE PANE HW WINDOW , !- Class and Construction Name
Zn001:Wall001 ,, !- Base Surface Name and Target (if applicable)
0.5000000 , !- VF to Ground
WINDOW -CONTROL -DRAPES , !- Window Shading Control
TestFrameAndDivider , !- Frame/Divider name
5, !- Multiplier
4, !- Rectangle (number of sides)
1.524000 , 0.1520000 , 2.743000 ,
1.524000 , 0.1520000 , 0.3050000 ,
4.572000 , 0.1520000 , 0.3050000 ,
4.572000 , 0.1520000 , 2.743000 ;

1.9.37 Window Modeling Options

The following table shows what input objects/fields to use to model different window options. It
also gives the name of an example input, if available, that demonstrates the option.

Table 1.9: Window Modeling Options

Option Object/Field or Output Vari- Input File (distributed with

able install)

Build up a window from lay- WindowMaterial:Glazing, WindowTests.idf

ers WindowMaterial:-Gas,
WindowMaterial:Shade,
WindowMaterial:Screen,
WindowMaterial:Blind, Con-
struction
Add an overhang Shading:Zone:Detailed 5ZoneAirCooled.idf
298 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Table 1.9: Window Modeling Options

Option Object/Field or Output Vari- Input File (distributed with

able install)

Add a shading device WindowMaterial:Shade, WindowTests.idf, PurchAir-

WindowMaterial:Screen WindowBlind.idf
or WindowMaterial:Blind;
WindowProperty:Shading-
Control
Control a shading device WindowProperty:Shading- PurchAirWindowBlind.idf
Control
Determine when a shading de- Print the variable “Surface PurchAirWindowBlind.idf
vice is on in a particular Shading Device Is On Time
timestep Fraction”
Control the slat angle of a WindowProperty:Shading- PurchAirWindowBlind.idf
blind Control
Add a frame WindowProperty:- PurchAirWithDaylighting.idf
FrameAndDivider
Add a divider WindowProperty:FrameAnd- PurchAirWithDaylighting.idf
Divider
Allow window to daylight a Daylighting:Controls, Day- PurchAirWithDay-
zone lighting:DELight:Controls lighting.idf, DElight-Detailed-
Comparison.idf
Find solar reflected onto Building/SolarDistribution ReflectiveAdjacent-
window from neighboring field – uses “WithReflections” Building.idf
buildings
Model switchable glazing WindowProperty:Shading- PurchAirWithDaylighting.idf
(e.g., electrochromic glass) Control
Add an interior window Define two Fenestration- PurchAirWithDoubleFacade-
Surface:Detailed’s, one for Daylighting.idf
each associated interior wall
Track how beam solar falls on Building/Solar Distribution = PurchAirWithDoubleFacade-
interior surfaces FullInteriorAndExterior Daylighting.idf
Track beam solar transmitted Building/Solar Distribution = PurchAirWithDoubleFacade-
through interior windows FullInteriorAndExterior Daylighting.idf
Add a shading device on an Not allowed
interior window
Model an airflow window WindowProperty:Airflow- AirflowWindowsAndBetween-
(aka, heat extract window) Control GlassBlinds.idf
Add a storm window glass WindowProperty:Storm- StormWindow.idf
layer Window
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 299

Table 1.9: Window Modeling Options

Option Object/Field or Output Vari- Input File (distributed with

able install)

Add natural ventilation Ventilation or Airflow- AirflowNetwork3zvent.idf

through an open window Network objects (Airflow-
Network:Multizone:Surface,
AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:-
Component:DetailedOpening,
etc.)
Add diffusing glass WindowMaterial:Glazing/-
Solar Diffusing = Yes
Add dirt on window WindowMaterial:Glazing/-
Dirt Correction Factor for
Solar and Visible Transmit-
tance
Import window (and frame/di- See “Importing Windows from
vider if present) from WIN- WINDOW program”
DOW program
Find daylighting through See “Double Facades: Day- PurchAirWithDoubleFacade-
interior windows lighting through Interior Win- Daylighting.idf
dows”
Determine when condensa- Print the variables “Surface
tion occurs Window Inside Face Glaz-
ing Condensation Status,”
“Surface Window Inside Face
Frame Condensation Status,”
“Surface Window Inside Face
Divider Condensation Status”

1.9.38 InternalMass
Any surface that would logically be described as an interior wall, floor or ceiling can just as easily
be described as Internal Mass. Internal Mass surface types only exchange energy with the zone
in which they are described; they do not see any other zones. There are two approaches to using
internal mass. The first approach is to have several pieces of internal mass with each piece having
a different construction type. The other approach is to choose an average construction type and
combine all of the interior surfaces into a single internal mass. Similar to internal surfaces with an
adiabatic boundary condtion, the zone will only exchange energy with the inside of the Internal
Mass construction. If both sides of the surface exchange energy with the zone then the user
should input twice the area when defining the Internal Mass object. Note that furniture and
other large objects within a zone can be described using internal mass. However, simplifying
calculations using internal mass must be used with caution when the “FullInteriorAndExterior”
or “FullInteriorAndExteriorWithReflections” Solar Distribution model (see Building parameters)
is chosen.
300 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.9.38.1 Inputs
Example
When zoning an office building, five west-facing offices have been combined into one zone. All
of the offices have interior walls made of the same materials. As shown in the figure below, this
zone may be described with 5 exterior walls and 11 internal walls or 1 exterior wall and 1 internal
mass. Note that fewer surfaces will speed up the EnergyPlus calculations.

Figure 1.32: Representing 11 internal walls as internal mass

Example
A five-story building has the same ceiling/floor construction separating each of the levels. Zones
that are on floors 2 through 4 may be described using a single piece of internal mass to represent both
the floor and ceiling. The construction for this internal mass would be identical to the ceiling/floor
construction that would be used to describe separate surfaces and the area of the internal mass
surface would be the total surface area of the combined ceilings/floors (i.e. twice the total floor
area).

1.9.38.1.1 Field: Name

This is a unique character string associated with the internal mass surface. Though it must be
unique from other surface names, it is used primarily for convenience with internal mass surfaces.

1.9.38.1.2 Field: Construction Name

This is the name of the construction (ref: Construction object) used in the surface.

1.9.38.1.3 Field: Zone Name

This is the name of the zone in which the internal mass is represented.
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 301

1.9.38.1.4 Field: Surface Area

This field is the surface area of the internal mass. The area that is specified must be the entire
surface area that is exposed to the zone. If both sides of a wall are completely within the same
zone, then the area of both sides must be included when describing that internal wall.
IDF examples of Internal Mass surfaces:
InternalMass ,
Zn002:IntM001 , !- Surface Name
INTERIOR , !- Construction Name
DORM ROOMS AND COMMON AREAS , !- Zone
408.7734; !- Total area exposed to Zone {m2}

InternalMass ,
Zn002:IntM002 , !- Surface Name
PARTITION02 , !- Construction Name
DORM ROOMS AND COMMON AREAS , !- Zone
371.6122; !- Total area exposed to Zone {m2}

1.9.39 Surface Output Variables/Reports

Note that Surface Outputs from specialized algorithms (such as Effective Moisture Penetration
Depth (EMPD), Combined Heat and Moisture Transport (HAMT) and Conduction Finite Dif-
ference (CondFD) are discussed under the objects that describe the specialized inputs for these
algorithms). You can access them via these links:

• Moisture Penetration Depth (EMPD) Outputs

• Conduction Finite Difference (CondFD) Outputs
• Heat and Moisture (HAMT) Outputs

Additionally, the output variables applicable to all heat transfer surfaces:

Zone ,Sum ,Surface Inside Face Heat Balance Calculation Iteration Count []
Zone ,Average ,Surface Inside Face Temperature [C]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Outside Face Temperature [C]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Inside Face Adjacent Air Temperature [C]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Inside Face Convection Heat Transfer Coefficient [W/m2 -K]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Inside Face Convection Heat Gain Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Inside Face Convection Heat Gain Rate per Area [W/m2]
Zone ,Sum ,Surface Inside Face Convection Heat Gain Energy [J]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Inside Face Net Surface Thermal Radiation Heat Gain Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Inside Face Net Surface Thermal Radiation Heat Gain Rate per Area [W/m2]
Zone ,Sum ,Surface Inside Face Net Surface Thermal Radiation Heat Gain Energy [J]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Inside Face Solar Radiation Heat Gain Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Inside Face Solar Radiation Heat Gain Rate per Area [W/m2]
Zone ,Sum ,Surface Inside Face Solar Radiation Heat Gain Energy [J]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Inside Face Lights Radiation Heat Gain Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Inside Face Lights Radiation Heat Gain Rate per Area [W/m2]
Zone ,Sum ,Surface Inside Face Lights Radiation Heat Gain Energy [J]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Inside Face Internal Gains Radiation Heat Gain Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Inside Face Internal Gains Radiation Heat Gain Rate per Area [W/m2]
Zone ,Sum ,Surface Inside Face Internal Gains Radiation Heat Gain Energy [J]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Inside Face System Radiation Heat Gain Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Inside Face System Radiation Heat Gain Rate per Area [W/m2]
Zone ,Sum ,Surface Inside Face System Radiation Heat Gain Energy [J]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Outside Face Convection Heat Transfer Coefficient [W/m2 -K]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Outside Face Convection Heat Gain Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Outside Face Convection Heat Gain Rate per Area [W/m2]
Zone ,Sum ,Surface Outside Face Convection Heat Gain Energy [J]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Outside Face Net Thermal Radiation Heat Gain Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Outside Face Net Thermal Radiation Heat Gain Rate per Area [W/m2]
Zone ,Sum ,Surface Outside Face Net Thermal Radiation Heat Gain Energy [J]
302 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Zone ,Average ,Surface Outside Face Thermal Radiation to Air Heat Transfer Coefficient [W/m2 -K]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Outside Face Thermal Radiation to Sky Heat Transfer Coefficient [W/m2 -K]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Outside Face Thermal Radiation to Ground Heat Transfer Coefficient [W/m2 -K]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Inside Face Exterior Windows Incident Beam Solar Radiation Rate [W]
Zone ,Sum ,Surface Inside Face Exterior Windows Incident Beam Solar Radiation Energy [J]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Inside Face Exterior Windows Incident Beam Solar Radiation Rate per Area[W/
m2]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Inside Face Interior Windows Incident Beam Solar Radiation Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Inside Face Interior Windows Incident Beam Solar Radiation Rate per Area[W/
m2]
Zone , Sum ,Surface Inside Face Interior Windows Incident Beam Solar Radiation Energy [J]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Inside Face Initial Transmitted Diffuse Absorbed Solar Radiation Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Inside Face Initial Transmitted Diffuse Transmitted Out Window Solar
Radiation Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Inside Face Absorbed Shortwave Radiation Rate [W]

Output variables applicable to all exterior heat transfer surfaces:

Zone ,Average ,Surface Outside Face Outdoor Air Drybulb Temperature [C]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Outside Face Outdoor Air Wetbulb Temperature [C]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Outside Face Outdoor Air Wind Speed [m/s]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Outside Face Sunlit Area [m2]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Outside Face Sunlit Fraction \protect\hyperlinksection -1
Zone ,Average ,Surface Outside Face Incident Solar Radiation Rate per Area[W/m2]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Outside Face Solar Radiation Heat Gain Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Outside Face Solar Radiation Heat Gain Rate per Area [W/m2]
Zone ,Sum ,Surface Outside Face Solar Radiation Heat Gain Energy [J]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Outside Face Incident Beam Solar Radiation Rate per Area[W/m2]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Outside Face Incident Sky Diffuse Solar Radiation Rate per Area[W/m2]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Outside Face Incident Ground Diffuse Solar Radiation Rate per Area[W/m2]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Ext Diff Sol From Bm -To -Diff Refl From Ground[W/m2]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Outside Face Incident Sky Diffuse Ground Reflected Solar Radiation Rate per
Area[W/m2]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Outside Face Incident Sky Diffuse Surface Reflected Solar Radiation Rate per
Area[W/m2]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Outside Face Incident Beam To Beam Surface Reflected Solar Radiation Rate
per Area[W/m2]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Outside Face Incident Beam To Diffuse Surface Reflected Solar Radiation Rate
per Area[W/m2]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Outside Face Beam Solar Incident Angle Cosine Value []
Zone ,Average ,Surface Anisotropic Sky Multiplier []
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window BSDF Beam Direction Number []
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window BSDF Beam Theta Angle [rad]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window BSDF Beam Phi Angle [rad]

Output variables applicable to opaque heat transfer surfaces (FLOOR, WALL, ROOF, DOOR).
Note – these are advanced variables – you must read the descriptions and understand
before use – then you must use the Diagnostics object to allow reporting.
Zone ,Average ,Surface Inside Face Solar Radiation Heat Gain Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Inside Face Solar Radiation Heat Gain Rate per Area [W/m2]
Zone ,Sum ,Surface Inside Face Solar Radiation Heat Gain Energy [J]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Inside Face Lights Radiation Heat Gain Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Inside Face Lights Radiation Heat Gain Rate per Area [W/m2]
Zone ,Sum ,Surface Inside Face Lights Radiation Heat Gain Energy [J]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Inside Face Conduction Heat Transfer Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Inside Face Conduction Heat Gain Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Inside Face Conduction Heat Loss Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Inside Face Conduction Heat Transfer Rate per Area [W/m2]
Zone ,Sum ,Surface Inside Face Conduction Heat Transfer Energy [J]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Outside Face Conduction Heat Transfer Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Outside Face Conduction Heat Gain Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Outside Face Conduction Heat Loss Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Outside Face Conduction Heat Transfer Rate per Area [W/m2]
Zone ,Sum ,Surface Outside Face Conduction Heat Transfer Energy [J]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Average Face Conduction Heat Transfer Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Average Face Conduction Heat Gain Rate [W]
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 303

Zone ,Average ,Surface Average Face Conduction Heat Loss Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Average Face Conduction Heat Transfer Rate per Area [W/m2]
Zone ,Sum ,Surface Average Face Conduction Heat Transfer Energy [J]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Heat Storage Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Heat Storage Gain Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Heat Storage Loss Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Heat Storage Rate per Area [W/m2]
Zone ,Sum ,Surface Heat Storage Energy [J]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Internal Source Location Temperature [C]
Zone ,Average ,Zone Opaque Surface Inside Face Conduction [W]
Zone ,Average ,Zone Opaque Surface Inside Faces Total Conduction Heat Gain Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Zone Opaque Surface Inside Faces Total Conduction Heat Loss Rate [W]
Zone ,Sum ,Zone Opaque Surface Inside Faces Total Conduction Heat Gain Energy [J]
Zone ,Sum ,Zone Opaque Surface Inside Faces Total Conduction Heat Loss Energy [J]
Zone ,Average ,Zone Opaque Surface Outside Face Conduction [W]
Zone ,Average ,Zone Opaque Surface Outside Face Conduction Gain[W]
Zone ,Average ,Zone Opaque Surface Outside Face Conduction Loss[W]
Zone ,Average , Surface Inside Face Beam Solar Radiation Heat Gain Rate [W]

1.9.40 Window Output Variables

Output variables applicable only to exterior windows and glass doors:
Zone ,Average ,Zone Windows Total Transmitted Solar Radiation Rate [W]
Zone ,Sum ,Zone Transmitted Solar Energy [J]
Zone ,Average ,Zone Windows Total Heat Gain Rate [W]
Zone ,Sum ,Zone Windows Total Heat Gain Energy [J]
Zone ,Average ,Zone Windows Total Heat Loss Rate [W]
Zone ,Sum ,Zone Windows Total Heat Loss Energy [J]
Zone ,Average ,Zone Exterior Windows Total Transmitted Beam Solar Radiation Rate [W]
Zone ,Sum ,Zone Exterior Windows Total Transmitted Beam Solar Radiation Energy [J]
Zone ,Average ,Zone Interior Windows Total Transmitted Beam Solar Radiation Rate [W]
Zone ,Sum ,Zone Interior Windows Total Transmitted Beam Solar Radiation Energy [J]
Zone ,Average ,Zone Exterior Windows Total Transmitted Diffuse Solar Radiation Rate [W]
Zone ,Sum ,Zone Exterior Windows Total Transmitted Diffuse Solar Radiation Energy [J]
Zone ,Average ,Zone Interior Windows Total Transmitted Diffuse Solar Radiation Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Total Glazing Layers Absorbed Solar Radiation Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Total Glazing Layers Absorbed Shortwave Radiation Rate [W]
Zone ,Sum ,Surface Window Total Glazing Layers Absorbed Solar Radiation Energy [J]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Shading Device Absorbed Solar Radiation Rate [W]
Zone ,Sum ,Surface Window Shading Device Absorbed Solar Radiation Energy [J]
Zone ,Average , Surface Window Transmitted Solar Radiation Rate [W]
Zone ,Sum ,Surface Window Transmitted Solar Radiation Energy [J]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Transmitted Beam Solar Radiation Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Transmitted Beam To Beam Solar Radiation Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Transmitted Beam To Diffuse Solar Radiation Rate [W]
Zone ,Sum ,Surface Window Transmitted Beam Solar Radiation Energy [J]
Zone ,Sum ,Surface Window Transmitted Beam To Beam Solar Radiation Energy [J]
Zone ,Sum ,Surface Window Transmitted Beam To Diffuse Solar Radiation Energy [J]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Transmitted Diffuse Solar Radiation Rate [W]
Zone ,Sum ,Surface Window Transmitted Diffuse Solar Radiation Energy [J]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window System Solar Transmittance []
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window System Solar Absorptance []
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window System Solar Reflectance []
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Gap Convective Heat Transfer Rate [W]
Zone ,Sum ,Surface Window Gap Convective Heat Transfer Energy [J]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Heat Gain Rate [W]
Zone ,Sum ,Surface Window Heat Gain Energy [J]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Heat Loss Rate [W]
Zone ,Sum ,Surface Window Heat Loss Energy [J]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Net Heat Transfer Rate [W]
Zone ,Sum ,Surface Window Net Heat Transfer Energy [J]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Glazing Beam to Beam Solar Transmittance []
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Glazing Beam to Diffuse Solar Transmittance []
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Glazing Diffuse to Diffuse Solar Transmittance []
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Model Solver Iteration Count []
304 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Solar Horizontal Profile Angle[deg]

Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Solar Vertical Profile Angle[deg]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Outside Reveal Reflected Beam Solar Radiation Rate [W]
Zone ,Sum ,Surface Window Outside Reveal Reflected Beam Solar Radiation Energy
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Inside Reveal Reflected Beam Solar Radiation Rate [W]
Zone ,Sum ,Surface Window Inside Reveal Reflected Beam Solar Radiation Energy [J]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Inside Reveal Absorbed Beam Solar Radiation Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Inside Face Glazing Condensation Status []
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Inside Face Frame Condensation Status []
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Inside Face Divider Condensation Status []
Zone ,Average ,Surface Shading Device Is On Time Fraction []
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Blind Slat Angle [deg]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Blind Beam to Beam Solar Transmittance []
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Blind Beam to Diffuse Solar Transmittance []
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Blind Diffuse to Diffuse Solar Transmittance []
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Blind and Glazing System Beam Solar Transmittance []
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Blind and Glazing System Diffuse Solar Transmittance []
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Screen Beam to Beam Solar Transmittance []
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Screen Beam to Diffuse Solar Transmittance []
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Screen Diffuse to Diffuse Solar Transmittance []
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Screen and Glazing System Beam Solar Transmittance []
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Screen and Glazing System Diffuse Solar Transmittance []
Zone ,State ,Surface Storm Window On Off Status []
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Inside Face Frame and Divider Zone Heat Gain Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Frame Heat Gain Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Frame Heat Loss Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Divider Heat Gain Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Divider Heat Loss Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Frame Inside Temperature [C]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Frame Outside Temperature [C]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Divider Inside Temperature [C]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Divider Outside Temperature [C]

If the user requests to display advanced report/output variables (e.g. see Output:Diagnostics
keyword DisplayAdvancedReportVariables) the the following additional output variables are avail-
able for exterior windows and glass doors
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Inside Face Glazing Zone Convection Heat Gain Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Inside Face Glazing Net Infrared Heat Transfer Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Shortwave from Zone Back Out Window Heat Transfer Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Inside Face Frame and Divider Zone Heat Gain Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Inside Face Gap between Shade and Glazing Zone Convection Heat Gain
Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Inside Face Shade Zone Convection Heat Gain Rate [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Inside Face Shade Net Infrared Heat Transfer Rate [W]

Output variables applicable only to interior windows and glass doors:

Zone ,Average , Surface Window Transmitted Beam Solar Radiation Rate [W]
Zone ,Sum ,Surface Window Transmitted Beam Solar Radiation Energy [J]

If the user requests to display advanced report/output variables (e.g. see Output:Diagnostics
keyword DisplayAdvancedReportVariables) the the following additional output variable is available
for Equivalent Layer Window;
Zone ,Average , Surface Window Inside Face Other Convection Heat Gain Rate [W]

Output variables applicable to interior and exterior windows and doors are:
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Total Absorbed Shortwave Radiation Rate Layer <x> [W]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Front Face Temperature Layer <x> [C]
Zone ,Average ,Surface Window Back Face Temperature Layer <x> [C]
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 305

1.9.40.1 Surface Window Total Absorbed Shortwave Radiation Rate Layer <x>
[W]
This will output shortwave radiation absorbed in a window layer. The key values for this output
variable are the surface name. Layers are numbered from the outside to the inside of the surface.
The full listing will appear in the RDD file.

1.9.40.2 Surface Window Front Face Temperature Layer <x> [C]

This will output a temperature for the front face of the layer. The layer front face is considered to
be the face closest to the outside environment. The full listing will appear in the RDD file.

1.9.40.3 Surface Window Back Face Temperature Layer <x> [C]

This will output a temperature for the back face of the layer. The layer back face is considered to
be the face closest to the inside environment. The full listing will appear in the RDD file.

1.9.41 Surface Output Variables (all heat transfer surfaces)

The various output variables related to surface heat transfer are organized around the inside and
outside face of each surface. The zone heat balance model draws energy balances at each side, or
face, of a surface and so each surface essentially has two sets of results. The inside face is the side
of a heat transfer surface that faces toward the thermal zone. The outside face is the side of a heat
transfer surface that faces away from the thermal zone, typically facing outdoors. The Key Value
for these is generally the user-defined name of the surface.

1.9.41.1 Surface Inside Face Heat Balance Calculation Iteration Count []

This output is the number of iterations used in a part of the solution for surface heat transfer that
accounts for thermal radiation heat transfer between zone surfaces. This is simply a counter on the
iteration loop for inside face surface modeling. There is only one instance of this output in a given
run and the Key Value is “Simulation.”

1.9.41.2 Surface Inside Face Temperature [C]

This is the temperature of the surface’s inside face, in degrees Celsius. Former Name: Prior to
version 7.1 this output was called Surface Inside Temperature.

1.9.41.3 Surface Outside Face Temperature [C]

This is the temperature of the surface’s outside face, in degrees Celsius. Former Name: Prior to
version 7.1, this output was called Surface Outside Temperature.

1.9.41.4 Surface Inside Face Adjacent Air Temperature [C]

This is the effective bulk air temperature used for modeling the inside surface convection heat
transfer. This is the same as the zone mean air temperature when using the mixing model for
roomair. However, if more advanced roomair models are used, this variable will report the air
temperature predicted by the roomair model as it was used in the surface heat balance model
306 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

calculations. Former Name: Prior to version 7.1, this output was called Surface Int Adjacent Air
Temperature.

1.9.41.5 Surface Inside Face Convection Heat Gain Rate [W]

1.9.41.6 Surface Inside Face Convection Heat Gain Rate per Area [W/m2]
1.9.41.7 Surface Inside Face Convection Heat Gain Energy [J]
These “inside face convection heat gain” output variables describe the heat transferred by convection
between the inside face and the zone air. The values can be positive or negative with positive
indicating heat is being added to the surface’s face by convection. Different versions of the report
are available including the basic heat gain rate (W), and a per unit area flux (W/m2), and an
energy version (J).
Former Name: Prior to version 7.1, these outputs were called “Surface Int Convection Heat *”
and had used the opposite sign convention.

1.9.41.8 Surface Inside Face Convection Heat Transfer Coefficient [W/m2-K]

This is the coefficient that describes the convection heat transfer. It is the value of “Hc” in the
classic convection model Q = Hc* A* (T – T). This is the result of the surface convection algorithm
used for the inside face. Former Name: Prior to version 7.1, this output was called “Surface Int
Convection Coeff.”

1.9.41.9 Surface Inside Face Net Surface Thermal Radiation Heat Gain Rate
[W]
1.9.41.10 Surface Inside Face Net Surface Thermal Radiation Heat Gain Rate
per Area [W/m2]
1.9.41.11 Surface Inside Face Net Surface Thermal Radiation Heat Gain Energy
[J]
These “inside face net surface thermal radiation heat gain” output variables describe the heat
transferred by longwave infrared thermal radiation exchanges between the inside faces of other
surfaces in the zone. The values can be positive or negative with positive indicating heat is being
added to the surface’s face by thermal radiation. Different versions of the report are available
including the basic heat gain rate (W), and a per unit area flux (W/m2), and an energy version
(J).

1.9.41.12 Surface Inside Face Solar Radiation Heat Gain Rate [W]
1.9.41.13 Surface Inside Face Solar Radiation Heat Gain Rate per Area [W/m2]
1.9.41.14 Surface Inside Face Solar Radiation Heat Gain Energy [J]
These “inside face solar radiation heat gain” output variables describe the heat transferred by solar
radiation onto the inside face. The values are always positive and indicate heat is being added to
the surface’s face by solar radiation. This is sunlight that has entered the zone through a window
and been absorbed on the inside face of the surface. Different versions of the report are available
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 307

including the basic heat gain rate (W), and a per unit area flux (W/m2), and an energy version
(J).

1.9.41.15 Surface Inside Face Lights Radiation Heat Gain Rate [W]
1.9.41.16 Surface Inside Face Lights Radiation Heat Gain Rate per Area
[W/m2]
1.9.41.17 Surface Inside Face Lights Radiation Heat Gain Energy [J]
These “inside face lights radiation heat gain” output variables describe the heat transferred by
shortwave radiation onto the inside face. The values are always positive and indicate heat is being
added to the surface’s face by shortwave radiation that emanated from electric lighting equipment
and was absorbed by the surface. Different versions of the report are available including the basic
heat gain rate (W), and a per unit area flux (W/m2), and an energy version (J).

1.9.41.18 Surface Inside Face Internal Gains Radiation Heat Gain Rate [W]
1.9.41.19 Surface Inside Face Internal Gains Radiation Heat Gain Rate per
Area [W/m2]
1.9.41.20 Surface Inside Face Internal Gains Radiation Heat Gain Energy [J]
These “inside face internal gains radiation heat gain” output variables describe the heat transferred
by longwave infrared thermal radiation onto the inside face that emanated from internal gains such
as lights, electric equipment, and people. The values are always positive and indicate heat is being
added to the surface’s face by the absorption of longwave thermal radiation. Different versions of
the report are available including the basic heat gain rate (W), and a per unit area flux (W/m2),
and an energy version (J).

1.9.41.21 Surface Inside Face System Radiation Heat Gain Rate [W]
1.9.41.22 Surface Inside Face System Radiation Heat Gain Rate per Area
[W/m2]
1.9.41.23 Surface Inside Face System Radiation Heat Gain Energy [J]
These “inside face system radiation heat gain” output variables describe the heat transferred by
infrared thermal radiation onto the inside face that emanated from HVAC equipment such as
baseboard heaters or high-temperature radiant heating panels. The values are always positive and
indicate heat is being added to the surface’s face by the absorption of thermal radiation. Different
versions of the report are available including the basic heat gain rate (W), and a per unit area flux
(W/m2), and an energy version (J).

1.9.41.24 Surface Outside Face Convection Heat Gain Rate [W]

1.9.41.25 Surface Outside Face Convection Heat Gain Rate per Area [W/m2]
1.9.41.26 Surface Outside Face Convection Heat Gain Energy [J]
These “outside face convection” output variables describe heat transferred by convection between
the outside face and the surrounding air. The values can be positive or negative with positive
308 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

values indicating heat is added to the surface face by convection heat transfer. Different versions of
the report are available including the basic heat gain rate (W), and a per unit area flux (W/m2 ),
and an energy version (J).
Former Name: Prior to version 7.1, these outputs were called “Surface Ext Convection Heat *”
and used the opposite sign convention.

1.9.41.27 Surface Outside Face Convection Heat Transfer Coefficient [W/m2-K]

This is the coefficient that describes the convection heat transfer. It is the value of “Hc” in the
classic convection model Q = Hc* A* (T – T). This is the result of the surface convection algorithm
used for the outside face. Former Name: Prior to Version 7.1, this output was called “Surface Ext
Convection Coeff.”

1.9.41.28 Surface Outside Face Net Thermal Radiation Heat Gain Rate [W]

1.9.41.29 Surface Outside Face Net Thermal Radiation Heat Gain Rate per
Area [W/m2]

1.9.41.30 Surface Outside Face Net Thermal Radiation Heat Gain Energy [J]

These “outside face net thermal radiation” output variables describe the heat transferred by long-
wave infrared thermal radiation exchanges between the surface and the surroundings of the outside
face. This is the net of all forms of longwave thermal infrared radiation heat transfer. The values
can be positive or negative with positive indicating the net addition of heat to the outside face.
Different versions of the report are available including the basic heat gain rate (W), and a per unit
area flux (W/m2), and an energy version (J).
Former Name: Prior to version 7.1, these outputs were called “Surface Ext Thermal Radiation
Heat *” and used the opposite sign convention.

1.9.41.31 Surface Inside Face Exterior Windows Incident Beam Solar Radiation
Rate [W]

1.9.41.32 Surface Inside Face Exterior Windows Incident Beam Solar Radiation
Rate per Area [W/m2]

1.9.41.33 Surface Inside Face Exterior Windows Incident Beam Solar Radiation
Energy [J]

Beam solar radiation from the exterior windows in a zone incident on the inside face of a surface
in the zone. If Solar Distribution in the BUILDING object is equal to MinimalShadowing or
FullExterior, it is assumed that all beam solar from exterior windows falls on the floor. In this case
the value of this output variable can be greater than zero only for floor surfaces. If Solar Distribution
equals FullInteriorExterior the program tracks where beam solar from exterior windows falls inside
the zone, in which case the value of this variable can be greater than zero for floor as well as wall
surfaces. Different versions of the report are available including the basic incident rate (W), a per
unit area flux (W/m2), and an energy version (J).
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 309

1.9.41.34 Surface Inside Face Interior Windows Incident Beam Solar Radiation
Rate [W]
1.9.41.35 Surface Inside Face Interior Windows Incident Beam Solar Radiation
Rate per Area [W/m2]
1.9.41.36 Surface Inside Face Interior Windows Incident Beam Solar Radiation
Energy [J]
Beam solar radiation from the interior (i.e., interzone) windows in a zone incident on the inside face
of a surface in the zone. This value is calculated only if Solar Distribution in the BUILDING object
is equal to FullInteriorExterior. However, the program does not track where this radiation falls.
Instead, it is treated by the program as though it were diffuse radiation uniformly distributed over
all of the zone surfaces. See Figure 1.33. Different versions of the report are available including
the basic incident rate (W), a per unit area flux (W/m2), and an energy version (J).

Figure 1.33: Beam solar radiation entering a zone through an interior window is distributed
inside the zone as though it were diffuse radiation.

1.9.41.37 Surface Inside Face Initial Transmitted Diffuse Absorbed Solar Radi-
ation Rate [W]
As of Version 2.1, diffuse solar transmitted through exterior and interior windows is no longer
uniformly distributed. Instead, it is distributed according to the approximate view factors between
the transmitting window and all other heat transfer surfaces in the zone. This variable is the
amount of transmitted diffuse solar that is initially absorbed on the inside of each heat transfer
surface. The portion of this diffuse solar that is reflected by all surfaces in the zone is subsequently
redistributed uniformly to all heat transfer surfaces in the zone, along with interior reflected beam
solar and shortwave radiation from lights. The total absorbed shortwave radiation is given by the
next variable.

1.9.41.38 Surface Inside Face Absorbed Shortwave Radiation Rate [W]

As of Version 2.1, the previous variable plus absorbed shortwave radiation from uniformly dis-
tributed initially-reflected diffuse solar, reflected beam solar, and shortwave radiation from lights.
This sum is the power of all sources of solar and visible radiation absorbed by the surface at the
inside face.
310 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.9.42 Surface Output Variables (exterior heat transfer surfaces)

1.9.42.1 Surface Outside Face Outdoor Air Drybulb Temperature [C]
The outdoor air dry-bulb temperature calculated at the height above ground of the surface centroid.
Former Name: Prior to version 7.1, this output was called “Surface Ext Outdoor Dry Bulb.”

1.9.42.2 Surface Outside Face Outdoor Air Wetbulb Temperature [C]

The outdoor air wet-bulb temperature calculated at the height above ground of the surface centroid.
Former Name: Prior to version 7.1, this output was called “Surface Ext Outdoor Wet Bulb.”

1.9.42.3 Surface Outside Face Outdoor Air Wind Speed [m/s]

The outdoor wind speed calculated at the height above ground of the surface centroid. Former
Name: Prior to version 7.1, this output was called “Surface Ext Wind Speed.”

1.9.42.4 Surface Outside Face Sunlit Area [m2]

The outside area of an exterior surface that is illuminated by (unreflected) beam solar radiation.

1.9.42.5 Surface Outside Face Sunlit Fraction []

The fraction of the outside area of an exterior surface that is illuminated by (unreflected) beam
solar radiation. Equals Surface Outside Face Sunlit Area divided by total surface area.

1.9.42.6 Surface Outside Face Thermal Radiation to Air Heat Transfer Coeffi-
cient [W/m2-K]
This is the coefficient that describes thermal radiation heat transfer between the outside face and
the air mass surrounding the surface. It is the value of “Hr” in the classic linearized model for
thermal radiation Q = Hr * A * (T_surf – T_surfodb) when applied to the ambient air. Where
T_surf = Surface Outside Face Temperature, and T_surfodb = Surface Outside Face Outdoor Air
Drybulb Temperature. Former Name: Prior to version 7.1, this output was called “Surface Ext
Rad to Air Coeff.”

1.9.42.7 Surface Outside Face Thermal Radiation to Sky Heat Transfer Coeffi-
cient [W/m2-K]
This is the coefficient that describes thermal radiation heat transfer between the outside face and
the sky surrounding the surface. It is the value of “Hr” in the classic linearized model for thermal
radiation Q = Hr * A * (T_surf – T_sky) when applied to the sky. Where T_surf = Surface
Outside Face Temperature, and T_sky = Site Sky Temperature. Former Name: Prior to version
7.1, this output was called “Surface Ext Rad to Sky Coeff.”

1.9.42.8 Surface Outside Face Thermal Radiation to Ground Heat Transfer Co-
efficient [W/m2-K]
This is the coefficient that describes thermal radiation heat transfer between the outside face and
the ground surrounding the surface. It is the value of “Hr” in the classic linearized model for
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 311

thermal radiation Q = Hr * A * (T_surf – T_odb) when applied to the ground. Where T_surf =
Surface Outside Face Temperature, and T_odb = Site Outdoor Air Drybulb Temperature (used
as an approximation for the ground surface temperature). Former Name: Prior to version 7.1, this
output was called “Surface Ext Rad to Ground Coeff.”

1.9.42.9 Surface Outside Face Solar Radiation Heat Gain Rate [W]
1.9.42.10 Surface Outside Face Solar Radiation Heat Gain Rate per Area
[W/m2]
1.9.42.11 Surface Outside Face Solar Radiation Heat Gain Energy [J]
These “outside face solar radiation” output variables describe the heat transferred by the absorption
of solar radiation at the outside face. This is the result of incident solar radiation being absorbed
at the surface face. The values are always positive.

1.9.42.12 Surface Outside Face Incident Solar Radiation Rate per Area [W/m2]
The total solar radiation incident on the outside of an exterior surface. It is the sum of:

• Surface Outside Face Incident Beam Solar Radiation Rate per Area

• Surface Outside Face Incident Sky Diffuse Solar Radiation Rate per Area

• Surface Outside Face Incident Ground Diffuse Solar Radiation Rate per Area

• Surface Outside Face Incident Sky Diffuse Surface Reflected Solar Radiation Rate per Area

• Surface Outside Face Incident Beam To Beam Surface Reflected Solar Radiation Rate per
Area

• Surface Outside Face Incident Sky Diffuse Surface Reflected Solar Radiation Rate per Area

1.9.42.13 Surface Outside Face Incident Beam Solar Radiation Rate per Area
[W/m2]
The solar beam radiation incident on the outside of an exterior surface, including the effects of
shadowing, if present. The beam here is that directly from the sun; it excludes beam specularly
reflected from obstructions.

1.9.42.14 Surface Outside Face Incident Sky Diffuse Solar Radiation Rate per
Area [W/m2]
The solar diffuse radiation from the sky incident on the outside of an exterior surface, including
the effects of shadowing, if present.

1.9.42.15 Surface Outside Face Incident Ground Diffuse Solar Radiation Rate
per Area [W/m2]
The solar diffuse radiation incident on the outside of an exterior surface that arises from reflection
of beam solar and sky diffuse solar from the ground. This is the sum of the next two output
variables, “Surface Outside Face Incident Beam To Diffuse Ground Reflected Solar Radiation Rate
312 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

per Area” and “Surface Outside Face Incident Sky Diffuse Ground Reflected Solar Radiation Rate
per Area.” The reflected solar radiation from the ground is assumed to be diffuse and isotropic
(there is no specular component).
If “Reflections” option is not chosen in the Solar Distribution Field in the BUILDING object,
the effects of shadowing are accounted for by the user-specified value of View Factor to Ground
for the surface. If “Reflections” option is chosen, the program determines the effects of shadowing,
including time-varying shadowing of the ground plane by the building itself.

1.9.42.16 Surface Outside Face Incident Beam To Diffuse Ground Reflected

Solar Radiation Rate per Area [W/m2]
The solar diffuse radiation incident on the outside of an exterior surface that arises from beam-
to-diffuse reflection from the ground. It is assumed that there is no beam-to-beam (specular)
component. The beam here is that directly from the sun; it excludes beam specularly reflected
from obstructions.

1.9.42.17 Surface Outside Face Incident Sky Diffuse Ground Reflected Solar
Radiation Rate per Area [W/m2]
The solar diffuse radiation incident on the outside of an exterior surface that arises from sky diffuse
solar reflection from the ground. The sky diffuse here is that directly from the sky; it excludes
reflection of sky diffuse from obstructions.

1.9.42.18 Surface Outside Face Incident Sky Diffuse Surface Reflected Solar
Radiation Rate per Area [W/m2]
The solar diffuse radiation incident on the outside of an exterior surface that arises from sky diffuse
reflection from one or more obstructions. This value will be non-zero only if “Reflections” option
is chosen in the BUILDING object.

1.9.42.19 Surface Outside Face Incident Beam To Beam Surface Reflected Solar
Radiation Rate per Area [W/m2]
The solar beam radiation incident on the outside of an exterior surface that arises from beam-
to-beam (specular) reflection from one or more obstructions. This value will be non-zero only if
“Reflections” option is chosen in the BUILDING object. For windows, the program treats this
beam radiation as diffuse radiation in calculating its transmission and absorption.

1.9.42.20 Surface Outside Face Incident Beam To Diffuse Surface Reflected So-
lar Radiation Rate per Area [W/m2]
The solar diffuse radiation incident on the outside of an exterior surface that arises from beam-
to-diffuse reflection from building shades or building surfaces. This value will be non-zero only if
“Reflections” option is chosen in the BUILDING object.

1.9.42.21 Surface Outside Face Beam Solar Incident Angle Cosine Value []
The cosine of the angle of incidence of (unreflected) beam solar radiation on the outside of an
exterior surface. The value varies from 0.0 for beam parallel to the surface (incidence angle = 90O )
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 313

to 1.0 for beam perpendicular to the surface (incidence angle = 0O ). Negative values indicate the
sun is behind the surface, i.e the surface does not see the sun.

1.9.42.22 Surface Anisotropic Sky Multiplier []

This is the view factor multiplier for diffuse sky irradiance on exterior surfaces taking into account
the anisotropic radiance of the sky. The diffuse sky irradiance on a surface is given by Anisotropic
Sky Multiplier * Diffuse Solar Irradiance.

1.9.42.23 Surface Window BSDF Beam Direction Number []

1.9.42.24 Surface Window BSDF Beam Phi Angle [rad]

1.9.42.25 Surface Window BSDF Beam Theta Angle [rad]

1.9.43 Opaque Surface Output Variables

The following variables apply only to opaque surfaces, where an opaque surface is considered here
to be an exterior or interzone heat transfer surface of class FLOOR, WALL, ROOF or DOOR.
Note – these are advanced variables – you must read the descriptions and understand
before use – then you must use the Output:Diagnostics object to allow reporting.

1.9.43.1 Surface Inside Face Conduction Heat Transfer Rate [W]

1.9.43.2 Surface Inside Face Conduction Heat Transfer Rate per Area [W/m2]

1.9.43.3 Surface Inside Face Conduction Heat Gain Rate [W]

1.9.43.4 Surface Inside Face Conduction Heat Loss Rate [W]

These “inside face conduction” output variables describe heat flow by conduction right at the inside
face of an opaque heat transfer surface. A positive value means that the conduction is from just
inside the inside face toward the inside face. A negative value means that the conduction is from
the inside face into the core of the heat transfer surface.
Note that Inside Face Conduction, when positive, does not indicate the heat flow from the
surface to the zone air, which is governed by the inside face convection coefficient and the difference
in temperature between the inside face and the zone air.
Different versions of the reports are available. The basic heat gain rate (W) and a per unit area
flux (W/m2 ) can have positive or negative values with the sign convention that positive indicates
heat flowing toward the face itself. There are also directed “gain” and “loss” versions that have
only positive values or zero when the heat flow direction opposes.
Former Name: Prior to version 7.1, these outputs were called “Opaque Surface Inside Face
Conduction *.”
Former Name: For Conduction Finite Difference simulations (CondFD), CondFD Inside Surface
Heat Flux is replaced with Surface Inside Face Conduction Heat Transfer Rate Per Area. Likewise
for CondFD Inside Heat Flux to Surface.
314 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.9.43.5 Surface Outside Face Conduction Heat Transfer Rate [W]

1.9.43.6 Surface Outside Face Conduction Heat Transfer Rate per Area [W/m2]

1.9.43.7 Surface Outside Face Conduction Heat Gain Rate [W]

1.9.43.8 Surface Outside Face Conduction Heat Loss Rate [W]

These “outside face conduction” output variables describe heat flow by conduction right at the
outside face of an opaque heat transfer surface. A positive value means that the conduction is from
just inside the outside face toward the outside face. A negative value means that the conduction is
from the outside face into the core of the heat transfer surface.
Note that outside face conduction, when positive, does not indicate the heat flow from the
surface to the surrounding air, which is governed by the outside face convection coefficient and the
difference in temperature between the inside face and the surrounding air.
Different versions of the reports are available. The basic heat transfer rate (W) and a per
unit area flux (W/m2 ) can have positive or negative values with the sign convention that positive
indicates heat flowing toward the face itself. There are also directed “gain” and “loss” versions that
have only positive values or zero when the heat flow direction opposes.
Former Name: For Conduction Finite Difference simulations (CondFD), CondFD Outside Sur-
face Heat Flux is replaced with Surface Outside Face Conduction Heat Transfer Rate Per Area.
Likewise for CondFD Outside Heat Flux to Surface.

1.9.43.9 Surface Average Face Conduction Heat Transfer Rate [W]

1.9.43.10 Surface Average Face Conduction Heat Transfer Rate per Area
[W/m2]

1.9.43.11 Surface Average Face Conduction Heat Gain Rate [W]

1.9.43.12 Surface Average Face Conduction Heat Loss Rate [W]

1.9.43.13 Surface Average Face Conduction Heat Transfer Energy [J]

These “average face conduction” output variables combine the inside face conduction and outside
face conduction reports together to describe the conduction situation in a heat transfer surface in
a nominal way. This is simply the average of the inside and outside face conduction rates, but with
the sign convention for the outside face switched to match the inside face so that positive values
here indicate heat flowing into the thermal zone.
Different versions of the reports are available. The basic heat conduction rate (W) and a per
unit area flux (W/m2 ) can have positive or negative values with the sign convention that positive
indicates heat flowing toward the thermal zone. There are also directed “gain” and “loss” versions
that have only positive values or zero when the heat flow direction opposes (W). Finally there is a
version for total energy transfer (J).
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 315

1.9.43.14 Surface Heat Storage Rate [W]

1.9.43.15 Surface Heat Storage Rate per Area [W/m2]

1.9.43.16 Surface Heat Storage Gain Rate [W]

1.9.43.17 Surface Heat Storage Loss Rate [W]

1.9.43.18 Surface Heat Storage Energy [J]

These “heat storage” output variables combine the inside face conduction and outside face con-
duction reports together to describe the thermal storage situation in a heat transfer surface in a
nominal way. This is simply the difference between the inside and outside face conduction, but
with the sign convention arranged so that positive values indicate heat being added to the core of
the surface.
Different versions of the reports are available. The basic heat storage rate (W) and a per
unit area flux (W/m2 ) can have positive or negative values with the sign convention that positive
indicates heat being added to the surface’s mass. There are also directed “gain” and “loss” versions
that have only positive values or zero when the heat storage direction opposes (W). Finally there
is a version for total energy stored (J).

1.9.43.19 Surface Internal Source Location Temperature [C]

When a surface has an internal source or sink (defined using Construction:InternalSource) then
this output is available for the temperature within the surface at the location of the source/sink.

1.9.43.20 Zone Opaque Surface Inside Face Conduction [W]

The sum of the Opaque Surface Inside Face Conduction values for all opaque surfaces in a zone for
both positive and negative sums. For example, assume a zone has six opaque surfaces with Opaque
Surface Inside Face Conduction values of 100, -200, 400, 50, 150 and –300 W. Then Zone Opaque
Surface Inside Face Conduction = 700 - 500 = 200 W. Or if a zone has six opaque surfaces with
Opaque Surface Inside Face Conduction values of -100, -200, 400, -50, 150 and –300W. Then Zone
Opaque Surface Inside Face Conduction = 550 – 650 = -100 W.

1.9.43.21 Zone Opaque Surface Inside Faces Total Conduction Heat Gain Rate
[W]

1.9.43.22 Zone Opaque Surface Inside Faces Total Conduction Heat Gain En-
ergy [J]

These are the power and energy sums for the Opaque Surface Inside Face Conduction values for all
opaque surfaces in a zone when that sum is positive. For example, assume a zone has six opaque
surfaces with Opaque Surface Inside Face Conduction values of 100, -200, 400, 50, 150 and –300
W. Then Zone Opaque Surface Inside Faces Total Conduction Heat Gain Rate = 700 - 500 = 200
W.
316 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.9.43.23 Zone Opaque Surface Inside Faces Total Conduction Heat Loss Rate
[W]
1.9.43.24 Zone Opaque Surface Inside Faces Total Conduction Heat Loss Energy
[J]
These are the power and energy absolute value for the sums of the Opaque Surface Inside Face
Conduction values for all opaque surfaces in a zone when that sum is negative. For example, assume
a zone has six opaque surfaces with Opaque Surface Inside Face Conduction values of -100, -200,
400, -50, 150 and –300W. Then Zone Opaque Surface Inside Faces Total Conduction Heat Loss
Rate = |550 – 650| = |-100| = 100 W.

1.9.43.25 Zone Opaque Surface Outside Face Conduction [W]

The sum of the Opaque Surface Outside Face Conduction values for all opaque surfaces in a zone
for both positive and negative sums. For example, assume a zone has six opaque surfaces with
Opaque Surface Outside Face Conduction values of 100, -200, 400, 50, 150 and –300 W. Then Zone
Opaque Surface Outside Face Conduction = 700 - 500 = 200 W. Or if a zone has six opaque surfaces
with Opaque Surface Outside Face Conduction values of -100, -200, 400, -50, 150 and –300W. Then
Zone Opaque Surface Outside Face Conduction = 550 – 650 = -100 W.

1.9.43.26 Zone Opaque Surface Outside Face Conduction Gain [W]

1.9.43.27 Zone Opaque Surface Outside Face Conduction Gain Energy [J]
These are the power and energy sums for the Opaque Surface Outside Face Conduction values for
all opaque surfaces in a zone when that sum is positive. For example, assume a zone has six opaque
surfaces with Opaque Surface Outside Face Conduction values of 100, -200, 400, 50, 150 and –300
W. Then Zone Opaque Surface Outside Face Conduction Gain = 700 - 500 = 200 W.

1.9.43.28 Zone Opaque Surface Outside Face Conduction Loss [W]

1.9.43.29 Zone Opaque Surface Outside Face Conduction Loss Energy [J]
These are the power and energy absolute value for the sums of the Opaque Surface Outside Face
Conduction values for all opaque surfaces in a zone when that sum is negative. For example, assume
a zone has six opaque surfaces with Opaque Surface Outside Face Conduction values of -100, -200,
400, -50, 150 and -300W. Then Zone Opaque Surface Outside Face Conduction Loss = |550 – 650|
= |-100| = 100 W.

1.9.43.30 Surface Inside Face Beam Solar Radiation Heat Gain Rate [W]
Beam solar radiation from exterior windows absorbed on the inside face of an opaque heat transfer
surface. For Solar Distribution = FullInteriorAndExterior, this quantity can be non-zero for both
floor and wall surfaces. Otherwise, for Solar Distribution = FullExterior or MinimalShadowing, it
can be non-zero only for floor surfaces since in this case all entering beam solar is assumed to fall
on the floor. Note that this variable will not be operational (have a real value) unless there are
exterior windows in the zone.
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 317

1.9.44 Window Output Variables

The following output variables apply to subsurfaces that are windows or glass doors. These two
subsurface types are called “window” here. “Exterior window” means that the base surface of the
window is an exterior wall, floor, roof or ceiling (i.e., the base surface is a BuildingSurface:Detailed
with OutsideFaceEnvironment = ExteriorEnvironment). “Interior window” means that the base
surface of the window is an inter-zone wall, floor or ceiling. “Glass” means a transparent solid
layer, usually glass, but possibly plastic or other transparent material. “Shading device” means an
interior, exterior or between-glass shade or blind, or an exterior screen (only exterior windows can
have a shading device).

1.9.44.1 Zone Windows Total Transmitted Solar Radiation Rate [W]

1.9.44.2 Zone Windows Total Transmitted Solar Radiation Energy [J]
The total Surface Window Transmitted Solar Radiation Rate of all the exterior windows in a zone.

1.9.44.3 Zone Windows Total Heat Gain Rate [W]

1.9.44.4 Zone Windows Total Heat Gain Energy [J]
The sum of the heat flow from all of the exterior windows in a zone when that sum is positive. (See
definition of “heat flow” under “Window Heat Gain,” below.)

1.9.44.5 Zone Windows Total Heat Loss Rate [W]

1.9.44.6 Zone Windows Total Heat Loss Energy [J]
The absolute value of the sum of the heat flow from all of the exterior windows in a zone when
that sum is negative.

1.9.44.7 Surface Window Total Glazing Layers Absorbed Shortwave Radiation

Rate [W]
1.9.44.8 Surface Window Total Glazing Layers Absorbed Solar Radiation Rate
[W]
1.9.44.9 Surface Window Total Glazing Layers Absorbed Solar Radiation En-
ergy [J]
The total exterior beam and diffuse solar radiation absorbed in all of the glass layers of an exterior
window.

1.9.44.10 Surface Window Shading Device Absorbed Solar Radiation Rate [W]
Surface Window Shading Device Absorbed Solar Radiation Energy [J]
The exterior beam and diffuse solar radiation absorbed in the shading device, if present, of an
exterior window.
318 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.9.44.11 Surface Window Transmitted Solar Radiation Rate [W]

1.9.44.12 Surface Window Transmitted Solar Radiation Energy [J]
The amount of beam and diffuse solar radiation entering a zone through an exterior window. It is
the sum of the following two variables, “Surface Window Transmitted Beam Solar Radiation Rate”
and “Surface Window Transmitted Diffuse Solar Radiation Rate.”

1.9.44.13 Surface Window Transmitted Beam Solar Radiation Rate [W]

1.9.44.14 Surface Window Transmitted Beam Solar Radiation Energy [J]
The solar radiation transmitted by an exterior window whose source is beam solar incident on the
outside of the window. For a bare window, this transmitted radiation consists of beam radiation
passing through the glass (assumed transparent) and diffuse radiation from beam reflected from the
outside window reveal, if present. For a window with a shade, this transmitted radiation is totally
diffuse (shades are assumed to be perfect diffusers). For a window with a blind, this transmitted
radiation consists of beam radiation that passes between the slats and diffuse radiation from beam-
to-diffuse reflection from the slats. For a window with a screen, this value consists of direct beam
radiation that is transmitted through the screen (gaps between the screen material) and diffuse
radiation from beam-to-diffuse reflection from the screen material.
For each zone time step,
Surface Window Transmitted Beam Solar Radiation Rate = Surface Window Transmitted Beam
To Beam Solar Radiation Rate + Surface Window Transmitted Beam To Diffuse Solar Radiation
Rate
Surface Window Transmitted Beam Solar Radiation Energy = Surface Window Transmitted
Beam To Beam Solar Radiation Energy + Surface Window Transmitted Beam To Diffuse Solar
Radiation Energy

1.9.44.15 Surface Window Transmitted Beam To Beam Solar Radiation Rate

[W]
1.9.44.16 Surface Window Transmitted Beam To Beam Solar Radiation Energy
[J]
For a window with a blind, this transmitted radiation consists of beam radiation that passes
between the slats. For a window with a screen, this value consists of direct beam radiation that is
transmitted through the screen (gaps between the screen material).

1.9.44.17 Surface Window Transmitted Beam To Diffuse Solar Radiation Rate

[W]
1.9.44.18 Surface Window Transmitted Beam To Diffuse Solar Radiation En-
ergy [J]
For a window with a blind, this transmitted radiation consists of diffuse radiation reflected from
beam by the slats. For a window with a screen, this value consists of diffuse radiation reflected by
the screen material.
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 319

1.9.44.19 Zone Exterior Windows Total Transmitted Beam Solar Radiation

Rate [W]
1.9.44.20 Zone Exterior Windows Total Transmitted Beam Solar Radiation En-
ergy [J]
The sum of the Surface Window Transmitted Beam Solar Radiation Rate (see definition above)
from all exterior windows in a zone.

1.9.44.21 Zone Interior Windows Total Transmitted Beam Solar Radiation Rate
[W]
1.9.44.22 Zone Interior Windows Total Transmitted Beam Solar Radiation En-
ergy [J]
The sum of the Surface Window Transmitted Beam Solar Radiation Rate (see definition above)
from all interior windows in a zone.

1.9.44.23 Surface Window Transmitted Diffuse Solar Radiation Rate [W]

1.9.44.24 Surface Window Transmitted Diffuse Solar Radiation Energy [J]
The solar radiation transmitted by an exterior window whose source is diffuse solar incident on the
outside of the window. For a bare window, this transmitted radiation consists of diffuse radiation
passing through the glass. For a window with a shade, this transmitted radiation is totally diffuse
(shades are assumed to be perfect diffusers). For a window with a blind, this transmitted radiation
consists of diffuse radiation that passes between the slats and diffuse radiation from diffuse-to-
diffuse reflection from the slats. For a window with a screen, this value consists of diffuse radiation
transmitted through the screen (gaps between the screen material) and diffuse radiation from
diffuse-to-diffuse reflection from the screen material.

1.9.44.25 Zone Exterior Windows Total Transmitted Diffuse Solar Radiation

Rate [W]
1.9.44.26 Zone Exterior Windows Total Transmitted Diffuse Solar Radiation
Energy [J]
The combined beam and diffuse solar that first entered adjacent zones through exterior windows
in the adjacent zones, was subsequently reflected from interior surfaces in those zones (becoming
diffuse through that reflection), and was then transmitted through interior windows into the current
zone.

1.9.44.27 Zone Interior Windows Total Transmitted Diffuse Solar Radiation

Rate [W]
1.9.44.28 Zone Interior Windows Total Transmitted Diffuse Solar Radiation
Energy [J]
The sum of the Surface Window Transmitted Diffuse Solar Radiation Rate (see definition above)
from all interior windows in a zone.
320 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.9.44.29 Surface Window System Solar Transmittance []

Effective solar transmittance of an exterior window, including effect of shading device, if present.
Equal to “Surface Window Transmitted Solar Radiation Rate” divided by total exterior beam plus
diffuse solar radiation incident on the window (excluding frame, if present).

1.9.44.30 Surface Window System Solar Absorptance []

Effective solar absorptance of an exterior window, including effect of shading device, if present.
Equal to “Window Solar Absorbed: All Glass Layers” plus “Window Solar Absorbed: Shading
Device” divided by total exterior beam plus diffuse solar radiation incident on window (excluding
frame, if present)

1.9.44.31 Surface Window System Solar Reflectance []

Effective solar reflectance of an exterior window, including effect of shading device, if present.
Equal to: [1.0 – “Surface Window System Solar Transmittance” – “Surface Window System Solar
Absorptance”].

1.9.44.32 Surface Window Gap Convective Heat Transfer Rate [W]

1.9.44.33 Surface Window Gap Convective Heat Transfer Energy [J]
For an airflow window, the forced convective heat flow from the gap through which airflow occurs.
This is the heat gained (or lost) by the air from the glass surfaces (and between-glass shading
device surfaces, if present) that the air comes in contact with as it flows through the gap. If the
gap airflow goes to the zone indoor air, the gap convective heat flow is added to the zone load.
Applicable to exterior windows only.

1.9.44.34 Surface Window Heat Gain Rate [W]

1.9.44.35 Surface Window Heat Gain Energy [J]
The total heat flow to the zone from the glazing, frame and divider of an exterior window when
the total heat flow is positive.
For a window without an interior shading device, this heat flow is equal to:

• [Surface Window Transmitted Solar Radiation Rate (see definition, above)]

• [Convective heat flow to the zone from the zone side of the glazing]

• [Net IR heat flow to the zone from zone side of the glazing]

• [Short-wave radiation from zone transmitted back out the window]

• [Convection to zone from window frame and divider, if present]

Here, short-wave radiation is that from lights and diffuse interior solar radiation.
For a window with an interior shading device, this heat flow is equal to:

• [Surface Window Transmitted Solar Radiation Rate]

1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 321

• [Convective heat flow to the zone from the air flowing through the gap between glazing and
shading device]

• [Convective heat flow to the zone from the zone side of the shading device]

• [Net IR heat flow to the zone from the zone side of the glazing]

• [Net IR heat flow to the zone from the zone side of the shading device]

• [Short-wave radiation from zone transmitted back out the window]

• [Convection to zone from window frame and divider, if present]

The total window heat flow can also be thought of as the sum of the solar and conductive gain
to the zone from the window.

1.9.44.36 Surface Window Heat Loss Rate [W]

1.9.44.37 Surface Window Heat Loss Energy [J]
The absolute value of the total heat flow through an exterior window when the total heat flow is
negative. (See definition of “total heat flow” under “Surface Window Heat Gain Rate,” above.)

1.9.44.38 Surface Window Net Heat Transfer Rate [W]

1.9.44.39 Surface Window Net Heat Transfer Energy [J]
The total heat flow through the glazing, frame and divider of an exterior window. Negative values
imply heat flow to the exterior.
The important distinction between this output variable and those for “Surface Window Heat
Gain/Loss” is that this represents the net heat flow through the window and not the heat flow to
the zone. The only difference is the heat flow to the zone does not account for radiation from the
opaque frame and divider components. This is because these components, as a simplification, do
not participate in the overall radiative exchange with other surfaces in the zone.
For a window without an interior shading device, this heat flow is equal to:

• [Surface Window Transmitted Solar Radiation Rate (see definition, above)]

• [Convective heat flow from the zone side of the glazing]

• [Net IR heat flow from the zone side of the glazing]

• [Short-wave radiation from zone transmitted back out the window]

• [Conduction through window frame and divider, if present]

Here, short-wave radiation is that from lights and diffuse interior solar radiation.
For a window with an interior shading device, this heat flow is equal to:

• [Surface Window Transmitted Solar Radiation Rate]

• [Convective heat flow from the air flowing through the gap between glazing and shading
device]
322 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• [Convective heat flow from the zone side of the shading device]

• [Net IR heat flow from the zone side of the glazing]

• [Net IR heat flow from the zone side of the shading device]

• [Short-wave radiation from zone transmitted back out the window]

• [Conduction through the window frame and divider, if present]

1.9.44.40 Surface Window Glazing Beam to Beam Solar Transmittance []

The fraction of exterior beam solar radiation incident on the glass of an exterior window that is
transmitted through the glazing as beam radiation. This is for the base window without shading.
Takes into account the angle of incidence of beam solar radiation on the glass.

1.9.44.41 Surface Window Glazing Beam to Diffuse Solar Transmittance []

The fraction of exterior beam solar radiation incident on the glazing of an exterior window that is
transmitted through the glazing as diffuse radiation.

1.9.44.42 Surface Window Glazing Diffuse to Diffuse Solar Transmittance []

The fraction of exterior diffuse solar radiation incident on the glass of an exterior window that is
transmitted through the glass assuming that the window has no shading device. It is assumed that
incident diffuse solar is transmitted only as diffuse with no beam component.

1.9.44.43 Surface Window Model Solver Iteration Count []

The number of iterations needed by the window-layer heat balance solution to converge.

1.9.44.44 Surface Window Solar Horizontal Profile Angle [deg]

For a vertical exterior window, this is an angle appropriate for calculating beam solar quantities
appropriate to horizontal window elements such as horizontal reveal surfaces, horizontal frame and
divider elements and horizontal slats of window blinds. It is defined as the angle between the
window outward normal and the projection of the sun’s ray on the vertical plane containing the
outward normal. See Figure 1.34.
For an exterior window of arbitrary tilt, it is defined as the angle between the window outward
normal the projection of the sun’s ray on the plane that contains the outward normal and is
perpendicular to the ground.
If the sun is behind the window, the horizontal profile angle is not defined and is reported as
0.0.
Note that in most texts what we call “horizontal profile angle” is called “vertical profile angle.”

1.9.44.45 Surface Window Solar Vertical Profile Angle [deg]

For a vertical exterior window, this is an angle appropriate for calculating beam solar quantities
appropriate to vertical window elements such as vertical reveal surfaces, vertical frame and divider
elements and vertical slats of window blinds. It is defined as the angle between the window outward
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 323

normal and the projection of the sun’s ray on the horizontal plane containing the outward normal.
See Figure 1.34.
For an exterior window of arbitrary tilt, it is defined as the angle between the window outward
normal the projection of the sun’s ray on the plane that contains the outward normal and is
perpendicular to the plane defined above for Surface Window Solar Horizontal Profile Angle for a
window of arbitrary tilt.
If the sun is behind the window, the vertical profile angle is not defined and is reported as 0.0.
Note that in most texts what we call “vertical profile angle” is called “horizontal profile angle.”

Figure 1.34: Vertical exterior window showing solar horizontal profile angle, solar vertical
profile angle and solar incidence angle.
324 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.9.44.46 Surface Window Outside Reveal Reflected Beam Solar Radiation Rate
[W]
1.9.44.47 Surface Window Outside Reveal Reflected Beam Solar Radiation En-
ergy [J]
Beam solar radiation reflected from the outside reveal surfaces of a window (ref: Reveal Surfaces
under WindowProperty:FrameAndDivider object). There are both rate and energy versions.

1.9.44.48 Surface Window Inside Reveal Reflected Beam Solar Radiation Rate
[W]
1.9.44.49 Surface Window Inside Reveal Reflected Beam Solar Radiation En-
ergy [J]
Beam solar radiation reflected from the inside reveal surfaces of a window (ref: Reveal Surfaces
under WindowProperty:FrameAndDivider object). There are both rate and energy versions.

1.9.44.50 Surface Window Inside Reveal Absorbed Beam Solar Radiation Rate
[W]
Beam solar radiation absorbed at the inside reveal surfaces of a window, in Watts.

1.9.44.51 Surface Window Inside Reveal Reflected Diffuse Zone Solar Radiation
Rate [W]
Diffuse solar radiation reflected from inside reveal surfaces of a window into the zone, in Watts.

1.9.44.52 Surface Window Inside Reveal Reflected Diffuse Frame Solar Radia-
tion Rate [W]
Diffuse solar radiation reflected from inside reveal surfaces onto the frame surfaces of a window, in
Watts.

1.9.44.53 Surface Window Inside Reveal Reflected Diffuse Glazing Solar Radi-
ation Rate [W]
Diffuse solar radiation reflected from inside reveal surfaces onto the glazing surfaces of a window,
in Watts.

1.9.44.54 Surface Window Inside Face Glazing Condensation Status []

A value of 1 means that moisture condensation will occur on the innermost glass face of an exterior
window (i.e., on the glass face in contact with the zone air). Otherwise the value is 0. The condition
for condensation is glass inside face temperature < zone air dewpoint temperature.
For airflow exterior windows, in which forced air passes between adjacent glass faces in double-
and triple-pane windows, a value of 1 means that condensation will occur on one or both of the
glass faces in contact with the airflow. In this case the condition for condensation is:

• For airflow source = indoorair, temperature of either face in contact with airflow < zone air
dewpoint temperature.
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 325

• For airflow source = outdoorair, temperature of either face in contact with airflow < outside
air dewpoint temperature.

As for regular windows, the value will also be 1 if condensation occurs on the innermost glass
face.

1.9.44.55 Surface Window Inside Face Frame Condensation Status []

If an exterior window has a frame and the value of this flag is 1, condensation will occur on the
inside surface of the frame. The condition for condensation is frame inside surface temperature <
zone air dewpoint temperature.

1.9.44.56 Surface Window Inside Face Divider Condensation Status []

If an exterior window has a divider and the value of this flag is 1, condensation will occur on the
inside surface of the divider. The condition for condensation is divider inside surface temperature
< zone air dewpoint temperature.

1.9.44.57 Surface Shading Device Is On Time Fraction []

The fraction of time that a shading device is on an exterior window. For a particular simulation
timestep, the value is 0.0 if the shading device is off (or there is no shading device) and the value
is 1.0 if the shading device is on. (It is assumed that the shading device, if present, is either on or
off for the entire timestep.) If the shading device is switchable glazing, a value of 0.0 means that
the glazing is in the unswitched (light colored) state, and a value of 1.0 means that the glazing is
in the switched (dark colored) state.
For a time interval longer a timestep, this is the fraction of the time interval that the shading
device is on. For example, take the case where the time interval is one hour and the timestep is 10
minutes. Then if the shading device is on for two timesteps in the hour and off for the other four
timesteps, then the fraction of time that the shading device is on = 2/6 = 0.3333.

1.9.44.58 Surface Window Blind Slat Angle [deg]

For an exterior window with a blind, this is the angle in degrees between the glazing outward
normal and the blind slat angle outward normal, where the outward normal points away from the
front face of the slat. The slat angle varies from 0 to 180 deg. If the slat angle is 0 deg or 180 deg,
the slats are parallel to the glazing and the slats are said to be “closed”. If the slat angle is 90 deg,
the slats are perpendicular to the glazing and the slats are said to be “fully open”. See illustrations
under WindowMaterial:Blind. For blinds with a fixed slat angle, the value reported here will be
constant.

1.9.44.59 Surface Window Blind Beam to Beam Solar Transmittance []

For an exterior window with a blind, this is the fraction of exterior beam solar radiation incident on
the blind that is transmitted through the blind as beam solar radiation when the blind is isolated
(i.e., as though the window glass were not present). Depends on various factors, including slat angle,
width, separation, and thickness, and horizontal solar profile angle (for blinds with horizontal slats)
or vertical solar profile angle (for blinds with vertical slats). The transmittance value reported here
will be non-zero only when some beam solar can pass through the blind without hitting the slats.
326 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.9.44.60 Surface Window Blind Beam to Diffuse Solar Transmittance []

For an exterior window with a blind, the fraction of exterior beam solar radiation incident on the
blind that is transmitted through the blind as diffuse solar radiation when the blind is isolated
(i.e., as though the window glass were not present). Depends on various factors, including slat
angle, width, separation, thickness and reflectance, and horizontal solar profile angle (for blinds
with horizontal slats) or vertical solar profile angle (for blinds with vertical slats).

1.9.44.61 Surface Window Blind Diffuse to Diffuse Solar Transmittance []

For an exterior window with a blind, the fraction of exterior diffuse solar radiation incident on the
blind that is transmitted through the blind as diffuse solar radiation when the blind is isolated (i.e.,
as though the window glass were not present). Depends on various factors, including slat angle,
width, separation, thickness and reflectance. For blinds with a fixed slat angle the transmittance
value reported here will be constant.

1.9.44.62 Surface Window Blind and Glazing System Beam Solar Transmit-
tance []
The fraction of exterior beam solar radiation incident on an exterior window with a blind (exclud-
ing window frame, if present) that is transmitted through the blind/glass system as beam solar
radiation. Depends on various factors, including type of glass; solar incidence angle; slat angle,
width, separation, and thickness; and horizontal solar profile angle (for blinds with horizontal slats)
or vertical solar profile angle (for blinds with vertical slats).

1.9.44.63 Surface Window Blind and Glazing System Diffuse Solar Transmit-
tance []
The fraction of exterior diffuse solar radiation incident on an exterior window with a blind (exclud-
ing window frame, if present) that is transmitted through the blind/glass system as diffuse solar
radiation. Depends on various factors, including type of glass and slat angle, width, separation,
thickness and reflectance. For blinds with a fixed slat angle the transmittance value reported here
will be constant.

1.9.44.64 Surface Window Screen Beam to Beam Solar Transmittance []

For an exterior window with a screen, this is the fraction of exterior beam solar radiation incident on
the screen that is transmitted through the screen as beam solar radiation when the screen is isolated
(i.e., as though the window glass were not present). Depends on various factors, including the screen
reflectance and the relative angle of the incident beam with respect to the screen. This value will
include the amount of inward reflection of solar beam off the screen material surface if the user
specifies this modeling option (i.e., Material: WindowScreen, field Reflected Beam Transmittance
Accounting Method = Model as Direct Beam).

1.9.44.65 Surface Window Screen Beam to Diffuse Solar Transmittance[]

For an exterior window with a screen, the fraction of exterior beam solar radiation incident on the
screen that is transmitted through the screen as diffuse solar radiation when the screen is isolated
(i.e., as though the window glass were not present). Depends on various factors, including the
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 327

screen reflectance and the relative angle of the incident beam with respect to the screen. This
value is the amount of inward reflection of solar beam off the screen material surface if the user
specifies this modeling option (i.e., Material: WindowScreen, field Reflected Beam Transmittance
Accounting Method = Model as Diffuse); otherwise, this value will be zero.

1.9.44.66 Surface Window Screen Diffuse to Diffuse Solar Transmittance[]

For an exterior window with a screen, the fraction of exterior diffuse solar radiation incident on the
screen that is transmitted through the screen as diffuse solar radiation when the screen is isolated
(i.e., as though the window glass were not present). Depends on various factors including screen
material geometry and reflectance. This value is calculated as an average, constant For a window
with a screen, this value consists of diffuse radiation transmitted through the screen (gaps between
the screen material) and diffuse radiation from diffuse-to-diffuse reflection from the screen material.
For a window with a screen, this value consists of diffuse radiation transmitted through the screen
(gaps between the screen material) and diffuse radiation from diffuse-to-diffuse reflection from the
screen material.

1.9.44.67 Surface Window Screen and Glazing System Beam Solar Transmit-
tance[]
The fraction of exterior beam solar radiation incident on an exterior window with a screen (exclud-
ing window frame, if present) that is transmitted through the screen/glass system as beam solar
radiation. Depends on various factors, including the screen reflectance and the relative angle of the
incident beam with respect to the screen. This value will include the amount of inward reflection of
solar beam off the screen material surface if the user specifies this modeling option (i.e., Material:
WindowScreen, field Reflected Beam Transmittance Accounting Method = Model as Direct Beam).

1.9.44.68 Surface Window Screen and Glazing System Diffuse Solar Transmit-
tance []
The fraction of exterior diffuse solar radiation incident on an exterior window with a screen (ex-
cluding window frame, if present) that is transmitted through the screen/glass system as diffuse
solar radiation. Depends on various factors including screen material geometry and reflectance.

1.9.44.69 Surface Window Transmitted Beam Solar Radiation Rate [W]

1.9.44.70 Surface Window Transmitted Beam Solar Radiation Energy [J]
The beam solar radiation transmitted through an interior window. Calculated only if Solar Dis-
tribution = FullInteriorAndExterior in your Building input. The origin of this radiation is beam
solar that enters through an exterior window in a zone and then passes through an interior window
into the adjacent zone. The amount of this radiation depends on several factors, including sun
position, intensity of beam solar incident on the exterior window (including effects of shadowing,
if present), relative position of the exterior and interior window, and the size and transmittance
of the windows. Note that if there are two or more exterior windows in a zone, then beam solar
from one or more of them may pass through the same interior window. Likewise, if there are more
than two or more interior windows in a zone then beam solar from a single exterior window may
pass through one or more of the interior windows. There are both rate and energy versions of the
output.
328 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.9.44.71 Surface Storm Window On Off Status []

Indicates whether a storm window glass layer is present (ref: StormWindow object). The value is 0
if the storm window glass layer is off, 1 if it is on, and –1 if the window does not have an associated
storm window. Applicable only to exterior windows and glass doors.

1.9.44.72 Surface Inside Face Initial Transmitted Diffuse Transmitted Out Win-
dow Solar Radiation Rate [W]
As of Version 2.1, the diffuse solar transmitted through exterior windows that is initially distributed
to another window in the zone and transmitted out of the zone through that window. For exterior
windows, this transmitted diffuse solar is “lost” to the exterior environment For interior windows,
this transmitted diffuse solar is distributed to heat transfer surfaces in the adjacent zone, and is
part of the Surface Inside Face Initial Transmitted Diffuse Absorbed Solar Radiation Rate for these
adjacent zone surfaces.

1.9.44.73 Additional Window Outputs (Advanced)

The following output variables for windows or glass doors are available when the user requests to
display advanced output variables. These seven reports show the individual components that are
combined to determine overall Surface Window Heat Gain Rate and/or Surface Window Heat Loss
Rate (described above).

1.9.44.74 Surface Window Inside Face Glazing Zone Convection Heat Gain Rate
[W]
The surface convection heat transfer from the glazing to the zone in watts. This output variable
is the term called “[Convective heat flow to the zone from the zone side of the glazing]” under
the description above for Surface Window Heat Gain Rate output variable. If the window has an
interior shade or blind, then this is zero and the glazing’s convection is included in the report called
“Surface Window Inside Face Gap between Shade and Glazing Zone Convection Heat Gain Rate”.

1.9.44.75 Surface Window Inside Face Glazing Net Infrared Heat Transfer Rate
[W]
The net exchange of infrared radiation heat transfer from the glazing to the zone in watts. This
output variable is the term called “[Net IR heat flow to the zone from zone side of the glazing]”
under the description above for Surface Window Heat Gain Rate output variable.

1.9.44.76 Surface Window Shortwave from Zone Back Out Window Heat Trans-
fer Rate [W]
This is the short-wave radiation heat transfer from the zone back out the window in watts. This is
a measure of the diffuse short-wave light (from reflected solar and electric lighting) that leave the
zone through the window. This output variable is the term called “[Short-wave radiation from zone
transmitted back out the window]” under the description above for Surface Window Heat Gain
Rate output variable.
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 329

1.9.44.77 Surface Window Inside Face Frame and Divider Zone Heat Gain Rate
[W]
This is the heat transfer from any frames and/or dividers to the zone in watts. This output
variable is the term called “[Conduction to zone from window frame and divider, if present]” under
the description above for Surface Window Heat Gain Rate output variable. (The word “conduction”
here is used because the models is simplified compared to the complexities of surface convection
and radiation.)

1.9.44.78 Surface Window Frame Heat Gain Rate [W]

This is the positive heat flow from window frames to the zone in watts. This is part of the Surface
Window Inside Face Frame and Divider Zone Heat Gain Rate.

1.9.44.79 Surface Window Frame Heat Loss Rate [W]

This is the negative heat flow from window frames to the zone in watts. This is part of the Surface
Window Inside Face Frame and Divider Zone Heat Gain Rate.

1.9.44.80 Surface Window Frame Inside Temperature [C]

This is the temperature of the inside surface of the window frames.

1.9.44.81 Surface Window Frame Outside Temperature [C]

This is the temperature of the outside surface of the window frames.

1.9.44.82 Surface Window Divider Heat Gain Rate [W]

This is the positive heat flow from window dividers to the zone in watts. This is part of the Surface
Window Inside Face Frame and Divider Zone Heat Gain Rate.

1.9.44.83 Surface Window Divider Heat Loss Rate [W]

This is the negative heat flow from window dividers to the zone in watts. This is part of the Surface
Window Inside Face Frame and Divider Zone Heat Gain Rate.

1.9.44.84 Surface Window Divider Inside Temperature [C]

This is the temperature of the inside surface of the window dividers.

1.9.44.85 Surface Window Divider Outside Temperature [C]

This is the temperature of the outside surface of the window dividers.
330 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.9.44.86 Surface Window Inside Face Gap between Shade and Glazing Zone
Convection Heat Gain Rate [W]
This is the convection surface heat transfer from the both the glazing and the shade’s back face to
the zone in Watts. This output variable is the term called “[Convective heat flow to the zone from
the air flowing through the gap between glazing and shading device]” under the description above
for Surface Window Heat Gain Rate output variable. For Equivalent Layer window this output
variable is the convection heat gain from vented interior air gap to the zone in Watts.

1.9.44.87 Surface Window Inside Face Shade Zone Convection Heat Gain Rate
[W]
This is the convection surface heat transfer from the front side of any interior shade or blind to the
zone in Watts. This output variable is the term called “[Convective heat flow to the zone from the
zone side of the shading device]” under the description above for Surface Window Heat Gain Rate
output variable. For equivalent Layer window this output variable is the convection heat gain rate
from the inside face of a glazing or a shade to the zone in Watts.

1.9.44.88 Surface Window Inside Face Shade Net Infrared Heat Transfer Rate
[W]
The net exchange of infrared radiation heat transfer from the shade or blind to the zone in watts.
This output variable is the term called “[Net IR heat flow to the zone from the zone side of the
shading device]” under the description above for Surface Window Heat Gain Rate output variable.

1.9.44.89 Surface Window Inside Face Other Convection Heat Gain Rate [W]
The other (extra) convection heat transfer rate from the inside face of a an equivalent layer window.
This output is computed from the difference in convection flux when using equivalent inside surface
temperature of a window instead of the inside surface temperature from the standard surface heat
balance calculation.

1.9.45 Thermochomic Window Outputs

1.9.45.1 Window Thermochromic Layer Temperature [C]
The temperature of the TC glass layer of a TC window at each time step.

1.9.45.2 Surface Window Thermochromic Layer Property Specification Tem-

perature [C]
The temperature under which the optical data of the TC glass layer are specified.
The overall properties (U-factor/SHGC/VT) of the thermochromic windows at different spec-
ification temperatures are reported in the .eio file. These window constructions are created by
EnergyPlus during run time. They have similar names with suffix “_TC_XX” where XX repre-
sents a specification temperature.
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 331

1.9.45.3 Switchable Window Outputs

1.9.45.4 Surface Window Switchable Glazing Switching Factor[]
The switching factor (tint level) of the switchable window: 0 means no switching – clear state; 1
means fully switched – dark state.

1.9.45.5 Surface Window Switchable Glazing Visible Transmittance[]

The visible transmittance of the switchable window.

1.9.46 Other Surface Outputs/Reports

Several reports can be selected for Surfaces. (See Group – Report for details on how to specify).
Examples are:

1.9.46.1 DXF
This report produces a special file (eplusout.dxf) in the industry standard DXF (Drawing
Interchange Format) for drawings. It is produced and accepted by many popular, com-
mercial CAD programs. Detailed reference can be found on the AutoCAD™ website at:
http://www.autodesk.com/techpubs/autocad/acadr14/dxf/index.htm
EnergyPlus produces this file from the Report command:

Output:Reports , Surfaces , DXF;

1.9.46.2 Details, Vertices, DetailsWithVertices

This version of the report creates lines in the eplusout.eio file for each surface (except internal mass
surfaces). Details of this reporting is shown in the Output Details and Examples document.

1.9.47 Shading Surfaces

Shading surfaces are entities outside of the building that may cast shadows on the building’s heat
transfer surfaces. These entities do not typically have enough thermal mass to be described as part
of the building’s thermal makeup.
The most important effect of shading surfaces is to reduce solar gain in windows that are
shadowed. (However, in some cases, shading surfaces can reflect solar onto a wall or window and
increase solar gain.)
There are two kinds of shading surfaces in EnergyPlus: detached and attached. A detached
shading surface, such as a tree or neighboring building, is not connected to the building. An
attached shading surface is typically an overhang or fin that is attached to a particular base
surface of the building, usually a wall; attached shading surfaces are usually designed to shade
specific windows.
Objects for detached shading surfaces:

• Shading:Site

• Shading:Building
332 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• Shading:Site:Detailed

• Shading:Building:Detailed

Similarly to the surfaces, the detailed objects use vertex entry whereas the other objects are
limited to rectangular representation.
Objects for attached shading surfaces:

• Shading:Overhang

• Shading:Overhang:Projection

• Shading:Fin

• Shading:Fin:Projection

• Shading:Zone:Detailed

EnergyPlus creates “bi-directional” shades from each shading surface entered. This means that
the shade you input will cast a shadow no matter which side of the shade the sun is on. For
example, a vertical fin will cast a shadow whether the sun is on the left side or right side of the fin.
Prior to V1.0.2, a shading surface cast a shadow only in the hemisphere toward which the surface
faced. This hemisphere is the one pointed to by the shading surface’s outward normal vector, which
is the cross product V23 x V21, where V23 is the vector from vertex 2 to vertex 3 of the shading
surface and V21 is the vector from vertex 2 to vertex 1. Beginning with V1.0.2, the shades in
EnergyPlus are “bi-directional” so that they can cast shadows in both hemispheres depending on
the time-varying position of the sun relative to the shading surface.
It is important to note that EnergyPlus will automatically account for “self-shading” effects—
such as in L-shaped buildings—in which some of the building’s wall and roof surfaces shade other
parts of the building, especially windows. This means that you only need to describe shading
elements that aren’t building heat-transfer surfaces.
Shading surfaces can also reflect solar radiation onto the building. This feature is simulated if
you choose FullExteriorWithReflections or FullInteriorAndExteriorWithReflections in the Building
object (ref: Building - Field: Solar Distribution). In this case, you may specify the reflectance
properties of a shading surface with the ShadingProperty:Reflectance object. Note: If no Shading-
Property:Reflectance object is defined, then the shading surface reflectance values are assumed to
be 0.2 and the fraction of shading surface that is glazed is assumed to be 0.0.
Shading surfaces also automatically shade diffuse solar radiation (and long-wave radiation)
from the sky. And they will automically shade diffuse solar radiation from the ground if Solar
Distribution Field = FullExteriorWithReflections or FullInteriorAndExteriorWithReflections in the
Building object. (If the reflections option for Solar Distribution is used, the program also takes into
account the reduction of solar radiation reflected from the ground due to shading of the ground
by shading surfaces and by the building itself.) Otherwise, shading surfaces will not shade diffuse
radiation from the ground unless you enter a reduced value for View Factor to Ground for those
building surfaces that are shaded (ref: BuildingSurface:Detailed - Field: View Factor to Ground
and FenestrationSurface:Detailed - Field: View Factor to Ground).
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 333

1.9.48 Detached Shading Surfaces

1.9.49 Shading:Site, Shading:Building
These objects are used to describe rectangular shading elements that are external to the building.
Examples are trees, high fences, near-by hills, and neighboring buildings.
If relative coordinates are used (ref: Field: Coordinate System in GlobalGeometryRules), shad-
ing surfaces entered with Shading:Site remain stationary if the building is rotated, whereas those
entered with Shading:Building rotate with the building. If world coordinates are used Shading:Site
and Shading:Building are equivalent.
These shading elements are always opaque.

1.9.49.1 Field: Name

This is a unique character string associated with the detached shading surface. Though it must
be unique from other surface names, it is used primarily for convenience with detached shading
surfaces.

1.9.49.2 Field: Azimuth Angle

Theoretically, this should face to the surface it is shading (i.e. if a south wall, this should be a north
facing shade) but since EnergyPlus automatically generates the mirror image, the facing angle per
se’ is not so important.

1.9.49.3 Field: Tilt Angle

The tilt angle is the angle (in degrees) that the shade is tilted from horizontal (or the ground).
Default for this field is 90 degrees.

1.9.49.4 Starting Corner for the surface

The rectangular surfaces specify the lower left corner of the surface for their starting coordinate.
See the introductory paragraph for rules on this entry.

1.9.49.5 Field: Starting X Coordinate

This field is the X coordinate (in meters).

1.9.49.6 Field: Starting Y Coordinate

This field is the Y coordinate (in meters).

1.9.49.7 Field: Starting Z Coordinate

This field is the Z coordinate (in meters).

1.9.49.8 Field: Length

This field is the length of the shade in meters.
334 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.9.49.9 Field: Height

This field is the width of the shade in meters.
Examples of these (can be found in example files 4ZoneWithShading_Simple_1.idf and
4ZoneWithShading_Simple_2.idf)

Shading:Building ,
Bushes -East , !- Name
90, !- Azimuth Angle {deg}
90, !- Tilt Angle {deg}
45, !- Starting X Coordinate {m}
0, !- Starting Y Coordinate {m}
0, !- Starting Z Coordinate {m}
50, !- Length {m}
1; !- Height {m}

Shading:Site ,
Bushes -North , !- Name
0, !- Azimuth Angle {deg}
90, !- Tilt Angle {deg}
45, !- Starting X Coordinate {m}
50, !- Starting Y Coordinate {m}
0, !- Starting Z Coordinate {m}
50, !- Length {m}
1; !- Height {m}

1.9.50 Shading:Site:Detailed, Shading:Building:Detailed

These objects are used to describe shading elements that are external to the building. Examples
are trees, high fences, near-by hills, and neighboring buildings.
If relative coordinates are used (ref: Field: Coordinate System in GlobalGeometryRules), shad-
ing surfaces entered with Shading:Site:Detailed remain stationary if the building is rotated, whereas
those entered with Shading:Building:Detailed rotate with the building. If world coordinates are used
Shading:Site:Detailed and Shading:Building:Detailed are equivalent.
While “detached” implies that shading surfaces are not part of the building, the detached
shading sequence can be used to describe attached shading surfaces that may shade heat transfer
surfaces in more than one zone. For example, wing A of a building might shade several zones of
wing B but wing A (for whatever reason) is not described in the geometry for the simulation so it
is represented by a detached shade to get its shadowing effect.

1.9.50.1 Field: Name

This is a unique character string associated with the detached shading surface. Though it must
be unique from other surface names, it is used primarily for convenience with detached shading
surfaces.

1.9.50.2 Field: Transmittance Schedule Name

The name of a schedule of solar transmittance values from 0.0 to 1.0 for the shading surface. If
a blank is entered in this field, the transmittance value defaults to 0.0, i.e., the shading surface is
opaque at all times. This scheduling can be used to allow for seasonal transmittance change, such
as for deciduous trees that have a higher transmittance in winter than in summer. Transmittance
based on time of day can also be used—a movable awning, for example, where the transmittance
is some value less than 1.0 when the awning is in place and is 1.0 when the awning is retracted.
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 335

The following assumptions are made in the shading surface transmittance calculation:

• Both sides of the shading surface have the same transmittance properties.

• The transmittance is the same for both beam and diffuse solar radiation.

• Beam solar transmittance is independent of angle of incidence on the shading surface.

• Beam radiation incident on a shading surface is transmitted as beam radiation with no change
in direction, i.e., there is no beam-to-diffuse component.

• If two shading surfaces with non-zero transmittance overlap, the net transmittance is the
product of the individual transmittances. Inter-reflection between the shading surfaces (and
between the shading surfaces and the building) is ignored.

• For the daylighting calculation (ref: Group – Daylighting) the shading surface’s visible trans-
mittance is assumed to be the same as its solar transmittance.

• Shading devices are assumed to be opaque to long-wave radiation no matter what the solar
transmittance value is.

Note that shading devices only shade solar radiation when the sun is up, which is automatically
determined by EnergyPlus from latitude, time of year, etc. The user need only account for the
time-varying transmittance of the shading device in the transmittance schedule, not whether the
sun is up or not.

1.9.50.3 Field: Number Vertices

The number of sides in the surface (number of X,Y,Z vertex groups). For further information, see
the discussion on “Surface Vertices” above.
IDF example of Detached Shading Surfaces:

Shading:Building:Detailed ,
EAST SIDE TREE , !- Detached Shading
ShadingTransmittance :0002 , !- Shadowing Transmittance & Schedule
3, !-Triangle
33.52800 , 10.66800 , 10.05800 ,
33.52800 , 13.71600 , 0.9140000 ,
33.52800 , 4.572000 , 0.9140000 ;

Shading:Building:Detailed ,
WEST SIDE TREE , !- Detached Shading
ShadingTransmittance :0002 , !- Shadowing Transmittance & Schedule
3, !-Triangle
-3.048000 , 7.620000 , 10.05800 ,
-3.048000 , 4.572000 , 0.9140000 ,
-3.048000 , 13.71600 , 0.9140000 ;

1.9.51 Attached Shading Surfaces

Overhangs are usually horizontal devices that are used to shade windows. Fins are usually vertical
devices that similarly shade windows.
336 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.9.52 Shading:Overhang
An overhang typically is used to shade a window in a building.

1.9.52.1 Inputs
1.9.52.1.1 Field: Name
This is the name of the overhang. It must be different from other surface names.

1.9.52.1.2 Field: Window or Door Name

The name of a window or door that this overhang shades.

1.9.52.1.3 Field: Height above Window or Door

This field is the height (meters) above the top of the door for the overhang.

1.9.52.1.4 Field Tilt Angle from Window/Door

This field is the tilt angle from the Window/Door. For a flat overhang, this would be 90
(degrees).

1.9.52.1.5 Field: Left Extension from Window/Door Width

This field is the width from the left edge of the window/door to the start of the overhang
(meters).

1.9.52.1.6 Field: Right Extension from Window/Door Width

This field is the width from the right edge of the window/door to the start of the overhang
(meters).

1.9.52.1.7 Field: Depth

This field is the depth of the overhang (meters) projecting out from the wall.

1.9.53 Shading:Overhang:Projection
An overhang typically is used to shade a window in a building. This object allows for specifying
the depth of the overhang as a fraction of the window or door’s height.

1.9.53.1 Inputs
1.9.53.1.1 Field: Name
This is the name of the overhang. It must be different from other surface names.

1.9.53.1.2 Field: Window or Door Name

The name of a window or door that this overhang shades.

1.9.53.1.3 Field: Height above Window or Door

This field is the height (meters) above the top of the door for the overhang.
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 337

1.9.53.1.4 Field Tilt Angle from Window/Door

This field is the tilt angle from the Window/Door. For a flat overhang, this would be 90
(degrees).

1.9.53.1.5 Field: Left Extension from Window/Door Width

This field is the width from the left edge of the window/door to the start of the overhang
(meters).

1.9.53.1.6 Field: Right Extension from Window/Door Width

This field is the width from the right edge of the window/door to the start of the overhang
(meters).

1.9.53.1.7 Field: Depth as Fraction of Window/Door Height

This field is the fraction of the window/door height to specify as the depth of the overhang
(meters) projecting out from the wall.

1.9.54 Shading:Fin
Fins shade either side of windows/doors in a building. This object allows for specification of both
fins for the window. Fin placement is relative to the edge of the glass and user must include the
frame width when a frame is present.

1.9.54.1 Inputs
1.9.54.1.1 Field: Name
This is the name of the overhang. It must be different from other surface names.

1.9.54.1.2 Field: Window or Door Name

The name of a window or door that this overhang shades.

1.9.54.1.3 Field: Left Fin Extension from Window/Door

This field is the width from the left edge of the window/door to the plane of the left fin (meters).
The extension width is relative to the edge of the glass and includes the frame width when a frame
is present.

1.9.54.1.4 Field: Left Fin Distance Above Top of Window

This field is the distance from the top of the window to the top of the left fin (meters) and is
relative to the edge of the glass and includes the frame width when a frame is present.

1.9.54.1.5 Field: Left Fin Distance Below Bottom of Window

This field is the distance from the bottom of the window to the bottom of the left fin (meters)
and is relative to the edge of the glass and includes the frame width when a frame is present.

1.9.54.1.6 Field: Left Fin Tilt Angle from Window/Door

This field is the tilt angle from the window / door for the left fin. Typically, a fin is 90 degrees
(default) from its associated window/door.
338 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.9.54.1.7 Field: Left Fin Depth

This field is the depth (meters) of the left fin (projecting out from the wall).

1.9.54.1.8 Field: Right Fin Extension from Window/Door

This field is the width from the right edge of the window/door to the plane of the right fin
(meters). The extension width is relative to the edge of the glass and includes the frame width
when a frame is present.

1.9.54.1.9 Field: Right Fin Distance Above Top of Window

This field is the distance from the top of the window to the top of the right fin (meters) and is
relative to the edge of the glass and includes the frame width when a frame is present.

1.9.54.1.10 Field: Right Fin Distance Below Bottom of Window

This field is the distance from the bottom of the window to the bottom of the right fin (meters)
and is relative to the edge of the glass and includes the frame width.

1.9.54.1.11 Field: Right Fin Tilt Angle from Window/Door

This field is the tilt angle from the window / door for the right fin. Typically, a fin is 90 degrees
(default) from its associated window/door.

1.9.54.1.12 Field: Right Fin Depth

This field is the depth (meters) of the right fin (projecting out from the wall).

1.9.55 Shading:Fin:Projection
Fins shade either side of windows/doors in a building. This object allows for specification of both
fins for the window. This object allows for specifying the depth of the overhang as a fraction of the
window or door’s width. Fin placement is relative to the edge of the glass and user must include
the frame width when a frame is present.

1.9.55.1 Inputs
1.9.55.1.1 Field: Name
This is the name of the overhang. It must be different from other surface names.

1.9.55.1.2 Field: Window or Door Name

The name of a window or door that this overhang shades.

1.9.55.1.3 Field: Left Fin Extension from Window/Door

This field is the width from the left edge of the window/door to the plane of the left fin (meters).
The extension width is relative to the edge of the glass and includes the frame width when a frame
is present.

1.9.55.1.4 Field: Left Fin Distance Above Top of Window

This field is the distance from the top of the window to the top of the left fin (meters) and is
relative to the edge of the glass and includes the frame width when a frame is present.
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 339

1.9.55.1.5 Field: Left Fin Distance Below Bottom of Window

This field is the distance from the bottom of the window to the bottom of the left fin (meters)
and is relative to the edge of the glass and includes the frame width when a frame is present.

1.9.55.1.6 Field: Left Fin Tilt Angle from Window/Door

This field is the tilt angle from the window / door for the left fin. Typically, a fin is 90 degrees
(default) from its associated window/door.

1.9.55.1.7 Field: Left Fin Depth as Fraction of Window/Door Width

This field is the fraction of the window/door width to specify as the depth of the left fin (meters)
projecting out from the wall.

1.9.55.1.8 Field: Right Fin Extension from Window/Door

This field is the width from the right edge of the window/door to the plane of the right fin
(meters).. The extension width is relative to the edge of the glass and includes the frame width
when a frame is present.

1.9.55.1.9 Field: Right Fin Distance Above Top of Window

This field is the distance from the top of the window to the top of the right fin (meters) and is
relative to the edge of the glass and includes the frame width when a frame is present.

1.9.55.1.10 Field: Right Fin Distance Below Bottom of Window

This field is the distance from the bottom of the window to the bottom of the right fin (meters)
and is relative to the edge of the glass and includes the frame width when a frame is present.

1.9.55.1.11 Field: Right Fin Tilt Angle from Window/Door

This field is the tilt angle from the window / door for the right fin. Typically, a fin is 90 degrees
(default) from its associated window/door.

1.9.55.1.12 Field: Right Fin Depth as Fraction of Window/Door Width

This field is the fraction of the window/door width to specify as the depth of the right fin
(meters) projecting out from the wall.
zone.
Examples of these (can be found in example files 4ZoneWithShading_Simple_1.idf and
4ZoneWithShading_Simple_2.idf)

Shading:Overhang:Projection ,
Zn001:Wall001:Win001:Shade001 , !- Name
Zn001:Wall001:Win001 , !- Window or Door Name
.7, !- Height above Window or Door {m}
90, !- Tilt Angle from Window/Door {deg}
.2, !- Left extension from Window/Door Width {m}
.2, !- Right extension from Window/Door Width {m}
.6; !- Depth as Fraction of Window/Door Height {m}

Shading:Overhang ,
Zn001:Wall001:Door001:Shade001 , !- Name
Zn001:Wall001:Door001 , !- Window or Door Name
.6, !- Height above Window or Door {m}
90, !- Tilt Angle from Window/Door {deg}
0, !- Left extension from Window/Door Width {m}
340 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

0, !- Right extension from Window/Door Width {m}

3; !- Depth {m}

Shading:Fin:Projection ,
Zn001:Wall001:Shade003 , !- Name
Zn001:Wall001:Win001 , !- Window or Door Name
.1, !- Left Extension from Window/Door {m}
.1, !- Left Distance Above Top of Window {m}
.1, !- Left Distance Below Bottom of Window {m}
90, !- Left Tilt Angle from Window/Door {deg}
.6, !- Left Depth as Fraction of Window/Door Width {m}
.1, !- Right Extension from Window/Door {m}
.1, !- Right Distance Above Top of Window {m}
.1, !- Right Distance Below Bottom of Window {m}
90, !- Right Tilt Angle from Window/Door {deg}
.6; !- Right Depth as Fraction of Window/Door Width {m}

1.9.56 Shading:Zone:Detailed
This object is used to describe attached “subsurfaces” such as overhangs, wings or fins that project
outward from a base surface. This classification is used for convenience; actually, a device of this
type can cast shadows on the surface to which it is attached as well as on adjacent surfaces. For
example, a fin may shade its parent wall as well as adjacent walls.
Note that a zone surface can cast shadows on other zone surfaces. However, you don’t have
to worry about such effects—for example, one wall of an L-shaped building shading another wall–
because EnergyPlus will automatically check for this kind of “self shadowing” and do the proper
calculations.
Unlike attached (or detached) shading surfaces, building surfaces can only cast shadows in the
hemisphere towards which they face. This means, for example, that a roof that faces upward will
not cast a shadow downward. (Thus, specifying an oversized roof in an attempt to account for the
shading effects of overhangs will not work). Interior surfaces do not cast shadows of any kind.

1.9.56.1 Inputs
1.9.56.1.1 Field: Name
This is the name of the attached shading surface. It must be different from other surface names.

1.9.56.1.2 Field: Base Surface Name

This is the name of the surface to which this shading device is attached. This surface can be a
wall (or roof) but not a window or door.

1.9.56.1.3 Field: Transmittance Schedule Name

The name of a schedule of solar transmittance values from 0.0 to 1.0 for the shading surface. If
a blank is entered in this field, the transmittance value defaults to 0.0, i.e., the shading surface is
opaque at all times. This scheduling can be used to allow for seasonal transmittance change, such
as for deciduous trees that have a higher transmittance in winter than in summer. Transmittance
based on time of day can also be used—a movable awning, for example, where the transmittance
is some value less than 1.0 when the awning is in place and is 1.0 when the awning is retracted.
The following assumptions are made in the shading surface transmittance calculation:

• Both sides of the shading surface have the same transmittance properties.
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 341

• The transmittance is the same for both beam and diffuse solar radiation.

• Beam solar transmittance is independent of angle of incidence on the shading surface.

• Beam radiation incident on a shading surface is transmitted as beam radiation with no change
in direction, i.e., there is no beam-to-diffuse component.

• If two shading surfaces with non-zero transmittance overlap, the net transmittance is the
product of the individual transmittances. Inter-reflection between the shading surfaces (and
between the shading surfaces and the building) is ignored.

• For the daylighting calculation (ref: Group – Daylighting) the shading surface’s visible trans-
mittance is assumed to be the same as its solar transmittance.

• Shading devices are assumed to be opaque to long-wave radiation no matter what the solar
transmittance value is.

Note that shading devices only shade solar radiation when the sun is up, which is automatically
determined by EnergyPlus from latitude, time of year, etc. The user need only account for the
time-varying transmittance of the shading device in the transmittance schedule, not whether the
sun is up or not.

1.9.56.1.4 Field: Number Vertices

The number of sides in the surface (number of X,Y,Z vertex groups). For further information,
see the discussion on “Surface Vertices” above. The example below shows the correct input for an
overhang (to shade the appropriate portion of the base wall and window).
Proper specification for this overhang (facing up) is:
4,(C,0,D),(C,-B,D),(C+A,-B,D),(C+A,0,D); () used to illustrate each vertex.

Note that for horizontal surfaces, any corner may be chosen as the starting corner. The order
of vertices determines whether the surface is facing up or down. Shading surfaces are mirrored
automatically unless the user specifies “DoNotMirrorDetachedShading”, so each shading surface
need only be described once.

Thus, another shading surface will be created (facing down):

4,(C+A,-B,D),(C+A,0,D),(C,0,D),(C,-B,D);
IDF example of attached shading surfaces (overhang, fin):
Shading:Zone:Detailed ,
Zn001:Wall001:Shade001 , !- Surface Name
Zn001:Wall001 , !- Base Surface Name
ShadingTransmittance :0001 , !- Shadowing Transmittance Schedule
4, !-RectangularOverhang
1.524000 , -0.3050000 , 2.865000 ,
1.524000 , 0.0000000E+00, 2.865000 ,
4.572000 , 0.0000000E+00, 2.865000 ,
4.572000 , -0.3050000 , 2.865000;

Shading:Zone:Detailed ,
Zn003:Wall001:Shade001 , !- Surface Name
Zn003:Wall001 , !- Base Surface Name
ShadingTransmittance :0001 , !- Shadowing Transmittance Schedule
4, !-RectangularLeftFin
57.97000 , 8.450000 ,10.00000 ,
342 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.35: Illustration for Attached Shading Surface

1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 343

57.97000 , 8.450000 , 0.0000000E+00,

57.97000 , 6.450000 , 0.0000000E+00,
57.97000 , 6.450000 ,10.00000 ;

Shading:Zone:Detailed ,
Zn003:Wall001:Shade002 , !- Surface Name
Zn003:Wall001 , !- Base Surface Name
ShadingTransmittance :0003 , !- Shadowing Transmittance Schedule
4, !-RectangularRightFin
77.97000 , 6.450000 ,10.00000 ,
77.97000 , 6.450000 , 0.0000000E+00,
77.97000 , 8.450000 , 0.0000000E+00,
77.97000 , 8.450000 ,10.00000 ;

1.9.57 ShadingProperty:Reflectance
Specifies the reflectance properties of a shading surface when the solar reflection calculation has
requested, i.e., when if “WithReflections” option is chosen in the Building object (ref: Building
- Field: Solar Distribution). It is assumed that shading surfaces are divided into an unglazed,
diffusely reflecting portion and a glazed, specularly-reflecting portion, either of which may be zero.
The reflectance properties are assumed to be the same on both sides of the shading surface.
Note that a shadowing transmittance schedule (ref: Shading Surfaces, Field: Transmittance
Schedule Name) can be used with a reflective shading surface. However, EnergyPlus assumes that
the reflectance properties of the shading surface are constant even if the transmittance varies.
If no ShadingProperty:Reflectance objects are entered, the default values shown here will be
used for shading surfaces. Other surfaces have their reflectance properties defined by the materials
in the outer layers of the constructions.

1.9.57.1 Inputs
1.9.57.1.1 Field: Shading Surface Name
The name of the Shading:Site, Shading:Building, Shading:Site:Detailed, Shading:Building:Detailed,
Shading:Overhang, Shading:Overhang:Projection, Shading:Fin, Shading:Fin:Projection or Shad-
ing:Zone:Detailed object to which the following fields apply.
If this ShadingProperty:Reflectance object is not defined for a shading surface the default values
listed in each of the following fields will be used in the solar reflection calculation.

1.9.57.1.2 Field: Diffuse Solar Reflectance of Unglazed Part of Shading Surface

The diffuse solar reflectance of the unglazed part of the shading surface (default = 0.2). This
reflectance is assumed to be the same for beam-to-diffuse and diffuse-to-diffuse reflection. Beam-
to-diffuse reflection is assumed to be independent of angle of incidence of beam radiation. Diffuse-
to-diffuse reflection is assumed to be independent of angular distribution of the incident of diffuse
radiation. The outgoing diffuse radiation is assumed to be isotropic (hemispherically uniform).
The sum of this reflectance and the shading surface transmittance should be less than or equal
to 1.0.

1.9.57.1.3 Field: Diffuse Visible Reflectance of Unglazed Part of Shading Sur-

face
The diffuse visible reflectance of the unglazed part of the shading surface (default = 0.2).
This reflectance is assumed to be the same for beam-to-diffuse and diffuse-to-diffuse reflection.
344 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Beam-to-diffuse reflection is assumed to be independent of angle of incidence of beam radiation.

Diffuse-to-diffuse reflection is assumed to be independent of angular distribution of the incident
of diffuse radiation. The outgoing diffuse radiation is assumed to be isotropic (hemispherically
uniform).
This value if used only for the daylighting calculation (ref: Daylighting:Controls). The sum of
this reflectance and the shading surface transmittance should be less than or equal to 1.0.

1.9.57.1.4 Field: Fraction of Shading Surface That Is Glazed

The fraction of the area of the shading surface that consists of windows (default = 0.0). It
is assumed that the windows are evenly distributed over the surface and have the same glazing
construction (see following “Name of Glazing Construction”). This might be the case, for example,
for reflection from the façade of a neighboring, highly-glazed building. For the reflection calculation
the possible presence of shades, screens or blinds on the windows of the shading surface is ignored.
Beam-to-beam (specular) reflection is assumed to occur only from the glazed portion of the shading
surface. This reflection depends on angle of incidence as determined by the program from the
glazing construction. Beam-to-diffuse reflection from the glazed portion is assumed to be zero. The
diffuse-to-diffuse reflectance of the glazed portion is determined by the program from the glazing
construction.

1.9.57.1.5 Field: Glazing Construction Name

The name of the construction of the windows on the shading surface. Required if Fraction of
Shading Surface That Is Glazed is greater than 0.0.
IDF example of Shading Surface Reflectance for shading surface with specular reflection

Shading:Site:Detailed ,
Adjacent Glazed Facade , !- User Supplied Surface Name
, !- Shadowing Transmittance Schedule
4, !- Number of Surface Vertex Groups -- Number of (X,Y,Z) groups
0,-24,30, !- Vertex 1 X,Y,Z coordinates
0,-24,0, !- Vertex 2 X,Y,Z coordinates
0,0,0, !- Vertex 3 X,Y,Z coordinates
0,0,30; !-Vertex 3 X,Y,Z coordinates

ShadingProperty:Reflectance ,
Adjacent Glazed Facade , !- Name of Surface:Shading Object
0.3, !- Diffuse Solar Reflectance of Unglazed Part of Shading Surface
0.3, !- Diffuse Visible Reflectance of Unglazed Part of Shading Surface
0.7, !- Fraction of Shading Surface That Is Glazed
GlassCon -1; !- Name of Glazing Construction

IDF example of Shading Surface Reflectance for shading surface without specular reflection

Shading:Site:Detailed ,
Adjacent Blank Facade , !- User Supplied Surface Name
, !- Shadowing Transmittance Schedule
4, !- Number of Surface Vertex Groups -- Number of (X,Y,Z) groups
0,-24,30,
0,-24,0,
0,0,0,
0,0,30;

ShadingProperty:Reflectance ,
Adjacent Blank Facade , !- Name of Surface:Shading Object
0.4, !- Diffuse Solar Reflectance of Unglazed Part of Shading Surface
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 345

0.4, !- Diffuse Visible Reflectance of Unglazed Part of Shading Surface

0.0, !- Fraction of Shading Surface That Is Glazed
; !- Name of glazing construction

1.9.58 WindowProperty:ShadingControl
Window shading with coverings like drapes, blinds, screens or pull-down shades can be used to
reduce the amount of solar radiation entering the window or reduce daylighting glare. It can also
be used to reduce heat loss through the window (movable insulation). Leaving the window covering
open in the winter can maximize solar heat gain and thereby reduce heating loads.
With WindowProperty:ShadingControl—which is referenced by windows and glass doors (ref:
FenestrationSurface:Detailed with Type = Window or GlassDoor)–you specify the type and location
of the shading device, what variable or combination of variables controls deployment of the shading
device, and what the control setpoint is. If the shading device is a blind, you also specify how the
slat angle is controlled.
NOTE: WindowProperty:ShadingControl does not work with complex fenestration systems.
Controlled complex fenestration systems can be made only with Energy Management Systems
objects. Inserting WindowProperty:ShadingControl in FenestrationSurface:Detailed while using
complex fenestration systems will be ignored by program.
As shown in Figure 1.36, a shading device can be inside the window (Shading Type = Interior-
Shade or InteriorBlind), outside the window (Shading Type = ExteriorShade or ExteriorBlind), or
between panes of glass (Shading Type = BetweenGlassShade or BetweenGlassBlind). The exception
is window screens which can only be outside the window (Shading Type = ExteriorScreen).

Figure 1.36: Allowed locations of a window shading device.

When a shading device is present it is either retracted or activated. When it is retracted it

covers none of the window. When it is activated it covers the entire glazed part of the window
(but not the frame). Whether the shading device is retracted or activated in a particular timestep
depends on the control mechanism: see “Shading Control Type,” below. To model a case in which
the shading device, when activated, covers only part of the window you will have to divide the
window into two separate windows, one with the shading device and one without the shading device.
346 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

A shading device can also be of a kind in which the optical properties of the glazing switch from
one set of values to another in order to increase or decrease solar or visible transmittance (Shading
Type = SwitchableGlazing).
There are two ways of specifying the actual shading device:

• Specify “Name of Construction with Shading”

This is the name of a window Construction that has the shading device as one of its lay-
ers. The thermal and solar-optical properties of the shading device are given by the shading
material referenced in that Construction (ref: Construction, WindowMaterial:Shade, Win-
dowMaterial:Screen and WindowMaterial:Blind). To use this method you have to define two
Constructions for the window, one without the shading device and one with it. See Example
1, below.
The Construction without the shading device is referenced in the FenestrationSur-
face:Detailed input for the window (see IDF example, below). The Construction with the
shading device is referenced by the window’s WindowProperty:ShadingControl.
For Shading Type = InteriorShade, InteriorBlind, ExteriorShade, ExteriorScreen and Exte-
riorBlind these two Constructions must be identical expect for the presence of the shading
layer in the shaded Construction, otherwise you will get an error message. You will also get
an error message if the Construction referenced by the window has a shading layer.
• Specify the “Material Name of the Shading Device”
This is the name of a WindowMaterial:Shade, WindowMaterial:Screen or WindowMate-
rial:Blind. This method can be used with Shading Type = InteriorShade, InteriorBlind, Ex-
teriorShade and ExteriorBlind. It cannot be used with Shading Type = BetweenGlassShade,
BetweenGlassBlind, or SwitchableGlazing. If Shading Type = InteriorShade or Exterior-
Shade, then you specify the name of a WindowMaterial:Shade. If Shading Type = Interior-
Blind or ExteriorBlind, then you specify the name of a WindowMaterial:Blind. If Shading
Type = ExteriorScreen, then you specify the name of a WindowMaterial:Screen. See Exam-
ple 2, below. This method is simpler to use since you don’t have to specify two Constructions
that differ only by the shading layer.
When this method is used, the program will automatically create a shaded window construc-
tion by adding a shading layer to the outside or inside of the construction corresponding
to the window referencing the WindowProperty:ShadingControl. The name, created by the
program, of this shaded construction is composed as follows: if the name of the window
construction is CCC and the material name of the shading device is DDD, then the shaded
construction name is CCC:DDD:INT for an interior shading device and CCC:DDD:EXT for
an exterior shading device.
This method is the required if you want to add a shading device to a construction brought
in from a WINDOW Data File (ref:Construction:WindowDataFile).
Note that if both “Name of Construction with Shading” and “Material Name of Shading
Device” are specified, the former takes precedence.

Most Shading Control Types allow you to specify a schedule that determines when the control
is active. One example is a control that is active seasonally. For example, to deploy shading only
in the summer when the incident solar is high enough, use Shading Control Type = OnIfHighSo-
larOnWindow with a schedule that is 1 during the summer months and 0 otherwise and specify
Shading Control Is Scheduled = YES.
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 347

In addition, most Shading Control Types also allow you to specify that glare control is active
in addition to the specified Control Type. For example, you might want to deploy shading when
the solar incident on a window is too high OR the glare from the window is too high. This type
of joint control requires that the window be in a daylit zone, that the maximum allowed glare
be specified in the Daylighting object for the zone, and that Glare Control Is Active = YES in
WindowProperty:ShadingControl.
If Shading Type = InteriorBlind, ExteriorBlind or BetweenGlassBlind you can use Window-
Property:ShadingControl to specify how the slat angle of the blind is controlled when the blind is
in place.
A special type of WindowProperty:ShadingControl is SwitchableGlazing. An example is elec-
trochromic glazing in which the transmittance and reflectance of the glass is controlled electroni-
cally. For example, you could have electrochromic glazing switch from clear (high transmittance) to
dark (low transmittance) to control solar gain. If you choose the Shading Type = SwitchableGlaz-
ing option for WindowProperty:ShadingControl, the unswitched (clear) state is specified by the
Construction referenced by the window and the switched (dark) state is specified by the Construc-
tion referenced by WindowProperty:ShadingControl for that window. For example, if you specify
Shading Type = SwitchableGlazing and Shading Control Type = OnIfHighSolarOnWindow, then
the glazing will switch to the dark state whenever the solar radiation striking the window exceeds
the Setpoint value.
For Shading Type = SwitchableGlazing the state of the window is either clear (unswitched) or
dark (fully switched) for all Shading Control Types except MeetDaylightIlluminanceSetpoint. In
this case, the transmittance of the glazing is adjusted to just meet the daylight illuminance set
point at the first daylighting reference point (see Daylighting). This type of control assures that
there is just enough solar gain to meet the daylighting requirements in a zone, and no more, thus
reducing the cooling load.

1.9.58.1 Inputs
1.9.58.1.1 Field: Name
Name of the window shading control. It is referenced by a window (ref: Field: Shading Control
Name).

1.9.58.1.2 Field: Shading Type

The type of shading device. The choices are:
InteriorShade: A diffusing shade is on the inside of the window. (In the shaded Construction
the shading layer must be a WindowMaterial:Shade.)
ExteriorShade: A diffusing shade is on the outside of the window. (In the shaded Construction
the shading layer must be a WindowMaterial:Shade.)
BetweenGlassShade: A diffusing shade is between two glass layers. (In the shaded Construction
the shading layer must be a WindowMaterial:Shade.) This shading type is allowed only for double-
and triple-glazing. For triple-glazing the shade must be between the two inner glass layers.
ExteriorScreen: An insect screen is on the outside of the window. (In the shaded Construction
the shadling layer must be a WindowMaterial:Screen.)
InteriorBlind: A slat-type shading device, such as a Venetian blind, is on the inside of the
window. (In the shaded Construction the shading layer must be a WindowMaterial:Blind.)
ExteriorBlind: A slat-type shading device is on the outside of the window. (In the shaded
Construction the shading layer must be a WindowMaterial:Blind.)
348 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

BetweenGlassBlind: A slat-type shading device is between two glass layers. (In the shaded
Construction the shading layer must be a WindowMaterial:Blind.) This shading type is allowed
only for double- and triple-glazing. For triple-glazing the blind must be between the two inner glass
layers.
SwitchableGlazing: Shading is achieved by changing the characteristics of the window glass,
such as by darkening it.

1.9.58.1.3 Field: Construction with Shading Name

Name of the window Construction that has the shading in place. The properties of the shad-
ing device are given by the shading material referenced in that Construction (ref: Construction,
WindowMaterial:Shade, WindowMaterial:Screen and WindowMaterial:Blind). For Shading Type
= SwitchableGlazing, this is the name of the Construction that corresponds to the window in its
fully-switched (darkest) state.
Specifying “Name of Construction with Shading” is required if Shading Type = Between-
GlassShade, BetweenGlassBlind, or SwitchableGlazing. For other Shading Types, you may al-
ternatively specify “Material Name of Shading Device” (see below).

1.9.58.1.4 Field: Shading Control Type

Specifies how the shading device is controlled, i.e., it determines whether the shading device is
“on” or “off.” For blinds, screens and shades, when the device is “on” it is assumed to cover all of
the window except its frame; when the device is “off” it is assumed to cover none of the window
(whether “on” or “off” the shading device is assumed to cover none of the wall that the window is
on).
For switchable glazing, “on” means that the glazing is in the fully-switched state and “off”
means that it is in the unswitched state; for example, for electrochromic glazing, “on” means the
glazing is in its darkest state and “off” means it is in its lightest state.
The choices for Shading Control Type are the following. If SetPoint is applicable its units are
shown in parentheses.
AlwaysOn: Shading is always on.
AlwaysOff : Shading is always off.
The following six control types are used primarily to reduce zone cooling load due to window
solar gain.
OnIfScheduleAllows: Shading is on if schedule value is non-zero. Requires that Schedule Name
be specified and Shading Control Is Scheduled = Yes.
Note: For exterior window screens AlwaysOn, AlwaysOff, and OnIfScheduleAllows are the only
valid shading control types.
OnIfHighSolarOnWindow: Shading is on if beam plus diffuse solar radiation incident on the
window exceeds SetPoint (W/m2 ) and schedule, if specified, allows shading.
OnIfHighHorizontalSolar: Shading is on if total (beam plus diffuse) horizontal solar irradiance
exceeds SetPoint (W/m2 ) and schedule, if specified, allows shading.
OnIfHighOutdoorAirTemperature: Shading is on if outside air temperature exceeds SetPoint
(C) and schedule, if specified, allows shading.
OnIfHighZoneAirTemperature: Shading is on if zone air temperature in the previous timestep
exceeds SetPoint (C) and schedule, if specified, allows shading.
OnIfHighZoneCooling: Shading is on if zone cooling rate in the previous timestep exceeds
SetPoint (W) and schedule, if specified, allows shading.
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 349

OnIfHighGlare: Shading is on if the total daylight glare index at the zone’s first daylighting
reference point from all of the exterior windows in the zone exceeds the maximum glare index
specified in the daylighting input for zone (ref: Group – Daylighting). Applicable only to windows
in zones with daylighting.
Note: Unlike other Shading Control Types, glare control is active whether or not a schedule is
specified.
MeetDaylightIlluminanceSetpoint: Used only with ShadingType = SwitchableGlazing in zones
with daylighting controls. In this case the transmittance of the glazing is adjusted to just meet
the daylight illuminance set point at the first daylighting reference point. Note that the daylight
illuminance set point is specified in the Daylighting:Controls object for the Zone; it is not specified
as a WindowProperty:ShadingControl SetPoint. When the glare control is active, if meeting the
daylight illuminance set point at the first daylighting reference point results in higher discomfort
glare index (DGI) than the specified zone’s maximum allowable DGI for either of the daylight
reference points, the glazing will be further dimmed until the DGI equals the specified maximum
allowable value.
The following three control types can be used to reduce zone heating load during the winter by
reducing window conductive heat loss at night and leaving the window unshaded during the day
to maximize solar gain. They are applicable to any Shading Type except ExteriorScreen but are
most appropriate for interior or exterior shades with high insulating value (“movable insulation”).
“Night” means the sun is down and “day” means the sun is up.
OnNightIfLowOutdoorTempAndOffDay: Shading is on at night if the outside air temperature
is less than SetPoint (C) and schedule, if specified, allows shading. Shading is off during the day.
OnNightIfLowInsideTempAndOffDay: Shading is on at night if the zone air temperature in the
previous timestep is less than SetPoint (C) and schedule, if specified, allows shading. Shading is
off during the day.
OnNightIfHeatingAndOffDay: Shading is on at night if the zone heating rate in the previous
timestep exceeds SetPoint (W) and schedule, if specified, allows shading. Shading is off during the
day.
The following two control types can be used to reduce zone heating and cooling load. They are
applicable to any Shading Type except ExteriorScreen but are most appropriate for translucent
interior or exterior shades with high insulating value (“translucent movable insulation”).
OnNightIfLowOutdoorTempAndOnDayIfCooling: Shading is on at night if the outside air tem-
perature is less than SetPoint (C). Shading is on during the day if the zone cooling rate in the
previous timestep is non-zero. Night and day shading is subject to schedule, if specified.
OnNightIfHeatingAndOnDayIfCooling: Shading is on at night if the zone heating rate in the
previous timestep exceeds SetPoint (W). Shading is on during the day if the zone cooling rate in
the previous timestep is non-zero. Night and day shading is subject to schedule, if specified.
The following control types can be used to reduce zone cooling load. They are applicable to
any Shading Type except ExteriorScreen but are most appropriate for interior or exterior blinds,
interior or exterior shades with low insulating value, or switchable glazing.
OffNightAndOnDayIfCoolingAndHighSolarOnWindow: Shading is off at night. Shading is on
during the day if the solar radiation incident on the window exceeds SetPoint (W/m2 ) and if the
zone cooling rate in the previous timestep is non-zero. Daytime shading is subject to schedule, if
specified.
OnNightAndOnDayIfCoolingAndHighSolarOnWindow: Shading is on at night. Shading is on
during the day if the solar radiation incident on the window exceeds SetPoint (W/m2 ) and if the
zone cooling rate in the previous timestep is non-zero. Day and night shading is subject to schedule,
350 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

if specified. (This Shading Control Type is the same as the previous one, except the shading is on
at night rather than off.)
OnIfHighOutdoorAirTempAndHighSolarOnWindow: Shading is on if the outside air tempera-
ture exceeds the Setpoint (C) and if if the solar radiation incident on the window exceeds SetPoint
2 (W/m2 ).
OnIfHighOutdoorAirTempAndHighHorizontalSolar: Shading is on if the outside air temperature
exceeds the Setpoint (C) and if if the horizontal solar radiation exceeds SetPoint 2 (W/m2 ).

1.9.58.1.5 Field: Schedule Name

Required if Shading Control Is Scheduled = Yes. If schedule value > 0 , shading control is
active, i.e., shading can be on only if the shading control test passes. If schedule value = 0, shading
is off whether or not the control test passes. If Schedule Name is not specified, shading control is
assumed to be active at all times.

1.9.58.1.6 Field: Setpoint

The setpoint for activating window shading. The units depend on the type of trigger:

• W/m2 for solar-based controls

• W for cooling- or heating-based controls

• Degrees C for temperature-based controls

SetPoint is unused for Shading Control Type = OnIfScheduleAllows, OnIfHighGlare and Day-
lightIlluminance.

1.9.58.1.7 Field: Shading Control Is Scheduled

Accepts values YES and NO. The default is NO. Not applicable for Shading Control Type =
OnIfHighGlare and should be blank in that case.
If YES, Schedule Name is required and that schedule determines whether the shading control
specified by Shading Control Type is active or inactive (see Schedule Name, above).
If NO, Schedule Name is not applicable (should be blank) and the shading control is unsched-
uled.
Shading Control Is Scheduled = YES is required if Shading Control Type = OnIfScheduleAllows.

1.9.58.1.8 Field: Glare Control Is Active

Accepts values YES and NO. The default is NO.
If YES and the window is in a daylit zone, shading is on if the zone’s discomfort glare index
exceeds the maximum discomfort glare index specified in the Daylighting object referenced by
the zone. For switchable windows with MeetDaylightIlluminanceSetpoint shading control, if Glare
Control is active, the windows are always continuously dimmed as necessary to meet the zone’s
maximum allowable DGI while providing appropriate amount of daylight for the zone.
The glare test is OR’ed with the test specified by Shading Control Type. For example, if Glare
Control Is Active = YES and Shading Control Type = OnIfHighZoneAirTemp, then shading is on
if glare is too high OR if the zone air temperature is too high.
Glare Control Is Active = YES is required if Shading Control Type = OnIfHighGlare.
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 351

1.9.58.1.9 Field: Shading Device Material Name

The name of a WindowMaterial:Shade, WindowMaterial:Screen or WindowMaterial:Blind. Re-
quired if “Name of Construction with Shading” is not specified. Not applicable if Shading Type =
BetweenGlassShade, BetweenGlassBlind or SwitchableGlazing and should be blank in this case. If
both “Name of Construction with Shading” and “Material Name of Shading Device” are entered
the former takes precedence.

1.9.58.1.10 Field: Type of Slat Angle Control for Blinds

Applies only to Shading Type = InteriorBlind, ExteriorBlind or BetweenGlassBlind. Spec-
ifies how the slat angle is controlled. The choices are FixedSlatAngle, ScheduledSlatAngle and
BlockBeamSolar.
If FixedSlatAngle (the default), the angle of the slat is fixed at the value input for the Win-
dowMaterial:Blind that is contained in the construction specified by Name of Construction with
Shading or is specified by Material Name of Shading Device.
If ScheduledSlatAngle, the slat angle varies according to the schedule specified by Slat Angle
Schedule Name, below.
If BlockBeamSolar, the slat angle is set each timestep to just block beam solar radiation. If there
is no beam solar on the window the slat angle is set to the value input for the WindowMaterial:Blind
that is contained in the construction specified by Name of Construction with Shading or is specified
by Material Name of Shading Device. The BlockBeamSolar option prevents beam solar from
entering the window and causing possible unwanted glare if the beam falls on work surfaces while
at the same time allowing near-optimal indirect radiation for daylighting.

1.9.58.1.11 Field: Slat Angle Schedule Name

This is the name of a schedule of slat angles that is used when Type of Slat Angle Control for
Blinds = ScheduledSlatAngle. You should be sure that the schedule values fall within the range
given by the Minimum Slat Angle and Maximum Slat Angle values entered in the corresponding
WindowMaterial:Blind. If not, the program will force them into this range.

1.9.58.1.12 Field: Setpoint 2

Used only as the second setpoint for the following two-setpoint control types: OnIfHigh-
OutdoorAirTempAndHighSolarOnWindow, OnIfHighOutdoorAirTempAndHighHorizontalSolar,
OnIfHighZoneAirTempAndHighSolarOnWindow,
and OnIfHighZoneAirTempAndHighHorizontalSolar
An IDF example: window with interior roll shade that is deployed when solar incident on the
window exceeds 50 W/m2 .
! Example 1: Interior movable shade specified by giving name of shaded construction
! in WindowProperty:ShadingControl

WindowMaterial:Glazing , GLASS - CLEAR SHEET 1 / 8 IN , !- Material Name

SpectralAverage ,! Optical data type {SpectralAverage or Spectral}
, ! Name of spectral data set when Optical Data Type = Spectral
0.003 , !- Thickness {m}
0.837 , !- Solar Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.075 , !- Solar Reflectance at Normal Incidence: Front Side
0.075 , !- Solar Reflectance at Normal Incidence: Back Side
0.898 , !- Visible Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.081 , !- Visible Reflectance at Normal Incidence: Front Side
0.081 , !- Visible Reflectance at Normal Incidence: Back Side
0.0 , !- IR Transmittance
0.8400000 , !- IR Emissivity: Front Side
0.8400000 , !- IR Emissivity: Back Side
352 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

0.9000000 ; !- Conductivity {W/m-K}

WindowMaterial:Shade , ROLL SHADE , !- Material Name

0.3 , !- Solar Transmittance at normal incidence
0.5000000 , !- Solar Reflectance (same for front and back side)
0.3 , !- Visible Transmittance at normal incidence
0.5000000 , !- Visible reflectance (same for front and back side)
0.9000000 , !- IR Emissivity (same for front and back side)
0.05 , !- IR Transmittance
0.003 , !- Thickness
0.1 , !- Conductivity {W/m-K}
0.0 , !- Top Opening Multiplier
0.0 , !- Bottom Opening Multiplier
0.5 , !- Left -Side Opening Multiplier
0.5 , !- Right -Side Opening Multiplier
0.0 ; !- Air -Flow Permeability

Construction , SINGLE PANE WITH NO SHADE , ! Name of construction without shade

GLASS - CLEAR SHEET 1 / 8 IN; !- First material layer

Construction , SINGLE PANE WITH INT SHADE , ! Name of construction with shade
GLASS - CLEAR SHEET 1 / 8 IN , !- First material layer
ROLL SHADE ; !- Second material layer

WindowProperty:ShadingControl , CONTROL ON INCIDENT SOLAR , !- Name of Shading Control

InteriorShade , !- Shading Type
SINGLE PANE WITH INT SHADE , !- Name of construction with shading device
OnIfHighSolarOnWindow , !- Shading Control Type
, !- Schedule name
50.0, !- Setpoint {W/m2}
NO , !- Shading Control Is Scheduled
NO , !- Glare Control Is Active
, !- Material Name of Shading Device
, !- Type of Slat Angle Control for Blinds
; !- Slat Angle Schedule Name

FenestrationSurface :Detailed , Zn001:Wall001:Win001 , !- SubSurface Name

Window , !- Class
SINGLE PANE WITH NO SHADE , !- Name of construction without shading device
Zn001:Wall001 , !- Base Surface Name
, !- Target
0.5000000 , !- VF to Ground
CONTROL ON INCIDENT SOLAR , !- Window Shading Control name
, !- Frame/Divider name
1.0 , !- Multiplier
4 , !- Number of vertices (assumed rectangular)
0.548 , 0.0 , 2.5 , !- x,y,z of vertices {m}
0.548 , 0.0 , 0.5 ,
5.548 , 0.0 , 0.5 ,
5.548 , 0.0 , 2.5 ;

! Example 2: Interior movable shade specified by giving name of shading device in WindowProperty:
ShadingControl

WindowMaterial:Glazing , GLASS - CLEAR SHEET 1 / 8 IN , !- Material Name

SpectralAverage ,! Optical data type {SpectralAverage or Spectral}
, ! Name of spectral data set when Optical Data Type = Spectral
0.003 , !- Thickness {m}
0.837 , !- Solar Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.075 , !- Solar Reflectance at Normal Incidence: Front Side
0.075 , !- Solar Reflectance at Normal Incidence: Back Side
0.898 , !- Visible Transmittance at Normal Incidence
0.081 , !- Visible Reflectance at Normal Incidence: Front Side
0.081 , !- Visible Reflectance at Normal Incidence: Back Side
0.0 , !- IR Transmittance
0.8400000 , !- IR Emissivity: Front Side
0.8400000 , !- IR Emissivity: Back Side
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 353

0.9000000 ; !- Conductivity {W/m-K}

WindowMaterial:Shade , ROLL SHADE , !- Material Name

0.3 , !- Solar Transmittance at normal incidence
0.5000000 , !- Solar Reflectance (same for front and back side)
0.3 , !- Visible Transmittance at normal incidence
0.5000000 , !- Visible reflectance (same for front and back side)
0.9000000 , !- IR Emissivity (same for front and back side)
0.05 , !- IR Transmittance
0.003 , !- Thickness
0.1 , !- Conductivity {W/m-K}
0.0 , !- Top Opening Multiplier
0.0 , !- Bottom Opening Multiplier
0.5 , !- Left -Side Opening Multiplier
0.5 , !- Right -Side Opening Multiplier
0.0 ; !- Air -Flow Permeability

Construction , SINGLE PANE WITH NO SHADE , ! Name of construction without shade

GLASS - CLEAR SHEET 1 / 8 IN; !- First material layer

WINDOWPROPERTY:SHADINGCONTROL , CONTROL ON INCIDENT SOLAR , !- Name of Shading Control

InteriorShade , !- Shading Type
, !- Name of shaded construction
OnIfHighSolarOnWindow , !- Shading Control Type
, !- Schedule name
50.0, !- Setpoint {W/m2}
NO , !- Shading Control Is Scheduled
NO , !- Glare Control Is Active
ROLL SHADE , !- Material Name of Shading Device
, !- Type of Slat Angle Control for Blinds
; !- Slat Angle Schedule Name

FenestrationSurface :Detailed , Zn001:Wall001:Win001 , !- SubSurface Name

Window , !- Class
SINGLE PANE WITH NO SHADE , !- Name of construction without shade
Zn001:Wall001 , !- Base Surface Name
, !- Target
0.5000000 , !- VF to Ground
CONTROL ON INCIDENT SOLAR , !- Window Shading Control name
, !- Frame/Divider name
1.0 , !- Multiplier
4 , !- Number of vertices (assumed rectangular)
0.548 , 0.0 , 2.5 , !- x,y,z of vertices {m}
0.548 , 0.0 , 0.5 ,
5.548 , 0.0 , 0.5 ,
5.548 , 0.0 , 2.5 ;

1.9.59 WindowProperty:FrameAndDivider
The WindowProperty:FrameAndDivider object is referenced by exterior windows that have

• a frame, and/or

• a divider, and/or

• reveal surfaces that reflect beam solar radiation.

A frame surrounds the glazing in a window (see Figure 1.37 and Figure 1.38). It is assumed
that all frame characteristics—such as width, conductance and solar absorptance—are the same
for the top, bottom and side elements of the frame. If the frame elements are not the same then
you should enter area-weighted average values for the frame characteristics.
354 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

The window vertices that you specify in the FenestrationSurface:Detailed object are those of
the glazed part of the window, not the frame. EnergyPlus automatically subtracts the area of the
frame—determined from the glazing dimensions and the frame width—from the area of the wall
containing the window.
A divider, as shown in Figure 1.37, Figure 1.38 and Figure 1.39, divides the glazing up into
separate lites. It is assumed that all divider elements have the same characteristics. If not, area-
weighted average values should be used. EnergyPlus automatically subtracts the divider area from
the glazed area of the window.
Reveal surfaces, as shown in Figure 1.40, are associated with the setback of the glazing from
the outside and/or inside surface of the parent wall. If the depth and solar absorptance of these
surfaces are specified, the program will calculate the reflection of beam solar radiation from these
surfaces. The program also calculates the shadowing (onto the window) of beam and diffuse solar
radiation by outside reveal surfaces.
In EnergyPlus, a window can have any combination of frame, divider and reveal surfaces, or
none of these.
The best source of frame and divider characteristics is the WINDOW program, which will
calculate the values required by EnergyPlus for different frame and divider types. In particular,
the THERM program within the WINDOW program will calculate the effective conductance of
frames and dividers; this is the conductance taking 2-D heat transfer effects into account.
Note that a window’s frame and divider characteristics, along with other window information,
can be read in from the Window Data File (see “Importing Windows from the WINDOW program”
and “Construction:WindowDataFile object”). In this case the WindowProperty:FrameAndDivider
referenced by the window is not applicable and should be blank unless you want to specify reveal
surfaces for beam solar reflection.
In the illustration above, the divider has two horizontal elements and one vertical element.

1.9.59.1 Inputs
1.9.59.1.1 Field: Name
The name of the frame/divider object. It is referenced by WindowProperty:FrameAndDivider
Name in FenestrationSurface:Detailed.
Frame Fields

1.9.59.1.2 Field: Frame Width

The width of the frame elements when projected onto the plane of the window. It is assumed
that the top, bottom and side elements of the frame have the same width. If not, an average frame
width should be entered such that the projected frame area calculated using the average value
equals the sum of the areas of the frame elements.

1.9.59.1.3 Field: Frame Outside Projection

The amount by which the frame projects outward from the outside surface of the window
glazing. If the outer surface of the frame is flush with the glazing, Frame Outside Projection = 0.0.
Used to calculate shadowing of frame onto glass, solar absorbed by frame, IR emitted and absorbed
by frame, and convection from frame.

1.9.59.1.4 Field: Frame Inside Projection

1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 355

Figure 1.37: A window with a frame and divider.

356 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

The amount by which the frame projects inward from the inside surface of the window glazing.
If the inner surface of the frame is flush with the glazing, Frame Inside Projection = 0.0. Used to
calculate solar absorbed by frame, IR emitted and absorbed by frame, and convection from frame.

Figure 1.38: Illustration showing frame and divider dimensioning.

1.9.59.1.5 Field: Frame Conductance

The effective thermal conductance of the frame measured from inside to outside frame surface
(no air films) and taking 2-D conduction effects into account. Obtained from the WINDOW
program or other 2-D calculation.

1.9.59.1.6 Field: Ratio of Frame-Edge Glass Conductance to Center-Of-Glass

Conductance
The glass conductance near the frame (excluding air films) divided by the glass conductance at
the center of the glazing (excluding air films). Used only for multi-pane glazing constructions. This
ratio is greater than 1.0 because of thermal bridging from the glazing across the frame and across
the spacer that separates the glass panes. Values can be obtained from the WINDOW program
the user-selected glazing construction and frame characteristics.
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 357

1.9.59.1.7 Field: Frame Solar Absorptance

The solar absorptance of the frame. The value is assumed to be the same on the inside and
outside of the frame and to be independent of angle of incidence of solar radiation. If solar re-
flectance (or reflectivity) data is available, then absorptance is equal to 1.0 minus reflectance (for
opaque materials).

1.9.59.1.8 Field: Frame Visible Absorptance

The visible absorptance of the frame. The value is assumed to be the same on the inside and
outside of the frame and to be independent of angle of incidence of solar radiation. If visible
reflectance (or reflectivity) data is available, then absorptance is equal to 1.0 minus reflectance (for
opaque materials).

1.9.59.1.9 Field: Frame Thermal Hemispherical Emissivity

The thermal emissivity of the frame, assumed the same on the inside and outside.
Divider Fields

1.9.59.1.10 Field: Divider Type

The type of divider (see figure below). Divider Type = Suspended is applicable only to multi-
pane glazing. It means that the divider is suspended between the panes. (If there are more than
two glass layers, the divider is assumed to be placed between the two outermost layers.)
Divider Type = DividedLite means that the divider elements project out from the outside and
inside surfaces of the glazing and divide the glazing into individual lites. For multi-pane glazing,
this type of divider also has between-glass elements that separate the panes.

1.9.59.1.11 Field: Divider Width

The width of the divider elements when projected onto the plane of the window. It is assumed
that the horizontal and vertical divider elements have the same width. If not, an average divider
width should be entered such that the projected divider area calculated using the average value
equals the sum of the areas of the divider elements.

1.9.59.1.12 Field: Number of Horizontal Dividers

The number of divider elements parallel to the top and bottom of the window.

1.9.59.1.13 Field: Number of Vertical Dividers

The number of divider elements parallel to the sides of the window.

1.9.59.1.14 Field: Divider Outside Projection

The amount by which the divider projects out from the outside surface of the window glazing.
For Divider Type = Suspended, Divider Projection = 0.0. Used to calculate shadowing of divider
onto glass, solar absorbed by divider, IR emitted and absorbed by divider, and convection from
divider.

1.9.59.1.15 Field: Divider Inside Projection

The amount by which the divider projects inward from the inside surface of the window glazing.
If the inner surface of the divider is flush with the glazing, Divider Inside Projection = 0.0. Used
to calculate solar absorbed by divider, IR emitted and absorbed by divider, and convection from
divider.
358 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.39: Illustration showing divider types.

1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 359

1.9.59.1.16 Field: Divider Conductance

The effective thermal conductance of the divider measured from inside to outside divider surface
(no air films) and taking 2-D conduction effects into account. Obtained from the WINDOW
program or other 2-D calculation.

1.9.59.1.17 Field: Ratio of Divider-Edge Glass Conductance to Center-Of-Glass

Conductance
The glass conductance near the divider (excluding air films) divided by the glass conductance at
the center of the glazing (excluding air films). Used only for multi-pane glazing constructions. This
ratio is greater than 1.0 because of thermal bridging from the glazing across the divider and across
the spacer that separates the glass panes. Values can be obtained from the WINDOW program for
the user-selected glazing construction and divider characteristics.

1.9.59.1.18 Field: Divider Solar Absorptance

The solar absorptance of the divider. The value is assumed to be the same on the inside and
outside of the divider and to be independent of angle of incidence of solar radiation. If solar
reflectance (or reflectivity) data is available, then absorptance is equal to 1.0 minus reflectance (for
opaque materials).

1.9.59.1.19 Field: Divider Visible Absorptance

The visible absorptance of the divider. The value is assumed to be the same on the inside and
outside of the divider and to be independent of angle of incidence of solar radiation. If visible
reflectance (or reflectivity) data is available, then absorptance is equal to 1.0 minus reflectance (for
opaque materials).

1.9.59.1.20 Field: Divider Thermal Hemispherical Emissivity

The thermal emissivity of the divider, assumed the same on the inside and outside.
Reveal Surface Fields
The following fields specify the properties of the window reveal surfaces (reveals occur when the
window is not in the same plane as the base surface). From this information and from the geometry
of the window and the sun position, the program calculates beam solar radiation absorbed and
reflected by the top, bottom, right and left sides of outside and inside window reveal surfaces. In
doing this calculation, the shadowing on a reveal surface by other reveal surfaces is determined
using the orientation of the reveal surfaces and the sun position.
It is assumed that:

• The window is an exterior window.

• The reveal surfaces are perpendicular to the window plane.

• If an exterior shade, screen or blind is in place it shades exterior and interior reveal surfaces
so that in this case there is no beam solar on these surfaces.

• If an interior shade or blind is in place it shades the interior reveal surfaces so that in this
case there is no beam solar on these surfaces.

• The possible shadowing on inside reveal surfaces by a window divider is ignored.

360 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• The outside reveal surfaces (top, bottom, left, right) have the same solar absorptance and
depth. This depth is not input here but is automatically determined by the program—from
window and wall vertices–as the distance between the plane of the outside face of the glazing
and plane of the outside face of the parent wall.

• The inside reveal surfaces are divided into two categories: (1) the bottom reveal surface,
called here the “inside sill;” and (2) the other reveal surfaces (left, right and top).

• The left, right and top inside reveal surfaces have the same depth and solar absorptance.
The inside sill is allowed to have depth and solar absorptance values that are different from
the corresponding values for the other inside reveal surfaces.

• The inside sill depth is required to be greater than or equal to the depth of the other inside
reveal surfaces. If the inside sill depth is greater than zero the depth of the other inside reveal
surfaces is required to be greater than zero.

• The reflection of beam solar radiation from all reveal surfaces is assumed to be isotropic
diffuse; there is no specular component.

• Half of the beam solar reflected from outside reveal surfaces is goes towards the window;
the other half goes back to the exterior environment (i.e., reflection of this outward-going
component from other outside reveal surfaces is not considered).

• The half that goes towards the window is added to the other solar radiation incident on the
window. Correspondingly, half of the beam solar reflected from inside reveal surfaces goes
towards the window, with the other half going into the zone. The portion going towards the
window that is not reflected is absorbed in the glazing or is transmitted back out into the
exterior environment.

• The beam solar that is absorbed by outside reveal surfaces is added to the solar absorbed by
the outside surface of the window’s parent wall; similarly, the beam solar absorbed by the
inside reveal surfaces is added to the solar absorbed by the inside surface of the parent wall.

The net effect of beam solar reflected from outside reveal surfaces is to increase the heat gain
to the zone, whereas the effect of beam solar reflected from inside reveal surfaces is to decrease the
heat gain to the zone since part of this reflected solar is transmitted back out the window.
If the window has a frame, the absorption of reflected beam solar by the inside and outside
surfaces of the frame is considered. The shadowing of the frame onto interior reveal surfaces is also
considered.

1.9.59.1.21 Field: Outside Reveal Solar Absorptance

The solar absorptance of outside reveal surfaces.

1.9.59.1.22 Field: Inside Sill Depth

The depth of the inside sill, measured from the inside surface of the glazing to the edge of the
sill (see Figure 1.40).
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 361

1.9.59.1.23 Field: Inside Sill Solar Absorptance

The solar absorptance of the inside sill.
Field: Inside Reveal Depth
The depth of the inside reveal surfaces other than the sill, measured from the inside surface of
the glazing to the edge of the reveal surface (see Figure 1.40).

1.9.59.1.24 Field: Inside Reveal Solar Absorptance

The solar absorptance of the inside reveal surfaces other than the sill.

Figure 1.40: (a) Vertical section through a window (with frame) showing outside and inside
reveal surfaces and inside sill. (b) Perspective view looking from the outside of a window
(without frame) showing reveal surfaces. Note that “Outside Reveal Depth” is not a user
input; it is calculated by the program from the window and wall vertices.

An IDF example:

WindowProperty:FrameAndDivider ,
TestFrameAndDivider , ! Frame/Divider Name
0.05, ! Frame Width
0.04, ! Frame Outside Projection
0.03, ! Frame Inside Projection
5.0, ! Frame Conductance
1.3, ! Ratio of Frame -Edge Glass Conductance to Center -Of -Glass Conductance
0.8, ! Frame Solar Absorptance
362 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

0.8, ! Frame Visible Absorptance

0.9, ! Frame Thermal Emissivity
DividedLite , ! Divider Type
0.03, ! Divider Width
2, ! Number of Horizontal Dividers
2, ! Number of Vertical Dividers
0.03, ! Divider Outside Projection
0.03, ! Divider Inside Projection
5.0, ! Divider Conductance
1.3, ! Ratio of Divider -Edge Glass Conductance to Center -Of -Glass Conductance
0.8, ! Divider Solar Absorptance
0.8, ! Divider Visible Absorptance
0.9, ! Divider Thermal Emissivity
0.7, ! Outside Reveal Solar Absorptance
0.25, ! Inside Sill Depth (m)
0.6, ! Inside Sill Solar Absorptance
0.2, ! Inside Reveal Depth (m)
0.5; ! Inside Reveal Solar Absorptance

1.9.60 WindowProperty:AirflowControl
This object is used to specify the control mechanism for windows in which forced air flows in the
gap between adjacent layers of glass. Such windows are called “airflow windows.” They are also
known as “heat-extract windows” or “climate windows.”
A common application is to reduce the zone load by exhausting indoor air through the window.
In the cooling season this picks up and expels some of the solar heat absorbed by the window
glass (and by the between-glass shade or blind, if present). In the heating season this warms the
window, reducing the heat loss from the window. A side benefit is increased thermal comfort.
This is because the inside surface of the window will generally be cooler in summer and warmer in
winter.
The surface output variable “Surface Window Gap Convective Heat Transfer Rate” gives the
heat picked up (or lost) by the gap airflow.

1.9.60.1 Inputs
1.9.60.1.1 Field: Name
Name of the window that this WindowProperty:AirflowControl refers to. It must be a window
with two or three glass layers, i.e., double- or triple-glazing. For triple-glazing the airflow is assumed
to be between the two inner glass layers.
An error will result if the gas in the airflow gap is other than air. If an airflow window has a
between-glass shade or blind, the gas in the gap on either side of the shade or blind must be air.

1.9.60.1.2 Field: Airflow Source

The source of the gap airflow. The choices are:
IndoorAir: Indoor air from the window’s zone is passed through the window.
OutdoorAir: Outdoor air is passed through the window.

1.9.60.1.3 Field: Airflow Destination

This is where the gap air goes after passing through the window. The choices are:
IndoorAir: The gap air goes to the indoor air of the window’s zone.
OutdoorAir: The gap air goes to the outside air.
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 363

ReturnAir. The gap air goes to the return air for the window’s zone. This choice is allowed
only if Airflow Source = InsideAir. If the return air flow is zero, the gap air goes to the indoor air
of the window’s zone. If the sum of the gap airflow for all of the windows in a zone with Airflow
Destination = ReturnAir exceeds the return airflow, then the difference between this sum and the
return airflow goes to the indoor air.
Figure 1.41 shows the allowed combinations of Airflow Source and Airflow Destination. The
allowed combinations of Airflow Source and Airflow Destination are:
IndoorAir -> OutdoorAir
IndoorAir -> IndoorAir
IndoorAir -> ReturnAir
OutdoorAir -> IndoorAir
OutdoorAir -> OutdoorAir

1.9.60.1.4 Field: Maximum Flow Rate

The maximum value of the airflow, in m3 /s per m of glazing width. The value is typically 0.006
to 0.009 m3 /s-m (4 to 6 cfm/ft).
The airflow can be modulated by specifying Airflow Has Multiplier Schedule = Yes and giving
the name of the Airflow Multiplier Schedule (see below).
The fan energy used to move the air through the gap is generally very small and so is ignored.

1.9.60.1.5 Field: Airflow Control Type

Specifies how the airflow is controlled. The choices are:
AlwaysOnAtMaximumFlow. The airflow is always equal to Maximum Airflow.
AlwaysOff. The airflow is always zero.
ScheduledOnly. The airflow in a particular timestep equals Maximum Airflow times the value
of the Airflow Multiplier Schedule for that timestep.

1.9.60.1.6 Field: Airflow Is Scheduled

Specifies if the airflow is scheduled. The choices are:
Yes. The airflow is scheduled.
No. The airflow is not scheduled.
If Yes, Airflow Multiplier Schedule Name is required.

1.9.60.1.7 Field: Airflow Multiplier Schedule Name

The name of a schedule with values between 0.0 and 1.0. The timestep value of the airflow
is Maximum Airflow times the schedule value. Required if Airflow Is Scheduled = Yes. Unused
if Airflow Is Scheduled = No. This schedule should have a ScheduleType with Numeric Type =
Continuous and Range = 0.0 : 1.0.
An IDF example: window with a constant airflow from inside to outside at 0.008 m3 /s-m.
WindowProperty:AirflowControl , !- Used to control forced airflow through a gap between glass
layers
Zn001:Wall001:Win002 , !- Name of Associated Window
InsideAir , !- Airflow Source
OutsideAir , !- Airflow Destination
0.008 , !- Maximum Airflow (m3/s per m of glazing width)
AlwaysOnAtMaxFlow , !- Airflow Control Type
No , !- Airflow Has Multiplier Schedule?
; !- Name of Airflow Multiplier Schedule
364 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.41: Gap airflow configurations for airflow windows. (a) Air exhaust window:
Airflow Source = InsideAir, Airflow Destination = OutsideAir; (b) Indoor air curtain
window: Airflow Source = InsideAir, Airflow Destination = InsideAir; (c) Air supply
window: Airflow Source = OutsideAir, Airflow Destination = InsideAir; (d) Outdoor air
curtain window: Airflow Source = OutsideAir, Airflow Destination = OutsideAir; (e)
Airflow to Return Air: Airflow Source = InsideAir, Airflow Destination = ReturnAir.
Based on “Active facades,” Version no. 1, Belgian Building Research Institute, June 2002.
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 365

1.9.61 WindowProperty:StormWindow
This object allows you to assign a movable exterior glass layer (“storm window” or “storm glass”)
that is usually applied to a window in the winter to reduce heat loss and removed in the summer.
A WindowProperty:StormWindow object is required for each window that has an associated storm
window. It is assumed that:

• When the storm glass is in place it is the outermost layer of the window, it covers only the
glazed part of the window and not the frame, and it forms a tight seal. See Figure 1.42.

• When the storm glass is not in place it is completely removed and has no effect on window
heat transfer.

• The gap between the storm glass and rest of the glazing is filled with air.

Figure 1.42: Section through a single-glazed window without (left) and with (right) a storm
glass layer. Not to scale.

With the addition of a storm window, single glazing effectively becomes double glazing, double
glazing becomes triple glazing, etc.
The presence of a storm window is indicated by the output variable “Surface Storm Window
On Off Status” (see “Window Output Variables”). This flag is 0 if the storm window is off, 1 if it
is on, and –1 if the window does not have an associated storm window.
The program automatically creates a window construction (ref: Construction) that consists of
the storm window glass layer and its adjacent air layer added to the original (unshaded, or “bare”)
window construction. In the eplusout.eio file this construction is called BARECONSTRUCTION-
WITHSTORMWIN:n, where n is the number of the associated StormWin object. If the window
366 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

has a shaded construction, the program creates a construction called SHADEDCONSTRUCTION-

WITHSTORMWIN:n that consists of the storm window glass layer and its adjacent air layer added
to the original shaded window construction.
The program also creates a WindowMaterial:Gas layer corresponding to the air layer adjacent
to the storm glass. In the eplusout.eio file this layer is called AIR:STORMWIN:kMM, where k is
the thickness of the air layer expressed as an integer number of millimeters.

1.9.61.1 Inputs
1.9.61.1.1 Field: Window Name
This is the name of a window (or glass door) to which the storm glass is applied. Not all
windows can accept WindowProperty:StormWindow. The rules are:

• The window must be an exterior window. WindowProperty:StormWindow is not applicable

to interior (interzone) windows.

• The window construction (without the storm glass layer) can have up to three glass layers.

• If the window has an associated shaded construction (ref: WindowProperty:ShadingControl),

that construction can have an interior shade or blind and up to three glass layers, or a
between-glass shade or blind and two glass layers. The shaded construction cannot have an
exterior shade or blind, cannot have a between-glass shade or blind and three glass layers,
and cannot be switchable glazing.

• The window cannot be an airflow window, i.e., a window that has an associated Window-
Property:AirflowControl.

1.9.61.1.2 Field: Storm Glass Layer Name

This is the name of a window glass material. Storm windows are assumed to consist of a single
layer of glass. A storm window frame, if present, is ignored.

1.9.61.1.3 Field: Distance Between Storm Glass Layer and Adjacent Glass
The separation between the storm glass and the rest of the window (Figure 1.42). It is measured
from the inside of the storm glass layer to the outside of the adjacent glass layer.

1.9.61.1.4 Field: Month that Storm Glass Layer Is Put On

The number of the month (January = 1, February = 2, etc.) during which the storm window
is put in place.

1.9.61.1.5 Field: Day of Month that Storm Glass Layer Is Put On

The day of the month that the storm window is put in place. It is assumed that the storm
window is put in place at the beginning of this day, i.e., during the first simulation timestep of the
day, and remains in place until that month and day given by the following two fields.

1.9.61.1.6 Field: Month that Storm Glass Layer Is Taken Off

The number of the month (January = 1, February = 2, etc.) during which the storm window
is removed.
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 367

1.9.61.1.7 Field: Day of Month that Storm Glass Layer Is Taken Off
The day of the month that the storm window is removed. It is assumed that the storm window
is removed at the beginning of this day, i.e., during the first simulation timestep of the day, and
stays off until the month and day given by Month that Storm Glass Layer Is Put On, Day of Month
that Storm Glass Layer Is Put On.
In the northern hemisphere, the month the storm window is put on is generally greater than
the month it is taken off (for example put on in month 10, when it starts to get cold, and taken off
in month 5, when it starts to warm up). In the southern hemisphere this is reversed: month on is
less than month off.
An IDF example of WindowProperty:StormWindow. The storm window is put in place on
October 15 and removed on May 1.
WindowProperty:StormWindow ,
Window1 , !- Name of Window to Which Storm Window Glass Layer is Applied
GlassA , !- Name of Material:WindowGlass or MATERIAL:WindowGlass:AltInput that is the storm
window layer
0.060 , !- Distance from storm window to adjacent glass (m)
10, !- Month that Storm Window Is Put On
15, !- Day of Month that Storm Window Is Put On
5, !- Month that Storm Window Is Taken Off
1; !- Day of Month that Storm Window Is Taken Off

1.9.62 Importing Windows from WINDOW program

WINDOW v6.3 and later is capable of writing IDF excerpts for Window data. This is the
preferred method as no external file is necessary. See the Tips document for details on obtaining
the IDF excerpt.

The WINDOW program calculates the U-value, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, solar transmission/ab-
sorption characteristics, visible transmission characteristics and other properties of a window under
standard indoor and outdoor conditions. WINDOW treats the whole window system—glazing,
frame and divider. A sub-program of WINDOW called THERM uses a 2-D finite element calcula-
tion to determine the effective conductance of frame, divider and edge-of-glass elements. Another
sub-program, OPTICS, determines the solar-optical properties of glazing, including laminates and
coated glass.
WINDOW can write a data file containing a description of the window that was analyzed. An
example of this file (which is no longer the preferred method) is shown in the Tips document under
WINDOW generated files. is shown below. This file, which can be named by the user, can be
read by EnergyPlus. For more complete description and examples, see the object description –
Construction:WindowDataFile.
In this way, the same window that was created in WINDOW can be imported into EnergyPlus
for annual energy analysis without having to re-input the window data. To obtain WINDOW,
THERM, or OPTICS go to http://windows.lbl.gov and choose the software link. A major advantage
of using WINDOW to create window input for EnergyPlus is that you will have direct access
to WINDOW’s expanding database of over 1000 different glass types; and you will be able to
browse through this database according to different criteria (color, transmittance, solar heat gain
coefficient, etc.) to help you select the best glass type for your application.
Although WINDOW writes only one window entry on the WINDOW data file, EnergyPlus
users can combine two or more of these files to end up with a single data file with multiple window
368 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

entries of different types. In this way a library of windows from WINDOW can be built up if so
desired. If you combine files like this you should be sure not to leave out or change any of lines
from the original files.
There are four methods for inputting window constructions in EnergyPlus:

1. input full spectral data for each layer in the IDF,

2. input spectral average data for each layer in the IDF,
3. items 1 and 2 can be accomplished by reporting the IDF excerpt method from WINDOW
4. import WINDOW report containing layer-by-layer calculated values and overall glazing sys-
tem angular values.

Note: When using method 4, the overall glazing system angular dependent
properties, including Tsol, Abs, Rfsol, Rbsol, Tvis, Rfvis, and Rbvis, are not used
by EnergyPlus. Therefore, methods 1 and 2 and preferably 3 are recommended.

• The SHGC calculations in EnergyPlus for window layers input using full spectral data use
a spectral weighting data set (derived from Optics5 data file ISO-9845GlobalNorm.std) that
is different from the WINDOW default spectral weighting data set (W5_NFRC_2003.std).
This difference accounts for most of the variation in SHGC values reported by EnergyPlus
and WINDOW for full spectral data window layer input. This variation is more pronounced
for window constructions of three glass layers or more.

• Users intending to select a window construction based on SHGC value for energy code compli-
ance should base their selection on the value reported by WINDOW since this is the officially
recognized value.

In EnergyPlus, the Window data file is searched for each “Construction:WindowDataFile” ob-
ject in the EnergyPlus input. This object has a very simple form:
Construction:WindowDataFile ,
ConstructionName ,
FileName; ! Default is Window5DataFile.dat in the "run" folder.

If there is a window called ConstructionName on the Window data file, the data for that window
is read from the file and the following EnergyPlus objects and their names are created. The “W5”
prefixed to these names indicates that the object originated in the Window data file.

1.9.63 Zone Thermal Output(s)

In addition to the canned Surface reports (view the Reports section later in this document) and
surface variables (above), the following variables are available for all zones:
Zone ,Sum ,Zone Total Internal Radiant Heating Energy [J]
Zone ,Sum ,Zone Total Internal Visible Radiation Heating Energy [J]
Zone ,Sum ,Zone Total Internal Convective Heating Energy [J]
Zone ,Sum ,Zone Total Internal Latent Gain Energy [J]
Zone ,Sum ,Zone Total Internal Total Heating Energy [J]
Zone ,Average ,Zone Mean Air Temperature [C]
HVAC ,Average ,Zone Air Temperature [C]
Zone ,Average ,Zone Mean Radiant Temperature [C]
Zone ,Average ,Zone Operative Temperature [C]
HVAC ,Sum ,Zone Air System Sensible Heating Energy [J]
HVAC ,Sum ,Zone Air System Sensible Cooling Energy [J]
1.9. GROUP – THERMAL ZONE DESCRIPTION/GEOMETRY 369

HVAC ,Average ,Zone Air System Sensible Heating Rate [W]

HVAC ,Average ,Zone Air System Sensible Cooling Rate [W]
HVAC ,Average ,Zone Air Humidity Ratio[kgWater/kgDryAir]
HVAC ,Average ,Zone Air Relative Humidity [%]

Two of these are of particular interest:

Zone ,Average ,Zone Mean Air Temperature [C]
HVAC ,Average ,Zone Air Temperature [C]

These two variable outputs are/should be identical. However, note that they can be reported at
different time intervals. “Zone Mean Air Temperature” is only available on the Zone/HB timestep
(Number of Timesteps per Hour) whereas “Zone Air Temperature” can be reported at the HVAC
timestep (which can vary).

1.9.63.1 Zone Mean Air Temperature [C]

From the code definition, the zone mean air temperature is the average temperature of the air
temperatures at the system timestep. Remember that the zone heat balance represents a “well
stirred” model for a zone, therefore there is only one mean air temperature to represent the air
temperature for the zone.

1.9.63.2 Zone Air Temperature [C]

This is very similar to the mean air temperature in the last field. The “well stirred” model for the
zone is the basis, but this temperature is also available at the “detailed” system timestep.

1.9.63.3 Zone Mean Radiant Temperature [C]

The Mean Radiant Temperature (MRT) in degrees Celsius of a space is really the measure of the
combined effects of temperatures of surfaces within that space. The larger the surface area and the
closer one is to it, the more effect the surface temperature of that surface has on each other. The
MRT is the measure of all these surface areas and temperatures.

1.9.63.4 Zone Operative Temperature [C]

Zone Operative Temperature (OT) is the average of the Zone Mean Air Temperature (MAT) and
Zone Mean Radiant Temperature (MRT), OT = 0.5*MAT + 0.5*MRT. This output variable is not
affected by the type of thermostat controls in the zone, and does not include the direct effect of
high temperature radiant systems. See also Zone Thermostat Operative Temperature.

1.9.63.5 Zone Air System Sensible Heating Energy [J]

This field represents the sensible heating energy in Joules that is actually supplied by the system to
that zone for the timestep reported. This is the sensible heating rate multiplied by the simulation
timestep. This is calculated and reported from the Correct step in the Zone Predictor-Corrector
module. This field is not multiplied by zone or group multipliers.

Zone Air System Sensible Heating (and Cooling) Energy (and Rate) all report the heating
or cooling delivered by the HVAC system to a zone. These values are calculated by multiplying
the supply air mass flow rate by the difference between the supply air temperature and the zone
370 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

air temperature. This does not always indicate the operation of heating or cooling coils. For
example, cooling will be reported if the supply air is cooled due to the introduction of outside
air, even if all coils are off.
Note that these variables are calculated at the system timestep. When reported at the
“detailed” reporting frequency, these variable will never show heating and cooling both in the
same system timestep. If reported at a frequency less than “Detailed” (for example, Hourly)
values may appear in both the heating and cooling variable for the same hour if the system
cooled the zone for part of the reporting period and heated the zone for another part of the
reporting period.

1.9.63.6 Zone Air System Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

This field represents the sensible cooling energy in Joules that is actually supplied by the system to
that zone for the timestep reported. This is the sensible cooling rate multiplied by the simulation
timestep. This is calculated and reported from the Correct step in the Zone Predictor-Corrector
module. This field is not multiplied by zone or group multipliers.

1.9.63.7 Zone Air System Sensible Heating Rate [W]

This field represents the sensible heating rate in Watts that is actually supplied by the system to
that zone for the timestep reported. This is calculated and reported from the Correct step in the
Zone Predictor-Corrector module. This field is not multiplied by zone or group multipliers.

1.9.63.8 Zone Air System Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

This field represents the sensible cooling rate in Watts that is actually supplied by the system to
that zone for the timestep reported. This is calculated and reported from the Correct step in the
Zone Predictor-Corrector module. This field is not multiplied by zone or group multipliers.

1.9.63.9 Zone Air Humidity Ratio[kgWater/kgDryAir]

This field represents the air humidity ratio after the correct step for each zone. The humidity ratio
is the mass of water vapor to the mass of dry air contained in the zone in (kg water/kg air) and is
unitless.

1.9.63.10 Zone Air Relative Humidity[%]

This field represents the air relative humidity ratio after the correct step for each zone. The relative
humidity is in percent and uses the Zone Air Temperature, the Zone Air Humidity Ratio and the
Outside Barometric Pressure for calculation.

1.9.63.11 Zone Total Internal Radiant Heating Energy [J]

This field represents the sum of radiant gains from specific internal sources (e.g. equipment)
throughout the zone in joules. This includes radiant gain from People, Lights, Electric Equip-
ment, Gas Equipment, Other Equipment, Hot Water Equipment, and Steam Equipment.
1.10. GROUP – ADVANCED SURFACE CONCEPTS 371

1.9.63.12 Zone-Total Internal Visible Heat Gain [J]

This field expresses the sum of heat gain in joules that is the calculated short wavelength radiation
gain from lights in the zones. This calculation uses the total energy from lights and the fraction
visible to realize this value, summed over the zones in the simulation.

1.9.63.13 Zone Total Internal Convective Heating Energy [J]

This field represents the sum of convective gains from specific sources (e.g. equipment) throughout
the zone in joules. This includes convective gain from People, Lights, Electric Equipment, Gas
Equipment, Other Equipment, Hot Water Equipment, and Steam Equipment.

1.9.63.14 Zone Total Internal Latent Gain Energy [J]

This field represents the sum of latent gains from specific internal sources (e.g. equipment) through-
out the zone in joules. This includes latent gain from People, Electric Equipment, Gas Equipment,
Other Equipment, Hot Water Equipment, and Steam Equipment.

1.9.63.15 Zone Total Internal Total Heating Energy [J]

This field represents the sum of all heat gains throughout the zone in joules. This includes all
heat gains from People, Lights, Electric Equipment, Gas Equipment, Other Equipment, Hot Water
Equipment, and Steam Equipment.

1.10 Group – Advanced Surface Concepts

This group of objects describe concepts applied to heat transfer surfaces that are of an advanced
nature. Careful consideration must be given before using these.

1.10.1 SurfaceProperty:HeatTransferAlgorithm
This object, and three other related objects, can be used to control which surface heat transfer
model is used on specific surfaces. The separate object called HeatBalanceAlgorithm is used to
control the heat transfer model in an overall way while this object can be used to revise the
algorithm selections for specific surfaces. This object allows selectively overriding the global setting
in HeatBalanceAlgorithm to choose one of the following models for a particular surface:

• CTF (Conduction Transfer Functions),

• EMPD (Effective Moisture Penetration Depth with Conduction Transfer Functions).

• CondFD (Conduction Finite Difference)

• HAMT (Combined Heat And Moisture Finite Element)

1.10.1.1 Inputs
1.10.1.1.1 Field: Surface Name
This is the name of the surface that will be assigned to use the heat transfer algorithm selected
in the next field. This should be a name of a surface defined elsewhere.
372 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.10.1.1.2 Field: Algorithm

This field is used to determine the heat transfer algorithm that is to be applied to the surface
named in the previous field. The allowable choices are:

• ConductionTransferFunction

• MoisturePenetrationDepthConductionTransferFunction

• ConductionFiniteDifference

• CombinedHeatAndMoistureFiniteElement

1.10.2 SurfaceProperty:HeatTransferAlgorithm:MultipleSurface
This object can be used to control the surface heat transfer model used for specific types of surfaces.
The separate object called HeatBalanceAlgorithm is used to control the heat transfer model in an
overall way while this object can be used to revise the algorithm selections for specific types of
surfaces. This object allows selectively overriding the global setting in HeatBalanceAlgorithm to
choose one of the following models for all surfaces of a particular type:

• CTF (Conduction Transfer Functions),

• EMPD (Effective Moisture Penetration Depth with Conduction Transfer Functions).

• CondFD (Conduction Finite Difference)

• HAMT (Combined Heat And Moisture Finite Element)

1.10.2.1 Inputs
1.10.2.1.1 Field: Name
This is a unique, user-defined name for the object.

1.10.2.1.2 Field: Surface Type

This field is selects the type of surfaces that are all assigned to use the heat transfer algorithm
selected in the next field. This field is used with one of the following allowable keywords:

• AllExteriorSurfaces—all surfaces that have “Outdoors” outside boundary condition

• AllExteriorWalls—all walls that have “Outdoors” outside boundary condition

• AllExteriorRoofs—all roofs that have “Outdoors” outside boundary condition

• AllExteriorFloors—all floors that have “Outdoors” outside boundary condition

• AllGroundContactSurfaces—all surfaces that have “Ground” outside boundary condition

• AllInteriorSurfaces—all surfaces that are internal partition-type surfaces

• AllInteriorWalls—all walls that are internal surfaces

• AllInteriorCeilings—all ceilings that are internal surfaces

• AllInteriorFloors—all floors that are are internal surfaces

1.10. GROUP – ADVANCED SURFACE CONCEPTS 373

1.10.2.1.3 Field: Algorithm

This field is used to determine the heat transfer algorithm that is to be applied to the surface
types in the previous field. The allowable choices are:

• ConductionTransferFunction

• MoisturePenetrationDepthConductionTransferFunction

• ConductionFiniteDifference

• CombinedHeatAndMoistureFiniteElement

SurfaceProperty:HeatTransferAlgorithm:MultipleSurface ,
my exterior wall override ,
AllExteriorWalls ,
ConductionFiniteDifference ;

1.10.3 SurfaceProperty:HeatTransferAlgorithm:SurfaceList
This object can be used to control the surface heat transfer model used for a list of surfaces. The
separate object called HeatBalanceAlgorithm is used to control the heat transfer model in an overall
way while this object can be used to revise the algorithm selections for a list of specific surfaces.
This object allows selectively overriding the global setting in HeatBalanceAlgorithm to choose one
of the following models for listed:

• CTF (Conduction Transfer Functions),

• EMPD (Effective Moisture Penetration Depth with Conduction Transfer Functions).

• CondFD (Conduction Finite Difference)

• HAMT (Combined Heat And Moisture Finite Element)

1.10.3.1 Inputs
1.10.3.1.1 Field: Name
This is a unique, user-defined name for the object.

1.10.3.1.2 Field: Algorithm

This field is used to determine the heat transfer algorithm that is to be applied to the surface
listed in the remaining fields. The allowable choices are:

• ConductionTransferFunction

• MoisturePenetrationDepthConductionTransferFunction

• ConductionFiniteDifference

• CombinedHeatAndMoistureFiniteElement
374 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.10.3.1.3 Field: Surface Name N

This is the name of the “Nth” surface that will be assigned to use the heat transfer algorithm
selected in this object. These should be the names of surfaces defined elsewhere. This object is
extensible. Additional surfaces can be added to extend the object.
An example IDF object follows.

SurfaceProperty:HeatTransferAlgorithm:SurfaceList ,
my wall construct override , !- Name
ConductionFiniteDifference , !- Algorithm
Zn001:Wall001 , !- Surface Name 1
Zn001:Wall002 , !- Surface Name 2
Zn001:Wall003 , !- Surface Name 3
Zn001:Wall004; !- Surface Name 4

1.10.4 SurfaceProperty:HeatTransferAlgorithm:Construction
This object can be used to control the surface heat transfer model used for surfaces that have a
specific type of construction. The separate object called HeatBalanceAlgorithm is used to control
the heat transfer model in an overall way while this object can be used to revise the algorithm
selections for specific constructions. This object allows selectively overriding the global setting in
HeatBalanceAlgorithm to choose one of the following models for all surfaces with particular type
of construction:

• CTF (Conduction Transfer Functions),

• EMPD (Effective Moisture Penetration Depth with Conduction Transfer Functions).

• CondFD (Conduction Finite Difference)

• HAMT (Combined Heat And Moisture Finite Element)

1.10.4.1 Inputs
1.10.4.1.1 Field: Name
This is a unique, user-defined name for the object.

1.10.4.1.2 Field: Algorithm

This field is used to determine the heat transfer algorithm that is to be applied to the surfaces
with the type of of construction listed in the next field. The allowable choices are:

• ConductionTransferFunction

• MoisturePenetrationDepthConductionTransferFunction

• ConductionFiniteDifference

• CombinedHeatAndMoistureFiniteElement
1.10. GROUP – ADVANCED SURFACE CONCEPTS 375

1.10.4.1.3 Field: Construction Name

This field is the name of a Construction object defined elsewhere. All the surfaces in the model
that are assigned this type of construction will be assigned to use the heat transfer algorithm slected
in the previous field.
An example IDF object follows.

SurfaceProperty:HeatTransferAlgorithm:Construction ,
my wall construct override , !- Name
ConductionFiniteDifference , !- Algorithm
R13WALL; !- Construction Name

1.10.5 SurfaceControl:MoveableInsulation
Movable insulation can be used/scheduled on any surface regular surface (such as a wall, floor, roof,
etc.) but not on a subsurface (such as a window, use WindowProperty:ShadingControl instead).
With movable insulation, no reference is made in the surface that is using the insulation – rather
the movable insulation statement references the surface to which it is applied.
Exterior and interior movable insulation have undergone some testing and appears to producing
expected results. The underlying principle has been implemented in EnergyPlus for both interior
and exterior movable insulation with the possibility for exterior movable insulation to be transparent
(transparent insulation material or TIM).
TIM exterior layers can be used with the ConductionFiniteDifference (CondFD) solution algo-
rithm. With this addition, TIM layers can be used in conjunction with wall layers that have phase
change materials (PCM) included, or any other advanced capability of the CondFD algorithm such
as variable conductivity. The input requirements are exactly the same as when used with the CTF
algorithm. The Solution Algorithm needs to be changed to CondFD, and as with CTF, the “Sur-
faceControl:MovableInsulation” object must be completed to specify the insulated surface and the
“WindowMaterial:Glazing” object is needed to provide the TIM layer properties.
Basically, the addition of movable insulation allows the user to schedule an extra amount of
insulation on either the inside or outside surface of a wall (or both). The insulation must be a
simple, homogenous material layer (linked to a material definition within the input data file). Note
that EnergyPlus allows the exterior movable insulation layer to be transparent to short wavelength
radiation (solar). In this case, incident solar is split between the plane between the movable
insulation and the surface and the plane between the movable insulation and the surrounding
air. This calculation is fairly basic and based on the solar transmittance of the insulation layer
(material properties). Using transparent layers for exterior movable insulation allows solar energy
to penetrate deeper into a construction where it can be stored for later use in the building (similar
in concept to a Trombe Wall).

1.10.5.1 Field: Insulation Type

This field determines whether the movable insulation is applied to the inside or the outside of the
surface by entering either “Inside” or “Outside”, respectively.

1.10.5.2 Field: Surface Name

This field refers the movable insulation back to a particular surface (ref: Building Surfaces) via its
user assigned name so that EnergyPlus knows where to apply this extra layer of insulation. This
376 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

will affect either the inside or outside surface heat balance of this surface depending on the value
in the insulation type field (see previous field).

1.10.5.3 Field: Material Name

This field refers to a material layer (e.g., Material, Material:NoMass, or WindowMaterial:Glazing;
transparent layers are only valid for outside movable insulation) via its user assigned name. This
provides the program with a full complement of material properties so that the effect of the insu-
lation (R-value and solar transmittance) can be correctly taken into account by EnergyPlus.

1.10.5.4 Field: Schedule Name

This field is a schedule that theoretically can be any positive real number but was originally intended
to be a parameter between 0.0 and 1.0. Its purpose is to act as a fractional modifier on the
resistance of the material layer. The actual thermal resistance of the movable insulation is equal
to the resistance of the material layer times the current value in the movable insulation schedule.
A value of 0.0 simply means that the movable insulation is not present.
An example of this syntax implemented in an input file is:

SurfaceControl:MoveableInsulation ,
Exterior , ! Insulation Type
Zone001:Wall001 , ! Surface Name
TransparentInsulationMaterial , ! Material Name
PresentInWinterSchedule ; ! Schedule Name

1.10.6 SurfaceProperty:OtherSideCoefficients
By referencing the Other Side Coefficients statement in the surface statements (i.e. Outside Bound-
ary Condition), the temperature of the outer plane of a surface (see Figure 1.43) can be directly
controlled. Other side coefficients can also be used to control the exterior convective heat transfer
coefficient of a surface and the corresponding exterior air temperature. It should be noted that solar
effects are not accounted for when other side coefficients are used. In addition, if other side coeffi-
cients are specified for a surface, they also hold for subsurfaces of that surface (though subsurfaces
can have their own coefficient set).
other side coefficients have the same effect on all types of heat transfer surfaces. In other words,
an interior surface with other side coefficients specified and an exterior wall with identical other
side coefficients specified are simulated exactly the same. A surface that uses other side coefficients
should be thought of as a new or separate type of surface. All heat transfer surfaces are simulated
in the same manner through conduction transfer functions. The only difference between the various
types of heat transfer surfaces is the environment on the other side of the surface. For example, the
other side environment of an exterior surface is the outdoor environment. For an interior surface,
the temperature of the outer plane of the surface is set equal to the temperature of the inner plane
of the surface. Similarly, a surface with other side coefficients specified will allow the user to control
the other side environment.
Heat transfer through a surface is an extremely important component in the calculation of zone
loads. The information to calculate this heat transfer is readily available if the surface is exposed
to the outdoor environment or to another zone that is being simulated. Occasionally, a user will
want to model the heat transfer through a surface that is adjacent to an area that is not included in
the EnergyPlus model. For example, an office area is attached to a warehouse and the user is only
1.10. GROUP – ADVANCED SURFACE CONCEPTS 377

interested in simulating the office area. An interior surface with other side coefficients specified
could be used to control the environment on the other side of the surface, thereby accounting for
the heat transfer through the adjoining surface.
Other Side Coefficients affects the “other side” of a surface as described below. Each coefficient
has a special meaning. You may enter a 0 or blank if you are not using a particular coefficient.
Note that there are two potential ways to use other side coefficients. Either they are used to set the
temperature of the exterior side surface directly (if the combined convective/radiative coefficient
below is less than or equal to zero) or to set both the film coefficient (positive value for the combined
convective/radiative coefficient below) and the outside air temperature.

1.10.6.1 Inputs
1.10.6.1.1 Field: Name
This, of course, is the string referenced in the Surface statement that is using OtherSideCoeffi-
cients as the Outside Boundary Condition.

1.10.6.1.2 Field: Combined Convective/Radiative Film Coefficient

This is a trigger value. If the value is greater than zero, then it is taken to be the combined
convective/radiative film coefficient. In this case (value > 0), the remaining fields are used first
to calculate the outside air temperature for the surface and then to calculate the outside surface
temperature based on the outside air temperature and the film coefficient. If this field is less than
or equal to zero, then the remaining fields are used to calculate the surface temperature (not the
outside air temperature). The units for this field are the same as for a convective heat transfer
coefficient: W/(m2 *K). This is referred to as “C1” in the reference below.

1.10.6.1.3 Field: Constant Temperature

This field defines a temperature term that is a constant part of the calculation either of the
surface or outside air temperature. This parameter is shown as “C2” in the equation below. The
units for this parameter are degrees C. If a schedule name is included as the second parameter, the
value of this parameter will be overridden by the value from the schedule. The default for this field
is 0.0.

1.10.6.1.4 Field: Constant Temperature Coefficient

This field defines a constant coefficient that is applied to the constant temperature (see previous
field). This parameter is shown as “C3” in the equation below. This parameter is dimensionless.
The value of this parameter is usually 1.0 if a schedule is used to set C2. This field is ignored if
Sinusoidal Variation of Constant Temperature Coefficient = Yes. The default for this field is 1.0.

1.10.6.1.5 Field: External Dry-Bulb Temperature Coefficient

This field defines a constant coefficient that is applied to the outside air dry-bulb temperature.
This parameter is shown as “C4” in the equation below. This parameter is dimensionless. The
default for this field is 0.0.

1.10.6.1.6 Field: Ground Temperature Coefficient

This field defines a constant coefficient that is applied to the ground temperature (ref.
Site:GroundTemperature:BuildingSurface). This parameter is shown as “C5” in the equation
below. This parameter is dimensionless.
378 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.10.6.1.7 Field: Wind Speed Coefficient

This field defines a constant coefficient that is applied to the product of the outside air dry-bulb
temperature and the wind speed. This parameter is shown as “C6” in the equation below. This
parameter has dimensions of inverse velocity or s/m. The default for this field is 0.0.

1.10.6.1.8 Field: Zone Air Temperature Coefficient

This field defines a constant coefficient that is applied to the temperature of the zone to which
this surface belongs. This parameter is shown as “C7” in the equation below. This parameter is
dimensionless. The default for this field is 0.0.

1.10.6.1.9 Field: Constant Temperature Schedule Name

This field is used to supply a schedule name. That schedule will supply the “constant” temper-
ature value C2. Note that the value of the C3 field should normally be 1.0 if a schedule is used for
C2. If not blank, this field must be a valid schedule name.

1.10.6.1.10 Field: Sinusoidal Variation of Constant Temperature Coefficient

This field is optional and can be used to define an alternate method of prescribing the coefficient
that is applied to the constant temperature (see the fields Constant Temperature and Constant
Temperature Coefficient). This parameter is shown as “C2” in the equation below. If this field is
omitted, left blank, or set to “No,” then C2 is a constant (defined in the field Constant Temperature
Coefficient). However if this is set to “Yes,” then the value of C2 varies with a unitary sine wave
in the following way:
( )
(time of day)
C2 = Sin 2π (1.16)
(period)
The value for “period” is controlled in the following field. The value for “time of day” is based
on the zone timestep and is in units of hours. The sine function here uses input as radians. When
using this option, the value for C2 will vary between -1.0 and 1.0 and the value put in the field
Constant Temperature Coefficient is not used. This option cannot be used at the same time as
scheduling a constant temperature with the previous field.

1.10.6.1.11 Field: Period of Sinusoidal Variation

This field is used to define the period of the sine wave when using the Sinusodial Variation of
Constant Temperature Coefficient capability selected in the previous field. This field is the time
period of the sine wave in units of hours. The default is 24 hours and provides a diurnal sine wave.
The value entered here is “period” in the equation in the previous field.

1.10.6.1.12 Field: Previous Other Side Temperature Coefficient

This field defines a constant coefficient that is applied to the other side temperature computed
by this object from the previous zone time step. This parameter is shown as “C8” in the equation
below. This parameter is dimensionless. The default for this field is 0.0.

1.10.6.1.13 Field: Minimum Other Side Temperature Limit

This field specifies a lower limit for the other side temperature result in degrees C. If blank,
there is no lower limit.
1.10. GROUP – ADVANCED SURFACE CONCEPTS 379

1.10.6.1.14 Field: Maximum Other Side Temperature Limit

This field specifies an upper limit for the other side temperature result in degrees C. If blank,
there is no upper limit.
The coefficients listed above are used in the following equation:

T = C2 ∗ C3 + C4 ∗ T oadb + C5 ∗ T grnd + C6 ∗ W spd ∗ T oadb + C7 ∗ T zone + C8 ∗ T past (1.17)

where:
T = Outside Air Temperature when C1 (Combined convective/radiative film Coeff) > 0
T = Exterior Surface Temperature when C1 (Combined convective/radiative film Coeff) < = 0
Tzone = Temperature of the zone being simulated (°C)
Toadb = Dry-bulb temperature of the outdoor air (°C)
Tgrnd = Temperature of the ground (°C) from Site:GroundTemperature:BuildingSurface
Wspd = Outdoor wind speed (m/sec)
Tpast = Other side temperature from previous zone timestep (°C)

Figure 1.43: Illustration for Other Side Coefficients

! Example input using temperature schedule

SurfaceProperty:OtherSideCoefficients ,
OSCCoef:Zn005:Wall003 , !- Name
0, !- Combined Convective/Radiative Film Coefficient {W/m2 -K}
0.000000 , !- Constant Temperature {C}
1.000000 , !- Constant Temperature Coefficient
0.000000 , !- External Dry -Bulb Temperature Coefficient
0.000000 , !- Ground Temperature Coefficient
0.000000 , !- Wind Speed Coefficient
0.000000 , !- Zone Air Temperature Coefficient
Zn005Wall003OtherSideTempSched ; !- Constant Temperature Schedule Name

! Example input for outside heat transfer coefficient of 1.23, using Tosdb
SurfaceProperty:OtherSideCoefficients ,
OSCCoef:Zn005:Wall004 , !- Name
1.230000 , !- Combined Convective/Radiative Film Coefficient {W/m2 -K}
380 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

0.000000 , !- Constant Temperature {C}

0.000000 , !- Constant Temperature Coefficient
1.000000 , !- External Dry -Bulb Temperature Coefficient
0.000000 , !- Ground Temperature Coefficient
0.000000 , !- Wind Speed Coefficient
0.000000 , !- Zone Air Temperature Coefficient
, !- Constant Temperature Schedule Name
No , !- Sinusoidal Variation of Constant Temperature Coefficient
24, !- Period of Sinusoidal Variation {hr}
0., !- Previous Other Side Temperature Coefficient
, !- Minimum Other Side Temperature Limit {C}
; !- Maximum Other Side Temperature Limit {C}

1.10.6.2 Outputs

Zone ,Average ,Surface Other Side Coefficients Exterior Air Drybulb Temperature

1.10.6.2.1 Surface Other Side Coefficients Exterior Air Drybulb Temperature

[C]
This is the air temperature applied to the other side of the surface.

1.10.7 SurfaceProperty:OtherSideConditionsModel
By referencing the Other Side Conditions Model statement in the surface statements (i.e. Out-
side Boundary Condition), the boundary conditions for the outer plane of the mass wall can be
connected to the appropriate model for various multi-skin components. The types of multi-skin
components that use this object include systems that are mounted to the outside surface using
standoffs that create a small air gap – see Figure 1.44. This type of modeling allows using the usual
heat transfer calculations for the underlying surface with other types of multi-skin component mod-
els that are available including: unglazed transpired solar collectors, ventilated photovoltaic panels,
and naturally ventilated facades.
The boundary condition values are determined dynamically by the program using internal
component models. If you want to define other side surface temperatures or convection conditions,
then use SurfaceProperty:OtherSideCoefficients instead of this object.
It should be noted that when other side conditions models are used, solar effects are removed
from the surface’s outside face heat balance, but are used in modeling the component adjacent to
that surface.
In addition, the other side conditions model has been modified to include underground piping
system interaction. The PipingSystem:Underground:Domain object represents a mass of ground
which may include interaction with, for example, basement surfaces. In this case, the ground model
will internally use the other side condition model hook to update boundary conditions for those
surfaces which use that other side condition model name reference.

1.10.7.1 Inputs
1.10.7.1.1 Field: Name
This is the string referenced in the Surface statement that is using OtherSideModel as the
Exterior Environment.
1.10. GROUP – ADVANCED SURFACE CONCEPTS 381

1.10.7.1.2 Field: Type of Modeling

This is a string key selection used to identify the type of model that will be used to determine
boundary conditions. The only available choices are ”GapConvectionRadiation,” “Underground-
PipingSystemSurface,” and “GroundCoupledSurface.”

Figure 1.44: Illustration for Other Side Conditions Model

An example specification is:

SurfaceProperty:OtherSideConditionsModel ,
UTSC OSCM ZN11 , ! OtherSideConditionsModel Name
GapConvectionRadiation; ! Type of Modeling used to determine Boundary Conditions

1.10.7.2 Outputs
• Zone,Average,Surface Other Side Conditions Modeled Convection Air Temperature [C]
382 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• Zone,Average,Surface Other Side Conditions Modeled Convection Heat Transfer Coefficient

[W/m2-K]

• Zone,Average,Surface Other Side Conditions Modeled Radiation Temperature [C]

• Zone,Average,Surface Other Side Conditions Modeled Radiation Heat Transfer Coefficient

[W/m2-K]

1.10.7.2.1 Surface Other Side Conditions Modeled Convection Air Temperature

[C]
This is the air temperature exposed to the other side of the surface by the model and used in
convection heat transfer calculations.

1.10.7.2.2 Surface Other Side Conditions Modeled Convection Heat Transfer

Coefficient [W/m2-K]
This is the surface convection heat transfer coefficient applied to the other side of the surface
by the model.

1.10.7.2.3 Surface Other Side Conditions Modeled Radiation Temperature [C]

This is the effective temperature exposed to the other side of the surface for thermal radiation
heat transfer calculations.

1.10.7.2.4 Surface Other Side Conditions Modeled Radiation Heat Transfer Co-
efficient [W/m2-K]
This is the effective (Iinearized) radiation heat transfer coefficient applied to the other side of
the surface by the model.

1.10.8 SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:Inside:AdaptiveModelSelections
This object provides options to change the individual convection model equations for dynamic
selection when using AdaptiveConvectionAlgorithm. This object is only needed to make changes
to the default model selections for any or all of the surface categories. This object is for the inside
face, the side of the surface facing a thermal zone.

1.10.8.1 Inputs
1.10.8.1.1 Field: Name
A unique name for the object.

1.10.8.1.2 Field: Simple Buoyancy Vertical Wall Equation Source

Applies to zone with no HVAC or when HVAC is off. This is for vertical walls. The key
choice options include: FohannoPolidoriVerticalWall, ASHRAEVerticalWall, AlamdariHammond-
VerticalWall, KhalifaEq3WallAwayFromHeat, KhalifaEq6NonHeatedWalls FohannoPolidoriVerti-
calWall, ISO15099Windows, or UserCurve
1.10. GROUP – ADVANCED SURFACE CONCEPTS 383

1.10.8.1.3 Field: Simple Buoyancy Vertical Wall User Curve Name

The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve

1.10.8.1.4 Field: Simple Buoyancy Stable Horizontal Equation Source

Applies to zone with no HVAC or when HVAC is off. This is for horizontal surfaces with heat
flow directed for stable thermal stratification. The key choice options include: WaltonStableHori-
zontalOrTilt, AlamdariHammondStableHorizontal, or UserCurve

1.10.8.1.5 Field: Simple Buoyancy Stable Horizontal Equation User Curve

Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve

1.10.8.1.6 Field: Simple Buoyancy Unstable Horizontal Equation Source

Applies to zone with no HVAC or when HVAC is off. This is for passive horizontal surfaces
with heat flow for unstable thermal stratification. The key choice options include: WaltonUnsta-
bleHorizontalOrTilt, AlamdariHammondUnstableHorizontal, or UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.7 Field: Simple Buoyancy Unstable Horizontal Equation User Curve

Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.8 Field: Simple Buoyancy Stable Tilted Equation Source

Applies to zone with no HVAC or when HVAC is off. This is for tilted surfaces with heat flow
for stable thermal stratification. The key choice options include: WaltonStableHorizontalOrTilt,
AlamdariHammondStableHorizontal, or UserCurve

1.10.8.1.9 Field: Simple Buoyancy Stable Tilted Equation User Curve Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.10 Field: Simple Buoyancy Unstable Tilted Equation Source

Applies to zone with no HVAC or when HVAC is off. This is for tilted surfaces with heat flow
for unstable thermal stratification. The key choices include: WaltonUnstableHorizontalOrTilt,
AlamdariHammondUnstableHorizontal, or UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.11 Field: Simple Buoyancy Unstable Tilted Equation User Curve

Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.12 Field: Simple Buoyancy Windows Equation Source

Applies to zone with no HVAC or when HVAC is off. This is for all window surfaces. The
key choice options include: ASHRAEVerticalWall, AlamdariHammondVerticalWall, FohannoPoli-
doriVerticalWall, KaradagChilledCeiling, ISO15099Windows, or UserCurve.
384 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.10.8.1.13 Field: Simple Buoyancy Windows Equation User Curve Name

The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.14 Field: Floor Heat Ceiling Cool Vertical Wall Equation Source
Applies to zone with in-floor heating and/or in-ceiling cooling. This is for vertical walls.
The key choice options include: ASHRAEVerticalWall, AlamdariHammondVerticalWall, Khali-
faEq3WallAwayFromHeat, FohannoPolidoriVerticalWall, ISO15099Windows, or UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.15 Field: Floor Heat Ceiling Cool Vertical Wall Equation User Curve
Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.16 Field: Floor Heat Ceiling Cool Stable Horizontal Equation Source

Applies to zone with in-floor heating and/or in-ceiling cooling. This is for passive horizontal
surfaces with heat flow for stable thermal stratification. The key choice options include: Walton-
StableHorizontalOrTilt, AlamdariHammondStableHorizontal, or UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.17 Field: Floor Heat Ceiling Cool Stable Horizontal Equation User
Curve Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.18 Field: Floor Heat Ceiling Cool Unstable Horizontal Equation

Source
Applies to zone with in-floor heating and/or in-ceiling cooling. This is for passive hor-
izontal surfaces with heat flow for unstable thermal stratification. The key choice options
include: WaltonUnstableHorizontalOrTilt, AlamdariHammondUnstableHorizontal, Khali-
faEq4CeilingAwayFromHeat, or UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.19 Field: Floor Heat Ceiling Cool Unstable Horizontal Equation User
Curve Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.20 Field: Floor Heat Ceiling Cool Heated Floor Equation Source
Applies to zone with in-floor heating and/or in-ceiling cooling. This is for a floor with active
heating elements. The key choice options include: WaltonUnstableHorizontalOrTilt, Alamdari-
HammondUnstableHorizontal, AwbiHattonHeatedFloor, or UserCurve

1.10.8.1.21 Field: Floor Heat Ceiling Cool Heated Floor Equation User Curve
Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.
1.10. GROUP – ADVANCED SURFACE CONCEPTS 385

1.10.8.1.22 Field: Floor Heat Ceiling Cool Chilled Ceiling Equation Source
Applies to zone with in-floor heating and/or in-ceiling cooling. This is for a ceiling with active
cooling elements. The key choice options include: WaltonUnstableHorizontalOrTilt, Alamdari-
HammondUnstableHorizontal, KaradagChilledCeiling, or UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.23 Field: Floor Heat Ceiling Cool Chilled Ceiling Equation User Curve
Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve

1.10.8.1.24 Field: Floor Heat Ceiling Cool Stable Tilted Equation Source
Applies to zone with in-floor heating and/or in-ceiling cooling. This is for tilted surfaces with
heat flow for stable thermal stratification. The key choice options include: WaltonStableHorizon-
talOrTilt, AlamdariHammondStableHorizontal, ISO15099Windows, or UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.25 Field: Floor Heat Ceiling Cool Stable Tilted Equation User Curve
Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.26 Field: Floor Heat Ceiling Cool Unstable Tilted Equation Source
Applies to zone with in-floor heating and/or in-ceiling cooling. This is for tilted surfaces with
heat flow for unstable thermal stratification. The key choice options include: WaltonUnstableHor-
izontalOrTilt, AlamdariHammondUnstableHorizontal, ISO15099Windows, or UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.27 Field: Floor Heat Ceiling Cool Unstable Tilted Equation User
Curve Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.28 Field: Floor Heat Ceiling Cool Window Equation Source

Applies to zone with in-floor heating and/or in-ceiling cooling. This is for all window sur-
faces. The key choice options include: ASHRAEVerticalWall, AlamdariHammondVerticalWall,
ISO15099Windows, or UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.29 Field: Floor Heat Ceiling Cool Window Equation User Curve Name

The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.30 Field: Wall Panel Heating Vertical Wall Equation Source

Applies to zone with in-wall panel heating. This is for vertical walls that are not actively
heated. The key choice options include: ASHRAEVerticalWall, AlamdariHammondVerticalWall,
KhalifaEq6NonHeatedWalls, FohannoPolidoriVerticalWall, AlamdariHammondVerticalWall,
ISO15099Windows, or UserCurve.
386 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.10.8.1.31 Field: Wall Panel Heating Vertical Wall Equation User Curve Name

The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.32 Field: Wall Panel Heating Heated Wall Equation Source

Applies to zone with in-wall panel heating. This is for vertical walls that are being actively
heated. The key choice options include: ASHRAEVerticalWall, AlamdariHammondVerticalWall,
KhalifaEq5WallNearHeat, AwbiHattonHeatedWall, FohannoPolidoriVerticalWall, AlamdariHam-
mondVerticalWall, or UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.33 Field: Wall Panel Heating Heated Wall Equation User Curve Name

The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.34 Field: Wall Panel Heating Stable Horizontal Equation Source

Applies to zone with in-wall panel heating. This is for horizontal surfaces with heat flow directed
for stable thermal stratification. The key choice options include: WaltonStableHorizontalOrTilt,
AlamdariHammondStableHorizontal, or UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.35 Field: Wall Panel Heating Stable Horizontal Equation User Curve
Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.36 Field: Wall Panel Heating Unstable Horizontal Equation Source

Applies to zone with in-wall panel heating. This is for horizontal surfaces with heat flow directed
for unstable thermal stratification. The key choice options include: ASHRAEVerticalWall, Wal-
tonUnstableHorizontalOrTilt, AlamdariHammondUnstableHorizontal, KhalifaEq7Ceiling, or User-
Curve

1.10.8.1.37 Field: Wall Panel Heating Unstable Horizontal Equation User

Curve Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.38 Field: Wall Panel Heating Stable Tilted Equation Source

Applies to zone with in-wall panel heating. This is for tilted surfaces with heat flow for stable
thermal stratification. The key choice options include: WaltonStableHorizontalOrTilt, Alamdari-
HammondStableHorizontal, ISO15099Windows, or UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.39 Field: Wall Panel Heating Stable Tilted Equation User Curve Name

The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve
1.10. GROUP – ADVANCED SURFACE CONCEPTS 387

1.10.8.1.40 Field: Wall Panel Heating Unstable Tilted Equation Source

Applies to zone with in-wall panel heating. This is for tilted surfaces with heat flow for un-
stable thermal stratification. The key choice options include: WaltonUnstableHorizontalOrTilt,
AlamdariHammondUnstableHorizontal, ISO15099Windows, or UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.41 Field: Wall Panel Heating Unstable Tilted Equation User Curve
Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.42 Field: Wall Panel Heating Window Equation Source

Applies to zone with in-wall panel heating. This is for all window surfaces. The key choice
options include: ASHRAEVerticalWall, AlamdariHammondVerticalWall, FohannoPolidoriVertical-
Wall, ISO15099Windows, or UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.43 Field: Wall Panel Heating Window Equation User Curve Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.44 Field: Convective Zone Heater Vertical Wall Equation Source

Applies to zone with convective heater. This is for vertical walls not directly affected by
heater. The key choice options include: ASHRAEVerticalWall, AlamdariHammondVertical-
Wall, KhalifaEq3WallAwayFromHeat, KhalifaEq6NonHeatedWalls, FohannoPolidoriVerticalWall,
ISO15099Windows, or UserCurve

1.10.8.1.45 Field: Convective Zone Heater Vertical Wall Equation User Curve
Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.46 Field: Convective Zone Heater Vertical Walls Near Heater Equation
Source
Applies to zone with convective heater. This is for vertical walls that are directly affected
by heater. Walls are considered “near” when listed in field set for Fraction of Radiant Energy
to Surface. The key choice options include: ASHRAEVerticalWall, AlamdariHammondVer-
ticalWall, KhalifaEq5WallNearHeat, AwbiHattonHeatedWall, FohannoPolidoriVerticalWall,
ISO15099Windows, or UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.47 Field: Convective Zone Heater Vertical Walls Near Heater Equation
User Curve Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.
388 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.10.8.1.48 Field: Convective Zone Heater Stable Horizontal Equation Source

Applies to zone with convective heater. This is for horizontal surfaces with heat flow directed
for stable thermal stratification. The key choice options include: WaltonStableHorizontalOrTilt,
AlamdariHammondStableHorizontal, or UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.49 Field: Convective Zone Heater Stable Horizontal Equation User

Curve Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve

1.10.8.1.50 Field: Convective Zone Heater Unstable Horizontal Equation

Source
Applies to zone with convective heater. This is for horizontal surfaces with heat flow directed for
unstable thermal stratification. The key choice options include: WaltonUnstableHorizontalOrTilt,
AlamdariHammondUnstableHorizontal, KhalifaEq4CeilingAwayFromHeat, KhalifaEq7Ceiling, or
UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.51 Field: Convective Zone Heater Unstable Horizontal Equation User

Curve Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.52 Field: Convective Zone Heater Stable Tilted Equation Source

Applies to zone with convective heater. This is for tilted surfaces with heat flow for stable
thermal stratification. The key choice options include: WaltonStableHorizontalOrTilt, Alamdari-
HammondStableHorizontal, or UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.53 Field: Convective Zone Heater Stable Tilted Equation User Curve
Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.54 Field: Convective Zone Heater Unstable Tilted Equation Source

Applies to zone with convective heater. This is for tilted surfaces with heat flow for unstable
thermal stratification. The key choice options include: WaltonUnstableHorizontalOrTilt, Alam-
dariHammondUnstableHorizontal, or UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.55 Field: Convective Zone Heater Unstable Tilted Equation User

Curve Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.56 Field: Convective Zone Heater Windows Equation Source

Applies to zone with convective heater. This is for all window surfaces. The key choice options
include: ASHRAEVerticalWall, AlamdariHammondVerticalWall, KhalifaEq3WallAwayFromHeat,
FohannoPolidoriVerticalWall, ISO15099Windows, or UserCurve.
1.10. GROUP – ADVANCED SURFACE CONCEPTS 389

1.10.8.1.57 Field: Convective Zone Heater Windows Equation User Curve

Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.58 Field: Central Air Diffuser Wall Equation Source

Applies to zone with mechanical forced central air with diffusers. This is for all wall sur-
faces. The key choice options include: ASHRAEVerticalWall, FisherPedersenCeilingDiffuserWalls,
AlamdariHammondVerticalWall, BeausoleilMorrisonMixedAssistedWall, BeausoleilMorrisonMixe-
dOpposingWall, FohannoPolidoriVerticalWall, ISO15099Windows, GoldsteinNovoselacCeilingDif-
fuserWalls, or UserCurve

1.10.8.1.59 Field: Central Air Diffuser Wall Equation User Curve Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.60 Field: Central Air Diffuser Ceiling Equation Source

Applies to zone with mechanical forced central air with diffusers. This is for all ceiling surfaces.
The key choice options include: FisherPedersenCeilingDiffuserCeiling, BeausoleilMorrisonMixed-
StableCeiling, BeausoleilMorrisonMixedUnstableCeiling, or UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.61 Field: Central Air Diffuser Ceiling Equation User Curve Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.62 Field: Central Air Diffuser Floor Equation Source

Applies to zone with mechanical forced central air with diffusers. This is for all floor surfaces.
The key choice options include: FisherPedersenCeilingDiffuserFloor, BeausoleilMorrisonMixed-
StableFloor, BeausoleilMorrisonMixedUnstableFloor, GoldsteinNovoselacCeilingDiffuserFloor, or
UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.63 Field: Central Air Diffuser Floor Equation User Curve Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.64 Field: Central Air Diffuser Window Equation Source

Applies to zone with mechanical forced central air with diffusers. This is for all window surfaces.
The key choice options include: ASHRAEVerticalWall, FisherPedersenCeilingDiffuserWalls, Beau-
soleilMorrisonMixedAssistedWall, BeausoleilMorrisonMixedOpposingWall, FohannoPolidoriVerti-
calWall, AlamdariHammondVerticalWall, ISO15099Windows, GoldsteinNovoselacCeilingDiffuser-
Window, or UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.65 Field: Central Air Diffuser Window Equation User Curve Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve
390 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.10.8.1.66 Field: Mechanical Zone Fan Circulation Vertical Wall Equation

Source
The key choice options include: KhalifaEq3WallAwayFromHeat, ASHRAEVerticalWall, Fish-
erPedersenCeilingDiffuserWalls, AlamdariHammondVerticalWall, BeausoleilMorrisonMixedAssist-
edWall, BeausoleilMorrisonMixedOpposingWall, FohannoPolidoriVerticalWall, ISO15099Windows,
GoldsteinNovoselacCeilingDiffuserWalls, or UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.67 Field: Mechanical Zone Fan Circulation Vertical Wall Equation

User Curve Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve

1.10.8.1.68 Field: Mechanical Zone Fan Circulation Stable Horizontal Equation

Source
The key choice options include: WaltonStableHorizontalOrTilt, AlamdariHammondStableHor-
izontal, or UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.69 Field: Mechanical Zone Fan Circulation Stable Horizontal Equation

User Curve Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.70 Field: Mechanical Zone Fan Circulation Unstable Horizontal Equa-

tion Source
The key choice options include: KhalifaEq4CeilingAwayFromHeat, WaltonUnstableHorizon-
talOrTilt, AlamdariHammondUnstableHorizontal, or UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.71 Field: Mechanical Zone Fan Circulation Unstable Horizontal Equa-

tion User Curve Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.72 Field: Mechanical Zone Fan Circulation Stable Tilted Equation

Source
The key choice options include: WaltonStableHorizontalOrTilt or UserCurve

1.10.8.1.73 Field Mechanical Zone Fan Circulation Stable Tilted Equation User
Curve Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.74 Field: Mechanical Zone Fan Circulation Unstable Tilted Equation

Source
The key choice options include: WaltonUnstableHorizontalOrTilt, AlamdariHammondUnsta-
bleHorizontal, or UserCurve.
1.10. GROUP – ADVANCED SURFACE CONCEPTS 391

1.10.8.1.75 Field: Mechanical Zone Fan Circulation Unstable Tilted Equation

User Curve Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.76 Field: Mechanical Zone Fan Circulation Window Equation Source

The key choice options include: ASHRAEVerticalWall, AlamdariHammondVerticalWall,

FohannoPolidoriVerticalWall, ISO15099Windows, GoldsteinNovoselacCeilingDiffuserWindow, or
UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.77 Field: Mechanical Zone Fan Circulation Unstable Tilted Equation

User Curve Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve

1.10.8.1.78 Field: Mixed Regime Buoyancy Assisting Flow on Walls Equation

Source
The key choice options include: BeausoleilMorrisonMixedAssistedWall, AlamdariHammond-
VerticalWall, FohannoPolidoriVerticalWall, ASHRAEVerticalWall, FisherPedersenCeilingDiffuser-
Walls, GoldsteinNovoselacCeilingDiffuserWalls, or UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.79 Field: Mixed Regime Buoyancy Assisting Flow on Walls Equation

User Curve Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.80 Field: Mixed Regime Buoyancy Oppossing Flow on Walls Equation

Source
The key choice options include: BeausoleilMorrisonMixedOpposingWall, AlamdariHammond-
VerticalWall, FohannoPolidoriVerticalWall, ASHRAEVerticalWall, FisherPedersenCeilingDiffuser-
Walls, GoldsteinNovoselacCeilingDiffuserWalls, or UserCurve

1.10.8.1.81 Field: Mixed Regime Buoyancy Oppossing Flow on Walls Equation

User Curve Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve

1.10.8.1.82 Field: Mixed Regime Stable Floor Equation Source

The key choice options include: BeausoleilMorrisonMixedStableFloor, WaltonStableHorizon-
talOrTilt, AlamdariHammondStableHorizontal, or UserCurve

1.10.8.1.83 Field: Mixed Regime Stable Floor Equation User Curve Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.
392 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.10.8.1.84 Field: Mixed Regime Unstable Floor Equation Source

The key choice options include: BeausoleilMorrisonMixedUnstableFloor, WaltonUnstableHori-
zontalOrTilt, AlamdariHammondUnstableHorizontal, or UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.85 Field: Mixed Regime Unstable Floor Equation User Curve Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.86 Field: Mixed Regime Stable Ceiling Equation Source

The key choice options include: BeausoleilMorrisonMixedStableCeiling, WaltonStableHorizon-
talOrTilt, AlamdariHammondStableHorizontal, or UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.87 Field: Mixed Regime Stable Ceiling Equation User Curve Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.88 Field: Mixed Regime Unstable Ceiling Equation Source

The key choice options include: BeausoleilMorrisonMixedUnstableCeiling, WaltonUnstableHor-
izontalOrTilt, AlamdariHammondUnstableHorizontal, or UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.89 Field: Mixed Regime Unstable Ceiling Equation User Curve Name

The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.90 Field: Mixed Regime Window Equation Source

The key choice options include: GoldsteinNovoselacCeilingDiffuserWindow, ISO15099Windows,
or UserCurve.

1.10.8.1.91 Field: Mixed Regime Window Equation User Curve Name

The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.

1.10.9 SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:Outside:AdaptiveModelSelections
Options to change the individual convection model equations for dynamic selection when using
AdaptiveConvectionAlgorithm. This object is only needed to make changes to the default model
selections for any or all of the surface categories. This object is for the outside face, the side of the
surface facing away from the thermal zone.

1.10.9.1 Inputs
1.10.9.1.1 Field: Name
A unique name for the object
1.10. GROUP – ADVANCED SURFACE CONCEPTS 393

1.10.9.1.2 Field: Wind Convection Windward Vertical Wall Equation Source

This is for just the wind-driven component of the total convection coefficient. The key choice
options include: SimpleCombined, TARPWindward, MoWiTTWindward, DOE2Windward, Nus-
seltJurges, McAdams, Mitchell, Blocken, Emmel, or UserCurve.

1.10.9.1.3 Field: Wind Convection Windward Equation Vertical Wall User

Curve Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.

1.10.9.1.4 Field: Wind Convection Leeward Vertical Wall Equation Source

This is for just the wind-driven component of the total convection coefficient. The key choice op-
tions include: SimpleCombined, TARPLeeward, MoWiTTLeeward, DOE2Leeward, Emmel, Nus-
seltJurges, McAdams, Mitchell, or UserCurve.

1.10.9.1.5 Field: Wind Convection Leeward Vertical Wall Equation User Curve
Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.

1.10.9.1.6 Field: Wind Convection Horizontal Roof Equation Source

This is for just the wind-driven component of the total convection coefficient. The key choice
options include: SimpleCombined, TARPWindward, MoWiTTWindward, DOE2Windward, Nus-
seltJurges, McAdams, Mitchell, Blocken, Emmel, ClearRoof, or UserCurve.

1.10.9.1.7 Field: Wind Convection Horizontal Roof User Curve Name

The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.

1.10.9.1.8 Field: Natural Convection Vertical Wall Equation Source

This is for just the natural convection portion of the total film coefficient. This is for vertical
walls. The key choice options include: ASHRAEVerticalWall, AlamdariHammondVerticalWall,
FohannoPolidoriVerticalWall, ISO15099Windows, UserCurve, or None.

1.10.9.1.9 Field: Natural Convection Vertical Wall Equation User Curve Name

The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.

1.10.9.1.10 Field: Natural Convection Stable Horizontal Equation Source

This is for just the natural convection portion of the total film coefficient. This is for horizontal
surfaces with heat flow directed for stable thermal stratification. The key choice options include:
WaltonStableHorizontalOrTilt, AlamdariHammondStableHorizontal, UserCurve, or None.
394 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.10.9.1.11 Field: Natural Convection Stable Horizontal Equation User Curve

Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.

1.10.9.1.12 Field: Natural Convection Unstable Horizontal Equation Source

This is for just the natural convection portion of the total film coefficient. This is for horizontal
surfaces with heat flow directed for unstable thermal stratification. The key choice optios include:
WaltonUnstableHorizontalOrTilt, AlamdariHammondUnstableHorizontal, UserCurve, or None

1.10.9.1.13 Field: Natural Convection Unstable Horizontal Equation User

Curve Name
The SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:UserCurve named in this field is used when the previous field
is set to UserCurve.

1.10.10 SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:Inside:UserCurve
This object is used to describe a custom model equation for surface convection heat transfer coef-
ficients. If more than one curve is referenced, or non-blank, then they are all used and the result is
the simple addition of all the curve results.

1.10.10.1 Inputs
1.10.10.1.1 Field: Name
Unique name of input object.

1.10.10.1.2 Field: Reference Temperature for Convection Heat Transfer

This field controls the nature of the reference temperature used with convection coefficient when
calculating the heat flow at the surface. Select one of the three choices: MeanAirTemperature, Ad-
jacentAirTemperature, SupplyAirTemperature. MeanAirTemperature is the typical application for
the classic convection model used with the complete mixing of room air. AdjacentAirTemperature
applies when used with Roomair models that account for temperature variations within the zone
air and directs the model to use the temperature near the surface rather than the average for the
entire zone. SupplyAirTemperature directs the model to use the supply air conditions for the heat
transfer conditions.

1.10.10.1.3 Field: Hc Function of Temperature Difference Curve Name

This field contains the name of separate performance curve or table object that describes hc ,
the convection coefficient, as a function of temperature difference. The curve’s “x” is absolute value
of delta-T (Surface temperature minus air temperature, (C))

1.10.10.1.4 Field: Hc Function of Temperature Difference Divided by Height

Curve Name
This field contains the name of separate performance curve or table object that describes hc , the
convection coefficient, as a function of temperature difference divided by height. The curve’s “x”
is absolute value of delta-T/Height (Surface temp minus Air temp)/(vertical length scale), (C/m).
For an inside face, the vertical length scale is the zone’s interior height.
1.10. GROUP – ADVANCED SURFACE CONCEPTS 395

1.10.10.1.5 Field: Hc Function of Air Change Rate Curve Name

This field contains the name of separate performance curve or table object that describes hc ,
the convection coefficient, as a function of air change rate. The curve’s “x” is mechanical ACH (Air
Changes per hour from mechanical air system), (1/hr)

1.10.10.1.6 Field: Hc Function of Air System Volume Flow Rate Divided by

Zone Perimeter Length Curve Name
This field contains the name of separate performance curve or table object that describes hc ,
the convection coefficient, as a function of air change rate divided perimeter scale. Curve’s “x” is
mechanical system air flow rate (m3 /s) divided by zone’s length along exterior walls (m).

1.10.11 SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:Outside:UserCurve
This object is used to describe a custom model equation for surface convection heat transfer coef-
ficients. If more than one curve is referenced, or non-blank, then they are all used and the result is
the simple addition of all the curve results.

1.10.11.1 Inputs
1.10.11.1.1 Field: Name
Unique name of input object.

1.10.11.1.2 Field: Wind Speed Type for Curve

This field specifies what sort of wind velocity data should be used in when evaluating the curve
in the following field. There are for key choice options. “WeatherFile” directs using the unmodified
value from the epw file or design weather data. “HeightAdjust” uses the value from the epw file
modified for height above ground, as determined by the z cooridinate, using the site terrain and
weather station information. “ParallelComponent” uses the value from the epw file modified to
take just the velocity component that is parallel to the surface. “ParallelComponentHeightAdjust”
uses the height adjusted wind velocity and then computes the parallel component.

1.10.11.1.3 Field: Hf Function of Wind Speed Curve Name

This field contains the name of separate performance curve or table object that describes hf ,
the forced convection coefficient, as a function of wind speed. The curve’s “x” is wind speed as
defined by the method chosen in the previous field.

1.10.11.1.4 Field: Hn Function of Temperature Difference Curve Name

This field contains the name of separate performance curve or table object that describes hn ,
the natural convection coefficient, as a function of temperature difference. Curve’s “x” is absolute
value of delta-T (Surface temperature minus air temperature, (C))

1.10.11.1.5 Field: Hc Function of Temperature Difference Divided by Height

Curve Name
This field contains the name of separate performance curve or table object that describes hn , the
natural convection coefficient, as a function of temperature difference divided by height. Curve’s
“x” is absolute value of delta-T/Height (Surface temp minus Air temp)/(vertical length scale),
(C/m). For an outside face the vertical length scale is the exterior facade’s overall height.
396 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.10.12 SurfaceProperty:ConvectionCoefficients
The convection coefficients of each surface, both exterior and interior, are automatically calcu-
lated during EnergyPlus execution. These calculations are “governed” by other objects such as
the SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:Inside (overall default), the Zone object’s field called Zone Inside
Convection Algorithm (Zone Default), the and the SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:Outside (overall
default), and/or the Zone object’s field called Zone Outside Convection Algorithm (Zone Default).
Usually, that will be enough flexibility for most users. However, if you need to match pre-existing
convection coefficients (from another program) or are trying to match a test suite of results, you
may wish to use the “override” convection coefficients in the following object. This object allows
for a single surface to be given specific convection coefficients.
Note that using these in conjunction, in particular, the “Simple” option on either the Outside
Convection Algorithm or the Zone Outside Convection Algorithm field will result in a combined
coefficient regardless of choice chosen here.

Note that surfaces with “SurfaceProperty:OtherSideCoefficients” cannot use this object

with the “outside” coefficient – attempting to do so will cause a severe error; SurfaceProp-
erty:OtherSideCoefficients surfaces can apply an “inside” coefficient. And, surfaces with
“Ground” exposure do not use the “outside” coefficient that might be supplied here. Note,
too, that some lower boundaries are used regardless by certain surface types (i.e. Window) or
certain algorithm types.

1.10.12.1 Inputs
1.10.12.1.1 Field: Surface Name
This field is the applicable surface name for the user supplied convection coefficient.

1.10.12.1.2 Fields (Convection Location, Type, Coefficient & Schedule Name)

For simplicity, the descriptions of these field occur together – however, the fields are used
sequentially when put into the IDF file (reference the IDF examples following the descriptions).

1.10.12.1.3 Field: Convection Coefficient 1 Location

1.10.12.1.4 Field: Convection Coefficient 2 Location

This field contains the word “Outside” or “Inside” depending on which location is being de-
scribed.

1.10.12.1.5 Field: Convection Coefficient 1 Type

1.10.12.1.6 Field: Convection Coefficient 2 Type

The entries can be of several types: Value (simple numeric value), Schedule (name of
schedule with the values), the usual key choices for overall models for Outside or Inside
(Simple, SimpleCombined, TARP, AdaptiveConvectionAlgorithm etc.), the key choices for
individual convection equations used for customizing the adaptive algorithm, or a custom
user defined correlation. The field should contain one of the keys listed in the table be-
low along with face they can be applied. The definitions of the models and key choices
1.10. GROUP – ADVANCED SURFACE CONCEPTS 397

are discussed under SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:Inside, SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:Outside,

SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:Inside:AdaptiveModelSelections, and SurfaceConvectionAlgo-
rithm:Outside:AdaptiveModelSelections.

Report Code Related key and model

300 None
301 UserValue
302 UserSchedule
303 UserCurve
304 ASHRAESimpleCombined
305 NaturalASHRAEVerticalWall
306 NaturalWaltonUnstableHorizontalOrTilt
307 NaturalWaltonStableHorizontalOrTilt
308 SparrowWindward
309 SparrowLeeward
310 MoWiTTWindward
311 MoWiTTLeeward
312 DOE2Windward
313 DOE2Leeward
314 NusseltJurges
315 McAdams
316 Mitchell
317 ClearRoof
318 BlockenWindward
319 EmmelVertical
320 EmmelRoof
321 AlamdariHammondVerticalWall
322 FohannoPolidoriVerticalWall
323 ISO15099Windows
324 AlamdariHammondStableHorizontal
325 AlamdariHammondUnstableHorizontal

1.10.12.1.7 Field: Convection Coefficient 1

1.10.12.1.8 Field: Convection Coefficient 2

If the Convection type was “Value”, then this field is filled and contains the simple value to be
used. Otherwise, this can be blank.

1.10.12.1.9 Field: Convection Coefficient 1 Schedule Name

1.10.12.1.10 Field: Convection Coefficient 2 Schedule Name

398 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

If the Convection type was “Schedule”, then this field contains the name of a schedule describing
the value to be used during the time intervals for the schedule.
The complete IDD definition for the ConvectionCoefficients object follows:

1.10.12.1.11 Field: Convection Coefficient 1 User Curve Name

1.10.12.1.12 Field: Convection Coefficient 2 User Curve Name

If the Convection type was “UserCurve”, then this field contains the name of a SurfaceConvec-
tionAlgorithm:UserCurve input objct describing the model equations to be used during the time
intervals for the schedule.
In IDF usage:

SurfaceProperty:ConvectionCoefficients ,
Zn001:Wall001 , ! Surface Name
Outside , ! Convection Coefficient 1 Location
Value , ! Convection Coefficient 1 Type
9.8, ! Convection Coefficient 1
, ! Convection Coefficient 1 Schedule Name
, ! Convection Coefficient 1 User Curve Name
Inside , ! Convection Coefficient 2 Location
Schedule , ! Convection Coefficient 2 Type
, ! Convection Coefficient 2 {blank because using schedule}
MyInteriorCC , ! Convection Coefficient 2 Schedule Name
; ! Convection Coefficient 2 User Curve Name

SurfaceProperty:ConvectionCoefficients ,
Zn001:Wall002 , ! Surface Name
Inside , ! Convection Coefficient 1 Location
Value , ! Convection Coefficient 1 Type
.8, ! Convection Coefficient 1
, ! Convection Coefficient 1 Schedule Name
, ! Convection Coefficient 1 User Curve Name
Outside , ! Convection Coefficient 2 Location
Value , ! Convection Coefficient 2 Type
5.5, ! Convection Coefficient 2
; ! Convection Coefficient 2 User Curve Name

SurfaceProperty:ConvectionCoefficients ,
Zn001:Wall003 , ! Surface Name
Outside , ! Convection Coefficient 1 Location
Value , ! Convection Coefficient 1 Type
9.8; ! Convection Coefficient 1

1.10.13 SurfaceProperty:ConvectionCoefficients:MultipleSurface
The convection coefficients of each surface, both outside and inside, are automatically calculated
during EnergyPlus execution. These calculations are “governed” by other objects such as the Inside
Convection Algorithm (overall default) and the Zone Inside Convection Algorithm (Zone Default)
and the Outside Convection Algorithm (overall default) and/or the Zone Outside Convection Al-
gorithm (Zone Default). Usually, that will be enough flexibility for most users. However, if you
need to match pre-existing convection coefficients (from another program) or are trying to match
a test suite of results, you may wish to use the “override” convection coefficients in the following
object. This object is similar to the preceding “ConvectionCoefficients” object but allows multiple
surfaces to be assigned a type with one object entry.
1.10. GROUP – ADVANCED SURFACE CONCEPTS 399

Note that using these in conjunction, in particular, the “Simple” option on either the Outside
Convection Algorithm or the Zone Outside Convection Algorithm field will result in a combined
coefficient regardless of choice chosen here.
Note that surfaces with “SurfaceProperty:OtherSideCoefficients” cannot use this object with
the “outside” coefficient – attempting to do so will ignore OSC surfaces during a multiple surface
“apply”; SurfaceProperty:OtherSideCoefficients surfaces can apply an “inside” coefficient. And,
surfaces with “Ground” exposure do not use the “outside” coefficient that might be supplied here.
Note, too, that some lower boundaries are used regardless by certain surface types (i.e. Window)
or certain algorithm types.

1.10.13.1 Inputs
1.10.13.1.1 Field: Surface Type
This field is the applicable surface name for the user supplied convection coefficient. The
allowable surface types are:

• AllExteriorSurfaces (all surfaces that are “external environment” surfaces)

• AllExteriorWindows (all windows that are “external environment” surfaces)

• AllExteriorWalls

• AllExteriorRoofs

• AllExteriorFloors

• AllInteriorSurface (all surfaces that are “internal” surfaces)

• AllInteriorWindows

• AllInteriorCeilings

• AllInteriorFloors

1.10.13.1.2 Fields (Convection Location, Type, Coefficient & Schedule Name)

For simplicity, the descriptions of these field occur together – however, the fields are used
sequentially when put into the IDF file (reference the IDF examples following the descriptions).

1.10.13.1.3 Field: Convection Coefficient 1 Location

1.10.13.1.4 Field: Convection Coefficient 2 Location

This field contains the word “Outside” or “Inside” depending on which location is being de-
scribed.

1.10.13.1.5 Field: Convection Coefficient 1 Type

400 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.10.13.1.6 Field: Convection Coefficient 2 Type

The entries can be of several types: Value (simple numeric value), Schedule (name of
schedule with the values), the usual key choices for overall models for Outside or Inside
(Simple, SimpleCombined, TARP, AdaptiveConvectionAlgorithm etc.), the key choices for
individual convection equations used for customizing the adaptive algorithm, or a custom
user defined correlation. The field should contain one of the keys listed in the table below
along with face they can be applied. The definitions of the models and key choices are
discussed under SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:Inside , SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:Outside,
SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:Inside:AdaptiveModelSelections, and SurfaceConvectionAlgo-
rithm:Outside:AdaptiveModelSelections.

Report Code Related key and model

300 None
301 UserValue
302 UserSchedule
303 UserCurve
304 ASHRAESimpleCombined
305 NaturalASHRAEVerticalWall
306 NaturalWaltonUnstableHorizontalOrTilt
307 NaturalWaltonStableHorizontalOrTilt
308 SparrowWindward
309 SparrowLeeward
310 MoWiTTWindward
311 MoWiTTLeeward
312 DOE2Windward
313 DOE2Leeward
314 NusseltJurges
315 McAdams
316 Mitchell
317 ClearRoof
318 BlockenWindward
319 EmmelVertical
320 EmmelRoof
321 AlamdariHammondVerticalWall
322 FohannoPolidoriVerticalWall
323 ISO15099Windows
324 AlamdariHammondStableHorizontal
325 AlamdariHammondUnstableHorizontal

1.10.13.1.7 Field: Convection Coefficient 1

1.10. GROUP – ADVANCED SURFACE CONCEPTS 401

1.10.13.1.8 Field: Convection Coefficient 2

If the Convection type was “Value”, then this field is filled and contains the simple value to be
used. Otherwise, this can be blank.

1.10.13.1.9 Field: Convection Coefficient 1 Schedule Name

1.10.13.1.10 Field: Convection Coefficient 2 Schedule Name

If the Convection type was “Schedule”, then this field contains the name of a schedule describing
the value to be used during the time intervals for the schedule.

1.10.13.1.11 Field: Convection Coefficient 1 User Curve Name

1.10.13.1.12 Field: Convection Coefficient 2 User Curve Name

If the Convection type was “UserCurve”, then this field contains the name of a SurfaceConvec-
tionAlgorithm:UserCurve input objct describing the model equations to be used during the time
intervals for the schedule.
In IDF usage:

SurfaceProperty:ConvectionCoefficients:MultipleSurface ,
AllExteriorWindows , ! Surface Types
Outside , ! Convection Coefficient 1 Location
MoWitt; ! Convection Coefficient 1 Type

1.10.14 Convection Coefficient Application Hierarchy

Ultimate flexibility and possibly ultimate user confusion can result from the convection coefficient
possibilties in EnergyPlus. The objects that control how convection models are assigned to indi-
vidual surfaces are:

• SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:Inside

• SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:Outside

• Zone, Field: Zone Inside Convection Algorithm

• Zone, Field: Zone Outside Convection Algorithm

• SurfaceProperty:ConvectionCoefficients

• SurfaceProperty:ConvectionCoefficients:MultipleSurface

General to Specific, they are assigned in this order:

Table 1.12: Convection Coefficient Assignment Hierarchy

Objects/Description Action

SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:* Assigns for all surfaces in the run.

Zone, Fields: Zone * Convection Algorithm Trumps global assignment and assigns for all
surfaces in Zone.
402 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Table 1.12: Convection Coefficient Assignment Hierarchy

Objects/Description Action

SurfaceProperty:...:MultipleSurfaces Trumps above and assigns for specific types of

surfaces.
Two Multiple Surface Assignments overlap- Order in IDF is now important. Whichever
ping (such as AllExteriorSurfaces vs AllEx- is first gets the cookie and the second gets a
teriorWalls) warning.
Specific Surface Assignment Trumps all Above.

There are additional objects that provide fine control over the models that get assigned.

• SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:Inside:AdaptiveModelSelections

• SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:Outside:AdaptiveModelSelections

• SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:Inside:UserCurve

• SurfaceConvectionAlgorithm:Outside:UserCurve

1.10.15 Convection Coefficients Outputs

Outputs for the User Supplied Convection Coefficients appear as values in the Surface Output
Variables (Surface Inside Face Convection Heat Transfer Coefficient and Surface Outside Face
Convection Heat Transfer Coefficient). What the program expects to use is shown in the Surface
Details report (Output:Surfaces:List, Details;)
When EnergyPlus is set to Display Advanced Variables (Output:Diagnostics, DisplayAdvanced-
Variables;), then additional output variables are available that indicate the status of convection
modeling by identifying which models are in effect at a given time. The adaptive convection
algorithms may switch between models over time and the following output variables provide a way
to monitor this behavior. These outputs are integer codes and the integer values are explained in
tables.

1.10.15.1 Surface Inside Face Convection Classification Index

This variable reports how the surface was classified as part of the adaptive convection algorithm for
the inside face. The algorithm examines probable flow regimes, heat flow directions, orientations,
HVAC equipment connections, and current operating status to assign each surface a category. The
numbers in this report are integer codes that correspond to surface categories as described in the
following table.

Report Code Related key and model

300 None
301 UserValue
302 UserSchedule
303 UserCurve
1.10. GROUP – ADVANCED SURFACE CONCEPTS 403

Report Code Related key and model

304 ASHRAESimpleCombined
305 NaturalASHRAEVerticalWall
306 NaturalWaltonUnstableHorizontalOrTilt
307 NaturalWaltonStableHorizontalOrTilt
308 SparrowWindward
309 SparrowLeeward
310 MoWiTTWindward
311 MoWiTTLeeward
312 DOE2Windward
313 DOE2Leeward
314 NusseltJurges
315 McAdams
316 Mitchell
317 ClearRoof
318 BlockenWindward
319 EmmelVertical
320 EmmelRoof
321 AlamdariHammondVerticalWall
322 FohannoPolidoriVerticalWall
323 ISO15099Windows
324 AlamdariHammondStableHorizontal
325 AlamdariHammondUnstableHorizontal

1.10.15.2 Surface Inside Face Convection Model Equation Index

This variable reports the specific model equation used to calculate the inside face convection co-
efficient. This can vary when using the adaptive convection algorithm and so the result of that
selection algorithm is reported here. The following table lists the models associated with specific
interger codes reported here. The models correspond to key words used in input objects.

Report Code Related key and model

300 None
301 UserValue
302 UserSchedule
303 UserCurve
304 ASHRAESimpleCombined
305 NaturalASHRAEVerticalWall
306 NaturalWaltonUnstableHorizontalOrTilt
307 NaturalWaltonStableHorizontalOrTilt
404 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Report Code Related key and model

308 SparrowWindward
309 SparrowLeeward
310 MoWiTTWindward
311 MoWiTTLeeward
312 DOE2Windward
313 DOE2Leeward
314 NusseltJurges
315 McAdams
316 Mitchell
317 ClearRoof
318 BlockenWindward
319 EmmelVertical
320 EmmelRoof
321 AlamdariHammondVerticalWall
322 FohannoPolidoriVerticalWall
323 ISO15099Windows
324 AlamdariHammondStableHorizontal
325 AlamdariHammondUnstableHorizontal

1.10.15.3 Surface Inside Face Convection Reference Air Index

The inside face convection heat transfer calculations can be based on different reference air temper-
atures. This reference air temperature can vary during the simulation when the adaptive algorithm
selects models that use different references. The following table lists the meaning of the integer
codes.

Report Code Related key and model

300 None
301 UserValue
302 UserSchedule
303 UserCurve
304 ASHRAESimpleCombined
305 NaturalASHRAEVerticalWall
306 NaturalWaltonUnstableHorizontalOrTilt
307 NaturalWaltonStableHorizontalOrTilt
308 SparrowWindward
309 SparrowLeeward
310 MoWiTTWindward
311 MoWiTTLeeward
1.10. GROUP – ADVANCED SURFACE CONCEPTS 405

Report Code Related key and model

312 DOE2Windward
313 DOE2Leeward
314 NusseltJurges
315 McAdams
316 Mitchell
317 ClearRoof
318 BlockenWindward
319 EmmelVertical
320 EmmelRoof
321 AlamdariHammondVerticalWall
322 FohannoPolidoriVerticalWall
323 ISO15099Windows
324 AlamdariHammondStableHorizontal
325 AlamdariHammondUnstableHorizontal

1.10.15.4 Surface Outside Face Convection Classification Index

This variable reports how the surface was classified as part of the adaptive convection algorithm for
the outside face. The algorithm examines the wind direction, heat flow directions and orientations
to assign each surface a category. The numbers in this report are integer codes that correspond to
surface categories as described in the following table.

Report Code Related key and model

300 None
301 UserValue
302 UserSchedule
303 UserCurve
304 ASHRAESimpleCombined
305 NaturalASHRAEVerticalWall
306 NaturalWaltonUnstableHorizontalOrTilt
307 NaturalWaltonStableHorizontalOrTilt
308 SparrowWindward
309 SparrowLeeward
310 MoWiTTWindward
311 MoWiTTLeeward
312 DOE2Windward
313 DOE2Leeward
314 NusseltJurges
315 McAdams
406 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Report Code Related key and model

316 Mitchell
317 ClearRoof
318 BlockenWindward
319 EmmelVertical
320 EmmelRoof
321 AlamdariHammondVerticalWall
322 FohannoPolidoriVerticalWall
323 ISO15099Windows
324 AlamdariHammondStableHorizontal
325 AlamdariHammondUnstableHorizontal

1.10.15.5 Surface Outside Face Forced Convection Model Equation Index

1.10.15.6 Surface Outside Face Natural Convection Model Equation Index
These variables report the specific model equation used to calculate the outside face’s convection
coefficient. They can vary when using the adaptive convection algorithm and so the results of that
selection algorithm are reported in these variables. The following table lists the models associated
with specific integer codes that might be reported here. The models correspond to key words used
in input objects.

Report Code Related key and model

300 None
301 UserValue
302 UserSchedule
303 UserCurve
304 ASHRAESimpleCombined
305 NaturalASHRAEVerticalWall
306 NaturalWaltonUnstableHorizontalOrTilt
307 NaturalWaltonStableHorizontalOrTilt
308 SparrowWindward
309 SparrowLeeward
310 MoWiTTWindward
311 MoWiTTLeeward
312 DOE2Windward
313 DOE2Leeward
314 NusseltJurges
315 McAdams
316 Mitchell
317 ClearRoof
1.10. GROUP – ADVANCED SURFACE CONCEPTS 407

Report Code Related key and model

318 BlockenWindward
319 EmmelVertical
320 EmmelRoof
321 AlamdariHammondVerticalWall
322 FohannoPolidoriVerticalWall
323 ISO15099Windows
324 AlamdariHammondStableHorizontal
325 AlamdariHammondUnstableHorizontal

1.10.16 SurfaceProperties:VaporCoefficients
Advanced/Research Usage: The internal and external vapor transfer coefficients that are used by the
CombinedHeatAndMoistureFiniteElement model are automatically calculated during EnergyPlus
execution using information on the convection coefficients. However it is sometimes useful to be able
to “override” the calculation and set fixed values of vapor transfer coefficient for a single surface.
These coefficients are only used by the CombinedHeatAndMoistureFiniteElement model and will
be ignored by other solution algorithms.

1.10.16.1 Inputs
1.10.16.1.1 Field: Surface Name
This field is the applicable surface name for the user supplied vapor transfer coefficient.

1.10.16.1.2 Field: Constant External Vapor Transfer Coefficient

Select ‘yes’ to use the value supplied as the external vapor transfer coefficient

1.10.16.1.3 Field: External Vapor Coefficient Value

HAMT will use this value to calculate the vapour transfer into and out off the external surface
of this surface. Units are kg/Pa.s.m2.

1.10.16.1.4 Field: Constant Internal vapor Transfer Coefficient

Select ‘yes’ to use the value supplied as the internal vapor transfer coefficient

1.10.16.1.5 Field: Internal Vapor Coefficient Value

The CombinedHeatAndMoistureFiniteElement algorithm will use this value to calculate the
vapor transfer into and out of the internal surface of this surface. Units are kg/Pa.s.m2.
Below is an example input of vapor transfer coefficients for a surface.

SurfaceProperties :VaporCoefficients ,
South wall , !- Surface Name
Yes , !- Constant External Vapor Transfer Coefficient
0.0000000625 , !- External Vapor Coefficient Value
Yes , !- Constant Internal vapor Transfer Coefficient
0.00000002; !- Internal Vapor Coefficient Value
408 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.10.17 SurfaceProperty:ExteriorNaturalVentedCavity
This object is used to model a multi-skin exterior heat transfer surface. This is a special case
where the outside face is a slightly detached layer forming a naturally ventilated cavity. The
actual outer surface is referred to as the baffle. The modeling here assumes that the heat capac-
ity in the outer baffle can be neglected since it is much lower than the underlying mass surface.
This object is used with the BuildingSurface:Detailed object where the Heat Transfer surfaces
are referred to as the underlying surfaces. The constructions and materials for the BuildingSur-
face:Detailed object should reflect the construction of just the underlying surface. The Surface-
Property:ExteriorNaturalVentedCavity object is used to describe the decoupled layer, or baffle,
and the characteristics of the cavity and openings for natural ventilation. This object is also used
in conjunction with the OtherSideConditionsModel.
The area and orientation are obtained from BuildingSurface:Detailed objects, which are
referenced by name. This object can be used to model certain types of photovoltaic mounting
configurations such as interlocking roof pavers. If the baffle covers only part of a surface, then
that surface should be split into separate BuildingSurface:Detailed objects where one matches
the size of the baffle. A single baffle can be associated with as many BuildingSurface:Detailed
objects as desired (although if you need to use more than 10 surfaces, then the IDD will need to be
extended). The base heat transfer surfaces need not be contiguous nor have the same orientation,
but the program will issue warnings if surfaces have widely ranging tilts and azimuths.
Note that the model involves predicting the rates that ambient air moves in and out of the
cavity. Accurate modeling of these air flows would be extremely challenging and so the models
provided through this object are simplistic engineering models based on discharge coefficients that
are sensitive to wind and bouancy effects. The accuracy depends on the values for, and applicability
of, the discharge coefficients and unfortunately little research is available to help characterize these.
The models should be considered rudimentary and the user is encouraged to explore different values
for the coefficients in attempts to bound the importance of natural ventilation for the cavities. See
the Engineering Reference for more details.

1.10.17.1 Inputs
1.10.17.1.1 Field: Name
This field contains a unique name for the ventilated cavity.

1.10.17.1.2 Field: Boundary Conditions Model Name

This field contains the name of an SurfaceProperty:OtherSideConditionsModel object declared
elsewhere in the input file. This will connect the baffle and ventilated cavity to the exterior boundary
conditions for the underlying heat transfer surface.

1.10.17.1.3 Field: Area Fraction of Openings

This field is used to enter an area fraction for what part of the baffle consists of openings. The
area of the openings will set to the product of this field and the sum of the area of the underlying
surfaces.

1.10.17.1.4 Field: Thermal Emissivity of Exterior Baffle Material

This field is used to enter the thermal emissivity of the baffler. This surface property is for
longwave infrared radiation. The property is used for both sides of collector. Most painted materials
have an emissivity of 0.9.
1.10. GROUP – ADVANCED SURFACE CONCEPTS 409

1.10.17.1.5 Field: Solar Absorptivity of Exterior Baffle

This field is used to enter the solar absorbtivity of the baffle. This surface property is for
shortwave, solar radiation. The property is used for the front side of the baffle that faces the
environment. Darker colors have a higher absorptivity. While black is the highest performance,
other colors might be used to match the color scheme of the rest of the façade.

1.10.17.1.6 Field: Height Scale for Buoyancy-Driven Ventilation

This field is used to enter a nominal height scale (m) for prediction of ventilation induced by
bouancy. This value (∆HN P L ) is defined as the height from the midpoint of the lower opening to
the neutral pressure level. Increasing the value will increase the ventilation rate due to buoyancy.

1.10.17.1.7 Field: Effective Thickness of Cavity Behind Exterior Baffle

This field is used to enter a nominal gap thickness (m) for the collector. If the baffle is corru-
gated, use the average depth. This distance value is only used when the collector is near horizontal
to determine a length scale in the vertical direction for buoyancy calculations. For example, if the
collector is mounted on a flat roof, its tilt-adjusted height is zero and the program will use this gap
thickness as a length scale rather than the height from the previous field.

1.10.17.1.8 Field: Ratio of Actual Surface Area to Projected Surface Area

This field is used to enter a factor that accounts for the extra surface area resulting from and
uneven baffle surface. Corrugations may be present to help stiffen the baffle or ventilated roofing
tiles may have more surface are for convection heat transfer than the underlying surface. The
projected surface area is obtained by the program from the (flat) underlying surfaces. If the baffle
is flat then this ratio is 1.0. If the baffle is corrugated, then this ratio will be greater than one with
a typical value might be 1.165.

1.10.17.1.9 Field: Roughness of Exterior Surface

This field is used to describe the relative roughness of the baffle material. This field is similar
to one in the Material object. This parameter only influences the convection coefficients, more
specifically the exterior convection coefficient. A special keyword is expected in this field with
the options being “VeryRough”, “Rough”, “MediumRough”, “MediumSmooth”, “Smooth”, and
“VerySmooth” in order of roughest to smoothest options.

1.10.17.1.10 Field: Effectiveness for Perforations with Respect to Wind

This field is used to enter a value for the coefficient used to determine natural air exchanges
from wind. Wind will cause exterior air to move in and out of the cavity. Cv is an arbitrary
coefficient used to model the effectiveness of openings and depends on opening geometry and the
orientation with respect to the wind. Cv should probably be in the range 0.05 to 0.65. Increasing
Cv will increase the amount of natural ventilation. The following equation shows how Cv is used
in the program to predict the volumetric flow rate due to wind:

V̇wind = Cv Ain U∞ (1.18)

1.10.17.1.11 Field: Discharge Coefficient for Openings with Respect to Buoy-

ancy Driven Flow
This field is used to enter a value for the coefficient used to determine natural air exchanges
from buoyancy. Stack or buoyancy effects will cause exterior air to move in and out of the cavity.
410 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Cd is an arbitrary discharge coefficient that depends on the geometry of the opening. Cd should
probably be in the range 0.1 to 1.0. Increasing Cd will increase the amount of natural ventilation.
The following equations show how Cd is used in the program to predict the volume flow rate due
to buoyancy: √
V̇thermal = CD Ain√ 2g∆HN P L (Ta,cav − Tamb ) /Ta,cav (if Ta,cav > Tamb )
V̇thermal = CD Ain 2g∆HN P L (Tamb − Ta,cav ) /Tamb (if Tamb > Ta,cav and baffle is vertical)
where ∆HN P L is the value input into the field above for the height scale for buoyancy-driven
ventilation.

1.10.17.1.12 Field(s): Surface <1 thru x> Name

The remaining fields are used to name the BuildingSurface:Detailed objects that are associ-
ated with the exterior naturally vented cavity. These are the underlying heat transfer surfaces and
are defined elsewhere in the input file. These surfaces should all specify OtherSideConditionsModel
as their exterior environment. The input object can currently accommodate up to ten surfaces, but
it is extensible by modifying the Energy+.idd entry.
An example IDF entry is
SurfaceProperty:ExteriorNaturalVentedCavity ,
PVRoofPaverExtVentCav1 , ! Name
PVRoofPaverSystem1 , ! OtherSideConditionsModel Object Name
0.02, ! Area Fraction of Openings
0.9, ! Thermal Emissivity of Exterior Baffle Material
0.92, ! Solar Absorbtivity of Exterior Baffle
0.05, ! Height scale for buoyancy -driven ventilation
0.05, ! Effective Thickness of Cavity Behind Exterior Baffle
0.97, ! Ratio of Actual surface area to projected surface area
Smooth , ! Roughness of collector
0.1 , ! Cv , Effectiveness for perforations with respect to Wind
0.5 , ! Cd , Discharge Coefficient for Openings with respect to buoyancy -driven flow
Zn001:Roof001 ; ! Surface Name

1.10.17.2 Outputs
In addition to related output that can be obtained for all surfaces, these outputs are available for
exterior naturally vented cavity configurations:

• HVAC,Average, Surface Exterior Cavity Air Drybulb Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average, Surface Exterior Cavity Baffle Surface Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average, Surface Exterior Cavity Total Natural Ventilation Air Change Rate [ACH]

• HVAC,Average, Surface Exterior Cavity Total Natural Ventilation Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average, Surface Exterior Cavity Natural Ventilation from Wind Mass Flow Rate
[kg/s]

• HVAC,Average, Surface Exterior Cavity Natural Ventilation from Buoyancy Mass Flow Rate
[kg/s]

1.10.17.2.1 Surface Exterior Cavity Air Drybulb Temperature [C]

The temperature of air inside the cavity behind the baffle.
1.10. GROUP – ADVANCED SURFACE CONCEPTS 411

1.10.17.2.2 Surface Exterior Cavity Baffle Surface Temperature [C]

The surface temperature of the exterior baffle material itself.

1.10.17.2.3 Surface Exterior Cavity Total Natural Ventilation Air Change Rate
[ACH]
The rate of natural ventilation air exchange between the plenum and ambient when the collector
is inactive in Air Changes per Hour.

1.10.17.2.4 Surface Exterior Cavity Total Natural Ventilation Mass Flow Rate
[kg/s]
The mass flow rate of natural ventilation air exchange between the plenum and ambient when
the collector is inactive.

1.10.17.2.5 Surface Exterior Cavity Natural Ventilation from Wind Mass Flow
Rate [kg/s]
The part of mass flow rate of natural ventilation air exchange between the plenum and ambient
when the collector is inactive due to wind-driven forces.

1.10.17.2.6 Surface Exterior Cavity Natural Ventilation from Buoyancy Mass

Flow Rate [kg/s]
The part of mass flow rate of natural ventilation air exchange between the plenum and ambient
when the collector is inactive due to buoyancy-driven forces.

1.10.18 SurfaceProperty:SolarIncidentInside
This object can be used as an alternative to the standard (automatic) EnergyPlus calculation of
the solar radiation incident on interior surfaces of the building. Using this method, the normal
EnergyPlus calculation is replaced with a schedule of solar incidence values that are calculated
outside the program.

1.10.18.1 Inputs
1.10.18.1.1 Field: Name
The name of the SurfaceProperty:SolarIncidentInside object Must be unique between all Sur-
faceProperty:SolarIncidentInside objects.

1.10.18.1.2 Field: Surface Name

The building surface associated with this object (ref BuildingSurface:Detailed). Solar absorp-
tance values in the schedule file will be applied to the inside of this surface.

1.10.18.1.3 Field: Construction Name

The building construction associated with this object (ref Construction). It is possible that
the Energy Management System will change the construction associated with the surface; if the
construction is changed, a new set of data may need to be applied to the current surface.
412 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.10.18.1.4 Field: Inside Surface Incident Sun Solar Radiation Schedule Name

This field specifies the name of a schedule that contains the values for incident solar radiation.
Values from the schedule data will be used to replace the absorbed solar radiation that would
normally be calculated by EnergyPlus. Units in the external schedule file must be W/m2 .
Example for SurfaceProperty:SolarIncidentInside using a compact schedule:

Schedule:Compact ,
North Wall SSG , !- Name
Positive Number , !- Schedule Type Limits Name
Through: 12/31 , !- Field 1
For: AllDays , !- Field 2
Until: 07:00 ,10 , !- Field 3
Until: 17:00 ,20 , !- Field 5
Until: 24:00 ,15; !- Field 7

SurfaceProperty:SolarIncidentInside ,
North Wall Solar Incident , !- Name
Room102 North Wall , !- Surface Name
Room Wall - North , !- Construction Name
North Wall SSG; !- Schedule Name

1.10.19 ComplexFenestrationProperty:SolarAbsorbedLayers
This object can be used as an alternative to the standard (automatic) EnergyPlus calculation of the
solar radiation absorbed by fenestration systems in the building. Using this method, the normal
EnergyPlus calculation is replaced with a schedule of solar absorptance values that are calculated
outside the program.

1.10.19.1 Inputs
1.10.19.1.1 Field: Name
The name of the ComplexFenestrationProperty:SolarAbsorbedLayers object Must be unique
between all ComplexFenestrationProperty:SolarAbsorbedLayers objects.

1.10.19.1.2 Field: Fenestration Surface

The fenestration surface associated with this object (ref FenestrationSurface:Detailed). Values
from the schedule data will be used to replace the absorbed solar radiation in the fenestration layers
that would normally be calculated by EnergyPlus. Value units in the schedule must be W/m2 .

1.10.19.1.3 Field: Construction Name

The building construction associated with this object (ref Construction). It is possible that
the Energy Management System will change the construction associated with the surface; if the
construction is changed, a new set of data may need to be applied to the current surface.

1.10.19.1.4 Field: Layer 1 Solar Radiation Absorbed Schedule Name

Specifies the name of a schedule that contains the absorbed solar radiation values in units of
W/m2 . Values from the schedule are used for the absorbed solar radiation of the first (outside)
layer .
1.10. GROUP – ADVANCED SURFACE CONCEPTS 413

1.10.19.1.5 Field: Layer 2 Solar Radiation Absorbed Schedule Name

Specifies the name of a schedule that contains absorbed solar radiation values in units of W/m2 .
Values from the schedule are used for the absorbed solar radiation of the second layer .

1.10.19.1.6 Field: Layer 3 Solar Radiation Absorbed Schedule Name

Specifies the name of a schedule that contains absorbed solar radiation values in units of W/m2 .
Values from the schedule are used for the absorbed solar radiation for the third layer .

1.10.19.1.7 Field: Layer 4 Solar Radiation Absorbed Schedule Name

Specifies the name of a schedule that contains absorbed solar radiation values in units of W/m2 .
Values from the schedule are used for the absorbed solar radiation of the fourth layer.

1.10.19.1.8 Field: Layer 5 Solar Radiation Absorbed Schedule Name

Specifies the name of a schedule that contains absorbed solar radiation values in units of W/m2 .
Values from the schedule are used for the absorbed solar radiation of the fifth layer .
Example for ComplexFenestrationProperty:SolarAbsorbedLayers with compact schedules:

Schedule:Compact ,
Layer 1, !- Name
Positive Number , !- Schedule Type Limits Name
Through: 12/31 , !- Field 1
For: AllDays , !- Field 2
Until: 07:00,1 , !- Field 3
Until: 17:00,2 , !- Field 5
Until: 24:00 ,1.5; !- Field 7

Schedule:Compact ,
Layer 2, !- Name
Positive Number , !- Schedule Type Limits Name
Through: 12/31 , !- Field 1
For: AllDays , !- Field 2
Until: 07:00 ,0.8 , !- Field 3
Until: 17:00 ,1.2 , !- Field 5
Until: 24:00 ,1.0; !- Field 7

Schedule:Compact ,
Layer 3, !- Name
Positive Number , !- Schedule Type Limits Name
Through: 12/31 , !- Field 1
For: AllDays , !- Field 2
Until: 07:00,1 , !- Field 3
Until: 17:00 ,2.1 , !- Field 5
Until: 24:00 ,1.7; !- Field 7

ComplexFenestrationProperty :SolarAbsorbedLayers ,
South Window Solar Absorbed Layers , !- Name
Room 102 South Window , !- Fenestration surface name
CFS_Glz_2 , !- Construction Surface name
Layer 1, !- Absorbed solar energy in layer 1
Layer 2, !- Absorbed solar energy in layer 2
Layer 3; !- Absorbed solar energy in layer 3
414 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.10.20 GeometryTransform
This object provides a simple method of altering the footprint geometry of a model. The intent is
to provide a single parameter that can be used to reshape the building description contained in the
rest of the input file. This object was implemented for use in parametric massing studies and with
the optimization program GenOpt. Although building footprint is often constrained in practice,
analysts may find this object useful for investigating how building form impacts daylighting and
solar gains on the east and west facades with out having to change all of the surface geometry
input.
Aspect Ratio is defined as the overall length in the East-West direction divided by the overall
length in the North-South direction.
This object should be used with considerable care since it will completely alter the geometry
modeled by EnergyPlus and may have unintended side effects. The surface areas of all horizontal
surfaces may change radically with corresponding changes in Zone floor areas. The total floor area
will not change but individual horizontal surfaces will gain and loose area. Vertical surfaces will
have the same height but will gain and lose length. Lighting and electrical equipment design levels
for individual zones will likely have a different energy per unit area in the transformed geometry.
The surface geometry must be set to Relative, see GlobalGeometryRules. Of course, the
coordinates must be entered in relative coordinates as well.
Since windows in EnergyPlus need to be rectangular, it is possible to define a horizontal window
(skylight) that once transformed is no longer rectangular and will cause EnergyPlus to halt. To
avoid this problem, horizontal windows should be defined orthogonal to the Cardinal directions
and building rotation (see Building) used to orient the final form with respect to North.
The object doesn’t create any specific output, but the results of using it can be understood
by viewing DXF output files. Figure 1.45 shows an example of a building that has been morphed
using the Aspect Ratio Transform object. Using this object allowed the same geometry input to
generate both of the models represented in by their DXF output files.

1.10.20.1 Inputs
1.10.20.1.1 Field: Plane of Transform
This field specifies the plane that the geometry transform should act on. It is currently restricted
to altering the horizontal footprint of a building and must be set to “XY.”

1.10.20.1.2 Field: Current Aspect Ratio

This field specifies the aspect ratio of the building geometry described in the rest of the input
file. It is used to scale the new aspect ratio. If this field is set to 1.0, then the altered building will
not necessarily have the new aspect ratio defined in the next field.

1.10.20.1.3 Field: New Aspect Ratio

This field specifies the aspect ratio that the building described in the rest of the input file will
be changed to.

1.10.21 Zone Property View Factors

EnergyPlus has two options for specifying the thermal radiation exchange view factors between
surfaces in a zone: the approximate option and the user input option. Because the actual geometric
arrangement within a zone is very complex, the approximate method of including thermal mass
1.10. GROUP – ADVANCED SURFACE CONCEPTS 415

Figure 1.45: Example of Geometry Transform – Aspect Ratio

416 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

and other forced exchanges is more realistic than trying to come up with “exact” view factors.
However, in some research situations it might be desirable to have control of the view factors used.
For this reason, a user input mode has been included in EnergyPlus. The two modes are described
in the next sections.

1.10.21.1 Approximate Option

The first option produces approximate results and uses an area weighted scheme to calculate “view
factors” between surfaces within a thermal zone. Each surface uses the total area that it can “see”
among the other surfaces. The approximate view factor from this surface to each other surface is
then the area of the receiving surface over the sum of areas that are visible to the sending surface.
In order to account in some limited way for the fact that certain surfaces will not see each
other, several assumptions have been built into this view factor approximation. First, a surface
cannot see itself. Second, surfaces with approximately the same azimuth (facing direction) and tilt
(“same” being within a built in limit) will not see each other. This means that a window will not
see the wall that it is placed on, for example. Third, floors cannot see each other. Fourth, if the
surface is a floor, ceiling, roof, or internal mass, the rule for the same azimuth and tilt eliminating
radiant exchange between surfaces is waived when the receiving surface is floor, roof, ceiling, or
internal mass as long as both surfaces are not floors.
Note that this does not take into account that surfaces may be “around the corner” from each
other and in reality not see each other at all. Rooms are assumed to be convex rather than concave
in this method.
To summarize, using the Surface “Class”, the approximate view factors have:

1. No surface sees itself.

2. No Floor sees another floor.

3. All other surface types see Internal Mass.

4. All other surface types see floors.

5. Floors always see ceilings.

6. Floors always see roofs.

7. All other surfaces whose tilt or facing angle differences are greater than 10 degrees see each
other.

If geometry is correct, conditions 1, 3, and 7 should take care of all surfaces, but the other
conditions supply common sense when the geometry is incorrect. More information about the
EnergyPlus view factor calculation is contained in the Engineering Reference document.

1.10.21.2 User Input View Factors

The second option for specifying view factors requires user input values. These should be
used with care in research or special situations. The object available for this is ZoneProp-
erty:UserViewFactors:bySurfaceName.
1.11. GROUP – DETAILED GROUND HEAT TRANSFER 417

1.10.22 ZoneProperty:UserViewFactors:bySurfaceName
The method of entering user view factors is to entere each surface name and its view factor value
to other surfaces in the zone

1.10.22.1 Inputs
1.10.22.1.1 Field: Zone Name
This field is the zone name for the view factors.

1.10.22.1.2 Field: From Surface 1

This field specifies the name of the “from surface”.

1.10.22.1.3 Field: To Surface 1

This field specifies the name of the “to surface”.

1.10.22.1.4 Field: Factor 1

This value is the view factor for “from Surface” to “to Surface”.
An IDF Example:
ZoneProperty:UserViewFactors:bySurfaceName ,Lshaped Zone ,
Lshaped Zone:South Wall ,Lshaped Zone:South Wall ,0.000000 ,
Lshaped Zone:South Wall ,Lshaped Zone:East Wall ,0.101310 ,
<snip >

1.11 Group – Detailed Ground Heat Transfer

1.11.1 Detailed Ground Heat Transfer
The following objects may be included in an EnergyPlus input IDF file but are handled by the Slab
preprocessor:

• GroundHeatTransfer:Slab:Materials
• GroundHeatTransfer:Slab:MatlProps
• GroundHeatTransfer:Slab:BoundConds
• GroundHeatTransfer:Slab:BldgProps
• GroundHeatTransfer:Slab:Insulation
• GroundHeatTransfer:Slab:EquivalentSlab
• GroundHeatTransfer:Slab:AutoGrid
• GroundHeatTransfer:Slab:ManualGrid
• GroundHeatTransfer:Slab:XFACE
• GroundHeatTransfer:Slab:YFACE
• GroundHeatTransfer:Slab:ZFACE

The following objects may be included in an EnergyPlus input IDF file but are handled by the
Basement preprocessor:

• GroundHeatTransfer:Basement:SimParameters
• GroundHeatTransfer:Basement:MatlProps
418 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• GroundHeatTransfer:Basement:Insulation
• GroundHeatTransfer:Basement:SurfaceProps
• GroundHeatTransfer:Basement:BldgData
• GroundHeatTransfer:Basement:Interior
• GroundHeatTransfer:Basement:ComBldg
• GroundHeatTransfer:Basement:EquivSlab
• GroundHeatTransfer:Basement:EquivAutoGrid
• GroundHeatTransfer:Basement:AutoGrid
• GroundHeatTransfer:Basement:ManualGrid
• GroundHeatTransfer:Basement:XFACE
• GroundHeatTransfer:Basement:YFACE
• GroundHeatTransfer:Basement:ZFACE

The documentation both the Slab and Basement objects appear in the AuxiliaryPrograms
document under the “Ground Heat Transfer in EnergyPlus” heading.
The only object described in this section is the control object which activates the use of the
preprocessor.

1.11.2 GroundHeatTransfer:Control
The GroundHeatTransfer:Control object determines if the Slab and Basement preprocessors are
going to be executed. When a Slab or Basement run is performed the results are saved in files with
extensions .SLAB or .BSMT so that they do not need to be rerun if no input changes are made to
the GroundHeatTransfer:Slab or GroundHeatTransfer:Basement objects.

1.11.2.1 Inputs

1.11.2.1.1 Field: Name

This alpha field is the name of the GroundHeatTransfer:Control object. It is used as an iden-
tifier.

1.11.2.1.2 Field: Run Basement Preprocessor

The field can either be Yes or No and defaults to No. It is used to control whether the Basement
preprocessor program is executed. If it has been previously executed the results are stored in the
.BSMT file and do not necessary need to be run again unless the GroundHeatTransfer:Basement
objects have changed.

1.11.2.1.3 Field: Run Slab Preprocessor

The field can either be Yes or No and defaults to No. It is used to control whether the Slab
preprocessor program is executed. If it has been previously executed the results are stored in the
.SLAB file and do not necessary need to be run again unless the GroundHeatTransfer:Slab objects
have changed.
1.12. GROUP – ROOM AIR MODELS 419

1.12 Group – Room Air Models

1.12.1 Room Air Models
The group of input objects described in this section is used to account for non-uniform room
air temperatures that may occur within the interior air volume of a zone. Room air modeling
was added to EnergyPlus starting with Version 1.2. Although there are many types of analyses
(comfort, indoor air quality, etc) that might benefit from localized modeling of how room air varies
across space, only the temperature distribution of room air within the zone is currently addressed
in EnergyPlus. This allows surface heat transfer and air system heat balance calculations to be
made taking into account natural thermal stratification of air and different types of intentional
air distribution designs such as under-floor and side-wall displacement ventilation that purport
to extract room air at higher-than-mean temperatures. Note that EnergyPlus does not have
completely general methods of modeling room air that are applicable to every conceivable type
of airflow that might occur in a zone. Such models (e.g. RANS-CFD) are too computationally
expensive to use with EnergyPlus for the foreseeable future. The models that are available in
EnergyPlus offer only limited modeling capabilities for select room airflow configurations. Also note
that because the complete mixing model for room air has long been the standard in building energy
simulation, there is not currently a consensus on how to best model non-uniform air temperatures
in buildings. Therefore, it is up to the user to have a good understanding of when, where, and
how to apply the room air models available in EnergyPlus. The rest of this section provides some
guidance in the way of examples and further discussion of the models available in EnergyPlus.
EnergyPlus offers the different types of air models listed in the table below along with the input
objects associated with the use of that model.

Table 1.18: Summary of Room Air Models

Air Model Key Air model Algorithm Applicability Input Objects Required

Mixing Well-Mixed All zones None, default

UserDefined User Defined All zones ‘RoomAirModelType’,
‘RoomAir:Temperature-
Pattern:UserDefined’,
‘RoomAir:Temperature-
Pattern:***’
OneNodeDisplacement- Mundt displacement ventilation ‘RoomAirModelType’,
Ventilation ‘RoomAirSettings:OneNode-
DisplacementVentilation’,
‘RoomAir:Node’
ThreeNodeDisplacement- UCSD Displacement Ventila- displacement ventilation ‘RoomAirModelType’,
Ventilation tion ‘RoomAirSettings:Three-
NodeDisplacement-
Ventilation’
UnderFloorAirDistribution- UCSD UFAD Interior Model Interior zones served by a ‘RoomAirModelType’,
Interior UFAD system ‘RoomAirSettings:Under-
FloorAirDistributionInterior’
UnderFloorAirDistribution- UCSD UFAD Exterior Model Exterior zones served by a ‘RoomAirModelType’,
Exterior UFAD system ‘RoomAirSettings:Under-
FloorAirDistribution-
Exterior’
CrossVentilation UCSD Cross Ventilation cross ventilation ‘RoomAirModelType’,
‘RoomAirSettings:Cross-
Ventilation’
420 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.12.2 RoomAirModelType
EnergyPlus uses the RoomAirModelType object to determine which air model is available for use
in a given zone during the simulation. If no RoomAirModelType object is specified (for each zone
or the whole building), then EnergyPlus will run with the conventional, completely mixing air
model (for each zone or the whole building). Include a RoomAirModelType for each zone that
the user wants modeled using a more detailed method. Currently only a single RoomAirModel-
Type object can be specified for each zone; you cannot switch between models during a simulation.
However, the UCSD Displacement, Cross Ventilation and UFAD models switch from displacement
to mixing ventilation when the operating conditions do not give rise to unmixed flow. The following
parameters are fields required by the RoomAirModelType object.

1.12.2.1 Inputs
1.12.2.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field is the air model name selected by user. It is used as an identifier

1.12.2.1.2 Field: Zone Name

This alpha field indicates the unique name of a Zone object defined elsewhere in the input file.
The type of room air model selected will be applied to this zone.

1.12.2.1.3 Field: Room-Air Modeling Type

This alpha field indicates the room-air model used for the specified zone. Currently, there are
three options for different air models. Entering the keyword ‘Mixing’ specifies the conventional
complete-mixing air model. Note that Mixing is the default and no RoomAirModelType object
would be needed to use the complete-mixing model. Entering the keyword ‘UserDefined ‘speci-
fies the User Defined Room Air Temperature Patterns. Entering the keyword ‘OneNodeDisplace-
mentVentilation ‘specifies the Mundt one node displacement ventilation air model for displacement
ventilation. Entering the keyword ‘ThreeNodeDisplacementVentilation‘ specifies the three-node
displacement ventilation model developed by the University of California, San Diego (UCSD DV).
Entering the keyword ‘CrossVentilation’ specifies the two-zone cross ventilation model developed
by the University of California, San Diego (UCSD CV). Entering the keyword ‘UnderFloorAirDis-
tributionInterior‘ specifies the two-node interior zone under floor air distribution model developed
by the University of California, San Diego (UCSD UFI). Entering the keyword ‘UnderFloorAirDis-
tributionExterior‘ specifies the two-node exterior zone under floor air distribution model developed
by the University of California, San Diego (UCSD UFE).

1.12.2.1.4 Field: Air Temperature Coupling Strategy

This alpha field indicates how air temperatures predicted by the air models are used by the
surface heat balance calculation. Two different coupling schemes are available: Direct (also known
as T-couple) or Indirect (DT-couple). In general, indirect coupling is more suited to situations
where room air is well controlled and/or the room air model is less robust. Direct coupling is more
suited for floating zone air temperatures and/or accurate room air models.
The Mundt model can use either coupling scheme; the UCSD DV, UCSD CV, UCSD UFI, and
UCSD UFE models ignore this field and use direct coupling.
Input either Direct or Indirect
An example idf entry follows
1.12. GROUP – ROOM AIR MODELS 421

RoomAirModelType ,
MOD1 , !- Room -Air Model Name
ZONE ONE , !- Zone Name
ThreeNodeDisplacementVentilation , !- Room -Air Modeling Type
Direct; !- Air Temperature Coupling Strategy

1.12.3 RoomAir:TemperaturePattern:UserDefined
This object is used to explicitly define temperature patterns that are to be applied to the mean
air temperature within a thermal zone. This Room Air modeling option is made available for
a number of reasons. It allows modeling the consequences of air temperature variations during
the design phase when little information is available about the specifics of the air distribution
system or positioning of various loads. This option can be used to evaluate the energy implications
of different design targets for the temperature patterns. It also provides a method of modeling
the annual energy use implications for air temperature distributions determined using separate
analyses or measurements. For example, this option could be used to understand the annual energy
implications of an air distribution system that has been previously analyzed using Computational
Fluid Dynamics.
This approach differs from the other Room Air modeling in that the static temperature pattern
is not really modeled so that it will respond to conditions that develop during the simulation. More
sophisticated dynamic Room Air models will adjust the temperature pattern based on various
factors, such as air system flow rate, floor temperature, or rates of internal heat gains. The
user-defined temperature distribution patterns are fixed at the beginning and EnergyPlus simply
provides results that include the implications of those patterns. This user-defined distribution
option may also be useful for checking dynamic Room Air models by using “bounding” analysis.
Note that using this object carries a certain degree of responsibility. It would be very easy to
define a pattern that is non-physical and will lead to erroneous results. The user-defined temper-
ature distributions should (probably) be balanced about the mean so that basic conservation of
energy laws are not violated.

1.12.3.1 Inputs
1.12.3.1.1 Field: Name
This field provides a unique name for this object.

1.12.3.1.2 Field: Zone Name

This field provides the unique name of a zone described elsewhere in the file.

1.12.3.1.3 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This field provides the name of a schedule that will determine if this model is available. When
not available the room air is modeled as completely mixed. When it is available, then a user-
defined temperature distribution will be applied. This schedule should be set to “1.0” when model
is available and “0.0” when the model is not to be used. If this field is blank, the schedule has
values of 1 for all time periods.

1.12.3.1.4 Field: Pattern Control Schedule Name

This field provides the name of schedule that will be used to control which user-defined
RoomAir temperature pattern will be applied at any given time. This schedule needs to have
422 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

integer values that are closely coordinated with those defined as the second field in one of the
RoomAir:TemperaturePattern:* objects described below. These schedule values provide the link
to the actual patterns to be used throughout the day. This allows controlling which user-defined
pattern is used at different times during the simulation. For example, one could use one pattern
when the air system is scheduled to be on, and a different pattern when the air system is schedule
to be off. Or if the user has knowledge of how the air temperature pattern changes over the course
of day in response to changing thermal loads, then this schedule can be used to control when
individual patterns are used. For example, a control schedule could use a pattern designated as
number 100 from 18:00 to 6:00, pattern number 200 from 6:00 to 12:00, and pattern number 300
from 12:00 to 18:00.
An example of this object is
RoomAir: TemperaturePattern:UserDefined ,
Ground Floor South Air Temp Contrls , ! Name
ZN2_S_1 , ! Zone Name
Always_on , ! Availability Schedule Name
Roomair Pattern 1; ! Pattern Control Schedule Name

1.12.4 RoomAir:TemperaturePattern:ConstantGradient
This object is used to model room air with a fixed temperature gradient in the vertical direction.
This fixed-slope method is about the simplest distribution pattern.
In addition to the vertical temperature gradient, there are three other parameters included in the
pattern that are important. The first two might affect how the air system conditioning the room is
operated. The first describes the temperature difference between the mean air temperature and the
point where the sensor of a drybulb thermostat is situated. The second describes the temperature
difference between the mean and the point where system air is being extracted from the zone. This
is considered important because the changes in temperature difference between supply and return
can affect how an air system is controlled to meet the loads. The third parameter can affect the
zone air heat balance by altering the temperature of the air leaving the zone through exhaust fans.
One example of a source of input data for the vertical temperature gradient is ANSI/ASHRAE
Standard 55-2004 Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy. Table 5.2.4.3 in this
Standard specifies an allowable vertical temperature difference between head level and ankle level
of 3ºC (5ºF). If we assume a head to ankle length scale of 1.5 m (5 ft), this leads to a temperature
gradient of 3ºC/1.5m, or 2.0 ºC/m.

1.12.4.1 Inputs
1.12.4.1.1 Field: Name
This field provides a unique name for this object.

1.12.4.1.2 Field: Control Integer for Pattern Control Schedule Name

This field should contain an integer value that is unique among all other RoomAir:TemperaturePattern:*
objects. The value used here needs to be in the Pattern Control Schedule for those times when
this pattern is to be used for the Room Air Temperature Distribution.

1.12.4.1.3 Field: Thermostat Offset

This field specifies the temperature difference between where the thermostat is situated and the
mean air temperature.
1.12. GROUP – ROOM AIR MODELS 423

1.12.4.1.4 Field: Return Air Offset

This field specifies the temperature difference between the air leaving the zone and returning
to the air system and the mean air temperature.

1.12.4.1.5 Field: Exhaust Air Offset

This field specifies the temperature difference between the air leaving the zone and being ex-
hausted out of the building and the mean air temperature.

1.12.4.1.6 Field: Temperature Gradient

This field specifies the gradient, or slope, of temperature changes in the vertical direction in
ºK/m.
An example of this object is:
RoomAir: TemperaturePattern:ConstantGradient ,
half C per Meter , ! Name
10005 , ! Control Integer for Pattern Control Schedule Name
0.0, ! Thermostat Offset (Temp at thermostat - Mean Air Temp) [C]
1.0, ! Return Air Offset (Tleaving - Mean Air Temp ) [C]
1.0, ! Exhaust Air Offset (Texhaust - Mean Air Temp) [C]
0.5; ! Temperature Gradient [K/m]

1.12.5 RoomAir:TemperaturePattern:TwoGradient
This object provides various controls over the value of the gradient used for determining the pattern
of room air temperatures. It is similar to previous object RoomAir:TemperaturePattern:ConstantGradient
object but simplifies the potentially arduous task of preparing and scheduling a large number
of those objects. With this object, two different gradients are entered and user is given several
options for controlling how the program will interpolate between the two bounds. The user inputs
the height of the location of thermostat, return air, and exhaust air in meters rather than the
temperature offset.

1.12.5.1 Inputs
1.12.5.1.1 Field: Name
This field provides a unique name for this object.

1.12.5.1.2 Field: Control Integer for Pattern Control Schedule Name

This field should contain an integer value that is unique among all other RoomAir:TemperaturePattern:*
objects. The value used here needs to be in the Pattern Control Schedule for those times when
this pattern is to be used for the Room Air Temperature Distribution.

1.12.5.1.3 Field: Thermostat Height

This field specifies the distance above the floor where the thermostat is situated. This height is
used by the model to determine the thermostat temperature relative to the mean air temperature
by applying the gradient.

1.12.5.1.4 Field: Return Air Height

This field specifies the distance above the floor where the air leaves the zone and returns to
the air system. and the mean air temperature. This height is used by the model to determine the
return air temperature relative to the mean air temperature by applying the gradient.
424 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.12.5.1.5 Field: Exhaust Air Height

This field specifies the distance above the floor where the air leaves the zone and enters and
exhaust device such as an exhaust fan. This height is used by the model to determine the exhaust
air temperature relative to the mean air temperature by applying the gradient.

1.12.5.1.6 Field: Temperature Gradient Lower Bound

This field specifies the gradient, or slope, of temperature changes in the vertical direction in
ºC/m.

1.12.5.1.7 Field: Temperature Gradient Upper Bound

This field specifies the gradient, or slope, of temperature changes in the vertical direction in
ºC/m.

1.12.5.1.8 Field: Gradient Interpolation Mode

This field specifics how the program will vary between the two gradients. Select one of the
following keywords to choose the simulation data used to scale: ‘Outdoor Environment Drybulb
Temperature’, ‘Zone Drybulb Temperature’, ‘Delta Outdoor and Zone Temperature’, ‘Sensible
Cooling Load’, and ‘Sensible Heating Load’. These are explained in detail below. All of these
options have several things in common. They are essentially hard-coded. There is no support for
a general method. The interpolation scheme is based on some variable that might reasonably be
expected to correlate with gradient changes. This variable’s current value is used to continually
adjust the value of the vertical gradient for room air temperature.
OutdoorDryBulbTemperature: This key directs the program to interpolate between upper
and lower values of the vertical gradient based on the outdoor air temperature. If the outdoor
temperature exceeds the upper limit set in the next field, then the gradient entered in the ‘Temper-
ature Gradient Upper Bound’ field is used. Similarly if the outdoor air temperature is below the
value set in the ‘Lower Temperature’ field, then the gradient entered in the ‘Temperature Gradient
Lower Bound’ is used. For outdoor temperatures that lie between the upper and lower bounds, the
gradient is determined by linear interpolation between the two.
ZoneDryBulbTemperature: This key directs the program to interpolate between upper and
lower values of the vertical gradient based on the mean zone air temperature. If the mean zone
air temperature exceeds the upper limit set in the next field, then the gradient entered in the
‘Temperature Gradient Upper Bound’ field is used. Similarly if the mean zone air temperature is
below the value set in the ‘Lower Temperature’ field, then the gradient entered in the ‘Temperature
Gradient Lower Bound’ is used. For mean zone air temperatures that lie between the upper and
lower bounds, the gradient is determined by linear interpolation between the two.
ZoneAndOutdoorTemperatureDifference: This key directs the program to interpolate be-
tween upper and lower values of the vertical gradient based on the difference between the outdoor
environment and the mean zone air temperature. If the temperature difference exceeds the upper
limit set in the next field, then the gradient entered in the ‘Temperature Gradient Upper Bound’
field is used. Similarly if the temperature difference is below the value set in the ‘Lower Temper-
ature’ field, then the gradient entered in the ‘Temperature Gradient Lower Bound’ is used. For
temperature differences that lie between the upper and lower bounds, the gradient is determined
by linear interpolation between the two.
SensibleCoolingLoad: This key directs the program to interpolate between upper and lower
values of the vertical gradient based on the sensible cooling load. If the cooling load exceeds the
upper limit set in the next field, then the gradient entered in the ‘Temperature Gradient Upper
1.12. GROUP – ROOM AIR MODELS 425

Bound’ field is used. Similarly if the cooling load is below the value set in the ‘Lower Temperature’
field, then the gradient entered in the ‘Temperature Gradient Lower Bound’ is used. For cooling
loads that lie between the upper and lower bounds, the gradient is determined by linear interpolation
between the two.
SensibleHeatingLoad: This key directs the program to interpolate between upper and lower
values of the vertical gradient based on the sensible heating load. If the heating load exceeds the
upper limit set in the next field, then the gradient entered in the ‘Temperature Gradient Upper
Bound’ field is used. Similarly if the heating load is below the value set in the ‘Lower Temperature’
field, then the gradient entered in the ‘Temperature Gradient Lower Bound’ is used. For heating
loads that lie between the upper and lower bounds, the gradient is determined by linear interpolation
between the two.

1.12.5.1.9 Field: Upper Temperature Bound

This field is used to enter the upper bound on temperature values in Celsius. It is required for
the interpolation modes based on temperature.

1.12.5.1.10 Field: Lower Temperature Bound

This field is used to enter the lower bound on temperature values in Celsius. It is required for
the interpolation modes based on temperature.

1.12.5.1.11 Field: Upper Heat Rate Bound

This field is used to enter the upper bound on heat rate values. It is required for the interpolation
modes based on load. Both heating and cooling loads are entered as positive numbers (in watts).

1.12.5.1.12 Field: Lower Heat Rate Bound

This field is used to enter the lower bound on heat rate values. It is required for the interpolation
modes based on load. Both heating and cooling loads are entered as positive numbers (in watts).
An example of this object follows. This pattern will apply no gradient (effectively the mixing
model) if zone air temperatures are 22.5 C or lower. It will apply a gradient of 1 K/m if zone
temperatures are 26.0 C or higher. For zone air temperatures between 22.5 and 26.0 it will determine
the gradient by linear interpolation and use a gradient between 0.0 and 1.0 K/m depending on where
the zone air temperature is in the range.
RoomAir: TemperaturePattern:TwoGradient ,
Mixed to one C per M by Zone DB , ! Name
2002, ! Control Integer for Pattern Control Schedule
1.1, ! Thermostat Height meters
4.5, ! Return Air Height
3.5, ! Exhaust Air Height
0.0, ! Temperature Gradient Lower Bound K/m
1.0, ! Temperature Gradient Upper Bound K/m
ZoneDrybulbTemperature , ! Gradient Interpolation Mode
26.0, ! Upper Temperature [C]
22.5, ! Lower Temperature [C]
, ! Upper Heat Rate [W]
; ! Lower Heat Rate [W]

1.12.6 RoomAir:TemperaturePattern:NondimensionalHeight
This object defines a distribution pattern for air temperatures relative to the current mean air
temperature as a function of height. The height, referred to as Zeta, is non-dimensional by nor-
426 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

malizing with the zone ceiling height. (The actual zone ceiling height can be explicitly entered in
the ‘Zone’ object but if not it is calculated by EnergyPlus from the surfaces attached to the zone.)
The temperature differences are not non-dimensional and remain in units of degrees Celsius.
An example of a vertical temperature pattern is shown in the figure below. The pattern itself is
treated as a piecewise, linear model of air temperature as a function of height. This Zeta-DeltaTai
curve, or lookup table, is then mapped to surfaces defined elsewhere in the file. The centroid of each
surface and zone ceiling height are used to automatically assign Zeta values within the program.
The zone named in the referencing RoomAir:TemperaturePattern:UserDefined object is used to
determine which surfaces will be associated with the pattern when it is applied. A single pattern
object can be reused for multiple zones and times.
In addition to the vertical temperature pattern there are three other parameters included in the
pattern that are important. The first two might affect how the air system conditioning the room is
operated. The first describes the temperature difference between the mean air temperature and the
point where the sensor of a drybulb thermostat is situated. The second describes the temperature
difference between the mean and the point where system air is being extracted from the zone. This
is considered important because the changes in temperature difference between supply and return
can affect how an air system is controlled to meet the loads. The third parameter can affect the
zone air heat balance by altering the temperature of the air leaving the zone through exhaust fans.

Figure 1.46: Example of a Vertical Air Temperature Pattern

1.12. GROUP – ROOM AIR MODELS 427

1.12.6.1 Inputs
1.12.6.1.1 Field: Name
This field provides a unique name for this object.

1.12.6.1.2 Field: Control Integer for Pattern Control Schedule Name

This field should contain an integer value that is unique among all other RoomAir Temperature
Pattern objects. The value used here needs to be in the Pattern Control Schedule for those times
when this pattern is to be used for the Room Air Temperature Distribution.

1.12.6.1.3 Field: Thermostat Offset

This field specifies the temperature difference between where the thermostat is situated and the
mean air temperature.

1.12.6.1.4 Field: Return Air Offset

This field specifies the temperature difference between the air leaving the zone and returning
to the air system and the mean air temperature.

1.12.6.1.5 Field: Exhaust Air Offset

This field specifies the temperature difference between the air leaving the zone and being ex-
hausted out of the building and the mean air temperature.

1.12.6.1.6 Field Set Zeta and Temperature Difference

The remaining fields contain pairs of values that define a lookup table for the temperature
pattern in the vertical direction. The first value is Zeta and the second value is DeltaTai. This
object is extensible, by duplicating the last two fields and revising the IDD – note that you will
have to replace “inner” semi-colons with commas.

1.12.6.1.7 Field: Pair <#> Zeta non-dimensional Height

Zeta is the normalized height and should be a fractional value from 0.0 to 1.0. A value of 0.0
corresponds to the floor and a value of 1.0 corresponds to the ceiling. The Zeta values need to be
in increasing value.

1.12.6.1.8 Field: Pair <#> Delta Adjacent Air Temperature

DeltaTai is the temperature difference between the air temperature at the associated Zeta (Tai )
and the mean air temperature and is given in degrees Celsius.
An example of this object corresponding to the figure above is:
RoomAir: TemperaturePattern:NondimensionalHeight ,
Rough UFAD Approx , ! Name
3001, ! Control Integer for Pattern Control Schedule
! note reference this entry in Schedule
-1.0 , ! Thermostat Offset
1.5 , ! Return Air Offset (Tleaving - Mean Air Temp ) deg C
1.75, ! Exhaust Air Offset (Texhaust - Mean Air Temp) deg C
0.05, -1.8, ! pair 1 (Zeta , DeltaTai)
0.1, -1.7, ! pair 2 (Zeta , DeltaTai)
0.2, -0.8, ! pair 3 (Zeta , DeltaTai)
0.3, -0.2, ! pair 4 (Zeta , DeltaTai)
0.4, 0.5, ! pair 5 (Zeta , DeltaTai)
0.5, 0.8, ! pair 6 (Zeta , DeltaTai)
0.6, 1.2, ! pair 7 (Zeta , DeltaTai)
428 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

0.7, 1.4, ! pair 8 (Zeta , DeltaTai)

0.8, 1.4, ! pair 9 (Zeta , DeltaTai)
0.9, 1.42, ! pair 10 (Zeta , DeltaTai)
0.95, 1.44; ! pair 11 (Zeta , DeltaTai)

1.12.7 RoomAir:TemperaturePattern:SurfaceMapping
This object defines a distribution pattern for the air temperatures adjacent to individual surfaces.
This object uses the specific names of individual surfaces defined elsewhere in the model. This
pattern allows controlling the adjacent air temperature on a surface-by-surface basis rather than
by height. This allows modeling different adjacent air temperatures on the opposite sides of the
zone.
In addition to the surface mappings there are three other parameters included in the pattern that
are important. The first two might affect how the air system conditioning the room is operated. The
first describes the temperature difference between the mean air temperature and the point where
the sensor of a drybulb thermostat is situated. The second describes the temperature difference
between the mean and the point where system air is being extracted from the zone. This is
considered important because the changes in temperature difference between supply and return
can affect how an air system is controlled to meet the loads. The third parameter can affect the
zone air heat balance by altering the temperature of the air leaving the zone through exhaust fans.

1.12.7.1 Inputs
1.12.7.1.1 Field: Name
This field provides a unique name for this object.

1.12.7.1.2 Field: Control Integer for Pattern Control Schedule Name

This field should contain an integer value that is unique among all other RoomAir Temperature
Pattern objects. The value used here needs to be in the Pattern Control Schedule for those times
when this pattern is to be used for the RoomAir Temperature Distribution.

1.12.7.1.3 Field: Thermostat Offset

This field specifies the temperature difference between where the thermostat is situated and the
mean air temperature.

1.12.7.1.4 Field: Return Air Offset

This field specifies the temperature difference between the air leaving the zone and returning
to the air system and the mean air temperature.

1.12.7.1.5 Field: Exhaust Air Offset

This field specifies the temperature difference between the air leaving the zone and being ex-
hausted out of the building and the mean air temperature.

1.12.7.1.6 Field Set: Surface Name, Temperature Difference

1.12. GROUP – ROOM AIR MODELS 429

1.12.7.1.7 Fields (6 and on): Pairs of Surface Names and Temperature Differ-
ences
The remaining fields contain pairs that define a lookup table for the temperature pattern on a
surface-by-surface basis. This object is extensible, by duplicating the last two fields and revising
the IDD – note that you will have to replace “inner” semi-colons with commas.

1.12.7.1.8 Field: Surface Name Pair <#>

The name of a surface defined elsewhere in the input file.

1.12.7.1.9 Field: Delta Adjacent Air Temperature Pair <#>

DeltaTai is the temperature difference between the air temperature adjacent to the associated
surface (Tai ) and the mean air temperature and is given in degrees Celsius.
An example of this object, which might be used to elevate temperatures near west windows in
the afternoon, is:

RoomAir: TemperaturePattern:SurfaceMapping ,
GroundFloor SW Corner Hot Near West Wall , ! Name
4001, ! Control Integer for Pattern Control Schedule Name
0.0, ! Thermostat Offset(Temp at thermostat - Mean Air Temp)
0.0, ! Return Air Offset deg C
0.0, ! Exhaust Air Offset
ZN1_SW_1:W_ExtWall :1 , 0.8, ! pair 1 (Surface Name , DeltaTai)
ZN1_SW_1:W_ExtWall :2 , 0.9, ! pair 2 (Surface Name , DeltaTai)
ZN1_SW_1:W_ExtWall :3 , 1.0, ! pair 3 (Surface Name , DeltaTai)
ZN1_SW_1:W_ExtWall :4, 1.1, ! pair 4 (Surface Name , DeltaTai)
ZN1_SW_1:W_ExtWall :5, 1.3, ! pair 5 (Surface Name , DeltaTai)
ZN1_SW_1:W_ExtWall :6, 1.5, ! pair 6 (Surface Name , DeltaTai)
ZN1_SW_1:W_ExtWall :7, 1.7, ! pair 7 (Surface Name , DeltaTai)
ZN1_SW_1:W_ExtWall :8, 2.1, ! pair 8 (Surface Name , DeltaTai)
ZN1_SW_1:W_ExtWall :9, 2.4 ; ! pair 8 (Surface Name , DeltaTai)

1.12.8 RoomAir:Node
The RoomAir:Node object is used to define air nodes for a nodal air model. The number of air node
objects that need to be specified depends on the nodal air model selected. (However, currently only
the Mundt model uses this object). In order to use the Mundt model, the user must specify six or
more RoomAir:Node objects of different types for each zone. The exact number of RoomAir:Node
in the model will vary based on the resolution of walls. If walls (heat transfer surfaces) are split
into separate segments in the vertical direction, then more air nodes of type ‘MundtRoom’ will be
useful. At a minimum, for the Mundt model RoomAir Nodes of the following type are required:
‘Inlet, ‘Floor, ‘Control, ‘Ceiling, ‘MundtRoom, and ‘Return.’

1.12.8.1 Inputs
1.12.8.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field is a name for the air node. It should be unique and is used as an identifier

1.12.8.1.2 Field: Node Type

This alpha field indicates the type of this air node. The following explains options available for
use with the Mundt nodal air model.
Inlet is specified for the air node located where the system air enters the zone.
430 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Floor is specified for the air node located near the floor.
Control is specified for the air node located near the thermostat.
Ceiling is specified for the air node located near the ceiling.
MundtRoom is specified for the air node located adjacent to the wall(s).
Return is specified for the air node located where the system air leaves the zone.

1.12.8.1.3 Field: Zone Name

This field indicates the name of the zone (Ref: Zone) that this air node belongs to. This should
be the unique name of a zone object defined elsewhere in the input file.

1.12.8.1.4 Field: Height of Nodal Control Volume Center

This numeric field indicates the height of the air node center. Air models such as the Mundt
model compute the air temperature as a function of height and the value entered here will be used
to determine a result for this node. The value should be specified in meters and relative to the
floor of the zone.

1.12.8.1.5 Field: Surface <#> Name

These remaining alpha fields indicate the names of the surfaces (Ref: Surface) that are in-
teracting convectively with this air node. This field is optional and related to the previous field.
Currently, at most 20 surfaces are allowed to interact with a single air node. Only those nodes
that interact with the inside faces of surfaces need to specify surface names. Each surface should
couple to no more than 1 node.
An IDF example:

RoomAir:Node ,
WESTZN:FLOORAIR , !- Node Name
Floor , !- Node Type
WEST ZONE , !- Name of Zone to Which the Air Node Belongs
0.1, !- Height of Nodal Control Volume Center {m}
WESTZN:FLOOR:LEFF , !- surface name
WESTZN:FLOOR:RIGHT; !- surface name

1.12.9 RoomAirSettings:OneNodeDisplacementVentilation
The RoomAirSettings:OneNodeDisplacementVentilation object is used to specify additional input
parameters required by the Mundt model that are not available in other input objects in EnergyPlus.
A single object will be used for the zone.

1.12.9.1 Inputs
1.12.9.1.1 Field: Zone Name
This alpha field indicates the name of the zone (Ref: Zone) for the required input parameters
as specified in the following fields.

1.12.9.1.2 Field: Fraction of Convective Internal Loads Added to Floor Air

This numeric field indicates what fraction of the convective part of the internal gains is added
to the air near the floor in the zone specified.
1.12. GROUP – ROOM AIR MODELS 431

1.12.9.1.3 Field: Fraction of Infiltration Internal Loads Added to Floor Air

This numeric field indicates what fraction of the infiltration air enters near the floor in the zone
specified.
An IDF example:

RoomAirSettings:OneNodeDisplacementVentilation ,
WEST ZONE , !- Zone Name
0.1, !- Fraction of internal loads from the convective Floor Air
0.1; !- Fraction of internal loads from the Infiltration Air

1.12.10 RoomAirSettings:ThreeNodeDisplacementVentilation
This model is applicable to spaces that are served by a low velocity floor-level displacement ven-
tilation air distribution system. Furthermore, the dominant sources of heat gain should be from
people and other localized sources located in the occupied part of the room. The model should be
used with caution in zones which have large heat gains or losses through exterior walls or windows
or which have considerable direct solar gain. The model predicts three temperatures in the room:

• A foot level temperature (TFLOOR ). The floor region is 0.2 meters deep and TFLOOR repre-
sents the temperature at the mid-point of the region.

• An occupied subzone temperature (TOC ), representing the temperature in the region between
the floor layer and the upper, mixed layer.

• An upper node representing the mixed-layer/outflow temperature (TMX ) essential for overall
energy budget calculations and for modeling comfort effects of the upper layer temperature.

The following fields are used to define an instance of the ‘UCSD Displacement Ventilation Model
Controls’ object.

1.12.10.1 Inputs
1.12.10.1.1 Field: Zone Name
This field provides the unique name of a zone described elsewhere in the file. A single instance
of the ‘UCSD Displacement Ventilation Model Controls’ object is needed for each zone that is to
be modeled using this method.

1.12.10.1.2 Field: Gain Distribution Schedule Name

This field specifies the unique name of schedule defined elsewhere in the input file. The schedule
values are the fractions of the convective portion of the internal gains in the occupied subzone that
remain in the occupied subzone. The remainder of the convective portion of the internal gains in
the occupied subzone enters the plumes and is carried to the upper subzone. The types of internal
gains that are assumed to be located in the occupied subzone are:

• people

• task lights

• electric equipment

• gas equipment
432 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.47: Schematic representation of the three temperature points and temperature
gradients
1.12. GROUP – ROOM AIR MODELS 433

• hot water equipment

• steam equipment
• other equipment
• baseboard heat
Types of internal gains that are assumed to be in the upper subzone are:
• general lights
• tubular daylighting devices
• high temperature radiant heaters
The schedule values should be between 0 and 1. A value of 1 means that all the convection gains
from equipment, task lights and people are dispersed in the lower occupied subzone. Conversely
a value of 0 puts all the lower subzone convective gains into the plumes rising into the upper
well-mixed subzone.

1.12.10.1.3 Field: Number of Plumes per Occupant

This field specifies number of plumes per occupant. Plumes are associated with localized sources
of convective heat gain from people and equipment. For example, a value of 2.0 would be used if
each occupant has a computer that generates a separate plume that does not merge with the plume
from the occupant in the lower, occupied, subzone.

1.12.10.1.4 Field: Thermostat Height

This field is the height in meters of the thermostat/temperature control sensor above the floor.

1.12.10.1.5 Field: Comfort Height

The height in meters above the floor at which air temperature is calculated for comfort purposes.
The air temperature at this height is used in calculating the available measures of comfort: Fanger,
Pierce or KSU. The default is 1.1 meters.

1.12.10.1.6 Field: Temperature Difference Threshold for Reporting

This field specifies a minimum temperature difference between the upper mixed subzone and the
occupied subzone that will be used to trigger whether or not the displacement ventilation auxiliary
outputs will be calculated. These outputs are Room Air Zone Transition Height, Room Air Zone
Recommended Minimum Flow Fraction, Room Air Zone Average Temperature Gradient and Room
Air Zone Maximum Temperature Gradient. They are set to negative values when the temperature
difference is less than the threshold and the output Room Air Zone Is Mixed Status is set to 1.
The value should be greater than or equal to zero and is in units of degrees Centigrade. The
default value is 0.4 degrees C.
An example input:

RoomAirSettings:ThreeNodeDisplacementVentilation ,
ZONE ONE , !- Zone Name
Constant - .2, !- Gain Distribution Schedule Name
1, !- Number of Plumes per Occupant
, !- Thermostat Height
, !- Comfort Height
.3; !- Temp. Difference Threshold for Displacement Ventilation
434 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.12.11 RoomAirSettings:CrossVentilation
The UCSD Cross Ventilation Room Air Model provides a simple model for heat transfer and
temperature prediction in cross ventilated rooms. Cross Ventilation (CV) is common in many
naturally ventilated buildings, with air flowing through windows, open doorways and large internal
apertures across rooms and corridors in the building.
The CV model is used in EnergyPlus in the context of natural ventilation simulations using the
AirflowNetwork airflow prediction model. Typical CV room flows are characterized by two clearly
distinguishable flow regions that have different airflow velocities and temperature:

• Jet regions in front of the inflow windows

• Recirculation regions in the portions of the room that are not directly in front of the windows.

Each inflow aperture has one jet region while the recirculation regions are treated as a whole,
with a single temperature and characteristic velocity. The default EnergyPlus perfectly mixed
single temperature node room air approach is not suitable for these partially mixed flows. The
proposed CV model uses multiple nodes with distinct air temperature and airflow velocity (one
node for the recirculations plus one additional node for each inflow aperture).

Figure 1.48: Schematic representation of room air geometry a) schematic representation of a

room geometry that generates cross ventilation airflow. b) the proposed model distinguishes
two regions in the flow: jet and recirculation (shown here in a CFD simulation of one half
of a symmetrical room).
1.12. GROUP – ROOM AIR MODELS 435

Figure 1.49: Schematic top view — possible airflow patterns in cross-ventilation.

436 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

The following fields are used to define an instance of the ‘UCSD Cross Ventilation Model
Controls’ object.

1.12.11.1 Inputs
1.12.11.1.1 Field: Zone Name
This field provides the name of the zone to which this object applies. A single instance of
the ‘UCSD Cross Ventilation Model Controls’ object is needed for each zone modeled using this
method.

1.12.11.1.2 Field: Gain Distribution Schedule Name

This field specifies the unique name of schedule defined elsewhere in the input file. The schedule
values define the fractions of the convective portion of the internal gains in the jet and recirculation
regions.
The schedule values should be between 0 and 1. A value of 1 means that all the convective
gains are dispersed in the jet region. Conversely a value of 0 puts all the convective gains into the
recirculation region.

1.12.11.1.3 Field: Airflow Region Used for Thermal Comfort Evaluation

Required field whenever thermal comfort is predicted. Defines air temperature and mean airflow
velocity that will be used in the Fanger model. Conditions must refer to one of the two regions
defined in the model: jet or recirculation.
Possible choices: Jet or Recirculation.

1.12.11.2 Outputs
Zone ,Average ,Room Air Zone Jet Region Temperature [C]
Zone ,Average ,Room Air Zone Recirculation Region Temperature [C]
Zone ,Average ,Room Air Zone Jet Region Average Air Velocity [m/s]
Zone ,Average ,Room Air Zone Recirculation Region Average Air Velocity [m/s]
Zone ,Average ,Room Air Window Jet Region Average Air Velocity [m/s]
Zone ,Average ,Room Air Zone Recirculation and Inflow Rate Ratio
Zone ,Average ,Room Air Zone Inflow Opening Area [m2]
Zone ,Average ,Room Air Zone Room Length [m]
Zone ,Average ,Room Air Zone Is Mixing Status
Zone ,Average ,Room Air Zone Is Recirculating Status

1.12.11.2.1 Room Air Zone Jet Region Temperature [C]

Average air temperature in the jet region of the flow in degrees C. If there is more than one
inflow window this output will be the inflow-area-weighted average of the jet region temperature.

1.12.11.2.2 Room Air Zone Recirculation Region Temperature [C]

Average air temperature in the recirculation region of the flow in degrees C.

1.12.11.2.3 Room Air Zone Jet Region Average Air Velocity [m/s]
Average airflow velocity in the jet region of the flow in meters per second. If there is more than
one inflow window this output will be the inflow area weighted area of the jet inflow velocities.

1.12.11.2.4 Room Air Window Jet Region Average Air Velocity [m/s]
Average airflow velocity in the jet region in front of the window, in meters per second.
1.12. GROUP – ROOM AIR MODELS 437

1.12.11.2.5 Room Air Zone Recirculation Region Average Air Velocity [m/s]
Average airflow velocity in the recirculation region of the flow in meters per second.

1.12.11.2.6 Room Air Zone Recirculation and Inflow Rate Ratio []

Ratio between airflow rate in the recirculation regions and the total inflow rate, non-dimensional.

1.12.11.2.7 Room Air Zone Inflow Opening Area [m2]

Area of the inflow aperture in square meters. This area can change due to variation in wind
direction (as inflow aperture changes) or variations in the opening schedule.

1.12.11.2.8 Room Air Zone Room Length [m]

Length of the room along the cross ventilation direction, in meters.

1.12.11.2.9 Room Air Zone Is Mixing Status []

An integer flag that indicates whether the zone is mixed (single node well-mixed zone model
used) or significant momentum conservation is occurring (UCSD CV model used). The value 1
means well-mixed; 0 means cross ventilation is present. Transition to mixed flow can occur due to
three mechanism: reduction in inflow velocity, reduction in inflow aperture area and dominance of
buoyancy effects. A value of 1 is yes, a value of 0 is no.

1.12.11.2.10 Room Air Zone Is Recirculating Status []

An integer flag that indicates whether recirculations are present in the flow. A cross ventilation
flow does not have recirculations whenever the inflow area is similar to the room cross section area
(such as airflow in a typical corridor). A value of 1 is yes, a value of 0 is no.

1.12.12 RoomAirSettings:UnderFloorAirDistributionInterior
This model is applicable to interior spaces that are served by an underfloor air distribution system.
The dominant sources of heat gain should be from people, equipment, and other localized sources
located in the occupied part of the room. The model should be used with caution in zones which
have large heat gains or losses through exterior walls or windows or which have considerable direct
solar gain. The model predicts two temperatures in the room:

• An occupied subzone temperature (TOC ), representing the temperature in the region between
the floor and the boundary of the upper subzone.

• An upper subzone temperature (TMX ) essential for overall energy budget calculations and
for modeling comfort effects of the upper layer temperature.

The following fields are used to define an instance of the ‘UCSD UFAD Interior Model Controls’
object.

1.12.12.1 Inputs
1.12.12.1.1 Field: Zone Name
This field provides the unique name of a zone described elsewhere in the file. A single instance
of the ‘RoomAirSettings:UnderFloorAirDistributionInterior’ object is needed for each zone that is
to be modeled using this method.
438 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.12.12.1.2 Field: Number of Diffusers

The total number of diffusers in this zone. This field can allowed to Autocalculate (in which
case it is set to the design occupancy level; i.e., number of people). If the design occupancy is low
or zero but there are still heat sources that could generate buoyancy driven plumes, the user should
input a value based on the design supply air flow rate of the zone and the design flow rate of an
individual diffuser. In the absence of any other information, divide the zone area by 100 ft2 . The
default for this field is Autocalculate.

1.12.12.1.3 Field: Power per Plume

The power in watts incorporated in a buoyancy driven thermal plume. Normally we assume all
the loads of a workstation create a single plume so that this represents the convective heat gain
from a workstation – 1 person, 1 computer terminal, plus any task lighting. A typical value would
be 220 watts. However, the model assumes an “equivalent” plume derived from the zone extraction
rate normalized to the number of workstations/occupants. This field should be allowed to default –
the program will calculate a value based upon the occupancy and the extraction rate. The default
is Autocalculate.

1.12.12.1.4 Field: Design Effective Area of Diffuser

This is the design air flow opening area in square meters of a single diffuser. The default
value depends on the diffuser type. For swirl diffusers it is 0075 m2 , for variable area diffusers
0.035 m2 , for horizontal swirl diffusers 0.006 m2 , and for linear bar grilles 0.03 m2 . The default is
Autocalculate..

1.12.12.1.5 Field: Diffuser Slot Angle from Vertical

This input describes the angle at which air emerges from the diffusers. It should be the angle
in degrees between the vertical and the diffuser slots. The defaults depend on the diffuser type: for
swirl diffusers it is 28 degrees, for variable area diffusers 45 degrees, for DV diffusers 73 degrees,
and for linear bar grilles 15 degrees.

1.12.12.1.6 Field: Thermostat Height

This field is the height in meters of the thermostat/temperature control sensor above the floor.
The default is 1.2 meters.

1.12.12.1.7 Field: Comfort Height

The height in meters above the floor at which air temperature is calculated for comfort purposes.
The air temperature at this height is used in calculating the available measures of comfort: Fanger,
Pierce or KSU. The default is 1.1 meters.

1.12.12.1.8 Field: Temperature Difference Threshold for Reporting

This field specifies a minimum temperature difference between the upper subzone and the
occupied subzone that will be used to trigger whether or not the UFAD auxiliary outputs will
be calculated. These outputs are Room Air Zone Transition Height and Room Air Zone Average
Temperature Gradient. They are set to zero when the temperature difference is less than the
threshold and the output Room Air Zone Is Mixed Status is set to 1.
The value should be greater than or equal to zero and is in units of degrees Centigrade. The
default value is 0.4 degrees C.
1.12. GROUP – ROOM AIR MODELS 439

1.12.12.1.9 Field: Diffuser Type

The choices for this alpha field are Swirl | VariableArea | HorizontalSwirl | LinearBar-
Grille | Custom. The swirl and displacement diffusers are fixed area diffusers. The variable area
diffusers maintain an approximately constant exit velocity. Linear bar grilles are normally used in
exterior zonesand are fixed area diffusers. Custom is used to signify that the user intends to input
the coefficients A – E (see below) rather than let the program set the coefficients based on diffuser
type. The default is Swirl.

1.12.12.1.10 Field: Transition Height

An optional field to allow the user to specify the transition height (meters above floor) rather
than have the program calculate it. The default is 1.7 meters.

1.12.12.1.11 Field: Coefficient A

The coefficient A in the formula: Kc = A*Gamma**B + C + D*Gamma + E*Gamma**2.
Gamma is a variable that characterizes the amount of stratification in a UFAD zone. Kc is the
fraction of the total internal convective heat gain that is assigned to the lower (occupied) subzone.
The coefficients in the formula are defaulted based upon diffuser type. A user would normally allow
this field to default. The default is autocalculate.

1.12.12.1.12 Field: Coefficient B

The coefficient B in the formula: Kc = A*Gamma**B + C + D*Gamma + E*Gamma**2.
Gamma is a variable that characterizes the amount of stratification in a UFAD zone. Kc is the
fraction of the total internal convective heat gain that is assigned to the lower (occupied) subzone.
The coefficients in the formula are defaulted based upon diffuser type. A user would normally allow
this field to default. The default is autocalculate.

1.12.12.1.13 Field: Coefficient C

The coefficient C in the formula: Kc = A*Gamma**B + C + D*Gamma + E*Gamma**2.
Gamma is a variable that characterizes the amount of stratification in a UFAD zone. Kc is the
fraction of the total internal convective heat gain that is assigned to the lower (occupied) subzone.
The coefficients in the formula are defaulted based upon diffuser type. A user would normally allow
this field to default. The default is autocalculate.

1.12.12.1.14 Field: Coefficient D

The coefficient D in the formula: Kc = A*Gamma**B + C + D*Gamma + E*Gamma**2.
Gamma is a variable that characterizes the amount of stratification in a UFAD zone. Kc is the
fraction of the total internal convective heat gain that is assigned to the lower (occupied) subzone.
The coefficients in the formula are defaulted based upon diffuser type. A user would normally allow
this field to default. The default is autocalculate.

1.12.12.1.15 Field: Coefficient E

The coefficient E in the formula: Kc = A*Gamma**B + C + D*Gamma + E*Gamma**2.
Gamma is a variable that characterizes the amount of stratification in a UFAD zone. Kc is the
fraction of the total internal convective heat gain that is assigned to the lower (occupied) subzone.
The coefficients in the formula are defaulted based upon diffuser type. A user would normally allow
this field to default. The default is autocalculate.
An example input is:
440 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

RoomAirModelType ,
SPACE5 -1 RoomAir Model , !- Name
SPACE5 -1, !- Zone Name
UnderFloorAirDistributionInterior , !- Room -Air Modeling Type
DIRECT; !- Air Temperature Coupling Strategy

RoomAirSettings:UnderFloorAirDistributionInterior ,
SPACE5 -1, !- Zone Name
Autocalculate , !- Number of Diffusers
Autocalculate , !- Power per Plume
Autocalculate , !- Design Effective Area of Diffuser {m2}
Autocalculate , !- Diffuser Slot Angle from Vertical {deg}
, !- Thermostat Height {m}
, !- Comfort Height {m}
0.001 , !- Temperature Difference Threshold for Reporting {deltaC}
Swirl , !- Diffuser Type
1.7, !- Transition Height {m}
Autocalculate , !- Coefficient A
Autocalculate , !- Coefficient B
Autocalculate , !- Coefficient C
Autocalculate , !- Coefficient D
Autocalculate; !- Coefficient E

1.12.13 RoomAirSettings:UnderFloorAirDistributionExterior
This model is applicable to exterior spaces that are served by an underfloor air distribution system.
The dominant sources of heat gain should be from people, equipment, and other localized sources
located in the occupied part of the room, as well as convective gain coming from a warm window.
The model predicts two temperatures in the room:

• An occupied subzone temperature (TOC ), representing the temperature in the region between
the floor and the boundary of the upper subzone..

• An upper subzone temperature (TMX ) essential for overall energy budget calculations and
for modeling comfort effects of the upper layer temperature.

The following fields are used to define an instance of the ‘UCSD UFAD Exterior Model Controls’
object.

1.12.13.1 Inputs
1.12.13.1.1 Field: Zone Name
This field provides the unique name of a zone described elsewhere in the file. A single instance
of the ‘RoomAirSettings:UnderFloorAirDistributionExterior’ object is needed for each zone that is
to be modeled using this method.

1.12.13.1.2 Field: Number of Diffusers

The total number of diffusers in this zone. This field can allowed to Autocalculate (in which
case it is set to the design occupancy level; i.e., number of people). If the design occupancy is low
or zero but there are still heat sources that could generate buoyancy driven plumes, the user should
input a value based on the design supply air flow rate of the zone and the design flow rate of an
individual diffuser. In the absence of any other information, divide the zone area by 100 ft2 . The
default for this field is Autocalculate.
1.12. GROUP – ROOM AIR MODELS 441

1.12.13.1.3 Field: Power per Plume

The power in watts incorporated in a buoyancy driven thermal plume. Normally we assume all
the loads of a workstation create a single plume so that this represents the convective heat gain
from a workstation – 1 person, 1 computer terminal, plus any task lighting. A typical value would
be 220 watts. However, the model assumes an “equivalent” plume derived from the zone extraction
rate normalized to the number of workstations/occupants. This field should be allowed to default –
the program will calculate a value based upon the occupancy and the extraction rate. The default
is Autocalculate.

1.12.13.1.4 Field: Design Effective Area of Diffuser

This is the design air flow opening area in square meters of a single diffuser. The default
value depends on the diffuser type. For swirl diffusers it is 0075 m2 , for variable area diffusers
0.035 m2 , for horizontal swirl diffusers 0.006 m2 , and for linear bar grilles 0.03 m2 . The default is
Autocalculate..

1.12.13.1.5 Field: Diffuser Slot Angle from Vertical

This input describes the angle at which air emerges from the diffusers. It should be the angle
in degrees between the vertical and the diffuser slots. The defaults depend on the diffuser type: for
swirl diffusers it is 28 degrees, for variable area diffusers 45 degrees, for DV diffusers 73 degrees,
and for linear bar grilles 15 degrees.

1.12.13.1.6 Field: Thermostat Height

This field is the height in meters of the thermostat/temperature control sensor above the floor.
The default is 1.2 meters.

1.12.13.1.7 Field: Comfort Height

The height in meters above the floor at which air temperature is calculated for comfort purposes.
The air temperature at this height is used in calculating the available measures of comfort: Fanger,
Pierce or KSU. The default is 1.1 meters.

1.12.13.1.8 Field: Temperature Difference Threshold for Reporting

This field specifies a minimum temperature difference between the upper subzone and the
occupied subzone that will be used to trigger whether or not the UFAD auxiliary outputs will
be calculated. These outputs are Room Air Zone Transition Height and Room Air Zone Average
Temperature Gradient. They are set to zero when the temperature difference is less than the
threshold and the output Room Air Zone Is Mixed Status is set to 1.
The value should be greater than or equal to zero and is in units of degrees Centigrade. The
default value is 0.4 degrees C.
The value should be greater than or equal to zero and is in units of degrees Centigrade. The
default value is 0.4 degrees C.

1.12.13.1.9 Field: Diffuser Type

The choices for this alpha field are Swirl | VariableArea | HorizontalSwirl | LinearBar-
Grille | Custom. The swirl and displacement diffusers are fixed area diffusers. The variable area
diffusers maintain an approximately constant exit velocity. Linear bar grilles are normally used in
exterior zonesand are fixed area diffusers. Custom is used to signify that the user intends to input
442 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

the coefficients A – E (see below) rather than let the program set the coefficients based on diffuser
type. The default is Swirl.

1.12.13.1.10 Field: Transition Height

An optional field to allow the user to specify the transition height (meters above floor) rather
than have the program calculate it. The default is 1.7 meters.

1.12.13.1.11 Field: Coefficient A

The coefficient A in the formula: Kc = A*Gamma**B + C + D*Gamma + E*Gamma**2.
Gamma is a variable that characterizes the amount of stratification in a UFAD zone. Kc is the
fraction of the total internal convective heat gain that is assigned to the lower (occupied) subzone.
The coefficients in the formula are defaulted based upon diffuser type. A user would normally allow
this field to default. The default is autocalculate.

1.12.13.1.12 Field: Coefficient B

The coefficient B in the formula: Kc = A*Gamma**B + C + D*Gamma + E*Gamma**2.
Gamma is a variable that characterizes the amount of stratification in a UFAD zone. Kc is the
fraction of the total internal convective heat gain that is assigned to the lower (occupied) subzone.
The coefficients in the formula are defaulted based upon diffuser type. A user would normally allow
this field to default. The default is autocalculate.

1.12.13.1.13 Field: Coefficient C

The coefficient C in the formula: Kc = A*Gamma**B + C + D*Gamma + E*Gamma**2.
Gamma is a variable that characterizes the amount of stratification in a UFAD zone. Kc is the
fraction of the total internal convective heat gain that is assigned to the lower (occupied) subzone.
The coefficients in the formula are defaulted based upon diffuser type. A user would normally allow
this field to default. The default is autocalculate.

1.12.13.1.14 Field: Coefficient D

The coefficient D in the formula: Kc = A*Gamma**B + C + D*Gamma + E*Gamma**2.
Gamma is a variable that characterizes the amount of stratification in a UFAD zone. Kc is the
fraction of the total internal convective heat gain that is assigned to the lower (occupied) subzone.
The coefficients in the formula are defaulted based upon diffuser type. A user would normally allow
this field to default. The default is autocalculate.

1.12.13.1.15 Field: Coefficient E

The coefficient E in the formula: Kc = A*Gamma**B + C + D*Gamma + E*Gamma**2.
Gamma is a variable that characterizes the amount of stratification in a UFAD zone. Kc is the
fraction of the total internal convective heat gain that is assigned to the lower (occupied) subzone.
The coefficients in the formula are defaulted based upon diffuser type. A user would normally allow
this field to default. The default is autocalculate.
An example input is:
RoomAirSettings:UnderFloorAirDistributionExterior ,
SPACE1 -1, !- Zone Name
Autocalculate , !- Number of Diffusers per Zone
Autocalculate , !- Power per Plume
Autocalculate , !- Design Effective Area of Diffuser {m2}
Autocalculate , !- Diffuser Slot Angle from Vertical {deg}
1.12. GROUP – ROOM AIR MODELS 443

, !- Thermostat Height {m}

, !- Comfort Height {m}
0.001 , !- Temperature Difference Threshold for Reporting {deltaC}
LinearBarGrille , !- Diffuser Type
1.7, !- Transition Height {m}
Autocalculate , !- Coefficient A
Autocalculate , !- Coefficient B
Autocalculate , !- Coefficient C
Autocalculate , !- Coefficient D
Autocalculate; !- Coefficient E

1.12.14 RoomAirflowNetwork Model

This model simulates a thermal zone using a network approach by assuming intra-zone nodes
connected by user-defined patterns of airflows. The new model also allows users to specify a node
to be connected to surfaces to have convective heat transfer between surfaces and the node, portion
of internal gains and supply air and return air fractions from zone equipment. The model requires
following objects to work together:

• RoomAirSettings:AirflowNetwork

• RoomAir:Node:AirflowNetwork

• RoomAir:Node:AirflowNetwork:AdjacentSurfaceList

• RoomAir:Node:AirflowNetwork:InternalGains

• RoomAir:Node:AirflowNetwork:HVACEquipment

• AirflowNetwork:Intrazone:Node

• AirflowNetwork:Intrazone:Linkage

The first five objects are described below. The last two objects are described in the Airflow
Network Model section.

1.12.15 RoomAirSettings:AirflowNetwork
This object provides inputs in a thermal zone needed for the RoomAirflowNetwork model. The
inputs specify a thermal zone and a list of RoomAir nodes. The object gives a summary of the
model configuration in a zone.

1.12.15.1 Inputs
1.12.15.1.1 Field: Name
This is a unique character string associated with this instance of the RoomAirSettings:Airflow-
Network object.

1.12.15.1.2 Field: Zone Name

The name of the EnergyPlus thermal zone corresponding to the RoomAir model zone.
444 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.12.15.1.3 Field: Control Point RoomAir:Node Name

This is the name of a RoomAir:Node:AirflowNetwork object that contains the sensor for zone
HVAC controls. The conditions at this node will be used for thermostatic, humidistatic, or comfort
based control decisions. The zone node defined in a Zone object is required.

1.12.15.1.4 Field: RoomAir:Node:AirflowNetwork x Name

The name of a RoomAir:Node:AirflowNetwork object defined elsewhere. This node will receive
the fraction of internal gains, and HVAC equipment, and a list of surface names exposed to this
node with convective heat transfer.
An IDF example input is:

RoomAirSettings:AirflowNetwork ,
NORTH_ZONE , !- Name
NORTH_ZONE , !- Zone Name
RoomAir Schedule , !- Availability Schedule Name
NORTH_ZONE , !- Control Point RoomAir:Node Name
LeftUpper , !- RoomAir:Node:AirflowNetwork 1 Name
CentralUpper , !- RoomAir:Node:AirflowNetwork 2 Name
NORTH_ZONE , !- RoomAir:Node:AirflowNetwork 3 Name
LeftMiddle , !- RoomAir:Node:AirflowNetwork 4 Name
LeftLower , !- RoomAir:Node:AirflowNetwork 5 Name
CentralLower; !- RoomAir:Node:AirflowNetwork 6 Name

1.12.16 RoomAir:Node:AirflowNetwork
This object is used to define a node in a thermal zone. The input specifies the fraction of zone
volume and provides a list of names to define fraction of internal gains, surface connection and
HVAC equipment.

1.12.16.1 Inputs
1.12.16.1.1 Field: Name
This is a unique character string associated with this instance of the RoomAirSettings:Airflow-
Network object.

1.12.16.1.2 Field: Zone Name

The name of the EnergyPlus thermal zone and is defined in an RoomAirSettings:AirflowNet-
work object.

1.12.16.1.3 Field: Fraction of Zone Air Volume

The field specifies a fraction of the overall zone air volume that is assigned to this
RoomAir:Node:AirflowNetwork object. The fraction will be used to calculate zone air storage
term. See corresponding sections in Engineering Reference for its use in the node energy and
moisture balance equations.

1.12.16.1.4 Field: RoomAir:Node:AirflowNetwork:AdjacentSurfaceList Name

The field specifies a name to provide a list of connected adjacent surfaces with convective heat
transfer between surfaces and this particular node. When a moisture mode is assigned to surfaces,
1.12. GROUP – ROOM AIR MODELS 445

convective moisture transfer will be calculated. See corresponding sections in Engineering Reference
for its use in the node energy and moisture balance equations.

1.12.16.1.5 Field: RoomAir:Node:AirflowNetwork:InternalGains Name

The field specifies a name to provide a list of internal gain objects and associated fractions
assigned to this particular node. See corresponding sections in Engineering Reference for its use in
the node energy and moisture balance equations.

1.12.16.1.6 Field: RoomAir:Node:AirflowNetwork:HVACEquipment Name

The field specifies a name to provide a list of HVAC equipment, including AirLoop terminals
and zone equipment. See corresponding sections in Engineering Reference for its use in the node
energy and moisture balance equations.
RoomAir:Node:AirflowNetwork ,
LeftUpper , !- Name
NORTH_ZONE , !- Zone Name
0.15, !- Fraction of Zone Air Volume
Surface_18_T_List , !- RoomAir:Node:AirflowNetwork: AdjacentSurfaceList Name
LeftUpper_Gain , !- RoomAir:Node:AirflowNetwork:InternalGains Name
LeftUpper_HVAC; !- RoomAir:Node:AirflowNetwork:HVACEquipment Name

1.12.17 RoomAir:Node:AirflowNetwork:AdjacentSurfaceList
This object is used to provide a list of connected adjacent surfaces with convective heat transfer
between surfaces and this particular node. When a moisture mode is assigned to surfaces, convective
moisture transfer will be calculated. It should be pointed out that a fraction of a surface exposed
to this particular node is not allowed.

1.12.17.1 Field: Name

This is a unique character string associated with this instance of the RoomAir:Node:Airflow-
Network:AdjacentSurfaceList object.

1.12.17.2 Field: Surface x Name

The field specifies a surface name based on the order from 1 to 21. The maximum number of
surfaces can be extensible.

RoomAir:Node:AirflowNetwork:AdjacentSurfaceList ,
Surface_18_T_List , !- Name
Surface_18_T; !- Surface 1 Name

1.12.18 RoomAir:Node:AirflowNetwork:InternalGains
This object is used to define a list of internal gains in the same zone and associated fraction assigned
to this particular node.
446 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.12.18.1 Inputs
1.12.18.1.1 Field: Name
This is a unique character string associated with this instance of the RoomAir:Node:Airflow-
Network:InternalGains object.

1.12.18.1.2 Field: Internal Gain Object x Type

The field specifies an internal gain object type based on the list in the Energy+.

1.12.18.1.3 Field: Internal Gain Object x Name

The field specifies an internal gain object name based on the list in the Energy+.

1.12.18.1.4 Field: Fraction of Gains to Node x

The field specifies a fraction of the particular internal gain object assigned to this node.
RoomAir:Node:AirflowNetwork:InternalGains ,
CentralUpper_Gain , !- Name
People , !- Internal Gain Object 1 Type
NORTH_ZONE People , !- Internal Gain Object 1 Name
0.15, !- Fraction of Gains to Node 1
Lights , !- Internal Gain Object 2 Type
NORTH_ZONE Lights , !- Internal Gain Object 2 Name
0.15, !- Fraction of Gains to Node 2
ElectricEquipment , !- Internal Gain Object 3 Type
NORTH_ZONE Equip , !- Internal Gain Object 3 Name
0.15; !- Fraction of Gains to Node 3

{Field set: 3 fields (Internal Gain Object x Type, Internal Gain Object x Name, and Fraction
of Gains to Node x). are extensible.}

1.12.19 RoomAir:Node:AirflowNetwork:HVACEquipment
This object is used to define a list of HVAC equipment objects in the same zone and associated
fractions assigned to this particular node.

1.12.19.1 Inputs
1.12.19.1.1 Field: Name
This is a unique character string associated with this instance of the RoomAir:Node:Airflow-
Network:HVACEquipment object.

1.12.19.1.2 Field: ZoneHVAC or Air Terminal Equipment Object Type x

The field specifies an object type of ZoneHVAC equipment or terminal type based on the list
in the Energy+.idd.

1.12.19.1.3 Field: ZoneHVAC or Air Terminal Equipment Object Name x

The field specifies the object name based on the object type defined in the previous field.

1.12.19.1.4 Field: Fraction of Output or Supply Air from HVAC Equipment x

The field specifies a fraction of supply air from the particular equipment to this node.
1.12. GROUP – ROOM AIR MODELS 447

1.12.19.1.5 Field: Fraction of Input or Return Air from HVAC Equipment x

The field specifies a fraction of return air from the particular equipment to this node.

RoomAir:Node:AirflowNetwork:HVACEquipment ,
CentralUpper_HVAC , !- Name
ZoneHVAC:PackagedTerminalAirConditioner , !- ZoneHVAC or Air Terminal Equipment Object Type 1
NORTH_ZONE PTAC , !- ZoneHVAC or Air Terminal Equipment Object Name 1
0.14, !- Fraction of Output or Supply Air from HVAC Equipment 1
0.14; !- Fraction of Input or Return Air to HVAC Equipment 1

{Field set: 4 fields (ZoneHVAC or Air Terminal Equipment Object Type x, ZoneHVAC or Air
Terminal Equipment Object Name x, Fraction of Output or Supply Air from HVAC Equipment x,
and Fraction of Input or Return Air from HVAC Equipment x) are extensible.}

1.12.19.2 Outputs
Each room air model sets up outputs specific to that model. The effect of room air modeling is
usually to adjust the adjacent air temperature along the inside surface of heat transfer surfaces.
The output report “Surface Int Adjacent Air Temperature [C]” is provided for this and described
under Surface Outputs.

1.12.19.2.1 Zone Predicted Sensible Load Room Air Correction Factor

This output variable provides the value of the correction factor applied to the predicted zone
loads. Predicted zone load to setpoint is (usually) used to control HVAC air systems and the
presence of a room air model has an impact on the loads. The predicited loads are multiplied by
the factor in this output variable. The value is always 1.0 when there is no Room Air model. When
there is a Room Air model, this output shows how that model is increasing or decreasing overall
zone loads experienced by the air system.

1.12.19.3 Outputs
The user-defined air temperature pattern that interpolates between two gradients produces the
following output variable.
HVAC ,Average ,Room Air Zone Vertical Temperature Gradient [K/m]

1.12.19.3.1 Room Air Zone Vertical Temperature Gradient [K/m]

This output variable is the result of the interpolation performed by the user-defined roomair
model using RoomAir:TemperaturePattern:TwoGradient. This is the temperature gradient in the
vertical direction. The units are degrees Kelvin per meter.

1.12.19.4 Outputs
The following output is available for the Mundt model.
Room Air Node Air Temperature {[}C{]}

1.12.19.4.1 Room Air Node Air Temperature [C]

This output variable provides the drybulb air temperature used in, or calculated by, the Mundt
model. The selection key is the name of an air node defined in a ROOMAIR Node object.
448 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.12.19.5 Outputs
HVAC ,Average ,Room Air Zone Mixed Subzone Temperature [C]
HVAC ,Average ,Room Air Zone Occupied Subzone Temperature [C]
HVAC ,Average ,Room Air Zone Floor Subzone Temperature [C]
HVAC ,Average ,Room Air Zone Transition Height [m]
HVAC ,Average ,Room Air Zone Recommended Minimum Flow Fraction
HVAC ,Average ,Room Air Zone Is Mixed Status \protect\hyperlinksection -1
HVAC ,Average ,Room Air Zone Average Temperature Gradient [K/m]
HVAC ,Average ,Room Air Zone Maximum Temperature Gradient [K/m]
HVAC ,Average ,Room Air Zone Thermal Comfort Effective Air Temperature [C]
HVAC ,Average ,Room Air Zone Thermostat Temperature [C]

1.12.19.5.1 Room Air Zone Mixed Subzone Temperature [C]

The temperature of the upper well-mixed subzone in degrees C.

1.12.19.5.2 Room Air Zone Occupied Subzone Temperature [C]

The average temperature of the lower, stratified, occupied subzone in degrees C.

1.12.19.5.3 Room Air Zone Floor Subzone Temperature [C]

The temperature of the region near the floor in degrees C.

1.12.19.5.4 Room Air Zone Transition Height [m]

The height above the floor, in meters, of the boundary between the lower occupied subzone and
the upper well-mixed subzone.

1.12.19.5.5 Room Air Zone Recommended Minimum Flow Fraction []

The ratio of the minimum recommended flow rate to the actual flow rate. Here flow rate means
the sum of infiltration, ventilation, mixing and system air flow rates. The minimum flow is the flow
needed to establish the boundary between the occupied and mixed subzones at 1.5 meters.

1.12.19.5.6 Room Air Zone Is Mixed Status []

An integer flag that indicates whether the zone is mixed (single node well-mixed zone model
used) or stratified (UCSD DV model used). The value 1 means well-mixed; 0 means stratified.

1.12.19.5.7 Room Air Zone Average Temperature Gradient [K/m]

The temperature gradient between the middle of the floor region and the middle of the well-
mixed upper subzone in degrees Kelvin per meter.

1.12.19.5.8 Room Air Zone Maximum Temperature Gradient [K/m]

The maximum of the temperature gradient between the middle of the floor region and the
middle of the occupied subzone and the temperature gradient between the middle of the occupied
subzone and the middle of the well-mixed subzone. The gradient is in degrees Kelvin per meter.

1.12.19.5.9 Room Air Zone Thermal Comfort Effective Air Temperature [C]
The temperature at the user specified comfort height in degrees C.

1.12.19.5.10 Room Air Zone Thermostat Temperature [C]

The temperature at the height of the thermostat (specified by user input) in degrees C.
1.12. GROUP – ROOM AIR MODELS 449

1.12.19.6 Outputs
• Zone,Average,Room Air Zone Jet Region Temperature [C]

• Zone,Average,Room Air Zone Recirculation Region Temperature [C]

• Zone,Average,Room Air Zone Jet Region Average Air Velocity [m/s]

• Zone,Average,Room Air Zone Recirculation Region Average Air Velocity [m/s]

• Zone,Average,Room Air Zone Inflow Opening Area[m2]

• Zone,Average,Room Air Zone Room Length [m]

• Zone,Average,Room Air Zone Recirculation and Inflow Rate Ratio

• Zone,Average,Room Air Zone Is Mixing Status

• Zone,Average,Room Air Zone Is Recirculating Status

1.12.19.6.1 Room Air Zone Jet Region Temperature [C]

Average air temperature in the jet region of the flow in degrees C.

1.12.19.6.2 Room Air Zone Recirculation Region Temperature [C]

Average air temperature in the recirculation region of the flow in degrees C.

1.12.19.6.3 Room Air Zone Jet Region Average Air Velocity [m/s]
Average airflow velocity in the jet region of the flow in meters per second.

1.12.19.6.4 Room Air Zone Recirculation Region Average Air Velocity [m/s]
Average airflow velocity in the recirculation region of the flow in meters per second.

1.12.19.6.5 Room Air Zone Inflow Opening Area [m2]

Area of the inflow aperture in square meters. This area can change due to variation in wind
direction (as inflow aperture changes) or variations in the opening schedule.

1.12.19.6.6 Room Air Zone Room Length [m]

Length of the room along the cross ventilation direction, in meters.

1.12.19.6.7 Room Air Zone Recirculation and Inflow Rate Ratio []

Ratio between airflow rate in the recirculation region and inflow rate, non-dimensional.

1.12.19.6.8 Room Air Zone Is Mixing Status []

An integer flag that indicates whether the zone is mixed (single node well-mixed zone model
used) or significant momentum conservation is occurring (UCSD CV model used). The value 1
means well-mixed; 0 means cross ventilation is present. Transition to mixed flow can occur due to
three mechanism: reduction in inflow velocity, reduction in inflow aperture area and dominance of
buoyancy effects. A value of 1 is yes, a value of 0 is no.
450 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.12.19.6.9 Room Air Zone Is Recirculating Status []

An integer flag that indicates whether recirculations are present in the flow. A cross ventilation
flow does not have recirculations whenever the inflow area is similar to the room cross section area
(such as airflow in a typical corridor). A value of 1 is yes, a value of 0 is no.

1.12.19.7 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Room Air Zone Mixed Subzone Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Room Air Zone Occupied Subzone Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Room Air Zone Transition Height [m]

• HVAC,Average,Room Air Zone Is Mixed Status []

• HVAC,Average,Room Air Zone Average Temperature Gradient [K/m]

• HVAC,Average,Room Air Zone Effective Comfort Air Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Room Air Zone Thermostat Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Room Air Zone Transition Height Gamma Value []

• HVAC,Average,Room Air Zone Plume Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Room Air Zone Temperature Stratification Fraction []

• HVAC,Average,Room Air Zone Window Plume Heat Transfer Rate [W]

1.12.19.7.1 Room Air Zone Mixed Subzone Temperature [C]

The temperature of the upper subzone in degrees C.

1.12.19.7.2 Room Air Zone Occupied Subzone Temperature [C]

The temperature of the lower, occupied subzone in degrees C.

1.12.19.7.3 Room Air Zone Transition Height [m]

The height above the floor, in meters, of the boundary between the lower occupied subzone and
the upper subzone..

1.12.19.7.4 Room Air Zone Is Mixed Status []

An integer flag that indicates whether the zone is mixed (single node well-mixed zone model
used) or stratified (UCSD UFI model used). The value 1 means well-mixed; 0 means stratified.

1.12.19.7.5 Room Air Zone Average Temperature Gradient [K/m]

The temperature gradient between the middle of the occupied subzone and the middle of the
upper subzone in degrees Kelvin per meter.

1.12.19.7.6 Room Air Zone Effective Comfort Air Temperature [C]

The temperature at the user specified comfort height in degrees C.
1.12. GROUP – ROOM AIR MODELS 451

1.12.19.7.7 Room Air Zone Thermostat Temperature [C]

The temperature at the height of the thermostat (specified by user input) in degrees C.

1.12.19.7.8 Room Air Zone Transition Height Gamma Value []

Value of gamma – a dimensionless “height” used in calculating the transition height. Lower
values of gamma indicate increased stratification, higher values less. Generally the values should
be between 2 and 30.

1.12.19.7.9 Room Air Zone Plume Heat Transfer Rate [W]

The heat in watts driving the plumes in the occupied subzone.

1.12.19.7.10 Room Air Zone Window Plume Heat Transfer Rate [W]
The convective heat gain from windows in an UnderFloorAirDistributionExterior zone.

1.12.19.7.11 Room Air Zone Temperature Stratification Fraction []

This output, (Phi) is a measure of temperature stratification in the space. It is the difference
between the occupied subzone temperature and the supply temperature divided by difference be-
tween the return temperature and the supply temperature. Technically it is equal to Kc. As phi
approaches 1, the space is fully mixed. As phi approaches 0, the space becomes fully stratified.
Expressed as an equation:

Tocc − Tsup
(1.19)
Tret − Tsup

1.12.19.8 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,RoomAirflowNetwork Node Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,RoomAirflowNetwork Node Humidity Ratio [kgWater/kgDryAir]

• HVAC,Average,RoomAirflowNetwork Node Relative Humidity [%]

• HVAC,Average,RoomAirflowNetwork Node SumIntSensibleGain [W]

• HVAC,Average,RoomAirflowNetwork Node SumIntLatentGain [W]

• HVAC,Average,RoomAirflowNetwork Node NonAirSystemResponse [W]

• HVAC,Average,RoomAirflowNetwork Node SysDepZoneLoadsLagged [W]

• HVAC,Average,RoomAirflowNetwork Node HVAC Supply Fraction []

• HVAC,Average,RoomAirflowNetwork Node HVAC Return Fraction []

1.12.19.8.1 RoomAirflowNetwork Node Temperature [C]

The temperature at a Room Air Node in a zone in degrees C.

1.12.19.8.2 HVAC,Average,RoomAirflowNetwork Node Humidity Ratio [kgWa-

ter/kgDryAir]
The humidity ratio at a Room Air Node in a zone in kgWater/kgDryAir.
452 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.12.19.8.3 RoomAirflowNetwork Node Relative Humidity [%]

The relative humidity ratio at a Room Air Node in a zone in percent.

1.12.19.8.4 HVAC,Average,RoomAirflowNetwork Node SumIntSensibleGain

[W]
A sum of internal sensible gains assigned to a Room Air node in a zone.

1.12.19.8.5 HVAC,Average,RoomAirflowNetwork Node SumIntLatentGain [W]

A sum of internal latent gains assigned to a Room Air node in a zone.

1.12.19.8.6 HVAC,Average,RoomAirflowNetwork Node NonAirSystemRe-

sponse [W]
A sum of system convective gains, collected via NonAirSystemResponse, and assigned to a
Room Air node in a zone.

1.12.19.8.7 HVAC,Average,RoomAirflowNetwork Node SysDepZoneLoad-

sLagged [W]
A sum of SysDepZoneLoads saved to be added to zone heat balance at the next HVAC time
step. A typical system is a zone dehumidifier.

1.13 Group – Internal Gains (People, Lights, Other in-

ternal zone equipment)
Not all the influence for energy consumption in the building is due to envelope and ambient condi-
tions. This group of objects describes other internal gains that may come into play (People, Lights,
Various Equipment Types).

1.13.1 People
The people statement is used to model the occupant’s effect on the space conditions. The following
definition addresses the basic affects as well as providing information that can be used to report
the thermal comfort of a group of occupants. The Fanger, Pierce Two-Node, and Kansas State
University Two-Node thermal comfort models are available in EnergyPlus. A user may select any of
these models for each People statement by simply adding the appropriate choice keyword after the
air velocity schedule name. Thermal comfort calculations will only be made for people statements
that include specific requests for these thermal comfort models. . This object also requires input of
carbon dioxide generation rate based on people activity level for zone carbon dioxide simulations.

1.13.1.1 Inputs
1.13.1.1.1 Field: Name
The name of the People object. Must be unique across all People objects.
1.13. GROUP – INTERNAL GAINS 453

1.13.1.1.2 Field: Zone or ZoneList Name

This field is the name of the zone (ref: Zone) or ZoneList (ref: ZoneList) and links a particular
people statement to a thermal zone or set of thermal zones in the building. When the ZoneList
option is used then this people definition is applied to each of the zones in the zone list effecting a
global definition for the number of people in the zone. The Zonelist option can be used effectively
with the people/area and area/person options of the Number of People Calculation Method.
The name of the actual people object becomes <Zone Name> <People Object Name> and
should be less than the standard length (100 characters) for a name field. If it is greater than this
standard length, it may be difficult to specify in output reporting as it will be truncated. A warning
will be shown if the generated name is greater than 100 characters. If it duplicates another such
concatenated name, there will be a severe error and terminate the run.

1.13.1.1.3 Field: Number of People Schedule Name

This field is the name of the schedule (ref: Schedules) that modifies the number of people
parameter (see Number of People Calculation Method and related fields). The schedule values can
be any positive number. The actual number of people in a zone as defined by this statement is the
product of the number of people field and the value of the schedule specified by name in this field.

1.13.1.1.4 Field: Number of People Calculation Method

This field is a key/choice field that tells which of the next three fields are filled and is descrip-
tive of the method for calculating the nominal number of occupants (people) in the Zone. The
key/choices are:

• People

With this choice, the method used will be a straight insertion of the number of occupants
(people). (The Number of People field should be filled.)

• People/Area

With this choice, the method used will be a factor per floor area of the zone. (The People per
Zone Floor Area field should be filled).

• Area/Person

With this choice, the method used will be a factor of floor area per person. (The Zone Floor
Area per Person field should be filled).

1.13.1.1.5 Field: Number of People

This field is used to represent the maximum number of people in a zone that is then multiplied
by a schedule fraction (see schedule field). In EnergyPlus, this is slightly more flexible in that the
number of people could be a “diversity factor” applied to a schedule of real numbers. Note that
while the schedule value can vary from hour to hour, the number of people field is constant for all
simulation environments.

1.13.1.1.6 Field: People per Zone Floor Area

This factor (person/m2 ) is used, along with the Zone Floor Area to determine the maximum
number of people as described in the Number of People field. The choice from the method field
should be “people/area”.
454 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.13.1.1.7 Field: Zone Floor Area per Person

This factor (m2 /person) is used, along with the Zone Floor Area to determine the maximum
number of people as described in the Number of People field. The choice from the method field
should be “area/person”.

1.13.1.1.8 Field: Fraction Radiant

This field is a decimal number between 0.0 and 1.0 and is used to characterize the type of heat
being given off by people in a zone. The number specified in this field will be multiplied by the
total sensible energy emitted by people to give the amount of long wavelength radiation gain from
human beings in a zone. The remainder of the sensible load is assumed to be convective heat gain.
Note that latent gains from people are not included in either the radiant or convective heat gains.
See the Engineering Reference document for more details.

1.13.1.1.9 Field: Sensible Heat Fraction

The user can use this field to specify a fixed sensible fraction for the heat gain due to this
PEOPLE object. Normally the program calculates the sensible/latent split; this field gives the
user control over this split. This field is autocalculated: if the field is blank or autocalculate, the
program will calculate the sensible/latent split; if a value is entered, it will be used as the sensible
fraction of the current total heat gain.

1.13.1.1.10 Field: Activity Level Schedule Name

This field is the name of the schedule that determines the amount of heat gain per person in the
zone under design conditions. This value is modified somewhat based on a correlation to account
for variations in space temperature. The schedule values may be any positive number and the units
for this parameter is Watts per person. This schedule represents the total heat gain per person
including convective, radiant, and latent. An internal algorithm is used to determine what fraction
of the total is sensible and what fraction is latent. Then, the sensible portion is divided into radiant
and convective portions using the value specified for Fraction Radiant (above). See the Engineering
Reference document for more details.
Values for activity level can range anywhere from approximately 100-150 Watts per person
for most office activities up to over 900 Watts per person for strenuous physical activities such
as competitive wrestling. The following table (Table 1.19) is based on Table 1.5 from the 2005
ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals, page 8.6. In addition to the information from the ASHRAE
HOF, there is an added column of values in W/Person such as necessary for the activity level
schedule values. This column uses the standard adult body surface area of 1.8 m2 to multiply the
activity levels in W/m2 that are used in the table. Warnings are produced when the activity level
schedule values fall outside normal ranges. Having too low or too high values can also skew thermal
comfort reporting values.

1.13.1.1.11 Field: Carbon Dioxide Generation Rate

This numeric input field specifies carbon dioxide generation rate per person with units of m3/s-
W. The total carbon dioxide generation rate from this object is:
Number of People * People Schedule * People Activity * Carbon Dioxide Generation Rate.
The default value is 3.82E-8 m3/s-W (obtained from ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2007 value at 0.0084
cfm/met/person over the general adult population). The maximum value can be 10 times the
default value.
1.13. GROUP – INTERNAL GAINS 455

1.13.1.1.12 Field: Enable ASHRAE 55 comfort warnings

This field accepts either “Yes” or “No” as values. When “Yes” is specified, warnings are gener-
ated when the space conditions are outside of the ASHRAE 55 comfort range as discussed in the
sections that follow titled “Simplified ASHRAE 55-2004 Graph Related Outputs” and “Simplified
ASHRAE 55 Warnings.” The default is not to provide these warnings so if you want to know if
your space is outside this comfort range you must set this field to Yes.

Table 1.19: Metabolic Rates for Various Activities

Activity Activity Level w/ Activity Level met*

Person EnergyPlus W/m2
Schedule Value

Resting

Sleeping 72 40 0.7
Reclining 81 45 0.8
Seated, quiet 108 60 1
Standing, relaxed 126 70 1.2
Walking (on level surface)

3.2 km/h (0.9 m/s) 207 115 2

4.3 km/h (1.2 m/s) 270 150 2.6
6.4 km/h (1.8 m/s) 396 220 3.8
Office Activities

Reading, seated 99 55 1
Writing 108 60 1
Typing 117 65 1.1
Filing, seated 126 70 1.2
Filing, standing 144 80 1.4
Walking about 180 100 1.7
Lifting/packing 216 120 2.1
Miscellaneous Occupational
Activities

Cooking 171 to 207 95 to 115 1.6 to 2.0

Housecleaning 207 to 360 115 to 200 2.0 to 3.4
Seated, heavy limb movement 234 130 2.2
Machine work 189 105 1.8
sawing (table saw) 207 to 252 115 to 140 2.0 to 2.4
light (electrical industry) 423 235 4
Handling 50 kg bags 423 235 4
Pick and shovel work 423 to 504 235 to 280 4.0 to 4.8
456 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Table 1.19: Metabolic Rates for Various Activities

Activity Activity Level Activity Level met*

w/Person Ener- W/m2
gyPlus Schedule
Value

Miscellaneous Leisure Activi-

ties

Dancing, social 252 to 459 140 to 255 2.4 to 4.4

Calisthenics/exercise 315 to 423 175 to 235 3.0 to 4.0
Tennis, singles 378 to 486 210 to 270 3.6 to 4.0
Basketball, competitive 522 to 792 290 to 440 5.0 to 7.6
Wrestling, competitive 738 to 909 410 to 505 7.0 to 8.7
*Note that one met = 58.1 W/m2

1.13.1.1.13 Field: Mean Radiant Temperature Calculation Type

This field specifies the type of Mean Radiant Temperature (MRT) calculation the user wishes to
use for the thermal comfort model. At the present time, there are two options for MRT calculation
type: zone averaged and surface weighted. The default calculation is “ZoneAveraged”. In the zone
averaged MRT calculation, the MRT used for the thermal comfort calculations is for an “average”
point in the zone. MRT is calculated based on an area-emissivity weighted average of all of the
surfaces in the zone. In cases where the emissivity of all of the surfaces are sufficiently small (near
zero), the mean radiant temperature will be set to the mean air temperature of the space to avoid
divide by zero errors. The other MRT calculation type is “SurfaceWeighted”. The goal of this
calculation type is to estimate a person in the space close to a particular surface without having
to define exact view factors for all of the surfaces and the location of the person in the space.
The MRT used in the thermal comfort calculations when the “surface weighted” calculation type
is selected is actually the average of the temperature of the surface to which the person is closest
(defined by the next field “Surface Name”) and the zone averaged MRT (defined above). The
surface temperature alone is not used because in theory the maximum view factor from a person
to any flat surface is roughly 0.5. In the “surfaceweighted” calculation, the surface in question
actually gets slightly more weighting than 50% since the surface selected is still a part of the zone
average MRT calculation. Again, this simplification was made to avoid the specification of view
factors and the exact location of the person.
A third option is to use “anglefactor”. This option allows for more explicit positioning of the
person within the space by defining the angle factors from the person to the various surfaces in the
zone. This option requires the user to list the surfaces that the person can see from a radiation
standpoint and also define the angle (or view) factor for each surface. The AngleFactorList object
(see next object description) is intended to give the user this opportunity.

1.13.1.1.14 Field: Surface Name/Angle Factor List Name

This field is only valid when the user selects “surfaceweighted” for the MRT calculation type
(see the previous input field description). In this case, the field is the name of a surface within the
zone the people are residing. This surface will be used in the MRT calculation as defined above
1.13. GROUP – INTERNAL GAINS 457

to come up with a more representative MRT for a person near a particular surface. The MRT
used for thermal comfort calculations using the “surface weighted” MRT calculation method is the
average of the temperature of the surface specified in this field and the “zone averaged” MRT (see
the Mean Radiant Temperature calculation type field above).

1.13.1.1.15 Field: Work Efficiency Schedule Name

This field is the name of the schedule that determines the efficiency of energy usage within the
human body that will be used for thermal comfort calculations. Note that all energy produced by
the body is assumed to be converted to heat for the zone heat balance calculation. A value of zero
correspondsto all of the energy produced in the body being converted to heat. A value of unity
corresponds to all of the energy produced in the body being converted to mechanical energy. The
values for this parameter defined in the schedule must be between 0.0 and 1.0. Any value greater
than zero will result in a reduction of heat that impacts thethermal comfort energy balance of a
person within the space, resulting in PMV results appearing lower than expected. Ensure that if
this value is non-zero, the base activity level is chosen to ensure that the net activity converted to
heat and zone conditions are sufficient to maintain thermal comfort..

1.13.1.1.16 Field: Clothing Insulation Calculation Method

This field is a key/choice field that tells which of the next two fields are filled and is descriptive
of the method for calculating the clothing insulation value of occupants (people) in the Zone. The
key/choices are:

• ClothingInsulationSchedule

With this choice, the method used will be a straight insertion of the scheduled clothing insulation
values of occupants (people). (The Clothing Insulation Schedule Name field should be filled.)

• DynamicClothingModelASHRAE55

With this choice, the method used will be the dynamic predictive clothing insulation model
developed by Schiavon and Lee (2013) based on 6,333 selected observations taken from ASHRAE
RP-884 and RP-921 databases. It varies the clothing insulation as a function of outdoor air tem-
perature measured at 6am as illustrated below.

• CalculationMethodSchedule

With this choice, the method used can be either the ClothingInsulationSchedule or the Dy-
namicClothingModelASHRAE55, depending on a schedule (to be entered as the next field) that
determines which method to use in different time of a day. When this option is chosen, the next
field “Clothing Insulation Calculation Method Schedule Name” is a required input.

1.13.1.1.17 Field: Clothing Insulation Calculation Method Schedule Name

This field specifies which clothing insulation method (ClothingInsulationSchedule or Dynamic-
ClothingModelASHRAE55) to use at a particular time of the day. A schedule value of 1 means the
ClothingInsulationSchedule method, and 2 means the DynamicClothingModelASHRAE55 method.
This field is only required when the “Clothing Insulation Calculation Method” field is set to Cal-
culationMethodSchedule. If this field is left blank, the specified clothing insulation calculation
method will be used and not changed during the simulation.
458 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.50: Graphical representation fo the dynamic predictive clothing insulation model
1.13. GROUP – INTERNAL GAINS 459

1.13.1.1.18 Field: Clothing Insulation Schedule Name

This field is the name of the schedule that defines the amount of clothing being worn by a
typical zone occupant during various times in the simulation period. The choice from the Clothing
Insulation Calculation Method field should be “ClothingInsulationSchedule”. This parameter
must be a positive real number and has units of Clo. Typical values for Clo can be seen in the
ASHRAE 2009 HOF Table 7, page 9.8 (for clothing ensembles) and Table 1.9, page 9.9 (for garment
values) ) or www.cbe.berkeley.edu/comforttool/.

1.13.1.1.19 Field: Air Velocity Schedule Name

This field is the name of the schedule that approximates the amount of air movement in the
space as a function of time throughout the simulation period. The user has control over this
parameter through the schedule that requires the individual numbers in the schedule to be positive
real numbers having units of meters per second.

1.13.1.1.20 Field: Thermal Comfort Model Type (up to 5 allowed)

The final one to five fields are optional and are intended to trigger various thermal comfort mod-
els within EnergyPlus. By entering the keywords Fanger, Pierce, KSU, AdaptiveASH55„ and Adap-
tiveCEN15251, the user can request the Fanger, Pierce Two-Node, Kansas State UniversityTwo-
Node, and the adaptive comfort models of the ASHRAE Standard 55 and CEN Standard 15251
results for this particular people statement. AdaptiveASH55 is only applicable when the running
average outdoor air temperature for the past 7 days is between 10.0 and 33.5C. AdaptiveCEN15251
is only applicable when the running average outdoor air temperature for the past 30 days is be-
tween 10.0 and 30.0C. Note that since up to five models may be specified, the user may opt to have
EnergyPlus calculate the thermal comfort for people identified with this people statement using all
five models if desired. Note that the KSU model is computationally intensive and may noticeably
increase the execution time of the simulation. For descriptions of the thermal comfort calculations,
see the Engineering Reference document.
The following IDF example allows for a maximum of 31 people with scheduled occupancy of
“Office Occupancy”, 60% radiant using an Activity Schedule of “Activity Sch”. The example allows
for thermal comfort reporting.

People ,
Kitchen_ZN_1_FLR_1 , !- Name
Kitchen_ZN_1_FLR_1 , !- Zone or ZoneList Name
BLDG_OCC_SCH , !- Number of People Schedule Name
People , !- Number of People Calculation Method
25.2000,,, !- Number of People , People per Zone Floor Area , Zone Floor Area per
Person
0.3000 , !- Fraction Radiant
AUTOCALCULATE , !- Sensible Heat Fraction
ACTIVITY_SCH , !- Activity Level Schedule Name
3.82E-8, !- Carbon Dioxide Generation Rate {m3/s-W}
No , !- Enable ASHRAE 55 Comfort Warnings
ZoneAveraged , !- Mean Radiant Temperature Calculation Type
, !- Surface Name/Angle Factor List Name
WORK_EFF_SCH , !- Work Efficiency Schedule Name
CLOTHING_SCH , !- Clothing Insulation Schedule Name
AIR_VELO_SCH , !- Air Velocity Schedule Name
Fanger; !- Thermal Comfort Model 1 Type

A simpler example, without using the thermal comfort reporting option:

People ,
RIGHT FORK , !- Name
460 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

RIGHT FORK , !- Zone or ZoneListName

Dorm Occupancy , !- Number of People Schedule Name
people , !- Number of People Calculation Method
8.00000 , !- Number of People ,
, !- People per Zone Floor Area
, !- Zone Floor Area per Person
0.6000000 , !- Fraction Radiant
Autocalculate , !- Sensible Heat Fraction
Activity Sch , !- Activity level Schedule Name

And with the sensible fraction specified:

People ,
SPACE1 -1 People 1, !- Name
SPACE1 -1, !- Zone or ZoneListName
OCCUPY -1, !- Number of People Schedule Name
people , !- Number of People Calculation Method
11, !- Number of People
, !- People per Zone Floor Area
, !- Zone Floor Area per Person
0.3, !- Fraction Radiant
0.55, !- Sensible Heat Fraction
ActSchd; !- Activity level Schedule Name

Global People Object:

ZoneList ,AllOccupiedZones ,SPACE1 -1,SPACE2 -1,SPACE3 -1,SPACE4 -1,SPACE5 -1;

People ,
AllZones with People , !- Name
AllOccupiedZones , !- Zone or ZoneList Name
OCCUPY -1, !- Number of People Schedule Name
People/Area , !- Number of People Calculation Method
, !- Number of People
.11, !- People per Zone Floor Area {person/m2}
, !- Zone Floor Area per Person {m2/person}
0.3, !- Fraction Radiant
, !- Sensible Heat Fraction
ActSchd; !- Activity Level Schedule Name

1.13.1.2 Outputs
People objects have output variables for individual objects and for zone totals.
People specific outputs include:

• Zone,Average,People Occupant Count []

• Zone,Sum,People Radiant Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,People Radiant Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,People Convective Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,People Convective Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,People Sensible Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,People Sensible Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,People Latent Gain Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,People Latent Gain Rate [W]

1.13. GROUP – INTERNAL GAINS 461

• Zone,Sum,People Total Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,People Total Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Average,Zone People Occupant Count []

• Zone,Sum,Zone People Radiant Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Zone People Radiant Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone People Convective Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Zone People Convective Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone People Sensible Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Zone People Sensible Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone People Latent Gain Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Zone People Latent Gain Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone People Total Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,People Air Temperature [C]

• Zone,Average,People Air Relative Humidity [%]

• Zone,Average,Zone People Total Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Average,Zone Thermal Comfort Mean Radiant Temperature [C]

• Zone,Average,Zone Thermal Comfort Operative Temperature [C]

• Zone,Average,Zone Thermal Comfort Fanger Model PMV []

• Zone,Average,Zone Thermal Comfort Fanger Model PPD [%]

• Zone,Average,Zone Thermal Comfort Clothing Surface Temperature [C]

• Zone,Average,Zone Thermal Comfort Pierce Model Effective Temperature PMV []

• Zone,Average,Zone Thermal Comfort Pierce Model Standard Effective Temperature PMV []

• Zone,Average,Zone Thermal Comfort Pierce Model Discomfort Index []

• Zone,Average,Zone Thermal Comfort Pierce Model Thermal Sensation Index []

• Zone,Average,Zone Thermal Comfort KSU Model Thermal Sensation Index []

• Zone,Average,Zone Thermal Comfort ASHRAE 55 Adaptive Model 80% Acceptability Status

[]

• Zone,Average,Zone Thermal Comfort ASHRAE 55 Adaptive Model 90% Acceptability Status

[]

• Zone,Average,Zone Thermal Comfort ASHRAE 55 Adaptive Model Running Average Out-

door Air Temperature [C]
462 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• Zone,Average,Zone Thermal Comfort ASHRAE 55 Adaptive Model Temperature [C]

• Zone,Average,Zone Thermal Comfort CEN 15251 Adaptive Model Category I Status []

• Zone,Average,Zone Thermal Comfort CEN 15251 Adaptive Model Category II Status []

• Zone,Average,Zone Thermal Comfort CEN 15251 Adaptive Model Category III Status

• Zone,Average,Zone Thermal Comfort CEN 15251 Adaptive Model Running Average Outdoor
Air Temperature [C]

• Zone,Average,Zone Thermal Comfort CEN 15251 Adaptive Model Temperature [C]

1.13.1.2.1 People Occupant Count []

This field is the number of people for this PEOPLE object during the timestep in question.

1.13.1.2.2 People Radiant Heating Rate [W]

1.13.1.2.3 People Radiant Heating Energy [J]

These output variables are the amount of radiant heat gain for this People object in Watts (for
rate) or Joules. This is determined by the current sensible heat gain from people to the zone and
the “Fraction Radiant” specified in the input. The radiant gains from people are distributed to the
surfaces using an area weighting scheme.

1.13.1.2.4 People Convective Heating Rate [W]

1.13.1.2.5 People Convective Heating Energy [J]

These output variables are the amount of convective heat gain for this People object in Watts
(for rate) or Joules. This is determined by the current sensible heat gain from people to the zone
and the “Fraction Radiant” specified in input. Note that the radiant and convective gains should
add up to the sensible heat gain from people. The convective heat gain from people is added to
the zone air heat balance directly.

1.13.1.2.6 People Latent Gain Rate [W]

1.13.1.2.7 People Latent Gain Energy [J]

These output variables are the amount of latent heat gain for this People object in Watts (for
rate) or Joules. This amount is based on the number of people in the space as well as the total
amount of energy produced by a typical person defined by the activity schedule in the input. An
internal algorithm is used to determine what fraction of the total is sensible and what fraction is
latent. Details about this split are included in the Engineering Reference document.

1.13.1.2.8 People Sensible Heating Rate [W]

1.13. GROUP – INTERNAL GAINS 463

1.13.1.2.9 People Sensible Heating Energy [J]

These output variables are the amount of sensible heat gain for this People object in Watts (for
rate) or Joules. This amount is based on the number of people in the space as well as the total
amount of energy produced by a typical person defined by the activity schedule in the input. An
internal algorithm (described in the Engineering Reference document) is used to determine what
fraction of the total is sensible and what fraction is latent. The sensible plus the latent heat gain
from people equals the total gain specified in the input.

1.13.1.2.10 People Total Heating Rate [W]

1.13.1.2.11 People Total Heating Energy [J]

These output variables are the total amount of heat gain for this People object in Watts (for
rate) or Joules. This is derived from the activity level times the number of occupants.

1.13.1.2.12 People Air Temperature [C]

This output variable represents the zone air temperature based on the Fanger thermal comfort
model. If there is a ZoneControl:Thermostat:ThermalComfort object specified and the thermal
zone is occupied, then the value of “People Air Temperature” is determined based on the thermal
comfort hat satisfies the thermal comfort setpoint PMV value specified; othwesie, it is set to average
zone air temperature.

1.13.1.2.13 People Air Relative Humidity [%]

This output variable represents the zone air relative humidity based on the Fanger thermal
comfort model. If there is a ZoneControl:Thermostat:ThermalComfort object specified and the
thermal zone is occupied, then the value of “People Air Relative Humidity” is determined from the
mean zone air temperature and zone air humidity ratio that satisfies the thermal comfort setpoint
PMV value specified; othwesie, it is calculated from the zone air temperature and humidity ratio
averaged over the time step.

1.13.1.2.14 Zone People Occupant Count []

This field is the total number of people within the zone during the timestep in question.

1.13.1.2.15 Zone People Radiant Heating Rate [W]

1.13.1.2.16 Zone People Radiant Heating Energy [J]

These output variables are the amount of radiant heat gain from people within the zone in
Watts (for rate) or Joules. This is determined by the current sensible heat gain from people to
the zone and the “Fraction Radiant” specified in the input. The radiant gains from people are
distributed to the surfaces using an area weighting scheme.

1.13.1.2.17 Zone People Convective Heating Rate [W]

1.13.1.2.18 Zone People Convective Heating Energy [J]

These output variables are the amount of convective heat gain from people within the zone in
Watts (for rate) or Joules. This is determined by the current sensible heat gain from people to the
zone and the “Fraction Radiant” specified in input. Note that the radiant and convective gains
464 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

should add up to the sensible heat gain from people. The convective heat gain from people is added
to the zone air heat balance directly.

1.13.1.2.19 Zone People Latent Gain Rate [W]

1.13.1.2.20 Zone People Latent Gain Energy [J]

These output variables are the amount of latent heat gain from people within the zone in Watts
(for rate) or Joules. This amount is based on the number of people in the space as well as the total
amount of energy produced by a typical person defined by the activity schedule in the input. An
internal algorithm is used to determine what fraction of the total is sensible and what fraction is
latent. Details about this split are included in the Engineering Reference document.

1.13.1.2.21 Zone People Sensible Heating Rate [W]

1.13.1.2.22 Zone People Sensible Heating Energy [J]

These output variables are the amount of sensible heat gain from people within the zone in
Watts (for rate) or Joules. This amount is based on the number of people in the space as well
as the total amount of energy produced by a typical person defined by the activity schedule in
the input. An internal algorithm (described in the Engineering Reference document) is used to
determine what fraction of the total is sensible and what fraction is latent. The sensible plus the
latent heat gain from people equals the total gain specified in the input.

1.13.1.2.23 Zone People Total Heating Rate [W]

1.13.1.2.24 Zone People Total Heating Energy [J]

These output variables are the total amount of heat gain from people within the zone in Watts
(for rate) or Joules. Derived from the activity level times the number of occupants, this is summed
for each people object within a zone.

1.13.1.2.25 Zone Thermal Comfort Mean Radiant Temperature [C]

This output variable is the mean radiant temperature used in the thermal comfort calcula-
tions. This value is computed according to the “MRT Calculation Type” specified in the PEOPLE
object. If a high temperature radiant system is present in the zone, this value will be adjusted
according to the current heater operation and the “Fraction of radiant energy incident on people”
specified in the HIGH TEMP RADIANT SYSTEM object.

1.13.1.2.26 Zone Thermal Comfort Operative Temperature [C]

This output variable is the operative temperature as defined by the thermal comfort operations.
Specifically, it is the average of the thermal comfort mean radiant temperature and the zone air
temperature.
Note for all Thermal Comfort reporting: Though the published values for thermal comfort
“vote” have a discrete scale (e.g. –3 to +3 or –4 to +4), the calculations in EnergyPlus are carried
out on a continuous scale and, thus, reporting may be “off the scale” with specific conditions
encountered in the space. This is not necessarily an error in EnergyPlus – rather a different
approach that does not take the “limits” of the discrete scale values into account.
1.13. GROUP – INTERNAL GAINS 465

1.13.1.2.27 Zone Thermal Comfort Fanger Model PMV []

This field is the “predicted mean vote” (PMV) calculated using the Fanger thermal comfort
model.

1.13.1.2.28 Zone Thermal Comfort Fanger Model PPD [%]

This field is the “predicted percentage of dissatisfied” (PPD) calculated using the Fanger thermal
comfort model.

1.13.1.2.29 Zone Thermal Comfort Clothing Surface Temperature [C]

This output variable is the calculation of the clothing surface temperature using the Fanger
thermal comfort model.

1.13.1.2.30 Zone Thermal Comfort Pierce Model Effective Temperature PMV

[]
This field is the “predicted mean vote” (PMV) calculated using the effective temperature and
the Pierce two-node thermal comfort model.

1.13.1.2.31 Zone Thermal Comfort Pierce Model Standard Effective Tempera-

ture PMV []
This field is the “predicted mean vote” (PMV) calculated using the “standard” effective tem-
perature and the Pierce two-node thermal comfort model.

1.13.1.2.32 Zone Thermal Comfort Pierce Model Discomfort Index []

This field is the “discomfort index” calculated using the the Pierce two-node thermal comfort
model.

1.13.1.2.33 Zone Thermal Comfort Pierce Model Thermal Sensation Index []

This field is the “thermal sensation index” (PMV) calculated using the Pierce two-node thermal
comfort model.

1.13.1.2.34 Zone Thermal Comfort KSU Model Thermal Sensation Vote []

This field is the “thermal sensation vote” (TSV) calculated using the KSU two-node thermal
comfort model.

1.13.1.2.35 Zone Thermal Comfort ASHRAE 55 Adaptive Model 90% Accept-

ability Status []
This field is to report whether the operative temperature falls into the 90% acceptability limits
of the adaptive comfort in ASHRAE 55-2010. A value of 1 means within (inclusive) the limits, a
value of 0 means outside the limits, and a value of -1 means not applicable (when unoccupied or
running average outdoor temp is outside the range of 10.0 to 33.5C).

1.13.1.2.36 Zone Thermal Comfort ASHRAE 55 Adaptive Model 80% Accept-

ability Status []
This field is to report whether the operative temperature falls into the 80% acceptability limits
of the adaptive comfort in ASHRAE 55-2010. A value of 1 means within (inclusive) the limits, a
value of 0 means outside the limits, and a value of -1 means not applicable (when unoccupied or
running average outdoor temp is outside the range of 10.0 to 33.5C).
466 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.13.1.2.37 Zone Thermal Comfort ASHRAE 55 Adaptive Model Running Av-

erage Outdoor Air Temperature [C]
This field reports the mean monthly outdoor air temperature, an input parameter for the
ASHRAE-55 adaptive comfort model. This can be computed in two ways. If the .stat file is
provided for the simulation, this field will reflect the monthly daily average temperature.
If the .epw file is used, the field reports the simple running average of the daily average outdoor
dry-bulb temperatures of the previous 30 days.

1.13.1.2.38 Zone Thermal Comfort ASHRAE 55 Adaptive Model Temperature

[C]
This field reports the ideal indoor operative temperature, or comfort temperature, as determined
by the ASHRAE-55 adaptive comfort model. The 80% acceptability limits for indoor operative
temperature are defined as no greater than 3.5 degrees C from the adaptive comfort temperature.
The 90% acceptability limits are defined as no greater than 2.5 degrees C from the adaptive comfort
temperature. A value of -1 means not applicable (when running average outdoor temp is outside
the range of 10.0 to 33.5C).

1.13.1.2.39 Zone Thermal Comfort CEN 15251 Adaptive Model Category I Sta-
tus
This field is to report whether the operative temperature falls into the Category I (90% ac-
ceptability) limits of the adaptive comfort in the European Standard EN15251-2007. A value of 1
means within (inclusive) the limits, a value of 0 means outside the limits, and a value of -1 means
not applicable (when unoccupied or running average outdoor temp is outside the range of 10.0 to
30.0C).

1.13.1.2.40 Zone Thermal Comfort CEN 15251 Adaptive Model Category II

Status
This field is to report whether the operative temperature falls into the Category II (80% ac-
ceptability) limits of the adaptive comfort in the European Standard EN15251-2007. A value of 1
means within (inclusive) the limits, a value of 0 means outside the limits, and a value of -1 means
not applicable (when unoccupied or running average outdoor temp is outside the range of 10.0 to
30.0C).

1.13.1.2.41 Zone Thermal Comfort CEN 15251 Adaptive Model Category III
Status
This field is to report whether the operative temperature falls into the Category III (65%
acceptability) limits of the adaptive comfort in the European Standard EN15251-2007. A value of
1 means within (inclusive) the limits, a value of 0 means outside the limits, and a value of -1 means
not applicable (when unoccupied or running average outdoor temp is outside the range of 10.0 to
30.0C).

1.13.1.2.42 Zone Thermal Comfort CEN 15251 Adaptive Model Running Aver-
age Outdoor Air Temperature
This field reports the weighted average of the outdoor air temperature of the previous seven
days, an input parameter for the CEN-15251 adaptive comfort model.
1.13. GROUP – INTERNAL GAINS 467

1.13.1.2.43 Zone Thermal Comfort CEN 15251 Adaptive Model Temperature

This field reports the ideal indoor operative temperature, or comfort temperature, as determined
by the CEN-15251 adaptive comfort model. Category I, II, and II limits for indoor operative
temperature are defined as no greater than 2, 3, and 4 degrees C from this value respectively. A
value of -1 means not applicable (when running average outdoor temp is outside the range of 10.0
to 30.0C).

1.13.1.3 Outputs
The following output variables are all based on whether the humidity ratio and the operative
temperature is within the region shown in ASHRAE Standard 55-2004 in Figure 5.2.1.1. For these
outputs the operative temperature is simplified to be the average of the air temperature and the
mean radiant temperature. For summer, the 0.5 Clo level is used and, for winter, the 1.0 Clo level
is used. The graphs below are based on the following tables which extend the ASHRAE values to
zero humidity ratio.

Table 1.20: Winter Clothes (1.0 Clo)

Operative Temperature (C) Humidity Ratio (kgWater/kgDryAir)

19.6 0.012
23.9 0.012
26.3 0.000
21.7 0.000

Table 1.21: Summer Clothes (0.5 Clo)

Operative Temperature (C) Humidity Ratio (kgWater/kgDryAir)

23.6 0.012
26.8 0.012
28.3 0.000
25.1 0.000

1.13.1.3.1 Zone Thermal Comfort ASHRAE 55 Simple Model Summer Clothes

Not Comfortable Time[hr]
The time when the zone is occupied that the combination of humidity ratio and operative
temperature is not in the ASHRAE 55-2004 summer clothes region (see above)

1.13.1.3.2 Zone Thermal Comfort ASHRAE 55 Simple Model Winter Clothes

Not Comfortable Time[hr]
The time when the zone is occupied that the combination of humidity ratio and operative
temperature is not in the ASHRAE 55-2004 winter clothes region (see above)
468 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.51: Winter Comfort Range

Figure 1.52: Summer Comfort Range

1.13. GROUP – INTERNAL GAINS 469

1.13.1.3.3 Zone Thermal Comfort ASHRAE 55 Simple Model Summer or Win-

ter Clothes Not Comfortable Time[hr]
The time when the zone is occupied that the combination of humidity ratio and operative
temperature is not in the ASHRAE 55-2004 summer or winter clothes region (see above)

1.13.1.3.4 Facility Thermal Comfort ASHRAE 55 Simple Model Summer

Clothes Not Comfortable Time[hr]
The time when any zone is occupied that the combination of humidity ratio and operative
temperature is not in the ASHRAE 55-2004 summer clothes region (see above)

1.13.1.3.5 Facility Thermal Comfort ASHRAE 55 Simple Model Winter Clothes

Not Comfortable Time [hr]
The time when any zone is occupied that the combination of humidity ratio and operative
temperature is not in the ASHRAE 55-2004 winter clothes region (see above)

1.13.1.3.6 Facility Thermal Comfort ASHRAE 55 Simple Model Summer or

Winter Clothes Not Comfortable Time [hr]
The time when any zone is occupied that the combination of humidity ratio and operative
temperature is not in the ASHRAE 55-2004 summer or winter clothes region (see above)

1.13.2 Simplified ASHRAE 55 Warnings

The simplified ASHRAE 55 calculations may be computed for occupied zones and, possibly, warn-
ings are shown on the .err file at the end of each simulated environment. To enable this option set
the “Enable ASHRAE 55 comfort warnings” field of the People object to Yes. These warnings will
not be generated by default.
If you enable the warnings, the simplified ASHRAE 55 calculations are done for occupied zones
and, possibly, warnings are shown on the .err file at the end of each simulated environment.
** Warning ** More than 4% of time (350.4 hours) uncomfortable in zone ZSF1
** ~~~ ** 553.0 hours were uncomfortable based on ASHRAE 55 -2004 graph (Section 5.2.1.1)
** ~~~ ** During Environment [10/01 - 09/30]: CHICAGO IL USA TMY2 -94846 WMO\# = 725300
** Warning ** More than 4% of time (350.4 hours) uncomfortable in zone ZNF1
** ~~~ ** 827.8 hours were uncomfortable based on ASHRAE 55 -2004 graph (Section 5.2.1.1)
** ~~~ ** During Environment [10/01 - 09/30]: CHICAGO IL USA TMY2 -94846 WMO\# = 725300
** Warning ** More than 4% of time (350.4 hours) uncomfortable in zone ZSF2
** ~~~ ** 593.5 hours were uncomfortable based on ASHRAE 55 -2004 graph (Section 5.2.1.1)
** ~~~ ** During Environment [10/01 - 09/30]: CHICAGO IL USA TMY2 -94846 WMO\# = 725300
** Warning ** More than 4% of time (350.4 hours) uncomfortable in zone ZNF2
** ~~~ ** 875.8 hours were uncomfortable based on ASHRAE 55 -2004 graph (Section 5.2.1.1)
** ~~~ ** During Environment [10/01 - 09/30]: CHICAGO IL USA TMY2 -94846 WMO\# = 725300

You may decide if you need to change parameters to reduce these “uncomfortable” hours. The
individual output variables shown previously may help you get more details on when these are
occurring.
Following are some suggestions that might be applicable:

• Eliminate occupancy when conditioning equipment is off.

• Note that the ASHRAE graph lower limit is (19.6C to 21.7C) – heating setpoints may need
to be nearer 22.2C (72F) than 21.1C (70F).
470 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• Unoccupied heating setpoint should be nearer 16.7C (62F) rather than 12.8C (55F) to reduce
the start up recovery.

• Start the occupied setpoint schedule, fan availability schedule, cooling pump availability
schedule, reheat coil availability, one hour before occupancy. Seasonal turn on and off of
equipment may cause more warnings (but potentially more energy consumption).

• Unoccupied cooling setpoint should be nearer 29.4C (85F) rather than 40.0 (104F) to reduce
the start up recovery.

1.13.3 ComfortViewFactorAngles
When requesting EnergyPlus to do a thermal comfort calculation, the program user has three
options for defining how the mean radiant temperature will be calculated. The user may select
“zoneaveraged” which results in a mean radiant temperature that is characteristic of an “average”
location near the center of the zone. The user may also elect to place the person near a particular
surface by selecting “surfaceweighted” in the People statement. This takes the average of the zone
mean radiant temperature and the temperature of the surface that the person is near and uses this
value as the mean radiant temperature when calculating thermal comfort.
The third option is for the user to more explicitly position the person within the space by
defining the angle factors from the person to the various surfaces in the zone. This option requires
the user to list the surfaces that the person can see from a radiation standpoint and also define the
angle (or view) factor for each surface. The AngleFactorList input line is intended to give the user
this opportunity.

1.13.3.1 Inputs
1.13.3.1.1 Field: Name
This field is an unique user assigned name for the list of surfaces that can be seen radiantly
by the person for whom thermal comfort is to be evaluated. Any reference to this list by a People
statement will use this name.

1.13.3.1.2 Field: Zone Name

Zone Name for this surface list. Each of the surfaces listed must be in this zone.

1.13.3.1.3 Field: Surface <#> Name

This field is the name of a surface in the zone seen by the person.

1.13.3.1.4 Field: Angle Factor <#>

This field is the fraction that this surface contributes to the total mean radiant temperature.
This can be thought of as a weighting factor for this surface and the actual mean radiant temper-
ature used in the thermal comfort model is simply the sum of all angle factors multiplied by the
corresponding inside surface temperature. Note that the Surface Name/Angle Factor pair can be
repeated up to 20 times. The sum of all angle factors within any angle factor list must equal unity,
otherwise the program will not accept the input as valid.
An example IDF with an electric low temperature radiant system is shown below.
1.13. GROUP – INTERNAL GAINS 471

ComfortViewFactorAngles ,
South Zone Angle Factors ,
!- name of angle factor list
Sourth Zone , !- Zone Name
Zn001:Flr001 , !- Surface name 1
0.75, !- Angle factor for surface 1
Zn001:Wall001 , !- Surface name 2
0.15, !- Angle factor for surface 2
Zn001:Roof001 , !- Surface name 3
0.10; !- Angle factor for surface 3

1.13.4 Lights
The Lights statement allows you to specify information about a zone’s electric lighting system,
including design power level and operation schedule, and how the heat from lights is distributed
thermally.
A zone may have multiple Lights statements. For example, one statement may describe the
general lighting in the zone and another the task lighting. Or you can use multiple Lights statements
for a zone that has two or more general lighting systems that differ in design level, schedule, etc.

1.13.4.1 Inputs
1.13.4.1.1 Field: Name
The name of the Lights object.

1.13.4.1.2 Field: Zone or ZoneList Name

The field is the name of the thermal zone (ref: Zone) or ZoneList (ref: ZoneLIst) and links this
Lights statement to a thermal zone or set of thermal zones in the buidling. When the ZoneList
option is used then this lights definition is applied to each of the zones in the zone list effecting
a global definition for the amount of light wattage in the zone. The Zonelist option can be used
effectively with the watts/area and watts/person options of the Design Level Calculation Method.
The name of the actual lights object becomes <Zone Name> <Lights Object Name> and
should be less than the standard length (100 characters) for a name field. If it is greater than this
standard length, it may be difficult to specify in output reporting as it will be truncated. A warning
will be shown if the generated name is greater than 100 characters. If it duplicates another such
concatenated name, there will be a severe error and terminate the run.

1.13.4.1.3 Field: Schedule Name

The name of the schedule that modifies the lighting power design level (see Design Level Calcu-
lation Method field and related subsequent fields). The schedule values can be any positive number.
The electrical input for lighting in a particular timestep is the product of the design level and the
value of this schedule in that timestep. If the design level is the maximum lighting power input the
schedule should contain values between 0.0 and 1.0.

1.13.4.1.4 Field: Design Level Calculation Method

This field is a key/choice field that tells which of the next three fields are filled and is descriptive
of the method for calculating the nominal lighting level in the Zone. The key/choices are:

• LightingLevel
472 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

With this choice, the method used will be a straight insertion of the lighting level (Watts) for
the Zone. (The Lighting Level field should be filled.)

• Watts/Area

With this choice, the method used will be a factor per floor area of the zone. (The Watts per
Zone Floor Area field should be filled).

• Watts/Person

With this choice, the method used will be a factor of lighting level (watts) per person. (The
Watts per person field should be filled).

1.13.4.1.5 Field: Lighting Level

This is typically the maximum electrical power input (in Watts) to lighting in a zone, including
ballasts, if present. This value is multiplied by a schedule fraction (see previous field) to get the
lighting power in a particular timestep. In EnergyPlus, this is slightly more flexible in that the
lighting design level could be a “diversity factor” applied to a schedule of real numbers.

1.13.4.1.6 Field: Watts per Zone Floor Area

This factor (watts/m2 ) is used, along with the Zone Floor Area to determine the maximum
lighting level as described in the Lighting Level field. The choice from the method field should be
“watts/area”.

1.13.4.1.7 Field: Watts per Person

This factor (watts/person) is used, along with the number of occupants (people) to determine
the maximum lighting level as described in the Lighting Level field. The choice from the method
field should be “watts/person”.

1.13.4.1.8 Heat Gains from Lights:

The electrical input to lighting ultimately appears as heat that contributes to zone loads or to
return air heat gains. In EnergyPlus this heat is divided into four different fractions. Three of
these are given by the input fields Return Air Fraction, Fraction Radiant and Fraction Visible. A
fourth, defined as the fraction of the heat from lights convected to the zone air, is calculated by
the program as:
fconvected = 1.0 – (Return Air Fraction + Fraction Radiant + Fraction Visible)
You will get an error message if Return Air Fraction + Fraction Radiant + Fraction Visible
exceeds 1.0.
These fractions depend on the type of lamp and luminaire, whether the luminaire is vented to
the return air, etc.

1.13.4.1.9 Field: Return Air Fraction

The fraction of the heat from lights that goes into the zone return air (i.e., into the zone outlet
node). If the return air flow is zero or the zone has no return air system, the program will put
this fraction into the zone air. Return Air Fraction should be non-zero only for luminaires that are
return-air ducted (see Table 1.22 and Figure 51). (However, see the field “Return Air Fraction Is
Calculated from Plenum Temperature,” below, for an approach to modeling the case where Return
Air Fraction is caused by conduction between a luminaire that is in contact with a return-air
plenum.)
1.13. GROUP – INTERNAL GAINS 473

1.13.4.1.10 Field: Fraction Radiant

The fraction of heat from lights that goes into the zone as long-wave (thermal) radiation.
The program calculates how much of this radiation is absorbed by the inside surfaces of the zone
according the area times thermal absorptance product of these surfaces.

1.13.4.1.11 Field: Fraction Visible

The fraction of heat from lights that goes into the zone as visible (short-wave) radiation. The
program calculates how much of this radiation is absorbed by the inside surfaces of the zone
according the area times solar absorptance product of these surfaces.
Approximate values of Return Air Fraction, Fraction Radiant and Fraction Visible are given in
Table 1.22 for overhead fluorescent lighting for a variety of luminaire configurations. The data is
based on ASHRAE 1282-RP “Lighting Heat Gain Distribution in Buildings” by Daniel E. Fisher
and Chanvit Chantrasrisalai.

Table 1.22: Approximate values of Return Air Fraction, Frac-

tion Radiant and Fraction Visible for overhead fluorescent
lighting for different luminaire configurations.

Fixture No. Luminaire Feature Return Air Fraction Fraction fconvected

Fraction Radiant Visible

1 Recessed, Parabolic 0.31 0.22 0.20 0.27

Louver, Non-Vented,
T8
2 Recessed, Acrylic Lens, 0.56 0.12 0.20 0.12
Non-Vented, T8
3 Recessed, Parabolic 0.28 0.19 0.20 0.33
Louver, Vented, T8
4 Recessed, Acrylic Lens, 0.54 0.10 0.18 0.18
Vented, T8
5 Recessed, 0.34 0.17 0.16 0.33
Direct/Indirect, T8
6 Recessed, Volumetric, 0.54 0.13 0.20 0.13
T5
7 Downlights, Compact 0.86 0.04 0.10 0.00
Fluorescent, DTT
8 Downlights, Compact 0.78 0.09 0.13 0.00
Fluorescent, TRT
9a Downlights, 0.29 0.10 0.6 0.01
Incandescent, A21
9b Downlights, 0.21 0.08 0.71 0.00
Incandescent, BR40
10 Surface Mounted, 0.00 0.27 0.23 0.50
T5HO
11 Pendant, 0.00 0.32 0.23 0.45
Direct/Indirect, T8
474 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Table 1.22: Approximate values of Return Air Fraction, Frac-

tion Radiant and Fraction Visible for overhead fluorescent
lighting for different luminaire configurations.

Fixture No. Luminaire Feature Return Air Fraction Fraction fconvected

Fraction Radiant Visible

12 Pendant, Indirect, 0.00 0.32 0.25 0.43

T5HO

1 Recessed, Parabolic 0.27 0.27 0.21 0.25

Louver, Non-Vented,
T8 - Ducted
5 Recessed, 0.27 0.22 0.17 0.34
Direct/Indirect, T8 -
Ducted

1 Recessed, Parabolic 0.45 0.30 0.22 0.03

Louver, Non-Vented,
T8 - Half Typical
Supply Airflow Rate
3 Recessed, Parabolic 0.43 0.25 0.21 0.11
Louver, Vented, T8 -
Half Typical Supply
Airflow Rate
5 Recessed, 0.43 0.27 0.18 0.12
Direct/Indirect, T8 -
Half Typical Supply
Airflow Rate

1 Recessed, Parabolic 0.10 0.16 0.20 0.54

Louver, Non-Vented,
T8 - Half Typical
Supply Airflow Rate
3 Recessed, Parabolic 0.11 0.15 0.19 0.55
Louver, Vented, T8 -
Half Typical Supply
Airflow Rate
5 Recessed, 0.04 0.13 0.16 0.67
Direct/Indirect, T8 -
Half Typical Supply
Airflow Rate
1.13. GROUP – INTERNAL GAINS 475

1.13.4.1.12 Field: Fraction Replaceable

This field defines the daylighting control for the LIGHTS object.
If Daylighting:Controls or Daylighting:DELight:Controls is specified for the zone, this
field is used as an on/off flag for dimming controls. If set to 0.0, the lights are not dimmed by the
daylighting controls. If set to 1.0, the lights are allowed to be dimmed by the daylighting controls.

1.13.4.1.13 Field: End-Use Subcategory

Allows you to specify a user-defined end-use subcategory, e.g., “Task Lights”, “Hall Lights”,
etc. A new meter for reporting is created for each unique subcategory (ref: Output:Meter objects).
Subcategories are also reported in the ABUPS table. If this field is omitted or blank, the lights
will be assigned to the “General” end-use subcategory.

1.13.4.1.14 Field: Return Air Fraction Calculated from Plenum Temperature

Accepts values Yes or No (the default). Yes is for advanced used only. In this case the program
will calculate the return air fraction by assuming that it is due to conduction of some of the light
heat into the zone’s return air plenum and that the amount of the conduction depends on the
plenum air temperature. A Yes value should only be used for luminaires that are recessed and
non-vented, as shown in Figure 1.53.
The value you enter for the Return Air Fraction field will be ignored and you can enter, for
fluorescent lighting, Fraction Radiant = 0.37 and Fraction Visible = 0.18, as indicated in Table 1.22.
This feature requires that the coefficients described below be determined from measurements
or detailed calculations since they are very sensitive to the luminaire type, lamp type, thermal
resistance between fixture and plenum, etc.
If “Return Air Fraction Is Calculated from Plenum Temperature” = Yes, the return air fraction
is calculated each timestep from the following empirical correlation:

(ReturnAirFraction)calculated = C1 − C2 × Tplenum (1.20)

where Tplenum is the previous-time-step value of the return plenum air temperature (C),
and C1 and C2 are the values of the coefficients entered in the next two fields.
To compensate for the change in the return air fraction relative to its input value, the program
modifies Fraction Radiant and fconvected by a scale factor such that

(ReturnAirFraction)calculated +(FractionRadiant)modified +(fconvected )modified +(FractionVisible)input = 1.0

(1.21)
It is assumed that Fraction Visible is a constant equal to its input value.

1.13.4.1.15 Field: Return Air Fraction Function of Plenum Temperature Coef-

ficient 1
The coefficient C1 in the equation for (Return Air Fraction)calculated .

1.13.4.1.16 Field: Return Air Fraction Function of Plenum Temperature Coef-

ficient 2
The coefficient C2 in the equation for (Return Air Fraction)calculated . Its units are 1/O C.
An IDF example:
476 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.53: Vertical section through a zone and its return air plenum showing recessed
lighting (not to scale). The heat from lights is divided into four fractions, three of which
— ReturnAirFraction, FractionRadiant and FractionConvected — depend on plenum air
temperature.
1.13. GROUP – INTERNAL GAINS 477

Lights ,
RIGHT FORK Lights 1, !- Name
RIGHT FORK , !- Zone Name
Office Lighting , !- SCHEDULE Name
LightingLevel , !- Design Level calculation method
1039.706 , !- Lighting Level {W}
0.0000000E+00, !- Return Air Fraction
0.4000000 , !- Fraction Radiant
0.2000000 , !- Fraction Visible
1.0, !- Fraction Replaceable
GeneralLights; !- End -Use Subcategory

Global Lights Object:

ZoneList ,AllOccupiedZones ,SPACE1 -1,SPACE2 -1,SPACE3 -1,SPACE4 -1,SPACE5 -1;

Lights ,
AllZones with Lights , !- Name
AllOccupiedZones , !- Zone or ZoneList Name
LIGHTS -1, !- Schedule Name
Watts/Area , !- Design Level Calculation Method
, !- Lighting Level {W}
16, !- Watts per Zone Floor Area {W/m2}
, !- Watts per Person {W/person}
0.2, !- Return Air Fraction
0.59, !- Fraction Radiant
0.2, !- Fraction Visible
0, !- Fraction Replaceable
GeneralLights; !- End -Use Subcategory

1.13.4.2 Outputs
If daylighting controls are operating in the zone, all of the Lights objects with a Fraction Replace-
ble greater than zero will be reduced by a multiplicative factor that accounts for how much the
electric lighting is lowered due to daylighting.
Lights objects have output variables for individual objects and for zone totals.

• Zone,Average,Lights Electric Power [W]

• Zone,Sum,Lights Radiant Heat Gain [J]

• Zone,Average,Lights Radiant Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Lights Visible Radiation Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Lights Visible Radiation Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Lights Convective Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Lights Convective Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Lights Return Air Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Lights Return Air Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Lights Total Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Lights Total Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Lights Electric Energy [J]

478 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• Zone,Average,Zone Lights Electric Power [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Lights Radiant Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Zone Lights Radiant Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Lights Visible Radiation Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Zone Lights Visible Radiation Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Lights Convective Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Zone Lights Convective Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Lights Return Air Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Zone Lights Return Air Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Lights Total Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Zone Lights Total Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Lights Electric Energy [J]

1.13.4.2.1 Lights Electric Power [W]

The electric power input for the lights.

1.13.4.2.2 Lights Radiant Heating Rate [W]

1.13.4.2.3 Lights Radiant Heating Energy [J]

The amount of heat gain from lights that is in the form of long-wave (thermal) radiation
entering the zone. This heat is absorbed by the inside surfaces of the zone according to an area
times long-wave absorptance weighting scheme.

1.13.4.2.4 Lights Visible Radiation Heating Rate [W]

1.13.4.2.5 Lights Visible Radiation Heating Energy [J]

The amount of heat gain from lights that is in the form of visible (short-wave) radiation entering
the zone. This heat is absorbed by the inside surfaces of the zone according to an area times short-
wave absorptance weighting scheme.

1.13.4.2.6 Lights Convective Heating Rate [W]

1.13.4.2.7 Lights Convective Heating Energy [J]

The amount of heat gain from lights that is convected to the zone air.

1.13.4.2.8 Lights Return Air Heating Rate [W]

1.13. GROUP – INTERNAL GAINS 479

1.13.4.2.9 Lights Return Air Heating Energy [J]

The amount of heat gain from lights that goes into the zone’s return air (and, therefore, does
not directly contribute to the zone load). If the zone has no return air system or the zone’s air
system is off, this heat will be added to the zone air.

1.13.4.2.10 Lights Total Heating Rate [W]

1.13.4.2.11 Lights Total Heating Energy [J]

The total heat gain from lights. It is the sum of the following four outputs, i.e., Total Heat
Gain = Return Air Heat Gain + Radiant Heat Gain + Visible Heat Gain + Convective Heat Gain.
It is also equal to the electrical input to the lights.

1.13.4.2.12 Lights Electric Energy [J]

The lighting electrical consumption including ballasts, if present. These will have the same
value as Lights Total Heating Energy (above).

1.13.4.2.13 Zone Lights Electric Power [W]

The electric power input for all lights in the zone.

1.13.4.2.14 Zone Lights Radiant Heating Rate [W]

1.13.4.2.15 Zone Lights Radiant Heating Energy [J]

The amount of heat gain from all lights in the zone that is in the form of long-wave (thermal)
radiation entering the zone. This heat is absorbed by the inside surfaces of the zone according to
an area times long-wave absorptance weighting scheme.

1.13.4.2.16 Zone Lights Visible Radiation Heating Rate [W]

1.13.4.2.17 Zone Lights Visible Radiation Heating Energy [J]

The amount of heat gain from all lights in the zone that is in the form of visible (short-wave)
radiation entering the zone. This heat is absorbed by the inside surfaces of the zone according to
an area times short-wave absorptance weighting scheme.

1.13.4.2.18 Zone Lights Convective Heating Rate [W]

1.13.4.2.19 Zone Lights Convective Heating Energy [J]

The amount of heat gain from all lights in the zone that is convected to the zone air.

1.13.4.2.20 Zone Lights Return Air Heating Rate [W]

1.13.4.2.21 Zone Lights Return Air Heating Energy [J]

The amount of heat gain from all lights in the zone that goes into the zone’s return air (and,
therefore, does not directly contribute to the zone load). If the zone has no return air system or
the zone’s air system is off, this heat will be added to the zone air.

1.13.4.2.22 Zone Lights Total Heating Rate [W]

480 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.13.4.2.23 Zone Lights Total Heating Energy [J]

The total heat gain from all lights in the zone. It is the sum of the following four outputs, i.e.,
Total Heat Gain = Return Air Heat Gain + Radiant Heat Gain + Visible Heat Gain + Convective
Heat Gain. It is also equal to the electrical input to the lights.

1.13.4.2.24 Zone Lights Electric Energy [J]

The lighting electrical consumption for all lights in the zone including ballasts, if present. This
will have the same value as Zone Lights Total Heating Energy (above). However, this amount is
also shown in the Electricity meters that are associated with the zone:
Electricity:Facility,
Electricity:Building,
Electricity:Zone:<Zone Name>.
In addition, depending on use, it will be shown in:
InteriorLights: Electricity and
InteriorLights:Electricity:Zone :<Zone Name>.

1.13.4.3 Outputs
As described in the Lights Outputs, values for lights will show up on the following meters:

Table 1.23: Distribution of Lights to Meters

Meter Name Scope Lights Specfics

Electricity:Facility Entire Facility All

Electricity:Building All Zones All
Electricity:Zone: <Zone Name> Specific Zone All
InteriorLights:Electricity All Zones Lights Use
InteriorLights:Electricity:Zone: <Zone Specific Zone Lights Use
Name>
<End-Use Subcategory> Specific Subcategory Lights Use
:InteriorLights:Electricity

1.13.5 ElectricEquipment
The object models equipment in the zone which consumes electricity, such as computers, televisions,
and cooking equipment, also known as “plug loads.” All of the energy consumed by the equipment
becomes a heat gain in the zone or is lost (exhausted) as specified below.

1.13.5.1 Inputs
1.13.5.1.1 Field: Name
The name of the ElectricEquipment object.

1.13.5.1.2 Field: Zone or ZoneList Name

This field is the name of the zone (ref: Zone) or ZoneList (ref: ZoneList) and attaches a
particular electric equipment statement to a thermal zone or set of thermal zones in the building.
1.13. GROUP – INTERNAL GAINS 481

When the ZoneList option is used then this electric equipment definition is applied to each of the
zones in the zone list effecting a global definition for the amount of electric wattage in the zone.
The Zonelist option can be used effectively with the watts/area and watts/person options of the
Design Level Calculation Method.
The name of the actual electric equipment object becomes <Zone Name> <ElectricEquipment
Object Name> and should be less than the standard length (100 characters) for a name field. If
it is greater than this standard length, it may be difficult to specify in output reporting as it will
be truncated. A warning will be shown if the generated name is greater than 100 characters. If it
duplicates another such concatenated name, there will be a severe error and terminate the run.

1.13.5.1.3 Field: Schedule Name

This field is the name of the schedule that modifies the design level parameter for electric
equipment (see Design Level Calculation Method field and related subsequent fields). The schedule
values can be any positive number. The actual electrical input for equipment in a zone as defined
by this statement is the product of the design level field and the value of the schedule specified by
name in this field.

1.13.5.1.4 Field: Design Level Calculation Method

This field is a key/choice field that tells which of the next three fields are filled and is descriptive
of the method for calculating the nominal electric equipment level in the Zone. The key/choices
are:

• EquipmentLevel

With this choice, the method used will be a straight insertion of the electric equipment level
(Watts) for the Zone. (The Design Level field should be filled.)

• Watts/Area

With this choice, the method used will be a factor per floor area of the zone. (The Watts per
Zone Floor Area field should be filled).

• Watts/Person

With this choice, the method used will be a factor of equipment level (watts) per person. (The
Watts per Person field should be filled).

1.13.5.1.5 Field: Design Level

This field (in Watts) is typically used to represent the maximum electrical input to equipment
in a zone that is then multiplied by a schedule fraction (see previous field). In EnergyPlus, this
is slightly more flexible in that the electric equipment design level could be a “diversity factor”
applied to a schedule of real numbers. Note that while the schedule value can vary from hour to
hour, the design level field is constant for all simulation environments.

1.13.5.1.6 Field: Watts per Zone Floor Area

This factor (watts/m2 ) is used, along with the Zone Area to determine the maximum equip-
ment level as described in the Design Level field. The choice from the method field should be
“Watts/Area”.
482 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.13.5.1.7 Field: Watts per Person

This factor (watts/person) is used, along with the number of occupants (people) to determine
the maximum equipment level as described in the Design Level field. The choice from the method
field should be “Watts/Person”.

1.13.5.1.8 Heat Gains from Electric Equipment:

The electrical input to the equipment ultimately appears as heat that contributes to zone loads.
In EnergyPlus this heat is divided into four different fractions. Three of these are given by the
input fields Fraction Latent, Fraction Radiant and Fraction Lost. A fourth, defined as the fraction
of the heat from electric equipment convected to the zone air, is calculated by the program as:

fconvected = 1.0 − (FractionLatent + FractionRadiant + FractionLost) (1.22)

You will get an error message if Fraction Latent + Fraction Radiant + Fraction Lost exceeds
1.0.

1.13.5.1.9 Field: Fraction Latent

This field is a decimal number between 0.0 and 1.0 and is used to characterize the amount of
latent heat given off by electric equipment in a zone. The number specified in this field will be
multiplied by the total energy consumed by electric equipment to give the amount of latent energy
produced by the electric equipment. This energy affects the moisture balance within the zone.

1.13.5.1.10 Field: Fraction Radiant

This field is a decimal number between 0.0 and 1.0 and is used to characterize the amount of
long-wave radiant heat being given off by electric equipment in a zone. The number specified in
this field will be multiplied by the total energy consumed by electric equipment to give the amount
of long wavelength radiation gain from electric equipment in a zone.

1.13.5.1.11 Field: Fraction Lost

This field is a decimal number between 0.0 and 1.0 and is used to characterize the amount of
“lost” heat being given off by electric equipment in a zone. The number specified in this field will
be multiplied by the total energy consumed by electric equipment to give the amount of heat which
is “lost” and does not impact the zone energy balances. This might correspond to electrical energy
converted to mechanical work or heat that is vented to the atmosphere.

1.13.5.1.12 Field: End-Use Subcategory

Allows you to specify a user-defined end-use subcategory, e.g., “Computers”, “Copy Machines”,
etc. A new meter for reporting is created for each unique subcategory (ref: Output:Meter objects).
Subcategories are also reported in the ABUPS table. If this field is omitted or blank, the equipment
will be assigned to the “General” end-use subcategory.
An IDF example:
ElectricEquipment ,
DORM ROOMS AND COMMON AREAS ElecEq 1, !- Name
DORM ROOMS AND COMMON AREAS , !- Zone Name
Residence Equipment , !- SCHEDULE Name
EquipmentLevel , !- Design Level calculation method
9210.921 , !- Design Level {W}
, !- Watts per Zone Floor Area {watts/m2}
, !- Watts per Person {watts/person}
0.0000000E+00, !- Fraction Latent
1.13. GROUP – INTERNAL GAINS 483

0.3000000 , !- Fraction Radiant

0.0000000E+00, !- Fraction Lost
Computers; !- End -use Subcategory

Global ElectricEquipment example:

ZoneList ,AllOccupiedZones ,SPACE1 -1,SPACE2 -1,SPACE3 -1,SPACE4 -1,SPACE5 -1;

ElectricEquipment ,
AllZones with Electric Equipment , !- Name
AllOccupiedZones , !- Zone or ZoneList Name
EQUIP -1, !- Schedule Name
Watts/Person , !- Design Level Calculation Method
, !- Design Level {W}
, !- Watts per Zone Floor Area {W/m2}
96, !- Watts per Person {W/person}
0, !- Fraction Latent
0.3, !- Fraction Radiant
0; !- Fraction Lost

1.13.6 GasEquipment
The object models equipment in the zone which consumes natural gas, such as cooking equipment
or a gas fireplace. All of the energy consumed by the equipment becomes a heat gain in the zone
or is lost (exhausted) as specified below.

1.13.6.1 Inputs
1.13.6.1.1 Field: Name
The name of the GasEquipment object.

1.13.6.1.2 Field: Zone or ZoneList Name

This field is the name of the thermal zone (ref: Zone) or ZoneList (ref: ZoneList) and attaches a
particular gas equipment statement to a thermal zone or set of thermal zones in the building. When
the ZoneList option is used then this gas equipment definition is applied to each of the zones in the
zone list effecting a global definition for the amount of gas in the zone. The Zonelist option can
be used effectively with the watts/area and watts/person options of the Design Level Calculation
Method.
The name of the actual gas equipment object becomes <Zone Name> <GasEquipment Object
Name> and should be less than the standard length (100 characters) for a name field. If it is
greater than this standard length, it may be difficult to specify in output reporting as it will be
truncated. A warning will be shown if the generated name is greater than 100 characters. If it
duplicates another such concatenated name, there will be a severe error and terminate the run.

1.13.6.1.3 Field: Schedule Name

This field is the name of the schedule that modifies the design level parameter for gas equipment
(see Design Level Calculation Method field and related subsequent fields). The schedule values can
be any positive number. The actual energy input for gas equipment in a zone as defined by this
statement is the product of the design level field and the value of the schedule specified by name
in this field.
484 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.13.6.1.4 Field: Design Level Calculation Method

This field is a key/choice field that tells which of the next three fields are filled and is descriptive
of the method for calculating the nominal gas equipment level in the Zone. The key/choices are:

• EquipmentLevel

With this choice, the method used will be a straight insertion of the gas equipment level (Watts)
for the Zone. (The Design Level field should be filled.)

• Watts/Area or Power/Area

With this choice, the method used will be a factor per floor area of the zone. (The Power per
Zone Floor Area field should be filled).

• Watts/Person or Power/Person

With this choice, the method used will be a factor of equipment level (watts) per person. (The
Power per Person field should be filled).

1.13.6.1.5 Field: Design Level

This field (in Watts) is typically used to represent the maximum energy input to gas equipment
in a zone that is then multiplied by a schedule fraction (see previous field). In EnergyPlus, this is
slightly more flexible in that the gas equipment design level could be a “diversity factor” applied
to a schedule of real numbers. Note that while the schedule value can vary from hour to hour, the
design level field is constant for all simulation environments.

1.13.6.1.6 Field: Power per Zone Floor Area

This factor (watts/m2 ) is used, along with the Zone Area to determine the maximum equip-
ment level as described in the Design Level field. The choice from the method field should be
“Watts/Area” or “Power/Area”.

1.13.6.1.7 Field: Power per Person

This factor (watts/person) is used, along with the number of occupants (people) to determine
the maximum equipment level as described in the Design Level field. The choice from the method
field should be “Watts/Person” or “Power/Person”.

1.13.6.1.8 Heat Gains from Gas Equipment:

The fuel input to the equipment ultimately appears as heat that contributes to zone loads. In
EnergyPlus this heat is divided into four different fractions. Three of these are given by the input
fields Fraction Latent, Fraction Radiant and Fraction Lost. A fourth, defined as the fraction of the
heat from gas equipment convected to the zone air, is calculated by the program as:

fconvected = 1.0 − (FractionLatent + FractionRadiant + FractionLost) (1.23)

You will get an error message if Fraction Latent + Fraction Radiant + Fraction Lost exceeds
1.0.
1.13. GROUP – INTERNAL GAINS 485

1.13.6.1.9 Field: Fraction Latent

This field is a decimal number between 0.0 and 1.0 and is used to characterize the amount
of latent heat given off by gas equipment in a zone. The number specified in this field will be
multiplied by the total energy consumed by gas equipment to give the amount of latent energy
produced by the gas equipment. This energy affects the moisture balance within the zone.

1.13.6.1.10 Field: Fraction Radiant

This field is a decimal number between 0.0 and 1.0 and is used to characterize the amount of
long-wave radiant heat being given off by gas equipment in a zone. The number specified in this
field will be multiplied by the total energy consumed by gas equipment to give the amount of long
wavelength radiation gain from gas equipment in a zone.

1.13.6.1.11 Field: Fraction Lost

This field is a decimal number between 0.0 and 1.0 and is used to characterize the amount of
“lost” heat being given off by gas equipment in a zone. The number specified in this field will
be multiplied by the total energy consumed by gas equipment to give the amount of heat which
is “lost” and does not impact the zone energy balances. This might correspond to input energy
converted to mechanical work or heat that is vented to the atmosphere.

1.13.6.1.12 Field: Carbon Dioxide Generation Rate

This numeric input field specifies carbon dioxide generation rate with units of m3/s-W. The
default value of 0.0 assumes the equipment is fully vented to outdoors. In the absence of better
information, the user might consider using a value of 3.45E-8 m3/s-W which assumes the equip-
ment is not vented to outdoors. This value is converted from natural gas CO2 emission rate at
11.7 lbs CO2 per therm. The CO2 emission rate is provided by U.S. Energy Information Ad-
ministration, “Frequently Asked Questions - Environment, Questions About Environmental Emis-
sions”, http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/ask/environment_faqs.asp#CO2_quantity, January 2010. The
maximum value for this input field is 3.45E-7 m3/s-W.

1.13.6.1.13 Field: End-Use Subcategory

Allows you to specify a user-defined end-use subcategory, e.g., “Cooking”, “Clothes Drying”,
etc. A new meter for reporting is created for each unique subcategory (ref: Output:Meter objects).
Subcategories are also reported in the ABUPS table. If this field is omitted or blank, the equipment
will be assigned to the “General” end-use subcategory.
An IDF example:
GasEquipment ,
DORM ROOMS AND COMMON AREAS GasEq 1, !- Name
DORM ROOMS AND COMMON AREAS , !- Zone Name
Gas Eq Sch , !-Schedule Name
EquipmentLevel , !- Design Level Calculation Method
29287.51 , !- Design Level {W}
, !- Power per Zone Floor Area {W/m2}
, !- Power per Person {W/Person}
0, !- Fraction Latent
0.3, !- Fraction Radiant
0, !- Fraction Lost
0, !- Carbon Dioxide Generation Rate {m3/s-W}
Cooking; !- End -Use Subcategory

Global Gas Equipment example:

486 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

ZoneList ,OfficeZones ,Left Fork , Middle Fork , Right Fork;

GasEquipment ,
Office Zones with Gas , !- Name
OfficeZones , !- Zone Name
Gas Eq Sch , !- Schedule Name
Watts/Area , !- Design Level Calculation Method
, !- Design Level {W}
197, !- Power per Zone Floor Area {W/m2}
, !- Power per Person {W/Person}
0.0000000E+00, !- Fraction Latent
0.3000000 , !- Fraction Radiant
0.0000000E+00; !- Fraction Lost

1.13.7 HotWaterEquipment
The object models hot water equipment in the zone which consumes district heating, such as
cooking equipment or process loads. All of the energy consumed by the equipment becomes a heat
gain in the zone or is lost (exhausted) as specified below. This object consumes district heating
energy directly and does not cause a load on a hot water plant loop or water heater. For domestic
hot water uses, such as sinks and showers, see WaterUse:Equipment.

1.13.7.1 Inputs
1.13.7.1.1 Field: Name
The name of the HotWaterEquipment object.

1.13.7.1.2 Field: Zone or ZoneList Name

This field is the name of the thermal zone (ref: Zone) or ZoneList (ref: ZoneList) and attaches a
particular hot water equipment statement to a thermal zone or set of thermal zones in the building.
When the ZoneList option is used then this hot water equipment definition is applied to each of
the zones in the zone list effecting a global definition for the amount of hot water in the zone. The
Zonelist option can be used effectively with the watts/area and watts/person options of the Design
Level Calculation Method.
The name of the actual hot water equipment object becomes <Zone Name> <HotWaterEquip-
ment Object Name> and should be less than the standard length (100 characters) for a name field.
If it is greater than this standard length, it may be difficult to specify in output reporting as it will
be truncated. A warning will be shown if the generated name is greater than 100 characters. If it
duplicates another such concatenated name, there will be a severe error and terminate the run.

1.13.7.1.3 Field: Schedule Name

This field is the name of the schedule that modifies the design level parameter for hot water
equipment (see Design Level Calculation Method field and related subsequent fields). The schedule
values can be any positive number. The actual energy input for hot water equipment in a zone
as defined by this statement is the product of the design level field and the value of the schedule
specified by name in this field.

1.13.7.1.4 Field: Design Level Calculation Method

This field is a key/choice field that tells which of the next three fields are filled and is descriptive
of the method for calculating the nominal hot water equipment level in the Zone. The key/choices
are:
1.13. GROUP – INTERNAL GAINS 487

• EquipmentLevel

With this choice, the method used will be a straight insertion of the hot water equipment level
(Watts) for the Zone. (The Design Level field should be filled.)

• Watts/Area or Power/Area

With this choice, the method used will be a factor per floor area of the zone. (The Power per
Zone Floor Area field should be filled).

• Watts/Person or Power/Person

With this choice, the method used will be a factor of equipment level (watts) per person. (The
Power per Person field should be filled).

1.13.7.1.5 Field: Design Level

This field (in Watts) is typically used to represent the maximum energy input to hot water
equipment in a zone that is then multiplied by a schedule fraction (see previous field). In Energy-
Plus, this is slightly more flexible in that the hot water equipment design level could be a “diversity
factor” applied to a schedule of real numbers. Note that while the schedule value can vary from
hour to hour, the design level field is constant for all simulation environments.

1.13.7.1.6 Field: Power per Zone Floor Area

This factor (watts/m2 ) is used, along with the Zone Area to determine the maximum equip-
ment level as described in the Design Level field. The choice from the method field should be
“Watts/Area” or “Power/Area”.

1.13.7.1.7 Field: Power per Person

This factor (watts/person) is used, along with the number of occupants (people) to determine
the maximum equipment level as described in the Design Level field. The choice from the method
field should be “Watts/Person” or “Power/Person”.

1.13.7.1.8 Heat Gains from Hot Water Equipment:

The fuel input to the equipment ultimately appears as heat that contributes to zone loads. In
EnergyPlus this heat is divided into four different fractions. Three of these are given by the input
fields Fraction Latent, Fraction Radiant and Fraction Lost. A fourth, defined as the fraction of the
heat from hot water equipment convected to the zone air, is calculated by the program as:

fconvected = 1.0 − (FractionLatent + FractionRadiant + FractionLost) (1.24)

You will get an error message if Fraction Latent + Fraction Radiant + Fraction Lost exceeds
1.0.

1.13.7.1.9 Field: Fraction Latent

This field is a decimal number between 0.0 and 1.0 and is used to characterize the amount of
latent heat given off by hot water equipment in a zone. The number specified in this field will
be multiplied by the total energy consumed by hot water equipment to give the amount of latent
energy produced by the hot water equipment. This energy affects the moisture balance within the
zone.
488 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.13.7.1.10 Field: Fraction Radiant

This field is a decimal number between 0.0 and 1.0 and is used to characterize the amount of
long-wave radiant heat being given off by hot water equipment in a zone. The number specified
in this field will be multiplied by the total energy consumed by hot water equipment to give the
amount of long wavelength radiation gain from hot water equipment in a zone.

1.13.7.1.11 Field: Fraction Lost

This field is a decimal number between 0.0 and 1.0 and is used to characterize the amount of
“lost” heat being given off by hot water equipment in a zone. The number specified in this field
will be multiplied by the total energy consumed by hot water equipment to give the amount of
heat which is “lost” and does not impact the zone energy balances. This might correspond to input
energy converted to mechanical work or heat that is vented to the atmosphere.

1.13.7.1.12 Field: End-Use Subcategory

Allows you to specify a user-defined end-use subcategory, e.g., “Cooking”, “Clothes Drying”,
etc. A new meter for reporting is created for each unique subcategory (ref: Output:Meter obejct).
Subcategories are also reported in the ABUPS table. If this field is omitted or blank, the equipment
will be assigned to the “General” end-use subcategory.
IDF Examples:
HotWaterEquipment ,
SPACE2 -1 HWEq 1, !- Name
SPACE2 -1, !- Zone Name
EQUIP -1, !- SCHEDULE Name
EquipmentLevel , !- Design Level calculation method
300, !- Design Level {W}
, !- Power per Zone Floor Area {watts/m2}
, !- Power per Person {watts/person}
0.2, !- Fraction Latent
0.1, !- Fraction Radiant
0.5, !- Fraction Lost
Dishwashing; !- End -Use Subcategory

Global Hot Water Equipment example:

ZoneList ,OfficeZones ,Left Fork , Middle Fork , Right Fork;

HotWaterEquipment ,
Office Zones with HoWater Equipment ,!- Name
OfficeZones , !- Zone Name
HotWater Eq Sch , !- Schedule Name
Watts/Area , !- Design Level Calculation Method
, !- Design Level {W}
50, !- Power per Zone Floor Area {W/m2}
, !- Power per Person {W/Person}
0.0000000E+00, !- Fraction Latent
0.3000000 , !- Fraction Radiant
0.0000000E+00; !- Fraction Lost

1.13.8 SteamEquipment
The object models steam equipment in the zone which consumes district heating, such as cooking
equipment or process loads. All of the energy consumed by the equipment becomes a heat gain
in the zone or is lost (exhausted) as specified below. This object consumes district heating energy
directly and does not cause a load on a steam plant loop.
1.13. GROUP – INTERNAL GAINS 489

1.13.8.1 Inputs
1.13.8.1.1 Field: Name
The name of the SteamEquipment object.

1.13.8.1.2 Field: Zone or ZoneList Name

This field is the name of the thermal zone (ref: Zone) and attaches a particular steam equipment
statement to a thermal zone or set of thermal zones in the building. When the ZoneList option is
used then this steam equipment definition is applied to each of the zones in the zone list effecting
a global definition for the amount of steam in the zone. This option can be used effectively with
the watts/area and watts/person options of the Design Level Calculation Method.

1.13.8.1.3 Field: Schedule Name

This field is the name of the schedule that modifies the design level parameter for steam equip-
ment (see Design Level Calculation Method field and related subsequent fields). The schedule
values can be any positive number. The actual energy input for steam equipment in a zone as
defined by this statement is the product of the design level field and the value of the schedule
specified by name in this field.

1.13.8.1.4 Field: Design Level Calculation Method

This field is a key/choice field that tells which of the next three fields are filled and is descriptive
of the method for calculating the nominal steam equipment level in the Zone. The key/choices are:

• EquipmentLevel

With this choice, the method used will be a straight insertion of the steam equipment level
(Watts) for the Zone. (The Design Level field should be filled.)

• Watts/Area or Power/Area

With this choice, the method used will be a factor per floor area of the zone. (The Power per
Zone Floor Area field should be filled).

• Watts/Person or Power/Person

With this choice, the method used will be a factor of equipment level (watts) per person. (The
Power per Person field should be filled).

1.13.8.1.5 Field: Design Level

This field (in Watts) is typically used to represent the maximum energy input to steam equip-
ment in a zone that is then multiplied by a schedule fraction (see previous field). In EnergyPlus,
this is slightly more flexible in that the steam equipment design level could be a “diversity factor”
applied to a schedule of real numbers. Note that while the schedule value can vary from hour to
hour, the design level field is constant for all simulation environments.

1.13.8.1.6 Field: Power per Zone Floor Area

This factor (watts/m2 ) is used, along with the Zone Area to determine the maximum equip-
ment level as described in the Design Level field. The choice from the method field should be
“Watts/Area” or “Power/Area”.
490 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.13.8.1.7 Field: Power per Person

This factor (watts/person) is used, along with the number of occupants (people) to determine
the maximum equipment level as described in the Design Level field. The choice from the method
field should be “Watts/Person” or “Power/Person”.

1.13.8.1.8 Heat Gains from Steam Equipment:

The fuel input to the equipment ultimately appears as heat that contributes to zone loads. In
EnergyPlus this heat is divided into four different fractions. Three of these are given by the input
fields Fraction Latent, Fraction Radiant and Fraction Lost. A fourth, defined as the fraction of the
heat from steam equipment convected to the zone air, is calculated by the program as:

fconvected = 1.0 − (FractionLatent + FractionRadiant + FractionLost) (1.25)

You will get an error message if Fraction Latent + Fraction Radiant + Fraction Lost exceeds
1.0.

1.13.8.1.9 Field: Fraction Latent

This field is a decimal number between 0.0 and 1.0 and is used to characterize the amount
of latent heat given off by steam equipment in a zone. The number specified in this field will be
multiplied by the total energy consumed by steam equipment to give the amount of latent energy
produced by the steam equipment. This energy affects the moisture balance within the zone.

1.13.8.1.10 Field: Fraction Radiant

This field is a decimal number between 0.0 and 1.0 and is used to characterize the amount of
long-wave radiant heat being given off by steam equipment in a zone. The number specified in this
field will be multiplied by the total energy consumed by steam equipment to give the amount of
long wavelength radiation gain from steam equipment in a zone.

1.13.8.1.11 Field: Fraction Lost

This field is a decimal number between 0.0 and 1.0 and is used to characterize the amount of
“lost” heat being given off by steam equipment in a zone. The number specified in this field will
be multiplied by the total energy consumed by steam equipment to give the amount of heat which
is “lost” and does not impact the zone energy balances. This might correspond to input energy
converted to mechanical work or heat that is vented to the atmosphere.

1.13.8.1.12 Field: End-Use Subcategory

Allows you to specify a user-defined end-use subcategory, e.g., “Cooking”, “Clothes Drying”,
etc. A new meter for reporting is created for each unique subcategory (ref: Output:Meter objects).
Subcategories are also reported in the ABUPS table. If this field is omitted or blank, the equipment
will be assigned to the “General” end-use subcategory.
IDF Examples:

SteamEquipment ,
SPACE4 -1 ElecEq 1, !- Name
SPACE4 -1, !- Zone Name
EQUIP -1, !- SCHEDULE Name
EquipmentLevel , !- Design Level calculation method
1050, !- Design Level {W}
, !- Power per Zone Floor Area {watts/m2}
, !- Power per Person {watts/person}
1.13. GROUP – INTERNAL GAINS 491

0.5, !- Fraction Latent

0.3, !- Fraction Radiant
0, !- Fraction Lost
Laundry; !- End -Use Subcategory

1.13.9 SwimmingPool:Indoor
The Indoor Swimming Pool object is used to describe the indoor swimming pools that are exposed
to the internal environment. There are several rules that should be noted regarding the specification
of an indoor pool in EnergyPlus. First, the pool is linked to a surface that must be a floor. The
pool is assumed to cover the entire floor to which it is linked. If the pool only covers part of the
floor in the actual building, then the user must break the floor up into multiple sections.
As pools attempt to achieve a particular water temperature and have a variety of heat losses,
heating equipment is necessary to maintain the proper setpoint temperature. In EnergyPlus, the
pool itself becomes part of the demand side of a plant loop with heating equipment on the supply
side providing whatever heating is needed to maintain the desired temperature. This heating
equipment as well as the loop connections must be entered separately and the input shown in this
section only details what is needed to specify the pool itself.
The following information is useful for defining and modeling an indoor pool in EnergyPlus. For
more information on the algorithm used for this model or details on some of the input parameters,
please reference the indoor pool section of the EnergyPlus Engineering Reference document.

1.13.9.1 Inputs
1.13.9.1.1 Field: Name
This is a unique name associated with the indoor swimming pool.

1.13.9.1.2 Field: Surface Name

This is the name of the surface (floor) where the pool is located. Pools are not allowed on any
surfaces other than a floor.

1.13.9.1.3 Field: Average Depth

This field is the average depth of the pool in meters. If the pool has variable depth, the average
depth should be specified to achieve the proper volume of water in the pool.

1.13.9.1.4 Field: Activity Factor Schedule Name

This field references a schedule that contains values for pool activity. This parameter can be
varied using the schedule named here, and it has an impact on the amount of evaporation that will
take place from the pool to the surrounding zone air. For example values of the activity factor and
what impact it will have on the evaporation of water from the pool, please refer to indoor swimming
pool section of the EnergyPlus Engineering Reference document. If left blank, the activity factor
will be assumed to be unity.

1.13.9.1.5 Field: Make-up Water Supply Schedule Name

The scheduled named by this field establishes a cold water temperature [C] for the water that
replaces the water which is lost from the pool due to evaporation. If blank, water temperatures
are calculated by the Site:WaterMainsTemperature object. This field (even if blank) overrides the
Cold Water Supply Temperature Schedule in all of the listed WaterUse:Equipment objects.
492 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.13.9.1.6 Field: Cover Schedule Name

This schedule defines when the pool water cover is available and affects the evaporation, convec-
tion, and radiation rate calculations. A schedule value of 0.0 means that the pool is not covered.
A schedule value of 1.0 means the pool is 100% covered. The pool may be fully covered, fully
open (uncovered), or partially covered (a value between 0.0 and 1.0). The user also has the option
to control the evaporation, convection, short-wavelength radiation, and long-wavelength radiation
factors when the pool is covered. These terms are discussed in the next four fields.

1.13.9.1.7 Field: Cover Evaporation Factor

This input field can optionally be used to modify the pool evaporation rate and is used in
conjunction with the pool cover factor defined by the Pool Cover Schedule field (see above). The
value for this parameter can normally range from 0.0 to 1.0, where 1 means that the pool cover
completely eliminates evaporation from the pool surface, 0 means the pool cover has no effect on
evaporation, and fractions in between 0 and 1 result in a fractional reduction in evaporation by
the pool cover. So, if this parameter is 0.5 and the pool is 50% covered, the overall reduction in
evaporation from a fully uncovered pool is 25% or 0.25.

1.13.9.1.8 Field: Cover Convection Factor

This input field can optionally be used to modify the pool convection rate and is used in
conjunction with the pool cover factor defined by the Pool Cover Schedule field (see above). The
value for this parameter can normally range from 0.0 to 1.0, where 1 means that the pool cover
completely eliminates convection from the pool surface, 0 means the pool cover has no effect on
convection, and fractions in between 0 and 1 result in a fractional reduction in convection by the
pool cover. So, if this parameter is 0.5 and the pool is 50% covered, the overall reduction in
convection from a fully uncovered pool is 25% or 0.25.

1.13.9.1.9 Field: Cover Short-Wavelength Radiation Factor

This input field can optionally be used to modify the pool short-wavelength radiation rate and
is used in conjunction with the pool cover factor defined by the Pool Cover Schedule field (see
above). The value for this parameter can normally range from 0.0 to 1.0, where 1 means that the
pool cover completely eliminates short-wavelength radiation from the pool surface, 0 means the
pool cover has no effect on short-wavelength radiation, and fractions in between 0 and 1 result in a
fractional reduction in short-wavelength radiation by the pool cover. So, if this parameter is 0.5 and
the pool is 50% covered, the overall reduction in short-wavelength radiation from a fully uncovered
pool is 25% or 0.25. Note that with radiation terms that whatever portion of the short-wavelength
radiation is blocked by the cover is transferred via convection to the surrounding zone air.

1.13.9.1.10 Field: Cover Long-Wavelength Radiation Factor

This input field can optionally be used to modify the pool long-wavelength radiation rate and
is used in conjunction with the pool cover factor defined by the Pool Cover Schedule field (see
above). The value for this parameter can normally range from 0.0 to 1.0, where 1 means that
the pool cover completely eliminates long-wavelength radiation from the pool surface, 0 means the
pool cover has no effect on long-wavelength radiation, and fractions in between 0 and 1 result in a
fractional reduction in long-wavelength radiation by the pool cover. So, if this parameter is 0.5 and
the pool is 50% covered, the overall reduction in long-wavelength radiation from a fully uncovered
pool is 25% or 0.25. Note that with radiation terms that whatever portion of the long-wavelength
radiation is blocked by the cover is transferred via convection to the surrounding zone air.
1.13. GROUP – INTERNAL GAINS 493

1.13.9.1.11 Field: Pool Water Inlet Node

This input is the name of the node on the demand side of a plant loop that leads into the pool.
From the standpoint of an EnergyPlus input file, the pool sits on a plant demand loop, and the
pump and heater reside on the plant supply loop. The pool heater and pump must be defined by
other existing EnergyPlus input.

1.13.9.1.12 Field: Pool Water Outlet Node

This input is the name of the node on the demand side of a plant loop that leads out of the
pool. From the standpoint of an EnergyPlus input file, the pool sits on a plant demand loop, and
the pump and heater reside on the plant supply loop. The pool heater and pump must be defined
by other existing EnergyPlus input.

1.13.9.1.13 Field: Pool Water Maximum Flow Rate

This input is the maximum water volumetric flow rate in m3/s going between the pool and the
water heating equipment. This along with the pool setpoint temperature and the heating plant
equipment outlet temperature will establish the maximum heat addition to the pool. This flow
rate to the pool will be varied in an attempt to reach the desired pool water setpoint temperature
(see Setpoint Temperature Schedule below).

1.13.9.1.14 Field: Pool Miscellaneous Equipment Power

This input defines the power consumption rate of miscellaneous equipment such as the filtering
and chlorination technology associated with the pool. The units for this input are in power con-
sumption per flow rate of water through the pool from the heater or W/(kg/s). This field will be
multiplied by the flow rate of water through the pool to determine the power consumption of this
equipment. Any heat generated by this equipment is assumed to have no effect on the pool water
itself.

1.13.9.1.15 Field: Setpoint Temperature Schedule

Pools attempt to maintain a particular water temperature. In EnergyPlus, this field defines the
setpoint temperature for the desired pool water temperature. It is input as a schedule to allow the
user to vary the pool setpoint temperature as desired. The equipment defined to provide heating
for the pool will deliver the necessary hot water to the pool, up to the capacity of that equipment
defined by other input by the user.

1.13.9.1.16 Field: Maximum Number of People

This field defines the maximum occupancy of people actually in the pool and thus will be used
with the next two inputs to determine how much heat people contribute to the pool heat balance.
People who are not in the pool should be modeled separately using the standard People description
for zones.

1.13.9.1.17 Field: People Schedule

This field defines a schedule that establishes how many people are in the pool at any given time.
The current value of this schedule is multiplied by the maximum number of people in the previous
field determines how many people are currently in the pool.
494 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.13.9.1.18 Field: People Heat Gain Schedule

This field defines the amount of heat given off by an average person in the pool in Watts. This
field is a schedule so that this heat gain can be allowed to vary as the type of activity in a pool
can vary greatly and thus the amount of heat gain per person also varies. This parameter times
the number of people in the pool determines how much heat is added to the pool. All heat given
off by people is added to the heat balance of the pool water.
An example of an indoor swimming pool definition is:

SwimmingPool:Indoor ,
Test Pool , !- Name
F1 -1, !- Surface Name
1.5, !- Average Depth {m}
PoolActivitySched , !- Pool Activity Schedule
MakeUpWaterSched , !- MakeUp Water Temperature Schedule
PoolCoverSched , !- Pool Cover Schedule
0.0, !- Cover Evaporation Factor
0.2, !- Cover Convection Factor
0.9, !- Cover Short -Wavelength Radiation Factor
0.5, !- Cover Long -Wavelength Radiation Factor
Pool Water Inlet Node , !- Water Inlet Node (Plant/Heater)
Pool Water Outlet Node , !- Water Outlet Node (Plant/Heater)
0.1, !- Maximum flow rate from water heating system {m3/s}
0.6, !- Miscellaneous Equipment Power Factor
PoolSetpointTempSched , !- Pool Water Setpoint Temperature Schedule
15, !- Maximum Number of People in Pool
PoolOccupancySched , !- Pool People Schedule
PoolOccHeatGainSched ; !- Pool People Heat Gain Schedule

1.13.9.2 Outputs
• HVAC, Average, Indoor Pool Makeup Water Rate [m3/s]
• HVAC, Sum, Indoor Pool Makeup Water Volume [m3]
• HVAC, Average, Indoor Pool Makeup Water Temperature [C]
• HVAC, Average, Indoor Pool Water Temperature [C]
• HVAC, Average, Indoor Pool Inlet Water Temperature [C]
• HVAC, Average, Indoor Pool Inlet Water Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
• HVAC, Average, Indoor Pool Miscellaneous Equipment Power [W]
• HVAC, Sum, Indoor Pool Miscellaneous Equipment Energy [J]
• HVAC, Average, Indoor Pool Heating Rate [W]
• HVAC, Sum, Indoor Pool Heating Energy [J]
• HVAC, Average, Indoor Pool Radiant to Convection by Cover [W]
• HVAC, Average, Indoor Pool People Heat Gain [W]
• HVAC, Average, Indoor Pool Current Activity Factor []
• HVAC, Average, Indoor Pool Current Cover Factor []
• HVAC, Average, Indoor Pool Evaporative Heat Loss Rate [W]
• HVAC, Sum, Indoor Pool Evaporative Heat Loss Energy [J]

1.13.9.2.1 Indoor Pool Makeup Water Rate [m3/s]

The water consumption rate for the makeup water of indoor swimming pool.

1.13.9.2.2 Indoor Pool Makeup Water Volume [m3]

The water consumption for the makeup water of indoor swimming pool.
1.13. GROUP – INTERNAL GAINS 495

1.13.9.2.3 Indoor Pool Makeup Water Temperature [C]

The temperature of the makeup water of indoor swimming pool.

1.13.9.2.4 Indoor Pool Water Temperature [C]

The average calculated pool water temperature during the simulation at the time frequency
requested.

1.13.9.2.5 Indoor Pool Inlet Water Temperature [C]

The temperature of the water being sent to the pool from the plant heating equipment.

1.13.9.2.6 Indoor Pool Inlet Water Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

The mass flow rate of water being sent to the pool from the plant heating equipment. Typically
this water is being passed through a heater and miscellaneous equipment.

1.13.9.2.7 Indoor Pool Miscellaneous Equipment Power [W]

The miscellaneous equipment power includes the power consumption of pool filter and chlori-
nator in Watts.

1.13.9.2.8 Indoor Pool Miscellaneous Equipment Energy [J]

The miscellaneous equipment power consumption includes the energy consumption of pool filter
and chlorinator in Joules.

1.13.9.2.9 Indoor Pool Heating Rate [W]

This is the rate of heating provided by the plant loop to the pool in Watts.

1.13.9.2.10 Indoor Pool Heating Energy [J]

This is the amount of heating provided by the plant loop to the pool in Joules over the time
step requested.

1.13.9.2.11 Indoor Pool Radiant to Convection by Cover [W]

The pool cover may block some or all of short- and long-wavelength radiation incident on the
pool. To account for this and to not have the cover result in energy that is not accounted for by
the model, the radiation that is blocked by the cover is converted to a convective gain (or loss)
to/from the zone air. This output field reports this value.

1.13.9.2.12 Indoor Pool Current Activity Factor []

This is the current activity factor as defined by the user input schedule.

1.13.9.2.13 Indoor Pool Current Cover Factor []

This is the current cover factor as defined by the user input schedule.

1.13.9.2.14 Indoor Pool Evaporative Heat Loss Rate [W]

This is the rate of evaporative heat loss (latent) to the zone from the pool in Watts.
496 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.13.9.2.15 Indoor Pool Evaporative Heat Loss Energy [J]

This is the amount of evaporative heat loss (latent) to the zone from the pool in in Joules over
the time step requested.

1.13.10 OtherEquipment
Other Equipment object is provided as an additional source for heat gains or losses directly to the
zone. That is to say, a loss can be entered by putting a negative value into the Design Level
field(s). Note, too, that this object does not have an end-use component – gains or losses do not
show up in the bottom energy lines (except as influencing overall zone gains or losses).

1.13.10.1 Inputs
1.13.10.1.1 Field: Name
The name of the OtherEquipment object.

1.13.10.1.2 Field: Zone or ZoneList Name

This field is the name of the thermal zone (ref: Zone) and attaches a particular other equipment
statement to a thermal zone or set of thermal zones in the building. When the ZoneList option is
used then this other equipment definition is applied to each of the zones in the zone list effecting a
global definition for the amount of other in the zone. This option can be used effectively with the
watts/area and watts/person options of the Design Level Calculation Method.

1.13.10.1.3 Field: Schedule Name

This field is the name of the schedule that modifies the design level parameter for other equip-
ment (see Design Level Calculation Method field and related subsequent fields). The schedule values
can be any positive number. The actual energy input for other equipment in a zone as defined by
this statement is the product of the design level field and the value of the schedule specified by
name in this field.

1.13.10.1.4 Field: Design Level Calculation Method

This field is a key/choice field that tells which of the next three fields are filled and is descriptive
of the method for calculating the nominal other equipment level in the Zone. The key/choices are:

• EquipmentLevel

With this choice, the method used will be a straight insertion of the other equipment level
(Watts) for the Zone. (The Design Level field should be filled.)

• Watts/Area or Power/Area

With this choice, the method used will be a factor per floor area of the zone. (The Power per
Zone Floor Area field should be filled).

• Watts/Person or Power/Person

With this choice, the method used will be a factor of equipment level (watts) per person. (The
Power per Person field should be filled).
1.13. GROUP – INTERNAL GAINS 497

1.13.10.1.5 Field: Design Level

This field (in Watts) is typically used to represent the maximum energy input to other equipment
in a zone that is then multiplied by a schedule fraction (see previous field). In EnergyPlus, this is
slightly more flexible in that the other equipment design level could be a “diversity factor” applied
to a schedule of real numbers. This value can be negative to denote a loss. Note that while the
schedule value can vary from hour to hour, the design level field is constant for all simulation
environments.

1.13.10.1.6 Field: Power per Zone Floor Area

This factor (watts/m2 ) is used, along with the Zone Area to determine the maximum equipment
level as described in the Design Level field. This value can be negative to denote a loss. The choice
from the method field should be “Watts/Area” or “Power/Area”.

1.13.10.1.7 Field: Power per Person

This factor (watts/person) is used, along with the number of occupants (people) to determine
the maximum equipment level as described in the Design Level field. This value can be negative to
denote a loss. The choice from the method field should be “Watts/Person” or “Power/Person”.

1.13.10.1.8 Heat Gains/Losses from Other Equipment:

The fuel input to the equipment ultimately appears as heat that contributes to zone loads. In
EnergyPlus this heat is divided into four different fractions. Three of these are given by the input
fields Fraction Latent, Fraction Radiant and Fraction Lost. A fourth, defined as the fraction of the
heat from other equipment convected to the zone air, is calculated by the program as:

fconvected = 1.0 − (FractionLatent + FractionRadiant + FractionLost) (1.26)

You will get an error message if FractionLatent + FractionRadiant + FractionLost exceeds 1.0.

1.13.10.1.9 Field: Fraction Latent

This field is a decimal number between 0.0 and 1.0 and is used to characterize the amount
of latent heat given off by other equipment in a zone. The number specified in this field will be
multiplied by the total energy consumed by other equipment to give the amount of latent energy
produced by the other equipment. This energy affects the moisture balance within the zone.

1.13.10.1.10 Field: Fraction Radiant

This field is a decimal number between 0.0 and 1.0 and is used to characterize the amount of
long-wave radiant heat being given off by other equipment in a zone. The number specified in this
field will be multiplied by the total energy consumed by other equipment to give the amount of
long wavelength radiation gain from other equipment in a zone.

1.13.10.1.11 Field: Fraction Lost

This field is a decimal number between 0.0 and 1.0 and is used to characterize the amount of
“lost” heat being given off by other equipment in a zone. The number specified in this field will
be multiplied by the total energy consumed by other equipment to give the amount of heat which
is “lost” and does not impact the zone energy balances. This might correspond to input energy
converted to mechanical work or heat that is vented to the atmosphere.
IDF Examples
498 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

OtherEquipment ,
BASE -1 OthEq 1, !- Name
BASE -1, !- Zone Name
ALWAYSON , !- SCHEDULE Name
EquipmentLevel , !- Design Level calculation method
6766. , !- Design Level {W}
, !- Power per Zone Floor Area {watts/m2}
, !- Power per Person {watts/person}
0, !- Fraction Latent
0.3, !- Fraction Radiant
0; !- Fraction Lost

1.13.10.2 Outputs
Each type of equipment object has output variables for individual objects and for zone totals.
Electric Equipment

• Zone,Average,Electric Equipment Electric Power [W]

• Zone,Sum,Electric Equipment Electric Energy [J]

• Zone,Sum,Electric Equipment Radiant Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Electric Equipment Radiant Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Electric Equipment Convective Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Electric Equipment Convective Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Electric Equipment Latent Gain Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Electric Equipment Latent Gain Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Electric Equipment Lost Heat Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Electric Equipment Lost Heat Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Electric Equipment Total Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Electric Equipment Total Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Average,Zone Electric Equipment Electric Power [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Electric Equipment Electric Energy [J]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Electric Equipment Radiant Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Zone Electric Equipment Radiant Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Electric Equipment Convective Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Zone Electric Equipment Convective Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Electric Equipment Latent Gain Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Zone Electric Equipment Latent Gain Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Electric Equipment Lost Heat Energy [J]

1.13. GROUP – INTERNAL GAINS 499

• Zone,Average,Zone Electric Equipment Lost Heat Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Electric Equipment Total Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Zone Electric Equipment Total Heating Rate [W]

Gas Equipment

• Zone,Average,Gas Equipment Gas Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Gas Equipment Gas Energy [J]

• Zone,Sum,Gas Equipment Radiant Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Sum,Gas Equipment Convective Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Sum,Gas Equipment Latent Gain Energy [J]

• Zone,Sum,Gas Equipment Lost Heat Energy [J]

• Zone,Sum,Gas Equipment Total Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Gas Equipment Radiant Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Average,Gas Equipment Convective Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Average,Gas Equipment Latent Gain Rate [W]

• Zone,Average,Gas Equipment Lost Heat Rate [W]

• Zone,Average,Gas Equipment Total Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Average,Zone Gas Equipment Gas Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Gas Equipment Gas Energy [J]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Gas Equipment Radiant Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Zone Gas Equipment Radiant Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Gas Equipment Convective Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Zone Gas Equipment Convective Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Gas Equipment Latent Gain Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Zone Gas Equipment Latent Gain Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Gas Equipment Lost Heat Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Zone Gas Equipment Lost Heat Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Gas Equipment Total Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Zone Gas Equipment Total Heating Rate [W]

HotWater Equipment
500 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• Zone,Average,Hot Water Equipment District Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Hot Water Equipment District Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Sum,Hot Water Equipment Radiant Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Hot Water Equipment Radiant Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Hot Water Equipment Convective Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Hot Water Equipment Convective Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Hot Water Equipment Latent Gain Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Hot Water Equipment Latent Gain Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Hot Water Equipment Lost Heat Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Hot Water Equipment Lost Heat Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Hot Water Equipment Total Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Hot Water Equipment Total Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Average,Zone Hot Water Equipment District Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Hot Water Equipment District Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Hot Water Equipment Radiant Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Zone Hot Water Equipment Radiant Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Hot Water Equipment Convective Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Zone Hot Water Equipment Convective Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Hot Water Equipment Latent Gain Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Zone Hot Water Equipment Latent Gain Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Hot Water Equipment Lost Heat Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Zone Hot Water Equipment Lost Heat Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Hot Water Equipment Total Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Zone Hot Water Equipment Total Heating Rate [W]

Steam Equipment

• Zone,Average,Steam Equipment District Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Steam Equipment District Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Sum,Steam Equipment Radiant Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Steam Equipment Radiant Heating Rate [W]

1.13. GROUP – INTERNAL GAINS 501

• Zone,Sum,Steam Equipment Convective Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Steam Equipment Convective Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Steam Equipment Latent Gain Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Steam Equipment Latent Gain Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Steam Equipment Lost Heat Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Steam Equipment Lost Heat Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Steam Equipment Total Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Steam Equipment Total Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Average,Zone Steam Equipment District Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Steam Equipment District Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Steam Equipment Radiant Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Zone Steam Equipment Radiant Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Steam Equipment Convective Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Zone Steam Equipment Convective Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Steam Equipment Latent Gain Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Zone Steam Equipment Latent Gain Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Steam Equipment Lost Heat Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Zone Steam Equipment Lost Heat Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Steam Equipment Total Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Zone Steam Equipment Total Heating Rate [W]

Other Equipment

• Zone,Sum,Other Equipment Radiant Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Other Equipment Radiant Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Other Equipment Convective Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Other Equipment Convective Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Other Equipment Latent Gain Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Other Equipment Latent Gain Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Other Equipment Lost Heat Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Other Equipment Lost Heat Rate [W]

502 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• Zone,Sum,Other Equipment Total Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Other Equipment Total Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Other Equipment Radiant Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Zone Other Equipment Radiant Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Other Equipment Convective Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Zone Other Equipment Convective Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Other Equipment Latent Gain Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Zone Other Equipment Latent Gain Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Other Equipment Lost Heat Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Zone Other Equipment Lost Heat Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Other Equipment Total Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Zone Other Equipment Total Heating Rate [W]

1.13.10.2.1 Electric Equipment Electric Power [W]

1.13.10.2.2 Electric Equipment Electric Energy [J]

The electric equipment electric power consumption in Watts (for power) or Joules (for energy).
It is the sum of the radiant, convective, latent and lost components. This energy use is added to
the electricity meters that are associated with the zone – Electricity:Facility, Electricity:Buidling,
Electricity:Zone:<Zone Name>, InteriorEquipment:Electricity: :Zone:<Zone Name>, and <End-
Use Subcategory>:InteriorEquipment:Electricity.

1.13.10.2.3 Gas Equipment Gas Rate [W]

1.13.10.2.4 Gas Equipment Gas Energy [J]

The gas equipment natural gas consumption in Watts (for power) or Joules (for energy).
It is the sum of the radiant, convective, latent and lost components. This energy use is
added to the electricity meters that are associated with the zone – Gas:Facility, Gas:Buidling,
Gas:Zone:<Zone Name>, InteriorEquipment:Gas: :Zone:<Zone Name>, and <End-Use Subcate-
gory>:InteriorEquipment:Gas.

1.13.10.2.5 Hot Water Equipment District Heating Rate [W]

1.13.10.2.6 Hot Water Equipment District Heating Energy [J]

The hot water equipment district heating consumption in Watts (for power) or Joules (for en-
ergy). It is the sum of the radiant, convective, latent and lost components. This energy use is
added to the district heating meters that are associated with the zone – DistrictHeating:Facility,
DistrictHeating:Buidling, DistrictHeating:Zone:<Zone Name>, InteriorEquipment: DistrictHeat-
ing: :Zone:<Zone Name>, and <End-Use Subcategory>:InteriorEquipment: DistrictHeating.
1.13. GROUP – INTERNAL GAINS 503

1.13.10.2.7 Steam Equipment District Heating Rate [W]

1.13.10.2.8 Steam Equipment District Heating Energy [J]

The steam equipment district heating consumption in Watts (for power) or Joules (for energy).
It is the sum of the radiant, convective, latent and lost components. This energy use is added
to the district heating meters that are associated with the zone – DistrictHeating:Facility, Dis-
trictHeating:Buidling, DistrictHeating:Zone:<Zone Name>, InteriorEquipment: DistrictHeating:
:Zone:<Zone Name>, and <End-Use Subcategory>:InteriorEquipment: DistrictHeating.
Note that zone energy consumption is not reported for OTHER EQUIPMENT and does not
go on any meter.

1.13.11 ElectricEquipment:ITE:AirCooled
This object describes air-cooled electric information technology equipment (ITE) which has variable
power consumption as a function of loading and temperature.

1.13.11.1 Inputs
1.13.11.1.1 Field: Name
The name of this object.

1.13.11.1.2 Field: Zone Name

This field is the name of the thermal zone (ref: Zone) which contains this ElectricEquip-
ment:ITE:AirCooled object.

1.13.11.1.3 Field: Design Power Input Calculation Method

This field is a key/choice field that tells which of the next two fields are filled and is descriptive
of the method for calculating the nominal electric power input to the ITE. The key/choices are:
Watts/Unit
With this choice, the design power input will be the product of Design Level per Unit and
Number of Units. (Both of these fields should be filled.) This is the default.
Watts/Area
With this choice, the design power input will be a factor per floor area of the zone. (The Watts
per Zone Floor Area field should be filled).

1.13.11.1.4 Field: Watts per Unit

This field (in Watts) is typically used to represent the design electrical power input to the ITE
when fully loaded and the entering air temperatures is at the specified design value. This field is
used if the choice from the method field is “EquipmentLevel”.

1.13.11.1.5 Field: Number of Units

This field is multiplied times the Design Level per Unit to determine the design electrical power
input to this ITE object when fully loaded and the entering air temperature is at the specified
design value. This field is used if the choice from the method field is “EquipmentLevel”. The
default is 1.
504 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.13.11.1.6 Field: Watts per Zone Floor Area

This factor (Watts/m2) is used, along with the Zone Area to determine the design electrical
power input as described in the Design Level field above. This field is used if the choice from the
method field is “Watts/Area”.

1.13.11.1.7 Field: Design Power Input Schedule Name

This field is the name of the operating schedule that modifies the design level power input for
this equipment This schedule specifies the fraction (typically 0.0 to 1.0) of this equipment which is
available (powered up), regardless of CPU utilization. If this field is blank, the schedule is assumed
to always be 1.0.

1.13.11.1.8 Field: CPU Loading Schedule Name

This field is the name of the schedule that specifies the CPU loading for this equipment as a
fraction from 0.0 (idle) to 1.0 (full load). If this field is blank, the schedule is assumed to always
be 1.0.

1.13.11.1.9 Field: CPU Power Input Function of Loading and Air Temperature
Curve Name
The name of a two-variable curve or table lookup object which modifies the CPU power input
as a function of CPU loading (x) and air inlet node temperature (y). This curve (table) should
equal 1.0 at design conditions (CPU loading = 1.0 and Design Entering Air Temperature).

1.13.11.1.10 Field: Design Fan Power Input Fraction

This field is a decimal number between 0.0 and 1.0 and is used to specify the fraction of the
total power input at design conditions which is for the cooling fan(s). If fan power data is not
available, set this fraction to 0.0. The default is 0.0.

1.13.11.1.11 Field: Design Fan Air Flow Rate per Power Input
Specifies the cooling fan air flow rate in m3/s per Watt of total electric power input at design
conditions (CPU loading = 1.0 and Design Entering Air Temperature).
This is normalized by power input to allow the design power input to be changed without
needing to change this value.

1.13.11.1.12 Field: Air Flow Function of Loading and Air Temperature Curve
Name
The name of a two-variable curve or table lookup object which modifies the cooling air flow
rate as a function of CPU loading (x) and air inlet node temperature (y). This curve (table) should
equal 1.0 at design conditions (CPU loading = 1.0 and Design Entering Air Temperature).

1.13.11.1.13 Field: Fan Power Input Function of Flow Curve Name

The name of a single-variable curve or table lookup object which modifies the fan power input
as a function of airflow fraction (x). This curve (table) should equal 1.0 at the design air flow rate
(flow fraction = 1.0).

1.13.11.1.14 Field: Design Entering Air Temperature

Specifies the entering air temperature in deg. C at design conditions. The default is 15C.
1.13. GROUP – INTERNAL GAINS 505

1.13.11.1.15 Field: Environmental Class

Specifies the allowable operating conditions for the air inlet conditions. The available inputs
are A1, A2, A3, A4, B, C, or None. This is used to report the “ITE Air Inlet Operating Range
Exceeded Time” If None is specified (the default), then no reporting of time outside allowable
conditions will be done.

1.13.11.1.16 Field: Air Inlet Connection Type

Specifies the type of connection between the zone and the ITE air inlet node. The choices are:
AdjustedSupply = This option is used to apply a recirculation adjustment to the ITE inlet
conditions. If this option is specified, then the Supply Air Node Name is required and the air inlet
temperature to the ITE will be the current supply air node temperature adjusted by the current
recirculation fraction. All heat output is added to the zone air heat balance as a convective gain.
AdjustedSupply is the default.
ZoneAirNode = This option is used if there is no containment and the ITE air inlet node is at
the average zone condition. All heat output is added to the zone air heat balance as a convective
gain.
RoomAirModel = This option connects the ITE air inlet and outlet nodes to a room air model
(Ref. RoomAirModelType and RoomAir:Node).

1.13.11.1.17 Field: Air Inlet Room Air Model Node Name

Specifies the name of a room air model node (ref. RoomAir:Node) which is the air inlet to this
equipment. This field is required if the Air Node Connection Type = RoomAirModel.

1.13.11.1.18 Field: Air Outlet Room Air Model Node Name

Specifies the node name of a room air model node (ref. RoomAir:Node) which is the air outlet
from this equipment. This field is required if the Air Node Connection Type = RoomAirModel.

1.13.11.1.19 Field: Supply Air Node Name

Specifies the node name of the supply air inlet node service this ITE. If the Air Node Connection
Type = AdjustedSupply ,then this field is required, and the conditions at this node will be used to
determine the ITE air inlet conditions. This field is also required if reporting of the Supply Heat
Index is desired.

1.13.11.1.20 Field: Design Recirculation Fraction

Specifies the recirculation fraction for this equipment at design conditions. This field is used
only if the Air Node Connection Type = AdjustedSupply. The recirculation fraction is defined as
the ratio of recirculated air flow to total air flow entering the ITE. Recirculation is dependent upon
many factors including rack and containment configuration. The default is 0.0 (no recirculation).

1.13.11.1.21 Field: Recirculation Function of Loading and Supply Temperature

Curve Name
The name of a two-variable curve or table lookup object which modifies the Design Recirculation
Fraction as a function of CPU loading (x) and supply air node temperature (y). This curve (table)
should equal 1.0 at design conditions (CPU loading = 1.0 and Design Entering Air Temperature).
This field is used only if the Air Node Connection Type = AdjustedSupply. If this curve is left
blank, then the curve is assumed to always equal 1.0.
506 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.13.11.1.22 Field: Design Electric Power Supply Efficiency

This field is a decimal number used to specify the efficiency of the power supply system serving
this ITE. The default is 1.0.

1.13.11.1.23 Field: Electric Power Supply Efficiency Function of Part Load Ra-
tio Curve Name
The name of a single-variable curve or table lookup object which modifies the electric power
supply efficiency as a function of part load ratio (x). This curve (table) should equal 1.0 at the
design power consumption (part load ratio = 1.0). If this curve is left blank, then the curve is
assumed to always equal 1.0.

1.13.11.1.24 Field: Fraction of Electric Power Supply Losses to Zone

This field is a decimal number between 0.0 and 1.0 and is used to specify the fraction of the
electric power supply losses which are a heat gain to the zone containing the ITE. If this value is
less than 1.0, the remainder of the losses are assumed to be lost to the outdoors. The default is
1.0.

1.13.11.1.25 Field: CPU End-Use Subcategory

This equipment is metered on the Interior Equipment end-use category for Electricity. This
field allows you to specify a user-defined end-use subcategory for the CPU power consumption.
A new meter for reporting is created for each unique subcategory (ref: Output:Meter object).
Subcategories are also reported in the ABUPS table. The default is ITE-CPU.

1.13.11.1.26 Field: Fan End-Use Subcategory

This equipment is metered on the Interior Equipment end-use category for Electricity. This
field allows you to specify a user-defined end-use subcategory for the fan power consumption.
A new meter for reporting is created for each unique subcategory (ref: Output:Meter object).
Subcategories are also reported in the ABUPS table. The default is ITE-Fans

1.13.11.1.27 Field: Electric Power Supply End-Use Subcategory

This equipment is metered on the Interior Equipment end-use category for Electricity. This
field allows you to specify a user-defined end-use subcategory for the electric power supply power
consumption. A new meter for reporting is created for each unique subcategory (ref: Output:Meter
object). Subcategories are also reported in the ABUPS table. The default is ITE-UPS
An IDF example:

ElectricEquipment :ITE:AirCooled ,
Data Center Servers , !- Name
Main Zone , !- Zone Name
Watts/Unit , !- Design Power Input Calculation Method
500, !- Watts per Unit {W}
200, !- Number of Units
, !- Watts per Zone Floor Area {W/m2}
Data Center Operation Schedule , !- Design Power Input Schedule Name
Data Center CPU Loading Schedule , !- CPU Loading Schedule Name
Model 5250 Power fLoadTemp , !- CPU Power Input Function of Loading and Air Temperature Curve
Name
0.4, !- Design Fan Power Input Fraction
0.0001 , !- Design Fan Air Flow Rate per Power Input {m3/s-W}
Model 5250 AifFlow fLoadTemp , !- Air Flow Function of Loading and Air Temperature Curve Name
ECM FanPower fFlow , !- Fan Power Input Function of Flow Curve Name
15, !- Design Entering Air Temperature {C}
1.13. GROUP – INTERNAL GAINS 507

A3 , !- Environmental Class
AdjustedSupply , !- Air Inlet Connection Type
, !- Air Inlet Room Air Model Node Name
, !- Air Outlet Room Air Model Node Name
Main Zone Inlet Node , !- Supply Air Node Name
0.1, !- Design Recirculation Fraction
Data Center Recirculation fLoadTemp , !- Recirculation Function of Loading and Supply
Temperature Curve Name
0.9, !- Design Electric Power Supply Efficiency
UPS Efficiency fPLR , !- Electric Power Supply Efficiency Function of Part Load Ratio Curve
Name
1, !- Fraction of Electric Power Supply Losses to Zone
ITE -CPU , !- CPU End -Use Subcategory
ITE -Fans , !- Fan End -Use Subcategory
ITE -UPS; !- Electric Power Supply End -Use Subcategory

ElectricEquipment:ITE:AirCooled Outputs
• Zone,Average,ITE CPU Electric Power [W]
• Zone,Average,ITE Fan Electric Power [W]
• Zone,Average,ITE UPS Electric Power [W]
• Zone,Average,ITE CPU Electric Power at Design Inlet Conditions [W]
• Zone,Average,ITE Fan Electric Power at Design Inlet Conditions [W]
• Zone,Average,ITE UPS Heat Gain to Zone Rate [W]
• Zone,Average,ITE Total Heat Gain to Zone Rate [W]
• Zone,Sum,ITE CPU Electric Energy [J]
• Zone,Sum,ITE Fan Electric Energy [J]
• Zone,Sum,ITE UPS Electric Energy [J]
• Zone,Sum,ITE CPU Electric Energy at Design Inlet Conditions [J]
• Zone,Sum,ITE Fan Electric Energy at Design Inlet Conditions [J]
• Zone,Sum,ITE UPS Heat Gain to Zone Energy [J]
• Zone,Sum,ITE Total Heat Gain to Zone Energy [J]
• Zone,Average,ITE Standard Density Air Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]
• Zone,Average,ITE Current Density Air Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]
• Zone,Average,ITE Air Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
• Zone,Average,ITE Air Inlet Dry-Bulb Temperature [C]
• Zone,Average,ITE Air Inlet Dewpoint Temperature [C]
• Zone,Average,ITE Air Inlet Relative Humidity [%]
• Zone,Average,ITE Air Outlet Dry-Bulb Temperature [C]
• Zone,Average,ITE Supply Heat Index []
• Zone,Sum,ITE Air Inlet Operating Range Exceeded Time [hr]
• Zone,Sum,ITE Air Inlet Dry-Bulb Temperature Above Operating Range Time [hr]
• Zone,Sum,ITE Air Inlet Dry-Bulb Temperature Below Operating Range Time [hr]
• Zone,Sum,ITE Air Inlet Dewpoint Temperature Above Operating Range Time [hr]
• Zone,Sum,ITE Air Inlet Dewpoint Temperature Below Operating Range Time [hr]
• Zone,Sum,ITE Air Inlet Relative Humidity Above Operating Range Time [hr]
• Zone,Sum,ITE Air Inlet Relative Humidity Below Operating Range Time [hr]
• Zone,Average,ITE Air Inlet Dry-Bulb Temperature Difference Above Operating Range
[deltaC]
• Zone,Average,ITE Air Inlet Dry-Bulb Temperature Difference Below Operating Range
[deltaC]
• Zone,Average,ITE Air Inlet Dewpoint Temperature Difference Above Operating Range
[deltaC]
508 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• Zone,Average,ITE Air Inlet Dewpoint Temperature Difference Below Operating Range

[deltaC]
• Zone,Average,ITE Air Inlet Relative Humidity Difference Above Operating Range [%]
• Zone,Average,ITE Air Inlet Relative Humidity Difference Below Operating Range [%]
• Zone,Average,Zone ITE CPU Electric Power [W]
• Zone,Average,Zone ITE Fan Electric Power [W]
• Zone,Average,Zone ITE UPS Electric Power [W]
• Zone,Average,Zone ITE CPU Electric Power at Design Inlet Conditions [W]
• Zone,Average,Zone ITE Fan Electric Power at Design Inlet Conditions [W]
• Zone,Average,Zone ITE UPS Heat Gain to Zone Rate [W]
• Zone,Average,Zone ITE Total Heat Gain to Zone Rate [W]
• Zone,Sum,Zone ITE CPU Electric Energy [J]
• Zone,Sum,Zone ITE Fan Electric Energy [J]
• Zone,Sum,Zone ITE UPS Electric Energy [J]
• Zone,Sum,Zone ITE CPU Electric Energy at Design Inlet Conditions [J]
• Zone,Sum,Zone ITE Fan Electric Energy at Design Inlet Conditions [J]
• Zone,Sum,Zone ITE UPS Heat Gain to Zone Energy [J]
• Zone,Sum,Zone ITE Total Heat Gain to Zone Energy [J]
• Zone,Average,Zone ITE Standard Density Air Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]
• Zone,Average,Zone ITE Air Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
• Zone,Average,Zone ITE Average Supply Heat Index []
• Zone,Sum,Zone ITE Any Air Inlet Operating Range Exceeded Time [hr]
• Zone,Sum,Zone ITE Any Air Inlet Dry-Bulb Temperature Above Operating Range Time [hr]
• Zone,Sum,Zone ITE Any Air Inlet Dry-Bulb Temperature Below Operating Range Time [hr]
• Zone,Sum,Zone ITE Any Air Inlet Dewpoint Temperature Above Operating Range Time [hr]
• Zone,Sum,Zone ITE Any Air Inlet Dewpoint Temperature Below Operating Range Time [hr]
• Zone,Sum,Zone ITE Any Air Inlet Relative Humidity Above Operating Range Time [hr]
• Zone,Sum,Zone ITE Any Air Inlet Relative Humidity Below Operating Range Time [hr]

1.13.11.1.28 Zone ITE CPU Electric Power [W]

ITE CPU Electric Power [W]

1.13.11.1.29 Zone ITE CPU Electric Energy [J]

1.13.11.1.30 ITE CPU Electric Energy [J]

The electric power (or energy) input to the ITE equipment CPU (total power input less cooling
fan power). The ITE CPU Electric Energy output is also added to a meter object with Resource
Type = Electricity, End Use Key = InteriorEquipment, Group Key = Building (Ref. Output:Meter
object).

1.13.11.1.31 Zone ITE CPU Electric Power at Design Inlet Conditions [W]

1.13.11.1.32 ITE CPU Electric Power at Design Inlet Conditions [W]

1.13.11.1.33 Zone ITE CPU Electric Energy at Design Inlet Conditions [J]
1.13. GROUP – INTERNAL GAINS 509

1.13.11.1.34 ITE CPU Electric Energy at Design Inlet Conditions [J]

The electric power (or energy) input to the ITE equipment CPU (total power input less cooling
fan power) if the air inlet temperature were held at the design condition. May be used to calculate
“IT efficiency”, the ratio of (IT energy consumed in the facility) / (IT energy that would have been
consumed in the facility if the ITE were held at the reference temperature).

1.13.11.1.35 Zone ITE Fan Electric Power [W]

1.13.11.1.36 ITE Fan Electric Power [W]

1.13.11.1.37 Zone ITE Fan Electric Energy [J]

1.13.11.1.38 ITE Fan Electric Energy [J]

The electric power (or energy) input to the ITE cooling fan. The ITE Fan Electric Energy
output is also added to a meter object with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use Key = Interi-
orEquipment, Group Key = Building (Ref. Output:Meter object).

1.13.11.1.39 Zone ITE Fan Electric Power at Design Inlet Conditions [W]

1.13.11.1.40 ITE Fan Electric Power at Design Inlet Conditions [W]

1.13.11.1.41 Zone ITE Fan Electric Energy at Design Inlet Conditions [J]

1.13.11.1.42 ITE Fan Electric Energy at Design Inlet Conditions [J]

The electric power (or energy) input to the ITE cooling fan if the air inlet temperature were
held at the design condition. May be used to calculate “IT efficiency”, the ratio of (IT energy
consumed in the facility) / (IT energy that would have been consumed in the facility if the ITE
were held at the reference temperature).

1.13.11.1.43 Zone ITE UPS Electric Power [W]

1.13.11.1.44 ITE UPS Electric Power [W]

1.13.11.1.45 Zone ITE UPS Electric Energy [J]

1.13.11.1.46 ITE UPS Electric Energy [J]

The net electric power (or energy) input to the ITE equipment UPS (total power input less
power delivered to ITE). The ITE UPS Electric Energy output is also added to a meter object with
Resource Type = Electricity, End Use Key = InteriorEquipment, Group Key = Building (Ref.
Output:Meter object).

1.13.11.1.47 Zone ITE UPS Heat Gain to Zone Rate [W]

1.13.11.1.48 ITE UPS Heat Gain to Zone Rate [W]

1.13.11.1.49 Zone ITE UPS Heat Gain to Zone Energy [J]

510 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.13.11.1.50 ITE UPS Heat Gain to Zone Energy [J]

The heat gain rate (or energy) to the zone from the UPS.

1.13.11.1.51 Zone ITE Total Heat Gain to Zone Rate [W]

1.13.11.1.52 ITE Total Heat Gain to Zone Rate [W]

1.13.11.1.53 Zone ITE Total Heat Gain to Zone Energy [J]

1.13.11.1.54 ITE Total Heat Gain to Zone Energy [J]

The heat gain rate (or energy) to the zone from the UPS and from the CPU and fans if the
ITE. Air Inlet Connection Type is AdjustedSupply or ZoneAirNode. If RoomAirModel is selected,
then only the heat gain from the UPS is added directly to the zone air heat balance, the heat gain
from the CPU and fans will be added to the ITE air Outlet Room Air Model Node

1.13.11.1.55 Zone ITE Standard Density Air Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.13.11.1.56 ITE Standard Density Air Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

Reports the average air volume flow rate through the ITE over the reporting interval. Standard
density in EnergyPlus corresponds to 20ºC dry bulb, dry air, and nominally adjusted for elevation.

1.13.11.1.57 Zone ITE Current Density Air Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.13.11.1.58 ITE Current Density Air Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

Reports the average air volume flow rate through the ITE over the reporting interval, calculated
using the current density at the air inlet node.

1.13.11.1.59 Zone ITE Air Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

1.13.11.1.60 ITE Air Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

Reports the average air mass flow rate through the ITE over the reporting interval, calculated
using the current density at the air inlet node.

1.13.11.1.61 ITE Air Inlet Dry-Bulb Temperature [C]

The dry-bulb temperature of the air entering the ITE.

1.13.11.1.62 ITE Air Inlet Dewpoint Temperature [C]

The dewpoint temperature of the air entering the ITE.

1.13.11.1.63 ITE Air Inlet Relative Humidity [%]

The dewpoint temperature of the air entering the ITE.

1.13.11.1.64 ITE Air Outlet Dry-Bulb Temperature [C]

The dry-bulb temperature of the air leaving the ITE.

1.13.11.1.65 Zone ITE Average Supply Heat Index []

1.13. GROUP – INTERNAL GAINS 511

1.13.11.1.66 ITE Supply Heat Index []

The supply heat index (SHI) for this equipment. SHI is a dimensionless measure of recirculation
of hot air into the cold air intake of the ITE. SHI = (Tin – Tsupply)/(Tout-Tsupply) where Tin is
the dry-bulb temperature of the air entering the ITE, Tout is the dry-bulb temperature of the air
leaving the ITE, and Tsupply is the dry-bulb temperature at the Supply Air Node. If a Supply Air
Node Name is not specified for this object, then this output will not be reported.

1.13.11.1.67 Zone ITE Any Air Inlet Operating Range Exceeded Time [hr]

1.13.11.1.68 ITE Air Inlet Operating Range Exceeded Time [hr]

Hours when the dry-bulb and/or dewpoint temperature of the air entering the ITE is outside
the range specified by the ITE Environmental Class.

1.13.11.1.69 Zone ITE Any Air Inlet Dry-Bulb Temperature Above Operating
Range Time [hr]

1.13.11.1.70 ITE Air Inlet Dry-Bulb Temperature Above Operating Range

Time [hr]
Hours when the dry-bulb temperature of the air entering the ITE is above the range specified
by the ITE Environmental Class.

1.13.11.1.71 ITE Air Inlet Dry-Bulb Temperature Difference Above Operating

Range [deltaC]
The temperature difference (in degrees DeltaC) between the air inlet dry-bulb temperature and
the maximum allowable dry-bulb temperature specified by the ITE Environmental Class. Only
positive values are reported. When the dry-bulb temperature of the air entering the ITE is below
the maximum specified by the ITE Environmental Class, this output will be zero.

1.13.11.1.72 Zone ITE Any Air Inlet Dry-Bulb Temperature Below Operating
Range Time [hr]

1.13.11.1.73 ITE Air Inlet Dry-Bulb Temperature Below Operating Range

Time [hr]
Hours when the dry-bulb temperature of the air entering the ITE is above the range specified
by the ITE Environmental Class.

1.13.11.1.74 ITE Air Inlet Dry-Bulb Temperature Difference Below Operating

Range [deltaC]
The temperature difference (in degrees DeltaC) between the air inlet dry-bulb temperature and
the minimum allowable dry-bulb temperature specified by the ITE Environmental Class. Only
negative values are reported. When the dry-bulb temperature of the air entering the ITE is above
the minimum specified by the ITE Environmental Class, this output will be zero.

1.13.11.1.75 Zone ITE Any Air Inlet Dewpoint Temperature Above Operating
Range Time [hr]
512 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.13.11.1.76 ITE Air Inlet Dewpoint Temperature Above Operating Range

Time [hr]
Hours when the dewpoint temperature of the air entering the ITE is above the range specified
by the ITE Environmental Class.

1.13.11.1.77 ITE Air Inlet Dewpoint Temperature Difference Above Operating

Range [deltaC]
The temperature difference (in degrees DeltaC) between the air inlet dewpoint temperature
and the maximum allowable dewpoint temperature specified by the ITE Envionmental Class. Only
positive values are reported. When the dewpoint temperature of the air entering the ITE is below
the maximum specified by the ITE Environmental Class, this output will be zero.

1.13.11.1.78 Zone ITE Any Air Inlet Dewpoint Temperature Below Operating
Range Time [hr]

1.13.11.1.79 ITE Air Inlet Dewpoint Temperature Below Operating Range

Time [hr]
Hours when the dewpoint temperature of the air entering the ITE is above the range specified
by the ITE Environmental Class.

1.13.11.1.80 ITE Air Inlet Dewpoint Temperature Difference Below Operating

Range [deltaC]
The temperature difference (in degrees DeltaC) between the air inlet dewpoint temperature
and the minimum allowable dewpoint temperature specified by the ITE Envionmental Class. Only
negative values are reported. When the dewpoint temperature of the air entering the ITE is above
the minimum specified by the ITE Environmental Class, this output will be zero.

1.13.11.1.81 Zone ITE Any Air Inlet Relative Humidity Above Operating
Range Time [hr]

1.13.11.1.82 ITE Air Inlet Relative Humidity Above Operating Range Time
[hr]
Hours when the relative humidity of the air entering the ITE is above the range specified by
the ITE Environmental Class.

1.13.11.1.83 ITE Air Inlet Relative Humidity Difference Above Operating

Range [%]
The temperature difference (in degrees DeltaC) between the air inlet relative humidity and
the maximum allowable relative humidity specified by the ITE Envionmental Class. Only positive
values are reported. When the relative humidity of the air entering the ITE is below the maximum
specified by the ITE Environmental Class, this output will be zero.

1.13.11.1.84 Zone ITE Any Air Inlet Relative Humidity Below Operating Range
Time [hr]
1.13. GROUP – INTERNAL GAINS 513

1.13.11.1.85 ITE Air Inlet Relative Humidity Below Operating Range Time [hr]

Hours when the relative humidity of the air entering the ITE is above the range specified by
the ITE Environmental Class.

1.13.11.1.86 ITE Air Inlet Relative Humidity Difference Below Operating

Range [%]
The temperature difference (in degrees DeltaC) between the air inlet relative humidity and
the minimum allowable relative humidity specified by the ITE Envionmental Class. Only negative
values are reported. When the relative humidity of the air entering the ITE is above the minimum
specified by the ITE Environmental Class, this output will be zero.

1.13.12 ZoneContaminantSourceAndSink:CarbonDioxide
The ZoneContaminantSourceAndSink:CarbonDioxide object allows users to input carbon
dioxide sources or sinks in a zone. Note that carbon dioxide generation within a zone can
also be specified using People and GasEquipment objects. Multiple ZoneContaminantSource-
AndSink:CarbonDioxide objects can be specified for the same zone.

1.13.12.1 Inputs
1.13.12.1.1 Field: Name
The name of the ZoneContaminantSourceAndSink:CarbonDioxide object. The name for each
ZoneContaminantSourceAndSink:CarbonDioxide object must be unique.

1.13.12.1.2 Field: Zone Name

This field is the name of the zone (ref: Zone) and links a particular ZoneContaminantSource-
AndSink:CarbonDioxide object to a thermal zone in the building.

1.13.12.1.3 Field: Design Generation Rate

This field denotes the design carbon dioxide generation rate (m3 /s). The design value is modified
by the schedule fraction (see Field: Schedule Name). The resulting volumetric generation rate is
converted to mass generation rate using the current zone indoor air density at each time step. The
rate can be either positive or negative. A positive value represents a source rate (CO2 addition to
the zone air) and a negative value represents a sink rate (CO2 removal from the zone air).
When the mass design generation rate is available, a conversion is required to meet input
requirement with volumetric flow rate. This can be accomplished by the mass flow rate divided by
the density of carbon dioxide.

1.13.12.1.4 Field: Schedule Name

This field is the name of the schedule (ref: Schedules) that modifies the design carbon dioxide
generation rate (see previous field). The schedule values can be any positive number between 0.0
and 1.0. For each simulation time step, the actual CO2 generation rate in a zone is the product of
the Design Generation Rate field (above) and the value specified by this schedule.
An IDF example is provided below:

ZoneContaminantSourceAndSink :CarbonDioxide ,
NORTH_ZONE CO2 , !- Name
514 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

NORTH_ZONE , !- Zone Name

1.e-6, !- Design Generation Rate {m3/s}
CO2 Source Schedule; !- Schedule Name

1.13.12.2 Outputs
HVAC,Average, Contaminant Source or Sink CO2 Gain Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]
HVAC,Average, Zone Contaminant Source or Sink CO2 Gain Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.13.12.2.1 Contaminant Source or Sink CO2 Gain Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]
This output is the net carbond dioxide internal gain/loss in m3/s for an individual ZoneCon-
taminantSourceAndSink:CarbonDioxide object.

1.13.12.2.2 Zone Contaminant Source or Sink CO2 Gain Volume Flow Rate
[m3/s]
This output variable reports the total (net) carbon dioxide internal gains/losses in cubic
meters per second for a zone, including impacts from three objects: ZoneContaminantSource-
AndSink:CarbonDioxide, People, and GasEquipment. Positive values denote carbon dioxide
generation (gain or source), while negative values denote carbon dioxide removal (loss or sink).

1.13.13 ZoneContaminantSourceAndSink:Generic:Constant
The ZoneContaminantSourceAndSink:Generic:Constant object specifies the generic contaminant
generation rate and removal rate coefficient in a zone. The associated fraction schedules are required
for allowing users to change the magnitude of sources and sinks. The object is equivalent to the
combination of the constant coefficient model and the burst source model defined in the sources and
sinks element types of CONTAM 3.0. The basic equation used to calculate generic contaminant
source and sink for the constant model is given below:

Sf (t) = Gf (t) ∗ FG − Rf (t)Cf (t) ∗ 1.0E − 6 ∗ FR (1.27)

where
Sf = Contaminant generic contaminant source strength [m3 /s]
Gf = Generic contaminant generation rate [m3 /s]
FG = Fraction value from the source fraction schedule at a given time [dimensionless]
Rf = Generic contaminant effective removal rate [m3 /s]
FR = Fraction value from the sink fraction schedule at a given time [dimensionless]
Cf = Generic contaminant concentration value at a given previous time step [ppm]

1.13.13.1 Inputs
1.13.13.1.1 Field: Name
This field represents a unique identifying name.

1.13.13.1.2 Field: Zone Name

This field signifies the Name of the zone with constant generic contaminant source and sink.
1.13. GROUP – INTERNAL GAINS 515

1.13.13.1.3 Field: Design Generation Rate

This field denotes the full generic contaminant design generation rate (m3 /s). The design
generation rate is the maximum amount of generic contaminant expected at design conditions.
The design value is modified by the schedule fraction (see Field:Generation Schedule Name).
When the mass generation rate is available, the rate must be converted to a volume flow rate.
Use the mass flow rate divided by the vapor density of the generic contaminant.

1.13.13.1.4 Field: Generation Schedule Name

This field is the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that modifies the maximum design gen-
eration rate (Gf ). This fraction between 0.0 and 1.0 is noted as FG in the above equation.

1.13.13.1.5 Field: Design Removal Coefficient

This field denotes the full generic contaminant design removal coefficient (m3 /s). The design
removal rate is the maximum amount of generic contaminant expected at design conditions times
the generic contaminant concentration in the same zone. The design value is modified by the
schedule fraction (see Field:Removal Schedule Name).

1.13.13.1.6 Field: Removal Schedule Name

This field is the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that modifies the maximum design gen-
eration rate (Rf ). This fraction between 0.0 and 1.0 is noted as FR in the above equation.
An IDF example is provided below:
ZoneContaminantSourceAndSink :Generic:Constant ,
NORTH ZONE GC , !- Name
NORTH ZONE , !- Zone Name
1.0E-6, !- Design Generation Rate {m3/s}
GC Source Schedule , !- Generation Schedule Name
1.0E-7, !- Design Removal Coefficient {m3/s}
GC Removal Schedule; !- Removal Schedule Name

1.13.13.2 Outputs
When a ZoneContaminantSourceAndSink:Generic:Constant object is specified, the following output
variables are available:
ZONE,Average, Generic Air Contaminant Constant Source Generation Volume Flow Rate
[m3/s]

1.13.13.2.1 Generic Air Contaminant Constant Source Generation Volume Flow

Rate [m3/s]
This output is the average generic contaminant generation rate from each ZoneContami-
nantSourceAndSink:Generic:Constant object. The generation rate is a sum of generation and
removal rates. The zone air generic contaminant level at the previous zone time step is used in the
removal rate calculation.

1.13.14 SurfaceContaminantSourceAndSink:Generic:Pressure-
Driven
The SurfaceContaminantSourceAndSink:Generic:PressureDriven object specifies the generic con-
taminant generation rate coefficient, which is used to calculate the generation rate due to the
516 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

pressure difference across the surface. The object is equivalent to the pressure driven model de-
fined in the sources and sinks element types of CONTAM 3.0. This object assumes to work with the
AirflowNetwork model. The surface has to be defined in the AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface.
Although the model is designed to be applied to radon and soil gas entry, it is expanded to be
applied to all contaminant transport, including generic contaminant. However, it should be used
in caution. The basic equation used to calculate generic contaminant source for the pressure driven
constant model is provided below:

Sf (t) = Hf (t) ∗ FG ∗ (Pj − Pi )n (1.28)

where
Sf = Generic contaminant source strength [m3 /s]
Hf = Generic contaminant generation rate coefficient [m3 /s]
FG = Fraction value from the source fraction schedule at a given time [dimensionless]
n = Flow power exponent
Pi = Zone pressure [Pa]
Pj = Pressure in an adjacent zone for a interior surface or outdoor for an exterior surface [Pa]

1.13.14.1 Inputs
1.13.14.1.1 Field: Name
The field signifies the unique identifying name.

1.13.14.1.2 Field: Surface Name

This field represents the name of the surface as a generic contaminant source using the pressure
driven model.

1.13.14.1.3 Field: Design Generation Rate Coefficient

This field denotes the generic contaminant design generation coefficient (m3 /s). The design
generation rate is the maximum amount of generic contaminant expected at design conditions
times the pressure difference with a power exponent across a surface. The design value is modified
by the schedule fraction (see Field:Generation Schedule Name).

1.13.14.1.4 Field: Generation Exponent

This field denotes the flow power exponent,* n*, in the contaminant source equation. The valid
range is 0.0 to 1.0,
An IDF example is provided below:
SurfaceContaminantSourceAndSink :Generic:PressureDriven ,
WEST ZONE GC BLD , !- Name
Zn001:Wall001 , !- Surface Name
1.0E-6, !- Design Generation Rate Coefficient {m3/s}
GC Source Schedule , !- Generation Schedule Name
0.5; !- Generation Exponent

1.13.14.2 Outputs
When a SurfaceContaminantSourceAndSink:Generic:PressureDriven object is specified, the follow-
ing output variables are available:
1.13. GROUP – INTERNAL GAINS 517

• ZONE,Average,Generic Air Contaminant Pressure Driven Generation Volume Flow Rate

[m3/s]

1.13.14.2.1 Generic Air Contaminant Pressure Driven Generation Volume Flow

Rate [m3/s]
This output is the average generic contaminant generation rate from each SurfaceContaminant-
SourceAndSink:Generic:PressureDriven object.

1.13.15 ZoneContaminantSourceAndSink:Generic:CutoffModel
The ZoneContaminantSourceAndSink:Generic contaminant:CutoffModel object specifies the
generic contaminant generation rate based on the cutoff concentration model. The basic equation
used to calculate generic contaminant source for the pressure driven constant model is given below:
{ ( ) }
Cf (t)
Gf (t) ∗ FG ∗ 1 − Ccutof f Cf < Ccutof f
Sf (t) = (1.29)
0 Cf ≥ Ccutof f

where
Sf = Generic contaminant source strength [m3 /s]
Gf = Generic contaminant generation rate [m3 /s]
FG = Fraction value from the source fraction schedule at a given time [dimensionless]
Ccutoff = Cutoff concentration at which emission ceases [ppm]
Cf = Generic contaminant concentration value at a given previous time step [ppm]

1.13.15.1 Inputs
1.13.15.1.1 Field: Name
The field signifies the unique identifying name.

1.13.15.1.2 Field: Zone Name

This field represents the name of the zone with generic contaminant source and sink using the
cutoff model.

1.13.15.1.3 Field: Design Generation Rate Coefficient

This field denotes the full generic contaminant design generation rate (m3 /s). The design
generation rate is the maximum amount of generic contaminant expected at design conditions.
The design value is modified by the schedule fraction (see Field:Generation Schedule Name).
When the mass generation rate is available, the rate must be converted to a volume flow rate.
Use the mass flow rate divided by the vapor density of the generic contaminant.

1.13.15.1.4 Field: Generation Schedule Name

This field is the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that modifies the maximum design gen-
eration rate (Gf ). This fraction between 0.0 and 1.0 is noted as FG in the above equation.
518 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.13.15.1.5 Field: Cutoff Generic Contaminant at which Emission Ceases

This field is the generic contaminant cutoff concentration level where the source ceases its
emission.
An IDF example is provided below:
ZoneContaminantSourceAndSink :Generic:CutoffModel ,
NORTH ZONE GC CutoffModel , !- Name
NORTH ZONE , !- Zone Name
1.0E-5, !- Design Generation Rate Coefficient {m3/s}
GC Source Schedule , !- Schedule Name
100000; !- Cutoff Generic Contaminant at which Emission Ceases {
ppm}

1.13.15.2 Outputs
When a ZoneContaminantSourceAndSink:Generic:CutoffModel object is specified, the following
output variables are available:
ZONE,Average, Generic Air Contaminant Cutoff Model Generation Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.13.15.2.1 Generic Air Contaminant Cutoff Model Generation Volume Flow

Rate [m3/s]
This output is the average generic contaminant generation rate from each SurfaceContaminant-
SourceAndSink:Generic:CutoffModel object.

1.13.16 ZoneContaminantSourceAndSink:Generic:DecaySource
The ZoneContaminantSourceAndSink:Generic:DecaySource object specifies the generic contami-
nant generation rate based on the decay source model. The basic equation used to calculate
generic contaminant source for the decay source model is given below:

Sf (t) = Gf (t)FG exp(−t/tc ) (1.30)

where
Sf = Generic contaminant source strength [m3 /s]
Gf = Initial generic contaminant generation rate [m3 /s]
FG = Fraction value from the source fraction schedule at a given time [dimensionless]
t = Time since the start of emission [second]
tc = Decay time constant [second]

1.13.16.1 Inputs
1.13.16.1.1 Field: Name
This field is the unique identifying name.

1.13.16.1.2 Field: Zone Name

This field represents the name of the zone with a generic contaminant decaying source.
1.13. GROUP – INTERNAL GAINS 519

1.13.16.1.3 Field: Initial Emission Rate

This field denotes the initial generic contaminant design emission rate (m3 /s). The generation
is controlled by a schedule, as defined in the next field. Generic contaminant emission begins when
the schedule changes from a zero to a non-zero value (between zero and one). The initial emission
rate is equal to the schedule value times the initial generation rate. A single schedule may be used
to initiate several emissions at different times.(see Field:Generation Schedule Name).

1.13.16.1.4 Field: Schedule Name

This field is the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that modifies the maximum design emission
rate (Gf ). This fraction between 0.0 and 1.0 is noted as FG in the above equation. When the value
is equal to 1, the generation rate is used and time is reset to zero. When the value is equal to zero,
the schedule value is ignored in the equation.

1.13.16.1.5 Field: Decay Time Constant

This field is the time at which the generation rate reaches 0.37 of the original rate.

Note: The variable t, time since the start of emission, will be reset to zero, when a new run
period starts, or the generation schedule value is equal to zero.

An IDF example is provided below:

ZoneContaminantSourceAndSink :Generic:DecaySource ,
WEST ZONE GC DecaySource , !- Name
WEST ZONE , !- Zone Name
1.0E-5, !- Initial Emission Rate {m3/s}
GC Source Schedule , !- Schedule Name
100000; !- Delay Time Constant {s}

1.13.16.2 Outputs
When a ZoneContaminantSourceAndSink:Generic:DecaySource object is specified, the following
output variables are available:

• Zone,Average,Generic Air Contaminant Decay Model Generation Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]
• Zone,Average,Generic Air Contaminant Decay Model Generation Emission Start Elapsed
Time [s]

1.13.16.2.1 Generic Air Contaminant Decay Model Generation Volume Flow

Rate [m3/s]
This output is the average generic contaminant decay rate from each SurfaceContaminant-
SourceAndSink:Generic:DecaySource object.

1.13.16.2.2 Generic Air Contaminant Decay Model Generation Emission Start

Elapsed Time [s]
This output is the decay time since the start of emission. The start time is either at the
beginning of each run period, including design day simulations, or the time when the egenration
schedule value is zero.
520 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.13.17 SurfaceContaminantSourceAndSink:Generic:Boundary-
LayerDiffusion
The SurfaceContaminantSourceAndSink:Generic:BoundaryLayerDiffusion object specifies the
generic contaminant generation rate from surface diffusion. The object is equivalent to the
boundary layer diffusion model driven model defined in the sources and sinks element types of
CONTAM 3.0.
The boundary layer diffusion controlled reversible sink/source model with a linear sorption
isotherm follows the descriptions presented in [Axley 1991]. The boundary layer refers to the
region above the surface of a material through which a concentration gradient exists between the
near-surface concentration and the air-phase concentration. The rate at which a contaminant is
transferred onto a surface (sink) is defined as:
( )
Cs
Sf = h ∗ ρ ∗ A C f − ∗ 1.0E − 6 (1.31)
k
where
h = Average film mass transfer coefficient over the sink [m/s]
ρ = Film density of air [kg/m3 ]
A = Surface area of the adsorbent [m2 ]
Cf = Concentration in the air at the previous time step [ppm]
Cs = Concentration in the adsorbent [ppm]
k = Henry adsorption constant or partition coefficient [dimensionless]

1.13.17.1 Inputs
1.13.17.1.1 Field: Name
This field signifies a unique identifying name.

1.13.17.1.2 Field: Surface Name

This field denotes the name of the surface as a generic contaminant reversible source or sink
using the boundary layer diffusion model.

1.13.17.1.3 Field: Mass Transfer Coefficient

This field specifies the average mass transfer coefficient of the contaminant generic contaminant
within the boundary layer (or film) above the surface of the adsorbent.

1.13.17.1.4 Field: Schedule Name

This field is the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that modifies the mass transfer coefficient
with the value between 0.0 and 1.0.

1.13.17.1.5 Field: Henry Adsorption Constant or Partition Coefficient

This field denotes the generic contaminant Henry partition coefficient in the units of dimen-
sionless. The coefficient relates the concentration of the contaminant generic contaminant in the
bulk-air to that at the surface of the adsorption material.
An IDF example is provided below:
1.13. GROUP – INTERNAL GAINS 521

SurfaceContaminantSourceAndSink :Generic:BoundaryLayerDiffusion ,
WEST ZONE GC BLD , !- Name
Zn001:Wall001 , !- Surface Name
1.0E-2, !- Mass Transfer Coefficient {m/s}
GC Source Schedule , !- Schedule Name
2.0; !- Henry adsorption constant or partition coefficient

1.13.17.2 Outputs
When a SurfaceContaminantSourceAndSink:Generic:BoundaryLayerDiffusion object is specified,
the following output variables are available:

• ZONE,Average, Generic Air Contaminant Boundary Layer Diffusion Generation Volume Flow
Rate [m3/s]
• ZONE,Average, Generic Air Contaminant Boundary Layer Diffusion Inside Face Concentra-
tion [ppm]

1.13.17.2.1 Generic Air Contaminant Boundary Layer Diffusion Generation

Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]
This output is the average generic contaminant generation rate from each SurfaceContaminant-
SourceAndSink:Generic:BoundaryLayerDiffusion object.

1.13.17.2.2 Generic Air Contaminant Boundary Layer Diffusion Inside Face

Concentration [ppm]
This output is the average generic contaminant level at the interior surface.

1.13.18 SurfaceContaminantSourceAndSink:Generic:Deposition-
VelocitySink
The SurfaceContaminantSourceAndSink:Generic:DepositionVelocitySink object specifies the
generic contaminant removal rate from a surface. The object is equivalent to the deposition
velocity sink model defined in CONTAM 3.0 sources and sinks element types.
The deposition velocity model provides for the input of a sink’s characteristic in the familiar
term of deposition velocity. The removal stops when the sink concentration level is higher than the
zone air concentration level. The deposition velocity model equation is:

Sf (t) = νd As m ∗ Cf (t) ∗ 1.0E − 6 ∗ F R (1.32)

where
Sf (t) = Removal rate at time t [m3 /s]
νd = Deposition velocity [m/s]
As = Deposition surface area [m2 ]
m = Element multiplier [dimensionless]
Cf (t) = Concentration of contaminant generic contaminant at the previous time step [ppm]
FR = Schedule or control signal value at time t [-]

1.13.18.1 Inputs
1.13.18.1.1 Field: Name
This field denotes a unique identifying name.
522 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.13.18.1.2 Field: Surface Name

This field represents the name of the surface as a generic contaminant sink using the deposition
velocity sink model.

1.13.18.1.3 Field: Deposition Velocity

This field specifies the deposition velocity to the surface of the adsorbent in the units of m/s.

1.13.18.1.4 Field: Schedule Name

This field is the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that modifies the maximum design removal
rate (Sf ). This fraction between 0.0 and 1.0 is noted as FR in the above equation.
An IDF example is provided below:
SurfaceContaminantSourceAndSink :Generic:DepositionVelocitySink ,
EAST ZONE GC DVS , !- Name
Zn002:Wall001 , !- Surface Name
1.0E-3, !- Deposition Velocity {m/s}
GC Source Schedule; !- Schedule Name

1.13.18.2 Outputs
The following output variables are available when the SurfaceContaminantSourceAndSink:Generic:-
DepositionVelocitySink object is specified.

• ZONE,Average, Generic Air Contaminant Deposition Velocity Removal Volume Flow Rate
[m3/s]

1.13.18.2.1 Generic Air Contaminant Deposition Velocity Removal Volume

Flow Rate [m3/s]
This output is the average generic contaminant generation rate from each SurfaceContaminant-
SourceAndSink:Generic:DepositionVelocitySink object.

1.13.19 ZoneContaminantSourceAndSink:Generic:Deposition-
RateSink
The ZoneContaminantSourceAndSink:Generic:DepositionRateSink object specifies the generic con-
taminant removal rate from a zone. The object is equivalent to the deposition rate sink model
defined in CONTAM 3.0 sources and sinks element types.
The deposition rate model provides for the input of a sink’s characteristic in the familiar term
of deposition rate in a zone. The removal stops when the sink concentration level is higher than
the zone air concentration level. The deposition rate model equation is:

Sf (t) = kd Vz ∗ Cf (t) ∗ 1.0E − 6 ∗ FR m (1.33)

Where
Sf (t) = Removal rate at time t [m3 /s]
kd = Deposition rate [1/T]
Vz = Zone volume [m3 ]
m = Element multiplier [dimensionless]
C f (t) = Concentration of generic contaminant at the previous time step [ppm]
FR = Schedule or control signal value at time t [dimensionless]
1.13. GROUP – INTERNAL GAINS 523

1.13.19.1 Inputs
1.13.19.1.1 Field: Name
This field denotes a unique identifying name.

1.13.19.1.2 Field: Zone Name

This field represents the name of the zone as a generic contaminant sink using the deposition
rate sink model.

1.13.19.1.3 Field: Deposition Rate

This field specifies the deposition rate to the zone in the units of 1/s.

1.13.19.1.4 Field: Schedule Name

This field is the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that modifies the maximum design removal
rate (Sf ). This fraction between 0.0 and 1.0 is noted as FR in the above equation.
An IDF example is provided below:
ZoneContaminantSourceAndSink :Generic:DepositionRateSink ,
NORTH ZONE GC DRS , !- Name
NORTH ZONE , !- Zone Name
1.0E-5, !- Deposition Rate {m3/s}
GC Source Schedule; !- Schedule Name

1.13.19.2 Outputs
When the ZoneContaminantSourceAndSink:Generic:DepositionRateSink object is specified, the fol-
lowing output variables are available:
• ZONE,Average, Generic Air Contaminant Deposition Rate Removal Volume Flow Rate
[m3/s]

1.13.19.2.1 Generic Air Contaminant Deposition Rate Removal Volume Flow

Rate [m3/s]
This output is the average generic contaminant generation rate from each ZoneContaminant-
SourceAndSink:Generic:DepositionRateSink object.

1.13.20 ZoneBaseboard:OutdoorTemperatureControlled
This object specifies outside temperature-controlled (OTC) baseboard heating. The capacities (high
and low) are specified in W at the temperatures specified. The schedule allows both capacities to
change hourly on a proportional basis. This baseboard heater does not operate if the outdoor dry-
bulb is above the high temperature limit. Between the high temperature and the low temperature,
the capacity is interpolated (linear) between the high and the low capacity values. Below the low
temperature, the capacity is set at the low capacity value. This allows the user to add baseboard
heat to a perimeter zone starting at a prescribed temperature and then slowly increases this capacity
to a max value.
Example:
Temperature High = 10 C Capacity High = 100,000 W
Temperature Low = 0 C Capacity Low = 500,000 W
524 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Table 1.24: Outdoor Temperature Controlled Baseboard

Heat Temperature vs. Capacity

Outdoor Dry-bulb(C) Baseboard Output

> 10 0
10 100,000
8 180,000
6 260,000
4 340,000
2 420,000
0 500,000
<0 500,000

1.13.20.1 Inputs
1.13.20.1.1 Field: Name
The name of the ZoneBaseboard:OutdoorTemperatureControlled object.

1.13.20.1.2 Field: Zone Name

This field is the name of the zone and attaches the baseboard heat equipment statement to a
thermal zone in the building.

1.13.20.1.3 Field: Schedule Name

This field is the name of the schedule that modifies the capacities (high and low) for baseboard
heat equipment (see next four fields). The schedule values can be any positive number. The actual
energy input for the baseboard equipment in a zone as defined by this statement depends on the
actual outdoor temperature and where that temperature is in the range of Low Temperature to
High Temperature..

1.13.20.1.4 Field: Capacity at Low Temperature

This is the baseboard equipment capacity (Watts) at the low temperature limit. This is the
maximum capacity of the baseboard equipment in full load operation. This field is autosizable.

1.13.20.1.5 Field: Low Temperature

If the outdoor dry-bulb temperature (degrees Celsius) is at or below the low temperature the
baseboard heater operates at the low temperature capacity. This field is autosizable. The lowest
design outdoor dry bulb temperature is chosen, if autosized.

1.13.20.1.6 Field: Capacity at High Temperature

This is the baseboard equipment capacity (Watts) at the high temperature limit. This field
is autosizable. The capacity at low temperature is prorated against the reference low and high
temperature fields, if autosized.
1.13. GROUP – INTERNAL GAINS 525

1.13.20.1.7 Field: High Temperature

If the outdoor dry-bulb temperature (degrees Celsius) is greater than the high temperature the
baseboard heater will not operate. This field is autosizable. If autosized, this is equal to the design
zone heating setpoint temperature described below, so that the capacity at high temperature is
zero.

1.13.20.1.8 Field: Fraction Radiant

This field is a decimal number between 0.0 and 1.0 and is used to characterize the type of heat
being given off by baseboard heat equipment in a zone. The number specified in this field will be
multiplied by the total energy consumed by the baseboard heat equipment to give the amount of
long wavelength radiation gain to the zone.

1.13.20.1.9 Field: End-Use Subcategory

Allows you to specify a user-defined end-use subcategory, e.g., “Perimeter Baseboards”, etc.
A new meter for reporting is created for each unique subcategory (ref: Output:Meter objects).
Subcategories are also reported in the ABUPS table. If this field is omitted or blank, the baseboard
equipment will be assigned to the “General” end-use subcategory.

1.13.20.1.10 Field: Design Zone Heating Setpoint

This is heating setpoint temperature in the zone where the unit serves. This is used to autosize
high temperature and capacity at high temperature fields. The default value is 20°C.
An IDF example:
ZoneBaseboard:OutdoorTemperatureControlled ,
SPACE4 -1 BBHeat 1, !- Name
SPACE4 -1, !- Zone Name
EQUIP -1, !- SCHEDULE Name
1500, !- Capacity at low temperature {W}
0, !- Low Temperature {C}
500, !- Capacity at high temperature {W}
10, !- High Temperature {C}
0.5, !- Fraction Radiant
Baseboard Heat , !- End -Use Subcategory
20; !- Design Zone Heating Setpoint {C}

1.13.20.2 Outputs
ZoneBaseboard:OutdoorTemperatureControlled objects have output variables for individual objects
and for zone totals. The following outputs are available:

• Zone,Average,Baseboard Electric Power [W]

• Zone,Sum,Baseboard Electric Energy [J]
• Zone,Sum,Baseboard Radiant Heating Energy [J]
• Zone,Average,Baseboard Radiant Heating Rate [W]
• Zone,Sum,Baseboard Convective Heating Energy [J]
• Zone,Average,Baseboard Convective Heating Rate [W]
• Zone,Sum,Baseboard Total Heating Energy [J]
• Zone,Average,Baseboard Total Heating Rate [W]
• Zone,Average,Zone Baseboard Electric Power [W]
• Zone,Sum,Zone Baseboard Electric Energy [J]
• Zone,Sum,Zone Baseboard Radiant Heating Energy [J]
526 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• Zone,Average,Zone Baseboard Radiant Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Zone Baseboard Convective Heating Energy [J]
• Zone,Average,Zone Baseboard Convective Heating Rate [W]
• Zone,Sum,Zone Baseboard Total Heating Energy [J]
• Zone,Average,Zone Baseboard Total Heating Rate [W]

1.13.20.2.1 Baseboard Electric Power [W]

This field is the electric power for the ZoneBaseboard:OutdoorTemperatureControlled object
in Watts.

1.13.20.2.2 Baseboard Electric Energy [J]

The outdoor temperature controlled baseboard heat option is assumed to be fueled by electricity.
This field is the same as the Baseboard Total Heating Energy (above) in joules.

1.13.20.2.3 Baseboard Radiant Heating Rate [W]

1.13.20.2.4 Baseboard Radiant Heating Energy [J]

These output variables are the amount of radiant heat gain for the ZoneBaseboard:Outdoor-
TemperatureControlled object in Watts (for rate) or Joules. This is determined by the current heat
gain from the heater to the zone and the “Fraction Radiant” specified in the input. The radiant
gains (long wavelength) are distributed to the surfaces using an area weighting scheme.

1.13.20.2.5 Baseboard Convective Heating Rate [W]

1.13.20.2.6 Baseboard Convective Heating Energy [J]

These output variables are the amount of convective heat gain for the ZoneBaseboard:Outdoor-
TemperatureControlled object in Watts (for rate) or Joules. This is determined by the current heat
gain from the heater to the zone and the “Fraction Radiant” specified in input (1-FractionRadiant
= FractionConvected). The convective heat gain is added to the zone air heat balance directly.

1.13.20.2.7 Baseboard Total Heating Rate [W]

1.13.20.2.8 Baseboard Total Heating Energy [J]

These output variables are the amount of heat gain for the ZoneBaseboard:Outdoor-
TemperatureControlled object in Watts (for rate) or Joules. This is determined by the sum of the
radiant and convective heat gains from the baseboard heat.

1.13.20.2.9 Zone Baseboard Electric Power [W]

This field is the electric power for all ZoneBaseboard:OutdoorTemperatureControlled objects
within the zone in Watts.

1.13.20.2.10 Zone Baseboard Electric Energy [J]

The outdoor temperature controlled baseboard heat option is assumed to be fueled by electricity.
This field is the same as the Baseboard Total Heating Energy (above) in joules. However, this
amount is also shown in the Electricity meters that are associated with the zone – Electricity:-
Facility, Electricity:Buidling, Electricity:Zone:<Zone Name>, and InteriorEquipment:Electricity.
1.13. GROUP – INTERNAL GAINS 527

1.13.20.2.11 Zone Baseboard Radiant Heating Rate [W]

1.13.20.2.12 Zone Baseboard Radiant Heating Energy [J]

These output variables are the amount of radiant heat gain for all ZoneBaseboard:Outdoor-
TemperatureControlled objects within the zone in Watts (for rate) or Joules. This is determined
by the current heat gain from the heater to the zone and the “Fraction Radiant” specified in the
input. The radiant gains (long wavelength) are distributed to the surfaces using an area weighting
scheme.

1.13.20.2.13 Zone Baseboard Convective Heating Rate [W]

1.13.20.2.14 Zone Baseboard Convective Heating Energy [J]

These output variables are the amount of convective heat gain for all ZoneBaseboard:Outdoor-
TemperatureControlled objects within the zone in Watts (for rate) or Joules. This is determined
by the current heat gain from the heater to the zone and the “Fraction Radiant” specified in input
(1-FractionRadiant = FractionConvected). The convective heat gain is added to the zone air heat
balance directly.

1.13.20.2.15 Zone Baseboard Total Heating Rate [W]

1.13.20.2.16 Zone Baseboard Total Heating Energy [J]

These output variables are the amount of heat gain for all ZoneBaseboard:OutdoorTemperature-
Controlled objects within the zone in Watts (for rate) or Joules. This is determined by the sum of
the radiant and convective heat gains from the baseboard heat.

1.13.20.3 Outputs
As described in each of the equipment sections, values for specific equipments will show up on the
following meters:

Table 1.25: Distribution of Equipment to Meters

Meter Name Scope Equipment Specfics

Electricity:Facility Entire Facility Electric Equipment, OTC

Baseboard Heat
Electricity:Building All Zones Electric Equipment, OTC
Baseboard Heat
Electricity:Zone: <Zone Name> Specific Zone Electric Equipment, OTC
Baseboard Heat
InteriorEquipment:Electricity AllZones Electric Equipment, OTC
Baseboard Heat
<End-Use Subcategory> Specific Electric Equipment, OTC
:InteriorEquipment:Electricity Subcategory Baseboard Heat
Gas:Facility Entire Facility Gas Equipment
Gas:Building All Zones Gas Equipment
528 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Table 1.25: Distribution of Equipment to Meters

Meter Name Scope Equipment Specfics

Gas:Zone: <Zone Name> Specific Zone Gas Equipment

InteriorEquipment:Gas AllZones Gas Equipment
<End-Use Subcategory> Specific Gas Equipment
:InteriorEquipment:Gas Subcategory

1.14 Group – Daylighting

Daylighting can be invoked in EnergyPlus by the use of two objects: Daylighting:Controls and
Daylighting:DELight:Controls. These are described in the following object descriptions.

Note that Daylighting:Controls and Daylighting:DELight:Controls objects may be inter-

mixed in a single IDF but may not be used in the same zone.

1.14.1 Daylighting:Controls
In this method daylighting illuminance levels are calculated and then used to determine how much
the electric lighting can be reduced. The daylight illuminance level in a zone depends on many
factors, including sky condition; sun position; calculation point; location, size, and glass transmit-
tance of windows; window shading devices; and reflectance of interior surfaces. Reduction of electric
lighting depends on daylight illuminance level, illuminance set point, fraction of zone controlled
and type of lighting control.

1.14.1.1 Inputs
1.14.1.1.1 Field: Zone name
The name of the zone to which the following daylighting-related input applies.

1.14.1.1.2 Field: Total Daylighting Reference Points

Allowed values are 1 or 2. This the number of reference points in the zone at which horizontal
daylighting illuminance will be calculated based on input for the following fields. It is assumed that
the photocells that control the overhead electric lighting respond to the light levels at the specified
reference points.

1.14.1.1.3 Fields: (X,Y,Z) of First Reference Point

Required if Total Daylighting Reference Points = 1 or 2. These three fields are the X, Y
and Z values of the First Reference point in the coordinate system you specified for daylighting
reference points in the GlobalGeometryRules object. Figure 1.54 shows an example using the
relative coordinate (to zone) system. Z is typically at desk height (0.8 m).
If you want to divide a thermal zone into two independently-controlled lighting zones, then
Total Daylighting Reference Points should be set to 2 and (X,Y,Z) of the Second Reference Point
(see following input fields) should also be specified.
1.14. GROUP – DAYLIGHTING 529

1.14.1.1.4 Fields: (X,Y,Z) of Second Reference Point

The X, Y, and Z coordinates, in the same coordinate system, of the second daylighting reference
point. Required if Total Daylighting Reference Points = 2. See Figure 1.54 for an example.

Figure 1.54: Example showing location of daylighting reference points in the zone coordinate
system (relative) of a rectangular zone with three windows. (a) Perspective view, (b) plan
view, (c) elevation view. All dimensions are in meters.

1.14.1.1.5 Field: Fraction of Zone Controlled by First Reference Point

The fraction of the zone’s floor-area whose electric lighting is controlled by the daylight illu-
minance at the First Reference Point. If there is only one reference point then a fraction equal
to

1.0 − (FractionofZoneControlledbyFirstReferencePoint) (1.34)

is assumed to have no lighting control.
530 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.14.1.1.6 Field: Fraction of Zone Controlled by Second Reference Point

The fraction of the zone’s floor-area whose electric lighting is controlled by the daylight illu-
minance at the Second Reference Point. Required if Total Daylighting Reference Points = 2. A
fraction equal to

1.0−([FractionofZoneControlledbyFirstReferencePoint]+[FractionofZoneControlledbySecondReferencePoint])
(1.35)
is assumed to have no lighting control.

1.14.1.1.7 Field: Illuminance SetPoint at First Reference Point

The desired lighting level (in lux) at the First Reference Point. This is the lighting level that
would be produced at this reference point at night if the overhead electric lighting were operating
at full input power. Recommended values depend on type of activity; they may be found, for
example, in the Lighting Handbook of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America. A
typical value for general office work (excluding computer terminals) is 500 lux.

1.14.1.1.8 Field: Illuminance SetPoint at Second Reference Point

The desired lighting level (in lux) at the Second Reference Point. Required if Total Daylighting
Reference Points = 2. This is the lighting level that would be produced at this reference point at
night if the overhead electric lighting were operating at full input power.

1.14.1.1.9 Field: Lighting Control Type

The type of overhead electric lighting control. All reference points specified are assumed to
have this type of control.
For Lighting Control Type = 1 (continuous), the overhead lights dim continuously and linearly
from (maximum electric power, maximum light output) to (minimum electric power, minimum
light output) as the daylight illuminance increases. The lights stay on at the minimum point with
further increase in the daylight illuminance.
For Lighting Control Type = 2 (stepped), the electric power input and light output vary in
discrete, equally spaced steps. The number of steps is given by Number of Steps (Excluding Off)
of Stepped Control. For example, if Number of Steps = 3 and Illuminance Setpoint = 600, then
the following table shows the fraction of the lights that are on vs. daylight illuminance.

Table 1.26: Example of a Stepped Lighting Control System

with Three Steps

Daylight illuminance Fraction of lights that are on

0-200 1.0
200-400 2/3
400-600 1/3
600 and above 0.0

Lighting Control Type = 3 (continuous/off) is the same as Lighting Control Type = 1 except
that the lights switch off completely when the minimum dimming point is reached.
1.14. GROUP – DAYLIGHTING 531

1.14.1.1.10 Field: Glare Calculation Azimuth Angle of View Direction Clock-

wise from Zone y-Axis
Daylight glare from a window depends on occupant view direction. It is highest when you look
directly at a window and decreases as you look away from a window. This field specifies the view
direction for calculating glare. It is the angle, measured clockwise in the horizontal plane, between
the zone y-axis and the occupant view direction.

1.14.1.1.11 Field: Maximum Allowable Discomfort Glare Index

If a daylit zone has windows with shading devices (except exterior screens), the shades will
be deployed if the daylight glare at the First Reference Point exceeds the value of this field.
To get this type of glare control you have to specify Trigger = Glare, GlareOrSolarOnWindow,
GlareOrHorizontalSolar, GlareOrOutsideAirTemp, GlareOrZoneAirTemp or GlareOrZoneLoad
in WindowProperty:ShadingControl for one or more windows in the zone (see WindowProp-
erty:ShadingControl).
If a zone has two or more windows with glare control, the shading devices will be deployed one
by one in the order in which the windows are input until the glare level at each reference point falls
below Maximum Allowable Discomfort Glare Index or is as close as possible to it.
The following table gives recommended values of Maximum Allowable Discomfort Glare Index.

Table 1.27: Recommended Values of Maximum Allowable

Discomfort Glare Index (DGI)

Activity or Zone Type Maximum Allowable DGI

Art Galleries 16
Factories: Rough work 28
Factories: Engine assembly 26
Factories: Fine assembly 24
Factories: Instrument assembly 22
Hospital wards 18
Laboratories 22
Museums 20
Offices 22
School classrooms 20

1.14.1.1.12 Field: Minimum Input Power Fraction for Continuous Dimming

Control
For Lighting Control Type = 1 (continuous), the lowest power the lighting system can dim down
to, expressed as a fraction of maximum input power (see figure, below). For Lighting Control Type
= 3 (continuous/off) this is the power fraction reached just before the lights switch off completely.
The figure above shows the relationship between electric light output and electrical input.

1.14.1.1.13 Field: Minimum Light Output Fraction for Continuous Dimming

Control
For Lighting Control Type = 1 (continuous), the lowest lighting output the lighting system
532 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.55: Illustration of continuous dimming relationship

can dim down to, expressed as a fraction of maximum light output (see figure, above). This is the
fractional light output that the system produces at minimum input power. For Lighting Control
Type = 3 (continuous/off) this is the light output fraction reached just before the lights switch off
completely.

1.14.1.1.14 Field: Number of Stepped Control Steps

The number of steps, excluding off, in a stepped lighting control system (see figure, below).
Required and must be >0 if Lighting Control Type = 2. The steps are assumed to be equally
spaced.

1.14.1.1.15 Field: Probability Lighting will be Reset When Needed in Manual

Stepped Control
May be specified if a stepped lighting control system (Lighting Control Type = 2) is manually
operated, such as in a simple, one-step (on-off) system. Gives the probability the occupants of a
daylit zone will set the electric lights to the correct level to obtain the required illuminance. The
rest of the time the lights are assumed to be set one step too high. For example, consider an on-off
lighting system (Number of Steps = 1) with a set point of 600 lux and 0.7 reset probability. Then,
when daylighting exceeds 600 lux, the electric lights will be off 70% of the time and on 30% of the
time.

1.14.1.1.16 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This alpha field is optional and may be used to define the name of a schedule that denotes
whether or not the control is available to operate during a given time period. If the schedule value
is greater than zero, then the controls will be available to operate for that time period. If the
1.14. GROUP – DAYLIGHTING 533

Figure 1.56: Stepped lighting control with Number of Steps = 3.

534 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

schedule value is zero or less, then the controls will not be available. If this field is left blank, the
controls will be always available. For example, this can be useful for scheduling the daylighting
controls off during design days so that the daylighting controls do not affect lighting power during
sizing.
An IDF example:
Daylighting:Controls , ! Zone Name
1, ! Total Daylighting Reference Points
3.048 ,3.048 ,0.9 , ! X,Y,Z coordinates of first reference point {m}
0.0 ,0.0 ,0.0 , ! X,Y,Z coordinates of second reference point , if present {m}
0.99, ! Fraction of zone controlled by first reference point
0.0, ! Fraction of zone controlled by second reference point , if present
500., ! Illuminance setpoint at first reference point {lux}
500., ! Illuminance setpoint at second reference point , if present {lux}
1, ! Lighting control type {1 = continuous ,2 = stepped ,3 = continuous/off}
180.0 , ! Azimuth angle of view direction for glare calculation {deg},
! measured clockwise from zone y-axis. Value of 180 gives view
! (from reference point) that is directly at window , maximizing glare.
20.0, ! Maximum discomfort glare index for window shade control
0.3, ! Minimum input power fraction for continuous dimming control
0.2, ! Minimum light output fraction for continuous dimming control
0, ! Number of steps , excluding off , for stepped control
1.0; ! Probability electric lighting will be reset when needed (used only
! for stepped control , to simulate manual on/off control)

1.14.2 Guidelines for Daylighting Modeling (Detailed Method)

Following are some guidelines for preparing EnergyPlus input to model the effects of daylighting.
Before studying these guidelines, however, you should read the description of each input field
under Daylighting:Controls, and review the IDF example, above, and the sample daylighting input,
PurchAirWithDaylighting.idf.

1.14.2.1 Use of Window Multipliers

If an exterior wall in a daylit zone has a number of identical windows, the windows should be
entered separately rather than using a window multiplier (ref: FenestrationSurface:Detailed). Using
a multiplier would give an incorrect illuminance calculation since individual windows would not be
positioned correctly on the wall.

1.14.2.2 Use of Zone Multipliers

A zone multiplier should not be used on a daylit zone if the windows in the zone are shadowed by
exterior obstructions like trees or neighboring buildings, or by obstructions caused by other parts
of building. The reason for this is that the shadowing on the windows of the multiplied zone may
be different from zone to zone depending on exactly how the shadows fall on the zones. However, a
zone multiplier may be used on a daylit zone if the shadowing is by overhangs, fins and/or window
setback.

1.14.2.3 Thermal Zoning for Daylighting

To correctly calculate both direct and inter-reflected daylight illuminance you should try to model
a thermal zone consisting of several similar rooms separated by interior walls as a representative
room with a zone multiplier (ref: Zone). An example of this is shown in Figure 1.57. Room-1 is
the representative room, with a zone multiplier = 4.
1.14. GROUP – DAYLIGHTING 535

Interior walls IW-1, IW-2 and IW-3 should be treated as adiabatic, i.e., they should have
Outside Boundary Condition = Surface and Outside Boundary Condition Object = IW-1, IW-2,
or IW-3, respectively (ref: BuildingSurface:Detailed). Similarly, if the ceiling and floor of Room-1
are interior surfaces, they should be treated as adiabatic.

Figure 1.57: For daylighting purposes the thermal zone enclosed by the dashed boundary
line should be modeled as a typical zone (Room-1) with a zone multiplier of 4.

Sometimes a representative room cannot be found. Figure 1.58 shows a section of a building
with four rooms having different daylighting characteristics because of different floor area, orien-
tation and/or window size. In this case lumping the rooms into a single thermal zone would give
nonsensical daylighting illuminance values because of the presence of the interior walls, which Ener-
gyPlus ignores when calculating illuminance reaching a reference point directly from a window (i.e.,
without reflection). The solution in this case is to describe each room as a separate thermal zone
with its own daylighting reference points, and input the interior walls because these will participate
in the calculation of inter-reflected illuminance.

1.14.2.4 Multiple Lighting Zones

The detailed daylighting calculation allows a thermal zone to be divided into two independently-
controlled lighting zones. (See the fields: Fraction of Zone Controlled by First Reference Point,
Fraction of Zone Controlled by Second Reference Point, Illuminance SetPoint at First Reference
Point, and Illuminance SetPoint at Second Reference Point.) An example is shown in Figure 1.59,
where a relatively deep thermal zone has two lighting zones of equal area.

1.14.2.5 Fins, Overhangs and Other Exterior Obstructions

The daylighting calculation accounts for the presence of exterior obstructions in determining the
amount of light that strikes the windows. For daylighting purposes exterior obstructions fall into
three categories:

• Fins, overhangs, trees, neighboring buildings, etc., entered with the objects Shad-
ing:Zone:Detailed, Shading:Site:Detailed, or Shading:Building:Detailed.

• Building surfaces like walls and roofs (in an L-shaped building, for example).
536 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.58: Rooms A, B, C and D have different daylighting characteristics. If lumped into
a single thermal zone the daylighting calculation will be less accurate because the blockage
of direct light by the interior walls between these rooms is modeled with some simplifications
(see Interior Obstructions below). To get a good daylighting calculation each room should
be input as a separate thermal zone.

Figure 1.59: Two independently-controlled lighting zones, each with 50% of the area of the
thermal zone.
1.14. GROUP – DAYLIGHTING 537

• Surfaces associated with window setback.

Category (1) obstructions can have an associated solar transmittance schedule (see description
of the field Transmittance Schedule Name for these shading surfaces). If this schedule is not
specified, the surface is opaque (has zero transmittance).
The daylighting calculation takes the transmittance into account in determining, for example,
how much light enters a window through a translucent awning. It is assumed that the solar and
visible transmittance is the same and that the surfaces are non-diffusing, i.e., they do not change
the direction of transmitted light. Ref:Daylighting:Controls.
Category (2) and (3) surfaces are assumed to be opaque.
Surfaces in all three categories are assumed to be black, i.e., they do not reflect light, unless
you set if “Reflections” option is chosen in the Building object. Then obstructions can reflect light,
such as the top of an overhang reflecting light onto the window above. Ref: Building, Field: Solar
Distribution (with reflections options).

1.14.2.6 Interior Obstructions

The daylighting calculation accounts for the presence of interior obstructions that lie between
a window and a reference point. Unlike exterior obstructions, which can be light transmitting,
interior obstructions are assumed to be opaque. Interior obstructions can reduce or eliminate the
light directly reaching the reference point through a window.
However, interior obstructions that are walls, ceilings or floors are reflecting so they contribute
to the inter-reflected component of daylight illuminance as do the non-obstructing zone surfaces.
Interior obstructions can belong to the Shading object series. This type of obstruction is
assumed to be non-reflecting so does not contribute to the inter-reflected component of daylight
illuminance.
An example of an interior obstruction that is a wall in an L-shaped room is shown in Figure 1.60.
Here, wall A (or, equivalently, Wall B) prevents light from directly getting to the Reference Point
from the window.

1.14.2.7 Double Façades: Daylighting through Interior Windows

The Daylighting:Controls method, with no additional user input, calculates the contribution of
daylight that passes into a target zone through interior windows.[1] The origin of this daylight is
exterior windows in adjacent zones that share interior windows with the target zone. This capability
is aimed at daylighting through a double façade (also called “double envelope” or “double skin.”)
This is illustrated in Figure 1.61, which shows a double-façade buffer zone, Z0, with exterior
windows EW1 and EW2. Z0 shares interior windows IW1, IW2 and IW3 with daylit occupied
zones ZD1, ZD2 and ZD3, respectively (“daylit” here means the zone has an associated Daylight-
ing:Controls object). The daylight illuminance at reference points RP1, RP2 and RP3 comes from
the interior windows and has two main sources:
• Daylight that passes through both an exterior window and an interior window in Z0 and
reaches a reference point without reflection. This is called “direct illuminance.”
• Daylight from Z0 that passes through an interior window and reaches a reference point
by inter-reflection in the daylit zone. Because the program calculates this source from the
interior solar distribution in Z0 it is recommended that the most accurate calculation of this
distribution be made, which occurs if Solar Distribution = FullInteriorAndExterior in the
Building object.
538 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.60: Wall A (or Wall B) is an interior obstruction that prevents light from directly
reaching the daylighting reference point from the window.

A third possible source is neglected because it is generally small in double-façade cases. This
is daylight that is reflected from the surfaces of Z0, passes through an interior window and then
reaches a reference point without inter-reflection in the daylit zone.
PurchAirWithDoubleFacadeDaylighting.idf is an input example of daylighting through an in-
terior window.

1.14.2.8 Interior Window Daylighting Configurations that EnergyPlus Can Cal-

culate
Figure 1.62 shows schematically the general configuration of daylighting through interior windows
that can be calculated with EnergyPlus. Here, daylit zone ZD has one or more interior windows
that are adjacent to other zones, each of which has one or more exterior windows. ZD itself may
or may not have exterior windows. If it does, than the daylight illuminance from its exterior and
interior windows will be additive. The zones adjacent to ZD may or may not be daylit and may or
may not have other interior windows that are not adjacent to ZD. (The program does not consider
the illuminance in ZD from electric lighting in adjacent zones.)

1.14.2.9 Interior Window Daylighting Configurations that EnergyPlus Cannot

Calculate
Figure 1.63 shows schematically a configuration of daylighting through interior windows that cannot
be calculated with EnergyPlus. Here, zone Z has an interior window that is adjacent to zone Z1
which in turn has an interior window adjacent to zone Z2. However, the daylight from the exterior
window in Z2 that enters Z after passing through Z1 is not calculated because Z2 is not adjacent
to Z.
1.14. GROUP – DAYLIGHTING 539

Figure 1.61: Vertical section through a double-façade building showing daylighting through
interior windows. The dashed lines show that (1) reference point RP1 receives direct light
from exterior window EW1 via interior window IW1; (2) RP2 receives direct light from EW1
and EW2 via IW2; and (3) RP3 receives direct light from EW2 via IW3.

Figure 1.62: General configuration of daylighting through interior windows that can be
calculated with EnergyPlus. IW = interior window, EW = exterior window.
540 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.63: Configuration in which daylighting of zone Z through its interior window cannot
be calculated with EnergyPlus. IW = interior window, EW = exterior window.

1.14.2.10 Restrictions on Shading Devices

There are two restrictions on the use of exterior-window shading devices when a daylit zone has
interior windows:
1) If two daylit zones share an interior window, neither zone can have an exterior window
whose shading device does glare control (i.e., the WindowProperty:ShadingControl for the exterior
window has Glare Control Is Active = Yes).
2) If two daylit zones share an interior window, neither zone can have an exterior window with
a WindowProperty:ShadingControl that has Shading Control Type = MeetDaylightIlluminance-
Setpoint.

1.14.3 DElight Daylighting Method

The DElight method of analyzing daylighting in buildings is very similar to that used in the
Detailed method. For each point in time, DElight calculates the interior daylighting illuminance
at specified reference points and then determines how much the electric lighting can be reduced
while still achieving a combined daylighting and electric lighting illuminance target. The daylight
illuminance level in a zone depends on many factors, including exterior light sources; location, size,
and visible light transmittance of simple and complex fenestration systems; reflectance of interior
surfaces; and location of calculation reference points. The subsequent reduction of electric lighting
depends on daylight illuminance level, illuminance set point, fraction of zone controlled, and type
of lighting control.
There are two primary differences between the Detailed and DElight methods of calculating
interior illuminance levels. The first is that DElight includes the capability of analyzing complex
fenestration systems that include geometrically complicated shading systems (e.g., roof monitors)
and/or optically complicated glazings (e.g., prismatic or holographic glass). The second key dif-
ference is that DElight uses a radiosity method to calculate the effects of light reflection inside a
zone. These methods are discussed in more detail in the engineering documentation.
There are other important differences between the two methods. One is the inability of DElight
1.14. GROUP – DAYLIGHTING 541

to perform the type of dynamic shading controls possible using the Detailed method at each point
in time during the thermal simulation (e.g., changes in electrochromic glazing transmittances and
blind slat angles). Another is the DElight ability to include more than two reference points in its
interior illuminance and electric lighting reduction calculations. A third is the current lack of visual
quality (e.g., glare) calculations performed by DElight. Fourth, the modeling of interior obstructions
is different in the two methods. In the DElight method interior obstructions block interreflections
but do not block the intial direct illuminance. In the Detailed method, interior obstructions block
the initial direct illuminance but do not block interreflections. See the engineering documentation
for more details. Fifth, when using DElight daylighting the presence of exterior shading surfaces
such as overhangs is ignored.
Input for invoking the DElight method involves three object types: Daylighting:DELight:Controls,
Daylighting:DELight:ReferencePoint, and Daylighting:DELight:ComplexFenestration.
Each of these objects is described below.

1.14.4 Daylighting:DELight:Controls
The first input object required for invoking the DElight method is the Daylighting:DELight:Controls
object, which defines the parameters of each daylighting zone within a building. This object must
be associated with a specific thermal zone within the building for which the reduction in electric
lighting due to daylight illuminance will be accounted.

1.14.4.1 Inputs
1.14.4.1.1 Field: Name
User name of the DElight daylighting zone to which the following input applies.

1.14.4.1.2 Field: Zone Name

The name of the thermal Zone hosting this DElight daylighting zone. This must be a valid
name that has been associated with a thermal Zone contained in the same EnergyPlus input data
file.

1.14.4.1.3 Field: Lighting Control Type

The type of overhead electric lighting control. All reference points specified are assumed to
have this type of control.
For Lighting Control Type = 1 (continuous), the overhead lights dim continuously and linearly
from (maximum electric power, maximum light output) to (minimum electric power, minimum
light output) as the daylight illuminance increases. The lights stay on at the minimum point with
further increase in the daylight illuminance.
For Lighting Control Type = 2 (stepped), the electric power input and light output vary in
discrete, equally spaced steps. The number of steps is given by Number of Steps (Excluding Off)
of Stepped Control. For example, if Number of Steps = 3 and Illuminance Setpoint = 600, then
the following table shows the fraction of the lights that are on vs. daylight illuminance.
542 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Table 1.28: Example of a Stepped Lighting Control System

with Three Steps

Daylight illuminance Fraction of lights that are on

0-200 1.0
200-400 2/3
400-600 1/3
600 and above 0.0

Lighting Control Type = 3 (continuous/off) is the same as Lighting Control Type = 1 except
that the lights switch off completely when the minimum dimming point is reached.

1.14.4.1.4 Field: Minimum Input Power Fraction for Continuous Dimming Con-
trol
For Lighting Control Type = 1 (continuous), the lowest power the lighting system can dim down
to, expressed as a fraction of maximum input power (see figure, below). For Lighting Control Type
= 3 (continuous/off) this is the power fraction reached just before the lights switch off completely.

Figure 1.64: Illustration of continuous dimming relationship

The figure above shows the relationship between electric light output and electrical input.

1.14.4.1.5 Field: Minimum Light Output Fraction for Continuous Dimming

Control
1.14. GROUP – DAYLIGHTING 543

For Lighting Control Type = 1 (continuous), the lowest lighting output the lighting system
can dim down to, expressed as a fraction of maximum light output (see figure, above). This
is the fractional light output that the system produces at minimum input power. For Lighting
Control Type = 3 (continuous/off) this is the power fraction reached just before the lights switch
off completely.

1.14.4.1.6 Field: Number of Steps (Excluding Off) for Stepped Control

The number of steps, excluding off, in a stepped lighting control system (see figure, below).
Required and must be >0 if Lighting Control Type = 2. The steps are assumed to be equally
spaced.

Figure 1.65: Stepped lighting control with Number of Steps = 3.

1.14.4.1.7 Field: Probability Lighting Will Be Reset When Needed in Manual

Stepped Control
May be specified if a stepped lighting control system (Lighting Control Type = 2) is manually
operated, such as in a simple, one-step (on-off) system. Gives the probability the occupants of a
daylit zone will set the electric lights to the correct level to obtain the required illuminance. The
rest of the time the lights are assumed to be set one step too high. For example, consider an on-off
lighting system (Number of Steps = 1) with a set point of 600 lux and 0.7 reset probability. Then,
when daylighting exceeds 600 lux, the electric lights will be off 70% of the time and on 30% of the
time.
544 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.14.4.1.8 Field: Gridding Resolution

The maximum surface area for nodes in gridding (subdividing) all surfaces in the DElight zone.
All reflective and transmitting surfaces will be subdivided into approximately square nodes that
do not exceed this maximum. Higher resolution subdivisions require greater calculation times, but
generally produce more accurate results. This same gridding resolution is also used to subdivide
any Complex Fenestration System surfaces. It is advisable to perform at least one simulation of new
input using a small gridding resolution such as 0.1m2 to compare these results against simulation
runs at lower resolution (i.e., higher maximum area nodal grids) to get a sense of possible levels of
error.
An IDF example:
Daylighting:DELight:Controls ,
DElight NORTH ZONE , !- DElight Zone Name
NORTH ZONE , !- Zone Name
1, !- Lighting control type
0.3, !- Minimum input power fraction for continuous dimming control
0.2, !- Minimum light output fraction for continuous dimming control
0, !- Number of steps (excluding off) for stepped control
1.0, !- Probability lighting will be reset when needed in manual stepped control
1.0; !- Gridding Resolution {m2}

1.14.5 Daylighting:DELight:ReferencePoint
The second input object required for invoking the DElight method is the Daylight-
ing:DELight:ReferencePoint object, which defines the parameters of each Reference Point
within the associated DElight daylighting zone. This object must be associated with a specific
Daylighting:DELight:Controls object instance. There may be up to a maximum of 100 Reference
Points for each DElight daylighting zone. Each Reference Point that is input does NOT need to
be included in the control of the electric lighting system within the zone. This is determined by
the fraction of the zone controlled by each Reference Point, which can be input as 0. Note that
the sum of all Reference Point control fractions must equal 1 to obtain correct overall results.

1.14.5.1 Inputs
1.14.5.1.1 Field: Name
User name of the DElight daylighting Reference Point to which the following input applies.

1.14.5.1.2 Field: DElight Name

The name of the Daylighting:DELight:Controls object instance hosting this Reference Point.
This must be a valid name that has been associated with a DElight daylighting Zone contained in
the same EnergyPlus input data file.

1.14.5.1.3 Fields: (X,Y,Z) of Reference Point

These three fields are the X, Y and Z values of the Reference point in the coordinate system you
specified for daylighting reference points in the GlobalGeometryRules object. Figure 1.66 shows an
example using the relative coordinate (to zone) system. Z is typically at work surface height (e.g.,
0.8m for a desk).
1.14. GROUP – DAYLIGHTING 545

Figure 1.66: Example showing location of two daylighting reference points in the zone coor-
dinate system (relative) of a rectangular zone with three windows. (a) Perspective view, (b)
plan view, (c) elevation view. All dimensions are in meters.
546 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.14.5.1.4 Field: Fraction of Zone Controlled by Reference Point

The zone floor-area fraction of the electric lighting that is controlled by the daylight illuminance
at this Reference Point. If the sum of the values for this field for all Reference Points input for a
given daylighting zone is less than 1.0, then the remaining fraction (i.e., 1.0 – Sum) is assumed to
not have lighting control.
Note that Reference Points may be input with a 0.0 value for this fraction. In this case, daylight
factors and interior illuminance values will be calculated for the Reference Point, but it will play
no role in controlling the electric lighting within the daylighting zone to which it belongs.

1.14.5.1.5 Field: Illuminance Setpoint at Reference Point

The desired lighting level (in lux) at this Reference Point. This is assumed to be the lighting
level that would be produced at this reference point at night if the overhead electric lighting were
operating at full input power. Recommended values depend on the type of activity and may be
found, for example, in the Lighting Handbook of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North
America. A typical value for general office work (excluding computer terminals) is 500 lux.
An IDF example:
Daylighting:DELight:ReferencePoint ,
RefPt 2, !- Reference Point Name
DElight NORTH ZONE , !- DElight Zone Name
5.0, !- X-coordinate of reference point {m}
3.0, !- Y-coordinate of reference point {m}
0.9, !- Z-coordinate of reference point {m}
0.5, !- Fraction of zone controlled by reference point
500.; !- Illuminance setpoint at reference point {lux}

1.14.6 Daylighting:DELight:ComplexFenestration
The third input object related to the DElight method is the Daylighting:DElight: Complex Fenes-
tration object. The DElight daylighting analysis method can be applied to daylighting zones that
contain only simple fenestration systems such as windows and skylights that are standard Energy-
Plus sub-surfaces. In this situation, no Daylighting:DElight: Complex Fenestration object would
be input.
In addition to analyzing simple fenestration systems, DElight includes the capability of analyz-
ing complex fenestration systems such as geometrically complicated static shading systems (e.g.,
roof monitors) and/or optically complicated glazings (e.g., prismatic or holographic glass). This
capability is based on characterizing these complex fenestration systems (CFS) using bi-directional
transmittance distribution functions (BTDF). In general, BTDF data for a specific CFS must be
either measured or simulated (e.g., using ray-tracing techniques) prior to employing DElight to
analyze it within EnergyPlus. The current implementation of DElight CFS calculations within
EnergyPlus supports two approaches to the input of BTDF, an analytical approach and a file-
based approach. The details of inputting these two approaches are described below under the User
Complex Fenestration Type field.
Two analytical CFS BTDF types are currently supported, window and light shelf. The file-based
approach requires that a user has access to a data file containing raw BTDF data that DElight
reads as additional input during its analysis calculations. BTDF data files are described separately
since it is anticipated that individual EnergyPlus users will not create these data files themselves.
The methods related to characterizing and analyzing CFS using BTDF are still evolving. DE-
light is an early implementation of CFS analysis methods. These methods, and the input associated
with them here, will likely change in the future.
1.14. GROUP – DAYLIGHTING 547

1.14.6.1 Inputs
1.14.6.1.1 Field: User Name
User name of the DElight daylighting Complex Fenestration to which the following input applies.

1.14.6.1.2 Field: Complex Fenestration Type

Type name of the DElight daylighting Complex Fenestration system to be analyzed. This type
name must take one of the following two forms.
BTDFGEN Analytical TypeˆNormal Visible TransmittanceˆDispersion Angle
BTDFFILE Filename
The first form above is for supported analytical CFS types which currently include WINDOW
and LIGHTSHELF. While these analytical types are relatively simple, they represent flexible ways
to explore diffusing CFS systems and the impact of light shelves in redirecting light through an
aperture. Each of these types also requires the visible transmittance of the CFS at normal incidence
angle, and a dispersion angle (in degrees) that represents the “spread” of transmitted light. A small
dispersion angle of 10 corresponds to clear glazing while a large angle of 90 corresponds to perfectly
diffusing glazing. The “ˆ” symbol must be used as a delimiter between sub-fields within this
Complex Fenestration type name string as shown in the IDF example for WINDOW below, and in
the DElight sample input data files.
The second form above is for CFS types for which there is pre-measured or pre-simulated BTDF
data. In this case the Filename sub-field must be a valid data file name that is associated with an
existing BTDF dataset that DElight can use in its calculations.

1.14.6.1.3 Field: Building Surface Name

The name of the heat transfer surface object instance hosting this Complex Fenestration, anal-
ogous to the Building Surface Name field for subsurfaces such as Windows. This must be a valid
name that has been associated with a heat transfer surface contained in the same EnergyPlus input
data file.

1.14.6.1.4 Field: Window Name

The name of the Window (ref: FenestrationSurface:Detailed object) instance that will be used to
account for the geometry, and the solar/thermal gains/losses, of the Complex Fenestration system
surface. This must be a valid name that has been associated with a Window contained in the same
EnergyPlus input data file. The geometry for the Complex Fenestration is taken from the geometry
input for this standard EnergyPlus subsurface, hence the term “Doppelganger.”
Note that DElight only deals with the visible spectrum of light transmitted through a Complex
Fenestration. To account for the solar/thermal influences of a Complex Fenestration, a geomet-
rically coincident subsurface that will be accounted for by methods already within EnergyPlus
must be defined in the input data file. This is an interim solution to the issue of accounting for
solar/thermal influences that will likely change as techniques analogous to the daylighting analysis
of BTDF are developed.

1.14.6.1.5 Field: Fenestration Rotation

The in-plane counter-clockwise rotation angle between the Complex Fenestration optical refer-
ence direction and the base edge of the Doppelganger Surface geometry. The Complex Fenestration
optical reference direction is the direction of the zero azimuth angle for the BDTF dataset. This
Rotation angle will typically be zero when the Doppelganger surface is rectangular and its width
edge is aligned with the Complex Fenestration optical reference direction.
548 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

An IDF example for an analytical WINDOW type CFS:

Daylighting:DELight:ComplexFenestration ,
Window CFS , !- DElight Complex Fenestration User Name
BTDF^GEN^WINDOW ^1.0^20.0 , !- Complex Fenestration Type
ZN003:WALL001 , !- Complex Fenestration Host Surface
Zn003:Wall001:Doppel001 , !- Doppelganger Surface Name
0.0; !- Fenestration Rotation {deg}

1.14.6.2 Outputs
In addition to the daylighting-specific outputs for DElight listed below, two ASCII text files are
created during an EnergyPlus run that includes DElight analysis. Following completion of an
EnergyPlus run, these files are given names that consist of the project name appended with DE-
light.in and DElight.out. The format of these files is described in the Output Details and Examples
document.
Zone,Average,Daylighting Reference Point Illuminance [lux]
Zone,Average,Daylighting Lighting Power Multiplier []

1.14.6.2.1 Daylighting Reference Point Illuminance [lux]

The total daylight illuminance at a DElight reference point from all of the exterior windows in
a daylit zone.

1.14.6.2.2 Daylighting Lighting Power Multiplier []

The amount by which the overhead electric lighting power in a zone is multiplied due to usage
of DElight calculated daylighting to dim or switch electric lights. For example, if the multiplier is
M and the electric power without dimming is P, then the electric power with dimming is M*P. The
multiplier varies from 0.0, which corresponds to maximum dimming (zero electric lighting), to 1.0,
which corresponds to no dimming.

1.14.6.3 Outputs
The following daylighting-specific outputs are available for Daylighting:Controls:

• Zone,Average,Site Exterior Beam Normal Illuminance [lux]

• Zone,Average,Site Exterior Horizontal Beam Illuminance [lux]

• Zone,Average,Site Exterior Horizontal Sky Illuminance [lux]

• Zone,Average,Site Beam Solar Radiation Luminous Efficacy [lum/W]

• Zone,Average,Site Sky Diffuse Solar Radiation Luminous Efficacy [lum/W]

• Zone,Average,Site Daylighting Model Sky Clearness []

• Zone,Average,Site Daylighting Model Sky Brightness []

• Surface,Average,Daylighting Window Reference Point 1 View Luminance [cd/m2]

• Surface,Average,Daylighting Window Reference Point 1 Illuminance [lux]

• Zone,Average,Daylighting Reference Point 1 Illuminance [lux]

1.14. GROUP – DAYLIGHTING 549

• Zone,Average,Daylighting Reference Point 1 Glare Index []

• Zone,Sum,Daylighting Reference Point 1 Glare Index Setpoint Exceeded Time [hr]

• Zone,Sum,Daylighting Reference Point 1 Daylight Illuminance Setpoint Exceeded Time [hr]

• Surface,Average,Daylighting Window Reference Point 2 View Luminance [cd/m2]

• Surface,Average,Daylighting Window Reference Point 2 Illuminance [lux]

• Zone,Average,Daylighting Reference Point 2 Illuminance [lux], if applicable

• Zone,Average,Daylighting Reference Point 2 Glare Index [], if applicable

• Zone,Sum,Daylighting Reference Point 2 Glare Index Setpoint Exceeded Time [hr]

• Zone,Sum,Daylighting Reference Point 2 Daylight Illuminance Setpoint Exceeded Time [hr]

• Zone,Average,Daylighting Lighting Power Multiplier []

1.14.6.3.1 Site Exterior Beam Normal Illuminance [lux]

Beam normal illuminance of the sun at the earth’s surface, measured in lux (lumens/m2 )

1.14.6.3.2 Site Exterior Horizontal Beam Illuminance [lux]

Beam illuminance on an unobstructed horizontal plane at the earth’s surface. Equals “Site
Exterior Beam Normal Illuminance” times sine of solar altitude.

1.14.6.3.3 Site Exterior Horizontal Sky Illuminance [lux]

Illuminance from sky solar radiation on an unobstructed horizontal plane at the earth’s surface.
The total exterior horizontal illuminance is the sum of “Site Exterior Horizontal Beam Illuminance”
and “Site Exterior Horizontal Sky Illuminance.”

1.14.6.3.4 Site Beam Solar Radiation Luminous Efficacy [lum/W]

A measure of the visible light content of beam solar radiation; equal to the number of lumens per
watt of beam solar radiation. Depends on atmospheric conditions (moisture, turbidity, cloudiness)
and solar altitude.

1.14.6.3.5 Site Sky Diffuse Solar Radiation Luminous Efficacy [lum/W]

A measure of the visible light content of sky diffuse solar radiation; equal to the number of
lumens per watt of sky diffuse solar radiation. Depends on atmospheric conditions (moisture,
turbidity, cloudiness) and solar altitude.

1.14.6.3.6 Site Daylighting Model Sky Clearness []

Clearness of sky. One of the factors used to determine sky type and luminous efficacy of solar
radiation (see EnergyPlus Engineering Document). Sky Clearness close to 1.0 corresponds to an
overcast sky. Sky Clearness > 6 is a clear sky.

1.14.6.3.7 Site Daylighting Model Sky Brightness []

Brightness of sky. One of the factors used to determine sky type and luminous efficacy of solar
radiation (see EnergyPlus Engineering Document).
550 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.14.6.3.8 Daylighting Window Reference Point 1 View Luminance [cd/m2]

The area-averaged luminance of an exterior window as viewed from the first reference point in
the daylit zone containing the window. In general, higher window luminance values are associated
with higher daylight glare values. (Printed only for exterior windows in daylit zones without interior
windows.)

1.14.6.3.9 Daylighting Window Reference Point 1 Illuminance [lux]

The contribution from a particular exterior window to the daylight illuminance at the first
reference point in the daylit zone containing the window. (Not printed for exterior windows in
daylit zones with interior windows.)

1.14.6.3.10 Daylighting Reference Point 1 Illuminance [lux]

The total daylight illuminance at the first reference point from all of the windows in a daylit
zone.

1.14.6.3.11 Daylighting Reference Point 1 Glare Index []

The daylight glare index at the first reference point in a daylit zone.

1.14.6.3.12 Daylighting Reference Point 1 Glare Index Setpoint Exceeded Time

[hr]
The number of hours when the calculated daylight glare index at the first reference point exceeds
the glare index setpoint.

1.14.6.3.13 Daylighting Reference Point 1 Daylight Illuminance Setpoint Ex-

ceeded Time [hr]
The number of hours when the calculated daylight illuminance at the first reference point
exceeds the daylight illuminance setpoint.

1.14.6.3.14 Daylighting Reference Point 2 Illuminance [lux]

The total daylight illuminance at the second reference point from all of the windows in a daylit
zone.

1.14.6.3.15 Daylighting Window Reference Point 2 View Luminance [cd/m2]

The area-averaged luminance of an exterior window as viewed from the second reference point,
if present, in the daylit zone containing the window. Note that, for a bare window, this value can be
different from the corresponding value at the first reference point since different regions of the sky
and ground will be visible from the two reference points, and different ranges of angles of incidence
and associated glass transmittance values will be involved. (Not printed for exterior windows in
daylit zones with interior windows.)

1.14.6.3.16 Daylighting Window Reference Point 2 Illuminance [lux]

The contribution from a particular exterior window to the daylight illuminance at the second
reference point, if present, in the daylit zone containing the window. (Not printed for exterior
windows in daylit zones with interior windows.)

1.14.6.3.17 Daylighting Reference Point 2 Glare Index []

The daylight glare index at the second reference point, if present, in a daylit zone.
1.14. GROUP – DAYLIGHTING 551

1.14.6.3.18 Daylighting Reference Point 2 Glare Index Setpoint Exceeded Time

[hr]
The number of hours when the calculated daylight glare index at the second reference point
exceeds the glare index setpoint.

1.14.6.3.19 Daylighting Reference Point 2 Daylight Illuminance Setpoint Ex-

ceeded Time [hr]
The number of hours when the calculated daylight illuminance at the second reference point
exceeds the daylight illuminance setpoint.

1.14.6.3.20 Daylighting Lighting Power Multiplier []

The amount by which the overhead electric lighting power in a zone is multiplied due to usage
of daylighting to dim or switch electric lights. For example, if the multiplier is M and the electric
power without dimming is P, then the electric power with dimming is M*P. The multiplier varies
from 0.0, which corresponds to maximum dimming (zero electric lighting), to 1.0, which corresponds
to no dimming.

1.14.7 Output:IlluminanceMap
The Output:IlluminanceMap object expands on the reporting capabilities of the daylighting simu-
lation. For any zone simulated with Daylighting:Controls, the illuminance map can generate up to
2,500 points of additional daylighting illuminance values. The resulting map is output as a comma
delimited text file that can be imported into a spreadsheet program for rapid visualization of the
daylighting illuminance patterns in a zone. The values are produced on an hourly basis. The Z
height of the map is constant (parallel to a flat floor). More than one illuminance map can be
created for a zone.

1.14.7.1 Inputs
1.14.7.1.1 Field: Name
The name of the map object.

1.14.7.1.2 Field: Zone Name

Reference to a zone with Daylighting:Controls.

1.14.7.1.3 Field: Z Height

The height or elevation of the grid of daylighting points.

1.14.7.1.4 Field: X Minimum Coordinate

The minimum X coordinate boundary for the map.

1.14.7.1.5 Field: X Maximum Coordinate

The maximum X coordinate boundary for the map.
552 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.14.7.1.6 Field: Number of X Grid Points

The number of daylighting reference points in the X direction from the minimum to the max-
imum boundaries. The maximum number of points that can be generated is 2500 (Number of X
Grid Points X Number of Y Grid Points).

1.14.7.1.7 Field: Y Minimum Coordinate

The minimum Y coordinate boundary for the map.

1.14.7.1.8 Field: Y Maximum Coordinate

The maximum Y coordinate boundary for the map.

1.14.7.1.9 Field: Number of Y Grid Points

The number of daylighting reference points in the Y direction from the minimum to the max-
imum boundaries. The maximum number of points that can be generated is 2500 (Number of X
Grid Points X Number of Y Grid Points).
Note: Daylighting factors cannot be accurately calculated for reference points that are very
close to a wall or window (less than 0.15 m or 6 inches). An error is reported for a reference point
that is too close to a window, but no error is reported for a point that is too close to a wall.

Output:IlluminanceMap ,
Daylit Map , ! Map Name
Daylit Zone , ! Zone Name
0, ! Z Height [m]
0.1, ! X Minimum Coordinate [m]
4.9, ! X Maximum Coordinate [m]
10, ! Number of X Grid Points
0.1, ! Y Minimum Coordinate [m]
9.9, ! Y Maximum Coordinate [m]
10; ! Number of Y grid Points

Since not all zones are rectangular, it is possible to have map points that are outside the zone.
Any illuminance registered at these points is inaccurate and, additionally, a “*” marks these values
for easy observance.

1.14.8 OutputControl:IlluminanceMap:Style
This object specifies the “style” for the illuminance map output (described in the Output Details and
Examples document). As described early in the document (see: EnergyPlus Output Processing),
the user may select the “style” for the daylighting illuminance map output file (eplusmap.<ext>).

1.14.8.1 Inputs
1.14.8.1.1 Field: Column Separator
For this field, the desired separator for columns is entered. “Comma” creates comma sepa-
rated fields/columns in the outputs (eplusmap.csv file is created). “Tab” creates tab separated
fields/columns in the outputs (eplusmap.tab file is created). “Fixed” creates space separated field-
s/columns in the outputs (eplusmap.txt file is created) but these are not necessarily lined up for
easy printing.
Note that both tab and comma separated files easily import into Excel™ or other spreadsheet
programs. The tab delimited files can also be viewed by text editors, word processing programs
and easily converted to “tables” within those programs.
1.14. GROUP – DAYLIGHTING 553

1.14.9 Daylighting Devices

Daylighting devices work in conjunction with the Daylighting:Controls object to simulate compo-
nents that can improve daylighting in a zone.
Daylighting devices are also tightly integrated into the zone heat balance. The thermal effects
of these devices are simulated with or without the use of a Daylighting:Controls object.
There are two types of daylighting device in EnergyPlus: tubular daylighting devices and
daylighting shelves.

1.14.10 DaylightingDevice:Tubular
Tubular daylighting devices (TDDs), also known as tubular skylights or light pipes, are used to
bring natural exterior daylight into the hard-to-reach, interior spaces of a building.
TDDs consist of three components: a dome, a pipe, and a diffuser.

Figure 1.67: Tubular daylighting device diagram.

In EnergyPlus each of these components corresponds to an object in the input file.

The dome and diffuser are defined in the same way as windows using the FenestrationSur-
face:Detailed object. The Surface Type field must be specified as TubularDaylightDome or Tubu-
larDaylightDiffuser accordingly.
The location and orientation of the dome surface affect the total amount of daylight collected.
The Base Surface of the diffuser object determines to which zone the daylighting is delivered.
The location and orientation of the diffuser surface affect the amount of daylight received at the
Daylighting:Controls reference points.
Although the object definition is the same as for a window, there are several restrictions on
TubularDaylightDome and TubularDaylightDiffuser objects:
554 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• Shading control devices are not allowed.

• Frames and dividers are not allowed.

• Multipliers must be 1.0.

• Dome, diffuser, and pipe areas (as given by diameter) must be approximately equal.

• Outside face environment objects are not allowed.

• Dome and diffuser constructions cannot be more than one layer.

Since commercial TDDs are assumed to be cylindrical in shape, it is recommended that the
circular areas of the actual dome and diffuser be approximated with a square of equivalent area for
the TubularDaylightDome and TubularDaylightDiffuser objects. Although it is possible to use a
triangular surface instead, a square is a much better geometric approximation of a circle.
Note that the TubularDaylightDome surface is allowed to have a different position and tilt
from the roof base surface. If the actual TDD projects some height above the roof surface, the
TubularDaylightDome coordinates should be located accordingly.

Figure 1.68: Tubular daylighting device DXF output.

The TubularDaylightDome surface automatically casts a shadow on the roof base surface. How-
ever, since the pipe is not represented by a surface, it will not cast a shadow. If this effect must be
simulated, one or more SURFACE:SHADING objects can be used.
The dome and diffuser objects are connected by the DAYLIGHTING DEVICE:TUBULAR
object:

1.14.10.1 Inputs
1.14.10.1.1 Field: Name
The name of the TDD object.
1.14. GROUP – DAYLIGHTING 555

1.14.10.1.2 Field: Dome Name

Reference to a FenestrationSurface:Detailed object with Surface Type TubularDaylightDome.

1.14.10.1.3 Field: Diffuser Name

Reference to a FenestrationSurface:Detailed object with Surface Type TubularDaylightDiffuser.

1.14.10.1.4 Field: Construction Name

The construction of the TDD pipe. The visible and solar absorptance of the inside material
layer determines the reflectivity of the inner mirrored surface of the TDD. This is very important
for the overall transmittance of the TDD.

1.14.10.1.5 Field: Diameter

The diameter [m] of the TDD pipe. The area of the pipe must match the areas of the dome
and diffuser.

1.14.10.1.6 Field: Total Length

The total length [m] of the TDD pipe between the dome and the diffuser, including the exterior
part above the roof. The exterior length is determined internally by subtracting the transition zone
lengths from the total length.

1.14.10.1.7 Field: Effective Thermal Resistance

The effective thermal resistance [m2 -K/W], i.e. R-value, of the TDD between the exterior dome
surface and the interior diffuser surface.

1.14.10.1.8 Field: Transition Zone<#> Name

Name of zone that the TDD pipe passes through before reaching the delivery zone.

1.14.10.1.9 Field: Transition Zone <#> Length

Length of pipe [m] in the transition zone. This is used for determining heat gains due to solar
absorbed by the pipe in each transition zone. The distribution of absorbed solar gains can be
customized by adjusting the length of pipe in each transition zone. The transition zone gain is
proportional to the length of pipe in the zone. If no transition zones are specified, all solar absorbed
by the pipe is lost to the exterior environment.
The Transition Zone Name and Transition Zone Length fields can be repeated for additional
transition zones.
DaylightingDevice :Tubular ,
Pipe1 , !- Object Name
Dome1 , !- Dome Name
Diffuser1 , !- Diffuser Name
Reflective Aluminum , !- Construction Name
0.3556 , !- Diameter [m] (approximately 14", a standard size)
1.4, !- Total Length [m] (subtract zone lengths to get outdoor exposed
length)
0.28, !- Effective Thermal Resistance [m2 -K/W] between TubularDaylightDome
and TubularDaylightDiffuser
Attic Zone , !- Transition Zone 1 Name
1.1; !- Transition Zone 1 Length [m]

FenestrationSurface :Detailed ,
Dome1 , !- Subsurface Name
TubularDaylightDome , !- Surface Type
556 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Clear Acrylic Dome , !- Construction Name (only 1 layer allowed in construction)

Attic Roof , !- Base Surface Name
, !- Outside Face Environment (not allowed for TubularDaylightDome )
0.0, !- VF to Ground
, !- Window Shading Control (not allowed for TubularDaylightDome )
, !- Frame/Divider Name (not allowed for TubularDaylightDome )
1.0, !- Multiplier (must be 1.0 for TubularDaylightDome )
4, !- Number of Vertices
2.3425 , 3.1575 , 3.9,
2.3425 , 2.8425 , 3.9,
2.6575 , 2.8425 , 3.9,
2.6575 , 3.1575 , 3.9;

FenestrationSurface :Detailed ,
Diffuser1 , !- Subsurface Name
TubularDaylightDiffuser , !- Surface Type
Frosted Acrylic Diffuser , !- Construction Name (only 1 layer allowed in construction)
Daylit Zone Ceiling , !- Base Surface Name
, !- Outside Face Environment (not allowed for TubularDaylightDiffuser )
0.0, !- VF to Ground
, !- Window Shading Control (not allowed for TubularDaylightDiffuser )
, !- Frame/Divider Name (not allowed for TubularDaylightDiffuser )
1.0, !- Multiplier (must be 1.0 for TubularDaylightDiffuser )
4, !- Number of Vertices
2.3425 , 3.1575 , 2.5,
2.3425 , 2.8425 , 2.5,
2.6575 , 2.8425 , 2.5,
2.6575 , 3.1575 , 2.5;

1.14.10.2 Outputs
• Zone,Average,Tubular Daylighting Device Transmitted Solar Radiation Rate [W]

• Zone,Average,Tubular Daylighting Device Pipe Absorbed Solar Radiation Rate [W]

• Zone,Average,Tubular Daylighting Device Heat Gain Rate [W]

• Zone,Average,Tubular Daylighting Device Heat Loss Rate [W]

• Zone,Average,Tubular Daylighting Device Beam Solar Transmittance []

• Zone,Average,Tubular Daylighting Device Beam Visible Transmittance []

• Zone,Average,Tubular Daylighting Device Diffuse Solar Transmittance []

• Zone,Average,Tubular Daylighting Device Diffuse Visible Transmittance []

1.14.10.2.1 Tubular Daylighting Device Beam Solar Transmittance []

This is the transmittance of beam solar radiation through the TDD.

1.14.10.2.2 Tubular Daylighting Device Beam Visible Transmittance []

This is the transmittance of beam visible radiation, or daylight, through the TDD.

1.14.10.2.3 Tubular Daylighting Device Diffuse Solar Transmittance []

This is the transmittance of diffuse solar radiation through the TDD.

1.14.10.2.4 Tubular Daylighting Device Diffuse Visible Transmittance []

This is the transmittance of diffuse visible radiation, or daylight, through the TDD.
1.14. GROUP – DAYLIGHTING 557

1.14.10.2.5 Tubular Daylighting Device Heat Gain Rate [W]

This is the rate of heat gain to the zone by the TDD, in Watts.

1.14.10.2.6 Tubular Daylighting Device Heat Loss Rate [W]

This is the rate of heat loss from the zone by the TDD, in Watts.

1.14.10.2.7 Tubular Daylighting Device Pipe Absorbed Solar Radiation Rate

[W]
This is the rate at which solar radiation is absorbed by the pipe in the TDD, in Watts.

1.14.10.2.8 Tubular Daylighting Device Transmitted Solar Radiation Rate [W]

This is the rate at which solar radiation is transmitted by the TDD, in Watts.
In addition, several surface and window variables are also reported for the TubularDaylightDome
and TubularDaylightDiffuser objects. For the TubularDaylightDome:

• Zone,Average,Surface Outside Face Sunlit Area [m2]

• Zone,Average,Surface Outside Face Sunlit Fraction []

• Zone,Average,Surface Outside Face Incident Solar Radiation Rate per Area[W/m2]

• Zone,Average,Surface Outside Face Incident Beam Solar Radiation Rate per Area[W/m2]

• Zone,Average,Surface Outside Face Incident Sky Diffuse Solar Radiation Rate per
Area[W/m2]

• Zone,Average,Surface Outside Face Incident Ground Diffuse Solar Radiation Rate per
Area[W/m2]

• Zone,Average,Surface Outside Face Beam Solar Incident Angle Cosine Value[]

• Zone,Average,Surface Window Transmitted Solar Radiation Rate [W]

• Zone,Average,Surface Window Total Glazing Layers Absorbed Solar Radiation Rate [W]

For the TubularDaylightDiffuser:

• Zone,Average,Surface Outside Face Incident Solar Radiation Rate per Area[W/m2] (incident
inside of pipe)

• Zone,Average,Surface Window Transmitted Solar Radiation Rate [W] (same as Tubular Day-
lighting Device Transmitted Solar Radiation Rate)

• Zone,Average,Surface Window Total Glazing Layers Absorbed Solar Radiation Rate [W]
558 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.69: Daylighting shelf diagram.

1.14.11 DaylightingDevice:Shelf
Daylighting shelves, or simply light shelves, are another device for bringing more daylight into a
building. Installed as an accessory to a window, daylighting shelves work by reflecting exterior light
onto the ceiling of a room. Daylighting shelves can have an inside shelf, an outside shelf, or both.
The inside shelf redistributes light that would have entered the zone anyway. Instead of entering
as a beam, all light is reflected onto the zone ceiling and is converted to diffuse shortwave radiation.
The outside shelf changes the amount of light entering the zone. If the shelf surface is more
reflective than the ground, it can increase the amount of light incident on the upper part of the
window. However, the shading effect of the outside shelf on the lower part of the window must also
be considered as it can easily negate any gain achieved in the upper part of the window. All light
reflected from the outside shelf that enters the upper window is assumed to strike the ceiling.
In EnergyPlus a daylighting shelf is simulated using a DaylightingDevice:Shelf object in combi-
nation with up to three other objects: a window, a heat transfer surface, and an attached shading
surface.
The window must be divided into two window surfaces: an upper window and a lower window.
The upper window interacts directly with the daylighting shelf object and is not allowed to have
any shading control devices or frames or dividers. The lower window does not interact with the
daylighting shelf object, but does receive shading from the outside shelf. There are no restrictions
on the lower window.
The inside shelf is defined as a regular heat transfer surface in the zone. However, the surface
must have the Outside Boundary Condition field set to Surface with itself as the other zone surface.
Shading and thermal mass effects are taken into account.
The outside shelf is defined as a Shading:Zone:Detailed object. The visible and solar absorptance
of the outside material layer determines the reflectivity of the shelf.
1.14. GROUP – DAYLIGHTING 559

Figure 1.70: Daylighting shelf DXF output.

NOTE: Unlike a regular Shading:Zone:Detailed object, the vertices of the outside shelf
surface must be ordered so that the outward normal vector points upward, i.e. toward the
upper window. This is necessary in order for the outside shelf to properly receive sunlight and
shading from other surfaces. A mirror shading surface with the outward normal vector pointing
in the opposite direction is automatically created by the program to shade the lower window.

The inside shelf and outside shelf are both optional. However, if neither shelf is specified, the
daylighting shelf object has no effect on the simulation.

1.14.11.1 Inputs
1.14.11.1.1 Field: Name
The name of the daylighting shelf object.

1.14.11.1.2 Field: Window Name

Reference to a FenestrationSurface:Detailed object with Surface Type WINDOW.

1.14.11.1.3 Field: Inside Shelf Name

Reference to a BuildingSurface:Detailed object. This field is optional. If used, this surface must
have OTHERZONESURFACE specified for the Outside Face Environment field and the referenced
other zone surface must be itself. The number of vertices of this surface object must be 4.

1.14.11.1.4 Field: Outside Shelf Name

560 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Reference to a Shading:Zone:Detailed object. This field is optional. If used, the number of

vertices of this surface object must be 4.

1.14.11.1.5 Field: Outside Shelf Construction Name

Reference to a CONSTRUCTION object. This field is required if an outside shelf is specified.
The visible and solar absorptance of the outside material layer determines the shelf reflectivity.

1.14.11.1.6 Field: View Factor To Outside Shelf

User defined value for the view factor from the window to the outside shelf. This field is
optional. If not specified, an exact view factor is calculated for two perpendicular rectangles of the
same width having a shared edge. If the given surfaces do not meet these geometric requirements,
it is necessary to specify a value here.

NOTE: It is up to the user to adjust the view factor to ground of the upper window to
account for the part of the view blocked by the outside shelf. The calculated View Factor To
Outside Shelf is reported in the eio file for this purpose. For the typical case where the shelf
is parallel to the ground and the upper window is perpendicular to the ground, the view factor
to ground is simply: 0.5 – View Factor To Outside Shelf.

DaylightingDevice :Shelf ,
Shelf , !- Name
Daylit Upper Window , !- Window Name
Inside Shelf , !- Inside Shelf Name
Outside Shelf , !- Outside Shelf Name
Shelf Construction; !- Outside Shelf Construction Name (required if outside shelf specified)
! 0.29; !- View Factor To Outside Shelf (optional)

FenestrationSurface :Detailed ,
Daylit Upper Window , !- Subsurface Name
Window , !- Surface Type
Standard Window , !- Construction Name
Daylit South Wall , !- Base Surface Name
, !- Outside Face Environment
0.211 , !- VF to Ground (user must adjust to account for view factor to outside shelf)
, !- Window Shading Control (not allowed)
, !- Frame/Divider Name (not allowed)
1.0, !- Multiplier (must be 1.0)
4, !- Number of Vertices
1.0, 0.0, 2.8,
1.0, 0.0, 2.0,
4.0, 0.0, 2.0,
4.0, 0.0, 2.8;

BuildingSurface:Detailed ,
Inside Shelf , !- Surface Name
Wall , !- Surface Type
Shelf Construction , !- Construction Name
Daylit Zone , !- Zone Name
OtherZoneSurface , !- Exterior Conditions (must be OtherZoneSurface )
Inside Shelf , !- Target (must be itself)
NoSun , !- Solar Exposure
NoWind , !- Wind Exposure
0.0, !- VF to Ground
4, !- Number of Vertices
1.0, 0.0, 2.0,
4.0, 0.0, 2.0,
4.0, 1.0, 2.0,
1.0, 1.0, 2.0;
1.14. GROUP – DAYLIGHTING 561

Shading:Zone:Detailed ,
Outside Shelf , !- Surface Name
Daylit South Wall , !- Base Surface Name
, !- Shading Transmittance Schedule (default is always opaque)
4, !- Number of Vertices
1.0, 0.0, 2.0, !- Outward normal vector must point up toward the upper window
1.0, -1.0, 2.0,
4.0, -1.0, 2.0,
4.0, 0.0, 2.0;

1.14.11.2 Outputs
The view factor to outside shelf calculation shows up in the .eio file along with the associated
window and window view factors to sky and ground:
! <Shelf Details>,Name,View Factor to Outside Shelf,Window Name,Window View Factor to
Sky,Window View Factor to Ground
SHELF,0.29,DAYLIT UPPER WINDOW,0.50,0.21
This variable reports the calculated View Factor To Outside Shelf so that the user can correctly
adjust the view factor to ground of the upper window.
The usual window and surface variables are relevant for the upper window:

• Zone,Average,Surface Outside Face Sunlit Area [m2]

• Zone,Average,Surface Outside Face Sunlit Fraction []

• Zone,Average,Surface Outside Face Incident Solar Radiation Rate per Area[W/m2]

• Zone,Average,Surface Outside Face Incident Beam Solar Radiation Rate per Area[W/m2]

• Zone,Average,Surface Outside Face Incident Sky Diffuse Solar Radiation Rate per
Area[W/m2]

• Zone,Average,Surface Outside Face Incident Ground Diffuse Solar Radiation Rate per
Area[W/m2]

• Zone,Average,Surface Outside Face Beam Solar Incident Angle Cosine Value[]

• Zone,Average,Surface Window Transmitted Solar Radiation Rate [W]

• Zone,Average,Surface Window Total Glazing Layers Absorbed Solar Radiation Rate [W]

• Zone,Average,Surface Window Heat Gain Rate [W]

• Zone,Average,Surface Window Heat Loss Rate [W]

The following surface variables are reported for the outside shelf surface, if specified:

• Zone,Average,Surface Outside Face Sunlit Area [m2]

• Zone,Average,Surface Outside Face Sunlit Fraction []

• Zone,Average,Surface Outside Face Incident Solar Radiation Rate per Area[W/m2]

• Zone,Average,Surface Outside Face Incident Beam Solar Radiation Rate per Area[W/m2]
562 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• Zone,Average,Surface Outside Face Incident Sky Diffuse Solar Radiation Rate per
Area[W/m2]

• Zone,Average,Surface Outside Face Incident Ground Diffuse Solar Radiation Rate per
Area[W/m2]

• Zone,Average,Surface Outside Face Beam Solar Incident Angle Cosine Value[]

1.14.12 DaylightingDevice:LightWell
This object is used to model the impacts on daylighting of a “light well” that might be associated
with exterior windows such as skylights. The light well model attenuates the light transmitted
by the skylight. The attenuation is characterized by the well efficiency, which is the ratio of the
amount of light leaving the well to the amount of light entering the well. The well efficiency varies
from close to 1.0 to close to zero if there is high attenuation. The well efficiency is used only
in the EnergyPlus detailed daylighting calculation, where it multiplies the beam and diffuse light
transmitted by the skylight. (The well efficiency is not used in calculating the solar gain through
the skylight.)
The input object describes the light well using basic characteristics of the geometry along with
the visible reflectance of the well’s side walls. The following figure diagrams how the geometry is
characterized.

Figure 1.71: Skylight with light well: (a) perspective view, (b) vertical section. If the bottom
of the light well is a rectangle of side lengths c and d, as shown in (a), then the perimeter of
the bottom of the well = 2(c+d) and the area = cd (see description of field names for the
Light Well object).

1.14.12.1 Inputs
1.14.12.1.1 Field: Exterior Window Name
The name of the exterior window that this Light Well is associated with. Generally this is a
skylight in a roof. However, light wells can be applied to an exterior window of any slope. Light
wells can be assigned to both rectangular and triangular exterior windows, but they should not be
assigned to interior windows. Note that the sides of the light well can be sloped and the bottom of
the light well can be any shape, not just rectangular.
1.14. GROUP – DAYLIGHTING 563

1.14.12.1.2 Field: Height of Well

The distance from the bottom of the skylight to the bottom of the well. If the skylight and
well bottom are not coplanar, this is the distance from the center of the bottom of the skylight to
center of the bottom of the well. See Figure 1.71.

1.14.12.1.3 Field: Perimeter of Bottom of Well

The perimeter of the bottom opening of the well. See Figure 1.71.

1.14.12.1.4 Field: Area of Bottom of Well

The area of the bottom opening of the well. A warning will be issued if this area is less that
the area of the skylight, including frame if present. See Figure 1.71.

1.14.12.1.5 Field: Visible Reflectance of Well Walls

The visible reflectance of the side walls of the well. If the walls do not all have the same
reflectance, an area-weighted average value can be used. This is the well-wall reflectance expressed
as a fraction.
An IDF example:
DaylightingDevice :LightWell , ! The well is 60% reflecting , is 1.2m high and has a 2.5m x 5.5m
bottom opening.
Skylight -1, !- Name of Exterior Window that this Light Well Applies To
1.2, !- Height of Well(m)
16.0, !- Perimeter of Bottom of Well (m)
13.75 , !- Area of Bottom of Well (m2)
0.60; !- Visible Reflectance of Well Walls

1.14.13 Daylighting Modeling Options

The following table shows what input objects/fields to use to model different daylighting options.
It also gives the name of an example input, if available, that demonstrates the option.

Table 1.29: Daylighting Modeling Options

Option Object/Field or Output Variable Input File

Allow a thermal zone to be Daylighting:Controls, Daylighting:DELight:Controls PurchAirWithDaylighting.idf,

daylit DElight-Detailed-
Comparison.idf
Specify visible transmittance WindowMaterial:Glazing PurchAirWithDaylighting.idf
of the glazing
Specify the visible WindowMaterial:Shade, WindowMaterial:Screen or PurchAirWindowBlind.idf
transmittance of a shading WindowMaterial:Blind
device
Use a shading device to WindowMaterial:Shade or WindowMaterial:Blind; PurchAirWindowBlind.idf
control glare WindowProperty:ShadingControl*
Use electrochromic glazing WindowProperty:ShadingControl/Shading Type = PurchAirWithDaylighting.idf
to control glare SwitchableGlazing, Shading Control Type = On If High
Glare, Glare Control Is Active = Yes*
Adjust electrochromic WindowProperty:ShadingControl/Shading Type =
glazing to just meet SwitchableGlazing, Shading Control Type =
daylighting illuminance MeetDaylightIlluminanceSetpoint*
setpoint
Print an illuminance map Daylighting:Illuminance Map*
564 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Table 1.29: Daylighting Modeling Options

Option Object/Field or Output Variable Input File

Control electric lighting Daylighting:Controls/Lighting Control Type = PurchAirWithDaylighting.idf;

response to daylight Continuous, Stepped or Continuous/Off, plus other fields; DElight-Detailed-
illuminance level or …. Daylighting:DELight:Controls/Lighting Control Comparison.idf
Type = Continuous, Stepped or Continuous/Off, plus
other fields
Add a light shelf (with DaylightingDevice:Shelf * DaylightingDeviceShelf.idf
Daylighting:Controls)
Add a light shelf (with Day- Daylighting:DELight:Controls DElightCFSLightShelf.idf
lighting:DELight:Controls)
Add a light pipe DaylightingDevice:Tubular * DaylightingDeviceTubular.idf
Model a skylight having a DaylightingDevice:LightWell *
light well
Model daylighting through See “Double Facades: Daylighting through Interior PurchAirWithDoubleFacadeDaylighting.idf
double facade Windows”*
Add diffusing (translucent) WindowMaterial:Glazing/Solar Diffusing = Yes*
glass
Model complex fenestration Daylighting:DELight:Controls DElightCFSWindow.idf
Get a radiosity-based Daylighting:DELight:Controls DElight-Detailed-
interior light inter-reflection Comparison.idf
calculation
Find effect on daylighting of Building/SolarDistribution uses “withReflections” option
solar reflected from
overhangs, neighboring
buildings, etc.
Find visible transmittance WindowMaterial:Glazing/Dirt Correction Factor for Solar
effect of dirt on window and Visible Transmittance*

*Used only with Daylighting:Controls

[1] Formerly, only the exterior windows in a zone could provide daylight to that zone.

1.15 Group – Exterior Energy Use Equipment

To facilitate the reporting of exterior consumption (to the building’s heat balance/loads considera-
tions), several objects have been included. The consumption related to these items will appear on
meters specific to the items.

1.15.1 Exterior:Lights
1.15.1.1 Inputs
1.15.1.1.1 Field: Name
This descriptive name allows the values of exterior lights consumption to appear in the “normal”
output variable list as well as the meters. It cannot be blank nor can it be duplicated by other
Exterior:Lights statements.

1.15.1.1.2 Field: Schedule Name

A schedule will allow the exterior lights consumption to be operationally different, hour to hour
as well as seasonally. Fractional values in the basic schedule will be applied to the design level field
below.
1.15. GROUP – EXTERIOR ENERGY USE EQUIPMENT 565

1.15.1.1.3 Field: Design Level

This field (in Watts) is typically used to represent the maximum electrical input to exterior
lighting fixtures that is then multiplied by a schedule fraction (see previous field). In EnergyPlus,
this is slightly more flexible in that the lighting design level could be a “diversity factor” applied
to a schedule of real numbers. Note that while the schedule value can vary from hour to hour and
seasonally, the design level field is constant for all simulation environments.

1.15.1.1.4 Field: Control Option

This field is used to determine how the exterior lights are controlled. There are currently two
options, ‘ScheduleNameOnly’ and ‘AstronomicalClock.’ If this field is omitted or left blank then the
program will default to Schedule Name Only mode. The ‘ScheduleNameOnly’ mode dictates that
the exterior lights always follow the schedule named in the field above. The ‘AstronomicalClock’
mode dictates that despite what the schedule indicates, the exterior lights will not run when the
sun is up. Using the Astronomical Clock mode makes it simple to model exterior lights that are
controlled by a photocell or other controller that ensures that outdoor lights will not run during
the daytime. However, the Astronomical Clock control works off of the position of the sun and
therefore does not operate exactly like a photocell. During the night, the schedule values are still
applied in the usual way.

1.15.1.1.5 Field: End-Use Subcategory

Allows you to specify a user-defined end-use subcategory, e.g., “Grounds Lights”, “Facade
Lights”, etc. A new meter for reporting is created for each unique subcategory (ref: Output:Meter
objects). Subcategories are also reported in the ABUPS table. If this field is omitted or blank, the
lights will be assigned to the “General” end-use subcategory.
An IDF Example:

Exterior:Lights ,
OutsideLights , !- Name
ON , !- SCHEDULE Name
1000, !- Design Level
AstronomicalClock , !- Control Option
Grounds Lights; !- End -Use Subcategory

1.15.1.2 Outputs
Output for exterior lights appears in three possible places. It will appear on two meters (Electric-
ity:Facility and ExteriorLights:Electricity) as well as in its own designated value in the standard
output file.
Output for exterior lights appears in three possible places. It will appear on two meters (Elec-
tricity:Facility and ExteriorLights:Electricity) as well as in its own designated value in the standard
output file.
• Zone,Average,Exterior Lights Electric Power [W]
• Zone,Sum,Exterior Lights Electric Energy [J]

1.15.1.2.1 Exterior Lights Electric Power [W]

1.15.1.2.2 Exterior Lights Electric Energy [J]

These are the electric power and energy consumed by the exterior lights.
566 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.15.2 Exterior:FuelEquipment
1.15.2.1 Inputs
1.15.2.1.1 Field: Name
This descriptive name allows the values of exterior equipment consumption to appear in the
“normal” output variable list as well as the meters. It cannot be blank nor can it be duplicated by
other Exterior:FuelEquipment or Exterior:WaterEquipment statements.

1.15.2.1.2 Field: Fuel Use Type

This field designates the appropriate meter for the exterior fuel equipment. Valid fuel types
are: Electricity, NaturalGas, PropaneGas, FuelOil#1, FuelOil#2, Diesel, Gasoline, Coal, Steam,
DistrictHeating, DistrictCooling, OtherFuel1 and OtherFuel2. The fuel type triggers the application
of consumption amounts to the appropriate energy meters.

1.15.2.1.3 Field: Schedule Name

A schedule will allow the exterior lights consumption to be operationally different, hour to hour
as well as seasonally. Fractional values in the basic schedule will be applied to the design level field
below.

1.15.2.1.4 Field: Design Level

This field (Watts) is typically used to represent the maximum input to exterior fixtures that
is then multiplied by a schedule fraction (see previous field). In EnergyPlus, this is slightly more
flexible in that the design level could be a “diversity factor” applied to a schedule of real numbers.
Note that while the schedule value can vary from hour to hour and seasonally, the design level field
is constant for all simulation environments.

1.15.2.1.5 Field: End-Use Subcategory

Allows you to specify a user-defined end-use subcategory, e.g., “Fountains”, etc. A new meter
for reporting is created for each unique subcategory (ref: Output:Meter objects). Subcategories
are also reported in the ABUPS table. If this field is omitted or blank, the equipment will be
assigned to the “General” end-use subcategory.
IDF Examples:

Exterior:FuelEquipment ,OutsideGasEq ,Gas ,ON ,1000;

Exterior:FuelEquipment ,OutsideCoalEq ,Coal ,ON ,1000;
Exterior:FuelEquipment ,OutsideFuelOil1Eq ,FuelOil #1,ON ,1000;
Exterior:FuelEquipment ,OutsideFuelOil2Eq ,FuelOil #2,ON ,1000;
Exterior:FuelEquipment ,OutsideLPGEq ,PropaneGas ,ON ,1000;

1.15.3 Exterior:WaterEquipment
1.15.3.1 Inputs
1.15.3.1.1 Field: Name
This descriptive name allows the values of exterior equipment consumption to appear in the
“normal” output variable list as well as the meters. It cannot be blank nor can it be duplicated by
other Exterior:FuelEquipment or Exterior:WaterEquipment statements.
1.15. GROUP – EXTERIOR ENERGY USE EQUIPMENT 567

1.15.3.1.2 Field: FuelUseType

For Exterior:WaterEquipment, only “Water” is current allowed for this field.

1.15.3.1.3 Field: Schedule Name

A schedule will allow the exterior water consumption to be operationally different, hour to hour
as well as seasonally. Fractional values in the basic schedule will be applied to the design level field
below.

1.15.3.1.4 Field: Design Level

This field (in m3/s) is typically used to represent the maximum volumetric flow for water
fixtures that is then multiplied by a schedule fraction (see previous field). In EnergyPlus, this is
slightly more flexible in that the exterior water equipment design level could be a “diversity factor”
applied to a schedule of real numbers. Note that while the schedule value can vary from hour to
hour and seasonally, the design level field is constant for all simulation environments.

1.15.3.1.5 Field: End-Use Subcategory

Allows you to specify a user-defined end-use subcategory, e.g., “Landscaping”, etc. A new meter
for reporting is created for each unique subcategory (ref: Output:Meter objects). Subcategories
are also reported in the ABUPS table. If this field is omitted or blank, the equipment will be
assigned to the “General” end-use subcategory.
IDF Example:
Exterior:WaterEquipment,OutsideWaterEq,Water,ON,10000;

1.15.3.2 Outputs
Output for exterior equipment consumption appears in three possible places. It will appear on
two meters (<Fuel Type>:Facility and ExteriorEquipment:<Fuel Type>) as well as in its own
designated value in the standard output file, Exterior Equipment <Fuel Type> Energy. Con-
sumption also appears on any user-defined end-use subcategory meters, i.e., <End-Use Subcate-
gory>:ExteriorEquipment:<Fuel Type>. All outputs are in [J] except water consumption which is
in [m3]. There are also rate versions

• Zone, Average, Exterior Equipment Fuel Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum, Exterior Equipment Electric Energy [J]

• Zone,Sum, Exterior Equipment Gas Energy [J]

• Zone,Average, Exterior Equipment Water Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• Zone,Sum, Exterior Equipment Water Volume [m3]

• Zone,Sum, Exterior Equipment Mains Water Volume [m3]

• Zone,Sum, Exterior Equipment Coal Energy [J]

• Zone,Sum, Exterior Equipment FuelOil#1 Energy [J]

• Zone,Sum, Exterior Equipment FuelOil#2 Energy [J]

• Zone,Sum, Exterior Equipment Propane Energy [J]

568 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• Zone,Sum, Exterior Equipment Gasoline Energy [J]

• Zone,Sum, Exterior Equipment Diesel Energy [J]

• Zone,Sum, Exterior Equipment Steam Energy [J]

• Zone,Sum, Exterior Equipment OtherFuel1 Energy [J]

• Zone,Sum, Exterior Equipment OtherFuel2 Energy [J]

• Zone,Sum, Exterior Equipment District Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Sum, Exterior Equipment District Cooling Energy [J]

1.15.3.2.1 Exterior Equipment Fuel Rate [W]

1.15.3.2.2 Exterior Equipment <Fuel Type> Energy [J]

These are the fuel consumption rate and energy for the exterior equipment.

1.15.3.2.3 Exterior Equipment Water Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.15.3.2.4 Exterior Equipment Water Volume [m3]

These are the water consumption rate and volume for the exterior equipment.
Exterior Equipment Mains Water Volume [m3]This is the water volume drawn for the mains
water service to serve the exterior equipment.

1.16 Group – Airflow

An important characteristic of energy consumption in buildings is the airflow between zones and
airflow due to natural ventilation (e.g., open windows) or mechanically-induced ventilation (e.g.,
exhaust air fans). This group of objects describes those elements.
The AirflowNetwork model can also be used to model infiltration and mixing (zone-to-zone air
flow) with or without the HVAC air distribution system operating (see Group – Airflow Network).

1.16.1 ZoneInfiltration:DesignFlowRate
Infiltration is the unintended flow of air from the outdoor environment directly into a thermal zone.
Infiltration is generally caused by the opening and closing of exterior doors, cracks around windows,
and even in very small amounts through building elements. The basic equation used to calculate
infiltration with this object is:

[ ( )]
Infiltration = (Idesign ) (Fschedule ) A + B |(Tzone − Todb )| + C (WindSpeed) + D Windspeed2
(1.36)
More advanced infiltration calculations are possible using the EnergyPlus AirflowNetwork model
for natural infiltration driven by wind and/or by forced air. Infiltration described by the equation
shown above is entered into EnergyPlus using the following syntax. Exfiltration (the leakage of
zone air to the outside) is generally handled better as zone exhaust air in the zone equipment
description. The equation must always yield a non-negative results; negative values are set to 0.0.
1.16. GROUP – AIRFLOW 569

The question of typical values for these coefficients is subject to debate. Ideally, one should
do a detailed analysis of the infiltration situation and then determine a custom set of coefficients
using methods such as those laid out in Chapter 26 of the ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals.
The EnergyPlus defaults are 1,0,0,0 which give a constant volume flow of infiltration under all
conditions.
BLAST (one of the EnergyPlus predecessors) used the following values as defaults: 0.606,
0.03636, 0.1177, 0. These coefficients produce a value of 1.0 at 0C deltaT and 3.35 m/s (7.5 mph)
windspeed, which corresponds to a typical summer condition. At a winter condition of 40C deltaT
and 6 m/s (13.4 mph) windspeed, these coefficients would increase the infiltration rate by a factor
of 2.75.
In DOE-2 (the other EnergyPlus predecessor), the air change method defaults are (adjusted to
SI units) 0, 0, 0.224 (windspeed), 0. With these coefficients, the summer conditions above would
give a factor of 0.75, and the winter conditions would give 1.34. A windspeed of 4.47 m/s (10 mph)
gives a factor of 1.0.
The source of the BLAST defaults is noted in the BLAST documentation as:
“Empirical equation and the coefficient default were determined from ASHRAE journal articles
and other data on the effects of outdoor weather conditions.”
The source of the DOE-2 defaults is based on examining the infiltration relationships described
in the ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals.
The EnergyPlus example files use all of the above, the BLAST defaults in some (e.g., Geome-
tryTest), the DOE-2 defaults in some (e.g., 5ZoneAirCooled), and the EnergyPlus defaults in some
(e.g., LgOffVAVDetCoil).
The local outdoor dry-bulb temperature used in the above basic equation (Todb ) is typically a
function of the height of the zone centroid above ground. The corresponding zone name is given
in the second field. The local outdoor dry-bulb temperature calculation procedure is given in the
section of “Local Outdoor Air Temperature Calculation” in the Engineering Reference.
The local outdoor wind speed used in the above basic equation (WindSpeed) is also a function
of the height of the zone centroid above ground. The corresponding zone name is given in the
second filed. The local outdoor wind speed calculation procedure is given in the section of “Local
Wind Speed Calculation” in the Engineering Reference.

Note: When the value of the Wind Speed Profile Exponent field in the Site:HeightVariation
is equal to 0.0. The local wind speed is always equal to the wind speed given in the weather data
and will not be dependent on zone centroid height. Similarly, if the value of the Air Temperature
Gradient Coefficient is set equal to 0 the local air dry-bulb temperature is also always equal
to the air dry-bulb temperature given in the weather data and will not be dependent on zone
centroid height.

One or more infiltration objects can be defined for each zone, and the resulting infiltration rate
for the zone will simply be the summation of the flow rates specified by the infiltration objects.

1.16.1.1 Inputs
1.16.1.1.1 Field: Name
The name of the ZoneInfiltration:DesignFlowRate object. This needs to be unique across all
different ZoneInfiltration objects.
570 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.16.1.1.2 Field: Zone or ZoneList Name

This field is the name of the zone (ref: Zone) or ZoneList (ref: ZoneLIst) and attaches a
particular infiltration statement to a thermal zone or set of thermal zones in the building. When
the ZoneList option is used then this infiltration definition is applied to each of the zones in the
zone list effecting a global definition for the amount of infiltration flow rate in the zone. The
Zonelist option can be used effectively with the flow/area, flow/exteriorarea, flow/exteriorwallarea,
or airchanges/hour of the Design Flow Rate Calculation Method.
The name of the actual infiltration object becomes <Zone Name> <ZoneInfiltra-
tion:DesignFlowRate Object Name> and should be less than the standard length (100 characters)
for a name field. If it is greater than this standard length, it may be difficult to specify in output
reporting as it will be truncated. A warning will be shown if the generated name is greater than
100 characters. If it duplicates another such concatenated name, there will be a severe error and
terminate the run.

1.16.1.1.3 Field: Schedule Name

This field is the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that modifies the maximum design volume
flow rate (Idesign ) (see Design Flow Rate Calculation Method field and related subsequent fields).
This fraction between 0.0 and 1.0 is noted as Fschedule in the above equation.

1.16.1.1.4 Field: Design Flow Rate Calculation Method

This field is a key/choice field that tells which of the next four fields are filled and is descriptive
of the method for calculating the design volume flow rate. The key/choices are:

• Flow/Zone

With this choice, the method used will be a straight insertion of the design volume flow
rate. (The Design Flow Rate field should be filled.)

• Flow/Area

With this choice, the method used will be a factor per floor area of the zone. (The flow per
Zone Area field should be filled).

• Flow/ExteriorArea

With this choice, the method used will be a factor per exterior surface area of the zone. (The
flow per Exterior Surface Area field should be filled).

• Flow/ExteriorWallArea

With this choice, the method used will be a factor per exterior wall surface area of the zone.
(The flow per Exterior Surface Area field should be filled).

• AirChanges/Hour

With this choice, the method used will be the number of air changes per hour for the infiltration
amount. This factor, along with the Zone Volume, will be used to determine the Design Flow Rate.
(The Air Changes per Hour field should be filled).
1.16. GROUP – AIRFLOW 571

1.16.1.1.5 Field: Design Flow Rate

This field denotes the full design volume flow rate (m3 /s). The previous field should choose
“flow/zone” as the choice. The design volume flow rate (noted as Idesign in the above equation) is
the maximum amount of infiltration expected at design conditions. The design value is modified
by the schedule fraction (see Field:Schedule Name) and user specified coefficients (see ”coefficient”
fields below). The resulting volume flow rate is converted to mass flow using the current outdoor
air density at each time step.

1.16.1.1.6 Field: Flow per Zone Floor Area

This factor (m3 /s-m2 ) is used, along with the Zone Area to determine the maximum Design
Flow Rate as described in the Design Flow Rate field. The choice from the method field should be
“Flow/Area”.

1.16.1.1.7 Field: Flow per Exterior Surface Area

This factor (m3 /s-m2 ) is used, along with the Exterior Surface Area in the Zone to determine
the maximum Design Flow Rate as described in the Design Flow Rate field. The choice from the
method field should be “Flow/Exteriorarea” or “Flow/ExteriorWallArea”.

1.16.1.1.8 Field: Air Changes per Hour

This factor is used, along with the Zone Volume to determine the maximum Design Flow
Rate as described in the Design Flow Rate field. The choice from the method field should be
“AirChanges/Hour”.

1.16.1.1.9 Field: Constant Term Coefficient

This number is the “A” parameter in the above infiltration equation. It is part of the user
specified modifying parameters that are a function of environmental factors. This parameter,
however, is a constant under all conditions and is not modified by any environmental effect. As a
result, it is dimensionless.

1.16.1.1.10 Field: Temperature Term Coefficient

This number is the “B” parameter in the above infiltration equation. It is part of the user
specified modifying parameters that are a function of environmental factors. This parameter is
modified by the temperature difference between the outdoor and indoor air dry-bulb temperatures.
The units for this parameter are inverse Celsius.

1.16.1.1.11 Field: Velocity Term Coefficient

This number is the “C” parameter in the above infiltration equation. It is part of the user
specified modifying parameters that are a function of environmental factors. This parameter is
modified by the speed of wind being experienced outside the building. The units for this parameter
are s/m.

1.16.1.1.12 Field: Velocity Squared Term Coefficient

This number is the “D” parameter in the above infiltration equation. It is part of the user
specified modifying parameters that are a function of environmental factors. This parameter is
modified by square of the speed of wind being experienced outside the building. The units for this
parameter are s2 /m2 .
An IDF example:
572 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

ZoneInfiltration:DesignFlowRate ,
Infiltration 1, !- Name
DORM ROOMS AND COMMON AREAS , !- Zone Name
Infiltration Sch , !- Schedule Name
Flow/Zone , !- Design Flow Rate Calculation Method
2.831685 , !- Design Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- Flow per Zone Floor Area {m3/s/m2}
, !- Flow per Exterior Surface Area {m3/s/m2}
, !- Air Changes per Hour
0.6060000 , !- Constant Term Coefficient
3.6359996E-02, !- Temperature Term Coefficient
0.1177165 , !- Velocity Term Coefficient
0.0000000E+00; !- Velocity Squared Term Coefficient

Global Infiltration example:

ZoneList ,OfficeZones ,Left Fork , Middle Fork , Right Fork;

ZoneInfiltration:DesignFlowRate ,
OfficeZones Infiltration , !- Name
OfficeZones , !- Zone or ZoneList Name
Infiltration Sch , !- Schedule Name
AirChanges/Hour , !- Design Flow Rate Calculation Method
, !- Design Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- Flow per Zone Floor Area {m3/s-m2}
, !- Flow per Exterior Surface Area {m3/s-m2}
4.7, !- Air Changes per Hour
0.6060000 , !- Constant Term Coefficient
3.6359996E-02, !- Temperature Term Coefficient
0.1177165 , !- Velocity Term Coefficient
0.0000000E+00; !- Velocity Squared Term Coefficient

1.16.2 ZoneInfiltration:EffectiveLeakageArea
ZoneInfiltration:EffectiveLeakageArea model is similar to the other infiltration objects but uses
a different equation to model the unintended flow of air from the outdoor environment directly
into a thermal zone. Infiltration is generally caused by the opening and closing of exterior doors,
cracks around windows, and even in very small amounts through building elements. This model
is based on work by Sherman and Grimsrud (1980) and is appropriate for smaller, residential-type
buildings. The equation used to calculate infiltration in the effective leakage area model is:
√
AL
Inf iltration = (FSchedule ) Cs ∆T + Cw (W indSpeed)2 (1.37)
1000
where ∆T is the average difference between zone air temperature and the outdoor air temper-
ature and the other coefficients are described below.
Note that the coefficients for the “EffectiveLeakageArea” model are not interchangeable with
the similarly named coefficients in the “FlowCoefficient” model (see ZoneInfiltration:FlowCoefficient
object).
One or more infiltration objects of different types can be defined for each zone, and the result-
ing infiltration rate for the zone will simply be the summation of the flow rates specified by the
infiltration objects.

1.16.2.1 Inputs
1.16.2.1.1 Field: Name
1.16. GROUP – AIRFLOW 573

The name of the ZoneInfiltration:EffectiveLeakageArea object. This needs to be unique across

all different ZoneInfiltration objects.

1.16.2.1.2 Field: Zone Name

This field is the name of the zone (ref: Zone) and attaches a particular infiltration statement
to a thermal zone in the building.

1.16.2.1.3 Field: Schedule Name

This field is the name of a schedule (ref: Schedule) that modifies the volume flow rate calculated
by the model. This fraction between 0.0 and 1.0 is noted as Fschedule in the above equation.

1.16.2.1.4 Field: Effective Air Leakage Area

This field is the effective air leakage area, in cm2 , at 4 Pa. This is the value AL in the equation
above. Effective leakage area data can be obtained from a whole-building pressure test (eg. blower
door test). ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals also lists typical values component leakage areas
for low-rise residential (e.g. Table 1.2 in Chapter 26 of HoF 2001). The value should correspond to
a pressure difference of 4 Pa.

1.16.2.1.5 Field: Stack Coefficient

This field is the value of the stack coefficient, Cs in the equation above. The coefficient has
units of (L/s)2 /(cm4 ·K). Values for the “Basic Model Stack Coefficient” listed in the ASHRAE
Handbook of Fundamentals (2005 and 2001) are:

Shelter class Description

1 No obstructions or local shielding

2 Typical shelter for an isolated rural house
3 Typical shelter caused by other buildings across the street
4 Typical shelter for urban buildings on larger lots
5 Typical shelter produced by buildings that are immediately adjacent.

1.16.2.1.6 Field: Wind Coefficient

This field is the value of the wind coefficient, Cw in the equation above. The coefficient has units
of (L/s)2 /(cm4 ·(m/s)2 ). Values for the “Basic Model Wind Coefficient” listed in the ASHRAE
Handbook of Fundamentals (2005 chapter 27; 2001, Chapter 26) depend on the type of shelter and
are listed in the following tables.

Shelter class One story house Two story house Three story house

1 0.000319 0.000420 0.000494

2 0.000246 0.000325 0.000382
3 0.000174 0.000231 0.000271
4 0.000104 0.000137 0.000161
5 0.000032 0.000042 0.000049
574 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Shelter class Description

1 No obstructions or local shielding

2 Typical shelter for an isolated rural house
3 Typical shelter caused by other buildings across the street
4 Typical shelter for urban buildings on larger lots
5 Typical shelter produced by buildings that are immediately adjacent.

An example IDF object is

ZoneInfiltration:EffectiveLeakageArea ,
LIVING ZONE Infil 1, !- Name
LIVING ZONE , !- Zone Name
INF -SCHED , !- Schedule Name
500.0 , !- Effective Air Leakage Area
0.000145 , !- Stack Coefficient
0.000174 ; !- Wind Coefficient

1.16.3 ZoneInfiltration:FlowCoefficient
ZoneInfiltration:FlowCoefficient model is similar to the other infiltration objects but uses a different
equation to model the unintended flow of air from the outdoor environment directly into a thermal
zone. Infiltration is generally caused by the opening and closing of exterior doors, cracks around
windows, and even in very small amounts through building elements. This reformulated model is
based on the AIM-2 model by Walker and Wilson (1998) and is appropriate for smaller, residential-
type buildings. The equation used to calculate infiltration in the flow coefficient model is:
√ ( )2
Inf iltration = (FSchedule ) (c Cs ∆T n )2 + c Cw (s ∗ W indSpeed)2n (1.38)

Where ∆T is the average difference between zone air temperature and the outdoor air tem-
perature and the other coefficients are described below.
Note that the coefficients for the “Flow Coefficient” model are not interchangeable with
the similarly named coefficients in the “Effective Leakage Area” model (see ZoneInfiltra-
tion:EffectiveLeakageArea object).
One or more infiltration objects of different types can be defined for each zone, and the result-
ing infiltration rate for the zone will simply be the summation of the flow rates specified by the
infiltration objects.

1.16.3.1 Inputs
1.16.3.1.1 Field: Name
The name of the ZoneInfiltration:FlowCoefficient object. This needs to be unique across all
different ZoneInfiltration objects.

1.16.3.1.2 Field: Zone Name

This field is the name of the zone (ref: Zone) and attaches a particular infiltration statement
to a thermal zone in the building.
1.16. GROUP – AIRFLOW 575

1.16.3.1.3 Field: Schedule Name

This field is the name of a schedule (ref: Schedule) that modifies the volume flow rate calculated
by the model. This fraction between 0.0 and 1.0 is noted as Fschedule in the above equation.

1.16.3.1.4 Field: Flow Coefficient

This field is the flow coefficient in m3 /(s·Pan ). This is the value c in the equation above. The
flow coefficient can be determined from the effective leakage area and whole-building pressure tests
(eg. blower door test).

1.16.3.1.5 Field: Stack Coefficient

This field is the value of the stack coefficient, Cs in the equation above. The coefficient
has units of (Pa/K)n . Values for the “Enhanced Model Stack Coefficient” listed in the ASHRAE
Handbook of Fundamentals (2005 and 2001) are:

Shelter class Description

1 No obstructions or local shielding

2 Typical shelter for an isolated rural house
3 Typical shelter caused by other buildings across the street
4 Typical shelter for urban buildings on larger lots
5 Typical shelter produced by buildings that are immediately adjacent.

1.16.3.1.6 Field: Pressure Exponent

This field is the value of the pressure exponent, n in the equation above. The pressure exponent
generally lies between 0.6 and 0.7 with a typical value of n = 0.67 for the enhanced model.

1.16.3.1.7 Field: Wind Coefficient

This field is the value of the wind coefficient, Cw in the equation above. The coefficient has
units of (Pa·s2 /m2 )n . Values for the “Enhanced Model Wind Coefficient” listed in the ASHRAE
Handbook of Fundamentals (2005 and 2001) are:

Shelter class Description

1 No obstructions or local shielding

2 Typical shelter for an isolated rural house
3 Typical shelter caused by other buildings across the street
4 Typical shelter for urban buildings on larger lots
5 Typical shelter produced by buildings that are immediately adjacent.

1.16.3.1.8 Field: Shelter Factor

This field is the value of the wind coefficient, s in the equation above. The coefficient is
dimensionless. Values for the “Enhanced Model Shelter Factor” listed in the ASHRAE Handbook
of Fundamentals (2005 and 2001) are:
576 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Shelter class No Flue One story house with flue Two story house with flue Three story house with flue

1 1.00 1.10 1.07 1.06

2 0.90 1.02 0.98 0.97
3 0.70 0.86 0.81 0.79
4 0.50 0.70 0.64 0.61
5 0.30 0.54 0.47 0.43

Shelter class Description

1 No obstructions or local shielding

2 Typical shelter for an isolated rural house
3 Typical shelter caused by other buildings across the street
4 Typical shelter for urban buildings on larger lots
5 Typical shelter produced by buildings that are immediately adjacent.

An Example IDF object is:

ZoneInfiltration:FlowCoefficient ,
LIVING ZONE Infil 1, !- Name
LIVING ZONE , !- Zone Name
INF -SCHED , !- Schedule Name
0.05, !- Flow Coefficient
0.089 , !- Stack Coefficient
0.67 , !- Pressure Exponent
0.156 , !- Wind Coefficient
0.64; !- Shelter Factor

1.16.3.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Sum,Zone Infiltration Sensible Heat Loss Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Infiltration Sensible Heat Gain Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Infiltration Latent Heat Loss Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Infiltration Latent Heat Gain Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Infiltration Total Heat Loss Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Infiltration Total Heat Gain Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Infiltration Current Density Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Infiltration Standard Density Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Infiltration Current Density Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Infiltration Standard Density Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Infiltration Mass [kg]

1.16. GROUP – AIRFLOW 577

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Infiltration Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Infiltration Air Change Rate [ach]

Note: If ZoneInfiltration:* objects and ZoneAirBalance:OutdoorAir (with Air Balance Method

= Quadrature) objects reference the same Zone Name, the above infiltration output variables will
not be reported for that zone. Instead, output variables for zone outdoor air flow will be reported
by the corresponding ZoneAirBalance:OutdoorAir object.

1.16.3.2.1 Zone Infiltration Sensible Heat Loss Energy [J]

The sensible (temperature) heat loss that occurs when the infiltration air temperature (outdoor)
< zone air temperature.

1.16.3.2.2 Zone Infiltration Sensible Heat Gain Energy [J]

The sensible (temperature) heat gain that occurs when the infiltration air temperature (outdoor)
> = zone air temperature.

1.16.3.2.3 Zone Infiltration Latent Heat Loss Energy [J]

The latent heat loss that occurs when the infiltration air humidity ratio (outdoor) < zone air
humidity ratio.

1.16.3.2.4 Zone Infiltration Latent Heat Gain Energy [J]

The latent heat gain that occurs when the infiltration air humidity ratio (outdoor) > = zone
air humidity ratio.

1.16.3.2.5 Zone Infiltration Total Heat Loss Energy [J]

The total heat loss that occurs when the sum of Zone Infiltration Sensible Heat Gain Energy
and Zone Infiltration Latent Heat Gain Energy < the sum of Zone Infiltration Sensible Heat Loss
Energy and Zone Infiltration Latent Heat Loss Energy.

1.16.3.2.6 Zone Infiltration Total Heat Gain Energy [J]

The total heat gain that occurs when the sum of Zone Infiltration Sensible Heat Gain Energy
and Zone Infiltration Latent Heat Gain Energy > = the sum of Zone Infiltration Sensible Heat
Loss Energy and Zone Infiltration Latent Heat Loss Energy.

1.16.3.2.7 Zone Infiltration Current Density Volume [m3]

1.16.3.2.8 Zone Infiltration Current Density Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

These outputs are the total volume and volume flow rate of infiltration air based on the current
density of zone air.

1.16.3.2.9 Zone Infiltration Standard Density Volume [m3]

1.16.3.2.10 Zone Infiltration Standard Density Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

These outputs are the total volume and volume flow rate of infiltration air based on the standard
density of air. Standard density in EnergyPlus corresponds to 20ºC drybulb, dry air, and nominally
adjusted for elevation.
578 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.16.3.2.11 Zone Infiltration Mass [kg]

The mass flow of the Infiltration air.

1.16.3.2.12 Zone Infiltration Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

The mass flow rate of the Infiltration air.

1.16.3.2.13 Zone Infiltration Air Change Rate [ach]

The rate of infiltration in air changes per hour.

1.16.4 ZoneVentilation:DesignFlowRate
Ventilation is the purposeful flow of air from the outdoor environment directly into a thermal
zone in order to provide some amount of non-mechanical cooling. Ventilation, as specified by
the input syntax for the ZoneVentilation:DesignFlowRate object, is intended to model “simple”
ventilation as opposed to the more detailed ventilation investigations that can be performed with
the AirflowNetwork model or with air systems that have outdoor air mixers. Zone ventilation, as
specified via this input object, can be controlled by a schedule and through the specification of
minimum, maximum and delta temperatures as described below. The temperatures can be either
single constant values for the entire simulation or schedules which can vary over time. As with
infiltration, the actual flow rate of ventilation air can be modified by the temperature difference
between the inside and outside environment and the wind speed. The basic equation used to
calculate ventilation with this model is:

[ ( )]
V entilation = (Vdesign ) (Fschedule ) A + B |Tzone − Todb | + C (W indSpeed) + D W indSpeed2
(1.39)
Similar to infiltration, the question of typical values for these coefficients is subject to debate.
Ideally, one should do a detailed analysis of the ventilation situation and then determine a custom
set of coefficients using methods such as those laid out in Chapter 26 of the ASHRAE Handbook of
Fundamentals. The EnergyPlus defaults are 1,0,0,0 which give a constant volume flow of ventilation
under all conditions. The following discussion is duplicated from the infiltration design flow rate
object. The equation must always yield a non-negative results; negative values are set to 0.0.
BLAST (one of the EnergyPlus predecessors) used the following values as defaults: 0.606,
0.03636, 0.1177, 0. These coefficients produce a value of 1.0 at 0C deltaT and 3.35 m/s (7.5 mph)
windspeed, which corresponds to a typical summer condition. At a winter condition of 40C deltaT
and 6 m/s (13.4 mph) windspeed, these coefficients would increase the infiltration rate by a factor
of 2.75.
In DOE-2 (the other EnergyPlus predecessor), the air change method defaults are (adjusted to
SI units) 0, 0, 0.224 (windspeed), 0. With these coefficients, the summer conditions above would
give a factor of 0.75, and the winter conditions would give 1.34. A windspeed of 4.47 m/s (10 mph)
gives a factor of 1.0.
The source of the BLAST defaults is noted in the BLAST documentation as:
“Empirical equation and the coefficient default were determined from ASHRAE journal articles
and other data on the effects of outdoor weather conditions.”
The source of the DOE-2 defaults is based on examining the infiltration relationships described
in the ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals.
The local outdoor dry-bulb temperature used in the above basic equation (Todb ) is typically a
function of the height of the zone centroid above ground. The corresponding zone name is given in
1.16. GROUP – AIRFLOW 579

the second field. The local outdoor dry-bulb temperature calculation procedure is described in the
“Local Outdoor Air Temperature Calculation” section of the Engineering Reference.
The local outdoor wind speed used in the above basic equation (WindSpeed) is also a function
of the height of the zone centroid above ground. The corresponding zone name is given in the
second field. The local outdoor wind speed calculation procedure is described in the “Local Wind
Speed Calculation” section of the Engineering Reference.
Note: When the value of the Wind Speed Profile Exponent field in the Site:HeightVariation
object is equal to 0.0, the local wind speed is always equal to the wind speed given in the weather
data and will not be dependent on zone centroid height. Similarly, if the value of the Air Tem-
perature Gradient Coefficient is set equal to 0, the local air dry-bulb temperature is also always
equal to the air dry-bulb temperature given in the weather data and will not be dependent on zone
centroid height.
One or more ventilation objects (i.e., ZoneVentilation:DesignFlowRate and/or ZoneVentila-
tion:WindandStackOpenArea) can be defined for each zone, and the resulting ventilation rate for
the zone will simply be the summation of the flow rates specified by the ventilation objects.
More advanced ventilation calculations are possible using the EnergyPlus AirflowNetwork
model.

1.16.4.1 Inputs
1.16.4.1.1 Field: Name
The name of the ZoneVentilation:DesignFlowRate object.

1.16.4.1.2 Field: Zone or ZoneList Name

This field is the name of the zone (ref: Zone) or ZoneList (ref: ZoneList) and attaches a
particular ventilation statement to a thermal zone or set of thermal zones in the building. When
the ZoneList option is used then this ventilation definition is applied to each of the zones in the zone
list effecting a global definition for the amount of infiltration flow rate in the zone. The Zonelist
option can be used effectively with the flow/area, flow/person, or airchanges/hour of the Design
Flow Rate Calculation Method.
The name of the actual ventilation object becomes <Zone Name> <ZoneVentila-
tion:DesignFlowRate Object Name> and should be less than the standard length (100 characters)
for a name field. If it is greater than this standard length, it may be difficult to specify in output
reporting as it will be truncated. A warning will be shown if the generated name is greater than
100 characters. If it duplicates another such concatenated name, there will be a severe error and
terminate the run.

1.16.4.1.3 Field: Schedule Name

This field is the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that modifies the maximum design volume
flow rate (Vdesign ) (see Design Flow Rate Calculation Method field and related subsequent fields).
This fraction between 0.0 and 1.0 is noted as Fschedule in the above equation.

1.16.4.1.4 Field: Design Flow Rate Calculation Method

This field is a key/choice field that tells which of the next four fields are filled and is descriptive
of the method for calculating the design volume flow rate. The key/choices are:

• Flow/Zone
580 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

With this choice, the method used will be a straight insertion of the design volume flow
rate. (The Design Flow Rate field should be filled.)

• Flow/Area

With this choice, the method used will be a factor per floor area of the zone. (The Flow per
Zone Floor Area field should be filled).

• Flow/Person

With this choice, the method used will be a factor per nominal number of people in the zone.
(The Flow per Person field should be filled).

• AirChanges/Hour

With this choice, the method used will be the number of air changes per hour for the infiltration
amount. This factor, along with the Zone Volume, will be used to determine the Design Flow Rate.
(The Air Changes per Hour field should be filled).

1.16.4.1.5 Field: Design Flow Rate

This field denotes the full design volume flow rate (m3 /s). The previous field should choose
“flow/zone” as the choice. The design volume flow rate (noted as Vdesign in the above equation) is
the maximum amount of ventilation expected at design conditions. The design value is modified by
the schedule fraction (see Field: Schedule Name) and user specified coefficients (see four “coefficient”
fields below).

1.16.4.1.6 Field: Flow Rate per Zone Floor Area

This factor (m3 /s-m2 ) is used, along with the Zone Area to determine the maximum Design
Volume Flow Rate as described in the Design Volume Flow Rate field. The choice from the method
field should be “flow/area”.

1.16.4.1.7 Field: Flow Rate per Person

This factor (m3 /s-person) is used, along with the nominal (maximum) number of occupants
(people) in the Zone to determine the maximum Design Volume Flow Rate as described in the
Design Volume Flow Rate field. The choice from the method field should be “flow/person”.

1.16.4.1.8 Field: Air Changes per Hour

With this choice, the method used will be the number of air changes per hour for the ventilation
amount. This factor, along with the Zone Volume, will be used to determine the Design Flow Rate.
The choice from the method field should be “AirChanges/Hour”.

1.16.4.1.9 Field: Ventilation Type

This alpha character string defines the type of ventilation as one of the following options: Nat-
ural, Exhaust, Intake, or Balanced. Natural ventilation is assumed to be air movement/exchange
as a result of openings in the building façade and will not consume any fan energy. Values for fan
pressure and efficiency for natural ventilation are ignored. For either Exhaust or Intake, values
for fan pressure and efficiency define the fan electric consumption. For Natural and Exhaust ven-
tilation, the conditions of the air entering the space are assumed to be equivalent to outside air
1.16. GROUP – AIRFLOW 581

conditions. For Intake and Balanced ventilation, an appropriate amount of fan heat is added to the
entering air stream. For Balanced ventilation, both an intake fan and an exhaust fan are assumed
to co-exist, both having the same flow rate and power consumption (using the entered values for fan
pressure rise and fan total efficiency). Thus, the fan electric consumption for Balanced ventilation
is twice that for the Exhaust or Intake ventilation types which employ only a single fan.

1.16.4.1.10 Field: Fan Pressure Rise

This is the pressure rise experienced across the fan in Pascals (N/m2 ). This is a function of the
fan and plays a role in determining the amount of energy consumed by the fan.

1.16.4.1.11 Field: Fan Total Efficiency

This value is the overall efficiency of the fan, i.e., the ratio of the power delivered to the fluid
to the electrical input power. It is the product of the motor efficiency and the impeller efficiency.
The motor efficiency is the power delivered to the shaft divided by the electrical power input to the
motor. The impeller efficiency is power delivered to the fluid (air) divided by the shaft power. The
power delivered to the fluid is the mass flow rate of the air multiplied by the pressure rise divided
by the air density. This input value must be between 0 and 1.”

1.16.4.1.12 Field: Constant Term Coefficient

This number is the “A” parameter in the above ventilation equation. It is part of the user
specified modifying parameters that are a function of environmental factors. This parameter,
however, is a constant under all conditions and is not modified by any environmental effect. As a
result, it is dimensionless.

1.16.4.1.13 Field: Temperature Term Coefficient

This number is the “B” parameter in the above ventilation equation. It is part of the user
specified modifying parameters that are a function of environmental factors. This parameter is
modified by the temperature difference between the outdoor and indoor air dry-bulb temperatures.
The units for this parameter are inverse Celsius.

1.16.4.1.14 Field: Velocity Term Coefficient

This number is the “C” parameter in the above ventilation equation. It is part of the user
specified modifying parameters that are a function of environmental factors. This parameter is
modified by the speed of wind being experienced outside the building. The units for this parameter
are s/m.

1.16.4.1.15 Field: Velocity Squared Term Coefficient

This number is the “D” parameter in the above ventilation equation. It is part of the user
specified modifying parameters that are a function of environmental factors. This parameter is
modified by square of the speed of wind being experienced outside the building. The units for this
parameter are s2 /m2 .

1.16.4.1.16 Field: Minimum Indoor Temperature

This is the indoor temperature (in Celsius) below which ventilation is shutoff. The minimum
value for this field is -100.0°C and the maximum value is 100.0°C. The default value is -100.0°C if
the field is left blank. This lower temperature limit is intended to avoid overcooling a space and
thus result in a heating load. For example, if the user specifies a minimum temperature of 20°C,
582 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

ventilation is assumed to be available if the zone air temperature is above 20°C. If the zone air
temperature drops below 20°C, then ventilation is automatically turned off.

1.16.4.1.17 Field: Minimum Indoor Temperature Schedule Name

This alpha field defines the name of a schedule (ref. Schedule objects) which contains the mini-
mum indoor temperature (in Celsius) below which ventilation is shutoff as a function of time. The
minimum temperature value in the schedule can be -100°C and the maximum value can be 100°C.
This field is an optional field and has the same functionality as the Minimum Indoor Temperature
field. If the user enters a valid schedule name, the minimum temperature values specified in this
schedule will override the constant value specified in the Minimum Indoor Temperature field.

1.16.4.1.18 Field: Maximum Indoor Temperature

This is the indoor temperature (in Celsius) above which ventilation is shutoff. The minimum
value for this field is -100.0°C and the maximum value is 100.0°C. The default value is 100.0°C if
the field is left blank. This upper temperature limit is intended to avoid overheating a space and
thus result in a cooling load. For example, if the user specifies a maximum temperature of 28°C,
ventilation is assumed to be available if the zone air temperature is below 28°C. If the zone air
temperature increases to 28°C, then ventilation is automatically turned off.

1.16.4.1.19 Field: Maximum Indoor Temperature Schedule Name

This alpha field defines the name of a schedule (ref. Schedule objects) which contains the max-
imum indoor temperature (in Celsius) above which ventilation is shutoff as a function of time. The
minimum temperature value in the schedule can be -100°C and the maximum value can be 100°C.
This field is an optional field and has the same functionality as the Maximum Indoor Temperature
field. If the user enters a valid schedule name, the maximum temperature values specified in this
schedule will override the constant value specified in the Maximum Indoor Temperature field.

1.16.4.1.20 Field: Delta Temperature

This is the temperature difference (in Celsius) between the indoor and outdoor air dry-bulb
temperatures below which ventilation is shutoff. The minimum value for this field is -100.0°C
and thedefault value is also -100.0°C if the field is left blank. This field allows ventilation to be
stopped if the temperature outside is too warm and could potentially heat the space. For example,
if the user specifies a delta temperature of 2°C, ventilation is assumed to be available if the outside
air temperature is at least 2°C cooler than the zone air temperature. If the outside air dry-bulb
temperature is less than 2°C cooler than the indoor dry-bulb temperature, then ventilation is
automatically turned off.
The values for this field can include negative numbers. This allows ventilation to occur even if
the outdoor temperature is above the indoor temperature. The Delta Temperature is used in the
code in the following way:
IF ((IndoorTemp - OutdoorTemp) < DeltaTemperature) Then ventilation is not allowed.
Thus, if a large negative number is input for DeltaTemperature, the ventilation can be kept
on even if the outdoor temperature is greater than the indoor temperature. This is useful for
uncontrolled natural ventilation (open windows) or as a way to estimate the effect of required
ventilation air for load calculations.

1.16.4.1.21 Field: Delta Temperature Schedule Name

1.16. GROUP – AIRFLOW 583

This alpha field contains the name of a schedule (ref. Schedule objects) which contains the
temperature difference (in Celsius) between the indoor and outdoor air dry-bulb temperatures
below which ventilation is shutoff as a function of time. The minimum temperature difference
value in the schedule can be -100°C. This field is an optional field and has the same functionality as
the Delta Temperature field. If the user enters a valid schedule name, the delta temperature values
specified in this schedule will override the constant value specified in the Delta Temperature field.

1.16.4.1.22 Field: Minimum Outdoor Temperature

This is the outdoor temperature (in Celsius) below which ventilation is shut off. The minimum
value for this field is -100.0°C and the maximum value is 100.0°C. The default value is -
100.0°C if the field is left blank. This lower temperature limit is intended to avoid overcooling a
space, which could result in a heating load.

1.16.4.1.23 Field: Minimum Outdoor Temperature Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of a schedule (ref. Schedule objects) which contains the
minimum outdoor temperature (in Celsius) below which ventilation is shutoff as a function of time.
The minimum temperature value in the schedule can be -100°C and the maximum value can be
100°C. This field is an optional field and has the same functionality as the Minimum Outdoor
Temperature field. If the user enters a valid schedule name, the temperature values in this schedule
will override the constant value specified in the Minimum Outdoor Temperature field.

1.16.4.1.24 Field: Maximum Outdoor Temperature

This is the outdoor temperature (in Celsius) above which ventilation is shut off. The minimum
value for this field is -100.0°C and the maximum value is 100.0°C. The default value is 100.0°C if
the field is left blank. This upper temperature limit is intended to avoid overheating a space, which
could result in a cooling load.

1.16.4.1.25 Field: Maximum Outdoor Temperature Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of a schedule (ref. Schedule objects) which contains the
minimum outdoor temperature (in Celsius) above which ventilation is shutoff as a function of time.
The minimum temperature value in the schedule can be -100°C and the maximum value can be
100°C. This field is an optional field and has the same functionality as the Maximum Outdoor
Temperature field. If the user enters a valid schedule name, the temperature values in this schedule
will override the constant value specified in the Maximum Outdoor Temperature field.

1.16.4.1.26 Field: Maximum Wind Speed

This is the wind speed (m/s) above which ventilation is shut off. This can help simulate
conditions where one would normally close windows to avoid chaos in a space (papers blowing
around, etc.).
Two IDF examples are provided below:

ZoneVentilation:DesignFlowRate ,
Ventilation 1, !- Name
ZONE 2, !- Zone Name
Simple Vent , !- Schedule Name
Flow/Zone , !- Design Volume Flow Rate calculation method
6.131944 , !- Design Volume Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- Volume Flow Rate per area {m3/s/m2}
, !- Volume Flow Rate per person {m3/s/person}
, !- Air Changes Per Hour
584 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

INTAKE , !- Ventilation Type

400.0 , !- Fan Pressure Rise{Pa}
0.9, !- Fan Total Efficiency
0.6060000 , !- Constant Term Coefficient
2.0199999E-02, !- Temperature Term Coefficient
5.9800001E-04, !- Velocity Term Coefficient
0.0000000E+00!- Velocity Squared Term Coefficient
18.0, !- Minimum Indoor Temperature {C}
, !- Minimum Indoor Temperature Schedule Name
, !- Maximum Indoor Temperature {C}
, !- Maximum Indoor Temperature Schedule Name
1.0; !- Delta temperature {C}

ZoneVentilation:DesignFlowRate ,
SPACE1 -1 Ventl 1, !-Name
SPACE1 -1, !- Zone Name
NightVentSched , !- SCHEDULE Name
Flow/Zone , !- Design Volume Flow Rate calculation method
.05295 , !- Design Volume Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- Volume Flow Rate per area {m3/s/m2}
, !- Volume Flow Rate per person {m3/s/person}
, !- Air Changes Per Hour
Intake , !- Ventilation Type
67., !- Fan Pressure Rise
.7, !- Fan Total Efficiency
1, !- Constant Term Coefficient
0, !- Temperature Term Coefficient
0, !- Velocity Term Coefficient
0, !- Velocity Squared Term Coefficient
, !- Minimum Indoor Temperature {C}
MinIndoorTemp , !- Minimum Indoor Temperature Schedule Name
, !- Maximum Indoor Temperature {C}
MaxIndoorTemp , !- Maximum Indoor Temperature Schedule Name
, !- Delta Temperature {deltaC}
DeltaTemp , !- Delta Temperature Schedule Name
, !- Minimum Outdoor Temperature {C}
MinOutdoorTemp , !- Minimum Outdoor Temperature Schedule Name
, !- Maximum Outdoor Temperature {C}
MaxOutdoorTemp , !- Maximum Outdoor Temperature Schedule Name
40; !- Maximum WindSpeed {m/s}

Global Ventilation example:

Zonelist , West -East Zones , West Zone , East Zone;

ZoneVentilation:DesignFlowRate ,
West -East Zones Ventilation , !- Name
West -East Zones , !- Zone or ZoneList Name
VentSched , !- Schedule Name
AirChanges/Hour , !- Design Flow Rate Calculation Method
, !- Design Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- Flow Rate per Zone Floor Area {m3/s-m2}
, !- Flow Rate per Person {m3/s-person}
1.7, !- Air Changes per Hour
Intake , !- Ventilation Type
67., !- Fan Pressure Rise {Pa}
0.7, !- Fan Total Efficiency
1, !- Constant Term Coefficient
0, !- Temperature Term Coefficient
0, !- Velocity Term Coefficient
0, !- Velocity Squared Term Coefficient
, !- Minimum Indoor Temperature {C}
MinIndoorTemp , !- Minimum Indoor Temperature Schedule Name
, !- Maximum Indoor Temperature {C}
MaxIndoorTemp , !- Maximum Indoor Temperature Schedule Name
, !- Delta Temperature {deltaC}
1.16. GROUP – AIRFLOW 585

DeltaTemp , !- Delta Temperature Schedule Name

, !- Minimum Outdoor Temperature {C}
MinOutdoorTemp , !- Minimum Outdoor Temperature Schedule Name
, !- Maximum Outdoor Temperature {C}
MaxOutdoorTemp , !- Maximum Outdoor Temperature Schedule Name
40; !- Maximum Wind Speed {m/s}

1.16.5 ZoneVentilation:WindandStackOpenArea
For this model, the ventilation air flow rate is a function of wind speed and thermal stack effect,
along with the area of the opening being modeled. This object can be used alone or in combination
with ZoneVentilation:DesignFlowRate objects. This model is intended for simplified ventilation
calculations as opposed to the more detailed ventilation investigations that can be performed with
the AirflowNetwork model. Using the “Wind and Stack with Open Area” model, the natural
ventilation flow rate can be controlled by a multiplier fraction schedule applied to the user-defined
opening area and through the specification of minimum, maximum and delta temperatures. The
temperatures can be either single constant values for the entire simulation or schedules which can
vary over time. The equation used to calculate the ventilation rate driven by wind is:

Qw = Cw Aopening Fschedule V (1.40)

where,
Qw = Volumetric air flow rate driven by wind [m3 /s]
Cw = Opening effectiveness [dimensionless]
Aopening = Opening area [m2 ]
Fschedule = Open area fraction [user-defined schedule value, dimensionless]
V = Local wind speed [m/s]
The equation used to calculate the ventilation rate due to stack effect is:
√
Qs = CD Aopening Fschedule 2g∆HN P L (|Tzone − Todb |/Tzone ) (1.41)
where,
Qs = Volumetric air flow rate due to stack effect [m3 /s]
CD = Discharge coefficient for opening [dimensionless]
Aopening = Opening area [m2 ]
Fschedule = Open area fraction [user-defined schedule value, dimensionless]
ΔHN P L = Height from midpoint of lower opening to the neutral pressure level [m].
Estimation of this value is difficult; refer to Chapter 16 of the 2009 ASHRAE Handbook of
Fundamentals for guidance.
Tzone = Zone air dry-bulb temperature [K]
Todb = Local outdoor air dry-bulb temperature [K]
The total ventilation rate calculated by this model is the quadrature sum of the wind and stack
air flow components:
√
V entilationW indAndStack = Qs 2 + Qw 2 (1.42)
The local outdoor air dry-bulb temperature used in the stack effect equation (Todb ) is typically
a function of the height of the zone centroid above ground. The corresponding zone name is given
in the second field. The local outdoor air dry-bulb temperature calculation procedure is described
in the “Local Outdoor Air Temperature Calculation” section of the Engineering Reference.
586 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

The local outdoor wind speed used in the above wind-driven equation (V) is also a function of
the height of the zone centroid above ground. The corresponding zone name is given in the second
field. The local outdoor wind speed calculation procedure is described in the “Local Wind Speed
Calculation” section of the Engineering Reference.
Note: When the value of the Wind Speed Profile Exponent field in the Site:HeightVariation
object is equal to 0.0, the local wind speed is always equal to the wind speed given in the weather
data and will not be dependent on zone centroid height. Similarly, if the value of the Air Tem-
perature Gradient Coefficient is set equal to 0, the local air dry-bulb temperature is also always
equal to the air dry-bulb temperature given in the weather data and will not be dependent on zone
centroid height.
One or more ventilation objects (i.e., ZoneVentilation:DesignFlowRate and/or ZoneVentila-
tion:WindandStackOpenArea) can be defined for each zone, and the resulting ventilation rate for
the zone will simply be the summation of the flow rates specified by the ventilation objects.
More advanced ventilation calculations are possible using the EnergyPlus AirflowNetwork
model.

1.16.5.1 Inputs
1.16.5.1.1 Field: Name
The name of the ZoneVentilation:WindandStackOpenArea object.

1.16.5.1.2 Field: Zone Name

This field is the name of the zone (ref: Zone) and attaches a particular ventilation statement
to a thermal zone in the building.

1.16.5.1.3 Field: Opening Area

This is the opening area exposed to outdoors (m2 ) in a zone.

1.16.5.1.4 Field: Opening Area Fraction Schedule Name

This field is the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) which modifies the Opening Area value
(see previous field). The schedule values must be any positive number between 0 and 1 as a fraction.
The actual opening area in a zone for a particular simulation time step is defined as the product
of the Opening Area input field and the value specified by the schedule named in this input field.

1.16.5.1.5 Field: Opening Effectiveness

This field is the opening effectiveness (Cw ). The value must be between 0.0 and 1.0 or the
value can be autocalculated. If a real value is input, that constant value will be used in the
calculations. Otherwise, this field can be left blank (default = Autocalculate) or the user can input
Autocalculate. Based on recommended values provided in Chapter 16 of the 2009 ASHRAE
Handbook of Fundamentals, Cw = 0.55 for perpendicular winds and Cw = 0.3 for diagonal winds.
For Autocalculate, any angles between perpendicular and diagonal are linearly interpolated between
0.3 and 0.55 by the model.

1.16.5.1.6 Field: Effective Angle

This is the angle in degrees counting from the North clockwise to the opening outward normal.
The value must be between 0 and 360, with the default being 0 if this input field is left blank.
The Effective Angle is 0 if the opening outward normal faces North, 90 if faces East, 180 if faces
1.16. GROUP – AIRFLOW 587

South, and 270 if faces West. The value is fixed and independent of coordinate system defined in
the GlobalGeometryRules object. This input field value is used to calculate the angle between the
wind direction and the opening outward normal to determine the opening effectiveness values when
the input field Opening Effectiveness = Autocalculate.

1.16.5.1.7 Field: Height Difference

This is the height difference between the midpoint of the lower opening and the neutral pressure
level in meters. This value is a required user input.
Note: Estimation of the height difference is difficult for natural ventilated buildings. Chapter 16
of the 2009 ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals may provide guidance for estimating the height
difference.

1.16.5.1.8 Field: Discharge Coefficient for Opening

This is the discharge coefficient for the opening (CD ). The value must be between 0.0 and 1.0,
or the value can be autocalculated. If a real value is input, that constant value will be used in the
calculations. Otherwise, this field can be left blank (default = Autocalculate) or the user can input
Autocalculate. For Autocalculate, the program will determine the discharge coefficient based on
the following equation:

CD = 0.40 + 0.0045 |Tzone − Todb | (1.43)

1.16.5.1.9 Field: Minimum Indoor Temperature

This is the indoor temperature (in Celsius) below which ventilation is shutoff. The minimum
value for this field is -100.0°C and the maximum value is 100.0°C. The default value is -
100.0°C if the field is left blank. This lower temperature limit is intended to avoid overcooling a
space and thus result in a heating load. For example, if the user specifies a minimum temperature
of 20°C, ventilation is assumed to be available if the zone air temperature is above 20°C. If the
zone air temperature drops below 20°C, then ventilation is automatically turned off.

1.16.5.1.10 Field: Minimum Indoor Temperature Schedule Name

This alpha field defines the name of a schedule (ref. Schedule objects) which contains the mini-
mum indoor temperature (in Celsius) below which ventilation is shutoff as a function of time. The
minimum temperature value in the schedule can be -100°C and the maximum value can be 100°C.
This field is an optional field and has the same functionality as the Minimum Indoor Temperature
field. If the user enters a valid schedule name, the minimum temperature values specified in this
schedule will override the constant value specified in the Minimum Indoor Temperature field.

1.16.5.1.11 Field: Maximum Indoor Temperature

This is the indoor temperature (in Celsius) above which ventilation is shutoff. The minimum
value for this field is -100.0°C and the maximum value is 100.0°C. The default value is 100.0°C if
the field is left blank. This upper temperature limit is intended to avoid overheating a space and
thus result in a cooling load. For example, if the user specifies a maximum temperature of 28°C,
ventilation is assumed to be available if the zone air temperature is below 28°C. If the zone air
temperature increases to 28°C, then ventilation is automatically turned off.
588 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.16.5.1.12 Field: Maximum Indoor Temperature Schedule Name

This alpha field defines the name of a schedule (ref. Schedule objects) which contains the max-
imum indoor temperature (in Celsius) above which ventilation is shutoff as a function of time. The
minimum temperature value in the schedule can be -100°C and the maximum value can be 100°C.
This field is an optional field and has the same functionality as the Maximum Indoor Temperature
field. If the user enters a valid schedule name, the maximum temperature values specified in this
schedule will override the constant value specified in the Maximum Indoor Temperature field.

1.16.5.1.13 Field: Delta Temperature

This is the temperature difference (in Celsius) between the indoor and outdoor air dry-bulb
temperatures below which ventilation is shutoff. The minimum value for this field is -100.0°C
and the default value is also -100.0°C if the field is left blank. This field allows ventilation to be
stopped if the temperature outside is too warm and could potentially heat the space. For example,
if the user specifies a delta temperature of 2°C, ventilation is assumed to be available if the outside
air temperature is at least 2°C cooler than the zone air temperature. If the outside air dry-bulb
temperature is less than 2°C cooler than the indoor dry-bulb temperature, then ventilation is
automatically turned off.
The values for this field can include negative numbers. This allows ventilation to occur even if
the outdoor temperature is above the indoor temperature. The Delta Temperature is used in the
code in the following way:
IF ((IndoorTemp - OutdoorTemp) < DeltaTemperature) Then ventilation is not allowed.
Thus, if a large negative number is input for DeltaTemperature, the ventilation can be kept
on even if the outdoor temperature is greater than the indoor temperature. This is useful for
uncontrolled natural ventilation (open windows) or as a way to estimate the effect of required
ventilation air for load calculations.

1.16.5.1.14 Field: Delta Temperature Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of a schedule (ref. Schedule objects) which contains the
temperature difference (in Celsius) between the indoor and outdoor air dry-bulb temperatures
below which ventilation is shutoff as a function of time. The minimum temperature difference
value in the schedule can be -100°C. This field is an optional field and has the same functionality as
the Delta Temperature field. If the user enters a valid schedule name, the delta temperature values
specified in this schedule will override the constant value specified in the Delta Temperature field.

1.16.5.1.15 Field: Minimum Outdoor Temperature

This is the outdoor temperature (in Celsius) below which ventilation is shut off. The minimum
value for this field is -100.0°C and the maximum value is 100.0°C. The default value is -
100.0°C if the field is left blank. This lower temperature limit is intended to avoid overcooling a
space, which could result in a heating load.

1.16.5.1.16 Field: Minimum Outdoor Temperature Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of a schedule (ref. Schedule objects) which contains the
minimum outdoor temperature (in Celsius) below which ventilation is shutoff as a function of time.
The minimum temperature value in the schedule can be -100°C and the maximum value can be
100°C. This field is an optional field and has the same functionality as the Minimum Outdoor
Temperature field. If the user enters a valid schedule name, the temperature values in this schedule
will override the constant value specified in the Minimum Outdoor Temperature field.
1.16. GROUP – AIRFLOW 589

1.16.5.1.17 Field: Maximum Outdoor Temperature

This is the outdoor temperature (in Celsius) above which ventilation is shut off. The minimum
value for this field is -100.0°C and the maximum value is 100.0°C. The default value is 100.0°C if
the field is left blank. This upper temperature limit is intended to avoid overheating a space, which
could result in a cooling load.

1.16.5.1.18 Field: Maximum Outdoor Temperature Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of a schedule (ref. Schedule objects) which contains the
minimum outdoor temperature (in Celsius) above which ventilation is shutoff as a function of time.
The minimum temperature value in the schedule can be -100°C and the maximum value can be
100°C. This field is an optional field and has the same functionality as the Maximum Outdoor
Temperature field. If the user enters a valid schedule name, the temperature values in this schedule
will override the constant value specified in the Maximum Outdoor Temperature field.

1.16.5.1.19 Field: Maximum Wind Speed

This is the wind speed (m/s) above which ventilation is shut off. This can help simulate
conditions where one would normally close windows to avoid chaos in a space (papers blowing
around, etc.).
An IDF example is provided below:

ZoneVentilation:WindandStackOpenArea ,
ZONE 3 Ventl 1, !- Name
ZONE 3, !- Zone Name
0.5, !- Opening Area {m2}
Constant , !- Opening Area Fraction Schedule Name
AutoCalculate , !- Opening Effectiveness
0.0, !- Effective Angle {deg}
1.0, !- Height Difference {m}
AutoCalculate , !- Discharge Coefficient for Opening
18.0, !- Minimum Indoor Temperature {C}
, !- Minimum Indoor Temperature Schedule Name
, !- Maximum Indoor Temperature {C}
, !- Maximum Indoor Temperature Schedule Name
1.0; !- Delta Temperature {deltaC}

1.16.5.2 Outputs
Current ventilation output variables:

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ventilation Sensible Heat Loss Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ventilation Sensible Heat Gain Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ventilation Latent Heat Loss Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ventilation Latent Heat Gain Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ventilation Total Heat Loss Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ventilation Total Heat Gain Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ventilation Current Density Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ventilation Standard Density Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

590 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ventilation Current Density Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ventilation Standard Density Volume [m3]
• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ventilation Mass [kg]
• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ventilation Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
• HVAC,Average,Zone Ventilation Air Change Rate [ach]
• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ventilation Fan Electric Energy [J]
• HVAC,Average,Zone Ventilation Air Inlet Temperature [C]

Note: If ZoneVentilation:* objects and ZoneAirBalance:OutdoorAir (with Air Balance Method

= Quadrature) objects reference the same Zone Name, the above ventilation output variables will
not be reported for that zone. Instead, output variables for zone outdoor air flow will be reported
by the corresponding ZoneAirBalance:OutdoorAir object.

1.16.5.2.1 Zone Ventilation Sensible Heat Loss Energy [J]

The sensible (temperature) heat loss that occurs when the ventilation inlet air temperature
< zone air temperature. If multiple ventilation objects are specified for a particular zone, the
ventilation inlet air temperature is from all ZoneVentilation:DesignFlowRate and ZoneVentila-
tion:WindandStackOpenArea objects specified for the zone.

1.16.5.2.2 Zone Ventilation Sensible Heat Gain Energy [J]

The sensible (temperature) heat gain that occurs when the ventilation inlet air temperature
> = zone air temperature. If multiple ventilation objects are specified for a particular zone,
the ventilation inlet air temperature is from all ZoneVentilation:DesignFlowRate and ZoneVentila-
tion:WindandStackOpenArea objects specified for the zone.

1.16.5.2.3 Zone Ventilation Latent Heat Loss Energy [J]

The latent heat loss that occurs when the Ventilation air humidity ratio (outdoor)
< zone air humidity ratio from all ZoneVentilation:DesignFlowRate and ZoneVentila-
tion:WindandStackOpenArea objects specified for the zone.

1.16.5.2.4 Zone Ventilation Latent Heat Gain Energy [J]

The latent heat gain that occurs when the Ventilation air humidity ratio (outdoor)
> = zone air humidity ratio from all ZoneVentilation:DesignFlowRate and ZoneVentila-
tion:WindandStackOpenArea objects specified for the zone.

1.16.5.2.5 Zone Ventilation Total Heat Loss Energy [J]

The total heat loss that occurs when the sum of Zone Ventilation Sensible Heat Gain Energy
and Zone Ventilation Latent Heat Gain Energy < the sum of Zone Ventilation Sensible Heat Loss
Energy and Zone Ventilation Latent Heat Loss Energy.

1.16.5.2.6 Zone Ventilation Total Heat Gain Energy [J]

The total heat gain that occurs when the sum of Zone Ventilation Sensible Heat Gain Energy
and Zone Ventilation Latent Heat Gain Energy > = the sum of Zone Ventilation Sensible Heat
Loss Energy and Zone Ventilation Latent Heat Loss Energy.
1.16. GROUP – AIRFLOW 591

1.16.5.2.7 Zone Ventilation Current Density Volume [m3]

1.16.5.2.8 Zone Ventilation Current Density Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

These outputs are the total volume and volume flow rate of ventilation air based on the current
density of zone air.

1.16.5.2.9 Zone Ventilation Standard Density Volume [m3]

1.16.5.2.10 Zone Ventilation Standard Density Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

These outputs are the total volume and volume flow rate of ventilation air based on the standard
density of air. Standard density in EnergyPlus corresponds to 20ºC drybulb, dry air, and nominally
adjusted for elevation.

1.16.5.2.11 Zone Ventilation Mass [kg]

This output is the total mass flow into a particular zone from outdoors.

1.16.5.2.12 Zone Ventilation Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

This output is the total mass flow rate into a particular zone from outdoors.

1.16.5.2.13 Zone Ventilation Air Change Rate [ach]

The volume flow rate of the ventilation air in air changes per hour.

1.16.5.2.14 Zone Ventilation Fan Electric Energy [J]

The fan electrical consumption for Intake or Exhaust ventilation types (for ZoneVentila-
tion:DesignFlowRate objects only).

1.16.5.2.15 Zone Ventilation Air Inlet Temperature [C]

This is equal to the outdoor air temperature except when INTAKE fan power is included (for
ZoneVentilation:DesignFlowRate objects only). When intake fan power is used, then the additional
heat due to the fan is added to the outdoor temperature and this will be reported as the inlet air
temperature. If multiple ventilation objects are specified for a particular zone, the reported value
is the mass flow weighted temperature for the multiple ventilation objects specified for this zone.

1.16.6 ZoneAirBalance:OutdoorAir
This model calculates a combined zone outdoor airflow by including interactions between me-
chanical ventilation, infiltration and duct leakage. It is mainly applied to a single zone (e.g.,
residential) building. The model combines all outdoor airflows from ZoneInfiltration and ZoneVen-
tilation objects in the same zone. This object also includes the induced outdoor airflows due to
unbalanced duct leakage, and unbalanced outdoor airflows introduced by unbalanced airflows from
ZoneHVAC:EnergyRecoveryVentilator objects when the exhaust airflow is greater than the supply
outdoor airflow. This model is intended for simplified outdoor airflow calculations as opposed to
the more detailed outdoor airflow investigations that can be performed with the AirflowNetwork
model. The equation used to calculate the combined zone outdoor airflow is:
√
Q = Qn 2 + Qu,v 2 + Qu,l 2 + Qb,v (1.44)
592 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

where,
Q = Combined outdoor airflow with infiltration, balanced and unbalanced outdoor air flows,
and unbalanced duct leakage [m3 /s]
Qn = Natural infiltration airflow from ZoneInfiltration:* objects [m3 /s]
Qb,v = Balanced ventilation airflow, excluding infiltration [m3 /s]
Qu,v = Unbalanced ventilation airflow, excluding infiltration [m3 /s]
Qu,l = Unbalanced duct leakage: the difference between supply and return leaks [m3 /s]
This object cannot be used simultaneously with the EnergyPlus AirflowNetwork model. If
the AirflowNetwork model is active for a simulation time step, the Air Balance Method is reset
to “None” for that time step. More advanced outdoor airflow calculations are possible using the
EnergyPlus AirflowNetwork model.
This object does not combine any airflows from Fan:ZoneExhaust objects and is independent
of HVAC equipment operation.
This object will not work with the AvailabilityManager:HybridVentilation object in the same
zone, when the Simple Airflow Control Type Schedule Name is provided in the HybridVentilation
object. For this case, the Air Balance Method is reset to “None”.

1.16.6.1 Inputs
1.16.6.1.1 Field: Name
The name of the ZoneOutdoorAir:Combined object.

1.16.6.1.2 Field: Zone Name

This field is the name of the zone (ref: Zone) and attaches a combined outdoor airflow statement
to a thermal zone in the building.

1.16.6.1.3 Field: Air Balance Method

This choice field determines the air balance method. Two choices are Quadrature and None. If
Quadrature, the combined zone outdoor air flow is calculated based on the above equation. If None,
no combining of outdoor air will be performed (i.e., any ZoneInfiltration:* and ZoneVentilation:*
objects specified for this zone are simulated individually).

1.16.6.1.4 Field: Induced Outdoor Air Due to Unbalanced Duct Leakage

This is the induced outdoor airflow rate, in m3 /s, due to unbalanced duct leakage. If left blank,
the default value is 0.

1.16.6.1.5 Field: Induced Outdoor Air Schedule Name

This field is the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) which modifies the induced outdoor airflow
rate value (see previous field). The schedule values must be any positive number between 0 and 1
as a fraction. The actual induced outdoor airflow rate in a zone for a particular simulation time
step is defined as the product of the Induced Outdoor Air Due to Unbalanced Duct Leakage input
field and the value specified by the schedule named in this input field.
Note: Since this object is independent of HVAC operation, the inputs for the last two fields
should be carefully selected to match HVAC system operation schedules.
An IDF example is provided below:

ZoneAirBalance:OutdoorAir ,
ZONE 2 Balance 1, !- Name
1.16. GROUP – AIRFLOW 593

ZONE 2, !- Zone Name

Quadrature , !- Air Balance Method
0.00, !- Induced Outdoor Air Due to Unbalanced Duct Leakage {m3/s}
Constant; !- Induced Outdoor Air Schedule Name

1.16.6.2 Outputs
ZoneAirBalance:OutdoorAir output variables will be provided when the Air Balance Method is
Quadrature. Output variables from the associated ZoneVentilation:* and ZoneInfiltration:* objects
for the same zone will not be produced when ZoneAirBalance:OutdoorAir output variables are
available. If the Air Balance Method = None, then no ZoneAirBalance:OutputAir outputs will
be produced and the associated ZoneVentilation:* and ZoneInfiltration:* objects will specify their
output variables for the zone.

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Combined Outdoor Air Sensible Heat Loss Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Combined Outdoor Air Sensible Heat Gain Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Combined Outdoor Air Latent Heat Loss Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Combined Outdoor Air Latent Heat Gain Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Combined Outdoor Air Total Heat Loss Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Combined Outdoor Air Total Heat Gain Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Combined Outdoor Air Current Density Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Combined Outdoor Air Standard Density Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Combined Outdoor Air Current Density Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Combined Outdoor Air Standard Density Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Combined Outdoor Air Mass [kg]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Combined Outdoor Air Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average, Zone Combined Outdoor Air Changes per Hour [ach]

• HVAC,Sum, Zone Combined Outdoor Air Fan Electric Energy [J]

1.16.6.2.1 Zone Combined Outdoor Air Sensible Heat Loss Energy [J]
The sensible (temperature) heat loss that occurs when the outdoor air temperature < zone air
temperature.

1.16.6.2.2 Zone Combined Outdoor Air Sensible Heat Gain Energy [J]
The sensible (temperature) heat gain that occurs when the outdoor air temperature > = zone
air temperature.

1.16.6.2.3 Zone Combined Outdoor Air Latent Heat Loss Energy [J]
The latent heat loss that occurs when the outdoor air humidity ratio < zone air humidity ratio.
594 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.16.6.2.4 Zone Combined Outdoor Air Latent Heat Gain Energy [J]
The latent heat gain that occurs when the outdoor air humidity ratio > = zone air humidity
ratio.

1.16.6.2.5 Zone Combined Outdoor Air Total Heat Loss Energy [J]
The total heat loss that occurs when the sum of Zone Combined Outdoor Air Sensible Heat Gain
Energy and Zone Combined Outdoor Air Latent Heat Gain Energy < the sum of Zone Combined
Outdoor Air Sensible Heat Loss Energy and Zone Combined Outdoor Air Latent Heat Loss Energy.

1.16.6.2.6 Zone Combined Outdoor Air Total Heat Gain Energy [J]
The total heat gain that occurs when the sum of Zone Combined Outdoor Air Sensible Heat
Gain Energy and Zone Combined Outdoor Air Latent Heat Gain Energy > = the sum of Zone
Combined Outdoor Air Sensible Heat Loss Energy and Zone Combined Outdoor Air Latent Heat
Loss Energy.

1.16.6.2.7 Zone Combined Outdoor Air Current Density Volume [m3]

1.16.6.2.8 Zone Combined Outdoor Air Current Density Volume Flow Rate
[m3/s]
These outputs are the total volume and volume flow rate of outdoor air based on the current
density of zone air.

1.16.6.2.9 Zone Combined Outdoor Air Standard Density Volume [m3]

1.16.6.2.10 Zone Combined Outdoor Air Standard Density Volume Flow Rate
[m3/s]
These outputs are the total volume and volume flow rate of outdoor air based on the standard
density of air. Standard density in EnergyPlus corresponds to 20ºC drybulb, dry air, and nominally
adjusted for elevation.

1.16.6.2.11 Zone Combined Outdoor Air Mass [kg]

This output is the total mass flow into a particular zone from outdoors.

1.16.6.2.12 Zone Combined Outdoor Air Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

This output is the total mass flow rate into a particular zone from outdoors.

1.16.6.2.13 Zone Combined Outdoor Air Changes per Hour [ach]

The volume flow rate of the ventilation air in air changes per hour.

1.16.6.2.14 Zone Combined Outdoor Air Fan Electric Energy [J]

The fan electrical consumption for Intake, Exhaust, or Balanced ventilation types (for
ZoneVentilation:DesignFlowRate objects used to calculate a combined zone outdoor airflow).
1.16. GROUP – AIRFLOW 595

1.16.7 ZoneMixing
In EnergyPlus, the ZoneMixing syntax is intended to allow simplified treatment of air exchange
between zones. Note that this statement only affects the energy balance of the “receiving” zone
and that this statement will not produce any effect on the “source” zone. Mixing statements can
be complementary and include multiple zones, but the balancing of flows between zones is left
to the user’s discretion. The use of the Cross Mixing syntax (ref: Cross Mixing) can allow for
automatic balancing of flows and energy flow rates between zones but is hindered by the limitation
of only a single cross mixing statement per zone. The use of Refrigeration Door Mixing syntax
(ref: Refrigeration Door Mixing) automatically balances the flow and energy between two zones
and allows multiple mixing statements per zone. More advanced mixing calculations are possible
using the EnergyPlus AirflowNetwork model for multi-zone airflow with or without HVAC system
operation. Mixing is entered using the following syntax.

1.16.7.1 Inputs
1.16.7.1.1 Field: Name
The name of the ZoneMixing object.

1.16.7.1.2 Field: Zone Name

This field is the name of the zone (ref: Zone) receiving the amount of air being exchanged and
attaches a particular mixing statement to a thermal zone in the building.

1.16.7.1.3 Field: Schedule Name

This field is the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that modifies the maximum design volume
flow rate parameter (see next field). This fraction between 0.0 and 1.0 modifies the design level
parameter.

1.16.7.1.4 Field: Design Flow Rate Calculation Method

This field is a key/choice field that tells which of the next four fields are filled and is descriptive
of the method for calculating the design volume flow rate. The key/choices are:
• Flow/Zone
With this choice, the method used will be a straight insertion of the design volume flow
rate. (The Design Flow Rate field should be filled.)
• Flow/Area
With this choice, the method used will be a factor per floor area of the zone. (The Flow per
Zone Floor Area field should be filled).
• Flow/Person
With this choice, the method used will be a factor per nominal number of people in the zone.
(The Flow per Person field should be filled).
• AirChanges/Hour
With this choice, the method used will be the number of air changes per hour for the infiltration
amount. This factor, along with the Zone Volume, will be used to determine the Design Flow Rate.
(The Air Changes per Hour field should be filled).
596 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.16.7.1.5 Field: Design Flow Rate

This field denotes the full design volume flow rate (m3 /s). The previous field should choose
“flow/zone” as the choice. The design volume flow rate is the maximum amount of mixing air
expected. The design value is modified by the schedule fraction (see Field: Schedule Name) and
user specified coefficients (see four “coefficient” fields below).

1.16.7.1.6 Field: Flow Rate per Zone Floor Area

This factor (m3 /s-m2 ) is used, along with the Zone Area to determine the maximum Design
Volume Flow Rate as described in the Design Volume Flow Rate field. The choice from the method
field should be “Flow/Area”.

1.16.7.1.7 Field: Flow Rate per Person

This factor (m3 /s-person) is used, along with the nominal (maximum) number of occupants
(people) in the Zone to determine the maximum Design Volume Flow Rate as described in the
Design Volume Flow Rate field. The choice from the method field should be “Flow/Person”.

1.16.7.1.8 Field: Air Changes per Hour

With this choice, the method used will be the number of air changes per hour for the mixing
amount. This factor, along with the Zone Volume, will be used to determine the Design Flow Rate.
The choice from the method field should be “AirChanges/Hour”.

1.16.7.1.9 Field: Source Zone Name

This field is the name of the “source” zone (ref: Zone) that exhausts the amount of air specified
by the design level and schedule fields to the zone named in the zone name field.

1.16.7.1.10 Field: Delta Temperature

This number controls when mixing air from the source zone is sent to the receiving zone.
This parameter is a temperature and is expressed in units of Celsius. If this field is positive,
the temperature of the zone from which the air is being drawn (source zone) must be “Delta
Temperature” warmer than the receiving zone air or else no mixing occurs. If this field is negative,
the temperature of the source zone must be “Delta Temperature” cooler than the receiving zone
air or else no mixing occurs. If this parameter is zero, mixing occurs regardless of the relative zone
temperatures.

1.16.7.1.11 Field: Delta Temperature Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of a schedule (ref. Schedule objects) which contains the
temperature difference (in Celsius) between the source zone and receiving zone air dry-bulb tem-
peratures as a function of time. This field is an optional field and has the same functionality as
the Delta Temperature field. If the user enters a valid schedule name, the delta temperature values
specified in this schedule will supersede the constant value specified in the Delta Temperature field.

1.16.7.1.12 Field: Minimum Zone Temperature Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of a schedule (ref. Schedule objects) which contains the
minimum receiving zone temperature (in Celsius) below which mixing is shutoff as a function of
time. The minimum temperature value in the schedule can be -100°C and the maximum value can
be 100°C. This field is an optional field. If this field is not entered, the minimum zone temperature
control is not applied.
1.16. GROUP – AIRFLOW 597

1.16.7.1.13 Field: Maximum Zone Temperature Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of a schedule (ref. Schedule objects) which contains the
maximum receiving zone temperature (in Celsius) above which mixing is shutoff as a function of
time. The maximum temperature value in the schedule can be -100°C and the maximum value can
be 100°C. This field is an optional field. If this field is not entered, the maximum zone temperature
control is not applied.
Note: The maximum zone temperature when mixing is shutoff must be greater than or equal
to the minimum zone temperature when mixing is shutoff at any given time. Otherwise, warnings
will be issued and the maximum zone shutoff temperature will be set to the minimum zone shutoff
temperature.

1.16.7.1.14 Field: Minimum Source Zone Temperature Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of a schedule (ref. Schedule objects) which contains the
minimum source zone temperature (in Celsius) below which mixing is shutoff as a function of
time. The minimum temperature value in the schedule can be -100°C and the maximum value
can be 100°C. This field is an optional field. If this field is not entered, the minimum source zone
temperature control is not applied.

1.16.7.1.15 Field: Maximum Source Zone Temperature Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of a schedule (ref. Schedule objects) which contains the
maximum source zone temperature (in Celsius) above which mixing is shutoff as a function of
time. The maximum temperature value in the schedule can be -100°C and the maximum value
can be 100°C. This field is an optional field. If this field is not entered, the maximum source zone
temperature control is not applied.
Note: The maximum source zone temperature when mixing is shutoff must be greater than
or equal to the minimum source zone temperature when mixing is shutoff at any given time.
Otherwise, warnings will be issued and the maximum source zone shutoff temperature will be set
to the minimum source zone shutoff temperature.

1.16.7.1.16 Field: Minimum Outdoor Temperature Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of a schedule (ref. Schedule objects) which contains the
minimum outdoor temperature (in Celsius) below which mixing is shutoff as a function of time.
The minimum temperature value in the schedule can be -100°C and the maximum value can be
100°C. This field is an optional field. If this field is not entered, the minimum outdoor temperature
control is not applied.

1.16.7.1.17 Field: Maximum Outdoor Temperature Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of a schedule (ref. Schedule objects) which contains the
maximum outdoor temperature (in Celsius) above which mixing is shutoff as a function of time.
The maximum temperature value in the schedule can be -100°C and the maximum value can be
100°C. This field is an optional field. If this field is not entered, the maximum outdoor temperature
control is not applied.
Note: The maximum outdoor temperature when mixing is shutoff must be greater than or
equal to the minimum outdoor temperature which mixing is shutoff at any given time. Otherwise,
a warning will be issued and the maximum outdoor shutoff temperature will be set to the minimum
outdoor shutoff temperature.
An IDF Example:
598 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

ZoneMixing ,
Kitchen_ZN_1_FLR_1 Exhaust Fanmixing_0 , !- Name
Kitchen_ZN_1_FLR_1 , !- Zone Name
Hours_of_operation , !- Schedule Name
Flow/Zone , !- Design Flow Rate Calculation Method
1.4540 , !- Design Level
, !- Volume Flow Rate per Area {m3/s/m2}
, !- Volume Flow Rate Per Person {m3/s/person}
, !- Air Changes per Hour {ACH}
CAFETERIA_ZN_1_FLR_1 , !- Source Zone Name
0.0; !- Delta Temperature

1.16.7.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Sum,Zone Mixing Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Mixing Current Density Volumetric Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Mixing Standard Density Volumetric Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Mixing Mass [kg]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Mixing Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Mixing Sensible Heat Loss Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Mixing Sensible Heat Gain Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Mixing Latent Heat Loss Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Mixing Latent Heat Gain Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Mixing Total Heat Loss [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Mixing Total Heat Gain Energy [J]

1.16.7.2.1 Zone Mixing Volume [m3]

The air volume in m3 entering the zone due to the sum of mixing, cross-mixing, and refrigeration-
door mixing during the hour or timestep.

1.16.7.2.2 Zone Mixing Current Density Volumetric Flow Rate [m3/s]

The air volumetric flow rate in m3 /s entering the zone due to the sum of mixing, cross-mixing,
and refrigeration-door mixing during the hour or timestep using the density of air evaluated at
current zone air conditions.

1.16.7.2.3 Zone Mixing Standard Density Volumetric Flow Rate [m3/s]

The air volumetric flow rate in m3 /s entering the zone due to the sum of mixing, cross-mixing,
and refrigeration-door mixing during the hour or timestep using the density of air evaluated at
standard conditions.
1.16. GROUP – AIRFLOW 599

1.16.7.2.4 Zone Mixing Mass [kg]

The air mass in kg entering the zone due to the sum of mixing, cross-mixing, and refrigeration-
door mixing during the hour or timestep. The air mass is calculated using the air volume flow from
each “source” zone and the density of air calculated for the average conditions (temperature and
humidity) between the “source” and “receiving” zones.

1.16.7.2.5 Zone Mixing Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

The air mass flow rate in kg/s entering the zone due to the sum of mixing, cross-mixing, and
refrigeration-door mixing during the hour or timestep.

1.16.7.2.6 Zone Mixing Sensible Heat Loss Energy [J]

1.16.7.2.7 Zone Mixing Sensible Heat Gain Energy [J]

The sensible (temperature) heat transfer due to the sum of mixing, cross-mixing, and
refrigeration-door mixing in the host (receiving) zone is the sum of all the incoming air mass
flow rates multiplied by the elapsed time, the specific heat (calculated for the average conditions
(temperature and humidity) between the “source” and “receiving” zones) and the temperature
differences between the host zone and corresponding source zones. If the heat transfer is negative,
the heat transfer is considered to be a zone mixing sensible heat loss. If the heat transfer is
positive, the heat transfer is considered to be a zone mixing sensible heat gain.

1.16.7.2.8 Zone Mixing Latent Heat Loss Energy [J]

1.16.7.2.9 Zone Mixing Latent Heat Gain Energy [J]

The latent heat transfer due to the sum of mixing, cross-mixing, and refrigeration-door mixing
in the host (receiving) zone is the sum of all the incoming air mass flow rates multiplied by the
elapsed time, the heat of vaporization (calculated for the average conditions (temperature and
humidity) between the “source” and “receiving” zones) and the humidity ratio differences between
the host zone and corresponding source zones. If the heat transfer is negative, the heat transfer is
considered to be a zone mixing latent heat loss. If the heat transfer is positive, the heat transfer is
considered to be a zone mixing latent heat gain.

1.16.7.2.10 Zone Mixing Total Heat Loss Energy [J]

The total heat loss due to the sum of mixing, cross-mixing, and refrigeration-door mixing that
occurs when the sum of Zone Mixing Sensible Heat Gain Energy and Zone Mixing Latent Heat
Gain Energy < the sum of Zone Mixing Sensible Heat Loss Energy and Zone Mixing Latent Heat
Loss Energy.

1.16.7.2.11 Zone Mixing Total Heat Gain Energy [J]

The total heat gain due to the sum of mixing, cross-mixing, and refrigeration-door mixing that
occurs when the sum of Zone Mixing Sensible Heat Gain Energy and Zone Mixing Latent Heat
Gain Energy > = the sum of Zone Mixing Sensible Heat Loss Energy and Zone Mixing Latent
Heat Loss Energy.
600 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.16.8 ZoneCrossMixing
The ZoneCrossMixing syntax is ideally suited for two zones that exchange an equal amount of
air between each other and do not have any air exchange with other zones. As with Mixing (ref:
Mixing), this is a simplified view of interzone airflow in EnergyPlus. The main difference between
Mixing and Cross Mixing is that Cross Mixing has an energy effect on both the source and the
receiving zone, thus maintaining both the air mass and energy balances in the two zones.
Cross Mixing can be entered once, in one of the mixing zones; or twice, once for each zone. The
object should be entered once if Delta Temperature > 0.0 and it is desirable to have mixing only
when the source zone is warmer than the receiving zone. This might be the case when the warmer
zone is below the colder zone and the mixing is buoyancy driven. If the zones are next to each
other, separated by an open doorway, it would be more suitable to input a cross mixing object for
each zone. Then mixing would occur if the zone temperatures differed by Delta Temperature or
greater regardless of which is the warmer zone.
If Delta Temperature = 0.0, Cross Mixing can be entered either once or twice: the effect is
exactly the same.
Cross Mixing is entered using the following syntax.

1.16.8.1 Inputs
1.16.8.1.1 Field: Name
The name of the ZoneCrossMixing object.

1.16.8.1.2 Field: Zone Name

This field is the name of the zone (ref: Zone) receiving the amount of air being exchanged and
attaches a particular cross mixing statement to a thermal zone in the building.

1.16.8.1.3 Field: Schedule Name

This field is the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that modifies the maximum design volume
flow rate parameter (see next field). This fraction between 0.0 and 1.0 modifies the design level
parameter.

1.16.8.1.4 Field: Design Flow Rate Calculation Method

This field is a key/choice field that tells which of the next four fields are filled and is descriptive
of the method for calculating the design volume flow rate. The key/choices are:

• Flow/Zone

With this choice, the method used will be a straight insertion of the design volume flow
rate. (The Design Flow Rate field should be filled.)

• Flow/Area

With this choice, the method used will be a factor per floor area of the zone. (The Flow per
Zone Floor Area field should be filled).

• Flow/Person

With this choice, the method used will be a factor per nominal number of people in the zone.
(The flow per person field should be filled).
1.16. GROUP – AIRFLOW 601

• AirChanges/Hour

With this choice, the method used will be the number of air changes per hour for the infiltration
amount. This factor, along with the Zone Volume, will be used to determine the Design Flow Rate.
(The Air Changes per Hour field should be filled).

1.16.8.1.5 Field: Design Flow Rate

This field denotes the full design volume flow rate (m3 /s). The previous field should choose
“flow/zone” as the choice. The design volume flow rate is the maximum amount of mixing air
expected. The design value is modified by the schedule fraction (see Field: Schedule Name) and
user specified coefficients (see four “coefficient” fields below).

1.16.8.1.6 Field: Flow Rate per Zone Floor Area

This factor (m3 /s-m2 ) is used, along with the Zone Area to determine the maximum Design
Volume Flow Rate as described in the Design Volume Flow Rate field. The choice from the method
field should be “Flow/Area”.

1.16.8.1.7 Field: Flow Rate per Person

This factor (m3 /s-person) is used, along with the nominal (maximum) number of occupants
(people) in the Zone to determine the maximum Design Volume Flow Rate as described in the
Design Volume Flow Rate field. The choice from the method field should be “Flow/Person”.

1.16.8.1.8 Field: Air Changes per Hour

With this choice, the method used will be the number of air changes per hour for the mixing
amount. This factor, along with the Zone Volume, will be used to determine the Design Flow Rate.
The choice from the method field should be “AirChanges/Hour”.

1.16.8.1.9 Field: Source Zone Name

This field is the name of the “source” zone (ref: Zone) that exhausts the amount of air specified
by the design level and schedule fields to the zone named in the zone name field. In reality, the
“source” and “receiving” zones are interchangeable since the cross-mixed air affects both zones.

1.16.8.1.10 Field: Delta Temperature

This number controls when mixing air from the source zone is sent to the receiving zone.
This parameter is a temperature and is expressed in units of Celsius. If this field is positive, the
temperature of the zone from which air is being drawn (“source zone”) must be “Delta Temperature”
warmer than the zone air or no mixing occurs. If this field is zero, mixing occurs regardless of the
relative air temperatures. Negative values for “Delta Temperature” are not permitted.

1.16.8.1.11 Field: Delta Temperature Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of a schedule (ref. Schedule objects) which contains the
temperature difference (in Celsius) between the source zone and receiving zone air dry-bulb tem-
peratures as a function of time. This field is an optional field and has the same functionality as
the Delta Temperature field. If the user enters a valid schedule name, the delta temperature values
specified in this schedule will supersede the constant value specified in the Delta Temperature field.
602 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.16.8.1.12 Field: Minimum Zone Temperature Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of a schedule (ref. Schedule objects) which contains the
minimum receiving zone temperature (in Celsius) below which cross mixing is shutoff as a function
of time. The minimum temperature value in the schedule can be -100°C and the maximum value can
be 100°C. This field is an optional field. If this field is not entered, the minimum zone temperature
control is not applied.

1.16.8.1.13 Field: Maximum Zone Temperature Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of a schedule (ref. Schedule objects) which contains the
maximum receiving zone temperature (in Celsius) above which cross mixing is shutoff as a function
of time. The maximum temperature value in the schedule can be -100°C and the maximum value can
be 100°C. This field is an optional field. If this field is not entered, the maximum zone temperature
control is not applied.
Note: The maximum zone temperature when cross mixing is shutoff must be greater than or
equal to the minimum zone temperature when cross mixing is shutoff at any given time. Otherwise,
warnings will be issued and the maximum zone shutoff temperature will be set to the minimum
zone shutoff temperature.

1.16.8.1.14 Field: Minimum Source Zone Temperature Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of a schedule (ref. Schedule objects) which contains the
minimum source zone temperature (in Celsius) below which cross mixing is shutoff as a function
of time. The minimum temperature value in the schedule can be -100°C and the maximum value
can be 100°C. This field is an optional field. If this field is not entered, the minimum source zone
temperature control is not applied.

1.16.8.1.15 Field: Maximum Source Zone Temperature Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of a schedule (ref. Schedule objects) which contains the
maximum source zone temperature (in Celsius) above which cross mixing is shutoff as a function
of time. The maximum temperature value in the schedule can be -100°C and the maximum value
can be 100°C. This field is an optional field. If this field is not entered, the maximum source zone
temperature control is not applied.
Note: The maximum source zone temperature when cross mixing is shutoff must be greater
than or equal to the minimum source zone temperature when cross mixing is shutoff at any given
time. Otherwise, warnings will be issued and the maximum source zone shutoff temperature will
be set to the minimum source zone shutoff temperature.

1.16.8.1.16 Field: Minimum Outdoor Temperature Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of a schedule (ref. Schedule objects) which contains the
minimum outdoor temperature (in Celsius) below which cross mixing is shutoff as a function of
time. The minimum temperature value in the schedule can be -100°C and the maximum value
can be 100°C. This field is an optional field. If this field is not entered, the minimum outdoor
temperature control is not applied.

1.16.8.1.17 Field: Maximum Outdoor Temperature Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of a schedule (ref. Schedule objects) which contains the
maximum outdoor temperature (in Celsius) above which cross mixing is shutoff as a function of
time. The maximum temperature value in the schedule can be -100°C and the maximum value
1.16. GROUP – AIRFLOW 603

can be 100°C. This field is an optional field. If this field is not entered, the maximum outdoor
temperature control is not applied.
Note: The maximum outdoor temperature when cross mixing is shutoff must be greater than
or equal to the minimum outdoor temperature which cross mixing is shutoff at any given time.
Otherwise, a warning will be issued and the maximum outdoor shutoff temperature will be set to
the minimum outdoor shutoff temperature.
An IDF Example:

ZoneCrossMixing ,
1stFloor -Garage , !- Name
GARAGE , !- Zone Name
Always On , !- SCHEDULE Name
Flow/Zone , !- Design Flow Rate calculation method
0.1, !- Design Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- Flow Rate per Area {m3/s/m2}
, !- Flow Rate per Person {m3/s/person}
, !- Air Changes Per Hour
1ST -FLOOR , !- Source Zone Name
1.0; !- Delta temp

ZoneCrossMixing ,
Garage -1stFloor , !- Name
1ST -FLOOR , ! Zone Name
Always On , !- SCHEDULE Name
flow/zone , !- Design Flow Rate calculation method
0.1, !- Design Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- Flow Rate per area {m3/s/m2}
, !- Flow Rate per person {m3/s/person}
, !- Air Changes Per Hour
GARAGE , ! Source Zone Name
1.0; ! Delta temp

1.16.8.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Sum,Zone Mixing Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Mixing Current Density Volumetric Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Mixing Standard Density Volumetric Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Mixing Mass [kg]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Mixing Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Mixing Sensible Heat Loss Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Mixing Sensible Heat Gain Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Mixing Latent Heat Loss Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Mixing Latent Heat Gain Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Mixing Total Heat Loss Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Mixing Total Heat Gain Energy [J]

604 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.16.8.2.1 Zone Mixing Volume [m3]

The air volume in m3 entering the zone due to the sum of mixing, cross-mixing, and refrigeration-
door mixing during the hour or timestep.

1.16.8.2.2 Zone Mixing Current Density Volumetric Flow Rate [m3/s]

The air volumetric flow rate in m3 /s entering the zone due to the sum of mixing, cross-mixing,
and refrigeration-door mixing during the hour or timestep using the density of air evaluated at
current zone air conditions.

1.16.8.2.3 Zone Mixing Standard Density Volumetric Flow Rate [m3/s]

The air volumetric flow rate in m3 /s entering the zone due to the sum of mixing, cross-mixing,
and refrigeration-door mixing during the hour or timestep using the density of air evaluated at
standard conditions.

1.16.8.2.4 Zone Mixing Mass [kg]

The air mass in kg entering the zone due to the sum of mixing, cross-mixing, and refrigeration-
door mixing during the hour or timestep. The air mass is calculated using the air volume flow from
each “source” zone and the density of air calculated for the average conditions (temperature and
humidity) between the “source” and “receiving” zones.

1.16.8.2.5 Zone Mixing Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

The air mass flow rate in kg/s entering the zone due to the sum of mixing, cross-mixing, and
refrigeration-door mixing during the hour or timestep.

1.16.8.2.6 Zone Mixing Sensible Heat Loss Energy [J]

1.16.8.2.7 Zone Mixing Sensible Heat Gain Energy [J]

The sensible (temperature) heat transfer due to the sum of mixing, cross-mixing, and
refrigeration-door mixing in the host (receiving) zone is the sum of all the incoming air mass
flow rates multiplied by the elapsed time, the specific heat (calculated for the average conditions
(temperature and humidity) between the “source” and “receiving” zones) and the temperature
differences between the host zone and corresponding source zones. If the heat transfer is negative,
the heat transfer is considered to be a zone mixing sensible heat loss. If the heat transfer is
positive, the heat transfer is considered to be a zone mixing sensible heat gain.

1.16.8.2.8 Zone Mixing Latent Heat Loss Energy [J]

1.16.8.2.9 Zone Mixing Latent Heat Gain Energy [J]

The latent heat transfer due tothe sum of mixing, cross-mixing, and refrigeration-door mixing
in the host (receiving) zone is the sum of all the incoming air mass flow rates multiplied by the
elapsed time, the heat of vaporization (calculated for the average conditions (temperature and
humidity) between the “source” and “receiving” zones)and the humidity ratio differences between
the host zone and corresponding source zones. If the heat transfer is negative, the heat transfer is
considered to be a zone mixing latent heat loss. If the heat transfer is positive, the heat transfer is
considered to be a zone mixing latent heat gain.
1.16. GROUP – AIRFLOW 605

1.16.8.2.10 Zone Mixing Total Heat Loss Energy [J]

The total heat loss due to the sum of mixing, cross-mixing, and refrigeration-door mixing that
occurs when the sum of Zone Mixing Sensible Heat Gain Energy and Zone Mixing Latent Heat
Gain Energy < the sum of Zone Mixing Sensible Heat Loss Energy and Zone Mixing Latent Heat
Loss Energy.

1.16.8.2.11 Zone Mixing Total Heat Gain Energy [J]

The total heat gain due to the sum of mixing, cross-mixing, and refrigeration-door mixing that
occurs when the sum of Zone Mixing Sensible Heat Gain Energy and Zone Mixing Latent Heat
Gain Energy > = the sum of Zone Mixing Sensible Heat Loss Energy and Zone Mixing Latent
Heat Loss Energy.

1.16.9 ZoneRefrigerationDoorMixing
The ZoneRefrigerationDoorMixing syntax is ideally suited for two zones, at least one of which is
refrigerated, that exchange an equal amount of dry air. They may also have mixed air from other
zones, but only one object should be entered for any one pair of zones. As with Mixing (ref: Mix-
ing), this is a simplified view of interzone airflow in EnergyPlus. The ZoneRefrigerationDoorMixing
approach shares some features of both Mixing and Cross Mixing. Like Cross Mixing, Refrigeration-
DoorMixing has an energy effect on both the source and the receiving zone, thus maintaining both
the air mass and energy balances in the two zones. Like Mixing, the refrigerated zone can exchange
air with multiple zones. Unlike either of the other two mixing objects, the RefrigeratedDoorMixing
always calculates the air exchange based on the zone temperature and relative humidity. That is,
the user does not specify the air flow rate. The user can moderate the flow through a door-opening
schedule.
Unlike, Cross Mixing, Refrigeration Door Mixing can only be entered once for any unique pair
of zones. It doesn’t matter which zone is listed first and the zones will automatically switch back
and forth between source and receiving zones depending upon which zone is colder.
Refrigeration Door Mixing is entered using the following syntax.

1.16.9.1 Inputs
1.16.9.1.1 Field: Name
The name of the ZoneRefrigerationDoorMixing object.

1.16.9.1.2 Field: Zone 1 Name

This field is the name of one of the two zones (ref: Zone) exchanging air and attaches a particular
refrigeration door mixing statement to both thermal zones in the building.

1.16.9.1.3 Field: Zone 2 Name

This field is the name of the other zone (ref: Zone) exchanging air and attaches a particular
refrigeration door mixing statement to both thermal zones in the building.

1.16.9.1.4 Field: Schedule Name

This field is the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that modifies the door opening between
the two zones and should contain values between 0.0 and 1.0.
606 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.16.9.1.5 Field: Door Height

This field denotes the door opening height (m). The default value is 3 m.

1.16.9.1.6 Field: Door Area

This field denotes the door opening area (m2 ). The default value is 9 m2 .

1.16.9.1.7 Field: Door Protection Type

This field is a key/choice field that tells how the door is protected. The impact of this choice
is decribed in the Engineering Reference. The key/choices are:

• None

None, or no door protection is the default choice

• AirCurtain

• StripCurtain

An IDF Example:

ZoneRefrigerationDoorMixing ,
Freezer1_Cooler1 , !- Name
Freezer1 , !- Zone 1 Name
Cooler1 , !- Zone 2 Name
Freezer1DoorSched , !- Schedule Name
1.8, !- Door height {m}
2.3, !- Door area {m2}
StripCurtain; !- Door protection type

1.16.9.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Sum,Zone Mixing Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Mixing Current Density Volumetric Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Mixing Standard Density Volumetric Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Mixing Mass [kg]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Mixing Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Mixing Sensible Heat Loss Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Mixing Sensible Heat Gain Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Mixing Latent Heat Loss Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Mixing Latent Heat Gain Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Mixing Total Heat Loss Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Mixing Total Heat Gain Energy [J]

1.16. GROUP – AIRFLOW 607

1.16.9.2.1 Zone Mixing Volume [m3]

The air volume in m3 entering the zone due to the sum of mixing, cross-mixing, and refrigeration-
door mixing during the hour or timestep.

1.16.9.2.2 Zone Mixing Current Density Volumetric Flow Rate [m3/s]

The air volumetric flow rate in m3 /s entering the zone due to the sum of mixing, cross-mixing,
and refrigeration-door mixing during the hour or timestep using the density of air evaluated at
current zone air conditions.

1.16.9.2.3 Zone Mixing Standard Density Volumetric Flow Rate [m3/s]

The air volumetric flow rate in m3 /s entering the zone due to the sum of mixing, cross-mixing,
and refrigeration-door mixing during the hour or timestep using the density of air evaluated at
standard conditions.

1.16.9.2.4 Zone Mixing Mass [kg]

The air mass in kg entering the zone due to the sum of mixing, cross-mixing, and refrigeration-
door mixing during the hour or timestep. The air mass is calculated using the air volume flow from
each “source” zone and the density of air calculated for the average conditions (temperature and
humidity) between the “source” and “receiving” zones.

1.16.9.2.5 Zone Mixing Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

The air mass flow rate in kg/s entering the zone due to the sum of mixing, cross-mixing, and
refrigeration-door mixing during the hour or timestep.

1.16.9.2.6 Zone Mixing Sensible Heat Loss Energy [J]

1.16.9.2.7 Zone Mixing Sensible Heat Gain Energy [J]

The sensible (temperature) heat transfer due to the sum of mixing, cross-mixing, and
refrigeration-door mixing in the host (receiving) zone is the sum of all the incoming air mass
flow rates multiplied by the elapsed time, the specific heat (calculated for the average conditions
(temperature and humidity) between the “source” and “receiving” zones) and the temperature
differences between the host zone and corresponding source zones. If the heat transfer is negative,
the heat transfer is considered to be a zone mixing sensible heat loss. If the heat transfer is
positive, the heat transfer is considered to be a zone mixing sensible heat gain.

1.16.9.2.8 Zone Mixing Latent Heat Loss Energy [J]

1.16.9.2.9 Zone Mixing Latent Heat Gain Energy [J]

The latent heat transfer due tothe sum of mixing, cross-mixing, and refrigeration-door mixing
in the host (receiving) zone is the sum of all the incoming air mass flow rates multiplied by the
elapsed time, the heat of vaporization (calculated for the average conditions (temperature and
humidity) between the “source” and “receiving” zones)and the humidity ratio differences between
the host zone and corresponding source zones. If the heat transfer is negative, the heat transfer is
considered to be a zone mixing latent heat loss. If the heat transfer is positive, the heat transfer is
considered to be a zone mixing latent heat gain.
608 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.16.9.2.10 Zone Mixing Total Heat Loss Energy [J]

The total heat loss due to the sum of mixing, cross-mixing, and refrigeration-door mixing that
occurs when the sum of Zone Mixing Sensible Heat Gain Energy and Zone Mixing Latent Heat
Gain Energy < the sum of Zone Mixing Sensible Heat Loss Energy and Zone Mixing Latent Heat
Loss Energy.

1.16.9.2.11 Zone Mixing Total Heat Gain Energy [J]

The total heat gain due to the sum of mixing, cross-mixing, and refrigeration-door mixing that
occurs when the sum of Zone Mixing Sensible Heat Gain Energy and Zone Mixing Latent Heat
Gain Energy > = the sum of Zone Mixing Sensible Heat Loss Energy and Zone Mixing Latent
Heat Loss Energy.

1.16.10 ZoneEarthtube (Earth Tube)

An earth tube is a long, underground metal or plastic pipe through which air is drawn. During
cooling season, as air travels through the pipe, it gives up some of its heat to the surrounding soil
and enters the room as cooler air. Similarly, during heating season, as air travels through the pipe,
it receives some of its heat from the soil and enters the room as warmer air. Simple earth tubes in
EnergyPlus can be controlled by a schedule and through the specification of minimum, maximum,
and delta temperatures as described below. As with infiltration and ventilation, the actual flow
rate of air through the earth tube can be modified by the temperature difference between the inside
and outside environment and the wind speed. The basic equation used to calculate air flow rate of
earth tube in EnergyPlus is:

[ ( )]
EarthT ubeF lowRate = (Edesign ) (Fschedule ) A + B |Tzone − Todb | + C (W indSpeed) + D W indSpeed2
(1.45)
For the simulation of the earth tube, a weather data file is required and, therefore, the earth
tube cannot run without weather data file. The required input fields to simulate the earth tube
include the average soil surface temperature, the amplitude of soil surface temperature, and the
phase constant of soil surface temperature. These fields should be calculated in advance by using
a separate stand-alone program (CalcSoilSurfTemp) and should be input into earth tube.

1.16.10.1 CalcSoilSurfTemp – Auxiliary Programs Document

The CalcSoilSurfTemp program is simple and requires only two input fields : soil condition and soil
surface condition in addition to a valid weather file. For soil condition, the user should select the
number corresponding to the actual condition of the soil surrounding the earth tube from the four
following options: 1. HEAVY AND SATURATED, 2. HEAVY AND DAMP, 3. HEAVY AND
DRY and 4. LIGHT AND DRY. This determines the thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity
of the surrounding soil. For soil surface conditions, the user should select the number corresponding
to the actual condition of the ground surface above the earth tube from the eight following options:
1. BARE AND WET, 2. BARE AND MOIST, 3. BARE AND ARID, 4. BARE AND DRY,
5. COVERED AND WET, 6. COVERED AND MOIST, 7. COVERED AND ARID and 8.
COVERED AND DRY. This determines the absorption coefficient and the fraction of evaporation
rate of the ground surface.
From this information and an analysis of the weather for the location selected, the CalcSoil-
SurfTemp program (ref. Auxiliary Programs document) calculates the three parameters listed
1.16. GROUP – AIRFLOW 609

above. The user must then add these parameters as input into EnergyPlus. The full input descrip-
tion of an earth tube in EnergyPlus is given below.

1.16.10.2 Field: Zone Name

This field is the name of the zone (ref: Zone) and attaches a particular earth tube statement to a
thermal zone in the building.

1.16.10.3 Field: Schedule Name

This field is the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that modifies the maximum design volume
flow rate parameter (see next field). This fraction between 0.0 and 1.0 is noted as Fschedule in the
above equation.

1.16.10.4 Field: Design Flow Rate

This number (noted as Edesign in the above equation) is the maximum amount of air mass flow rate
of the earth tube expected at design conditions. The flow rate is expressed in units of m3 /s. The
design value is modified by the schedule fraction (see previous field) and user specified coefficients
(see last four fields).

1.16.10.5 Field: Minimum Zone Temperature when Cooling

This is the indoor temperature (in Celsius) below which the earth tube is shut off. This lower
temperature limit is intended to avoid overcooling a space and thus result in a heating load. For
example, if the user specifies a minimum temperature of 20°C, earth tube is assumed to be available
if the zone air temperature is above 20°C. If the zone air temperature drops below 20°C, then earth
tube is automatically turned off.

1.16.10.6 Field: Maximum Zone Temperature when Heating

This is the indoor temperature (in Celsius) above which the earth tube is shut off. This higher
temperature limit is intended to avoid overheating a space and thus result in a cooling load. For
example, if the user specifies a maximum temperature of 20°C, earth tube is assumed to be available
if the zone air temperature is below 20°C. If the zone air temperature rises above 20°C, then earth
tube is automatically turned off.

1.16.10.7 Field: Delta Temperature

This is the temperature difference (in Celsius) between the indoor and outdoor air dry-bulb temper-
atures below which the earth tube is shut off. This is to allow the earth tube to be stopped either
if the temperature outside is too warm and could potentially heat the space or if the temperature
outside is too cold and could potentially cool the space. For example, if the user specifies a delta
temperature of 2°C, earth tube is assumed to be available if the temperature difference between
indoor and outdoor temperature is at least 2°C. If the outside air dry-bulb temperature is less than
2°C cooler or warmer than the indoor dry-bulb temperature, then the earth tube is automatically
turned off.
610 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.16.10.8 Field: Earthtube Type

This alpha character string defines the type of earth tube as one of the following options: Natural,
Exhaust, or Intake. A natural earth tube is assumed to be air movement/exchange that will
not consume any fan energy or is the result of natural air flow through the tube and into the
building. Values for fan pressure and efficiency for a natural flow earth tube are ignored. For either
EXHAUST or Intake, values for fan pressure and efficiency define the fan electric consumption. For
Natural and Exhaustearth tubes, the conditions of the air entering the space are assumed to be
equivalent to the air which is cooled or heated by passing along the pipe. For Intake earth tubes,
an appropriate amount of fan heat is added to the air stream.

1.16.10.9 Field: Fan Pressure Rise

This is the pressure rise experienced across the fan in Pascals (N/m2 ). This is a function of the fan
and plays a role in determining the amount of energy consumed by the fan.

1.16.10.10 Field: Fan Total Efficiency

This is the total fan efficiency (a decimal number between 0.0 and 1.0). This is a function of the
fan and plays a role in determining the amount of energy consumed by the fan.

1.16.10.11 Field: Pipe Radius

This is the radius of the earth tube/pipe (in meters). This plays a role in determining the amount
of heat transferred from the surrounding soil to the air passing along the pipe. If the pipe has
non-circular cross section, user can use the concept of hydraulic diameter as follows.

D = 4 × Area/P erimeter (1.46)

However, since this field requires the pipe radius, hydraulic diameter should be divided by two.

1.16.10.12 Field: Pipe Thickness

This is the thickness of the pipe wall (in meters). This plays a role in determining the amount of
heat transferred from the surrounding soil to the air passing along the pipe.

1.16.10.13 Field: Pipe Length

This is the total length of the pipe (in meters). This plays a role in determining the amount of
heat transferred from the surrounding soil to the air passing along the pipe. As the length of the
pipe becomes longer, the amount of the heat transfer becomes larger.

1.16.10.14 Field: Pipe Thermal Conductivity

This is the thermal conductivity of the pipe (in W/m°C). This plays a role in determining the
amount of heat transferred from the surrounding soil to the air passing along the pipe.

1.16.10.15 Field: Pipe Depth Under Ground Surface

This is the depth of the pipe under the ground surface (in meters). This plays a role in determining
the temperature of the soil surrounding the pipe.
1.16. GROUP – AIRFLOW 611

1.16.10.16 Field: Soil Condition

This alpha character string defines the actual condition of the soil surrounding the earth tube and
can be one of any of the following options: HeavyAndSaturated, HeavyAndDamp, HeavyAndDry or
LightAndDry. This determines the thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity of the surrounding
soil, which play a role in determining the amount of heat transferred from the surrounding soil to
the air passing along the pipe.

1.16.10.17 Field: Average Soil Surface Temperature

This is the annual average soil surface temperature straight above the earth tube, which plays a role
in determining the temperature of the soil surrounding the pipe. This field should be calculated in
advance using the separate CalcSoilSurfTemp program.

1.16.10.18 Field: Amplitude of Soil Surface Temperature

This is the amplitude of soil surface temperature above the earth tube, which plays a role in
determining the temperature of the soil surrounding the pipe. This is the difference between the
maximum and minimum soil surface temperature for the whole year divided by two. This field
should be calculated in advance using the separate CalcSoilSurfTemp program.

1.16.10.19 Field: Phase Constant of Soil Surface Temperature

This is the phase constant of the soil surface temperature straight above the earth tube, which play
a role in determining the temperature of the soil surrounding the pipe at particular time. This is the
time elapsed from the beginning of the year until the soil surface temperature reaches the minimum
value of the year. This field should be calculated in advance using the separate CalcSoilSurfTemp
program.

1.16.10.20 Field: Constant Term Flow Coefficient

This number is the “A” parameter in the above earth tube equation. It is part of the user specified
modifying parameters that are a function of environmental factors. This parameter, however, is a
constant under all conditions and is not modified by any environmental effect. As a result, it is
dimensionless.

1.16.10.21 Field: Temperature Term Flow Coefficient

This number is the “B” parameter in the above earth tube equation. It is part of the user specified
modifying parameters that are a function of environmental factors. This parameter is modified by
the temperature difference between the outdoor and indoor air dry-bulb temperatures. The units
for this parameter are inverse Celsius.

1.16.10.22 Field: Velocity Term Flow Coefficient

This number is the “C” parameter in the above earth tube equation. It is part of the user specified
modifying parameters that are a function of environmental factors. This parameter is modified by
the speed of wind being experienced outside the building. The units for this parameter are s/m.
612 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.16.10.23 Field: Velocity Squared Term Flow Coefficient

This number is the “D” parameter in the above earth tube equation. It is part of the user specified
modifying parameters that are a function of environmental factors. This parameter is modified by
square of the speed of wind being experienced outside the building. The units for this parameter
are s2 /m2 .
An IDF example:

EARTHTUBE ,
Zone 2, !- Zone Name
Simple EarthTube , !- Schedule Name
3.425198 , !- Design Volume Flow Rate
10.0, !- Minimum Zone Temperature when Cooling
30.0, !- Maximum Zone Temperature when Heating
1.0, !- Delta Temperature
NATURAL , !- EarthTube Type
350.0 , !- Fan Pressure Rise
0.9, !- Fan Total Efficiency
0.25, !- Pipe Radius
0.2, !- Pipe Thickness
15.0, !- Pipe Length
200.0 , !- Pipe Thermal Conductivity
3.5, !- Pipe Depth Under Ground Surface
HeavyAndDamp , !- Soil Condition
15.0, !- Average Soil Surface Temperature
5.6, !- Amplitude of Soil Surface Temperature
0.0, !- Phase Constant of Soil Surface Temperature
0.6060000 , !- Constant Term Flow Coef
2.0199999E-02, !- Temp Term Flow Coef
5.9800001E-04, !- Velocity Term Flow Coef
0.0000000E+00; !- Velocity **2 Term Flow Coef

1.16.11 ZoneEarthTube Outputs

Current Earth Tube output variables:

• HVAC,Sum,Earth Tube Zone Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Earth Tube Zone Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Earth Tube Zone Sensible Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Earth Tube Zone Sensible Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Earth Tube Air Flow Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Average,Earth Tube Air Current Density Volumetric Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Average,Earth Tube Air Standard Density Volumetric Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Earth Tube Air Flow Mass [kg]

• HVAC,Average,Earth Tube Air Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Earth Tube Fan Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Earth Tube Fan Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Average,Earth Tube Zone Inlet Air Temperature [C]

1.16. GROUP – AIRFLOW 613

• HVAC,Average,Earth Tube Ground Interface Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Earth Tube Outdoor Air Heat Transfer Rate [W]

1.16.11.1 Earth Tube Zone Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

1.16.11.2 Earth Tube Zone Sensible Cooling Rate [W]
These are the energy and rate associated with the zone cooling provided by the air from the earth
tube. This occurs when the earth tube outlet air temperature is less than zone air temperature.

1.16.11.3 Earth Tube Zone Sensible Heating Energy [J]

1.16.11.4 Earth Tube Zone Sensible Heating Rate [W]
These are the energy and rate associated with the zone heating provided by the air from the
earth tube. This occurs when the earth tube outlet air temperature is greater than the zone air
temperature.

1.16.11.5 Earth Tube Air Flow Volume [m3]

The volume flow of air through the earth tube.

1.16.11.6 Earth Tube Air Current Density Volumetric Flow Rate [m3/s]
The volume flow rate of air through the earth tube evaluating density at current zone conditions.

1.16.11.7 Earth Tube Air Standard Density Volumetric Flow Rate [m3/s]
The volume flow rate of air through the earth tube evaluating density at standard conditions.

1.16.11.8 Earth Tube Air Flow Mass [kg]

The mass flow of air through the earth tube.

1.16.11.9 Earth Tube Air Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

The mass flow rate of air through the earth tube.

1.16.11.10 Earth Tube Fan Electric Energy [J]

1.16.11.11 Earth Tube Fan Electric Power [W]
These are the fan electricity consumption and power for intake or exhaust earth tube types.

1.16.11.12 Earth Tube Zone Inlet Air Temperature [C]

This is the temperature of the air entering the zone after passing through the earth tube [C]. This
temperature includes the cooling or heating of outdoor air as it passes along the pipe. When intake
fan assist is used, then the additional heat due to the fan is included in the inlet air temperature.
614 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.16.11.13 Earth Tube Ground Interface Temperature [C]

This is the average temperature of the ground along the outer surface of the earth tube [C].

1.16.11.14 Earth Tube Outdoor Air Heat Transfer Rate [W]

This is the rate of heat transfer from the earth tube to the outdoor air [W]. Positive values indicate
the rate at which outdoor air is preheated; negative values indicate the rate of precooling.

1.16.12 ZoneCoolTower:Shower
A cooltower (which is sometimes referred to as a wind tower or a shower cooling tower) is a
component that is intended to model a passive downdraught evaporative cooling (PDEC) that is
designed to capture the wind at the top of a tower and cool the outside air using water evaporation
before delivering it to a space. The air flow in these systems is natural as the evaporation process
increases the density of the air causing it to fall through the tower and into the space without the
aid of a fan. A cooltower typically consists of a water spray or an evaporative pad, a shaft, and
a water tank or reservoir. Wind catchers to improve the wind-driven performance at the top of
the tower are optional. Water is pumped over an evaporative device by water pump which is the
only component consumed power for this system. This water cools and humidifies incoming air
and then the cool, dense air naturally falls down through shaft and leaves through large openings
at the bottom of cooltowers.
The shower cooling tower can be controlled by a schedule and the specification of maximum
water flow rate and volume flow rate as well as minimum indoor temperature. The actual flow rate
of water and air can be controlled as users specify the fractions of water loss and flow schedule. The
required input fields include effective tower height and exit area to obtain the temperature and flow
rate of the air exiting the tower. A schedule and rated power for the water pump are also required
to determine the power consumed. The component typically has a stand alone water system that is
not added to the water consumption from mains. However, users are required to specify the water
source through an optional field, the name of water supply storage tank, in case any water comes
from a water main. The model is described more fully in the Engineering Reference document.
This model requires weather information obtained from either design day or weather file spec-
ifications. The control is accomplished by either specifying the water flow rate or obtaining the
velocity at the outlet with inputs and weather conditions when the water flow rate is unknown. As
with infiltration, ventilation, and earth tubes, the component is treated in a similar fashion to
“natural ventilation” in EnergyPlus.

1.16.12.1 Inputs
1.16.12.1.1 Field: Name
This field is a unique user assigned name for each cooltower. Any reference to this unit by
another object will use this name.

1.16.12.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This field is the name of the schedule that denotes whether the cooltower can run during a
given time period. A schedule value greater than 0 (usually 1 is used) indicates that the cooltower
is available and can be on during the time period. A value less than or equal to 0 (usually 0 is
used) denotes that the cooltower is not available and must be off for the time period. If this field
is blank, the schedule has values of 1 for all time periods.
1.16. GROUP – AIRFLOW 615

1.16.12.1.3 Field: Zone Name

This field is the name of the zone (ref: Zone) and attaches a particular cooltower statement to
a thermal zone in the building.

1.16.12.1.4 Field: Water Supply Storage Tank Name

This field is optional. It is used to describe where the cooltower obtains water used for
evaporative cooling. If blank or omitted, then the cooltower will obtain water directly from local
water main. If the name of a Water Storage Tank object is used here, then the cooltower will
obtain its water from that tank. If a tank is specified, the cooltower will attempt to obtain all
the water it uses from the tank. However, if the tank cannot provide all the water the cooltower
needs, then the cooltower will still operate and obtain the rest of the water it needs from the mains
(referred to as ‘Starved’ water).

1.16.12.1.5 Field: Flow Control Type

This field specifies how the user wishes to control the cooltower. The air flow from the cooltower
may be controlled by either the water flow rate along with the water pump schedule or naturally
driven by wind flow. The user must select from the following options: WaterFlowSchedule
and WindDrivenFlow. If the user either wishes to control the water flow rate or has informa-
tion about the water flow rate, WaterFlowSchedule must be selected. WindDrivenFlow for
cooltower flow control must be selected when the water flow rate is unknown and the user wishes
to have the flow rate of both air and water controlled by the external weather conditions (wind
speed). If the user does not select a control type, WindDrivenFlow is assumed as a flow control
type.

1.16.12.1.6 Field: Pump Flow Rate Schedule Name

This field modifies the maximum flow rate of water through the cooltower in m3/sec. This input
is “optional.” If the user does not enter a schedule, the flow rate through the cooltower is assumed
to be constant during all hours that it is operating based on the value entered in the previous input
field. Note that the values for this schedule must be between zero and one.

1.16.12.1.7 Field: Maximum Water Flow Rate

This field is the maximum water flow rate distributed to the tower in m3/s. This limit is
intended to avoid over estimation of water flow rate, which leads higher air flow rate and exit
temperature of the air.

1.16.12.1.8 Field: Effective Tower Height

This field is the effective tower height for evaporative cooling, from the water spray to the top
of the exit in m.

1.16.12.1.9 Field: Airflow Outlet Area

This field is the area at the exit of the tower in m2. This field is used to determine the air flow
rate leaving the tower with the velocity of the air flow.

1.16.12.1.10 Field: Maximum Air Flow Rate

This field is the maximum volumetric flow rate of the air leaving the tower in m3/s. This
airflow maximum allows the cooltower performance to be limited if the outside wind speed and the
tower height are relatively high and thus result in high airflow supplied to the space.
616 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.16.12.1.11 Field: Minimum Indoor Temperature

This field is the minimum indoor temperature in Celsius below which cooltower is shutoff. This
lower temperature limit is intended to avoid overcooling a space and thus result in a heating load.
For example, if the user specifies a minimum temperature of 20°C, cooltower is assumed to be
available if the zone air temperature is above 20°C. If the zone air temperature drops below 20°C,
then cooltower is automatically turned off.

1.16.12.1.12 Field: Fraction of Water Loss

This field specifies the fraction of the loss of water during either operation or transient operation.
If the user does not enter a fraction, no loss of water is assumed and the cooltower water consumption
includes only evaporation. Note that the fraction must be between zero and one.

1.16.12.1.13 Field: Fraction of Flow Schedule

This field specifies the fraction of the airflow that actually goes to the outside. The user
who wishes to control the actual flow to the inside of the building must specify the value of the
fraction. If the user does not enter a fraction, the calculated flow rate is the “zone cooltower
volume flow rate.” Note that the fraction must be between zero and one.

1.16.12.1.14 Field: Rated Power Consumption

This field is the pump’s rated power consumption in Watts.
Below is an example input for a cooltower.

ZoneCoolTower:Shower
Cool Tower 1, !- Name of cooltowers
Zone 1, !- Zone name
Simple Vent , !- Schedule
, !- Name of water supply storage tanks
WindDrivenFlow , !- Flow control type
0.0005 , !- Water flow rate from the spray in m3/s
, !- schedule for flow rate (optional , non -existent means constant)
5.0, !- Effective tower height in m
1.0, !- Exit area in m2
10.0, !- Maximum supply air volume flow rate in m3/s
18.0, !- Minimum indoor temperature to prevent overcooling in C
0.05, !- Fraction of Water loss
0.05, !- Fraction of flow that goes to outside
250.0; !- Rated power consumption in W

1.16.12.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Sum,Zone Cooltower Sensible Heat Loss Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Cooltower Sensible Heat Loss Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Cooltower Latent Heat Loss Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Cooltower Latent Heat Loss Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Cooltower Air Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Cooltower Air Current Density Volumetric Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Cooltower Air Standard Density Volumetric Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.16. GROUP – AIRFLOW 617

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Cooltower Air Mass [kg]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Cooltower Air Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Cooltower Air Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Cooltower Air Inlet Humidity Ratio [kgWater/kgDryAir]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Cooltower Air Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Cooltower Air Outlet Humidity Ratio [kgWater/kgDryAir]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Cooltower Pump Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Cooltower Pump Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Cooltower Water Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Cooltower Mains Water Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Cooltower Storage Tank Water Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Cooltower Starved Mains Water Volume [m3]

1.16.12.2.1 Zone Cooltower Sensible Heat Loss Energy [J]

1.16.12.2.2 Zone Cooltower Sensible Heat Loss Rate [W]

The sensible heat loss that occurs when the temperature at the exit of the cooltower is less than
that of the zone.

1.16.12.2.3 Zone Cooltower Latent Heat Loss Energy [J]

1.16.12.2.4 Zone Cooltower Latent Heat Loss Rate [W]

The latent heat loss that occurs when the humidity ratio at the exit of the cooltower is greater
than that of the zone.

1.16.12.2.5 Zone Cooltower Air Current Density Volumetric Flow Rate [m3/s]

The volumetric flow rate of the air leaving the cooltower evaluating density at current zone
conditions.

1.16.12.2.6 Zone Cooltower Air Standard Density Volumetric Flow Rate [m3/s]

The volumetric flow rate of the air leaving the cooltower evaluating density at standard condi-
tions.

1.16.12.2.7 Zone Cooltower Air Volume [m3]

The sum of actual volumetric flow of the air leaving cooltower

1.16.12.2.8 Zone Cooltower Air Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

The mass flow rate of the air leaving the cooltower
618 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.16.12.2.9 Zone Cooltower Air Mass [kg]

The sum of actual mass flow of the air leaving the cooltower

1.16.12.2.10 Zone Cooltower Air Inlet Temperature [C]

The dry-bulb temperature of the outdoor air the inlet of the cooltower

1.16.12.2.11 Zone Cooltower Air Inlet Humidity Ratio [kgWater/kgDryAir]

The humidity ratio of the outdoorair at the inlet of the cooltower

1.16.12.2.12 Zone Cooltower Air Outlet Temperature [C]

The temperature at the exit of the cooltower.

1.16.12.2.13 Zone Cooltower Air Outlet Humidity Ratio [kgWater/kgDryAir]

The humidity ratio of the air at the exit of the cooltower.

1.16.12.2.14 Zone Cooltower Water Volume [m3]

The water consumption includes not only the direct thermodynamics of water evaporation but
also other sources of consumption such as drift or concentration blow down specified by users
throughout all processes during the operation.

1.16.12.2.15 Zone Cooltower Mains Water Volume [m3]

This is the water consumed by the cooltower that actually be met by the mains water. This
output variable appears only when the water comes from mains.

1.16.12.2.16 Zone Cooltower Storage Tank Water Volume [m3]

This is the water consumed by the cooltower that actually be met by the water storage tank. If
any amount of the water is starved from mains, this water consumption is the difference between
the Zone Cooltower Water Volume and the following output. This output variable appears only
when the water comes from storage tank waters.

1.16.12.2.17 Zone Cooltower Starved Mains Water Volume [m3]

This is the source (mains) of water consumed by the cooltower that could not actually be met
by the storage tank. This output variable appears only when the water comes from storage tank
waters.

1.16.12.2.18 Zone Cooltower Pump Electric Power [W]

The power consumed by the recirculating pump in Watts.

1.16.12.2.19 Zone Cooltower Pump Electric Energy [J]

The energy consumed by the recirculating pump in Joules.
1.16. GROUP – AIRFLOW 619

1.16.13 ZoneThermalChimney (Thermal Chimney)

A thermal chimney is a vertical shaft utilizing solar radiation to enhance the natural ventilation in
buildings. It consists of a absorber wall, air gap and glass cover with high solar transmissivity. For
the high solar absorption, it is usually south facing.
The key output parameter in the thermal chimney model is the enhanced amount of natural
ventilation rate caused by the presence of a thermal chimney. In order to determine the enhanced
ventilation, the discharge air temperature from a thermal chimney should be calculated, which, in
turn, should be computed based on the information on the absorber wall temperature, glass cover
temperature and the vertical air temperature distribution within the thermal chimney. Among
them, energy balances for the absorber wall and the glass cover are carried out using the existing
algorithm currently available in EnergyPlus, which has the similar approach to the Trombe wall.
As stated in the Trombe wall object as well, this approach allows the flexibility for users to specify
the various wall parameters and to explore unusual configurations. On the other hand, the vertical
air temperature distribution and the resultant discharge air temperature of the thermal chimney
are computed using the separate thermal chimney algorithm described in the Engineering Reference
document.
Similar to the Trombe wall model, a zone is coupled to the desired surface via an interzone
partition. To simulate the thermal chimney, the Solar Distribution field in the Building object
should be set to FullInteriorAndExterior so that the majority of the solar flux is directed on the ab-
sorber wall. For a normal sized thermal chimney zone, the user can set the Zone Inside Convection
Algorithm to “Detailed”, which takes into account natural convection effects intended for a normal
zone. For a narrow cavity zone having high aspect ratios, there is no built-in algorithm for calcu-
lating the correct convection coefficients on the inside of thermal chimney zone walls. One option
is to use the “Detailed” convection algorithm similar to the Trombe wall model. However, some
error may be incurred when used with a narrow zone. Another option is to use the SurfaceProp-
erty:ConvectionCoefficients object to schedule coefficients that have been determined beforehand
by the user. In addition, the wall construction of the adjoining zone must be the mirror image of
the wall construction in the thermal chimney zone.
The full input description of a thermal chimney in EnergyPlus is given below.

1.16.13.1 Field: Name

This field is a unique user assigned name for an instance of the thermal chimney system.

1.16.13.2 Field: Zone Name

This field is the name of the thermal chimney zone (ref: Zone). Since the thermal chimney is not
only a system component but also a zone itself, this field is also necessary. It should be differentiated
from the Zone name field described later.

1.16.13.3 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This field is the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the thermal chimney can
operate during a given time period. A schedule value greater than 0 (usually 1 is used) indicates
that the system is available and can be on during the time period. A value less than or equal to 0
(usually 0 is used) denotes that the system is not available and must be off for the time period. If
this field is blank, the schedule has values of 1 for all time periods.
620 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.16.13.4 Field: Width of the Absorber Wall

This number is the width of the absorber wall in the thermal chimney. The width is expressed
in units of m. Even though this value is specified in Surface objects as well, this value is used to
compute the discharge air temperature and the enhanced ventilation rate caused by the thermal
chimney.

1.16.13.5 Field: Cross Sectional Area of Air Channel Outlet

This number is the cross sectional area of air channel outlet. The area is expressed in units of
m2 . The enhanced air flow rate by the thermal chimney is dependent on cross sectional areas of
air channel inlet and outlet. Cross sectional areas of air channel inlet will be described later in
conjunction with the distance from the top of thermal chimney to each inlet and relative ratios of
air flow rates passing through each inlet.

1.16.13.6 Field: Discharge Coefficient

This dimensionless number is the discharge coefficient of the thermal chimney. The ventilation rate
enhanced by the thermal chimney is also dependent on the discharge coefficient.

1.16.13.7 Field: Zone <#> Name

This field is the name of the zone (ref: Zone) to which the thermal chimney is attached. It is used
in conjunction with the next three fields. Note that up to 20 sets of zone name, distance from the
top of the thermal chimney to each inlet, relative ratios of air flow rates passing through each zone
and cross sectional areas of each air channel inlet may be entered for a single thermal chimney if
multiple zones share the common thermal chimney.

1.16.13.8 Field: Distance from Top of Thermal Chimney to Inlet <#>

This field is the distance from the top of the thermal chimney to each inlet corresponding to each
zone. It is used in conjunction with the zone name, relative ratios of air flow rates passing through
each zone and cross sectional areas of each air channel inlet. The distance is expressed in units of
m. The air flow rate enhanced by the thermal chimney is dependent on the distance between the
thermal chimney outlet and inlet.

1.16.13.9 Field: Relative Ratios of Air Flow Rates Passing through Zone <#>
This dimensionless number is the relative ratio of air flow rates enhanced by the thermal chimney
passing through each zone. The total air flow rate enhanced by the thermal chimney is distributed
to each zone based on this number if multiple zones share the common thermal chimney. It is used
in conjunction with the zone name, the distance from the top of the thermal chimney to each inlet
and cross sectional areas of each air channel inlet. Note that the sum of all ratios must be equal to
1.0.

1.16.13.10 Field: Cross Sectional Areas of Air Channel Inlet <#>

This field is the cross sectional areas of each air channel inlet corresponding to each zone. It is
used in conjunction with the zone name, the distance from the top of the thermal chimney to each
inlet and relative ratios of air flow rates passing through each zone. The area is expressed in units
1.16. GROUP – AIRFLOW 621

of m2 . The air flow rate enhanced by the thermal chimney is dependent on cross sectional areas of
air channel inlet and outlet.
An IDF example:

ZoneThermalChimney ,
ThermalChimney1 , !- Name of Thermal Chimney System
ThermalChimneyZone , !- Name of Thermal Chimney Zone
ThermalChimneyAvail , !- Availability Schedule Name
3.5, !- Width of the Absorber Wall
0.04, !- Cross Sectional Area of Air Channel Outlet
0.8, !- Discharge Coefficient
Zone1 , !- Zone Name 1
8.0, !- Distance from the Top of the Thermal Chimney to Inlet 1
0.8, !- Relative Ratios of Air Flow Rates Passing through Zone 1
0.02, !- Cross Sectional Areas of Air Channel Inlet 1
Zone2 , !- Zone Name 2
5.0, !- Distance from the Top of the Thermal Chimney to Inlet 2
0.2, !- Relative Ratios of Air Flow Rates Passing through Zone 2
0.02; !- Cross Sectional Areas of Air Channel Inlet 2

1.16.14 ZoneThermalChimney Outputs

Current ThermalChimney output variables:

• HVAC,Average,Zone Thermal Chimney Current Density Volumetric Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Thermal Chimney Standard Density Volumetric Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Thermal Chimney Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Thermal Chimney Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Thermal Chimney Heat Loss Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Thermal Chimney Heat Gain Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Thermal Chimney Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Thermal Chimney Mass [kg]

1.16.14.1 Zone Thermal Chimney Heat Loss Energy [J]

The sensible (temperature) heat loss of each zone that occurs when the thermal chimney cools the
zone air.

1.16.14.2 Zone Thermal Chimney Heat Gain Energy [J]

The sensible (temperature) heat gain of each zone that occurs when the thermal chimney heats the
zone air.

1.16.14.3 Zone Thermal Chimney Volume [m3]

The air volumetric flow of each zone enhanced by the thermal chimney.
622 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.16.14.4 Zone Thermal Chimney Mass [kg]

The air mass flow of each zone enhanced by the thermal chimney.

1.16.14.5 Zone Thermal Chimney Current Density Volumetric Flow Rate

[m3/s]
The total air volumetric flow rate caused by the thermal chimney evaluating density at the current
zone conditions.

1.16.14.6 Zone Thermal Chimney Standard Density Volumetric Flow Rate

[m3/s]
The total air volumetric flow rate caused by the thermal chimney evaluating density at standard
conditions.

1.16.14.7 Zone Thermal Chimney Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

The total air mass flow rate caused by the thermal chimney.

1.16.14.8 Zone Thermal Chimney Outlet Temperature [C]

The temperature of the air which is discharged from the thermal chimney through the outlet.

1.16.15 ZoneAirMassFlowConservation
This global object allows users to trigger the zone air mass flow conservation calculation when
desired. This object has three input fields; the first choice input field allows the user whether to
adjust mixing flows to enforce the zone air mass flow conservation; and the other fields allows the
user to specify how infiltration object mass flow rate is calculated for zone air mass flow balance
calculation. If adjustments for either mixing or infiltration is specified then the zone air mass
balance attempts to enforce conservation. If both mixing and infiltration adjustments are off, then
the zone air mass flow calculation uses the default method which does not include zone mixing
objects and assumes self-balanced simple infiltration. The default method may not necessarily
enforce zone air mass flow conservation unless the user has specified a balanced flow to begin with.
The zone air mass flow conservation primarily accounts for the zonemixing objects air flow in the
zone air flow mass balance calculation. In addition to the zonemixing object flow, the procedure
accounts for zone supply, exhaust, and return flows and adjusts infiltration air flows (up or down)
when required in order to balance the zone air mass flow. Mixing and infiltration adjustments
will only be made in zones which have zonemixing or infiltration objects defined in the input. For
example, if a zone does not have any infiltration objects, then no infiltration adjustment will be
made for that zone.
First, the ZoneMixing object mass flow rate is adjusted or modified in order to balance zone
air mass flow while assuming any zone infiltration objects are self-balanced. This step will always
results in balanced zone air mass for receiving zones of ZoneMixing object but it may not necessarily
result in a balanced air mass flow for source zones.
Second, infiltration flow rates are adjusted accoring to the options set. Infiltration flow will be
increased or decreased to balance the net flow from supply, exhaust, mixing, and return air flows. If
a negative infiltration rate (exfiltration) is required to balance a zone’s airflow, then the infiltration
1.16. GROUP – AIRFLOW 623

rate will be set to zero. This can happen, for example, if the total supply flow exceeds the total
exahust plus return flow.
This object is optional. If it is not present in the input file, the default zone air mass flow
calculastion are used which do not account for zonemixing and infiltration flows.

1.16.15.1 Inputs
1.16.15.1.1 Field: Adjust Zone Mixing For Zone Air Mass Flow Balance
This field has two choices: Yes or No. When set to Yes, the zone air mass flow balance attempts
to enforce conservation by adjusting zone mixing flow rates. When set to No, mixing flow rates are
not adjusted; the mixing flows specified in ZoneMixing obects will be used. The default is No.

1.16.15.1.2 Field: Infiltration Balancing Method

This field has three choices: AddInfiltrationFlow, AdjustInfiltrationFlow, or None. The default
is AddInfiltrationFlow. With all three options, the base infiltration flow rate is the flow specified in
all Infiltration:* objects for a given zone.
AddInfiltrationFlow: The base infiltration flow may be increased in order to balance the zone air
mass flow. This additional infiltration air mass flow is not self-balanced, i.e., it is always assumed
to be incoming flow which leaves by exahust, mixing, or return. If no infiltration air is required
in order to balance the zone air mass flow, then the additional infiltration air mass flow rate is
set to zero. For this option, the base infiltration flow is always assumed to be self-balanced (i.e.,
exfiltration = infiltration) and is not included in the zone air mass flow balance.
AdjustInfiltrationFlow: The base infiltration flow may be increased or decreased in order to
balance the zone air mass flow. If no infiltration is required to balance the zone air flow, then
the base infiltration flow rate is retained and assumed to be self-balanced (i.e., exfiltration =
infiltration). If the required infiltration flow rate is negative (exfiltration), then the infiltration flow
rate is set to zero and surplus flow in the zone is assumed to leave as exfiltration.
None: The base infiltration flow is always assumed to be self-balanced (i.e., exfiltration =
infiltration) and is not included in the zone air mass flow balance. No changes are made to the
base infiltration flow rate.

1.16.15.1.3 Field: Infiltration Balancing Zones

This field allows user to choose which zones are included in infiltration balancing. There are
two choices: MixingSourceZoneOnly or AllZones.
MixingSourceZonesOnly: Infiltration balancing is active only in zones which are source zones
for mixing and which have a base infiltration object defined.
AllZones: Infiltration balance is active in any zone which has a base infiltration object defined.
An IDF example is shown below:

ZoneAirMassFlowConservation ,
Yes , !- Adjust Zone Mixing For Zone Air Mass Flow Balance
AdjustInfiltrationFlow ; !- Infiltration Balancing Method
AllZones; !- Infiltration Balancing Zones

1.16.15.2 Outputs
Current ZoneAirMassFlowConservation output variables (only applicable variables will be gener-
ated):
624 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• HVAC, Average, Zone Air Mass Balance Supply Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC, Average, Zone Air Mass Balance Exhaust Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC, Average, Zone Air Mass Balance Return Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC, Average, Zone Air Mass Balance Mixing Receiving Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC, Average, Zone Air Mass Balance Mixing Source Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC, Average, Zone Infiltration Air Mass Flow Balance Status, []

• HVAC, Average, Zone Mass Balance Infiltration Air Mass Flow Rate, [kg/s]

1.16.15.2.1 Zone Air Mass Balance Supply Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
This output variable represents the total supply air mass flow rate of a zone. The value is
determined by summing the supply air mass flow rates contributions from all supply air inlet nodes
of a zone.

1.16.15.2.2 Zone Air Mass Balance Exhaust Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
This output variable represents the total exhaust air mass flow rate of a zone. The value is
determined by summing the exhaust air mass flow rates contributions from all exhaust air nodes
of a zone.

1.16.15.2.3 Zone Air Mass Balance Return Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
This output variable represents the total return air mass flow rate of a zone. The value is
determined by summing the return air mass flow rates contributions from return air nodes of a
zone.

1.16.15.2.4 Zone Air Mass Balance Mixing Receiving Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
This output variable represents the total zone mixing air mass flow rate of a receiving zone from
one or more mixing objects. The value is determined by summing the air mass flow contributions
from all zone mixing objects connected to a single receiving zone.

1.16.15.2.5 Zone Air Mass Balance Mixing Source Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
This output variable represents the total zone mixing source air mass flow rate of a source
zone feeding one or more mixing objects. The value is determined by summing the air mass flow
contributions from all zone mixing objects connected to a single source zone.

1.16.15.2.6 Zone Air Mass Balance Infiltration Status []

This output variable indicates the status of the infiltration object mass flow rate use for bal-
ancing the zone mass flow at each time step. It has values of either 0 or 1. If the value of this
report variable is 0 then the zone infiltration object mass flow rate is not used in the zone mass
conservation calculation, hence the infiltration rate calculated based on the user specified inputs
is manintained and the infiltration rate is assumed as self-balanced for the current timestep. If
the value is 1 then the zone infiltration object mass flow rate is included in the zone air mass flow
balance calculation, hence the user specified infiltration rate is modified and it is considered as
incoming flow to the zone, i.e., self-balanced assumption is not valid for this zone and current time
step.
1.17. GROUP – DESIGN OBJECTS 625

1.16.15.2.7 Zone Air Mass Balance Infiltration Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
This output variable represents the zone infiltration air mass flow rate in kg/s. This output
variable is reported only for source zones and when the zone air mass flow balance is active. Its
value depends on the Infiltration Balancing Method specified. When the infiltration method is
AddInfiltrationFlow this output represents the additional infiltration air mass flow rate added on
top of the base infiltration air flow in order to balance the zone air mass flow. In this case, the base
infiltration air mass flow calculated using the user specified input is assumed self-balanced. When
the infiltration method is AdjustInfiltrationFlow and the value of “Zone Air Mass Balance Infiltra-
tion Status” is 1, this output represents the infiltration air mass flow rate required to balance the
zone air mass flow. This value could be negative if the zone supply exceeds all other outflows. If
the value of “Zone Air Mass Balance Infiltration Status” is 0, then this output is the self-balanced
base infiltration flow rate for current timestep.

1.17 Group – Design Objects

1.17.1 Input for Design Calculations and Component Autosizing
1.17.1.1 Overview
In order for EnergyPlus to successfully calculate zone design heating and cooling loads and air
flow rates and for the program to use these results to automatically size the HVAC components a
number of input objects must be present and certain object input fields must be entered.

• The input file should contain a SimulationControl object. The 1st field Do Zone Sizing
Calculation should be entered as Yes. This will cause a zone sizing simulation to be done
using all the sizing periods in the input file as weather. If there are no air or water loops
in the HVAC input fields 2 and 3 can be set to No. If there are one or more air loops (i.e.,
there is at least one AirLoopHVAC object in the input file) then the 2nd field Do System
Sizing Calculation should be entered as Yes. If there are one or more water loops (Plant
Loop objects) then the 3rd field Do Plant Sizing Calculation should be set to Yes. Finally
either the 4th field (Run Simulation for Sizing Periods) or the 5th field (Run Simulation for
Weather File Run Periods) should be set to Yes in order to autosize the components and do
a real simulation using the autosized components. The component autosizing calculations
are done on the first pass through the HVAC system in the real simulation.

• There must be at least 2 (up to any number) SizingPeriod objects present. Normally one
will be for summer conditions and one for winter. The summer day should normally have
the field Day Type set to SummerDesignDay. The winter design day should normally have
Day Type set to WinterDesignDay.

• To apply a global sizing factor include the Sizing:Parameters object.

• For each controlled zone in the input file there should be a corresponding Sizing:Zone object.
Similarly for each AirLoopHVAC there should be a Sizing:System object. And for each Plant
or Condenser Loop there should be a Sizing:Plant object. Note however that if a controlled
zone has no corresponding Zone Sizing object the data from the first Zone Sizing object will
be used. Thus if all the zone sizing information is the same only one Zone Sizing object need
be entered.
626 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• Only controlled zones are included in the zone and system sizing calculations. Thus for a
design air flow rate to be calculated for a zone, it must contain a thermostat even though it
might not need or have a thermostat in the full simulation. An illustration would be a three
zone building with a packaged single zone system and a thermostat in one of the zones. In
order for the two slave zones to be included in the design air flow calculations they must be
treated as if they have a thermostat: there must be a ZoneControl:Thermostat for each of
the slave zones.

• Some attention should be paid to schedules. In a weekly schedule object the 9th and 10th
day schedules are for summer and winter design days respectively. This means that if a
SizingPeriod object has field Day Type set to SummerDesignDay the day schedule for summer
sizing periods will be in effect. Similarly if a SizingPeriod object has field Day Type set to
WinterDesignDay the day schedule for winter sizing periods will be in effect. Some possible
applications of this capability are:

1) setting internal loads (lights, equipment, occupancy) to maximum all day for cooling and
to zero all day for heating;
2) setting heating and cooling thermostat set points to constant values (no set up or set back);
3) setting heating and cooling equipment to be always on.
None of these applications are necessarily recommended but these and other uses of the special
summer/winter design day schedules may prove useful for specific situations.

• Other than zone thermostat setpoints, the sizing calculations generally know nothing about
the system control inputs such as setpoints and availability schedules. The user must coor-
dinate sizing inputs with the actual simulation control inputs.

• The sizing calculations only recognize the presence of central heating and cooling coils, pre-
heat and precool coils and reheat coils. These are assumed to deliver the various supply
temperatures specified in the Sizing:System and Sizing:Zone objects. The impact of other
components such as heat recovery, dehumidifiers, and pumps are not accounted for in the
sizing calculations. Central supply and return fan temperature rise is taken into account in
sizing the central cooling coils.

1.17.1.2 Component Autosizing

For autosizing to occur at the component level the user must enter the special value autosize in
the numeric fields for which autosizing is available. Those fields can be found by looking at the
Energy+.idd data dictionary file or under individual object details in this document. Fields that
can be autosized are denoted with the comment \autosizable. The components and fields that are
autosizable are listed in the following table. Note that spaces may be inserted in object names to
facilitate readability.

Table 1.37: Details of Autosizable Objects/Fields

Component / Object Name Autosizable Fields

AirConditioner:VariableRefrigerantFlow
Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity
Gross Rated Heating Capacity
1.17. GROUP – DESIGN OBJECTS 627

Table 1.37: Details of Autosizable Objects/Fields

Component / Object Name Autosizable Fields

Resistive Defrost Heater Capacity

Water Condenser Volume Flow Rate
Evaporative Condenser Air Flow Rate
Evaporative Condenser Pump Rated Power Con-
sumption
AirLoopHVAC
Design Supply Air Flow Rate
AirLoopHVAC:Unitary:Furnace:HeatCool
Maximum Supply Air Temperature
Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate
Heating Supply Air Flow Rate
No Load Supply Air Flow Rate
AirLoopHVAC:Unitary:Furnace:HeatOnly
Maximum Supply Air Temperature
Supply Air Flow Rate
AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatCool
Maximum Supply Air Temperature
Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate
Heating Supply Air Flow Rate
No Load Supply Air Flow Rate
AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatCool:VAVChangeoverBypass
Cooling System Air Flow Rate
Heating System Air Flow Rate
No Load System Air Flow Rate
Cooling Outdoor Air Flow Rate
Heating Outdoor Air Flow Rate
No Load Outdoor Air Flow Rate
AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatOnly
Maximum Supply Air Temperature
Supply Air Flow Rate
AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir
Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate
Heating Supply Air Flow Rate
No Load Supply Air Flow Rate
Maximum Supply Air Temperature from Supple-
mental Heater
AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed
628 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Table 1.37: Details of Autosizable Objects/Fields

Component / Object Name Autosizable Fields

Maximum Supply Air Temperature from Supple-

mental Heater
No Load Supply Air Flow Rate
Heating Speed 1 Supply Air Flow Rate
Heating Speed 2 Supply Air Flow Rate
Heating Speed 3 Supply Air Flow Rate
Heating Speed 4 Supply Air Flow Rate
Cooling Speed 1 Supply Air Flow Rate
Cooling Speed 2 Supply Air Flow Rate
Cooling Speed 3 Supply Air Flow Rate
Cooling Speed 4 Supply Air Flow Rate
AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:WaterToAir
Supply Air Flow Rate
Maximum Supply Air Temperature from Supple-
mental Heater
AirLoopHVAC:UnitarySystem
Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate
Heating Supply Air Flow Rate
No Load Supply Air Flow Rate
Maximum Supply Air Temperature
AirTerminal:DualDuct:ConstantVolume
Maximum Air Flow Rate
AirTerminal:DualDuct:VAV
Maximum Damper Air Flow Rate
AirTerminal:DualDuct:VAV:OutdoorAir
Maximum Terminal Air Flow Rate
AirTerminal:SingleDuct:ConstantVolume:CooledBeam
Supply Air Volumetric Flow Rate
Maximum Total Chilled Water Volumetric Flow
Rate
Number of Beams
Beam Length
AirTerminal:SingleDuct:ConstantVolume:FourPipeInduction
Maximum Total Air Flow Rate
Maximum Hot Water Flow Rate
Maximum Cold Water Flow Rate
AirTerminal:SingleDuct:ConstantVolume:Reheat
1.17. GROUP – DESIGN OBJECTS 629

Table 1.37: Details of Autosizable Objects/Fields

Component / Object Name Autosizable Fields

Maximum Air Flow Rate

Maximum Hot Water or Steam Flow Rate
AirTerminal:SingleDuct:ParallelPIU:Reheat
Maximum Primary Air Flow Rate
Maximum Secondary Air Flow Rate
Minimum Primary Air Flow Fraction
Fan On Flow Fraction
Maximum Hot Water or Steam Flow Rate
AirTerminal:SingleDuct:SeriesPIU:Reheat
Maximum Air Flow Rate
Maximum Primary Air Flow Rate
Minimum Primary Air Flow Fraction
Maximum Hot Water or Steam Flow Rate
AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled
Maximum Air Flow Rate
AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:HeatAndCool:NoReheat
Maximum Air Flow Rate
AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:HeatAndCool:Reheat
Maximum Air Flow Rate
Maximum Hot Water or Steam Flow Rate
AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:NoReheat
Maximum Air Flow Rate
AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:Reheat
Maximum Air Flow Rate
Maximum Hot Water or Steam Flow Rate
AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:Reheat:VariableSpeedFan
Maximum Cooling Air Flow Rate
Maximum Heating Air Flow Rate
Maximum Hot Water or Steam Flow Rate
Boiler:HotWater
Nominal Capacity
Design Water Flow Rate
Boiler:Steam
Nominal Capacity
Branch
Maximum Flow Rate
630 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Table 1.37: Details of Autosizable Objects/Fields

Component / Object Name Autosizable Fields

Chiller:Absorption
Nominal Capacity
Nominal Pumping Power
Design Chilled Water Flow Rate
Design Condenser Water Flow Rate
Design Generator Fluid Flow Rate
Chiller:Absorption:Indirect
Nominal Capacity
Nominal Pumping Power
Design Chilled Water Flow Rate
Design Condenser Water Flow Rate
Design Generator Fluid Flow Rate
Chiller:CombustionTurbine
Nominal Capacity
Design Chilled Water Flow Rate
Design Condenser Water Flow Rate
Gas Turbine Engine Capacity
Chiller:ConstantCOP
Nominal Capacity
Design Chilled Water Flow Rate
Design Condenser Water Flow Rate
Chiller:Electric
Nominal Capacity
Design Chilled Water Flow Rate
Design Condenser Fluid Flow Rate
Design Heat Recovery Water Flow Rate
Chiller:Electric:EIR
Reference Capacity
Reference Chilled Water Flow Rate
Reference Condenser Fluid Flow Rate
Design Heat Recovery Water Flow Rate
Chiller:Electric:ReformulatedEIR
Reference Capacity
Reference Chilled Water Flow Rate
Reference Condenser Water Flow Rate
Design Heat Recovery Water Flow Rate
1.17. GROUP – DESIGN OBJECTS 631

Table 1.37: Details of Autosizable Objects/Fields

Component / Object Name Autosizable Fields

Chiller:EngineDriven
Nominal Capacity
Design Chilled Water Flow Rate
Design Condenser Water Flow Rate
ChillerHeater:Absorption:DirectFired
Nominal Cooling Capacity
Design Chilled Water Flow Rate
Design Condenser Water Flow Rate
Design Hot Water Flow Rate
ChillerHeater:Absorption:DoubleEffect
Nominal Cooling Capacity
Design Chilled Water Flow Rate
Design Condenser Water Flow Rate
Design Hot Water Flow Rate
ChillerHeaterPerformance:Electric:EIR
Reference Cooling Mode Evaporator Capacity
Design Chilled Water Flow Rate
Design Condenser Water Flow Rate
Coil:Cooling:DX:MultiSpeed
Speed 1 Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity
Speed 1 Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio
Speed 1 Rated Air Flow Rate
Speed 1 Evaporative Condenser Air Flow Rate
Speed 1 Rated Evaporative Condenser Pump
Power Consumption
Speed 2 Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity
Speed 2 Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio
Speed 2 Rated Air Flow Rate
Speed 2 Evaporative Condenser Air Flow Rate
Speed 2 Rated Evaporative Condenser Pump
Power Consumption
Speed 3 Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity
Speed 3 Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio
Speed 3 Rated Air Flow Rate
Speed 3 Evaporative Condenser Air Flow Rate
Speed 3 Rated Evaporative Condenser Pump
Power Consumption
632 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Table 1.37: Details of Autosizable Objects/Fields

Component / Object Name Autosizable Fields

Speed 4 Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity

Speed 4 Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio
Speed 4 Rated Air Flow Rate
Speed 4 Evaporative Condenser Air Flow Rate
Speed 4 Rated Evaporative Condenser Pump
Power Consumption
Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed
Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity
Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio
Rated Air Flow Rate
Evaporative Condenser Air Flow Rate
Evaporative Condenser Pump Rated Power Con-
sumption
Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed:ThermalStorage
Rated Evaporator Air Flow Rate
Cooling Only Mode Rated Total Evaporator
Cooling Capacity
Evaporative Condenser Pump Rated Power Con-
sumption
Coil:Cooling:DX:TwoSpeed
High Speed Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity
High Speed Rated Sensible Heat Ratio
High Speed Rated Air Flow Rate
Low Speed Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity
Low Speed Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio
Low Speed Rated Air Flow Rate
High Speed Evaporative Condenser Air Flow
Rate
High Speed Evaporative Condenser Pump Rated
Power Consumption
Low Speed Evaporative Condenser Air Flow Rate
Low Speed Evaporative Condenser Pump Rated
Power Consumption
Coil:Cooling:DX:VariableRefrigerantFlow
Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity
Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio
Rated Air Flow Rate
1.17. GROUP – DESIGN OBJECTS 633

Table 1.37: Details of Autosizable Objects/Fields

Component / Object Name Autosizable Fields

Coil:Cooling:DX:VariableSpeed
Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity At Selected
Nominal Speed Level
Rated Air Flow Rate At Selected Nominal Speed
Level
Evaporative Condenser Pump Rated Power Con-
sumption
Coil:Cooling:Water
Design Water Flow Rate
Design Air Flow Rate
Design Inlet Water Temperature
Design Inlet Air Temperature
Design Outlet Air Temperature
Design Inlet Air Humidity Ratio
Design Outlet Air Humidity Ratio
Coil:Cooling:Water:DetailedGeometry
Maximum Water Flow Rate
Tube Outside Surface Area
Total Tube Inside Area
Fin Surface Area
Minimum Airflow Area
Coil Depth
Fin Diameter
Number of Tubes per Row
Coil:Cooling:WaterToAirHeatPump:EquationFit
Rated Air Flow Rate
Rated Water Flow Rate
Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity
Gross Rated Sensible Cooling Capacity
Coil:Cooling:WaterToAirHeatPump:VariableSpeedEquationFit
Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity At Selected
Nominal Speed Level
Rated Air Flow Rate At Selected Nominal Speed
Level
Rated Water Flow Rate At Selected Nominal
Speed Level
Coil:Heating:DX:MultiSpeed
634 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Table 1.37: Details of Autosizable Objects/Fields

Component / Object Name Autosizable Fields

Resistive Defrost Heater Capacity

Speed 1 Gross Rated Heating Capacity
Speed 1 Rated Air Flow Rate
Speed 2 Gross Rated Heating Capacity
Speed 2 Rated Air Flow Rate
Speed 3 Gross Rated Heating Capacity
Speed 3 Rated Air Flow Rate
Speed 4 Gross Rated Heating Capacity
Speed 4 Rated Air Flow Rate
Coil:Heating:DX:SingleSpeed
Gross Rated Heating Capacity
Rated Air Flow Rate
Resistive Defrost Heater Capacity
Coil:Heating:DX:VariableRefrigerantFlow
Gross Rated Heating Capacity
Rated Air Flow Rate
Coil:Heating:DX:VariableSpeed
Rated Heating Capacity At Selected Nominal
Speed Level
Rated Air Flow Rate At Selected Nominal Speed
Level
Resistive Defrost Heater Capacity
Coil:Heating:Electric
Nominal Capacity
Coil:Heating:Electric:MultiStage
Stage 1 Nominal Capacity
Stage 2 Nominal Capacity
Stage 3 Nominal Capacity
Stage 4 Nominal Capacity
Coil:Heating:Gas
Nominal Capacity
Coil:Heating:Gas:MultiStage
Stage 1 Nominal Capacity
Stage 2 Nominal Capacity
Stage 3 Nominal Capacity
Stage 4 Nominal Capacity
Coil:Heating:Steam
1.17. GROUP – DESIGN OBJECTS 635

Table 1.37: Details of Autosizable Objects/Fields

Component / Object Name Autosizable Fields

Maximum Steam Flow Rate

Coil:Heating:Water
U-Factor Times Area Value
Maximum Water Flow Rate
Rated Capacity
Coil:Heating:WaterToAirHeatPump:EquationFit
Rated Air Flow Rate
Rated Water Flow Rate
Gross Rated Heating Capacity
Coil:Heating:WaterToAirHeatPump:VariableSpeedEquationFit
Rated Heating Capacity At Selected Nominal
Speed Level
Rated Air Flow Rate At Selected Nominal Speed
Level
Rated Water Flow Rate At Selected Nominal
Speed Level
CoilPerformance:DX:Cooling
Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity
Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio
Rated Air Flow Rate
Evaporative Condenser Air Flow Rate
Evaporative Condenser Pump Rated Power Con-
sumption
CondenserLoop
Maximum Loop Flow Rate
Controller:OutdoorAir
Minimum Outdoor Air Flow Rate
Maximum Outdoor Air Flow Rate
Controller:WaterCoil
Controller Convergence Tolerance
Maximum Actuated Flow
CoolingTower:SingleSpeed
Design Water Flow Rate
Design Air Flow Rate
Design Fan Power
Design U-Factor Times Area Value
CoolingTower:TwoSpeed
636 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Table 1.37: Details of Autosizable Objects/Fields

Component / Object Name Autosizable Fields

Design Water Flow Rate

High Fan Speed Air Flow Rate
High Fan Speed Fan Power
High Fan Speed U-Factor Times Area Value
CoolingTower:VariableSpeed
Design Water Flow Rate
Design Air Flow Rate
Design Fan Power
CoolingTower:VariableSpeed:Merkel
Nominal Capacity
Design Water Flow Rate
Design Air Flow Rate U-Factor Times Area Value
EvaporativeCooler:Indirect:ResearchSpecial
Secondary Fan Flow Rate
EvaporativeFluidCooler:SingleSpeed
Design Air Flow Rate
Design Air Flow Rate Fan Power
Design Air Flow Rate U-factor Times Area Value
Design Water Flow Rate
EvaporativeFluidCooler:TwoSpeed
High Fan Speed Air Flow Rate
High Fan Speed Fan Power
High Fan Speed U-factor Times Area Value
Design Water Flow Rate
Fan:ComponentModel
Maximum Flow Rate
Minimum Flow Rate
Motor Fan Pulley Ratio
Belt Maximum Torque
Maximum Motor Output Power
Maximum VFD Output Power
Fan:ConstantVolume
Maximum Flow Rate
Fan:OnOff
Maximum Flow Rate
FanPerformance:NightVentilation
1.17. GROUP – DESIGN OBJECTS 637

Table 1.37: Details of Autosizable Objects/Fields

Component / Object Name Autosizable Fields

Maximum Flow Rate

Fan:VariableVolume
Maximum Flow Rate
FluidCooler:SingleSpeed
Design Air Flow Rate U-factor Times Area Value
Design Water Flow Rate
Design Air Flow Rate
Design Air Flow Rate Fan Power
FluidCooler:TwoSpeed
High Fan Speed U-factor Times Area Value
Design Water Flow Rate
High Fan Speed Air Flow Rate
High Fan Speed Fan Power
HeaderedPumps:ConstantSpeed
Total Rated Flow Rate
Rated Power Consumption
HeaderedPumps:VariableSpeed
Total Rated Flow Rate
Rated Power Consumption
HeatExchanger:AirToAir:SensibleAndLatent
Nominal Supply Air Flow Rate
HeatExchanger:FluidToFluid
Loop Demand Side Design Flow Rate
Loop Supply Side Design Flow Rate
Heat Exchanger U-Factor Times Area Value
Humidifier:Steam:Electric
Rated Power
HVACTemplate:Plant:Boiler
Capacity
HVACTemplate:Plant:Chiller
Capacity
HVACTemplate:Plant:Tower
High Speed Nominal Capacity
High Speed Fan Power
Low Speed Nominal Capacity
Low Speed Fan Power
638 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Table 1.37: Details of Autosizable Objects/Fields

Component / Object Name Autosizable Fields

Free Convection Capacity

HVACTemplate:System:ConstantVolume
Supply Fan Maximum Flow Rate
Heating Coil Capacity
Maximum Outdoor Air Flow Rate
Minimum Outdoor Air Flow Rate
Humidifier Rated Electric Power
HVACTemplate:System:DedicatedOutdoorAir
Supply Fan Flow Rate
DX Cooling Coil Gross Rated Total Capacity
DX Cooling Coil Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio
Humidifier Rated Electric Power
HVACTemplate:System:DualDuct
Main Supply Fan Maximum Flow Rate
Cold Duct Supply Fan Maximum Flow Rate
Hot Duct Supply Fan Maximum Flow Rate
Heating Coil Capacity
Maximum Outdoor Air Flow Rate
Minimum Outdoor Air Flow Rate
Humidifier Rated Electric Power
HVACTemplate:System:PackagedVAV
Supply Fan Maximum Flow Rate
Supply Fan Minimum Flow Rate
Cooling Coil Gross Rated Total Capacity
Cooling Coil Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio
Heating Coil Capacity
Maximum Outdoor Air Flow Rate
Minimum Outdoor Air Flow Rate
Humidifier Rated Electric Power
HVACTemplate:System:Unitary
Supply Fan Maximum Flow Rate
Cooling Coil Gross Rated Total Capacity
Cooling Coil Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio
Heating Coil Capacity
Maximum Outdoor Air Flow Rate
Minimum Outdoor Air Flow Rate
1.17. GROUP – DESIGN OBJECTS 639

Table 1.37: Details of Autosizable Objects/Fields

Component / Object Name Autosizable Fields

Humidifier Rated Electric Power

HVACTemplate:System:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir
Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate
Heating Supply Air Flow Rate
No Load Supply Air Flow Rate
Cooling Coil Gross Rated Total Capacity
Cooling Coil Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio
Heat Pump Heating Coil Gross Rated Capacity
Supplemental Heating Coil Capacity
Maximum Outdoor Air Flow Rate
Minimum Outdoor Air Flow Rate
Humidifier Rated Electric Power
HVACTemplate:System:UnitarySystem
Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate
Heating Supply Air Flow Rate
No Load Supply Air Flow Rate
DX Cooling Coil Gross Rated Total Capacity
DX Cooling Coil Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio
Heating Coil Gross Rated Capacity
Supplemental Heating or Reheat Coil Capacity
Maximum Outdoor Air Flow Rate
Minimum Outdoor Air Flow Rate
Humidifier Rated Electric Power
HVACTemplate:System:VAV
Supply Fan Maximum Flow Rate
Supply Fan Minimum Flow Rate
Maximum Outdoor Air Flow Rate
Minimum Outdoor Air Flow Rate
Humidifier Rated Electric Power
HVACTemplate:System:VRF
Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity
Gross Rated Heating Capacity
Resistive Defrost Heater Capacity
Water Condenser Volume Flow Rate
Evaporative Condenser Air Flow Rate
Evaporative Condenser Pump Rated Power Con-
sumption
640 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Table 1.37: Details of Autosizable Objects/Fields

Component / Object Name Autosizable Fields

HVACTemplate:Zone:BaseboardHeat
Baseboard Heating Capacity
HVACTemplate:Zone:ConstantVolume
Supply Air Maximum Flow Rate
Baseboard Heating Capacity
HVACTemplate:Zone:DualDuct
Supply Air Maximum Flow Rate
Baseboard Heating Capacity
HVACTemplate:Zone:FanCoil
Supply Air Maximum Flow Rate
Baseboard Heating Capacity
HVACTemplate:Zone:IdealLoadsAirSystem
Maximum Heating Air Flow Rate
Maximum Sensible Heating Capacity
Maximum Cooling Air Flow Rate
Maximum Total Cooling Capacity
HVACTemplate:Zone:PTAC
Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate
Heating Supply Air Flow Rate
No Load Supply Air Flow Rate
Cooling Coil Gross Rated Total Capacity
Cooling Coil Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio
Heating Coil Capacity
Baseboard Heating Capacity
HVACTemplate:Zone:PTHP
Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate
Heating Supply Air Flow Rate
No Load Supply Air Flow Rate
Cooling Coil Gross Rated Total Capacity
Cooling Coil Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio
Heat Pump Heating Coil Gross Rated Capacity
Supplemental Heating Coil Capacity
Baseboard Heating Capacity
HVACTemplate:Zone:Unitary
Supply Air Maximum Flow Rate
Baseboard Heating Capacity
1.17. GROUP – DESIGN OBJECTS 641

Table 1.37: Details of Autosizable Objects/Fields

Component / Object Name Autosizable Fields

HVACTemplate:Zone:VAV
Supply Air Maximum Flow Rate
Baseboard Heating Capacity
HVACTemplate:Zone:VAV:FanPowered
Primary Supply Air Maximum Flow Rate
Primary Supply Air Minimum Flow Fraction
Secondary Supply Air Maximum Flow Rate
Parallel Fan On Flow Fraction
Baseboard Heating Capacity
HVACTemplate:Zone:VAV:HeatAndCool
Supply Air Maximum Flow Rate
Baseboard Heating Capacity
HVACTemplate:Zone:VRF
Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate
No Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate
Heating Supply Air Flow Rate
No Heating Supply Air Flow Rate
Cooling Outdoor Air Flow Rate
Heating Outdoor Air Flow Rate
No Load Outdoor Air Flow Rate
Cooling Coil Gross Rated Total Capacity
Cooling Coil Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio
Heat Pump Heating Coil Gross Rated Capacity
Baseboard Heating Capacity
HVACTemplate:Zone:WaterToAirHeatPump
Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate
Heating Supply Air Flow Rate
No Load Supply Air Flow Rate
Cooling Coil Gross Rated Total Capacity
Cooling Coil Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio
Heat Pump Heating Coil Gross Rated Capacity
Supplemental Heating Coil Capacity
Baseboard Heating Capacity
PlantComponent:TemperatureSource
Design Volume Flow Rate
PlantEquipmentOperation:ComponentSetpoint
642 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Table 1.37: Details of Autosizable Objects/Fields

Component / Object Name Autosizable Fields

Component 1 Flow Rate

Component 2 Flow Rate
Component 3 Flow Rate
Component 4 Flow Rate
Component 5 Flow Rate
Component 6 Flow Rate
Component 7 Flow Rate
Component 8 Flow Rate
Component 9 Flow Rate
Component 10 Flow Rate
PlantLoop
Maximum Loop Flow Rate
Pump:ConstantSpeed
Rated Flow Rate
Rated Power Consumption
Pump:VariableSpeed
Rated Flow Rate
Rated Power Consumption
Pump:VariableSpeed:Condensate
Rated Flow Rate
Rated Power Consumption
Sizing:System
Design Outdoor Air Flow Rate
SolarCollector:FlatPlate:PhotovoltaicThermal
Design Flow Rate
ThermalStorage:ChilledWater:Mixed
Use Side Design Flow Rate
Source Side Design Flow Rate
ThermalStorage:ChilledWater:Stratified
Use Side Design Flow Rate
Source Side Design Flow Rate
UnitarySystemPerformance:HeatPump:Multispeed
Heating Speed 1 Supply Air Flow Ratio
Cooling Speed 1 Supply Air Flow Ratio
Heating Speed 2 Supply Air Flow Ratio
Cooling Speed 2 Supply Air Flow Ratio
1.17. GROUP – DESIGN OBJECTS 643

Table 1.37: Details of Autosizable Objects/Fields

Component / Object Name Autosizable Fields

Heating Speed 3 Supply Air Flow Ratio

Cooling Speed 3 Supply Air Flow Ratio
Heating Speed 4 Supply Air Flow Ratio
Cooling Speed 4 Supply Air Flow Ratio
WaterHeater:Mixed
Tank Volume
Heater Maximum Capacity
Use Side Design Flow Rate
Source Side Design Flow Rate
WaterHeater:Stratified
Tank Volume
Tank Height
Heater 1 Capacity
Use Side Design Flow Rate
Source Side Design Flow Rate
ZoneHVAC:Baseboard:Convective:Electric
Nominal Capacity
ZoneHVAC:Baseboard:Convective:Water
U-Factor Times Area Value
Maximum Water Flow Rate
ZoneHVAC:Baseboard:RadiantConvective:Electric
Nominal Capacity
ZoneHVAC:Baseboard:RadiantConvective:Steam
Maximum Steam Flow Rate
ZoneHVAC:Baseboard:RadiantConvective:Water
Rated Capacity
Maximum Water Flow Rate
ZoneHVAC:EnergyRecoveryVentilator
Supply Air Flow Rate
Exhaust Air Flow Rate
ZoneHVAC:EvaporativeCoolerUnit
Design Supply Air Flow Rate
ZoneHVAC:FourPipeFanCoil
Maximum Supply Air Flow Rate
Maximum Outdoor Air Flow Rate
Maximum Cold Water Flow Rate
644 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Table 1.37: Details of Autosizable Objects/Fields

Component / Object Name Autosizable Fields

Maximum Hot Water Flow Rate

ZoneHVAC:HighTemperatureRadiant
Maximum Power Input
ZoneHVAC:IdealLoadsAirSystem
Maximum Heating Air Flow Rate
Maximum Sensible Heating Capacity
Maximum Cooling Air Flow Rate
Maximum Total Cooling Capacity
ZoneHVAC:LowTemperatureRadiant:Electric
Maximum Electrical Power to Panel
ZoneHVAC:LowTemperatureRadiant:VariableFlow
Hydronic Tubing Length
Maximum Hot Water Flow
Maximum Cold Water Flow
ZoneHVAC:OutdoorAirUnit
Outdoor Air Flow Rate
Exhaust Air Flow Rate
ZoneHVAC:PackagedTerminalAirConditioner
Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate
Heating Supply Air Flow Rate
No Load Supply Air Flow Rate
Cooling Outdoor Air Flow Rate
Heating Outdoor Air Flow Rate
No Load Outdoor Air Flow Rate
ZoneHVAC:PackagedTerminalHeatPump
Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate
Heating Supply Air Flow Rate
No Load Supply Air Flow Rate
Cooling Outdoor Air Flow Rate
Heating Outdoor Air Flow Rate
No Load Outdoor Air Flow Rate
Maximum Supply Air Temperature from Supple-
mental Heater
ZoneHVAC:TerminalUnit:VariableRefrigerantFlow
Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate
No Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate
1.17. GROUP – DESIGN OBJECTS 645

Table 1.37: Details of Autosizable Objects/Fields

Component / Object Name Autosizable Fields

Heating Supply Air Flow Rate

No Heating Supply Air Flow Rate
Cooling Outdoor Air Flow Rate
Heating Outdoor Air Flow Rate
No Load Outdoor Air Flow Rate
ZoneHVAC:UnitHeater
Maximum Supply Air Flow Rate
Maximum Hot Water or Steam Flow Rate
ZoneHVAC:UnitVentilator
Maximum Supply Air Flow Rate
Minimum Outdoor Air Flow Rate
Maximum Outdoor Air Flow Rate
ZoneHVAC:VentilatedSlab
Maximum Air Flow Rate
Minimum Outdoor Air Flow Rate
Maximum Outdoor Air Flow Rate
ZoneHVAC:WaterToAirHeatPump
Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate
Heating Supply Air Flow Rate
No Load Supply Air Flow Rate
Cooling Outdoor Air Flow Rate
Heating Outdoor Air Flow Rate
No Load Outdoor Air Flow Rate
Maximum Supply Air Temperature from Supple-
mental Heater
ZoneHVAC:WindowAirConditioner
Maximum Supply Air Flow Rate
Maximum Outdoor Air Flow Rate

There are 3 places in the input where the user can impose sizing factors.
1. In Sizing Parameters (object: Sizing:Parameters), the user can specify an over-all sizing
factor. This factor is applied to all the zone design loads and air flow rates resulting from the zone
sizing calculations.
2. In Zone Sizing (object: Sizing:Zone), the user can specify a sizing factor for a specific zone.
The factor is applied to the calculated zone design loads and air flow rates for the zone named in
the Sizing:Zone object. This sizing factor overrides the global sizing factor. That is, a zone sizing
factor, if specified, replaces the global sizing factor for the named zone.
3. For some plant components (basically all central chillers, boilers and cooling towers) the
646 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

user can specify a sizing factor that modifies the autosized component capacity and flow rates.
These factors are applied after the application of global or zone sizing factors. They are primarily
used to split the design load between multiple components. These sizing factors can change the
autosizing of the associated loops and pumps. The following rules are followed the effect of plant
component sizing factors on loops and pumps.
a. For supply side branches, the sizing factors of all components in series on the branch are
summed and the result becomes the branch sizing factor. If there is a branch pump its autosized
design flow rate is multiplied by the branch sizing factor.
b. For each loop, if the average of the branch sizing factors is less than 1, the loop sizing factor
is set equal to the sum of the branch sizing factors. If the average is greater than 1, the loop sizing
factor is set equal to the maximum of the branch sizing factors. The loop sizing factor is applied
to the loop design flow rate (if autosized) and to the loop pump flow rate (if autosized).

1.17.1.3 Mixing User-Specified and Autosized Inputs

Mixed user-specified and autosized inputs can be successfully used if the following points and
suggestions are followed.
1. Each component is autosized independently. Thus user input for a flow rate in one
component will have no effect on other components’ autosized flow rates. For instance, specifying
the chilled water loop pump’s rated flow rate will have no effect on the autosizing of the chiller’s
design evaporator flow rate or on the plant loop’s autosized maximum loop flow rate.
2. Within a component it is best to autosize all inputs are enter specified values for all inputs.
For example, in a chiller, if only the nominal capaciity is user-specified, the autosized chilled water
flow rate may not be consistent with the specified capacity.
3. Sizing information flows only from the sizing objects to the components. The sizing
calculations have no knowledge of user-specified values in a component. The only exception to this
rule is that plant loop sizing will collect all component design water flow rates whether autosized
or user-specified.
4. If the user wants to specify a zone or system air flow rate it should be done using the
Sizing:Zone and Sizing:System objects rather than done in the individual components.
5. The plant loop flow rates are sized from the total design demand of the components
connected to each loop. The components demanding water need not be autosized for the plant
loop autosizing to work successfully. So the user could specify all the air side components and
autosize all the plant loops and plant components. Or specify the chilled water loop flow rate,
chilled water pump inputs and chiller inputs and let the condenser loop and tower autosize.

1.17.1.4 Component Sizing Output

The results of the component autosizing calculations are reported on the eplusout.eio file. For each
component field that has been autosized the object type, object name, field description with unit,
and value are printed out as comma separated data on a line beginning with Component Sizing.
Examples of this are shown in the Output Details and Examples document.
The complete list of objects that have autosized fields is shown in the following table. Note
that spaces may be inserted in object names to facilitate readability.
1.17. GROUP – DESIGN OBJECTS 647

Table 1.38: Complete list of Objects with autosized Fields

Object Name Object Name

AirConditioner:VariableRefrigerantFlow AirLoopHVAC
AirLoopHVAC:Unitary:Furnace:HeatCool AirLoopHVAC:Unitary:Furnace:HeatOnly
AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatCool AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatCool:VAVChangeoverBypass
AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatOnly AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir
AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed
AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:WaterToAir
AirLoopHVAC:UnitarySystem AirTerminal:DualDuct:ConstantVolume
AirTerminal:DualDuct:VAV AirTerminal:DualDuct:VAV:OutdoorAir
AirTerminal:SingleDuct:ConstantVolume:CooledBeam
AirTerminal:SingleDuct:ConstantVolume:FourPipeInduction
AirTerminal:SingleDuct:ConstantVolume:ReheatAirTerminal:SingleDuct:ParallelPIU:Reheat
AirTerminal:SingleDuct:SeriesPIU:Reheat AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled
AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:HeatAndCool:NoReheat
AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:HeatAndCool:Reheat
AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:NoReheat AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:Reheat
AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:Reheat:VariableSpeedFan
Boiler:HotWater
Boiler:Steam Branch
Chiller:Absorption Chiller:Absorption:Indirect
Chiller:CombustionTurbine Chiller:ConstantCOP
Chiller:Electric Chiller:Electric:EIR
Chiller:Electric:ReformulatedEIR Chiller:EngineDriven
ChillerHeater:Absorption:DirectFired ChillerHeater:Absorption:DoubleEffect
ChillerHeaterPerformance:Electric:EIR Coil:Cooling:DX:MultiSpeed
Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed:ThermalStorage
Coil:Cooling:DX:TwoSpeed Coil:Cooling:DX:VariableRefrigerantFlow
Coil:Cooling:DX:VariableSpeed Coil:Cooling:Water
Coil:Cooling:Water:DetailedGeometry Coil:Cooling:WaterToAirHeatPump:EquationFit
Coil:Cooling:WaterToAirHeatPump:VariableSpeedEquationFit
Coil:Heating:DX:MultiSpeed
Coil:Heating:DX:SingleSpeed Coil:Heating:DX:VariableRefrigerantFlow
Coil:Heating:DX:VariableSpeed Coil:Heating:Electric
Coil:Heating:Electric:MultiStage Coil:Heating:Gas
Coil:Heating:Gas:MultiStage Coil:Heating:Steam
Coil:Heating:Water Coil:Heating:WaterToAirHeatPump:EquationFit
Coil:Heating:WaterToAirHeatPump:VariableSpeedEquationFit
CoilPerformance:DX:Cooling
CondenserLoop Controller:OutdoorAir
Controller:WaterCoil CoolingTower:SingleSpeed
CoolingTower:TwoSpeed CoolingTower:VariableSpeed
CoolingTower:VariableSpeed:Merkel EvaporativeCooler:Indirect:ResearchSpecial
EvaporativeFluidCooler:SingleSpeed EvaporativeFluidCooler:TwoSpeed
648 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Table 1.38: Complete list of Objects with autosized Fields

Object Name Object Name

Fan:ComponentModel Fan:ConstantVolume
Fan:OnOff FanPerformance:NightVentilation
Fan:VariableVolume FluidCooler:SingleSpeed
FluidCooler:TwoSpeed HeaderedPumps:ConstantSpeed
HeaderedPumps:VariableSpeed HeatExchanger:AirToAir:SensibleAndLatent
HeatExchanger:FluidToFluid Humidifier:Steam:Electric
HVACTemplate:Plant:Boiler HVACTemplate:Plant:Chiller
HVACTemplate:Plant:Tower HVACTemplate:System:ConstantVolume
HVACTemplate:System:DedicatedOutdoorAir HVACTemplate:System:DualDuct
HVACTemplate:System:PackagedVAV HVACTemplate:System:Unitary
HVACTemplate:System:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir HVACTemplate:System:UnitarySystem
HVACTemplate:System:VAV HVACTemplate:System:VRF
HVACTemplate:Zone:BaseboardHeat HVACTemplate:Zone:ConstantVolume
HVACTemplate:Zone:DualDuct HVACTemplate:Zone:FanCoil
HVACTemplate:Zone:IdealLoadsAirSystem HVACTemplate:Zone:PTAC
HVACTemplate:Zone:PTHP HVACTemplate:Zone:Unitary
HVACTemplate:Zone:VAV HVACTemplate:Zone:VAV:FanPowered
HVACTemplate:Zone:VAV:HeatAndCool HVACTemplate:Zone:VRF
HVACTemplate:Zone:WaterToAirHeatPump PlantComponent:TemperatureSource
PlantEquipmentOperation:ComponentSetpoint PlantLoop
Pump:ConstantSpeed Pump:VariableSpeed
Pump:VariableSpeed:Condensate Sizing:System
SolarCollector:FlatPlate:PhotovoltaicThermal ThermalStorage:ChilledWater:Mixed
ThermalStorage:ChilledWater:Stratified UnitarySystemPerformance:HeatPump:Multispeed
WaterHeater:Mixed WaterHeater:Stratified
ZoneHVAC:Baseboard:Convective:Electric ZoneHVAC:Baseboard:Convective:Water
ZoneHVAC:Baseboard:RadiantConvective:ElectricZoneHVAC:Baseboard:RadiantConvective:Steam
ZoneHVAC:Baseboard:RadiantConvective:WaterZoneHVAC:EnergyRecoveryVentilator
ZoneHVAC:EvaporativeCoolerUnit ZoneHVAC:FourPipeFanCoil
ZoneHVAC:HighTemperatureRadiant ZoneHVAC:IdealLoadsAirSystem
ZoneHVAC:LowTemperatureRadiant:Electric ZoneHVAC:LowTemperatureRadiant:VariableFlow
ZoneHVAC:OutdoorAirUnit ZoneHVAC:PackagedTerminalAirConditioner
ZoneHVAC:PackagedTerminalHeatPump ZoneHVAC:TerminalUnit:VariableRefrigerantFlow
ZoneHVAC:UnitHeater ZoneHVAC:UnitVentilator
ZoneHVAC:VentilatedSlab ZoneHVAC:WaterToAirHeatPump
ZoneHVAC:WindowAirConditioner
1.17. GROUP – DESIGN OBJECTS 649

1.17.1.5 User or External Zone Design Flow Rate Inputs

In EnergyPlus the autosizing calculations start with a calculation of the zone design air flow rates
using zone by zone design day simulations. The resulting zone design air flow rates and daily
air flow sequences are used in the subsequent HVAC and central plant air and fluid flow design
calculations and in the component autosizing calculations. The user can override or change the
calculated zone design air flow rates in several ways.
1) The user can enter a value for Sizing Factor in the Sizing:Parameters object (see description
below).
2) The user can specify a zone level Zone Sizing Factor in each Sizing:Zone object.
3) For each zone the user can input a Cooling Design Air Flow Rate and/or a Heating Design
Air Flow Rate (and specify Cooling Design Air Flow Method = Flow/Zone and Heating Design
Air Flow Method = Flow/Zone). These user inputs override the calculated values. The program
divides the user input cooling or heating design air flow rate by the calculated values and uses the
result as a zone sizing factor to multiply all the elements in the design heating and cooling air flow
and load sequences. From this point the design calculations proceed as usual.

1.17.1.6 User or External System Design Flow Rate Inputs

Using the results of the zone design air flow rate calculation (including any user input or altered
flow rates) EnergyPlus proceeds to calculate central air system flow rates and cooling and heating
loads. The results of this calculation can be overridden in the following way.
For each system (AirLoopHVAC), in the corresponding Sizing:System object, specify Cooling
Design Air Flow Method to be Flow/System and input a value for Cooling Design Air Flow Rate.
Similarly for heating specify Heating Design Air Flow Method to be Flow/System and input a value
for Heating Design Air Flow Rate.

1.17.2 DesignSpecification:OutdoorAir
This object allows for the outdoor air requirements to be defined in a common location for use
by other objects. This object may be referenced by name from other objects (e.g., VAV terminal
units) as required to identify an outdoor air quantity for use by that object. Note that a zone name
Is not included as an input to this zone outdoor air definition and the number of people in a zone,
zone floor area, and zone volume can only be determined after this object has been referenced by
another. A single zone outdoor air definition may be referenced by multiple objects to specify that
the same outdoor air requirements are used by those objects or multiple zone outdoor air objects
may be defined and referenced by other objects as needed. If multiple zone outdoor air definitions
are used, each outdoor air definition must have a unique name.

1.17.2.1 Inputs
1.17.2.1.1 Field: Name
Unique identifying name. Any reference to this name by other objects will denote that the
following outdoor air requirements will be used.

1.17.2.1.2 Field: Outdoor Air Method

The input must be either Flow/Person, Flow/Area, Flow/Zone, AirChanges/Hour, Sum, or
Maximum. Flow/Person means the program will use the input from the field Outdoor Air Flow per
650 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Person and the actual zone occupancy to calculate a zone outdoor air flow rate. Flow/Area means
that the program will use the input from the field Outdoor Air Flow per Zone Floor Area and the
actual zone floor area as the zone outdoor air flow rate. Flow/Zone means that the program will use
the input of the field Outdoor Air Flow per Zone as the zone outdoor air flow rate. AirChanges/Hour
means that the program will use the input from the field Air Changes per Hour and the actual zone
volume (divided by 3600 seconds per hour) as the zone outdoor air flow rate. Sum means that the
flows calculated from the fields Outdoor Air Flow per Person, Outdoor Air Flow per Area, Outdoor
Air Flow per Zone, and Air Changes per Hour (using the associated conversions to m3 /s for each
field) will be added to obtain the zone outdoor air flow rate. Maximum means that the maximum
flow derived from Outdoor Air Flow per Person, Outdoor Air Flow per Area, Outdoor Air Flow per
Zone, and Air Changes per Hour (using the associated conversions to m3 /s for each field) will be
used as the zone outdoor air flow rate. The default is Flow/Person.

1.17.2.1.3 Field: Outdoor Air Flow per Person

The design outdoor air volume flow rate per person for this zone in cubic meters per second
per person. The default is 0.00944 (20 cfm per person). An outdoor air flow rate is calculated
based on the total number of people for all People statements assigned to the zone. Occupancy
schedule values are not applied during sizing calculations and are applied during the remainder of
the simulation. This input is used if Outdoor Air Method is one of Outdoor Air Flow per Person,
Sum, or Maximum.

1.17.2.1.4 Field: Outdoor Air Flow per Zone Floor Area

The design outdoor air volume flow rate per square meter of floor area (units are m3 /s-m2 ).
This input is used if Outdoor Air Method is Flow/Area, Sum or Maximum. The default value for
this field is 0.

1.17.2.1.5 Field: Outdoor Air Flow per Zone

The design outdoor air flow rate for this zone in cubic meters per second. This input field is
used if Outdoor Air Method is Flow/Zone, Sum or Maximum. The default value for this field is 0.

1.17.2.1.6 Field: Outdoor Air Flow Changes per Hour

The design outdoor air volume flow rate in air changes per hour. This factor is used along with
the Zone Volume and converted to cubic meters per second. This input field is used if Outdoor Air
Method is AirChanges/Hour, Sum or Maximum. The default value for this field is 0.

1.17.2.1.7 Field: Outdoor Air Flow Rate Fraction Schedule Name

This field is the name of schedule that defines how outdoor air requirements change over
time. The field is optional. If used, then the schedule values are multiplied by the outdoor
air flow rate defined by the previous fields. The schedule values must be between 0 and 1, inclu-
sive.
An IDF example:

DesignSpecification :OutdoorAir
ZoneOAData , !- Name
Sum , !- Outdoor Air Method
0.00944 , !- Outdoor Air Flow per Person {m3/s}
0.00305 , !- Outdoor Air Flow per Zone Floor Area {m3/s-m2}
, !- Outdoor Air Flow per Zone {m3/s}
, !- Outdoor Air Flow Air Changes per Hour
1.17. GROUP – DESIGN OBJECTS 651

OARequirements Sched; !- Outdoor Air Flow Rate Fraction Schedule Name

Schedule:Compact ,
OARequirements Sched , !- Name
Any Number , !- Schedule Type Limits Name
Through: 12/31 , !- Field 1
For: Weekdays SummerDesignDay WinterDesignDay , !- Field 2
Until: 24:00 , 1.0, !- Field 4
For: AllOtherDays , !- Field 5
Until: 24:00 , 0.5; !- Field 7

1.17.3 DesignSpecification:ZoneAirDistribution
This object is used to describe the air distribution effectiveness and fraction of secondary recir-
culation air (return air not directly mixed with outdoor air) of a zone. It is referenced by the
Sizing:Zone and Controller:MechanicalVentilation objects.

1.17.3.1 Inputs
1.17.3.1.1 Field: Name
The unique user assigned name for an instance of this object. Any other object referencing this
object will use this name.

1.17.3.1.2 Field: Zone Air Distribution Effectiveness in Cooling Mode

The positive numeric input for this field is the zone air distribution effectiveness when the zone
is in cooling mode. Default value of this field is 1.0. ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2010 provides typical
values.

1.17.3.1.3 Field: Zone Air Distribution Effectiveness in Heating Mode

The positive numeric input for this field is the zone air distribution effectiveness when the zone
is in heating mode. Default value of this field is 1.0. ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2010 provides typical
values as follows:

1.17.3.1.4 Field: Zone Air Distribution Effectiveness Schedule Name

This optional field input points to a schedule with values of zone air distribution effectiveness. It
provides a more flexible way of specifying zone air distribution effectiveness if it changes with time
and/or system operating status and controls. If the schedule is specified, the zone air distribution
effectiveness in cooling mode and heating mode will be ignored.

1.17.3.1.5 Field: Zone Secondary Recirculation Fraction

The non-negative numeric input for this field is the fraction of a zone’s recirculation air that does
not directly mix with the outdoor air. The zone secondary recirculation fraction Er is determined by
the designer based on system configuration. For plenum return systems with secondary recirculation
(e.g., fan-powered VAV with plenum return) Er is usually less than 1.0, although values may
range from 0.1 to 1.2 depending upon the location of the ventilation zone relative to other zones
and the air handler. For ducted return systems with secondary recirculation (e.g., fan-powered
VAV with ducted return), Er is typically 0.0, while for those with system-level recirculation (e.g,
dual-fan dual-duct systems with ducted return) Er is typically 1.0. For other system types, Er
is typically 0.75. Minimum is 0.0, and default is 0.0 for single-path systems (also to maintain
652 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.72: Zone Air Distribution Effectiveness (Source: ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2010)
1.17. GROUP – DESIGN OBJECTS 653

backward compatibility). For parallel fan-powered VAV systems, the secondary ventilation path
only functions (Er > 0.0) when the fans in the VAV boxes operate, which is during heating. The
local ventilation path and the benefits of secondary recirculation disappear during cooling, when
the local parallel fans are off (Er = 0.0).
An example of this in an IDF context is shown:

DesignSpecification :ZoneAirDistribution ,
CM DSZAD ZN_1_FLR_1_SEC_1 , !- Name
1, !- Zone Air Distribution Effectiveness in Cooling Mode {
dimensionless}
1, !- Zone Air Distribution Effectiveness in Heating Mode {
dimensionless}
; !- Zone Air Distribution Effectiveness Schedule Name

1.17.4 Sizing:Parameters
This object allows the user to specify global heating and cooling sizing ratios. These ratios will be
applied at the zone level to all of the zone heating and cooling loads and air flow rates. These new
loads and air flow rates are then used to calculate the system level flow rates and capacities and
are used in all component sizing calculations.
The user can also specify the width (in load timesteps) of a moving average window which can
be used to smooth the calculated zone design flow sequences. The use of this parameter is described
below.

1.17.4.1 Inputs
1.17.4.1.1 Field: Heating Sizing Factor
The global heating sizing ratio applied to all of the zone design heating loads and air flow rates.

1.17.4.1.2 Field: Cooling Sizing Factor

The global cooling sizing ratio applied to all of the zone design cooling loads and air flow rates

1.17.4.1.3 Field: Timesteps in Averaging Window

The number of load timesteps in the zone design flow sequence averaging window. The default
is 1, in which case the calculated zone design flow rates are averaged over the load timestep.
The zone design air flow rate calculation is performed assuming a potentially infinite supply of
heating or cooling air at a fixed temperature. Thus the calculated design air flow rate will always
be able to meet any load or change in load no matter how large or abrupt. In reality air flow rates
are limited by duct sizes and fan capacities. The idealized zone design flow calculation may result
in unrealistically large flow rates, especially if the user is performing the sizing calculations using
thermostat schedules with night setup or setback. The calculated zone design flow rates are always
averaged over the load timestep. The user may want to perform a broader average to mitigate
the effect of thermostat setup and setback and prevent the warm up or cool down flow rates from
dominating the design flow rate calculation.. Specifying the width of the averaging window allows
the user to do this.
For example, if the load calculation timestep is 15 minutes and the user specifies the Timesteps
in Averaging Window to be 4, the zone design air flows will be averaged over a time period of 1
hour. Specifying 8 would result in averaging over a 2 hour period.
654 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.17.4.2 Outputs
The sizing factors and the averaging window size are reported out on the eplusout.eio file. An
example is:
! <Load Timesteps in Zone Design Calculation Averaging Window >, Value
Timesteps in Averaging Window , 1
! <Heating Sizing Factor Information >, Sizing Factor ID , Value
Heating Sizing Factor , Global , 1.3000
Heating Sizing Factor , Zone SPACE1 -1, 1.3000
Heating Sizing Factor , Zone SPACE2 -1, 1.3000
Heating Sizing Factor , Zone SPACE3 -1, 1.3000
Heating Sizing Factor , Zone SPACE4 -1, 1.3000
Heating Sizing Factor , Zone SPACE5 -1, 1.3000
! <Cooling Sizing Factor Information >, Sizing Factor ID , Value
Cooling Sizing Factor , Global , 1.3000
Cooling Sizing Factor , Zone SPACE1 -1, 1.3000
Cooling Sizing Factor , Zone SPACE2 -1, 1.3000
Cooling Sizing Factor , Zone SPACE3 -1, 1.3000
Cooling Sizing Factor , Zone SPACE4 -1, 1.3000
Cooling Sizing Factor , Zone SPACE5 -1, 1.3000

1.17.5 OutputControl:Sizing:Style
As described early in the document (see: EnergyPlus Output Processing), the user may select the
“style” for the sizing result files (epluszsz.<ext>, eplusssz.<ext>). This object applies to all sizing
output files.
OutputControl:Sizing:Style ,
\memo default style for the Sizing output files is comma -- this works well for
\memo importing into spreadsheet programs such as Excel(tm) but not so well for word
\memo processing progams -- there tab may be a better choice. fixed puts spaces between
\memo the "columns"
\unique -object
A1; \field Column Separator
\required -field
\type choice
\key Comma
\key Tab
\key Fixed

1.17.5.1 Inputs
1.17.5.1.1 Field: Column Separator
For this field, the desired separator for columns is entered. “Comma” creates comma separated
fields/columns in the outputs (eplus<sizing type>.csv files are created). “Tab” creates tab sep-
arated fields/columns in the outputs (eplus<sizing type>.tab files are created). “Fixed” creates
space separated fields/columns in the outputs (eplus<sizing type>.txt files are created) but these
are not necessarily lined up for easy printing.
Note that both tab and comma separated files easily import into Excel™ or other spreadsheet
programs. The tab delimited files can also be viewed by text editors, word processing programs
and easily converted to “tables” within those programs.

1.17.6 Sizing:Zone
The Sizing:Zone object provides the data needed to perform a zone design air flow calculation for
a single zone. This calculation assumes a variable amount of supply air at a fixed temperature and
1.17. GROUP – DESIGN OBJECTS 655

humidity. The information needed consists of the zone inlet supply air conditions: temperature
and humidity ratio for heating and cooling. The calculation is done for every design day included
in the input. The maximum cooling load and air flow and the maximum heating load and air flow
are then saved for the system level design calculations and for the component automatic sizing
calculations.
The Sizing:Zone object is also the place where the user can specify the design outdoor air flow
rate by referencing the name of a design specification outdoor air object. This can be specified in
a number of ways (ref. DesignSpecification:OutdoorAir).This data is saved for use in the system
sizing calculation or for sizing zone components that use outdoor air.
The user can also place limits on the heating and design cooling air flow rates. See Heating
Design Air Flow Method and Cooling Design Air Flow Method below and the explanations of the
various heating and cooling flow input fields.
The user can ask the zone design calculation to take into account the effect of a Dedicated
Outdoor Air System on the zone design loads and airflow rates. The design calculation will calculate
the heat addition rate to the zone of an idealized SOA system and add or subtract the result from
the total zone loads and flow rates.

1.17.6.1 Inputs
1.17.6.1.1 Field: Zone Name
The name of the Zone corresponding to this Sizing:Zone object. This is the zone for which the
design air flow calculation will be made using the input data of this Sizing:Zone Object.

1.17.6.1.2 Field: Zone Cooling Design Supply Air Temperature Input Method

The input must be either SupplyAirTemperature or TemperatureDifference. SupplyAirTemper-

ature means that the user inputs from the fields of Zone Cooling Design Supply Air Temperature
will be used to determine the zone cooling design air flow rates. TemperatureDifference means that
the user inputs from the fields of Zone Cooling Design Supply Air Temperature Difference will be
used to determine the zone cooling design air flow rates.

1.17.6.1.3 Field: Zone Cooling Design Supply Air Temperature

The supply air temperature in degrees Celsius for the zone cooling design air flow rate calcu-
lation. Air is supplied to the zone at this temperature during the cooling design day simulation,
The zone load is met by varying the zone air flow rate. The maximum zone flow rate is saved as
the zone cooling design air flow rate. This field is only used when Zone Cooling Design Supply Air
Temperature Input Method = SupplyAirTemperature.

1.17.6.1.4 Field: Zone Cooling Design Supply Air Temperature Difference

The temperature difference between cooling design supply air temperature and room air tem-
perature in degrees Celsius for the zone cooling design air flow rate calculation. Air is supplied to
the zone at this temperature during the cooling design day simulation. The zone load is met by
varying the zone air flow rate. The maximum zone flow rate is saved as the zone cooling design air
flow rate. This field is only used when Zone Cooling Design Supply Air Temperature Input Method
= TemperatureDifference.
656 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.17.6.1.5 Field: Zone Heating Design Supply Air Temperature Input Method

The input must be either SupplyAirTemperature or TemperatureDifference. SupplyAirTemper-

ature means that the user inputs from the fields of Zone Heating Design Supply Air Temperature
will be used to determine the zone heating design air flow rates. TemperatureDifference means that
the user inputs from the fields of Zone Heating Design Supply Air Temperature Difference will be
used to determine the zone heating design air flow rates.

1.17.6.1.6 Field: Zone Heating Design Supply Air Temperature

The supply air temperature in degrees Celsius for the zone heating design air flow rate calcu-
lation. Air is supplied to the zone at this temperature during the heating design day simulation,
The zone load is met by varying the zone air flow rate. The maximum zone flow rate is saved as
the zone heating design air flow rate. This field is only used when Zone Heating Design Supply Air
Temperature Input Method = SupplyAirTemperature.

1.17.6.1.7 Field: Zone Heating Design Supply Air Temperature Difference

The temperature difference between heating design supply air temperature and room air tem-
perature in degrees Celsius for the zone heating design air flow rate calculation. Air is supplied to
the zone at this temperature during the heating design day simulation. The zone load is met by
varying the zone air flow rate. The maximum zone flow rate is saved as the zone heating design
air flow rate. This field is only used when Zone Heating Design Supply Air Temperature Input
Method = TemperatureDifference.

1.17.6.1.8 Field: Zone Cooling Design Supply Air Humidity Ratio

The humidity ratio in kilograms of water per kilogram of dry air of the supply air in the zone
cooling design air flow rate calculation.

1.17.6.1.9 Field: Zone Heating Design Supply Air Humidity Ratio

The humidity ratio in kilograms of water per kilogram of dry air of the supply air in the zone
heating design air flow rate calculation.

1.17.6.1.10 Field: Design Specification Outdoor Air Object Name

This alpha field specifies the name of a DesignSpecification:OutdoorAir object which specifies
the design outdoor air flow rate for the zone.

1.17.6.1.11 Field: Zone Heating Sizing Factor

This input is a zone level heating sizing ratio. The zone design heating air flow rates and loads
will be multiplied by the number input in this field. This input overrides the building level sizing
factor input in the Sizing:Parameters object. And, of course, if this field is blank or zero, the global
heating sizing factor from the Sizing:Parameters object is used.

1.17.6.1.12 Field: Zone Cooling Sizing Factor

This input is a zone level cooling sizing ratio. The zone design cooling air flow rates and loads
will be multiplied by the number input in this field. This input overrides the building level sizing
factor input in the Sizing:Parameters object. And, of course, if this field is blank or zero, the global
cooling sizing factor from the Sizing:Parameters object is used.
1.17. GROUP – DESIGN OBJECTS 657

1.17.6.1.13 Field: Cooling Design Air Flow Method

The input must be either Flow/Zone, DesignDay, or DesignDayWithLimit. Flow/Zone means
that the program will use the input of the field Cooling Design Air Flow Rate as the zone design
cooling air flow rate. DesignDay means the program will calculate the zone design cooling air flow
rate using the Sizing:Zone input data and a design day simulation without imposing any limits
other than those set by the minimum outside air requirements. DesignDayWithLimit means that
the maximum from Cooling Minimum Air Flow per Zone Floor Area and Cooling Minimum Air
Flow will set a lower limit on the design maximum cooling air flow rate. The default method is
DesignDay: i.e., the program uses the calculated design values subject to ventilation requirements.

1.17.6.1.14 Field: Cooling Design Air Flow Rate

The design zone cooling air flow rate in cubic meters per second. This input is used if Cooling
Design Air Flow Method is specified as Flow/Zone. This value will be multiplied by the global or
zone sizing factor and by zone multipliers.

1.17.6.1.15 Field: Cooling Minimum Air Flow per Zone Floor Area
The minimum zone cooling volumetric flow rate per square meter (units are m3 /s-m2 ). This
field is used when Cooling Design Air Flow Method is specified as DesignDayWithLimit. In this
case it sets a lower bound on the zone design cooling air flow rate. In all cases the maximum flow
derived from Cooling Minimum Air Flow per Zone Floor Area, Cooling Minimum Air Flow, and
Cooling Minimum Air Flow Fraction is used to set a minimum supply air flow rate for the zone for
VAV systems. The default is .000762, corresponding to .15 cfm/ft2 . The applicable sizing factor
is not applied to this value.

1.17.6.1.16 Field: Cooling Minimum Air Flow

The minimum zone cooling volumetric flow rate in m3 /s. This field is used when Cooling Design
Air Flow Method is specified as DesignDayWithLimit. In this case it sets a lower bound on the zone
design cooling air flow rate. In all cases the maximum flow derived from Cooling Minimum Air
Flow per Zone Floor Area, Cooling Minimum Air Flow, and Cooling Minimum Air Flow Fraction is
used to set a minimum supply air flow rate for the zone for VAV systems. The default is zero. The
applicable sizing factor is not applied to this value.

1.17.6.1.17 Field: Cooling Minimum Air Flow Fraction

The minimum zone design cooling volumetric flow rate expressed as a fraction of the zone design
cooling volumetric flow rate. . In all cases the maximum flow derived from Cooling Minimum Air
Flow per Zone Floor Area, Cooling Minimum Air Flow, and Cooling Minimum Air Flow Fraction is
used to set a minimum supply air flow rate for the zone for VAV systems. The default is zero. This
input is currently used in sizing the fan minimum flow rate. It does not currently affect other
component autosizing.

1.17.6.1.18 Field: Heating Design Air Flow Method

The input must be either Flow/Zone, DesignDay, or DesignDayWithLimit. Flow/Zone means
that the program will use the input of the field Heating Design Air Flow Rate as the zone design
heating air flow rate. DesignDay means the program will calculate the zone design heating air flow
rate using the Sizing:Zone input data and a design day simulation without imposing any limits
other than those set by the minimum outside air requirements. DesignDayWithLimit means that
the maximum from Heating Maximum Air Flow per Zone Floor Area and Heating Maximum Air
658 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Flow will set a lower limit on the design maximum heating air flow rate. The default method is
DesignDay: i.e., the program uses the calculated design values subject to ventilation requirements.

1.17.6.1.19 Field: Heating Design Air Flow Rate

The design zone heating air flow rate in cubic meters per second. This input is used if Heating
Design Air Flow Method is specified as Flow/Zone. This value will be multiplied by the global or
zone sizing factor and by zone multipliers.

1.17.6.1.20 Field: Heating Maximum Air Flow per Zone Floor Area
The maximum zone heating volumetric flow rate per square meter (units are m3 /s-m2 ). This
field is used when Heating Design Air Flow Method is specified as DesignDayWithLimit. In this
case it sets an upper bound on the zone design heating air flow rate. For this and the next two input
fields, the maximum flow derived from Heating Maximum Air Flow per Zone Floor Area, Heating
Maximum Air Flow, and Heating Maximum Air Flow Fraction is used to set a maximum heating
supply air flow rate for the zone for VAV systems. The default is .002032, corresponding to .40
cfm/ft2 . If the maximum heating design flow rate calculated using these input fields is greater than
the design heating flow rate calculated during sizing, these input fields have no impact on sizing. It
may be more appropriate to select only one of these three fields to calculate the maximum heating
design flow rate (i.e., if one ore more of these three fields is 0, it will not be used in calculating the
maximum heating design flow rate).

1.17.6.1.21 Field: Heating Maximum Air Flow

The maximum zone heating volumetric flow rate in m3 /s. This field is used when Heating
Design Air Flow Method is specified as DesignDayWithLimit. In this case it sets an upper bound
on the zone design heating air flow rate. For this field and the two input fields just prior to and
after this field„the maximum flow derived from Heating Maximum Air Flow per Zone Floor Area,
Heating Maximum Air Flow, and Heating Maximum Air Flow Fraction is used to set a maximum
heating supply air flow rate for the zone for VAV systems. The default is .1415762, corresponding to
300 cfm. If the maximum heating design flow rate calculated using these input fields is greater than
the design heating flow rate calculated during sizing, these input fields have no impact on sizing. It
may be more appropriate to select only one of these three fields to calculate the maximum heating
design flow rate (i.e., if one ore more of these three fields is 0, it will not be used in calculating the
maximum heating design flow rate).

1.17.6.1.22 Field: Heating Maximum Air Flow Fraction

The maximum zone design heating volumetric flow rate expressed as a fraction of the zone
design cooling volumetric flow rate. For this and the previous two input fields, the maximum flow
derived from Heating Maximum Air Flow per Zone Floor Area, Heating Maximum Air Flow, and
Heating Maximum Air Flow Fraction is used to set a maximum heating supply air flow rate for
the zone for VAV systems. The default is 0.3. If the maximum heating design flow rate calculated
using these input fields is greater than the design heating flow rate calculated during sizing, these
input fields have no impact on sizing. It may be more appropriate to select only one of these three
fields to calculate the maximum heating design flow rate (i.e., if one ore more of these three fields
is 0, it will not be used in calculating the maximum heating design flow rate).

1.17.6.1.23 Field: Design Specification Zone Air Distribution Object Name

1.17. GROUP – DESIGN OBJECTS 659

The name of the DesignSpecification:ZoneAirDistribution object, defining the air distribution

effectiveness and secondary recirculation air fraction, that applies to the zone or zone list. This
object may be used for the same zone in the Controller:MechanicalVentilation object if no such
DesignSpecification:ZoneAirDistribution object is specified.

1.17.6.1.24 Field: Account for Dedicated Outdoor Air System

This is a choice field with choices Yes or No. The default is No. Choosing Yes means that
the zone sizing calculation will use the subsequent inputs to calculate the heat gain or loss (heat
gains are positive, heat loss is negative) imposed on the zone by a Dedicated Outdoor Air System
(DOAS). This heat gain is then added to the zone design heat gain for the zone and the zone design
air flow rate is adjusted to meet the DOAS heat gain plus the zone design heat gain.

1.17.6.1.25 Field: Dedicated Outdoor Air System Control Strategy

This is a choice field with a choice of three ideal control strategies for the DOA system. The
choices are NeutralSupplyAir, NeutralDehumidifiedSupplyAir, or ColdSupplyAir. The default is
NeutralSupplyAir.
NeutralSupplyAir implies that the ventilation air supplied to the zone will cause little heating or
cooling. The air will be heated or cooled to keep it between the low and high temperature setpoints
specified in the subsequent two fields. A good choice for these fields might be 21.1 and 23.9 degrees
C.
NeutralDehumidifiedSupplyAir means that the ventilation air will be cooled and dehumidified
and then reheated to a neutral temperature. The ventilation air is cooled to the lower setpoint
temperature (if necessary) and reheated to the upper setpoint temperature. A good choice for the
setpoints would be 14.4 and 22.2 degrees C.
ColdSupplyAir means that the ventilation air will be used to supply cooling to the zone. Cold
outside air is heated to the upper setpoint; warm outside air is cooled to the lower setpoint. A
good choice for the setpoints would be 12.2 and 14.4 degrees C.

1.17.6.1.26 Field: Dedicated Outdoor Air Low Temperatue Setpoint for Design

The lower setpoint temperature to be used with the DOAS design control strategy. The units
are degrees C. The default is autosized to the values given above for the three design control
strategies.

1.17.6.1.27 Field: Dedicated Outdoor Air High Temperature Setpoint for De-
sign
The higher setpoint temperature to be used with the DOAS design control strategy. The units
are degrees C. The default is autosized to the values given above for the three design control
strategies.
An IDF example:

Sizing:Zone ,
SPACE5 -1, !- Name of a zone
14., !- Zone cooling design supply air temperature {C}
50., !- Zone heating design supply air temperature {C}
0.009 , !- Zone cooling design supply air humidity ratio {kg -H2O/kg -air}
0.004 , !- Zone heating design supply air humidity ratio {kg -H2O/kg -air}
DSOA1 , !- Design Specification Outdoor Air Object Name
0.0, !- zone heating sizing factor
0.0, !- zone cooling sizing factor
660 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

designdaywithlimit , !- Cooling Design Air Flow Method

, !- cooling design air flow rate {m3/s}
, !- Cooling Minimum Air Flow per zone area {m3/s-m2}
, !- Cooling Minimum Air Flow {m3/s}
, !- fraction of the cooling design air flow rate
designday , !- Heating Design Air Flow Method
, !- heating design air flow rate {m3/s}
, !- heating max air flow per zone area {m3/s-m2}
, !- heating max air flow {m3/s}
, !- fraction of the cooling design air flow rate
DSZADO1 , !- Design Specification Zone Air Distribution Object Name
Yes , !- Account for Dedicated Outside Air System
ColdSupplyAir , !- Dedicated Outside Air System Control Strategy
12.2, !- Dedicated Outside Air Low Setpoint for Design
14.4; !- Dedicated Outside Air High Setpoint for Design

DesignSpecification:OutdoorAir ,
DSOA1 , !- Name
SUM , !- Outdoor Air Method
0.00236 , !- Outdoor Air Flow per Person
0.000305 , !- Outdoor Air Flow per Zone Floor Area
0.0, !- Outdoor Air Flow per Zone
0.0, !- Outdoor Air Flow Air Changes per Hour
; !- Outdoor Air Flow Rate Fraction Schedule Name

DesignSpecification:ZoneAirDistribution ,
DSZADO1 , !- Name
1.0, !- Zone Air Distribution Effectiveness in Cooling Mode
1.0, !- Zone Air Distribution Effectiveness in Heating Mode
, !- Zone Air Distribution Effectiveness Schedule Name
0.3; !- Zone Secondary Recirculation Fraction

1.17.6.2 Outputs
The zone design air flow rates and loads are output onto the local file “epluszsz.<ext>” where <ext>
is the extension from the sizing style object (default is csv – a comma separated file epluszsz.csv).
The columns are clearly labeled. It will easily import into Excel or other spreadsheet program
that accepts delimited files. All of these values are design air flow rates and loads calculated by the
program. No sizing factors have been applied.
The calculated zone design air flow rates and the user input or altered zone design air flow
rates are also reported on the eplusout.eio file. The values are printed out for each zone as comma
separated records beginning with Zone Sizing. Items output on the eio file are: zone name, load
type (heating or cooling), design load, calculated design air flow rate, user design air flow rate,
design day name, time of peak, outside temperature at peak, outside humidity ratio at peak.

1.17.7 DesignSpecification:ZoneHVAC:Sizing
This object is used to describe general sizing and scalable sizing methods which are referenced by
zone HVAC equipment objects. It is optional input field in zone HVAC objects. If a name of this
optional input is not specified or is blank then the sizing method or input specified in the parent
object is used. If the name of this object is entered, then the values or method specified overrides
the sizing method in the parent zone HVAC objects. This object is meant to provide scalable sizing
method to users. The name of this object is an optional input field in the zoneHVAC objects.
When this name in not specified in the zone HVAC object the sizing method or the value specified
in the zone HVAC object will be used.
List of zoneHVAC objects than can reference this object include:
1.17. GROUP – DESIGN OBJECTS 661

• ZoneHVAC:TerminalUnit:VariableRefrigerantFlow

• ZoneHVAC:PackagedTerminalAirConditioner

• ZoneHVAC:PackagedTerminalHeatPump

• ZoneHVAC:WaterToAirHeatPump

• ZoneHVAC:WindowAirConditioner

• ZoneHVAC:UnitHeater

• ZoneHVAC:UnitVentilator

• ZoneHVAC:FourPipeFanCoil

• ZoneHVAC:VentilatedSlab

• ZoneHVAC:EvaporativeCoolerUnit

• ZoneHVAC:IdealLoadsAirSystem

The sizing methods input fields available in this objects are for supply air flow and capac-
ity for heating and cooling operating modes. Some zone HVAC equipment has single supply air
flow rate input field that serves both cooling and heating operating modes. So entering either
of the cooling or heating scalable sizing input field is sufficient. When there are separate input
fields for cooling, heating, no-cooling, and no-heating operating modes, the corresponding input
fields are specified. The child components supply air flow rate are also sized using scalable sizing
methods specified in the parent objects. The methods allow users to enter a fixed or hard sized
values, autosizable, or scalable sizing methods. Methods allowed for sizing supply air flow rates
include: SupplyAirFlowRate, FractionOfAutosizedCoolingAirflow, FractionOfAutosizedHeatingAir-
flow, FlowPerFloorArea, FlowPerCoolingCapacity, and FlowPerHeatingCapacity. The different
sizing options are defined as follows:

• SupplyAirFlowRate: entered when it is intended that the user specified either hard value
or the simulation engine autosize the supply air flow rates for cooling, heating, and no-cooling
or no-heating operating modes.

• FlowPerFloorArea: entered when it is intended that the simulation engine determine the
supply air flow rates from the user specified supply air flow rates per unit floor area and the
zone floor area of the zone served by the zone HVAC equipment.

• FractionOfAutosizedCoolingAirflow: entered when it is intended that the simulation

engine determines the supply air flow rates from the user specified flow fraction and autosized
cooling design supply air flow rate.

• FractionOfAutosizedHeatingAirflow: entered when it is intended that the simulation

engine determines the supply air flow rates from the user specified flow fraction and autosized
heating design supply air flow rate.

• FlowPerCoolingCapacity: entered when it is intended t that he simulation engine deter-

mines the supply air flow rates from the user specified supply air flow per cooling capacity
value and autosized cooling design capacity.
662 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• FlowPerHeatingCapacity: entered when it is intended that the simulation engine deter-

mines the supply air flow rates from the user specified supply air flow per heating capacity
value and autosized heating design capacity.

The Design Specification ZoneHVAC Sizing object also has input fields for sizing or scalable
sizing of cooling and heating capacity. However, most of the parent zone HVAC objects do not
have input fields for sizing capacities. So, the capacity scalable sizing fields in the parent ob-
jects are used for sizing child components capacity sizings. The scalable capacity sizing may
be indirectly impacted by the scalable supply air flow rates sizing values. Moreover, the auto-
sized cold water, hot water and steam flow rates in the parent zone HVAC objects (e.g. FanCoils,
UnitHeaters, UnitVentilators, and VentilatedSlabs) and capacity in child components are deter-
mined using the scalable sizing methods. Sizing methods allowed for cooling and heating capacity
include: CoolingDesignCapacity, HeatingDesignCapacity, CapacityPerFloorArea, FractionOfAuto-
sizedCoolingCapacity, FractionOfAutosizedHeatingCapacity.

• CoolingDesignCapacity: entered when it is intended that user specifies either a hard sized
cooling capacity value or the simulation engine autosizes cooling capacity value for the cooling
design capacity.

• HeatingDesignCapacity: entered when it is intended that user specifies either a hard

sized heating capacity value or the simulation engine autosized heating capacity value for the
heating design capacity.

• CapacityPerFloorArea: is entered when it is intended that the simulation engine deter-

mines the cooling or heating capacity from user specified capacity per floor area value and
the floor area of the zone served by the zone HVAC equipment.

• FractionOfAutosizedCoolingCapacity: entered when it is intended that the simulation

engine sizes the cooling capacity from the user specified capacity fraction and autosized cooling
design capacity value.

• FractionOfAutosizedHeatingCapacity: entered when it is intended that the simulation

engine sizes the heating capacity from the user specified capacity fraction and autosized
heating design capacity value.

Description of the input fields of the design specification zone HVAC sizing object “DesignSpec-
ification:ZoneHVAC:Sizing”:

1.17.7.1 Inputs
1.17.7.1.1 Field: Name
Unique identifier name of the DesignSpecification:ZoneHVAC:Sizing object. This sizing speci-
fication object referenced by a zone HVAC equipment whose design calculation will be made using
the input data of this object.

1.17.7.1.2 Field: Cooling Design Air Flow Method

The input of this field must be the method used to determine the cooling supply air volume
flow rate. Input allowed is either None, SupplyAirFlowRate, FlowPerFloorArea, FractionOfAuto-
sizedCoolingAirflow, or FlowPerCoolingCapacity. None means cooling coil is not included in the
zone HVAC equipment or this field may be left blank. SupplyAirFlowRate means the user specifies
1.17. GROUP – DESIGN OBJECTS 663

the magnitude of supply air flow rate or the program calculates the design cooling supply air vol-
ume flow rate if autosize is specified. FlowPerFloorArea means the program calculates the cooling
supply air volume flow rate from zone floor area served by the zone HVAC unit and user specified
Flow Per Floor Area value. FractionOfAutosizedCoolingAirflow means the program calculates the
cooling supply air volume flow rate from user specified fraction and the autosized design cooling
supply air volume flow rate value determined by the simulation. FlowPerCoolingCapacity means
the supply air volume is calculated from user specified flow per cooling capacity and design cooling
capacity determined by the simulation. The default method is SupplyAirFlowRate.

1.17.7.1.3 Field: Cooling Design Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}

Enter the magnitude of the cooling supply air volume flow rate in m3/s. This input is an
alternative to using the program auto-calculated value. This input is a required field when the
Cooling Design air Flow Method is SupplyAirFlowRate. This field may be left blank if a cooling
coil is not included in the zone HVAC equipment. This input field is also autosizable.

1.17.7.1.4 Field: Cooling Design Supply Air Flow Rate Per Floor Area {m3/s-
m2}
Enter the cooling supply air volume flow rate per zone conditioned floor area in m3/s-m2. This
field is required field when the Cooling Design air Flow Method is FlowPerFloorArea. This field
may be left blank if a cooling coil is not included in the zone HVAC equipment or the Cooling
Design Air Flow Method is not FlowPerFloorArea. The program calculates the cooling supply air
volume flow rate from the zone conditioned floor area served by the zone HVAC equipment and
the flow per unit area value specified by the user. Zone sizing object (Sizing:Zone) is not required.

1.17.7.1.5 Field: Fraction of Autosized Cooling Design Supply Air Flow Rate
Enter the cooling supply air volume flow rate as a fraction of the autosized cooling supply air
flow rate. This input field is required when the Cooling Design air Flow Method is FractionOfAu-
tosizedCoolingAirflow. This input field may be left blank if a cooling coil is not included in the
zone HVAC equipment or the Cooling Design air Flow Method is not FractionOfAutosizedCoolin-
gAirflow. The program calculates the cooling supply air volume flow rate from the design autosized
cooling supply air flow rate and user specified fraction. Zone sizing object (Sizing:Zone) is required.

1.17.7.1.6 Field: Cooling Design Supply Air Flow Rate Per Unit Cooling Ca-
pacity {m3/s-W}
Enter the cooling supply air volume flow rate per unit cooling capacity in m3/s-W. This input
field is required when the Cooling Design air Flow Method is FlowPerCoolingCapacity. This field
may be left blank if a cooling coil is not included in the zone HVAC equipment or the Cooling Design
air Flow Method is not FlowPerCoolingCapacity. The program calculates the cooling supply air
volume flow rate from the design autosized cooling capacity and user specified flow per cooling
capacity value. Zone sizing object (Sizing:Zone) is required.

1.17.7.1.7 Field: Supply Air Flow Rate Method When No Cooling or Heating
is Required
Enter the method used to determine the supply air volume flow rate when No Cooling or
Heating is required. Inputs allowed are None, SupplyAirFlowRate, FlowPerFloorArea, FractionO-
fAutosizedCoolingAirflow, and FractionOfAutosizedHeatingAirflow. None is used when a cooling or
664 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

heating coil is not included in the zone HVAC equipment or this field may be left blank. SupplyAir-
FlowRate means user specifies the magnitude of supply air flow rate or the program calculates the
design supply air volume flow rate if autosize is specified. FlowPerFloorArea means the program
calculates the supply air volume flow rate from the zone floor area served by the zone HVAC unit
and Flow Per Floor Area value specified by user. FractionOfAutosizedCoolingAirflow means the
program calculates the supply air volume flow rate from user specified fraction and autosized design
cooling supply air volume flow rate value determined by the program. FractionOfAutosizedHeatin-
gAirflow means the program calculates the supply air volume flow rate from user specified fraction
and autosized heating supply air flow rate value determined by the program. The default method
is SupplyAirFlowRate.

1.17.7.1.8 Field: Supply Air Flow Rate When No Cooling or Heating is Re-
quired {m3/s}
Enter the magnitude of the supply air volume flow rate when no cooling or heating is required
in m3/s. This input is an alternative to using the program auto-calculated value. This input is a
required field when the Supply Air Flow Rate Method When No Cooling or Heating is Required is
SupplyAirFlowRate. This field may be left blank if a cooling coil is not included in the zone HVAC
equipment. This input field is also autosizable.

1.17.7.1.9 Field: Supply Air Flow Rate Per Floor Area When No Clg or Htg is
Required {m3/s-m2}
Enter the magnitude of supply air volume flow rate per zone floor area in m3/s-m2. This input
is a required field when Supply Air Flow Rate Method When No Cooling or Heating is Required
is FlowPerFloorArea. The program calculates the supply air flow rate when no cooling or heating
is required from user specified flow per floor area and the zone area served by current zoneHVAC
equipment.

1.17.7.1.10 Field: Fraction of Design Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate When No
Clg or Htg Required
Enter the fraction of supply air volume flow rate as a fraction of the autosized cooling supply air
flow rate. This input field is required field when Supply Air Flow Rate Method When No Cooling
or Heating is Required is FractionOfAutosizedCoolingAirflow. The program calculates the supply
air flow rate when no cooling or heating is required from user specified fraction and the design
cooling autosized supply air flow rate.

1.17.7.1.11 Field: Fraction of Design Heating Supply Air Flow Rate When No
Clg or Htg Required
Enter the fraction of supply air volume flow rate as a fraction of the autosized cooling supply air
flow rate. This input field is required field when Supply Air Flow Rate Method When No Cooling
or Heating is Required is FractionOfAutosizedHeatingAirflow. The program calculates the supply
air flow rate when no cooling or heating is required from user specified fraction and the design
heating autosized supply air flow rate.

1.17.7.1.12 Field: Heating Design Air Flow Method

The input of this field must be the method used to determine the heating supply air volume
flow rate. Input allowed is either None, SupplyAirFlowRate, FlowPerFloorArea, FractionOfAuto-
sizedCoolingAirflow, or FlowPerCoolingCapacity. None means heating coil is not included in the
1.17. GROUP – DESIGN OBJECTS 665

zone HVAC equipment or this field may be left blank. SupplyAirFlowRate means the user specifies
the magnitude of supply air flow rate or the program calculates the design heating supply air vol-
ume flow rate if autosize is specified. FlowPerFloorArea means the program calculates the heating
supply air volume flow rate from zone floor area served by the zone HVAC unit and user specified
Flow Per Floor Area value. FractionOfAutosizedHeatingAirflow means the program calculates the
heating supply air volume flow rate from user specified fraction and the autosized design heating
supply air volume flow rate value determined by the simulation. FlowPerHeatingCapacity means
the supply air volume is calculated from user specified flow per heating capacity and design heating
capacity determined by the simulation. The default method is SupplyAirFlowRate.

1.17.7.1.13 Field: Heating Design Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}

Enter the magnitude of the heating supply air volume flow rate in m3/s. This input is an
alternative to using the program auto-calculated value. This input is a required field when the
Heating Design air Flow Method is SupplyAirFlowRate. This field may be left blank if a heating
coil is not included in the zone HVAC equipment. This input field is also autosizable.

1.17.7.1.14 Field: Heating Design Supply Air Flow Rate Per Floor Area {m3/s-
m2}
Enter the heating supply air volume flow rate per zone conditioned floor area in m3/s-m2. This
field is required field when the Heating Design air Flow Method is FlowPerFloorArea. This field
may be left blank if a heating coil is not included in the zone HVAC equipment or the Heating
Design Air Flow Method is not FlowPerFloorArea. The program calculates the heating supply air
volume flow rate from the zone conditioned floor area served by the zone HVAC equipment and
the flow per unit area value specified by the user.

1.17.7.1.15 Field: Fraction of Autosized Heating Design Supply Air Flow Rate

Enter the heating supply air volume flow rate as a fraction of the autosized heating supply air
flow rate. This input field is required when the Heating Design air Flow Method is FractionOfAuto-
sizedHeatingAirflow. This input field may be left blank if a heating coil is not included in the zone
HVAC equipment or the Heating Design air Flow Method is not FractionOfAutosizedHeatingAir-
flow. The program calculates the heating supply air volume flow rate from the design autosized
heating supply air flow rate and user specified fraction.

1.17.7.1.16 Field: Heating Design Supply Air Flow Rate Per Unit Heating Ca-
pacity {m3/s-W}
Enter the heating supply air volume flow rate per unit heating capacity in m3/s-W. This input
field is required when the Heating Design air Flow Method is FlowPerHeatingCapacity. This field
may be left blank if a cooling coil is not included in the zone HVAC equipment or the Heating Design
air Flow Method is not FlowPerHeatingCapacity. The program calculates the heating supply air
volume flow rate from the design autosized heating capacity and user specified flow per unit heating
capacity value.

1.17.7.1.17 Field Cooling Design Capacity Method

Enter the method used to determine the cooling design capacity for scalable sizing. Input
allowed is either None, CoolingDesignCapacity, CapacityPerFloorArea, and FractionOfAutosized-
CoolingCapacity. None is used when a cooling coil is not included in the Zone HVAC equipment
666 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

or this field may be left blank. If this input field is left blank, then the design cooling capacity
is set to zero. CoolingDesignCapacity means user specifies the magnitude of cooling capacity or
the program calculates the design cooling capacity if autosize is specified. CapacityPerFloorArea
means the program calculates the design cooling capacity from user specified cooling capacity per
floor area and floor area of the zone served by the HVAC unit. FractionOfAutosizedCoolingCapac-
ity means the program calculates the design cooling capacity from user specified fraction and the
auto-sized design cooling capacity. The default method is CoolingDesignCapacity.

1.17.7.1.18 Field: Cooling Design Capacity {W}

Enter the magnitude of the cooling capacity in Watts. This input is an alternative to using the
program auto-calculated cooling capacity value. This input is a required field when the Cooling
Design Capacity Method is CoolingDesignCapacity. This field may be left blank if a cooling coil is
not included in the zone HVAC equipment or alternative method is specified. This input field is
autosizable. Design day sizing run must be specified.

1.17.7.1.19 Field: Cooling Design Capacity Per Floor Area {W/m2}

Enter the cooling capacity per unit floor area in m3/s-m2. This field is required field when the
Cooling Design Capacity Method is CapacityPerFloorArea. This field may be left blank if a cooling
coil is not included in the zone HVAC equipment or the Cooling Design Capacity Method is not
CapacityPerFloorArea. The program calculates the cooling capacity from floor area of the zone
served by the zone HVAC equipment and the cooling capacity per unit floor area value specified
by the user.

1.17.7.1.20 Field: Fraction of Autosized Cooling Design Capacity

Enter the cooling capacity as a fraction of the autosized cooling capacity. This input field is
required when the Cooling Design Capacity Method is FractionOfAutosizedCoolingCapacity. This
input field may be left blank if a cooling coil is not included in the zone HVAC equipment or
the Cooling Design Capacity Method is not FractionOfAutosizedCoolingCapacity. The program
calculates the cooling capacity from the design autosized cooling capacity and user specified fraction.
Design day sizing run must be specified.

1.17.7.1.21 Field: Heating Design Capacity Method

Enter the method used to determine the heating design capacity for scalable sizing. Input
allowed is either None, HeatingDesignCapacity, CapacityPerFloorArea, and FractionOfAutosized-
HeatingCapacity. None is used when a heating coil is not included in the Zone HVAC equipment
or this field may be left blank. If this input field is left blank, then the design heating capacity
is set to zero. HeatingDesignCapacity means user specifies the magnitude of heating capacity or
the program calculates the design heating capacity if autosize is specified. CapacityPerFloorArea
means the program calculates the design heating capacity from user specified heating capacity per
floor area and floor area of the zone served by the HVAC unit. FractionOfAutosizedHeatingCapac-
ity means the program calculates the design heating capacity from user specified fraction and the
auto-sized design heating capacity. The default method is HeatingDesignCapacity.

1.17.7.1.22 Field: Heating Design Capacity {W}

Enter the magnitude of the heating capacity in Watts. This input is an alternative to using the
program auto-calculated heating capacity value. This input is a required field when the Heating
Design Capacity Method is HeatingDesignCapacity. This field may be left blank if a heating coil
1.17. GROUP – DESIGN OBJECTS 667

is not included in the zone HVAC equipment or alternative method is specified. This input field is
autosizable. Design day sizing run must be specified.

1.17.7.1.23 Field: Heating Design Capacity Per Floor Area {W/m2}

Enter the heating capacity per unit floor area in m3/s-m2. This field is required field when the
Heating Design Capacity Method is CapacityPerFloorArea. This field may be left blank if a heating
coil is not included in the zone HVAC equipment or the Heating Design Capacity Method is not
CapacityPerFloorArea. The program calculates the heating capacity from floor area of the zone
served by the zone HVAC equipment and the heating capacity per unit floor area value specified
by the user.

1.17.7.1.24 Field: Fraction of Autosized Heating Design Capacity

Enter the heating capacity as a fraction of the autosized heating capacity. This input field is
required when the Heating Design Capacity Method is FractionOfAutosizedHeatingCapacity. This
input field may be left blank if a heating coil is not included in the zone HVAC equipment or the
Heating Design Capacity Method is not FractionOfAutosizedHeatingCapacity. The program calcu-
lates the heating capacity from the design autosized cooling capacity and user specified fraction.
Design day sizing run must be specified.

DesignSpecification:ZoneHVAC:Sizing ,
VRFDesignSpec1 , !- Name
SupplyAirFlowRate , !- Cooling Design Air Flow Method
autosize , !- Cooling Design Supply Air Flow Rate
, !- Cooling Design Supply Air Flow Rate Per Floor Area
, !- Fraction of Autosized Cooling Design Supply Air Flow Rate
, !- Cooling Design Supply Air Flow Rate Per Unit of Capacity {m3/s-
W}
SupplyAirFlowRate , !- Supply Air Flow Rate Method When No Cooling or Heating is
Required
autosize , !- Supply Air Flow Rate When No Cooling or Heating is Required
, !- Supply Air Flow Rate Per Floor Area When No Clg or Htg is
Required
, !- Fraction of Autosized Design Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate When No
Clg or Htg
, !- Fraction of Autosized Design Heating Supply Air Flow Rate When No
Clg or Htg
SupplyAirFlowRate , !- Heating Design Air Flow Method
autosize , !- Heating Design Supply Air Flow Rate
, !- Heating Design Supply Air Flow Rate Per Floor Area
, !- Fraction of Autosized Heating Design Supply Air Flow Rate
, !- Heating Design Supply Air Flow Rate Per Unit of Heating
Capacity
CoolingDesignCapacity , !- Cooling Design Capacity Method
autosize , !- Cooling Design Capacity {W}
, !- Cooling Design Capacity Per Floor Area {W/m2}
, !- Fraction of Autosized Cooling Design Capacity {-}
HeatingDesignCapacity , !- Heating Design Capacity Method
autosize , !- Heating Design Capacity {W}
, !- Heating Design Capacity Per Floor Area {W/m2}
; !- Fraction of Autosized Cooling Design Capacity {-}

DesignSpecification :ZoneHVAC:Sizing ,
VRFDesignSpec2 , !- Name
FlowPerFloorArea , !- Cooling Design Air Flow Method
, !- Cooling Design Supply Air Flow Rate
3.6311418E-03, !- Cooling Design Supply Air Flow Rate Per Floor Area
, !- Fraction of Autosized Cooling Design Supply Air Flow Rate
, !- Cooling Design Supply Air Flow Rate Per Unit of Capacity {m3/s-
W}
668 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

FlowPerFloorArea , !- Supply Air Flow Rate Method When No Cooling or Heating is

Required
, !- Supply Air Flow Rate When No Cooling or Heating is Required
3.6311418E-03, !- Supply Air Flow Rate Per Floor Area When No Clg or Htg is
Required
, !- Fraction of Autosized Design Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate When No
Clg or Htg
, !- Fraction of Autosized Design Heating Supply Air Flow Rate When No
Clg or Htg
FlowPerFloorArea , !- Heating Design Air Flow Method
, !- Heating Design Supply Air Flow Rate
3.6311418E-03, !- Heating Design Supply Air Flow Rate Per Floor Area
, !- Fraction of Autosized Heating Design Supply Air Flow Rate
, !- Heating Design Supply Air Flow Rate Per Unit of Heating
Capacity
CoolingDesignCapacity , !- Cooling Design Capacity Method
autosize , !- Cooling Design Capacity {W}
, !- Cooling Design Capacity Per Floor Area {W/m2}
, !- Fraction of Autosized Cooling Design Capacity {-}
HeatingDesignCapacity , !- Heating Design Capacity Method
autosize , !- Heating Design Capacity {W}
, !- Heating Design Capacity Per Floor Area {W/m2}
; !- Fraction of Autosized Cooling Design Capacity {-}

DesignSpecification:ZoneHVAC:Sizing ,
VRFDesignSpec3 , !- Name
FractionOfAutosizedCoolingAirflow , !- Cooling Design Air Flow Method
, !- Cooling Design Supply Air Flow Rate
, !- Cooling Design Supply Air Flow Rate Per Floor Area
0.5, !- Fraction of Autosized Cooling Design Supply Air Flow Rate
, !- Cooling Design Supply Air Flow Rate Per Unit of Capacity {m3/s-
W}
FractionOfAutosizedCoolingAirflow , !- Supply Air Flow Rate Method When No Cooling or Heating
is Required
, !- Supply Air Flow Rate When No Cooling or Heating is Required
, !- Supply Air Flow Rate Per Floor Area When No Clg or Htg is
Required
0.5, !- Fraction of Autosized Design Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate When No
Clg or Htg
, !- Fraction of Autosized Design Heating Supply Air Flow Rate When No
Clg or Htg
FractionOfAutosizedHeatingAirflow , !- Heating Design Air Flow Method
, !- Heating Design Supply Air Flow Rate
, !- Heating Design Supply Air Flow Rate Per Floor Area
0.5, !- Fraction of Autosized Heating Design Supply Air Flow Rate
, !- Heating Design Supply Air Flow Rate Per Unit of Heating
Capacity
CoolingDesignCapacity , !- Cooling Design Capacity Method
autosize , !- Cooling Design Capacity {W}
, !- Cooling Design Capacity Per Floor Area {W/m2}
, !- Fraction of Autosized Cooling Design Capacity {-}
HeatingDesignCapacity , !- Heating Design Capacity Method
autosize , !- Heating Design Capacity {W}
, !- Heating Design Capacity Per Floor Area {W/m2}
; !- Fraction of Autosized Cooling Design Capacity {-}

DesignSpecification:ZoneHVAC:Sizing ,
VRFDesignSpec4 , !- Name
FlowPerCoolingCapacity , !- Cooling Design Air Flow Method
, !- Cooling Design Supply Air Flow Rate
, !- Cooling Design Supply Air Flow Rate Per Floor Area
, !- Fraction of Autosized Cooling Design Supply Air Flow Rate
2.9541628E-05, !- Cooling Design Supply Air Flow Rate Per Unit of Capacity {m3/s-
W}
FractionOfAutosizedHeatingAirflow , !- Supply Air Flow Rate Method When No Cooling or Heating
is Required
, !- Supply Air Flow Rate When No Cooling or Heating is Required
, !- Supply Air Flow Rate Per Floor Area When No Clg or Htg is
1.17. GROUP – DESIGN OBJECTS 669

Required
, !- Fraction of Autosized Design Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate When No
Clg or Htg
0.413231177 , !- Fraction of Autosized Design Heating Supply Air Flow Rate When No
Clg or Htg
FlowPerHeatingCapacity , !- Heating Design Air Flow Method
, !- Heating Design Supply Air Flow Rate
, !- Heating Design Supply Air Flow Rate Per Floor Area
, !- Fraction of Autosized Heating Design Supply Air Flow Rate
2.9541628E-05, !- Heating Design Supply Air Flow Rate Per Unit of Heating
Capacity
CoolingDesignCapacity , !- Cooling Design Capacity Method
autosize , !- Cooling Design Capacity {W}
, !- Cooling Design Capacity Per Floor Area {W/m2}
, !- Fraction of Autosized Cooling Design Capacity {-}
HeatingDesignCapacity , !- Heating Design Capacity Method
autosize , !- Heating Design Capacity {W}
, !- Heating Design Capacity Per Floor Area {W/m2}
; !- Fraction of Autosized Cooling Design Capacity {-}

1.17.8 Sizing:System
The Sizing:System object contains the input needed to perform a central forced air system design
air flow, heating capacity, and cooling capacity calculation for a system serving one or more zones.
The information needed consists of the outside environmental conditions and the design supply air
temperatures, outdoor air flow rate, and minimum system air flow ratio.
The outside conditions come from the design days in the input. A system sizing calculation is
performed for every design day in the input file and the resulting maximum heating and cooling
air flow rates and capacities are saved for use in the component sizing calculations.
Supply air conditions are specified by inputting a supply air temperature for cooling, a supply
air temperature for heating, and a preheat temperature.
The system sizing calculation sums the zone design air flow rates to obtain a system supply air
flow rate. The design conditions and the outdoor air flow rate are used to calculate a design mixed
air temperature. The temperature plus the design supply air temperatures allows the calculation
of system design heating and cooling capacities.

1.17.8.1 Inputs
1.17.8.1.1 Field: AirLoop Name
The name of the AirLoopHVAC corresponding to this Sizing:System object. This is the air
system for which the design calculation will be made using the input data of this Sizing:System
Object.

1.17.8.1.2 Field: Type of Load to Size On

The user specified type of load on which to size the central system. The choices are Sensible,
Total and VentilationRequirement. Sensible and Total mean that the central system supply air flow
rate will be determined by combining the zone design air flow rates, which have been calculated
to meet the zone sensible loads from the design days. VentilationRequirement means that the
central system supply air flow rate will be determined by the system ventilation requirement. In
addition Sensible tells the program to size the central cooling coil using entering air flow rate and
air conditions at the sensible load peak; Total indicates that the program should size the central
cooling coil at the air flow rate and conditions at the total load peak. The central heating coil is
always sized at the conditions at the peak sensible heating load.
670 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.17.8.1.3 Field: Design Outdoor Air Flow Rate

The design outdoor air flow rate in cubic meters per second. Generally this should be the
minimum outdoor air flow. It is used for both heating and cooling design calculations. The
assumption for cooling is that any outdoor air economizer will be closed. If Autosize is input the
outdoor air flow rate will be taken from the sum of the zone outdoor air flow rates or calculated
based on the System Outdoor Air Method selection (field below).

1.17.8.1.4 Field: Central Heating Maximum System Air Flow Ratio

The ratio of the maximum system air flow rate for heating to the maximum system air flow
rate. The value must be between 0 and 1. For constant volume systems the ratio should be set
to 1. This ratio should be set to reflect what the user expects the system flow rate to be when
maximum heating demand occurs. This ratio is used in calculating the central system heating
capacity. Thus if the system is VAV with the zone VAV dampers held at minimum flow when there
is a zone heating demand, this ratio should be set to the minimum flow ratio. If the zone VAV
dampers are reverse action and can open to full flow to meet heating demand, this ratio should be
set to 1. The default is set to 0.5, reflecting the fact that VAV dampers are typically not allowed
to fully open during heating.

1.17.8.1.5 Field: Preheat Design Temperature

The design air temperature exiting the preheat coil (if any) in degrees Celsius.

1.17.8.1.6 Field: Preheat Design Humidity Ratio

The design humidity ratio exiting the preheat coil (if any) in kilograms of water per kilogram
of dry air. (kgWater/kgDryAir)

1.17.8.1.7 Field: Precool Design Temperature

The design air temperature exiting the precooling coil (if any) in degrees Celsius.

1.17.8.1.8 Field: Precool Design Humidity Ratio

The design humidity ratio exiting the precooling coil (if any) in kilograms of water per kilogram
of dry air. (kgWater/kgDryAir)

1.17.8.1.9 Field: Central Cooling Design Supply Air Temperature

The design supply air temperature for cooling in degrees Celsius. This should be the tempera-
ture of the air exiting the central cooling coil.

1.17.8.1.10 Field: Central Heating Design Supply Air Temperature

The design supply air temperature for heating in degrees Celsius. This can be either the reset
temperature for a single duct system or the actual hot duct supply air temperature for dual duct
systems. It should be the temperature at the exit of the main heating coil. This value is also used
for the sizing of zone equipment (e.g., reheat coil) for the system embedded with central heating
coils, but it is not used if there is no central heating coil in the system.

1.17.8.1.11 Field: Type of Zone Sum to Use

If the input is coincident the central system air flow rate will be sized on the sum of the
coincident zone air flow rates. If the input is noncoincident the central system air flow rate will be
sized on the sum of the noncoincident zone air flow rates. The default is noncoincident.
1.17. GROUP – DESIGN OBJECTS 671

1.17.8.1.12 Field: 100% Outdoor Air in Cooling

Entering Yes means the system will be sized for cooling using 100% outdoor air. Entering No
means the system will be sized for cooling using minimum outside air (the default).

1.17.8.1.13 Field: 100% Outdoor Air in Heating

Entering Yes means the system will be sized for heating using 100% outdoor air. Entering No
means the system will be sized for heating using minimum outside air (the default).

1.17.8.1.14 Field: Central Cooling Design Supply Air Humidity Ratio

The design humidity ratio in kilograms of water per kilogram of dry air at the exit of the central
cooling coil. The default is .008 (kgWater/kgDryAir).

1.17.8.1.15 Field: Central Heating Design Supply Air Humidity Ratio

The design humidity ratio in kilograms of water per kilogram of dry air at the exit of the
central heating coil. This value is also used for the sizing of zone equipment (e.g., reheat coil) for
the system embedded with central heating coils, but it is not used if there is no central heating coil
in the system. The default is .008 (kgWater/kgDryAir).

1.17.8.1.16 Field: Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate Method

The input of this field must be the method used to determine the airloop cooling supply air
volume flow rate. The input must be either, DesignDay, Flow/System, FlowPerFloorArea, Frac-
tionOfAutosizedCoolingAirflow, or FlowPerCoolingCapacity. DesignDay means the program will
calculate the system design cooling supply air volume flow rate using the System Sizing input data
and a design day simulation. Flow/System means that the program will use the input of the field
Cooling Design Air Flow Rate as the system design cooling supply air volume flow rate. FlowPer-
FloorArea means the program calculates the cooling supply air volume flow rate from zone floor
area served by the airloop and user specified Flow Per Floor Area value. FractionOfAutosized-
CoolingAirflow means the program calculates the cooling supply air volume flow rate from user
specified fraction and the autosized design cooling supply air volume flow rate value determined
by the simulation. FlowPerCoolingCapacity means the supply air volume is calculated from user
specified flow per cooling capacity and design cooling capacity determined by the simulation. The
default method is DesignDay: i.e., the program uses the calculated design values.

1.17.8.1.17 Field: Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate

The design system cooling air flow rate in cubic meters per second. This input is an alterna-
tive to using the program autocalculated value. This input is used if Coolingi Supply Air Flow
Rate Method is Flow/System. This value will not be multiplied by any sizing factor or by zone
multipliers. If using zone multipliers, this value must be large enough to serve the multiplied zones.

1.17.8.1.18 Field: Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate Per Floor Area {m3/s-m2}
Enter the cooling supply air volume flow rate per zone conditioned floor area in m3/s-m2. This
field is required field when the Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate Method is FlowPerFloorArea. This
field may be left blank if a cooling coil is not included in the airloop or the Cooling Supply Air Flow
Rate Method is not FlowPerFloorArea. The program calculates the cooling supply air volume flow
rate from the cooled floor area served by the air loop and the Flow Per Unit Area value specified
by the user.
672 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.17.8.1.19 Field: Cooling Fraction of Autosized Cooling Design Supply Air

Flow Rate
Enter the cooling supply air volume flow rate as a fraction of the airloop autosized cooling
supply air flow rate. This input field is required when the Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate Method
is FractionOfAutosizedCoolingAirflow. This input field may be left blank if a cooling coil is not
included in the airloop or the Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate Method is not FractionOfAutosized-
CoolingAirflow. The program calculates the cooling supply air volume flow rate from the design
autosized cooling supply air flow rate and user specified fraction.

1.17.8.1.20 Field: Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate Per Unit Cooling Capacity
{m3/s-W}
Enter the cooling supply air volume flow rate per unit cooling capacity in m3/s-W. This input
field is required when the Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate Method is FlowPerCoolingCapacity. This
field may be left blank if a cooling coil is not included in the airloop or the Cooling Supply Air Flow
Rate Method is not FlowPerCoolingCapacity. The program calculates the airloop cooling supply
air volume flow rate from the design autosized cooling capacity and user specified Flow Per Cooling
Capacity value.

1.17.8.1.21 Field: Heating Supply Air Flow Rate Method

The input of this field must be the method used to determine the airloop heating supply
air volume flow rate. The input must be either, DesignDay, Flow/System, FlowPerFloorArea,
FractionOfAutosizedHeatingAirflow, FractionOfAutosizedCoolingAirflow or FlowPerHeatingCapac-
ity. DesignDay means the program will calculate the system design heating supply air volume flow
rate using the System Sizing input data and a design day simulation. Flow/System means that
the program will use the input of the field Heating Design Air Flow Rate as the system design
heating supply air volume flow rate. FlowPerFloorArea means the program calculates the system
heating supply air volume flow rate from zone floor area served by the airloop and user specified
Flow Per Floor Area value. FractionOfAutosizedHeatingAirflow means the program calculates the
system heating supply air volume flow rate from user specified fraction and the autosized system
design heating supply air volume flow rate value determined by the simulation. FractionOfAuto-
sizedCoolingAirflow means the program calculates the system heating supply air volume flow rate
from user specified fraction and the autosized system design cooling supply air volume flow rate
value determined by the simulation. FlowPerHeatingCapacity means the system heating supply
air volume is calculated from user specified flow per heating capacity and design heating capac-
ity determined by the simulation. The default method is DesignDay: i.e., the program uses the
calculated design values.

1.17.8.1.22 Field: Heating Supply Air Flow Rate

The design system heating air flow rate in cubic meters per second. This input is an alter-
native to using the program autocalculated value. This input is used if Heating Supply Air Flow
Rate Method is Flow/System. This value will not be multiplied by any sizing factor or by zone
multipliers. If using zone multipliers, this value must be large enough to serve the multiplied zones.

1.17.8.1.23 Field: Heating Supply Air Flow Rate Per Floor Area {m3/s-m2}
Enter the heating supply air volume flow rate per zone conditioned floor area in m3/s-m2. This
field is required field when the Heating Supply Air Flow Rate Method is FlowPerFloorArea. This
field may be left blank if a heating coil is not included in the airloop or the Heating Supply Air
1.17. GROUP – DESIGN OBJECTS 673

Flow Rate Method is not FlowPerFloorArea. The program calculates the heating supply air volume
flow rate from the heated or cooled floor area served by the air loop and the Flow Per Unit Area
value specified by the user.

1.17.8.1.24 Field: Heating Fraction of Autosized Heating Supply Air Flow Rate

Enter the heating supply air volume flow rate as a fraction of the airloop autosized heating
supply air flow rate. This input field is required when the Heating Supply Air Flow Rate Method
is FractionOfAutosizedHeatingAirflow. This input field may be left blank if heating coil is not
included in the airloop or the Heating Supply Air Flow Rate Method is not FractionOfAutosized-
HeatingAirflow. The program calculates the heating supply air volume flow rate from the design
autosized heating supply air flow rate and user specified fraction.

1.17.8.1.25 Field: Heating Fraction of Autosized Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate

Enter the heating supply air volume flow rate as a fraction of the airloop autosized cooling
supply air flow rate. This input field is required when the Heating Supply Air Flow Rate Method is
FractionOfAutosizedCoolingAirflow. This input field may be left blank if heating coil is not included
in the airloop or the Heating Supply Air Flow Rate Method is not FractionOfAutosizedCoolingAir-
flow. The program calculates the heating supply air volume flow rate from the design autosized
cooling supply air flow rate and user specified fraction.

1.17.8.1.26 Field: Heating Design Supply Air Flow Rate Per Unit Heating Ca-
pacity {m3/s-W}
Enter the heating supply air volume flow rate per unit heating capacity in m3/s-W. This input
field is required when the Heating Design air Flow Method is FlowPerCoolingCapacity. This field
may be left blank if a heating coil is not included in the airloop or the Heating Design air Flow
Method is not FlowPerHeatingCapacity. The program calculates the airloop heating supply air
volume flow rate from the design autosized heating capacity and user specified Flow Per Heating
Capacity value.

1.17.8.1.27 Field: System Outdoor Air Method

The method used to calculate the system minimum outdoor air flow. The two choices are
ZoneSum and VentilationRateProcedure (VRP). ZoneSum sums the outdoor air flows across all
zones served by the system. VRP uses the multi-zone equations defined in 62.1-2007 to calculate the
system outdoor air flow. VRP considers zone air distribution effectiveness and zone diversification
of outdoor air fractions.

1.17.8.1.28 Field: Zone Maximum Outdoor Air Fraction

This positive numeric input is the zone maximum outdoor air fraction. For an air loop, when a
zone requires outdoor air higher than the user specified Zone Maximum Outdoor Air Fraction, the
zone supply air flow will be increased to cap the outdoor air fraction at the maximum value. This
allows the system level outdoor air flow to be reduced while the total supply air flow increases.
Valid values are from 0 to 1.0. Default is 1.0 which indicates zones can have 100% outdoor air
maintaining backward compatibility. This inputs work for constant volume air systems, single and
dual duct VAV systems.
674 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.17.8.1.29 Field Cooling Design Capacity Method

Enter the method used to determine the cooling design capacity for scalable sizing. Input
allowed is either None, CoolingDesignCapacity, CapacityPerFloorArea, and FractionOfAutosized-
CoolingCapacity. None is used when a cooling coil is not included in the airloop. If this input field
is left blank, or None is specified, then the autosized design cooling capacity determined by the
program is used. CoolingDesignCapacity means user specifies the magnitude of cooling capacity or
the program calculates the design cooling capacity if autosize is specified. CapacityPerFloorArea
means the program calculates the design cooling capacity from user specified cooling capacity per
floor area and floor area of the zones served by the airloop. FractionOfAutosizedCoolingCapacity
means the program calculates the design cooling capacity from user specified fraction and the auto-
sized design cooling capacity. If the value this input field is blank or specified as None, then the
next three input fields are not required. The default method is CoolingDesignCapacity.

1.17.8.1.30 Field: Cooling Design Capacity {W}

Enter the magnitude of the cooling capacity in Watts. This input is an alternative to using the
program auto-calculated cooling capacity value. This input is a required field when the Cooling
Design Capacity Method is CoolingDesignCapacity. This field may be left blank if a cooling coil is
not included in the air loop or alternative method is specified. This input field is autosizable.

1.17.8.1.31 Field: Cooling Design Capacity Per Floor Area {W/m2}

Enter the cooling capacity per unit floor area in m3/s-m2. This field is required field when
the Cooling Design Capacity Method is CapacityPerFloorArea. This field may be left blank if a
cooling coil is not included in the airloop or the Cooling Design Capacity Method is not Capaci-
tyPerFloorArea. The program calculates the cooling capacity from floor area of the zones served
by the airloop and the cooling capacity per unit floor area value specified by the user.

1.17.8.1.32 Field: Fraction of Autosized Cooling Design Capacity

Enter the cooling capacity as a fraction of the autosized cooling capacity. This input field is
required when the Cooling Design Capacity Method is FractionOfAutosizedCoolingCapacity. This
input field may be left blank if a cooling coil is not included in the zone HVAC equipment or
the Cooling Design Capacity Method is not FractionOfAutosizedCoolingCapacity. The program
calculates the cooling capacity from the design autosized cooling capacity and user specified fraction.
Design day sizing run must be specified.

1.17.8.1.33 Field: Heating Design Capacity Method

Enter the method used to determine the heating design capacity for scalable sizing. Input
allowed is either None, HeatingDesignCapacity, CapacityPerFloorArea, and FractionOfAutosized-
HeatingCapacity. None is used when a heating coil is not included in the airloop. If this input
field is left blank, then the autosized design heating capacity determined by the program is used.
HeatingDesignCapacity means user specifies the magnitude of heating capacity or the program
calculates the design heating capacity if autosize is specified. CapacityPerFloorArea means the
program calculates the design heating capacity from user specified heating capacity per floor area
and floor area of the zones served by the airllop. FractionOfAutosizedHeatingCapacity means the
program calculates the design heating capacity from user specified fraction and the auto-sized de-
sign heating capacity. If the value this input field is blank or specified as None, then the next three
input fields are not required. The default method is HeatingDesignCapacity.
1.17. GROUP – DESIGN OBJECTS 675

1.17.8.1.34 Field: Heating Design Capacity {W}

Enter the magnitude of the heating capacity in Watts. This input is an alternative to using the
program auto-calculated heating capacity value. This input is a required field when the Heating
Design Capacity Method is HeatingDesignCapacity. This field may be left blank if a heating coil is
not included in the airloop or alternative method is specified. This input field is autosizable.

1.17.8.1.35 Field: Heating Design Capacity Per Floor Area {W/m2}

Enter the heating capacity per unit floor area in m3/s-m2. This field is required field when
the Heating Design Capacity Method is CapacityPerFloorArea. This field may be left blank if a
heating coil is not included in the airloop or the Heating Design Capacity Method is not Capaci-
tyPerFloorArea. The program calculates the heating capacity from floor area of the zones served
by the airloop and the heating capacity per unit floor area value specified by the user.

1.17.8.1.36 Field: Fraction of Autosized Heating Design Capacity

Enter the heating capacity as a fraction of the autosized heating capacity. This input field is
required when the Heating Design Capacity Method is FractionOfAutosizedHeatingCapacity. This
input field may be left blank if heating coil is not included in the airloop or the Heating Design
Capacity Method is not FractionOfAutosizedHeatingCapacity. The program calculates the heating
capacity from the design autosized cooling capacity and user specified fraction.

1.17.8.1.37 Field: Central Cooling Capacity Control Method

Specifies how the central cooling coil will be controlled, which affects the coil sizing calculation.
There are 4 choices: VAV, Bypass, VT, and OnOff. Choose VAV if the cooling output is controlled
by varying the air flow. Bypass should be chosen if the capacity is controlled by bypassing a variable
fraction of the mixed air around the coil face. VT indicates that cooling coil output is controlled
by varying the coil exit temperature while the flow rate is constant. And OnOff means that the
cooling output is controlled by cycling the air flow.
An IDF example:

Sizing:System ,
VAV Sys 1, !- AirLoop Name
sensible , !- Type of Load to Size On
autosize , !- Design Outdoor Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.3, !- Minimum System Air Flow Ratio
4.5, !- Preheat Design Temperature {C}
.008, !- Preheat Design Humidity Ratio {kgWater/kgDryAir}
11.0, !- Precool Design Temperature {C}
.008, !- Precool Design Humidity Ratio {kgWater/kgDryAir}
12.8, !- Central Cooling Design Supply Air Temperature {C}
16.7, !- Central Heating Design Supply Air Temperature {C}
noncoincident , !- Sizing Option
no , !- 100% Outdoor Air in Cooling
no , !- 100% Outdoor Air in Heating
0.008 , !- Central Cooling Design Supply Air Humidity Ratio {kgWater/kgDryAir}
0.008 , !- Central Heating Design Supply Air Humidity Ratio {kgWater/kgDryAir}
designday , !- Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate Method
0, !- Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate Per Floor Area {m3/s-m2}
, !- Cooling Fraction of Autosized Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate {-}
, !- Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate Per Unit Cooling Capacity {m3/s-W}
designday , !- Heating Supply Air Flow Rate Method
0, !- Heating Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- Heating Supply Air Flow Rate Per Floor Area {m3/s-m2}
, !- Heating Fraction of Autosized Heating Supply Air Flow Rate {-}
, !- Heating Fraction of Autosized Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate {-}
676 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

, !- Heating Supply Air Flow Rate Per Unit Heating Capacity {m3/s-W}
ZoneSum , !- System Outdoor Air Method
0.5, !- Zone Maximum Outdoor Air Fraction
CoolingDesignCapacity , !- Cooling Design Capacity Method
autosize , !- Cooling Design Capacity {W}
, !- Cooling Design Capacity Per Floor Area {W/m2}
, !- Fraction of Autosized Cooling Design Capacity {-}
HeatingDesignCapacity , !- Heating Design Capacity Method
autosize , !- Heating Design Capacity {W}
, !- Heating Design Capacity Per Floor Area {W/m2}
; !- Fraction of Autosized Cooling Design Capacity {-}

1.17.8.2 Outputs
The system design air flow rates and heating and cooling capacities are output onto the local file
“eplusssz.<ext>” where <ext> is the extension from the sizing style object (default is csv – a
comma separated file eplusssz.csv). The columns are clearly labeled. It will easily import into
Excel or other spreadsheet program that accepts delimited files. The results are calculated values
and do not include any user input system flow rates.
The calculated system design air flow rates and the user input system design air flow rates
are also reported on the eplusout.eio file. The values are printed out for each system as comma
separated records beginning with System Sizing. An example is:
! <System Sizing Information >c++, System Name , Field Description , Value
System Sizing , VAV SYS 1, Calculated Cooling Design Air Flow Rate [m3/s], 1.3194
System Sizing , VAV SYS 1, User Cooling Design Air Flow Rate [m3/s], 1.5000
System Sizing , VAV SYS 1, Calculated Heating Design Air Flow Rate [m3/s], 0.90363
System Sizing , VAV SYS 1, User Heating Design Air Flow Rate [m3/s], 1.0000

1.17.9 Sizing:Plant
The Sizing:Plant object contains the input needed for the program to calculate plant loop flow rates
and equipment capacities when autosizing. This information is initially used by components that
use water for heating or cooling such as hot or chilled water coils to calculate their maximum water
flow rates. These flow rates are then summed for use in calculating the Plant Loop flow rates.
The program will size any number of chilled water, hot water, condenser water and other plant
loops. There should be one Sizing:Plant object for each plant loop that is to be autosized.

1.17.9.1 Inputs
1.17.9.1.1 Field: Plant or Condenser Loop Name
The name of a Plant Loop or Condenser Loop object corresponding to this Sizing:Plant object.
This is the plant loop for which this data will be used for calculating the loop flow rate.

1.17.9.1.2 Field: Loop Type

The possible inputs are Heating, Steam, Cooling, or Condenser.

1.17.9.1.3 Field: Design Loop Exit Temperature

The water temperature in degrees Celsius at the exit of the supply side of the plant loop, Thus
this is the temperature of the water supplied to the inlet of chilled or hot water coils and other
equipment that places loads on a plant loop.
1.17. GROUP – DESIGN OBJECTS 677

1.17.9.1.4 Field: Loop Design Temperature Difference

The design temperature rise (for cooling or condenser loops) or fall (for heating loops) in degrees
Celsius across the demand side of a plant loop. This temperature difference is used by component
models to determine flow rates required to meet design capacities. Larger values lead to smaller
design flow rates.

1.17.9.1.5 Field: Sizing Option

This field is optional. This field controls how concurrence issues impact the plant loop design
flow rate. If it is not used then the program uses noncoincident method, which is the historical
behavior prior to version 8.3. There are two choices, noncoincident and coincident. The use of
Coincident sizing option requires that the SimulationControl object be set to YES for the input
field called Do HVAC Sizing Simulation for Sizing Periods.

1.17.9.1.6 Field: Zone Timesteps in Averaging Window

This field is optional and is only used if the preceding field is set to Coincident. This is the
number of zone timesteps used in a moving average to determine the design flow rate from HVAC
Sizing Simulation approach. This allows using a broader average over time when using coincident
plant sizing. This is similar in concept to the similar field in Sizing:Parameters which specifies the
averaging window for zone loads. The default is 1.

1.17.9.1.7 Field: Coincident Sizing Factor Mode

This field is only used if the sizing option is set to Coincident. This field controls the behavior
of coincident sizing with respect to what, if any, sizing factor should be applied to further modify
the flow rate measured while running HVAC Sizing Simulations. There are four options. Enter
the keword None to use the raw value for flow rate without modification. Enter the keyword
GlobalHeatingSizingFactor to modify the flow by the sizing factor entered in the object called
Sizing:Parameters for heating. Enter the keyword GlobalCoolingSizingFactor to modify the flow
by the sizing factor entered in the object called Sizing:Parameters for cooling. Enter the keyword
LoopComponentSizingFactor to modify the flow by a sizing factor determined from the combination
of component-level sizing factors in the associated plant loop.
An IDF example:

Sizing:Plant ,
Chilled Water Loop , ! name of loop
Cooling , ! type of loop
7.22, ! chilled water supply temperature
6.67, ! chilled water delta T
NonCoincident , !- Sizing Option
1, !- Zone Timesteps in Averaging Window
GlobalCoolingSizingFactor ; !- Coincident Sizing Factor Mode

1.17.9.2 Outputs
The loop flow rates are reported on the eplusout.eio file along with the component sizing results.
When coincident plant sizing method is used, the eio file contains special summary report
with various details and interim values from the calculations, under the following record header: !
, Plant Loop Name, Sizing Pass {#}, Measured Mass Flow{kg/s}, Measured Demand {W}, De-
mand Calculated Mass Flow{kg/s}, Sizes Changed {Yes/No}, Previous Volume Flow Rate {m3/s},
New Volume Flow Rate {m3/s}, Demand Check Applied {Yes/No}, Sizing Factor {}, Normalized
Change {}, Specific Heat{}.
678 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.18 HVAC: Primary and Secondary Systems

The HVAC and equipment section of the EnergyPlus input data dictionary and input data file are
slightly more complex than the description of building geometry, internal gains, etc. because of the
interconnections of the various parts of an HVAC system. In EnergyPlus, there are several portions
to the HVAC simulation. All of these parts must be correctly specified in order to arrive at a valid
simulation model. The goal of this section is to provide interface developers and advanced users
with guidelines on what input is expected and also provide some background on basic EnergyPlus
simulation methodology.
An EnergyPlus HVAC simulation consists of various components that are connected physically
in the actual system by ducts, piping, etc. Every component in an HVAC system must have an
inlet and outlet “node”. In the actual system, a node might be a point in the system at which
fluid properties can be measured. In an EnergyPlus simulation, the nodes are points at which fluid
properties are evaluated and passed on to subsequent equipment.
Components are linked together to form various loops within the simulation. Thus, the output
node from one component also serves as the inlet node to the next component. Loops are con-
structed by defining these loops and also defining the components on the loops. The figure below
shows a generic example of the loop-node concept.
Loop nodes are a key defining feature in EnergyPlus. As a result, it is recommended that one
of the first steps taken in defining an HVAC system in EnergyPlus be the definition of a node
diagram or map. This is helpful for visualization of the entire system. Such a map could be created
electronically within an interface or could be kept in the background out of the sight of the user.
So that these loops are manageable and more clearly defined both in the input and in the
simulation, four different loop sections can be defined in an EnergyPlus input file. In general, these
four types are in essence two pairs of loop sections that make up two distinct types of loops:
a zone/air loop and a plant loop. As of Version 7, plant loops and condenser loops have been
consolidated to be largely the same. The four loop section types are defined below.
Air Loop Supply Side: The air loop is defined by the section of the zone/air loop that starts
after the zone return streams are combined and continues on until just before any air stream(s) are
branched off to individual zones. The starting point of the air loop is fairly straightforward. The
ending point is slightly more complex but can be understood with some examples. For instance, in
a terminal reheat system, the end of the air loop would typically be considered the node following
the cooling coil. In a dual duct system, the air loop would have two ending points that would
correspond to the nodes after the cooling coil and after the heating coil/humidifier. In most cases,
the air loop has a single starting point and up to two ending points (for a 2 deck system). An
outdoor air subsystem can be included in the supply side for ventilation and relief air.
Air Loop Zone Equipment: The zone equipment section of the input file is defined as
more or less the rest of the zone/air loop (outside air is handled separately as a subset of the air
loop). This includes everything from where the ducts are split to serve various zones up through
where the return ducts from various zones are mixed into a single return duct. Zone equipment can
include dampers and reheat coils as well as zone specific conditioning systems such as thermostatic
baseboard or a window air conditioner. Most control issues are typically dealt with in the zone
equipment section of the simulation.
Plant Loop Demand Side: One side of the plant is where energy is “demanded” by various
components that make up the air loop or zone equipment. Typically, this is the water side of
equipment such as coils, baseboard, radiant heating and cooling, etc. In the case of a condenser
loop, energy is typically “demanded” by a chiller condenser or other water source heat pump. The
demand side of this loop can also include mixers, flow splitters, and a bypass.
1.18. HVAC: PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SYSTEMS 679

Figure 1.73: Example Node Diagram

680 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Plant Loop Supply Side: The other side of the plant loop is where energy is “supplied” by
various components. The components typically found on the supply side include pumps, boilers,
chillers, purchased heating and cooling, ice storage, etc. In the case of a condenser, the components
would be cooling tower, fluid cooler, or ground source heat exchanger, etc. As with the demand
side, this loop can also include mixers, flow splitters, and a bypass.
The section of the input file for describing the HVAC system tends to follow this structure
presented above. Both plant and condenser loops are defined with a master description and then
branch off into supply and demand side details. Linkage between the two sides is done using node
names in the master statement. The air loop and zone equipment descriptions are slightly more
complex due to the wide range of potential systems that are anticipated. Note that in every section
controls become a key element and must be addressed. Each of the following sections details either
a loop, a portion of a loop, or controls.

1.19 Group – Node-Branch Management

Nodes, Branch Lists and Branches define the topography of the HVAC connections.

1.19.1 NodeList
For convenience, the NodeList object can be used to identify all the nodes for a particular use. A
node list is not always required. The advantage of listing all the nodes in this manner is that input
fields in other objects that ask for a node name can refer to either a single node or a list of nodes
using this object. .
There are other lines of input syntax that require the use of a NodeList as part of the input.
These syntax items include: OutdoorAir:NodeList and the SetpointManager objects. In these two
cases, the use of a NodeList statement is mandatory if there is more than one node in this particular
“list”. For example, if the outside air only has a single inlet node, then the name of that node can
replace the node list name in the input syntax. As a result of this mandatory specification of node
lists for certain types of input, nodes can, obviously, and may be members of more than one list.

1.19.1.1 Inputs
1.19.1.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha designation must be unique among all the Node List Names. It is used as reference
in various objects (e.g. OutdoorAir:NodeList).

1.19.1.1.2 Field: Node <#> Name (up to 25 allowed)

Each unique Node identifier creates a Node structure with various attributes depending on the
type of node. Typical values include Temperature, Mass Flow Rate, and Temperature Set Point.
The alpha designators are associated with a particular node.
Though each NodeList is limited to 25 nodes, several node lists may be entered if you choose
to identify all the nodes up front. For example:
NodeList , Nodes1 -25,
NODE_1 ,NODE_2 ,NODE_3 ,NODE_4 ,NODE_5 ,NODE_6 ,NODE_7 ,NODE_8 ,NODE_9 ,NODE_10 ,
NODE_11 ,NODE_12 ,NODE_13 ,NODE_14 ,NODE_15 ,NODE_16 ,NODE_17 ,NODE_18 ,NODE_19 ,NODE_20 ,
NODE_21 ,NODE_22 ,NODE_23 ,NODE_24 ,NODE_25;
NodeList , Nodes26 -49,NODE_26 ,NODE_27 ,NODE_28 ,NODE_29 ,NODE_30 ,
NODE_31 ,NODE_32 ,NODE_33 ,NODE_34 ,NODE_35 ,NODE_36 ,NODE_37 ,NODE_38 ,NODE_39 ,NODE_40 ,
NODE_41 ,NODE_42 ,NODE_43 ,NODE_44 ,NODE_45 ,NODE_46 ,NODE_47 ,NODE_48 ,NODE_49;
1.19. GROUP – NODE-BRANCH MANAGEMENT 681

1.19.1.2 Outputs
A simple detail of Nodes and numbers assigned appears in the eplusout.bnd file:
! <Node >,<NodeNumber >,<Node Name >,<Node Fluid Type >,<\# Times Node Referenced After Definition >
Node ,1, OUTSIDE AIR INLET NODE 1,Air ,2
Node ,2,VAV SYS 1 INLET NODE ,Air ,3
Node ,3,MIXED AIR NODE 1,Air ,5
Node ,4,MAIN COOLING COIL 1 OUTLET NODE ,Air ,3
Node ,5,MAIN HEATING COIL 1 OUTLET NODE ,Air ,4
Node ,6,VAV SYS 1 OUTLET NODE ,Air ,7

In addition, properties of each node is available during the simulation:

• HVAC,Average,System Node Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,System Node Last Timestep Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,System Node Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,System Node Humidity Ratio [kgWater/kgDryAir]

• HVAC,Average,System Node Setpoint Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,System Node Setpoint High Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,System Node Setpoint Low Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,System Node Setpoint Humidity Ratio [kgWater/kgDryAir]

• HVAC,Average,System Node Setpoint Minimum Humidity Ratio [kgWater/kgDryAir]

• HVAC,Average,System Node Setpoint Maximum Humidity Ratio [kgWater/kgDryAir]

• HVAC,Average,System Node Relative Humidity [%]

• HVAC,Average,System Node Pressure [Pa]

• HVAC,Average,System Node Standard Density Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Average,System Node Enthalpy [J/kg]

• HVAC,Average,System Node Last Timestep Enthalpy [J/kg]

• HVAC,Average,System Node Wetbulb Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,System Node Dewpoint Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,System Node Quality []

• HVAC,Average,System Node Height [m]

• HVAC,Average,System Node Specific Heat [J/kg-K]

The following node variable is also available for system nodes that are for “air”:

• HVAC, Average, System Node Current Density Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC, Average, System Node Current Density [kg/m3]

682 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

The following node variables are “advanced” and normally used for debugging
unusual cases:

• HVAC,Average,System Node Minimum Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,System Node Maximum Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,System Node Minimum Limit Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,System Node Maximum Limit Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,System Node Minimum Available Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,System Node Maximum Available Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Averge,System Node Requested Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,System Node Setpoint Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

The following node variable reports node carbon dioxide concentration when car-
bon dioxide is simulated (ref. ZoneAirContaminantBalance):

• HVAC,Average,System Node CO2 Concentration [ppm]

The following node variable reports node generic contaminant concentration when
generic contaminant is simulated (ref. ZoneAirContaminantBalance):

• HVAC,Average,System Node Generic Air Contaminant Concentration [ppm]

1.19.1.2.1 System Node Temperature [C]

The current temperature at a system node in degrees C. For air nodes, this is the dry-bulb
temperature.

1.19.1.2.2 System Node Last Timestep Temperature [C]

The temperature at a system node for the previous timestep.

1.19.1.2.3 System Node Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

The current mass flow rate at a system node in kg/s.

1.19.1.2.4 System Node Humidity Ratio [kgWater/kgDryAir]

The current humidity ratio at a system node in kg-water/kg-dry-air. Not applicable for liquid
nodes.

1.19.1.2.5 System Node Setpoint Temperature [C]

The current setpoint temperature at a system node in degrees C. Some controllers and equip-
ment types sense this single setpoint.

1.19.1.2.6 System Node Setpoint High Temperature [C]

The current upper setpoint temperature at a system node in degrees C. Some controllers and
equipment types use dual setpoints at a single node.
1.19. GROUP – NODE-BRANCH MANAGEMENT 683

1.19.1.2.7 System Node Setpoint Low Temperature [C]

The current upper setpoint temperature at a system node in degrees C. Some controllers and
equipment types use dual setpoints at a single node.

1.19.1.2.8 System Node Setpoint Humidity Ratio [kgWater/kgDryAir]

The current humidity ratio setpoint at a system node in kg-water/kg-dry-air. Some controllers
and equipment types sense this single setpoint. Not applicable for liquid nodes.

1.19.1.2.9 System Node Setpoint Minimum Humidity Ratio [kgWater/kgDryAir]

The current minimum desired humidity ratio at a system node in kg-water/kg-dry-air. Some
controllers and equipment types use the min/max values as dual setpoints at a single node. Not
applicable for liquid nodes.

1.19.1.2.10 System Node Setpoint Maximum Humidity Ratio [kgWa-

ter/kgDryAir]
The current maximum desired humidity ratio at a system node in kg-water/kg-dry-air. Some
controllers and equipment types use the min/max values as dual setpoints at a single node. Not
applicable for liquid nodes.

1.19.1.2.11 System Node Relative Humidity [%]

The current relative humidity (calculated from the node temperature, node humidity ratio and
standard barometric pressure for the location). Not applicable for liquid nodes.

1.19.1.2.12 System Node Pressure [Pa]

The current pressure at a system node in Pa.

1.19.1.2.13 System Node Standard Density Volume Flow Rate [m3 /s]
The current volume flow rate at a system node in m3 /s. This is report is calculated from the
mass flow using standardized values for density that do not vary over time (except for steam which
varies with quality). For water nodes this density is determined at a temperature of 5.05ºC. For air
nodes this density is determined for dry air at the standard barometric pressure for the location’s
elevation, and a temperature of 20.0ºC. For air nodes, also see the report “System Node Current
Density Volume Flow Rate.”

1.19.1.2.14 System Node Enthalpy [J/kg]

The current enthalpy at a system node in J/kg.

1.19.1.2.15 System Node Last Timestep Enthalpy [J/kg]

The enthalpy at the system node for the previous timestep in Joules per kilogram.

1.19.1.2.16 System Node Wetbulb Temperature [C]

The current wet-bulb temperature at a system node in degrees C. Not applicable for liquid
nodes.
684 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.19.1.2.17 System Node Dewpoint Temperature [C]

The current dewpoint temperature at a system node in degrees C. It is calculated from the
System Node Temperature, the System Node Humidity Ratio and the Site Outdoor Air Barometric
Pressure. Not applicable for liquid nodes.

1.19.1.2.18 System Node Quality []

The current system node vapor fraction/percent {0.0-1.0}.

1.19.1.2.19 System Node Height [m]

The current system node height {m}. Only applicable to outdoor air nodes.

1.19.1.2.20 System Node Specific Heat [J/kg-K]

The current specific heat capacity of the fluid at the node in units of J/kg-K. Not available for
steam nodes.
Additional Node Reporting for Air Nodes
The following system node variable is available for nodes with a fluid type of air.

1.19.1.2.21 System Node Current Density Volume Flow Rate [m3 /s]
The current volume flow rate at a system node in m3 /s based on the current density. This
report differs from the one called “System Node Standard Density Volume Flow Rate” in that it
uses an air density calculated for the current moist air conditions rather than a standard density.

1.19.1.2.22 System Node Current Density [kg/m3]

The current air density at a system node in kg/m3. This is the density used to calculate the
volume flow rate above. The density is calculated using current outdoor air barometric pressure
and the drybulb temperature and humidity ratio at the air node.
Advanced Node Reporting
The following system node variables are available when you request “Diagnostics, DisplayAd-
vancedReportVariable;”. They are normally used for debugging unusual system cases and may not
be available for all systems. Also, their definitions may change based on the usage in the system.

1.19.1.2.23 System Node Minimum Temperature [C]

1.19.1.2.24 System Node Maximum Temperature [C]

These node variables represent the min/max of loops or branches.

1.19.1.2.25 System Node Minimum Limit Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

1.19.1.2.26 System Node Maximum Limit Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

These node variables hold the maximum possible and the minimum allowable flow rates for a
particular component. As such, they represent the “hardware limit” on the flow rate for the com-
ponent. By convention, these variables are stored at the component inlet node. Since components
share their nodes (the outlet node of one component is the inlet node of the next component), the
protocol must be strictly followed. These variables are set by each component based on the design
flow limits of the equipment.
1.19. GROUP – NODE-BRANCH MANAGEMENT 685

1.19.1.2.27 System Node Minimum Available Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

1.19.1.2.28 System Node Maximum Available Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

These node variables represent the loop or branch maximum and minimum flow rate for the
current configuration of the loop on which the component resides. The central plant routines
manage these variables dynamically to resolve flow rates through branches located inside splitters
and mixers.

1.19.1.2.29 System Node Setpoint Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

The current mass flow rate setpoint at a system node in kg/s. Some controllers and equipment
types sense this single setpoint.

1.19.1.2.30 System Node Requested Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

This output is the current mass flow rate request at a system node in kg/s. Only used for plant
simulations and nodes. This is the mass flow rate “requested” by a component. This is a record
of what the component wanted which can be useful for diagnostics when the actual simulated flow
is different than expected. This value is also used to determine overall loop flow rates.

1.19.1.2.31 System Node CO2 Concentration [ppm]

The average carbon dioxide concentration, in parts per million (ppm), at a system node for the
timestep being reported.

1.19.1.2.32 System Node Generic Air Contaminant Concentration [ppm]

The average generic contaminant concentration, in parts per million (ppm), at a system node
for the timestep being reported.

1.19.2 BranchList
A branch list is intended to define the branches or portions of a particular loop that are present
on an individual plant or condenser loop. Thus, the BranchList syntax simply provides a list of
branch names (see Branch syntax) that then refer to more detailed syntax in another part of the
input file. The syntax for describing a list of branches is given below.
Branches in BranchList objects should be listed in flow order: inlet branch, then parallel
branches, then outlet branch. Branches (within a splitter/mixer) are simulated in the order listed.

1.19.2.1 Inputs
1.19.2.1.1 Field: Name
A unique name to identify the branch list.

1.19.2.1.2 Field: Branch <#> Name

Branch name in the list. As noted above, Branches in BranchList objects MUST be listed in
flow order: inlet branch, then parallel branches, then outlet branch. Branches are simulated in the
order listed.
An example of this statement in an IDF is:
686 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

BranchList , Cooling Supply Side Branches ,

CW Pump Branch ,
Little Chiller Branch ,
Big Chiller Branch ,
Purchased Cooling Branch ,
Supply Bypass Branch ,
Cooling Supply Outlet;

1.19.2.2 Outputs
No output directly related to Branch Lists current is presented.

1.19.3 Branch
Branches can be considered the mid-level grouping of items in the EnergyPlus HVAC loop scheme.
Components are the lowest level of information. A collection of components in series forms a
branch. Every branch must have at least one component, but it may have several components in
series. The air loop also has “unitary” objects that are compound objects that wrap components
and when they are used it is the unitary objects that appear on the Branch and not the child
components. The Branch defines the order that components appear on the branch. Moreover,
a collection of branches and their connecting information form a loop. Therefore, a branch is a
collection of components while a loop is a collection of branches. Thus, components are specified for
particular HVAC loops by assigning them to branches and then connecting those branches together
to form a loop.
For hydronic plant systems, the Branch object is used on both the demand side and the supply
side of the plant loop. For HVAC air systems, the Branch object is only used to describe the
components on the supply side of an air loop. The demand side of the air loop does not use
the Branch object. The outside air system appears on a Branch object but it does not use a
Branch object itself to describe the components that included in the outside air system. So-called
“ZoneHVAC:*” equipment, HVAC equipment directly associated with a zone, do not use the Branch
object.
It should be noted that each component also has at least two nodes associated with it—an
inlet node and an outlet node. These nodes, by default, are also part of the branch to which their
components are assigned. Although it may appear redundant to list the node names in both the
Branch and in the component object being referenced, this is needed because many components
are connected to more than one loop at a time and the node names are needed here to distinguish
which portion of the component is being attached to this particular branch and its loop. It should
be noted that each branch must have at least one component on it. A “null” branch such as one
where the first component on the loop is in reality a splitter or mixer should be defined as a single
Pipe component for plant, or a single Duct component for air systems.

1.19.3.1 Inputs
1.19.3.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field is the unique, user-defined name that allows the branch to be referenced by
other elements such as the PlantLoop and CondenserLoop statements.

1.19.3.1.2 Field: Maximum Flow Rate

1.19. GROUP – NODE-BRANCH MANAGEMENT 687

This field is the maximum flow rate (m3 /sec) allowed on a particular branch. This number will
set an absolute maximum flow rate for all components on the loop. Even if components are defined
with a higher flow rate, EnergyPlus will limit the flow on this particular branch to the value entered
here by the user. Currently this is used in the Air Loop and is not a required field in the Plant
and Condenser Loop. The example files for the Plant and Condenser Loops leave this field blank
to simplify flow input.

1.19.3.1.3 Field: Pressure Drop Curve Name

This is an optional field used to specify pressure drop information for this particular branch.
Currently this is only available in plant/condenser fluid loops: PlantLoop and CondenserLoop.
Air loops require a full airflow network, so this field is ignored if found on an air loop. The
value entered for this field must match a pressure curve object also found in the input. This
curve can be of the type: Curve:Linear, Curve:Quadratic, Curve:Cubic, Curve:Exponent, or
Curve:Functional:PressureDrop. In order to then perform a pressure simulation for the loop that
this branch is located on, a flag must be set in the loop object. Reference the PlantLoop and
CondenserLoop field “Pressure Simulation Type” for allowable settings. See the Engineering
Reference document for further information on pressure simulation in plant loops.

1.19.3.1.4 Field Set (Branch Specifications)

Following the two introductory items, there are groups of 5 repeated items: a type, a name,
inlet and outlet node names, and a branch control type. All of these items refer to one particular
component on the branch. The first component defined by these items will be the first component
on this branch, etc. through the end of the list. This object is extensible and can use as many
field sets as needed.

1.19.3.1.5 Field: Component <#> Object Type

This field is the component object type (object class name). The component type refers to
other elements within the input file and specifies what kind of component this is. The objects in
the Group – Plant Equipment section are valid here when the Branch is used in Plant specifications.
Fans, coils, unitary systems, and Outside Air Systems are also valid component types for the Branch
object. Pipes or Ducts are also valid for this field. No splitter or mixer type objects are allowed.

1.19.3.1.6 Field: Component <#> Name

The component name is the unique, user-defined reference name to distinguish between poten-
tially multiple occurrences of a particular component type in an input file. The set of component
type and component name must be unique. (You can only have 1 Boiler object with name MY-
BOILER).

1.19.3.1.7 Field: Component <#> Inlet Node Name

This field references an inlet node name that will be found in the actual component speci-
fication. The inlet node, and the outlet node specified in the next field, should correspond to
component model’s connections that are intended for the loop that this Branch is assigned to. For
example a water-cooled chiller will have two inlet nodes, one for chilled water return and one for
condenser water return and so the chiller will appear on two Branch objects accordingly.
688 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.19.3.1.8 Field: Component <#> Outlet Node Name

This field references an outlet node name that will be found in the actual component specifica-
tion.

1.19.3.1.9 Field: Component <#> Branch Control Type

This field is being deprecated and is no longer used or required. Prior to version 7 it was used
by plant to resolve branch flow rates but now this is handled automatically by the program. The
field will be removed in a future version.
An example of this statement in an IDF is:

Branch ,
Air Loop Main Branch , !- Branch Name
1.75, !- Maximum Branch Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- Pressure Drop Curve Name
AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatCool:VAVChangeoverBypass , !- Comp1 Type
GasHeat CBVAV System , !- Comp1 Name
Air Loop Inlet Node , !- Comp1 Inlet Node Name
Air Loop Outlet Node , !- Comp1 Outlet Node Name
; !- Comp1 Branch Control Type

And a more complex one:

BRANCH ,
Air Loop Main Branch , !- Branch Name
1.3, !- Maximum Branch Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- Pressure Drop Curve Name
FAN:SIMPLE:ConstVolume , !- Comp1 Type
Supply Fan 1, !- Comp1 Name
Air Loop Inlet Node , !- Comp1 Inlet Node Name
Cooling Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Comp1 Outlet Node Name
, !- Comp1 Branch Control Type
COIL:Water:DetailedFlatCooling , !- Comp2 Type
Detailed Cooling Coil , !- Comp2 Name
Cooling Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Comp2 Inlet Node Name
Air Loop Outlet Node , !- Comp2 Outlet Node Name
; !- Comp2 Branch Control Type

1.19.3.2 Outputs
The components on a branch are in series and that list is in simulation and connection order. Each
branch must obey the rules: the outlet for component 1 has to have the same node name as the
inlet for component 2, and so forth.
Eplusout.err contains the test for “individual branch integrity”:
************* Testing Individual Branch Integrity
************* Testing Branch = AIR LOOP MAIN BRANCH
************* .... passed
************* Testing Branch = COOLING DEMAND INLET
************* .... passed
************* Testing Branch = COOLING COIL BRANCH
************* .... passed
************* Testing Branch = DEMAND BYPASS BRANCH
************* .... passed
************* Testing Branch = COOLING DEMAND OUTLET
************* .... passed
************* Testing Branch = COOLING SUPPLY OUTLET
************* .... passed

The addition of pressure simulation for branches in fluid loops brings a new output at the
branch level:
1.19. GROUP – NODE-BRANCH MANAGEMENT 689

• HVAC,Average,Plant Branch Pressure Difference [Pa]

1.19.3.2.1 Plant Branch Pressure Difference [Pa]

This field allows the user to output the pressure drop of a particular branch on a plant loop or
condenser loop. This output is only recognized if a valid pressure simulation is being performed.
To do this, the user must specify a pressure simulation type as an input in the PlantLoop or
CondenserLoop object.

1.19.4 ConnectorList
A connector list is a collection of either one or two connection devices (Connector:Mixer or Con-
nector:Splitter). Due to the definition of a loop in EnergyPlus, there is a maximum of one mixer
and one splitter allowed for each loop segment. This limitation still allows a tremendous amount of
flexibility to the user and can also still be solved within a reasonable amount of time and without a
complex solver routine. The connection list simply allows the specification of the types and names
of these devices. This allows the main loop statements to have the flexibility to have multiple lists
that can have one or more item.

1.19.4.1 Inputs
1.19.4.1.1 Field: Name
This field is an identifying name that will be referenced to main loop statements using this
connector list. The name must be unique among connector list names.

1.19.4.1.2 Field-Set: Connection Object Type and Identifying Name (up to 2

allowed)
Depending on the loop, either one or two of the connectors will be specified. If this particular
loop only has a single connector (either Connector:Mixer or Connector:Splitter), then only the first
two items (type of connection and identifying name of connector) are included. If both a mixer
and splitter are present, the additional type of connection and identifying name must be included.
Note that the order that the items appear is inconsequential—either the Connector:Mixer or the
Connector:Splitter may appear first. This will not affect the simulation.

1.19.4.1.3 Field: Connector 1 Object Type

This field contains the connector type Connector:Mixer or Connector:Splitter.

1.19.4.1.4 Field: Connector 1 Name

This field is an identifying name for the connector. It will be used by other objects in the input
file.

1.19.4.1.5 Field: Connector 2 Object Type (optional)

This field contains the connector type Connector:Mixer or Connector:Splitter.

1.19.4.1.6 Field: Connector 2 Name (optional)

This field is an identifying name for the connector. It will be used by other objects in the input
file.
An example of this statement in an IDF is:
690 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

ConnectorList LIST , Cooling Supply Side Connectors ,

Connector:Splitter , CW Loop Splitter ,
Connector:Mixer , CW Loop Mixer;

1.19.4.2 Outputs
No output directly related to Connector Lists is currently presented.

1.19.5 Pipe:Adiabatic
In reality, every component is connected to its closest neighbors via a pipe or a duct. At the current
time, such detail is not needed in EnergyPlus. Thus, the Pipe:Adiabatic component is currently
used more as a connection device (for branches that really do not have any components associated
with them) or as a bypass than anything else. As such, its input is very simple and its algorithm is
equally simple. The current algorithm for a pipe is simply to pass the inlet conditions to the outlet
of the pipe component.

1.19.5.1 Inputs
1.19.5.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field is used as an identifying field for the pipe.

1.19.5.1.2 Field: Inlet Node Name

This alpha field is used as an identifying field for the pipe inlet node.

1.19.5.1.3 Field: Outlet Node Name

This alpha field is used as an identifying field for the pipe outlet node.
An example of this statement in an IDF is:

Pipe:Adiabatic ,
Demand Side Inlet Pipe ,
CW Demand Inlet Node ,
CW Demand Entrance Pipe Outlet Node;

1.19.5.2 Outputs
There are no outputs directly related to Pipes.

1.19.6 Pipe:Adiabatic:Steam
To connect the various components in a steam system regardless of it being the condensate or
the steam side of the loop steam pipe needs to be used. In reality, every component is connected
to its closest neighbors via a pipe or a duct. At the current time, such detail is not needed in
EnergyPlus. Thus, the Pipe:Adiabatic:Steam component is currently used more as a connection
device (for branches that really do not have any components associated with them). As such, its
input is very simple and its algorithm is equally simple. The current algorithm for a pipe is simply
to pass the inlet conditions to the outlet of the pipe component.
1.19. GROUP – NODE-BRANCH MANAGEMENT 691

1.19.6.1 Inputs
1.19.6.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field is used as an identifying field for the steam pipe.

1.19.6.1.2 Field: Inlet Node Name

This alpha field is used as an identifying field for the steam pipe inlet node.

1.19.6.1.3 Field: Outlet Node Name

This alpha field is used as an identifying field for the steampipe outlet node.
An example of this statement in an IDF is:

Pipe:Adiabatic:Steam ,
Steam Demand 1 Steam Inlet Pipe , !- PipeName
Steam Demand 1 Steam Demand Inlet Node , !- Inlet Node Name
Steam Demand 1 Steam Demand Entrance Pipe Outlet Node; !- Outlet Node Name

1.19.6.2 Outputs
There are no outputs directly related to Steam Pipes.

1.19.7 Pipe:Indoor
This object specifies inputs which are used to simulate the heat transfer from a plant loop pipe
placed in a zone or when a user schedule is used to specify an environment.
The data definition for object is shown below.

1.19.7.1 Inputs
1.19.7.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field is used as an identifying field for the pipe.

1.19.7.1.2 Field: Construction Name

This alpha field references a ‘wall’ construction object that gives a layer-by-layer description of
the pipe wall and its insulation. The construction object follows standard conventions, describing
material properties for each layer beginning with the outermost insulation layer and ending with
the pipe wall layer.

1.19.7.1.3 Field: Fluid Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the name of the pipe fluid inlet node.

1.19.7.1.4 Field: Fluid Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the name of the pipe fluid outlet node.

1.19.7.1.5 Field: Environment Type

Environment type is the environment in which the pipe is placed. It can be either Zone or
Schedule. If specified as Zone, a zone name must be specified in the next field. If specified as
Schedule, the Ambient Temperature Zone can be left blank, while a schedule must be specified for
the temperature and air velocity.
692 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.19.7.1.6 Field: Ambient Temperature Zone Name

If Zone is specified as the environment type, this field is used to specify the name of the zone
in which the pipe is located. The zone temperature is used to calculate the heat transfer rate from
the pipe.

1.19.7.1.7 Field: Ambient Temperature Schedule Name

If Schedule is specified as the environment type, this field is used to specify the name of
the temperature schedule that gives the ambient air temperature surrounding the pipe. This
temperature is used as the outside boundary condition to calculate heat transfer from the pipe.

1.19.7.1.8 Field: Ambient Air Velocity Schedule Name

If Schedule is specified as the environment type, this field is used to specify the name of the
velocity schedule that gives the air velocity near the pipe. This velocity is used to calculate the
convection heat transfer coefficient used in the pipe heat transfer calculation.

1.19.7.1.9 Field: Pipe Inside Diameter

This field is used to enter the inside diameter of the pipe in units of m. Pipe inside diameter
must be a positive number.

1.19.7.1.10 Field: Pipe Length

This field is used to enter the length of the pipe in units of m. Pipe length must be a positive
number.
An example of this object in an IDF is:

Pipe:Indoor ,
Pipe Heat Transfer Towers , !- name of outside panel heat exchanger
Insulated Pipe , !- Construction name
Condenser Tower Outlet Node , !- Comp1 Inlet Node Name
HTPipe Outlet Node , !- Comp1 Outlet Node Name
Water , !- Fluid name
Zone , !- field Ambient Temperature Outside Air Node name
0.05, !- Pipe Inside Diameter (thickness in construction
data)
100.0; !- pipe length

1.19.7.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average, Pipe Fluid Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average, Pipe Ambient Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,SUM, Pipe Fluid Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,SUM, Pipe Ambient Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Pipe Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average, Pipe Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average, Pipe Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average, Pipe Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.19. GROUP – NODE-BRANCH MANAGEMENT 693

1.19.7.2.1 Pipe Fluid Heat Transfer Rate [W]

The output provides the total amount of heat loss/gain in the fluid from pipe inlet to outlet.

1.19.7.2.2 Pipe Ambient Heat Transfer Rate [W]

The output provides the amount of heat loss/gain from pipe wall to the environment.

1.19.7.2.3 Pipe Fluid Heat Transfer Energy [J]

Total energy fluid has lost/gained between pipe inlet and outlet. It is metered on EnergyTransfer
with an end use of Pipes.

1.19.7.2.4 Pipe Ambient Heat Transfer Energy [J]

Total energy lost from the external pipe surface.

1.19.7.2.5 Pipe Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

Mass flow rate of the fluid in the pipe.

1.19.7.2.6 Pipe Inlet Temperature [C]

1.19.7.2.7 Pipe Outlet Temperature [C]

Temperature of fluid at entering and exiting of pipe.

1.19.7.2.8 Pipe Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

Fluid volumetric flow rate, (mass flow rate / density)

1.19.8 Pipe:Outdoor
This object specifies inputs which are used to simulate the heat transfer from a plant loop pipe
placed in an outdoor environment.

1.19.8.1 Inputs
1.19.8.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field is used as an identifying field for the pipe.

1.19.8.1.2 Field: Construction Name

This alpha field references a ‘wall’ construction object that gives a layer-by-layer description of
the pipe wall and its insulation. The construction object follows standard conventions, describing
material properties for each layer beginning with the outermost insulation layer and ending with
the pipe wall layer.

1.19.8.1.3 Field: Fluid Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the name of the pipe fluid inlet node.

1.19.8.1.4 Field: Fluid Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the name of the pipe fluid outlet node.
694 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.19.8.1.5 Field: Ambient Temperature Outside Air Node Name

Ambient temperature outdoor air node is a node representing outdoor air with which pipe
transfers heat. The node should be included in an outdoor air node list.

1.19.8.1.6 Field: Pipe Inside Diameter

This field is used to enter the inside diameter of the pipe in units of m. Pipe inside diameter
must be a positive quantity.

1.19.8.1.7 Field: Pipe Length

This field is used to enter the length of the pipe in units of m. Pipe length must be a posi-
tive quantity.
An example of this statement in an IDF is:

Pipe:Outdoor ,
Pipe Heat Transfer Towers , !- name of outside panel heat exchanger
Insulated Pipe , !- Construction name
Condenser Tower Outlet Node , !- Comp1 Inlet Node Name
HTPipe Outlet Node , !- Comp1 Outlet Node Name
Water , !- Fluid name
PipeHeatTransfer Inlet Node , !- field Ambient Temperature Outside Air Node name
0.05, !- Pipe Inside Diameter (thickness given in construction data
)
100.0; !- pipe length

1.19.8.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average, Pipe Fluid Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,SUM, Pipe Fluid Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Pipe Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average, Pipe Inlet Temperature [T]

• HVAC,Average, Pipe Outlet Temperature [T]

• HVAC,Average, Pipe Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.19.8.2.1 Pipe Fluid Heat Transfer Rate [W]

The output provides the total amount of heat loss/gain in the fluid from pipe inlet to outlet.

1.19.8.2.2 Pipe Fluid Heat Transfer Energy [J]

Total energy fluid has lost/gained between pipe inlet and outlet. It is metered on EnergyTransfer
with an end use of Pipes.

1.19.8.2.3 Pipe Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

Mass flow rate of the fluid in the pipe.

1.19.8.2.4 Pipe Inlet Temperature [C]

1.19. GROUP – NODE-BRANCH MANAGEMENT 695

1.19.8.2.5 Pipe Outlet Temperature [C]

Temperature of fluid at entering and exiting of pipe.

1.19.8.2.6 Pipe Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

Fluid volumetric flow rate, (mass flow rate / density)

1.19.9 Pipe:Underground
This object specifies inputs which are used to simulate the heat transfer from a plant loop pipe
placed underground.

1.19.9.1 Inputs
1.19.9.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field is used as an identifying field for the pipe.

1.19.9.1.2 Field: Construction Name

This alpha field references a basic construction object that gives a layer-by-layer description
of the pipe wall and insulation. The construction object follows standard conventions, describing
material properties for each layer beginning with the outermost layer, the insulation, if it exists,
and ending with the pipe wall layer. The construction object may have either one or two layers. If
only one, then the material must be the pipe wall. If two, then insulation is utilized.

1.19.9.1.3 Field: Fluid Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the name of the pipe fluid inlet node.

1.19.9.1.4 Field: Fluid Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the name of the pipe fluid outlet node.

1.19.9.1.5 Field: Sun Exposure

This alpha field allows the user to specify one of two options: NoSun or SunExposed. For
SunExposed, the simulation includes diffuse and beam solar effects on the ground surface. For
NoSun, no solar effects are included.

1.19.9.1.6 Field: Pipe Inside Diameter

This field is used to enter the inside diameter of the pipe in units of m. Pipe inside diameter
must be a positive quantity.

1.19.9.1.7 Field: Pipe Length

This field is used to enter the length of the pipe in units of {m}. Pipe length must be a positive
quantity.

1.19.9.1.8 Field: Soil Material Name

This references a Material object that contains the soil properties and thickness. Note that
when defining the soil layer, the thickness should be the thickness of soil between the pipe wall and
the ground surface.
696 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.19.9.1.9 Field: Type of Undisturbed Ground Temperature Object

This is the type of undisturbed ground temperature object that is used to determine the ground
temperature.

1.19.9.1.10 Field: Name of Undisturbed Ground Temperature Object

This is the name of the undisturbed ground temperature object that is used to determine the
ground temperature.
An example of this object in an IDF is:

Pipe:Underground ,
Pipe Heat Transfer Towers , !- Name of Pipe
Insulated Buried Pipe , !- Construction Name
Condenser Tower Outlet Node , !- Inlet Node Name
HTPipe Outlet Node , !- Outlet Node Name
Water , !- Fluid Name
SunExposed , !- Sun Exposure
0.05, !- Pipe Inside Diameter
20.0, !- Pipe Length
Buried Pipe Soil , !- Soil Material
Site:GroundTemperature:Undisturbed:KusudaAchenbach , !- Type of Undisturbed Ground
Temperature Object
KATemps; !- Name of Undisturbed Ground Temperature Object

Construction ,
Insulated Buried Pipe , !- Name
Buried Pipe Insulation , !- Layer #1
Buried Pipe Steel; !- Layer #2

Material ,
Buried Pipe Soil , !- Name
Smooth , !- Roughness
1.5, !- Thickness {m}
0.36, !- Conductivity {W/m-K}
2000.0 , !- Density {kg/m3}
1200.0 , !- Specific Heat {J/kg -K}
0.9, !- Thermal Absorptance
0.5, !- Solar Absorptance
0.5; !- Visible Absorptance

1.19.9.2 Outputs
• HVAC, Average, Pipe Fluid Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC, SUM, Pipe Fluid Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC, Average, Pipe Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC, Average, Pipe Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC, Average, Pipe Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC, Average, Pipe Outlet Temperature [C]

1.19.9.2.1 Pipe Fluid Heat Transfer Rate [W]

The output provides the total amount of heat loss/gain in the fluid from pipe inlet to outlet.
1.19. GROUP – NODE-BRANCH MANAGEMENT 697

1.19.9.2.2 Pipe Fluid Heat Transfer Energy [J]

Total energy fluid has lost/gained between pipe inlet and outlet. It is metered on
EnergyTransfer with an end use of Pipes.

1.19.9.2.3 Pipe Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

Mass flow rate of the fluid in the pipe.

1.19.9.2.4 Pipe Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

Fluid volumetric flow rate, (mass flow rate / density)

1.19.9.2.5 Pipe Inlet Temperature [C]

1.19.9.2.6 Pipe Outlet Temperature [C]

Temperature of fluid at entrance and exit of pipe.

1.19.10 PipingSystem:Underground Class Objects

Objects in this class are used to simulate the heat transfer processes of a piping system placed
underground, which may or may not be in contact with a number of zone surfaces. There are
three related objects, all of which are prefixed with PipingSystem:Underground :

• PipingSystem:Underground:Domain

• PipingSystem:Underground:PipeCircuit

• PipingSystem:Underground:PipeSegment

1.19.11 PipingSystem:Underground:Domain
This section documents the domain object, which is used to specify information for the overall
ground domain, including thermal properties, mesh parameters, and surface interaction.

1.19.11.1 Inputs
1.19.11.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field is used as an identifying field for the ground domain.

1.19.11.1.2 Field: XMax, YMax, ZMax

These numeric fields are used to specify the overall domain size, in each of the three Cartesian
dimensions. The domain will be meshed from {x, y, z} = {0, 0, 0} to {Xmax, Ymax, Zmax}.
Note that for this object, the x-z plane lies parallel to the ground surface, such that the y-
dimension can be thought of as representing the burial depth. This is in contrast to the way
building surface coordinates are defined with the x-y plane lying parallel to the ground. Also note
that any pipe segments that end up being used in a ground domain will be placed axially in the
z-dimension. Thus, pipe flow will always be in either the positive z or negative z direction.
698 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.19.11.1.3 Field: X-Direction Mesh Density Parameter

This numeric integer field represents the number of cells to be placed between any two “domain
partitions” during mesh development. A domain partition may be thought of as a basement
wall/floor, or a pipe. Once these components are laid out in the domain, this field number of
cells are placed between the partitions. Further information on this is found in the engineering
reference manual.

1.19.11.1.4 Field: X-Direction Mesh Type

This alpha field represents the type of mesh to create when placing cells between “domain
partitions.” Two options are available: “uniform” and “symmetricgeometric.” For uniform, the
cells are placed in the region with all cells having equal size. For symmetric-geometric, the cells are
compressed toward the partitions so that there are more cells on either side of the mesh region. This
can help focus computational intensity on the boundary areas where it is likely more desired. For
symmetric-geometric mesh distribution, the mesh density parameter should be an even number to
provide the symmetric condition.

1.19.11.1.5 Field: X-Direction Geometric Coefficient

This numeric field represents the compression of cell distribution if the x-direction mesh type
is set to “symmetricgeometric.” If the mesh type is uniform, this field is not interpreted. For
symmetric geometric, a value in this field equal to 1 would result in a uniform distribution, while
a value of 2 would provide a highly skewed distribution.

1.19.11.1.6 Field: Y-Direction Mesh Density Parameter

See Field: X-Direction Mesh Density Parameter.

1.19.11.1.7 Field: Y-Direction Mesh Type

See Field: X-Direction Mesh Type.

1.19.11.1.8 Field: Y-Direction Geometric Coefficient

See Field: X-Direction Geometric Coefficient.

1.19.11.1.9 Field: Z-Direction Mesh Density Parameter

See Field: X-Direction Mesh Density Parameter.

1.19.11.1.10 Field: Z-Direction Mesh Type

See Field: X-Direction Mesh Type.

1.19.11.1.11 Field: Z-Direction Geometric Coefficient

See Field: X-Direction Geometric Coefficient.

1.19.11.1.12 Field: Soil Thermal Conductivity

The thermal conductivity of the soil, in W/m-K.

1.19.11.1.13 Field: Soil Density

The bulk density of the soil, in kg/m3.
1.19. GROUP – NODE-BRANCH MANAGEMENT 699

1.19.11.1.14 Field: Soil Specific Heat

The specific heat of dry soil, in J/kg-K. If moisture is defined in this object, moisture and
freezing effects are accounted for by varying the specific heat value.

1.19.11.1.15 Field: Soil Moisture Content Volume Fraction

A nominal value of soil moisture content to be used when evaluating soil thermal properties.

1.19.11.1.16 Field: Soil Moisture Content Volume Fraction at Saturation

A nominal value of soil moisture content when the soil is saturated, this is used in evaluating
thermal properties of freezing soil

1.19.11.1.17 Field: Type of Undisturbed Ground Temperature Object

The type of undisturbed ground temperature object used to determine ground temperature for
the farfield boundary conditions.

1.19.11.1.18 Field: Name of Undisturbed Ground Temperature Object

The name of the undisturbed ground temperature object used to determine ground temperature
for the farfield boundary conditions.

1.19.11.1.19 Field: This Domain Includes Basement Surface Interaction

A yes/no field stating whether zone surfaces should be coupled to this domain.

1.19.11.1.20 Field: Width of Basement Floor in Ground Domain

If this domain does include basement interaction, this represents the width of the domain
cutaway to include the basement. In essence, this is the width of basement floor to include in the
ground simulation. This width should include the basement wall thickness.

1.19.11.1.21 Field: Width of Basement Floor in Ground Domain

If this domain does include basement interaction, this represents the depth of the domain
cutaway to include the basement. In essence, this is the burial depth of the basement to include
in the ground simulation. This depth should include the basement floor thickness.

1.19.11.1.22 Field: Shift Pipe X Coordinates By Basement Width

If this domain does include basement interaction, this flag specifies whether the pipe segment
X-values should then be shifted by the basement width. In essence, this specifies the reference
point for pipe segment x-values: if NO then the reference is domain x = 0, if YES then the reference
is the basement width point.

1.19.11.1.23 Field: Name of Basement Wall Boundary Condition Model

The name of an OtherSideConditions model defined in the input file and referenced by the
surfaces which should be included as “wall surfaces” for the basement interaction part of the ground
heat transfer model.

1.19.11.1.24 Field: Name of Basement Wall Boundary Condition Model

The name of an OtherSideConditions model defined in the input file and referenced by the
surfaces which should be included as “floor surfaces” for the basement interaction part of the
ground heat transfer model.
700 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.19.11.1.25 Field: Convergence Criterion for the Outer Cartesian Domain It-
eration Loop
The maximum temperature deviation within any cell between one iteration and another to
decide that the Cartesian domain has converged to within tolerance. A smaller value will improve
accuracy and computation time. A smaller value should be accompanied by a higher number of
iterations if maximum accuracy is desired.

1.19.11.1.26 Field: Maximum Iterations in the Outer Cartesian Domain Itera-

tion Loop
The maximum number of iterations to make when performing temperature updates of the
Cartesian coordinate system. The actual number of iterations made will of course depend on
transient conditions and convergence tolerance.

1.19.11.1.27 Field: Evapotranspiration Ground Cover Parameter

Numeric field specifies the ground cover effects used in the evapotranspiration model at the
ground surface heat balance. The values range from 0 (solid, nonpermeable ground surface) to 1.5
(wild growth).

1.19.11.1.28 Field: Number of Pipe Circuits Entered for this Domain

The number of pipe circuit objects which will be defined in the following fields.

1.19.11.1.29 Field: Pipe Circuit 1 {… to N; extensible}

A PipingSystem:Underground:PipeCircuit to be included in this domain. This indicates that
the pipe circuit and all of the underlying pipe segments will be included during mesh development
and heat transfer calculations within this domain. Any number of pipe circuits can be added,
assuming all underlying pipe segments do not cause any conflicts for the mesh development engine
(overlapping pipes, etc.).

1.19.12 PipingSystem:Underground:PipeCircuit
This section documents the pipe circuit object, which is used to specify information for the plant
loop topology, such as inlet and outlet connections. This object also groups together pipe segments
to define flow paths within a given pipe circuit.

1.19.12.1 Inputs
1.19.12.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field is used as an identifying field for the pipe circuit.

1.19.12.1.2 Field: Pipe Thermal Conductivity

The thermal conductivity of the pipe, in W/m-K.

1.19.12.1.3 Field: Pipe Density

The bulk density of the pipe, in kg/m3.

1.19.12.1.4 Field: Pipe Specific Heat

The specific heat of the pipe, in J/kg-K.
1.19. GROUP – NODE-BRANCH MANAGEMENT 701

1.19.12.1.5 Field: Pipe Inner Diameter

The inner diameter of the pipe, in m.

1.19.12.1.6 Field: Pipe Outer Diameter

The outer diameter of the pipe, in m.

1.19.12.1.7 Field: Design Flow Rate

The “design” flow in this pipe circuit, in m3/s. This is the flow which this component will
request during the simulation. Of course, other components and overall plant management will
decide the flow actually given to this component.

1.19.12.1.8 Field: Circuit Inlet Node Name

The inlet node name for this circuit, which is used when placing this circuit on a branch on a
plant or condenser loop.

1.19.12.1.9 Field: Circuit Outlet Node Name

The outlet node name for this circuit, which is used when placing this circuit on a branch on
a plant or condenser loop.

1.19.12.1.10 Field: Convergence Criterion for the Inner Radial Iteration Loop

The maximum temperature deviation within any cell between one iteration and another to
decide that the radial domain has converged to within tolerance. A smaller value will improve
accuracy and computation time. A smaller value should be accompanied by a higher number of
iterations if maximum accuracy is desired.

1.19.12.1.11 Field: Maximum Iterations in the Inner Radial Iteration Loop

The maximum number of iterations to make when performing temperature updates of the
radial coordinate system. The actual number of iterations made will of course depend on transient
conditions and convergence tolerance.

1.19.12.1.12 Field: Number of Soil Nodes in the Inner Radial Near Pipe Mesh
Region
The number of soil nodes to discretize pipe cells. More information on mesh development is
provided in the engineering reference manual.

1.19.12.1.13 Field: Radial Thickness of Inner Radial Near Pipe Mesh Region
The radial distance used to discretize pipe cells. More information on mesh development is
provided in the engineering reference manual.

1.19.12.1.14 Field: Number of Pipe Segments Entered for this Pipe Circuit
The number of pipe segment objects which will be defined in the following fields.

1.19.12.1.15 Field: Pipe Segment 1 {… to N; extensible}

A PipingSystem:Underground:PipeSegment to be included in this pipe circuit. The circuit is
set up so that flow passes through the N segments in the order they are entered here.
702 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.19.13 PipingSystem:Underground:PipeSegment
This section documents the pipe segment object, which is used to specify information for a single
pipe segment placed at some x, y coordinate in the ground. The flow direction is also defined in
this object to allow for careful description of varying flow paths. This can be useful for accounting
for short circuiting effects if two pipes are placed in counterflow vs. parallel flow.

1.19.13.1 Inputs
1.19.13.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field is used as an identifying field for the pipe segment.

1.19.13.1.2 Field: X Position

This numeric field represents the x-direction placement of the pipe. If no basement is included
in the simulation, this is measured from x = 0. If a basement is included, and the domain object
specifies that pipes should be shifted, this is measured from the basement wall.

1.19.13.1.3 Field: Y Position

This numeric field represents the burial depth of the pipe, measured from the ground sur-
face. This will always be a positive number.

1.19.13.1.4 Field: Flow Direction

This alpha field is used to define the flow direction within this pipe segment. The choices are
“increasing” or “decreasing.” These can be chosen carefully to encapsulate specific short-circuiting
effects due to varying flow configurations (circuiting).
An example of this object in an IDF is offered here for a foundation heat exchanger

PipingSystem:Underground:Domain ,
My Piping System , !- Name
12, !- Xmax
4.5, !- Ymax
36.84 , !- Zmax
2, !- XMeshCount
Uniform , !- XMeshType
, !- XGeometricCoeff
2, !- YMeshCount
Uniform , !- YMeshType
, !- YGeometricCoeff
6, !- ZMeshCount
Uniform , !- ZMeshType
, !- ZGeometricCoeff
1.08, !- GroundThermalConductivity
962, !- GroundDensity
2576, !- GroundSpecificHeat
30, !- MoistureContent
50, !- MoistureContentAtSaturation
Site:GroundTemperature:Undisturbed:KusudaAchenbach , !- Type of Undisturbed Ground
Temperature Object
KATemps , !- Name of Undisturbed Ground Temperature Object
Yes , !- DomainHasBasement
6, !- BasementWidthInDomain
2.5, !- BasementDepthInDomain
Yes , !- ShiftPipeXValuesByBasementWidth
BasementWallOSCM , !- BasementWallBoundaryConditionModel
BasementFloorOSCM , !- BasementFloorBoundaryConditionModel
0.005 , !- CartesianIterationConvergenceCriterion
100, !- CartesianMaxIterations
1.19. GROUP – NODE-BRANCH MANAGEMENT 703

0.408 , !- EvapotranspirationGroundCoverParameter
1, !- NumPipeCircuits
My Pipe Circuit; !- PipeCircuit

PipingSystem:Underground:PipeCircuit ,
My Pipe Circuit , !- Name
0.3895 , !- PipeThermalConductivity
641, !- PipeDensity
2405, !- PipeSpecificHeat
0.016 , !- PipeInnerDiameter
0.02667 , !- PipeOuterDiameter
0.004 , !- DesignFlowRate
Piping System Inlet Node , !- InletNode
Piping System Outlet Node , !- OutletNode
0.001 , !- RadialIterationConvergenceCriterion
100, !- RadialMaxIterations
2, !- RadialMeshCount
0.03, !- RadialMeshThickness
6, !- NumSegments
Segment 1, !- Segment1
Segment 2, !- Segment2
Segment 3, !- Segment3
Segment 4, !- Segment4
Segment 5, !- Segment5
Segment 6; !- Segment6

PipingSystem:Underground:PipeSegment ,
Segment 1, !- Name
0.67, !- X
2.20, !- Burial Depth
IncreasingZ; !- Flow Direction

PipingSystem:Underground:PipeSegment ,
Segment 2, !- Name
0.95, !- X
2.20, !- Burial Depth
IncreasingZ; !- Flow Direction

PipingSystem:Underground:PipeSegment ,
Segment 3, !- Name
1.23, !- X
2.20, !- Burial Depth
IncreasingZ; !- Flow Direction

PipingSystem:Underground:PipeSegment ,
Segment 4, !- Name
1.40, !- X
1.94, !- Burial Depth
DecreasingZ; !- Flow Direction

PipingSystem:Underground:PipeSegment ,
Segment 5, !- Name
1.40, !- X
1.66, !- Burial Depth
DecreasingZ; !- Flow Direction

PipingSystem:Underground:PipeSegment ,
Segment 6, !- Name
1.40, !- X
1.39, !- Burial Depth
DecreasingZ; !- Flow Direction

1.19.13.2 Outputs
• HVAC, Average, Pipe Circuit Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
704 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• HVAC, Average, Pipe Circuit Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC, Average, Pipe Circuit Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC, Average, Pipe Segment Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC, Average, Pipe Segment Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC, Average, Pipe Circuit Fluid Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC, Average, Pipe Segment Fluid Heat Transfer Rate [W]

1.19.13.2.1 Pipe Circuit Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

The output provides the mass flow rate currently being sent through the pipe circuit.

1.19.13.2.2 Pipe Circuit Inlet Temperature [C]

1.19.13.2.3 Pipe Circuit Outlet Temperature [C]

Temperature of fluid at the inlet and outlet of a given pipe circuit.

1.19.13.2.4 Pipe Segment Inlet Temperature [C]

1.19.13.2.5 Pipe Segment Outlet Temperature [C]

Temperature of fluid at the inlet and outlet of a given pipe segment.

1.19.13.2.6 Pipe Circuit Fluid Heat Transfer Rate [W]

This is the fluid heat gain or loss in the pipe circuit, in Watts.

1.19.13.2.7 Pipe Segment Fluid Heat Transfer Rate [W]

This is the fluid heat gain or loss in the pipe segment, in Watts.

1.19.14 Duct
The Duct object is a component for air systems that is a direct analogue for Pipe:Adiabatic in
the fluid loops. It is used when it is necessary (due to the HVAC system configuration) to have a
branch that has no functional components. This case most often arises for a bypass branch. Since
every branch must have at least one component, the Duct component is used for this situation.
The duct is an adiabatic, pass-through component; all of its inlet conditions are passed through
unchanged to its outlet.

1.19.14.1 Inputs
1.19.14.1.1 Field: Name
This is the unique name for this component. Any reference to this component (in a BranchList,
for instance) will refer to it by this name.

1.19.14.1.2 Field: Inlet Node Name

The name of the component’s air inlet node.
1.20. GROUP – PLANT-CONDENSER LOOPS 705

1.19.14.1.3 Field: Outlet Node Name

The name of the component’s air outlet node.
Below is an example input for Duct.

DUCT ,
VAV Sys 1 Bypass Duct , !- Name
VAV Sys 1 Bypass Duct Inlet Node , !- Inlet Node Name
VAV Sys 1 Bypass Duct Outlet Node;!- Outlet Node Name

1.19.14.2 Outputs
There are no outputs for Duct.

1.20 Group – Plant-Condenser Loops

1.20.1 PlantLoop
The main elements of the PlantLoop syntax are described in further detail below. A map of how
the input for this portion of the HVAC input fits together is provided in the following diagram.
![PlantLoopSyntax (media/image135.png)
Figure 73. Plant Loop Input Syntax Map

1.20.1.1 Inputs
1.20.1.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field is used as an identifying field for the plant loop.

1.20.1.1.2 Field: Fluid Type

This alpha field must be a keyword selected from the list of available fluids for an EnergyPlus
plant loop. Either Water, Steam or UserDefinedFluidType may be used. If the UserDefined-
FluidType keyword is used, the following input field i.e. User Defined Fluid Type must have a value
(namely the name of a FluidProperties:GlycolConcentration object).

1.20.1.1.3 Field: User Defined Fluid Type

This alpha field must be specified when the previous field is set to UserDefinedFluidType
otherwise it could be left blank. Water, EthyleneGlycol, PropoleneGlycol and Steam are
all “built-in” fluids for EnergyPlus (that is, all of the appropriate properties are contained within
the program). If the fluid specified here is a mixture of water and ethylene or propylene glycol,
then only FluidProperties:GlycolConcentration objects need to be specified and the name of the
appropriate one is used here. For another water/glycol mixture, a complete set of fluid property
data (FluidProperties:Name and FluidProperties:Temperature objects plus multiple FluidProper-
ties:Concentration objects for specific heat, density, etc.) must be specified (Ref dataset: Glycol-
PropertiesRefData.idf).

1.20.1.1.4 Field: Plant Equipment Operation Scheme Name

This alpha field is used as an identifying field for the plant operation scheme. This field ties to
the PlantEquipmentOperationSchemes input structure, which must also be defined.
706 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.20.1.1.5 Field: Loop Temperature Setpoint Node Name

This alpha field is used to identify the node which the Loop Manager will access the temperature
setpoint that it will try to maintain. This is typically the Plant Loop Supply Side Outlet Node
so that it will not interfere with component temperature setpoints. An associated temperature
setpoint manager will need to be defined.

1.20.1.1.6 Field: Maximum Loop Temperature

This numeric field contains the maximum allowable temperature in Celsius for this loop.

1.20.1.1.7 Field: Minimum Loop Temperature

This numeric field contains the minimum allowable temperature in Celsius for this loop.

1.20.1.1.8 Field: Maximum Loop Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the maximum loop flow rate in cubic meters per second. This
parameter is also used when the user chooses to autocalculate the loop volume. See Volume of the
Plant Loop below and the Engineering Manual for more details. This field is autosizable.

1.20.1.1.9 Field: Minimum Loop Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the minimum loop flow rate in cubic meters per second.

1.20.1.1.10 Field: Plant Loop Volume

Volume of the plant loop in m3 . This numeric field contains the loop volume for the entire loop,
i.e. both the demand side and the supply side. This is used for the loop capacitance calculation..
Loop volume (m3 ) could be calculated from pipe size data but this is not usually known. If zero
volume is specified the loop has no fluid heat capacity. If a very large capacitance is specified
unrealistic time delay may result and there may be poor response to changes in loop setpoint
temperature. The loop capacitance autocalculate option gives reasonable values for most system
sizes. This calculation is described in the Engineering Reference manual.

1.20.1.1.11 Field: Plant Side Inlet Node Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name given to the Plant Side Inlet Node. This
node is the inlet to the supply side of the loop.

1.20.1.1.12 Field: Plant Side Outlet Node Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name given to the Plant Side Outlet Node.
This node is the outlet of the supply side of the loop.

1.20.1.1.13 Field: Plant Side Branch List Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name given to the Plant Side Branch List.
The list referenced here should list all the branches on the supply side of the loop.

1.20.1.1.14 Field: Plant Side Connector List Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the Plant Side Connector List. The list
referenced here should list the splitter and mixer on the supply side of the loop.
1.20. GROUP – PLANT-CONDENSER LOOPS 707

1.20.1.1.15 Field: Demand Side Inlet Node Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name given to the Demand Side Inlet Node.
This node is the inlet to the demand side of the loop.

1.20.1.1.16 Field: Demand Side Outlet Node Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name given to the Demand Side Outlet Node.
This node is the outlet of the demand side of the loop.

1.20.1.1.17 Field: Demand Side Branch List Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name given to the Demand Side Branch List.
The list referenced here should list all the branches on the demand side of the loop.

1.20.1.1.18 Field: Demand Side Connector List Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the Demand Side Connector List. The
list referenced here should list the splitter and mixer on the demand side of the loop.

1.20.1.1.19 Field: Load Distribution Scheme

This alpha field contains the Load Distribution Scheme Keyword. The Load Distribution
Scheme selects the algorithm used to sequence equipment operation in order to meet the plant
loop demand. Currently, five schemes are functional. Optimal operates each piece of equipment
at its optimal part load ratio and will operate the last component between its minimum and max-
imum part load ratio in order to meet the loop demand. SequentialLoad loads each piece of
equipment sequentially in the order specified in the PlantEquipmentList to its maximum part load
ratio and will operate the last required piece of equipment between its minimum and maximum part
load ratio in order to meet the loop demand. UniformLoad evenly distributes the loop demand
among all available components on the equipment list for a given load range. SequentialUni-
formPLR loads all equipment on the PlantEquipmentList to a uniform part load ratio (PLR).
Components are loaded sequentially based on the order specified in the PlantEquipmentList until
each component is fully loaded, at which point the next subsequent component is added and the
load is distributed uniformly based on PLR between the components. UniformPLR will load
all equipment on the PlantEquipmentList to a uniform part load ratio (PLR). No equipment will
be loaded below its minimum PLR. If the total load is less than the sum of all equipment on the
PlantEquipmentList operating at their respective minimum PLRs, then the last item in the equip-
ment list is dropped and the load is distributed based on a uniform PLR for the remaining plant
equipment.
Note: For all schemes, if the load for any individual component is less than the component load
at the minimum PLR, the individual component model will false load or reduce duty cycle while
operating at the minimum part load ratio until the load is met.

1.20.1.1.20 Field: Availability Manager List Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the System Availability Manager List.

1.20.1.1.21 Field: Plant Loop Demand Calculation Scheme

There are two plant loop demand calculations schemes in EnergyPlus. There is a Single-
Setpoint and a DualSetpointDeadband; the SingleSetpoint is the default if this field is left
blank. In the SingleSetpoint scheme the Plant Loop requires that a Setpoint Manager set a
single setpoint value (on Node%TempSetpoint). Examples of this setpoint manager would be:
708 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

SetpointManager:Scheduled, SetpointManager:OutsideAir, etc. For the DualSetPointDeadband

scheme the Plant Loop requires that a Setpoint Manager set the high and low setpoint values (for
Node%TempSetPointHi and Node%TempSetPointLo). Examples of this Setpoint manager would
be: SetpointManager:Scheduled:DualSetpoint.
The plant loop demand calculation scheme determines the amount of heating or cooling neces-
sary to bring the temperature of the Plant Loop to its setpoint(s). When this value is determined
then the load distribution scheme explained in the previous section takes this value and distributes
the load to the appropriate equipment. The demand calculation scheme determines how the load
is calculated. See more information in the Engineering Document.

1.20.1.1.22 Field: Common Pipe Simulation

This field specifies a primary-secondary plant loop simulation. When a common pipe option
is specified, the plant side of the loop is the primary loop and the demand side of the loop is the
secondary loop, and a pump object must be placed on the demand side inlet branch. The three
options are “None”, “CommonPipe” and “TwoWayCommonPipe”. “None” means that there
is no secondary loop and the plant loop is modeled as a single primary loop. “CommonPipe”
means that the common pipe interface does not attempt any temperature control, it only satisfies
secondary (demand side) flow requests. “TwoWayCommonPipe” allows control of the secondary
(demand side) inlet temperature or the primary (plant side) inlet temperature by placing a setpoint
on the corresponding node. If this field is left blank, it will default to ”None”. If the field is set to
“None” and the program finds a pump on the demand side it will result in a fatal error. If the
field is set to “CommonPipe” or “TwoWayCommonPipe” and the program does not find a pump
on the demand side it will result in a fatal error. The common pipe simulation is currently limited
to simulating loop pumps, i.e. each pump should be placed on the inlet branch of the plant side or
demand side of the loop.

1.20.1.1.23 Field: Pressure Simulation Type

This field lets user to choose if this plant loop will be involved in a pressure drop calcula-
tion. This requires that at least one branch on the loop have pressure drop data. If not, an
error will be thrown due to the input mismatch. Currently there are two pressure drop simulation
types: “PumpPowerCorrection” and “LoopFlowCorrection”. In both of these methods, branch
pressure drop data is used to calculate a dynamic loop pressure drop and is used to update pump-
ing power accordingly. The flow correction method allows the user to enter information regarding
the pressure curve of a constant speed pump so that the simulation can dynamically resolve the
pressure vs. flow relationship in the plant loop. This is limited to constant speed pumps, as the
variable speed pumps are expected to resolve as if it were controlled by a variable drive, so that
they can inherently meet any pressure and flow demand required by the loop. This is also limited
to “loop pumps”, where there is a single pump on the plant loop. Common pipe simulations and
“branch pump” simulations are not compatible with this level of pressure simulation. See the
documentation for the Pump:ConstantSpeed in order to determine required inputs for this pres-
sure simulation method to be performed. In the pressure drop system, parallel flow rates are not
resolved (to match the pressure drop for the parallel system). Enhancements to this calculation are
planned which will allow parallel branch flow resolution. See the Engineering Reference document
for more information on how this works.
An example of this statement used in an IDF is:

PlantLoop ,
Hot Water Loop , !- Plant Loop Name
1.20. GROUP – PLANT-CONDENSER LOOPS 709

Water , !- Fluid Type

, !- User Defined Fluid Type
Hot Loop Operation , !- Plant Operation Scheme List Name
HW Loop Outlet Node , !- Loop Temperature Setpoint Schedule Name
100, !- Maximum Loop Temperature {C}
10, !- Minimum Loop Temperature {C}
autosize , !- Maximum Loop Volumetric Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.0, !- Minimum Loop Volumetric Flow Rate {m3/s}
autosize , !- volume of the plant loop {m3}
HW Supply Inlet Node , !- Plant Side Inlet Node Name
HW Supply Outlet Node , !- Plant Side Outlet Node Name
Heating Supply Side Branches , !- Plant Side Branch List Name
Heating Supply Side Connectors , !- Plant Side Connector List Name
HW Demand Inlet Node , !- Demand Side Inlet Node Name
HW Demand Outlet Node , !- Demand Side Outlet Nodes Name
Heating Demand Side Branches , !- Demand Side Branch List Name
Heating Demand Side Connectors , !- Demand Side Connector List Name
Optimal; !- Load Distribution Scheme

In the above example input there is no system availability manager specified and the Demand
Calculation Scheme will default to SingleSetpoint using a single setpoint manager. Common pipe
simulation field in the above example will default to “NONE” since it is not specified.

1.20.1.2 Outputs
In the following output variables, “Debug” denotes variables that are used primarily by the devel-
opers and whose names and application may be cryptic to users. .

• HVAC,Average,Plant Supply Side Cooling Demand Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Plant Supply Side Heating Demand Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Plant Supply Side Inlet Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Plant Supply Side Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Plant Supply Side Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Plant Supply Side Not Distributed Demand Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Plant Supply Side Unmet Demand Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Plant Solver Sub Iteration Count []

• HVAC,Sum,Plant Solver Half Loop Calls Count []

• HVAC,Average,Debug Plant Loop Bypass Fraction

• HVAC,Average,Debug Plant Last Simulated Loop Side [-]

• HVAC,Average,Plant Common Pipe Mass Flow Rate [Kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Plant Common Pipe Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Plant Common Pipe Flow Direction Status []

• HVAC,Average,Plant Common Pipe Primary Mass Flow Rate [Kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Plant Common Pipe Secondary Mass Flow Rate [Kg/s]

710 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• HVAC,Average,Primary Side Common Pipe Flow Direction []

• HVAC,Average,Secondary Side Common Pipe Flow Direction []

• HVAC,Average,Plant Common Pipe Primary to Secondary Mass Flow Rate [Kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Plant Common Pipe Secondary to Primary Mass Flow Rate [Kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Plant System Cycle On Off Status []

• HVAC,Average,Plant Demand Side Loop Pressure Difference [Pa]

• HVAC,Average,Plant Supply Side Loop Pressure Difference [Pa]

• HVAC,Average,Plant Loop Pressure Difference [Pa]

1.20.1.2.1 Plant Supply Side Cooling Demand Rate [W]

This is the value of the net demand required to meet the cooling setpoint of the loop. If the
loop setpoint is met for the current HVAC timestep, Plant Supply Side Cooling Demand Rate will
equal sum of the total cooling demand from the demand side coils on the loop. It will also equal the
cooling output of all chillers (or other cooling equipment) on the loop less any pump heat added to
the fluid. For example, for a chilled water loop with one chiller and one pump serving one chilled
water coil: Plant Supply Side Cooling Demand Rate will equal the chiller evaporator heat transfer
less the pump heat to fluid, and it will also equal the chilled water coil total cooling output.
If the plant loop setpoint is not met, Plant Supply Side Cooling Demand Rate will equal
the sum of the total cooling demand from the demand side coils on the loop plus the additional
cooling required to bring the loop flow to setpoint. If the loop remains off setpoint for successive
timesteps, the demand required to return to setpoint will repeat in each timestep until the loop
reaches setpoint. For this reason, Plant Supply Side Cooling Demand Rate should not be summed
over time, because it will overstate the demand whenever the loop is off setpoint.

1.20.1.2.2 Plant Supply Side Heating Demand Rate [W]

This is the value of the net demand required to meet the heating setpoint of the loop. If the
loop setpoint is met for the current HVAC timestep, Plant Supply Side Heating Demand Rate will
equal sum of the total heating demand from the demand side coils on the loop. It will also equal
the heating output of all boilers (or other cooling equipment) on the loop plus any pump heat
added to the fluid. For example, for a hot water loop with one boiler and one pump serving one
hot water coil: Plant Supply Side Heating Demand Rate will equal the boiler heat transfer plus
the pump heat to fluid, and it will also equal the hot water coil total heating output.
If the plant loop setpoint is not met, Plant Supply Side Heating Demand Rate will equal
the sum of the total heating demand from the demand side coils on the loop plus the additional
heating required to bring the loop flow to setpoint. If the loop remains off setpoint for successive
timesteps, the demand required to return to setpoint will repeat in each timestep until the loop
reaches setpoint. For this reason, Plant Supply Side Heating Demand Rate should not be summed
over time, because it will overstate the demand whenever the loop is off setpoint.

1.20.1.2.3 Plant Supply Side Inlet Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

This is the value of the mass flow rate at the Inlet to Plant Loop on the supply side. There
is not an associated Plant Loop outlet node flow rate since continuity must be maintained in the
loop and the outlet must be the same.
1.20. GROUP – PLANT-CONDENSER LOOPS 711

1.20.1.2.4 Plant Supply Side Inlet Temperature [C]

This is the value of the temperature at the Inlet to the plant loop on the supply side.

1.20.1.2.5 Plant Supply Side Outlet Temperature [C]

This is the value of the temperature at the outlet to the plant loop on the supply side.

1.20.1.2.6 Plant Supply Side Not Distributed Demand Rate [W]

This is the value of the demand that could not be distributed to the plant equipment because
of some constraint in the plant operation scheme. This is a record of the loop operation scheme
supervisory controls after attempting to distribute the load. For example it would be non-zero in
situations where the load is larger than the upper limit of capacities set for the plant equipment
controls. This output is for before the equipment has actually been simulated whereas the separate
output Plant Supply Side Unmet Demand Rate is for after the equipment has simulated.

1.20.1.2.7 Plant Supply Side Unmet Demand Rate [W]

This is the value of the demand NOT provided by the plant equipment to meet the heating
or cooling setpoint of the loop. The value is positive when the plant equipment cannot meet the
setpoint, and the value is negative when the plant equipment provides more than enough heating or
cooling to meet the setpoint. A negative value can happen when the amount of demand is smaller
than the minimum capacity of the equipment using the minimum part load ratio.

1.20.1.2.8 Plant Solver Sub Iteration Count []

This is the count of iterations that the overall plant simulation used over the period of time
being reported. This high-level output is from the plant solver used for all the plant loops and
condenser loops in the model.

1.20.1.2.9 Plant Solver Half Loop Calls Count

This is the count of calls to model individual half-loops that occurred during the overall plant
simulation over the period of time being reported. This includes all the half-loops for both plant
loops and condenser loops.

1.20.1.2.10 Plant Common Pipe Mass Flow Rate [Kg/s]

This output gives the magnitude of the flow through common pipe. The value is averaged over
the reporting interval.

1.20.1.2.11 Plant Common Pipe Temperature [C]

This output gives the value of the temperature of the fluid flowing through common pipe. This
value is averaged over the reporting interval.

1.20.1.2.12 Plant Common Pipe Flow Direction Status []

This output gives the direction of flow in common pipe. The value is an integer and can be 0, 1
or 2. Since the output value is averaged over reporting interval, a non-integer value may be shown
as an output when the reporting interval is not detailed. An output value of 0 means that there
was no flow in common pipe. An output value of 1 means that the secondary flow is greater than
primary flow, whereas a value of 2 means that primary flow is greater than secondary flow.
712 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.20.1.2.13 Plant Common Pipe Primary Mass Flow Rate [Kg/s]

This output variable gives the mass flow in the primary side common pipe leg in a Two-Way
common pipe simulation. Value is averaged over the reporting interval.

1.20.1.2.14 Plant Common Pipe Secondary Mass Flow Rate [Kg/s]

This output variable gives the mass flow in the secondary side common pipe leg in a Two-Way
common pipe simulation. Value is averaged over the reporting interval.

1.20.1.2.15 Primary Side Common Pipe Flow Direction []

This output variable gives the direction of flow in a primary side common pipe leg in a Two-Way
Common Pipe Simulation. A value of zero means there was no flow in the pipe. A value of 1 means
the flow was from top to bottom in EnergyPlus loop schematic. So for primary side, a value of 1
means the flow is from Primary side inlet to Primary side outlet and a value of 2 means flow is
from Primary side outlet to Primary side inlet.

1.20.1.2.16 Secondary Side Common Pipe Flow Direction []

This output variable gives the direction of flow in a Secondary side common pipe leg in a Two-
Way Common Pipe Simulation. A value of zero means there was no flow in the pipe. A value of
1 means the flow was from top to bottom in EnergyPlus loop schematic. So for Secondary side, a
value of 1 means the flow is from Secondary side outlet to Secondary side inlet and a value of 2
means flow is from Secondary side inlet to Secondary side outlet. Note that this is opposite to the
primary side common pipe.

1.20.1.2.17 Plant Common Pipe Primary to Secondary Mass Flow Rate [Kg/s]

This output variable gives the mass flow from primary to secondary side in a Two-Way common
pipe simulation. Value is averaged over the reporting interval.

1.20.1.2.18 Plant Common Pipe Secondary to Primary Mass Flow Rate [Kg/s]

This output variable gives the mass flow from secondary to primary side in a Two-Way common
pipe simulation. Value is averaged over the reporting interval.

1.20.1.2.19 Plant System Cycle On Off Status

This field is the availability status of a Plant Loop. This status flag is a result of the calculations
made by the System Availability Manager(s) listed in a System Availability Manager List. When a
single availability manager is used in a System Availability Manager List, this is also the availability
status reported by the specific availability manager (Ref. System Availability Manager Outputs).
When multiple availability managers are used in a System Availability Manager List, the loop
availability status is determine by the rules associated with Plant Loops (see rules described for
Group – System Availability Managers). The control status outputs are represented using integers
0 through 2.. These integers represent NoAction (0), ForceOff (1), and CycleOn (2). Since the
status output is averaged, the output result may not correspond to the values described here when
output variable frequencies other than detailed are used. Use the “detailed” reporting frequency
(Ref. Output:Variable object) to view the availability status at each simulation timestep.
1.20. GROUP – PLANT-CONDENSER LOOPS 713

1.20.1.2.20 Plant Demand Side Loop Pressure Difference [Pa]

This field allows the user to output the demand side pressure drop of a plant loop. This output
is only recognized if a valid pressure simulation is being performed. To do this, the user must
specify a pressure simulation type as an input in the PlantLoop object, and input at least one
pressure drop curve on a branch of the plant loop. This particular output is only relevant if the
user puts that curve on the demand side of the loop.

1.20.1.2.21 Plant Supply Side Loop Pressure Difference [Pa]

This field allows the user to output the supply side pressure drop of a plant loop. This output
is only recognized if a valid pressure simulation is being performed. To do this, the user must
specify a pressure simulation type as an input in the PlantLoop object, and input at least one
pressure drop curve on a branch of the plant loop. This particular output is only relevant if the
user puts that curve on the supply side of the loop.

1.20.1.2.22 Plant Loop Pressure Difference [Pa]

This output is the total pressure drop of a plant loop. This output is only recognized if a valid
pressure simulation is being performed. To do this, the user must specify a pressure simulation
type as an input in the PlantLoop object, and input at least one pressure drop curve on a branch
of the plant loop. This particular output is relevant regardless of the location of pressure drop
curves: demand side, supply side, or both.
The following advanced output variables are also available for plant loops (and condenser loops)
when advanced output variables are requested (e.g. “Output:Diagnostics, DisplayAdvancedReport-
Variable;”).

• HVAC,Average,Plant Demand Side Lumped Capacitance Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Plant Supply Side Lumped Capacitance Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Plant Component Distributed Demand Rate [W]

1.20.1.2.23 Plant Demand Side Lumped Capacitance Temperature [C]

1.20.1.2.24 Plant Supply Side Lumped Capacitance Temperature [C]

These two outputs are the temperature of the plant (or condenser) loop’s working fluid where
the two half-loops interface together. The program models heat capacitance in the volume of fluid
inside the plant loop itself using two simple models for “well-stirred” tanks located at each of the
half-loop inlet and outlet pairs. These tank models also receive the heat transferred to the fluid by
the work done by pumping and resulting friction heating. One output is for the point where the
fluid leaves the supply side and enters the demand side. The other output is for the point where
the fluid leaves the demand side and enters the supply side.

1.20.1.2.25 Plant Component Distributed Demand Rate [W]

This output is available for every component on every branch in a plant (or condenser) loop
and shows the outcome of the load dispatch performed by the operation schemes. This the load
in watts passed from the supervisor routines to the equipment component models. This provides
a record of what a particular component was asked to do by the supervisory routines. This can be
useful for diagnosing issues in operation schemes when a component or loop is failing to meet the
load.
714 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.20.2 CondenserLoop
The condenser loop input is very similar to that for the plant loop. As of version 7, the two loops
are modeled the same way and inside the program all condenser loops are just plant loops. (In
future versions of the program, this CondenserLoop object might be deprecated and these loops
will be described using the PlantLoop object.) The main differences are the applicable components
and operation schemes. This is depicted in the following diagram.
![CondenserLoopSyntax (media/image136.png)
Figure 74. Condenser Loop Input Syntax Map

1.20.2.1 Inputs
1.20.2.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field is used as an identifying field for the condenser loop.

1.20.2.1.2 Field: Fluid Type

This alpha field must be a keyword selected from the list of available fluids for an EnergyPlus
plant loop. Either Water or UserDefinedFluidType may be used. If the UserDefinedFluidType
keyword is used, the following input field i.e. User Defined Fluid Type must have a value (namely
the name of a FluidProperties:GlycolConcentration object).

1.20.2.1.3 Field: User Defined Fluid Type

This alpha field must be specified when the previous field is set to UserDefinedFluidType
otherwise it could be left blank. Water, EthyleneGlycol, and PropoleneGlycol are all “built-
in” fluids for EnergyPlus (that is, all of the appropriate properties are contained within the pro-
gram). If the fluid specified here is a mixture of water and ethylene or propylene glycol, then
only FluidProperties:GlycolConcentration objects need to be specified and the name of the ap-
propriate one is used here. For another water/glycol mixture, a complete set of fluid property
data (FluidProperties:Name and FluidProperties:Temperature objects plus multiple FluidProper-
ties:Concentration objects for specific heat, density, etc.) must be specified (Ref dataset: Glycol-
PropertiesRefData.idf).

1.20.2.1.4 Field: Condenser Equipment Operation Scheme Name

This alpha field is used as an identifying field for the condenser operation scheme. This field
ties to the Condenser Operation Schemes input structure, which must also be defined.

1.20.2.1.5 Field: Condenser Loop Temperature Setpoint Node Name

This alpha field is used to identify the node which the Loop Manager will access the temperature
setpoint that it will try to maintain. This is typically the Condenser Loop Supply Side Outlet Node
so that it will not interfere with component temperature setpoints. An associated temperature
setpoint manager will need to be defined.

1.20.2.1.6 Field: Maximum Loop Temperature

This numeric field contains the maximum allowable temperature in Celsius for this loop.
1.20. GROUP – PLANT-CONDENSER LOOPS 715

1.20.2.1.7 Field: Minimum Loop Temperature

This numeric field contains the minimum allowable temperature in Celsius for this loop. This
minimum loop temperature is used by the cooling towers to make sure that the minimum is not
violated to keep the equipment safe. The minimum is also used to trigger the minimum temperature
warning and will notify the user if it gets too low.

1.20.2.1.8 Field: Maximum Loop Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the maximum loop flow rate in cubic meters per second. This field
is autosizable.

1.20.2.1.9 Field: Minimum Loop Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the minimum loop flow rate in cubic meters per second.

1.20.2.1.10 Field: Condenser Loop Volume

Volume of the condenser loop in m3 . This numeric field contains the loop volume for the
entire loop, i.e., both the demand side and the supply side. This is used for the loop capacitance
calculation. Loop volume (m3 ) could be calculated from pipe size data but this is not usually
known. If zero volume is specified the loop has no fluid heat capacity. If a very large capacitance
is specified unrealistic time delay may result and there may be poor response to changes in loop
setpoint temperature. The loop capacitance autocalculate option gives reasonable values for most
system sizes. This calculation is described in the Engineering Reference manual.

1.20.2.1.11 Field: Condenser Side Inlet Node Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name given to the Condenser Side Inlet Node.
This node is the inlet to the supply side of the loop.

1.20.2.1.12 Field: Condenser Side Outlet Node Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name given to the Condenser Side Outlet
Node. This node is the outlet of the supply side of the loop.

1.20.2.1.13 Field: Condenser Side Branch List Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name given to the Condenser Side Branch
List. The list referenced here should list all the branches on the supply side of the loop.

1.20.2.1.14 Field: Condenser Side Connector List Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name given to the Condenser Side Connector
List. The list referenced here should list the splitter and mixer on the supply side of the loop.

1.20.2.1.15 Field: Demand Side Inlet Node Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name given to the Demand Side Inlet
Node. This node is the inlet to the demand side of the loop.

1.20.2.1.16 Field: Demand Side Outlet Nodes Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name given to the Demand Side Outlet Node.
This node is the outlet of the demand side of the loop.
716 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.20.2.1.17 Field: Condenser Demand Side Branch List Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name given to the Demand Side Branch
List. The list referenced here should list all the branches on the demand side of the loop.

1.20.2.1.18 Field: Condenser Demand Side Connector List Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name given to the Demand Side Connector
List. The list referenced here should list the splitter and mixer on the demand side of the loop.

1.20.2.1.19 Field: Load Distribution Scheme

This alpha field contains the Load Distribution Scheme Keyword. The Load Distribution
Scheme selects the algorithm used to sequence equipment operation in order to meet the plant
loop demand. Currently, five schemes are functional. Optimal operates each piece of equipment
at its optimal part load ratio and will operate the last component between its minimum and max-
imum part load ratio in order to meet the loop demand. SequentialLoad loads each piece of
equipment sequentially in the order specified in the PlantEquipmentList to its maximum part load
ratio and will operate the last required piece of equipment between its minimum and maximum part
load ratio in order to meet the loop demand. UniformLoad evenly distributes the loop demand
among all available components on the equipment list for a given load range. SequentialUni-
formPLR loads all equipment on the PlantEquipmentList to a uniform part load ratio (PLR).
Components are loaded sequentially based on the order specified in the PlantEquipmentList until
each component is fully loaded, at which point the next subsequent component is added and the
load is distributed uniformly based on PLR between the components. UniformPLR will load
all equipment on the PlantEquipmentList to a uniform part load ratio (PLR). No equipment will
be loaded below its minimum PLR. If the total load is less than the sum of all equipment on the
PlantEquipmentList operating at their respective minimum PLRs, then the last item in the equip-
ment list is dropped and the load is distributed based on a uniform PLR for the remaining plant
equipment.
Note: For all schemes, if the load for any individual component is less than the component load
at the minimum PLR, the individual component model will false load or reduce duty cycle while
operating at the minimum part load ratio until the load is met.

1.20.2.1.20 Field: Pressure Simulation Type

This field lets user to choose if this plant loop will be involved in a pressure drop calcula-
tion. This requires that at least one branch on the loop have pressure drop data. If not, an
error will be thrown due to the input mismatch. Currently there are two pressure drop simulation
types: “PumpPowerCorrection” and “LoopFlowCorrection”. In both of these methods, branch
pressure drop data is used to calculate a dynamic loop pressure drop and is used to update pump-
ing power accordingly. The flow correction method allows the user to enter information regarding
the pressure curve of a constant speed pump so that the simulation can dynamically resolve the
pressure vs. flow relationship in the plant loop. This is limited to constant speed pumps, as the
variable speed pumps are expected to resolve as if it were controlled by a variable drive, so that
they can inherently meet any pressure and flow demand required by the loop. This is also limited
to “loop pumps”, where there is a single pump on the plant loop. Common pipe simulations and
“branch pump” simulations are not compatible with this level of pressure simulation. See the
documentation for the Pump:ConstantSpeed in order to determine required inputs for this pres-
sure simulation method to be performed. In the pressure drop system, parallel flow rates are not
resolved (to match the pressure drop for the parallel system). Enhancements to this calculation are
1.20. GROUP – PLANT-CONDENSER LOOPS 717

planned which will allow parallel branch flow resolution. See the Engineering Reference document
for more information on how this works.
An example of this statement used in an IDF is:

CondenserLoop ,
Condenser Water Loop , !- Name
Water , !- Fluid Type
, !- User Defined Fluid Type
Tower Loop Operation , !- Condenser Equipment Operation Scheme Name
Condenser Supply Outlet Node , !- Condenser Loop Temperature Setpoint Node Name
80, !- Maximum Loop Temperature {C}
10, !- Minimum Loop Temperature {C}
autosize , !- Maximum Loop Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.0, !- Minimum Loop Flow Rate {m3/s}
autocalculate , !- Condenser Loop Volume {m3}
Condenser Supply Inlet Node , !- Condenser Side Inlet Node Name
Condenser Supply Outlet Node , !- Condenser Side Outlet Node Name
Condenser Supply Side Branches , !- Condenser Side Branch List Name
Condenser Supply Side Connectors , !- Condenser Side Connector List Name
Condenser Demand Inlet Node , !- Demand Side Inlet Node Name
Condenser Demand Outlet Node , !- Demand Side Outlet Node Name
Condenser Demand Side Branches , !- Condenser Demand Side Branch List Name
Condenser Demand Side Connectors , !- Condenser Demand Side Connector List Name
SequentialLoad; !- Load Distribution Scheme

SetpointManager:FollowOutdoorAirTemperature ,
MyCondenserControl , !- Name
Temperature , !- Control Variable
OutdoorAirWetBulb , !- Reference Temperature Type
0, !- Offset Temperature Difference {deltaC}
80, !- Maximum Setpoint Temperature {C}
10, !- Minimum Setpoint Temperature {C}
Condenser Supply Outlet Node; !- Setpoint Node or NodeList Name

CondenserLoop ,
Chilled Water Condenser Loop , !- Name
UserDefinedFluidType , !- Fluid Type
PropyleneGlycol15Percent ,!- User Defined Fluid Type
Tower Loop Operation , !- Condenser Equipment Operation Scheme Name
Condenser Supply Outlet Node , !- Condenser Loop Temperature Setpoint Node Name
80, !- Maximum Loop Temperature {C}
10, !- Minimum Loop Temperature {C}
0.00330000 , !- Maximum Loop Flow Rate {m3/s}
0, !- Minimum Loop Flow Rate {m3/s}
autocalculate , !- Condenser Loop Volume {m3}
Condenser Supply Inlet Node , !- Condenser Side Inlet Node Name
Condenser Supply Outlet Node , !- Condenser Side Outlet Node Name
Condenser Supply Side Branches , !- Condenser Side Branch List Name
Condenser Supply Side Connectors , !- Condenser Side Connector List Name
Condenser Demand Inlet Node , !- Demand Side Inlet Node Name
Condenser Demand Outlet Node , !- Demand Side Outlet Node Name
Condenser Demand Side Branches , !- Condenser Demand Side Branch List Name
Condenser Demand Side Connectors , !- Condenser Demand Side Connector List Name
SequentialLoad; !- Load Distribution Scheme

1.20.2.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Plant Supply Side Cooling Demand Rate [W]
• HVAC,Average,Plant Supply Side Heating Demand Rate [W]
• HVAC,Average,Plant Supply Side Inlet Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
• HVAC,Average,Plant Supply Side Inlet Temperature [C]
718 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• HVAC,Average,Plant Supply Side Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Cond Loop Demand Not Distributed [W]

• HVAC,Average,Plant Supply Side Unmet Demand Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Plant Demand Side Loop Pressure Difference [Pa]

• HVAC,Average,Plant Supply Side Loop Pressure Difference [Pa]

• HVAC,Average,Plant Loop Pressure Difference [Pa]

1.20.2.2.1 Plant Supply Side Cooling Demand Rate [W]

This is the value of the net demand required to meet the cooling setpoint of the loop. If the loop
setpoint is met for the current HVAC timestep, Plant Supply Side Cooling Demand Rate will equal
sum of the total cooling demand from the demand side components on the loop (typically condenser
coils of chillers, etc.). It will also equal the cooling output of all condensing equipment such as
cooling towers on the loop less any pump heat added to the fluid. For example, for a condenser
loop with one tower and one pump serving one chiller, Plant Supply Side Cooling Demand Rate
will equal the tower water-side heat transfer less the pump heat to fluid, and it will also equal the
chiller condenser heat transfer rate.
If the condenser loop setpoint is not met, Plant Supply Side Cooling Demand Rate will equal the
sum of the total cooling demand from the demand side components on the loop plus the additional
cooling required to bring the loop flow to setpoint. If the loop remains off setpoint for successive
timesteps, the demand required to return to setpoint will repeat in each timestep until the loop
reaches setpoint. For this reason, Plant Supply Side Cooling Demand Rate should not be summed
over time, because it will overstate the demand whenever the loop is off setpoint.

1.20.2.2.2 Plant Supply Side Heating Demand Rate [W]

This is the value of the net demand required to meet the heating setpoint of the loop. If the
loop setpoint is met for the current HVAC timestep, Plant Supply Side Heating Demand Rate will
equal sum of the total heating demand from the demand side components on the loop. It will also
equal the heating output of all heating equipment on the supply side of the loop plus any pump
heat added to the fluid. For example, for a condenser loop with one ground loop heat exchanger
and one pump serving one water-to-water heat pump, Plant Supply Side Heating Demand Rate
will equal the ground loop heat transfer plus the pump heat to fluid, and it will also equal the heat
pump condenser side heat transfer rate.
If the condenser loop setpoint is not met, Plant Supply Side Heating Demand Rate will equal the
sum of the total heating demand from the demand side components on the loop plus the additional
heating required to bring the loop flow to setpoint. If the loop remains off setpoint for successive
timesteps, the demand required to return to setpoint will repeat in each timestep until the loop
reaches setpoint. For this reason, Plant Supply Side Heating Demand Rate should not be summed
over time, because it will overstate the demand whenever the loop is off setpoint.

1.20.2.2.3 Plant Supply Side Inlet Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

This is the value of the mass flow rate at the Inlet to Condenser Loop on the supply side. There
is not an associated Condenser Loop outlet node flow rate since continuity must be maintained in
the loop and the outlet must be the same.
1.20. GROUP – PLANT-CONDENSER LOOPS 719

1.20.2.2.4 Plant Supply Side Inlet Temperature [C]

This is the value of the temperature at the Inlet to the condenser loop on the supply side.

1.20.2.2.5 Cond Loop OutletNode Temperature [C]

This is the value of the temperature at the outlet to the condenser loop on the supply side.

1.20.2.2.6 Cond Loop Demand Not Distributed [W]

This is the value of the demand that could not be distributed to the condenser equipment
because of some constraint in the operation scheme. This is a record of the loop operation scheme
supervisory controls after attempting to distribute the load. For example it would be non-zero in
situations where the load is larger than the upper limit of capacities set for the condenser equipment
controls. This output is for before the equipment has actually been simulated whereas the separate
output Plant Supply Side Unmet Demand Rate is for after the equipment has simulated.

1.20.2.2.7 Plant Supply Side Unmet Demand Rate [W]

This is the value of the demand NOT provided by the condenser equipment to meet the heating
or cooling setpoint of the loop. The value is positive when the condenser equipment cannot meet
the setpoint, and the value is negative when the condenser equipment provides more than enough
heating or cooling to meet the setpoint. A negative value can happen when the amount of demand
is smaller than the minimum capacity of the equipment using the minimum part load ratio.

1.20.2.2.8 Plant Demand Side Loop Pressure Difference [Pa]

This field is the demand side pressure drop of a condenser loop. This output is only recognized
if a valid pressure simulation is being performed. To do this, the user must specify a pressure
simulation type as an input in the CondenserLoop object, and input at least one pressure drop
curve on a branch of the plant/condenser loop. This particular output is only relevant if the user
puts that curve on the demand side of the loop.

1.20.2.2.9 Plant Supply Side Loop Pressure Difference [Pa]

This field is the supply side pressure drop of a condenser loop. This output is only recognized
if a valid pressure simulation is being performed. To do this, the user must specify a pressure
simulation type as an input in the CondenserLoop object, and input at least one pressure drop
curve on a branch of the plant/condenser loop. This particular output is only relevant if the user
puts that curve on the supply side of the loop.

1.20.2.2.10 Plant Loop Pressure Difference [Pa]

This field is the total pressure drop of a condenser loop. This output is only recognized if a valid
pressure simulation is being performed. To do this, the user must specify a pressure simulation
type as an input in the CondenserLoop object, and input at least one pressure drop curve on a
branch of the plant/condenser loop. This particular output is relevant regardless of the location
of pressure drop curves: demand side, supply side, or both.
720 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.21 Group – Plant-Condenser Control

1.21.1 Operation Schemes (Plant and Condenser)
Plants and condenser loops must have some mechanism for controlling the operation of the loop
and which equipment is available under what conditions. Since there may be multiple control
schemes that are assigned various priorities associated with each loop, an overall operation scheme
must be defined. The overall scheme consists of the object name, an identifying name that is
referenced in the main plant or condenser loop statement, and a list of operation schemes. Each
operation scheme must have the type of operation scheme, its identifying name, and the schedule
that defines its availability. Note that the order in which the individual operation schemes appear
in this list defines its priority versus the others with the same scheduled availability. The first
scheme appearing in the list is given the highest priority, the second scheme has second highest
priority, etc. In other words, if according to its schedule, the first operation scheme is available,
then it is used by the simulation to define how the plant or condenser loop operates. If it is not
available, the second operation scheme in the list is checked to see if it is available until the highest
priority scheme that is also available is found. To allow for simultaneous heating and cooling, there
is one configuration where multiple operation schemes are available at a given timestep. This is
allowed if a user inputs both a heating range based operation and a cooling range based operation
with overlapping schedules. The simulation will look at the current loop demand to determine if
the cooling scheme should be used or the heating scheme. In other cases, if two schemes overlap
(are available at the same time), a fatal error will be encountered.

1.21.2 PlantEquipmentOperationSchemes
1.21.2.1 Inputs
1.21.2.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the Plant Operation Scheme. This name
is placed in the Plant Loop object to select this scheme.

1.21.2.1.2 Field Set: (Component Object Type, Name, Schedule) up to 8

Operation schemes are listed in “priority” order. Note that each scheme must address the
entire load and/or condition ranges for the simulation. The actual one selected for use will be the
first that is “Scheduled” on. That is, if control scheme 1 is not “on” and control scheme 2 is – then
control scheme 2 is selected. Only plant equipment should be listed on a Control Scheme for this
item.

1.21.2.1.3 Field: Control Scheme <#> Object Type

This alpha field contains the keyword for the type of control scheme used. The options for plant
control schemes are:

• PlantEquipmentOperation:Uncontrolled

• PlantEquipmentOperation:CoolingLoad

• PlantEquipmentOperation:HeatingLoad

• PlantEquipmentOperation:ComponentSetpoint
1.21. GROUP – PLANT-CONDENSER CONTROL 721

• PlantEquipmentOperation:ThermalEnergyStorage

• PlantEquipmentOperation:UserDefined

1.21.2.1.4 Field: Control Scheme <#> Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the control scheme. These must be the
named versions of the referenced Control Scheme (e.g.. a Uncontrolled Loop Operation with this
name or a Cooling or Heating Load Range Based Operation with this name).

1.21.2.1.5 Field: Control Scheme <#> Schedule

This alpha field contains the schedule name for the control scheme. This schedule consists of
weeks and days, with the days containing “0 or 1” for each hour of the day. This binary schedule
(0 for off, 1 for on) determines if the control scheme is operating for that hour of day or not.
Examples of this statement in two different IDFs:

PlantEquipmentOperationSchemes ,
CW Loop Operation , !- Name
PlantEquipmentOperation :CoolingLoad , ! Control Scheme 1 Object Type
Peak Operation , !- Control Scheme 1 Name
On Peak , !- Control Scheme 1 Schedule
PlantEquipmentOperation :CoolingLoad , ! Control Scheme 2 Object Type
Off Peak Operation , !- Control Scheme 2 Name
Off Peak; !- Control Scheme 2 Schedule

PlantEquipmentOperationSchemes ,
CW Loop Operation , !- Name
PlantEquipmentOperation :CoolingLoad , ! Control Scheme 1 Object Type
Central Chiller Only , !- Control Scheme 1 Name
PlantOnSched; !- Control Scheme 1 Schedule

In the first IDF example, “PlantEquipmentOperation:CoolingLoad” is the type of control

scheme. “Peak Operation” and “Off Peak Operation” are the names of two different load range
based controls defined separately (see below – ). “On Peak” and “Off Peak” are schedules defined
elsewhere in the input file.
The load range based operation scheme has two statements associated with it: a main statement
that defines the ranges that individual priority settings are valid and the lists of equipment that
may be used for each range.

1.21.3 CondenserEquipmentOperationSchemes
1.21.3.1 Inputs
1.21.3.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the Condenser Operation Scheme.

1.21.3.1.2 Field Set: (Component Object Type, Name, Schedule) up to 8

Operation schemes are listed in “priority” order. Note that each scheme must address the
entire load and/or condition ranges for the simulation. The actual one selected for use will be the
first that is “Scheduled” on. That is, if control scheme 1 is not “on” and control scheme 2 is – then
control scheme 2 is selected. Only condenser equipment should be listed on a Control Scheme for
this item.
722 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.21.3.1.3 Field: Control Scheme <#> Object Type

This alpha field contains the keyword for the type of control scheme used. The options for plant
control schemes are:
This alpha field contains the keyword for the type of control scheme used. Currently, the
available options are:

• PlantEquipmentOperation:Uncontrolled

• PlantEquipmentOperation:CoolingLoad

• PlantEquipmentOperation:HeatingLoad

• PlantEquipmentOperation:OutdoorDryBulb

• PlantEquipmentOperation:OutdoorWetBulb

• PlantEquipmentOperation:OutdoorDewpoint

• PlantEquipmentOperation:OutdoorRelativeHumidity

• PlantEquipmentOperation:OutdoorDryBulbDifference

• PlantEquipmentOperation:OutdoorWetBulbDifference

• PlantEquipmentOperation:OutdoorDewpointDifference

• PlantEquipmentOperation:UserDefined

The condenser operation schemes apply to the equipment on the ‘supply side’ of the condenser
loop—pumps, cooling towers, ground coupled heat exchangers, etc. The keywords select the algo-
rithm that will be used to determine which equipment is available for each timestep. The Load
Schemes schemes select a user specified set of equipment for each user specified range of a partic-
ular simulation variable. Load schemes compare the demand on the condenser supply side with
specified load ranges and associated equipment lists. Outdoor schemes compare the current value
of an environmental parameter with user specified ranges of that parameter.

1.21.3.1.4 Field: Control Scheme <#> Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the control scheme.

1.21.3.1.5 Field: Control Scheme <#> Schedule

This alpha field contains the schedule name for the control scheme. This schedule consists of
weeks and days, with the days containing “0 or 1” for each hour of the day. This binary schedule (0
for off, 1 for on) determines which control scheme is operating for a particular hour. The schedule
facilitates daily or seasonal changes in control schemes to meet demand side management or energy
conservation goals.
Scheduling conflicts are handled by selecting the first available scheme in order of appearance
in the list.
Examples of this statement in two IDFs:
1.21. GROUP – PLANT-CONDENSER CONTROL 723

CondenserEquipmentOperationSchemes ,
Tower Loop Operation , !- CondenserOperationSchemeName
PlantEquipmentOperation :CoolingLoad , Control Scheme 1 Object Type
Year Round Tower Operation , !- Control Scheme 1 Name
PlantOnSched; !- Control Scheme 1 Schedule

CondenserEquipmentOperationSchemes ,Tower Loop Operation ,

PlantEquipmentOperation :CoolingLoad , Peak Load Operation , AFTERNOONSCHEDULE ,
PlantEquipmentOperation :CoolingLoad , OffPeak Load Operation , MORNINGSCHEDULE ,
PlantEquipmentOperation :OutdoorWetBulb , NightOperation , NIGHTSCHEDULE;

Each schedule (AFTERNOONSCHEDULE, MORNINGSCHEDULE, NIGHTSCHEDULE) in-

vokes its associated operation scheme (Peak Load Operation, OffPeak Load Operation, NightOp-
eration). The type of operation scheme and its name references the input syntax associated with
the range specification and the associated equipment.

1.21.4 PlantEquipmentOperation:Uncontrolled
Uncontrolled loop operation simply specifies a group of equipment that runs ‘uncontrolled’. If the
loop runs, this equipment will run also, unless turned off by the loop flow resolver to maintain
continuity in the fluid loop.

1.21.4.1 Inputs
1.21.4.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the control scheme.

1.21.4.1.2 Field: Equipment List Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the Equipment List. This field ties to the
Load Range Equipment List input structure, which must also be defined.

1.21.4.1.3 Field: Equipment List Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the Equipment List. This field ties to the
PlantEquipmentList or CondenserEquipmentList input structure, which must also be defined.

1.21.5 PlantEquipmentOperation:CoolingLoad
1.21.5.1 Inputs

1.21.6 PlantEquipmentOperation:HeatingLoad
The PlantEquipmentOperation:CoolingLoad and PlantEquipmentOperation:HeatingLoad objects
define the different ranges and which equipment list is valid for each range. After the keyword and
the identifying name, a series of data trios is expected. In each trio, there is a lower limit for the
load range, an upper limit for the load range, and a name that links to an equipment availability
list (the PlantEquipmentList or CondenserEquipmentList objects).

1.21.6.1 Inputs
1.21.6.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the control scheme.
724 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.21.6.1.2 Field Set: (Lower limit, Upper Limit, Equip List name) up to 10

1.21.6.1.3 Field: Load Range <#> Lower Limit

This numeric field contains the lower demand range (W) for the equipment list. If demand is
below this value, then this equipment list will not turn on to meet the demand.

1.21.6.1.4 Field: Load Range <#> Upper Limit

This numeric field contains the upper demand range (W) for the equipment list. If demand is
above this value, then this equipment list will not turn on to meet the demand.

1.21.6.1.5 Field: Range <#> Equipment List Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the Equipment List (i.e., the name of a
PlantEquipmentList or CondenserEquipmentList object).
An example of these statements in an IDF is:

PlantEquipmentOperation :CoolingLoad , Peak Operation ,

0,7000, Chiller Plant ,
7000 ,24500 , Chiller Plant and Purchased ,
24500 ,500000 , Purchased Only;

This particular load based operation scheme (above) has three different ranges. “Chiller Plant”,
“Chiller Plant and Purchased”, and “Purchased Only” are names which link to various PlantE-
quipmentList or CondenserEquipmentList objects as described below. Gaps may be left in the load
ranges specified, but to operate equipment over the entire range the upper limit of a given range
must equal the lower limit of the next range as shown in the example. If gaps are left in the load
ranges specified, a warning message will be issued when the load to be met falls within a load range
“gap”. If the user wishes to leave a load range “gap” for a specific reason (no equipment to operate
on this plant [or condenser] loop within this load range) and does not want the warning messages
to be generated, then specify a lower limit, upper limit and equipment list name for the gap and
do not specify any equipment in the associated equipment list, as shown below.

PlantEquipmentOperation :CoolingLoad , Peak Operation ,

0,7000, Chiller Plant ,
7000 ,7100 , NoEquipmentOperationOnThisPlantLoop ,
7100 ,24500 , Chiller Plant and Purchased ,
24500 ,500000 , Purchased Only;

PlantEquipmentList ,
Chiller Plant , !- Name
Chiller:Electric , !- Equipment 1 Object Type
Big Chiller; !- Equipment 1 Name

PlantEquipmentList ,
NoEquipmentOperationOnThisPlantLoop ; !- Name

PlantEquipmentList ,
Chiller Plant and Purchased , !- Name
Chiller:Electric , !- Equipment 1 Object Type
Big Chiller , !- Equipment 1 Name
DistrictCooling , !- Equipment 2 Object Type
Purchased Cooling; !- Equipment 2 Name

PlantEquipmentList ,
Purchased Only , !- Name
DistrictCooling , !- Equipment 1 Object Type
Purchased Cooling; !- Equipment 1 Name
1.21. GROUP – PLANT-CONDENSER CONTROL 725

1.21.7 PlantEquipmentOperation:OutdoorDryBulb
1.21.7.1 Inputs

1.21.8 PlantEquipmentOperation:OutdoorWetBulb
1.21.8.1 Inputs

1.21.9 PlantEquipmentOperation:OutdoorRelativeHumidity
1.21.9.1 Inputs

1.21.10 PlantEquipmentOperation:OutdoorDewpoint
The outdoor operation objects define the different ranges of the various environmental parameters
and which equipment list is valid for each range. After the keyword and the identifying name, a
series of data trios is expected. In each trio, there is a lower limit for the load range, an upper limit
for the load range, and a name that links to an equipment availability list (the CondenserEquip-
mentList).
The fields for each of these are:

1.21.10.1 Inputs

1.21.10.1.1 Field: Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the control scheme.

1.21.10.1.2 Field Set: (Lower limit, Upper Limit, Equip List name) up to 10

1.21.10.1.3 Field: <specfic type> Range <#> Lower Limit

This numeric field contains the lower limit (C for temperature operations, Percent for relative
humidity operations) for the equipment list. If specific value is below this value, then this equipment
list will not turn on to meet the demand.

1.21.10.1.4 Field: <specific type> Range <#> Upper Limit

This numeric field contains the lower limit (C for temperature operations, Percent for relative
humidity operations) for the equipment list. If specific value is above this value, then this equipment
list will not turn on to meet the demand.

1.21.10.1.5 Field: Range <#> Equipment List Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the Equipment List (i.e., the name of a
CondenserEquipmentList object).
726 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.21.11 PlantEquipmentOperation:OutdoorDryBulbDifference
1.21.11.1 Inputs

1.21.12 PlantEquipmentOperation:OutdoorWetBulbDifference
1.21.12.1 Inputs

1.21.13 PlantEquipmentOperation:OutdoorDewpointDifference
The Delta Temperature based control strategies help to control any condenser equipment based
on the difference between a reference node temperature and any environmental temperature. For
example a cooling tower can be controlled by a strategy, which looks at the difference between
the tower inlet temperature and wet-bulb temperature. A difference range is specified for each
equipment list. IDD excerpts are shown below:

1.21.13.1 Inputs
1.21.13.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha value contains the identifying name of the control strategy. This name appears as
‘control scheme name’ in Condenser Operation Scheme object.

1.21.13.1.2 Field: Reference Temperature Node Name

This alpha value specifies the reference node for the operation scheme identified in the first
field.

1.21.13.1.3 Field Set: (Lower limit, Upper limit, Equipment List)

1.21.13.1.4 Field: <specfic type> Range <#> Lower Limit

This numeric field specifies the minimum temperature difference required for the equipment
specified in the equipment list to operate.

1.21.13.1.5 Field: <specfic type> Range <#> Upper Limit

This numeric field specifies the maximum temperature difference below which the equipment
specified in the equipment list is available.

1.21.13.1.6 Field: Range <#> Equipment List Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the Equipment List (i.e., the name of a
CondenserEquipmentList object).

1.21.14 PlantEquipmentOperation:ComponentSetpoint
In addition to load range based control on the plant loop, sequencing the plant components based
on the outlet temperature of individual equipment is allowed. This scheme is common to many
present-day Energy Management Systems sequencing. In this scheme, the sequencing is done based
on the order specified in the control object described below.
1.21. GROUP – PLANT-CONDENSER CONTROL 727

1.21.14.1 Inputs
1.21.14.1.1 Field: Name
This field specifies the name of the operation scheme.

1.21.14.1.2 Field Set: Equipment Object Type, Name, Demand Calculation

Node, Setpoint Node, Flow Rate, Operation Type)

1.21.14.1.3 Field: Equipment <#> Object Type

This field specifies the type of equipment controlled by scheme.

1.21.14.1.4 Field: Equipment <#> Name

This field specifies the name of the controlled equipment.

1.21.14.1.5 Field: Demand Calculation <#> Node Name

The component demand will be calculated using the difference between the temperature at the
demand node and the component set point temperature.

1.21.14.1.6 Field: Setpoint <#> Node Name

Each component controlled under temperature based control will have its own set point dif-
ferent from the loop set point. This field specifies component set point node (Generally its outlet
temperatures). This node is acted upon by a SetpointManager in order to obtain the setpoint at
any simulation timestep.

1.21.14.1.7 Field: Component <#> Flow Rate

This numeric field specifies the design flow rate for the component specified in earlier fields.
This flow rate is used to calculate the component demand. The field can be set to autosize, if the
user wants the program to calculate the design flow. This would generally be set to autosize when
the user does not know the component flow rate and does a sizing calculation for the corresponding
component.

1.21.14.1.8 Field: Operation<#> Type

This alpha field specifies the operation mode for the equipment. The equipment can be in any
of the three modes viz. Cooling, Heating and Dual. Dual is used when the components both as
heating and cooling equipment (for example heat pumps).
And, as an example in an IDF:

PlantEquipmentOperationSchemes ,
CW Loop Operation , !- PlantOperationSchemeName
PlantEquipmentOperation :ComponentSetpoint , ! Control Scheme 1 Object Type
Test Scheme , !- Control Scheme 1 Name
On; !- Control Scheme 1 Schedule

PlantEquipmentOperation:ComponentSetpoint ,
Test Scheme ,
CHILLER:ELECTRIC , !- Equipment 1 Object Type
Little Chiller , !- Equipment 1 Name
Little Chiller Inlet Node , !- Demand Calculation 1 Node Name
Little Chiller Outlet Node , !- Setpoint 1 Node Name
0.0011 , !- Component 1 Flow Rate
COOLING , !- Operation 1 Type
CHILLER:ELECTRIC , !- Equipment 2 Object Type
728 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Big Chiller , !- Equipment 2 Name

Big Chiller Inlet Node , !- Demand Calculation 2 Node Name
Big Chiller Outlet Node , !- Setpoint 2 Node Name
0.0011 , !- Component 2 Flow Rate
COOLING; !- Operation 2 Type

1.21.15 PlantEquipmentOperation:ThermalEnergyStorage
Users of thermal energy storage, particularly ice storage systems, are often faced with a challenge
of specifying input for these systems. Essentially, they have to define various setpoint managers,
temperature schedules, etc. in order to make the system functional. This plant/condenser control
type simplifies the input somewhat by eliminating both a setpoint manager and a schedule for each
piece of equipment that makes up the ice storage system. In fact, this operation scheme internally
creates the setpoint managers required by the equipment listed as operated by the scheme defined by
this syntax. While the more complex definition is possible and provides more flexibility like hourly
variation of setpoint temperatures at the outlet of each piece of equipment, this input provides the
most convenient method for making the system to work and assumes a single charging setpoint
temperature and a single discharging setpoint temperature. For most systems, this is all that is
needed.

1.21.15.1 Inputs
1.21.15.1.1 Field: Name
This field defines the name of the thermal energy (ice) storage plant equipment operation scheme
that will be referenced by the PlantEquipmentOperationSchemes list in the plant input.

1.21.15.1.2 Field: On-Peak Schedule

This field defines the name of an integer schedule that determines when on-peak electric pricing
is in effect. This value is used to determine whether or not the ice storage system should be charging
the ice storage unit. In the schedule, a value of 1 (or greater) corresponds to being in the on-peak
period while any value of 0 or less corresponds to being in the off-peak period.

1.21.15.1.3 Field: Charging Availability Schedule

This field defines the name of an integer schedule that determines whether or not the system
may enter charging mode off-peak. If the current value of the on-peak schedule is “off”, then
charging can take place if the charging availability schedule is “on”. If the on-peak schedule is “off”
and charging availability is “off”, then charging is not allowed and the chiller and ice storage units
controlled by this statement are operating to meet the non-charging chilled water temperature
defined by the next input parameter. In this schedule, a value of 1 (or greater) corresponds to “on”
when charging is available during an off-peak period while any value of 0 or less corresponds to
chillers not being allowed to charge even during off-peak.

1.21.15.1.4 Field: Non-Charging Chilled Water Temperature

This field defines the chilled water temperature when the ice storage system is NOT in charging
mode. During these times, the storage system could be discharging or dormant depending on
HVAC load conditions and ice storage controls. This value is used as the setpoint temperature
for chillers associated with this plant equipment operation scheme during non-cooling season and
1.21. GROUP – PLANT-CONDENSER CONTROL 729

during cooling season during the on-peak period. The cooling season and on-peak periods are
defined by schedules reference to input above.

1.21.15.1.5 Field: Charging Chilled Water Temperature

This field defines the chilled water temperature when the ice storage system is in charging mode.
During these times, the chiller is producing a temperature low enough to generate ice in the ice
storage unit. This value is used as the setpoint temperature for chillers associated with this plant
equipment operation scheme during the cooling season during the off-peak period. The cooling
season and on-peak periods are defined by schedules reference to input above.

1.21.15.1.6 Field Set: (Component Object Type, Name, Demand Calculation

Node, Setpoint Node, Flow Rate, Operation Type)

1.21.15.1.7 Field: Component <#> Object Type

This field specifies the type of equipment controlled by scheme. This must be a thermal energy
storage device (simple or detailed ice storage) or a chiller.

1.21.15.1.8 Field: Component <#> Name

This field specifies the name of the controlled equipment. This name must be defined in the
input as a valid ice storage device or chiller.

1.21.15.1.9 Field: Component <#> Demand Calculation Node Name

The component demand will be calculated using the difference between the temperature at the
demand node and the component set point temperature.

1.21.15.1.10 Field: Component <#> Setpoint Node Name

Each component controlled under temperature based control will have its own set point dif-
ferent from the loop set point. This field specifies component set point node (Generally its outlet
temperatures). This node is acted upon by a SetpointManager in order to obtain the setpoint at
any simulation timestep.

1.21.15.1.11 Field: Component <#> Flow Rate

This numeric field specifies the design flow rate for the component specified in earlier fields.
This flow rate is used to calculate the component demand. The field can be set to autosize, if the
user wants the program to calculate the design flow. This would generally be set to autosize when
the user does not know the component flow rate and does a sizing calculation for the corresponding
component.

1.21.15.1.12 Field: Component <#> Operation Type

This alpha field specifies the operation mode for the equipment. The equipment can be in any
of the three modes viz. Cooling, Heating and Dual. Dual is used when the components both as
heating and cooling equipment (for example heat pumps). Ice storage units can potentially either
heat or cool the circulating fluid and thus should be defined as Dual mode.
An example IDF is shown below:
730 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

PlantEquipmentOperationSchemes ,
CW Loop Operation , !- Name
PlantEquipmentOperation:ThermalEnergyStorage , !- Control Scheme 1 Object Type
Chiller and Partial Ice Storage , !- Control Scheme 1 Name
PlantOnSched; !- Control Scheme 1 Schedule Name

PlantEquipmentOperation:ThermalEnergyStorage ,
Chiller and Partial Ice Storage , !- Name
OnPeakEnergy , !- On -Peak Schedule Name
ChargingAvail , !- Charging Availability Schedule Name
7.22, !- Non -charging Chilled Water Temperature
-5.0, !- Charging Chilled Water Temperature
Chiller:Electric , !- Component 1 Object Type
Central Chiller , !- Component 1 Name
Central Chiller Inlet Node , !- Component 1 Demand Calculation Node Name
Central Chiller Outlet Node , !- Component 1 Setpoint Node Name
autosize , !- Component 1 Flow Rate {m3/s}
COOLING , !- Component 1 Operation Type
ThermalStorage:Ice:Detailed , !- Component 2 Object Type
Ice Tank , !- Component 2 Name
Ice Tank Inlet Node , !- Component 2 Demand Calculation Node Name
Ice Tank Outlet Node , !- Component 2 Setpoint Node Name
0.13506E-02, !- Component 2 Flow Rate {m3/s}
DUAL; !- Component 2 Operation Type

1.21.16 PlantEquipmentList
1.21.16.1 Inputs

1.21.17 CondenserEquipmentList
The PlantEquipmentList and CondenserEquipmentList specify available plant and condenser loop
equipment respectively for any loop operation scheme. Each statement contains the object name,
an identifying name (which links the definition back to one of the operation scheme statements)
and a variable length of data pairs. These pairs refer to a plant equipment type and an identifying
name. The type in this list of pairs must correspond to a valid plant object as described in the
next subsection.
Note: If a PlantEquipmentList or CondenserEquipmentList object is specified with no equip-
ment object types or equipment names, then the corresponding PlantEquipmentOperation:* object
will assume all available equipment on this plant (or condenser) loop should be OFF (not operate)
within the specified lower/upper limit.

1.21.17.1 Inputs
1.21.17.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the Equipment List.

1.21.17.1.2 Field Set: (Object Type, Name) up to 10

Remember the order of equipment on this list determines operation priority. Equipment on the
list first will try to meet demand first. These fields tie to the Equipment Definition input structure,
which must also be defined.

1.21.17.1.3 Field: Equipment <#> Object Type

1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 731

This alpha field contains the keyword for the type of equipment in operation. Example:
(Chiller:Electric, DistrictCooling). The full list of allowable plant equipment is valid plant ob-
jects as described in the next subsection.

1.21.17.1.4 Field: Equipment <#> Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the equipment in operation. This distinguishes
between two different pieces of equipment of the same type.
An example of this statement in an IDF is:

PlantEquipmentList , Chiller Plant and Purchased ,

Chiller:Electric , Big Chiller ,
DistrictCooling , Purchased Cooling;

Note that this list is the middle range defined in the PlantEquipmentOperation:CoolingLoad
statement named “Peak Operation” above. This defines the equipment available when the load
encountered by the plant (chiller water demand, for example) is between 7000 W and 24500 W.
EnergyPlus will run the “Big Chiller” first up to its capacity and then attempt to meet the remaining
load (while in that range) with the next piece of equipment (in this case, “Purchased:Cooling”) in
the list.

1.22 Group – Plant Equipment

1.22.1 Equipment Types
In each PlantEquipmentList described using the above syntax, various equipment types and
names must be given. Each type-name pair must then have a corresponding equipment definition.
This subsection lists the various equipment types that are available and examples from an IDF.
Where appropriate, notes and comments on the input structure are provided.

1.22.2 Generic Chiller Outputs

Many output variable names are common across all chiller types. These generic chiller output
names all begin with the word “Chiller”. Certain chiller types have additional output variables
which are specific to that type of chiller. Chiller energy use is added to the appropriate plant-level
meters as a cooling end-use.

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Electric Energy [J]

• Zone,Meter,Electricity:Plant [J]

• Zone,Meter,Cooling:Electricity [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Evaporator Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Evaporator Cooling Energy [J]

• Zone,Meter,EnergyTransfer:Plant [J]

• Zone,Meter,Chillers:EnergyTransfer [J]
732 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Evaporator Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Evaporator Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Evaporator Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Condenser Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Condenser Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• Zone,Meter,HeatRejection:EnergyTransfer [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller COP [W/W]

The following output is applicable only for air-cooled or evap-cooled chillers

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Condenser Inlet Temperature [C]

The following outputs are applicable only for evap-cooled chillers

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Basin Heater Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Basin Heater Electric Energy [J]

The following three outputs are only available for water-cooled chillers

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Condenser Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Condenser Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Condenser Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Drive Shaft Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Drive Shaft Energy [J]

• Zone,Meter,HeatRecovery:EnergyTransfer [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Lube Recovered Heat Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Lube Recovered Heat Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Jacket Recovered Heat Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Jacket Recovered Heat Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Chiller Exhaust Recovered Heat Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Exhaust Recovered Heat Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Total Recovered Heat Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Total Recovered Heat Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Exhaust Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heat Recovery Inlet Temperature [C]

1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 733

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heat Recovery Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heat Recovery Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Effective Heat Rejection Temperature [C]

The following blocks of outputs are for steam and fuel-driven chillers

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Gas Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Gas Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Gas Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Gas Mass [kg]

For steam absorption chillers:

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Source Steam Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Chiller Source Steam Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Steam Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

For hot water absorption chillers:

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Source Hot Water Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Source Hot Water Energy [J]

• Zone,Meter,Steam:Plant [J]

• Zone,Meter,Cooling:EnergyTransfer [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Hot Water Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

The following output is applicable only for indirect absorption chillersHVAC,Average,Chiller

Part Load Ratio

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Cycling Ratio []

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Propane Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Propane Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Propane Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Diesel Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Diesel Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Diesel Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Gasoline Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Gasoline Energy [J]

734 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Gasoline Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller FuelOil#1 Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller FuelOil#1 Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller FuelOil#1 Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller FuelOil#2 Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller FuelOil#2 Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller FuelOil#2 Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller OtherFuel1 Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller OtherFuel1 Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller OtherFuel1 Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller OtherFuel2 Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller OtherFuel2 Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller OtherFuel2 Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

1.22.2.1 Chiller Electric Power [W]

1.22.2.2 Chiller Electric Energy [J]
These outputs are the electric power input to the chiller. In the case of steam or fuel-powered
chillers, this repesents the internal chiller pumps and other electric power consumption. Consump-
tion is metered on Cooling:Electricity, Electricity:Plant, and Electricity:Facility.

1.22.2.3 Chiller Evaporator Cooling Rate [W]

1.22.2.4 Chiller Evaporator Cooling Energy [J]
These outputs are the evaporator heat transfer which is the cooling delivered by the chiller. Chiller
Evaporator Cooling Energy is metered on Chillers:EnergyTransfer, EnergyTransfer:Plant, and En-
ergyTransfer:Facility.

1.22.2.5 Chiller Evaporator Inlet Temperature [C]

1.22.2.6 Chiller Evaporator Outlet Temperature [C]
1.22.2.7 Chiller Evaporator Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
These outputs are the evaporator (chilled water) inlet and outlet temperatures and flow rate.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 735

1.22.2.8 Chiller COP [W/W]

This output is the coefficient of performance for the chiller during cooling operation. It is calcu-
lated as the evaporator heat transfer rate (Chiller Evaporator Cooling Rate) divided by the “fuel”
consumption rate by the chiller. For the constant COP and electric chillers, the “fuel” is electricity
so the divisor is Chiller Electric Power [W]. For the absorption chiller, the “fuel” is steam so the
divisor is Steam Consumption Rate [W].
Note that this variable is reported as zero when the chiller is not operating. When reported
for frequencies longer than “detailed” (such as timestep, hourly, daily, monthly or environment),
this output will only be meaningful when the chiller is operating for the entire reporting period. To
determine an average COP for a longer time period, compute the COP based on total evaporator
heat transfer divided by total electric or fuel input over the desired period.

1.22.2.9 Chiller Part Load Ratio

This output is the operating part-load ratio of the indirect absorption chiller. This output may fall
below the minimum part-load ratio specified in the input. For this case, the Chiller Cycling Ratio
is used to further define the performance of the indirect absorption chiller.

1.22.2.10 Chiller Cycling Ratio

This output is the fraction of the timestep the indirect absorption chiller operates. When the chiller
operates above the minimum part-load ratio, a Chiller Cycling Ratio of 1 is reported. When the
chiller operates below the minimum part-load ratio, the Chiller Cycling Ratio reports the fraction
of the timestep the indirect absorption chiller operates.

1.22.2.11 Chiller Condenser Heat Transfer Rate [W]

1.22.2.12 Chiller Condenser Heat Transfer Energy [J]
These outputs are the condenser heat transfer which is the heat rejected from the chiller to either a
condenser water loop or through an air-cooled condenser. Chiller Condenser Heat Transfer Energy
is metered on HeatRejection:EnergyTransfer, EnergyTransfer:Plant, and EnergyTransfer:Facility.

1.22.2.13 Chiller Condenser Inlet Temperature [C]

This output is the condenser (heat rejection) inlet temperature for air-cooled or evap-cooled chillers.
For an air-cooled chiller, this output would be the dry-bulb temperature of the air entering the
condenser coil. For an evap-cooled chiller, this output would be the wet-bulb temperature of the
air entering the evaporatively-cooled condenser coil.

1.22.2.14 Chiller Basin Heater Electric Power [W]

1.22.2.15 Chiller Basin Heater Electric Energy [J]
These outputs are the electric power input to the chiller’s basin heater (for evaporatively-cooled
condenser type). Consumption is metered on Chillers:Electricity, Electricity:Plant, and Electric-
ity:Facility
736 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.2.16 Chiller Condenser Inlet Temperature [C]

1.22.2.17 Chiller Condenser Outlet Temperature [C]
1.22.2.18 Chiller Condenser Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
These outputs are the condenser (heat rejection) inlet and outlet temperatures and flow rate for
water-cooled chillers.

1.22.2.19 Chiller Drive Shaft Power [W]

1.22.2.20 Chiller Drive Shaft Energy [J]
For engine-driven and turbine-driven chillers, these outputs are the shaft power produced by the
prime mover and transferred to the chiller compressor.

1.22.2.21 Chiller Lube Recovered Heat Rate [W]

1.22.2.22 Chiller Lube Recovered Heat Energy [J]
1.22.2.23 Chiller Jacket Recovered Heat Rate [W]
1.22.2.24 Chiller Jacket Recovered Heat Energy [J]
1.22.2.25 Chiller Exhaust Recovered Heat Rate [W]
1.22.2.26 Chiller Exhaust Recovered Heat Energy [J]
1.22.2.27 Chiller Total Recovered Heat Rate [W]
1.22.2.28 Chiller Total Recovered Heat Energy [J]
For chillers with heat recovery, such as engine-driven chillers, these outputs are the components of
recoverable energy available. For a given chiller type, one or more of the following components may
be applicable: Lube (engine lubricant), Jacket (engine coolant), Exhaust (engine exhaust), and
Total. Chiller Lube Recovered Heat Energy, Chiller Jacket Recovered Heat Energy, and Chiller Ex-
haust Heat Recovery Energy are metered on HeatRecovery:EnergyTransfer, EnergyTransfer:Plant,
and EnergyTransfer:Facility.

1.22.2.29 Chiller Exhaust Temperature [C]

This is the exhaust temperature leaving an engine chiller.

1.22.2.30 Chiller Heat Recovery Inlet Temperature [C]

1.22.2.31 Chiller Heat Recovery Outlet Temperature [C]
1.22.2.32 Chiller Heat Recovery Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
These outputs are the heat recovery inlet and outlet temperatures and flow rate for chillers with
heat recovery such as engine-driven and gas turbine chillers.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 737

1.22.2.33 Chiller Effective Heat Rejection Temperature [C]

This output variable is available for heat recovery chillers that model split bundle condenser. The
condenser fluid temperatures used to characterize chiller performance are modified to account for
the temperature of the heat recovery fluid. This output is the resulting temperature used for
characterizing chiller performance and is a blend of the temperatures in the condenser and heat
recovery fluid streams. For the Chiller:Electric and Chiller:Electric:EIR models, this is an effective
inlet temperature while for the Chiller:Electric:ReformulatedEIR model, this is an effective outlet
temperature.

1.22.2.34 Chiller <Fuel Type> Rate [W]

1.22.2.35 Chiller <Fuel Type> Energy [J]
1.22.2.36 Chiller <Fuel Type> Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
1.22.2.37 Chiller Gas Mass [kg] (Gas Turbine Chiller only)
These outputs are the steam or fuel input for steam or fuel-fired chillers. Valid fuel types de-
pend on the type of chiller. <Fuel Type> may be one of: Gas (natural gas), Steam, Propane,
Diesel, Gasoline, FuelOil#1, FuelOil#2, OtherFuel1 and OtherFuel2. Consumption is metered on
Cooling:<Fuel Type>, <Fuel Type>:Plant, and <Fuel Type>:Facility.

1.22.2.38 Chiller Source Hot Water Rate [W]

1.22.2.39 Chiller Source Hot Water Energy [J]
1.22.2.40 Chiller Source Steam Rate [W]

1.22.3 Chiller:Absorption
1.22.3.1 Inputs
1.22.3.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the absorption chiller.

1.22.3.1.2 Field: Nominal Capacity

This numeric field contains the nominal cooling capability of the chiller in Watts.

1.22.3.1.3 Field: Nominal Pumping Power

This numeric field contains the nominal pumping power of the absorber in Watts.

1.22.3.1.4 Field: Chilled Water Inlet Node Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name for the absorption chiller plant side inlet
node.

1.22.3.1.5 Field: Chilled Water Outlet Node Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name for the absorption chiller plant side
outlet node.
738 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.3.1.6 Field: Condenser Inlet Node Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name for the absorption chiller condenser side
inlet node.

1.22.3.1.7 Field: Condenser Outlet Node Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name given to the Heat Recovery Loop Com-
ponent Outlet Node.

1.22.3.1.8 Field: Minimum Part Load Ratio

This numeric field contains the absorption chiller’s minimum part load ratio. The expected
range is between 0 and 1. The minimum part load is not the load where the machine shuts off, but
where the amount of power remains constant to produce smaller loads than this fraction.

1.22.3.1.9 Field: Maximum Part Load Ratio

This numeric field contains the absorption chiller’s maximum part load ratio. This value may
exceed 1, but the normal range is between 0 and 1.1.

1.22.3.1.10 Field: Optimum Part Load Ratio

This numeric field contains the absorption chiller’s optimum part load ratio. This is the part
load ratio at which the chiller performs at its maximum COP.

1.22.3.1.11 Field: Design Condenser Inlet Temperature

This numeric field contains the absorption chiller’s condenser inlet design temperature in Cel-
sius.

1.22.3.1.12 Field: Design Chilled Water Flow Rate

For variable volume chiller this is the maximum flow and for constant flow chiller this is the
design flow rate. The units are in cubic meters per second.

1.22.3.1.13 Field: Design Condenser Water Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the absorption chiller’s design condenser water flow rate in cubic
meters per second.

1.22.3.1.14 Generator Heat Input Part Load Ratio Curve

The Generator Heat Input Part Load Ratio Curve is a quadratic equation that determines the
Ratio of the generator load on the absorber to the demand on the chiller. The defining equation is:

C1
SteamInputRatio = + C2 + C3 ∗ P LR (1.47)
P LR
The following three fields contain the coefficients for the equation.

1.22.3.1.15 Field: Coefficient 1 of the Steam Use Part Load Ratio Curve
C1 in the Generator Heat Input Part Load Ratio Curve. This value is obtained by fitting
manufacturers’ performance data to the curve.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 739

1.22.3.1.16 Field: Coefficient 2 of the Steam Use Part Load Ratio Curve
C2 in the Generator Heat Input Part Load Ratio Curve. This value is obtained by fitting
manufacturers’ performance data to the curve.

1.22.3.1.17 Field: Coefficient 3 of the Steam Use Part Load Ratio Curve
C3 in the Generator Heat Input Part Load Ratio Curve. This value is obtained by fitting
manufacturers’ performance data to the curve.

1.22.3.1.18 Pump Electric Use Part Load Ratio Curve

The Pump Electric Use Part Load Ratio Curve is a quadratic equation that determines the Ratio
of the actual absorber pumping power to the nominal pumping power. The defining equation is:

ElectricInputRatio = C1 + C2 ∗ P LR + C3 ∗ P LR2 (1.48)

The following three fields contain the coefficients for the equation.

1.22.3.1.19 Field: Coefficient 1 of the Pump Electric Use Part Load Ratio Curve

C1 in the Pump Electric Use Part Load Ratio Curve. This value is obtained by fitting manu-
facturers’ performance data to the curve.

1.22.3.1.20 Field: Coefficient 2 of the Pump Electric Use Part Load Ratio Curve

C2 in the Pump Electric Use Part Load Ratio Curve. This value is obtained by fitting manu-
facturers’ performance data to the curve.

1.22.3.1.21 Field: Coefficient 3 of the Pump Electric Use Part Load Ratio Curve

C3 in the Pump Electric Use Part Load Ratio Curve. This value is obtained by fitting manu-
facturers’ performance data to the curve.

1.22.3.1.22 Field: Chilled Water Outlet Temperature Lower Limit

This numeric field contains the lower limit for the evaporator outlet temperature. This tem-
perature acts as a cut off for heat transfer in the evaporator, so that the fluid doesn’t get too
cold.

1.22.3.1.23 Field: Generator Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the Generator Inlet Node. A steam or
hot water loop is not required to simulate an absorption chiller. If a steam/hot water loop is used,
enter the name of the generator inlet node.

1.22.3.1.24 Field: Generator Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the Generator Outlet Node. A steam or
hot water loop is not required to simulate an absorption chiller. If a steam/hot water loop is used,
enter the name of the generator outlet node.
740 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.3.1.25 Field: Chiller Flow Mode

This choice field determines how the chiller operates with respect to the intended fluid flow
through the device’s evaporator. There are three different choices for specifying operating modes
for the intended flow behavior: “NotModulated,” “ConstantFlow,” and “LeavingSetpointModu-
lated.” NotModulated is useful for either variable or constant speed pumping arrangements where
the chiller is passive in the sense that although it makes a nominal request for its design flow rate it
can operate at varying flow rates. ConstantFlow is useful for constant speed pumping arrangements
where the chiller’s request for flow is stricter and can increase the overall loop flow. LeavingSet-
pointModulated changes the chiller model to internally vary the flow rate so that the temperature
leaving the chiller matches a setpoint at the evaporator outlet. For this absorption chiller, this
mode also affects the flow rate on the generator connection. In all cases the operation of the
external plant system can also impact the flow through the chiller – for example if the relative sizes
and operation are such that flow is restricted and the requests cannot be met. The default, if not
specified, is NotModulated. This flow mode does not impact the condenser loop connection.

1.22.3.1.26 Field: Generator Fluid Type

This choice field specifies the type of fluid used to heat the generator solution. The valid choices
are HotWater or Steam. This field should be specified as Steam or left blank if the generator
inlet/outlet nodes are not specified.

1.22.3.1.27 Field: Design Generator Fluid Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the absorption chiller’s design condenser fluid flow rate in cubic
meters per second.

1.22.3.1.28 Field: Degree of Subcooling in Steam Generator

Ideally, the steam trap located at the outlet of the generator should remove all the condensate
immediately, however, there is a delay in this process in actual systems which causes the condensate
to SubCool by a certain amount before leaving the generator. This amount of subcooling is included
in the heat transferred to the solution in the generator. The minimum value is 0º Celsius and default
is 5º Celsius. This field is not used when the generator inlet/outlet node are not specified or the
generator is connected to a hot water loop.

1.22.3.1.29 Field: Sizing Factor

This optional numeric field allows the user to specify a sizing factor for this component. The
sizing factor is used when the component design inputs are autosized: the autosizing calculations
are performed as usual and the results are multiplied by the sizing factor. For this component the
inputs that would be altered by the sizing factor are: Nominal Capacity, Nominal Pumping Power,
Design Chilled Water Flow Rate, Design Condenser Water Flow Rate and Design Generator Fluid
Flow Rate. Sizing factor allows the user to size a component to meet part of the design load while
continuing to use the autosizing feature.
Following is an example input for an Absorption Chiller.

Chiller:Absorption ,
Big Chiller , !- Chiller Name
50000 , !- Nominal Capacity {W}
250, !- Nominal Pumping Power {W}
Big Chiller Inlet Node , !- Plant_Side_Inlet_Node
Big Chiller Outlet Node , !- Plant_Side_Outlet_Node
Big Chiller Condenser Inlet Node , !- Condenser_Side_Inlet_Node
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 741

Big Chiller Condenser Outlet Node , !- Condenser_Side_Outlet_Node

0.15, !- Minimum Part Load Ratio
1.0, !- Maximum Part Load Ratio
0.65, !- Opt Part Load Ratio
35.0, !- Temp Design Condenser Inlet {C}
0.0011 , !- Design Chilled Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.0011 , !- Design Condenser Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.03303 , !- Coefficient1 of the steam use part load ratio curve
0.6852 , !- Coefficient2 of the steam use part load ratio curve
0.2818 , !- Coefficient3 of the steam use part load ratio curve
1.0, !- Coefficient1 of the pump electric use part load ratio curve
0, !- Coefficient2 of the pump electric part load ratio curve
0, !- Coefficient3 of the pump electric use part load ratio curve
5, !- Chilled Water Outlet Temperature Lower Limit {C}
AbsorberSteamInletNode , !- Generator Inlet Node Name
AbsorberSteamOutletNode , !- Generator Outlet Node Name
VariableFlow , !- Chiller Flow Mode
Steam , !- Generator Fluid Type
autosize , !- Design Generator Volumetric Fluid Flow Rate {m3/s}
2.0; !- Degree of Subcooling in Steam Generator {C}

1.22.3.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Electric Energy [J]

• Zone,Meter,Electricity:Plant [J]

• Zone,Meter,Cooling:Electricity [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Evaporator Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Evaporator Cooling Energy [J]

• Zone,Meter,EnergyTransfer:Plant [J]

• Zone,Meter,Chillers:EnergyTransfer [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Evaporator Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Evaporator Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Evaporator Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Condenser Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Condenser Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• Zone,Meter,HeatRejection:EnergyTransfer [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Condenser Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Condenser Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Condenser Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller COP [W/W]

742 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

For Chillers with Steam Generators:

• HVAC,Average, Chiller Source Steam Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Chiller Source Steam Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Steam Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

For Chillers with Hot Water Generators:

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Source Hot Water Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Source Hot Water Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Hot Water Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

These chiller output variables are defined above under “Generic Chiller Outputs.”

1.22.4 Chiller:Absorption:Indirect
The Chiller:Absorption:Indirect object is an enhanced version of the absorption chiller model found
in the Building Loads and System Thermodynamics (BLAST) program. This enhanced model is
nearly identical to the existing absorption chiller model (Ref. Chiller:Absorption) with the excep-
tions that: 1) the enhanced indirect absorption chiller model provides more flexible performance
curves and 2) chiller performance now includes the impact of varying evaporator, condenser, and
generator temperatures. Since these absorption chiller models are nearly identical (i.e., the perfor-
mance curves of the enhanced model can be manipulated to produce similar results to the previous
model), it is quite probable that the Chiller:Absorption model will be deprecated in a future release
of EnergyPlus.

1.22.4.1 Inputs
1.22.4.1.1 Field: Name
This required alpha field contains the identifying name for the indirect absorption chiller.

1.22.4.1.2 Field: Nominal Capacity

This required numeric field contains the nominal cooling capability of the chiller in Watts. This
field must be greater than 0 and is autosizable.

1.22.4.1.3 Field: Nominal Pumping Power

This required numeric field contains the nominal pumping power of the chiller in Watts. The
minimum value for this field is 0 and is autosizable.

1.22.4.1.4 Field: Chilled Water Inlet Node Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name for the chiller chilled water inlet node.

1.22.4.1.5 Field: Chilled Water Outlet Node Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name for the chiller chilled water outlet node.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 743

1.22.4.1.6 Field: Condenser Inlet Node Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name for the chiller condenser inlet node.

1.22.4.1.7 Field: Condenser Outlet Node Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name given to the chiller outlet node.

1.22.4.1.8 Field: Minimum Part Load Ratio

This numeric field contains the chiller’s minimum part-load ratio. The expected range is between
0 and 1. The minimum part load is not the load where the machine shuts off, but where the amount
of power remains constant to produce smaller loads than this fraction.

1.22.4.1.9 Field: Maximum Part Load Ratio

This numeric field contains the chiller’s maximum part-load ratio. This value may exceed 1,
but the normal range is between 0 and 1.1.

1.22.4.1.10 Field: Optimum Part Load Ratio

This numeric field contains the chiller’s optimum part-load ratio. This is the part-load ratio at
which the chiller performs at its maximum COP.

1.22.4.1.11 Field: Design Condenser Inlet Temperature

This numeric field contains the chiller’s condenser inlet design temperature in Celsius. The
default value for this field is 30º C and is only used when the Design Chilled Water Flow Rate is
autosized.

1.22.4.1.12 Field: Condenser Inlet Temperature Lower Limit

This numeric field contains the chiller’s lower limit for the condenser entering water temperature
in Celsius. The default value for this field is 15º C. If this limit is exceeded, a warning message
will report the incident. No correction to chiller capacity is made for low condenser entering water
temperatures.

1.22.4.1.13 Field: Chilled Water Outlet Temperature Lower Limit

This numeric field contains the chiller’s lower limit for the evaporator leaving water temperature
in Celsius. The default value for this field is 5º C. If this limit is exceeded, a warning message will
report the incident. No correction to chiller capacity is made for low evaporator leaving water
temperatures.

1.22.4.1.14 Field: Design Chilled Water Flow Rate

This numeric input specifies the design evaporator volumetric flow rate in cubic meters per
second. The value specified must be greater than 0 or this field is autosizable. For variable volume
chiller this is the maximum flow and for constant flow chiller this is the design flow rate.

1.22.4.1.15 Field: Design Condenser Water Flow Rate

This numeric field specifies the chiller’s design condenser water flow rate in cubic meters per
second. The value specified must be greater than 0 or this field is autosizable.
744 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.4.1.16 Field: Chiller Flow Mode

This choice field determines how the chiller operates with respect to the intended fluid flow
through the device’s evaporator. There are three different choices for specifying operating modes
for the intended flow behavior: “NotModulated,” “ConstantFlow,” and “LeavingSetpointModu-
lated.” NotModulated is useful for either variable or constant speed pumping arrangements where
the chiller is passive in the sense that although it makes a nominal request for its design flow rate it
can operate at varying flow rates. ConstantFlow is useful for constant speed pumping arrangements
where the chiller’s request for flow is stricter and can increase the overall loop flow. LeavingSet-
pointModulated changes the chiller model to internally vary the flow rate so that the temperature
leaving the chiller matches a setpoint at the evaporator outlet. For this absorption chiller, this
mode also affects the flow rate on the generator connection. In all cases the operation of the
external plant system can also impact the flow through the chiller – for example if the relative sizes
and operation are such that flow is restricted and the requests cannot be met. The default, if not
specified, is NotModulated. This flow mode does not impact the condenser loop connection.

1.22.4.1.17 Field: Generator Heat Input Function of Part Load Ratio Curve
Name
This required alpha field specifies the name of the curve used to determine the heat input
to the chiller. The curve is a quadratic or cubic curve which characterizes the heat input as a
function of chiller part-load ratio. The curve output is multiplied by the chiller’s nominal capacity
and operating part-load ratio or minimum part-load ratio, whichever is greater, to determine the
amount of heat input required for the given operating conditons.

1.22.4.1.18 Field: Pump Electric Input Function of Part Load Ratio Curve
Name
This alpha field specifies the name of the curve used to determine the pump electrical input to
the chiller. The curve is a quadratic or cubic curve which characterizes the pump electrical power
as a function of chiller part-load ratio. The curve output is multiplied by the chiller’s nominal
pumping power and operating part-load ratio or minimum part-load ratio, whichever is greater, to
determine the amount of pumping power required for the given operating conditons.

1.22.4.1.19 Field: Generator Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the Generator Inlet Node. A steam or
hot water loop is not required to simulate an indirect absorption chiller. If a steam/hot water loop
is used, enter the name of the generator inlet node.

1.22.4.1.20 Field: Generator Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the Generator Outlet Node. A steam
or hot water loop is not required to simulate an indirect absorption chiller. If a steam/hot water
loop is used, enter the name of the generator outlet node.

1.22.4.1.21 Field: Capacity Correction Function of Condenser Temperature

Curve Name
This alpha field specifies the name of a quadratic or cubic curve which correlates the chiller’s
evaporator capacity as a function of condenser entering water temperature. This curve is used to
correct nominal capacity at off-design condensing temperatures.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 745

1.22.4.1.22 Field: Capacity Correction Function of Chilled Water Temperature

Curve Name
This alpha field specifies the name of a quadratic or cubic curve which correlates the chiller’s
evaporator capacity as a function of evaporator leaving water temperature. This curve is used to
correct nominal capacity at off-design evaporator temperatures.

1.22.4.1.23 Field: Capacity Correction Function of Generator Temperature

Curve Name
This alpha field specifies the name of a quadratic or cubic curve which correlates the chiller’s
evaporator capacity as a function of generator entering water temperature. This curve is used to
correct nominal capacity at off-design evaporator temperatures and is only used when the Generator
Fluid Type is specified as Hot Water.

1.22.4.1.24 Field: Generator Heat Input Correction Function of Condenser

Temperature Curve Name
This alpha field specifies the name of a quadratic or cubic curve which correlates the chiller’s
heat input as a function of condenser entering water temperature. This curve is used to correct
generator heat input at off-design condensing temperatures.

1.22.4.1.25 Field: Generator Heat Input Correction Function of Chilled Water

Temperature Curve Name
This alpha field specifies the name of a quadratic or cubic curve which correlates the chiller’s
heat input as a function of evaporator leaving water temperature. This curve is used to correct
generator heat input at off-design evaporator temperatures.

1.22.4.1.26 Field: Generator Heat Source Type

This choice field specifies the type of fluid used to heat the generator solution. The valid choices
are HotWater or Steam. This input is used to identify the method used to calculate the generator
mass flow rate. This field is not used if the generator inlet/outlet nodes are not specified. The
default value is Steam.

1.22.4.1.27 Field: Design Generator Fluid Flow Rate

This numeric field specifies the chiller’s design generator fluid flow rate in cubic meters per
second. The value specified must be greater than 0 or this field is autosizable. For variable flow
chillers this is the maximum generator flow rate, for constant flow chillers this is the flow rate.

1.22.4.1.28 Field: Temperature Lower Limit Generator Inlet

This numeric field specifies the lower limit of the generator’s entering water temperature. This
field is not used iif the Generator Fluid Type is specified as steam.

1.22.4.1.29 Field: Degree of Subcooling in Steam Generator

Ideally the steam trap located at the outlet of generator should remove all the condensate
immediately, however there is a delay in this process in actual systems which causes the condensate
to SubCool by a certain degree before leaving the generator. This amount of subcooling is included
in the heat transferred to the solution in the generator. The minimum value is 0º Celsius, the
maximum value is 20º Celsius, and the default is 1º Celsius.
746 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.4.1.30 Field: Degree of Subcooling in Steam Condensate Loop

This essentially represents the heat loss to the atmosphere due to uninsulated condensate re-
turn piping to the boiler. Condensate return piping operates at atmospheric pressure and is not
insulated. The condensate sub cools to certain degree before it is pumped back to the boiler. The
minimum value is 0º Celsius and the default is 0º Celsius.

1.22.4.1.31 Field: Sizing Factor

This optional numeric field allows the user to specify a sizing factor for this component. The
sizing factor is used when the component design inputs are autosized: the autosizing calculations
are performed as usual and the results are multiplied by the sizing factor. For this component the
inputs that would be altered by the sizing factor are: Nominal Capacity, Nominal Pumping Power,
Design Chilled Water Flow Rate, Design Condenser Water Flow Rate and Design Generator Fluid
Flow Rate. Sizing factor allows the user to size a component to meet part of the design load while
continuing to use the autosizing feature.
Following is an example input for an Absorption Chiller.

Chiller:Absorption:Indirect ,
Big Chiller , !- Chiller Name
100000 , !- Nominal Capacity {W}
250, !- Nominal Pumping Power {W}
Big Chiller Inlet Node , !- Evaporator Inlet Node Name
Big Chiller Outlet Node , !- Evaporator Outlet Node Name
Big Chiller Condenser Inlet Node , !- Condenser Inlet Node Name
Big Chiller Condenser Outlet Node , !- Condenser Outlet Node Name
0.15, !- Minimum Part Load Ratio
1.0, !- Maximum Part Load Ratio
0.65, !- Opt Part Load Ratio
35.0, !- Temp Design Condenser Inlet {C}
10.0, !- Temp Lower Limit Condenser Inlet {C}
5.0, !- Chilled Water Outlet Temperature Lower Limit {C}
0.0011 , !- Design Chilled Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.0011 , !- Design Condenser Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
VariableFlow , !- Chiller Flow Mode
SteamUseFPLR , !- Generator Heat Input function of part -load ratio curve name
PumpUseFPLR , !- Pump Electric Input function of part -load ratio curve name
AbsorberSteamInletNode , !- Generator Inlet Node Name
AbsorberSteamOutletNode , !- Generator Outlet Node Name
CAPfCOND , !- Capacity Correction function of condenser temperature curve
name
CAPfEVAP , !- Capacity Correction function of evaporator temperature curve
name
, !- Capacity Correction function of generator temperature curve
name
SteamFCondTemp , !- Generator Heat Input Correction function of condenser temperature
curve name
SteamFEvapTemp , !- Generator Heat Input Correction function of evaporator temperature
curve name
Steam , !- Generator Heat Source Type
autosize , !- Design Generator Volumetric Fluid Flow Rate {m3/s}
30.0, !- Temp Lower Limit Generator Inlet {C}
2.0, !- Degree of Subcooling in Steam Generator {C}
12.0; !- Degree of Subcooling in Steam Condensate Loop {C}

1.22.4.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Electric Energy [J]

1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 747

• Zone,Meter,Electricity:Plant [J]
• Zone,Meter,Cooling:Electricity [J]
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Evaporator Cooling Rate [W]
• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Evaporator Cooling Energy [J]
• Zone,Meter,EnergyTransfer:Plant [J]
• Zone,Meter,Chillers:EnergyTransfer [J]
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Evaporator Inlet Temperature [C]
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Evaporator Outlet Temperature [C]
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Evaporator Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Condenser Heat Transfer Rate [W]
• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Condenser Heat Transfer Energy [J]
• Zone,Meter,HeatRejection:EnergyTransfer [J]
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Condenser Inlet Temperature [C]
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Condenser Outlet Temperature [C]
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Condenser Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
• HVAC,Average,Chiller COP [W/W]
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Part-Load Ratio
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Cycling Ratio
For Chillers with Steam Generators:
• HVAC,Average, Chiller Source Steam Rate [W]
• HVAC,Sum, Chiller Source Steam Energy [J]
• Zone,Meter,Steam:Plant [J]
• Zone,Meter,Cooling:Steam [J]
• HVAC,Average, Chiller Steam Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
• HVAC,Average, Chiller Steam Heat Loss Rate [W]
For Chillers with Hot Water Generators:
• HVAC,Average, Chiller Source Hot Water Rate [W]
• HVAC,Sum, Chiller Source Hot Water Energy [J]
• Zone,Meter,EnergyTransfer:Plant [J]
• Zone,Meter,Cooling:EnergyTransfer [J]
• HVAC,Average, Chiller Hot Water Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
These chiller output variables are defined above under “Generic Chiller Outputs.”
748 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.5 Chiller:ConstantCOP
This chiller model is based on a simple, constant COP simulation of the chiller. In this case,
performance does not vary with chilled water temperature or condenser conditions.
Such a model is useful when the user does not have access to detailed performance data.

1.22.5.1 Inputs
1.22.5.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the constant COP chiller.

1.22.5.1.2 Field: Nominal Capacity

This numeric field contains the nominal cooling capability of the chiller in Watts.

1.22.5.1.3 Field: Nominal COP

This numeric field contains the Chiller’s coefficient of performance.

1.22.5.1.4 Field: Design Chilled Water Flow Rate

For variable volume chiller this is the maximum flow and for constant flow chiller this is the
design flow rate. The units are in cubic meters per second.

1.22.5.1.5 Field: Design Condenser Water Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the electric chiller’s design condenser water flow rate in cubic meters
per second. This field is autosizable. This field is not used for Condenser Type = AirCooled or
EvaporativelyCooled.

1.22.5.1.6 Field: Chilled Water Inlet Node Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name for the constant COP chiller plant side
inlet node.

1.22.5.1.7 Field: Chilled Water Outlet Node Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name for the constant COP chiller plant side
outlet node.

1.22.5.1.8 Field: Condenser Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the constant COP chiller condenser side
inlet node. This node name is required if the chiller is WaterCooled, and optional if the chiller
is AirCooled or EvaporativelyCooled. If the chiller is AirCooled or EvaporativelyCooled and a
condenser inlet node name is specified here, the node name specified must also be specified in an
OutdoorAir:Node object where the height of the node is taken into consideration when calculating
outdoor air temperature from the weather data. Alternately, the node name may be specified in an
OutdoorAir:NodeList object where the outdoor air temperature is taken directly from the weather
data. If the chiller is AirCooled or EvaporativelyCooled and this field is left blank, the program
automatically creates an outdoor air node and the air temperature information on this node is
taken directly from the weather file (no node height adjustment).
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 749

1.22.5.1.9 Field: Condenser Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the constant COP chiller condenser side
outlet node. This node name is required if the chiller is WaterCooled, and optional if the chiller
is AirCooled or EvaporativelyCooled. If the chiller is AirCooled or EvaporativelyCooled and this
field is left blank, the program automatically creates a condenser side outlet air node.

1.22.5.1.10 Field: Condenser Type

This alpha field determines what type of condenser will be modeled with this chiller. The 3
type of condensers are AirCooled, WaterCooled, and EvaporativelyCooled with the default being
AirCooled if not specified. AirCooled and EvaporativelyCooled do not require a CondenserLoop to
be specified, whereas the WaterCooled option requires the full specification of the CondenserLoop
and its associated equipment.

1.22.5.1.11 Field: Chiller Flow Mode

This choice field determines how the chiller operates with respect to the intended fluid flow
through the device’s evaporator. There are three different choices for specifying operating modes
for the intended flow behavior: “NotModulated,” “ConstantFlow,” and “LeavingSetpointModu-
lated.” NotModulated is useful for either variable or constant speed pumping arrangements where
the chiller is passive in the sense that although it makes a nominal request for its design flow rate it
can operate at varying flow rates. ConstantFlow is useful for constant speed pumping arrangements
where the chiller’s request for flow is stricter and can increase the overall loop flow. LeavingSet-
pointModulated changes the chiller model to internally vary the flow rate so that the temperature
leaving the chiller matches a setpoint. In all cases the operation of the external plant system can
also impact the flow through the chiller – for example if the relative sizes and operation are such that
flow is restricted and the requests cannot be met. The default, if not specified, is NotModulated.

1.22.5.1.12 Field: Sizing Factor

This optional numeric field allows the user to specify a sizing factor for this component. The
sizing factor is used when the component design inputs are autosized: the autosizing calculations
are performed as usual and the results are multiplied by the sizing factor. For this component the
inputs that would be altered by the sizing factor are: Nominal Capacity, Design Chilled Water Flow
Rate and Design Condenser Water Flow Rate. Sizing Factor allows the user to size a component
to meet part of the design load while continuing to use the autosizing feature.

1.22.5.1.13 Field: Basin Heater Capacity

This numeric field contains the capacity of the chiller’s electric basin heater in watts per degree
Kelvin. This field only applies for Condenser Type = EvaporativelyCooled. This field is used in
conjunction with the Basin Heater Setpoint Temperature described in the following field. The basin
heater electric power is equal to this field multiplied by the difference between the basin heater set
point temperature and the outdoor dry-bulb temperature. The basin heater only operates when
the chiller is off, regardless of the basin heater schedule described below. The basin heater capacity
must be greater than or equal to zero, with a default value of zero if this field is left blank.

1.22.5.1.14 Field: Basin Heater Setpoint Temperature

This numeric field contains the set point temperature (˚C) for the basin heater described in
the previous field. This field only applies for Condenser Type = EvaporativelyCooled. The basin
heater is active when the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature falls below this setpoint temperature,
750 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

as long as the chiller is off. This set point temperature must be greater than or equal to 2˚C, and
the default value is 2˚C if this field is left blank.

1.22.5.1.15 Field: Basin Heater Operating Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of the basin heater operating schedule. This field only applies
for Condenser Type = EvaporativelyCooled. The basin heater operating schedule is assumed to
be an on/off schedule and the heater is available to operate any time the schedule value is greater
than 0. The basin heater operates when scheduled on and the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature is
below the set point temperature described in the previous field. If this field is left blank, the basin
heater is available to operate throughout the simulation. Regardless of this schedule, the basin
heater may only operate when the chiller is off.
An example of this statement in an IDF is:

Chiller:ConstantCOP , Little Chiller ,

25000 , ! Nominal Capacity [W]
2.5, ! COP
0.0011 , ! Design Chilled Water Flow Rate [m3/s]
0.0011 , ! Design Condenser Water Flow Rate [m3/s]
Little Chiller Inlet Node , Little Chiller Outlet Node ,
Little Chiller Condenser Inlet Node , Little Chiller Condenser Outlet Node ,
WaterCooled ,
VariableFlow;

Chiller:ConstantCOP ,
Little Chiller , !- Name
25000 , !- Nominal Capacity {W}
2.5, !- Nominal COP {W/W}
0.0011 , !- Design Chilled Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.0011 , !- Design Condenser Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
Little Chiller Inlet Node , !- Chilled Water Inlet Node Name
Little Chiller Outlet Node , !- Chilled Water Outlet Node Name
Little Chiller Condenser Inlet Node , !- Condenser Inlet Node Name
Little Chiller Condenser Outlet Node , !- Condenser Outlet Node Name
EvaporativelyCooled , !- Condenser Type
VariableFlow , !- Chiller Flow Mode
, !- Sizing Factor
450; !- Basin Heater Capacity {W/K}

1.22.5.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Electric Energy [J]

• Zone,Meter,Electricity:Plant [J]

• Zone,Meter,Cooling:Electricity [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Evaporator Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Evaporator Cooling Energy [J]

• Zone,Meter,EnergyTransfer:Plant [J]

• Zone,Meter,Chillers:EnergyTransfer [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Evaporator Inlet Temperature [C]

1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 751

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Evaporator Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Evaporator Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Condenser Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Condenser Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• Zone,Meter,HeatRejection:EnergyTransfer [J]

Air-cooled or Evap-cooled:

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Condenser Inlet Temperature [C]

Evap-cooled:

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Basin Heater Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Basin Heater Electric Energy [J]

Water-cooled:

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Condenser Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Condenser Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Condenser Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

These chiller output variables are defined above under “Generic Chiller Outputs.”

1.22.6 Chiller:Electric
This chiller model is the empirical model from the Building Loads and System Thermodynam-
ics (BLAST) program. Capacity, power, and full load are each defined by a set of performance
curves (quadratics). Chiller performance curves are generated by fitting catalog data to third order
polynomial equations. The nominal inputs and curves described below are combined as follows to
calculate the chiller power:

NominalCapacity
Power = FracFullLoadPower·FullLoadPowerRat·AvailToNominalCapacityRatio·
COP
(1.49)
where:
NominalCapacity = Nominal Capacity field
COP = COP field
AvailToNominalCapacityRatio = the result of the Capacity Ratio Curve
FullLoadPowerRat = the result of the Power Ratio Curve
FracFullLoadPower = the result of the Full Load Ratio Curve

1.22.6.1 Inputs
1.22.6.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the electric chiller.
752 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.6.1.2 Field: Condenser Type

This alpha field determines what type of condenser will be modeled with this chiller. The 3
type of condensers are AirCooled, WaterCooled, and EvaporativelyCooled with the default being
AirCooled if not specified. AirCooled and EvaporativelyCooled do not require a Condenser Loop
to be specified, where the WaterCooled option requires the full specification of the Condenser Loop
and its associated equipment.

1.22.6.1.3 Field: Nominal Capacity

This numeric field contains the nominal cooling capability of the chiller in Watts.

1.22.6.1.4 Field: Nominal COP

This numeric field contains the chiller’s coefficient of performance. For a water-cooled chiller,
this number does not include energy use due to condenser pumps and/or fans. For an air-cooled
or evap-cooled chiller, this number includes condenser fan power.

1.22.6.1.5 Field: Chilled Water Inlet Node Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name for the electric chiller plant side inlet
node.

1.22.6.1.6 Field: Chilled Water Outlet Node Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name for the electric chiller plant side outlet
node.

1.22.6.1.7 Field: Condenser Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the electric chiller condenser side inlet node.
This node name is required if the chiller is WaterCooled, and optional if the chiller is AirCooled or
EvaporativelyCooled. If the chiller is AirCooled or EvaporativelyCooled and a condenser inlet node
name is specified here, the node name specified must also be specified in an OutdoorAir:Node object
where the height of the node is taken into consideration when calculating outdoor air temperature
from the weather data. Alternately, the node name may be specified in an OutdoorAir:NodeList
object where the outdoor air temperature is taken directly from the weather data. If the chiller is
AirCooled or EvaporativelyCooled and this field is left blank, the program automatically creates
an outdoor air node and the air temperature information on this node is taken directly from the
weather file (no node height adjustment).

1.22.6.1.8 Field: Condenser Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the electric chiller condenser side outlet node.
This node name is required if the chiller is WaterCooled, and optional if the chiller is AirCooled or
EvaporativelyCooled. If the chiller is AirCooled or EvaporativelyCooled and this field is left blank,
the program automatically creates a condenser side outlet air node.

1.22.6.1.9 Field: Minimum Part Load Ratio

This numeric field contains the electric chiller’s minimum part load ratio. The expected range
is between 0 and 1. The minimum part load is not the load where the machine shuts off, but where
the amount of power remains constant to produce smaller loads than this fraction.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 753

1.22.6.1.10 Field: Maximum Part Load Ratio

This numeric field contains the electric chiller’s maximum part load ratio. This value may
exceed 1, but the normal range is between 0 and 1.1.

1.22.6.1.11 Field: Optimum Part Load Ratio

This numeric field contains the electric chiller’s optimum part load ratio. This is the part load
ratio at which the chiller performs at its maximum COP.

1.22.6.1.12 Field: Design Condenser Inlet Temperature

This numeric field contains the electric chiller’s condenser inlet design temperature in Celsius.

1.22.6.1.13 Field: Temperature Rise Coefficient

This numeric field contains the electric chiller’s temperature rise coefficient which is defined as
the ratio of the required change in condenser water temperature to a given change in chilled water
temperature, which maintains the capacity at the nominal value. This is calculated as the following
ratio:

T CEntrequired − T CEntrated
(1.50)
T ELvrequired − T ELvrated
where:
TCEntrequired = Required entering condenser air or water temperature to maintain rated ca-
pacity.
TCEntrated = Rated entering condenser air or water temperature at rated capacity.
TELvrequired = Required leaving evaporator water outlet temperature to maintain rated capac-
ity.
TELvrated = Rated leaving evaporator water outlet temperature at rated capacity.

1.22.6.1.14 Field: Design Chilled Water Outlet Temperature

This numeric field contains the electric chiller’s evaporator outlet design temperature in Celsius.

1.22.6.1.15 Field: Design Chilled Water Flow Rate

For variable volume chiller this is the maximum flow and for constant flow chiller this is the
design flow rate. The units are in cubic meters per second.

1.22.6.1.16 Field: Design Condenser Fluid Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the electric chiller’s design condenser water flow rate in cubic meters
per second. This field is autosizable. This field is also used to enter the air flow rate if the Condenser
Type = AirCooled or EvaporativelyCooled and Heat Recovery is specified.

1.22.6.1.17 Capacity Ratio Curve

The Capacity Ratio Curve is a quadratic equation that determines the Ratio of Available
Capacity to Nominal Capacity. The defining equation is:

AvailT oN ominalCapacityRatio = C1 + C2 ∆temp + C3 ∆2temp (1.51)

Where the Delta Temperature is defined as:
754 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

TempCondIn − TempCondInDesign
∆Temp = − (TempEvapOut − TempEvapOutDesign) (1.52)
TempRiseCoefficient

TempCondIn = Temperature entering the condenser (water or air temperature depending on

condenser type).
TempCondInDesign = Design Condenser Inlet Temperature from User input above.
TempEvapOut = Temperature leaving the evaporator.
TempEvapOutDesign = Design Chilled Water Outlet Temperature from User input above.
TempRiseCoefficient = User Input from above.
The following three fields contain the coefficients for the quadratic equation.

1.22.6.1.18 Field: Coefficient 1 of Capacity Ratio Curve

This numeric field contains the first coefficient for the capacity ratio curve.

1.22.6.1.19 Field: Coefficient 2 of Capacity Ratio Curve

This numeric field contains the second coefficient for the capacity ratio curve.

1.22.6.1.20 Field: Coefficient 3 of Capacity Ratio Curve

This numeric field contains the third coefficient for the capacity ratio curve.

1.22.6.1.21 Power Ratio Curve

The Power Ratio Curve is a quadratic equation that determines the Ratio of Full Load Power
at Available Capacity to Full Load Power at Nominal Capacity. The defining equation is:
F ullLoadP owerRatio = C1 + C2 AvailT oN ominalCapRatio + C3 AvailT oN ominalCapRatio2
The following three fields contain the coefficients for the quadratic equation.

1.22.6.1.22 Field: Coefficient1 of the power ratio curve

This numeric field contains the first coefficient for the power ratio curve.

1.22.6.1.23 Field: Coefficient 2 of Power Ratio Curve

This numeric field contains the second coefficient for the power ratio curve.

1.22.6.1.24 Field: Coefficient 3 of Power Ratio Curve

This numeric field contains the third coefficient for the power ratio curve.

1.22.6.1.25 Full Load Ratio Curve

The Full Load Ratio Curve is a quadratic equation that determines the fraction of full load
power. The defining equation is:

F racF ullLoadP ower = C1 + C2 P artLoadRatio + C3 P artLoadRatio2 (1.53)

The following three fields contain the coefficients for the quadratic equation.

1.22.6.1.26 Field: Coefficient 1 of Full Load Ratio Curve

This numeric field contains the first coefficient for the full load ratio curve.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 755

1.22.6.1.27 Field: Coefficient 2 of Full Load Ratio Curve

This numeric field contains the second coefficient for the full load ratio curve.

1.22.6.1.28 Field: Coefficient 3 of Full Load Ratio Curve

This numeric field contains the third coefficient for the full load ratio curve.

1.22.6.1.29 Field: Chilled Water Outlet Temperature Lower Limit

This numeric field contains the lower limit for the evaporator outlet temperature. This tem-
perature acts as a cut off for heat transfer in the evaporator, so that the fluid doesn’t get too
cold.

1.22.6.1.30 Field: Chiller Flow Mode

This choice field determines how the chiller operates with respect to the intended fluid flow
through the device’s evaporator. There are three different choices for specifying operating modes
for the intended flow behavior: “NotModulated,” “ConstantFlow,” and “LeavingSetpointModu-
lated.” NotModulated is useful for either variable or constant speed pumping arrangements where
the chiller is passive in the sense that although it makes a nominal request for its design flow rate it
can operate at varying flow rates. ConstantFlow is useful for constant speed pumping arrangements
where the chiller’s request for flow is stricter and can increase the overall loop flow. LeavingSet-
pointModulated changes the chiller model to internally vary the flow rate so that the temperature
leaving the chiller matches a setpoint. In all cases the operation of the external plant system can
also impact the flow through the chiller – for example if the relative sizes and operation are such that
flow is restricted and the requests cannot be met. The default, if not specified, is NotModulated.

1.22.6.1.31 Field: Design Heat Recovery Water Flow Rate

This is the design flow rate used if the heat recovery option is being simulated. If this value is
greater than 0.0 then a heat recovery loop must be specified and attached to the chiller using the
next 2 node fields. To determine how the heat recovery algorithm works look at the Engineering
Manual at the Chiller:Electric with Heat Recovery section. The units are in cubic meters per
second. This field is autosizable. When autosizing, the flow rate is simply the product of the
design condenser flow rate and the condenser heat recovery relative capacity fraction set in the
field below. Note that heat recovery is only available with Condenser Type = WaterCooled.

1.22.6.1.32 Field: Heat Recovery Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the electric chiller heat recovery side inlet
node. A heat recovery loop must be specified.

1.22.6.1.33 Field: Heat Recovery Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the electric chiller heat recovery side outlet
node. A heat recovery loop must be specified.

1.22.6.1.34 Field: Sizing Factor

This optional numeric field allows the user to specify a sizing factor for this component. The
sizing factor is used when the component design inputs are autosized: the autosizing calculations
are performed as usual and the results are multiplied by the sizing factor. For this component the
inputs that would be altered by the sizing factor are: Nominal Capacity, Design Chilled Water Flow
756 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Rate and Design Condenser Water Flow Rate. Sizing Factor allows the user to size a component
to meet part of the design load while continuing to use the autosizing feature.

1.22.6.1.35 Field: Basin Heater Capacity

This numeric field contains the capacity of the chiller’s electric basin heater in watts per degree
Kelvin. This field only applies for Condenser Type = EvaporativelyCooled. This field is used in
conjunction with the Basin Heater Setpoint Temperature described in the following field. The basin
heater electric power is equal to this field multiplied by the difference between the basin heater set
point temperature and the outdoor dry-bulb temperature. The basin heater only operates when
the chiller is off, regardless of the basin heater schedule described below. The basin heater capacity
must be greater than or equal to zero, with a default value of zero if this field is left blank.

1.22.6.1.36 Field: Basin Heater Setpoint Temperature

This numeric field contains the set point temperature (˚C) for the basin heater described in
the previous field. This field only applies for Condenser Type = EvaporativelyCooled. The basin
heater is active when the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature falls below this setpoint temperature,
as long as the chiller is off. This set point temperature must be greater than or equal to 2˚C, and
the default value is 2˚C if this field is left blank.

1.22.6.1.37 Field: Basin Heater Operating Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of the basin heater operating schedule. This field only applies
for Condenser Type = EvaporativelyCooled. The basin heater operating schedule is assumed to
be an on/off schedule and the heater is available to operate any time the schedule value is greater
than 0. The basin heater operates when scheduled on and the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature is
below the set point temperature described in the previous field. If this field is left blank, the basin
heater is available to operate throughout the simulation. Regardless of this schedule, the basin
heater may only operate when the chiller is off.

1.22.6.1.38 Field: Condenser Heat Recovery Relative Capacity Fraction

This field is optional. It can be used to describe the physical size of the heat recovery portion of
a split bundle condenser section. This fraction describes the relative capacity of the heat recovery
bundle of a split condenser compared to the nominal, full load heat rejection rate of the chiller. This
fraction will be applied to the full heat rejection when operating at nominal capacity and nominal
COP to model a capacity limit for the heat rejection. If this field is not entered then the capacity
fraction is set to 1.0.

1.22.6.1.39 Field: Heat Recovery Inlet High Temperature Limit Schedule Name

This field is optional. It can be used to control heat recovery operation of the chiller. The
schedule named here should contain temperature values, in C, that describe an upper limit for
the return fluid temperatures entering the chiller at the heat recovery inlet node. If the fluid
temperature is too high, then the heat recovery will not operate. This is useful to restrict the
chiller lift from becoming too high and to avoid overheating the hot water loop. This limit can be
used with or without the alternate control using leaving setpoint that is set in the next field.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 757

1.22.6.1.40 Field: Heat Recovery Leaving Temperature Setpoint Node Name

This field is optional. It can be used to refine the model and controls for heat recovery operation
of the chiller. The node named here should have a setpoint placed on it by a setpoint manager. If
the plant loop’s demand calculation scheme is set to SingleSetpoint, then a single setpoint manager
should be used. If the plant loop’s demand calculation is set to DualSetpointDeadband then a
dual setpoint manager should be used and the upper setpoint is used for control. When this field
is used, a different model is used for determining the distribution of rejected heat between the two
bundles that is more appropriate for series bundle arrangements and for chiller’s that are able to
produce relatively higher temperature heated fluids.
An example of this statement in an IDF is:

Chiller:Electric ,
Big Chiller , !- Chiller Name
WaterCooled , !- Condenser Type
100000 , !- Nominal Capacity {W}
2.75, !- COP
Big Chiller Inlet Node , !- Chilled Water Inlet Node Name
Big Chiller Outlet Node , !- Chilled Water Outlet Node Name
Big Chiller Condenser Inlet Node , !- Condenser Inlet Node Name
Big Chiller Condenser Outlet Node , !- Condenser Outlet Node Name
.15, !- Minimum Part Load Ratio
1.0, !- Maximum Part Load Ratio
.65, !- Optimum Part Load Ratio
29.44 , !- Design Condenser Inlet Temperature {C}
2.682759 , !- Temperature Rise Coefficient
6.667 , !- Design Chilled Water Outlet Temperature {C}
0.0011 , !- Design Chilled Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.0005 , !- Design Condenser Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.94483600 , !- Coefficient 1 of Capacity Ratio Curve
-.05700880 , !- Coefficient 2 of Capacity Ratio Curve
-.00185486 , !- Coefficient 3 of Capacity Ratio Curve
1.907846 , !- Coefficient 1 of Power Ratio Curve
-1.20498700 , !- Coefficient 2 of Power Ratio Curve
0.26346230 , !- Coefficient 3 of Power Ratio Curve
0.03303 , !- Coefficient 1 of Full Load Ratio Curve
0.6852 , !- Coefficient 2 of Full Load Ratio Curve
0.2818 , !- Coefficient 3 of Full Load Ratio Curve
5, !- Chilled Water Outlet Temperature Lower Limit {C}
VariableFlow; !- Chiller Flow Mode

An example of an Air-Cooled Chiller:

Chiller:Electric ,
Big Chiller , !- Chiller Name
AirCooled , !- Condenser Type
100000 , !- Nominal Capacity {W}
2.58, !- COP
Big Chiller Inlet Node , !- Chilled Water Inlet Node Name
Big Chiller Outlet Node , !- Chilled Water Outlet Node Name
Big Chiller Condenser Inlet Node , !- Condenser Inlet Node Name
Big Chiller Condenser Outlet Node , !- Condenser Outlet Node Name
.05, !- Minimum Part Load Ratio
1.0, !- Maximum Part Load Ratio
.65, !- Optimum Part Load Ratio
35.0, !- Design Condenser Inlet Temperature {C}
2.778 , !- Temperature Rise Coefficient
6.67, !- Design Chilled Water Outlet Temperature {C}
0.0011 , !- Design Chilled Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.002 , !- Design Condenser Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.9949 , !- Coefficient 1 of Capacity Ratio Curve
-0.045954 , !- Coefficient 2 of Capacity Ratio Curve
-0.0013543 , !- Coefficient 3 of Capacity Ratio Curve
2.333 , !- Coefficient 1 of Power Ratio Curve
758 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

-1.975, !- Coefficient 2 of Power Ratio Curve

0.6121 , !- Coefficient 3 of Power Ratio Curve
0.03303 , !- Coefficient 1 of Full Load Ratio Curve
0.6852 , !- Coefficient 2 of Full Load Ratio Curve
0.2818 , !- Coefficient 3 of Full Load Ratio Curve
5, !- Chilled Water Outlet Temperature Lower Limit {C}
VariableFlow; !- Chiller Flow Mode

OutdoorAir:Node ,
Big Chiller Condenser Inlet Node , !- Node Name
-1.0; !- Height Above Ground {m}

An example of an Evaporatively-Cooled Chiller:

Chiller:Electric ,
Big Chiller , !- Name
EvaporativelyCooled , !- Condenser Type
100000 , !- Nominal Capacity {W}
2.58, !- Nominal COP
Big Chiller Inlet Node , !- Chilled Water Inlet Node Name
Big Chiller Outlet Node , !- Chilled Water Outlet Node Name
Big Chiller Condenser Inlet Node , !- Condenser Inlet Node Name
Big Chiller Condenser Outlet Node , !- Condenser Outlet Node Name
0.05, !- Minimum Part Load Ratio
1.0, !- Maximum Part Load Ratio
0.65, !- Optimum Part Load Ratio
35.0, !- Design Condenser Inlet Temperature {C}
2.778 , !- Temperature Rise Coefficient
6.67, !- Design Chilled Water Outlet Temperature {C}
0.0011 , !- Design Chilled Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.002 , !- Design Condenser Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.9949 , !- Coefficient 1 of Capacity Ratio Curve
-0.045954 , !- Coefficient 2 of Capacity Ratio Curve
-0.0013543 , !- Coefficient 3 of Capacity Ratio Curve
2.333 , !- Coefficient 1 of Power Ratio Curve
-1.975, !- Coefficient 2 of Power Ratio Curve
0.6121 , !- Coefficient 3 of Power Ratio Curve
0.03303 , !- Coefficient 1 of Full Load Ratio Curve
0.6852 , !- Coefficient 2 of Full Load Ratio Curve
0.2818 , !- Coefficient 3 of Full Load Ratio Curve
5, !- Chilled Water Outlet Temperature Lower Limit {C}
VariableFlow , !- Chiller Flow Mode
, !- Design Heat Recovery Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- Heat Recovery Inlet Node Name
, !- Heat Recovery Outlet Node Name
, !- Sizing Factor
450, !- Basin Heater Capacity {W/K}
3, !- Basin Heater Setpoint Temperature {C}
Basin heater sch; !- Basin Heater Operating Schedule Name

OutdoorAir:Node ,
Big Chiller Condenser Inlet Node , !- Name
-1.0; !- Height Above Ground {m}

An example of a Heat Recovery Chiller:

Chiller:Electric ,
Big Chiller , !- Chiller Name
WaterCooled , !- Condenser Type
25000 , !- Nominal Capacity {W}
2.75, !- COP
Big Chiller Inlet Node , !- Chilled Water Inlet Node Name
Big Chiller Outlet Node , !- Chilled Water Outlet Node Name
Big Chiller Condenser Inlet Node , !- Condenser Inlet Node Name
Big Chiller Condenser Outlet Node , !- Condenser Outlet Node Name
.15, !- Minimum Part Load Ratio
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 759

1.0, !- Maximum Part Load Ratio

.65, !- Optimum Part Load Ratio
29.44 , !- Design Condenser Inlet Temperature {C}
2.682759 , !- Temperature Rise Coefficient
6.667 , !- Design Chilled Water Outlet Temperature {C}
0.0011 , !- Design Chilled Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.0005 , !- Design Condenser Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.94483600 , !- Coefficient 1 of Capacity Ratio Curve
-.05700880 , !- Coefficient 2 of Capacity Ratio Curve
-.00185486 , !- Coefficient 3 of Capacity Ratio Curve
1.907846 , !- Coefficient 1 of Power Ratio Curve
-1.20498700 , !- Coefficient 2 of Power Ratio Curve
0.26346230 , !- Coefficient 3 of Power Ratio Curve
0.03303 , !- Coefficient 1 of Full Load Ratio Curve
0.6852 , !- Coefficient 2 of Full Load Ratio Curve
0.2818 , !- Coefficient 3 of Full Load Ratio Curve
5, !- Chilled Water Outlet Temperature Lower Limit {C}
VariableFlow , !- Chiller Flow Mode
0.00055 , !- Design heat recovery water flow rate {m3/s}
Big Chiller Heat Rec Inlet Node , !- Heat Recovery Inlet Node Name
Big Chiller Heat Rec Outlet Node; !- Heat Recovery Outlet Node Name

1.22.6.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Electric Energy [J]

• Zone,Meter,Electricity:Plant [J]

• Zone,Meter,Cooling:Electricity [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Evaporator Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Evaporator Cooling Energy [J]

• Zone,Meter,EnergyTransfer:Plant [J]

• Zone,Meter,Chillers:EnergyTransfer [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Evaporator Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Evaporator Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Evaporator Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller COP [W/W]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Condenser Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Condenser Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• Zone,Meter,HeatRejection:EnergyTransfer [J]

Air-cooled or Evap-cooled:

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Condenser Inlet Temperature [C]

Evap-cooled:
760 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Basin Heater Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Basin Heater Electric Energy [J]

Water-cooled:

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Condenser Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Condenser Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Condenser Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

HeatRecovery:

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Total Recovered Heat Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Chiller Total Recovered Heat Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heat Recovery Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heat Recovery Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heat Recovery Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Effective Heat Rejection Temperature [C]

These chiller output variables are defined above under “Generic Chiller Outputs.”

1.22.7 Chiller:Electric:EIR
This chiller model is the empirical model used in the DOE-2.1 building energy simulation pro-
gram. The model uses performance information at reference conditions along with three curve
fits for cooling capacity and efficiency to determine chiller operation at off-reference conditions.
Chiller performance curves can be generated by fitting manufacturer’s catalog data or measured
data. Performance curves for more than 160 chillers, including the default DOE-2.1E reciprocat-
ing and centrifugal chillers, are provided in the EnergyPlus Reference DataSets (Chillers.idf and
AllDataSets.idf).
Note: Chiller:Electric:EIR objects and their associated performance curve objects are developed
using performance information for a specific chiller and should normally be used together for an
EnergyPlus simulation. Changing the object input values, or swapping performance curves between
chillers, should be done with caution.

1.22.7.1 Inputs
1.22.7.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the electric EIR chiller.

1.22.7.1.2 Field: Reference Capacity

This numeric field contains the reference cooling capacity of the chiller in Watts. This should
be the capacity of the chiller at the reference temperatures and water flow rates defined below.
Alternately, this field can be autosized.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 761

1.22.7.1.3 Field: Reference COP

This numeric field contains the chiller’s coefficient of performance. This value should not include
energy use due to pumps or cooling tower fans. This COP should be at the reference temperatures
and water flow rates defined below. This value should include evap-cooled or air-cooled condenser
fans except when the Condenser Fan Power Ratio input field defined below is used and that input
value is greater than 0. For the case when condenser fan power is modeled separately, the calculated
condenser fan energy is reported on the same electric meter as compressor power. Be careful to not
duplicate this energy use.

1.22.7.1.4 Field: Reference Leaving Chilled Water Temperature

This numeric field contains the chiller’s reference leaving chilled water temperature in Celsius.
The default value is 6.67°C.

1.22.7.1.5 Field: Reference Entering Condenser Fluid Temperature

This numeric field contains the chiller’s reference entering condenser fluid temperature in Cel-
sius. The default value is 29.4°C. For water-cooled chillers this is the water temperature entering the
condenser (e.g., leaving the cooling tower). For air- or evap-cooled condensers this is the entering
outdoor air dry-bulb or wet-bulb temperature, respectively.

1.22.7.1.6 Field: Reference Chilled Water Flow Rate

For a variable flow chiller this is the maximum water flow rate and for a constant flow chiller
this is the operating water flow rate through the chiller’s evaporator. The units are in cubic meters
per second. The minimum value for this numeric input field must be greater than zero, or this field
can be autosized.

1.22.7.1.7 Field: Reference Condenser Fluid Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the chiller’s operating condenser water flow rate in cubic meters per
second. This field can be autosized. This field is also used to enter the air flow rate if Condenser
Type = AirCooled or EvaporativelyCooled and Heat Recovery is specified..

1.22.7.1.8 Field: Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature Curve Name

The name of a biquadratic performance curve (ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes
the variation of the cooling capacity as a function of the leaving chilled water temperature and the
entering condenser fluid temperature. The output of this curve is multiplied by the reference capac-
ity to give the cooling capacity at specific temperature operating conditions (i.e., at temperatures
different from the reference temperatures). The curve should have a value of 1.0 at the reference
temperatures and flow rates specified above. The biquadratic curve should be valid for the range
of water temperatures anticipated for the simulation.

1.22.7.1.9 Field: Electric Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function of Temper-

ature Curve Name
The name of a biquadratic performance curve (ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes
the variation of the energy input to cooling output ratio (EIR) as a function of the leaving chilled
water temperature and the entering condenser fluid temperature. The EIR is the inverse of the
COP. The output of this curve is multiplied by the reference EIR (inverse of the reference COP) to
give the EIR at specific temperature operating conditions (i.e., at temperatures different from the
reference temperatures). The curve should have a value of 1.0 at the reference temperatures and flow
762 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

rates specified above. The biquadratic curve should be valid for the range of water temperatures
anticipated for the simulation.

1.22.7.1.10 Field: Electric Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function of Part

Load Ratio Curve Name
The name of a quadratic performance curve (ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes the
variation of the energy input ratio (EIR) as a function of the part-load ratio (EIRfTPLR). The EIR
is the inverse of the COP, and the part-load ratio is the actual cooling load divided by the chiller’s
available cooling capacity. This curve is generated by dividing the operating electric input power
by the available full-load capacity (do not divide by load) at the specific operating temperatures.
The curve output should decrease from 1 towards 0 as part-load ratio decreases from 1 to 0. The
output of this curve is multiplied by the reference full-load EIR (inverse of the reference COP)
and the Energy Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function of Temperature Curve to give the EIR at
the specific temperatures and part-load ratio at which the chiller is operating. This curve should
have a value of 1.0 when the part-load ratio equals 1.0. An ideal chiller with the same efficiency at
all part-load ratio’s would use a performance curve that has a value of 0 when the part-load ratio
equals 0 (i.;e., a line connecting 0,0 and 1,1 when plotted as EIRfTPLR versus PLR), however,
actual systems can have part-load EIR’s slightly above or below this line (i.e., part-load efficiency
often differs from rated efficiency). The quadratic curve should be valid for the range of part-load
ratios anticipated for the simulation.

1.22.7.1.11 Field: Minimum Part Load Ratio

This numeric field contains the chiller’s minimum part-load ratio. The expected range is between
0 and 1. Below this part-load ratio, the compressor cycles on and off to meet the cooling load.
The Minimum Part Load Ratio must be less than or equal to the Maximum Part Load Ratio. The
default value is 0.1.

1.22.7.1.12 Field: Maximum Part Load Ratio

This numeric field contains the chiller’s maximum part-load ratio. This value may exceed 1,
but the normal range is between 0 and 1.0. The Maximum Part Load Ratio must be greater than
or equal to the Minimum Part Load Ratio. The default value is 1.0.

1.22.7.1.13 Field: Optimum Part Load Ratio

This numeric field contains the chiller’s optimum part-load ratio. This is the part-load ratio
at which the chiller performs at its maximum COP. The optimum part-load ratio must be greater
than or equal to the Minimum Part Load Ratio, and less than or equal to the Maximum Part Load
Ratio. The default value is 1.0.

1.22.7.1.14 Field: Minimum Unloading Ratio

This numeric field contains the chiller’s minimum unloading ratio. The expected range is
between 0 and 1. The minimum unloading ratio is where the chiller capacity can no longer be
reduced by unloading and must be false loaded to meet smaller cooling loads. A typical false
loading strategy is hot-gas bypass. The minimum unloading ratio must be greater than or equal
to the Minimum Part Load Ratio, and less than or equal to the Maximum Part Load Ratio. The
default value is 0.2.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 763

1.22.7.1.15 Field: Chilled Water Inlet Node Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name for the chiller plant side (chilled water)
inlet node.

1.22.7.1.16 Field: Chilled Water Outlet Node Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name for the chiller plant side (chilled water)
outlet node.

1.22.7.1.17 Field: Condenser Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the chiller condenser side inlet node. This
node name is required if the chiller is WaterCooled, and optional if the chiller is AirCooled or
EvaporativelyCooled. If the chiller is AirCooled or EvaporativelyCooled and a condenser inlet node
name is specified here, the node name specified must also be specified in an OutdoorAir:Node object
where the height of the node is taken into consideration when calculating outdoor air temperature
from the weather data. Alternately, the node name may be specified in an OutdoorAir:NodeList
object where the outdoor air temperature is taken directly from the weather data. If the chiller is
AirCooled or EvaporativelyCooled and this field is left blank, the program automatically creates
an outdoor air node and the air temperature information on this node is taken directly from the
weather file (no node height adjustment).

1.22.7.1.18 Field: Condenser Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the chiller condenser side outlet node. This
node name is required if the chiller is WaterCooled, and optional if the chiller is AirCooled or
EvaporativelyCooled. If the chiller is AirCooled or EvaporativelyCooled and this field is left blank,
the program automatically creates a condenser side outlet air node.

1.22.7.1.19 Field: Condenser Type

This alpha field determines what type of condenser will be modeled with this chiller. Valid
condenser types are AirCooled, WaterCooled, and EvaporativelyCooled with the default being
WaterCooled if not specified. AirCooled and EvaporativelyCooled do not require a Condenser Loop
to be specified, whereas the WaterCooled option requires the full specification of the Condenser
Loop and its associated equipment.

1.22.7.1.20 Field: Condenser Fan Power Ratio

This field is used to model condenser fan power associated with air-cooled or evaporatively-
cooled condensers (for cooling towers, refer to Group - Condenser Equipment). Enter the ratio of
the condenser fan power to the reference chiller cooling capacity in W/W. If this input is greater
than 0, the condenser fan power is modeled seperatly from compressor power. In addition, if
condenser fan power is modeled using this input, the reference COP and “Electric Input to Cooling
Output Ratio Function of” performance curves should not include condenser fan power.

1.22.7.1.21 Field: Fraction of Compressor Electric Power Rejected by Con-

denser
This numeric input represents the fraction of compressor electrical energy consumption that
must be rejected by the condenser. Enter a value of 1.0 when modeling hermetic chillers. For open
chillers, enter the compressor motor efficiency. This value must be greater than 0.0 and less than
or equal to 1.0, with a default value of 1.0.
764 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.7.1.22 Field: Leaving Chilled Water Lower Temperature Limit

This numeric field contains the lower limit for the leaving chilled water temperature in Celsius.
This temperature acts as a cut off for heat transfer in the evaporator, so that the fluid doesn’t get
too cold. This input field is currently unused. The default value is 2°C.

1.22.7.1.23 Field: Chiller Flow Mode

This choice field determines how the chiller operates with respect to the intended fluid flow
through the device’s evaporator. There are three different choices for specifying operating modes
for the intended flow behavior: “NotModulated,” “ConstantFlow,” and “LeavingSetpointModu-
lated.” NotModulated is useful for either variable or constant speed pumping arrangements where
the chiller is passive in the sense that although it makes a nominal request for its design flow rate it
can operate at varying flow rates. ConstantFlow is useful for constant speed pumping arrangements
where the chiller’s request for flow is stricter and can increase the overall loop flow. LeavingSet-
pointModulated changes the chiller model to internally vary the flow rate so that the temperature
leaving the chiller matches a setpoint. In all cases the operation of the external plant system can
also impact the flow through the chiller – for example if the relative sizes and operation are such that
flow is restricted and the requests cannot be met. The default, if not specified, is NotModulated.

1.22.7.1.24 Field: Design Heat Recovery Water Flow Rate

This is the design heat recovery water flow rate if the heat recovery option is being simulated.
If this value is greater than 0.0 (or Autosize), a heat recovery loop must be specified and attached
to the chiller using the next two node fields. The units are in cubic meters per second. This field
is autosizable. When autosizing, the flow rate is simply the product of the design condenser flow
rate and the condenser heat recovery relative capacity fraction set in the field below. Note that
heat recovery is only available with Condenser Type = WaterCooled.

1.22.7.1.25 Field: Heat Recovery Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the chiller heat recovery side inlet node. If
the user wants to model chiller heat recovery, a heat recovery loop must be specified.

1.22.7.1.26 Field: Heat Recovery Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the chiller heat recovery side outlet node. If
the user wants to model chiller heat recovery, a heat recovery loop must be specified.

1.22.7.1.27 Field: Sizing Factor

This optional numeric field allows the user to specify a sizing factor for this component. The
sizing factor is used when the component design inputs are autosized: the autosizing calculations
are performed as usual and the results are multiplied by the sizing factor. For this component
the inputs that would be altered by the sizing factor are: Reference Capacity, Reference Chilled
Water Flow Rate and Reference Condenser Water Flow Rate. Sizing Factor allows the user to size
a component to meet part of the design load while continuing to use the autosizing feature.

1.22.7.1.28 Field: Basin Heater Capacity

This numeric field contains the capacity of the chiller’s electric basin heater in watts per degree
Kelvin. This field only applies for Condenser Type = EvaporativelyCooled. This field is used in
conjunction with the Basin Heater Setpoint Temperature described in the following field. The basin
heater electric power is equal to this field multiplied by the difference between the basin heater set
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 765

point temperature and the outdoor dry-bulb temperature. The basin heater only operates when
the chiller is off, regardless of the basin heater schedule described below. The basin heater capacity
must be greater than or equal to zero, with a default value of zero if this field is left blank.

1.22.7.1.29 Field: Basin Heater Setpoint Temperature

This numeric field contains the set point temperature (˚C) for the basin heater described in
the previous field. This field only applies for Condenser Type = EvaporativelyCooled. The basin
heater is active when the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature falls below this setpoint temperature,
as long as the chiller is off. This set point temperature must be greater than or equal to 2˚C, and
the default value is 2˚C if this field is left blank.

1.22.7.1.30 Field: Basin Heater Operating Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of the basin heater operating schedule. This field only applies
for Condenser Type = EvaporativelyCooled. The basin heater operating schedule is assumed to
be an on/off schedule and the heater is available to operate any time the schedule value is greater
than 0. The basin heater operates when scheduled on and the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature is
below the set point temperature described in the previous field. If this field is left blank, the basin
heater is available to operate throughout the simulation. Regardless of this schedule, the basin
heater may only operate when the chiller is off.

1.22.7.1.31 Field: Condenser Heat Recovery Relative Capacity Fraction

This field is optional. It can be used to describe the physical size of the heat recovery portion of
a split bundle condenser section. This fraction describes the relative capacity of the heat recovery
bundle of a split condenser compared to the nominal, full load heat rejection rate of the chiller. This
fraction will be applied to the full heat rejection when operating at nominal capacity and nominal
COP to model a capacity limit for the heat rejection. If this field is not entered then the capacity
fraction is set to 1.0.

1.22.7.1.32 Field: Heat Recovery Inlet High Temperature Limit Schedule Name

This field is optional. It can be used to control heat recovery operation of the chiller. The
schedule named here should contain temperature values, in C, that describe an upper limit for
the return fluid temperatures entering the chiller at the heat recovery inlet node. If the fluid
temperature is too high, then the heat recovery will not operate. This is useful to restrict the
chiller lift from becoming too high and to avoid overheating the hot water loop. This limit can be
used with or without the alternate control using leaving setpoint that is set in the next field.

1.22.7.1.33 Field: Heat Recovery Leaving Temperature Setpoint Node Name

This field is optional. It can be used to refine the model and controls for heat recovery operation
of the chiller. The node named here should have a setpoint placed on it by a setpoint manager. If
the plant loop’s demand calculation scheme is set to SingleSetpoint, then a single setpoint manager
should be used. If the plant loop’s demand calculation is set to DualSetpointDeadband then a
dual setpoint manager should be used and the upper setpoint is used for control. When this field
is used, a different model is used for determining the distribution of rejected heat between the two
bundles that is more appropriate for series bundle arrangements and for chiller’s that are able to
produce relatively higher temperature heated fluilds.
An example of this statement in an IDF is:
766 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

! ElectricEIRChiller DOE -2 Centrifugal /5.50 COP

! A generic centrifugal chiller from DOE -2.1E
!
Chiller:Electric:EIR ,
DOE -2 Centrifugal /5.50COP , !- Chiller Name
Autosize , !- Reference Capacity {W}
5.5, !- Reference COP {W/W}
6.67, !- Reference Leaving Chilled Water Temperature {C}
29.4, !- Reference Entering Condenser Fluid Temperature {C}
Autosize , !- Reference Chilled Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
Autosize , !- Reference Condenser Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
DOE -2 Centrifugal /5.50 COP CAPFT , !- Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature Curve
DOE -2 Centrifugal /5.50 COP EIRFT , !- Electric Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function of
Temperature Curve
DOE -2 Centrifugal /5.50 COP EIRFPLR ,!- Electric Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function of Part
Load
Ratio Curve
0.1, !- Minimum Part Load Ratio
1.0, !- Maximum Part Load Ratio
1.0, !- Optimum Part Load Ratio
0.2, !- Minimum Unloading Ratio
Chilled Water Side Inlet Node , !- Chilled Water Side Inlet Node
Chilled Water Side Outlet Node , !- Chilled Water Side Outlet Node
Condenser Side Inlet Node , !- Condenser Side Inlet Node
Condenser Side Outlet Node , !- Condenser Side Outlet Node
WaterCooled , !- Condenser Type
, !- Condenser Fan Power Ratio {W/W}
1.0, !- Fraction of Compressor Electric Power Rejected by Condenser
2.0, !- Leaving Chilled Water Lower Temperature Limit {C}
ConstantFlow; !- Chiller Evaporator Flow Mode

!
! Curve set (3 Curves):
!
! Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature Curve for open or hermetic water -cooled centrifugal
chillers
! x = Leaving Chilled Water Temperature and y = Entering Condenser Water Temperature
! Same as DOE -2.1E HERM -CENT -CAP -FT (CCAPT3) and OPEN -CENT -CAP -FT (CCAPT1)
Curve:Biquadratic ,
DOE -2 Centrifugal /5.50 COP CAPFT , !- Name
0.257896E+00, !- Coefficient1 Constant
0.389016E-01, !- Coefficient2 x
-0.217080E-03, !- Coefficient3 x**2
0.468684E-01, !- Coefficient4 y
-0.942840E-03, !- Coefficient5 y**2
-0.343440E-03, !- Coefficient6 x*y
5.0, !- Minimum Value of x
10.0, !- Maximum Value of x
24.0, !- Minimum Value of y
35.0; !- Maximum Value of y
!
! Energy Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function of Temperature Curve for open or hermetic water
-
cooled centrifugal chillers
! x = Leaving Chilled Water Temperature and y = Entering Condenser Water Temperature
! Same as DOE -2.1E HERM -CENT -EIR -FT (EIRT3) and OPEN -CENT -EIR -FT (EIRT1)
Curve:Biquadratic ,
DOE -2 Centrifugal /5.50 COP EIRFT , !- Name
0.933884E+00, !- Coefficient1 Constant
-0.582120E-01, !- Coefficient2 x
0.450036E-02, !- Coefficient3 x**2
0.243000E-02, !- Coefficient4 y
0.486000E-03, !- Coefficient5 y**2
-0.121500E-02, !- Coefficient6x*y
5.0, !- Minimum Value of x
10.0, !- Maximum Value of x
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 767

24.0, !- Minimum Value of y

35.0; !- Maximum Value of y
!
! Energy Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function of Part Load Ratio Curve for open or hermetic
water -cooled centrifugal chillers
! x = Part Load Ratio (load/capacity)
! Same as DOE -2.1E HERM -CENT -EIR -FPLR (EIRPLR3) and OPEN -CENT -EIR -FPLR (EIRPLR1)
Curve:Quadratic ,
DOE -2 Centrifugal /5.50 COP EIRFPLR , !- Name
0.222903 , !- Coefficient1 Constant
0.313387 , !- Coefficient2 x
0.463710 , !- Coefficient3 x**2
0.0, !- Minimum Value of x
1.0; !- Maximum Value of x

1.22.7.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Electric Energy [J]

• Zone,Meter,Electricity:Plant [J]

• Zone,Meter,Cooling:Electricity [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Evaporator Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Evaporator Cooling Energy [J]

• Zone,Meter,EnergyTransfer:Plant [J]

• Zone,Meter,Chillers:EnergyTransfer [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Evaporator Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Evaporator Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Evaporator Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller COP [W/W]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Condenser Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Condenser Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• Zone,Meter,HeatRejection:EnergyTransfer [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Part Load Ratio []

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Cycling Ratio []

• HVAC,Average,Chiller False Load Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller False Load Heat Transfer Energy [J]

Curve object outputs:

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Capacity Temperature Modifier Multiplier []

768 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• HVAC,Average,Chiller EIR Temperature Modifier Multiplier []

• HVAC,Average,Chiller EIR Part Load Modifier Multiplier []

Air-cooled or Evap-cooled:

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Condenser Inlet Temperature [C]

Air-cooled or Evap-cooled reported only when the condenser fan power ratio input field is
greater than 0:

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Condenser Fan Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Condenser Fan Electric Consumption [J]

Evap-cooled:

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Basin Heater Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Basin Heater Electric Energy [J]

Water-cooled:

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Condenser Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Condenser Outlet Temperature [C]
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Condenser Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

HeatRecovery:

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Total Recovered Heat Rate [W]

• Zone,Meter,HeatRecovery:EnergyTransfer [J]
• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Heat Recovery [J]
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heat Recovery Inlet Temperature [C]
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heat Recovery Outlet Temperature [C]
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heat Recovery Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Effective Heat Rejection Temperature [C]

Most of these chiller output variables are defined above under “Generic Chiller Outputs.” Out-
put variables not described above are discussed here.

1.22.7.2.1 Chiller Condenser Fan Electric Power [W]

1.22.7.2.2 Chiller Condenser Fan Electric Energy [J]

These outputs are for the electric power consumption of the chiller condenser fan and are
applicable to air- or evaporatively-cooled chillers. These reports are available only for the
Chiller:Electric:EIR and only when the Condenser Fan Power Ratio input field is greater than 0.
This output is also added to a meter object with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use Key =
Chillers, Group Key = Plant (Ref. Output:Meter objects).
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 769

1.22.7.2.3 Chiller Capacity Temperature Modifier Multiplier []

This is the output of the curve object Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature Curve.

1.22.7.2.4 Chiller EIR Temperature Modifier Multiplier []

This is the output of the curve object Electric Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function of
Temperature Curve.

1.22.7.2.5 Chiller EIR Part Load Modifier Multiplier []

This is the output of the curve object Electric Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function of Part
Load Curve.

1.22.7.2.6 Chiller Part Load Ratio []

This output is the ratio of the evaporator heat transfer rate plus the false load heat transfer
rate (if applicable) to the available chiller capacity. This value is used to determine Chiller EIR
Part Load Modifier Multiplier.

1.22.7.2.7 Chiller Cycling Ratio []

The cycling ratio is the amount of time the chiller operates during each simulation timestep. If
the chiller part-load ratio falls below the minimum part-load ratio, the chiller cycles on and off to
meet the cooling load.

1.22.7.2.8 Chiller False Load Heat Transfer Rate [W]

1.22.7.2.9 Chiller False Load Heat Transfer Energy [J]

These outputs are the heat transfer rate and total heat transfer due to false loading of the
chiller. When the chiller part-load ratio is below the minimum unloading ratio, the chiller false
loads (e.g. hot-gas bypass) to further reduce capacity. The false load heat transfer output variable
is not metered.

1.22.8 Chiller:Electric:ReformulatedEIR
This chiller model, developed through the CoolTools™ project sponsored by Pacific Gas and Elec-
tric Company (PG&E), is an empirical model similar to EnergyPlus’ Chiller:Electric:EIR model.
The model uses performance information at reference conditions along with three curve fits for cool-
ing capacity and efficiency to determine chiller operation at off-reference conditions. The model
has the same capabilities as the Chiller:Electric:EIR model, but can potentially provide significant
accuracy improvement over the Chiller:Electric:EIR model for variable-speed compressor drive and
variable condenser water flow applications. Chiller performance curves can be generated by fit-
ting manufacturer’s catalog data or measured data. Performance curves developed from manu-
facturer’s performance data are provided in the EnergyPlus Reference DataSets (Chillers.idf and
AllDataSets.idf). This chiller model can be used to predict the performance of various chiller types
(e.g., reciprocating, screw, scroll, and centrifugal) with water-cooled condensers.
The main difference between this model and the Chiller:Electric:EIR model is the condenser
fluid temperature used in the associated performance curves: the Chiller:Electric:ReformulatedEIR
model uses the LEAVING condenser water temperature while the Chiller:Electric:EIR model uses
the ENTERING condenser water temperature.
770 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Note: Chiller:Electric:Reformulated EIR objects and their associated performance curve objects
are developed using performance information for a specific chiller and should almost always be used
together for an EnergyPlus simulation. Changing the object input values, or swapping performance
curves between chillers, should be done with extreme caution. For example, if the user wishes to
model a chiller size that is different from the reference capacity, it is highly recommended that the
reference flow rates be scaled proportionately to the change in reference capacity. Although this
model can provide more accurate prediction than the Chiller:Electric:EIR model, it requires more
performance data to develop the associated performance curves (at least 12 points from full-load
performance and 7 points from part-load performance).

1.22.8.1 Inputs
1.22.8.1.1 Field: Chiller Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for this chiller.

1.22.8.1.2 Field: Reference Capacity

This numeric field contains the reference cooling capacity of the chiller in Watts. This should
be the capacity of the chiller at the reference temperatures and water flow rates defined below.
Alternately, this field can be autosized.

1.22.8.1.3 Field: Reference COP

This numeric field contains the chiller’s coefficient of performance. This value should not
include energy use due to pumps or cooling tower fans. This COP should be at the reference
temperatures and water flow rates defined below.

1.22.8.1.4 Field: Reference Leaving Chilled Water Temperature

This numeric field contains the chiller’s reference leaving chilled water temperature in Celsius.
The default value is 6.67°C.

1.22.8.1.5 Field: Reference Leaving Condenser Water Temperature

This numeric field contains the chiller’s reference leaving condenser water temperature in Cel-
sius. The default value is 35°C.

1.22.8.1.6 Field: Reference Chilled Water Flow Rate

For a variable flow chiller this is the maximum water flow rate and for a constant flow chiller
this is the operating water flow rate through the chiller’s evaporator. The units are in cubic meters
per second. The minimum value for this numeric input field must be greater than zero, or this field
can be autosized.

1.22.8.1.7 Field: Reference Condenser Water Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the chiller’s operating condenser water flow rate in cubic meters per
second. The units are in cubic meters per second. The minimum value for this numeric input field
must be greater than zero, or this field can be autosized.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 771

1.22.8.1.8 Field: Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature Curve Name

The name of a biquadratic performance curve (ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes
the variation of the cooling capacity as a function of the leaving chilled water temperature and
the leaving condenser water temperature. The output of this curve is multiplied by the reference
capacity to give the cooling capacity at specific temperature operating conditions (i.e., at tem-
peratures different from the reference temperatures). The curve should have a value of 1.0 at the
reference temperatures and flow rates specified above. The biquadratic curve should be valid for the
range of water temperatures anticipated for the simulation (otherwise the program issues warning
messages).

1.22.8.1.9 Field: Electric Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function of Part Load
Ratio Curve Type
This choice field determines which type of the Electric Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function
of Part Load Ratio Curve is used in the chiller modeling. Two curve types are available: (1) Type
LeavingCondenserWaterTemperature is based on the leaving condenser water temperature. (2)
Type Lift is based on the normalized lift, which is the temperature difference between the leaving
condenser water temperature and the leaving evaporator water temperature.

1.22.8.1.10 Field: Electric Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function of Temper-

ature Curve Name
The name of the Electric Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function of Part Load Ratio Curve.
The form of this curve is based on the input for Electric Input to Cooling Output RatioFunction
of Part Load Ratio Curve Type. For the type of LeavingCondenserWaterTemperature, the curve
object type should be Curve:Bicubic or Table:TwoIndependentVariables that parameterizes the
variation of the energy input to cooling output ratio (EIR) as a function of the leaving chilled
water temperature and the leaving condenser water temperature. For the type of Lift, the curve
object type should be Curve:ChillerPartLoadWithLiftCurves or Table:MultiVariableLookup that
parameterizes the variation of EIR as a function of the normalized fractional Lift, normalized Tdev
and the PLR. Tdev is the difference between Leaving Chilled Water Temperature and Reference
Chilled Water Temperature. Lift is the Leaving Condenser Water Temperature and Leaving Chilled
Water Temperature. The EIR is the inverse of the COP. The output of this curve is multiplied by
the reference EIR (inverse of the reference COP) to give the EIR at specific temperature operating
conditions (i.e., at temperatures different from the reference temperatures). The curve should have
a value of 1.0 at the reference temperatures and flow rates specified above. The biquadratic curve
should be valid for the range of water temperatures anticipated for the simulation (otherwise the
program issues warning messages).

1.22.8.1.11 Field: Electric Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function of Part

Load Ratio Curve Name
The name of a bicubic performance curve (ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes the
variation of the energy input ratio (EIR) as a function of the leaving condenser water temperature
and the part-load ratio (EIRfTPLR). The EIR is the inverse of the COP, and the part-load ratio is
the actual cooling load divided by the chiller’s available cooling capacity. This curve is generated
by dividing the operating electric input power by the available full-load capacity (do not divide by
load) at the specific operating temperatures. The curve output should decrease from 1 towards 0
as part-load ratio decreases from 1 to 0. The output of this curve is multiplied by the reference full-
load EIR (inverse of the reference COP) and the Energy Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function
772 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

of Temperature Curve to give the EIR at the specific temperatures and part-load ratio at which
the chiller is operating. This curve should have a value of 1.0 at the reference leaving condenser
water temperature with the part-load ratio equal to 1.0. An ideal chiller with the same efficiency at
all part-load ratio’s would use a performance curve that has a value of 0 when the part-load ratio
equals 0 (i.;e., a line connecting 0,0 and 1,1 when plotted as EIRfTPLR versus PLR), however,
actual systems can have part-load EIR’s slightly above or below this line (i.e., part-load efficiency
often differs from rated efficiency). The bicubic curve should be valid for the range of condenser
water temperatures and part-load ratios anticipated for the simulation (otherwise the program
issues warning messages).
Note: Although a bicubic curve requires 10 coefficients (ref. Curve:Bicubic), coefficients 7,
9 and 10 are typically not used in the performance curve described here and should be entered
as 0 unless sufficient performance data and regression accuracy exist to justify the use of these
coefficients. Additionally, coefficients 2, 3, and 6 should not be used unless sufficient temperature
data is available to accurately define the performance curve (i.e., negative values may result from
insufficient data).

1.22.8.1.12 Field: Minimum Part Load Ratio

This numeric field contains the chiller’s minimum part-load ratio. The expected range is between
0 and 1. Below this part-load ratio, the compressor cycles on and off to meet the cooling load.
The Minimum Part Load Ratio must be less than or equal to the Maximum Part Load Ratio. The
default value is 0.1.

1.22.8.1.13 Field: Maximum Part Load Ratio

This numeric field contains the chiller’s maximum part-load ratio. This value may exceed 1,
but the normal range is between 0 and 1.0. The Maximum Part Load Ratio must be greater than
or equal to the Minimum Part Load Ratio. The default value is 1.0.

1.22.8.1.14 Field: Optimum Part Load Ratio

This numeric field contains the chiller’s optimum part-load ratio. This is the part-load ratio
at which the chiller performs at its maximum COP. The optimum part-load ratio must be greater
than or equal to the Minimum Part Load Ratio, and less than or equal to the Maximum Part Load
Ratio. The default value is 1.0.

1.22.8.1.15 Field: Minimum Unloading Ratio

This numeric field contains the chiller’s minimum unloading ratio. The expected range is
between 0 and 1. The minimum unloading ratio is where the chiller capacity can no longer be
reduced by unloading and must be false loaded to meet smaller cooling loads. A typical false
loading strategy is hot-gas bypass. The minimum unloading ratio must be greater than or equal
to the Minimum Part Load Ratio, and less than or equal to the Maximum Part Load Ratio. The
default value is 0.2.

1.22.8.1.16 Field: Chilled Water Side Inlet Node

This required alpha field contains the identifying name for the chiller plant side (chilled water)
inlet node.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 773

1.22.8.1.17 Field: Chilled Water Side Outlet Node

This required alpha field contains the identifying name for the chiller plant side (chilled water)
outlet node.

1.22.8.1.18 Field: Condenser Side Inlet Node

This required alpha field contains the identifying name for the chiller condenser side inlet node.

1.22.8.1.19 Field: Condenser Side Outlet Node

This required alpha field contains the identifying name for the chiller condenser side outlet
node.

1.22.8.1.20 Field: Fraction of Compressor Electric Power Rejected by Con-

denser
This numeric input represents the fraction of compressor electrical energy consumption that
must be rejected by the condenser. Enter a value of 1.0 when modeling hermetic chillers. For open
chillers, enter the compressor motor efficiency. This value must be greater than 0.0 and less than
or equal to 1.0, with a default value of 1.0.

1.22.8.1.21 Field: Leaving Chilled Water Lower Temperature Limit

This numeric field contains the lower limit for the leaving chilled water temperature in Celsius.
This temperature acts as a cut off for heat transfer in the evaporator, so that the water doesn’t get
too cold. This input field is currently unused. The default value is 2°C.

1.22.8.1.22 Field: Chiller Flow Mode Type

This choice field determines how the chiller operates with respect to the intended fluid flow
through the device’s evaporator. There are three different choices for specifying operating modes
for the intended flow behavior: “NotModulated,” “ConstantFlow,” and “LeavingSetpointModu-
lated.” NotModulated is useful for either variable or constant speed pumping arrangements where
the chiller is passive in the sense that although it makes a nominal request for its design flow rate it
can operate at varying flow rates. ConstantFlow is useful for constant speed pumping arrangements
where the chiller’s request for flow is stricter and can increase the overall loop flow. LeavingSet-
pointModulated changes the chiller model to internally vary the flow rate so that the temperature
leaving the chiller matches a setpoint. In all cases the operation of the external plant system can
also impact the flow through the chiller – for example if the relative sizes and operation are such that
flow is restricted and the requests cannot be met. The default, if not specified, is NotModulated.

1.22.8.1.23 Field: Design Heat Recovery Water Flow Rate

This is the design heat recovery water flow rate if the heat recovery option is being simulated.
If this value is greater than 0.0 (or autosize), a heat recovery loop must be specified and attached
to the chiller using the next two node fields. The units are in cubic meters per second. This field
is autosizable. When autosizing, the flow rate is simply the product of the design condenser flow
rate and the condenser heat recovery relative capacity fraction set in the field below.

1.22.8.1.24 Field: Heat Recovery Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the chiller heat recovery side inlet node. If
the user wants to model chiller heat recovery, a heat recovery loop must be specified and it can
only be used with a water-cooled condenser.
774 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.8.1.25 Field: Heat Recovery Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the chiller heat recovery side outlet node. If
the user wants to model chiller heat recovery, a heat recovery loop must be specified and it can
only be used with a water-cooled condenser.

1.22.8.1.26 Field: Sizing Factor

This optional numeric field allows the user to specify a sizing factor for this component. The
sizing factor is used when the component design inputs are autosized: the autosizing calculations
are performed as usual and the results are multiplied by the sizing factor. For this component
the inputs that would be altered by the sizing factor are: Reference Capacity, Reference Chilled
Water Flow Rate and Reference Condenser Water Flow Rate. Sizing Factor allows the user to size
a component to meet part of the design load while continuing to use the autosizing feature.

1.22.8.1.27 Field: Condenser Heat Recovery Relative Capacity Fraction

This field is optional. It can be used to describe the physical size of the heat recovery portion of
a split bundle condenser section. This fraction describes the relative capacity of the heat recovery
bundle of a split condenser compared to the nominal, full load heat rejection rate of the chiller. This
fraction will be applied to the full heat rejection when operating at nominal capacity and nominal
COP to model a capacity limit for the heat rejection. If this field is not entered then the capacity
fraction is set to 1.0.

1.22.8.1.28 Field: Heat Recovery Inlet High Temperature Limit Schedule Name

This field is optional. It can be used to control heat recovery operation of the chiller. The
schedule named here should contain temperature values, in C, that describe an upper limit for
the return fluid temperatures entering the chiller at the heat recovery inlet node. If the fluid
temperature is too high, then the heat recovery will not operate. This is useful to restrict the
chiller lift from becoming too high and to avoid overheating the hot water loop. This limit can be
used with or without the alternate control using leaving setpoint that is set in the next field.

1.22.8.1.29 Field: Heat Recovery Leaving Temperature Setpoint Node Name

This field is optional. It can be used to refine the model and controls for heat recovery operation
of the chiller. The node named here should have a setpoint placed on it by a setpoint manager. If
the plant loop’s demand calculation scheme is set to SingleSetpoint, then a single setpoint manager
should be used. If the plant loop’s demand calculation is set to DualSetpointDeadband then a
dual setpoint manager should be used and the upper setpoint is used for control. When this field
is used, a different model is used for determining the distribution of rejected heat between the two
bundles that is more appropriate for series bundle arrangements and for chiller’s that are able to
produce relatively higher temperature heated fluilds.
An example of this statement in an IDF is:

Chiller:Electric:ReformulatedEIR ,
Main Chiller , !- Chiller Name
50000 , !- Reference Capacity {W}
3.99, !- Reference COP
6.67, !- Reference Leaving Chilled Water Temperature {C}
35.0, !- Reference Leaving Condenser Water Temperature {C}
0.00898 , !- Reference Chilled Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.01122 , !- Reference Condenser Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
Main Chiller RecipCapFT , !- Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature Curve
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 775

Main Chiller RecipEIRFT , !- Electric Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function of

Temperature Curve
LeavingCondenserWaterTemperature !- Electric Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function of Part
Load Ratio Curve Type
Main Chiller RecipEIRFPLR , !- Electric Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function of
Part Load Ratio Curve Name
0.01, !- Minimum Part Load Ratio
1, !- Maximum Part Load Ratio
1, !- Optimum Part Load Ratio
0.07, !- Minimum Unloading Ratio
Main Chiller ChW Inlet , !- Chilled Water Side Inlet Node
Main Chiller ChW Outlet , !- Chilled Water Side Outlet Node
Main Chiller Cnd Inlet , !- Condenser Side Inlet Node
Main Chiller Cnd Outlet , !- Condenser Side Outlet Node
1, !- Fraction of Compressor Electric Power Rejected by
Condenser
2, !- Leaving Chilled Water Lower Temperature Limit {C}
ConstantFlow; !- Chiller Flow Mode

! Cooling capacity to rated capacity function of Temperature Curve

! x = Leaving Chilled Water Temperature and y = Leaving Condenser Water Temperature

Curve:Biquadratic ,
Main Chiller RecipCapFT , !- Name
0.958546443 , !- Coefficient1 Constant
0.035168695 , !- Coefficient2 x
0.000124662 , !- Coefficient3 x\*\*2
-0.00274551 , !-Coefficient4y
-0.00005000 , !-Coefficient5y \*\*2
-0.00017234 , !-Coefficient6x \*y
5.00, !- Minimum Value of x
10.0, !- Maximum Value of x
20.00 , !- Minimum Value of y
40.94; !- Maximum Value of y

! Energy Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function of Temperature Curve

! x = Leaving Chilled Water Temperature and y = Leaving Condenser Water Temperature

Curve:Biquadratic ,
Main Chiller RecipEIRFT , !- Name
0.732700123 , !- Coefficient1 Constant
-0.00834360 , !- Coefficient2 x
0.000638530 , !- Coefficient3 x\*\*2
-0.00303753 , !-Coefficient4y
0.000484952 , !-Coefficient5y \*\*2
-0.00083584 , !-Coefficient6x \*y
5.00, !- Minimum Value of x
10.0, !- Maximum Value of x
20.00 , !- Minimum Value of y
40.94; !- Maximum Value of y

! Energy Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function of Part Load Ratio Curve
! x = Leaving Condenser water Temperature and y = Part Load Ratio

Curve:Bicubic ,
Main Chiller RecipEIRFPLR , !- Name
0.070862846 , !- Coefficient1 Constant
0.002787560 , !- Coefficient2 x
-0.00000891 , !- Coefficient3 x\*\*2
0.230973399 , !-Coefficient4y
1.250442176 , !-Coefficient5y \*\*2
-0.00216102 , !-Coefficient6x \*y
0.000000 , !-Coefficient7x \*\*3
-0.56300936 , !-Coefficient8y \*\*3
0.000000 , !-Coefficient9x \*\*2\*y
0.000000 , !-Coefficient10x \*y\*\*2
20.00 , !- Minimum Value of x
40.94 , !- Maximum Value of x
776 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

0.01, !- Minimum Value of y

1.0; !- Maximum Value of y

1.22.8.2 Outputs
The output variables for Chiller:Electric:ReformulatedEIR are the same as the output variables
for Chiller:Electric:EIR (ref. Electric EIR Chiller Outputs). except for the Chiller Condenser Fan
Electric Power and Energy reports

1.22.9 Chiller:EngineDriven
1.22.9.1 Inputs
1.22.9.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the engine driven chiller.

1.22.9.1.2 Field: Condenser Type

This alpha field determines what type of condenser will be modeled with this chiller. The 3
type of condensers are AirCooled, WaterCooled, and EvaporativelyCooled with the default being
AirCooled if not specified. AirCooled and EvaporativelyCooled do not require a Condenser Loop
to be specified, where the WaterCooled option requires the full specification of the Condenser Loop
and its associated equipment.

1.22.9.1.3 Field: Nominal Capacity

This numeric field contains the nominal cooling capability of the chiller in Watts.

1.22.9.1.4 Field: Nominal COP

This numeric field contains the chiller’s coefficient of performance (COP).

1.22.9.1.5 Field: Chilled Water Inlet Node Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name for the chiller plant side inlet node.

1.22.9.1.6 Field: Chilled Water Outlet Node Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name for the chiller plant side outlet node.

1.22.9.1.7 Field: Condenser Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the chiller condenser side inlet node. This
node name is required if the chiller is WaterCooled, and optional if the chiller is AirCooled or
EvaporativelyCooled. If the chiller is AirCooled or EvaporativelyCooled and a condenser inlet node
name is specified here, the node name specified must also be specified in an OutdoorAir:Node object
where the height of the node is taken into consideration when calculating outdoor air temperature
from the weather data. Alternately, the node name may be specified in an OutdoorAir:NodeList
object where the outdoor air temperature is taken directly from the weather data. If the chiller is
AirCooled or EvaporativelyCooled and this field is left blank, the program automatically creates
an outdoor air node and the air temperature information on this node is taken directly from the
weather file (no node height adjustment).
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 777

1.22.9.1.8 Field: Condenser Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the chiller condenser side outlet node. This
node name is required if the chiller is WaterCooled, and optional if the chiller is AirCooled or
EvaporativelyCooled. If the chiller is AirCooled or EvaporativelyCooled and this field is left blank,
the program automatically creates a condenser side outlet air node.

1.22.9.1.9 Field: Minimum Part Load Ratio

This numeric field contains the chiller’s minimum part load ratio. The expected range is between
0 and 1. The minimum part load is not the load where the machine shuts off, but where the amount
of power remains constant to produce smaller loads than this fraction.

1.22.9.1.10 Field: Maximum Part Load Ratio

This numeric field contains the chiller’s maximum part load ratio. This value may exceed 1,
but the normal range is between 0 and 1.1.

1.22.9.1.11 Field: Optimum Part Load Ratio

This numeric field contains the chiller’s optimum part load ratio. This is the part load ratio at
which the chiller performs at its maximum COP.

1.22.9.1.12 Field: Design Condenser Inlet Temperature

This numeric field contains the chiller’s condenser inlet design temperature in Celsius.

1.22.9.1.13 Field: Temperature Rise Coefficient

This numeric field contains the electric chiller’s temperature rise coefficient which is defined as
the ratio of the required change in condenser water temperature to a given change in chilled water
temperature, which maintains the capacity at the nominal value. This is calculated as the following
ratio:

T CEntrequired − T CEntrated
(1.54)
T ELvrequired − T ELvrated
where:
TCEntrequired = Required entering condenser air or water temperature to maintain rated ca-
pacity.
TCEntrated = Rated entering condenser air or water temperature at rated capacity.
TELvrequired = Required leaving evaporator water outlet temperature to maintain rated capac-
ity.
TELvrated = Rated leaving evaporator water outlet temperature at rated capacity.

1.22.9.1.14 Field: Design Chilled Water Outlet Temperature

This numeric field contains the chiller’s evaporator outlet design temperature in Celsius.

1.22.9.1.15 Field: Design Chilled Water Flow Rate

For variable volume chiller this is the maximum flow and for constant flow chiller this is the
design flow rate. The units are in cubic meters per second.
778 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.9.1.16 Field: Design Condenser Water Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the chiller’s design condenser water flow rate in cubic meters per
second. This field can be autosized. This field is not user for Condenser Type = AirCooled or
EvaporativelyCooled.

1.22.9.1.17 Capacity Ratio Curve

The Capacity Ratio Curve is a quadratic equation that determines the Ratio of Available
Capacity to Nominal Capacity. The defining equation is:

AvailT oN ominalCapacityRatio = C1 + C2 ∆temp + C3 ∆2temp (1.55)

Where the Delta Temperature is defined as:

F ullLoadtoP owerRatio = C1 + C2 AvailT oN ominalCapRatio + C3 AvailT oN ominalCapRatio2

(1.56)
TempCondIn = Temperature entering the condenser (water or air temperature depending on
condenser type).
TempCondInDesign = Design Condenser Inlet Temperature from User input above.
TempEvapOut = Temperature leaving the evaporator.
TempEvapOutDesign = Design Chilled Water Outlet Temperature from User input above.
TempRiseCoefficient = User Input from above.
The following three fields contain the coefficients for the quadratic equation.

1.22.9.1.18 Field: Coefficient 1 of Capacity Ratio Curve

This numeric field contains the first coefficient for the capacity ratio curve.

1.22.9.1.19 Field: Coefficient 2 of Capacity Ratio Curve

This numeric field contains the second coefficient for the capacity ratio curve.

1.22.9.1.20 Field: Coefficient 3 of Capacity Ratio Curve

This numeric field contains the third coefficient for the capacity ratio curve.

1.22.9.1.21 Power Ratio Curve

The Power Ratio Curve is a quadratic equation that determines the Ratio of Full Load to Power.
The defining equation is:
F racF ullLoadP ower = C1 +C2 P artLoadRatio+C3 P artLoadRatio2 The following three fields
contain the coefficients for the quadratic equation.

1.22.9.1.22 Field: Coefficient 1 of Power Ratio Curve

This numeric field contains the first coefficient for the power ratio curve.

1.22.9.1.23 Field: Coefficient 2 of Power Ratio Curve

This numeric field contains the second coefficient for the power ratio curve.

1.22.9.1.24 Field: Coefficient 3 of Power Ratio Curve

This numeric field contains the third coefficient for the power ratio curve.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 779

1.22.9.1.25 Full Load Ratio Curve

The Full Load Ratio Curve is a quadratic equation that determines the fraction of full load
power. The defining equation is:

CoolingLoadtoFuelCurve = C1 + C2 ∗ P LR + C3 ∗ P LR2 (1.57)

The following three fields contain the coefficients for the quadratic equation.

1.22.9.1.26 Field: Coefficient 1 of Full Load Ratio Curve

This numeric field contains the first coefficient for the full load ratio curve.

1.22.9.1.27 Field: Coefficient 2 of Full Load Ratio Curve

This numeric field contains the second coefficient for the full load ratio curve.

1.22.9.1.28 Field: Coefficient 3 of Full Load Ratio Curve

This numeric field contains the third coefficient for the full load ratio curve.

1.22.9.1.29 Field Chilled Water Outlet Temperature Lower Limit

This numeric field contains the lower limit for the evaporator outlet temperature. This tem-
perature acts as a cut off for heat transfer in the evaporator, so that the fluid doesn’t get too
cold.

1.22.9.1.30 Field: Fuel Use Curve Name

This alpha field contains the name of the Cooling Load to Fuel Use curve. The curve itself
is specified separately using the EnergyPlus Curve Manager. The Fuel Use Curve is a quadratic
equation that determines the ratio of Cooling Load to Fuel Energy. The defining equation is:

RecoveryJacketHeatT oF uelRatio = C1 + C2 RL + C3 RL2 (1.58)

where PLR is the Part Load Ratio from the Chiller. The Part Load Based Fuel Input Curve
determines the ratio of fuel energy per unit time (J/s) / cooling load (W). This is illustrated by
the logic block in the Engine Driven Chiller algorithm.
IF (PartLoadRat = = 0) THEN
EngineDrivenFuelEnergy = 0
ELSE
ClngLoadFuelRat = CurveValue(EngineDrivenChiller(ChillerNum)%ClngLoadtoFuelCurve , PartLoadRat
)
EngineDrivenFuelEnergy = QEvaporator / ClngLoadFuelRat
END IF

1.22.9.1.31 Field: Jacket Heat Recovery Curve Name

This alpha field contains the name of the Recovery Jacket Heat curve. The curve itself is
specified separately using the EnergyPlus Curve Manager. The Recovery Jacket Heat Curve is a
quadratic equation that determines the ratio of recovery jacket heat to fuel energy. The defining
equation is:

RecoveryLubeHeatT oF uelRatio = C1 + C2 RL + C3 RL2 (1.59)

where RL is the Ratio of Load to Diesel Engine Capacity
780 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.9.1.32 Field: Lube Heat Recovery Curve Name

This alpha field contains the name of the Recovery Lube Heat curve. The curve itself is specified
separately using the EnergyPlus Curve Manager. The Recovery Lubricant Heat Curve is a quadratic
equation that determines the ratio of recovery lube heat to fuel energy. The defining equation is:

T otalExhaustT oF uelRatio = C1 + C2 RL + C3 RL2 (1.60)

where RL is the Ratio of Load to Diesel Engine Capacity

1.22.9.1.33 Field: Total Exhaust Energy Curve Name

This alpha field contains the name of the Total Exhaust Energy curve. The curve itself is
specified separately using the EnergyPlus Curve Manager. The Total Exhaust Energy Curve is a
quadratic equation that determines the ratio of total exhaust energy to fuel energy. The defining
equation is:

AbsoluteExhaustT emperature = C1 + C2 RL + C3 RL2 (1.61)

where RL is the Ratio of Load to Diesel Engine Capacity

1.22.9.1.34 Field: Exhaust Temperature Curve Name

This alpha field contains the name of the Exhaust Temperature curve. The curve itself is
specified separately using the EnergyPlus Curve Manager. The Exhaust Temperature Curve is a
quadratic equation that determines the absolute exhaust temperature. The defining equation is:

U AT oCapacityRatio = C1 EngineCapacity C2 (1.62)

where RL is the Ratio of Load to Diesel Engine Capacity

1.22.9.1.35 U-Factor Times Area Curve

The U-Factor Times Area (UA) is an equation that determines the overall heat transfer coeffi-
cient for the exhaust gasses with the stack. The heat transfer coefficient ultimately helps determine
the exhaust stack temperature. The defining equation is:

T CEntrequired − T CEntrated
(1.63)
T ELvrequired − T ELvrated
The following two fields contain the coefficients for the equation.

1.22.9.1.36 Field: Coefficient 1 of U-Factor Times Area Curve

This numeric field contains the first coefficient for the overall heat transfer coefficient curve.

1.22.9.1.37 Field: Coefficient 2 of U-Factor Times Area Curve

This numeric field contains the second (exponential) coefficient for the overall heat transfer
coefficient curve.

1.22.9.1.38 Field: Maximum Exhaust Flow per Unit of Power Output

This numeric field contains the maximum exhaust gas mass flow rate per watt of cooling pro-
vided by the engine driven chiller
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 781

1.22.9.1.39 Field: Design Minimum Exhaust Temperature

This numeric field contains the steam saturation temperature in Celsius that would be used to
determine the energy recovered from a water jacket heat exchanger on the engine.

1.22.9.1.40 Field: Fuel Type

This alpha value specifies the type of fuel used in the engine. The fuel type can be NaturalGas,
PropaneGas, Diesel, Gasoline, FuelOil#1, FuelOil#2, OtherFuel1 or OtherFuel2. This field is
required.

1.22.9.1.41 Field: Fuel Higher Heating Value

This numeric field contains the higher heating value of the fuel used in kJ/kg.

1.22.9.1.42 Field: Design Heat Recovery Water Flow Rate

This numeric field specifies the heat recovery volumetric flow rate through the engine in
m3 /sec. The heat recovery loop manager and hot water tan must also be specified if heat energy is
to be recovered from the engine driven chiller.

1.22.9.1.43 Field: Heat Recovery Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the heat recovery side inlet. If a loop is
connected, then the jacket and lubricant heat will be recovered. There is no need for an effectiveness
term, since the jacket and lubricant recovered heat energies are the actual recovered energies.

1.22.9.1.44 Field: Heat Recovery Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the heat recovery side outlet.

1.22.9.1.45 Field: Chiller Flow Mode

This choice field determines how the chiller operates with respect to the intended fluid flow
through the device’s evaporator. There are three different choices for specifying operating modes
for the intended flow behavior: “NotModulated,” “ConstantFlow,” and “LeavingSetpointModu-
lated.” NotModulated is useful for either variable or constant speed pumping arrangements where
the chiller is passive in the sense that although it makes a nominal request for its design flow rate it
can operate at varying flow rates. ConstantFlow is useful for constant speed pumping arrangements
where the chiller’s request for flow is stricter and can increase the overall loop flow. LeavingSet-
pointModulated changes the chiller model to internally vary the flow rate so that the temperature
leaving the chiller matches a setpoint. In all cases the operation of the external plant system can
also impact the flow through the chiller – for example if the relative sizes and operation are such that
flow is restricted and the requests cannot be met. The default, if not specified, is NotModulated.

1.22.9.1.46 Field: Maximum Temperature for Heat Recovery at Heat Recovery

Outlet Node
This field sets the maximum temperature that this piece of equipment can produce for heat
recovery. The idea behind this field is that the current models do not take temperatures into
account for availability and they just pass Q’s around the loop without a temperature limit. This
temperature limit puts an upper bound on the recovered heat and limits the max temperatures
leaving the component.
As temperatures in the loop approach the maximum temperature, the temperature difference
between the entering water and the surfaces in the piece of equipment becomes smaller. For the
782 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

given heat recovery flow rate and that temperature difference the amount of heat recovered will be
reduced, and eventually there will be no heat recovered when the entering water temperature is
equal to the maximum temperature specified by the user in this field. The reduced amount of heat
recovered will diminish if the temperature of the loop approach is the maximum temperature, and
this will show up in the reporting. This allows the user to set the availability or the quality of the
heat recovered for usage in other parts of the system or to heat domestic hot water supply. The
temperature is specified in degrees C.

1.22.9.1.47 Field: Sizing Factor

This optional numeric field allows the user to specify a sizing factor for this component. The
sizing factor is used when the component design inputs are autosized: the autosizing calculations
are performed as usual and the results are multiplied by the sizing factor. For this component the
inputs that would be altered by the sizing factor are: Nominal Capacity, Design Chilled Water Flow
Rate and Design Condenser Water Flow Rate. Sizing Factor allows the user to size a component
to meet part of the design load while continuing to use the autosizing feature.

1.22.9.1.48 Field: Basin Heater Capacity

This numeric field contains the capacity of the chiller’s electric basin heater in watts per degree
Kelvin. This field only applies for Condenser Type = EvaporativelyCooled. This field is used in
conjunction with the Basin Heater Setpoint Temperature described in the following field. The basin
heater electric power is equal to this field multiplied by the difference between the basin heater set
point temperature and the outdoor dry-bulb temperature. The basin heater only operates when
the chiller is off, regardless of the basin heater schedule described below. The basin heater capacity
must be greater than or equal to zero, with a default value of zero if this field is left blank.

1.22.9.1.49 Field: Basin Heater Setpoint Temperature

This numeric field contains the set point temperature (˚C) for the basin heater described in
the previous field. This field only applies for Condenser Type = EvaporativelyCooled. The basin
heater is active when the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature falls below this setpoint temperature,
as long as the chiller is off. This set point temperature must be greater than or equal to 2˚C, and
the default value is 2˚C if this field is left blank.

1.22.9.1.50 Field: Basin Heater Operating Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of the basin heater operating schedule. This field only applies
for Condenser Type = EvaporativelyCooled. The basin heater operating schedule is assumed to
be an on/off schedule and the heater is available to operate any time the schedule value is greater
than 0. The basin heater operates when scheduled on and the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature is
below the set point temperature described in the previous field. If this field is left blank, the basin
heater is available to operate throughout the simulation. Regardless of this schedule, the basin
heater may only operate when the chiller is off.
An example of this statement in an IDF is:

Chiller:EngineDriven ,
Central Chiller , !- Chiller Name
WaterCooled , !- Condenser Type
autosize , !- Nominal Capacity {W}
2.75, !- COP
Central Chiller Inlet Node , !- Chilled Water Inlet Node Name
Central Chiller Outlet Node , !- Chilled Water Outlet Node Name
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 783

Central Chiller Condenser Inlet Node , !- Condenser Inlet Node Name

Central Chiller Condenser Outlet Node , !- Condenser Outlet Node Name
0.0, !- Minimum Part Load Ratio
1.0, !- Maximum Part Load Ratio
.65, !- Optimum Part Load Ratio
35.0, !- Design Condenser Inlet Temperature {C}
2.778 , !- Temperature Rise Coefficient
6.67, !- Design Chilled Water Outlet Temperature {C}
autosize , !- Design Chilled Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
autosize , !- Design Condenser Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.9949 , !- Coefficient 1 of Capacity Ratio Curve
-0.045954 , !- Coefficient 2 of Capacity Ratio Curve
-0.0013543 , !- Coefficient 3 of Capacity Ratio Curve
2.333 , !- Coefficient 1 of Power Ratio Curve
-1.975, !- Coefficient 2 of Power Ratio Curve
0.6121 , !- Coefficient 3 of Power Ratio Curve
0.03303 , !- Coefficient 1 of Full Load Ratio Curve
0.6852 , !- Coefficient 2 of Full Load Ratio Curve
0.2818 , !- Coefficient 3 of Full Load Ratio Curve
5, !- Chilled Water Outlet Temperature Lower Limit {C}
Fuel Use Curve , !- the Fuel Use Curve
Jacket Heat Recovery Curve , !- the Recovery Jacket Heat curve
Lube Heat Recovery Curve ,!- the Recovery Lube Heat curve
Total Exhaust Energy Curve , !- the Total Exhaust Energy curve
Exhaust Temperature Curve , !- the Exhaust Temperature curve
0.01516 , !- Coefficient1 of UA curve
0.9, !- Coefficient2 of UA curve
0.00063 , !- Maximum Exhaust Flow per W of Power Output {(kg/s)/W}
150, !- Design Minimum Exhaust temp. (Steam Saturation Temperature) {C}
DIESEL , !- Fuel Type
45500 , !- Fuel Heating Value {kJ/kg}
0.0, !- Design heat recovery water flow rate {m3/s}
, !- Heat Recovery Inlet Node Name
, !- Heat Recovery Outlet Node Name
VariableFlow , !- Chiller Flow Mode
60.0; !- Maximum Temp for Heat Recovery. This sets max availability {C}

1.22.9.2 Outputs

HVAC ,Average ,Chiller Electric Power [W]

HVAC ,Sum ,Chiller Electric Energy [J]
Zone ,Meter ,Electricity:Plant [J]
Zone ,Meter ,Cooling:Electricity [J]
HVAC ,Average ,Chiller Evaporator Cooling Rate [W]
HVAC ,Sum ,Chiller Evaporator Cooling Energy [J]
Zone ,Meter ,EnergyTransfer:Plant [J]
Zone ,Meter ,Chillers:EnergyTransfer [J]
HVAC ,Average ,Chiller Evaporator Inlet Temperature [C]
HVAC ,Average ,Chiller Evaporator Outlet Temperature [C]
HVAC ,Average ,Chiller Evaporator Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
HVAC ,Average ,Chiller COP [W/W]
HVAC ,Average ,Chiller Condenser Heat Transfer Energy Rate [W]
HVAC ,Sum ,Chiller Condenser Heat Transfer Energy [J]
Zone ,Meter ,HeatRejection:EnergyTransfer [J]

Air-cooled or Evap-cooled:
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Condenser Inlet Temperature [C]

Evap-cooled:

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Basin Heater Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Basin Heater Electric Energy [J]

784 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Water-cooled:

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Condenser Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Condenser Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Condenser Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Drive Shaft Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Drive Shaft Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Jacket Recovered Heat Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Jacket Recovered Heat Energy [J]

• Zone,Meter,HeatRecovery:EnergyTransfer [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Lube Recovered Heat Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Lube Recovered Heat Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Exhaust Heat Recovery Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Exhaust Heat Recovery Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Total Recovered Heat Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Total Recovered Heat Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heat Recovery Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heat Recovery Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heat Recovery Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Exhaust Temperature [C]

One of the following blocks will be applicable based on fuel type:

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Gas Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Gas Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Gas Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Propane Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Propane Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Propane Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Diesel Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Diesel Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Diesel Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 785

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Gasoline Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Gasoline Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Gasoline Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller FuelOil#1 Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller FuelOil#1 Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller FuelOil#1 Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller FuelOil#2 Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller FuelOil#2 Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller FuelOil#2 Mass Flow Rate [kg/s

• HVAC,Average,Chiller OtherFuel1 Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller OtherFuel1 Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller OtherFuel1 Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller OtherFuel2 Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller OtherFuel2 Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller OtherFuel2 Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

These chiller output variables are defined above under “Generic Chiller Outputs.”

1.22.10 Chiller:CombustionTurbine
This chiller model is the empirical model from the Building Loads and System Thermodynamics
(BLAST) program. Chiller performance curves are generated by fitting catalog data to third order
polynomial equations. Three sets of coefficients are required.

1.22.10.1 Inputs
1.22.10.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the combustion turbine chiller.

1.22.10.1.2 Field: Condenser Type

This alpha field determines what type of condenser will be modeled with this chiller. The 3
type of condensers are AirCooled, WaterCooled, and EvaporativelyCooled with the default being
AirCooled if not specified. AirCooled and EvaporativelyCooled do not require a Condenser Loop
to be specified, where the WaterCooled option requires the full specification of the Condenser Loop
and its associated equipment.

1.22.10.1.3 Field: Nominal Capacity

This numeric field contains the nominal cooling capability of the chiller in Watts.
786 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.10.1.4 Field: Nominal COP

This numeric field contains the chiller’s coefficient of performance (COP).

1.22.10.1.5 Field: Chilled Water Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the combustion turbine chiller plant side inlet
node.

1.22.10.1.6 Field: Chilled Water Outlet Node Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name for the combustion turbine chiller plant
side inlet node.

1.22.10.1.7 Field: Chilled Water Outlet Node Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name for the combustion turbine chiller plant
side outlet node.

1.22.10.1.8 Field: Condenser Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the combustion turbine chiller condenser side
inlet node. This node name is required if the chiller is WaterCooled, and optional if the chiller
is AirCooled or EvaporativelyCooled. If the chiller is AirCooled or EvaporativelyCooled and a
condenser inlet node name is specified here, the node name specified must also be specified in an
OutdoorAir:Node object where the height of the node is taken into consideration when calculating
outdoor air temperature from the weather data. Alternately, the node name may be specified in an
OutdoorAir:NodeList object where the outdoor air temperature is taken directly from the weather
data. If the chiller is AirCooled or EvaporativelyCooled and this field is left blank, the program
automatically creates an outdoor air node and the air temperature information on this node is
taken directly from the weather file (no node height adjustment).

1.22.10.1.9 Field: Condenser Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the combustion turbine chiller condenser side
outlet node. This node name is required if the chiller is WaterCooled, and optional if the chiller
is AirCooled or EvaporativelyCooled. If the chiller is AirCooled or EvaporativelyCooled and this
field is left blank, the program automatically creates a condenser side outlet air node.

1.22.10.1.10 Field: Minimum Part Load Ratio

This numeric field contains the combustion turbine chiller’s minimum part load ratio. The
expected range is between 0 and 1. The minimum part load is not the load where the machine
shuts off, but where the amount of power remains constant to produce smaller loads than this
fraction.

1.22.10.1.11 Field: Maximum Part Load Ratio

This numeric field contains the combustion turbine chiller’s maximum part load ratio. This
value may exceed 1, but the normal range is between 0 and 1.1.

1.22.10.1.12 Field: Optimum Part Load Ratio

This numeric field contains the combustion turbine chiller’s optimum part load ratio. This is
the part load ratio at which the chiller performs at its maximum COP.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 787

1.22.10.1.13 Field: Design Condenser Inlet Temperature

This numeric field contains the combustion turbine chiller’s condenser inlet design temperature
in Celsius.

1.22.10.1.14 Field: Temperature Rise Coefficient

This numeric field contains the electric chiller’s temperature rise coefficient which is defined as
the ratio of the required change in condenser water temperature to a given change in chilled water
temperature, which maintains the capacity at the nominal value. This is calculated as the following
ratio:

T CEntrequired − T CEntrated
(1.64)
T ELvrequired − T ELvrated
where:
TCEntrequired = Required entering condenser air or water temperature to maintain rated ca-
pacity.
TCEntrated = Rated entering condenser air or water temperature at rated capacity.
TELvrequired = Required leaving evaporator water outlet temperature to maintain rated capac-
ity.
TELvrated = Rated leaving evaporator water outlet temperature at rated capacity.

1.22.10.1.15 Field: Design Chilled Water Outlet Temperature

This numeric field contains the combustion turbine chiller’s evaporator outlet design tempera-
ture in Celsius.

1.22.10.1.16 Field: Design Chilled Water Flow Rate

For variable volume chiller this is the maximum flow and for constant flow chiller this is the
design flow rate. The units are in cubic meters per second.

1.22.10.1.17 Field: Design Condenser Water Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the combustion turbine chiller’s design condenser water flow rate in
cubic meters per second. This field can be autosized. This field is not used for Condenser Type =
AirCooled or EvaporativelyCooled.

1.22.10.1.18 Capacity Ratio Curve

The Capacity Ratio Curve is a quadratic equation that determines the Ratio of Available
Capacity to Nominal Capacity. The defining equation is:

AvailT oN ominalCapacityRatio = C1 + C2 ∆temp + C3 ∆2temp (1.65)

Where the Delta Temperature is defined as:

F ullLoadtoP owerRatio = C1 + C2 AvailT oN ominalCapRatio + C3 AvailT oN ominalCapRatio2

(1.66)
TempCondIn = Temperature entering the condenser (water or air temperature depending on
condenser type).
TempCondInDesign = Design Condenser Inlet Temperature from User input above.
TempEvapOut = Temperature leaving the evaporator.
788 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

TempEvapOutDesign = Design Chilled Water Outlet Temperature from User input above.
TempRiseCoefficient = User Input from above.
The following three fields contain the coefficients for the quadratic equation.

1.22.10.1.19 Field: Coefficient 1 of Capacity Ratio Curve

This numeric field contains the first coefficient for the capacity ratio curve.

1.22.10.1.20 Field: Coefficient 2 of Capacity Ratio Curve

This numeric field contains the second coefficient for the capacity ratio curve.

1.22.10.1.21 Field: Coefficient 3 of Capacity Ratio Curve

This numeric field contains the third coefficient for the capacity ratio curve.

1.22.10.1.22 Power Ratio Curve

The Power Ratio Curve is a quadratic equation that determines the Ratio of Full Load to Power.
The defining equation is:
F racF ullLoadP ower = C1 +C2 P artLoadRatio+C3 P artLoadRatio2 The following three fields
contain the coefficients for the quadratic equation.

1.22.10.1.23 Field: Coefficient 1 of Power Ratio Curve

This numeric field contains the first coefficient for the power ratio curve.

1.22.10.1.24 Field: Coefficient 2 of Power Ratio Curve

This numeric field contains the second coefficient for the power ratio curve.

1.22.10.1.25 Field: Coefficient 3 of Power Ratio Curve

This numeric field contains the third coefficient for the power ratio curve.

1.22.10.1.26 Full Load Ratio Curve

The Full Load Ratio Curve is a quadratic equation that determines the fraction of full load
power. The defining equation is:

F uelEnergyInput = P Load∗(F IC1 +F IC2 RLoad+F IC3 RLoad2 )∗(T BF IC1 +T BF IC2 ATair +T BF IC3 ATair
2
)
(1.67)
The following three fields contain the coefficients for the quadratic equation.

1.22.10.1.27 Field: Coefficient 1 of Full Load Ratio Curve

This numeric field contains the first coefficient for the full load ratio curve.

1.22.10.1.28 Field: Coefficient 2 of Full Load Ratio Curve

This numeric field contains the second coefficient for the full load ratio curve.

1.22.10.1.29 Field: Coefficient 3 of Full Load Ratio Curve

This numeric field contains the third coefficient for the full load ratio curve.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 789

1.22.10.1.30 Field: Chilled Water Outlet Temperature Lower Limit

This numeric field contains the lower limit for the evaporator outlet temperature. This tem-
perature acts as a cut off for heat transfer in the evaporator, so that the fluid doesn’t get too
cold.

1.22.10.1.31 Fuel Input Curve

The Fuel Input Curve is a polynomial equation that determines the Ratio of Fuel Input to En-
ergy Output. The equation combines both the Fuel Input Curve Coefficients and the Temperature
Based Fuel Input Curve Coefficients. The defining equation is:

ExhaustF lowRate = GT Capacity ∗ (C1 + C2 ATair + C3 ATair

2
) (1.68)
where FIC represents the Fuel Input Curve Coefficients, TBFIC represents the Temperature
Based Fuel Input Curve Coefficients, Rload is the Ratio of Load to Combustion Turbine Engine
Capacity, and ATair is the difference between the current ambient and design ambient temperatures.
The following three fields contain the coefficients for the fuel input curve.

1.22.10.1.32 Field: Coefficient 1 of Fuel Input Curve

This numeric field contains the first coefficient for the Fuel Input Curve.

1.22.10.1.33 Field: Coefficient 2 of Fuel Input Curve

This numeric field contains the second coefficient for the Fuel Input Curve.

1.22.10.1.34 Field: Coefficient 3 of Fuel Input Curve

This numeric field contains the third coefficient for the Fuel Input Curve.
The following three fields contain the coefficients for the temperature based fuel input curve.

1.22.10.1.35 Field: Coefficient 1 of Temperature Based Fuel Input Curve

This numeric field contains the first coefficient for the Temperature Based Fuel Input Curve.

1.22.10.1.36 Field: Coefficient 2 of Temperature Based Fuel Input Curve

This numeric field contains the second coefficient for the Temperature Based Fuel Input Curve.

1.22.10.1.37 Field: Coefficient 3 of Temperature Based Fuel Input Curve

This numeric field contains the third coefficient for the Temperature Based Fuel Input Curve.

1.22.10.1.38 Exhaust Flow Curve

The Exhaust Flow Curve is a quadratic equation that determines the Ratio of Exhaust Gas
Flow Rate to Engine Capacity. The defining equation is:
ExhaustT emperature = (C1 + C2 RLoad + C3 RLoad2 ) ∗ (T BC1 + T BC2 ATair + T BC3 ATair
2 )−

273.15
where GTCapacity is the Combustion Turbine Engine Capacity, and ATair is the difference
between the current ambient and design ambient temperatures.

1.22.10.1.39 Field: Coefficient 1 of Exhaust Flow Curve

This numeric field contains the first coefficient for the Exhaust Flow Curve.
790 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.10.1.40 Field: Coefficient 2 of Exhaust Flow Curve

This numeric field contains the second coefficient for the Exhaust Flow Curve.

1.22.10.1.41 Field: Coefficient 3 of Exhaust Flow Curve

This numeric field contains the third coefficient for the Exhaust Flow Curve.

1.22.10.1.42 Exhaust Gas Temperature Curve

The Exhaust Gas Temperature Curve is a polynomial equation that determines the Exhaust
Gas Temperature. The equation combines both the Exhaust Gas Temperature Curve Coefficients
(Based on the Part Load Ratio) and the (Ambient) Temperature Based Exhaust Gas Temperature
Curve Coefficients. The defining equation is:
RecoveryLubeEnergy = P Load ∗ (C1 + C2 RL + C3 RL2 )
where C represents the Exhaust Gas Temperature Curve Coefficients, TBC are the Temperature
Based Exhaust Gas Temperature Curve Coefficients, RLoad is the Ratio of Load to Combustion
Turbine Engine Capacity, and ATair is the difference between the actual ambient and design ambient
temperatures.

1.22.10.1.43 Field: Coefficient 1 of Exhaust Gas Temperature Curve

This numeric field contains the first coefficient for the Exhaust Gas Temperature Curve.

1.22.10.1.44 Field: Coefficient 2 of Exhaust Gas Temperature Curve

This numeric field contains the second coefficient for the Exhaust Gas Temperature Curve.

1.22.10.1.45 Field: Coefficient 3 of Exhaust Gas Temperature Curve

This numeric field contains the third coefficient for the Exhaust Gas Temperature Curve.

1.22.10.1.46 Field: Coefficient 1 of Temperature Based Exhaust Gas Tempera-

ture Curve
This numeric field contains the first coefficient for the Temperature Based Exhaust Gas Tem-
perature Curve.

1.22.10.1.47 Field: Coefficient 2 of Temperature Based Exhaust Gas Tempera-

ture Curve
This numeric field contains the second coefficient for the Temperature Based Exhaust Gas
Temperature Curve.

1.22.10.1.48 Field: Coefficient 3 of Temperature Based Exhaust Gas Tempera-

ture Curve
This numeric field contains the third coefficient for the Temperature Based Exhaust Gas Tem-
perature Curve.

1.22.10.1.49 Recovery Lubricant Heat Curve

The Recovery Lubricant Heat Curve is a quadratic equation that determines the recovery lube
energy. The defining equation is:

U AT oCapacityRatio = C1 GasT urbineEngineCapacity C2 (1.69)

1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 791

where Pload is the engine load and RL is the Ratio of Load to Combustion Turbine Engine
Capacity
The following three fields contain the coefficients for the quadratic equation.

1.22.10.1.50 Field: Coefficient 1 of Recovery Lube Heat Curve

This numeric field contains the first coefficient for the Recovery Lube Heat curve.

1.22.10.1.51 Field: Coefficient 2 of Recovery Lube Heat Curve

This numeric field contains the second coefficient for the Recovery Lube Heat curve.

1.22.10.1.52 Field: Coefficient 3 of Recovery Lube Heat Curve

This numeric field contains the third coefficient for the Recovery Lube Heat curve.

1.22.10.1.53 U-Factor Times Area Curve Curve

The U-Factor Times Area Curve (UA) is an equation that determines the overall heat transfer
coefficient for the exhaust gasses with the stack. The heat transfer coefficient ultimately helps
determine the exhaust stack temperature. The defining equation is:

AvailableCoolingCapacity = N ominalCoolingCapacity ∗ CoolCapf T (Tcw,l , Tcond ) (1.70)

The following two fields contain the coefficients for the equation.

1.22.10.1.54 Field: Coefficient 1 of U-Factor Times Area Curve

This numeric field contains the first coefficient for the overall heat transfer coefficient curve.

1.22.10.1.55 Field: Coefficient 2 of U-Factor Times Area Curve

This numeric field contains the second (exponential) coefficient for the overall heat transfer
coefficient curve.

1.22.10.1.56 Field: Gas Turbine Engine Capacity

This numeric field contains the capacity of the gas turbine engine in watts.

1.22.10.1.57 Field: Maximum Exhaust Flow per Unit of Power Output

This numeric field contains the maximum exhaust gas mass flow rate per kilowatt of power out.

1.22.10.1.58 Field: Design Steam Saturation Temperature

This numeric field contains the design steam saturation temperature in Celsius.

1.22.10.1.59 Field: Fuel Higher Heating Value

This numeric field contains the higher heating value of the fuel used in kJ/kg.

1.22.10.1.60 Field: Design Heat Recovery Water Flow Rate

This is the design heat recovery water flow rate if the heat recovery option is being simulated.
If this value is greater than 0.0, a heat recovery loop must be specified and attached to the chiller
using the next two node fields. The units are in cubic meters per second.
792 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.10.1.61 Field: Heat Recovery Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the heat recovery side inlet. If a loop
is connected, then the jacket and lubricant heat will be recovered. There is no need for an
effectiveness term, since the jacket and lubricant recovered heat energies are the actual recovered
energies.

1.22.10.1.62 Field: Heat Recovery Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the heat recovery side outlet.

1.22.10.1.63 Field: Chiller Flow Mode

This choice field determines how the chiller operates with respect to the intended fluid flow
through the device’s evaporator. There are three different choices for specifying operating modes
for the intended flow behavior: “NotModulated,” “ConstantFlow,” and “LeavingSetpointModu-
lated.” NotModulated is useful for either variable or constant speed pumping arrangements where
the chiller is passive in the sense that although it makes a nominal request for its design flow rate it
can operate at varying flow rates. ConstantFlow is useful for constant speed pumping arrangements
where the chiller’s request for flow is stricter and can increase the overall loop flow. LeavingSet-
pointModulated changes the chiller model to internally vary the flow rate so that the temperature
leaving the chiller matches a setpoint. In all cases the operation of the external plant system can
also impact the flow through the chiller – for example if the relative sizes and operation are such that
flow is restricted and the requests cannot be met. The default, if not specified, is NotModulated.

1.22.10.1.64 Field: Fuel Type

This alpha field determines the type of fuel that the chiller uses. Valid choices are: NaturalGas,
PropaneGas, Diesel, Gasoline, FuelOil#1, FuelOil#2, OtherFuel1 or OtherFuel2. The
default is NaturalGas.

1.22.10.1.65 Field: Heat Recovery Maximum Temperature

This field sets the maximum temperature that this piece of equipment can produce for heat
recovery. The idea behind this field is that the current models do not take temperatures into
account for availability and they just pass Q’s around the loop without a temperature limit. This
temperature limit puts an upper bound on the recovered heat and limits the max temperatures
leaving the component.
As temperatures in the loop approach the maximum temperature, the temperature difference
between the entering water and the surfaces in the piece of equipment becomes smaller. For the
given heat recovery flow rate and that temperature difference the amount of heat recovered will
be reduced, and eventually there will be no heat recovered when the entering water temperature
is equal to the maximum temperature specified by the user in this field. The reduced amount of
heat recovered will diminish if the temperature of the loop approach is the maximum temperature,
and this will show up in the reporting. This allows the user to set the availability or the quality
of the heat recovered for usage in other parts of the system or to heat domestic hot water supply.
The temperature is specified in degrees C.

1.22.10.1.66 Field: Sizing Factor

This optional numeric field allows the user to specify a sizing factor for this component. The
sizing factor is used when the component design inputs are autosized: the autosizing calculations
are performed as usual and the results are multiplied by the sizing factor. For this component the
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 793

inputs that would be altered by the sizing factor are: Nominal Capacity, Design Chilled Water Flow
Rate and Design Condenser Water Flow Rate. Sizing Factor allows the user to size a component
to meet part of the design load while continuing to use the autosizing feature.

1.22.10.1.67 Field: Basin Heater Capacity

This numeric field contains the capacity of the chiller’s electric basin heater in watts per degree
Kelvin. This field only applies for Condenser Type = EvaporativelyCooled. This field is used in
conjunction with the Basin Heater Setpoint Temperature described in the following field. The basin
heater electric power is equal to this field multiplied by the difference between the basin heater set
point temperature and the outdoor dry-bulb temperature. The basin heater only operates when
the chiller is off, regardless of the basin heater schedule described below. The basin heater capacity
must be greater than or equal to zero, with a default value of zero if this field is left blank.

1.22.10.1.68 Field: Basin Heater Setpoint Temperature

This numeric field contains the set point temperature (˚C) for the basin heater described in
the previous field. This field only applies for Condenser Type = EvaporativelyCooled. The basin
heater is active when the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature falls below this setpoint temperature,
as long as the chiller is off. This set point temperature must be greater than or equal to 2˚C, and
the default value is 2˚C if this field is left blank.

1.22.10.1.69 Field: Basin Heater Operating Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of the basin heater operating schedule. This field only applies
for Condenser Type = EvaporativelyCooled. The basin heater operating schedule is assumed to
be an on/off schedule and the heater is available to operate any time the schedule value is greater
than 0. The basin heater operates when scheduled on and the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature is
below the set point temperature described in the previous field. If this field is left blank, the basin
heater is available to operate throughout the simulation. Regardless of this schedule, the basin
heater may only operate when the chiller is off.
An example of this statement in an IDF is:

Chiller:CombustionTurbine ,
Big Chiller , !- Chiller Name
WaterCooled , !- Condenser Type
30000 , !- Nominal Capacity {W}
2.75, !- COP
Big Chiller Inlet Node , !- Chilled Water Inlet Node Name
Big Chiller Outlet Node , !- Chilled Water Outlet Node Name
Big Chiller Condenser Inlet Node , !- Condenser Inlet Node Name
Big Chiller Condenser Outlet Node , !- Condenser Outlet Node Name
.15, !- Minimum Part Load Ratio
1.0, !- Maximum Part Load Ratio
.65, !- Optimum Part Load Ratio
35.0, !- Design Condenser Inlet Temperature {C}
2.778 , !- Temperature Rise Coefficient
6.67, !- Design Chilled Water Outlet Temperature {C}
0.0011 , !- Design Chilled Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.0011 , !- Design Condenser Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.9949 , !- Coefficient 1 of Capacity Ratio Curve
-0.045954 , !- Coefficient 2 of Capacity Ratio Curve
-0.0013543 , !- Coefficient 3 of Capacity Ratio Curve
2.333 , !- Coefficient 1 of Power Ratio Curve
-1.975, !- Coefficient 2 of Power Ratio Curve
0.6121 , !- Coefficient 3 of Power Ratio Curve
0.03303 , !- Coefficient 1 of Full Load Ratio Curve
0.6852 , !- Coefficient 2 of Full Load Ratio Curve
794 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

0.2818 , !- Coefficient 3 of Full Load Ratio Curve

5, !- Chilled Water Outlet Temperature Lower Limit {C}
9.41, !- Coefficient 1 of Fuel Input curve
-9.48, !- Coefficient 2 of Fuel Input curve
4.32, !- Coefficient 3 of Fuel Input curve
1.0044 , !- Coefficient 1 of Temperature Based Fuel Input curve
-0.0008, !- Coefficient 2 of Temperature Based Fuel Input curve
0, !- Coefficient 3 of Temperature Based Fuel Input curve
15.63518363 , !- Coefficient 1 of Exhaust Flow curve
-0.03059999 , !- Coefficient 2 of Exhaust Flow curve
-0.0002, !- Coefficient 3 of Exhaust Flow curve
916.992 , !- Coefficient 1 of Exhaust Gas Temperature curve
307.998 , !- Coefficient 2 of Exhaust Gas Temperature curve
79.992 , !- Coefficient 3 of Exhaust Gas Temperature curve
1.005 , !- Coefficient 1 of Temperature Based Exhaust Gas Temperature c
0.0018 , !- Coefficient 2 of Temperature Based Exhaust Gas Temperature c
0, !- Coefficient 3 of Temperature Based Exhaust Gas Temperature c
0.223 , !- Coefficient 1 of Recovery Lube Heat curve
-0.4, !- Coefficient 2 of Recovery Lube Heat curve
0.2286 , !- Coefficient 3 of Recovery Lube Heat curve
0.01907045 , !- Coefficient 1 of UA curve
0.9, !- Coefficient 2 of UA curve
50000 , !- Gas Turbine Engine Capacity {W}
0.00000504 , !- Maximum Exhaust Flow per Unit of Power Output {(kg/s)/W}
150, !- Design Steam Saturation Temperature {C}
43500 , !- Fuel Higher Heating Value {kJ/kg}
0.0, !- Design Heat Recovery Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- Heat Recovery Inlet Node Name
, !- Heat Recovery Outlet Node Name
VariableFlow , !- Chiller Flow Mode
NaturalGas , !- Fuel Type
80.0; !- Heat Recovery Maximum Temperature {C}

1.22.10.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Electric Energy [J]

• Zone,Meter,Electricity:Plant [J]

• Zone,Meter,Cooling:Electricity [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Evaporator Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Evaporator Cooling Energy [J]

• Zone,Meter,EnergyTransfer:Plant [J]

• Zone,Meter,Chillers:EnergyTransfer [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Evaporator Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Evaporator Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Evaporator Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Condenser Heat Transfer Energy Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Condenser Heat Transfer Energy [J]

1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 795

• Zone,Meter,HeatRejection:EnergyTransfer [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller COP [W/W]

Air-cooled or Evap-cooled:

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Condenser Inlet Temperature [C]

Evap-cooled:

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Basin Heater Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Basin Heater Electric Energy [J]

Water-cooled:

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Condenser Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Condenser Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Condenser Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Drive Shaft Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Drive Shaft Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Lube Recovered Heat Energy [J]

• Zone,Meter,HeatRecovery:EnergyTransfer [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Exhaust Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heat Recovery Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heat Recovery Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heat Recovery Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller <Fuel Type> Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller <Fuel Type> Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller <Fuel Type> Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller <Fuel Type> Mass [kg]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller COP [W/W]

These chiller output variables are defined above under “Generic Chiller Outputs.” The Fuel
Type input will determine which fuel type is displayed in the output. In this example with the user
choice of NaturalGas, you will have Gas Consumption.
796 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.11 ChillerHeater:Absorption:DirectFired
This chiller is a direct fired absorption chiller-heater which is modeled using performance curves
similar to the equivalent chiller in DOE-2.1E. This type of chiller is unusual for EnergyPlus, because
it may be used in the same plant on both a chilled water supply branch and a hot water supply
branch. The chiller has six node connections for chilled water, condenser water, and hot water, and
can provide simultaneous heating and cooling. During simultaneous operation, the heating capacity
is reduced as the cooling load increases (for more details see below). Some equations are provided
below to help explain the function of the various performance curves. For a detailed description of
the algorithm and how the curves are used in the calculations, please see the Engineering Reference.

1.22.11.1 Inputs
1.22.11.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the chiller.

1.22.11.1.2 Field: Nominal Cooling Capacity

This numeric field contains the nominal cooling capability of the chiller in Watts.

1.22.11.1.3 Field: Heating to Cooling Capacity Ratio

A positive fraction that represents the ratio of the heating capacity divided by the cooling
capacity at rated conditions. The default is 0.8.

1.22.11.1.4 Field: Fuel Input to Cooling Output Ratio

A positive fraction that represents the ratio of the instantaneous cooling fuel used divided by
the cooling capacity at rated conditions. The default is 0.97.

1.22.11.1.5 Field: Fuel Input to Heating Output Ratio

A positive fraction that represents the ratio of the instantaneous heating fuel used divided by
the nominal heating capacity. The default is 1.25.

1.22.11.1.6 Field: Electric Input to Cooling Output Ratio

A positive fraction that represents the ratio of the instantaneous electricity used divided by the
cooling capacity at rated conditions. If the chiller is both heating and cooling only the greater of
the computed cooling and heating electricity is used. The default is 0.01.

1.22.11.1.7 Field: Electric Input to Heating Output Ratio

A positive fraction that represents the ratio of the instantaneous electricity used divided by
the nominal heating capacity. If the chiller is both heating and cooling, the greater of the cooling
electricity and heating eletricity is used. The default is 0.0.

1.22.11.1.8 Field: Chilled Water Inlet Node Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name for the chiller chilled water side inlet
node. This node name must be the same as the inlet node name for the chilled water supply branch
on which this chiller is placed.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 797

1.22.11.1.9 Field: Chilled Water Outlet Node Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name for the chiller chilled water side outlet
node.

1.22.11.1.10 Field: Condenser Inlet Node Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name for the chiller condenser side inlet node.
If the Chiller is AirCooled, the node name specified must also be specified in an OutdoorAir:Node
object where the height of the node is taken into consideration when calculating outdoor air dry-
bulb temperature from the weather data. Alternately, the node name may be specified in an
OutdoorAir:NodeList object where the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature is taken directly from the
weather data.

1.22.11.1.11 Field: Condenser Outlet Node Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name for the chiller condenser side outlet
node.

1.22.11.1.12 Field: Hot Water Inlet Node Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name for the chiller-heater hot water side inlet
node. This node name must be the same as the inlet node name for the hot water supply branch
on which this chiller-heater is placed.

1.22.11.1.13 Field: Hot Water Outlet Node Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name for the chiller-heater hot water side
outlet node.

1.22.11.1.14 Field: Minimum Part Load Ratio

A positive fraction that represents the minimum cooling or heating output possible when op-
erated continually at rated temperature conditions divided by the available cooling or heating
capacity at those same conditions. If the load on the chiller is below this fraction, the chiller will
cycle. If the chiller is simultaneously heating and cooling, the greater part load ratio will be used.
The default is 0.1.

1.22.11.1.15 Field: Maximum Part Load Ratio

A positive fraction that represents the maximum cooling or heating output possible when op-
erated continually at rated temperature conditions divided by the available cooling or heating
capacity at those same conditions. If greater than 1.0, the chiller is typically thought of as capable
of being overloaded. The default is 1.0.

1.22.11.1.16 Field: Optimum Part Load Ratio

A positive fraction that represents the optimum cooling or heating output possible when op-
erated continually at rated temperature conditions divided by the available cooling or heating
capacity at those same conditions. It represents the most desirable operating point for the chiller.
The default is 1.0.
798 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.11.1.17 Field: Design Entering Condenser Water Temperature

The temperature in degrees C of the water entering the condenser of the chiller when operating
at design conditions. This is usually based on the temperature delivered by the cooling tower in a
water cooled application. The default is 29C.

1.22.11.1.18 Field: Design Leaving Chilled Water Temperature

The temperature in degrees C of the water leaving the evaporator of the chiller when operating
at design conditions; also called the chilled water supply temperature or leaving chilled water
temperature. The default is 7C.

1.22.11.1.19 Field: Design Chilled Water Flow Rate

For variable volume this is the max flow and for constant flow this is the chilled water flow rate
in m3 /s.

1.22.11.1.20 Field: Design Condenser Water Flow Rate

The water flow rate at design conditions through the condenser in m3 /s. This field can be
autosized. This field can be autosized. This field is not used for Condenser Type = AirCooled.

1.22.11.1.21 Field: Design Hot Water Flow Rate

The water flow rate at design conditions through the heater side in m3 /s.

1.22.11.1.22 Field: Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature Curve Name

The CoolCapfT curve represents the fraction of the cooling capacity of the chiller as it varies by
temperature. The curve is normalized so that at design conditions the value of the curve should be
1.0. The curve is usually a biquadratic or bilinear curve with the input variables being the leaving
chilled water temperature and either the entering or leaving condenser water temperature (see
Temperature Curve Input Variable below). The available cooling capacity is computed as follows:

CoolFuelInput =
(1.71)
AvailCoolCap · RunFrac · CFIR · CFIRfT(Tcw,l , Tcond ) · CFIRfPLR(CPLR)

1.22.11.1.23 Field: Fuel Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function of Tempera-

ture Curve Name
The CFIRfT curve represents the fraction of the fuel input to the chiller at full load as it varies
by temperature. The curve is normalized so that at design conditions the value of the curve should
be 1.0. The curve is usually a biquadratic or bilinear curve with the input variables being the
leaving chilled water temperature and either the entering or leaving condenser water temperature
(see Temperature Curve Input Variable below).

1.22.11.1.24 Field: Fuel Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function of Part Load
Ratio Curve Name
The CFIRfPLR curve represents the fraction of the fuel input to the chiller as the load the
chiller varies but the operating temperatures remain at the design values. The curve is normalized
so that at full load the value of the curve should be 1.0. The curve is usually linear or quadratic.
The cooling fuel input to the chiller is computed as follows:
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 799

CoolElectricPower =
(1.72)
NomCoolCap · RunFrac · CEIR · CEIRfT(Tcw,l , Tcond ) · CEIRfPLR(CPLR)

1.22.11.1.25 Field: Electric Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function of Tem-

perature Curve Name
The ElecCoolFT curve represents the fraction of the electricity to the chiller at full load as it
varies by temperature. The curve is normalized so that at design conditions the of the curve should
be 1.0. The curve is usually a biquadratic or bilinear curve with the input variables being the
leaving chilled water temperature and either the entering or leaving condenser water temperature
(see Temperature Curve Input Variable below).

1.22.11.1.26 Field: Electric Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function of Part

Load Ratio Curve Name
The ElecCoolFPLR curve represents the fraction of the electricity to the chiller as the load
on the chiller varies but This operating temperatures remain at the design values. The curve is
normalized so that at full load the value of the curve should be 1.0. The curve is usually linear or
quadratic. The cooling electric input to the chiller is computed as follows:

AvailHeatCap = N omCoolCap · HeatCoolCapRatio · HeatCapf CP LR(CP LRh) (1.73)

1.22.11.1.27 Field: Heating Capacity Function of Cooling Capacity Curve Name

The HeatCapFCool curve represents how the heating capacity of the chiller varies with cooling
capacity when the chiller is simultaeous heating and cooling. The curve is normalized so an input of
1.0 represents the nominal cooling capacity and an output of 1.0 represents the full heating capacity
(see the Heating to Cooling Capacity Ratio input) The curve is usually linear or quadratic. The
available heating capacity is computed as follows:

HeatF uelInput = AvailHeatCap · HF IR · HF IRf HP LR(HP LR) (1.74)

1.22.11.1.28 Field: Fuel Input to Heat Output Ratio During Heating Only Op-
eration Curve Name
When the chiller is operating as only a heater, the curve is used to represent the fraction of fuel
used as the heating load varies. It is normalized so that a value of 1.0 is the full available heating
capacity. The curve is usually linear or quadratic and will probably be similar to a boiler curve for
most chillers.

AvailCoolCap = N omCoolCap · CoolCapf T (Tcw,l , Tcond ) (1.75)

1.22.11.1.29 Field: Temperature Curve Input Variable

This field sets the second independent variable in the three temperature dependent performance
curves to either the leaving or entering condenser water temperature. Manufacturers express the
performance of their chillers using either the leaving condenser water temperature (to the tower)
or the entering condenser water temperature (from the tower). Valid choices for this field are:
800 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

LeavingCondenser or EnteringCondenser. It is important that the performance curves and this

field are consistent with each other. The default is EnteringCondenser.

1.22.11.1.30 Field: Condenser Type

The condenser can either be air cooled or connected to a cooling tower. This alpha field
contains the keyword for the type of condenser, either AirCooled, or WaterCooled. The default is
WaterCooled.

1.22.11.1.31 Field: Chilled Water Temperature Lower Limit

The chilled water supply temperature in degrees C below which the chiller will shut off. The
default is 2C.

1.22.11.1.32 Field: Fuel Higher Heating Value

The fuel higher heating value in kJ/kg. This field is not currently used.

1.22.11.1.33 Field: Chiller Flow Mode

This field is deprecated and is not used.

1.22.11.1.34 Field: Fuel Type

This alpha field determines the type of fuel that the chiller uses. The default is Natural-
Gas. Valid values are NaturalGas, PropaneGas, Diesel, Gasoline, FuelOil#1, FuelOil#2,
OtherFuel1, OtherFuel2.

1.22.11.1.35 Field: Sizing Factor

This optional numeric field allows the user to specify a sizing factor for this component. The
sizing factor is used when the component design inputs are autosized: the autosizing calculations
are performed as usual and the results are multiplied by the sizing factor. For this component the
inputs that would be altered by the sizing factor are: Nominal Cooling Capacity, Design Chilled
Water Flow Rate, Design Condenser Water Flow Rate and Design Hot Water Flow Rate. Sizing
Factor allows the user to size a component to meet part of the design load while continuing to use
the autosizing feature.
An example of this statement in an IDF is:

ChillerHeater:Absorption:DirectFired ,
Big Chiller , !- Chiller Name
100000 , !- Nominal Cooling Capacity {W}
0.8, !- Heating to Cooling capacity ratio
0.97, !- Fuel Input to Cooling Output Ratio
1.25, !- Fuel Input to Heating Output Ratio
0.01, !- Electric Input to Cooling Output Ratio
0.005 , !- Electric Input to Heating Output Ratio
Big Chiller Inlet Node , !- Chilled Water Side Inlet Node Name
Big Chiller Outlet Node , !- Chilled Water Side Outlet Node Name
Big Chiller Condenser Inlet Node , !- Condenser Side Inlet Node Name
Big Chiller Condenser Outlet Node , !- Condenser Side Outlet Node Name
Purchased Heat Inlet Node , !- Hot Water Side Inlet Node Name
Purchased Heat Outlet Node , !- Hot Water Side Outlet Node Name
0.000001 , !- Minimum Part Load Ratio
1.0, !- Maximum Part Load Ratio
0.6, !- Optimum Part Load Ratio
29, !- Design Entering Condenser Water Temperature {C}
7, !- Design Leaving Chilled Water Temperature {C}
0.0011 , !- Design Chilled Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 801

0.0011 , !- Design Condenser Water Flow Rate {m3/s}

0.0043 , !- Design Hot Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
GasAbsFlatBiQuad , !- Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature Curve Name
GasAbsFlatBiQuad , !- Fuel Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function of Temperature
Curve Name
GasAbsLinearQuad , !- Fuel Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function of Part Load Ratio
Curve Name
GasAbsFlatBiQuad , !- Electric Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function of Temperature
Curve Name
GasAbsFlatQuad , !- Electric Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function of Part Load Ratio
Curve Name
GasAbsInvLinearQuad , !- Heating Capacity Function of Cooling Capacity Curve Name
GasAbsLinearQuad , !- Fuel Input to Heat Output Ratio During Heating Only Operation
Curve Name
EnteringCondenser , !- Temperature Curve Input Variable
WaterCooled , !- Condenser Type
2, !- Chilled Water Temperature Lower Limit {C}
0, !- Fuel Higher Heating Value {kJ/kg}
VariableFlow , !- Chiller Flow Mode
NaturalGas , !- Fuel Type
1.0; !- Sizing Factor

1.22.11.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Heater Electric Energy [J]

• Zone,Meter,Electricity:Plant [J]

• Zone,Meter,Cooling:Electricity [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller <Fuel Type> Consumption Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller <Fuel Type> Consumption [J]

• Zone,Meter,<Fuel Type>:Plant [J]

• Zone,Meter,Cooling:<Fuel Type> [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Evaporator Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Heater Evaporator Cooling Energy [J]

• Zone,Meter,EnergyTransfer:Plant [J]

• Zone,Meter,Chillers:EnergyTransfer [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Evaporator Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Evaporator Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Evaporator Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Condenser Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Heater Condenser Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• Zone,Meter,HeatRejection:EnergyTransfer [J]
802 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

The following output is applicable only for air-cooled chillers

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Condenser Inlet Temperature [C]

The following three outputs are only available for water-cooled chillers

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Condenser Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Condenser Outlet Temperature [C]
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Condenser Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

Outputs specific to Direct Fired Absorption Chiller

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Runtime Fraction []

Outputs specific to Direct Fired Absorption Chiller during cooling operation

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Cooling <Fuel Type> Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Heater Cooling <Fuel Type> Consumption [J]
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Cooling Electric Power [W]
• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Heater Cooling Electric Energy [J]
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Cooling Part Load Ratio
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Cooling Rate [W]
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Cooling COP [W/W]

Outputs specific to Direct Fired Absorption Chiller during heating operation

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Heater Heating Energy [J]
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Heating <Fuel Type> Rate [W]
• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Heater Heating <Fuel Type> Energy [J]
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Heating Electric Power [W]
• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Heater Heating Electric Energy [J]
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Heating Part Load Ratio []
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Heating Rate [W]
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Heating Inlet Temperature [C]
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Heating Outlet Temperature [C]
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Heating Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

The “Chiller” output variables are defined above under “Generic Chiller Outputs.” The specific
“Direct Fired Absorption Chiller” output variables and exceptions to the generic outputs are defined
below.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 803

1.22.11.2.1 Chiller Heater Electric Power [W]

1.22.11.2.2 Chiller Heater Electric Energy [J]

These outputs are the electric power input to the chiller when operating in cooling mode,
heating mode, or both. This value is not metered, but the separate cooling and heating electric
consumption are metered (see below).

1.22.11.2.3 Chiller Heater <Fuel Type> Rate [W]

1.22.11.2.4 Chiller Heater <Fuel Type> Energy [J]

These outputs are the fuel input to the chiller when operating in cooling mode, heating mode,
or both depending on the fuel type entered. This value is not metered, but the separate cooling
and heating fuel consumption are metered (see below).

1.22.11.2.5 Chiller Heater Runtime Fraction []

This is the average fraction of the time period during which the direct fired absorption chiller-
heater was operating in either cooling mode, heating mode, or both.

1.22.11.2.6 Chiller Heater Cooling <Fuel Type> Rate [W]

1.22.11.2.7 Chiller Heater Cooling <Fuel Type> Energy [J]

These outputs are the fuel input to the direct fired absorption chiller to serve cooling operation.
Consumption is metered on Cooling:<Fuel Type>, <Fuel Type>:Plant, and <Fuel Type>:Facility.

1.22.11.2.8 Chiller Heater Cooling Electric Power [W]

1.22.11.2.9 Chiller Heater Cooling Electric Energy [J]

These outputs are the electricity input to the direct fired absorption chiller to serve cooling op-
eration. Consumption is metered on Cooling:Electricity, Electricity:Plant, and Electricity:Facility.

1.22.11.2.10 Chiller Heater Cooling Rate [W]

This is the average available cooling capacity for the reported time period.

1.22.11.2.11 Chiller Heater Cooling Part Load Ratio

This is the average cooling load (Chiller Evaporator Cooling Rate [W]) divided by the average
available cooling capacity (Chiller Heater Cooling Rate [W]) for the reported time period.

1.22.11.2.12 Chiller Heater Cooling COP

This is the average coefficient of performance for the chiller in cooling operation, calculated
as the average cooling load (Chiller Evaporator Cooling Rate [W]) divided by the average fuel
consumption during cooling (Direct Fired Absorption Chiller Cooling <Fuel Type> Consumption
Rate [W]) for the reported time period. If the chiller cooling fuel consumption rate (denominator)
is zero, then this output variable is set to zero.

1.22.11.2.13 Chiller Heater Heating Rate [W]

804 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.11.2.14 Chiller Heater Heating Energy [J]

These outputs are the heating delivered by the direct fired absorption chiller-heater to serve
heating operation. Energy is metered on Boilers:EnergyTransfer, EnergyTransfer:Plant, and Ener-
gyTransfer:Facility.

1.22.11.2.15 Chiller Heater Heating <Fuel Type> Rate [W]

1.22.11.2.16 Chiller Heater Heating <Fuel Type> Energy [J]

These outputs are the fuel input to the direct fired absorption chiller-heater to serve heating
operation. Consumption is metered on Heating:<Fuel Type>, <Fuel Type>:Plant, and <Fuel
Type>:Facility.

1.22.11.2.17 Chiller Heater Heating Electric Power [W]

1.22.11.2.18 Chiller Heating Heating Electric Energy [J]

These outputs are the electric power input to the direct fired absorption chiller to serve heat-
ing operation. Consumption is metered on Heating:Electricity, Electricity:Plant, and Electric-
ity:Facility.

1.22.11.2.19 Chiller Heater Heating Rate [W]

This is the average available heating capacity for the reported time period.

1.22.11.2.20 Chiller Heater Heating Part Load Ratio

This is the average heating load (Chiller Heater Heating Rate [W]) divided by the average
available heating capacity (Chiller Heater Heating Rate [W]) for the reported time period.

1.22.11.2.21 Chiller Heater Heating Inlet Temperature [C]

1.22.11.2.22 Chiller Heater Heating Outlet Temperature [C]

1.22.11.2.23 Chiller Heater Heating Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

These outputs are the hot water inlet and outlet temperatures and flow rate for the direct fired
absorption chiller-heater during heating mode operation.

1.22.12 ChillerHeater:Absorption:DoubleEffect
This chiller is an exhaust fired absorption chiller-heater which is modeled using performance curves
similar to the direct fired absorption chiller in DOE-2.1E. The model uses the exhaust gas output
from MicroTurbine. This type of chiller is unusual for EnergyPlus, because it may be used in the
same plant on both a chilled water supply branch and a hot water supply branch. The chiller has six
node connections for chilled water, condenser water, and hot water, and can provide simultaneous
heating and cooling. During simultaneous operation, the heating capacity is reduced as the cooling
load increases (for more details see below). Some equations are provided below to help explain the
function of the various performance curves. For a detailed description of the algorithm and how
the curves are used in the calculations, please see the Engineering Reference.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 805

1.22.12.1 Inputs
1.22.12.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the chiller.

1.22.12.1.2 Field: Nominal Cooling Capacity

This numeric field contains the nominal cooling capability of the chiller in Watts. Autosize can
be used for this field.

1.22.12.1.3 Field: Heating to Cooling Capacity Ratio

A positive fraction that represents the ratio of the heating capacity divided by the cooling
capacity at rated conditions. The default is 0.8.

1.22.12.1.4 Field: Thermal Energy Input to Cooling Output Ratio

A positive fraction that represents the ratio of the instantaneous cooling Thermal Energy used
divided by the cooling capacity at rated conditions. The default is 0.97.

1.22.12.1.5 Field: Thermal Energy Input to Heating Output Ratio

A positive fraction that represents the ratio of the instantaneous heating Thermal Energy used
divided by the nominal heating capacity. The default is 1.25.

1.22.12.1.6 Field: Electric Input to Cooling Output Ratio

A positive fraction that represents the ratio of the instantaneous electricity used divided by the
cooling capacity at rated conditions. If the chiller is both heating and cooling only the greater of
the computed cooling and heating electricity is used. The default is 0.01.

1.22.12.1.7 Field: Electric Input to Heating Output Ratio

A positive fraction that represents the ratio of the instantaneous electricity used divided by
the nominal heating capacity. If the chiller is both heating and cooling, the greater of the cooling
electricity and heating eletricity is used. The default is 0.0.

1.22.12.1.8 Field: Chilled Water Inlet Node Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name for the chiller chilled water side inlet
node. This node name must be the same as the inlet node name for the chilled water supply branch
on which this chiller is placed.

1.22.12.1.9 Field: Chilled Water Outlet Node Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name for the chiller chilled water side outlet
node.

1.22.12.1.10 Field: Condenser Inlet Node Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name for the chiller condenser side inlet node.
If the Chiller is AirCooled, the node name specified must also be specified in an OutdoorAir:Node
object where the height of the node is taken into consideration when calculating outdoor air dry-
bulb temperature from the weather data. Alternately, the node name may be specified in an
OutdoorAir:NodeList object where the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature is taken directly from the
weather data.
806 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.12.1.11 Field: Condenser Outlet Node Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name for the chiller condenser side outlet
node.

1.22.12.1.12 Field: Hot Water Inlet Node Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name for the chiller-heater hot water side inlet
node. This node name must be the same as the inlet node name for the hot water supply branch
on which this chiller-heater is placed.

1.22.12.1.13 Field: Hot Water Outlet Node Name

This required alpha field contains the identifying name for the chiller-heater hot water side
outlet node.

1.22.12.1.14 Field: Minimum Part Load Ratio

A positive fraction that represents the minimum cooling or heating output possible when op-
erated continually at rated temperature conditions divided by the available cooling or heating
capacity at those same conditions. If the load on the chiller is below this fraction, the chiller will
cycle. If the chiller is simultaneously heating and cooling, the greater part load ratio will be used.
The default is 0.1.

1.22.12.1.15 Field: Maximum Part Load Ratio

A positive fraction that represents the maximum cooling or heating output possible when op-
erated continually at rated temperature conditions divided by the available cooling or heating
capacity at those same conditions. If greater than 1.0, the chiller is typically thought of as capable
of being overloaded. The default is 1.0.

1.22.12.1.16 Field: Optimum Part Load Ratio

A positive fraction that represents the optimum cooling or heating output possible when op-
erated continually at rated temperature conditions divided by the available cooling or heating
capacity at those same conditions. It represents the most desirable operating point for the chiller.
The default is 1.0.

1.22.12.1.17 Field: Design Entering Condenser Water Temperature

The temperature in degrees C of the water entering the condenser of the chiller when operating
at design conditions. This is usually based on the temperature delivered by the cooling tower in a
water cooled application. The default is 29°C.

1.22.12.1.18 Field: Design Leaving Chilled Water Temperature

The temperature in degrees C of the water leaving the evaporator of the chiller when operating
at design conditions; also called the chilled water supply temperature or leaving chilled water
temperature. The default is 7°C.

1.22.12.1.19 Field: Design Chilled Water Flow Rate

For variable volume this is the max flow and for constant flow this is the chilled water flow rate
in m3 /s. This field can be autosized.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 807

1.22.12.1.20 Field: Design Condenser Water Flow Rate

The water flow rate at design conditions through the condenser in m3 /s. This field can be
autosized. This field is not used for Condenser Type = AirCooled.

1.22.12.1.21 Field: Design Hot Water Flow Rate

The water flow rate at design conditions through the heater side in m3 /s. This field can be
autosized.

1.22.12.1.22 Field: Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature Curve Name

The CoolCapfT curve represents the fraction of the cooling capacity of the chiller as it varies
with temperature. The curve is normalized so that at design conditions the value of the curve should
be 1.0. The curve is usually a biquadratic or bilinear curve with the input variables being the leaving
chilled water temperature and the entering condenser water temperature (see Temperature Curve
Input Variable below). The available cooling capacity is computed as follows:

CoolThermalEnergyInput = AvailCoolCap · RunFrac · TeFIR·

(1.76)
TeFIRfT (Tcw,l , Tcond ) · TeFIRfPLR(CPLR)

1.22.12.1.23 Field: Thermal Energy Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function

of Temperature Curve Name
The TeFIRfT curve represents the fraction of the Thermal Energy Input to the chiller at full load
as it varies with temperature. The curve is normalized so that at design conditions the value of the
curve should be 1.0. The curve is usually a biquadratic or bilinear curve with the input variables
being the leaving chilled water temperature and the entering condenser water temperature (see
Temperature Curve Input Variable below).

1.22.12.1.24 Field: Thermal Energy Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function

of Part Load Ratio Curve Name
The TeFIRfPLR curve represents the fraction of the Thermal Energy Input to the chiller as the
load on the chiller varies but the operating temperatures remain at the design values. The curve is
normalized so that at full load the value of the curve should be 1.0. The curve is usually linear or
quadratic.
The cooling Thermal Energy Input to the chiller is computed as follows:

CoolElectricP ower = N omCoolCap·RunF rac·CEIR·CEIRf T (Tcw,l , Tcond )·CEIRf P LR(CP LR)

(1.77)

1.22.12.1.25 Field: Electric Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function of Tem-

perature Curve Name
The CEIRfT curve represents the fraction of the electricity to the chiller at full load as it varies
with temperature. The curve is normalized so that at design conditions the of the curve should
be 1.0. The curve is usually a biquadratic or bilinear curve with the input variables being the
leaving chilled water temperature and either the entering or leaving condenser water temperature
(see Temperature Curve Input Variable below).
808 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.12.1.26 Field: Electric Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function of Part

Load Ratio Curve Name
The CEIRfPLR curve represents the fraction of the electricity to the chiller as the load on the
chiller varies but This operating temperatures remain at the design values. The curve is normalized
so that at full load the value of the curve should be 1.0. The curve is usually linear or quadratic.
The cooling electric input to the chiller is computed as follows:

AvailHeatCap = N omCoolCap · HeatCoolCapRatio · HeatCapf CP LR(CP LRh) (1.78)

1.22.12.1.27 Field: Heating Capacity Function of Cooling Capacity Curve Name

The HeatCapFCPLR curve represents how the heating capacity of the chiller varies with cooling
capacity when the chiller is simultaneously heating and cooling. The curve is normalized so an
input of 1.0 represents the nominal cooling capacity and an output of 1.0 represents the full heating
capacity (see the Heating to Cooling Capacity Ratio input) The curve is usually linear or quadratic.
The available heating capacity is computed as follows:

HeatT hermalEnergyInput = AvailHeatCap · HF IR · HF IRf HP LR(HP LR) (1.79)

1.22.12.1.28 Field: Thermal Energy Input to Heat Output Ratio During Heat-
ing Only Operation Curve Name
When the chiller is operating as only a heater, the curve is used to represent the fraction of
Thermal Energy used as the heating load varies. It is normalized so that a value of 1.0 is the full
available heating capacity. The curve is usually linear or quadratic and will probably be similar to
a boiler curve for most chillers.
The heating Thermal Energy Input to the chiller is computed as follows:

BoilerLoad
T heoreticalF uelU se = (1.80)
N ominalT hermalEf f iciency

1.22.12.1.29 Field: Temperature Curve Input Variable

This field sets the second independent variable in the three temperature dependent performance
curves to the entering condenser water temperature. Manufacturers express the performance of
their chillers typically using the entering condenser water temperature (from the tower). ). This
alpha field contains the keyword for the type of temperature input variable, , either Entering-
CondenserTemperature, or LeavingCondenserTemperature. The default is EnteringCon-
denserTemperature.

1.22.12.1.30 Field: Condenser Type

The condenser can either be air cooled or water cooled (connected to a cooling tower). This
alpha field contains the keyword for the type of condenser, either AirCooled, or WaterCooled. The
default is WaterCooled.

1.22.12.1.31 Field: Chilled Water Temperature Lower Limit

The chilled water supply temperature in degrees C below which the chiller will shut off. The
default is 2°C.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 809

1.22.12.1.32 Field: Exhaust Source

This alpha field determines the type of exhaust source the chiller uses. The default is Micro-
Turbine. Key Generator:MicroTurbine

1.22.12.1.33 Field: Exhaust Source Object

This alpha field shows the name of the Exhaust source object – a Generator:MicroTurbine in
this case

1.22.12.1.34 Field: Sizing Factor

This optional numeric field allows the user to specify a sizing factor for this component. Min
value should not be less than 0 and here is no max. The default is 1. The sizing factor is used
when the component design inputs are autosized: the autosizing calculations are performed as
usual and the results are multiplied by the sizing factor. For this component the inputs that would
be altered by the sizing factor are: Nominal Cooling Capacity, Design Chilled Water Flow Rate,
Design Condenser Water Flow Rate and Design Hot Water Flow Rate. Sizing Factor allows the
user to size a component to meet part of the design load while continuing to use the autosizing
feature.
An example of this statement in an IDF is:

ChillerHeater:Absorption:DoubleEffect ,
Exh Chiller , !- Chiller Name
100000 , !- Nominal Cooling Capacity {W}
0.8, !- Heating to Cooling capacity ratio
0.97, !- Thermal Energy Input to Cooling Output Ratio
1.25, !- Thermal Energy Input to Heating Output Ratio
0.01, !- Electric Input to Cooling Output Ratio
0.005 , !- Electric Input to Heating Output Ratio
Exh Chiller Inlet Node , !- Chilled Water Side Inlet Node Name
Exh Chiller Outlet Node , !- Chilled Water Side Outlet Node Name
Exh Chiller Condenser Inlet Node , !- Condenser Side Inlet Node Name
Exh Chiller Condenser Outlet Node , !- Condenser Side Outlet Node Name
Exh Chiller Heating Inlet Node , !- Hot Water Side Inlet Node Name
Exh Chiller Heating Outlet Node , !- Hot Water Side Outlet Node Name
0.000001 , !- Minimum Part Load Ratio
1.0, !- Maximum Part Load Ratio
0.6, !- Optimum Part Load Ratio
29, !- Design Entering Condenser Water Temperature {C}
7, !- Design Leaving Chilled Water Temperature {C}
0.0011 , !- Design Chilled Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.0011 , !- Design Condenser Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.0043 , !- Design Hot Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
ExhAbsorb_CapFt , !- Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature Curve Name
ExhAbsorb_EIRFt , !- Thermal Energy Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function of
Temperature Curve Name
ExhAbsorb_PLR , !- Thermal Energy Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function of Part
Load Ratio Curve Name
ExhAbsFlatBiQuad , !- Electric Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function of Temperature
Curve Name
ExhAbsFlatQuad , !- Electric Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function of Part Load Ratio
Curve Name
ExhAbsInvLinearQuad , !- Heating Capacity Function of Cooling Capacity Curve Name
ExhAbsLinearQuad , !- Thermal Energy Input to Heat Output Ratio During Heating Only
Operation Curve Name
EnteringCondenser , !- Temperature Curve Input Variable
WaterCooled , !- Condenser Type
2, !- Chilled Water Temperature Lower Limit {C}
Generator:MicroTurbine ; ! Field Exhaust Source Object Type
Capston500 ; ! Field Exhaust Source name
1.0; !- Sizing Factor
810 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.12.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Heater Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Evaporator Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Heater Evaporator Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Evaporator Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Evaporator Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Evaporator Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Condenser Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Heater Condenser Heat Transfer Energy [J]

The following output is applicable only for air-cooled chillers

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Condenser Inlet Temperature [C]

The following three outputs are only available for water-cooled chillers

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Condenser Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Condenser Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Condenser Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

Outputs specific to Exhaust Fired Absorption Chiller

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Runtime Fraction []

Outputs specific to Exhaust Fired Absorption Chiller during cooling operation

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Cooling Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Heater Cooling Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Cooling Part Load Ratio

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Maximum Cooling Rate [W]HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater

Cooling Source Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average, Chiller Heater Cooling Source Heat COP [W/W]

• HVAC,Average, Chiller Heater Source Exhaust Inlet Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average, Chiller Heater Source Exhaust Inlet Temperature [C]

Outputs specific to Exhaust Fired Absorption Chiller during heating operation

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Heating Rate [W]

1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 811

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Heater Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Heating Electric Power [W]
• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Heater Heating Electric Energy [J]
• Zone,Meter,Heating:Electricity [J]
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Heating Part Load Ratio
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Maximum Heating Rate [W]
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Heating Source Heat Transfer Rate
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Heating Inlet Temperature [C]
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Heating Outlet Temperature [C]
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Heating Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
The “Chiller” output variables are defined above under “Generic Chiller Outputs.” The specific
“Exhaust Fired Absorption Chiller” output variables and exceptions to the generic outputs are
defined below.

1.22.12.2.1 Chiller Heater Electric Power [W]

1.22.12.2.2 Chiller Heater Electric Energy [J]

These outputs are the electric power input to the chiller when operating in cooling mode,
heating mode, or both. This value is not metered, but the separate cooling and heating electric
consumption are metered (see below).

1.22.12.2.3 Chiller Heater Runtime Fraction []

This is the average fraction of the time period during which the Exhaust Fired absorption
chiller-heater was operating in either cooling mode, heating mode, or both.
These outputs are the electricity input to the Exhaust Fired absorption chiller heater to serve
cooling operation. Consumption is metered on Cooling:Electricity, Electricity:Plant, and Electric-
ity:Facility.

1.22.12.2.4 Chiller Heater Maximum Cooling Rate [W]

This is the average available cooling capacity for the reported time period.

1.22.12.2.5 Chiller Heater Cooling Part Load Ratio []

This is the average cooling load (Chiller Heater Evaporator Cooling Rate [W]) divided by the
average available cooling capacity (Chiller Heater Maximum Cooling Rate [W]) for the reported
time period.

1.22.12.2.6 Chiller Heater Cooling Source Heat COP [W/W]

This is the average coefficient of performance for the chiller in cooling operation, calculated
as the average cooling load (Chiller Heater Evaporator Cooling Rate [W]) divided by the average
thermal energy use during cooling (Chiller Heater Cooling Source Heat Transfer Rate [W]) for the
reported time period. If the chiller cooling thermal energy use rate (denominator) is zero, then this
output variable is set to zero.
812 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.12.2.7 Chiller Heater Heating Rate [W]

1.22.12.2.8 Chiller Heater Heating Energy [J]

1.22.12.2.9 Chiller Heater Heating Electric Power [W]

1.22.12.2.10 Chiller Heater Heating Electric Energy [J]

These outputs are the electric power input to the Exhaust Fired absorption chiller to serve
heating operation. Consumption is metered on Heating:Electricity, Electricity:Plant, and Electric-
ity:Facility.

1.22.12.2.11 Chiller Heater Maximum Heating Rate [W]

This is the average available heating capacity for the reported time period.

1.22.12.2.12 Chiller Heater Heating Part Load Ratio []

This is the average heating load (Chiller Heater Heating Rate [W]) divided by the average
available heating capacity (Chiller Heater Maximum Heating Rate [W]) for the reported time
period.

1.22.12.2.13 Chiller Heater Heating Inlet Temperature [C]

1.22.12.2.14 Chiller Heater Heating Outlet Temperature [C]

1.22.12.2.15 Chiller Heater Heating Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

These outputs are the hot water inlet and outlet temperatures and flow rate for the Exhaust
Fired absorption chiller-heater during heating mode operation.

1.22.12.2.16 Chiller Heater Heating Heat Recovery Potential Rate (W)

The heat recovery potential calculated based on Microturbine exhaust temperature and flow
rate during heating mode

1.22.12.2.17 Chiller Heater Heating Source Heat Transfer Rate (W)

The thermal energy consumption rate required for heating.

1.22.12.2.18 Chiller Heater Cooling Heat Recovery Potential Rate (W)

The heat recovery potential calculated based on Microturbine exhaust temperature and flow
rate during cooling mode.

1.22.12.2.19 Chiller Heater Cooling Source Heat Transfer Rate (W)

The thermal energy consumption rate required for cooling.

1.22.12.2.20 Chiller Heater Condenser Inlet Temperature [C]

The condenser (heat rejection) inlet temperature for air-cooled or water chiller heater. For an
air-cooled chiller heater, this output would be the dry-bulb temperature of the air entering the
condenser coil. For a water cooled chiller heater, this output would be the wet-bulb temperature
of the air entering the condenser coil.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 813

1.22.12.2.21 Chiller Heater Condenser Heat Transfer Energy [J]

The condenser heat transfer energy is the heat rejected from the chiller heater to either a con-
denser water loop or through an air-cooled condenser. The values are calculated for each HVAC
system time step being simulated, and the results are summed across the reporting period. Chiller
Heater Condenser Heat Transfer Energy is metered on HeatRejection:EnergyTransfer, Energy-
Transfer:Plant, and EnergyTransfer:Facility.

1.22.12.2.22 Chiller Heater Condenser Heat Transfer Rate [W]

The condenser heat transfer is the rate of heat rejected from the chiller heater to either a
condenser water loop or through an air-cooled condenser. This value is calculated for each HVAC
system time step being simulated, and the results are averaged for the time step being reported.

1.22.12.2.23 Chiller Heater Condenser Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

This is the condenser coil outlet water mass flow rate in kilograms per second. This value is
calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are averaged for the
time step being reported.

1.22.12.2.24 Chiller Heater Condenser Outlet Temperature [C]

This is the condenser coil outlet water temperature in degrees C. This value is calculated for
each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are averaged for the time step being
reported

1.22.12.2.25 Chiller Heater Evaporator Cooling Energy [J]

The evaporator heat transfer is the cooling delivered by the chiller heater. The values are
calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are summed across the
reporting period. Chiller Heater Evaporator Cooling Energy is metered on Chillers:EnergyTransfer,
EnergyTransfer:Plant, and EnergyTransfer:Facility.

1.22.12.2.26 Chiller Heater Evaporator Cooling Rate [W]

The evaporator heat transfer rate of cooling delivered by the chiller heater. This value is
calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are averaged for the
time step being reported.

1.22.12.2.27 Chiller Heater Evaporator Inlet Temperature [C]

The evaporator (chilled water) inlet temperature over the time step being reported.

1.22.12.2.28 Chiller Heater Evaporator Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

The evaporator (chilled water) average mass flow rate over the time step being reported

1.22.12.2.29 Chiller Heater Evaporator Outlet Temperature [C]

The evaporator (chilled water) outlet temperature over the time step being reported

1.22.12.2.30 Chiller Heater Cooling Electric Energy [J]

The electric power input to the exhaust fired absorption chiller to serve cooling operation. The
values are calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are summed
across the reporting period. Consumption is metered on Heating:Electricity, Electricity:Plant, and
Electricity:Facility.
814 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.12.2.31 Chiller Heater Cooling Electric Power [W]

The electric power input to the Exhaust Fired absorption chiller to serve cooling operation.
This value is calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are
averaged for the time step being reported.

1.22.12.2.32 Chiller Heater Source Exhaust Inlet Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
The exhaust flow rate from the Micro Turbine

1.22.12.2.33 Chiller Heater Source Exhaust Inlet Temperature [C]

The exhaust temperature from the Micro Turbine

1.22.13 Boiler:HotWater
The boiler model calculates the performance of fuel oil, gas and electric boilers. Boiler performance
is based on nominal thermal efficiency. A normailized efficiency performance curve may be used to
more accurately represent the performance of non-electric boilers but is not considered a required
input. When using the normalized efficiency performance curve, if all coefficients are not required
simply set the unused coefficients to 0. For example, an electric boiler could be modeled by setting
the nominal thermal efficiency to a value in the range of 0.96 to 1.0. Coefficient A0 in the normalized
efficiency performance curve would equal 1 and all other coefficients would be set to 0. Coefficients
for other types of non-electric boilers would set a combination of the available coefficents to non-zero
values.

1.22.13.1 Inputs
1.22.13.1.1 Field: Name
This required alpha field contains the identifying name for the boiler.

1.22.13.1.2 Field: Fuel Type

This required choice field specifies the type of fuel used by the boiler. The fuel type can be
Electricity, NaturalGas, PropaneGas, FuelOil#1, FuelOil#2, Coal, Diesel, Gasoline,
OtherFuel1 or OtherFuel2.

1.22.13.1.3 Field: Nominal capacity

This numeric field contains the nominal operating capacity (W) of the boiler. The boiler may
be autosized and would require a heating plant sizing object.

1.22.13.1.4 Fuel Use Equation

The model is based the following two equations:

T heoreticalF uelU se
F uelU sed = (1.81)
N ormalizedBoilerEf f iciencyCurveOutput

Linear → Ef f = A0 + A1 · P LR (1.82)
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 815

1.22.13.1.5 Field: Nominal Thermal Efficiency

This required numeric field contains the heating efficiency (as a fraction between 0 and 1) of
the boiler’s burner. This is the efficiency relative to the higher heating value (HHV) of fuel at
a part load ratio of 1.0 and the temperature entered for the Design Boiler Water Outlet Temp.
Manufacturers typically specify the efficiency of a boiler using the higher heating value of the fuel.
For the rare occurences when a manufacturers (or particular data set) thermal efficiency is based
on the lower heating value (LHV) of the fuel, multiply the thermal efficiency by the lower-to-higher
heating value ratio. For example, assume a fuel’s lower and higher heating values are approximately
45,450 and 50,000 kJ/kg, respectively. For a manuracturers thermal effiency rating of 0.90 (based on
the LHV), the nominal thermal efficiency entered here is 0.82 (i.e. 0.9 multiplied by 45,450/50,000).

1.22.13.1.6 Field: Efficiency Curve Temperature Evaluation Variable

This field is used to control which value for hot water temperature is used when evaluating the
efficiency curve specified in the next field (if applicable). There are two options, EnteringBoiler
or LeavingBoiler. EnteringBoiler indicates that the efficiency curves will be evaluated using the
temperature at boiler inlet node. LeavingBoiler indicates that the efficiency curves will be evaluated
using the temperature at the boiler outlet. This field is only used if type of curve is one that uses
temperature as a independent variable.

1.22.13.1.7 Field: Normalized Boiler Efficiency Curve Name

This alpha field contains the curve name which describes the normalized heating efficiency (as a
fraction of nominal thermal efficiency) of the boiler’s burner. If this field is left blank, the nominal
thermal efficiency is assumed to be constant (i.e., Fuel Used is equal to the Theoretical Fuel Use
in the equation above). When a boiler efficiency curve is used, the curve may be any valid curve
object with 1 (PLR) or 2 (PLR and boiler outlet water temperature) independent variables. A tri-
quadratic curve object is not allowed since it uses 3 independent variables. The linear, quadratic,
and cubic curve types may be used when the boiler efficiency is solely a function of boiler part-load
ratio (PLR). When this type of curve is used, the boiler should operate at (or very near) the design
boiler water outlet temperature. Other curve types may be used when the boiler efficiency is a
function of both PLR and boiler water temperature. Examples of valid single and dual independent
variable equations are shown below. For all curve types PLR is always the x independent variable.
When using 2 independent variables, the boiler outlet water temperature (Toutlet) is always the y
independent variable.

Quadratic → Ef f = A0 + A1 · P LR + A2 · P LR2 (1.83)

Cubic → Ef f = A0 + A1 · P LR + A2 · P LR2 + A3 · P LR3 (1.84)

Cubic → Ef f = A0 + A1 · P LR + A2 · P LR2 + A3 · P LR3 (1.85)

BiQuadratic → Ef f = A0 + A1 · P LR + A2 · P LR2 + A3 · Tw + A4 · Tw 2 + A5 · P LR · Tw (1.86)

QuadraticLinear → Ef f = A0 +A1 ·P LR+A2 ·P LR2 +A3 ·Tw +A4 ·P LR·Tw +A5 ·P LR2 ·Tw (1.87)
816 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Bicubic → Eff = A0 + A1 · PLR + A2 · PLR2 + A3 · Tw + A4 T2w + A5 PLR · Tw + A6 PLR3

+A7 · Tw3 + A8 · PLR2 · Tw + A9 · PLR · T2w
(1.88)
where
Eff = normalized boiler efficiency
PLR = boiler part-load ratio
Tw = boiler water temperature [ºC] ], this can be either entering or leaving temperature de-
pending on the setting in the previous field

1.22.13.1.8 Field: Design Water Outlet Temperature

This numeric field contains the desired boiler water outlet temperature in Celsius.

1.22.13.1.9 Field: Design Water Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the maximum design water volumetric flow rate in m3 /sec. This
should be the largest flow rate than can be heated to the design outlet temperature. This field is
autosizable.

1.22.13.1.10 Field: Minimum Part Load Ratio

This numeric field contains the minimum part load ratio. If the ratio of demand to boiler
nominal capacity is less than the minimum part load ratio, then the Min PLR will determine the
operating PLR. The expected range is between 0 and 1. If this field is left blank, the default value
is 0.0.

1.22.13.1.11 Field: Maximum Part Load Ratio

This numeric field contains the maximum part load ratio. If the ratio of demand to boiler
nominal capacity is greater than the maximum part load ratio, then the Max PLR will determine
the operating PLR. This value may exceed 1, but the normal range is between 0 and 1.1. If this
field is left blank, the default value is 1.0.

1.22.13.1.12 Field: Optimum Part Load Ratio

This numeric field contains the optimum part load ratio. This is the part load ratio at which
the boiler performs at its maximum efficiency. If this field is left blank, the default value is 1.0.

1.22.13.1.13 Field: Boiler Water Inlet Node Name

This required alpha field contains the water inlet node name.

1.22.13.1.14 Field: Boiler Water Outlet Node Name

This required alpha field contains the water outlet node name.

1.22.13.1.15 Field: Water Outlet Upper Temperature Limit

This numeric field contains the outlet temperature upper limit. If this field is left blank, the
default value is 99.9ºC.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 817

1.22.13.1.16 Field: Boiler Flow Mode

This choice field determines how the boiler operates with respect to the intended fluid flow
through the device. There are three different choices for specifying operating modes for the in-
tended flow behavior: “NotModulated,” “ConstantFlow,” and “LeavingSetpointModulated.” Not-
Modulated is useful for either variable or constant speed pumping arrangements where the boiler is
passive in the sense that although it makes a nominal request for its design flow rate it can operate
at varying flow rates. ConstantFlow is useful for constant speed pumping arrangements where the
boiler’s request for flow is more strict and can increase the overall loop flow. LeavingSetpointMod-
ulated changes the boiler model to internally vary the flow rate so that the temperature leaving the
boiler matches a setpoint. In all cases the operation of the external plant system can also impact
the flow through the boiler – for example if the relative sizes and operation are such that flow is
restricted and the requests cannot be met. The default, if not specified, is NotModulated.

1.22.13.1.17 Field: Parasitic Electric Load

This optional numeric field contains the parasitic electric power (W) consumed by a forced
draft fan or other electrical device associated with the boiler. This parasitic electric load is con-
sumed whenever the boiler is operating, and the model assumes that this parasitic power does not
contribute to heating the water. The minimum value for this field is 0.0, and the default value is
also 0.0 if the field is left blank.

1.22.13.1.18 Field: Sizing Factor

This optional numeric field allows the user to specify a sizing factor for this component. The
sizing factor is used when the component design inputs are autosized: the autosizing calculations
are performed as usual and the results are multiplied by the sizing factor. For this component
the inputs that would be altered by the sizing factor are: Nominal Capacity and Design Water
Flow Rate. Sizing factor allows the user to size a component to meet part of the design load while
continuing to use the autosizing feature.
An example of this statement in an IDF is:

Boiler:HotWater ,
Condensing Boiler , !- Boiler Name
NaturalGas , !- Fuel Type
25000 , !- Nominal Capacity {W}
EnteringBoiler !- Efficiency Curve Temperature Evaluation Variable
0.89, !- Nominal Thermal Efficiency
CondensingBoilerEff , !- Boiler Efficiency Curve Name
75, !- Design Boiler Water Outlet Temp {C}
0.0021 , !- Max Design Boiler Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.10, !- Minimum Part Load Ratio
1.00, !- Maximum Part Load Ratio
1.00, !- Optimum Part Load Ratio
Boiler Inlet Node , !- Boiler Water Inlet Node
Boiler Outlet Node , !- Boiler Water Outlet Node
80, !- Temp Upper Limit Water Outlet {C}
ConstantFlow , !- Boiler Flow Mode
25.0; !- Parasitic Electric Load {W}

Curve:Biquadratic ,
CondensingBoilerEff , !- Name
1.124970374 , !- Coefficient1 Constant
0.014963852 , !- Coefficient2 x
-0.02599835 , !- Coefficient3 x**2
0.0, !-Coefficient4y
-1.40464E-6, !-Coefficient5y **2
818 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

-0.00153624 , !- Coefficient6x*y
0.1, !- Minimum Value of x
1.0, !- Maximum Value of x
30.0, !- Minimum Value of y
85.0; !- Maximum Value of y

1.22.13.2 Outputs
Outputs available from the boiler:

• HVAC,Average,Boiler Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Boiler Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Meter,Boilers:EnergyTransfer [J]

• HVAC,Average,Boiler Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Boiler Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Boiler Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Boiler Parasitic Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Boiler Ancillary Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Boiler Part Load Ratio

One of the following blocks will be applicable based on fuel type:

Electric:

• HVAC,Average,Boiler Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Boiler Electric Energy [J]

Gas:

• HVAC,Average,Boiler Gas Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Boiler Gas Energy [J]

Propane:

• HVAC,Average,Boiler Propane Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Boiler Propane Energy [J]

FuelOil#1:

• HVAC,Average,Boiler FuelOil#1 Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Boiler FuelOil#1 Energy [J]

FuelOil#2:
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 819

• HVAC,Average,Boiler FuelOil#2 Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Boiler FuelOil#2 Energy [J]

Coal:

• HVAC,Average,Boiler Coal Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Boiler Coal Energy [J]

Diesel:

• HVAC,Average,Boiler Diesel Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Boiler Diesel Energy [J]

Gasoline:

• HVAC,Average,Boiler Gasoline Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Boiler Gasoline Energy [J]

OtherFuel1:

• HVAC,Average,Boiler OtherFuel1 Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Boiler OtherFuel1 Energy [J]

OtherFuel2:

• HVAC,Average,Boiler OtherFuel2 Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Boiler OtherFuel2 Energy [J]

1.22.13.2.1 Boiler Heating Rate [W]

1.22.13.2.2 Boiler Heating Energy [J]

These outputs are the heating output (load) of the boiler. Energy is metered on Boil-
ers:EnergyTransfer, EnergyTransfer:Plant, and EnergyTransfer:Facility.

1.22.13.2.3 Boiler Inlet Temperature [C]

1.22.13.2.4 Boiler Outlet Temperature [C]

1.22.13.2.5 Boiler Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

These outputs are the hot water inlet and outlet temperatures and flow rate for the boiler.

1.22.13.2.6 Boiler Part Load Ratio []

This output is the operating part-load ratio of the boiler. The part-load ratio is calculated
as the boiler load divided by the boiler nominal capacity. The part-load ratio is limited by the
minimum and maximum part-load ratio inputs specified by the user.
820 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.13.2.7 Boiler <Fuel Type> Rate [W]

1.22.13.2.8 Boiler <Fuel Type> Energy [J] \

1.22.13.2.9 Boiler Electric Power [W]

These outputs are the energy input to the boiler. Valid fuel types are: Electric, Gas (natural
gas), Propane, FuelOil#1, FuelOil#2, Coal, Diesel, Gasoline, OtherFuel1, OtherFuel2. Consump-
tion is metered on Heating:<Fuel Type>, <Fuel Type>:Plant, and <Fuel Type>:Facility.

1.22.13.2.10 Boiler Ancillary Electric Power [W]

1.22.13.2.11 Boiler Ancillary Electric Energy [J]

These outputs are the parasitic electric power and parasitic electric consumption associated with
the boiler. Used when simulating a forced draft fan or other electric component. Consumption is
metered on Heating:Electricity and Electricity:Plant.

1.22.14 Boiler:Steam
The steam boiler model provides a first order approximation of performance for fuel oil, gas and
electric boilers. Boiler performance is based on a “theoretical” boiler efficiency (overall efficiency
at design operating conditions) and a single quadratic fuel use/ part load ratio curve. This single
curve accounts for all combustion inefficiencies and stack losses.

1.22.14.1 Inputs
1.22.14.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the Steam Boiler.

1.22.14.1.2 Field: Fuel Type

This alpha value specifies the type of fuel used by the boiler. The fuel type can be Electricity,
NaturalGas, PropaneGas, FuelOil#1, FuelOil#2, Coal, Diesel, Gasoline, OtherFuel1
or OtherFuel2.

1.22.14.1.3 Field: Maximum Operating Pressure

This numeric field contains the maximum value of pressure up to which the boiler would operate,
or the maximum design pressure. (Pascal)

1.22.14.1.4 Field: Theoretical Efficiency

This numeric field contains the heating efficiency (as a fraction between 0 and 1) of the boiler’s
burner

1.22.14.1.5 Field: Design Outlet Steam Temperature

The maximum value of steam temperature the boiler can provide. (Celcius)

1.22.14.1.6 Field: Nominal Capacity

This numeric field contains the nominal operating capacity (W) of the boiler.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 821

1.22.14.1.7 Field: Minimum Part Load Ratio

This numeric field contains the minimum part load ratio. If the ratio of demand to boiler
nominal capacity is less than the minimum part load ratio, then the Min PLR will determine the
operating PLR. The expected range is between 0 and 1.

1.22.14.1.8 Field: Maximum Part Load Ratio

This numeric field contains the maximum part load ratio. If the ratio of demand to boiler
nominal capacity is greater than the maximum part load ratio, then the Max PLR will determine
the operating PLR. This value may exceed 1, but the normal range is between 0 and 1.1.

1.22.14.1.9 Field: Optimum Part Load Ratio

This numeric field contains the optimum part load ratio. This is the part load ratio at which
the boiler performs at its maximum efficiency.

1.22.14.1.10 Field: Coefficient 1 of Fuel Use Function of Part Load Ratio Curve

This numeric field contains the fuel use / PLR coefficient1.

1.22.14.1.11 Field: Coefficient 2 of Fuel Use Function of Part Load Ratio Curve

This numeric field contains the fuel use / PLR coefficient2.

1.22.14.1.12 Field: Coefficient 3 of Fuel Use Function of Part Load Ratio Curve

This numeric field contains the fuel use / PLR coefficient3.

1.22.14.1.13 Field: Water Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the water inlet node name.

1.22.14.1.14 Field: Steam Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the steam outlet node name.

1.22.14.1.15 Field: Sizing Factor

This optional numeric field allows the user to specify a sizing factor for this component. The
sizing factor is used when the component design inputs are autosized: the autosizing calculations
are performed as usual and the results are multiplied by the sizing factor. For this component the
inputs that would be altered by the sizing factor are: Nominal Capacity. Sizing factor allows the
user to size a component to meet part of the design load while continuing to use the autosizing
feature.
More information on the technical aspects of steam boiler can be found in the Engineering
Reference Document.
An example of a Steam Boiler input statement from an IDF is:

Boiler:Steam ,
Steam Boiler Plant Boiler , !- Boiler Name
NaturalGas , !- Fuel Type
160000 , !-Maximum Boiler Pressure Pascal
0.8, !- Theoretical Boiler Efficiency
822 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

115, !- Max Design Outlet Steam Temp

300000 , !- Nominal Capacity W
0.00001 , !- Minimum Part Load Ratio
1.0, !- Maximum Part Load Ratio
0.2, !- Optimum Part Load Ratio
0.8,!- Coefficient 1 of the fuel use/part load ratio curve
0.1,!- Coefficient 2 of the fuel use/part load ratio curve
0.1,!- Coefficient 3 of the fuel use/part load ratio curve
Steam Boiler Plant Boiler Inlet Node , !- Boiler Steam Inlet Node
Steam Boiler Plant Boiler Outlet Node; !- Plant Loop Outlet Node

Boiler:Steam ,
Steam Boiler Plant Boiler , !- Boiler Name
NaturalGas , !- Fuel Type
160000 , !-Maximum Boiler Pressure Pascal
0.8, !- Theoretical Boiler Efficiency
115, !- Max Design Outlet Steam Temp
autosize , !- Nominal Capacity W
0.00001 , !- Minimum Part Load Ratio
1.0, !- Maximum Part Load Ratio
0.2, !- Optimum Part Load Ratio
0.8,!- Coefficient 1 of the fuel use/part load ratio curve
0.1,!- Coefficient 2 of the fuel use/part load ratio curve
0.1,!- Coefficient 3 of the fuel use/part load ratio curve
Steam Boiler Plant Boiler Inlet Node , !- Boiler Steam Inlet Node
Steam Boiler Plant Boiler Outlet Node; !- Plant Loop Outlet Node

1.22.14.2 Outputs
Outputs available from the steam boiler:

• HVAC,Average,Boiler Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Boiler Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Meter,Boilers:EnergyTransfer [J]

• HVAC,Average,Boiler Steam Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Boiler Steam Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Boiler Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

One of the following blocks will be applicable based on fuel type:

Electric:

• HVAC,Average,Boiler Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Boiler Electric Energy [J]

Gas:

• HVAC,Average,Boiler Gas Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Boiler Gas Energy [J]

Propane:
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 823

• HVAC,Average,Boiler Propane Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Boiler Propane Energy [J]

FuelOil#1:

• HVAC,Average,Boiler FuelOil#1 Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Boiler FuelOil#1 Energy [J]

FuelOil#2:

• HVAC,Average,Boiler FuelOil#2 Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Boiler FuelOil#2 Energy [J]

Coal:

• HVAC,Average,Boiler Coal Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Boiler Coal Energy [J]

Diesel:

• HVAC,Average,Boiler Diesel Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Boiler Diesel Energy [J]

Gasoline:

• HVAC,Average,Boiler Gasoline Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Boiler Gasoline Energy [J]

OtherFuel1:

• HVAC,Average,Boiler OtherFuel1 Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Boiler OtherFuel1 Energy [J]

OtherFuel2:

• HVAC,Average,Boiler OtherFuel2 Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Boiler OtherFuel2 Energy [J]

1.22.14.2.1 Boiler Heating Rate [W]

1.22.14.2.2 Boiler Heating Energy [J]

These outputs are the heating output (load) of the boiler. Energy is metered on Boil-
ers:EnergyTransfer, EnergyTransfer:Plant, and EnergyTransfer:Facility.

1.22.14.2.3 Boiler Steam Inlet Temperature [C]

824 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.14.2.4 Boiler Steam Outlet Temperature [C]

1.22.14.2.5 Boiler Steam Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

These outputs are the steam inlet and outlet temperatures and steam flow rate for the boiler.

1.22.14.2.6 Boiler <Fuel Type> Rate [W]

1.22.14.2.7 Boiler <Fuel Type> Energy [J]

1.22.14.2.8 Boiler Electric Power [W]

1.22.14.2.9 Boiler Electric Energy [J]

These outputs are the energy input to the boiler. Valid fuel types are: Electric, Gas (natural
gas), Propane, FuelOil#1, FuelOil#2, Coal, Diesel, Gasoline, OtherFuel1, and OtherFuel2. Con-
sumption is metered on Heating:<Fuel Type>, <Fuel Type>:Plant, and <Fuel Type>:Facility.

1.22.15 Water to Water Heat Pumps

The EnergyPlus has two water-to-water heat pump models, parameter estimation and equation fit,
to choose from:
HeatPump:WaterToWater:EquationFit:Cooling
HeatPump:WaterToWater:EquationFit:Heating
This model is an equation-fit model from the catalog data which resembles a black box with no
usage of heat transfer equations. The performance of the heat pump is modeled using curves fitted
from the catalog data.
HeatPump:WaterToWater:ParameterEstimation:Cooling
HeatPump:WaterToWater:ParameterEstimation:Heating
This model is a parameter estimation based model that uses physical parameters generated from
the catalog data. The physical parameters are then used to predict the performance of the heat
pump using thermodynamic laws and heat transfer equations. The heat pump has a reciprocating
compressor that serves both the hot water and the chilled water loop. Note that this model is
currently “hardwired” to fluid property R22. FluidProperties:* objects for R-22 must be included
in the idf file. These may be copied from DataSets
FluidPropertiesRefData.idf.
Descriptions and strength of each respective model is available in the following references:
Jin, Hui. 2002. Parameter Estimation Based Models of Water Source Heat Pumps. Phd. The-
sis, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Oklahoma State University. (down-
loadable from http://www.hvac.okstate.edu/)
Tang,C. C. 2005. Modeling Packaged Heat Pumps in Quasi-Steady State Energy Simulation
Program. M.S. Thesis. Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Oklahoma State
University. (downloadable from http://www.hvac.okstate.edu/)
The Supply side of the heat pump is usually connected to a Ground Heat Exchanger. The
figure below shows the layout and piping diagram of the water-to-water heat pump.
First, the equation fit model objects are described. This model has two sets of coefficients, one
for the heating mode and other for the cooling mode.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 825

Figure 1.74: Schematic of EnergyPlus Ground Loop Heat Exchanger

826 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.16 HeatPump:WaterToWater:EquationFit:Cooling
1.22.16.1 Inputs
1.22.16.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the ground source heat pump.

1.22.16.1.2 Field: Source Side Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the heat pump’s source side inlet node name.

1.22.16.1.3 Field: Source Side Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the heat pump’s source side outlet node name.

1.22.16.1.4 Field: Load Side Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the heat pump’s load side inlet node name.

1.22.16.1.5 Field: Load Side Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the heat pump’s load side outlet node name.

1.22.16.1.6 Field: Rated Load Side Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the rated volumetric flow rate on the load side of the heat pump in
m3/s. This corresponds to the highest load side heat transfer rate listed in the catalog data.

1.22.16.1.7 Field: Rated Source Side Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the rated volumetric flow rate on the source side of the heat pump
in m3/s. This corresponds to the highest load side heat transfer rate listed in the catalog data.

1.22.16.1.8 Field: Rated Cooling Capacity

This numeric field contains the rated cooling capacity of the heat pump in W. This corresponds
to the highest load side heat transfer rate listed in the catalog data.

1.22.16.1.9 Field: Rated Cooling Power Consumption

Rated cooling power consumption, in W.

1.22.16.1.10 Fields: Cooling Capacity Coefficients 1-5

Five fields are used to describe the coefficients for the Cooling Capacity curve. More details on
how these coefficients are used are described in the Engineering Reference.

1.22.16.1.11 Field: Cooling Compressor Power Coefficients 1-5

Five fields are used to decribe the coefficients for the Cooling Compressor Power curve.
An idf example:

HeatPump:WaterToWater:EquationFit:Cooling ,
GshpCLG , !- Name
GshpCLG SourceSide Inlet Node , !- Source Side Inlet Node Name
GshpCLG SourceSide Outlet Node , !- Source Side Outlet Node Name
GshpCLG LoadSide Inlet Node , !- Load Side Inlet Node Name
GshpCLG LoadSide Outlet Node , !- Load Side Outlet Node Name
1.89E-03, !- Rated Load Side Flow Rate {m3/s}
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 827

1.89E-03, !- Rated Source Side Flow Rate {m3/s}

39890.91 , !- Rated Cooling Capacity {W}
4790.00 , !- Rated Cooling Power Consumption {W}
-1.52030596 , !- Cooling Capacity Coefficient 1
3.46625667 , !- Cooling Capacity Coefficient 2
-1.32267797 , !- Cooling Capacity Coefficient 3
0.09395678 , !- Cooling Capacity Coefficient 4
0.038975504 , !- Cooling Capacity Coefficient 5
-8.59564386 , !- Cooling Compressor Power Coefficient 1
0.96265085 , !- Cooling Compressor Power Coefficient 2
8.69489229 , !- Cooling Compressor Power Coefficient 3
0.02501669 , !- Cooling Compressor Power Coefficient 4
-0.20132665; !- Cooling Compressor Power Coefficient 5

1.22.16.2 Outputs
This section describes the outputs available for the water to water heat pump, equation fit model;
both cooling and heating.

• HVAC,Sum,Water to Water Heat Pump Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Water to Water Heat Pump Load Side Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Water to Water Heat Pump Source Side Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Water to Water Heat Pump Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Average,Water to Water Heat Pump Load Side Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Water to Water Heat Pump Source Side Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Water to Water Heat Pump Load Side Outlet Temperature [°C]

• HVAC,Average,Water to Water Heat Pump Load Side Inlet Temperature [°C]

• HVAC,Average,Water to Water Heat Pump Source Side Outlet Temperature [°C]

• HVAC,Average,Water to Water Heat Pump Source Side Inlet Temperature [°C]

• HVAC,Average,Water to Water Heat Pump Load Side Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Water to Water Heat Pump Source Side Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

1.22.16.2.1 Water to Water Heat Pump Electric Energy [J]

This output variable represents the cumulative energy used by the compressor. The values are
calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are summed across
the reporting period.

1.22.16.2.2 Water to Water Heat Pump Load Side Heat Transfer Energy [J]
This output variable represents the cumulative heat transfer across the load side coil. The
values are calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are summed
across the reporting period.
828 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.16.2.3 Water to Water Heat Pump Source Side Heat Transfer Energy [J]

This output variable represents the cumulative heat transfer across the source side coil. The
values are calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are summed
across the reporting period.

1.22.16.2.4 Water to Water Heat Pump Electric Power [W]

This output variable represents the compressor power required to run the heat pump. The values
are calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are averaged for
the time step being reported.

1.22.16.2.5 Water to Water Heat Pump Load Side Heat Transfer Rate [W]
This output variable represents the heat transfer across the load side coil. The values are
calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are averaged for the
time step being reported.

1.22.16.2.6 Water to Water Heat Pump Source Side Heat Transfer Rate [W]
This output variable represents the heat transfer across the source side coil. The values are
calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are averaged for the
time step being reported.

1.22.16.2.7 Water to Water Heat Pump Load Side Outlet Temperature [C]
This output variable represents the average fluid temperature leaving the load side coil. The
values are calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are averaged
for the time step being reported.

1.22.16.2.8 Water to Water Heat Pump Load Side Inlet Temperature [C]
This output variable represents the average fluid temperature entering the load side coil. The
values are calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are averaged
for the time step being reported.

1.22.16.2.9 Water to Water Heat Pump Source Side Outlet Temperature [C]
This output variable represents the average fluid temperature leaving the source side coil. The
values are calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are averaged
for the time step being reported.

1.22.16.2.10 Water to Water Heat Pump Source Side Inlet Temperature [C]
This output variable represents the average fluid temperature entering the source side coil. The
values are calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are averaged
for the time step being reported.

1.22.16.2.11 Water to Water Heat Pump Load Side Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
This output variable represents the average fluid flow rate through the load side coil. The values
are calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are averaged for
the time step being reported.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 829

1.22.16.2.12 Water to Water Heat Pump Source Side Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
This output variable represents the average fluid flow rate through the source side coil. The
values are calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are averaged
for the time step being reported.

1.22.17 HeatPump:WaterToWater:EquationFit:Heating
1.22.17.1 Inputs
1.22.17.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the ground source heat pump.

1.22.17.1.2 Field: Source Side Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the heat pump’s source side inlet node name.

1.22.17.1.3 Field: Source Side Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the heat pump’s source side outlet node name.

1.22.17.1.4 Field: Load Side Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the heat pump’s load side inlet node name.

1.22.17.1.5 Field: Load Side Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the heat pump’s load side outlet node name.

1.22.17.1.6 Field: Rated Load Side Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the rated volumetric flow rate on the load side of the heat pump in
m3/s. This corresponds to the highest load side heat transfer rate listed in the catalog data.

1.22.17.1.7 Field: Rated Source Side Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the rated volumetric flow rate on the source side of the heat pump
in m3/s. This corresponds to the highest load side heat transfer rate listed in the catalog data.

1.22.17.1.8 Field: Rated Heating Capacity

This numeric field contains the rated heating capacity of the heat pump in W. This corresponds
to the highest load side heat transfer rate listed in the catalog data.

1.22.17.1.9 Field: Rated Heating Power Consumption

Rated heating power consumption, in W.

1.22.17.1.10 Fields: Heating Capacity Coefficients 1-5

Five fields are used to describe the coefficients for the Heating Capacity curve. More details on
how these coefficients are used are described in the Engineering Reference.
830 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.17.1.11 Field: Heating Compressor Power Coefficients 1-5

Five fields are used to describe the coefficients for the Heating Compressor Power curve.
An idf example:

HeatPump:WaterToWater:EquationFit:Heating ,
GshpHeating , !- Name
GshpHeating SourceSide Inlet Node , !- Source Side Inlet Node Name
GshpHeating SourceSide Outlet Node , !- Source Side Outlet Node Name
GshpHeating LoadSide Inlet Node , !- Load Side Inlet Node Name
GshpHeating LoadSide Outlet Node , !- Load Side Outlet Node Name
1.89E-03, !- Rated Load Side Flow Rate {m3/s}
1.89E-03, !- Rated Source Side Flow Rate {m3/s}
39040.92 , !- Rated Heating Capacity {W}
5130.00 , !- Rated Heating Power Consumption {W}
-3.33491153 , !- Heating Capacity Coefficient 1
-0.51451946 , !- Heating Capacity Coefficient 2
4.51592706 , !- Heating Capacity Coefficient 3
0.01797107 , !- Heating Capacity Coefficient 4
0.155797661 , !- Heating Capacity Coefficient 5
-8.93121751 , !- Heating Compressor Power Coefficient 1
8.57035762 , !- Heating Compressor Power Coefficient 2
1.29660976 , !- Heating Compressor Power Coefficient 3
-0.21629222 , !- Heating Compressor Power Coefficient 4
0.033862378; !- Heating Compressor Power Coefficient 5

Next, the parameter estimation model objects are described. This model has two sets of pa-
rameters, one for the heating mode and other for the cooling mode.

1.22.18 HeatPump:WaterToWater:ParameterEstimation:Cooling
1.22.18.1 Inputs
1.22.18.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the ground source heat pump.

1.22.18.1.2 Field: Source Side Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the heat pump’s source side inlet node name.

1.22.18.1.3 Field: Source Side Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the heat pump’s source side outlet node name.

1.22.18.1.4 Field: Load Side Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the heat pump’s load side inlet node name.

1.22.18.1.5 Field: Load Side Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the heat pump’s load side outlet node name.

1.22.18.1.6 Field: Nominal COP

This numeric field contains the nominal coefficient of performance of the heat pump.

1.22.18.1.7 Field: Nominal Capacity

This numeric field contains the nominal capacity of the heat pump in Watts.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 831

1.22.18.1.8 Field: Minimum Part Load Ratio

This numeric field contains the minimum part load ratio of the heat pump usually set to 0.

1.22.18.1.9 Field: Maximum Part Load Ratio

This numeric field contains the maximum part load ratio of the heat pump usually set to 1.

1.22.18.1.10 Field: Optimum Part Load Ratio

This numeric field contains the optimal part load ratio of the heat pump usually set to 1.

1.22.18.1.11 Field: Load Side Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the volumetric flow rate on the load side of the heat pump in m3/s

1.22.18.1.12 Field: Source Side Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the volumetric flow rate on the source side of the heat pump in
m3/s

1.22.18.1.13 Field: Load Side Heat Transfer Coefficient

This numeric field contains Estimated parameter load side heat transfer coefficient W/K.

1.22.18.1.14 Field: Source Side Heat Transfer Coefficient

This numeric field contains Estimated parameter source side heat transfer coefficient W/K.

1.22.18.1.15 Field: Piston Displacement

This numeric field contains the Estimated parameter displacement of the reciprocating com-
pressor in m3/s.

1.22.18.1.16 Field: Compressor Clearance Factor

This numeric field contains the Estimated parameter clearance factor of the reciprocating com-
pressor.

1.22.18.1.17 Field: Compressor Suction and Discharge Pressure Drop

This numeric field contains the estimated parameter the pressure drop at compressor suction
and discharge in Pascals (N/m2).

1.22.18.1.18 Field: Superheating

This numeric field contains the estimated parameter superheat at the evaporator outlet in °C.

1.22.18.1.19 Field: Constant Part of Electromechanical Power Losses

This numeric field contains the estimated parameter power loss, which accounts for the loss of
work due mechanical and electrical losses in the compressor in Watts.

1.22.18.1.20 Field: Loss Factor

This numeric field contains the factor of electromechanical loss that is proportional to the
theoretical power percentage.
832 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.18.1.21 Field: High Pressure Cut Off

This numeric field contains the design pressure limit of the compressor in Pascals (N/m2).

1.22.18.1.22 Field: Low Pressure Cut Off

This numeric field contains the design low-pressure limit of the compressor in Pascals (N/m2).
An idf example:

HeatPump:WaterToWater:ParameterEstimation:Cooling ,
GshpCLG , !- Water to Water Heat Pump Name
GshpCLG SourceSide Inlet Node , !- Source Side Inlet Node
GshpCLG SourceSide Outlet Node , !- Source Side Outlet Node
GshpCLG LoadSide Inlet Node , !- Load Side Inlet Node
GshpCLG LoadSide Outlet Node , !- Load Side Outlet Node
3.5, !- Nominal COP
45000 , !- Nominal Capacity {W}
0.0, !- Min PLR
1, !- Max PLR
1, !- optimum PLR
.003, !- Load side Flow Rate {m3/s}
.003, !- Source Side Flow Rate {m3/s}
7761, !- Load side Heat Transfer Coefficient {W/K}
3998, !- Source Side Heat Transfer Coefficient {W/K}
.012544 , !- Piston Displacement {m3/s}
.05469 , !- Compressor Clearance Factor %
92156.2 , !- Compressor Suction And Discharge Pressure Drop {Pa}
4.8907 , !- Superheating {C}
2803.9 , !- Constant Part of Electro Mechanical Power Losses {W}
.699, !- Loss Factor
0.0, !- High Pressure Cut off {Pa}
0.0; !- LowPressure Cut off {Pa}

1.22.19 HeatPump:WaterToWater:ParameterEstimation:Heating
1.22.19.1 Inputs
1.22.19.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the ground source heat pump.

1.22.19.1.2 Field: Source Side Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the heat pump’s source side inlet node name.

1.22.19.1.3 Field: Source Side Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the heat pump’s source side outlet node name.

1.22.19.1.4 Field: Load Side Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the heat pump’s load side inlet node name.

1.22.19.1.5 Field: Load Side Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the heat pump’s load side outlet node name.

1.22.19.1.6 Field: Nominal COP

This numeric field contains the nominal coefficient of performance of the heat pump.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 833

1.22.19.1.7 Field: Nominal Capacity

This numeric field contains the nominal capacity of the heat pump in Watts.

1.22.19.1.8 Field: Minimum Part Load Ratio

This numeric field contains the minimum part load ratio of the heat pump usually set to 0.

1.22.19.1.9 Field: Maximum Part Load Ratio

This numeric field contains the maximum part load ratio of the heat pump usually set to 1.

1.22.19.1.10 Field: Optimum Part Load Ratio

This numeric field contains the optimal part load ratio of the heat pump usually set to 1.

1.22.19.1.11 Field: Load Side Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the volumetric flow rate on the load side of the heat pump in m3/s

1.22.19.1.12 Field: Source Side Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the volumetric flow rate on the source side of the heat pump in
m3/s

1.22.19.1.13 Field: Load Side Heat Transfer Coefficient

This numeric field contains Estimated parameter load side heat transfer coefficient W/K.

1.22.19.1.14 Field: Source Side Heat Transfer Coefficient

This numeric field contains Estimated parameter source side heat transfer coefficient W/K.

1.22.19.1.15 Field: Piston Displacement

This numeric field contains the Estimated parameter displacement of the reciprocating com-
pressor in m3/s.

1.22.19.1.16 Field: Compressor Clearance Factor

This numeric field contains the Estimated parameter clearance factor of the reciprocating com-
pressor.

1.22.19.1.17 Field: Compressor Suction and Discharge Pressure Drop

This numeric field contains the estimated parameter the pressure drop at compressor suction
and discharge in Pascals (N/m2).

1.22.19.1.18 Field: Superheating

This numeric field contains the estimated parameter superheat at the evaporator outlet in °C.

1.22.19.1.19 Field: Constant Part of Electromechanical Power Losses

This numeric field contains the estimated parameter power loss, which accounts for the loss of
work due mechanical and electrical losses in the compressor in Watts.
834 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.19.1.20 Field: Loss Factor

This numeric field contains the factor of electromechanical loss that is proportional to the
theoretical power percentage.

1.22.19.1.21 Field: High Pressure Cut Off

This numeric field contains the design pressure limit of the compressor in Pascals (N/m2).

1.22.19.1.22 Field: Low Pressure Cut Off

This numeric field contains the design low-pressure limit of the compressor in Pascals (N/m2).
An idf example:

HeatPump:WaterToWater:ParameterEstimation:Heating ,
GshpHeating , !- Water to Water Heat Pump Name
GshpHeating SourceSide Inlet Node , !- Source Side Inlet Node
GshpHeating SourceSide Outlet Node , !- Source Side Outlet Node
GshpHeating LoadSide Inlet Node , !- Load Side Inlet Node
GshpHeating LoadSide Outlet Node , !- Load Side Outlet Node
3.5, !- Nominal COP
50000 , !- Nominal Capacity {W}
0.0, !- Min PLR
1, !- Max PLR
1, !- optimum PLR
.003, !- Load side Flow Rate {m3/s}
.003, !- Source Side Flow Rate {m3/s}
7761, !- Load side Heat Transfer Coefficient {W/K}
3998, !- Source Side Heat Transfer Coefficient {W/K}
.012544 , !- Piston Displacement {m3/s}
.05469 , !- Compressor Clearance Factor %
92156.2 , !- Compressor Suction And Dischrage Pressure Drop {Pa}
4.8907 , !- Superheating {C}
2803.9 , !- Constant Part Of Electro Mechanical Power Losses {W}
.699, !- Loss Factor
0.0, !- High Pressure Cut off {Pa}
0.0; !- LowPressure Cut off {Pa}

Since the heat pump is defined with two separate objects (one for heating, one for cooling), the
connections to the condenser has to be done carefully. The example below shows the configuration
for parameter estimation objects. The same specifications and configuration also applies to the
equation fit model.

1.22.19.1.23 Steps to specify the Ground Source Heat Pump

For the heating mode:
1. Specify a branch for the Heat pump in hot water loop .
2. Include the branch name in the splitter and mixer branches.
3. Add a branch in condenser loop and include its name in the respective splitter and mixer.
! in hot water loop

BRANCH , Heating GshpHeating Branch ,

,
,
HeatPump:WatertoWater:ParameterEstimatinon :Heating ,
GshpHeating ,
GshpHeating LoadSide Inlet Node ,
GshpHeating LoadSide Outlet Node ,
ACTIVE;
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 835

!in condenser loop

BRANCH , GshpHeating SourceSide Branch ,

,
,
HeatPump:WatertoWater:ParameterEstimatinon :Heating ,
GshpHeating ,
GshpHeating SourceSide Inlet Node ,
GshpHeating SourceSide Outlet Node ,
ACTIVE;

Example of Heat Pump Links

For the cooling mode:
1. Specify a branch for the Heat pump in chilled water loop .

2. Include the branch name in the splitter and mixer branches.

3. Add a branch in condenser loop and include its name in the respective splitter and mixer.
! in chilled water loop

BRANCH ,GshpCLG1 Chiller Branch ,

,
,
HeatPump:WatertoWater:ParameterEstimatinon :Cooling , GshpCLG1 ,
GshpCLG LoadSide Inlet Node1 ,
GshpCLG LoadSide Outlet Node1 ,
Active;

!in condenser loop

BRANCH , GshpCLG1 Condenser Branch ,

,
,
HeatPump:WatertoWater:ParameterEstimatinon :Cooling , GshpCLG1 ,
GshpCLG SourceSide Inlet Node1 ,
GshpCLG SourceSide Outlet Node1 ,
ACTIVE;

1.22.19.2 Outputs
This section describes the outputs available for the water to water heat pump, parameter estimation
model; both cooling and heating.

• HVAC,Average,Water to Water Heat Pump Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Average,Water to Water Heat Pump Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Water to Water Heat Pump Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Water to Water Heat Pump Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Water to Water Heat Pump Load Side Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Water to Water Heat Pump Load Side Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Water to Water Heat Pump Load Side Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Water to Water Heat Pump Load Side Heat Transfer Energy [J]
836 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• HVAC,Average,Water to Water Heat Pump Source Side Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Water to Water Heat Pump Source Side Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Water to Water Heat Pump Source Side Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Water to Water Heat Pump Source Side Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Water to Water Heat Pump Load Side Outlet Temperature [°C]

• HVAC,Average,Water to Water Heat Pump Load Side Outlet Temperature [°C]

• HVAC,Average,Water to Water Heat Pump Load Side Inlet Temperature [°C]

• HVAC,Average,Water to Water Heat Pump Load Side Inlet Temperature [°C]

• HVAC,Average,Water to Water Heat Pump Source Side Outlet Temperature [°C]

• HVAC,Average,Water to Water Heat Pump Source Side Outlet Temperature [°C]

• HVAC,Average,Water to Water Heat Pump Source Side Inlet Temperature [°C]

• HVAC,Average,Water to Water Heat Pump Source Side Inlet Temperature [°C]

• HVAC,Average,Water to Water Heat Pump Load Side Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Water to Water Heat Pump Load Side Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Water to Water Heat Pump Source Side Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Water to Water Heat Pump Source Side Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

1.22.19.2.1 Water to Water Heat Pump Electric Power [W]

1.22.19.2.2 Water to Water Heat Pump Electric Power [W]

This output variable represents the compressor power required to run the heat pump. The values
are calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are averaged for
the time step being reported.

1.22.19.2.3 Water to Water Heat Pump Electric Energy [J]

1.22.19.2.4 Water to Water Heat Pump Electric Energy [J]

This output variable represents the cumulative energy used by the compressor. The values are
calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are summed across
the reporting period.

1.22.19.2.5 Water to Water Heat Pump Load Side Heat Transfer Rate [W]

1.22.19.2.6 Water to Water Heat Pump Load Side Heat Transfer Rate [W]
This output variable represents the heat transfer across the load side coil. The values are
calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are averaged for the
time step being reported.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 837

1.22.19.2.7 Water to Water Heat Pump Load Side Heat Transfer Energy [J]

1.22.19.2.8 Water to Water Heat Pump Load Side Heat Transfer Energy [J]
This output variable represents the cumulative heat transfer across the load side coil. The
values are calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are summed
across the reporting period.

1.22.19.2.9 Water to Water Heat Pump Source Side Heat Transfer Rate [W]

1.22.19.2.10 Water to Water Heat Pump Source Side Heat Transfer Rate [W]

This output variable represents the heat transfer across the source side coil. The values are
calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are averaged for the
time step being reported.

1.22.19.2.11 Water to Water Heat Pump Source Side Heat Transfer Energy [J]

1.22.19.2.12 Water to Water Heat Pump Source Side Heat Transfer Energy [J]

This output variable represents the cumulative heat transfer across the source side coil. The
values are calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are summed
across the reporting period.

1.22.19.2.13 Water to Water Heat Pump Load Side Outlet Temperature [C]

1.22.19.2.14 Water to Water Heat Pump Load Side Outlet Temperature [C]
This output variable represents the average fluid temperature leaving the load side coil. The
values are calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are averaged
for the time step being reported.

1.22.19.2.15 Water to Water Heat Pump Load Side Inlet Temperature [C]

1.22.19.2.16 Water to Water Heat Pump Load Side Inlet Temperature [C]
This output variable represents the average fluid temperature entering the load side coil. The
values are calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are averaged
for the time step being reported.

1.22.19.2.17 Water to Water Heat Pump Source Side Outlet Temperature [C]

1.22.19.2.18 Water to Water Heat Pump Source Side Outlet Temperature °C]

This output variable represents the average fluid temperature leaving the source side coil. The
values are calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are averaged
for the time step being reported.
838 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.19.2.19 Water to Water Heat Pump Source Side Inlet Temperature [C]

1.22.19.2.20 Water to Water Heat Pump Source Side Inlet Temperature [C]
This output variable represents the average fluid temperature entering the source side coil. The
values are calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are averaged
for the time step being reported.

1.22.19.2.21 Water to Water Heat Pump Load Side Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

1.22.19.2.22 Water to Water Heat Pump Load Side Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
This output variable represents the average fluid flow rate through the load side coil. The values
are calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are averaged for
the time step being reported.

1.22.19.2.23 Water to Water Heat Pump Source Side Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

1.22.19.2.24 Water to Water Heat Pump Source Side Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
This output variable represents the average fluid flow rate through the source side coil. The
values are calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are averaged
for the time step being reported.

1.22.20 DistrictCooling
When the user is not interested in a plant simulation or there is some centralized source of chilled
water, the following object can be used in the input.

1.22.20.1 Inputs
1.22.20.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the district cooling (i.e., purchased chilled
water).

1.22.20.1.2 Field: Chilled Water Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the district cooling inlet node.

1.22.20.1.3 Field: Chilled Water Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the district cooling outlet node.

1.22.20.1.4 Field: Nominal Capacity

This numeric field contains the nominal demand (W) that the district cooling will meet. This
field is autosizable.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 839

1.22.20.1.5 Field: Capacity Fraction Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of a schedule that describes how the nominal capacity varies
over time. Values must non-negative. The capacity at a given point in time is determined by the
product of the previous field and the value in this schedule. If the field is omitted or left blank,
then the program assumes a schedule value of 1.0 all the time.
An example of this statement in an IDF is:

DistrictCooling , Purchased Cooling ,

NODE_35 ,NODE_49 ,
68000;

1.22.20.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average, District Cooling Chilled Water Rate [W]
• HVAC,Sum, District Cooling Chilled Water Energy [J]
• Zone,Meter, DistrictCooling:Plant [J]
• Zone,Meter,Cooling: DistrictCooling [J]
• HVAC,Average,District Cooling Rate [W]
• HVAC,Average,District Cooling Inlet Temperature [C]
• HVAC,Average,District Cooling Outlet Temperature [C]
• HVAC,Average,District Cooling Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

1.22.20.2.1 District Cooling Chilled Water Rate [W]

1.22.20.2.2 District Cooling Chilled Water Energy [J]

These outputs are the energy taken from purchased chilled water. Consumption is metered on
Cooling:DistrictCooling, DistrictCooling:Plant, and DistrictCooling:Facility.

1.22.20.2.3 District Cooling Rate [W]

This is the useful rate of cooling energy from purchased chilled water. For the current algorithm,
this is the same as District Cooling Chilled Water Rate.

1.22.20.2.4 District Cooling Inlet Temperature [C]

1.22.20.2.5 District Cooling Outlet Temperature [C]

1.22.20.2.6 District Cooling Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

These outputs are the supply-side plant loop chilled water inlet and outlet temperatures and
mass flow rate.

1.22.21 DistrictHeating
When the user is not interested in a plant simulation or there is some centralized source of hot
water (district heating), the following object can be used in the input.
840 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.21.1 Inputs
1.22.21.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the district heating (i.e., purchased hot water).

1.22.21.1.2 Field: Hot Water Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the district heating inlet node.

1.22.21.1.3 Field: Hot Water Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the district heating outlet node.

1.22.21.1.4 Field: Nominal Capacity

This numeric field contains the nominal demand (W) that the district heating will meet. This
field is autosizable.

1.22.21.1.5 Field: Capacity Fraction Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of a schedule that describes how the nominal capacity varies
over time. Values must non-negative. The capacity at a given point in time is determined by the
product of the previous field and the value in this schedule. If the field is omitted or left blank,
then the program assumes a schedule value of 1.0 all the time.
An example of this statement in an IDF is:

DistrictHeating ,Purchased Heating ,

NODE_30 ,NODE_29 ,
1000000;

1.22.21.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,District Heating Hot Water Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,District Heating Hot Water Energy [J]

• Zone,Meter,DistrictHeating:Plant [J]

• Zone,Meter,Heating:DistrictHeating [J]

• HVAC,Average,District Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,District Heating Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,District Heating Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,District Heating Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

1.22.21.2.1 District Heating Hot Water Rate [W]

1.22.21.2.2 District Heating Hot Water Energy [J]

These outputs are the energy taken from purchased hot water. Consumption is metered on
Heating:DistrictHeating, DistrictHeating:Plant, and DistrictHeating:Facility.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 841

1.22.21.2.3 District Heating Rate [W]

This is the useful rate of heating energy from purchased hot water. For the current algorithm,
this is the same as District Heating Hot Water Rate.

1.22.21.2.4 District Heating Inlet Temperature [C]

1.22.21.2.5 District Heating Outlet Temperature [C]

1.22.21.2.6 District Heating Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

These outputs are the supply-side plant loop hot water inlet and outlet temperatures and mass
flow rate.

1.22.22 PlantComponent:TemperatureSource
This object allows the simulation of a water (or other fluid) source at a user-specified tempera-
ture. This could include a river, well, or seawater source, or any other configuration where the
fluid temperature being supplied by the component to the plant is known. The temperature may
be a constant or scheduled. Of course, the scheduled value may also be overwritten via EMS in
cases where the specified temperature should be calculated at run-time.

1.22.22.1 Inputs
1.22.22.1.1 Field: Name
This field is the string identifier for this component.

1.22.22.1.2 Field: Inlet Node

This is the name of this component’s inlet node for the plant connection.

1.22.22.1.3 Field: Outlet Node

This is the name of this component’s outlet node for the plant connection. The source temper-
ature is applied to this node when the component is active.

1.22.22.1.4 Field: Design Volume Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the design value for component volume flow rate in m3 /s. This
field may be autosized.

1.22.22.1.5 Field: Temperature Specification Type

This string field specifies the behavior of the source temperature. Two inputs are allowed:
Constant or Scheduled. For a constant condition, a single input value (the next field) is used as
the returning temperature (component outlet temperature) throughout the entire simulation. For
a scheduled condition, the name of a schedule (the following field) is used to allow the temperature
to vary throughout the simulation. This schedule value may be actuated via EMS to allow further
flexibility on temperature specification at run-time.

1.22.22.1.6 Field: Source Temperature

If the Temperature Specification Type field is Constant, then the value in this field is used as
the source temperature (in C) throughout the entire simulation.
842 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.22.1.7 Field: Source Temperature Schedule Name

If the Temperature Specification Type field is Scheduled, then this is the name of a schedule
entered in the IDF which specifies the dynamic temperature of this source object. The units of this
schedule should be C.
And, as shown in an IDF:

PlantComponent:TemperatureSource ,
FluidSource , !- Name
FluidSource Inlet Node , !- Inlet Node
FluidSource Outlet Node , !- Outlet Node
Autosize , !- Design Volume Flow Rate {m3/s}
Constant , !- Temperature Specification Type
62, !- Source Temperature {C}
; !- Source Temperature Schedule Name

1.22.22.2 Outputs
The following output variables are available for the temperature source plant components:

• HVAC,Average,Plant Temperature Source Component Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Plant Temperature Source Component Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Plant Temperature Source Component Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Plant Temperature Source Component Source Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Plant Temperature Source Component Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Plant Temperature Source Component Heat Transfer Energy [J]

1.22.22.2.1 Plant Temperature Source Component Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

The current mass flow rate of this component.

1.22.22.2.2 Plant Temperature Source Component Inlet Temperature [C]

The current entering fluid temperature of this component.

1.22.22.2.3 Plant Temperature Source Component Outlet Temperature [C]

The current outlet temperature of this component.

1.22.22.2.4 Plant Temperature Source Component Source Temperature [C]

The current source temperature of this component.

1.22.22.2.5 Plant Temperature Source Component Heat Transfer Rate [W]

The current heat transfer rate of this component, positive for outlet temperature > inlet tem-
perature, or adding heat to the loop, or absorbing heat from the source.

1.22.22.2.6 Plant Temperature Source Component Heat Transfer Energy [J]

The current heat transfer energy over the given reporting period of this component.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 843

1.22.23 CentralHeatPumpSystem
This is a central geothermal application that contains one or more chiller-heaters centrally located
in the building; the available chilled and/or hot water is then piped to the individual zones. Chiller-
heaters used for this particular system can be of two types: 1) standard vapor-compression, non-
reversible cycle chillers designed for heat recovery or 2) reversible-cycle, water-to-water heat pump
chillers. Unlike a distributed ground source heat pump configuration where individual heat pumps
are located in each zone, a centralized geothermal configuration has one or more chiller-heaters.
Its function is to encapsulate the extra controls needed to turn individual chiller-heater modules
on/off and whether they are to operate in cooling-only, heating-only or simultaneous cooling-heating
mode and whether to connect the source water to the evaporator or condenser side. A variety of
control schemes can be designed by setting schedules for both zone control types and individual
chiller-heaters schedules.
The fluid used in this central system is usually water, and there is no sharing of condenser or
evaporator water between multiple machines. However, the control logic is such that the source
water can be delivered to individual chiller-heaters depending on their operating mode, e.g., modules
in simultaneous cooling-heating mode receive no source water, modules in heating-only mode can
have source water directed to their evaporator, or modules in cooling-only mode can have source
water directed to their condenser; the decision on which module(s) receives the source water dictated
by the ‘smart’ controls. The following figures illustrate node interconnections between this central
geothermal application and plant and condenser loops in various situations.
The order of the multiple chiller-heaters’ operation is assumed to be sequential. In other words,
the very first chiller-heater will be called at first to see if it meets all loads that the central heat
pump system should meet. If the chiller-heater meets all loads, the rest chiller-heaters are assumed
to be turned off. If not, the following chiller-heater will be called to meet the remaining loads until
all loads are met in the order as defined in the set of individual chiller-heater objects below. The
order of individual chiller-heater modules needs to be carefully arranged in case users are intended
to see the performance of various combinations of different sizes of chiller-heaters in a central heat
pump system.
In the above example, the cooling load needs 3 chiller-heaters and the heating load needs 1
chiller heater. Chiller 1 is in heat recovery mode and isolated from the ground source loop while
chillers 2 and 3 are in cooling-only mode, their condensers rejecting heat to the ground source loop.
In the above example, the heating load needs 3 chiller-heaters and the cooling load needs two
chiller-heaters. Chillers 1 and 2 are in heat recovery mode and isolated from the ground source
loop while chiller 3 is in heating-only mode, its evaporator extracting heat from the ground source
loop.
Users are required to define three different nodes such as chilled water, hot water, and source
water nodes. Only this central heat pump system will be metered, and individual chiller-heaters’
energy will be available for reporting only, but not metered.

1.22.23.1 Inputs
1.22.23.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name of the central heat pump system.

1.22.23.1.2 Field: Control Method

844 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.75: Diagram of a central heat pump system with three chiller-heaters in cooling-only
mode (Condensers reject heat to the ground source loop)

Figure 1.76: Diagram of a central heat pump system with three chiller-heaters in heat
recovery mode (No heat is exchanged with the ground source loop)
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 845

Figure 1.77: Diagram of a central heat pump system with one chiller-heater in heat recovery
mode and two chiller-heaters in cooling-only mode

Figure 1.78: Diagram of a central heat pump system with two chiller-heaters in heat recovery
mode and one chiller-heater in heating-only mode
846 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.23.1.3 This field must contain a keyword defines how the central heat pump
system controls the interaction between the chiller-heater modules and the water
loops to meet the cooling and heating demands. Currently, the only available
option isSmartMixing.

1.22.23.1.4 Field: Cooling Loop Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name of the chilled water inlet node.

1.22.23.1.5 Field: Cooling Loop Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name of the chilled water outlet node.

1.22.23.1.6 Field: Source Loop Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name of the source water inlet node.

1.22.23.1.7 Field: Source Loop Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name of the source water outlet node.

1.22.23.1.8 Field: Heating Loop Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name of the hot water inlet node.

1.22.23.1.9 Field: Heating Loop Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name of the hot water outlet node.

1.22.23.1.10 Field: Ancillary Power

This numeric field contains the ancillary power of the central heat pump system in watts.

1.22.23.1.11 Field: Ancillary Operation Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name of the ancillary power schedule.

1.22.23.1.12 Field Set: Individual Chiller-Heater Module Objects

The following four items are repeated up to a maximum of 20 individual chiller-heater module-
sets. At least one module set must appear in an input file. In other words, a central heat pump
system must include at least one chiller-heater module component. A set of the following four fields
helps to define the specific type of a chiller-heater module, its operation control, and the number
of identical chiller-heater module objects.

1.22.23.1.13 Field: Chiller Heater Module Performance Component Object

Type <x>
This alpha field describes the type of the chiller-heater comprising this module set. Only the
chiller-heater type ChillerHeaterPerformance:EIectric:EIR is currently available. Note that up to
20 sets of chiller-heater module name, schedule, and number of identical chiller-heater may be
entered for a single central heat pump system.

1.22.23.1.14 Field: Chiller Heater Module Performance Component Name <x>

This alpha field is paired with the preceding chiller-heater module type to define the name of
the module.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 847

1.22.23.1.15 Field: Chiller Heater Module Control Schedule Name <x>

This alpha field is paired with the preceding chiller-heater module type and name to define its
on/off control. This schedule will be used for all identical module components as defined in the
next field. Currently, this schedule only controls the module set’s availability, i.e., schedule values
equal to 1 indicate that the chiller-heater set is available while schedule values equal to 0 indicate
that the chiller-heater set is off.

1.22.23.1.16 Field: Number of Chiller Heater Modules <x>

This numeric field is paired with the preceding three fields to define how many identical chiller-
heaters define this module set.
An example of this statement in an IDF is:

CentralHeatPumpSystem ,
ChillerBank , !- Name
SmartMixing , !- Control Method
Chiller Inlet Node , !- Cooling Loop Inlet Node Name
Chiller Outlet Node , !- Cooling Loop Outlet Node Name
Condenser Inlet Node , !- Source Loop Inlet Node Name
Condenser Outlet Node , !- Source Loop Outlet Node Name
HWInlet , !- Heating Loop Inlet Node Name
HWOutlet , !- Heating Loop Outlet Node Name
460, !- Ancillary Power {W}
, !- Ancillary Operation Schedule Name
ChillerHeaterPerformance :Electric:EIR , !- Chiller Heater Modules Object Type 1
ChillerHeaterModule 1, !- Chiller Heater Modules Performance Component Name 1
ON , !- Chiller Heater Modules Control Schedule Name 1
2, !- Number of Chiller Heater Modules 1
ChillerHeaterPerformance :Electric:EIR , !- Chiller Heater Modules Object Type 2
ChillerHeaterModule 2, !- Chiller Heater Modules Performance Component Name 2
ON , !- Chiller Heater Modules Control Schedule Name 2
2; !- Number of Chiller Heater Modules 2

1.22.23.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater System Cooling Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Heater System Cooling Electric Energy[J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater System Heating Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Heater System Heating Electric Energy[J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater System Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Heater System Cooling Energy[J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater System Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Heater System Heating Energy[J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater System Source Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Heater System Source Heat Transfer Energy[J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater System Cooling Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater System Cooling Outlet Temperature [C]

848 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater System Cooling Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater System Heating Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater System Heating Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater System Heating Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater System Source Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater System Source Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater System Source Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

1.22.23.2.1 Chiller Heater System Cooling Electric Power [W]

1.22.23.2.2 Chiller Heater System Cooling Electric Energy [J]

These outputs are the sums of the cooling electric power consumption of the central heat pump
system containing one or more child objects. Cooling Energy is metered on Cooling:Electricity,
Electricity:Plant, and Electricity:Facility.

1.22.23.2.3 Chiller Heater System Heating Electric Power [W]

1.22.23.2.4 Chiller Heater System Heating Electric Energy [J]

These outputs are the sums of the heating electric power consumption of the central heat
pump system. Heating Energy is metered on Heating:Electricity, Electricity:Plant, and Electric-
ity:Facility.

1.22.23.2.5 Chiller Heater System Cooling Rate [W]

1.22.23.2.6 Chiller Heater System Cooling Energy [J]

These outputs are the evaporator heat transfer which is the cooling delivered by the
central heat pump system. These are the sums of the evaporator heat transfer of individual
chiller-heater modules included in the central heat pump system. Cooling Energy is metered on
Chiller:EnergyTransfer, EnergyTransfer:Plant, and EnergyTransfer:Facility.

1.22.23.2.7 Chiller Heater System Heating Rate [W]

1.22.23.2.8 Chiller Heater System Heating Energy [J]

These outputs are the condenser heat transfer which is the heating delivered by the central heat
pump system. These are the sums of the condenser heat transfer of individual chiller-heater modules
included in the central heat pump system. Heating Energy is metered on Boiler:EnergyTransfer,
EnergyTransfer:Plant, and EnergyTransfer:Facility.

1.22.23.2.9 Chiller Heater System Source Heat Transfer Rate [W]

1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 849

1.22.23.2.10 Chiller Heater System Source Heat Transfer Energy [J]

These outputs are heat transfer which is the heat rejected to a ground source loop or extracted
from the source loop, depending on the operating modes of the chiller-heater modules. This is
the sums of evaporator heat transfer of the chiller-heater modules in heating-only mode or heat-
ing dominant simultaneous cooling-heating mode while the sums of condenser heat transfer of
the chiller-heater modules in cooling-only mode or cooling dominant simultaneous cooling-heating
mode. Source Heat Transfer Energy is metered on HeatRejection:EnergyTransfer, EnergyTrans-
fer:Plant, and EnergyTransfer:Facility.

1.22.23.2.11 Chiller Heater System Cooling Inlet Temperature [C]

1.22.23.2.12 Chiller Heater System Cooling Outlet Temperature [C]

1.22.23.2.13 Chiller Heater System Cooling Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

These outputs are the chilled water inlet and outlet temperatures and flow rate.

1.22.23.2.14 Chiller Heater System Heating Inlet Temperature [C]

1.22.23.2.15 Chiller Heater System Heating Outlet Temperature [C]

1.22.23.2.16 Chiller Heater System Heating Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

These outputs are the hot water inlet and outlet temperatures and flow rate.

1.22.23.2.17 Chiller Heater System Source Inlet Temperature [C]

1.22.23.2.18 Chiller Heater System Source Outlet Temperature [C]

1.22.23.2.19 Chiller Heater System Source Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

These outputs are the source water inlet and outlet temperatures and flow rate.

1.22.24 ChillerHeaterPerformance:EIectric:EIR
The performance of the chiller-heater will be defined by two sets of curves meant to describe
unloading for: 1) cooling-only mode, and 2) heating-only mode or simultaneous cooling-heating
mode. Reference conditions must be defined for both because each has its own set of three unloading
curves based on their associated reference conditions. The cooling-mode curves are typically (but
not always) based on condenser entering water temperature while the heating-only mode curves
are typically based on condenser leaving water temperature. This chiller-heater object allows the
user to specify whether to use condenser leaving or condenser entering as a dependent variable
to differentiate, if necessary, the condenser temperature basis used to generate the cooling- and
heating-only mode curves.

1.22.24.1 Field: Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name of the chiller-heater to be included in a central heat
pump system.
850 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.24.2 Field: Reference Cooling Mode Evaporator Capacity

This numeric field contains the reference cooling capacity of the evaporator in cooling mode in
Watts. This value should be based on the reference temperatures and design water flow rates
defined below. This field can be autosized.

1.22.24.3 Field: Reference Cooling Mode COP

This numeric field contains the reference coefficient of performance of the evaporator for cooling. It
must be based on the values of Reference Cooling Mode Leaving Chilled Water Temperature and
Reference Cooling Mode Entering Condenser Water Temperature defined in the next two fields.

1.22.24.4 Field: Reference Cooling Mode Leaving Chilled Water Temperature

This numeric field contains the reference leaving chilled water temperature of the evaporator for
cooling in Celsius. The default value is 6.67°C.

1.22.24.5 Field: Reference Cooling Mode Entering Condenser Water Temper-

ature
This numeric field contains the reference entering condenser water temperature of the condenser in
the cooling mode in Celsius. The default value is 29.4°C.

1.22.24.6 Field: Reference Cooling Mode Leaving Condenser Water Tempera-

ture
This numeric field contains the reference leaving condenser water temperature of the condenser in
the cooling mode in Celsius. The default value is 35.0°C.

1.22.24.7 Field: Reference Heating Mode Cooling Capacity Ratio

This numeric field contains the evaporator’s capacity during the reference heating-only or simulta-
neous cooling-heating mode as a ratio of reference cooling capacity. For example, the ratio may be
expressed as follows:

EvapCapHtg@T chw,l=6.67C,T cond,l=51.67C

Ratio = (1.89)
EvapCapClg@T chw,l=6.67C,T cond,l=35.0C
where Tchw,l is the leaving chilled water temperature and Tcond,l is the leaving condenser
water temperature representing the heating-mode and cooling-mode reference temperatures defined
elsewhere in this object.
The default is 0.75. This field is used to determine evaporator capacity in heating-only mode or
simultaneous cooling-heating mode, multiplying it by the value entered in the field of the Reference
Cooling Mode Evaporator Capacity. Note that even when there is no cooling load, i.e., the machine
is in heating-only mode, the evaporator must still run and extract heat from the source water. In
heating-only mode, the leaving chilled water temperature (Tchw,l) may float depending on the
evaporator water flow rate and the source water temperature. In simultaneous cooling and heating
mode, the leaving chilled water temperature (Tchw,l) does not float but is determined by the chilled
water setpoint controls. For both heating-only and simultaneous cooling and heating mode, the
leaving condenser temperature (Tcond,l) is determined by the hot water supply setpoint controls.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 851

This value of Tchw,l, combined with Tcond,l is plugged into the CAPFT and EIRFT curves to
determine the off-rated heating-mode evaporator capacity and associated compressor power.

1.22.24.8 Field: Reference Heating Mode Cooling Power Ratio

This numeric field contains the compressor power during simultaneous cooling-heating mode as a
ratio of reference cooling compressor power. For example, the ratio may be expressed as follows:

P ower@T chw,l=6.67C,T cond,l=51.67C

Ratio = (1.90)
P ower@T chw,l=6.67C,T cond,l=35.0C
The default value is 1.5. This field is used to determine full load compressor power at the
simultaneous cooling-heating mode’s reference chilled water leaving and condenser water leaving
temperatures. Note: In heating-only mode, the chilled water leaving temperature floats so the
EIRFT curve is used to modify the simultaneouos cooling-heating full load compressor power value.

1.22.24.9 Field: Reference Heating Mode Leaving Chilled Water Temperature

This numeric field contains the reference leaving chilled water temperature of the evaporator in
simultaneous cooling-heating mode in Celsius. This is typically the same as the reference cooling
mode value and is used to create the heating-only mode and simultaneous cooling-heating mode
unloading curves. The leaving chilled water temperature for the chiller-heater is not allowed to
fall below this value during the heating-only mode and simultaneous cooling-heating mode. The
default value is 6.67°C.

1.22.24.10 Field: Reference Heating Mode Leaving Condenser Water Temper-

ature
This numeric field contains the reference leaving condenser water temperature of the condenser in
heating mode in Celsius. This field is typically controlled to the design hot water supply tempera-
ture, and used to create the heating-only mode and simultaneous cooling-heating mode unloading
curves. The default value is 60.0°C.

1.22.24.11 Field: Reference Heating Mode Entering Condenser Water Temper-

ature
This numeric field contains the reference entering condenser water temperature of the condenser
in heating mode in Celsius. This field typically represents the upper limit of the source water
temperature. The default value is 29.44°C.

1.22.24.12 Field: Heating Mode Entering Chilled Water Temperature Low

Limit
This numeric field contains the low limit of the entering chilled water temperature in heating-only
mode or simultaneous cooling-heating mode in Celsius. This field typically represents the lower
limit of the source water temperature. If necessary, auxiliary heat will be activated to prevent
source water temperature falling below the chilled water entering minimum. The default value is
12.2°C.
852 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.24.13 Field: Chilled Water Flow Mode Type

This alpha field contains the chilled water flow control mode. Valid water flow mode includes
constant flow and variable flow, and the default water flow mode is constant flow.

1.22.24.14 Field: Design Chilled Water Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the design chilled water flow rate in m3 /s. The minimum value for this
field must be greater than zero, and this field is autosizable.

1.22.24.15 Field: Design Condenser Water Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the design condenser water flow rate in m3 /s. The minimum value for
this field must be greater than zero, and this field is autosizable.

1.22.24.16 Field: Design Hot Water Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the design hot water flow rate in m3 /s. The minimum value and default
value for this field are zero, and this field is autosizable.

1.22.24.17 Field: Compressor Motor Efficiency

This numeric field contains the fraction of efficiency of the compressor electrical energy consumption
that must be rejected by the condenser. This value must be between 0.0 and 1.0, and the default
value is 1.0.

1.22.24.18 Field: Condenser Type

This alpha field contains the type of condenser. WaterCooled is the only valid type, and it requires
the full specification of the condenser loop and its associated equipment.

1.22.24.19 Field: Cooling Mode Temperature Curve Condenser Water Inde-

pendent Variable
This alpha field determines whether the entering or leaving condenser water temperature is used
in the cooling mode unloading performance curves that follow. Valid variables include Entering-
Condenser and LeavingCondenser, and the default variable is EnteringCondenser. The condenser
temperature used for the cooling mode unloading performance curves will be dependent on this field
input. For example, leaving condenser water temperature will be used when the LeavingCondenser
is chosen, otherwise entering condenser water temperature.

1.22.24.20 Field: Cooling Mode Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature

Curve Name
This alpha field contains the name of a biquadratic performance curve (ref: Performance Curves)
that parameterizes the variation of the evaporator capacity as a function of the leaving chilled
water temperature and either the entering condenser water temperature or the leaving condenser
water temperature as defined in the previous field. It is then multiplied by the reference evap-
orator capacity to give the cooling capacity at specific temperature operating conditions (i.e., at
temperatures different from the reference temperatures). The curve should have a value of 1.0 at
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 853

the reference temperatures and flow rates specified above. The biquadratic curve should be valid
for the range of water temperatures anticipated for the simulation.

1.22.24.21 Field: Cooling Mode Electric Input to Cooling Output Ratio Func-
tion of Temperature Curve Name
This alpha field contains the name of a biquadratic performance curve (ref: Performance Curves)
that parameterizes the variation of the energy input to cooling output ratio (EIR) as a function of
the leaving chilled water temperature and either the entering condenser water temperature or the
leaving condenser water temperature as defined by the user. The EIR is the inverse of the COP. It
is then multiplied by the reference EIR (inverse of the reference COP) to give the EIR at specific
temperature operating conditions (i.e., at temperatures different from the reference temperatures).
The curve should have a value of 1.0 at the reference temperatures and flow rates specified above.
The biquadratic curve should be valid for the range of water temperatures anticipated for the
simulation.

1.22.24.22 Field: Cooling Mode Electric Input to Cooling Output Ratio Func-
tion of Part Load Ratio Curve Name
This alpha field contains the name of a performance curve (ref: Performance Curves) that parame-
terizes the variation of the energy input to cooling output ratio (EIR) as a function of the part-load
ratio (EIRFPLR). The EIR is the inverse of the COP, and the part-load ratio is the actual cooling
load divided by the available cooling capacity of the chiller-heater. This curve is generated by di-
viding the operating electric input power by the available full-load capacity at the specific operating
temperatures. The curve output should decrease from 1 towards 0 as part-load ratio decreases from
1 to 0. Note that the bi-cubic formulation is generally only valid when LeavingCondenser variable is
chosen for the field of Cooling Mode Condenser Water Temperature Curve Input Variable whereas
the quadratic curve can be used both choices, i.e., LeavingCondenser and EnteringCondenser. The
output of this curve is then multiplied by the reference full-load EIR and the EIRFT to give the
EIR at the specific temperatures and part-load ratio at which the chiller-heater is operating. This
curve should have a value of 1.0 when the part-load ratio equals 1.0. The curve should be valid for
the range of part-load ratios anticipated for the simulation.

1.22.24.23 Field: Cooling Mode Cooling Capacity Optimum Part Load Ratio
This numeric field contains the chiller-heater’s optimum part-load ratio. This is the part-load ratio
at which the chiller-heater performs at its maximum COP. The optimum part-load ratio must be
greater than or equal to the minimum part-load ratio, and less than or equal to the maximum
part-load ratio. (Note: Both the minimum part-load ratio and maximum part-load ratio are taken
from the Cooling Mode EIRFPLR curve definition.) The default value is 1.0.

1.22.24.24 Field: Heating Mode Temperature Curve Condenser Water Inde-

pendent Variable
This alpha field determines whether the entering or leaving condenser water temperature is used
in the heating mode unloading performance curves that follow. Valid variables include Entering-
Condenser and LeavingCondenser, and the default variable is EnteringCondenser. The condenser
temperature used for the cooling mode unloading performance curves will be dependent on this field
854 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

input. For example, leaving condenser water temperature will be used when the LeavingCondenser
is chosen, otherwise entering condenser water temperature.

1.22.24.25 Field: Heating Mode Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature

Curve Name
This alpha field contains the name of a biquadratic performance curve (ref: Performance Curves)
that parameterizes the variation of the evaporator capacity in heating mode as a function of the
leaving chilled water temperature and either the entering condenser water temperature or the
leaving condenser water temperature as defined in the previous field. This curve is used to evaluate
the adjusted evaporator capacity during heating-only mode or simultaneous cooling-heating mode.
This adjusted capacity is used as part of the cooling part-load calculation for the EIRFPLR curve.
It is then multiplied by the reference evaporator capacity to give the cooling capacity at specific
temperature operating conditions (i.e., at temperatures different from the reference temperatures).
The curve should have a value of 1.0 at the reference temperatures and flow rates specified above.
The biquadratic curve should be valid for the range of water temperatures anticipated for the
simulation.

1.22.24.26 Field: Heating Mode Electric Input to Cooling Output Ratio Func-
tion of Temperature Curve Name
This alpha field contains the name of a biquadratic performance curve (ref: Performance Curves)
that parameterizes the variation of the energy input to cooling output ratio (EIR) as a function of
the leaving chilled water temperature and either the entering condenser water temperature or the
leaving condenser water temperature as defined by the user. The EIR is the inverse of the COP. It
is then multiplied by the reference EIR (inverse of the reference COP) to give the EIR at specific
temperature operating conditions (i.e., at temperatures different from the reference temperatures).
The curve should have a value of 1.0 at the reference temperatures and flow rates specified above.
The biquadratic curve should be valid for the range of water temperatures anticipated for the
simulation.

1.22.24.27 Field: Heating Mode Electric Input to Cooling Output Ratio Func-
tion of Part Load Ratio Curve Name
This alpha field contains the name of a performance curve (ref: Performance Curves) that pa-
rameterizes the variation of the energy input to cooling output ratio (EIR) as a function of the
part-load ratio (EIRFPLR). The EIR is the inverse of the COP, and the part-load ratio is the actual
evaporator load divided by the available evaporator capacity of the chiller-heater at the reference
heating and simultaneous cooling-heating mode temperatures. This curve is generated by dividing
the operating electric input power by the available full-load capacity (do not divide by load) at the
specific operating temperatures. The curve output should decrease from 1 towards 0 as part-load
ratio decreases from 1 to 0. Note that the bicubic formulation below can only be used when the
chiller-heater uses a variable speed compressor motor drive. It is also generally valid only when
LeavingCondenser variable is chosen for the field of Cooling Mode Condenser Water Temperature
Curve Input Variable whereas the quadratic curve can be used both choices, i.e., LeavingCondenser
and EnteringCondenser. The output of this curve is then multiplied by the reference full-load EIR
(inverse of the reference COP) and the EIRFT to give the EIR at the specific temperatures and
part-load ratio at which the chiller-heater is operating. This curve should have a value of 1.0
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 855

when the part-load ratio equals 1.0. The curve should be valid for the range of part-load ratios
anticipated for the simulation.

1.22.24.28 Field: Heating Mode Cooling Capacity Optimum Part Load Ratio
This numeric field contains the chiller-heater’s optimum part-load ratio during heating-only mode or
simultaneous cooling-heating mode. This is the part-load ratio at which the chiller-heater performs
at its maximum COP. The optimum part-load ratio must be greater than or equal to the minimum
part-load ratio, and less than or equal to the maximum part-load ratio. (Note: Both the minimum
part-load ratio and maximum part-load ratio are taken from the Heating Mode EIRFPLR curve
definition.) The default value is 1.0.

1.22.24.29 Field: Sizing Factor

This optional numeric field allows the user to specify a sizing factor for this component. The Sizing
Factor is a multiplier on the design plant chilled water loop flow rate associated with the chiller-
heaters parent CentralHeatPumpSystem object. The chiller-heater’s modified chilled water flow
can then be used to autocalculate the Design Condenser Water Flow Rate and Reference Cooling
Mode Evaporator Capacity values. In general, it is best to autosize all three fields or set fixed
values for all three fields.
An example of this statement in an IDF is:

ChillerHeaterPerformance :Electric:EIR ,
ChillerHeaterModule 1, !- Name
12500 , !- Reference Cooling Mode Evaporator Capacity {W}
1.5, !- Reference Cooling Mode COP {W/W}
6.67, !- Reference Cooling Mode Leaving Chilled Water Temperature {C}
29.4, !- Reference Cooling Mode Entering Condenser Fluid Temperature {C}
35.0, !- Reference Cooling Mode Leaving Condenser Water Temperature {C}
0.74, !- Reference Heating Mode Cooling Capacity Ratio
1.38, !- Reference Heating Mode Cooling Power Input Ratio
6.67, !- Reference Heating Mode Leaving Chilled Water Temperature {C}
60, !- Reference Heating Mode Leaving Condenser Water Temperature {C}
29.44 , !- Reference Heating Mode Entering Condenser Fluid Temperature {C}
5, !- Heating Mode Entering Chilled Water Temperature Low Limit {C}
VariableFlow , !- Chilled Water Flow Mode Type
0.0003525 , !- Design Chilled Water Flow Rate {m$ ^{3}$/s}
0.0005525 , !- Design Condenser Water Flow Rate {m$ ^{3}$/s}
0.0003525 , !- Design Hot Water Flow Rate {m$ ^{3}$/s}
1, !- Compressor Motor Efficiency
WaterCooled , !- Condenser Type
EnteringCondenser , !- Cooling Mode Temperature Curve Condenser Water Independent
Variable
ChillerHeaterClgCapFT , !- Cooling Mode Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature Curve Name
ChillerHeaterClgEIRFT , !- Cooling Mode Electric Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function of
!- Temperature Curve Name
ChillerHeaterClgEIRFPLR , !- Cooling Mode Electric Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function of
Part Load
!- Ratio Curve Name
1, !- Cooling Mode Cooling Capacity Optimum Part Load Ratio
LeavingCondenser , !- Heating Mode Temperature Curve Condenser Water Independent
Variable
ChillerHeaterHtgCapFT , !- Heating Mode Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature Curve Name
ChillerHeaterHtgEIRFT , !- Heating Mode Electric Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function of
!- Temperature Curve Name
ChillerHeaterHtgEIRFPLR , !- Heating Mode Electric Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function of
Part Load
!- Ratio Curve Name
1, !- Heating Mode Cooling Capacity Optimum Part Load Ratio
856 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1; !- Sizing Factor

1.22.25 ChillerHeaterPerformance:Electric:EIR Outputs

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Operation Mode Unit <x> []

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Part Load Ratio Unit <x> []

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Cycling Ratio Unit <x> []

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Cooling Electric Power Unit <x> [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Heater Cooling Electric Energy Unit <x> [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Heating Electric Power Unit <x> [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Heater Heating Electric Energy Unit <x> [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Cooling Rate Unit <x> [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Heater Cooling Energy Unit <x> [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater False Load Heat Transfer Rate Unit <x> [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Heater False Load Heat Transfer Energy Unit <x> [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Condenser Heat Transfer Rate Unit <x> [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Chiller Heater Condenser Heat Transfer Energy Unit <x> [J]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Evaporator Inlet Temperature Unit <x> [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Evaporator Outlet Temperature Unit <x> [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Evaporator Mass Flow Rate Unit <x> [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Condenser Inlet Temperature Unit <x> [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Condenser Outlet Temperature Unit <x> [C]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Condenser Mass Flow Rate Unit <x> [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater COP Unit <x> []

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater Capacity Temperature Modifier Multiplier Unit <x> []

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater EIR Temperature Modifier Multiplier Unit <x> []

• HVAC,Average,Chiller Heater EIR Part Load Modifier Multiplier Unit <x> []

Note that much of these output variables are adapted from the definitions above under “Generic
Chiller Outputs” and “Electric EIR Chiller Outputs.” The following outputs are repeated up to the
maximum of individual chiller-heater module objects. The maximum number may be different from
the number of object defined in this object when users define two or more identical chiller-heater
modules for a single chiller heater object in the central heat pump system.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 857

1.22.25.1 Chiller Heater Operation Mode Unit <x>

This output represents the operating mode of the chiller-heater module. Two single mode outputs
and three simultaneous cooling-heating mode outputs are possible:

0. off

1. cooling-only mode

2. heating-only mode

3. heat recovery mode

4. cooling dominant simultaneous cooling-heating mode

5. heating dominant simultaneous cooling-heating mode.

The first mode 0 is reported when the chiller-heater is turned off. The next two modes 2 and 3
are reported when the chiller-heater provides only either cooling or heating, respectively. The last
three modes 3 to 5 indicate when the chiller-heater is in a simultaneous cooling-heating mode. Mode
3 indicates the chiller-heaters provides simultaneous cooling and heating without heat exchange
with the ground source. Mode 4 denotes that at least one of the chiller-heater modules in the central
heat pump system provides both cooling and heating, and the chiller-heater is meeting remaining
cooling demand (see Figure 1.77. Diagram of a central heat pump system with one chiller-heater in
heat recovery mode and two chiller-heaters in cooling-only mode) Similarly, mode 5 indicates that
at least one of the chiller-heater modules in the central heat pump system is in the heat recovery
mode, and the chiller-heater is meeting remaining heating demand (see Figure 1.78).
Note that the decision to operate individual chiller-heater modules is solely dependent on the
chiller-heater schedule and loads. A fraction may appear in case the chiller-heater mode varies
within a zone time step. In this particular case, users may define a detailed reporting frequency
for this output variable.

1.22.25.2 Chiller Heater Part Load Ratio Unit <x>

This output is the ratio of the evaporator heat transfer rate plus the false load heat transfer rate (if
applicable) to the available chiller-heater capacity. This value is used to determine ChillerEIRF-
PLR.

1.22.25.3 Chiller Heater Cycling Ratio Unit <x>

The cycling ratio is the amount of time the chiller-heater operates during each simulation time
step. If the chiller-heater part-load ratio falls below the minimum part-load ratio, the chiller-heater
cycles on and off to meet the loads.

1.22.25.4 Chiller Heater Cooling Electric Power Unit <x> [W]

1.22.25.5 Chiller Heater Cooling Electric Energy Unit <x> [J]
These outputs are the cooling electric power consumption of the chiller-heater.
858 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.25.6 Chiller Heater Heating Electric Power Unit <x> [W]

1.22.25.7 Chiller Heater Heating Electric Energy Unit <x> [J]
These outputs are the heating electric power consumption of the chiller-heater.

1.22.25.8 Chiller Heater Cooling Rate Unit <x> [W]

1.22.25.9 Chiller Heater Cooling Energy Unit <x> [J]
These outputs are the evaporator heat transfer which is the cooling delivered by the chiller-heater
module.

1.22.25.10 Chiller Heater False Load Heat Transfer Rate Unit <x> [W]
1.22.25.11 Chiller Heater False Load Heat Transfer Energy Unit <x> [J]
These outputs are the heat transfer rate and total heat transfer due to false loading of the chiller-
heater. When the chiller-heater part-load ratio is below the minimum unloading ratio, the chiller-
heater false loads (e.g. hot-gas bypass) to further reduce capacity.

1.22.25.12 Chiller Heater Condenser Heat Transfer Rate Unit <x> [C]
1.22.25.13 Chiller Heater Condenser Heat Transfer Energy Unit <x> [C]
These outputs are the heat transfer which is the heating delivered by the chiller-heater module in
heating mode.

1.22.25.14 Chiller Heater Evaporator Inlet Temperature Unit <x> [C]

1.22.25.15 Chiller Heater Evaporator Outlet Temperature Unit <x> [C]
1.22.25.16 Chiller Heater Evaporator Mass Flow Rate Unit <x> [C]
These outputs are the evaporator water inlet and outlet temperatures and flow rate. Note that
these represent the chilled water temperatures and flow rate in cooling mode or the source water
temperature and flow rate in heating mode.

1.22.25.17 Chiller Heater Condenser Inlet Temperature Unit <x> [C]

1.22.25.18 Chiller Heater Condenser Outlet Temperature Unit <x> [C]
1.22.25.19 Chiller Heater Condenser Mass Flow Rate Unit <x> [C]
These outputs are the condenser water inlet and outlet temperatures and flow rate. Note that
these represent the hot water temperatures and flow rate in heating mode or the source water
temperature and flow rate in cooling mode.

1.22.25.20 Chiller Heater COP Unit <x> [C]

This output is the coefficient of performance for the chiller-heater. It is calculated as the evaporator
heat transfer rate divided by the chiller-heater electric power.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 859

1.22.25.21 Chiller Heater Capacity Temperature Modifier Multiplier Unit <x>

[C]
This is the output of the curve object Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature Curve.

1.22.25.22 Chiller Heater EIR Temperature Modifier Multiplier Unit <x> [C]
This is the output of the curve object Electric Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function of Temper-
ature Curve.

1.22.25.23 Chiller Heater EIR Part Load Modifier Multiplier Unit <x> [C]
This is the output of the curve object Electric Input to Cooling Output Ratio Function of Part
Load Ratio Curve.

1.22.26 Thermal Storage Objects

There are four types of cold thermal storage objects:

• ThermalStorage:Ice:Simple

• ThermalStorage:Ice:Detailed

• ThermalStorage:ChilledWater:Mixed

• ThermalStorage:ChilledWater:Stratified

These objects are typically placed on the supply side of a primary chilled water loop in series or
in parallel with one or more chillers. Using the the component set point (PlantEquipmentOper-
ation:ComponentSetpoint) plant operation scheme type, the chiller and storage tank setpoints are
used to control operation. Using a SetpointManager:Scheduled object (or other appropriate type
of set point manager), the setpoints on the chiller outlet node and the ice storage outlet node can
be used to control how the cooling load is shared and when charging of storage occurs. Example
setpoints to use for various modes of operation are shown in the table below:

Mode Chiller Setpoint Storage Setpoint

Charging ice storage tank -5C 7C

Cooling with chiller only 7C 99C
Cooling with chiller and storage (fully load 7C 7C
chiller before using storage))
Cooling with chiller and storage (chiller car- 10C 7C
ries portion of load, valid if chiller is upstream
of storage)

Example files have been developed for three common storage configurations:
1. Series – Chiller Upstream: In this configuration, a chiller is placed first on the same branch
as the storage unit and both use the SeriesActive branch control type.
2. Series – Chiller Downstream: In this configuration, a chiller is placed second on the same
860 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

branch as the storage unit and both use the SeriesActive branch control type.

3. Parallel: In this configuration, the chiller is on a branch parallel to the storage unit branch
when it is not charging. During charging mode, valves will be changed so that the chiller
is in series upstream of the storage. To accomplish this in EnergyPlus, the chiller must be
modeled using two different chiller objects to represent the same chiller. One chiller object
on a parallel branch operates only when storage is not being charged. The other chiller
object, in series upstream of the storage unit operates only during charging mode.

Other considerations for applying cold thermal storage objects include:

• In the PlantLoop object, the “Minimum Loop Temperature” must be set equal to or less
than the lowest setpoint to be used anywhere in the loop.

• To end the storage charging cycle, use a AvailabilityManager:LowTemperatureTurnOff to

shut off the primary chilled water loop when the temperature leaving the storage tank nears
the charging mode chiller setpoint indicating that the tank is fully charged. For example, if
the chiller is set to provide –5C chilled water during charging, then charging can be shut down
when the water temperature leaving the storage unit reaches –4C. When using a primary-
secondary loop arrangement, it may be necessary to schedule this availability manager to be
active only when the HVAC systems are off to avoid fighting between the demand controls
and the availability manager.

1.22.27 ThermalStorage:Ice:Simple
This thermal storage model is based on a simple simulation of an ice storage tank with a fixed
capacity. The tank is charged, or frozen, in an ice-on-coil configuration where ice builds up
on the outside of the tubes carrying the brine or glycol solution from the chiller. There are
two discharge (melt) options, internal or external. Internal melt uses the same fluid tubes for
charging and discharging. External melt uses a separate fluid path for discharge such that the
outer layers of ice melt first. The ice storage model includes an implied 3-way valve to control the
amount if charge/discharge based on the incoming water temperature and the outlet node setpoint
temperature. The storage tank is assumed to be fully charged (full of ice) at the beginning of each
environment. The tank is then allowed to charge and discharge during the warmup days of the
environment. The tank is best controlled using the PlantEquipmentOperation:ComponentSetpoint
plant operation scheme, and requires that a setpoint be placed by a set point manager on the ice
storage Plant Outlet Node.
The input fields for the object are described in detail below:

1.22.27.1 Inputs
1.22.27.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the ice storage tank.

1.22.27.1.2 Field: Ice Storage Type

This alpha field specifies the type of ice storage tank to be modeled. There are two op-
tions: “IceOnCoilInternal” models ice-on-coil, internal melt.“IceOnCoilExternal” models ice-
on-coil, external melt.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 861

1.22.27.1.3 Field: Capacity

This numeric field contains the nominal capacity of the ice storage in GJ (Giga is 109 ).

1.22.27.1.4 Field: Inlet Node Name

This alpha field specifies the name of the chilled water inlet node.

1.22.27.1.5 Field: Outlet Node Name

This alpha field specifies the name of the chilled water outlet node.
Following is an example input for the THERMAL STORAGE:ICE:SIMPLE object.

ThermalStorage:Ice:Simple ,
ITS , !- Ice Storage Name
IceOnCoilInternal , !- Ice Storage Type
1.5, !- Ice Storage Capacity {GJ}
ITS Inlet Node , !- Plant Loop Inlet Node
ITS Outlet Node; !- Plant Loop Outlet Node

1.22.27.2 Outputs
The following outputs are available for simple Ice Storage model:

• HVAC,Average,Ice Thermal Storage Requested Load [W]

• Zone,Average,Ice Thermal Storage End Fraction[]

• HVAC,Average,Ice Thermal Storage Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Ice Thermal Storage Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Ice Thermal Storage Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Ice Thermal Storage Cooling Discharge Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Ice Thermal Storage Cooling Discharge Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Ice Thermal Storage Cooling Charge Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Ice Thermal Storage Cooling Charge Energy [J]

1.22.27.2.1 Ice Thermal Storage Requested Load [W]

The load requested by the plant control scheme. A positive value indicates a cooling load or a
request to discharge (melt) the tank. A negative value indicates a request to charge (freeze) the
tank.

1.22.27.2.2 Ice Thermal Storage End Fraction []

The fraction of full ice storage which is present at the end of the current HVAC timestep. When
reported at a frequency less than detailed, this value is averaged over the reporting period.

1.22.27.2.3 Ice Thermal Storage Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

The total water mass flow rate through the ice storage component. Because the component
includes an implied 3-way valve, this flow may be all through the tank, all bypassed through the
valve, or a mixture of both.
862 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.27.2.4 Ice Thermal Storage Inlet Temperature [C]

The water temperature entering the ice storage component.

1.22.27.2.5 Ice Thermal Storage Outlet Temperature [C]

The water temperature leaving the ice storage component.

1.22.27.2.6 Ice Thermal Storage Cooling Discharge Rate [W]

The rate of cooling delivered by the ice storage component. A positive value indicates the ice
tank is discharging (melting). A zero value indicates the tank is charging or dormant.

1.22.27.2.7 Ice Thermal Storage Cooling Discharge Energy [J]

The cooling energy delivered by the ice storage component. A positive value indicates the ice
tank is discharging (melting). A zero value indicates the tank is charging or dormant.

1.22.27.2.8 Ice Thermal Storage Cooling Charge Rate [W]

The rate of charging delivered to the ice storage component. A positive value indicates the ice
tank is charging (freezing). A zero value indicates the tank is discharging or dormant.

1.22.27.2.9 Ice Thermal Storage Cooling Charge Energy [J]

The charging energy delivered to the ice storage component. A positive value indicates the ice
tank is charging (freezing). A zero value indicates the tank is discharging or dormant.

1.22.28 ThermalStorage:Ice:Detailed
The detailed ice storage model allows the users of EnergyPlus to model more closely specific manu-
facturers’ ice storage units. This is possible due to the use of curve fits to simulate the performance
of the ice storage unit during charging and discharging. In this implementation, both charging and
discharging are a function of the fraction charged/discharged as well as the log mean temperature
difference across the storage unit. More information on the model is provided in the Engineer-
ing Reference for EnergyPlus. The remainder of this section describes the input required for the
detailed ice storage model and the output that it can produce.

1.22.28.1 Inputs
1.22.28.1.1 Field: Name
This field is the name of the detailed ice storage system given to it by the user.

1.22.28.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This field is the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that determines whether or not the ice
storage system is available during a particular time period. This allows the system to be turned
off during a particular season. A value of less than or equal to zero indicates that the ice storage
system is not available. Any value greater than zero indicates that the system is available. If this
field is blank, the schedule has values of 1 for all time periods.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 863

1.22.28.1.3 Field: Capacity

This number is the maximum amount of latent thermal storage available in the ice storage
system. This model does not allow the removal or addition of sensible energy from the tank. Thus,
it is always assumed to be at the freezing temperature of the storage material. The capacity is
expressed in units of GJ.

1.22.28.1.4 Field: Inlet Node Name

This is the name of the node that connects the ice storage system to the plant loop. It is the
inlet node to the ice storage component. The next field defines the outlet node. Due to presence
of an internal bypass in this model, there are other “nodes” that are handled internally within the
program. Users do not need to define any nodes other than the inlet and outlet nodes.

1.22.28.1.5 Field: Outlet Node Name

This is the name of the other node that connects the ice storage system to the plant loop. It is
the outlet node to the ice storage component.

1.22.28.1.6 Field: Discharging Curve Object Type

The detailed ice storage model in EnergyPlus takes advantage of the Curve feature of the
program. Currently, the only two allowed curve fit types for the detailed ice storage model are the
QuadraticLinear and the CubicLinear curves. More information on this curve can be found in the
section on Curves.

1.22.28.1.7 Field: Discharging Curve Name

This field specifies the name of the actual curve fit to be used to model the discharging process
of the detailed ice storage system.

1.22.28.1.8 Field: Charging Curve Object Type

The detailed ice storage model in EnergyPlus takes advantage of the Curve feature of the
program. Currently, the only two allowed curve fit types for the detailed ice storage model are the
QuadraticLinear and the CubicLinear curves. More information on this curve can be found in the
section on Curves.

1.22.28.1.9 Field: Charging Curve Name

This field specifies the name of the actual curve fit to be used to model the charging process of
the detailed ice storage system.

1.22.28.1.10 Field: Timestep of the Curve Data

This field defines what timestep was used to produce the curve fits named in the previous
inputs. This parameter is important because the curve fit is non-dimensional. Thus, the data used
to develop the curve fits were based on a specific length of time. In many cases, this is probably
one hour or 1.0. The units for this parameter are hours.

1.22.28.1.11 Field: Parasitic Electric Load During Discharging

This field defines the amount of parasitic electric consumption (for controls or other miscella-
neous electric consumption associate with the ice storage unit itself) during the discharge phase.
This parameter is dimensionless and gets multiplied by the current load on the tank.
864 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.28.1.12 Field: Parasitic Electric Load During Charging

This field defines the amount of parasitic electric consumption (for controls or other miscella-
neous electric consumption associate with the ice storage unit itself) during the charge phase. This
parameter is dimensionless and gets multiplied by the current load on the tank.

1.22.28.1.13 Field: Tank Loss Coefficient

This field defines the loss of ice stored during a particular hour. This field is dimensionless (per
hour). It is not multiplied by any temperature difference between the tank and the environment in
which it might be located.

1.22.28.1.14 Field: Freezing Temperature of Storage Medium

This parameter defines the freezing/melting temperature of the ice storage medium in degrees
Celsius. For most tanks, this is simply 0.0°C (the default value). However, some tanks may use
other materials or salts which would change the freezing temperature. This can be changed using
this parameter.

1.22.28.1.15 Field: Thaw Process Indicator

This input field assists in more accurate modeling of the charging process by defining how the
thawing of ice takes place. There are two options for this input: InsideMelt and OutsideMelt.
Some ice storage systems, by their nature, start the charging process with a bare coil or no ice
left on the charging surface even though there is still ice stored in the tank. An example of such
a system is sometimes referred to as an ice-on-coil inside melt system, and these systems would
define this parameter using the “InsideMelt” option for this field. Other systems melt the ice
from the outside, leaving ice still on the charging surface when charging begins. These systems are
modeled using the “OutsideMelt” option. For systems that have a charging process that does not
vary significantly with fraction charged can ignore this input by accepting the default value. The
default value for this field is “OutsideMelt”.
An IDF example:

ThermalStorage:Ice:Detailed ,
Ice Tank , !- Ice Storage Name
ON , !- Ice Storage availability schedule
0.5, !- Ice Storage Capacity {GJ}
Ice Tank Inlet Node , !- Plant Loop Inlet Node
Ice Tank Outlet Node , !- Plant Loop Outlet Node
QuadraticLinear , !- Discharging Curve Fit Type
DischargeCurve , !- Discharging Curve Name
QuadraticLinear , !- Charging Curve Fit Type
ChargeCurve , !- Charging Curve Name
1.0, !- Timestep of Curve Fit Data
0.0001 , !- Parasitic electric load during discharging
0.0002 , !- Parasitic electric load during charging
0.0003 , !- Tank loss coefficient
0.0; !- Freezing temperature [C]

1.22.28.2 Outputs
Current detailed ice storage output variables are:

• System, Average, Ice Thermal Storage Cooling Rate [W]

• System, Average, Ice Thermal Storage Change Fraction []

1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 865

• System, Average, Ice Thermal Storage End Fraction []

• System, Average, Ice Thermal Storage Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• System, Average, Ice Thermal Storage Bypass Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• System, Average, Ice Thermal Storage Tank Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• System, Average, Ice Thermal Storage Fluid Inlet Temperature [C]

• System, Average, Ice Thermal Storage Blended Outlet Temperature [C]

• System, Average, Ice Thermal Storage Tank Outlet Temperature [C]

• System, Average, Ice Thermal Storage Cooling Discharge Rate [W]

• System, Sum, Ice Thermal Storage Cooling Discharge Energy [J]

• System, Average, Ice Thermal Storage Cooling Charge Rate [W]

• System, Sum, Ice Thermal Storage Cooling Charge Energy [J]

• System, Average, Ice Thermal Storage Ancillary Electric Power [W]

• System, Sum, Ice Thermal Storage Ancillary Electric Energy [J]

• System, Average, Ice Thermal Storage On Coil Fraction []

1.22.28.2.1 Ice Thermal Storage Cooling Rate [W]

The actual load (absolute value) provided by the ice storage system during the current timestep

1.22.28.2.2 Ice Thermal Storage Change Fraction []

The change in the ice tank’s charge fraction charged during the current timestep (positive for
charging, negative for discharging).

1.22.28.2.3 Ice Thermal Storage End Fraction []

The fraction charge of the ice storage system at the end of the timestep

1.22.28.2.4 Ice Thermal Storage On Coil Fraction []

The fraction of ice that is actually on the freezing surface at the end of the timestep. This can
be different for an “inside melt” system than the end fraction (see previous output parameter).

1.22.28.2.5 Ice Thermal Storage Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

The mass flow through the ice storage component

1.22.28.2.6 Ice Thermal Storage Bypass Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

The mass flow through the ice storage component bypass (bypasses the actual unit)

1.22.28.2.7 Ice Thermal Storage Tank Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

The mass flow through the ice storage unit itself
866 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.28.2.8 Ice Thermal Storage Fluid Inlet Temperature [C]

The inlet temperature to the ice storage component

1.22.28.2.9 Ice Thermal Storage Blended Outlet Temperature [C]

The outlet temperature of the component after mixing any bypass flow with flow through the
ice storage unit

1.22.28.2.10 Ice Thermal Storage Tank Outlet Temperature [C]

The outlet temperature of the ice storage unit itself below mixing with any bypass flow

1.22.28.2.11 Ice Thermal Storage Cooling Discharge Rate [W]

The cooling done (as a rate) by the ice storage unit or its discharge rate

1.22.28.2.12 Ice Thermal Storage Cooling Discharge Energy [J]

The total cooling done by the ice storage unit or its discharge rate

1.22.28.2.13 Ice Thermal Storage Cooling Charge Rate [W]

The charging done (as a rate) to the ice storage unit

1.22.28.2.14 Ice Thermal Storage Cooling Charge Energy [J]

The total charging done to the ice storage unit

1.22.28.2.15 Ice Thermal Storage Ancillary Electric Power [W]

The electric power as a result of parasitic loads on the ice storage unit for things like controls
or other miscellaneous parts of the ice storage unit itself

1.22.28.2.16 Ice Thermal Storage Ancillary Electric Energy [J]

The electric consumption as a result of parasitic loads on the ice storage unit for things like
controls or other miscellaneous parts of the ice storage unit itself

1.22.29 ThermalStorage:ChilledWater:Mixed
The ThermalStorage:ChilledWater:Mixed object analytically solves the differential equation gov-
erning the energy balance of the water tank. The chilled water is “used” by drawing from the
“Use Side” of the water tank. The tank is indirectly charged by circulating cold water through
the “Source Side” of the water tank.
Control is based on cycling flow through the source side. When the tank temperature rises
above a “cut-in” temperature, source side flow is requested. Source side flow will continue until
the tank is cooled to below the tank set point or “cut-out” temperature.
For heat gains from the ambient environment, the ambient air temperature can be taken from
a schedule, a zone, or the exterior. When used with a zone, the skin gains are removed from the
zone heat balance as negative internal heat gains.

1.22.29.1 Inputs
1.22.29.1.1 Field: Name
The unique name of the ThermalStorage:ChilledWater:Mixed object.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 867

1.22.29.1.2 Field: Tank Volume

The volume of the thermal storage tank [m3 ].

1.22.29.1.3 Field: Setpoint Temperature Schedule Name

The reference to the schedule object specifying the chilled water temperature setpoint [°C]. Also
known as the “cut-out” temperature.

1.22.29.1.4 Field: Deadband Temperature Difference

The delta temperature difference [Δ°C] between the setpoint and the “cut-in” temperature at
which the storage tank will request cooling. In other words, the “cut-in” temperature is Setpoint
+ Deadband.

1.22.29.1.5 Field: Minimum Temperature Limit

The temperature [°C] at which the tank water becomes too cold. No source side flow is allowed
when the tank temperature is below this limit. The minimum temperature must be lower than
the setpoint temperature at all times.

1.22.29.1.6 Field: Nominal Cooling Capacity

This field describes the typical cooling capacity that the chilled water tank will provide. Since
this is a passive device, the actual cooling capacity depends on water temperatures and flow
rates. However, this field is used to describe the chilled water tank’s nominal cooling capacity
for supervisory control where plant operation schemes require a cooling capacity to model how
equipment is dispatched.

1.22.29.1.7 Field: Ambient Temperature Indicator

The Ambient Temperature Indicator specifies how the ambient air temperature will be in-
dicated. The field can be “Schedule”, “Zone”, or “Exterior.” If Schedule is used, the Ambient
Temperature Schedule Name field provides the values for ambient temperature. If Zone is used,
the zone air temperature of the zone specified in the Ambient Temperature Zone field provides
the ambient temperature. If Exterior is used, the outdoor dry-bulb air temperature provides the
ambient temperature.

1.22.29.1.8 Field: Ambient Temperature Schedule Name

The field contains the name of a schedule object specifying the ambient air temperature around
the tank for skin gains. This field is only used if Ambient Temperature Indicator is Schedule.

1.22.29.1.9 Field: Ambient Temperature Zone Name

The reference to the zone object specifying the ambient air temperature around the tank for
skin gains. This field is only used if Ambient Temperature Indicator is Zone.

1.22.29.1.10 Field: Ambient Temperature Outdoor Air Node Name

This optional alpha field specifies the outdoor air node (OutdoorAir:Node) name used to define
the ambient conditions surrounding the chilled water tank. This field is applicable only when the
Ambient Temperature Indicator is specified as Exterior, otherwise this field should be left blank.
The node name specified must also be specified in an OutdoorAir:Node object where the height
of the node is taken into consideration when calculating outdoor air conditions from the weather
868 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

data. Alternately, the node name may be specified in an OutdoorAir:NodeList object where the
outdoor air conditions are taken directly from the weather data.

1.22.29.1.11 Field: Heat Gain Coefficient from Ambient Temperature

The gain coefficient [W/K] from the ambient air temperature. This coefficient is often referred
to as the “UA” for the overall tank thermal performance with respect to heat gains from the tank’s
skin..

1.22.29.1.12 Field: Use Side Inlet Node Name

The inlet node connection to the plant loop for the use side of the chilled water storage tank.
Typically the use side draws chilled water from the tank and returns warmer water.

1.22.29.1.13 Field: Use Side Outlet Node Name

The outlet node connection to the plant loop for the use side of the chilled water storage tank.
Typically the use side chilled water from the tank and returns warmer water.

1.22.29.1.14 Field: Use Side Heat Transfer Effectiveness

This field specifies the heat transfer effectiveness between the use side water and the tank water.
If the effectiveness is set to 1 then complete heat transfer occurs, simulating perfect mixing of the
use side water and the tank water. If the effectiveness is lower, then the use side outlet water
temperature will not be as cold as the tank water, simulating a heat exchanger.

1.22.29.1.15 Field: Use Side Availability Schedule Name

This field contains the name of an availability schedule for the use side of the water tank. If
the schedule’s value is 0.0, then the use side is not available and flow will not be requested. If
the schedule’s value is note equal to 0.0 (usually 1 is used), the use side is available. If this field is
blank, the schedule has values of 1 for all time periods.

1.22.29.1.16 Field: Use Side Design Flow Rate

This field is used to specify the design flow rate through the Use Side of the chilled water
tank. The volumetric design flow rate is specified in m3 /s. The field can be autosized. If
autosized, then the input file should include a Plant Sizing object for the plant loop connected to
the Use side. Sizing results are reported in the EIO file.

1.22.29.1.17 Field: Source Side Inlet Node Name

The inlet node connection to the plant loop for the source side of the chilled water storage
tank. Typically the source side draws somewhat warm water from the tank and returns colder
water. The source side volume flow rate is obtained from the plant loop. The magnitude of the
flow rates through the source side can be controlled by setting the Maximum Branch Flow Rate
field in the BRANCH object that connects the source inlet node.

1.22.29.1.18 Field: Source Side Outlet Node Name

The outlet node connection to the plant loop for the source side of the chilled water storage
tank. Typically the source side draws somewhat warm water from the tank and returns colder
water.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 869

1.22.29.1.19 Field: Source Side Heat Transfer Effectiveness

This field specifies the heat transfer effectiveness between the source side water and the tank
water. If the effectiveness is set to 1 then complete heat transfer occurs, simulating perfect mixing
of the source side water and the tank water. If the effectiveness is lower, then the source side outlet
water temperature will not be as cold as the tank water, simulating a heat exchanger.

1.22.29.1.20 Field: Source Side Availability Schedule Name

This field contains the name of an availability schedule for the source side of the water tank. If
the schedule’s value is 0.0, then the source side is not available and flow will not be requested. If
the schedule’s value is not equal to 0.0 (usually 1 is used), the source side is available. If this field
is blank, the schedule has values of 1 for all time periods.

1.22.29.1.21 Field: Source Side Design Flow Rate

This field is used to specify the design flow rate through the Source Side of the chilled water
tank. The volumetric design flow rate is specified in m3 /s. The field can be autosized. If
autosized, then the input file should include a Plant Sizing object for the plant loop. Sizing results
are reported in the EIO file.

1.22.29.1.22 Field: Tank Recovery Time

This field is used to autosize the Source Side Design Flow Rate. The field is used if the previous
field is set to autosize and the water tank’s source side is on the demand side of a plant loop. This
the the time, in hours, that the chilled water tank is to be indirectly cooled from 14.4ºC to 9.0ºC
using the exit temperature of in the associated Plant Sizing object.
An example input object follows.

ThermalStorage:ChilledWater:Mixed ,
Chilled Water Storage Tank 1 , !- Name
4.0 , !- Tank Volume
CW -Tank -Temp -Schedule , !- Setpoint Temperature Schedule Name
3.5, !- Deadband Temperature Difference
1.0 , !- Minimum Temperature Limit
25000 , !- Nominal Cooling Capacity
Zone , !- Ambient Temperature Indicator
, !- Ambient Temperature Schedule Name
ZN_1_FLR_1_SEC_5 , !- Ambient Temperature Zone Name
, !- Ambient Temperature Outdoor Air Node Name
5.0 , !- Heat Gain Coefficient from Ambient Temperature
CW Tank Discharge Inlet node , !- Use Side Inlet Node Name
CW Tank Discharge Outlet node , !- Use Side Outlet Node Name
1.0 , !- Use Side Effectiveness
TES Use Schedule , !- Use Side Availability Schedule Name
Autosize , !- Use Side Design Flow Rate
CW Tank Charge Inlet Node , !- Source Side Inlet Node Name
CW Tank Charge Outlet Node , !- Source Side Outlet Node Name
1.0, !- Source Side Effectiveness
TES Charge Schedule , !- Source Side Availability Schedule Name
Autosize , !- Source Side Design Flow Rate
4.0; !- Tank Recovery Time

1.22.29.2 Outputs
The following output variables are reported for chilled water thermal storage tanks.

• Chilled Water Thermal Storage Tank Temperature !- HVAC Average [C]

870 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• Chilled Water Thermal Storage Final Tank Temperature !- HVAC Average [C]

• Chilled Water Thermal Storage Tank Heat Gain Rate !- HVAC Average [W]

• Chilled Water Thermal Storage Tank Heat Gain Energy !- HVAC Sum [J]

• Chilled Water Thermal Storage Use Side Mass Flow Rate !- HVAC Average [kg/s]

• Chilled Water Thermal Storage Use Side Inlet Temperature !- HVAC Average [C]

• Chilled Water Thermal Storage Use Side Outlet Temperature !- HVAC Average [C]

• Chilled Water Thermal Storage Use Side Heat Transfer Rate !- HVAC Average
[W]

• Chilled Water Thermal Storage Use Side Heat Transfer Energy !- HVAC Sum [J]

• Chilled Water Thermal Storage Source Side Mass Flow Rate !- HVAC Average [kg/s]

• Chilled Water Thermal Storage Source Side Inlet Temperature !- HVAC Average [C]

• Chilled Water Thermal Storage Source Side Outlet Temperature !- HVAC Average [C]

• Chilled Water Thermal Storage Source Side Heat Transfer Rate !- HVAC Average
[W]

• Chilled Water Thermal Storage Source Side Heat Transfer Energy !- HVAC Sum [J]

1.22.29.2.1 Chilled Water Thermal Storage Tank Temperature [C]

The average water tank temperature.

1.22.29.2.2 Chilled Water Thermal Storage Final Tank Temperature [C]

The final water tank temperature at the end of the system timestep. If reported at the “De-
tailed” interval, this output variable can be used to verify an exact energy balance on the water
storage tank.

1.22.29.2.3 Chilled Water Thermal Storage Tank Heat Gain Rate [W]
The average heat exchange rate to the storage tank from the surrounding ambient. This is
usually positive with surrounding ambient heating the storage tank.

1.22.29.2.4 Chilled Water Thermal Storage Tank Heat Gain Energy [J]
The energy exchange to the storage tank from the surrounding ambient. This is usually positive
with surrounding ambient heating the storage tank.

1.22.29.2.5 Chilled Water Thermal Storage Use Side Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
The use side mass flow rate.

1.22.29.2.6 Chilled Water Thermal Storage Use Side Inlet Temperature [C]
The inlet temperature on the use side.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 871

1.22.29.2.7 Chilled Water Thermal Storage Use Side Outlet Temperature [C]
The outlet temperature on the use side.

1.22.29.2.8 Chilled Water Thermal Storage Use Side Heat Transfer Rate [W]
The average heat transfer rate between the use side water and the tank water.

1.22.29.2.9 Chilled Water Thermal Storage Use Side Heat Transfer Energy [J]

The heat transfer energy between the use side water and the tank water.

1.22.29.2.10 Chilled Water Thermal Storage Source Side Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

The source side mass flow rate.

1.22.29.2.11 Chilled Water Thermal Storage Source Side Inlet Temperature [C]

The inlet temperature on the source side.

1.22.29.2.12 Chilled Water Thermal Storage Source Side Outlet Temperature

[C]
The outlet temperature on the source side.

1.22.29.2.13 Chilled Water Thermal Storage Source Side Heat Transfer Rate
[W]
The average heat transfer rate between the source side water and the tank water.

1.22.29.2.14 Chilled Water Thermal Storage Source Side Heat Transfer Energy
[J]
The heat transfer energy between the source side water and the tank water.

1.22.30 ThermalStorage:ChilledWater:Stratified
The ThermalStorage:ChilledWater:Stratified object divides the water tank into multiple nodes of
equal volume. The nodes are coupled by vertical conduction effects, internode fluid flow, and
temperature inversion mixing. The object simultaneously solves the differential equations governing
the energy balances on the nodes using a numerical method. The system timestep is divided into
many small substeps that allow the simulation to capture events that occur on a very short time
scale. The chilled water is “used” by drawing from the “Use Side” of the water tank. The tank
is indirectly charged by circulating cold water through the “Source Side” of the water tank.
Control is based on cycling flow through the source side. When the tank temperature rises
above a “cut-in” temperature, source side flow is requested. Source side flow will continue until
the tank is cooled to below the tank set point or “cut-out” temperature.
For heat gains from the ambient environment, the ambient air temperature can be taken from
a schedule, a zone, or the exterior. When used with a zone, the skin gains are removed from the
zone heat balance as negative internal heat gains.
872 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.30.1 Inputs
1.22.30.1.1 Field: Name
The unique name of the ThermalStorage:ChilledWater:Stratified object.

1.22.30.1.2 Field: Tank Volume

The volume of the thermal storage tank [m3 ].

1.22.30.1.3 Field: Tank Height

The height [m] of the tank. For the HorizontalCylinder shape (see below) the height of the tank
is the measure in the axial direction, i.e., the height if you were to stand the cylinder up on its end.

1.22.30.1.4 Field: Tank Shape

The tank shape determines the size and skin losses of the stratified nodes. There are three
options: “VerticalCylinder,” “HorizontalCylinder,” and “Other.”
VerticalCylinder describes most upright cylindrical water tanks.
HorizontalCylinder describes a few specialty water tanks and some large commercial storage
tanks. HorizontalCylinder implies that the tank is divided into nodes of equal mass, but not equal
height.
Other describes water storage tanks that have a uniform horizontal cross-section, but are not
cylinders, e.g., a cuboid or other shape. The length of the perimeter is then specified by the Tank
Perimeter field.
If blank, the default shape is VerticalCylinder.

1.22.30.1.5 Field: Tank Perimeter

The length of the tank perimeter [m]. This field is only used if Tank Shape is Other.

1.22.30.1.6 Field: Setpoint Temperature Schedule Name

The reference to the schedule object specifying the chilled water temperature setpoint [°C]. Also
known as the “cut-out” temperature.

1.22.30.1.7 Field: Deadband Temperature Difference

The delta temperature difference [Δ°C] between the setpoint and the “cut-in” temperature at
which the storage tank will request cooling. In other words, the “cut-in” temperature is Setpoint
+ Deadband.

1.22.30.1.8 Field: Temperature Sensor Height

This field is used to describe the location in the tank where the temperature is sensed for
control descisions. The program will associate one of the nodes with this height and use that
node’s temperature for control decisions. The location is described in meters from the bottom of
the tank.

1.22.30.1.9 Field: Minimum Temperature Limit

The temperature [°C] at which the tank water becomes too cold. No source side flow is allowed
when the tank temperature is below this limit. The minimum temperature must be lower than
the setpoint temperature at all times.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 873

1.22.30.1.10 Field: Nominal Cooling Capacity

This field describes the typical cooling capacity that the chilled water tank will provide. Since
this is a passive device, the actual cooling capacity depends on water temperatures and flow
rates. However, this field is used to describe the chilled water tank’s nominal cooling capacity
for supervisory control where plant operation schemes require a cooling capacity to model how
equipment is dispatched.

1.22.30.1.11 Field: Ambient Temperature Indicator

The Ambient Temperature Indicator specifies how the ambient air temperature will be in-
dicated. The field can be “Schedule”, “Zone”, or “Exterior.” If Schedule is used, the Ambient
Temperature Schedule Name field provides the values for ambient temperature. If Zone is used,
the zone air temperature of the zone specified in the Ambient Temperature Zone field provides
the ambient temperature. If Exterior is used, the outdoor dry-bulb air temperature provides the
ambient temperature.

1.22.30.1.12 Field: Ambient Temperature Schedule Name

The field contains the name of a schedule object specifying the ambient air temperature around
the tank for skin gains. This field is only used if Ambient Temperature Indicator is Schedule.

1.22.30.1.13 Field: Ambient Temperature Zone Name

The reference to the zone object specifying the ambient air temperature around the tank for
skin gains. This field is only used if Ambient Temperature Indicator is Zone.

1.22.30.1.14 Field: Ambient Temperature Outside Air Node Name

This optional alpha field specifies the outdoor air node name used to define the ambient condi-
tions surrounding the chilled water tank. This field is applicable only when the Ambient Temper-
ature Indicator is specified as Exterior, otherwise this field should be left blank. The node name
specified must also be specified in an OutdoorAir:Node object where the height of the node is taken
into consideration when calculating outdoor air conditions from the weather data. Alternately, the
node name may be specified in an OutdoorAir:NodeList object where the outdoor air conditions
are taken directly from the weather data.

1.22.30.1.15 Field: Uniform Skin Loss Coefficient per Unit Area to Ambient
Temperature
The uniform skin loss coefficient [W/m2 -K] or U-Value of the tank to the ambient air temper-
ature. The uniform skin loss accounts for the tank insulation. The overall losses at any particular
tank node can be further modified using the Additional Loss Coefficient fields to account for thermal
shorting due to pipe penetrations, tank feet, and any other loss effects.

1.22.30.1.16 Field: Use Side Inlet Node Name

The inlet node connection to the plant loop for the use side of the chilled water storage tank.
Typically the use side draws chilled water from the tank and returns warmer water.

1.22.30.1.17 Field: Use Side Outlet Node Name

The outlet node connection to the plant loop for the use side of the chilled water storage tank.
Typically the use side chilled water from the tank and returns warmer water.
874 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.30.1.18 Field: Use Side Heat Transfer Effectiveness

This field specifies the heat transfer effectiveness between the use side water and the tank water.
If the effectiveness is set to 1 then complete heat transfer occurs, simulating perfect mixing of the
use side water and the tank water. If the effectiveness is lower, then the use side outlet water
temperature will not be as cold as the tank water, simulating a heat exchanger.

1.22.30.1.19 Field: Use Side Availability Schedule Name

This field contains the name of an availability schedule for the use side of the water tank. If
the schedule’s value is 0.0, then the use side is not available and flow will not be requested. If the
schedule’s value is not equal to 0.0 (usually 1 is used), then the use side is available. If this field is
blank, the schedule has values of 1 for all time periods.

1.22.30.1.20 Field: Use Side Inlet Height

The height of the use side inlet to the tank. If blank, the inlet defaults to the top of the tank.
The inlet height cannot be higher than the tank height.

1.22.30.1.21 Field: Use Side Outlet Height

The height of the use side outlet from the tank. If blank or autocalculate, the inlet defaults
to the bottom of the tank. The outlet height cannot be higher than the tank height.

1.22.30.1.22 Field: Use Side Design Flow Rate

This field is used to specify the design flow rate through the Use Side of the water tank. The
volumetric design flow rate is specified in m3 /s. The field is needed when the Use Side is connected
to a plant loop. The field can be autosized. If autosized, then the input file should include a
Plant Sizing object for the plant loop. Sizing results are reported in the EIO file.

1.22.30.1.23 Field: Source Side Inlet Node Name

The inlet node connection to the plant loop for the source side of the chilled water storage
tank. Typically the source side draws somewhat warm water from the tank and returns colder
water. The source side volume flow rate is obtained from the plant loop. The magnitude of the
flow rates through the source side can be controlled by setting the Maximum Branch Flow Rate
field in the BRANCH object that connects the source inlet node.

1.22.30.1.24 Field: Source Side Outlet Node Name

The outlet node connection to the plant loop for the source side of the chilled water storage
tank. Typically the source side draws somewhat warm water from the tank and returns colder
water.

1.22.30.1.25 Field: Source Side Heat Transfer Effectiveness

This field specifies the heat transfer effectiveness between the source side water and the tank
water. If the effectiveness is set to 1 then complete heat transfer occurs, simulating perfect mixing
of the source side water and the tank water. If the effectiveness is less than 1.0, then the source
side outlet water temperature will be less than the tank water at the outlet node, simulating a heat
exchanger.
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 875

1.22.30.1.26 Field: Source Side Availability Schedule Name

This field contains the name of an availability schedule for the source side of the water tank. If
the schedule’s value is 0.0, then the source side is not available and flow will not be requested. If
the schedule’s value is not equal to 0.0 (usually 1 is used), then the source side is available. If this
field is blank, the schedule has values of 1 for all time periods.

1.22.30.1.27 Field: Source Side Inlet Height

The height of the source side inlet to the tank. If blank or autocalculate, the inlet defaults
to the bottom of the tank. The inlet height cannot be higher than the tank height.

1.22.30.1.28 Field: Source Side Outlet Height

The height of the source side outlet from the tank. If blank, the inlet defaults to the top of the
tank. The outlet height cannot be higher than the tank height.

1.22.30.1.29 Field: Source Side Design Flow Rate

This field is optional and is used to specify the design flow rate through the Source Side of the
water heater. The volumetric design flow rate is specified in m3 /s. The field is needed when the
Source Side is connected to a plant loop. The field can be autosized. If autosized, then the input
file should include a Plant Sizing object for the plant loop. Sizing results are reported in the EIO
file.

1.22.30.1.30 Field: Tank Recovery Time

This field is used to autosize the Source Side Design Flow Rate. The field is used if the previous
field is set to autosize and the water tank’s source side is on the demand side of a plant loop. This
the the time, in hours, that the chilled water tank is to be indirectly cooled from 14.4C to 9.0C
using the exit temperature of in the associated Plant Sizing object.

1.22.30.1.31 Field: Inlet Mode

The inlet mode of entering fluid from the use and source sides. There are two options: “Fixed”
or “Seeking.” In Fixed mode, the fluid enters at the fixed heights specified above. In Seeking mode,
the fluid “seeks out” the stratified node that is closest to the inlet temperature and adds all flow
to that node. The Seeking mode provides maximum stratification.

1.22.30.1.32 Field: Number of Nodes

The number of stratified nodes in the tank. There must be at least one node. The maximum
number of nodes is 10, although this limit can be increased by editing the IDD.

1.22.30.1.33 Field: Additional Destratification Conductivity

An additional destratification conductivity [W/m-K] is added to the fluid conductivity of water
(0.6 W/m-K) to account for vertical conduction effects along the inside of the tank wall, and
perhaps other vertical components such as a dip tube pipe or anode rod.

1.22.30.1.34 Field: Node 1-10 Additional Loss Coefficient

An additional heat gain coefficient [W/K] added to the skin gains for a given node to account
for thermal shorting due to pipe penetrations, tank feet, and any other loss effects.
An example input object follows.
876 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

ThermalStorage:ChilledWater:Stratified ,
Chilled Water Storage Tank 1 , !- Name
4.0 , !- Tank Volume
2.0 , !- Tank Height
VerticalCylinder , !- Tank Shape
, !- Tank Perimeter
CW -Tank -Temp -Schedule , !- Setpoint Temperature Schedule Name
3.5 , !- Deadband Temperature Difference
1.4 , !- Temperature Sensor Height
1.0 , !- Minimum Temperature Limit
2500, !- Nominal Cooling Capacity
Zone , !- Ambient Temperature Indicator
, !- Ambient Temperature Schedule Name
ZN_1_FLR_1_SEC_5 , !- Ambient Temperature Zone Name
, !- Ambient Temperature OutdoorAir:Node Name
4.2, !- Uniform Skin Loss Coefficient Per Unit Area To Ambient
Temperature
CW Tank Discharge Inlet node , !- Use Side Inlet Node Name
CW Tank Discharge Outlet node , !- Use Side Outlet Node Name
1.0, !- Use Side Effectiveness
ALWAYS_ON , !- Use Side Availability Schedule Name
1.85 , !- Use Side Inlet Height
0.15 , !- Use Side Outlet Height
autosize , !- Use Side Design Flow Rate
CW Tank Charge Inlet Node , !- Source Side Inlet Node Name
CW Tank Charge Outlet Node , !- Source Side Outlet Node Name
1.0, !- Source Side Effectiveness
TES Charge Schedule , !- Source Side Availability Schedule Name
0.15, !- Source Side Inlet Height
1.85, !- Source Side Outlet Height
autosize , !- Source Side Design Flow Rate
2.0, !- Tank Recovery Time
Seeking , !- Inlet Mode
6, !- Number Of Nodes
0.0; !- Additional Destratification Conductivity

1.22.30.2 Outputs
The following output variables are reported for stratified chilled water thermal storage tanks.

• Chilled Water Thermal Storage Tank Temperature !- HVAC Average [C]

• Chilled Water Thermal Storage Final Tank Temperature !- HVAC Average [C]

• Chilled Water Thermal Storage Tank Heat Gain Rate !- HVAC Average [W]

• Chilled Water Thermal Storage Tank Heat Gain Energy !- HVAC Sum [J]

• Chilled Water Thermal Storage Use Side Mass Flow Rate !- HVAC Average [kg/s]

• Chilled Water Thermal Storage Use Side Inlet Temperature !- HVAC Average [C]

• Chilled Water Thermal Storage Use Side Outlet Temperature !- HVAC Average [C]

• Chilled Water Thermal Storage Use Side Heat Transfer Rate !- HVAC Average
[W]

• Chilled Water Thermal Storage Use Side Heat Transfer Energy !- HVAC Sum [J]

• Chilled Water Thermal Storage Source Side Mass Flow Rate !- HVAC Average [kg/s]
1.22. GROUP – PLANT EQUIPMENT 877

• Chilled Water Thermal Storage Source Side Inlet Temperature !- HVAC Average [C]
• Chilled Water Thermal Storage Source Side Outlet Temperature !- HVAC Average [C]
• Chilled Water Thermal Storage Source Side Heat Transfer Rate !- HVAC Average
[W]
• Chilled Water Thermal Storage Source Side Heat Transfer Energy !- HVAC Sum [J]
• Chilled Water Thermal Storage Temperature Node <1 - 10> !- HVAC Average [C]
• Chilled Water Thermal Storage Final Temperature Node <1 – 10> !- HVAC Average [C]

1.22.30.2.1 Chilled Water Thermal Storage Tank Temperature [C]

The average water tank temperature, i.e., the average of all of the node average temperatures.

1.22.30.2.2 Chilled Water Thermal Storage Tank Final Temperature [C]

The final water tank temperature at the end of the system timestep, i.e., the average of all
of the final node temperatures at the end of the system timestep. If reported at the “Detailed”
interval, this output variable can be used to verify an exact energy balance on the water storage
tank.

1.22.30.2.3 Chilled Water Thermal Storage Tank Heat Gain Rate [W]
The average heat exchange rate to the storage tank from the surrounding ambient. This is
usually positive with surrounding ambient heating the storage tank.

1.22.30.2.4 Chilled Water Thermal Storage Tank Heat Gain Energy [J]
The energy exchange to the storage tank from the surrounding ambient. This is usually positive
with surrounding ambient heating the storage tank.

1.22.30.2.5 Chilled Water Thermal Storage Use Side Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
The use side mass flow rate.

1.22.30.2.6 Chilled Water Thermal Storage Use Side Inlet Temperature [C]
The inlet temperature on the use side.

1.22.30.2.7 Chilled Water Thermal Storage Use Side Outlet Temperature [C]
The outlet temperature on the use side.

1.22.30.2.8 Chilled Water Thermal Storage Use Side Heat Transfer Rate [W]
The average heat transfer rate between the use side water and the tank water.

1.22.30.2.9 Chilled Water Thermal Storage Use Side Heat Transfer Energy [J]

The heat transfer energy between the use side water and the tank water.

1.22.30.2.10 Chilled Water Thermal Storage Source Side Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

The source side mass flow rate.

878 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.22.30.2.11 Chilled Water Thermal Storage Source Side Inlet Temperature [C]

The inlet temperature on the source side.

1.22.30.2.12 Chilled Water Thermal Storage Source Side Outlet Temperature

[C]
The outlet temperature on the source side.

1.22.30.2.13 Chilled Water Thermal Storage Source Side Heat Transfer Rate
[W]
The average heat transfer rate between the source side water and the tank water.

1.22.30.2.14 Chilled Water Thermal Storage Source Side Heat Transfer Energy
[J]
The heat transfer energy between the source side water and the tank water.

1.22.30.2.15 Chilled Water Thermal Storage Temperature Node 1-10 [C]

The average node temperature.

1.22.30.2.16 Chilled Water Thermal Storage Final Temperature Node 1-10 [C]

The final node temperature at the end of the system timestep.

1.23 Group – Water Heaters

Water heater objects are components for storing and heating water. They can be coupled to a plant
loop simulation or used stand-alone. Typical water heater applications are for domestic hot water
heating, low-temperature radiant space heating, and energy storage for solar hot water systems or
waste heat recovery.
When coupled to the plant loop, the water heater has an inlet node and outlet node on the
“source side” and an inlet node and outlet node on the “use side”. The source side typically
draws cold water from the tank and returns warmer water, for instance, from solar hot water
systems or waste heat recovery systems. The use side typically draws hot water from the tank and
returns cooler water from the cold water supply mains or from the outlet of a heating system. The
distinction between source and use sides is merely a convenience for reporting. They can actually
be used interchangeably. If so desired, either source side or use side can be used by itself, without
the other side being connected to the plant loop.
However, for a water heater that is indirectly heated (e.g. with a separate boiler), the source
side can be used to provide remotely heated water to the tank. The source side is configured to
operate as a component on the demand side of a plant loop. The design flow rate through the
source side can be set by the user or autosized. If autosized, then a Plant Sizing object is needed
elsewhere in the input file for the Plant Loop serving the source side. The water heater input
includes an additional design parameter that describes how rapidly the tank can recover.
If the use side only consists of domestic hot water usage, a simple scheduled use flow rate
can be specified in lieu of the full plant loop connections. The scheduled use flow rate can be
1.23. GROUP – WATER HEATERS 879

Figure 1.79: Water Heater Configuration

880 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

used simultaneously with source side plant connections, but cannot be used with use side plant
connections.
For stand-alone operation, there are no node connections to the plant loop on either source or
use sides. The scheduled use flow rate determines all fluid exchange with the water tank.
There are currently two water heater objects in EnergyPlus:

• WaterHeater:Mixed

• WaterHeater:Stratified

There are also compound objects that uses the WaterHeater:Mixed and/or Water-
Heater:Stratified as part of their strategy:

• WaterHeater:HeatPump:PumpedCondenser (WaterHeater:Mixed or WaterHeater:Stratified)

• WaterHeater:HeatPump:WrappedCondenser (WaterHeater:Stratified only)

The WaterHeater:Mixed object simulates a well-mixed, single-node water tank. The Water-
Heater:Stratified object simulates a stratified, multi-node water tank. Both water heater objects
can be appropriate for simulating many types of water heaters and storage tanks, including gas and
electric residential water heaters, and a variety of large commercial water heaters. Both objects
share similar features, such as stand-alone operation, on- and off-cycle parasitic loads, and thermal
losses to the zone. However, each object has its advantages which may make one water heater
object more appropriate than the other depending on the application.
Advantages of WaterHeater:Mixed:

• can simulate instantaneous/tankless water heaters

• requires less input than the stratified tank

• faster execution time than the stratified tank

• adequate for modeling gas water heaters with no source connections.

Advantages of WaterHeater:Stratified:

• better modeling of electric water heaters with two heating elements

• better modeling of thermal storage applications which rely on stratification to improve heat
transfer peformance.

1.23.1 Standard Ratings

The EIO file reports the industry standard ratings of Recovery Efficiency and Energy Factor for
water heater objects. The rating method is based on the GAMA and 10CFR430 test procedures.
Under certain input parameters, the rating method will not succeed and a warning message will be
generated. Problems occur when inputs do not allow the tank to recover to the setpoint temperature
within the test period. This can occur if the maximum heater capacity is undersized, or if the
deadband temperature difference is large enough that the first draw of the test does not trigger the
heater to come on. In either case, the Recovery Efficiency test will not compute properly because
recovery to the setpoint was not achieved.
Standard ratings for storage-only water tanks (Heater Maximum Capacity = 0) cannot be
calculated and do not report anything in the EIO file.
1.23. GROUP – WATER HEATERS 881

1.23.2 WaterHeater:Mixed
The WaterHeater:Mixed object analytically solves the differential equation governing the energy
balance of the water tank. Within a timestep, conditions are solved separately for when the heater
element or burner is “on” (on-cycle) and when it is “off” (off-cycle). This approach allows ambient
losses and parasitic loads to be divided into on-cycle and off-cycle effects and accounted for in
detail.
For losses to the ambient environment, the ambient air temperature can be taken from a sched-
ule, a zone, or the exterior. When used with a zone, a fraction of the skin losses can be added to
the zone heat balance as internal heat gains.
Control options allow the heater to cycle or modulate to meet the load. When cycling, the
heater element or burner is either on or off. The heater remains fully on while heating the tank up
to the setpoint temperature. When the setpoint is reached, the heater turns off. The heater remains
off until the tank temperature falls below the “cut-in” temperature, i.e., the setpoint temperature
minus the deadband temperature difference. The heater continuously cycles on and off to maintain
the tank temperature within the deadband. Most storage-tank water heaters cycle.
When modulating, the heater power varies between the maximum and minimum heater capac-
ities. The heater stays on as long as the required total demand is above the minimum capacity.
Below the minimum capacity, the heater will begin to cycle on and off based on the deadband
temperature difference. Equipment is usually designed and rated to avoid this condition. Most
tankless/instantaneous water heaters modulate.

1.23.2.1 Inputs
1.23.2.1.1 Field: Name
The name of the WaterHeater:Mixed object.

1.23.2.1.2 Field: Tank Volume

The volume of the storage tank [m3 ]. This field is autosizable if used with a Water Heater:Sizing
object. Although this field is allowed to go down to zero, even so-called “tankless” water heaters
have some volume of water that is maintained around the heating elements or in the heat exchanger,
typically around 0.00379 m3 (1 gallon).

1.23.2.1.3 Field: Setpoint Temperature Schedule Name

The reference to the schedule object specifying the hot water temperature setpoint [°C]. Also
known as the “cut-out” temperature.

1.23.2.1.4 Field: Deadband Temperature Difference

The delta temperature difference [Δ°C] between the setpoint and the “cut-in” temperature at
which the heater will turn on. In other words, the “cut-in” temperature is Setpoint – Deadband.

1.23.2.1.5 Field: Maximum Temperature Limit

The temperature [°C] at which the tank water becomes dangerously hot and is vented through
boiling or an automatic safety. The tank temperature will never exceed the maximum. Any extra
heat added to the tank is immediately vented. Note: The maximum temperature must be greater
than the setpoint temperature at all times.
882 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.23.2.1.6 Field: Heater Control Type

The control type can be Cycle or Modulate. Cycle is appropriate for most storage tank-type
water heaters. Modulate is appropriate for most instantaneous/tankless water heaters.

1.23.2.1.7 Field: Heater Maximum Capacity

The maximum heat rate [W] that can be supplied to the water, probably the same as the
“nominal” capacity. This field is autosizable if used with a Water Heater:Sizing object.

1.23.2.1.8 Field: Heater Minimum Capacity

The minimum heat rate [W] that can be supplied to the water. This field is only used when the
Heater Control Type is Modulate. If the total demand rate for heating is less than the minimum,
even a modulating water heater will begin to cycle.

1.23.2.1.9 Field: Heater Ignition Minimum Flow Rate

NOT YET IMPLEMENTED.

1.23.2.1.10 Field: Heater Ignition Delay

NOT YET IMPLEMENTED.

1.23.2.1.11 Field: Heater Fuel Type

The type of fuel used for heating. The fuel type can be Electricity, NaturalGas, PropaneGas,
FuelOil#1, FuelOil#2, Coal, Diesel, Gasoline, Steam, OtherFuel1, OtherFuel2 or DistrictHeating.

1.23.2.1.12 Field: Heater Thermal Efficiency

The thermal conversion efficiency from fuel energy to heat energy for the heater element or
burner. This is not the same as the overall efficiency of the water heater.

1.23.2.1.13 Field: Part Load Factor Curve Name

The reference to the curve object that relates the overall efficiency of the water heater to the
Runtime Fraction (if Control Type Cycle) or Part Load Ratio (if Control Type Modulate). This
is an additional multiplier applied to the Heater Thermal Efficiency to compute fuel energy use.
The Part Load Factor Curve should not have a value less than 0.1 in the domain from 0 to 1. If the
Part Load Factor Curve accounts for ambient losses and/or parasitic fuel consumption, these effects
should not also be input into the related fields in this object as that would result in double-counting.

1.23.2.1.14 Field: Off-Cycle Parasitic Fuel Consumption Rate

Off-cycle parasitics include parts of the water heater that consume fuel when the heater is off,
for example, a pilot light, or stand-by electronic control circuits. The fuel consumption rate [W] is
strictly the total fuel that is consumed by all of the off-cycle parasitics.

1.23.2.1.15 Field: Off-Cycle Parasitic Fuel Type

The type of fuel used by the off-cycle parasitics. The fuel type can be Electricity, NaturalGas,
PropaneGas, FuelOil#1, FuelOil#2, Coal, Diesel, Gasoline, Steam, OtherFuel1, OtherFuel2 or
DistrictHeating. The fuel type can be the same or different from the Heater Fuel Type.
1.23. GROUP – WATER HEATERS 883

1.23.2.1.16 Field: Off-Cycle Parasitic Heat Fraction to Tank

The fraction of off-cycle parasitic fuel energy that is converted to heat energy that ends up in
the tank water. For example, a pilot light would deliver most of its heat to the tank water, as
long as the thermal conversion efficiency must be taken into account, so perhaps 0.80 is reasonable.
Electronic control circuits, on the other hand, do not add any heat to the tank and should be 0.

1.23.2.1.17 Field: On-Cycle Parasitic Fuel Consumption Rate

On-cycle parasitics include parts of the water heater that consume fuel when the heater is on,
for example, an induction fan, or stand-by electronic control circuits. The fuel consumption rate
[W] is strictly the total fuel that is consumed by all of the on-cycle parasitics.

1.23.2.1.18 Field: On-Cycle Parasitic Fuel Type

The type of fuel used by the on-cycle parasitics. The fuel type can be Electricity, NaturalGas,
PropaneGas, FuelOil#1, FuelOil#2, Coal, Diesel, Gasoline, Steam, OtherFuel1, OtherFuel2 or
DistrictHeating. The fuel type can be the same or different from the Heater Fuel Type.

1.23.2.1.19 Field: On-Cycle Parasitic Heat Fraction to Tank

The fraction of on-cycle parasitic fuel energy that is converted to heat energy that ends up in
the tank water. For example, an induction fan might (maybe) deliver a small fraction of its energy
to the tank water for a value of 0.05. Electronic control circuits, on the other hand, do not add
any heat to the tank and should be 0.

1.23.2.1.20 Field: Ambient Temperature Indicator

The Ambient Temperature Indicator specifies how the ambient air temperature will be indi-
cated. The field can be Schedule, Zone, or Outdoors. If Schedule is used, the Ambient Temper-
ature Schedule field provides the ambient temperature. If Zone is used, the zone air temperature
of the zone specified in the Ambient Temperature Zone field provides the ambient temperature. If
Outdoors is used, the outdoor dry-bulb air temperature provides the ambient temperature.

1.23.2.1.21 Field: Ambient Temperature Schedule Name

The reference to the schedule object specifying the ambient air temperature around the tank
for skin losses. This field is only used if Ambient Temperature Indicator is Schedule.

1.23.2.1.22 Field: Ambient Temperature Zone Name

The reference to the zone object specifying the ambient air temperature around the tank for
skin losses. This field is only used if Ambient Temperature Indicator is Zone.

1.23.2.1.23 Field: Ambient Temperature Outdoor Air Node Name

This optional alpha field specifies the outdoor air node name used to define the ambient condi-
tions surrounding the water heater tank. This field is applicable only when the Ambient Tempera-
ture Indicator is specified as Outdoors, otherwise this field should be left blank. The node name
specified must also be specified in an OutdoorAir:Node object where the height of the node is taken
into consideration when calculating outdoor air conditions from the weather data. Alternately, the
node name may be specified in an OutdoorAir:NodeList object where the outdoor air conditions
are taken directly from the weather data.
884 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.23.2.1.24 Field: Off-Cycle Loss Coefficient to Ambient Temperature

The loss coefficient [W/K] to the ambient air temperature. Often this coefficient is identical
to the “UA” for skin losses. However, it can also be used to model the loss effects of the flue in a
combustion water heater, in addition to the skin losses.

1.23.2.1.25 Field: Off-Cycle Loss Fraction to Zone

If the Ambient Temperature Indicator is Zone, this field adds the specified fraction of the
off-cycle losses to the zone heat balance as an internal gain.

1.23.2.1.26 Field: On-Cycle Loss Coefficient to Ambient Temperature

The loss coefficient [W/K] to the ambient air temperature. Often this coefficient is identical
to the “UA” for skin losses. If the loss effects of the flue are being modeled in the Off-Cycle Loss
Coefficient, than this field would have a different value accounting only for the skin losses.

1.23.2.1.27 Field: On-Cycle Loss Fraction to Zone

If the Ambient Temperature Indicator is Zone, this field adds the specified fraction of the
on-cycle losses to the zone heat balance as an internal gain.

1.23.2.1.28 Field: Peak Use Flow Rate

The peak flow rate [m3 /s] of domestic hot water usage for stand-alone operation, i.e., without
plant loop node connections. The peak value is multiplied by the Use Flow Rate Fraction Schedule.
If there are node connections, this field is not used.

1.23.2.1.29 Field: Use Flow Rate Fraction Schedule Name

The reference to the schedule object specifiying the current fraction of Peak Volumetric Use
Flow Rate of domestic hot water usage for stand-alone operation.

1.23.2.1.30 Field: Cold Water Supply Temperature Schedule Name

The reference to the schedule object specifying the cold water temperature [°C] from the supply
mains that makes up for the hot water lost down the drain. If blank, water temperatures are
calculated by the Site:WaterMainsTemperature object. This field is for stand-alone operation only.
If there are node connections, this field is not used.

1.23.2.1.31 Field: Use Side Inlet Node Name

The inlet node connection to the plant loop for the use side of the water heater. Typically the
use side draws hot water from the tank and returns cooler water.

1.23.2.1.32 Field: Use Side Outlet Node Name

The outlet node connection to the plant loop for the use side of the water heater. Typically the
use side draws hot water from the tank and returns cooler water.

1.23.2.1.33 Field: Use Side Effectiveness

This field specifies the heat transfer effectiveness between the use side water and the tank water.
If the effectiveness is set to 1 then complete heat transfer occurs, simulating perfect mixing of the
use side water and the tank water. If the effectiveness is lower, then the use side outlet water
temperature will not be as hot as the tank water, simulating a heat exchanger.
1.23. GROUP – WATER HEATERS 885

1.23.2.1.34 Field: Source Side Inlet Node Name

The inlet node connection to the plant loop for the source side of the water heater. Typically
the source side draws cold water from the tank and returns warmer water. The source side volume
flow rate is obtained from the plant loop. The magnitude of the flow rates through the source
side can be controlled by setting the Maximum Branch Flow Rate field in the Branch object that
connects the source inlet node.

1.23.2.1.35 Field: Source Side Outlet Node Name

The outlet node connection to the plant loop for the source side of the water heater. Typically
the source side draws cold water from the tank and returns warmer water.

1.23.2.1.36 Field: Source Side Effectiveness

This field specifies the heat transfer effectiveness between the source side water and the tank
water. If the effectiveness is set to 1 then complete heat transfer occurs, simulating perfect mixing
of the source side water and the tank water. If the effectiveness is lower, then the source side outlet
water temperature will not be as hot as the tank water, simulating a heat exchanger.

1.23.2.1.37 Field: Use Side Design Flow Rate

This field is optional and is used to specify the design flow rate through the Use Side of the
water heater. The volumetric design flow rate is specified in m3 /s. The field is needed when the
Use Side is connected to a plant loop. The field can be autosized. If autosized, then the input file
should include a Plant Sizing object for the plant loop. Sizing results are reported in the EIO file.

1.23.2.1.38 Field: Source Side Design Flow Rate

This field is optional and is used to specify the design flow rate through the Source Side of the
water heater. The volumetric design flow rate is specified in m3 /s. The field is needed when the
Source Side is connected to a plant loop. The field can be autosized. If autosized, then the input
file should include a Plant Sizing object for the plant loop. Sizing results are reported in the EIO
file.

1.23.2.1.39 Field: Indirect Water Heating Recovery Time

This field is optional and is used to provide a design parameter for autosizing design flow rates
when the water heater is connected to the demand side of a plant loop. The recovery time is
expressed in hours. This is the time that the entire volume of the tank can be heated from
14.4ºC to 57.2ºC (58ºF to 135ºF) with an inlet temperature defined as the exit temperature in the
associated Plant Sizing object. The default is 1.5 hours. The calculation is based on log-mean
temperature difference (LMTD) and includes the heat transfer effectiveness factor entered above.

1.23.2.1.40 Field: Source Side Flow Control Mode

This field is optional and is used to provide control over the logic used by the source side of the
water heater to request flow. There are three choices for different modes: IndirectHeatPrimarySet-
point, IndirectHeatAlternateSetpoint, or StorageTank. The mode called IndirectHeatPrimary-
Setpoint is the historical behavior prior to version 8.1. In this mode the water heater will request
flow at the source side when the main setpoint, in the input field called Setpoint Temperature
Schedule Name, and deadband call for the tank to be heated. This mode is typical for a water
heater indirectly heated by a boiler. The mode called IndirectHeatAlternateSetpoint is similar
but it bases its control decisions on an alternate setpoint given in the following field. This mode
886 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

is useful when the indirect source of heat may not satisfy the load and an internal heater is used
for backup. The mode called StorageTank is for a passive tank and it always requests flow unless
the tank temperature is equal to or higher than the maximum limit given in the input field called
Maximum Temperature Limit.

1.23.2.1.41 Field: Indirect Alternate Setpoint Temperature Schedule Name

This field is optional and is used to provide a schedule with alternate setpoints for use with
the IndirectHeatAlternateSetpoint mode in the previous field. The input field should contain a
reference to a schedule object specifying the hot water temperature setpoint [°C] to use as the
“cut-out” temperature for control logic at the source side.

WaterHeater:Mixed , ! Stand -alone electric , outdoor example

Outdoor Electric Tank , !- Name
0.151 , !- Tank Volume {m3}
Hot Water Setpoint Temp Schedule , !- Setpoint Temperature Schedule
2.0, !- Deadband Temperature Difference {deltaC}
82.2222 , !- Maximum Temperature Limit {C}
Cycle , !- Heater Control Type {Cycle | Modulate}
11712 , !- Heater Maximum Capacity {W}
, !- Heater Minimum Capacity {W}
, !- Heater Ignition Minimum Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- Heater Ignition Delay {s}
ELECTRICITY , !- Heater Fuel Type
0.95, !- Heater Thermal Efficiency
, !- Part Load Factor Curve
15, !- Off -Cycle Parasitic Fuel Consumption Rate {W}
ELECTRICITY , !- Off -Cycle Parasitic Fuel Type
0, !- Off -Cycle Parasitic Heat Fraction To Tank
15, !- On -Cycle Parasitic Fuel Consumption Rate {W}
ELECTRICITY , !- On -Cycle Parasitic Fuel Type
0, !- On -Cycle Parasitic Heat Fraction To Tank
Outdoors , !- Ambient Temperature Indicator {Schedule | Zone | Outdoors}
, !- Ambient Temperature Schedule
, !- Ambient Temperature Zone
2.36, !- Off -Cycle Loss Coefficient To Ambient Temperature {W/K}
, !- Off -Cycle Loss Fraction To Zone
2.36, !- On -Cycle Loss Coefficient To Ambient Temperature {W/K}
, !- On -Cycle Loss Fraction To Zone
0.000379 , !- Peak Volumetric Use Flow Rate {m3/s}
Hot Water Demand Schedule , !- Use Flow Rate Fraction Schedule
Constant Mains Temp Schedule; !- Cold Water Supply Temperature Schedule

WaterHeater:Mixed , ! Stand -alone electric , tankless example

Tankless , !- Name
0.003785 , !- Tank Volume {m3}
Hot Water Setpoint Temp Schedule , !- Setpoint Temperature Schedule
, !- Deadband Temperature Difference {deltaC}
82.2222 , !- Maximum Temperature Limit {C}
Modulate , !- Heater Control Type {Cycle | Modulate}
11712 , !- Heater Maximum Capacity {W}
0, !- Heater Minimum Capacity {W}
, !- Heater Ignition Minimum Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- Heater Ignition Delay {s}
ELECTRICITY , !- Heater Fuel Type
0.95, !- Heater Thermal Efficiency
, !- Part Load Factor Curve
10, !- Off -Cycle Parasitic Fuel Consumption Rate {W}
ELECTRICITY , !- Off -Cycle Parasitic Fuel Type
0, !- Off -Cycle Parasitic Heat Fraction To Tank
30, !- On -Cycle Parasitic Fuel Consumption Rate {W}
1.23. GROUP – WATER HEATERS 887

ELECTRICITY , !- On -Cycle Parasitic Fuel Type

0, !- On -Cycle Parasitic Heat Fraction To Tank
Schedule , !- Ambient Temperature Indicator {Schedule | Zone | Outdoors}
Hot Water Ambient Temp Schedule , !- Ambient Temperature Schedule
, !- Ambient Temperature Zone
, !- Off -Cycle Loss Coefficient To Ambient Temperature {W/K}
, !- Off -Cycle Loss Fraction To Zone
, !- On -Cycle Loss Coefficient To Ambient Temperature {W/K}
, !- On -Cycle Loss Fraction To Zone
0.000379 , !- Peak Volumetric Use Flow Rate {m3/s}
Hot Water Demand Schedule , !- Use Flow Rate Fraction Schedule
; !- Cold Water Supply Temperature Schedule

WaterHeater:Mixed , ! Plant loop connected , gas example

Water Heater , !- Name
0.454 , !- Tank Volume {m3}
Hot Water Setpoint Temp Schedule , !- Setpoint Temperature Schedule
5.0, !- Deadband Temperature Difference {deltaC}
82.2222 , !- Maximum Temperature Limit {C}
Cycle , !- Heater Control Type {Cycle | Modulate}
2000, !- Heater Maximum Capacity {W}
, !- Heater Minimum Capacity {W}
, !- Heater Ignition Minimum Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- Heater Ignition Delay {s}
NATURALGAS , !- Heater Fuel Type
0.80, !- Heater Thermal Efficiency
, !- Part Load Factor Curve
, !- Off -Cycle Parasitic Fuel Consumption Rate {W}
, !- Off -Cycle Parasitic Fuel Type
, !- Off -Cycle Parasitic Heat Fraction To Tank
, !- On -Cycle Parasitic Fuel Consumption Rate {W}
, !- On -Cycle Parasitic Fuel Type
, !- On -Cycle Parasitic Heat Fraction To Tank
Schedule , !- Ambient Temperature Indicator {Schedule | Zone | Outdoors}
Hot Water Ambient Temp Schedule , !- Ambient Temperature Schedule
, !- Ambient Temperature Zone
5.0, !- Off -Cycle Loss Coefficient To Ambient Temperature {W/K}
, !- Off -Cycle Loss Fraction To Zone
5.0, !- On -Cycle Loss Coefficient To Ambient Temperature {W/K}
, !- On -Cycle Loss Fraction To Zone
, !- Peak Volumetric Use Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- Use Flow Rate Fraction Schedule
, !- Cold Water Supply Temperature Schedule
Water Heater Use Inlet Node , !- Use Side Inlet Node
Water Heater Use Outlet Node , !- Use Side Outlet Node
1.0, !- Use Side Effectiveness
Water Heater Source Inlet Node , !- Source Side Inlet Node
Water Heater Source Outlet Node , !- Source Side Outlet Node
1.0; !- Source Side Effectiveness

WaterHeater:Mixed ,
Indirect Water Heater , !- Name
1.00, !- Tank Volume {m3}
Hot Water Setpoint Temperature Schedule , !- Setpoint Temperature Schedule
5.0, !- Deadband Temperature Difference {deltaC}
82.2222 , !- Maximum Temperature Limit {C}
Cycle , !- Heater Control Type
0.0, !- Heater Maximum Capacity {W}
, !- Heater Minimum Capacity {W}
, !- Heater Ignition Minimum Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- Heater Ignition Delay {s}
ELECTRICITY , !- Heater Fuel Type
0.8, !- Heater Thermal Efficiency
, !- Part Load Factor Curve
, !- Off -Cycle Parasitic Fuel Consumption Rate {W}
, !- Off -Cycle Parasitic Fuel Type
888 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

, !- Off -Cycle Parasitic Heat Fraction To Tank

, !- On -Cycle Parasitic Fuel Consumption Rate {W}
, !- On -Cycle Parasitic Fuel Type
, !- On -Cycle Parasitic Heat Fraction To Tank
Zone , !- Ambient Temperature Indicator
, !- Ambient Temperature Schedule
SPACE5 -1, !- Ambient Temperature Zone
, !- Ambient Temperature Outside Air Node
5.0, !- Off -Cycle Loss Coefficient To Ambient Temperature {W/K}
, !- Off -Cycle Loss Fraction To Zone
5.0, !- On -Cycle Loss Coefficient To Ambient Temperature {W/K}
, !- On -Cycle Loss Fraction To Zone
, !- Peak Volumetric Use Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- Use Flow Rate Fraction Schedule
, !- Cold Water Supply Temperature Schedule
SHWSys1 Pump -SHWSys1 Water HeaterNode , !- Use Side Inlet Node
SHWSys1 Supply Equipment Outlet Node , !- Use Side Outlet Node
1.0, !- Use Side Effectiveness
Indirect Water Heater SrcSideInletNode , !- Source Side Inlet Node
Indirect Water Heater SrcSideOutletNode , !- Source Side Outlet Node
0.9, !- Source Side Effectiveness
autosize , !- Use Side Design Flow Rate
autosize , !- Source Side Design Flow Rate
1.0; !- Indirect Water Heating Recovery Time

1.23.2.2 Outputs
The following output variables are reported for the WaterHeater:Mixed object:

• HVAC,Average,Water Heater Tank Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Water Heater Final Tank Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Water Heater Heat Loss Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Water Heater Heat Loss Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Water Heater Use Side Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Water Heater Use Side Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Water Heater Use Side Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Water Heater Use Side Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Water Heater Use Side Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Water Heater Source Side Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Water Heater Source Side Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Water Heater Source Side Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Water Heater Source Side Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Water Heater Source Side Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Water Heater Off Cycle Parasitic Tank Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Water Heater Off Cycle Parasitic Tank Heat Transfer Energy [J]
1.23. GROUP – WATER HEATERS 889

• HVAC,Average,Water Heater On Cycle Parasitic Tank Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Water Heater On Cycle Parasitic Tank Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Water Heater Total Demand Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Water Heater Total Demand Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Water Heater Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Water Heater Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Water Heater Unmet Demand Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Water Heater Unmet Demand Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Water Heater Venting Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Water Heater Venting Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Water Heater Net Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Water Heater Net Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Water Heater Cycle On Count []

• HVAC,Average,Water Heater Runtime Fraction []

• HVAC,Average,Water Heater Part Load Ratio []

• HVAC,Average,Water Heater Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Average,Water Heater <Fuel Type> Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Water Heater <Fuel Type> Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Water Heater Off Cycle Parasitic <Fuel Type> Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Water Heater Off Cycle Parasitic <Fuel Type> Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Water Heater On Cycle Parasitic <Fuel Type> Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Water Heater On Cycle Parasitic <Fuel Type> Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Water Heater Water Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Water Heater Water Volume [m3]

1.23.2.2.1 Water Heater Tank Temperature [C]

The average water tank temperature.

1.23.2.2.2 Water Heater Final Tank Temperature [C]

The final water tank temperature at the end of the system timestep. If reported at the “De-
tailed” interval, this output variable can be used to verify an exact energy balance on the water
heater. Also see the output variable: Water Heater Net Heat Transfer Energy.
890 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.23.2.2.3 Water Heater Heat Loss Rate [W]

The average heat loss rate due to the off- and on-cycle loss coefficients to the ambient temper-
ature.

1.23.2.2.4 Water Heater Heat Loss Energy [J]

The heat loss energy due to the off- and on-cycle loss coefficients to the ambient temperature.

1.23.2.2.5 Water Heater Use Side Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

The use side mass flow rate. If stand-alone, this is the scheduled use flow rate.

1.23.2.2.6 Water Heater Use Side Inlet Temperature [C]

The inlet temperature on the use side.

1.23.2.2.7 Water Heater Use Side Outlet Temperature [C]

The outlet temperature on the use side.

1.23.2.2.8 Water Heater Use Side Heat Transfer Rate [W]

The average heat transfer rate between the use side water and the tank water.

1.23.2.2.9 Water Heater Use Side Heat Transfer Energy [J]

The heat transfer energy between the use side water and the tank water.

1.23.2.2.10 Water Heater Source Side Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

The source side mass flow rate. If in stand-alone operation, this is 0.

1.23.2.2.11 Water Heater Source Side Inlet Temperature [C]

The inlet temperature on the source side.

1.23.2.2.12 Water Heater Source Side Outlet Temperature [C]

The outlet temperature on the source side.

1.23.2.2.13 Water Heater Source Side Heat Transfer Rate [W]

The average heat transfer rate between the source side water and the tank water.

1.23.2.2.14 Water Heater Source Side Heat Transfer Energy [J]

The heat transfer energy between the source side water and the tank water.

1.23.2.2.15 Water Heater Off Cycle Parasitic Tank Heat Transfer Rate [W]
The average heat gain rate to the tank water due to off-cycle parasitics.

1.23.2.2.16 Water Heater Off Cycle Parasitic Tank Heat Transfer Energy [J]
The heat gain energy to the tank water due to off-cycle parasitics.

1.23.2.2.17 Water Heater On Cycle Parasitic Tank Heat Transfer Rate [W]
The average heat gain rate to the tank water due to on-cycle parasitics.
1.23. GROUP – WATER HEATERS 891

1.23.2.2.18 Water Heater On Cycle Parasitic Tank Heat Transfer Energy [J]
The heat gain energy to the tank water due to on-cycle parasitics.

1.23.2.2.19 Water Heater Total Demand Heat Transfer Rate [W]

The average heating rate demanded to maintain the setpoint temperature.

1.23.2.2.20 Water Heater Total Demand Energy [J]

The heating energy demanded to maintain the setpoint temperature.

1.23.2.2.21 Water Heater Heating Rate [W]

The average heating rate supplied by the heater element or burner.

1.23.2.2.22 Water Heater Heating Energy [J]

The heating energy supplied by the heater element or burner.

1.23.2.2.23 Water Heater Unmet Demand Heat Transfer Rate [W]

The average heating rate unmet by the heater element or burner. The difference between the
Total Demand Rate and the Heating Rate.

1.23.2.2.24 Water Heater Unmet Demand Heat Transfer Energy [J]

The heating energy unmet by the heater element or burner. The difference between the Total
Demand Energy and the Heating Energy.

1.23.2.2.25 Water Heater Venting Heat Transfer Rate [W]

The average venting rate to keep the tank below the Maximum Temperature Limit.

1.23.2.2.26 Water Heater Venting Heat Transfer Energy [J]

The venting energy to keep the tank below the Maximum Temperature Limit.

1.23.2.2.27 Water Heater Net Heat Transfer Rate [W]

The average net heat transfer rate when considering all losses and gains.

1.23.2.2.28 Water Heater Net Heat Transfer Energy [J]

The net heat transfer energy when considering all losses and gains.

1.23.2.2.29 Water Heater Cycle On Count []

The number of times that the heater turned on in the time period.

1.23.2.2.30 Water Heater Runtime Fraction []

The fraction of the time period that the heater was running.

1.23.2.2.31 Water Heater Part Load Ratio []

The fraction of the Heater Maximum Capacity.

1.23.2.2.32 Water Heater <Fuel Type> Rate [W]

892 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.23.2.2.33 Water Heater Electric Power [W]

The average fuel consumption rate for the heater element or burner.

1.23.2.2.34 Water Heater <Fuel Type> Energy [J]

The fuel consumption energy for the heater element or burner.

1.23.2.2.35 Water Heater Off Cycle Parasitic <Fuel Type> Rate [W]

1.23.2.2.36 Water Heater Off Cycle Parasitic Electric Power [W]

The average fuel consumption rate for the off-cycle parasitics.

1.23.2.2.37 Water Heater Off Cycle Parasitic <Fuel Type> Energy [J]
The fuel consumption energy for the off-cycle parasitics.

1.23.2.2.38 Water Heater On Cycle Parasitic <Fuel Type> Rate [W]

1.23.2.2.39 Water Heater On Cycle Parasitic Electric Power [W]

The average fuel consumption rate for the on-cycle parasitics.

1.23.2.2.40 Water Heater On Cycle Parasitic <Fuel Type> Energy [J]

The fuel consumption energy for the on-cycle parasitics.

1.23.2.2.41 Water Heater Water Volume Flow Rate [m3 /s]

The water consumption rate for the use side, if in stand-alone operation.

1.23.2.2.42 Water Heater Water Volume [m3 ]

The water consumption for the use side, if in stand-alone operation.

1.23.2.2.43 Water Heater Mains Water Volume [m3]

The volume of water consumption drawn from mains water service.

1.23.3 WaterHeater:Stratified
The WaterHeater:Stratified object divides the water tank into multiple nodes of equal volume. The
nodes are coupled by vertical conduction effects, internode fluid flow, and temperature inversion
mixing. The object simultaneously solves the differential equations governing the energy balances on
the nodes using a numerical method. The system timestep is divided into many small substeps that
allow the simulation to capture events that occur on a very short time scale. This approach allows
ambient losses and parasitic loads to be divided into on-cycle and off-cycle effects and accounted
for in detail.
For losses to the ambient environment, the ambient air temperature can be taken from a sched-
ule, a zone, or the exterior. When used with a zone, a fraction of the skin losses can be added to
the zone heat balance as internal heat gains.
The WaterHeater:Stratified object allows two heating elements to be simulated. The two ele-
ments can cycle on and off to maintain the node temperature within the deadband. The Heater
1.23. GROUP – WATER HEATERS 893

Priority Control field determines how the heaters work together. There are two options: Master-
Slave or Simultaneous. In the MasterSlave option, Heater 1 is the master and Heater 2 is the slave.
That is, both heaters are not allowed to turn on at the same time. If the thermostats ask for heat
at both Heater 1 and 2, only Heater 1 will turn on. Once Heater 1 has met the set point, it turns
off and Heater 2 can turn on, if necessary. In the Simultaneousoption, Heater 1 and Heater 2 can
turn on and off independently. Autosizing is available for only Heater 1.

1.23.3.1 Inputs
1.23.3.1.1 Field: Name
The name of the WaterHeater:Stratified object.

1.23.3.1.2 Field: End-Use Subcategory

Allows you to specify a user-defined end-use subcategory, e.g., “Laundry”, “Dish Washing”, etc.
A new meter for reporting is created for each unique subcategory (ref: Output:Meter objects).
Subcategories are also reported in the ABUPS table under the “Water Systems” end-use category.
If this field is omitted or blank, the water use will be assigned to the “General” end-use subcategory.

1.23.3.1.3 Field: Tank Volume

The actual volume [m3] of fluid in the tank. This field is autosizable if used with a Water
Heater:Sizing object. The actual volume is typically not equal to the nominal volume specified by
the manufacturer. Actual volume is almost always 10% lower for electric water heaters, and 5%
lower for gas water heaters (Burch and Erickson 2004).
Burch, J., and P. Erickson. 2004. “Using Ratings Data to Derive Simulation-Model Inputs
for Storage-Tank Water Heaters”. Proceedings of the Solar 2004 Conference, 11-14 July 2004,
Portland, Oregon, American Solar Energy Society (ASES), pp. 393-398.

1.23.3.1.4 Field: Tank Height

The height [m] of the tank. For the HorizontalCylinder shape (see below) the height of the
tank is the measure in the axial direction, i.e., the height if you were to stand the cylinder up on
its end. This field is autosizable if used with a Water Heater:Sizing object.

1.23.3.1.5 Field: Tank Shape

The tank shape determines the size and skin losses of the stratified nodes. There are three
options: VerticalCylinder, HorizontalCylinder, and Other.
VerticalCylinder describes most upright residential water heaters.
HorizontalCylinder describes a few specialty water heaters and large commercial storage tanks.
HorizontalCylinder can also be used to model an outdoor storage tank located above a solar collector
in a thermosiphon configuration. HorizontalCylinder implies that the tank is divided into nodes of
equal mass, but not equal height.
Other describes water heaters or storage tanks that have a uniform horizontal cross-section,
but are not cylinders, e.g., a cuboid or other shape. The length of the perimeter is then specified
by the Tank Perimeter field.
If blank, the default shape is VerticalCylinder.

1.23.3.1.6 Field: Tank Perimeter

The length of the tank perimeter [m]. This field is only used if Tank Shape is Other.
894 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.23.3.1.7 Field: Maximum Temperature Limit

The temperature [°C] at which the tank water becomes dangerously hot and is vented through
boiling or an automatic safety. The tank temperature will never exceed the maximum. Any extra
heat added to the tank is immediately vented. Note: The maximum temperature must be greater
than the setpoint temperature at all times.

1.23.3.1.8 Field: Heater Priority Control

The heater priority control determines how Heater 1 and Heater 2 work together. There are two
options: MasterSlave or Simultaneous. In the MasterSlave option, Heater 1 is the master and
Heater 2 is the slave. In most residential electric water heaters, the heaters operate in a MasterSlave
relationship. That is, both heaters are not allowed to turn on at the same time. If the thermostats
ask for heat at both Heater 1 and 2, only Heater 1 will turn on. Once Heater 1 has met the set
point, it turns off and Heater 2 can turn on, if necessary. In other words, only one heater can be
on at any time, and Heater 1 is always has priority over Heater 2.
In the Simultaneous option, Heater 1 and Heater 2 can turn on and off independently.
If blank, the default is MasterSlave.

1.23.3.1.9 Field: Heater 1 Set Point Temperature Schedule Name

The reference to the schedule object specifying the hot water temperature set point [°C] for
Heater 1. Also known as the “cut-out” temperature.

1.23.3.1.10 Field: Heater 1 Deadband Temperature Difference

The delta temperature difference [Δ°C] between the set point and the “cut-in” temperature at
which Heater 1 will turn on. In other words, the “cut-in” temperature is Set Point – Deadband.

1.23.3.1.11 Field: Heater 1 Capacity

The heat rate [W] supplied to the water for Heater 1, probably the same as the “nominal”
capacity. For residential electric water heaters, heating elements are usually 4500 W. This field is
autosizable if used with a Water Heater:Sizing object.

1.23.3.1.12 Field: Heater 1 Height

The height [m] of Heater 1 in the tank.

1.23.3.1.13 Field: Heater 2 Set Point Temperature Schedule Name

The reference to the schedule object specifying the hot water temperature set point [°C] for
Heater 2. Also known as the “cut-out” temperature.

1.23.3.1.14 Field: Heater 2 Deadband Temperature Difference

The delta temperature difference [Δ°C] between the set point and the “cut-in” temperature at
which Heater 2 will turn on. In other words, the “cut-in” temperature is Set Point – Deadband.

1.23.3.1.15 Field: Heater 2 Capacity

The heat rate [W] supplied to the water for Heater 1, probably the same as the “nominal”
capacity. For residential electric water heaters, heating elements are usually 4500 W.

1.23.3.1.16 Field: Heater 2 Height

The height [m] of Heater 2 in the tank.
1.23. GROUP – WATER HEATERS 895

1.23.3.1.17 Field: Heater Fuel Type

The type of fuel used for both Heaters 1 and 2. The fuel type can be Electricity, NaturalGas,
PropaneGas, FuelOil#1, FuelOil#2, Coal, Diesel, Gasoline, Steam, OtherFuel1, OtherFuel2 or
DistrictHeating.

1.23.3.1.18 Field: Heater Thermal Efficiency

The thermal conversion efficiency from fuel energy to heat energy for the heater element or
burner (for both Heaters 1 and 2). This is not the same as the overall efficiency of the water heater.

1.23.3.1.19 Field: Off-Cycle Parasitic Fuel Consumption Rate

Off-cycle parasitics include parts of the water heater that consume fuel when the heater is off,
for example, a pilot light, or stand-by electronic control circuits. The fuel consumption rate [W] is
strictly the total fuel that is consumed by all of the off-cycle parasitics.

1.23.3.1.20 Field: Off-Cycle Parasitic Fuel Type

The type of fuel used by the off-cycle parasitics. The fuel type can be Electricity, NaturalGas,
PropaneGas, FuelOil#1, FuelOil#2, Coal, Diesel, Gasoline, Steam, OtherFuel1, OtherFuel2 or
DistrictHeating. The fuel type can be the same or different from the Heater Fuel Type.

1.23.3.1.21 Field: Off-Cycle Parasitic Heat Fraction to Tank

The fraction of off-cycle parasitic fuel energy that is converted to heat energy that ends up in
the tank water. For example, a pilot light would deliver most of its heat to the tank water, as
long as the thermal conversion efficiency must be taken into account, so perhaps 0.80 is reasonable.
Electronic control circuits, on the other hand, do not add any heat to the tank and should be 0.

1.23.3.1.22 Field: Off-Cycle Parasitic Height

The height [m] where any off-cycle parasitic heat gains are added to the tank.

1.23.3.1.23 Field: On-Cycle Parasitic Fuel Consumption Rate

On-cycle parasitics include parts of the water heater that consume fuel when the heater is on,
for example, an induction fan, or stand-by electronic control circuits. The fuel consumption rate
[W] is strictly the total fuel that is consumed by all of the on-cycle parasitics.

1.23.3.1.24 Field: On-Cycle Parasitic Fuel Type

The type of fuel used by the on-cycle parasitics. The fuel type can be Electricity, NaturalGas,
PropaneGas, FuelOil#1, FuelOil#2, Coal, Diesel, Gasoline, Steam, OtherFuel1, OtherFuel2 or
DistrictHeating. The fuel type can be the same or different from the Heater Fuel Type.

1.23.3.1.25 Field: On-Cycle Parasitic Heat Fraction to Tank

The fraction of on-cycle parasitic fuel energy that is converted to heat energy that ends up in
the tank water. For example, an induction fan might (maybe) deliver a small fraction of its energy
to the tank water for a value of 0.05. Electronic control circuits, on the other hand, do not add
any heat to the tank and should be 0.

1.23.3.1.26 Field: On-Cycle Parasitic Height

The height [m] where any on-cycle parasitic heat gains are added to the tank.
896 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.23.3.1.27 Field: Ambient Temperature Indicator

The Ambient Temperature Indicator specifies how the ambient air temperature will be in-
dicated. The field can be Schedule, Zone, or Outdoors. If Schedule is used, the Ambient
Temperature Schedule value provides the ambient temperature. If Zone is used, the zone air
temperature of the zone specified in the Ambient Temperature Zone field provides the ambient
temperature. If Outdoors is used, the outdoor dry-bulb air temperature of the outdoor air node
specified in the Ambient Temperature OutdoorAir:Node field provides the ambient temperature.

1.23.3.1.28 Field: Ambient Temperature Schedule Name

The reference to the schedule object specifying the ambient air temperature around the tank
for skin losses. This field is only used if Ambient Temperature Indicator is Schedule.

1.23.3.1.29 Field: Ambient Temperature Zone

The reference to the zone object specifying the ambient air temperature around the tank for
skin losses. This field is only used if Ambient Temperature Indicator is Zone.

1.23.3.1.30 Field: Ambient Temperature Outdoor Air Node

The reference to the outdoor air node specifying the ambient air temperature around the
tank for skin losses. An outdoor air node can be defined by an OutdoorAir:Node object or Out-
doorAir:NodeList object. This field is only used if Ambient Temperature Indicator is Outdoors.

1.23.3.1.31 Field: Uniform Skin Loss Coefficient Per Unit Area to Ambient
Temperature
The uniform skin loss coefficient [W/m2-K] or U-Value of the tank to the ambient air tem-
perature. The uniform skin loss accounts for the tank insulation and applies during both off- and
on-cycle operation. The overall losses at any particular node can be further modified using the
Additional Loss Coefficient fields to account for thermal shorting due to pipe penetrations, water
heater feet, and any other loss effects.

1.23.3.1.32 Field: Skin Loss Fraction to Zone

If the Ambient Temperature Indicator is Zone, this field adds the specified fraction of the skin
losses to the zone heat balance as an internal gain.

1.23.3.1.33 Field: Off-Cycle Flue Loss Coefficient to Ambient Temperature

The off-cycle flue loss coefficient [W/K] to the ambient air temperature. This field mainly
applies to gas water heaters that have a flue.

1.23.3.1.34 Field: Off-Cycle Flue Loss Fraction to Zone

If the Ambient Temperature Indicator is Zone, this field adds the specified fraction of the
off-cycle flue losses to the zone heat balance as an internal gain.

1.23.3.1.35 Field: Peak Use Flow Rate

The peak flow rate [m3 /s] of domestic hot water usage for stand-alone operation, i.e., without
plant loop node connections. The peak value is multiplied by the Use Flow Rate Fraction Schedule.
If there are node connections, this field is not used.
1.23. GROUP – WATER HEATERS 897

1.23.3.1.36 Field: Use Flow Rate Fraction Schedule Name

The reference to the schedule object specifiying the current fraction of Peak Volumetric Use
Flow Rate of domestic hot water usage for stand-alone operation. If blank, the fraction defaults to
1.0 at all times.

1.23.3.1.37 Field: Cold Water Supply Temperature Schedule Name

The reference to the schedule object specifying the cold water temperature [°C] from the supply
mains that makes up for the hot water lost down the drain. If blank, water temperatures are
calculated by the Site:WaterMainsTemperature object. This field is for stand-alone operation only.
If there are node connections, this field is not used.

1.23.3.1.38 Field: Use Side Inlet Node Name

The inlet node connection to the plant loop for the use side of the water heater. Typically the
use side draws hot water from the tank and returns cooler water.

1.23.3.1.39 Field: Use Side Outlet Node Name

The outlet node connection to the plant loop for the use side of the water heater. Typically the
use side draws hot water from the tank and returns cooler water.

1.23.3.1.40 Field: Use Side Effectiveness

This field specifies the heat transfer effectiveness between the use side water and the tank water.
If the effectiveness is set to 1 then complete heat transfer occurs, simulating perfect mixing of the
use side water and the tank water. If the effectiveness is less than 1.0, then the use side outlet
water temperature will not be as hot as the tank water at the outlet node, simulating an external
heat exchanger that is indirectly coupled to the water heater tank.

1.23.3.1.41 Field: Use Side Inlet Height

The height of the use side inlet to the tank. If blank, the inlet defaults to the bottom of the
tank. The inlet height cannot be higher than the tank height.

1.23.3.1.42 Field: Use Side Outlet Height

The height of the use side outlet from the tank. If blank or autocalculate, the inlet defaults
to the top of the tank. The outlet height cannot be higher than the tank height.

1.23.3.1.43 Field: Source Side Inlet Node

The inlet node connection to the plant loop for the source side of the water heater. Typically
the source side draws cold water from the tank and returns warmer water.

1.23.3.1.44 Field: Source Side Outlet Node

The outlet node connection to the plant loop for the source side of the water heater. Typically
the source side draws cold water from the tank and returns warmer water.

1.23.3.1.45 Field: Source Side Effectiveness

This field specifies the heat transfer effectiveness between the source side water and the tank
water. If the effectiveness is set to 1 then complete heat transfer occurs, simulating perfect mixing
of the source side water and the tank water. If the effectiveness is less than 1.0, then the source
898 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

side outlet water temperature will be higher than the tank water at the outlet node, simulating an
external heat exchanger that is indirectly coupled to the water heater tank.

1.23.3.1.46 Field: Source Side Inlet Height

The height of the source side inlet to the tank. If blank or autocalculate, the inlet defaults
to the top of the tank. The inlet height cannot be higher than the tank height.

1.23.3.1.47 Field: Source Side Outlet Height

The height of the source side outlet from the tank. If blank, the inlet defaults to the bottom of
the tank. The outlet height cannot be higher than the tank height.

1.23.3.1.48 Field: Inlet Mode

The inlet mode of entering fluid from the use and source sides. There are two options: Fixed
or Seeking. In Fixed mode, the fluid enters at the fixed heights specified above. In Seeking mode,
the fluid “seeks out” the stratified node that is closest to the inlet temperature and adds all flow
to that node. The Seekingbmode provides maximum stratification. The default is Fixed.

1.23.3.1.49 Field: Use Side Design Flow Rate

This field is optional and is used to specify the design flow rate through the Use Side of the
water heater. The volumetric design flow rate is specified in m3 /s. The field is needed when the
Use Side is connected to a plant loop. The field can be autosized. If autosized, then the input file
should include a Plant Sizing object for the plant loop. Sizing results are reported in the EIO file.

1.23.3.1.50 Field: Source Side Design Flow Rate

This field is optional and is used to specify the design flow rate through the Source Side of the
water heater. The volumetric design flow rate is specified in m3 /s. The field is needed when the
Source Side is connected to a plant loop. The field can be autosized. If autosized, then the input
file should include a Plant Sizing object for the plant loop. Sizing results are reported in the EIO
file.

1.23.3.1.51 Field: Indirect Water Heating Recovery Time

This field is optional and is used to provide a design parameter for autosizing design flow rates
when the water heater is connected to the demand side of a plant loop. The recovery time is
expressed in hours. This is the time that the entire volume of the tank can be heated from
14.4ºC to 57.2ºC (58ºF to 135ºF) with an inlet temperature defined as the exit temperature in the
associated Plant Sizing object. The default is 1.5 hours. The calculation is based on log-mean
temperature difference (LMTD) and includes the heat transfer effectiveness factor entered above.

1.23.3.1.52 Field: Number Of Nodes

The number of stratified nodes in the tank. There must be at least one node. The maximum
number of nodes is 12, although this limit can be increased by editing the IDD.

1.23.3.1.53 Field: Additional Destratification Conductivity

An additional destratification conductivity [W/m-K] is added to the fluid conductivity of water
(0.6 W/m-K) to account for vertical conduction effects along the inside of the tank wall, and
perhaps other vertical components such as the flue, the cold water inlet pipe (dip tube), and the
anode rod.
1.23. GROUP – WATER HEATERS 899

1.23.3.1.54 Field: Node 1-12 Additional Loss Coefficient

An additional loss coefficient [W/K] added to the skin losses for a given node to account for
thermal shorting due to pipe penetrations, water heater feet, and any other loss effects.

1.23.3.1.55 Field: Source Side Flow Control Mode

This field is optional and is used to provide control over the logic used by the source side of the
water heater to request flow. There are three choices for different modes: IndirectHeatPrimarySet-
point, IndirectHeatAlternateSetpoint, or StorageTank. The mode called IndirectHeatPrimary-
Setpoint is the historical behavior prior to version 8.1. In this mode the water heater will request
flow at the source side when the main setpoint, in the input field called Setpoint Temperature
Schedule Name, and deadband call for the tank to be heated. This mode is typical for a water
heater indirectly heated by a boiler. The mode called IndirectHeatAlternateSetpoint is similar
but it bases its control decisions on an alternate setpoint given in the following field. This mode
is useful when the indirect source of heat may not satisfy the load and an internal heater is used
for backup. The mode called StorageTank is for a passive tank and it always requests flow unless
the tank temperature is equal to or higher than the maximum limit given in the input field called
Maximum Temperature Limit.

1.23.3.1.56 Field: Indirect Alternate Setpoint Temperature Schedule Name

This field is optional and is used to provide a schedule with alternate setpoints for use with
the IndirectHeatAlternateSetpoint mode in the previous field. The input field should contain a
reference to a schedule object specifying the hot water temperature setpoint [°C] to use as the
“cut-out” temperature for control logic at the source side.

WaterHeater:Stratified ,
Electric Water Heater , !- Name
Water Heater , !- End -Use Subcategory
0.1893 , !- Tank Volume {m3}
1.4, !- Tank Height {m}
VerticalCylinder , !- Tank Shape
, !- Tank Perimeter {m}
82.2222 , !- Maximum Temperature Limit {C}
MasterSlave , !- Heater Priority
Hot Water Set Point Temp Schedule , !- Heater 1 Set Point Temperature Schedule
2.0, !- Heater 1 Deadband Temperature Difference {deltaC}
4500, !- Heater 1 Capacity {W} (Master)
1.0, !- Heater 1 Height {m}
Hot Water Set Point Temp Schedule , !- Heater 2 Set Point Temperature Schedule
5.0, !- Heater 2 Deadband Temperature Difference {deltaC}
4500, !- Heater 2 Capacity {W} (Slave)
0.0, !- Heater 2 Height {m}
ELECTRICITY , !- Heater Fuel Type
0.98, !- Heater Thermal Efficiency
10, !- Off -Cycle Parasitic Fuel Consumption Rate {W}
ELECTRICITY , !- Off -Cycle Parasitic Fuel Type
0, !- Off -Cycle Parasitic Heat Fraction To Tank
, !- Off -Cycle Parasitic Height {m}
10, !- On -Cycle Parasitic Fuel Consumption Rate {W}
ELECTRICITY , !- On -Cycle Parasitic Fuel Type
0, !- On -Cycle Parasitic Heat Fraction To Tank
, !- On -Cycle Parasitic Height {m}
SCHEDULE , !- Ambient Temperature Indicator
Ambient Temp Schedule , !- Ambient Temperature Schedule
, !- Ambient Temperature Zone
, !- Ambient Temperature Outdoor Air Node
0.846 , !- Uniform Skin Loss Coefficient Per Unit Area To Ambient Temperature {W/m2 -K}
, !- Skin Loss Fraction To Zone {}
900 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

, !- Off -Cycle Flue Loss Coefficient To Ambient Temperature {W/K}

, !- Off -Cycle Flue Loss Fraction To Zone {}
, !- Peak Volumetric Use Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- Use Flow Rate Fraction Schedule
, !- Cold Water Supply Temperature Schedule
Water Heater Use Inlet Node , !- Use Side Inlet Node
Water Heater Use Outlet Node , !- Use Side Outlet Node
1.0, !- Use Side Effectiveness {}
, !- Use Side Inlet Height {m}
, !- Use Side Outlet Height {m}
, !- Source Side Inlet Node
, !- Source Side Outlet Node
, !- Source Side Effectiveness {}
, !- Source Side Inlet Height {m}
, !- Source Side Outlet Height {m}
FIXED , !- Inlet Mode {FIXED | SEEKING}
6, !- Number Of Nodes
0.1, !- Destratification Conductivity {W/m-K}
0.15, !- Node 1 Additional Loss Coefficient {W/K}
, !- Node 2 Additional Loss Coefficient {W/K}
, !- Node 3 Additional Loss Coefficient {W/K}
, !- Node 4 Additional Loss Coefficient {W/K}
, !- Node 5 Additional Loss Coefficient {W/K}
0.1; !- Node 6 Additional Loss Coefficient {W/K}

1.23.3.2 Outputs
All of the output variables reported for the WaterHeater:Mixed object also apply to the Water-
Heater:Stratified object, with several qualifications noted below:

1.23.3.2.1 Water Heater Tank Temperature [C]

The average water tank temperature, i.e., the average of all of the node average temperatures.

1.23.3.2.2 Water Heater Final Tank Temperature [C]

The final water tank temperature at the end of the system timestep, i.e., the average of all
of the final node temperatures at the end of the system timestep. If reported at the “Detailed”
interval, this output variable can be used to verify an exact energy balance on the water heater.

1.23.3.2.3 Water Heater Heating Rate [W]

The total average heating rate supplied by Heater 1 plus Heater 2.

1.23.3.2.4 Water Heater Heating Energy [J]

The total heating energy supplied by Heater 1 plus Heater 2.

1.23.3.2.5 Water Heater Cycle On Count []

The number of times that either Heater 1 or Heater 2 turned on in the time period.

1.23.3.2.6 Water Heater Runtime Fraction []

The fraction of the time period that either Heater 1 or Heater 2 was running.
In addition, the WaterHeater:Stratified object also reports the following output variables:

• HVAC,Average,Water Heater Heater 1 Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Water Heater Heater 2 Heating Rate [W]

1.23. GROUP – WATER HEATERS 901

• HVAC,Sum,Water Heater Heater 1 Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Water Heater Heater 2 Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Water Heater Heater 1 Cycle On Count []

• HVAC,Sum,Water Heater Heater 2 Cycle On Count []

• HVAC,Average,Water Heater Heater 1 Runtime Fraction []

• HVAC,Average,Water Heater Heater 2 Runtime Fraction []

• HVAC,Average,Water Heater Temperature Node <x> [C]

• HVAC,Average,Water Heater Final Temperature Node <x> [C]

1.23.3.2.7 Water Heater Heater 1 Heating Rate [W]

The average heating rate supplied by Heater 1.

1.23.3.2.8 Water Heater Heater 2 Heating Rate [W]

The average heating rate supplied by Heater 2.

1.23.3.2.9 Water Heater Heater 1 Heating Energy [J]

The heating energy supplied by Heater 1.

1.23.3.2.10 Water Heater Heater 2 Heating Energy [J]

The heating energy supplied by Heater 2.

1.23.3.2.11 Water Heater Heater 1 Cycle On Count []

The number of times that Heater 1 turned on in the time period.

1.23.3.2.12 Water Heater Heater 2 Cycle On Count []

The number of times that Heater 2 turned on in the time period.

1.23.3.2.13 Water Heater Heater 1 Runtime Fraction []

The fraction of the time period that Heater 1 was running.

1.23.3.2.14 Water Heater Heater 2 Runtime Fraction []

The fraction of the time period that Heater 2 was running.

1.23.3.2.15 Water Heater Temperature Node 1-12 [C]

The average node temperature.

1.23.3.2.16 Water Heater Final Temperature Node 1-12 [C]

The final node temperature at the end of the system timestep.
902 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.23.4 WaterHeater:Sizing
The WaterHeater:Sizing object is used to provide additional input data needed for designing tank
volume and/or heater capacity for either the Mixed or Stratified water heaters. This object is only
needed if volume or capacity is being automatically sized. There are no output variable associated
with this object – sizing results are reported to the EIO output file and some predefined summary
reports.
A source of design input data for use with this object can be found in the current ASHRAE
Handbook HVAC Applications chapter on Service Water Heating.
The idd entry for this object follows.

1.23.4.1 Inputs
1.23.4.1.1 Field: WaterHeater Name
This field contains the unique name of the water heater being sized. This name should match
the name of a Water Heater:Mixed or a Water Heater:Stratified input object defined elsewhere in
the input file.

1.23.4.1.2 Field: Design Mode

This field describes which of several methods are to be used for sizing the water heater. There
are six possible choices and one of the following should be selected:

• PeakDraw. This design method uses the design flow rates of all the different demands
placed on the water heater. The tank size is based on how long it can meet the demand
and how quickly it can recover. The user enters the time in hours that the water heater
can meet the demands. Only the hot water uses connected to an individual water heater, or
scheduled in the water heater object for stand-alone units, are included in that water heater’s
peak draw.
• ResidentialHUD-FHAMinimum This design method is based on minimum permissible
water heater sizes (established by HUD-FHA in its Minimum Property Standards for One-
and Two-Family Living Units, No. 4900.1-1982). The user enters the number of bathrooms
and bedrooms in this input object. The smallest allowable water heater sizes are used.
• PerPerson This design method scales sizes based on the total number of people in all zones
in the building. Each water heater in the model will be sized using the total (peak, design)
number of people for the entire model. The number of people is determined from People
objects defined elsewhere in the input file
• PerFloorArea This design method scales sizes based on the total floor area in all the zones
in the building. Each water heater in the model will be sized using all the floor area in the
model. The floor areas are determined from the geometry input elsewhere in the input file.
• PerUnit This design method scales sizes based on an arbitrary number of units. This can
be used, for example, to size based on the number of rooms in a lodging building. The user
provides the number of units in an input field in this object.
• PerSolarCollectorArea This design method scales tank volume based on the collector area
for a solar hot water collector. The collector area is summed for all the collectors in the
model and each tank is sized for the total. The collector area is determined from input for
Solar Collectors defined elsewhere in the input file.
1.23. GROUP – WATER HEATERS 903

1.23.4.1.3 Field: Time Storage Can Meet Peak Draw

This field provides the time, in hours, that the tank’s volume can sustain a peak draw. It is
used to size the tank’s volume which is the simple product of peak draw volume flow rate and the
draw time. There is no assurance that the water will be at the desired temperature for the entire
draw. This field is only used if the Design Mode is “PeakDraw.” For a water heater connected
to a full plant loop, it should be on the supply side and the plant loop needs a Plant Sizing object
and the draw rate is the Use side design flow rate. For a stand-alone water heater, the draw rate
is the maximum scheduled peak use flow rate.

1.23.4.1.4 Field: Time for Tank Recovery

This field provides the the time, in hours, that tank’s heater needs to recover the volume of the
tank. The temperatures used to define recovery are a starting temperature of 14.4ºC (58ºF) and a
final temperature of 57.2ºC (135ºF). This field is only used if the Design Mode is “PeakDraw.”

1.23.4.1.5 Field: Nominal Tank Volume for Autosizing Plant Connections

This field is used in case the water heater is indirectly heated by its source side connections
and they are also autosized. Because of the complexity of such a water heater and the timing for
when sizing calculation happen inside EnergyPlus, the Source side connection flow rates need to
be reported before the tank’s volume can be sized to meet Peak Draw. This input field is used
to provide a nominal tank volume to use temporarily while the flow connections are sized. This
field is only used if the Design Mode is “PeakDraw” and the water heater has autosized plant
connections on the demand side.

1.23.4.1.6 Field: Number of Bedrooms

This field is used to enter the numer of bedrooms in the model. This field is only used if the
Design Mode is “ResidentialHUD-FHAMinimum.”

1.23.4.1.7 Field: Number of Bathrooms

This field is used to enter the number of bathrooms in the model. This field is only used if the
Design Mode is “ResidentialHUD-FHAMinimum.”

1.23.4.1.8 Field: Storage Capacity per Person

This field is used to enter the tank’s storage volume on per-person basis. The units are
m3 /person. This field is only used if the Design Mode is “PerPerson.”

1.23.4.1.9 Field: Recovery Capacity per Person

This field is used to enter the recovery capacity per person in units of m3 /person/hr. This
is the volume of water the heater can recover in one hour per person. Recovery is heating water
from a starting temperature of 14.4ºC (58ºF) to a final temperature of 57.2ºC (135ºF). This field
is only used if the Design Mode is “PerPerson.”

1.23.4.1.10 Field: Storage Capacity per Floor Area

This field is used to enter the tank’s storage volume on a per-floor-area basis. The units are
m3 /m2 (water/floor area). This field is only used if the Design Mode is “PerFloorArea.”
904 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.23.4.1.11 Field: Recovery Capacity per Floor Area

This field is used to enter the recovery capacity per floor area in units of m3 /m2 /hr. This is
the volume water the heater can recover in an hour per floor area. Recovery is heating water from
a starting temperature of 14.4ºC (58ºF) to a final temperature of 57.2ºC (135ºF). This field is only
used if the Design Mode is “PerFloorArea.”

1.23.4.1.12 Field: Number of Units

This field is used to enter the number of Units for use in sizing on per-Unit basis with the next
two fields. This field is only used if the Design Mode is “PerUnit.” This can be used to account
for any arbitrary item such as lodging rooms, desks, water fixtures, restrooms, etc.

1.23.4.1.13 Field: Storage Capacity per Unit

This field is used to enter the tanks’ storage volume on per-Unit basis. The units are
m3 /Unit. The number of Units is entered in the previous field. This field is only used if the
Design Mode is “PerUnit.”

1.23.4.1.14 Field: Recovery Capacity per Unit

This field is used to enter the recover capacity per Unit in units of m3 /Unit/hr. This is the
volume of water the heater can recover in an hour per Unit. Recovery is heating water from a
starting temperature of 14.4ºC (58ºF) to a final temperature of 57.2ºC (135ºF). This field is only
used if the Design Mode is “PerUnit.”

1.23.4.1.15 Field: Storage Capacity per Collector Area

This field is used to enter the tank’s storage volume on per-solar-collector-area basis. The units
are m3 /m2 . This field is only used if the Design Mode is “PerSolarCollectorArea.”

1.23.4.1.16 Field: Height Aspect Ratio

This field is used to scale the height of a stratified tank to preserve relative geometry for different
size tanks. The Height Aspect Ratio is defined at the length scale in the vertical direction (height)
divided by the length scale in the horizontal direction (diameter). This field is only used if the
water heater being sized is a Water Heater:Stratified, the tank height has been set to Autosize, and
the tank shape is set to VerticalCylinder. This field can be used with any Design Mode.

1.23.5 WaterHeater:HeatPump:PumpedCondenser
The heat pump water heater with pumped condenser (HPWH) is a compound object consisting
of a water heater tank (e.g., WaterHeater:Mixed or WaterHeater:Stratified), a direct expansion (DX)
“coil” (i.e., an air-to-water DX compression system which includes a water heating coil, air coil,
compressor, and water pump), and a fan to provide air flow across the air coil associated with
the DX compression system. These objects work together to model a system which heats water
using zone air, outdoor air, or a combination of zone and outdoor air as the primary heat source.
Numerous configurations of tank location, inlet air source, and DX coil compressor location can be
modeled, with one common configuration shown below.
In this model, the heat pump water heater’s DX coil is considered the primary heat source and
the water tank’s heater (element or burner) provides supplemental heat as necessary. The model
also assumes that the heat pump’s fan and water pump cycle on and off with the compressor.
1.23. GROUP – WATER HEATERS 905

Figure 1.80: Schematic diagram for a heat pump water heater located in a zone

To model a heat pump water heater, the input data file must include some combination of the
following objects depending on the configuration to be modeled:

• WaterHeater:HeatPump:PumpedCondenser (required)

• WaterHeater:Mixed or WaterHeater:Stratified (required)

• Coil:WaterHeating:AirToWaterHeatPump:Pumped or Coil:WaterHeating:AirToWaterHeatPump:VariableSpeed
(required)

• Fan:OnOff (required)

• (when the HPWH draws some or all of its air from the zone, the heat
ZoneHVAC:EquipmentList
pump water heater type and name must be in this list)

• (when the HPWH draws some or all of its air from the zone, the
ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections
HPWH air inlet and outlet node names must be provided in this object)

• (for HPWHs that use outdoor air as all or part of the heat source, the
OutdoorAir:NodeList
HPWH outdoor air node name must be provided in this list)

The input fields for the compound object are described in detail below:

1.23.5.1 Inputs
1.23.5.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains a unique user-assigned name for an instance of a heat pump water
heater. Any reference to this heat pump water heater by another object will use this name.
906 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.23.5.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the
heat pump compressor is available to operate during a given time period. A schedule value equal to
0 denotes that the heat pump compressor is off for that time period. A value other than 0 denotes
that the heat pump compressor is available to operate during that time period. During times when
the heat pump compressor is scheduled off, the heater (element or burner) in the water tank object
operates based on its tank set point temperature schedule and the heat pump’s parasitic electric
power is also off for that time period. If this field is blank, the schedule has values of 1 for all time
periods.

1.23.5.1.3 Field: Compressor Setpoint Temperature Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that specifies the set point (or
“cut-out”) temperature for the heat pump compressor. Temperature values used in this schedule
should be in degrees Celsius. The heat pump compressor cycles off when the tank water reaches
this set point temperature. Once the heat pump compressor cycles off, the tank water temperature
floats downward until it falls below the set point temperature minus the dead band temperature
difference defined below (i.e., the “cut-in” temperature). At this point, the heat pump compressor
cycles on and remains on until the heat pump compressor set point temperature is reached.

1.23.5.1.4 Field: Dead Band Temperature Difference

This numeric field contains the dead band temperature difference in degrees Celsius. The heat
pump compressor “cut-in” temperature is defined as the compressor set point temperature defined
above minus this dead band temperature difference. The heat pump compressor cycles on when the
water temperature in the tank falls below the “cut-in” temperature. The heat pump compressor
remains on until the water temperature in the tank rises above the compressor set point (“cut-out”)
temperature defined above. The dead band temperature difference must be greater than 0°C and
less than or equal to 20°C. If this field is left blank, the default value is 5°C.
In this model, the heat pump water heater’s DX compression system is considered the primary
heat source and the water tank’s heater (element or burner) provides supplemental heat as neces-
sary. Therefore, the cut-in temperature for the heat pump compressor (set point minus dead band
temperature difference) is usually higher than the set point temperature for the heater (element or
burner) in the associated water heater tank object. At times when the water heater tank set point
temperature is greater than the cut-in temperature of the heat pump compressor, the heat pump
compressor is disabled and the tank’s heater is used to heat the water.

1.23.5.1.5 Field: Condenser Water Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the name of the inlet water node for the heat pump’s water heating
coil (condenser). This node name must also be specified in the water heater tank object as the
source outlet node name, and in the DX coil object as the condenser water inlet node name.

1.23.5.1.6 Field: Condenser Water Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the name of the outlet water node for the heat pump’s water heating
coil (condenser). This node name must also be specified in the water heater tank object as the
source inlet node name, and in the DX coil object as the condenser water outlet node name.

1.23.5.1.7 Field: Condenser Water Flow Rate

1.23. GROUP – WATER HEATERS 907

This numeric field contains the heat pump’s condenser water flow rate in cubic meters per
second. It is the actual condenser water flow rate to be simulated, which may differ from
the rated condenser water volumetric flow rate specified for the heat pump’s DX coil (Ref.
Coil:WaterHeating:AirToWaterHeatPump). This water flow rate must be greater than 0 or this
field is autocalculatable. If autocalculated (field value = autocalculate), the condenser water flow
rate is set equal to the rated heating capacity of the heat pump’s DX coil multiplied by 4.487E-8
m3 /s/W. When this flow rate is different from the Rated Condenser Water Volumetric Flow Rate
specified in the heat pump’s DX coil object (Ref. Coil:WaterHeating:AirToWaterHeatPump),
the user should also specify a Total Heating Capacity Modifier Curve Name (function of water
flow fraction) and a Heating COP Modifier Curve Name (function of water flow fraction) in the
associated DX coil object to account for differences in capacity and power consumption at the
off-rated water flow rate.

1.23.5.1.8 Field: Evaporator Air Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the air flow rate across the heat pump’s air coil (evaporator)
in cubic meters per second. It is the actual air flow rate to be simulated, which may differ
from the rated evaporator air volumetric flow rate specified for the heat pump’s DX coil (Ref.
Coil:WaterHeating:AirToWaterHeatPump:Pumped). Values must be greater than 0 or this field is
autocalculatable. If autocalculated (field value = autocalculate), the evaporator air flow rate is
set equal to the rated heating capacity of the heat pump’s DX coil multiplied by 5.035E-5 m3 /s/W.
When this flow rate is different from the Rated Evaporator Air Volumetric Flow Rate specified in
the heat pump’s DX coil object (Ref. Coil:WaterHeating:AirToWaterHeatPump:Pumped), the user
should also specify a Total Heating Capacity Modifier Curve Name (function of air flow fraction)
and a Heating COP Modifier Curve Name (function of air flow fraction) in the associated DX coil
object to account for differences in capacity and power consumption at the off-rated air flow rate.

1.23.5.1.9 Field: Inlet Air Configuration

This choice field defines the configuration of the air flow path through the heat pump air coil
(evaporator) and fan section. Valid entries are Schedule, ZoneAirOnly, OutdoorAirOnly, or
ZoneAndOutdoorAir. If ‘Schedule’ is selected, names for an inlet air temperature schedule and
an inlet air humidity schedule must be defined in the fields below. If ‘ZoneAirOnly’ is selected,
the corresponding zone name must be entered in the Inlet Air Zone Name field below. If ‘Zone-
AndOutdoorAir’ is selected, the corresponding Inlet Air Zone Name, Inlet Air Mixer Node Name,
Outlet Air Splitter Node Name, and an Inlet Air Mixer Schedule Name must be entered in the
corresponding fields below.

1.23.5.1.10 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the name of the node from which the heat pump water heater draws
its inlet air. If the Inlet Air Configuration field defined above is set to ‘ZoneAirOnly’ or ‘Zone-
AndOutdoorAir’, then this node name should be the name of a zone air exhaust node (Ref. Zone-
HVAC:EquipmentConnections). If the Inlet Air Configuration field is set to ‘OutdoorAirOnly’, this
node name should be left blank. If the Inlet Air Configuration field is set to ‘Schedule’, this node
name should simply be a unique name that allows the user to receive output on conditions at this
node for verification purposes.

1.23.5.1.11 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

908 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

This alpha field contains the name of the node to which the heat pump water heater sends
its outlet air. If the Inlet Air Configuration field defined above is set to ‘ZoneAirOnly’ or ‘Zone-
AndOutdoorAir’, then this node name should be the name of a zone air inlet node (Ref. Zone-
HVAC:EquipmentConnections). If the Inlet Air Configuration field is set to ‘OutdoorAirOnly’, this
node name should be left blank. If the Inlet Air Configuration field is set to ‘Schedule’, this node
name should simply be a unique name that allows the user to receive output on conditions at this
node for verification purposes.

1.23.5.1.12 Field: Outdoor Air Node Name

This alpha field contains the name of the node from which the heat pump water heater draws its
outdoor air. If the Inlet Air Configuration field defined above is set to ‘ZoneAirOnly’ or ‘Schedule’,
this node name should be left blank. If the Inlet Air Configuration field is set to ‘ZoneAndOut-
doorAir’ or ‘OutdoorAirOnly’, this node name should be the name of an outdoor air node (Ref.
OutdoorAir:NodeList).

1.23.5.1.13 Field: Exhaust Air Node Name

This alpha field contains the name of the node to which the heat pump water heater sends its
exhaust air. If the Inlet Air Configuration field defined above is set to ‘ZoneAirOnly’ or ‘Schedule’,
this node name should be left blank. If the Inlet Air Configuration field is set to ‘ZoneAndOut-
doorAir’ or ‘OutdoorAirOnly’, then this node name should be a unique name that allows the user
to receive output on conditions at this node for verification purposes.

1.23.5.1.14 Field: Inlet Air Temperature Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of a schedule used to define the dry-bulb temperature of
the inlet air to the heat pump air coil (evaporator) and fan section. Schedule values should be in
degrees Celsius. This field is only used when the Inlet Air Configuration defined above is specified
as ‘Schedule’, otherwise leave this field blank.

1.23.5.1.15 Field: Inlet Air Humidity Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of a schedule used to define the humidity of the inlet air to
the heat pump evaporator and fan section. Schedule values must be entered as relative humidity
fraction from 0 to 1 (e.g., a schedule value of 0.5 means 50%RH). This field is only used when the
Inlet Air Configuration defined above is specified as ‘Schedule’, otherwise leave this field blank.

1.23.5.1.16 Field: Inlet Air Zone Name

This alpha field contains the name of the zone from which the heat pump evaporator and fan
section draws some or all of its inlet air. This field is only used when the Inlet Air Configuration
defined above is specified as ‘ZoneAirOnly’ or ‘ZoneAndOutdoorAir’.

1.23.5.1.17 Field: Tank Object Type

This alpha (choice) field contains the type of water heater tank used by this heat pump water
heater. Currently, the only valid choices are WaterHeater:Mixed or WaterHeater:Stratified.

1.23.5.1.18 Field: Tank Name

This alpha field contains the name of the specific water heater tank used by this heat pump
water heater. This must be a tank of type WaterHeater:Mixed or WaterHeater:Stratified.
1.23. GROUP – WATER HEATERS 909

1.23.5.1.19 Field: Tank Use Side Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the name of the use side inlet node of the water heater tank used by
this heat pump water heater. This name must match the Use Side Inlet Node Name in the water
heater tank object (Ref. WaterHeater:Mixed). This field is required if the water heater tank use side
nodes are connected to a plant loop, otherwise leave this field blank. When used, the branch object
should reflect that this node is part of a WaterHeater:HeatPump:PumpedCondenser object (see branch object
example below).

1.23.5.1.20 Field: Tank Use Side Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the name of the use side outlet node of the water heater tank used
by this heat pump water heater. This name must match the Use Side Outlet Node Name in the
water heater tank object (Ref. WaterHeater:Mixed). This field is required if the water heater tank use
side nodes are connected to a plant loop, otherwise leave this field blank. When used, the branch
object should reflect that this node is part of a WaterHeater:HeatPump:PumpedCondenser object (see branch
object example below).

1.23.5.1.21 Field: DX Coil Object Type

This alpha (choice) field contains the type of DX coil used by this heat pump water heater.
Currently, the only valid choice is Coil:WaterHeating:AirToWaterHeatPump:Pumped.

1.23.5.1.22 Field: DX Coil Name

This alpha field contains the name of the specific DX coil (Coil:WaterHeating:AirToWaterHeatPump:
Pumped or Coil:WaterHeating:AirToWaterHeatPump:VariableSpeed object) used by this heat pump water heater.

1.23.5.1.23 Field: Minimum Inlet Air Temperature for Compressor Operation

This numeric field contains the minimum inlet air dry-bulb temperature entering the air coil
(evaporator) and fan section, in degrees Celsius, below which the heat pump compressor does not
operate. The minimum inlet air dry-bulb temperature should be greater than or equal to -5°C. If
this field is left blank, the default value is 10°C.

1.23.5.1.24 Field: Compressor Location

This alpha (choice) field contains the location of the heat pump compressor and the air tem-
perature for this location is used to control operation of the compressor’s crankcase heater in the
Coil:WaterHeating:AirToWaterHeatPump:Pumped object. Valid entries are Schedule, Zone, or
Outdoors. If ‘Schedule’ is selected, a compressor ambient temperature schedule name must be
defined in the field below; otherwise, the field below should be left blank. If ‘Zone’ is selected,
the crankcase heater operation is controlled based on the air temperature in the zone defined in
the field Inlet Air Zone Name, and the Inlet Air Configuration must be ‘ZoneAirOnly’ or ‘Zone-
AndOutdoorAir’. If ‘Outdoors’ is selected, crankcase heater operation is controlled based on the
outdoor air temperature.

1.23.5.1.25 Field: Compressor Ambient Temperature Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of a schedule that defines the ambient air temperature
surrounding the heat pump compressor, which is used to control the compressor’s crankcase heater
operation. This field is only used when the compressor location field defined above is specified as
‘Schedule’, otherwise it should be left blank.
910 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.23.5.1.26 Field: Fan Object Type

This alpha (choice) field contains the type of fan used by this heat pump water heater. Currently,
the only valid choice is Fan: OnOff.

1.23.5.1.27 Field: Fan Name

This alpha field contains the name of the specific fan (Fan:OnOff object) used by this heat pump
water heater.

1.23.5.1.28 Field: Fan Placement

This alpha (choice) field defines the placement of the fan in the heat pump water heater. Valid
choices are BlowThrough (fan upstream of the air coil) and DrawThrough (fan downstream of
the air coil). If this field is left blank, the default value is DrawThrough.

1.23.5.1.29 Field: On Cycle Parasitic Electric Load

This numeric field contains the on-cycle parasitic electric power in Watts. This is the parasitic
electric power consumed by controls or other electrical devices associated with the heat pump water
heater. This parasitic electric load is consumed whenever the heat pump compressor is operating
and the model assumes that this parasitic power does not contribute to heating the water. This
parasitic load does, however, affect the zone air heat balance when the heat pump water heater sends
some or all of its outlet air to a zone (i.e., Inlet Air Configuration field specified as ‘ZoneAirOnly’ or
‘ZoneAndOutdoorAir’) and the Parasitic Heat Rejection Location field is specified as ‘Zone’. The
minimum value for this field is 0.0, and the default value is also 0.0 if this field is left blank.

1.23.5.1.30 Field: Off Cycle Parasitic Electric Load

This numeric field contains the off-cycle parasitic electric power in Watts. This is the parasitic
electric power consumed by controls or other electrical devices associated with the heat pump
compressor. This parasitic electric load is consumed whenever the heat pump water heater is
available but the compressor is not operating, and the model assumes that this parasitic power
does not contribute to heating the water. This parasitic load does, however, affect the zone air
heat balance when the heat pump water heater sends some or all of its outlet air to a zone (i.e.,
Inlet Air Configuration field specified as ‘ZoneAirOnly’ or ‘ZoneAndOutdoorAir’) and the Parasitic
Heat Rejection Location field is specified as ‘Zone’. The minimum value for this field is 0.0, and
the default value is also 0.0 if this field is left blank.

1.23.5.1.31 Field: Parasitic Heat Rejection Location

This alpha (choice) field determines where the on-cycle and off-cycle parasitic heat is rejected.
Valid choices are Zone and Exterior. If ‘Zone’ is selected, both the on-cycle and off-cycle parasitic
heat is rejected to the zone defined in the field Inlet Air Zone Name, and the Inlet Air Configuration
must be ‘ZoneAirOnly’ or ‘ZoneAndOutdoorAir. If ’Outdoors’ is selected, this parasitic heat is
rejected outdoors (does not impact the zone air heat balance) regardless of the specified Inlet Air
Configuration. If this field is left blank, the default value is ’Outdoors’.

1.23.5.1.32 Field: Inlet Air Mixer Node Name

This optional alpha field defines the name of the HVAC node which represents the mixture
of outdoor air and zone air that enters the heat pump air coil (evaporator) and fan section. The
model mixes outdoor air with zone air and places the result on this inlet air mixer node based on
the Inlet Air Mixer Schedule defined below. When the schedule value is equal to 0, 100% zone air
1.23. GROUP – WATER HEATERS 911

enters the evaporator coil and fan section of the heat pump water heater. When the schedule value
is equal to 1, 100% outdoor air enters the evaporator coil and fan section. This node name must be
provided if the Inlet Air Configuration field above is specified as ‘ZoneAndOutdoor Air’, otherwise
this field should be left blank.

1.23.5.1.33 Field: Outlet Air Splitter Node Name

This alpha field defines the name of the air node to which the heat pump air coil (evaporator)
and fan sends all of its outlet air. The supply air flow downstream of this node is split between the
zone and outdoors based on the Inlet Air Mixer schedule defined below. When the schedule value
is equal to 0, the entire outlet air stream is diverted to the zone. When the schedule value is equal
to 1, the entire outlet air stream is exhausted to outdoors. This node name must be provided if
the Inlet Air Configuration field above is specified as ‘Zone and Outdoor Air’, otherwise this field
should be left blank.

1.23.5.1.34 Field: Inlet Air Mixer Schedule Name

This alpha field defines the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the heat
pump draws its inlet air from the zone, outdoors, or a combination of zone and outdoor air. A
schedule value equal to 0 indicates that the heat pump draws its inlet air from the zone. A schedule
value equal to 1 denotes that the heat pump draws its inlet air from outdoors. Values between 0
and 1 denote a mixture of zone and outdoor air proportional to the schedule value. The Inlet Air
Mixer schedule controls both the inlet air mixer and outlet air splitter nodes in unison to ensure
that the operation of the heat pump does not contribute to zone pressurization or depressurization.
For example if the Inlet Air Mixer schedule value is 0.4, then the inlet air mixer node is composed
of 40% outdoor air and 60% zone air. For this same case, the outlet air splitter directs 60% of
the HPWH outlet air back to the zone and 40% of the outlet air flow is exhausted outdoors.
This schedule name must be provided if the Inlet Air Configuration field is specified as ‘Zone and
Outdoor Air’, otherwise this field should be left blank.

1.23.5.1.35 Field: Tank Element Control Logic

This alpha field defines settings for the control logic of when to run the tank element in relation
to whether the heat pump is running.

• MutuallyExclusive means that once the tank heating element(s) are active, the heat pump
is shut down until the heating element setpoint is reached.
• Simultaneous (default) means that both the tank heating element and heat pump are used
at the same time to recover the tank temperature.

1.23.5.1.36 Field: Control Sensor 1 Height In Stratified Tank

This alpha field defines where the tank temperature is sensed for heat pump control when the
tank type is WaterHeater:Stratified. The stratified tank model produces tank temperature at different
nodes in the vertical direction and various options are available for how this temperature should
be sensed to control the heat pump. This is measured in height from the bottom of the tank.
Internally the appropriate node is determined based on this height. If omitted, this defaults to the
height of Heater1.

1.23.5.1.37 Field: Control Sensor 1 Weight

912 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

The model can optionally use two control sensor locations in stratified tanks. When that is the
case, the temperature sensed at each location is weighted. This alpha input specifies the weight
associated with Control Sensor 1. It is input as a value between 0 and 1. The weight of Control
Sensor 2 is determined by subtracting this weight from 1. The default for this field is 1, indicating
that only Control Sensor 1 is used.

1.23.5.1.38 Field: Control Sensor 2 Height in Stratified Tank

This alpha field defines the optional second location where the tank temperature is sensed for
heat pump control when the tank type is WaterHeater:Stratified. If omitted, this defaults to the height
of Heater2.
Following is an example input for the WaterHeater:HeatPump:PumpedCondenser compound object and
the other required component objects that it references.

WaterHeater:HeatPump:PumpedCondenser ,
PlantHeatPumpWaterHeater ,!- Name
PlantHPWHSch , !- Availability Schedule Name
PlantHPWHTempSch , !- Compressor Setpoint Temperature Schedule Name
2.0, !- Dead Band Temperature Difference {deltaC}
HPPlantWaterInletNode , !- Condenser Water Inlet Node Name
HPPlantWaterOutletNode , !- Condenser Water Outlet Node Name
0.00115525 , !- Condenser Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
1.00695 , !- Evaporator Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
OutdoorAirOnly , !- Inlet Air Configuration
, !- Air Inlet Node Name
, !- Air Outlet Node Name
HPPlantAirInletNode , !- Outdoor Air Node Name
HPPlantAirOutletNode , !- Exhaust Air Node Name
, !- Inlet Air Temperature Schedule Name
, !- Inlet Air Humidity Schedule Name
, !- Inlet Air Zone Name
WaterHeater:Mixed , !- Tank Object Type
HPWHPlantTank , !- Tank Name
HPWH Use Inlet Node , !- Tank Use Side Inlet Node Name
HPWH Use Outlet Node , !- Tank Use Side Outlet Node Name
Coil:WaterHeating:AirToWaterHeatPump:Pumped , !- DX Coil Object Type
HPWHPlantDXCoil , !- DX Coil Name
11.0, !- Minimum Inlet Air Temperature for Compressor Operation {C}
Outdoors , !- Compressor Location
, !- Compressor Ambient Temperature Schedule Name
Fan:OnOff , !- Fan Object Type
HPWHPlantFan , !- Fan Name
BlowThrough , !- Fan Placement
, !- On Cycle Parasitic Electric Load {W}
, !- Off Cycle Parasitic Electric Load {W}
; !- Parasitic Heat Rejection Location

NOTE: branch object required only when tank use inlet nodes are used.

Branch ,
Central HPWH Branch , !- Name
0, !- Maximum Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- Pressure Drop Curve Name
WaterHeater:HeatPump:PumpedCondenser , !- Component 1 Object Type
PlantHeatPumpWaterHeater ,!- Component 1 Name
HPWH Use Inlet Node , !- Component 1 Inlet Node Name
HPWH Use Outlet Node , !- Component 1 Outlet Node Name
PASSIVE; !- Component 1 Branch Control Type
1.23. GROUP – WATER HEATERS 913

WaterHeater:Mixed ,
HPWHPlantTank , !- Name
0.757 , !- Tank Volume {m3}
Plant Hot Water Setpoint Temp Schedule , !- Setpoint Temperature Schedule Name
2.0, !- Deadband Temperature Difference {deltaC}
82.2222 , !- Maximum Temperature Limit {C}
CYCLE , !- Heater Control Type
25000 , !- Heater Maximum Capacity {W}
0, !- Heater Minimum Capacity {W}
, !- Heater Ignition Minimum Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- Heater Ignition Delay {s}
ELECTRICITY , !- Heater Fuel Type
0.98, !- Heater Thermal Efficiency
, !- Part Load Factor Curve Name
10, !- Off Cycle Parasitic Fuel Consumption Rate {W}
ELECTRICITY , !- Off Cycle Parasitic Fuel Type
0, !- Off Cycle Parasitic Heat Fraction to Tank
30, !- On Cycle Parasitic Fuel Consumption Rate {W}
ELECTRICITY , !- On Cycle Parasitic Fuel Type
0, !- On Cycle Parasitic Heat Fraction to Tank
Outdoors , !- Ambient Temperature Indicator
, !- Ambient Temperature Schedule Name
, !- Ambient Temperature Zone Name
HPWHPlantTank OA Node , !- Ambient Temperature Outdoor Air Node Name
0.0, !- Off Cycle Loss Coefficient to Ambient Temperature {W/K}
0.0, !- Off Cycle Loss Fraction to Zone
0.0, !- On Cycle Loss Coefficient to Ambient Temperature {W/K}
0.0, !- On Cycle Loss Fraction to Zone
, !- Peak Use Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- Use Flow Rate Fraction Schedule Name
, !- Cold Water Supply Temperature Schedule Name
HPWH Use Inlet Node , !- Use Side Inlet Node Name
HPWH Use Outlet Node , !- Use Side Outlet Node Name
0.98, !- Use Side Effectiveness
HPPlantWaterOutletNode , !- Source Side Inlet Node Name
HPPlantWaterInletNode , !- Source Side Outlet Node Name
0.98, !- Source Side Effectiveness
autosize; !- Use Side Design Flow Rate {m3/s}

OutdoorAir:Node ,
HPWHPlantTank OA Node; !- Name

Coil:WaterHeating:AirToWaterHeatPump:Pumped ,
HPWHPlantDXCoil , !- Name
25000.0 , !- Rated Heating Capacity {W}
3.2, !- Rated COP {W/W}
0.736 , !- Rated Sensible Heat Ratio
29.44 , !- Rated Evaporator Inlet Air Dry -Bulb Temperature {C}
22.22 , !- Rated Evaporator Inlet Air Wet -Bulb Temperature {C}
55.72 , !- Rated Condenser Inlet Water Temperature {C}
1.00695 , !- Rated Evaporator Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.00115525 , !- Rated Condenser Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
No , !- Evaporator Fan Power Included in Rated COP
No , !- Condenser Pump Power Included in Rated COP
No , !- Condenser Pump Heat Included in Rated Heating Capacity and
Rated COP
150.0 , !- Condenser Water Pump Power {W}
0.1, !- Fraction of Condenser Pump Heat to Water
HPPlantFanAirOutletNode , !- Evaporator Air Inlet Node Name
HPPlantAirOutletNode , !- Evaporator Air Outlet Node Name
HPPlantWaterInletNode , !- Condenser Water Inlet Node Name
HPPlantWaterOutletNode , !- Condenser Water Outlet Node Name
100.0 , !- Crankcase Heater Capacity {W}
5.0, !- Maximum Ambient Temperature for Crankcase Heater Operation {C}
WetBulbTemperature , !- Evaporator Air Temperature Type for Curve Objects
HPWHHeatingCapFTemp , !- Heating Capacity Function of Temperature Curve Name
914 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

, !- Heating Capacity Function of Air Flow Fraction Curve Name

, !- Heating Capacity Function of Water Flow Fraction Curve Name
HPWHHeatingCOPFTemp , !- Heating COP Function of Temperature Curve Name
, !- Heating COP Function of Air Flow Fraction Curve Name
, !- Heating COP Function of Water Flow Fraction Curve Name
HPWHPLFFPLR; !- Part Load Fraction Correlation Curve Name

Fan:OnOff ,
HPWHPlantFan , !- Name
PlantHPWHSch , !- Availability Schedule Name
0.7, !- Fan Total Efficiency
100.0 , !- Pressure Rise {Pa}
2.6852 , !- Maximum Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.9, !- Motor Efficiency
1.0, !- Motor In Airstream Fraction
HPPlantAirInletNode , !- Air Inlet Node Name
HPPlantFanAirOutletNode ; !- Air Outlet Node Name

1.23.5.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Water Heater Compressor Part Load Ratio

• HVAC,Average,Water Heater On Cycle Ancillary Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Water Heater On Cycle Ancillary Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Water Heater Off Cycle Ancillary Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Water Heater Off Cycle Ancillary Electric Energy [J]

1.23.5.2.1 Water Heater Compressor Part Load Ratio

This output is the average part-load ratio of the heat pump water heater’s compressor (as well as
its water pump and fan) for the timestep being reported. This output is independent of the “Water
Heater Part Load Ratio” (Ref. Water Heater Outputs) which represents the part-load ratio of the
supplemental heater (element or burner) in the water tank. When the water tank’s (supplemental)
heater set point temperature is higher than the cut-in temperature of the heat pump water heater’s
compressor, the heat pump compressor is disabled and the water tank’s heater (element or burner)
is used to heat the water. During these times the Water Heater Compressor Part Load Ratio is
equal to 0.

1.23.5.2.2 Water Heater On Cycle Ancillary Electric Power [W]

1.23.5.2.3 Water Heater On Cycle Ancillary Electric Energy [J]

1.23.5.2.4 Water Heater Off Cycle Ancillary Electric Power [W]

1.23.5.2.5 Water Heater Off Cycle Ancillary Electric Energy [J]

These outputs are the parasitic electric power and consumption associated with the heat pump
water heater. Specific outputs represent parasitic electrical usage during the compressor/fan on
and off cycles. These outputs represent electronic controls or other electric component. The model
assumes that the parasitic power does not contribute to heating the water, but it can impact the
zone air heat balance depending on user inputs. The parasitic electric consumption outputs are
1.23. GROUP – WATER HEATERS 915

also added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use Key = DHW, Group Key =
Plant (ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.23.6 WaterHeater:HeatPump:WrappedCondenser
The heat pump water heater with wrapped condenser is a compound object very similar to the
WaterHeater:HeatPump:PumpedCondenser object. It likewise combines a water heater tank, a direct expansion
(DX) “coil”, and a fan to provide air flow across the air coil associated with the DX compression
system. The primary difference is that instead of pumping water through an external condenser,
the heating coils are wrapped around or submerged in the tank. This type of HPWH is most
common in packaged units meant for residential applications.
To model a wrapped condenser heat pump water, the input data file must include some com-
bination of the following objects depending on the configuration to be modeled:

• WaterHeater:HeatPump:WrappedCondenser (required)

• WaterHeater:Stratified (required)

• Coil:WaterHeating:AirToWaterHeatPump:Wrapped (required)

• Fan:OnOff (required)

• (when the HPWH draws some or all of its air from the zone, the heat
ZoneHVAC:EquipmentList
pump water heater type and name must be in this list)

• (when the HPWH draws some or all of its air from the zone, the
ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections
HPWH air inlet and outlet node names must be provided in this object)

• (for HPWHs that use outdoor air as all or part of the heat source, the
OutdoorAir:NodeList
HPWH outdoor air node name must be provided in this list)

The input fields for the compound object are described in detail below:

1.23.6.1 Inputs
1.23.6.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains a unique user-assigned name for an instance of a heat pump water
heater. Any reference to this heat pump water heater by another object will use this name.

1.23.6.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the
heat pump compressor is available to operate during a given time period. A schedule value equal to
0 denotes that the heat pump compressor is off for that time period. A value other than 0 denotes
that the heat pump compressor is available to operate during that time period. During times when
the heat pump compressor is scheduled off, the heater (element or burner) in the water tank object
operates based on its tank set point temperature schedule and the heat pump’s parasitic electric
power is also off for that time period. If this field is blank, the schedule has values of 1 for all time
periods.
916 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.23.6.1.3 Field: Compressor Setpoint Temperature Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that specifies the set point (or
“cut-out”) temperature for the heat pump compressor. Temperature values used in this schedule
should be in degrees Celsius. The heat pump compressor cycles off when the tank water reaches
this set point temperature. Once the heat pump compressor cycles off, the tank water temperature
floats downward until it falls below the set point temperature minus the dead band temperature
difference defined below (i.e., the “cut-in” temperature). At this point, the heat pump compressor
cycles on and remains on until the heat pump compressor set point temperature is reached.

1.23.6.1.4 Field: Dead Band Temperature Difference

This numeric field contains the dead band temperature difference in degrees Celsius. The heat
pump compressor “cut-in” temperature is defined as the compressor set point temperature defined
above minus this dead band temperature difference. The heat pump compressor cycles on when the
water temperature in the tank falls below the “cut-in” temperature. The heat pump compressor
remains on until the water temperature in the tank rises above the compressor set point (“cut-out”)
temperature defined above. The dead band temperature difference must be greater than 0°C and
less than or equal to 20°C. If this field is left blank, the default value is 5°C.
In this model, the heat pump water heater’s DX compression system is considered the primary
heat source and the water tank’s heater (element or burner) provides supplemental heat as neces-
sary. Therefore, the cut-in temperature for the heat pump compressor (set point minus dead band
temperature difference) is usually higher than the set point temperature for the heater (element or
burner) in the associated water heater tank object. At times when the water heater tank set point
temperature is greater than the cut-in temperature of the heat pump compressor, the heat pump
compressor is disabled and the tank’s heater is used to heat the water.

1.23.6.1.5 Field: Condenser Bottom Location

This numeric field contains the distance from the bottom of the tank to the bottom of the
wrapped condenser.

1.23.6.1.6 Field: Condenser Top Location

This numeric field contains the distance from the bottom of the tank to the top of the wrapped
condenser.

1.23.6.1.7 Field: Evaporator Air Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the air flow rate across the heat pump’s air coil (evaporator)
in cubic meters per second. It is the actual air flow rate to be simulated, which may differ
from the rated evaporator air volumetric flow rate specified for the heat pump’s DX coil (Ref.
Coil:WaterHeating:AirToWaterHeatPump:Wrapped). Values must be greater than 0 or this field is
autocalculatable. If autocalculated (field value = autocalculate), the evaporator air flow rate is
set equal to the rated heating capacity of the heat pump’s DX coil multiplied by 5.035E-5 m3 /s/W.
When this flow rate is different from the Rated Evaporator Air Volumetric Flow Rate specified
in the heat pump’s DX coil object (Ref. Coil:WaterHeating:AirToWaterHeatPump:Wrapped), the
user should also specify a Total Heating Capacity Modifier Curve Name (function of air flow frac-
tion) and a Heating COP Modifier Curve Name (function of air flow fraction) in the associated DX
coil object to account for differences in capacity and power consumption at the off-rated air flow
rate.
1.23. GROUP – WATER HEATERS 917

1.23.6.1.8 Field: Inlet Air Configuration

This choice field defines the configuration of the air flow path through the heat pump air coil
(evaporator) and fan section. Valid entries are Schedule, ZoneAirOnly, OutdoorAirOnly, or
ZoneAndOutdoorAir. If ‘Schedule’ is selected, names for an inlet air temperature schedule and
an inlet air humidity schedule must be defined in the fields below. If ‘ZoneAirOnly’ is selected,
the corresponding zone name must be entered in the Inlet Air Zone Name field below. If ‘Zone-
AndOutdoorAir’ is selected, the corresponding Inlet Air Zone Name, Inlet Air Mixer Node Name,
Outlet Air Splitter Node Name, and an Inlet Air Mixer Schedule Name must be entered in the
corresponding fields below.

1.23.6.1.9 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the name of the node from which the heat pump water heater draws
its inlet air. If the Inlet Air Configuration field defined above is set to ‘ZoneAirOnly’ or ‘Zone-
AndOutdoorAir’, then this node name should be the name of a zone air exhaust node (Ref. Zone-
HVAC:EquipmentConnections). If the Inlet Air Configuration field is set to ‘OutdoorAirOnly’, this
node name should be left blank. If the Inlet Air Configuration field is set to ‘Schedule’, this node
name should simply be a unique name that allows the user to receive output on conditions at this
node for verification purposes.

1.23.6.1.10 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the name of the node to which the heat pump water heater sends
its outlet air. If the Inlet Air Configuration field defined above is set to ‘ZoneAirOnly’ or ‘Zone-
AndOutdoorAir’, then this node name should be the name of a zone air inlet node (Ref. Zone-
HVAC:EquipmentConnections). If the Inlet Air Configuration field is set to ‘OutdoorAirOnly’, this
node name should be left blank. If the Inlet Air Configuration field is set to ‘Schedule’, this node
name should simply be a unique name that allows the user to receive output on conditions at this
node for verification purposes.

1.23.6.1.11 Field: Outdoor Air Node Name

This alpha field contains the name of the node from which the heat pump water heater draws its
outdoor air. If the Inlet Air Configuration field defined above is set to ‘ZoneAirOnly’ or ‘Schedule’,
this node name should be left blank. If the Inlet Air Configuration field is set to ‘ZoneAndOut-
doorAir’ or ‘OutdoorAirOnly’, this node name should be the name of an outdoor air node (Ref.
OutdoorAir:NodeList).

1.23.6.1.12 Field: Exhaust Air Node Name

This alpha field contains the name of the node to which the heat pump water heater sends its
exhaust air. If the Inlet Air Configuration field defined above is set to ‘ZoneAirOnly’ or ‘Schedule’,
this node name should be left blank. If the Inlet Air Configuration field is set to ‘ZoneAndOut-
doorAir’ or ‘OutdoorAirOnly’, then this node name should be a unique name that allows the user
to receive output on conditions at this node for verification purposes.

1.23.6.1.13 Field: Inlet Air Temperature Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of a schedule used to define the dry-bulb temperature of
the inlet air to the heat pump air coil (evaporator) and fan section. Schedule values should be in
degrees Celsius. This field is only used when the Inlet Air Configuration defined above is specified
as ‘Schedule’, otherwise leave this field blank.
918 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.23.6.1.14 Field: Inlet Air Humidity Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of a schedule used to define the humidity of the inlet air to
the heat pump evaporator and fan section. Schedule values must be entered as relative humidity
fraction from 0 to 1 (e.g., a schedule value of 0.5 means 50%RH). This field is only used when the
Inlet Air Configuration defined above is specified as ‘Schedule’, otherwise leave this field blank.

1.23.6.1.15 Field: Inlet Air Zone Name

This alpha field contains the name of the zone from which the heat pump evaporator and fan
section draws some or all of its inlet air. This field is only used when the Inlet Air Configuration
defined above is specified as ‘ZoneAirOnly’ or ‘ZoneAndOutdoorAir’.

1.23.6.1.16 Field: Tank Object Type

This alpha (choice) field contains the type of water heater tank used by this heat pump water
heater. Currently, the only valid choice is WaterHeater:Stratified.

1.23.6.1.17 Field: Tank Name

This alpha field contains the name of the specific water heater tank used by this heat pump
water heater. This must be a tank of type WaterHeater:Stratified.

1.23.6.1.18 Field: Tank Use Side Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the name of the use side inlet node of the water heater tank used by
this heat pump water heater. This name must match the Use Side Inlet Node Name in the water
heater tank object (Ref. WaterHeater:Stratified). This field is required if the water heater tank use
side nodes are connected to a plant loop, otherwise leave this field blank. When used, the branch
object should reflect that this node is part of a WaterHeater:HeatPump:WrappedCondenser object (see branch
object example below).

1.23.6.1.19 Field: Tank Use Side Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the name of the use side outlet node of the water heater tank used by
this heat pump water heater. This name must match the Use Side Outlet Node Name in the water
heater tank object (Ref. WaterHeater:Stratified). This field is required if the water heater tank use
side nodes are connected to a plant loop, otherwise leave this field blank. When used, the branch
object should reflect that this node is part of a WaterHeater:HeatPump:WrappedCondenser object (see branch
object example below).

1.23.6.1.20 Field: DX Coil Object Type

This alpha (choice) field contains the type of DX coil used by this heat pump water heater.
Currently, the only valid choice is Coil:WaterHeating:AirToWaterHeatPump:Wrapped.

1.23.6.1.21 Field: DX Coil Name

This alpha field contains the name of the specific DX coil (Coil:WaterHeating:AirToWaterHeatPump:
Wrapped) used by this heat pump water heater.
1.23. GROUP – WATER HEATERS 919

1.23.6.1.22 Field: Minimum Inlet Air Temperature for Compressor Operation

This numeric field contains the minimum inlet air dry-bulb temperature entering the air coil
(evaporator) and fan section, in degrees Celsius, below which the heat pump compressor does not
operate. The minimum inlet air dry-bulb temperature should be greater than or equal to -5°C. If
this field is left blank, the default value is 10°C.

1.23.6.1.23 Field: Compressor Location

This alpha (choice) field contains the location of the heat pump compressor and the air tem-
perature for this location is used to control operation of the compressor’s crankcase heater in the
Coil:WaterHeating:AirToWaterHeatPump:Wrapped object. Valid entries are Schedule, Zone, or
Outdoors. If ‘Schedule’ is selected, a compressor ambient temperature schedule name must be
defined in the field below; otherwise, the field below should be left blank. If ‘Zone’ is selected,
the crankcase heater operation is controlled based on the air temperature in the zone defined in
the field Inlet Air Zone Name, and the Inlet Air Configuration must be ‘ZoneAirOnly’ or ‘Zone-
AndOutdoorAir’. If ‘Outdoors’ is selected, crankcase heater operation is controlled based on the
outdoor air temperature.

1.23.6.1.24 Field: Compressor Ambient Temperature Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of a schedule that defines the ambient air temperature
surrounding the heat pump compressor, which is used to control the compressor’s crankcase heater
operation. This field is only used when the compressor location field defined above is specified as
‘Schedule’, otherwise it should be left blank.

1.23.6.1.25 Field: Fan Object Type

This alpha (choice) field contains the type of fan used by this heat pump water heater. Currently,
the only valid choice is Fan: OnOff.

1.23.6.1.26 Field: Fan Name

This alpha field contains the name of the specific fan (Fan:OnOff object) used by this heat pump
water heater.

1.23.6.1.27 Field: Fan Placement

This alpha (choice) field defines the placement of the fan in the heat pump water heater. Valid
choices are BlowThrough (fan upstream of the air coil) and DrawThrough (fan downstream of
the air coil). If this field is left blank, the default value is DrawThrough.

1.23.6.1.28 Field: On Cycle Parasitic Electric Load

This numeric field contains the on-cycle parasitic electric power in Watts. This is the parasitic
electric power consumed by controls or other electrical devices associated with the heat pump water
heater. This parasitic electric load is consumed whenever the heat pump compressor is operating
and the model assumes that this parasitic power does not contribute to heating the water. This
parasitic load does, however, affect the zone air heat balance when the heat pump water heater sends
some or all of its outlet air to a zone (i.e., Inlet Air Configuration field specified as ‘ZoneAirOnly’ or
‘ZoneAndOutdoorAir’) and the Parasitic Heat Rejection Location field is specified as ‘Zone’. The
minimum value for this field is 0.0, and the default value is also 0.0 if this field is left blank.
920 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.23.6.1.29 Field: Off Cycle Parasitic Electric Load

This numeric field contains the off-cycle parasitic electric power in Watts. This is the parasitic
electric power consumed by controls or other electrical devices associated with the heat pump
compressor. This parasitic electric load is consumed whenever the heat pump water heater is
available but the compressor is not operating, and the model assumes that this parasitic power
does not contribute to heating the water. This parasitic load does, however, affect the zone air
heat balance when the heat pump water heater sends some or all of its outlet air to a zone (i.e.,
Inlet Air Configuration field specified as ‘ZoneAirOnly’ or ‘ZoneAndOutdoorAir’) and the Parasitic
Heat Rejection Location field is specified as ‘Zone’. The minimum value for this field is 0.0, and
the default value is also 0.0 if this field is left blank.

1.23.6.1.30 Field: Parasitic Heat Rejection Location

This alpha (choice) field determines where the on-cycle and off-cycle parasitic heat is rejected.
Valid choices are Zone and Exterior. If ‘Zone’ is selected, both the on-cycle and off-cycle parasitic
heat is rejected to the zone defined in the field Inlet Air Zone Name, and the Inlet Air Configuration
must be ‘ZoneAirOnly’ or ‘ZoneAndOutdoorAir. If ’Outdoors’ is selected, this parasitic heat is
rejected outdoors (does not impact the zone air heat balance) regardless of the specified Inlet Air
Configuration. If this field is left blank, the default value is ’Outdoors’.

1.23.6.1.31 Field: Inlet Air Mixer Node Name

This optional alpha field defines the name of the HVAC node which represents the mixture
of outdoor air and zone air that enters the heat pump air coil (evaporator) and fan section. The
model mixes outdoor air with zone air and places the result on this inlet air mixer node based on
the Inlet Air Mixer Schedule defined below. When the schedule value is equal to 0, 100% zone air
enters the evaporator coil and fan section of the heat pump water heater. When the schedule value
is equal to 1, 100% outdoor air enters the evaporator coil and fan section. This node name must be
provided if the Inlet Air Configuration field above is specified as ‘ZoneAndOutdoor Air’, otherwise
this field should be left blank.

1.23.6.1.32 Field: Outlet Air Splitter Node Name

This alpha field defines the name of the air node to which the heat pump air coil (evaporator)
and fan sends all of its outlet air. The supply air flow downstream of this node is split between the
zone and outdoors based on the Inlet Air Mixer schedule defined below. When the schedule value
is equal to 0, the entire outlet air stream is diverted to the zone. When the schedule value is equal
to 1, the entire outlet air stream is exhausted to outdoors. This node name must be provided if
the Inlet Air Configuration field above is specified as ‘Zone and Outdoor Air’, otherwise this field
should be left blank.

1.23.6.1.33 Field: Inlet Air Mixer Schedule Name

This alpha field defines the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the heat
pump draws its inlet air from the zone, outdoors, or a combination of zone and outdoor air. A
schedule value equal to 0 indicates that the heat pump draws its inlet air from the zone. A schedule
value equal to 1 denotes that the heat pump draws its inlet air from outdoors. Values between 0
and 1 denote a mixture of zone and outdoor air proportional to the schedule value. The Inlet Air
Mixer schedule controls both the inlet air mixer and outlet air splitter nodes in unison to ensure
that the operation of the heat pump does not contribute to zone pressurization or depressurization.
For example if the Inlet Air Mixer schedule value is 0.4, then the inlet air mixer node is composed
1.23. GROUP – WATER HEATERS 921

of 40% outdoor air and 60% zone air. For this same case, the outlet air splitter directs 60% of
the HPWH outlet air back to the zone and 40% of the outlet air flow is exhausted outdoors.
This schedule name must be provided if the Inlet Air Configuration field is specified as ‘Zone and
Outdoor Air’, otherwise this field should be left blank.

1.23.6.1.34 Field: Tank Element Control Logic

This alpha field defines settings for the control logic of when to run the tank element in relation
to whether the heat pump is running.

• MutuallyExclusive means that once the tank heating element(s) are active, the heat pump
is shut down until the heating element setpoint is reached.
• Simultaneous (default) means that both the tank heating element and heat pump are used
at the same time to recover the tank temperature.

1.23.6.1.35 Field: Control Sensor 1 Height In Stratified Tank

This alpha field defines where the tank temperature is sensed for heat pump control when the
tank type is WaterHeater:Stratified. The stratified tank model produces tank temperature at different
nodes in the vertical direction and various options are available for how this temperature should
be sensed to control the heat pump. This is measured in height from the bottom of the tank.
Internally the appropriate node is determined based on this height. If omitted, this defaults to the
height of Heater1.

1.23.6.1.36 Field: Control Sensor 1 Weight

The model can optionally use two control sensor locations in stratified tanks. When that is the
case, the temperature sensed at each location is weighted. This alpha input specifies the weight
associated with Control Sensor 1. It is input as a value between 0 and 1. The weight of Control
Sensor 2 is determined by subtracting this weight from 1. The default for this field is 1, indicating
that only Control Sensor 1 is used.

1.23.6.1.37 Field: Control Sensor 2 Height in Stratified Tank

This alpha field defines the optional second location where the tank temperature is sensed for
heat pump control when the tank type is WaterHeater:Stratified. If omitted, this defaults to the height
of Heater2.
Following is an example input for the WaterHeater:HeatPump:WrappedCondenser compound object and
the other required component objects that it references.

WaterHeater:HeatPump:WrappedCondenser ,
PlantHeatPumpWaterHeater ,!- Name
PlantHPWHSch , !- Availability Schedule Name
PlantHPWHTempSch , !- Compressor Setpoint Temperature Schedule Name
3.89, !- Dead Band Temperature Difference {deltaC}
0.0664166667 , !- Condenser Bottom Location
0.8634166667 , !- Condenser Top Location
0.2279 , !- Evaporator Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
OutdoorAirOnly , !- Inlet Air Configuration
, !- Air Inlet Node Name
, !- Air Outlet Node Name
HPPlantAirInletNode , !- Outdoor Air Node Name
HPPlantAirOutletNode , !- Exhaust Air Node Name
, !- Inlet Air Temperature Schedule Name
, !- Inlet Air Humidity Schedule Name
, !- Inlet Air Zone Name
922 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

WaterHeater:Stratified , !- Tank Object Type

HPWHPlantTank , !- Tank Name
HPWH Use Inlet Node , !- Tank Use Side Inlet Node Name
HPWH Use Outlet Node , !- Tank Use Side Outlet Node Name
Coil:WaterHeating:AirToWaterHeatPump:Wrapped , !- DX Coil Object Type
HPWHPlantDXCoil , !- DX Coil Name
7.2, !- Minimum Inlet Air Temperature for Compressor Operation {C}
Outdoors , !- Compressor Location
, !- Compressor Ambient Temperature Schedule Name
Fan:OnOff , !- Fan Object Type
HPWHPlantFan , !- Fan Name
DrawThrough , !- Fan Placement
0, !- On Cycle Parasitic Electric Load {W}
0, !- Off Cycle Parasitic Electric Load {W}
, !- Parasitic Heat Rejection Location
, !- Inlet Air Mixer Node Name
, !- Outlet Air Splitter Node Name
, !- Inlet Air Mixer Schedule Name
MutuallyExclusive , !- Tank Element Control Logic
1.262 , !- Control Sensor 1 Height In Stratified Tank
0.75, !- Control Sensor 1 Weight
0.464; !- Control Sensor 2 Height In Stratified Tank

NOTE: branch object required only when tank use inlet nodes are used.

Branch ,
Central HPWH Branch , !- Name
0, !- Maximum Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- Pressure Drop Curve Name
WaterHeater:HeatPump:WrappedCondenser , !- Component 1 Object Type
PlantHeatPumpWaterHeater ,!- Component 1 Name
HPWH Use Inlet Node , !- Component 1 Inlet Node Name
HPWH Use Outlet Node , !- Component 1 Outlet Node Name
PASSIVE; !- Component 1 Branch Control Type

WaterHeater:Stratified ,
HPWHPlantTank , !- Name
Water Heater , !- End -Use Subcategory
0.287691 , !- Tank Volume {m3}
1.594 , !- Tank Height {m}
VerticalCylinder , !- Tank Shape
, !- Tank Perimeter {m}
100, !- Maximum Temperature Limit {C}
MasterSlave , !- Heater Priority Control
Plant Hot Water Setpoint Temp Schedule , !- Heater 1 Setpoint Temperature Schedule Name
18.5, !- Heater 1 Deadband Temperature Difference {deltaC}
4500, !- Heater 1 Capacity {W}
1.129 , !- Heater 1 Height {m}
Plant Hot Water Setpoint Temp Schedule , !- Heater 2 Setpoint Temperature Schedule Name
18.5, !- Heater 2 Deadband Temperature Difference {deltaC}
0, !- Heater 2 Capacity {W}
0.266 , !- Heater 2 Height {m}
Electricity , !- Heater Fuel Type
1, !- Heater Thermal Efficiency
8.3, !- Off Cycle Parasitic Fuel Consumption Rate {W}
Electricity , !- Off Cycle Parasitic Fuel Type
0, !- Off Cycle Parasitic Heat Fraction to Tank
1, !- Off Cycle Parasitic Height {m}
8.3, !- On Cycle Parasitic Fuel Consumption Rate {W}
Electricity , !- On Cycle Parasitic Fuel Type
0, !- On Cycle Parasitic Heat Fraction to Tank
1, !- On Cycle Parasitic Height {m}
Outdoors , !- Ambient Temperature Indicator
, !- Ambient Temperature Schedule Name
, !- Ambient Temperature Zone Name
, !- Ambient Temperature Outdoor Air Node Name
0.7878 , !- Uniform Skin Loss Coefficient per Unit Area to Ambient Temperature
1.23. GROUP – WATER HEATERS 923

{W/m2 -K}
1, !- Skin Loss Fraction to Zone
, !- Off Cycle Flue Loss Coefficient to Ambient Temperature {W/K}
1, !- Off Cycle Flue Loss Fraction to Zone
0.001 , !- Peak Use Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- Use Flow Rate Fraction Schedule Name
, !- Cold Water Supply Temperature Schedule Name
HPWH Use Inlet Node , !- Use Side Inlet Node Name
HPWH Use Outlet Node , !- Use Side Outlet Node Name
1, !- Use Side Effectiveness
0, !- Use Side Inlet Height {m}
autocalculate , !- Use Side Outlet Height {m}
HPPlantWaterOutletNode , !- Source Side Inlet Node Name
HPPlantWaterInletNode , !- Source Side Outlet Node Name
1, !- Source Side Effectiveness
0.7, !- Source Side Inlet Height {m}
0, !- Source Side Outlet Height {m}
Fixed , !- Inlet Mode
autosize , !- Use Side Design Flow Rate {m3/s}
autosize , !- Source Side Design Flow Rate {m3/s}
1.5, !- Indirect Water Heating Recovery Time {hr}
12; !- Number of Nodes

OutdoorAir:Node ,
HPWHPlantTank OA Node; !- Name

Coil:WaterHeating:AirToWaterHeatPump:Wrapped ,
HPWHPlantDXCoil , !- Name
2349.6 , !- Rated Heating Capacity {W}
2.4, !- Rated COP {W/W}
0.981 , !- Rated Sensible Heat Ratio
19.72 , !- Rated Evaporator Inlet Air Dry -Bulb Temperature {C}
13.5, !- Rated Evaporator Inlet Air Wet -Bulb Temperature {C}
48.89 , !- Rated Condenser Water Temperature {C}
0.189 , !- Rated Evaporator Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
Yes , !- Evaporator Fan Power Included in Rated COP
HPPlantFanAirOutletNode , !- Evaporator Air Inlet Node Name
HPPlantAirOutletNode , !- Evaporator Air Outlet Node Name
0, !- Crankcase Heater Capacity {W}
10, !- Maximum Ambient Temperature for Crankcase Heater Operation {C}
WetBulbTemperature , !- Evaporator Air Temperature Type for Curve Objects
HPWH -Htg -Cap -fT , !- Heating Capacity Function of Temperature Curve Name
, !- Heating Capacity Function of Air Flow Fraction Curve Name
HPWH -Htg -COP -fT , !- Heating COP Function of Temperature Curve Name
, !- Heating COP Function of Air Flow Fraction Curve Name
HPWH -COP -fPLR; !- Part Load Fraction Correlation Curve Name

Fan:OnOff ,
HPWHPlantFan , !- Name
PlantHPWHSch , !- Availability Schedule Name
0.1722 , !- Fan Total Efficiency
65, !- Pressure Rise {Pa}
0.2279 , !- Maximum Flow Rate {m3/s}
1, !- Motor Efficiency
0, !- Motor In Airstream Fraction
HPPlantAirInletNode , !- Air Inlet Node Name
HPPlantFanAirOutletNode; !- Air Outlet Node Name

1.23.6.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Water Heater Compressor Part Load Ratio

• HVAC,Average,Water Heater On Cycle Ancillary Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Water Heater On Cycle Ancillary Electric Energy [J]

924 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• HVAC,Average,Water Heater Off Cycle Ancillary Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Water Heater Off Cycle Ancillary Electric Energy [J]

1.23.6.2.1 Water Heater Compressor Part Load Ratio

This output is the average part-load ratio of the heat pump water heater’s compressor (as well as
its water pump and fan) for the timestep being reported. This output is independent of the “Water
Heater Part Load Ratio” (Ref. Water Heater Outputs) which represents the part-load ratio of the
supplemental heater (element or burner) in the water tank. When the water tank’s (supplemental)
heater set point temperature is higher than the cut-in temperature of the heat pump water heater’s
compressor, the heat pump compressor is disabled and the water tank’s heater (element or burner)
is used to heat the water. During these times the Water Heater Compressor Part Load Ratio is
equal to 0.

1.23.6.2.2 Water Heater On Cycle Ancillary Electric Power [W]

1.23.6.2.3 Water Heater On Cycle Ancillary Electric Energy [J]

1.23.6.2.4 Water Heater Off Cycle Ancillary Electric Power [W]

1.23.6.2.5 Water Heater Off Cycle Ancillary Electric Energy [J]

These outputs are the parasitic electric power and consumption associated with the heat pump
water heater. Specific outputs represent parasitic electrical usage during the compressor/fan on
and off cycles. These outputs represent electronic controls or other electric component. The model
assumes that the parasitic power does not contribute to heating the water, but it can impact the
zone air heat balance depending on user inputs. The parasitic electric consumption outputs are
also added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use Key = DHW, Group Key =
Plant (ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.24 Group – Condenser Equipment

1.24.1 Equipment Types
In each CondenserEquipmentList, various equipment types and names must be given. Each type-
name pair must then have a corresponding equipment definition. This subsection lists the various
equipment types that are available and examples from an IDF. Where appropriate, notes and
comments on the input structure are provided.

1.24.2 CoolingTower:SingleSpeed
Cooling towers are components that may be assigned to condenser loops. The cooling tower is
modeled as a counterflow heat exchanger with a single-speed fan (induced draft configuration)
based on Merkel’s theory. The user must define tower performance via one of two methods: design
heat transfer coefficient-area product (UA) and design water flow rate, or nominal tower capacity
at a specific rating point. Regardless of which method is chosen, the design airflow rate and
corresponding fan power must be specified. The model will also account for tower performance
in the “free convection” regime, when the tower fan is off but the water pump remains on and
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 925

heat transfer still occurs (albeit at a low level). If the user wants the model to account for “free
convection”, they must specify the corresponding airflow rate and heat transfer coefficient-area
product (UA), or the nominal tower capacity during this mode of operation.
The cooling tower seeks to maintain the temperature of the water exiting the cooling tower
at (or below) a set point. The set point schedule value is defined by the field “Condenser Loop
Temperature Setpoint Node Name or Reference” for the CondenserLoop object. The model first
checks to determine the impact of “free convection”, if specified by the user, on the tower exiting
water temperature. If the exiting water temperature based on “free convection” is at or below
the set point, then the tower fan is not turned on. If the exiting water temperature based on
“free convection” is below the set point, the tower will operate in FluidBypass mode – portion
of the water goes through the tower media and gets cooled while the remaining water flow gets
bypassed, two water flows then mix together trying to meet the water setpoint temperature. If the
exiting water temperature remains above the set point after “free convection” is modeled, then the
tower fan is turned on to reduce the exiting water temperature to the set point. If the capacity
control is FanCycling, the model assumes that part-load operation is represented by a simple linear
interpolation between two steady-state regimes (i.e., tower fan on for the entire simulation timestep
and tower fan off for the entire simulation timestep). Cyclic losses are not taken into account. If
the capacity control is FluidBypass, the model determines the fraction of water flow to be bypassed
while the remaining water goes through the tower cooling media and gets cooled, then the two
water flows mix to meet the setpoint temperature. In this case, the fan runs at full speed for the
entire timestep.
Cooling towers here are “wet” and consume water through evaporation, drift, and blowdown.
The model can be used to predict water consumed by the towers. The last six input fields are
optional and provide methods of controlling details of the water consumption calculations. The
user can specifiy connections to the rest of the buildings water system by providing the name of a
water storage tanks (i.e. WaterUse:Storage objects).
For the operation of multi-cell towers, the first step is to determine the number of cells to
operate based on the cell control method – between the minimum number of cells subject to the
maximum water flow rate fraction per cell, and maximum number of cells subject to the minimum
water flow rate fraction per cell. If the calculated cells do not meet the loads, additional cells will
be operating to help meet the loads. Inside each cell, the existing capacity controls still apply.
For multi-cell towers, the following inputs are assumed to be for the entire tower including all
cells:

• Design Water Flow Rate; Design Air Flow Rate; Fan Power at Design Air Flow Rate;

• Air Flow Rate in Free Convection Regime; Nominal Capacity; Free Convection Capacity

• BASIN HEATER (we assume that there is a common basin)

1.24.2.1 Inputs
1.24.2.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the cooling tower.

1.24.2.1.2 Field: Water Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the cooling tower’s water inlet node.
926 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.24.2.1.3 Field: Water Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the cooling tower’s water outlet node.

1.24.2.1.4 Field: Design Water Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the design water flow rate through the tower in m3 /s. This value is
the flow rate of the condenser loop water being cooled by the tower (not the flow rate of water being
sprayed on the outside of the heat exchange coil). If the input field “Performance Input Method”
is specified as “UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate”, then a water flow rate greater than
zero must be defined or the field can be autosized. If autosized, a Plant Sizing object must be
defined and the design water flow rate is derived from the design load to be rejected by the condenser
loop and the design loop delta T (Ref. Sizing and Input for Design Calculations and Component
Autosizing sections). If “Performance Input Method” is specified as “NominalCapacity”, then this
field must be left blank since the model automatically assumes a water flow rate of 5.382E-8 m3/s
per watt (3 gpm/ton) of tower capacity specified in the field “Nominal Capacity”.

1.24.2.1.5 Field: Design Air Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the design air flow rate induced by the tower fan in m3 /s. A value
greater than zero must be defined regardless of the tower performance input method. Alternately,
this field can be autosized. If autosized, the design air flow rate is calculated as follows:

0.5ρair (F an power at Design Air F low Rate)

Design Air F low Rate = (1.91)
190.
where a fan pressure rise of 190 Pascals and total fan efficiency of 0.5 are assumed.
Field: Design Fan Power
This numeric field contains the fan power (in watts) at the design air flow rate specified in the
previous field. A value greater than zero must be specified regardless of the tower performance
input method, or this field can be autosized. If autosized, the fan power is calculated as follows:
If“Performance Input Method” is specified as “UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate”,
then

F an power = 0.0105 · ρwater · Cp,water · Design W ater F low Rate · Design Loop∆T (1.92)

is used.
If“Performance Input Method” is specified as “NominalCapacity”, then

F an power = 0.0105 · T ower N ominal Capacity (1.93)

is used.

1.24.2.1.6 Field: Design U-Factor Times Area Value

This numeric field contains the heat transfer coefficient-area product (UA) in watts per Kelvin
corresponding to the design air and water flow rates specified above. If the input field “Performance
Input Method” is specified as “UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate”, then a UA value
greater than zero but less than or equal to 300,000 must be defined, or the field can be autosized.
If autosized, a Plant Sizing object must be defined and the design tower UA value is derived from
the design load to be rejected by the condenser loop and the design loop delta T (Ref. Sizing and
Input for Design Calculations and Component Autosizing sections), assuming a tower water inlet
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 927

temperature of 35C and tower inlet air at 35C drybulb/25.6C wetbulb. If “Performance Input
Method” is specified as “NominalCapacity”, then this field must be left blank since the model
automatically calculates the tower UA based on the tower capacity specified in the field “Nominal
Capacity”.

1.24.2.1.7 Field:Free Convection Regime Air Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the air flow rate (m3 /s) when the tower is in the “free convection”
regime (water flow exists but tower fan is turned off). This value must be less than the value
specified for the field “Design Air Flow Rate”. This field may be autocalculated, in which case
it is set to a fraction of the “Design Air Flow Rate” determined in the following input field. If
the user does not wish to model “free convection” and is using the Performance Input Method
“UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate”, then this field should be set to 0.0. If the user
specifies the U-Factor Times Area Value at Free Convection Air Flow Rate or Free Convection
Capacity as a value greater than zero, then the free convection air flow rate must be specified
greater than 0.0.

1.24.2.1.8 Field: Free Convection Regime Air Flow Rate Sizing Factor
This numeric field contains the sizing factor to use when calculating the free convection regime
air flow rate. The default is 0.1.

1.24.2.1.9 Field:Free Convection Regine U-Factor Times Area Value

This numeric field contains the heat transfer coefficient-area product (W/K) when the tower is
in the “free convection” regime (water flow exists but tower fan is turned off). This value must be
less than the value specified for the field “U-Factor Times Area Value at Design Air Flow Rate”.
This field may be autosized, in which case it is set to a fraction of the “U-Factor Times Area Value
at Design Air Flow Rate” determined in the following input field. If the user does not wish to model
“free convection” and is using the Performance Input Method “UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWa-
terFlowRate”, then this field should be set to 0.0. If “Performance Input Method” is specified as
“NominalCapacity”, then this field must be left blank since the model automatically calculates the
tower UA based on the tower capacity specified in the field “Free Convection Capacity”.\

1.24.2.1.10 Field: Free Convection U-Factor Times Area Value Sizing Factor
This numeric field contains the sizing factor to use when calculating the free convection regime
U-Factor times area value. The default is 0.1.

1.24.2.1.11 Field: Performance Input Method

This alpha field contains the method by which the user will specify tower perfor-
mance: “UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate” or “NominalCapacity”. If
this field is left blank in the input data file, the default input method is assumed to be
“UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate”. If the method “UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterF
is selected, then the user must enter design UA values, design water flow rates and air flow rates
as described for the previous input fields. If the method “NominalCapacity” is selected then the
fields “Design Water Flow Rate”, “U-Factor Times Area Value at Design Air Flow Rate” and
“U-Factor Times Area Value at Free Convection Air Flow Rate” must be left blank, but the fields
“Nominal Capacity” and “Free Convection Capacity” must be entered as described below.
928 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.24.2.1.12 Field: Heat Rejection Capacity and Nominal Capacity Sizing Ratio

This numeric field contains the value for the ratio of actual tower heat rejection to nominal
capacity. This ratio is defined at entering water at 35C (95F), leaving water at 29.4C (85F),
entering air at 25.6C (78F) wetbulb and 35C (95F) drybulb temperatures. Historically this ratio
has been set at 1.25 based on the assumption that the tower must dissipate 0.25 W of compressor
power for every what of heat removed at the chiller evaporator. The default is 1.25.

1.24.2.1.13 Field: Nominal Capacity

This numeric input field contains the “nominal” heat rejection capacity of the cooling tower
in watts, with entering water at 35C (95F), leaving water at 29.4C (85F), entering air at 25.6C
(78F) wetbulb and 35C (95F) drybulb temperatures. The design water flow rate is assumed to be
5.382E-8 m3 /s per watt of nominal capacity (3 gpm/ton). The value in the previous field times this
nominal tower capacity gives the actual tower heat rejection at these operating conditions (based
on historical assumption that the tower must dissipate additional heat from the compressor heat
for heat removed at the evaporator).

1.24.2.1.14 Field: Free Convection Capacity

This numeric input field contains the “nominal” heat rejection capacity of the cooling tower
in watts when the tower is in the “free convection” regime (water flow exists but tower fan is
turned off), with entering water at 35C (95F), leaving water at 29.4C (85F), entering air at 25.6C
(78F) wetbulb and 35C (95F) drybulb temperatures. The design water flow rate is assumed to be
5.382E-8 m3 /s per watt of nominal tower capacity (input field above). The heat rejection capacity
and nominal capacity sizing ratio is applied tof this free convection tower capacity to give the
actual tower heat rejection at these operating conditions (typical value is 1.25 based on historical
assumption that the tower must dissipate 0.25W of compressor heat for every watt of heat removed
by the evaporator). The value specified for this field must be less than the value specified for the
field “Tower Nominal Capacity”. If the user does not wish to model “free convection”, then this field
should be set to 0.0. If the user specifies a value greater than zero, then the “Air Flow Rate in Free
Convection Regime” field must contain a value greater than zero. This field can be automatically
calculated using the sizing factor in the following field.

1.24.2.1.15 Field: Free Convection Nominal Capacity Sizing Factor

This numeric field contains the sizing factor to use when calculating the Free Convection Ca-
pacity. The default is 0.1.

1.24.2.1.16 Field: Basin Heater Capacity

This numeric field contains the capacity of the tower’s electric basin heater in watts per degree
Kelvin. This field is used in conjunction with the Basin Heater Setpoint Temperature described in
the following field. The basin heater electric power is equal to this field multiplied by the difference
between the basin heater set point temperature and the outdoor dry-bulb temperature. The basin
heater only operates when the tower fan is off and water is not flowing through the tower, regardless
of the basin heater schedule described below. The basin heater capacity must be greater than or
equal to zero, with a default value of zero if this field is left blank.

1.24.2.1.17 Field: Basin Heater Setpoint Temperature

1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 929

This numeric field contains the set point temperature (˚C) for the basin heater described in the
previous field. The basin heater is active when the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature falls below
this setpoint temperature, as long as the tower fan is off and water is not flowing through the tower.
This set point temperature must be greater than or equal to 2˚C, and the default value is 2˚C if
this field is left blank.

1.24.2.1.18 Field: Basin Heater Operating Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of the basin heater operating schedule. The basin heater
operating schedule is assumed to be an on/off schedule and the heater is available to operate any
time the schedule value is greater than 0. The basin heater operates when scheduled on and the
outdoor air dry-bulb temperature is below the set point temperature described in the previous
field. If this field is left blank, the basin heater is available to operate throughout the simulation.
Regardless of this schedule, the basin heater may only operate when the cooling tower fan is off
and water is not flowing through the tower.

1.24.2.1.19 Field: Evaporation Loss Mode

This field is used to choose which method is used to model the amount of water evaporated
by the cooling tower. There are two options: LossFactor or SaturatedExit. The default is
SaturatedExit. The user-defined loss factor is entered in the following field. By assuming that
the air leaving the tower is saturated, the evaporation can be directly calculated using moist air
engineering calculations with data available within the cooling tower model (and does not require
additional user input).

1.24.2.1.20 Field: Evaporation Loss Factor

This field is used to specify the rate of water evaporated from the cooling tower and lost to
the outside air [percent/K]. This field is only used if the Evaporation Calculation Mode is set to
LossFactor. The evaporation loss is then calculated as a fraction of the circulating condenser
water flow and varies with the temperature change in the condenser water. The value entered
here is in units of percent-per-degree Kelvin. The evaporation rate will equal this value times each
degree Kelvin of temperature drop in the condenser water. Typical values are from 0.15 to 0.27
[percent/K]. The default is 0.2.

1.24.2.1.21 Field: Drift Loss Percent

This field is used to specify the rate of water lost to the exiting air as entrained droplets [%].
The drift loss is a percent of the condenser water flow. Typical values for towers with efficient
drift eliminators are between 0.002 and 0.2% of the condenser water flow rate. The default value
is 0.008%.

1.24.2.1.22 Field: Blowdown Calculation Mode

This field specifies which method is used to determine blowdown rates. There two options
ConcentrationRatio or ScheduledRate. The choice will determine which of the two models
below is used. The default is ConcentrationRatio.

1.24.2.1.23 Field: Blowdown Concentration Ratio

This field is used to dynamically adjust the rate of blowdown in the cooling tower as a function
of the rate of evaporation. Blowdown is water intentionally drained from the tower in order to
offset the build up of solids in the water that would otherwise occur because of evaporation. The
930 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

value entered here is dimensionless. It can be characterized as the ratio of solids in the blowdown
water to solids in the make up water. Typical values for tower operation are 3 to 5. The default
value is 3.

1.24.2.1.24 Field: Blowdown Makeup Water Usage Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of the schedule used to define the amount of water (m3 /s)
flushed from the basin on a periodic basis to purge the tower of mineral scale build-up and other
contaminants. This schedule is only used if the Blowdown Calculation Mode is set to ScheduledRate.
The amount of water use due to blowdown depends on the makeup water quality and is specific
to each geographical location. Typical values range from 0.0002 to 0.0013 m3 /s (17.3 to 112.3
m3 /day). This water usage is in addition to the amount of water lost to the atmosphere due to
evaporation and/or drift. Since blowdown occurs when the basin water contaminant concentration
is high, blowdown only occurs when the cooling tower is active and water is flowing through the
tower (regardless of the water usage defined by this schedule).

1.24.2.1.25 Field: Supply Water Storage Tank Name

This field is optional. It is used to describe where the tower obtains water used for evaporative
cooling. If blank or omitted, then the tower will obtain water directly from the mains. If the name
of a WaterUse:Storage object is used here, then the tower will obtain its water from that tank. If
a tank is specified, the tower will attempt to obtain all the water it uses from the tank. However if
the tank cannot provide all the water the tower needs, then the tower will still operate and obtain
the rest of the water it needs from the mains (referred to as ‘Starved’ water).

1.24.2.1.26 Field: Outdoor Air Inlet Node Name

This optional alpha field specifies the outdoor air node name used to define the conditions of
the air entering the cooling tower. If this field is left blank, the outdoor air conditions entering the
cooling tower are taken directly from the weather data. If this field is not blank, the node name
specified must also be specified in an OutdoorAir:Node object where the height of the node is taken
into consideration when calculating outdoor air conditions from the weather data. Alternately, the
node name may be specified in an OutdoorAir:NodeList object where the outdoor air conditions
are taken directly from the weather data.

1.24.2.1.27 Field:Capacity Control

This alpha field contains the cooling capacity control for the cooling tower. Two choices are
available: FanCycling and FluidBypass. During part-load conditions, there are two ways to
maintain the exiting water temperature at the setpoint: either cycling the tower fan, or bypassing
portion of the tower water with a three-way valve. For FluidBypass, the tower fan still runs at full
speed for the entire timestep, but only portion of the water flow goes through the cooling tower
media to get cooled while the remaining portion of the water flow gets bypassed. Two water flows
then mix at the common water sump to meet the setpoint temperature.

1.24.2.1.28 Field: Number of Cells

This integer field contains the number of cells in the multi-cell cooling tower. If not entered,
the program will assume it is a single-cell cooling tower
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 931

1.24.2.1.29 Field: Cell Control

This alpha field specifies the method used to control the number of cells used to meet the load,
the two choices are:
MinimalCell : the program will use minimal number of cells needed, all other cells will be
shut down with no water flow. It will attempt to use as few cells as possible to cool the fluid. In
no case, however, will the flow per cell be allowed to exceed its maximum value defined by the
Maximum Water Flow Rate Fraction.
MaximalCell: As many cells as possible will be turned on. In no case, however, will the flow
per cell be allowed to drop below its minimum value specified by the Minimum Water Flow Rate
Fraction.

1.24.2.1.30 Field: Cell Minimum Water Flow Rate Fraction

This numeric field specifies the allowable smallest fraction of the design water flow rate. Flows
less than this value will commonly result in fluid distribution problems; the pressure at each nozzle
will be too weak for the fluid to be sprayed out in the correct pattern, not all the fill would be wet.
If this field is left blank, the default value is 0.33.

1.24.2.1.31 Field: Cell Maximum Water Flow Rate Fraction

This numeric field specifies the allowable largest fraction of the design water flow rate. If this
field is left blank, the default value is 2.5.
Field: Sizing Factor
This optional numeric field allows the user to specify a sizing factor for this component. The
sizing factor is used when the component design inputs are autosized: the autosizing calculations
are performed as usual and the results are multiplied by the sizing factor. Sizing factor allows the
user to size a component to meet part of the design load while continuing to use the autosizing
feature. For this component the inputs that would be altered by the sizing factor are:
1. Design Water Flow Rate;
2. Design Air Flow Rate;
3. Fan Power at Design Air Flow Rate;
4. U-Factor Times Area Value at Design Air Flow Rate;
5. Air Flow Rate in Free Convection Regime;
6. U-Factor Times Area Value at Free Convection Air Flow Rate.
Note that the U-Factor Times Area Value at Design Air Flow Rate is not multiplied by the
Sizing Factor. Instead the design tower load is multiplied by the sizing factor and the design UA
then calculated as usual. The U-Factor Times Area Value at Free Convection Air Flow Rate is set
to 10% of the new design Tower UA.
Three examples of an IDF specification for this object are shown below:

CoolingTower:SingleSpeed ,
My Tower , !- Name
Condenser Tower Inlet Node , !- Water Inlet Node Name
Condenser Tower Outlet Node , !- Water Outlet Node Name
.0011 , !- Design Water Flow Rate (m3/s)
16.0, !- Design Air Flow Rate (m3/s)
10000. , !- Fan Power at Design Air Flow Rate (W)
3500. , !- U-Factor Times Area Value at Design Air Flow Fate (W/C)
0.0, !- Air Flow Rate in Free Convection Regime (m3/s)
0.0, !- U-Factor Times Area Value at Free Convection Air Flow Rate (W/C)
UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate ,!- Performance Input Method
, !- Nominal Capacity (W)
, !- Free Convection Capacity (W)
932 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

, !- Basin Heater Capacity {W/K}

, !- Basin Heater Setpoint Temperature {C}
, !- Basin Heater Operating Schedule Name
, !- Evaporation Loss Mode
, !- Evaporation Loss Factor (percent/K)
, !- Drift Loss Percent (percent)
, !- Blowdown Calculation Mode
, !- Blowdown Concentration Ratio
, !- Blowdown Makeup Water Usage Schedule Name
, !- Supply Water Storage Tank Name
, !- Outdoor Air Inlet Node Name
FluidBypass , !- Capacity Control
4, !- Number of Cells
MinimalCell , !- Cell Control
0.25, !- Cell Minimum Water Flow Rate Fraction
1.50; !- Cell Maximum Water Flow Rate Fraction

CoolingTower:SingleSpeed ,
My Tower , !- Name
Condenser Tower Inlet Node , !- Water Inlet Node Name
Condenser Tower Outlet Node ,!- Water Outlet Node Name
, !- Design Water Flow Rate (m3/s)
autosize , !- Design Air Flow Rate (m3/s)
1000. , !- Fan Power at Design Air Flow Rate (W)
, !- U-Factor Times Area Value at Design Air Flow Fate (W/C)
autosize , !- Air Flow Rate in Free Convection Regime (m3/s)
, !- U-Factor Times Area Value at Free Convection Air Flow Rate (W/C)
NominalCapacity , !- Performance Input Method
95250. , !- Nominal Capacity (W)
9525.; !- Free Convection Capacity (W)

CoolingTower:SingleSpeed ,
TowerWaterSys CoolTower , !- Name
TowerWaterSys Pump -TowerWaterSys CoolTowerNode , !- Water Inlet Node Name
TowerWaterSys Supply Equipment Outlet Node , !- Water Outlet Node Name
AUTOSIZE , !- Design Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
AUTOSIZE , !- Design Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
AUTOSIZE , !- Fan Power at Design Air Flow Rate {W}
AUTOSIZE , !- U-Factor Times Area Value at Design Air Flow Rate {W/K}
AUTOSIZE , !- Air Flow Rate in Free Convection Regime {m3/s}
AUTOSIZE , !- U-Factor Times Area at Free Convection Air Flow Rate {W/K}
UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate , !- Performance Input Method
, !- Nominal Capacity {W}
, !- Free Convection Capacity {W}
, !- Basin Heater Capacity {W/K}
, !- Basin Heater Setpoint Temperature {C}
, !- Basin Heater Operating Schedule Name
SaturatedExit , !- Evaporation Loss Mode
, !- Evaporation Loss Factor {percent/K}
0.0080 , !- Drift Loss Percent {percent}
ConcentrationRatio , !- Blowdown Calculation Mode
3.0000 , !- Blowdown Concentration Ratio
, !- Blowdown Makeup Water Usage Schedule Name
, !- Supply Water Storage Tank Name
TowerWaterSys CoolTowerOA ref Node , !- Outdoor Air Inlet Node Name
FanCycling , !- Capacity Control
4, !- Number of Cells
MinimalCell , !- Cell Control
0.25, !- Cell Minimum Water Flow Rate Fraction
1.50, !- Cell Maximum Water Flow Rate Fraction
1.0000; !- Sizing Factor
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 933

1.24.2.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Fan Electric Power [W]
• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Fan Electric Energy [J]
• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Heat Transfer Rate [W]
• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Inlet Temperature [C]
• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Outlet Temperature [C]
• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Bypass Fraction []
• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Fan Cycling Ratio []
• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Operating Cells Count []
A tower uses either mains water or storage tank for make-up water.
When mains water is used:
• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Make Up Water Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]
• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Make Up Water Volume [m3]
• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Make Up Mains Water Volume [m3]
When storage tank water is used:
• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Make Up Water Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]
• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Make Up Water Volume [m3]
• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Storage Tank Water Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]
• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Storage Tank Water Volume [m3]
• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Starved Storage Tank Water Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]
• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Starved Storage Tank Water Volume [m3]
• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Make Up Mains Water Volume [m3]
• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Water Evaporation Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]
• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Water Evaporation Volume [m3]
• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Water Drift Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]
• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Water Drift Volume [m3]
• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Water Blowdown Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]
• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Water Blowdown Volume [m3]
IF specified:
• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Basin Heater Electric Power [W]
• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Basin Heater Electric Energy [J]
934 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.24.2.2.1 Cooling Tower Fan Electric Power [W]

1.24.2.2.2 Cooling Tower Fan Electric Energy [J]

These outputs are the electric power input to the tower fans. Consumption is metered on
HeatRejection:Electricity, Electricity:Plant, and Electricity:Facility.

1.24.2.2.3 Cooling Tower Heat Transfer Rate [W]

This is the rate at which heat is removed from the condenser water loop by the tower.

1.24.2.2.4 Cooling Tower Inlet Temperature [C]

1.24.2.2.5 Cooling Tower Outlet Temperature [C]

1.24.2.2.6 Cooling Tower Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

These outputs are the tower water inlet and outlet temperatures, and mass flow rate of the
circulating condenser water loop.

1.24.2.2.7 Cooling Tower Basin Heater Electric Power [W]

1.24.2.2.8 Cooling Tower Basin Heater Electric Energy [J]

These outputs are the electric power input to the tower basin heater. Consumption is metered
on HeatRejection:Electricity, Electricity:Plant, and Electricity:Facility

1.24.2.2.9 Cooling Tower Make Up Water Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.24.2.2.10 Cooling Tower Make Up Water Volume [m3]

These outputs are the water consumed by the wet cooling tower for external water sprays used
to augment heat transfer. This is the total of evaporation, drift, and blowdown.

1.24.2.2.11 Cooling Tower Water Evaporation Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.24.2.2.12 Cooling Tower Water Evaporation Volume [m3]

1.24.2.2.13 Cooling Tower Water Drift Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.24.2.2.14 Cooling Tower Water Drift Volume [m3]

1.24.2.2.15 Cooling Tower Water Blowdown Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.24.2.2.16 Cooling Tower Water Blowdown Volume [m3]

These outputs provide the breakdown of the different components of water use during cooling
tower operation.
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 935

1.24.2.2.17 Cooling Tower Make Up Mains Water Volume [m3]

This is the volume of water drawn from mains service to feed the cooling tower.
If a water storage tank is used to provide water to the tower, then the following output variables
will also be available.

1.24.2.2.18 Cooling Tower Storage Tank Water Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.24.2.2.19 Cooling Tower Storage Tank Water Volume [m3]

These are the rate and volume of water provided by the Water Storage Tank.

1.24.2.2.20 Cooling Tower Starved Storage Tank Water Volume Flow Rate
[m3/s]

1.24.2.2.21 Cooling Tower Starved Storage Tank Water Volume [m3]

These are the rate and volume of water the Storage Tank connections was not able to provide.
The starved water is assumed to come from the mains. The tower’s operation is not affected by a
lack of storage tank water.

1.24.2.2.22 Cooling Tower Fan Cycling Ratio []

This represents the fraction of a time-step when tower fan is on.

1.24.2.2.23 Cooling Tower Bypass Fraction []

This represents the fraction of a fluid bypassing the tower when a mixture of the tower fluid
and tower return water is able to meet the set point temperature.

1.24.2.2.24 Cooling Tower Operating Cells Count []

This represents the number of cells operating at each time step.

1.24.3 CoolingTower:TwoSpeed
The two-speed cooling tower is modeled in a similar fashion to the single-speed tower. The cooling
tower is modeled as a counterflow heat exchanger with a two-speed fan (induced draft configuration)
based on Merkel’s theory. The user must define tower performance via one of two methods: heat
transfer coefficient-area product (UA) and design water flow rate, or nominal tower capacity at a
specific rating point. Regardless of which method is chosen, the airflow rate and corresponding
fan power at both high and low fan speed must be specified. The model will also account for
tower performance in the “free convection” regime, when the tower fan is off but the water pump
remains on and heat transfer still occurs (albeit at a low level). If the user wants the model to
account for “free convection”, they must specify the corresponding air flow rate and heat transfer
coefficient-area product (UA), or the nominal tower capacity during this mode of operation.
The cooling tower seeks to maintain the temperature of the water exiting the cooling tower
at (or below) a set point. The set point schedule value is defined by the field “Condenser Loop
Temperature Setpoint Node Name or Reference” for the CondenserLoop object. The model first
checks to determine the impact of “free convection”, if specified by the user, on the tower exiting
water temperature. If the exiting water temperature based on “free convection” is at or below the
set point, then the tower fan is not turned on. If the exiting water temperature remains above the
set point after “free convection” is modeled, then the tower fan is turned on at low speed to reduce
936 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

the exiting water temperature. If operating the tower fan at low speed does not reduce the exiting
water temperature to the set point, then the tower fan is increased to its high speed.
The model assumes that part-load operation is represented by a simple linear interpolation
between two steady-state regimes (i.e., tower fan at high speed for the entire simulation timestep
and tower fan at low speed for the entire simulation timestep, or tower fan at low speed for the
entire simulation timestep and tower fan off for the entire simulation timestep). Cyclic losses are
not taken into account.
Cooling towers here are “wet” and consume water through evaporation, drift, and blowdown.
The model can be used to predict water consumed by the towers. The last six input fields are
optional and provide methods of controlling details of the water consumption calculations. The
user can specifiy connections to the rest of the buildings water system by providing the name of a
WaterUse:Storage object.
For the operation of multi-cell towers, the first step is to determine the number of cells to
operate based on the cell control method – between the minimum number of cells subject to the
maximum water flow rate fraction per cell, and maximum number of cells subject to the minimum
water flow rate fraction per cell. If the calculated cells do not meet the loads, additional cells will
be operating to help meet the loads. Inside each cell, the existing capacity controls still apply.
For multi-cell towers, the following inputs are assumed to be for the entire tower including all
cells:

• Design Water Flow Rate; Design Air Flow Rate; Fan Power at Design Air Flow Rate;

• Air Flow Rate in Free Convection Regime; Nominal Capacity; Free Convection Capacity

• BASIN HEATER (we assume that there is a common basin)

Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the cooling tower.

1.24.3.1 Inputs
1.24.3.1.1 Field: Water Inlet Node Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the cooling tower’s water inlet node.

1.24.3.1.2 Field: Water Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the cooling tower’s water outlet node.

1.24.3.1.3 Field: Design Water Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the design water flow rate through the tower in m3 /s. This value is
the flow rate of the condenser loop water being cooled by the tower (not the flow rate of water being
sprayed on the outside of the heat exchange coil). If the input field “Performance Input Method”
is specified as “UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate”, then a water flow rate greater than
zero must be defined or the field can be autosized. If autosized, a Plant Sizing object must be
defined and the design water flow rate is derived from the design load to be rejected by the condenser
loop and the design loop delta T (Ref. Sizing and Input for Design Calculations and Component
Autosizing sections). If “Performance Input Method” is specified as “NominalCapacity”, then this
field must be left blank since the model automatically assumes a design water flow rate of 5.382E-8
m3/s per watt (3 gpm/ton) of tower capacity specified in the field “Tower High-Speed Nominal
Capacity”.
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 937

1.24.3.1.4 Field: High Fan Speed Air Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the tower air flow rate at high fan speed in m3 /s. A value greater
than zero must be defined regardless of the tower performance input method. Alternately, this field
can be autosized. If autosized, the design air flow rate is calculated as follows:

0.5ρair (F an P ower at High F an Speed )

Air F low Rate at High F an Speed = (1.94)
190.

where a fan pressure rise of 190 Pascals and total fan efficiency of 0.5 are assumed.
Field: High Fan Speed Fan Power
This numeric field contains the fan power (in Watts) at the high-speed air flow rate specified in
the previous field. A value greater than zero must be specified regardless of the tower performance
input method, or this field can be autosized. If autosized, the fan power is calculated as follows:
If“Performance Input Method” is specified as “UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate”,
then

F an powerHigh F an Speed = 0.0105 · ρwater · Cp,water · Design W ater F low Rate · Design Loop∆T
(1.95)
is used.
If“Performance Input Method” is specified as “NominalCapacity”, then

F an powerHigh F an Speed = 0.0105 · T ower High − Speed N ominal Capacity (1.96)

is used.

1.24.3.1.5 Field: High Fan Speed U-Factor Times Area Value

This numeric field contains the heat transfer coefficient-area product (UA) in watts per degree
Celsius corresponding to the high-speed air flow rate and design water flow rate specified above. If
the input field “Performance Input Method” is specified as “UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWater-
FlowRate”, then a UA value greater than zero but less than or equal to 300,000 must be defined,
or the field can be autosized. If autosized, a Plant Sizing object must be defined and the tower UA
value at high fan speed is derived from the design load to be rejected by the condenser loop and the
design loop delta T (Ref. Sizing and Input for Design Calculations and Component Autosizing sec-
tions), assuming a tower water inlet temperature of 35C and tower inlet air at 35C drybulb/25.6C
wetbulb. If “Performance Input Method” is specified as “NominalCapacity”, then this field must
be left blank since the model automatically calculates the tower UA based on the capacity specified
in the field “High-Speed Nominal Capacity”.

1.24.3.1.6 Field: Low Fan Speed Air Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the tower air flow rate at low fan speed in m3 /s. This value must
be greater than zero, less than the value specified for the field “Air Flow Rate at High Fan Speed”,
and greater than the value specified for the field “Air Flow Rate in Free Convection Regime”. This
field may be autocalculated, in which case it is set to a fraction of the “Air Flow Rate at High Fan
Speed” determined in the next field.
938 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.24.3.1.7 Field: Low Fan Speed Air Flow Rate Sizing Factor
This numeric field contains the sizing factor to use when calculating the low fan speed air flow
rate. The default is 0.5.

1.24.3.1.8 Field: Low Fan Speed Fan Power

This numeric field contains the fan power (in Watts) at the low-speed air flow rate specified in
the previous field. This value must be specified greater than zero or the field may be autocalculated,
in which case it is set to a fraction of the “Fan Power at High Fan Speed” determined in the next
field.

1.24.3.1.9 Field: Low Fan Speed Fan Power Sizing Factor

This numeric field contains the sizing factor to use when calculating the low speed fan
power. The default is 0.16.

1.24.3.1.10 Field: Low Fan Speed U-Factor Times Area Value

This numeric field contains the heat transfer coefficient-area product (UA) in watts per degree
Celsius corresponding to the design water flow rate and low-speed air flow rate specified above. If
the input field “Performance Input Method” is specified as “UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWater-
FlowRate”, this value must be greater than zero but less than or equal to 300,000, less than the
value specified for the field “U-Factor Times Area Value at High Fan Speed”, and greater than the
value specified for the field “U-Factor Times Area Value at Free Convection Air Flow Rate”. This
field may be autocalculated, in which case it is set to a fraction of the “U-Factor Times Area Value
at High Fan Speed” determined in the following field. If “Performance Input Method” is specified
as “NominalCapacity”, then this field must be left blank since the model automatically calculates
the tower UA based on the tower capacity specified in the field “Low Speed Nominal Capacity”.

1.24.3.1.11 Field: Low Fan Speed U-Factor Times Area Sizing Factor
This numeric field contains the sizing factor to use when calculating the low speed heat transfer
coefficient-area product (UA). The default is 0.6.

1.24.3.1.12 Field: Free Convection Regime Air Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the air flow rate (m3 /s) when the tower is in the “free convection”
regime (water flow exists but tower fan is turned off). This value must be less than the value
specified for the field “Air Flow Rate at Low Fan Speed”. This field may be autocalculated, in
which case it is set to a fraction of the “Air Flow Rate at High Fan Speed” determined in the
following field. If the user does not wish to model “free convection” and is using the Performance
Input Method “UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate”, then this field should be set to 0.0.
If the user specifies the U-Factor Times Area Value at Free Convection Air Flow Rate or Free
Convection Capacity as a value greater than zero, then the free convection air flow rate must be
specified greater than 0.0.

1.24.3.1.13 Field: Free Convection Air Flow Rate Sizing Factor

This numeric field contains the sizing factor to use when calculating the free convection regime
air flow rate. The default is 0.1.
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 939

1.24.3.1.14 Field: Free ConvectionU-Factor Times Area Value

This numeric field contains the heat transfer coefficient-area product (W/°C) when the tower is
in the “free convection” regime (water flow exists but tower fan is turned off). This value must be less
than the value specified for the field “U-Factor Times Area Value at Low Fan Speed”. This field may
be autocalculated, in which case it is set to a fraction of the “U-Factor Times Area Value at High
Fan Speed” determined in the following field. If the user does not wish to model “free convection”
and is using the Performance Input Method “UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate”, then
this field should be set to 0.0. If “Performance Input Method” is specified as “NominalCapacity”,
then this field must be left blank since the model automatically calculates the tower UA based on
the tower capacity specified in the field “Free Convection Capacity”.

1.24.3.1.15 Field: Free Convection U-Factor Times Area Value Sizing Factor
This numeric field contains the sizing factor to use when calculating the free convection regime
U-Factor times area value. The default is 0.1.

1.24.3.1.16 Field: Performance Input Method

This alpha field contains the method by which the user will specify tower performance: “UFac-
torTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate” or “NominalCapacity”. If this field is left blank in the
input data file, the default input method is assumed to be “UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWater-
FlowRate”. If the method “UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate” is selected, then the user
must enter UA values, design water flow rate and air flow rates as described for the previous input
fields. If the method “NominalCapacity” is selected then the fields “Design Water Flow Rate”, “U-
Factor Times Area Value at High Fan Speed”, “U-Factor Times Area Value at Low Fan Speed” and
“U-Factor Times Area Value at Free Convection Air Flow Rate” must be left blank, but the fields
“High Speed Nominal Capacity”, “Low Speed Nominal Capacity” and “Free Convection Capacity”
must be entered as described below.

1.24.3.1.17 Field: Heat Rejection Capacity and Nominal Capacity Sizing Ratio

This numeric field contains the value for the ratio of actual tower heat rejection to nominal
capacity. This ratio is defined at entering water at 35C (95F), leaving water at 29.4C (85F),
entering air at 25.6C (78F) wetbulb and 35C (95F) drybulb temperatures. Historically this ratio
has been set at 1.25 based on the assumption that the tower must dissipate 0.25 W of compressor
power for every what of heat removed at the chiller evaporator. The default is 1.25.

1.24.3.1.18 Field: High Speed Nominal Capacity

This numeric input field contains the “nominal” heat rejection capacity of the cooling tower in
watts under high-speed fan operation, with entering water at 35C (95F), leaving water at 29.4C
(85F), entering air at 25.6C (78F) wetbulb and 35C (95F) drybulb temperatures. The design water
flow rate is assumed to be 5.382E-8 m3 /s per watt of high-speed nominal capacity (3 gpm/ton).
The Heat Rejection Capacity and Nominal Capacity Sizing Ratio set in the previous field is applied
to this nominal tower capacity to give the actual tower heat rejection at these operating.

1.24.3.1.19 Field: Low Speed Nominal Capacity

This numeric input field contains the “nominal” heat rejection capacity of the cooling tower
in watts under low-speed fan operation, with entering water at 35C (95F), leaving water at 29.4C
(85F), entering air at 25.6C (78F) wetbulb and 35C (95F) drybulb temperatures. The design water
940 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

flow rate is assumed to be 5.382E-8 m3 /s per watt of high-speed nominal tower capacity (input
field above). The Heat Rejection Capacity and Nominal Capacity Sizing Ratio is applied to this
nominal tower capacity to give the actual tower heat rejection at these operating conditions. The
value specified for this field must be greater than zero but less than the value specified for the field
“High-Speed Nominal Capacity”. This field may be autocalculated, in which case it is set to a
fraction of the High Speed Nominal Capacity determined in the following field.

1.24.3.1.20 Field: Low Speed Nominal Capacity Sizing Factor

This numeric field contains the sizing factor to use when calculating the Low Speed Nominal
Capacity. The default is 0.5.

1.24.3.1.21 Field: Free Convection Capacity

This numeric input field contains the “nominal” heat rejection capacity of the cooling tower
in watts when the tower is in the “free convection” regime (water flow exists but tower fan is
turned off), with entering water at 35C (95F), leaving water at 29.4C (85F), entering air at 25.6C
(78F) wetbulb and 35C (95F) drybulb temperatures. The design water flow rate is assumed to
be 5.382E-8 m3 /s per watt of high-speed nominal tower capacity (input field above). The Heat
Rejection Capacity and Nominal Capacity Sizing Ratio is applied to this free convection tower
capacity to give the actual tower heat rejection at these operating conditions.The value specified
for this field must be less than the value specified for the field “Tower Low-Speed Nominal Capacity”.
If the user does not wish to model “free convection”, then this field should be set to 0.0. If the
user specifies a value greater than zero, then the “Air Flow Rate in Free Convection Regime” field
must contain a value greater than zero. This field may be autocalculated, in which case it is set to
a fraction of the High Speed Nominal Capacity determined in the following field.

1.24.3.1.22 Field: Free Convection Nominal Capacity Sizing Factor

This numeric field contains the sizing factor to use when calculating the Free Convection Ca-
pacity. The default is 0.1.

1.24.3.1.23 Field: Basin Heater Capacity

This numeric field contains the capacity of the tower’s electric basin heater in watts per degree
Kelvin. This field is used in conjunction with the Basin Heater Setpoint Temperature described in
the following field. The basin heater electric power is equal to this field multiplied by the difference
between the basin heater set point temperature and the outdoor dry-bulb temperature. The basin
heater only operates when the tower fan is off and water is not flowing through the tower, regardless
of the basin heater schedule described below. The basin heater capacity must be greater than or
equal to zero, with a default value of zero if this field is left blank.

1.24.3.1.24 Field: Basin Heater Setpoint Temperature

This numeric field contains the set point temperature (˚C) for the basin heater described in the
previous field. The basin heater is active when the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature falls below
this setpoint temperature, as long as the tower fan is off and water is not flowing through the tower.
This set point temperature must be greater than or equal to 2˚C, and the default value is 2˚C if
this field is left blank.
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 941

1.24.3.1.25 Field: Basin Heater Operating Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of the basin heater operating schedule. The basin heater
operating schedule is assumed to be an on/off schedule and the heater is available to operate any
time the schedule value is greater than 0. The basin heater operates when scheduled on and the
outdoor air dry-bulb temperature is below the set point temperature described in the previous
field. If this field is left blank, the basin heater is available to operate throughout the simulation.
Regardless of this schedule, the basin heater may only operate when the cooling tower fan is off
and water is not flowing through the tower.

1.24.3.1.26 Field: Evaporation Loss Mode

This field is used to choose which method is used to model the amount of water evaporated
by the cooling tower. There are two options: ‘LossFactor’ or ‘SaturatedExit’. The default is
SaturatedExit. The user-defined loss factor is entered in the following field. By assuming that
the air leaving the tower is saturated, the evaporation can be directly calculated using moist air
engineering calculations with data available within the cooling tower model (and does not require
additional user input).

1.24.3.1.27 Field: Evaporation Loss Factor

This field is used to specify the rate of water evaporated from the cooling tower and lost to
the outside air [percent/K]. This field is only used if the Evaporation Calculation Mode is set
to LossFactor. The evaporation loss is then calculated as a fraction of the circulating condenser
water flow and varies with the temperature change in the condenser water. The value entered
here is in units of percent-per-degree Kelvin. The evaporation rate will equal this value times each
degree Kelvin of temperature drop in the condenser water. Typical values are from 0.15 to 0.27
[percent/K]. The default is 0.2.

1.24.3.1.28 Field: Drift Loss Percent

This field is used to specify the rate of water lost to the exiting air as entrained droplets [%].
The drift loss is a percent of the condenser water flow. Typical values for towers with efficient
drift eliminators are between 0.002 and 0.2% of the condenser water flow rate. The default value
is 0.008%.

1.24.3.1.29 Field: Blowdown Calculation Mode

This field specifies which method is used to determine blowdown rates. There two options
ConcentrationRatio or ScheduledRate. The choice will determine which of the two models below
is used. The default is ConcentrationRatio

1.24.3.1.30 Field: Blowdown Concentration Ratio

This field is used to dynamically adjust the rate of blowdown in the cooling tower as a function
of the rate of evaporation. Blowdown is water intentionally drained from the tower in order to
offset the build up of solids in the water that would otherwise occur because of evaporation. The
value entered here is dimensionless. It can be characterized as the ratio of solids in the blowdown
water to solids in the make up water. Typical values for tower operation are 3 to 5. The default
value is 3.
942 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.24.3.1.31 Field: Blowdown Makeup Water Usage Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of the schedule used to define the amount of water (m3 /s)
flushed from the basin on a periodic basis to purge the tower of mineral scale build-up and other
contaminants. This schedule is only used if the Blowdown Calculation mode is set to ScheduledRate.
The amount of water use due to blowdown depends on the makeup water quality and is specific
to each geographical location. Typical values range from 0.0002 to 0.0013 m3 /s (17.3 to 112.3
m3 /day). This water usage is in addition to the amount of water lost to the atmosphere due to
evaporation and/or drift. Since blowdown occurs when the basin water contaminant concentration
is high, blowdown only occurs when the cooling tower is active and water is flowing through the
tower (regardless of the water usage defined by this schedule).

1.24.3.1.32 Field: Supply Water Storage Tank Name

This field is optional. It is used to describe where the tower obtains water used for evaporative
cooling. If blank or omitted, then the tower will obtain water directly from the mains. If the name
of a WaterUse:Storage object is used here, then the tower will obtain its water from that tank. If
a tank is specified, the tower will attempt to obtain all the water it uses from the tank. However if
the tank cannot provide all the water the tower needs, then the tower will still operate and obtain
the rest of the water it needs from the mains (referred to as ‘Starved’ water).

1.24.3.1.33 Field: Outdoor Air Inlet Node Name

This optional alpha field specifies the outdoor air node name used to define the conditions of
the air entering the cooling tower. If this field is left blank, the outdoor air conditions entering the
cooling tower are taken directly from the weather data. If this field is not blank, the node name
specified must also be specified in an OutdoorAir:Node object where the height of the node is taken
into consideration when calculating outdoor air conditions from the weather data. Alternately, the
node name may be specified in an OutdoorAir:NodeList object where the outdoor air conditions
are taken directly from the weather data.

1.24.3.1.34 Field: Number of Cells

This integer field contains the number of cells in the multi-cell cooling tower. If not entered,
the program will assume it is a single-cell cooling tower

1.24.3.1.35 Field: Cell Control

This alpha field specifies the method used to control the number of cells used to meet the load,
the two choices are:
MinimalCell: the program will use minimal number of cells needed, all other cells will be shut
down with no water flow. It will attempt to use as few cells as possible to cool the fluid. In no case,
however, will the flow per cell be allowed to exceed its maximum value defined by the Maximum
Water Flow Rate Fraction.
MaximalCell: As many cells as possible will be turned on. In no case, however, will the flow
per cell be allowed to drop below its minimum value specified by the Minimum Water Flow Rate
Fraction.

1.24.3.1.36 Field: Cell Minimum Water Flow Rate Fraction

This numeric field specifies the allowable smallest fraction of the design water flow rate. Flows
less than this value will commonly result in fluid distribution problems; the pressure at each nozzle
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 943

will be too weak for the fluid to be sprayed out in the correct pattern, not all the fill would be wet.
If this field is left blank, the default value is 0.33.

1.24.3.1.37 Field: Cell Maximum Water Flow Rate Fraction

This numeric field specifies the allowable largest fraction of the design water flow rate. If this
field is left blank, the default value is 2.5.

1.24.3.1.38 Field: Sizing Factor

This optional numeric field allows the user to specify a sizing factor for this component. The
sizing factor is used when the component design inputs are autosized: the autosizing calculations
are performed as usual and the results are multiplied by the sizing factor. Sizing factor allows the
user to size a component to meet part of the design load while continuing to use the autosizing
feature.For this component the inputs that would be altered by the sizing factor are:
1. Design Water Flow Rate;
2. Air Flow Rate at High Fan Speed;
3. Fan Power at High Fan Speed;
4. U-Factor Times Area Value at High Fan Speed;
5. Air Flow Rate at Low Fan Speed;
6. Fan Power at Low Fan Speed;
7. U-Factor Times Area Value at Low Fan Speed;
8. Air Flow Rate in Free Convection Regime;
9. U-Factor Times Area Value at Free Convection Air Flow Rate.
Note that the U-Factor Times Area Value at High Fan Speed is not multiplied by the Sizing
Factor. Instead the design tower load is multiplied by the sizing factor and the design UA then
calculated as usual. The U-Factor Times Area Value at Low Fan Speed is set to a fraction of the
full load design UA determined by the field Low Fan Speed U-Factor Times Area Sizing Factor.
The U-Factor Times Area Value at Free Convection Air Flow Rate is set to a fraction of the design
Tower UA determined by the field Free Convection Air U-Factor Times Area Value Sizing Factor.
Four examples of an IDF specification for this object are shown below:

CoolingTower:TwoSpeed ,
My Tower , !- Name
Condenser Tower Inlet Node , !- Water inlet node name
Condenser Tower Outlet Node , !- Water outlet node name
.0011 , !- Design water flow rate , m3/s
16.0, !- Air flow rate at high fan speed , m3/s
10000 , !- Fan power at high fan speed , W
3500. , !- Tower UA at high fan speed , W/C
8.0, !- Air flow rate at low fan speed , m3/s
1600, !- Fan power at low fan speed , W
2100. , !- Tower UA at low fan speed , W/C
1.6, !- Air flow rate for free convection , m3/s
350, !- Tower UA at free convection air flow , W/C
UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate ; !- Tower performance input method

CoolingTower:TwoSpeed ,
My Tower , !- Name
Condenser Tower Inlet Node , !- Water Inlet Node Name
Condenser Tower Outlet Node , !- Water Outlet Node Name
, !- Design Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
8.0, !- Air Flow Rate at High Fan Speed {m3/s}
500, !- Fan Power at High Fan Speed {W}
, !- U-Factor Times Area Value at High Fan Speed {W/K}
4.0, !- Air Flow Rate at Low Fan Speed {m3/s}
944 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

125, !- Fan Power at Low Fan Speed {W}

, !- U-Factor Times Area Value at Low Fan Speed {W/K}
0.8, !- Air Flow Rate in Free Convection Regime {m3/s}
, !- U-Factor Times Area Value at Free Convection Air Flow Rate {W/K}
NominalCapacity , !- Performance Input Method
20000.0 , !- High Speed Nominal Capacity {W}
10000.0 , !- Low Speed Nominal Capacity {W}
2000.0; !- Free Convection Capacity {W}

CoolingTower:TwoSpeed ,
Big Tower1 , !- Tower Name
Condenser Tower 1 Inlet Node , !- Water Inlet Node Name
Condenser Tower 1 Outlet Node , !- Water Outlet Node Name
, !- Design Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
8.0, !- Design High Speed Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
500, !- Fan Power at Design High Speed Air Flow Rate {W}
, !- Tower UA Value at Design High Speed Air Flow Rate {W/K}
4.0, !- Design Low Speed Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
125, !- Fan Power at Design Low Speed Air Flow Rate {W}
, !- Tower UA Value at Design Low Speed Air Flow Rate {W/K}
0.8, !- Air Flow Rate in Free Convection Regime {m3/s}
, !- Tower UA Value at Free Convection Air Flow Rate {W/K}
NominalCapacity , !- Tower Performance Input Method
20000.0 , !- Tower High Speed Nominal Capacity
10000.0 , !- Tower Low Speed Nominal Capacity
2000.0 , !- Tower Free Convection Nominal Capacity
, !- Basin Heater Capacity {W/K}
, !- Basin Heater Setpoint Temperature {C}
, !- Basin Heater Operating Schedule Name
SaturatedExit , !- Evaporation Loss Mode
, !- Evaporation Loss Factor [%/C]
0.008 , !- Drift Loss Percent
ConcentrationRatio , !- Blowdown Calculation Mode
3.0, !- Blowdown Concentration Ratio
, !- Schedule Name for Makeup Water Usage due to Blowdown
Recovery Tank; !- Name of Water Storage Tank for Supply

CoolingTower:TwoSpeed ,
TowerWaterSys CoolTower , !- Name
TowerWaterSys Pump -TowerWaterSys CoolTowerNode , !- Water Inlet Node Name
TowerWaterSys Supply Equipment Outlet Node , !- Water Outlet Node Name
AUTOSIZE , !- Design Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
AUTOSIZE , !- Air Flow Rate at High Fan Speed {m3/s}
AUTOSIZE , !- Fan Power at High Fan Speed {W}
AUTOSIZE , !- U-Factor Times Area Value at High Fan Speed {W/K}
AUTOSIZE , !- Air Flow Rate at Low Fan Speed {m3/s}
AUTOSIZE , !- Fan Power at Low Fan Speed {W}
AUTOSIZE , !- U-Factor Times Area Value at Low Fan Speed {W/K}
AUTOSIZE , !- Air Flow Rate in Free Convection Regime {m3/s}
AUTOSIZE , !- U-Factor Times Area at Free Convection Air Flow Rate {W/K}
UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate , !- Performance Input Method
, !- High Speed Nominal Capacity {W}
, !- Low Speed Nominal Capacity {W}
, !- Free Convection Capacity {W}
, !- Basin Heater Capacity {W/K}
, !- Basin Heater Setpoint Temperature {C}
, !- Basin Heater Operating Schedule Name
SaturatedExit , !- Evaporation Loss Mode { LossFactor | SaturatedExit }
, !- Evaporation Loss Factor
0.0080 , !- Drift Loss Percent
ConcentrationRatio , !- Blowdown Calculation Mode { ConcentrationRatio |
!- ScheduledRate }
3.0000 , !- Blowdown Concentration Ratio
, !- Blowdown Makeup Water Usage Schedule Name
, !- Supply Water Storage Tank Name
TowerWaterSys CoolTower OA ref Node , !- Outdoor Air Inlet Node Name
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 945

, !- Number of cells available

MinimalCell , !- Cell Control
, !- Cell Minimum Water Flow Rate Fraction
, !- Cell Maximum Water Flow Rate Fraction
1.0000; !- Sizing Factor

1.24.3.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Fan Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Fan Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Fan Cycling Ratio []

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Operating Cells Count []

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Fan Speed Level []

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Bypass Fraction []

A tower uses either mains water or storage tank for make-up water.
When mains water is used:

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Make Up Water Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Make Up Water Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Make Up Mains Water Volume [m3]

When storage tank water is used:

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Make Up Water Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Make Up Water Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Storage Tank Water Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Storage Tank Water Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Starved Storage Tank Water Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Starved Storage Tank Water Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Make Up Mains Water Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Water Evaporation Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Water Evaporation Volume [m3]

946 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Water Drift Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Water Drift Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Water Blowdown Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Water Blowdown Volume [m3]

IF specified:

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Basin Heater Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Basin Heater Electric Energy [J]

1.24.3.2.1 Cooling Tower Fan Electric Power [W]

1.24.3.2.2 Cooling Tower Fan Electric Energy [J]

These outputs are the electric power input to the tower fans. Consumption is metered on
HeatRejection:Electricity, Electricity:Plant, and Electricity:Facility.

1.24.3.2.3 Cooling Tower Heat Transfer Rate [W]

This is the rate at which heat is removed from the condenser water loop by the tower.

1.24.3.2.4 Cooling Tower Inlet Temperature [C]

1.24.3.2.5 Cooling Tower Outlet Temperature [C]

1.24.3.2.6 Cooling Tower Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

These outputs are the tower water inlet and outlet temperatures, and mass flow rate.

1.24.3.2.7 Cooling Tower Basin Heater Electric Power [W]

1.24.3.2.8 Cooling Tower Basin Heater Electric Energy [J]

These outputs are the electric power input to the tower basin heater. Consumption is metered
on HeatRejection:Electricity, Electricity:Plant, and Electricity:Facility

1.24.3.2.9 Cooling Tower Make Up Water Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.24.3.2.10 Cooling Tower Make Up Water Volume [m3]

These outputs are the water consumed by the wet cooling tower for external water sprays used
to augment heat transfer. This is the total of evaporation, drift, and blowdown.

1.24.3.2.11 Cooling Tower Water Evaporation Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.24.3.2.12 Cooling Tower Water Evaporation Volume [m3]

1.24.3.2.13 Cooling Tower Water Drift Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 947

1.24.3.2.14 Cooling Tower Water Drift Volume [m3]

1.24.3.2.15 Cooling Tower Water Blowdown Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.24.3.2.16 Cooling Tower Water Blowdown Volume [m3]

These outputs provide the breakdown of the different components of water use during cooling
tower operation.

1.24.3.2.17 Cooling Tower Make Up Mains Water Volume [m3]

This is the volume of water drawn from mains service to feed the cooling tower. If a water
storage tank is used to provide water to the tower, then the following output variables will also be
available.

1.24.3.2.18 Cooling Tower Storage Tank Water Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.24.3.2.19 Cooling Tower Storage Tank Water Volume [m3]

These are the rate and volume of water provided by the Water Storage Tank.

1.24.3.2.20 Cooling Tower Starved Storage Tank Water Volume Flow Rate
[m3/s]

1.24.3.2.21 Cooling Tower Starved Storage Tank Water Volume [m3]

These are the rate and volume of water the Storage Tank connections was not able to provide.
The starved water is assumed to come from the mains. The tower’s operation is not affected by a
lack of storage tank water.

1.24.3.2.22 Cooling Tower Fan Cycling Ratio []

This represents the fraction of a time-step when tower fan is on. The fan can cycle at both
speeds.

1.24.3.2.23 Cooling Tower Operating Cells Count []

This represents the number of cells operating at each time step.

1.24.3.2.24 Cooling Tower Fan Speed Level []

This represents the fan speed operating at each time step: 2 for High Speed, 1 for Low Speed,
and 0 when the fan is OFF.

1.24.4 CoolingTower:VariableSpeed:Merkel
This variable speed tower model is based on Merkel’s theory and is similar to the single-speed and
two-speed tower models. The open wet cooling tower is modeled as a counter flow heat exchanger
with a variable-speed fan drawing air through the tower (induced-draft configuration). The model
also includes a “free convection” regime where cooling tower performance modeled with the fan off.
For this model, Merkel’s theory is modified to include adjustments developed by Scheier to alter
the heat transfer effectiveness based on current wetbulb, air flow rates, and water flow rates. The
input requires performance curves or lookup tables to describe these three adjustment factors.
For a multi-cell tower, the capacity and air/water flow rate inputs are for the entire tower.
948 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.24.4.1 Inputs
1.24.4.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the cooling tower.

1.24.4.1.2 Field: Water Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the cooling tower’s water inlet node.

1.24.4.1.3 Field: Water Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the cooling tower’s water outlet node.

1.24.4.1.4 Field: Performance Input Method

This alpha field contains the method by which the user will specify tower performance:
“UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate” or “NominalCapacity”. If this field is
left blank in the input data file, the default input method is assumed to be “NominalCapacity”.
If the method “” is selected, then the user must enter design UA values, design water flow rates
and air flow rates as described for the previous input fields. If the method “NominalCapacity” is
selected then the fields “Design Water Flow Rate”, “U-Factor Times Area Value at Design Air
Flow Rate” and “U-Factor Times Area Value at Free Convection Air Flow Rate” must be left
blank, but the fields “Nominal Capacity” and “Free Convection Capacity” must be entered as
described below.

1.24.4.1.5 Field: Heat Rejection Capacity and Nominal Capacity Sizing Ratio

This numeric field contains the value for the ratio of actual tower heat rejection to nominal
capacity. This ratio is defined at entering water at 35C (95F), leaving water at 29.4C (85F),
entering air at 25.6C (78F) wetbulb and 35C (95F) drybulb temperatures. Historically this ratio
has been set at 1.25 based on the assumption that the tower must dissipate 0.25 W of compressor
power for every what of heat removed at the chiller evaporator. The default is 1.25.

1.24.4.1.6 Field: Nominal Capacity

This numeric input field contains the “nominal” heat rejection capacity of the cooling tower
in watts under full-speed fan operation, with entering water at 35C (95F), leaving water at 29.4C
(85F), entering air at 25.6C (78F) wetbulb and 35C (95F) drybulb temperatures. The Heat Rejec-
tion Capacity and Nominal Capacity Sizing Ratio set in the previous field is applied to this nominal
tower capacity to give the actual tower heat rejection at these operating conditions. This field can
be autosized, in which case a Sizing:Plant object is needed for the condenser loop.

1.24.4.1.7 Field: Free Convection Nominal Capacity

This numeric input field contains the “nominal” heat rejection capacity of the cooling tower
in watts when the tower is in the “free convection” regime (water flow exists but tower fan is
turned off), with entering water at 35C (95F), leaving water at 29.4C (85F), entering air at 25.6C
(78F) wetbulb and 35C (95F) drybulb temperatures. The Heat Rejection Capacity and Nominal
Capacity Sizing Ratio is applied to this free convection tower capacity to give the actual tower heat
rejection at these operating conditions.The value specified for this field must be less than the value
specified for the field “Tower Low-Speed Nominal Capacity”. If the user does not wish to model
“free convection”, then this field should be set to 0.0. If the user specifies a value greater than zero,
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 949

then the “Air Flow Rate in Free Convection Regime” field must contain a value greater than zero.
This field may be autocalculated, in which case it is set to a fraction of the High Speed Nominal
Capacity determined in the following field.

1.24.4.1.8 Field: Free Convection Nominal Capacity Sizing Factor

This numeric field contains the sizing factor to use when calculating the Free Convection Ca-
pacity. The default is 0.1.

1.24.4.1.9 Field: Design Water Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the design water flow rate through the tower in m3 /s. This value
is the flow rate of the condenser loop water being cooled by the tower. If the input field “Per-
formance Input Method” is specified as “UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate”, then a
water flow rate greater than zero must be defined or the field can be autosized. If autosized, a
Sizing:Plant object must be defined and the design water flow rate is derived from the design load
to be rejected by the condenser loop and the design loop delta T (Ref. Sizing and Input for Design
Calculations and Component Autosizing sections). If “Performance Input Method” is specified as
“NominalCapacity”, then this field can be autocalculated using the sizing factor in the following
field.

1.24.4.1.10 Field: Design Water Flow Rate per Unit of Nominal Capacity
This numeric field contains a scalable sizing factor for design water flow rate that scales with
nominal capacity, in units of m3 /s/W. The default value is 5.382*10−8 . This field is only used if the
previous field is set to autocalculate and performance input method is NominalCapacity. (If the
performance input method is set to UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate then the design
water flow rate is obtained from the plant sizing result.)

1.24.4.1.11 Field: Design Air Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the tower air flow rate at full fan speed, in m3 /s. The value can
be autocalculated, in which case the air flow rate is based off of the scalable sizing factor in the
following input field.

1.24.4.1.12 Field: Design Air Flow Rate Per Unit of Nominal Capacity
This numeric field contains the sizing factor to use when calculating the design air flow rate
from the nominal capacity, in units of m3 /s/W. The default is 2.76316*10−5 . When this field is
left blank, then the default value is used but the flow rate is also scaled to account for elevation
(with larger volume flow rates at higher altitudes). When a hard value is entered, even if it is the
same as the default, then the design air flow rate is not also adjusted for elevation and the scaling
factor is used directly.

1.24.4.1.13 Field: Minimum Air Flow Rate Ratio

This numeric field contains the minimum air flow rate ratio. The tower fan is allowed to operate
between the ratio defined here and a maximum air flow rate ratio of 1.0 (which corresponds to the
design [maximum] tower air flow rate). Below this value the tower is assumed to operate in the
“free convection” regime with the tower fan off. The minimum air flow rate ratio must be greater
than or equal to 0.1 and less than or equal to 0.5, with a default value of 0.2 if the field is left
blank.
950 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.24.4.1.14 Field: Design Fan Power

This numeric field contains the fan power in watts at the design (maximum) air flow rate
through the tower. A value greater than zero must be specified or this field can be autocalculated.
When the field is autocalculated the following input field is used to size the fan power based on
nominal capacity.

1.24.4.1.15 Field: Design Fan Power Per Unit of Nominal Capacity

This numeric field contains the sizing factor to use when calculating the design fan power from
the nominal capacity, in units of Watts per Watt. This field is only used if the previous is set to
autocalculate. The default values is 0.0105.

1.24.4.1.16 Field: Fan Power Modifier Function of Air Flow Rate Ratio Curve
Name
This alpha field contains the name of a curve or table object that describes fan power ratio
(fan power/design fan power) as a function of air flow rate ratio (air flow rate/design air flow rate).
The curve or table object must be for one independent variable, typically a cubic, and should be
normalized to 1.0 at an air flow rate ratio of 1.0. This field is required.

1.24.4.1.17 Field: Free Convection Regime Air Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the air flow rate (m3 /s) when the tower is in the “free convection”
regime (water flow exists but tower fan is turned off). This value must be less than the value
specified for the field “Design Air Flow Rate”. This field may be autocalculated, in which case
it is set to a fraction of the “Design Air Flow Rate” determined in the following input field. If
the user does not wish to model “free convection” and is using the Performance Input Method
“UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate”, then this field should be set to 0.0. If the user
specifies the U-Factor Times Area Value at Free Convection Air Flow Rate or Free Convection
Capacity as a value greater than zero, then the free convection air flow rate must be specified
greater than 0.0.

1.24.4.1.18 Field: Free Convection Regime Air Flow Rate Sizing Factor
This numeric field contains the sizing factor to use when calculating the free convection regime
air flow rate. The default is 0.1.

1.24.4.1.19 Field: Design Air Flow Rate U-Factor Times Area Value
This numeric field contains the heat transfer coefficient-area product (UA) in watts per Kelvin
corresponding to the design air and water flow rates specified above. If the input field “Performance
Input Method” is specified as “UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate”, then a UA value
greater than zero but less than or equal to 300,000 must be defined, or the field can be autosized.
If autosized, a Plant Sizing object must be defined and the design tower UA value is derived from
the design load to be rejected by the condenser loop and the design loop delta T (Ref. Sizing and
Input for Design Calculations and Component Autosizing sections), assuming a tower water inlet
temperature of 35C and tower inlet air at 35C drybulb/25.6C wetbulb. If “Performance Input
Method” is specified as “NominalCapacity”, then this field must be left blank since the model
automatically calculates the tower UA based on the tower capacity specified in the field “Nominal
Capacity”.
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 951

1.24.4.1.20 Field: Free Convection Regime U-Factor Times Area Value

This numeric field contains the heat transfer coefficient-area product (W/K) when the tower is
in the “free convection” regime (water flow exists but tower fan is turned off). This value must be
less than the value specified for the field “U-Factor Times Area Value at Design Air Flow Rate”.
This field may be autosized, in which case it is set to a fraction of the “U-Factor Times Area Value
at Design Air Flow Rate” determined in the following input field. If the user does not wish to model
“free convection” and is using the Performance Input Method “UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWa-
terFlowRate”, then this field should be set to 0.0. If “Performance Input Method” is specified as
“NominalCapacity”, then this field must be left blank since the model automatically calculates the
tower UA based on the tower capacity specified in the field “Free Convection Capacity”.

1.24.4.1.21 Field: Free Convection U-Factor Times Area Value Sizing Factor
This numeric field contains the sizing factor to use when calculating the free convection regime
U-Factor times area value. The default is 0.1. This field is only used if the previous field is set to
autocalculate and the performance input method is UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate.

1.24.4.1.22 Field: U-Factor Times Area Modifier Function of Air Flow Ratio
Curve Name
This alpha field contains the name of a curve or table object that describes how the UA value
varies as a function of air flow rate ratio (air flow rate/design air flow rate). The result of this
curve is multiplied by the design UA value to adjust for air flow rate, along with the two other
modifiers discussed below. The curve or table object must be for one independent variable and
should be normalized to 1.0 at an air flow rate ratio of 1.0. This field is required.

1.24.4.1.23 Field: U-Factor Times Area Modifier Function of Wetbulb Temper-

ature Difference Curve Name
This alpha field contains the name of a curve or table object that describes how the UA value
varies as a function of the current wetbulb temperature. The result of this curve is multiplied by the
design UA value to adjust for wetbulb temperatures that differ from design conditions at 25.56°C
(78°F), along with the two other modifiers discussed in the previous and following fields. The
independe variable is the design wetbulb minus the current outdoor air wetbulb, in units of degrees
Celsius. The curve or table object must be for one independent variable and should be normalized
to 1.0 at a wetbulb temperature difference of 0.0. This field is required.

1.24.4.1.24 Field: U-Factor Times Area Modifier Function of Water Flow Ratio
Curve Name
This alpha field contains the name of a curve or table object that describes how the UA value
varies as a function of the current water flow rate ratio (water flow rate/design water flow rate).
The result of this curve is multiplied by the design UA value to adjust for water flow rates that
differ from design level, along with the other two modifiers discussed above. The curve or table
object must be for one independent variable and should be normalized to 1.0 at a water flow ratio
of 1.0. This field is required

1.24.4.1.25 Field: Basin Heater Capacity

This numeric field contains the capacity of the tower’s electric basin heater in watts per degree
Kelvin. This field is used in conjunction with the Basin Heater Setpoint Temperature described in
the following field. The basin heater electric power is equal to this field multiplied by the difference
952 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

between the basin heater set point temperature and the outdoor dry-bulb temperature. The basin
heater only operates when the tower fan is off and water is not flowing through the tower, regardless
of the basin heater schedule described below. The basin heater capacity must be greater than or
equal to zero, with a default value of zero if this field is left blank.

1.24.4.1.26 Field: Basin Heater Setpoint Temperature

This numeric field contains the set point temperature (˚C) for the basin heater described in the
previous field. The basin heater is active when the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature falls below
this setpoint temperature, as long as the tower fan is off and water is not flowing through the tower.
This set point temperature must be greater than or equal to 2˚C, and the default value is 2˚C if
this field is left blank.

1.24.4.1.27 Field: Basin Heater Operating Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of the basin heater operating schedule. The basin heater
operating schedule is assumed to be an on/off schedule and the heater is available to operate any
time the schedule value is greater than 0. The basin heater operates when scheduled on and the
outdoor air dry-bulb temperature is below the set point temperature described in the previous
field. If this field is left blank, the basin heater is available to operate throughout the simulation.
Regardless of this schedule, the basin heater may only operate when the cooling tower fan is off
and water is not flowing through the tower.

1.24.4.1.28 Field: Evaporation Loss Mode

This field is used to choose which method is used to model the amount of water evaporated
by the cooling tower. There are two options: LossFactor or SaturatedExit. The default is
SaturatedExit. The user-defined loss factor is entered in the following field. By assuming that
the air leaving the tower is saturated, the evaporation can be directly calculated using moist air
engineering calculations with data available within the cooling tower model (and does not require
additional user input).

1.24.4.1.29 Field: Evaporation Loss Factor

This field is used to specify the rate of water evaporated from the cooling tower and lost to
the outside air [percent/K]. This field is only used if the Evaporation Calculation Mode is set to
LossFactor. The evaporation loss is then calculated as a fraction of the circulating condenser
water flow and varies with the temperature change in the condenser water. The value entered
here is in units of percent-per-degree Kelvin. The evaporation rate will equal this value times each
degree Kelvin of temperature drop in the condenser water. Typical values are from 0.15 to 0.27
[percent/K]. The default is 0.2.

1.24.4.1.30 Field: Drift Loss Percent

This field is used to specify the rate of water lost to the exiting air as entrained droplets [%].
The drift loss is a percent of the condenser water flow. Typical values for towers with efficient
drift eliminators are between 0.002 and 0.2% of the condenser water flow rate. The default value
is 0.008%.

1.24.4.1.31 Field: Blowdown Calculation Mode

1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 953

This field specifies which method is used to determine blowdown rates. There two options
ConcentrationRatio or ScheduledRate. The choice will determine which of the two models
below is used. The default is ConcentrationRatio.

1.24.4.1.32 Field: Blowdown Concentration Ratio

This field is used to dynamically adjust the rate of blowdown in the cooling tower as a function
of the rate of evaporation. Blowdown is water intentionally drained from the tower in order to
offset the build up of solids in the water that would otherwise occur because of evaporation. The
value entered here is dimensionless. It can be characterized as the ratio of solids in the blowdown
water to solids in the make up water. Typical values for tower operation are 3 to 5. The default
value is 3.

1.24.4.1.33 Field: Blowdown Makeup Water Usage Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of the schedule used to define the amount of water (m3 /s)
flushed from the basin on a periodic basis to purge the tower of mineral scale build-up and other
contaminants. This schedule is only used if the Blowdown Calculation Mode is set to ScheduledRate.
The amount of water use due to blowdown depends on the makeup water quality and is specific
to each geographical location. Typical values range from 0.0002 to 0.0013 m3 /s (17.3 to 112.3
m3 /day). This water usage is in addition to the amount of water lost to the atmosphere due to
evaporation and/or drift. Since blowdown occurs when the basin water contaminant concentration
is high, blowdown only occurs when the cooling tower is active and water is flowing through the
tower (regardless of the water usage defined by this schedule).

1.24.4.1.34 Field: Supply Water Storage Tank Name

This field is optional. It is used to describe where the tower obtains water used for evaporative
cooling. If blank or omitted, then the tower will obtain water directly from the mains. If the name
of a WaterUse:Storage object is used here, then the tower will obtain its water from that tank. If
a tank is specified, the tower will attempt to obtain all the water it uses from the tank. However if
the tank cannot provide all the water the tower needs, then the tower will still operate and obtain
the rest of the water it needs from the mains (referred to as ‘Starved’ water).

1.24.4.1.35 Field: Outdoor Air Inlet Node Name

This optional alpha field specifies the outdoor air node name used to define the conditions of
the air entering the cooling tower. If this field is left blank, the outdoor air conditions entering the
cooling tower are taken directly from the weather data. If this field is not blank, the node name
specified must also be specified in an OutdoorAir:Node object where the height of the node is taken
into consideration when calculating outdoor air conditions from the weather data. Alternately, the
node name may be specified in an OutdoorAir:NodeList object where the outdoor air conditions
are taken directly from the weather data.

1.24.4.1.36 Field: Number of Cells

This integer field contains the number of cells in the multi-cell cooling tower. If not entered,
the program will assume it is a single-cell cooling tower

1.24.4.1.37 Field: Cell Control

This alpha field specifies the method used to control the number of cells used to meet the load,
the two choices are:
954 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

MinimalCell : the program will use minimal number of cells needed, all other cells will be
shut down with no water flow. It will attempt to use as few cells as possible to cool the fluid. In
no case, however, will the flow per cell be allowed to exceed its maximum value defined by the
Maximum Water Flow Rate Fraction.
MaximalCell: As many cells as possible will be turned on. In no case, however, will the flow
per cell be allowed to drop below its minimum value specified by the Minimum Water Flow Rate
Fraction.

1.24.4.1.38 Field: Cell Minimum Water Flow Rate Fraction

This numeric field specifies the allowable smallest fraction of the design water flow rate. Flows
less than this value will commonly result in fluid distribution problems; the pressure at each nozzle
will be too weak for the fluid to be sprayed out in the correct pattern, not all the fill would be wet.
If this field is left blank, the default value is 0.33.

1.24.4.1.39 Field: Cell Maximum Water Flow Rate Fraction

This numeric field specifies the allowable largest fraction of the design water flow rate. If this
field is left blank, the default value is 2.5.

1.24.4.1.40 Field: Sizing Factor

This optional numeric field allows the user to specify a sizing factor for this component. The
sizing factor is used when the component design inputs are autosized: the autosizing calculations
are performed as usual and the results are multiplied by the sizing factor. Sizing factor allows the
user to size a component to meet part of the design load while continuing to use the autosizing
feature.
An example IDF specification follows.

CoolingTower:VariableSpeed:Merkel ,
Big Tower1 , !- Name
Condenser Tower 1 Inlet Node , !- Water Inlet Node Name
Condenser Tower 1 Outlet Node , !- Water Outlet Node Name
NominalCapacity , !- Performance Input Method
1.25, !- Heat Rejection Capacity and Nominal Capacity Sizing Ratio
20000.0 , !- Nominal Capacity
autocalculate , !- Free Convection Nominal Capacity
0.1, !- Free Convection Nominal Capacity Sizing Factor
autocalculate , !- Design Water Flow Rate
5.382E-8, !- Design Water Flow Rate per Unit of Nominal Capacity
autocalculate , !- Design Air Flow Rate
2.76316E-5, !- Design Air Flow Rate Per Unit of Nominal Capacity
0.2, !- Minimum Air Flow Rate Ratio
autocalculate , !- Design Fan Power
0.0105 , !- Design Fan Power Per Unit of Nominal Capacity
VS tower fan power mod func air flow ratio , !- Fan Power Modifier Function of Air Flow Rate
Ratio Curve Name
autocalculate , !- Free Convection Regime Air Flow Rate
0.1, !- Free Convection Regime Air Flow Rate Sizing Factor
, !- Design Air Flow Rate U-Factor Times Area Value
, !- Free Convection Regime U-Factor Times Area Value
, !- Free Convection U-Factor Times Area Value Sizing Factor
VS tower UA mod func air flow ratio , !- U-Factor Times Area Modifier Function of Air Flow
Ratio Curve Name
VS tower UA mod func wetbulb difference , !- U-Factor Times Area Modifier Function of
Wetbulb Temperature Difference Curve Name
VS tower UA mod func water flow ratio; !- U-Factor Times Area Modifier Function of Water
Flow Ratio Curve Name
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 955

Curve:Cubic ,
VS tower fan power mod func air flow ratio , !- Name
0.02 , !- Coefficient1 Constant
0.0 , !- Coefficient2 x
0.0 , !- Coefficient3 x**2
0.98 , !- Coefficient4 x**3
0.2, !- Minimum Value of x
1.0 , !- Maximum Value of x
0.0 , !- Minimum Curve Output
1.0 , !- Maximum Curve Output
Dimensionless , !- Input Unit Type for X
Dimensionless; !- Output Unit Type

Curve:Quadratic ,
VS tower UA mod func air flow ratio , !- Name
0.0 , !- Coefficient1 Constant
1.3 , !- Coefficient2 x
-0.3 , !- Coefficient3 x**2
0.2 , !- Minimum Value of x
1.0 , !- Maximum Value of x
0.0 , !- Minimum Curve Output
1.0 , !- Maximum Curve Output
Dimensionless , !- Input Unit Type for X
Dimensionless; !- Output Unit Type

Curve:Linear ,
VS tower UA mod func wetbulb difference , !- Name
1.0 , !- Coefficient1 Constant
0.0081 , !- Coefficient2 x
-10 , !- Minimum Value of x
25.0 , !- Maximum Value of x
0.85 , !- Minimum Curve Output
1.3 , !- Maximum Curve Output
Dimensionless , !- Input Unit Type for X
Dimensionless; !- Output Unit Type

Curve:Quadratic ,
VS tower UA mod func water flow ratio , !- Name
0.1082 , !- Coefficient1 Constant
1.667 , !- Coefficient2 x
-0.7713 , !- Coefficient3 x**2
0.3 , !- Minimum Value of x
1.0 , !- Maximum Value of x
0.5 , !- Minimum Curve Output
1.1 , !- Maximum Curve Output
Dimensionless , !- Input Unit Type for X
Dimensionless; !- Output Unit Type

1.24.4.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Fan Electric Power [W]

956 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Fan Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Operating Cells Count []

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Fan Speed Ratio []

A tower uses either mains water or storage tank for make-up water.
When mains water is used:

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Make Up Water Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Make Up Water Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Make Up Mains Water Volume [m3]

When storage tank water is used:

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Make Up Water Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Make Up Water Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Storage Tank Water Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Storage Tank Water Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Starved Storage Tank Water Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Starved Storage Tank Water Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Make Up Mains Water Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Water Evaporation Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Water Evaporation Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Water Drift Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Water Drift Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Water Blowdown Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Water Blowdown Volume [m3]

IF specified:

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Basin Heater Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Basin Heater Electric Energy [J]

1.24.4.2.1 Cooling Tower Fan Electric Power [W]

1.24.4.2.2 Cooling Tower Fan Electric Energy [J]

These outputs are the electric power input to the tower fans. Consumption is metered on
HeatRejection:Electricity, Electricity:Plant, and Electricity:Facility.
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 957

1.24.4.2.3 Cooling Tower Heat Transfer Rate [W]

This is the rate at which heat is removed from the condenser water loop by the tower.

1.24.4.2.4 Cooling Tower Inlet Temperature [C]

1.24.4.2.5 Cooling Tower Outlet Temperature [C]

1.24.4.2.6 Cooling Tower Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

These outputs are the tower water inlet and outlet temperatures, and mass flow rate.

1.24.4.2.7 Cooling Tower Fan Speed Ratio

This output is the air flow ratio. The current air flow rate divided by the design air flow rate
with values from 0.0 to 1.0.

1.24.4.2.8 Cooling Tower Operating Cells Count []

This represents the number of cells operating at each time step.

1.24.4.2.9 Cooling Tower Basin Heater Electric Power [W]

1.24.4.2.10 Cooling Tower Basin Heater Electric Energy [J]

These outputs are the electric power input to the tower basin heater. Consumption is metered
on HeatRejection:Electricity, Electricity:Plant, and Electricity:Facility

1.24.4.2.11 Cooling Tower Make Up Water Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.24.4.2.12 Cooling Tower Make Up Water Volume [m3]

These outputs are the water consumed by the wet cooling tower for external water sprays used
to augment heat transfer. This is the total of evaporation, drift, and blowdown.

1.24.4.2.13 Cooling Tower Water Evaporation Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.24.4.2.14 Cooling Tower Water Evaporation Volume [m3]

1.24.4.2.15 Cooling Tower Water Drift Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.24.4.2.16 Cooling Tower Water Drift Volume [m3]

1.24.4.2.17 Cooling Tower Water Blowdown Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.24.4.2.18 Cooling Tower Water Blowdown Volume [m3]

These outputs provide the breakdown of the different components of water use during cooling
tower operation.
958 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.24.4.2.19 Cooling Tower Make Up Mains Water Volume [m3]

This is the volume of water drawn from mains service to feed the cooling tower. If a water
storage tank is used to provide water to the tower, then the following output variables will also be
available.

1.24.4.2.20 Cooling Tower Storage Tank Water Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.24.4.2.21 Cooling Tower Storage Tank Water Volume [m3]

These are the rate and volume of water provided by the Water Storage Tank.

1.24.4.2.22 Cooling Tower Starved Storage Tank Water Volume Flow Rate
[m3/s]

1.24.4.2.23 Cooling Tower Starved Storage Tank Water Volume [m3]

These are the rate and volume of water the Storage Tank connections was not able to provide.
The starved water is assumed to come from the mains. The tower’s operation is not affected by a
lack of storage tank water.

1.24.5 CoolingTower:VariableSpeed
The variable speed tower model is based on empirical curve fits of manufacturer’s performance data
or field measurements. The user specifies tower performance at design conditions, and empirical
curves are used to determine the approach temperature and fan power at off-design conditions. The
user defines tower performance by entering the inlet air wet-bulb temperature, tower range, and
tower approach temperature at the design conditions. The corresponding water flow rate (within
±25% of the tower’s rated water mass flow rate), air flow rate, and fan power must also be specified.
The model will account for tower performance in the “free convection” regime, when the tower fan is
off but the water pump remains on and heat transfer still occurs (albeit at a low level). Basin heater
operation and makeup water usage (due to evaporation, drift, and blowdown) are also modeled.
The cooling tower seeks to maintain the temperature of the water exiting the cooling tower at
(or below) a set point. The set point schedule is defined by the field “Condenser Loop Temperature
Setpoint Node Name or Reference” for the CondenserLoop object. The model first checks to
determine the impact of “free convection” on the tower exiting water temperature. If the exiting
water temperature based on “free convection” is at or below the set point, then the variable-speed
tower fan is not turned on. If the exiting water temperature is above the set point after “free
convection” is modeled, then the variable-speed tower fan is turned on to reduce the exiting water
temperature. Tower fan power is calculated based on the tower air flow rate required to achieve
the exiting water set point temperature.
Cooling towers here are “wet” and consume water through evaporation, drift, and blowdown.
The model can be used to predict water consumed by the towers. The last six input fields are
optional and provide methods of controlling details of the water consumption calculations. The
user can specifiy connections to the rest of the buildings water system by providing the name of a
WaterUse:Storage object.
For the operation of multi-cell towers, the first step is to determine the number of cells to
operate based on the cell control method – between the minimum number of cells subject to the
maximum water flow rate fraction per cell, and maximum number of cells subject to the minimum
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 959

water flow rate fraction per cell. If the calculated cells do not meet the loads, additional cells will
be operating to help meet the loads. Inside each cell, the existing capacity controls still apply.
For multi-cell towers, the following inputs are assumed to be for the entire tower including all
cells:

• Design Water Flow Rate; Design Air Flow Rate; Fan Power at Design Air Flow Rate;

• Air Flow Rate in Free Convection Regime; Nominal Capacity; Free Convection Capacity

• BASIN HEATER (we assume that there is a common basin)

1.24.5.1 Inputs
1.24.5.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the variable speed cooling tower.

1.24.5.1.2 Field: Water Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the cooling tower’s water inlet node.

1.24.5.1.3 Field: Water Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the cooling tower’s water outlet node.

1.24.5.1.4 Field: Model Type

This alpha field contains the type of empirical model used to simulate the tower’s thermal perfor-
mance (approach temperature). Valid choices for this field are “CoolToolsCrossFlow”, “CoolTool-
sUserDefined”, “YorkCalc”, or “YorkCalcUserDefined”. “CoolToolsCrossFlow” and “YorkCalc” are
empirical models with the equation form and model coefficients already defined within Energy-
Plus. If “CoolToolsUserDefined” or “YorkCalcUserDefined” is selected, the user must specify a
valid Model Coefficient Name in the next input field to reference an appropriate CoolingTowerPer-
formance:CoolTools or CoolingTowerPerformance:YorkCalc object. If a user-defined model type is
selected and the specified Model Coefficient Name is not found in the input data file (idf), then a
severe message is issued and the simulation will terminate.

1.24.5.1.5 Field: Model Coefficient Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the object(s) CoolingTowerPerfor-
mance:CoolTools or CoolingTowerPerformance:YorkCalc. A single model coefficient object may
be used to define coefficients for multiple variable speed cooling tower objects (i.e., the same
name may be used in this input field for more than one variable speed tower). This field is only
used when the field Tower Model Type described above is set to “CoolToolsUserDefined” or
“YorkCalcUserDefined”, and should be left blank otherwise.

1.24.5.1.6 Field: Design Inlet Air Wet-Bulb Temperature

This numeric field specifies the inlet air wet-bulb temperature (˚C) at design conditions. This
design temperature should correspond with the design values for range temperature, approach
temperature, water flow rate, and air flow rate specified in the following fields. The minimum value
for this field is 20˚C and the default value is 25.6˚C if this field is left blank.
960 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.24.5.1.7 Field: Design Approach Temperature

This numeric field specifies the tower approach temperature (˚C) at design conditions. The
approach temperature is the outlet water temperature minus the inlet air wet-bulb temperature.
The design approach temperature should correspond with the design values for inlet air wet-bulb
temperature, range temperature, water flow rate, and air flow rate specified for this tower. The
value for this field must be greater than 0˚C and the default value is 3.9˚C if this field is left
blank.

1.24.5.1.8 Field: Design Range Temperature

This numeric field specifies the range temperature (˚C) at design conditions. The range tem-
perature is defined as the inlet water temperature minus the outlet water temperature. The design
range temperature should correspond with the design values for inlet air wet-bulb temperature,
approach temperature, water flow rate, and air flow rate specified for this tower. The value for this
field must be greater than 0˚C and the default value is 5.6˚C if this field is left blank.

1.24.5.1.9 Field: Design Water Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the design water flow rate through the tower in m3 /s. The value
entered should be within ±25% of the tower’s rated water mass flow rate as specified by the
manufacturer if Model Type is “CoolToolsCrossFlow” or “YorkCalc”. This constraint may be
different for Model Type “CoolToolsUserDefined” or “YorkCalcUserDefined” (ref. CoolingTower-
Performance:CoolTools or CoolingTowerPerformance:YorkCalc).
This value is the flow rate of the condenser loop water being cooled by the tower. A value
greater than zero must be specified or this field can be autosized. A Plant Sizing object must be
defined if the field is autosized and the design water flow rate is then derived from the design load
to be rejected by the condenser loop and the design loop delta T (Ref. Sizing and Input for Design
Calculations and Component Autosizing sections). The design water flow rate should correspond
with the design values specified for the inlet air wet-bulb temperature, approach temperature,
range temperature, and air flow rate. When this field is not autosized, the condenser loop flow
rate specified in other objects should be within ±25% of the tower’s rated water flow rate (different
range is permissible if Model Type is “User Defined”).

1.24.5.1.10 Field: Design Air Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the design (maximum) air flow rate through the tower in m3 /s. A
value greater than zero must be specified or this field can be autosized. Autosizing of this field
does not require a Plant Sizing object since the design air flow rate is assumed to be the design fan
power multiplied by a total fan efficiency of 0.5 and divided by a fan pressure rise of 190 Pascals.
A correction for altitude is also included as follows:
( )
0.5(F an power at Design Air F low Rate) 101325.
Design Air F low Rate = (1.97)
190. Patm

1.24.5.1.11 Field: Design Fan Power

This numeric field contains the fan power in watts at the design (maximum) air flow rate
through the tower. A value greater than zero must be specified or this field can be autosized. If
autosized, a Plant Sizing object must be defined and the fan power is calculated as follows:

Design f an power = 0.0105 · ρwater · Cp,water · Design W ater F low Rate · Design Loop∆T (1.98)
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 961

1.24.5.1.12 Field: Fan Power Ratio Function of Air Flow Rate Ratio Curve
Name
This alpha field contains the curve object name for fan power ratio (fan power/design fan power)
as a function of air flow rate ratio (air flow rate/design air flow rate) [ref. Performance Curves].
The curve object must be a cubic curve and should be normalized to 1.0 at an air flow rate ratio
of 1.0. If this field is left blank, a theoretical fan curve is assumed where fan power ratio is directly
proportional to the air flow rate ratio cubed.

1.24.5.1.13 Field: Minimum Air Flow Rate Ratio

This numeric field contains the minimum air flow rate ratio. The tower fan is allowed to operate
between the ratio defined here and a maximum air flow rate ratio of 1.0 (which corresponds to the
design [maximum] tower air flow rate). Below this value, the tower is assumed to operate either in
the “free convection” regime with the tower fan off, or the tower fan is cycled on/off to maintain
the exiting water set point temperature. The minimum air flow rate ratio must be greater than or
equal to 0.2 and less than or equal to 0.5, with a default value of 0.2 if the field is left blank.

1.24.5.1.14 Field: Fraction of Tower Capacity in Free Convection Regime

This numeric field contains the fraction of tower capacity available in the free convection regime
(i.e., when the tower fan is off but water continues to flow through the tower). The tower fan does
not operate when the free convection tower capacity is able to meet or exceed the exiting water set
point temperature. The air flow rate through the tower in the free convection regime is assumed
to be this same fraction of the tower design air flow rate. The fraction of tower capacity in free
convection regime must be greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to 0.2, with a default
value of 0.125 if this field is left blank.

1.24.5.1.15 Field: Basin Heater Capacity

This numeric field contains the capacity of the tower’s electric basin heater in watts per degree
Kelvin. This field is used in conjunction with the Basin Heater Setpoint Temperature described in
the following field. The basin heater electric power is equal to this field multiplied by the difference
between the basin heater set point temperature and the outdoor dry-bulb temperature. The basin
heater only operates when the tower fan is off and water is not flowing through the tower, regardless
of the basin heater schedule described below. The basin heater capacity must be greater than or
equal to zero, with a default value of zero if this field is left blank.

1.24.5.1.16 Field: Basin Heater Setpoint Temperature

This numeric field contains the set point temperature (˚C) for the basin heater described in the
previous field. The basin heater is active when the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature falls below
this setpoint temperature, as long as the tower fan is off and water is not flowing through the tower.
This set point temperature must be greater than or equal to 2˚C, and the default value is 2˚C if
this field is left blank.

1.24.5.1.17 Field: Basin Heater Operating Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of the basin heater operating schedule. The basin heater
operating schedule is assumed to be an on/off schedule and the heater is available to operate any
time the schedule value is greater than 0. The basin heater operates when scheduled on and the
outdoor air dry-bulb temperature is below the set point temperature described in the previous
field. If this field is left blank, the basin heater is available to operate throughout the simulation.
962 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Regardless of this schedule, the basin heater may only operate when the cooling tower fan is off
and water is not flowing through the tower.

1.24.5.1.18 Field: Evaporation Loss Mode

This field is used to choose which method is used to model the amount of water evaporated
by the cooling tower. There are two options: ‘LossFactor’ or ‘SaturatedExit’. The default is
SaturatedExit. The user-defined loss factor is entered in the following field. By assuming that
the air leaving the tower is saturated, the evaporation can be directly calculated using moist air
engineering calculations with data available within the cooling tower model (and does not require
additional user input).

1.24.5.1.19 Field: Evaporation Loss Factor

This field is used to specify the rate of water evaporated from the cooling tower and lost to
the outside air [percent/K]. This field is only used if the Evaporation Calculation Mode is set
to LossFactor. The evaporation loss is then calculated as a fraction of the circulating condenser
water flow and varies with the temperature change in the condenser water. The value entered
here is in units of percent-per-degree Kelvin. The evaporation rate will equal this value times each
degree Kelvin of temperature drop in the condenser water. Typical values are from 0.15 to 0.27
[percent/K]. The default is 0.2.

1.24.5.1.20 Field: Drift Loss Percent

This numeric field contains the percent (%) of design water flow rate lost to the atmosphere at
the design air flow rate due to drift, which is water droplets that are entrained in the airstream as
it passes through the tower. Drift is assumed to vary directly with tower air flow rate ratio, and
is in addition to the amount of water lost to the atmosphere due to evaporation and/or blowdown.
Typical values for water usage due to drift are from 0.05 to 0.2% of the total water circulation rate
with currently-available drift eliminators from tower manufacturers. The value entered in this field
must be greater than or equal to zero, and the default is zero if the field is left blank.

1.24.5.1.21 Field: Blowdown Calculation Mode

This field specifies which method is used to determine blowdown rates. There two options
‘ConcentrationRatio’ or ‘ScheduledRate’. The choice will determine which of the two models below
is used. The default is ConcentrationRatio.

1.24.5.1.22 Field: Blowdown Concentration Ratio

This field is used to dynamically adjust the rate of blowdown in the cooling tower as a function
of the rate of evaporation. Blowdown is water intentionally drained from the tower in order to
offset the build up of solids in the water that would otherwise occur because of evaporation. The
value entered here is dimensionless. It can be characterized as the ratio of solids in the blowdown
water to solids in the make up water. Typical values for tower operation are 3 to 5. The default
value is 3.

1.24.5.1.23 Field: Blowdown Makeup Water Usage Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of the schedule used to define the amount of water (m3 /s)
flushed from the basin on a periodic basis to purge the condenser loop of mineral scale build-up
and other contaminants. The amount of water use due to blowdown depends on the makeup water
quality and is specific to each geographical location. Typical values range from 0.0002 to 0.0013
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 963

m3 /s (17.3 to 112.3 m3 /day). This water usage is in addition to the amount of water lost to
the atmosphere due to evaporation and/or drift. Since blowdown occurs when the basin water
contaminant concentration is high, blowdown only occurs when the cooling tower is active and
water is flowing through the tower (regardless of the water usage defined by this schedule).

1.24.5.1.24 Field: Supply Water Storage Tank Name

This field is optional. It is used to describe where the tower obtains water used for evaporative
cooling. If blank or omitted, then the tower will obtain water directly from the mains. If the name
of a WaterUser:Storage object is used here, then the tower will obtain its water from that tank. If
a tank is specified, the tower will attempt to obtain all the water it uses from the tank. However if
the tank cannot provide all the water the tower needs, then the tower will still operate and obtain
the rest of the water it needs from the mains (referred to as ‘Starved’ water).

1.24.5.1.25 Field: Outdoor Air Inlet Node Name

This optional alpha field specifies the outdoor air node name used to define the conditions of
the air entering the cooling tower. If this field is left blank, the outdoor air conditions entering the
cooling tower are taken directly from the weather data. If this field is not blank, the node name
specified must also be specified in an OutdoorAir:Node object where the height of the node is taken
into consideration when calculating outdoor air conditions from the weather data. Alternately, the
node name may be specified in an OutdoorAir:NodeList object where the outdoor air conditions
are taken directly from the weather data.

1.24.5.1.26 Field: Number of Cells

This integer field contains the number of cells in the multi-cell cooling tower. If not entered,
the program will assume it is a single-cell cooling tower

1.24.5.1.27 Field: Cell Control

This alpha field specifies the method used to control the number of cells used to meet the load,
the two choices are:
MinimalCell: the program will use minimal number of cells needed, all other cells will be shut
down with no water flow. It will attempt to use as few cells as possible to cool the fluid. In no case,
however, will the flow per cell be allowed to exceed its maximum value defined by the Maximum
Water Flow Rate Fraction.
MaximalCel : As many cells as possible will be turned on. In no case, however, will the flow
per cell be allowed to drop below its minimum value specified by the Minimum Water Flow Rate
Fraction.

1.24.5.1.28 Field: Cell Minimum Water Flow Rate Fraction

This numeric field specifies the allowable smallest fraction of the design water flow rate. Flows
less than this value will commonly result in fluid distribution problems; the pressure at each nozzle
will be too weak for the fluid to be sprayed out in the correct pattern, not all the fill would be wet.
If this field is left blank, the default value is 0.33.

1.24.5.1.29 Field: Cell Maximum Water Flow Rate Fraction

This numeric field specifies the allowable largest fraction of the design water flow rate. If this
field is left blank, the default value is 2.5.
964 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.24.5.1.30 Field: Sizing Factor

This optional numeric field allows the user to specify a sizing factor for this component. The
sizing factor is used when the component design inputs are autosized: the autosizing calculations
are performed as usual and the results are multiplied by the sizing factor. Sizing factor allows the
user to size a component to meet part of the design load while continuing to use the autosizing
feature.For this component the inputs that would be altered by the sizing factor are:
1. Design Water Flow Rate;
2. Design Air Flow Rate;
3. Design Fan Power.
An example IDF specification for this object is shown below:

CoolingTower:VariableSpeed ,
Big Tower1 , !- Tower Name
Condenser 1 Inlet Node , !- Water Inlet Node Name
Condenser 1 Outlet Node , !- Water Outlet Node Name
YorkCalc , !- Tower Model Type
, !- Tower Model Coefficient Name
25.5556 , !- Design Inlet Air Wet -Bulb Temperature {C}
3.8889 , !- Design Approach Temperature {C}
5.5556 , !- Design Range Temperature {C}
0.0015 , !- Design Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
1.6435 , !- Design Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
275, !- Design Fan Power {W}
FanRatioCurve , !- Fan Power Ratio - function of Air Flow Rate Curve Name
0.2, !- Minimum Air Flow Rate Ratio
0.125 , !- Fraction of Tower Capacity in Free Convection Regime
450.0 , !- Basin Heater Capacity {W/K}
4.5, !- Basin Heater Set Point Temperature {C}
BasinSchedule , !- Basin Heater Operating Schedule Name
SaturatedExit , !- Evaporation Loss Mode
, !- Evaporation Loss Factor
0.05, !- Makeup Water Usage due to Drift {percent}
ScheduledRate , !- Blowdown Calculation Mode
BlowDownSchedule , !- Schedule Name for Makeup Water Usage due to Blowdown
, !- Name of Water Storage Tank for Supply
, !- Outdoor Air Inlet Node Name
4, !- Number of Cells
MinimalCell , !- Cell Control
, !- Cell Minimum Water Flow Rate Fraction
, !- Cell Maximum Water Flow Rate Fraction
1.000 ; !- Sizing Factor

1.24.5.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Fan Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Fan Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Fan Part Load Ratio

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Air Flow Rate Ratio

1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 965

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Operating Cells Count

A tower uses either mains water or storage tank for make-up water.
When mains water is used:

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Make Up Water Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Make Up Water Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Make Up Mains Water Volume [m3]

When storage tank water is used:

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Make Up Water Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Make Up Water Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Storage Tank Water Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Storage Tank Water Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Starved Storage Tank Water Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Starved Storage Tank Water Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Make Up Mains Water Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Water Evaporation Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Water Evaporation Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Water Drift Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Water Drift Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Water Blowdown Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Water Blowdown Volume [m3]

IF specified:

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Basin Heater Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Basin Heater Electric Energy [J]

1.24.5.2.1 Cooling Tower Fan Electric Power [W]

1.24.5.2.2 Cooling Tower Fan Electric Energy [J]

These outputs are the electric power input to the tower fan. Consumption is metered on
HeatRejection:Electricity, Electricity:Plant, and Electricity:Facility.
966 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.24.5.2.3 Cooling Tower Fan Part Load Ratio []

This is the on/off cycling rate of the tower fan when free convection cannot meet the set point
temperature and the tower capacity at the minimum air flow rate ratio drives the tower exiting water
temperature below the set point temperature. The fan part-load ratio is calculated as the ratio of
the exiting water temperature in the free convection regime minus the exiting water temperature
set point divided by the exiting water temperature in the free convection regime minus the exiting
water temperature at the minimum air flow rate ratio. If tower air flow is at or above the minimum
air flow rate ratio, then the tower fan part-load ratio is 1.0.

1.24.5.2.4 Cooling Tower Heat Transfer Rate [W]

This is the rate at which heat is removed from the condenser water loop by the tower.

1.24.5.2.5 Cooling Tower Inlet Temperature [C]

1.24.5.2.6 Cooling Tower Outlet Temperature [C]

1.24.5.2.7 Cooling Tower Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

These outputs are the tower water inlet and outlet temperatures, and mass flow rate of the
circulating condenser water loop.

1.24.5.2.8 Cooling Tower Air Flow Rate Ratio []

This is the ratio of air flow through the tower to the design air flow rate. During times when
the tower can maintain the condenser loop set point temperature using free convection (when the
fan in not operating), the air flow rate ratio is assumed to be equal to the field Fraction of Tower
Capacity in Free Convection Regime. During times when the fan cycles on/off to maintain the
outlet water set point temperature, the air flow rate ratio is calculated as the summation of Fan
Part-Load Ratio multiplied by the Minimum Air Flow Rate Ratio and (1.0 - Fan Part-Load Ratio)
multiplied by the fraction of Tower Capacity in Free Convection Regime.

1.24.5.2.9 Cooling Tower Basin Heater Electric Power [W]

1.24.5.2.10 Cooling Tower Basin Heater Electric Energy [J]

These outputs are the electric power input to the tower basin heater. Consumption is metered
on HeatRejection:Electricity, Electricity:Plant, and Electricity:Facility.

1.24.5.2.11 Cooling Tower Make Up Water Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.24.5.2.12 Cooling Tower Make Up Water Volume [m3]

These outputs are the water consumed by the wet cooling tower for external water sprays used
to augment heat transfer. This is the total of evaporation, drift, and blowdown.

1.24.5.2.13 Cooling Tower Water Evaporation Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.24.5.2.14 Cooling Tower Water Evaporation Volume [m3]

1.24.5.2.15 Cooling Tower Water Drift Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 967

1.24.5.2.16 Cooling Tower Water Drift Volume [m3]

1.24.5.2.17 Cooling Tower Water Blowdown Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.24.5.2.18 Cooling Tower Water Blowdown Volume [m3]

These outputs provide the breakdown of the different components of water use during cooling
tower operation.

1.24.5.2.19 Cooling Tower Make Up Mains Water Volume [m3]

This is the volume of water drawn from mains service to feed the cooling tower. If a water
storage tank is used to provide water to the tower, then the following output variables will also be
available.

1.24.5.2.20 Cooling Tower Storage Tank Water Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.24.5.2.21 Cooling Tower Storage Tank Water Volume [m3]

These are the rate and volume of water provided by the Water Storage Tank.

1.24.5.2.22 Cooling Tower Starved Storage Tank Water Volume Flow Rate
[m3/s]

1.24.5.2.23 Cooling Tower Starved Storage Tank Water Volume [m3]

These are the rate and volume of water the Storage Tank connections was not able to provide.
The starved water is assumed to come from the mains. The tower’s operation is not affected by a
lack of storage tank water.

1.24.5.2.24 Cooling Tower Operating Cells Count []

This represents the number of cells operating at each time step.

1.24.6 CoolingTowerPerformance:CoolTools
Variable speed cooling towers can be modeled by EnergyPlus with user-selectable performance
based on the CoolTools correlation, YorkCalc correlation, or user-defined coefficients for either the
CoolTools or YorkCalc correlations.The empirical CoolTools tower correlation uses a set of 35 co-
efficients to model the thermal performance (approach temperature) of a cooling tower based on
four independent variables. If the user specifies Model Type = CoolToolsCrossFlow in the Cool-
ingTower:VariableSpeed object, then the 35 coefficients derived for the CoolTools simulation model
are used and these coefficients are already defined within EnergyPlus. If the user specifies Model
Type = CoolToolsUserDefined, then the user must enter a CoolingTowerPerformance:CoolTools
object to define the 35 coefficients that will be used by the CoolTools correlation.
The user must specify a name for the model coefficient object, and this name must be used in
the CoolingTower:VariableSpeed object (field Model Coefficient Name) to tell the program to use
these coefficients. Next, the user enters the minimum and maximum values for inlet air wet-bulb
temperature, range temperature, approach temperature, and water mass flow rate ratio to specify
the valid range for which the model coefficients were derived. For all of these variables, the program
issues warnings if the actual values are beyond the minimum/maximum values specified. For inlet
air wet-bulb temperature and water mass flow rate ratio, the values of these variables used in the
968 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

calculation of approach temperature are limited to be within the valid minimum/maximum range
specified. For approach and range, the warnings are issued if the values are beyond the specified
minimum/maximum range but the actual values are still used.
The CoolTools correlation has four independent variables: inlet air wet-bulb temperature (Twb),
tower range temperature (Tr), water flow rate ratio (FRwater), and air flow rate ratio (FRair).
Temperatures are in units of ˚C and flow rate ratios are dimensionless (actual flow rate divided
by design flow rate). Using these independent variables, tower approach temperature (˚C) is
calculated as follows:
Approach = Coeff(1) + Coeff(2)•FRair + Coeff(3)•(FRair)2 +
Coeff(4)•(FRair)3 + Coeff(5)•FRwater +
Coeff(6)•FRair•FRwater + Coeff(7)•(FRair)2 •FRwater +
Coeff(8)•(FRwater)2 + Coeff(9)•FRair•(FRwater)2 +
Coeff(10)•(FRwater)3 + Coeff(11)•Twb + Coeff(12)•FRair•Twb +
Coeff(13)•(FRair)2 •Twb + Coeff(14)•FRwater•Twb +
Coeff(15)•FRair•FRwater•Twb + Coeff(16)•(FRwater)2 •Twb +
Coeff(17)•(Twb)2 + Coeff(18)•FRair•(Twb)2 +
Coeff(19)•FRwater•(Twb)2 + Coeff(20)•(Twb)3 + Coeff(21)•Tr +
Coeff(22)•FRair•Tr + Coeff(23)•FRair•FRair•Tr +
Coeff(24)•FRwater•Tr + Coeff(25)•FRair•FRwater•Tr +
Coeff(26)•(FRwater)2 •Tr + Coeff(27)•Twb•Tr +
Coeff(28)•FRair•Twb•Tr + Coeff(29)•FRwater•Twb•Tr +
Coeff(30)•(Twb)2 •Tr + Coeff(31)•(Tr)2 + Coeff(32)•FRair•(Tr)2 +
Coeff(33)•FRwater•(Tr)2 + Coeff(34)•Twb•(Tr)2 + Coeff(35)•(Tr)3
This object allows the user to specify model coefficients for use with the CoolTools correlation
shown above. It is recommended that a broad set of cooling tower performance data be used
to generate these model coefficients. The data set used to create the model coefficients should
cover the entire range of water and air flow rate ratios and inlet air wet-bulb, range, and approach
temperatures expected during the simulation.

1.24.6.1 Inputs
1.24.6.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the variable speed cooling tower model coef-
ficients.

1.24.6.1.2 Field: Minimum Inlet Air Wet-Bulb Temperature

This numeric field contains the minimum inlet air wet-bulb temperature to be used by the
model (approach temperature correlation). Inlet air wet-bulb temperatures less than this value will
not be used; instead, the minimum inlet air wet-bulb temperature specified here will be used by
the correlation and a warning will be issued.

1.24.6.1.3 Field: Maximum Inlet Air Wet-Bulb Temperature

This numeric field contains the maximum inlet air wet-bulb temperature to be used by the
model (approach temperature correlation). Inlet air wet-bulb temperatures greater than this value
will not be used; instead, the maximum inlet air wet-bulb temperature specified here will be used
by the correlation and a warning will be issued.
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 969

1.24.6.1.4 Field: Minimum Range Temperature

This numeric field contains the minimum range temperature (inlet water temperature minus
outlet water temperature) to be used by the empirical model. If the range temperature is less than
this value the actual range temperature is still passed to the empirical model but a warning will be
issued.

1.24.6.1.5 Field: Maximum Range Temperature

This numeric field contains the maximum range temperature (inlet water temperature minus
outlet water temperature) to be used by the empirical model. If the range temperature is greater
than this value the actual range temperature is still passed to the empirical model but a warning
will be issued.

1.24.6.1.6 Field: Minimum Approach Temperature

This numeric field contains the minimum approach temperature (outlet water temperature
minus inlet air wet-bulb temperature) to be used by the empirical model. If the calculated approach
temperature is less than this value then the calculated value is still used but a warning will be issued.

1.24.6.1.7 Field: Maximum Approach Temperature

This numeric field contains the maximum approach temperature (outlet water temperature
minus inlet air wet-bulb temperature) to be used by the empirical model. If the calculated approach
temperature is greater than this value then the calculated value is still used but a warning will be
issued.

1.24.6.1.8 Field: Minimum Water Flow Rate Ratio

This numeric field contains the minimum water flow rate ratio (ratio of actual water flow rate
to rated water flow rate) to be used by the empirical model. Water flow rate ratios less than this
value will not be used; instead, the minimum water flow rate ratio specified here will be used by
the model and a warning will be issued.

1.24.6.1.9 Field: Maximum Water Flow Rate Ratio

This numeric field contains the maximum water flow rate ratio (ratio of actual water flow rate
to rated water flow rate) to be used by the empirical model. Water flow rate ratios greater than
this value will not be used; instead, the maximum water flow rate ratio specified here will be used
by the model and a warning will be issued.

1.24.6.1.10 Field: Coefficient 1 to 35

These numeric fields contain the coefficients to be used by the CoolTools approach temperature
correlation shown above.
An example IDF specification for this object is shown below:

CoolingTowerPerformance :CoolTools ,
CoolTools CrossFlow Default Model , !- Tower Model Coefficient Name
-1.0, !- Minimum Inlet Air Wet -Bulb Temperature {C}
26.6667 , !- Maximum Inlet Air Wet -Bulb Temperature {C}
1.1111 , !- Minimum Range Temperature {C}
11.1111 , !- Maximum Range Temperature {C}
1.1111 , !- Minimum Approach Temperature {C}
11.1111 , !- Maximum Approach Temperature {C}
0.75, !- Minimum Water Flow Rate Ratio
1.25, !- Maximum Water Flow Rate Ratio
970 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

0.52049709836241 , !- Coefficient 1
-10.617046395344 , !- Coefficient 2
10.7292974722538 , !- Coefficient 3
-2.74988377158227 , !- Coefficient 4
4.73629943913743 , !- Coefficient 5
-8.25759700874711 , !- Coefficient 6
1.57640938114136 , !- Coefficient 7
6.51119643791324 , !- Coefficient 8
1.50433525206692 , !- Coefficient 9
-3.2888529287801 , !- Coefficient 10
0.0257786145353773 , !- Coefficient 11
0.182464289315254 , !- Coefficient 12
-0.0818947291400898 , !- Coefficient 13
-0.215010003996285 , !- Coefficient 14
0.0186741309635284 , !- Coefficient 15
0.0536824177590012 , !- Coefficient 16
-0.00270968955115031 , !- Coefficient 17
0.00112277498589279 , !- Coefficient 18
-0.00127758497497718 , !- Coefficient 19
0.0000760420796601607 , !- Coefficient 20
1.43600088336017 , !- Coefficient 21
-0.5198695909109 , !- Coefficient 22
0.117339576910507 , !- Coefficient 23
1.50492810819924 , !- Coefficient 24
-0.135898905926974 , !- Coefficient 25
-0.152577581866506 , !- Coefficient 26
-0.0533843828114562 , !- Coefficient 27
0.00493294869565511 , !- Coefficient 28
-0.00796260394174197 , !- Coefficient 29
0.000222619828621544 , !- Coefficient 30
-0.0543952001568055 , !- Coefficient 31
0.00474266879161693 , !- Coefficient 32
-0.0185854671815598 , !- Coefficient 33
0.00115667701293848 , !- Coefficient 34
0.000807370664460284; !- Coefficient 35

1.24.6.2 Outputs
No additional cooling tower output variables are output when this object is used.

1.24.7 CoolingTowerPerformance:YorkCalc
Variable speed cooling towers can be modeled by EnergyPlus with user-selectable performance
based on the CoolTools correlation, YorkCalc correlation, or user-defined coefficients for either the
CoolTools or YorkCalc correlations.The empirical YorkCalc tower correlation uses a set of 27 co-
efficients to model the thermal performance (approach temperature) of a variable speed cooling
tower based on three independent variables. If the user specifies Tower Model Type = YorkCalc
in the CoolingTower:VariableSpeed object, then the 27 coefficients derived for the YorkCalc sim-
ulation model are used and these coefficients are already defined within EnergyPlus. If the user
specifies Tower Model Type = YorkCalcUserDefined, then the user must enter a CoolingTowerPer-
formance:YorkCalc object to define the 27 coefficients that will be used by the YorkCalc correlation.
The user must specify a name for the model coefficient object, and this name must be used in
the CoolingTower:VariableSpeed object (field Model Coefficient Name) to tell the program to use
these coefficients. Next, the user enters the minimum and maximum values for inlet air wet-bulb
temperature, range temperature, approach temperature, and water mass flow rate ratio to specify
the valid range for which the model coefficients were derived. The user also specifies the maximum
valid liquid-to-gas ratio. For all of these variables, the program issues warnings if the actual values
are beyond the minimum/maximum values specified. For inlet air wet-bulb temperature and water
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 971

mass flow rate ratio, the values of these variables used in the calculation of approach temperature
are limited to be within the valid minimum/maximum range specified. For approach, range, and
liquid-to-gas ratio the warnings are issued if the values are beyond the specified minimum/maximum
range but the actual values are still used.
The YorkCalc correlation has three independent variables: inlet air wet-bulb temperature
(Twb), tower range temperature (Tr), and the liquid-to-gas ratio (ratio of water flow rate ratio
to air flow rate ratio = LGRatio). Temperatures are in units of ˚C and liquid-to-gas ratio is
dimensionless. Using these independent variables, an approach temperature (˚C) is calculated as
follows:
Approach = Coeff(1) + Coeff(2)•Twb + Coeff(3)•Twb2 + Coeff(4)•Tr +
Coeff(5)•Twb•Tr + Coeff(6)•Twb2 •Tr + Coeff(7)•Tr2 +
Coeff(8)•Twb•Tr2 + Coeff(9)•Twb2 •Tr2 + Coeff(10)•LGRatio +
Coeff(11)•Twb•LGRatio + Coeff(12)•Twb2 •LGRatio +
Coeff(13)•Tr•LGRatio + Coeff(14)•Twb•Tr•LGRatio +
Coeff(15)•Twb2 •Tr•LGRatio + Coeff(16)•Tr2 •LGRatio +
Coeff(17)•Twb•Tr2 •LGRatio + Coeff(18)•Twb2 •Tr2 •LGRatio +
Coeff(19)•LGRatio2 + Coeff(20)•Twb•LGRatio2 +
Coeff(21)• Twb2 •LGRatio2 + Coeff(22)•Tr•LGRatio2 +
Coeff(23)•Twb•Tr•LGRatio2 + Coeff(24)•Twb2 •Tr•LGRatio2 +
Coeff(25)•Tr2 •LGRatio2 + Coeff(26)•Twb•Tr2 •LGRatio2 +
Coeff(27)•Twb2 •Tr2 •LGRatio2
This object allows the user to specify model coefficients for use with the YorkCalc correlation
shown above. It is recommended that a broad set of cooling tower performance data be used
to generate these model coefficients. The data set used to create the model coefficients should
cover the entire range of water and air flow rate ratios and inlet air wet-bulb, range, and approach
temperatures expected during the simulation.

1.24.7.1 Inputs
1.24.7.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the variable speed cooling tower model coef-
ficients.

1.24.7.1.2 Field: Minimum Inlet Air Wet-Bulb Temperature

This numeric field contains the minimum inlet air wet-bulb temperature to be used by the
model (approach temperature correlation). Inlet air wet-bulb temperatures less than this value will
not be used; instead, the minimum inlet air wet-bulb temperature specified here will be used by
the correlation and a warning will be issued.

1.24.7.1.3 Field: Maximum Inlet Air Wet-Bulb Temperature

This numeric field contains the maximum inlet air wet-bulb temperature to be used by the
model (approach temperature correlation). Inlet air wet-bulb temperatures greater than this value
will not be used; instead, the maximum inlet air wet-bulb temperature specified here will be used
by the model and a warning will be issued.

1.24.7.1.4 Field: Minimum Range Temperature

This numeric field contains the minimum range temperature (inlet water temperature minus
outlet water temperature) to be used by the empirical model. If the range temperature is less than
972 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

this value the actual range temperature is still passed to the empirical model but a warning will be
issued.

1.24.7.1.5 Field: Maximum Range Temperature

This numeric field contains the maximum range temperature (inlet water temperature minus
outlet water temperature) to be used by the empirical model. If the range temperature is greater
than this value the actual range temperature is still passed to the empirical model but a warning
will be issued.

1.24.7.1.6 Field: Minimum Approach Temperature

This numeric field contains the minimum approach temperature (outlet water temperature
minus inlet air wet-bulb temperature) to be used by the empirical model. If the calculated approach
temperature is less than this value then the calculated value is still used but a warning will be issued.

1.24.7.1.7 Field: Maximum Approach Temperature

This numeric field contains the maximum approach temperature (outlet water temperature
minus inlet air wet-bulb temperature) to be used by the empirical model. If the calculated approach
temperature is greater than this value then the calculated value is still used but a warning will be
issued.

1.24.7.1.8 Field: Minimum Water Flow Rate Ratio

This numeric field contains the minimum water flow rate ratio (ratio of actual water flow rate
to rated water flow rate) to be used by the empirical model. Water flow rate ratios less than this
value will not be used; instead, the minimum water flow rate ratio specified here will be used by
the model and a warning will be issued.

1.24.7.1.9 Field: Maximum Water Flow Rate Ratio

This numeric field contains the maximum water flow rate ratio (ratio of actual water flow rate
to rated water flow rate) to be used by the empirical model. Water flow rate ratios greater than
this value will not be used; instead, the maximum water flow rate ratio specified here will be used
by the model and a warning will be issued.

1.24.7.1.10 Field: Maximum Liquid to Gas Ratio

This numeric field contains the maximum liquid-to-gas ratio (ratio of actual water flow rate ratio
[capped to be within the minimum/maximum water flow rate ratio defined above as necessary] to
actual air flow rate ratio) to be used by the empirical model. If the liquid-to-gas ratio is greater
than this value the actual liquid to gas ratio is still passed to the empirical model but a warning
will be issued.

1.24.7.1.11 Field: Coefficient 1 to 27

These numeric fields contain the coefficients to be used by the YorkCalc approach temperature
correlation shown above.
An example IDF specification for this object is shown below:

CoolingTowerPerformance :YorkCalc
YorkCalc Default Tower Model , !- Tower Model Coefficient Name
-34.4, !- Minimum Inlet Air Wet -Bulb Temperature {C}
26.6667 , !- Maximum Inlet Air Wet -Bulb Temperature {C}
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 973

1.1111 , !- Minimum Range Temperature {C}

22.2222 , !- Maximum Range Temperature {C}
1.1111 , !- Minimum Approach Temperature {C}
40.0, !- Maximum Approach Temperature {C}
0.75, !- Minimum Water Flow Rate Ratio
1.25, !- Maximum Water Flow Rate Ratio
8.0, !- Maximum Liquid to Gas Ratio
-0.359741205 , !- Coefficient 1
-0.055053608 , !- Coefficient 2
0.0023850432 , !- Coefficient 3
0.173926877 , !- Coefficient 4
-0.0248473764 , !- Coefficient 5
0.00048430224 , !- Coefficient 6
-0.005589849456 , !- Coefficient 7
0.0005770079712 , !- Coefficient 8
-0.00001342427256 , !- Coefficient 9
2.84765801111111 , !- Coefficient 10
-0.121765149 , !- Coefficient 11
0.0014599242 , !- Coefficient 12
1.680428651 , !- Coefficient 13
-0.0166920786 , !- Coefficient 14
-0.0007190532 , !- Coefficient 15
-0.025485194448 , !- Coefficient 16
0.0000487491696 , !- Coefficient 17
0.00002719234152 , !- Coefficient 18
-0.0653766255555556 , !- Coefficient 19
-0.002278167 , !- Coefficient 20
0.0002500254 , !- Coefficient 21
-0.0910565458 , !- Coefficient 22
0.00318176316 , !- Coefficient 23
0.000038621772 , !- Coefficient 24
-0.0034285382352 , !- Coefficient 25
0.00000856589904 , !- Coefficient 26
-0.000001516821552; !- Coefficient 27

1.24.7.2 Outputs
No additional cooling tower output variables are output when this object is used.

1.24.8 EvaporativeFluidCooler:SingleSpeed
Evaporative fluid coolers are components that may be assigned to condenser loops. The Evaporative
fluid cooler is modeled as a counter flow heat exchanger with single-speed fans (induced draft
configuration). The user must define fluid cooler performance via one of three methods: design
heat transfer coefficient-area product (UA) and design water flow rate, or standard fluid cooler
design capacity at a specific rating point or design capacity at non standard conditions. Regardless
of which method is chosen, the design airflow rate and corresponding fan power must be specified.
The evaporative fluid cooler seeks to maintain the temperature of the water exiting the evap-
orative fluid cooler at (or below) a set point. The set point schedule value is defined by the field
“Condenser Loop Temperature Setpoint Node Name or Reference” for the CondenserLoop object.
The model first checks to see whether inlet water temperature is at or below the set point. If
so, then the fluid cooler fan is not turned on and all the flow goes through bypass. If the inlet
water temperature is above the set point then the fluid cooler fan is turned on to reduce the exit-
ing water temperature to the set point. If the capacity control is FanCycling, the model assumes
that part-load operation is represented by a simple linear interpolation between two steady-state
regimes (i.e., fluid cooler fan on for the entire simulation timestep and fluid cooler fan off for the
entire simulation timestep). Cyclic losses are not taken into account. If the capacity control is
974 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

FluidBypass, the model determines the fraction of water flow to be bypassed while the remaining
water goes through the fluid cooler cooling media and gets cooled, then the two water flows mix to
meet the setpoint temperature. In this case, the fan runs at full speed for the entire timestep.
Evaporative fluid coolers consume water through evaporation, drift, and blowdown. The model
can be used to predict water consumed by the fluid coolers. For this purpose, the last seven input
fields can either be provided in the input or if nothing is specified then the default values for these
fields will be used. These fields provide the methods of controlling details of the water consumption
calculations. The user can specify connections to the rest of the building’s water system by providing
the name of a water storage tanks (i.e. WaterUse:Storage objects). The schematic of the system is
shown below:

Figure 1.81: Schematic diagram for evaporative fluid cooler

Where,
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 975

• h = Enthalpy (j/kg-K)

• m = mass flow rate (kg/s)

• Subscripts

• a = air

• w = water

• wb = wet-bulb

• in = inlet

• out = outlet

1.24.8.1 Inputs
1.24.8.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the fluid cooler.

1.24.8.1.2 Field: Water Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the fluid cooler’s water inlet node.

1.24.8.1.3 Field: Water Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the fluid cooler’s water outlet node.

1.24.8.1.4 Field: Design Air Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the design air flow rate induced by the fluid cooler fan in m3 /s.
The field must contain a value greater than zero regardless of the fluid cooler performance input
method. Alternately, this field can be autosized. See Engineering Reference document for autosizing
calculations.

1.24.8.1.5 Field: Design Air Flow Rate Fan Power

This numeric field contains the fan power (in watts) at the design air flow rate specified in
the previous field. The field must contain a value greater than zero regardless of the fluid cooler
performance input method. Alternately, this field can be autosized. See Engineering Reference
document for autosizing calculations.

1.24.8.1.6 Field: Design Spray Water Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the design spray water flow rate through the fluid cooler in m3 /s.
A value greater than zero must be specified regardless of the performance input method,

1.24.8.1.7 Field: Performance Input Method

This alpha field contains the method by which the user will specify fluid cooler performance:
“UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate” or “StandardDesignCapacity” or “UserSpecified-
DesignCapacity”.
976 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.24.8.1.8 Field: Outdoor Air Inlet Node Name

This optional alpha field specifies the outdoor air node name used to define the conditions of
the air entering the fluid cooler. If this field is left blank, the outdoor air conditions entering the
fluid cooler are taken directly from the weather data. If this field is not blank, the node name
specified must also be specified in an OutdoorAir:Node object where the height of the node is taken
into consideration when calculating outdoor air conditions from the weather data. Alternately, the
node name may be specified in an OutdoorAir:NodeList object where the outdoor air conditions
are taken directly from the weather data.

1.24.8.1.9 Field: Heat Rejection Capacity and Nominal Capacity Sizing Ratio

This numeric field contains the value for the ratio of actual tower heat rejection to nominal
capacity. This ratio is defined at entering water at 35C (95F), leaving water at 29.4C (85F),
entering air at 25.6C (78F) wetbulb and 35C (95F) drybulb temperatures. Historically this ratio
has been set at 1.25 based on the assumption that the tower must dissipate 0.25 W of compressor
power for every what of heat removed at the chiller evaporator. The default is 1.25.

1.24.8.1.10 Field: Standard Design Capacity

This numeric input field contains the heat rejection capacity of the fluid cooler in watts, with
entering water at 35C (95F), leaving water at 29.4C (85F), entering air at 25.6C (78F) wetbulb
and 35C (95F) drybulb temperatures. The design water flow rate is assumed to be 5.382E-8 m3 /s
per watt of nominal capacity (3 gpm/ton). 125% of this capacity gives the actual fluid cooler heat
rejection at these operating conditions (based on historical assumption that the evaporative fluid
cooler must dissipate 0.25W of compressor heat for every watt of heat removed by the evaporator).
This field is only used for performance input method = ”StandardDesignCapacity”. For other
input methods this field is ignored. The standard conditions mentioned above for “standard design
capacity” are already specified in the EnergyPlus. So the input fields such as design entering water
temp., design entering air wet-bulb and dry-bulb temp. and design water flow rate, if provided in
the input, will be ignored for the StandardDesignCapacity performance input method. Also, the
standard conditions are for water as a fluid type so this performance input method can only be
used with water as a fluid type (ref. CondenserLoop object).

1.24.8.1.11 Field: Design Air Flow Rate U-factor Times Area Value
This numeric field contains the heat transfer coefficient-area product (UA) in watts per Kelvin
corresponding to the design air and water flow rates specified above. If the input field “Performance
Input Method” is specified as “UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate”, then a UA value
greater than zero but less than or equal to 300,000 must be defined, or the field can be autosized. If
autosized, a Plant Sizing object must be defined and the design fluid cooler UA value is derived from
the design load to be rejected by the condenser loop and the design loop delta T (Ref. Sizing and
Input for Design Calculations and Component Autosizing sections), the fluid cooler inlet air dry-
bulb and wetbulb temperature are taken from the input. This field is only used for performance
input method = ” UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate”. For other performance input
methods, this field is ignored.

1.24.8.1.12 Field: Design Water Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the design water flow rate through the fluid cooler in m3 /s. This
value is the flow rate of the condenser loop water being cooled by the fluid cooler. This field is
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 977

ignored for the “StandardDesignCapacity” performance input method. If autosized, a Plant Sizing
object must be defined and the design water flow rate is derived from the design load to be rejected
by the condenser loop and the design loop delta T (Ref. Sizing and Input for Design Calculations
and Component Autosizing sections).

1.24.8.1.13 Field: User Specified Design Capacity

This numeric input field contains the heat rejection capacity of the fluid cooler in watts. Design
conditions for this capacity i.e. entering air dry-bulb temperature, entering air wet-bulb temperature
and entering water temperature must be provided in the input. Only used for Performance Input
Method = UserSpecifiedDesignCapacity; for other performance input methods this field is ignored.

1.24.8.1.14 Field:Design Entering Water Temperature

This numeric field contains entering water temperature at nominal conditions in degrees Celsius.
The design entering water temperature must be greater than the design entering air temperature.
Only used for Performance Input Method = UserSpecifiedDesignCapacity; for other performance
input methods this field is ignored.

1.24.8.1.15 Field:Design Entering Air Temperature

This numeric field contains entering air dry-bulb temperature at nominal conditions in degrees
Celsius. The design entering air temperature must be greater than the design entering air wet-bulb
temperature. Only used for Performance Input Method = UserSpecifiedDesignCapacity; for other
performance input methods this field is ignored.

1.24.8.1.16 Field:Design Entering Air Wet-bulb Temperature

This numeric field contains entering air wetbulb temperature at nominal conditions in degrees
Celsius. The design entering air wet-bulb temperature must be less than the design entering air
(dry-bulb) temperature. Only used for Performance Input Method = UserSpecifiedDesignCapacity;
for other performance input methods this field is ignored.

1.24.8.1.17 Field: Capacity Control

This alpha field contains the cooling capacity control for the evaporative fluid cooler. Two
choices are available: FanCycling and FluidBypass. During part-load conditions, there are two
ways to maintain the exiting water temperature at the setpoint: either cycling the evaporative
fluid cooler fan, or bypassing portion of the evaporative fluid cooler water with a three-way valve.
For FluidBypass, the evaporative fluid cooler fan still runs at full speed for the entire timestep, but
only portion of the water flow goes through the evaporative fluid cooler media to get cooled while
the remaining portion of the water flow gets bypassed. Two water flows then mix at the common
water sump to meet the setpoint temperature.

1.24.8.1.18 Field: Sizing Factor

This optional numeric field allows the user to specify a sizing factor for this component. The
sizing factor is used when the component design inputs are autosized: the autosizing calculations
are performed as usual and the results are multiplied by the sizing factor. Sizing factor allows the
user to size a component to meet part of the design load while continuing to use the autosizing
feature. For this component the inputs that would be altered by the sizing factor are:
1. Design Water Flow Rate;
2. Design Air Flow Rate;
978 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

3. Fan Power at Design Air Flow Rate;

4. U-Factor Times Area Value at Design Air Flow Rate;
Note that the U-Factor Times Area Value at Design Air Flow Rate is not multiplied by the
Sizing Factor. Instead the design evaporative fluid cooler load is multiplied by the sizing factor and
the design UA then calculated as usual.

1.24.8.1.19 Field: Evaporation Loss Mode

This field is used to choose which method is used to model the amount of water evaporated by
the evaporative fluid cooler. There are two options: LossFactor or SaturatedExit. The default is
SaturatedExit. The user-defined loss factor is entered in the following field. By assuming that the
air leaving the evaporative fluid cooler is saturated, the evaporation can be directly calculated using
moist air engineering calculations with data available within the evaporative fluid cooler model (and
does not require additional user input).

1.24.8.1.20 Field: Evaporation Loss Factor

This field is used to specify the rate of water evaporated from the evaporative fluid cooler and
lost to the outside air [percent/K]. This field is only used if the Evaporation Calculation Mode is
set to LossFactor. The evaporation loss is then calculated as a fraction of the circulating condenser
water flow and varies with the temperature change in the condenser water. The value entered here
is in units of percent-per-kelvin. The evaporation rate will equal this value times each degree Kelvin
of temperature drop in the condenser water. Empirical correlation is used to calculate default loss
factor if it not explicitly specified in the input file.

1.24.8.1.21 Field: Drift Loss Percent

This field is used to specify the rate of water lost to the exiting air as entrained droplets [%].
The drift loss is a percent of the condenser water flow. Default value is under investigation for now
cooling tower’s evaporation loss factor is taken as default value.

1.24.8.1.22 Field: Blowdown Calculation Mode

This field specifies which method is used to determine blowdown rates. There two options
ConcentrationRatio or ScheduledRate. The choice will determine which of the two models below
is used. The default is ConcentrationRatio.

1.24.8.1.23 Field: Blowdown Concentration Ratio

This field is used to dynamically adjust the rate of blowdown in the evaporative fluid cooler as a
function of the rate of evaporation. Blowdown is water intentionally drained from the evaporative
fluid cooler in order to offset the build up of solids in the water that would otherwise occur because
of evaporation. The value entered here is dimensionless. It can be characterized as the ratio of
solids in the blowdown water to solids in the make up water. Default value is under investigation
for now cooling tower’s evaporation loss factor is taken as default value.

1.24.8.1.24 Field: Blowdown Makeup Water Usage Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of the schedule used to define the amount of water (m3/s)
flushed from the basin on a periodic basis to purge the evaporative fluid cooler of mineral scale
build-up and other contaminants. This schedule is only used if the Blowdown Calculation Mode is
set to ScheduledRate. The amount of water use due to blowdown depends on the makeup water
quality and is specific to each geographical location. Default value is under investigation for now
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 979

cooling tower’s evaporation loss factor is taken as default value.This water usage is in addition
to the amount of water lost to the atmosphere due to evaporation and/or drift. Since blowdown
occurs when the basin water contaminant concentration is high, blowdown only occurs when the
evaporative fluid cooler is active and water is flowing through the evaporative fluid cooler (regardless
of the water usage defined by this schedule).

1.24.8.1.25 Field: Supply Water Storage Tank Name

This field is optional. It is used to describe where the evaporative fluid cooler obtains water
used for evaporative cooling. If blank or omitted, then the evaporative fluid cooler will obtain
water directly from the mains. If the name of a WaterUse:Storage object is used here, then the
evaporative fluid cooler will obtain its water from that tank. If a tank is specified, the evaporative
fluid cooler will attempt to obtain all the water it uses from the tank. However if the tank cannot
provide all the water the evaporative fluid cooler needs, then the evaporative fluid cooler will still
operate and obtain the rest of the water it needs from the mains (referred to as ‘Starved’ water).
An IDF specification for this object is shown below:

EvaporativeFluidCooler :SingleSpeed ,
Big EvaporativeFluidCooler , !- Name
Condenser EvaporativeFluidcooler Inlet Node , !- Water Inlet Node Name
Condenser EvaporativeFluidcooler Outlet Node , !- Water Outlet Node Name
3.02, !- Design Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
2250, !- Design Air Flow Rate Fan Power {W}
0.002208 , !- Design Spray Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
UserSpecifiedDesignCapacity , !- Performance Input Method
, !- Outdoor Air Inlet Node Name
1.25, !- Heat Rejection Capacity and Nominal Capacity Sizing Ratio
, !- Standard Design Capacity {W}
, !- Design Air Flow Rate U-factor Times Area Value {W/K}
0.001703 , !- Design Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
87921 , !- User Specified Design Capacity {W}
46.11 , !- Design Entering Water Temperature {C}
35, !- Design Entering Air Temperature {C}
25.6; !- Design Entering Air Wet -bulb Temperature {C}

1.24.8.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Fan Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Fan Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Bypass Fraction []

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Make Up Water Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Make Up Water Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Water Evaporation Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

980 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Water Evaporation Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Water Drift Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Evaporative Fluid Cooler Water Drift [m3]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Water Blowdown Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Water Blowdown Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Make Up Mains Water Volume [m3]

If Supply Water Storage Tank Name is specified:

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Storage Tank Water Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Storage Tank Water Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Starved Storage Tank Water Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Starved Storage Tank Water Volume [m3]

1.24.8.2.1 Cooling Tower Fan Electric Power [W]

The average electric power consumption of the fluid cooler fan in Watts for the timestep being
reported.

1.24.8.2.2 Cooling Tower Fan Electric Energy [J]

Fan energy use in Joules. Consumption is metered on HeatRejection:Electricity, Electric-
ity:Plant, and Electricity:Facility.

1.24.8.2.3 Cooling Tower Heat Transfer Rate [W]

This is the average rate, in Watts, at which heat is removed from the condenser water loop by
the fluid cooler for the time step being reported.

1.24.8.2.4 Cooling Tower Inlet Temperature [C]

The fluid temperature at the fluid cooler inlet in degrees Celsius.

1.24.8.2.5 Cooling Tower Outlet Temperature [C]

The fluid temperature at the fluid cooler outlet in degrees Celsius.

1.24.8.2.6 Cooling Tower Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

The average fluid mass flow rate through the fluid cooler in kg/s for the time step being reported.

1.24.8.2.7 Cooling Tower Bypass Fraction []

This output is the average fluid bypass fraction for the time step being reported. See Capacity
Control input field.

1.24.8.2.8 Cooling Tower Make Up Water Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 981

1.24.8.2.9 Cooling Tower Make Up Water Volume [m3]

These outputs are the external spray water consumed by the evaporative fluid cooler. This is
the total of evaporation, drift, and blowdown.

1.24.8.2.10 Cooling Tower Water Evaporation Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.24.8.2.11 Cooling Tower Water Evaporation Volume [m3]

1.24.8.2.12 Cooling Tower Water Drift Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.24.8.2.13 Cooling Tower Water Drift Volume [m3]

1.24.8.2.14 Cooling Tower Water Blowdown Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.24.8.2.15 Cooling Tower Water Blowdown Volume [m3]

These outputs provide the breakdown of the different components of water use during fluid
cooler operation.

1.24.8.2.16 Cooling Tower Make Up Mains Water Volume [m3]

The volume of make up water provided by the mains in cubic meters. If no Supply Water
Storage Tank is specified, then all fluid cooler make up water is provided by the mains (same
as Cooling Tower Make Up Water Volume). If a Supply Water Storage Tank is specified, then
the make up from the mains only occurs when sufficient water supply is not available from the
tank (same as Evaporative Fluid Cooler Water Starved by Storage Tank). This output variable is
metered on HeatRejection:MainsWater, MainsWater:Plant and MainsWater:Facility.

1.24.8.2.17 Cooling Tower Storage Tank Water Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.24.8.2.18 Cooling Tower Storage Tank Water Volume [m3]

These are the rate and volume of water provided by the Supply Water Storage Tank.

1.24.8.2.19 Cooling Tower Starved Storage Tank Water Volume Flow Rate
[m3/s]

1.24.8.2.20 Cooling Tower Starved Storage Tank Water Volume [m3]

These are the rate and volume of water the Supply Water Storage Tank was not able to provide.
The starved water is assumed to come from the mains. The fluid cooler’s operation is not affected
by a lack of storage tank water.

1.24.9 EvaporativeFluidCooler:TwoSpeed
The two-speed evaporative fluid cooler is modeled in a similar fashion to the single-speed evaporative
fluid cooler. The evaporative fluid cooler is modeled as a counter flow heat exchanger with two-speed
fan (induced draft configuration. See schematic diagram in EvaporativeFluidCooler:SingleSpeed
section). The user must define fluid cooler performance via one of the three methods: design heat
transfer coefficient-area product (UA) and design water flow rate, or standard fluid cooler design
982 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

capacity at a specific rating point or design capacity at non standard conditions. Regardless of
which method is chosen, the design airflow rate and corresponding fan power must be specified.
The evaporative fluid cooler seeks to maintain the temperature of the water exiting the evap-
orative fluid cooler at (or below) a set point. The set point schedule value is defined by the field
“Condenser Loop Temperature Setpoint Node Name or Reference” for the CondenserLoop object.
The model first checks to see whether inlet water temperature is at or below the set point. If so,
then the fluid cooler fan is not turned on and all the flow goes through bypass. If the inlet water
temperature is above the set point then the fluid cooler fan is turned on at low speed to reduce the
exiting water temperature to the set point. If operating the fluid cooler fan at low speed does not
reduce the exiting water temperature to the set point, then the fluid cooler fan is increased to its
high speed.
The model assumes that part-load operation is represented by a simple linear interpolation
between two steady-state regimes (i.e., fluid cooler fan at high speed for the entire simulation
timestep and fluid cooler fan at low speed for the entire simulation timestep, or fluid cooler fan
at low speed for the entire simulation timestep and fluid cooler fan off for the entire simulation
timestep). Cyclic losses are not taken into account.
Evaporative fluid coolers consume water through evaporation, drift, and blowdown. The model
can be used to predict water consumed by the evaporative fluid coolers. For this purpose, the last
seven input fields can either be provided in the input or if nothing is specified then the default
values for these fields will be used. These fields provide methods of controlling details of the water
consumption calculations. The user can specify connections to the rest of the buildings water
system by providing the name of a water storage tanks (i.e. WaterUse:Storage objects).

1.24.9.1 Inputs
1.24.9.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the fluid cooler.

1.24.9.1.2 Field: WaterInlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the fluid cooler’s water inlet node.

1.24.9.1.3 Field: Water Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the fluid cooler’s water outlet node.

1.24.9.1.4 Field: High Fan Speed Air Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the fluid cooler air flow rate at high fan speed in m3 /s. A value
greater than zero must be defined regardless of fluid cooler performance input method. Alternately,
this field can be autosized. See Engineering Reference document for fluid cooler autosizing.

1.24.9.1.5 Field: High Fan Speed Fan Power

This numeric field contains the fan power (in Watts) at the high-speed air flow rate specified in
the previous field. A value greater than zero must be specified regardless of fluid cooler performance
input method, or this field can be autosized. See Engineering Reference document for fluid cooler
autosizing.
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 983

1.24.9.1.6 Field: Low Fan Speed Air Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the fluid cooler air flow rate at low fan speed in m3 /s. This value
must be greater than zero, less than the value specified for the field “Air Flow Rate at High Fan
Speed”. This field may be autocalculated, in which case it is set to a fraction of the “Air Flow Rate
at High Fan Speed” determined in the following field.

1.24.9.1.7 Field: Low Fan Speed Air Flow Rate Sizing Factor
This numeric field contains the sizing factor for calculating the low fan speed air flow rate as a
fraction of the high fan speed air flow rate. The default is 0.5.

1.24.9.1.8 Field: Low Fan Speed Fan Power

This numeric field contains the fan power (in Watts) at the low-speed air flow rate specified in
the previous field. This value must be specified greater than zero or the field may be autocalculated,
in which case it is set to a fraction of the “Fan Power at High Fan Speed” determined in the following
field.

1.24.9.1.9 Field: Low Fan Speed Fan Power Sizing Factor

This numeric field contains the sizing factor for calculating the low fan speed fan power as a
fraction of the high fan speed fan power. The default is 0.16.

1.24.9.1.10 Field: Design Spray Water Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the design spray water flow rate through the fluid cooler in m3 /s.
This input field must be specified for all the performance input methods.

1.24.9.1.11 Field: Performance Input Method

This alpha field contains the method by which the user will specify fluid cooler performance:
“UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate” or “StandardDesignCapacity” or “UserSpecified-
DesignCapacity”.

1.24.9.1.12 Field: Outdoor Air Inlet Node Name

This optional alpha field specifies the outdoor air node name used to define the conditions of
the air entering the fluid cooler. If this field is left blank, the outdoor air conditions entering the
fluid cooler are taken directly from the weather data. If this field is not blank, the node name
specified must also be specified in an OutdoorAir:Node object where the height of the node is taken
into consideration when calculating outdoor air conditions from the weather data. Alternately, the
node name may be specified in an OutdoorAir:NodeList object where the outdoor air conditions
are taken directly from the weather data.

1.24.9.1.13 Field: Heat Rejection Capacity and Nominal Capacity Sizing Ratio

This numeric field contains the value for the ratio of actual tower heat rejection to nominal
capacity. This ratio is defined at entering water at 35C (95F), leaving water at 29.4C (85F),
entering air at 25.6C (78F) wetbulb and 35C (95F) drybulb temperatures. Historically this ratio
has been set at 1.25 based on the assumption that the tower must dissipate 0.25 W of compressor
power for every what of heat removed at the chiller evaporator. The default is 1.25.
984 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.24.9.1.14 Field: High Speed Standard Design Capacity

This numeric input field contains the heat rejection capacity of the fluid cooler in watts, with
entering water at 35C (95F), leaving water at 29.4C (85F), entering air at 25.6C (78F) wetbulb
and 35C (95F) drybulb temperatures. The design water flow rate is assumed to be 5.382E-8 m3 /s
per watt of nominal capacity (3 gpm/ton). The Heat Rejection Capacity and Nominal Capacity
Sizing Ratio set in the previous field is applied to this capacity to give the actual fluid cooler heat
rejection at these operating conditions. This field is only used for performance input method =
”StandardDesignCapacity”. For other input methods this field is ignored. The standard conditions
mentioned above for “standard design capacity” are already specified in the EnergyPlus. So the
input fields such as design entering water temp., design entering air wet-bulb and dry-bulb temp.
and design water flow rate, if provided in the input, will be ignored for the StandardDesignCapacity
performance input method. Also, the standard conditions are for water as a fluid type so this
performance input method can only be used with water as a fluid type (ref. CondenserLoop
object).

1.24.9.1.15 Field: Low Speed Standard Design Capacity

This numeric input field contains the heat rejection capacity of the fluid cooler in watts, with
entering water at 35C (95F), leaving water at 29.4C (85F), entering air at 25.6C (78F) wetbulb and
35C (95F) drybulb temperatures. The design water flow rate is assumed to be 5.382E-8 m3 /s per
watt of nominal capacity (3 gpm/ton). The Heat Rejection Capacity and Nominal Capacity Sizing
Ratio is applied to this capacity to give the actual fluid cooler heat rejection at these operating
conditions. This field is only used for performance input method = ”StandardDesignCapacity”. For
other input methods this field is ignored. The standard conditions mentioned above for “standard
design capacity” are already specified in the EnergyPlus. So the input fields such as design entering
water temp., design entering air wet-bulb and dry-bulb temp. and design water flow rate, if provided
in the input, will be ignored for the StandardDesignCapacity performance input method. Also, the
standard conditions are for water as a fluid type so this performance input method can only be
used with water as a fluid type (ref. CondenserLoop object). The value specified for this field must
be greater than zero but less than the value specified for the field “High-Speed Standard Design
Capacity”. This field may be autocalculated, in which case it is set to a fraction of the High-Speed
Standard Design Capacity determined in the following field.

1.24.9.1.16 Field: Low Speed Standard Capacity Sizing Factor

This numeric field contains the sizing factor to use when calculating the Low Speed Standard
Design Capacity. The default is 0.5.

1.24.9.1.17 Field: High Fan Speed U-factor Times Area Value

This numeric field contains the heat transfer coefficient-area product (UA) in watts per Kelvin
corresponding to the high speed design air and water flow rates specified above. If the input field
“Performance Input Method” is specified as “UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate”, then
a UA value greater than zero but less than or equal to 2,100,000 must be defined, or the field can
be autosized. If autosized, a Plant Sizing object must be defined and the design fluid cooler UA
value is derived from the design load to be rejected by the condenser loop and the design loop delta
T (Ref. Sizing and Input for Design Calculations and Component Autosizing sections), the fluid
cooler inlet air dry-bulb and wetbulb temperature are taken from the input. This field is only used
for performance input method = ” UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate”. For other input
methods this field is ignored.
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 985

1.24.9.1.18 Field: Low Fan Speed U-factor Times Area Value

This numeric field contains the heat transfer coefficient-area product (UA) in watts per degree
Kelvin corresponding to the low speed design air and water flow rates specified above. If the input
field “Performance Input Method” is specified as “UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate”,
then a UA value greater than zero but less than or equal to 300,000 and less than the value specified
for the field “U-Factor Times Area Value at High Fan Speed” must be defined. This field may be
autocalculated, in which case it is set to a factor of the “U-Factor Times Area Value at High Fan
Speed” determined in the following field. This field is only used for performance input method =
” UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate”. For other input methods this field is ignored.

1.24.9.1.19 Field: Low Fan Speed U-Factor Times Area Sizing Factor
This field contains the sizing factor to use when calculating the Low Fan Speed U-Factor Times
Area Value. The default is 0.6.

1.24.9.1.20 Field: Design Water Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the design water flow rate through the fluid cooler in m3 /s. This
value is the flow rate of the condenser loop water being cooled by the fluid cooler. This field is
ignored for the “StandardDesignCapacity” performance input method. If autosized, a Plant Sizing
object must be defined and the design water flow rate is derived from the design load to be rejected
by the condenser loop and the design loop delta T (Ref. Sizing and Input for Design Calculations
and Component Autosizing sections).

1.24.9.1.21 Field: High Speed User Specified Design Capacity

This numeric input field contains the heat rejection capacity of the fluid cooler in watts. Design
conditions for this capacity i.e. entering air dry-bulb temperature, entering air wet-bulb temperature
and entering water temperature must be provided in the input. Only used for Performance Input
Method = UserSpecifiedDesignCapacity; for other performance input methods this field is ignored.

1.24.9.1.22 Field: Low Speed User Specified Design Capacity

This numeric input field contains the heat rejection capacity of the fluid cooler in watts. Design
conditions for this capacity i.e. entering air dry-bulb temperature, entering air wet-bulb temperature
and entering water temperature must be provided in the input. Only used for Performance Input
Method = UserSpecifiedDesignCapacity; for other performance input methods this field is ignored.
This field may be autocalculated, in which case it is set to a fraction of the “High Speed User
Specified Design Capacity” determined in the following field.

1.24.9.1.23 Field: Low Speed User Specified Design Capacity Sizing Factor
This field contains the sizing factor to use when calculating the Low-Speed User Specified Design
Capacity. The default is 0.5.

1.24.9.1.24 Field:Design Entering Water Temperature

This numeric field contains entering water temperature at nominal conditions in degrees Celsius.
The design entering water temperature must be greater than the design entering air temperature.
Only used for Performance Input Method = UserSpecifiedDesignCapacity; for other performance
input methods this field is ignored.
986 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.24.9.1.25 Field:Design Entering Air Temperature

This numeric field contains entering air dry-bulb temperature at nominal conditions in degrees
Celsius. The design entering air temperature must be greater than the design entering air wet-bulb
temperature. Only used for Performance Input Method = UserSpecifiedDesignCapacity; for other
performance input methods this field is ignored.

1.24.9.1.26 Field:Design Entering Air Wet-bulb Temperature

This numeric field contains entering air wetbulb temperature at nominal conditions in degrees
Celsius. The design entering air wet-bulb temperature must be less than the design entering air
(dry-bulb) temperature. Only used for Performance Input Method = UserSpecifiedDesignCapacity;
for other performance input methods this field is ignored.

1.24.9.1.27 Field: High Speed Sizing Factor

This optional numeric field allows the user to specify a sizing factor for this component. The
sizing factor is used when the component design inputs are autosized: the autosizing calculations
are performed as usual and the results are multiplied by the sizing factor. Sizing factor allows the
user to size a component to meet part of the design load while continuing to use the autosizing
feature. For this component the inputs that would be altered by the sizing factor are:
1. Design Water Flow Rate;
2. Air Flow Rate at High Fan Speed;
3. Fan Power at High Fan Speed;
4. U-Factor Times Area Value at High Fan Speed;
5. Air Flow Rate at Low Fan Speed;
6. Fan Power at Low Fan Speed;
7. U-Factor Times Area Value at Low Fan Speed;
Note that the U-Factor Times Area Value at High Fan Speed is not multiplied by the Sizing
Factor. Instead the design evaporative fluid cooler load is multiplied by the sizing factor and the
design UA then calculated as usual. The U-Factor Times Area Value at Low Fan Speed is set to
Low Fan Speed U-Factor Times Area Sizing Factor times the full load design UA.

1.24.9.1.28 Field: Evaporation Loss Mode

This field is used to choose which method is used to model the amount of water evaporated by
the evaporative fluid cooler. There are two options: LossFactor or SaturatedExit. The default is
SaturatedExit. The user-defined loss factor is entered in the following field. By assuming that the
air leaving the evaporative fluid cooler is saturated, the evaporation can be directly calculated using
moist air engineering calculations with data available within the evaporative fluid cooler model (and
does not require additional user input).

1.24.9.1.29 Field: Evaporation Loss Factor

This field is used to specify the rate of water evaporated from the evaporative fluid cooler and
lost to the outside air [percent/K]. This field is only used if the Evaporation Calculation Mode is
set to LossFactor. The evaporation loss is then calculated as a fraction of the circulating condenser
water flow and varies with the temperature change in the condenser water. The value entered here
is in units of percent-per-kelvin. The evaporation rate will equal this value times each degree Kelvin
of temperature drop in the condenser water. Empirical correlation is used to calculate default loss
factor if it not explicitly specified in the input file.
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 987

1.24.9.1.30 Field: Drift Loss Percent

This field is used to specify the rate of water lost to the exiting air as entrained droplets [%].
The drift loss is a percent of the condenser water flow. Default value is under investigation for now
cooling tower’s evaporation loss factor is taken as default value.

1.24.9.1.31 Field: Blowdown Calculation Mode

This field specifies which method is used to determine blowdown rates. There two options
ConcentrationRatio or ScheduledRate. The choice will determine which of the two models below
is used. The default is ConcentrationRatio.

1.24.9.1.32 Field: Blowdown Concentration Ratio

This field is used to dynamically adjust the rate of blowdown in the evaporative fluid cooler as a
function of the rate of evaporation. Blowdown is water intentionally drained from the evaporative
fluid cooler in order to offset the build up of solids in the water that would otherwise occur because
of evaporation. The value entered here is dimensionless. It can be characterized as the ratio of
solids in the blowdown water to solids in the make up water. Default value is under investigation
for now cooling tower’s evaporation loss factor is taken as default value.

1.24.9.1.33 Field: Blowdown Makeup Water Usage Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of the schedule used to define the amount of water (m3/s)
flushed from the basin on a periodic basis to purge the evaporative fluid cooler of mineral scale
build-up and other contaminants. This schedule is only used if the Blowdown Calculation Mode is
set to ScheduledRate. The amount of water use due to blowdown depends on the makeup water
quality and is specific to each geographical location. Default value is under investigation for now
cooling tower’s evaporation loss factor is taken as default value.This water usage is in addition
to the amount of water lost to the atmosphere due to evaporation and/or drift. Since blowdown
occurs when the basin water contaminant concentration is high, blowdown only occurs when the
evaporative fluid cooler is active and water is flowing through the evaporative fluid cooler (regardless
of the water usage defined by this schedule).

1.24.9.1.34 Field: Supply Water Storage Tank Name

This field is optional. It is used to describe where the evaporative fluid cooler obtains water
used for evaporative cooling. If blank or omitted, then the evaporative fluid cooler will obtain
water directly from the mains. If the name of a WaterUse:Storage object is used here, then the
evaporative fluid cooler will obtain its water from that tank. If a tank is specified, the evaporative
fluid cooler will attempt to obtain all the water it uses from the tank. However if the tank cannot
provide all the water the evaporative fluid cooler needs, then the evaporative fluid cooler will still
operate and obtain the rest of the water it needs from the mains (referred to as ‘Starved’ water).
Examples of an IDF specification for this object are shown below:

EvaporativeFluidCooler :TwoSpeed ,
Big EvaporativeFluidCooler , !- Name
Condenser EvaporativeFluidcooler Inlet Node , !- Water Inlet Node Name
Condenser EvaporativeFluidcooler Outlet Node , !- Water Outlet Node Name
9.911 , !- High Fan Speed Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
autosize , !- High Fan Speed Fan Power {W}
4.911 , !- Low Fan Speed Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.5, !- Low Fan Speed Air Flow Rate Sizing Factor
autosize , !- Low Fan Speed Fan Power {W}
0.16, !- Low Fan Speed Fan Power Sizing Factor
988 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

0.002208 , !- Design Spray Water Flow Rate {m3/s}

UserSpecifiedDesignCapacity , !- Performance Input Method
, !- Outdoor Air Inlet Node Name
1.25, !- Heat Rejection Capacity and Nominal Capacity Sizing Ratio
, !- High Speed Standard Design Capacity {W}
, !- Low Speed Standard Design Capacity {W}
0.5, !- Low Speed Standard Capacity Sizing Factor
, !- High Fan Speed U-factor Times Area Value {W/K}
, !- Low Fan Speed U-factor Times Area Value {W/K}
0.6, !- Low Fan Speed U-Factor Times Area Sizing Factor
0.001703 , !- Design Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
87921 , !- High Speed User Specified Design Capacity {W}
47921 , !- Low Speed User Specified Design Capacity {W}
0.5, !- Low Speed User Specified Design Capacity Sizing Factor
46.11 , !- Design Entering Water Temperature {C}
35, !- Design Entering Air Temperature {C}
25.6; !- Design Entering Air Wet -bulb Temperature {C}

1.24.9.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Fan Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Fan Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Make Up Water Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Make Up Water Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Water Evaporation Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Water Evaporation Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Water Drift Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Water Drift Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Water Blowdown Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Water Blowdown Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Make Up Mains Water Volume [m3]

If Supply Water Storage Tank Name is specified:

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Storage Tank Water Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Storage Tank Water Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Starved Storage Tank Water Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Starved Storage Tank Water Volume [m3]

1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 989

1.24.9.2.1 Cooling Tower Fan Electric Power [W]

The average electric power consumption of the fluid cooler fan in Watts for the timestep being
reported.

1.24.9.2.2 Cooling Tower Fan Electric Energy [J]

Fan energy use in Joules. Consumption is metered on HeatRejection:Electricity, Electric-
ity:Plant, and Electricity:Facility.

1.24.9.2.3 Cooling Tower Heat Transfer Rate [W]

This is the average rate, in Watts, at which heat is removed from the condenser water loop by
the fluid cooler for the time step being reported.

1.24.9.2.4 Cooling Tower Inlet Temperature [C]

The fluid temperature at the fluid cooler inlet in degrees Celsius.

1.24.9.2.5 Cooling Tower Outlet Temperature [C]

The fluid temperature at the fluid cooler outlet in degrees Celsius.

1.24.9.2.6 Cooling Tower Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

The average fluid mass flow rate through the fluid cooler in kg/s for the time step being reported.

1.24.9.2.7 Cooling Tower Make Up Water Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.24.9.2.8 Cooling Tower Make Up Water Volume [m3]

These outputs are the external spray water consumed by the evaporative fluid cooler. This is
the total of evaporation, drift, and blowdown.

1.24.9.2.9 Cooling Tower Water Evaporation Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.24.9.2.10 Cooling Tower Water Evaporation Volume [m3]

1.24.9.2.11 Cooling Tower Water Drift Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.24.9.2.12 Cooling Tower Water Drift Volume [m3]

1.24.9.2.13 Cooling Tower Water Blowdown Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.24.9.2.14 Cooling Tower Water Blowdown Volume [m3]

These outputs provide the breakdown of the different components of water use during fluid
cooler operation.
990 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.24.9.2.15 Cooling Tower Make Up Mains Water Volume [m3]

The volume of make up water provided by the mains in cubic meters. If no Supply Water
Storage Tank is specified, then all fluid cooler make up water is provided by the mains (same as
Cooling Tower Make Up Water Volume). If a Supply Water Storage Tank is specified, then the
make up from the mains only occurs when sufficient water supply is not available from the tank
(same as Cooling Tower Starved Storage Tank Water Volume). This output variable is metered on
HeatRejection:MainsWater, MainsWater:Plant and MainsWater:Facility.

1.24.9.2.16 Cooling Tower Storage Tank Water Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.24.9.2.17 Cooling Tower Storage Tank Water Volume [m3]

These are the rate and volume of water provided by the Supply Water Storage Tank.

1.24.9.2.18 Cooling Tower Starved Storage Tank Water Volume Flow Rate
[m3/s]

1.24.9.2.19 Cooling Tower Starved Storage Tank Water Volume [m3]

These are the rate and volume of water the Supply Water Storage Tank was not able to provide.
The starved water is assumed to come from the mains. The fluid cooler’s operation is not affected
by a lack of storage tank water.

1.24.10 FluidCooler:SingleSpeed
Fluid coolers are components that may be assigned to condenser loops. The Fluid cooler is mod-
eled as a cross flow heat exchanger (both streams unmixed) with single-speed fans (induced draft
configuration). The user must define fluid cooler performance via one of the two methods: design
heat transfer coefficient-area product (UA) and design water flow rate, or nominal fluid cooler ca-
pacity at a specific rating point. Regardless of which method is chosen, the design airflow rate and
corresponding fan power must be specified.
The fluid cooler seeks to maintain the temperature of the water exiting the fluid cooler at
(or below) a set point. The set point schedule value is defined by the field “Condenser Loop
Temperature Setpoint Node Name or Reference” for the CondenserLoop object. The model assumes
that part-load operation is represented by a simple linear interpolation between two steady-state
regimes (i.e., fluid cooler fan on for the entire simulation timestep and fluid cooler fan off for the
entire simulation timestep). Cyclic losses are not taken into account.

1.24.10.1 Inputs
1.24.10.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the Fluid Cooler.

1.24.10.1.2 Field: Water Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the Fluid Cooler’s water inlet node.

1.24.10.1.3 Field: Water Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the Fluid Cooler’s water outlet node.
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 991

1.24.10.1.4 Field: Performance Input Method

This alpha field contains the method by which the user will specify fluid cooler performance:
“UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate” or “NominalCapacity”.

1.24.10.1.5 Field: Design Air Flow Rate U-factor Times Area Value
This numeric field contains the heat transfer coefficient-area product (UA) in watts per Kelvin
corresponding to the design air and water flow rates specified above. If the input field “Performance
Input Method” is specified as “UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate”, then a UA value
greater than zero but less than or equal to 300,000 must be defined, or the field can be autosized.
If autosized, a Plant Sizing object must be defined and the design fluid cooler UA value is derived
from the design load to be rejected by the condenser loop and the design loop delta T (Ref. Sizing
and Input for Design Calculations and Component Autosizing sections), the fluid cooler inlet air
dry-bulb and wetbulb temperature are taken from the input. If “Performance Input Method” is
specified as “NominalCapacity”, then this field must be left blank since the model automatically
calculates the fluid cooler UA based on the fluid cooler capacity and nominal conditions specified
in input file.

1.24.10.1.6 Field: Nominal Capacity

This numeric input field contains the “nominal” heat rejection capacity of the fluid cooler in
watts, Nominal conditions i.e. entering air dry-bulb temperature, entering air wet-bulb temperature
and Entering water temperature should be provided in the input.

1.24.10.1.7 Field:Design Entering Water Temperature

This numeric field contains entering water temperature at nominal conditions in degrees Celsius.
This field must be specified for both the performance input methods. The design entering water
temperature must be greater than the design entering air temperature.

1.24.10.1.8 Field:Design Entering Air Temperature

This numeric field contains entering air dry-bulb temperature at nominal conditions in degrees
Celsius. This field must be specified for both the performance input methods. The design entering
air temperature must be greater than the design entering air wet-bulb temperature.

1.24.10.1.9 Field:Design Entering Air Wet-bulb Temperature

This numeric field contains entering air wetbulb temperature at nominal conditions in degrees
Celsius. This field must be specified for both the performance input methods. The design entering
air wet-bulb temperature must be less than the design entering air (dry-bulb) temperature.

1.24.10.1.10 Field: Design Water Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the design water flow rate through the fluid cooler in m3 /s. This
value is the flow rate of the condenser loop water being cooled by the fluid cooler. A water flow
rate greater than zero must be defined or the field can be autosized. If autosized, a Plant Sizing
object must be defined and the design water flow rate is derived from the design load to be rejected
by the condenser loop and the design loop delta T (Ref. Sizing and Input for Design Calculations
and Component Autosizing sections).
992 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.24.10.1.11 Field: Design Air Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the design air flow rate induced by the fluid cooler fan in m3 /s. A
value greater than zero must be defined regardless of the fluid cooler performance input method.
Alternately, this field can be autosized. See Engineering Reference document for fluid cooler auto-
sizing.

1.24.10.1.12 Field: Design Air Flow Rate Fan Power

This numeric field contains the fan power (in watts) at the design air flow rate specified in the
previous field. A value greater than zero must be specified regardless of the performance input
method, or this field can be autosized. See Engineering ref. for fluid cooler autosizing.

1.24.10.1.13 Field: Outdoor Air Inlet Node Name

This optional alpha field specifies the outdoor air node name used to define the conditions of
the air entering the fluid cooler. If this field is left blank, the outdoor air conditions entering the
fluid cooler are taken directly from the weather data. If this field is not blank, the node name
specified must also be specified in an OutdoorAir:Node object where the height of the node is taken
into consideration when calculating outdoor air conditions from the weather data. Alternately, the
node name may be specified in an OutdoorAir:NodeList object where the outdoor air conditions
are taken directly from the weather data.
An IDF specification for this object is shown below:

FluidCooler:SingleSpeed ,
Big FLUIDCOOLER1 , !- Name
Condenser FLUIDCOOLER 1 Inlet Node , !- Water Inlet Node Name
Condenser FLUIDCOOLER 1 Outlet Node , !- Water Outlet Node Name
NominalCapacity , !- Performance Input Method
, !- Design Air Flow Rate U-factor Times Area Value {W/K}
58601. , !- Nominal Capacity {W}
51.67 , !- Design Entering Water Temperature {C}
35, !- Design Entering Air Temperature {C}
25.6, !- Design Entering Air Wetbulb Temperature {C}
0.001388 , !- Design Water Flow Rate{m3/s}
9.911 , !- Design Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
Autosize; !- Design Air Flow Rate Fan Power {W}

1.24.10.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Fan Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Fan Electric Energy [J]

• Zone,Meter,HeatRejection:Electricity [J]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average, Cooling Tower Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average, Cooling Tower Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

1.24.10.2.1 Cooling Tower Fan Electric Power [W]

The electric power consumption of the fluid cooler fans.
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 993

1.24.10.2.2 Cooling Tower Fan Electric Energy [J]

Fan energy use. Consumption is metered on HeatRejection:Electricity, Electricity:Plant, and
Electricity:Facility.

1.24.10.2.3 Cooling Tower Heat Transfer Rate [W]

This is the rate at which heat is removed from the condenser water loop by the fluid cooler.

1.24.10.2.4 Cooling Tower Inlet Temperature [C]

The loop temperature at the fluid cooler inlet.

1.24.10.2.5 Cooling Tower Outlet Temperature [C]

The loop temperature at the fluid cooler outlet.

1.24.10.2.6 Cooling Tower Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

The loop mass flow rate of the circulating condenser water loop.

1.24.11 FluidCooler:TwoSpeed
The two-speed fluid cooler is modeled in a similar fashion to the single-speed fluid cooler. The
fluid cooler is modeled as a cross flow heat exchanger (both stream unmixed) with two-speed
fans (induced draft configuration). The user must define fluid cooler performance via one of two
methods: heat transfer coefficient-area product (UA) and design water flow rate, or nominal fluid
cooler capacity at a specific rating point. Regardless of which method is chosen, the airflow rate
and corresponding fan power at both high and low fan speed must be specified. The Fluid Cooler
seeks to maintain the temperature of the water exiting the Fluid Cooler at (or below) a set point.
The set point schedule is defined by the field “Condenser Loop Temperature Setpoint Node Name
or Reference” for the CondenserLoop object. The model first runs at low speed and calculates the
fluid cooler exiting water temperature. If the exiting water temperature based on “low speed” is
at or below the set point, then the fluid cooler fan runs at this speed or below this speed. If the
exiting water temperature remains above the set point after “low speed” is modeled, then the fluid
cooler fan runs at high speed to reduce the exiting water temperature.
The model assumes that part-load operation is represented by a simple linear interpolation
between two steady-state regimes (i.e., fluid cooler fan at high speed for the entire simulation
timestep and fluid cooler fan at low speed for the entire simulation timestep,). Cyclic losses are
not taken into account.

1.24.11.1 Inputs
1.24.11.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the fluid cooler.

1.24.11.1.2 Field: Water Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the fluid cooler’s water inlet node.

1.24.11.1.3 Field: Water Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the fluid cooler’s water outlet node.
994 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.24.11.1.4 Field: Performance Input Method

This alpha field contains the method by which the user will specify fluid cooler performance:
“UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate” or “NominalCapacity”.

1.24.11.1.5 Field: High Fan Speed U-factor Times Area Value

This numeric field contains the heat transfer coefficient-area product (UA) in watts per degree
Celsius corresponding to the high-speed air flow rate and design water flow rate specified above. If
the input field “Performance Input Method” is specified as “UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWater-
FlowRate”, then a UA value greater than zero but less than or equal to 300,000 must be defined,
or the field can be autosized. If autosized, a Plant Sizing object must be defined and the fluid
cooler UA value at high fan speed is derived from the design load to be rejected by the condenser
loop and the design loop delta T (Ref. Sizing and Input for Design Calculations and Component
Autosizing sections), fluid cooler water inlet temperature, fluid cooler inlet air drybulb and wetbulb
are provided in the input. If “Performance Input Method” is specified as “NominalCapacity”, then
this field must be left blank since the model automatically calculates the fluid cooler UA based on
the capacity specified in the field “High Speed Nominal Capacity” and nominal conditions.

1.24.11.1.6 Field: Low Fan Speed U-factor Times Area Value

This numeric field contains the heat transfer coefficient-area product (UA) in watts per Kelvin
corresponding to the design water flow rate and low-speed air flow rate specified above. If the input
field “Performance Input Method” is specified as “UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate”,
this value must be greater than zero but less than or equal to 300,000, less than the value specified
for the field “U-factor Times Area Value at High Fan Speed”. This field may be autocalculated, in
which case it is set to a factor of the “U-factor Times Area Value at High Fan Speed” determined
in the following field. If “Performance Input Method” is specified as “NominalCapacity”, then this
field must be left blank since the model automatically calculates the fluid cooler UA based on the
fluid cooler capacity specified in the field “Low Speed Nominal Capacity”.

1.24.11.1.7 Field: Low Fan Speed U-Factor Times Area Sizing Factor
This numeric field contains the sizing factor to use when calculating the Low Fan Speed U-factor
Times Area Value. The default is 0.6.

1.24.11.1.8 Field: High Speed Nominal Capacity

This numeric input field contains the “nominal” heat rejection capacity of the fluid cooler in
watts under high-speed fan operation, with nominal (design) inputs entering water temperature,
entering air temperature and entering air wet-bulb temperature. The design water flow rate is also
provided in the input.

1.24.11.1.9 Field: Low Speed Nominal Capacity

This numeric input field contains the “nominal” heat rejection capacity of the Fluid Cooler in
watts under low-speed fan operation, with nominal (design) inputs entering water temperature,
entering air temperature and entering air wet-bulb temperature. The design water flow rate is also
provided in the input. The value specified for this field must be greater than zero but less than the
value specified for the field “High Speed Nominal Capacity”. This field may be autocalculated, in
which case it is set to a fraction of the “High Speed Nominal Capacity” determined in the following
field.
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 995

1.24.11.1.10 Field: Low Speed Nominal Capacity Sizing Factor

This numeric field contains the sizing factor to use when calculating the Low Speed Nominal
Capacity. The default is 0.5.

1.24.11.1.11 Field:Design Entering Water Temperature

This numeric field contains entering water temperature at nominal conditions in degrees Celsius.
This field must be specified for both the performance input methods. The design entering water
temperature must be greater than the design entering air temperature.

1.24.11.1.12 Field:Design Entering Air Temperature

This numeric field contains entering air dry-bulb temperature at nominal conditions in degrees
Celsius. This field must be specified for both the performance input methods. The design entering
air temperature must be greater than the design entering air wet-bulb temperature.

1.24.11.1.13 Field:Design Entering Air Wet-bulb Temperature

This numeric field contains entering air wet-bulb temperature at nominal conditions in degrees
Celsius. This field must be specified for both the performance input methods. The design entering
air wet-bulb temperature must be less than the design entering air (dry-bulb) temperature.

1.24.11.1.14 Field: Design Water Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the design water flow rate through the fluid cooler in m3 /s. This
value is the flow rate of the condenser loop water being cooled by the fluid cooler. A water flow
rate greater than zero must be defined or the field can be autosized. If autosized, a Plant Sizing
object must be defined and the design water flow rate is derived from the design load to be rejected
by the condenser loop and the design loop delta T (Ref. Sizing and Input for Design Calculations
and Component Autosizing sections).

1.24.11.1.15 Field: High Fan Speed Air Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the fluid cooler air flow rate at high fan speed in m3 /s. A value
greater than zero must be defined regardless of the fluid cooler performance input method. Alter-
nately, this field can be autosized. See Engineering ref. for fluid cooler autosizing.

1.24.11.1.16 Field: High Fan Speed Fan Power

This numeric field contains the fan power (in Watts) at the high-speed air flow rate specified
in the previous field. A value greater than zero must be specified regardless of the fluid cooler
performance input method, or this field can be autosized. See Engineering ref. for fluid cooler
autosizing.

1.24.11.1.17 Field: Low Fan Speed Air Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the fluid cooler air flow rate at low fan speed in m3 /s. This value
must be greater than zero, less than the value specified for the field “Air Flow Rate at High Fan
Speed”. This field may be autocalculated, in which case it is set to a fraction of the “Air Flow Rate
at High Fan Speed” determined in the following field.

1.24.11.1.18 Field: Low Fan Speed Air Flow Rate Sizing Factor
This numeric field contains the sizing factor to use when calculating the Low Fan Speed Air
Flow Rate. The default is 0.5.
996 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.24.11.1.19 Field: Low Fan Speed Fan Power

This numeric field contains the fan power (in Watts) at the low-speed air flow rate specified in
the previous field. This value must be specified greater than zero or the field may be autocalculated,
in which case it is set to set to a fraction of the “Fan Power at High Fan Speed” determined in the
following field.

1.24.11.1.20 Field: Low Fan Speed Fan Power Sizing Factor

This numeric field contains the sizing factor to use whe calculating the Low Fan Speed Fan
Power. The default is 0.16.

1.24.11.1.21 Field: Outdoor Air Inlet Node Name

This optional alpha field specifies the outdoor air node name used to define the conditions of
the air entering the Fluid Cooler. If this field is left blank, the outdoor air conditions entering the
Fluid Cooler are taken directly from the weather data. If this field is not blank, the node name
specified must also be specified in an OutdoorAir:Node object where the height of the node is taken
into consideration when calculating outdoor air conditions from the weather data. Alternately, the
node name may be specified in an OutdoorAir:NodeList object where the outdoor air conditions
are taken directly from the weather data.
Examples of an IDF specification for this object are shown below:

FluidCooler:TwoSpeed ,
Big FLUIDCOOLER1 , !- Name
Condenser FLUIDCOOLER 1 inlet Node , !- Water Inlet Node Name
Condenser FLUIDCOOLER 1 Outlet Node , !- Water Outlet Node Name
NominalCapacity , !- Performance Input Method
, !- High Fan Speed U-factor Times Area Value {W/K}
, !- Low Fan Speed U-factor Times Area Value {W/K}
, !- Low Fan Speed U-Factor Times Area Sizing Factor
58601. , !- High Speed Nominal Capacity {W}
28601. , !- Low Speed Nominal Capacity {W}
. 0.6, !- Low Speed Nominal Capacity Sizing Factor
51.67 , !- Design Entering Water tempereture {C}
35, !- Design Entering Air tempereture {C}
25.6, !- Design Entering Air Wet -bulb tempereture {C}
0.001388 , !- Design Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
9.911 , !- High Fan Speed Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
autosize , !- High Fan Speed Fan Power {W}
autosize , !- Low Fan Speed Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.5, !- Low Fan Speed Air Flow Rate Sizing Factor
autosize , !- Low Fan Speed Fan Power {W}
0.16; !- Low Fan Speed Fan Power Sizing Factor

1.24.11.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Fan Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Tower Fan Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average, Cooling Tower Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average, Cooling Tower Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Tower Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 997

1.24.11.2.1 Cooling Tower Fan Electric Power [W]

Average fan electric power consumed.

1.24.11.2.2 Cooling Tower Fan Electric Energy [J]

Total energy used by the fan. Consumption is metered on HeatRejection:Electricity, Electric-
ity:Plant, and Electricity:Facility.

1.24.11.2.3 Cooling Tower Heat Transfer Rate [W]

This is the rate at which heat is removed from the condenser water loop by the fluid cooler.

1.24.11.2.4 Cooling Tower Inlet Temperature [C]

Loop temperature at the fluid cooler inlet.

1.24.11.2.5 Cooling Tower Outlet Temperature [C]

Loop temperature at the fluid cooler outlet.

1.24.11.2.6 Cooling Tower Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

Loop mass flow rate through the fluid cooler.

1.24.12 GroundHeatExchanger:Vertical
The EnergyPlus Ground loop heat exchanger is a condenser component. This serves the condenser
supply side in addition to the cooling towers and other condensing components. The following
figure shows the Ground Heat Exchanger in the simulation environment.
The heat exchanger response is defined by a G-function. This is a non-dimensional function
that is used to calculate the response to square heat pulses of different duration. (This function is
not the same as ‘G-factors’ referred to in the ASHRAE Applications Handbook). This continuous
function is specified by a series of data pairs (LNTTSi, GFNCi) where,
• LNTTSi is the non-dimensional time: ln(T/Ts )
• GFNCi is the G-function value
The G-function is different for each borehole field configuration (i.e. a 4x4 field has a different
response than a 80x80 field) and the borehole thermal resistance. It is also dependant on the ratio
of borehole spacing to depth. G-function values, for accurate simulation, have to be calculated
for each specific heat exchanger design. This can be done using some commercial ground loop
heat exchanger design tool and the like. A reference data set, containing examples input data
for 1x2, 4x4 and 8x8 configurations and for both standard and thermally enhanced grout, have
also been provided. These data are provided as examples only. Custom G-function values may be
generated using an external program such as GLHEPro. For more information about the datasets
and GLHEPro, see the Auxiliary Programs document section “G-Function Spreadsheet.”
Further details of the implementation of this model can be found in:
Murugappan, A. Implementing Ground Source Heat Pump and Ground Loop Heat Exchanger
Models in the EnergyPlus Simulation Environment. M.S. Thesis, Oklahoma State University, De-
cember 2002.
The data definition for the ground loop heat exchanger from the Energy+.idd is shown below.
The syntax to the specification of Borehole, U-tube and ground are illustrated in the example
following.
998 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.82: Schematic of EnergyPlus Ground Loop Heat Exchanger

1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 999

1.24.12.1 Inputs
1.24.12.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the ground heat exchanger (GHE).

1.24.12.1.2 Field: Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the ground heat exchanger inlet node name.

1.24.12.1.3 Field: Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the ground heat exchanger outlet node name.

1.24.12.1.4 Field: Design Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the GHE design flow rate in cubic meters per second {m3 /s}.

1.24.12.1.5 Field: Number of Bore Holes

This numeric field contains the number of bore holes in the GHE installation.

1.24.12.1.6 Field: Bore Hole Length

This numeric field contains the length of the borehole in meters {m}.

1.24.12.1.7 Field: Bore Hole Radius

This numeric field contains the radius of the borehole in meters.

1.24.12.1.8 Field: Ground Thermal Conductivity

This numeric field contains the thermal conductivity of the ground in W/m-K.

1.24.12.1.9 FieldSet: Ground Thermal Heat Capacity

This numeric field contains the thermal heat capacity of the ground in J/m3 -K.

1.24.12.1.10 Field: Ground Temperature

This numeric field contains the far field temperature of the ground in °C.

1.24.12.1.11 Field: Grout Thermal Conductivity

This numeric field contains the thermal conductivity of the filler material in W/m-K.

1.24.12.1.12 Field: Pipe Thermal Conductivity

This numeric field contains the thermal conductivity of the pipe in W/m-K.

1.24.12.1.13 Field: Pipe Out Diameter

This numeric field contains the outer diameter of the U-tube (pipe) in meters {m}.

1.24.12.1.14 Field: U-Tube Distance

This numeric field contains the distance between the two legs of the U-tube in meters {m}.

1.24.12.1.15 Field: Pipe Thickness

This numeric field contains the outer diameter of the U-tube (pipe) in meters.
1000 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.24.12.1.16 Field: Maximum Length of Simulation

This numeric field contains the maximum number of years of simulation to be carried out.

1.24.12.1.17 Field: G-Function Reference Ratio

The G-Functions may be formulated slightly differently based on the program which generated
them. The “raw” G-Functions are based on an borehole radius to active length ratio of 0.0005. If
the physical ratio is different from this, a correction must be applied. EnergyPlus will apply the
correction, based on the reference ratio entered in this field. Therefore, therefore two possible input
configurations.

• If the G-Functions have not had a correction applied, then the G-Functions are still based
on a reference of 0.0005, so use a value of 0.0005 in this field. EnergyPlus will adjust the
G-Functions internally to create the properly referenced G-Function.

• If the correction has already been applied, then the input G-Functions are based on a reference
to the actual (physical) radius/length ratio, so enter the physical radius/length in this field.
Entering the actual value will nullify any internal corrections, which will avoid re-basing the
G-Function set.

The software GLHEPro has been making this “pre-correction” to the data sets since version
3.1 of that software, so this input field should match the actual (physical) radius/length ratio.

1.24.12.1.18 Field: Number of Data Pairs of the G Function

The borehole response is defined by a non-dimensional ‘G-function’. This is specified as a series
of data points giving values of non-dimensional time vs G-function value (LNTTS1, GFUNC1),
(LNTTS2, GFUNC2), (LNTTS3, GFUNC3) …….. (LNTTSn, GFUNCn), This numeric field con-
tains the number of data pairs to be read in (n).

1.24.12.1.19 Field: G-Function Ln(T/Ts) Value <x>

This numeric field contains the natural log of time/steady state time: ln(T/Ts )

1.24.12.1.20 Field: G-Function ‘G’ Value <x>

This numeric field contains the G-function value of the corresponding LNTTS.
The following is an example input:

GroundHeatExchanger :Vertical ,
Vertical Ground Heat Exchanger , !- Name
GHE Inlet Node , !- Inlet Node Name
GHE Outlet Node , !- Outlet Node Name
0.00330000 , !- Design Flow Rate {m3/s}
120, !- Number of Bore Holes
76.2, !- Bore Hole Length {m}
.635080E-01, !- Bore Hole Radius {m}
.692626E+00, !- Ground Thermal Conductivity {W/m-K}
.234700E+07, !- Ground Thermal Heat Capacity {J/m3 -K}
13.375 , !- Ground Temperature {C}
.692626E+00, !- Grout Thermal Conductivity {W/m-K}
.391312E+00, !- Pipe Thermal Conductivity {W/m-K}
2.66667E-02, !- Pipe Out Diameter {m}
2.53977E-02, !- U-Tube Distance {m}
2.41285E-03, !- Pipe Thickness {m}
2, !- Maximum Length of Simulation
0.0005 , !- G-Function Reference Ratio
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 1001

35, !- Number of Data Pairs of the G Function

! The G-function is defined by the following data pairs
-15.2996 , -0.348322 , ! G-Function Ln(T/Ts) Value 1, G-Function G Value 1
-14.201 , 0.022208 , ! G-Function Ln(T/Ts) Value 2, G-Function G Value 2
-13.2202 , 0.412345 , ! G-Function Ln(T/Ts) Value 3, G-Function G Value 3
-12.2086 , 0.867498 , ! G-Function Ln(T/Ts) Value 4, G-Function G Value 4
-11.1888 , 1.357839 , ! G-Function Ln(T/Ts) Value 5, G-Function G Value 5
-10.1816 , 1.852024 , ! G-Function Ln(T/Ts) Value 6, G-Function G Value 6
-9.1815 , 2.345656 , ! G-Function Ln(T/Ts) Value 7, G-Function G Value 7
-8.6809 , 2.593958 , ! G-Function Ln(T/Ts) Value 8, G-Function G Value 8
-8.5, 2.679 , ! etc , etc.
-7.8, 3.023 ,
-7.2, 3.32,
-6.5, 3.681 ,
-5.9, 4.071 ,
-5.2, 4.828 ,
-4.5, 6.253 ,
-3.963, 7.894 ,
-3.27, 11.82 ,
-2.864, 15.117 ,
-2.577, 18.006 ,
-2.171, 22.887 ,
-1.884, 26.924 ,
-1.191, 38.004 ,
-0.497, 49.919 ,
-0.274, 53.407 ,
-0.051, 56.632 ,
0.196 , 59.825 ,
0.419 , 62.349 ,
0.642 , 64.524 ,
0.873 , 66.412 ,
1.112 , 67.993 ,
1.335 , 69.162 ,
1.679 , 70.476 ,
2.028 , 71.361 ,
2.275 , 71.79 ,
3.003 , 72.511; !- 35 PAIRS

1.24.12.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Ground Heat Exchanger Average Borehole Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Ground Heat Exchanger Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Ground Heat Exchanger Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Ground Heat Exchanger Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Ground Heat Exchanger Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Ground Heat Exchanger Average Fluid Temperature [C]

1.24.12.2.1 Ground Heat Exchanger Average Borehole Temperature [C]

This is the model result for the average temperature of the borehole heat exchanger.

1.24.12.2.2 Ground Heat Exchanger Heat Transfer Rate [W]

This is the rate of heat transfer between the working fluid and the ground heat exchanger, in
Watts.
1002 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.24.12.2.3 Ground Heat Exchanger Inlet Temperature [C]

This is the temperature of the working fluid entering the ground heat exchanger.

1.24.12.2.4 Ground Heat Exchanger Outlet Temperature [C]

This is the temperature of the working fluid leaving the ground heat exchanger.

1.24.12.2.5 Ground Heat Exchanger Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

This is the mass flow rate of the working fluid through the heat exchanger.

1.24.12.2.6 Ground Heat Exchanger Average Fluid Temperature [C]

This is the average temperature of the working fluid inside the heat exchanger.

1.24.13 GroundHeatExchanger:Slinky
The GroundHeatExchanger:Slinky use the g-functions to calculate the GHX temperature response,
similar to the GroundHeatExchanger:Vertical model, however for this model g-functions are auto-
matically calculated by EnergyPlus without the need of external software or data.
Horizontal slinky-loop ground heat exchangers (GHXs) consist of coiled tubing, with the in-
dividual rings spread out along the direction of the trench either horizontally or vertically, as
shown in Figure. A schematic of a slinky GHX can be seen in Figure. Compared to conventional
straight tube horizontal GHXs, slinky loops have a higher tube density; hence, with the same cool-
ing/heating loads, slinky-loop GHXs require less land area and excavation work than straight tube
HGHXs.
Figure: Slinky Ground Heat Exchanger Configurations.
Figure: Schematic of Slinky HX.
An example GroundHeatExchanger:Slinky object is shown below.

GroundHeatExchanger :Slinky ,
Slinky GHX , !- Name
GHE Inlet Node , !- Inlet Node
GHE Outlet Node , !- Outlet Node
0.0033 , !- Design Flow Rate [m3/s]
1.2, !- Soil Thermal Conductivity [W/m-K]
3200, !- Soil Density [kg/m3]
850, !- Soil Specific Heat [J/kg -K]
1.8, !- Pipe Thermal Conductivity [W/m-K]
920, !- Pipe Density [kg/m3]
2200, !- Pipe Specific Heat [J/kg -K]
0.02667 , !- Pipe Outside Diameter [m]
0.002413 , !- Pipe Wall Thickness [m]
Vertical , !- Heat Exchanger Configuration (Vertical , Horizontal)
1, !- Coil Diameter [m]
0.2, !- Coil Pitch [m]
2.5, !- Trench Depth [m]
40, !- Trench Length [m]
15, !- Number of Parallel Trenches
2, !- Trench Spacing [m]
Site:GroundTemperature:Undisturbed:KusudaAchenbach , !- Type of Undisturbed Ground Temperature
Object
KATemps , !- Name of Undisturbed Ground Temperature Object
10; !- Maximum length of simulation [years]
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 1003

Figure 1.83: slinky heat exchanger

Figure 1.84: slinky heat exchanger

1004 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.24.13.1 Inputs
1.24.13.1.1 Field: Name
Alpha field used as identifying field for heat exchanger

1.24.13.1.2 Field: Inlet Node

This alpha field is the name of the inlet node of the component on a plant loop.

1.24.13.1.3 Field: Outlet Node

This alpha field is the name of the outlet node of the component on a plant loop.

1.24.13.1.4 Field: Design Flow Rate

This numeric field is the design flow rate in m3/s for the heat exchanger. The plant loop will
attempt to meet this request based on loop and flow conditions.

1.24.13.1.5 Field: Soil Thermal Conductivity

This numeric field is the thermal conductivity of the soil, in W/m-K.

1.24.13.1.6 Field: Soil Density

This numeric field is the density of the soil, in kg/m3.

1.24.13.1.7 Field: Soil Specific Heat

This numeric field is the specific heat of the soil, in J/kg-K.

1.24.13.1.8 Field: Pipe Thermal Conductivity

This numeric field is the thermal conductivity of the heat exchanger pipe.

1.24.13.1.9 Field: Pipe Density

This numeric field is the density of the heat exchanger pipe, in kg/m3.

1.24.13.1.10 Field: Pipe Specific Heat

This numeric field is the specific heat of the heat exchanger pipe, in J/kg-K.

1.24.13.1.11 Field: Pipe Outside Diameter

This numeric field is the outside pipe diameter, in meters.

1.24.13.1.12 Field: Pipe Wall Thickness

This numeric field is the pipe wall thickness, in meters.

1.24.13.1.13 Field: Heat Exchanger Configuration

This alpha field is heat exchanger configuration, either Vertical or Horizontal.

1.24.13.1.14 Field: Coil Diameter

This numeric is the diameter of the slinky coil, in meters.

1.24.13.1.15 Field: Coil Pitch

This numeric field is the center-to-center distance between heat exchanger coils, in meters.
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 1005

1.24.13.1.16 Field: Trench Depth

This numeric field is the distance from the bottom of the trench to the ground surface, in
meters.

1.24.13.1.17 Field: Trench Length

This numeric field is the length of the heat exchanger trench, in meters. This assumes the heat
exchanger runs the full length of the trench.

1.24.13.1.18 Field: Number of Parallel Trenches

This numeric field is the number of parallel trenches. Design flow rate will be equally divided
among all parallel trenches.

1.24.13.1.19 Field: Trench Spacing

This numeric field is the center-to-center distance in between parallel trenches, in meters.

1.24.13.1.20 Field: Type of Undisturbed Ground Temperature Object

The type of undisturbed ground temperature object used to determine ground temperature for
the farfield boundary conditions.

1.24.13.1.21 Field: Name of Undisturbed Ground Temperature Object

The name of the undisturbed ground temperature object used to determine ground temperature
for the farfield boundary conditions.

1.24.13.1.22 Field: Maximum Length of Simulation

This numeric field contains the maximum number of years of simulation to be carried out.

1.24.13.2 Outputs
The following output variables are available.

• HVAC,Average,Ground Heat Exchanger Average Borehole Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Ground Heat Exchanger Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Ground Heat Exchanger Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Ground Heat Exchanger Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Ground Heat Exchanger Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Ground Heat Exchanger Average Fluid Temperature [C]

1.24.13.2.1 Ground Heat Exchanger Average Borehole Temperature [C]

This is the model result for the average temperature of the borehole heat exchanger.

1.24.13.2.2 Ground Heat Exchanger Heat Transfer Rate [W]

This is the rate of heat transfer between the working fluid and the ground heat exchanger, in
Watts.
1006 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.24.13.2.3 Ground Heat Exchanger Inlet Temperature [C]

This is the temperature of the working fluid entering the ground heat exchanger.

1.24.13.2.4 Ground Heat Exchanger Outlet Temperature [C]

This is the temperature of the working fluid leaving the ground heat exchanger.

1.24.13.2.5 Ground Heat Exchanger Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

This is the mass flow rate of the working fluid through the heat exchanger.

1.24.13.2.6 Ground Heat Exchanger Average Fluid Temperature [C]

This is the average temperature of the working fluid inside the heat exchanger.

1.24.14 GroundHeatExchanger:Pond
The pond heat exchanger model represents a shallow pond with submerged hydronic tubes through
which the heat transfer fluid is circulated. The model represents a ‘shallow’ pond in that no attempt
is made to model any stratification effects that may be present in deeper ponds.
This type of heat exchanger is intended to be connected to the supply side of a condenser
loop, and can be used with any type of plant loop. The pond may be specified as the only heat
exchanger on the condenser loop (as shown in Figure 1.85) or it may be connected in parallel with
other condenser loop heat exchangers (such as cooling towers, ground surface heat exchangers) as
shown in the second figure below.

Figure 1.85: Example of Pond Ground Heat Exchanger as only heat exchanger on condenser
loop

1.24.14.1 Inputs
1.24.14.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the outside pond heat exchanger.
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 1007

Figure 1.86: Pond Ground Heat Exchanger with other heat exchangers on condenser loop

1.24.14.1.2 Field: Fluid Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the fluid inlet node name.

1.24.14.1.3 Field: Fluid Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the fluid outlet node name.

1.24.14.1.4 Field: Pond Depth

This numeric field contains the pond depth {m}.

1.24.14.1.5 Field: Pond Area

This numeric field contains the pond area m2 .

1.24.14.1.6 Field: Hydronic Tubing Inside Diameter

This numeric field contains the hydronic tubing inside diameter {m}.

1.24.14.1.7 Field: Hydronic Tubing Outside Diameter

This numeric field contains the hydronic tubing outside diameter {m}.

1.24.14.1.8 Field: Hydronic Tubing Thermal Conductivity

This numeric field contains the hydronic tubing thermal conductivity in W/mK.

1.24.14.1.9 Field: Ground Thermal Conductivity

This numeric field contains the ground thermal conductivity in W/m2 K.
1008 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.24.14.1.10 Field: Number of Tubing Circuits

This numeric field contains the number of hydronic tubing circuits, total in parallel in this
pond..

1.24.14.1.11 Field: Length of Each Tubing Circuit

This numeric field contains length {m} of each hydronic tubing circuit.
An example of the IDF is shown below.

GroundHeatExchanger:Pond ,
Pond 1, !- Name
Condenser Tower 1 Inlet Node , !- Fluid Inlet Node Name
Condenser Tower 1 Outlet Node , !- Fluid Outlet Node Name
2.0, !- Pond Depth {m}
1000.0 , !- Pond Area {m2}
0.02, !- Hydronic Tubing Inside Diameter {m}
0.025 , !- Hydronic Tubing Outside Diameter {m}
0.4, !- Hydronic Tubing Thermal Conductivity {W/m-K}
1.0, !- Ground Thermal Conductivity {W/m2 -K}
10, !- Number of Tubing Circuits
50.0; !- Length of Each Tubing Circuit {m}

1.24.14.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Pond Heat Exchanger Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Pond Heat Exchanger Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Pond Heat Exchanger Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Pond Heat Exchanger Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Pond Heat Exchanger Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Pond Heat Exchanger Bulk Temperature [C]

1.24.14.2.1 Pond Heat Exchanger Heat Transfer Rate [W]

1.24.14.2.2 Pond Heat Exchanger Heat Transfer Energy [J]

These outputs are the pond ground heat exchanger heat transfer rate and total energy exchange
for the timestep.

1.24.14.2.3 Pond Heat Exchanger Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

1.24.14.2.4 Pond Heat Exchanger Inlet Temperature [C]

1.24.14.2.5 Pond Heat Exchanger Outlet Temperature [C]

These outputs are the pond fluid inlet and outlet temperatures and mass flow rate.

1.24.14.2.6 Pond Heat Exchanger Bulk Temperature [C]

This output is the pond bulk temperature.
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 1009

1.24.15 GroundHeatExchanger:Surface
The surface heat exchanger model is to simulate hydronic surface ground heat exchangers. This
includes pavement surfaces with embedded pipes for snow-melting or heat rejection from hybrid
ground source heat pump systems.
The heat exchanger may be ground coupled or not. In the latter case the bottom surface is
exposed to the wind but not solar gains. This type of heat exchanger is intended to be connected
to the supply side of a condenser loop, and can be used with any type of plant loop. The surface
heat exchanger may be specified as the only heat exchanger on the condenser loop (as shown in
the first figure below) or it may be connected in parallel with other condenser loop heat exchangers
(such as cooling towers, ground surface heat exchangers) as shown in the second figure below.

Figure 1.87: Example of Surface Ground Heat Exchanger as only heat exchanger on con-
denser loop

1.24.15.1 Inputs
1.24.15.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the outside panel heat exchanger.

1.24.15.1.2 Field: Construction Name

This alpha field contains the construction name. It must contain a valid “Construction” name
that is usual for Surfaces. (Ref: Group – Surface Construction Elements).

1.24.15.1.3 Field: Fluid Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the fluid inlet node name.

1.24.15.1.4 Field: Fluid Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the fluid outlet node name.
1010 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.88: Surface Ground Heat Exchanger with other heat exchangers on condenser loop

1.24.15.1.5 Field: Hydronic Tubing Inside Diameter

This numeric field contains the hydronic tubing inside diameter in m.

1.24.15.1.6 Field: Number of Tubing Circuits

This numeric field contains the number of hydronic tubing circuits.

1.24.15.1.7 Field: Hydronic Tube Spacing

This numeric field contains the hydronic tube spacing in m.

1.24.15.1.8 Field: Surface Length

This numeric field contains the surface length in m.

1.24.15.1.9 Field: Surface Width

This numeric field contains the surface width in m.

1.24.15.1.10 Field: Lower Surface Environment

This alpha field expresses the lower surface exposure: Exposed or Ground.
An example of this statement in an IDF is shown below:

GroundHeatExchanger:Surface ,
SURFACE 1, !- Name
Outside Surface Construction , !- Construction Name
Condenser Tower 1 Inlet Node , !- Fluid Inlet Node Name
Condenser Tower 1 Outlet Node , !- Fluid Outlet Node Name
0.02, !- Hydronic Tubing Inside Diameter {m}
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 1011

10.0, !- Number of Tubing Circuits

0.3, !- Hydronic Tube Spacing {m}
100.0 , !- Surface Length {m}
100.0 , !- Surface Width {m}
GROUND; !- Lower Surface Environment

1.24.15.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Ground Heat Exchanger Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Ground Heat Exchanger Surface Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Ground Heat Exchanger Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Ground Heat Exchanger Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Ground Heat Exchanger Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Ground Heat Exchanger Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Ground Heat Exchanger Top Surface Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average Ground Heat Exchanger Bottom Surface Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Ground Heat Exchanger Top Surface Heat Transfer Energy per Area [J/m2]

• HVAC,Average,Ground Heat Exchanger Bottom Surface Heat Transfer Energy per

Area[J/m2]

• HVAC,Sum,Ground Heat Exchanger Surface Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Ground Heat Exchanger Source Temperature [C]

1.24.15.2.1 Ground Heat Exchanger Heat Transfer Rate [W]

1.24.15.2.2 Ground Heat Exchanger Surface Heat Transfer Rate [W]

1.24.15.2.3 Ground Heat Exchanger Heat Transfer Energy [J]

These outputs are the source heat transfer rate, surface heat transfer rate and the total source
energy input for the timestep.

1.24.15.2.4 Ground Heat Exchanger Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

1.24.15.2.5 Ground Heat Exchanger Inlet Temperature [C]

1.24.15.2.6 Ground Heat Exchanger Outlet Temperature [C]

These outputs are the surface heat exchanger fluid inlet and outlet temperatures and mass flow
rate.

1.24.15.2.7 Ground Heat Exchanger Top Surface Temperature [C]

1012 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.24.15.2.8 Ground Heat Exchanger Bottom Surface Temperature [C]

These outputs are the surface heat exchanger top and bottom surface temperatures.

1.24.15.2.9 Ground Heat Exchanger Top Surface Heat Transfer Energy per
Area [J/m2 ]

1.24.15.2.10 Ground Heat Exchanger Bottom Surface Heat Transfer Energy per
Area [J/m2 ]
These outputs are the surface heat exchanger top and bottom surface flux.

1.24.15.2.11 Ground Heat Exchanger Surface Heat Transfer Energy [J]

This is the total surface energy exchange for the timestep.

1.24.15.2.12 Ground Heat Exchanger Source Temperature [C]

This is the surface heat exchanger source temperature.

1.24.16 GroundHeatExchanger:HorizontalTrench
The horizontal trench ground heat exchanger object provides an alternate interface to the detailed
PipingSystem:Underground:* objects. The same underlying simulation algorithm is utilized, pro-
viding a transient numerical simulation of soil with buried pipes and a detailed surface heat bal-
ance. The input syntax is much smaller and useful for simple applications. For full flexibility,
use the PipingSystem:Underground:* objects to build a detailed simulation domain and piping cir-
cuit. For information regarding the simulation algorithms, see the engineering reference document
section covering the buried piping system objects.
Field: Name
This alpha field is used as an identifying field for the ground heat exchanger.
Field: Inlet Node Name
This alpha field is the name of the inlet node of this component on a plant loop, and must
match other topology definitions such as branch objects.
Field: Outlet Node Name
This alpha field is the name of the outlet node of this component on a plant loop, and must
match other topology definitions such as branch objects.
Field: Design Flow Rate [m3/s]
This numeric field is the designed flow rate for this heat exchanger; the plant loop solver will
attempt to meet this request based on flow and loop conditions.
Field: Trench Length in Pipe Axial Direction [m]
This numeric field represents the axial length of each pipe trench. Each pipe defined for this
ground heat exchanger will have the same length. If different pipes have different lengths, they
must use separate GroundHeatExchanger:HorizontalTrench objects with different lengths.
Field: Number of Trenches
This integer field is the number of trenches for this heat exchanger. Since each trench has a
single pipe, this defines the number of “pipe segments” for this overall heat exchanger. The total
piping length is then calculated as the trench length times the number of trenches.
Field: Horizontal Spacing Between Pipes [m]
This numeric field represents the horizontal spacing (pipe centroid to pipe centroid) between
pipes/trenches.
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 1013

Field: Pipe Inner Diameter [m]

This numeric field is the inner diameter of the pipe. The same pipe properties are used for all
pipes in this heat exchanger.
Field: Pipe Outer Diameter [m]
This numeric field is the outer diameter of the pipe. The same pipe properties are used for all
pipes in this heat exchanger.
Field: Burial Depth [m]
This numeric field is the burial depth of each pipe, from ground surface to pipe cross section
centroid. The same pipe depth is used for all pipes in this heat exchanger.
Field: Soil Thermal Conductivity [W/mK]
This numeric field is the soil thermal conductivity.
Field: Soil Density [kg/m3]
This numeric field is the soil density.
Field: Soil Specific Heat [J/kgK]
This numeric field is the nominal soil specific heat, but is corrected for moisture content and in
freezing conditions.
Field: Pipe Thermal Conductivity [W/mK]
This numeric field is the pipe thermal conductivity.
Field: Pipe Density [kg/m3]
This numeric field is the pipe density.
Field: Pipe Specific Heat [J/kgK]
This numeric field is the pipe specific heat.
Field: Soil Moisture Content Percent [%]
This numeric field represents the volume fraction, in percent, of water content in the soil.
Field: Soil Moisture Content Percent at Saturation [%]
This numeric field represents the volume fraction, in percent, of water content in the soil which
results in saturation.

1.24.16.1 Inputs
1.24.16.1.1 Field: Type of Undisturbed Ground Temperature Object
The type of undisturbed ground temperature object used to determine ground temperature for
the farfield boundary conditions.

1.24.16.1.2 Field: Name of Undisturbed Ground Temperature Object

The name of the undisturbed ground temperature object used to determine ground temperature
for the farfield boundary conditions.
Field: Evapotranspiration Ground Cover Parameter [-]
This numeric field specifies the ground cover effects used in the evapotranspiration model at
the ground surface heat balance. The values range from 0 (solid, non-permeable ground surface)
to 1.5 (wild growth).
An example of this statement in an IDF is shown below:

GroundHeatExchanger :HorizontalTrench ,
My Pipe Circuit , !- Name
Plant Supply Intermediate Node , !- Inlet Node Name
Plant Supply Outlet Node , !- Outlet Node Name
0.004 , !- Design Flow Rate
75, !- Trench Length in Pipe Axial Direction
2, !- Number of Trenches
1014 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

2.0, !- Horizontal Spacing Between Pipes

0.016 , !- Pipe Inner Diameter
0.02667 , !- Pipe Outer Diameter
1.25, !- Burial Depth
1.08, !- Soil Thermal Conductivity
962, !- Soil Density
2576, !- Soil Specific Heat
0.3895 , !- Pipe Thermal Conductivity {W/m-K}
641, !- Pipe Density {kg/m3}
2405, !- Pipe Specific Heat {J/kg -K}
30, !- Soil Moisture Content Volume Fraction {percent}
50, !- Soil Moisture Content Volume Fraction at Saturation {percent}
Site:GroundTemperature:Undisturbed:KusudaAchenbach , !- Type of Undisturbed Ground
Temperature Object
KATemps , !- Name of Undisturbed Ground Temperature Object
0.408; !- Evapotranspiration Ground Cover Parameter

1.24.16.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Ground Heat Exchanger Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
• HVAC,Average,Ground Heat Exchanger Inlet Temperature [C]
• HVAC,Average,Ground Heat Exchanger Outlet Temperature [C]
• HVAC,Average,Ground Heat Exchanger Fluid Heat Transfer Rate [W]

1.24.16.2.1 Ground Heat Exchanger Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

The output provides the mass flow rate currently being sent through the heat exchanger.

1.24.16.2.2 Ground Heat Exchanger Inlet Temperature [C]

1.24.16.2.3 Ground Heat Exchanger Outlet Temperature [C]

Temperature of fluid at the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger.

1.24.16.2.4 Ground Heat Exchanger Fluid Heat Transfer Rate [W]

Heat transfer rate for the heat exchanger, defined as positive for fluid heat loss.

1.24.17 HeatExchanger:FluidToFluid
A fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger designed to couple the supply side of one plant or condenser loop to
the demand side of another plant or condenser loop. This heat exchanger is fairly general and can
be configured for use in any application where any two loops need to be connected together. The
only constraints are that that one side must be connected to the supply side of one loop and the
other side connected to the demand side of a different loop. Because the heat exchanger is intended
to be generic, its two sides are distinguished by the nature of loop side being connected. One side
is called “Loop Supply Side” to indicate the heat exchanger is situated on the supply side of a loop.
The other side is called “Loop Demand Side” to indicate it is on the demand side of a loop. The
heat exchanger is intended to act as a supply component for the loop connected to it as the “Loop
Supply Side” and as a demand component for the loop connected to it as the “Loop Demand
Side.” From the point of view of the heat exchanger model itself, the Loop Demand Side fluid
serves as the source/sink to supply heating/cooling to the fluid in the Loop Supply Side. Only
hydronic “plant” fluids are allowed, no air-side connections are possible with this heat exchanger.
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 1015

Figure 1.89: Plant Fluid-to-Fluid Heat Exchanger

1016 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Various options are available for the heat exchanger model. The heat transfer between the two
sides can be modeled using one of seven different models for different types of heat exchangers.
Heat transfer is calculated and reported using a sign convention from chilled water applications
where positive heat transfer indicates energy was extracted from the Loop Supply Side and added
to the Loop Demand Side.
There are eleven options for different ways to control the heat exchanger. One general type of
control is “OnOff” where the flow through the heat exchanger is either fully on or fully off. Another
type of control is “Modulated” where the flow through the Loop Demand Side is controlled to try
and meet a target setpoint or load on the Loop Supply Side.
This heat exchanger can be used for a wide variety of applications including chilled water,
hot water, condenser, ground source, primary-secondary systems, etc. As of Version 8.0, this
object replaces three separate objects that were available prior to version 8.0 of EnergyPlus. The
former HeatExchanger:Hydronic object corresponds to a situation where the Loop Demand Side is
the demand side of condenser loop, the Loop Supply Side is a the supply side of a chilled water
loop, the control type is “CoolingSetpointOnOffWithComponentOverride,” and the remote override
component is a chiller. The former HeatExchanger:WatersideEconomizer object corresponds to a
situation where the Loop Demand Side is the demand side of condenser loop, the Loop Supply Side
is a the supply side of a chilled water loop, and the control type is “CoolingDifferentialOnOff.” The
former HeatExchanger:Plate object corresponds to a situation where the Loop Demand Side is the
demand side of a condenser loop, the Loop Supply Side is the supply side of a second condenser
loop, and the control type is “UncontrolledOn.”

1.24.17.1 Inputs
1.24.17.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field provides the unique identifying name for this heat exchanger.

1.24.17.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This field specifies the name of an availability schedule that can be used for supervisory control
of the device. If blank, the default is that heat exchanger is always available. If a scheduled is
named here, then the heat exchanger is available for use whenever the schedule value is greater
than zero. The heat exchanger is not available whenever the schedule value is zero or less.

1.24.17.1.3 Field: Loop Demand Side Inlet Node Name

This field specifies the name of a plant system node that connects an inlet of the heat exchanger
to the demand side of a loop. This node must be on a branch located on the demand side of a
plant or condenser loop.

1.24.17.1.4 Field: Loop Demand Side Outlet Node Name

This field specifies the name of a plant system node that connects an outlet of the heat exchanger
to the demand side of a loop. This node must be on a branch located on the demand side of a
plant or condenser loop.

1.24.17.1.5 Field: Loop Demand Side Design Flow Rate

This field specifies the design flow rate, in m3 /s, of the hydronic fluid passing through the heat
exchanger on the Loop Demand Side. This field is autosizable. When autosized, this design flow
rate is set to equal the design flow rate for the Loop Supply Side.
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 1017

1.24.17.1.6 Field: Loop Supply Side Inlet Node Name

This field specifies the name of a plant system node that connects an inlet of the heat exchanger
to the supply side of a loop. This node must be on a branch located on the supply side of a plant
or condenser loop.

1.24.17.1.7 Field: Loop Supply Side Outlet Node Name

This field specifies the name of a plant system node that connects an outlet of the heat exchanger
to the supply side of a loop. This node must be on a branch located on the supply side of a plant
or condenser loop.

1.24.17.1.8 Field: Loop Supply Side Design Flow Rate

This field specifies the design flow rate, in m3 /s, of the fluid passing through the heat exchanger
on the Loop Supply Side. This field is autosizable. When autosized, this design flow rate is set
equal to the overall design flow rate of the loop that is connected. If a sizing factor is entered in
the field below, then it is multiplied to modify the design flow rate.

1.24.17.1.9 Field: Heat Exchange Model Type

This alpha field identifies the nature of heat exchanger. Heat exchanger model type is specified
by one of the following four key word choices:

• CrossFlowBothUnMixed. Specifies a single-pass, cross-flow heat exchanger. The ef-

fectiveness will be calculated using a cross-flow heat exchanger correlation for both streams
unmixed.

• CrossFlowBothMixed. Specifies a single-pass, cross-flow heat exchanger. The effective-

ness will be calculated using a cross-flow heat exchanger correlation for both streams mixed.

• CrossFlowSupplyMixedDemandUnMixed. Specifes a single-pass, cross-flow heat ex-

changer. The effectiveness will be calculated using a cross-flow heat exchanger correlation
for flow mixed on the Loop Supply side and flow unmixed on the Loop Demand Side.

• CrossFlowSupplyUnMixedDemandMixed. Specifes a single-pass, cross-flow heat ex-

changer. The effectiveness will be calculated using a cross-flow heat exchanger correlation
for flow unmixed on the Loop Supply side and flow mixed on the Loop Demand Side.

• CounterFlow. Specifies a counter-flow shell and tube heat exchanger. The effectiveness
will be calculated using a counter-flow shell and tube heat exchanger correlation.

• ParallelFlow. Specifies a parallel-flow shell and tube heat exchanger. The effectiveness
will be calculated using a parallel-flow shell and tube heat exchanger correlation.

• Ideal. Specifies an ideal heat exchanger. The effectiveness will be set to ‘1.0’ and the
specified UA will be ignored. The heat transfer rate will be calculated as the maximum
possible heat transfer rate.

1.24.17.1.10 Field: Heat Exchanger U-Factor Times Area Value

This numerical field is used to specify the overall U-Factor Times Area (UA) {W/K} for use
in the calculation of the heat exchanger effectiveness using the appropriate D-NTU correlation. If
Ideal is specified as the heat exchanger type, the effectiveness will be set to 1.0. When set to
1018 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

autosize Heat Exchanger U-Factor Times Area Value is calculated based on an effectiveness of 1.0
where capacity is such that the temperatures in the Sizing:Plant objects for the two loops can be
maintained.

1.24.17.1.11 Field: Control Type

This field is used to specify how the heat exchanger is to be controlled during operation. Dif-
ferent applications for connecting two loops will require different control behavior and different
control options are needed depending on the desired behavior. There are the following eleven key
choice options to choose from:

• UncontrolledOn. This control mode is applicable to situations where the heat exchanger
is passively running all the time and always transfers as much heat as possible between the
fluid streams. However there is one aspect of control in that it will only request flow on the
Loop Demand Side when there is non-zero flow into the heat exchanger on the Loop Supply
Side. This control mode corresponds to that available in the HeatExchanger:Plate object
prior to version 8.0.

• OperationSchemeModulated. This control mode is applicable to situations where the

heat exchanger is controlled by an operation scheme (see objects called PlantEquipmentOp-
erationScheme or CondenserEquipmentOperationSchemes). When using this control mode
the heat exchanger must be listed in PlantEquipmentList or a CondenserEquipmentList and
it serves as a supply component. The operation scheme will dispatch a load request to the
heat exchanger which it will try meet by conditioning the fluid stream connected as the Loop
Supply Side. If the heat exchanger could exceed the load request, then the flow through the
fluid stream connected as the Loop Demand Side will be modulated to just meet the load
request.

• OperationSchemeOnOff. This control mode is applicable to situations where the heat

exchanger is controlled by an operation scheme (see objects called PlantEquipmentOpera-
tionScheme or CondenserEquipmentOperationSchemes). When using this control mode the
heat exchanger must be listed in PlantEquipmentList or a CondenserEquipmentList and it
serves as a supply component. The operation scheme will dispatch a load request to the
heat exchanger which it will use as an on/off signal to decide if the heat exchange should run
or not. If it runs, it will run at full capacity and may exceed the load request.

• HeatingSetpointModulated. This control mode is applicable to situations where the

Loop Demand Side can provide useful heating to the Loop Supply Side. A heating setpoint is
obtained from a node named in the following field. If the setpoint and inlet temperatures are
such that heat exchanger could transfer heat from the Loop Demand Side to the Loop Supply
Side to meet the heating setpoint, then the heat exchanger will run. The inlet temperatures
must differ by more than the value set in the field called Minimum Temperature Difference
to Activate Heat Exchanger for the heat exchanger to operate. If the heat exchanger could
overshoot the setpoint, then the flow through the fluid stream connected as the Loop Demand
Side will be modulated to just meet the setpoint.

• HeatingSetpointOnOff. This control mode is applicable to situations where the Loop

Demand Side can provide useful heating to the Loop Supply Side. A heating setpoint is
obtained from a node named in the following field. If the setpoints and inlet temperatures are
such that heat exchanger could transfer heat from the Loop Demand Side to the Loop Supply
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 1019

Side to meet the heating setpoint, then the heat exchanger will run. The inlet temperatures
must differ by more than the value set in the field called Minimum Temperature Difference
to Activate Heat Exchanger for the heat exchanger to operate. If it runs, it will run at full
capacity and may overshoot the setpoint.

• CoolingSetpointModulated. This control mode is applicable to situations where the

Loop Demand Side can provide useful cooling to the Loop Supply Side. A cooling setpoint is
obtained from a node named in the following field. If the setpoints and inlet temperatures are
such that heat exchanger could transfer heat from the Loop Supply Side to the Loop Demand
Side to meet the cooling setpoint, then the heat exchanger will run. The inlet temperatures
must differ by more than the value set in the field called Minimum Temperature Difference
to Activate Heat Exchanger for the heat exchanger to operate. If the heat exchanger could
undershoot the setpoint, then the flow through the fluid stream connected as the Loop
Demand Side will be modulated to just meet the setpoint.

• CoolingSetpointOnOff. This control mode is applicable to situations where the Loop

Demand Side can provide useful cooling to the Loop Supply Side. A cooling setpoint is
obtained from a node named in the following field. If the setpoints and inlet temperatures are
such that heat exchanger could transfer heat from the Loop Supply Side to the Loop Demand
Side to meet the cooling setpoint, then the heat exchanger will run. The inlet temperatures
must differ by more than the value set in the field called Minimum Temperature Difference
to Activate Heat Exchanger for the heat exchanger to operate. If it runs, it will run at full
capacity and may undershoot the setpoint. This control mode corresponds to that available
in the HeatExchanger:WatersideEconomizer object prior to version 8.0.

• DualDeadbandSetpointModulated. This control mode is applicable to situations where

the Loop Demand Side can provide either useful cooling or heating to the Loop Supply
Side. A dual deadband setpoint is obtained from a node named in the following field. If
the setpoints and inlet temperatures are such that heat exchanger could transfer heat from
the Loop Demand Side to the Loop Supply Side to meet the lower setpoint, then the heat
exchanger will run. If the setpoints and inlet temperatures are such that heat exchanger
could transfer heat from the Loop Supply Side to the Loop Demand Side to meet the high
setpoint, then the heat exchanger will run. The inlet temperatures must differ by more than
the value set in the field called Minimum Temperature Difference to Activate Heat Exchanger
for the heat exchanger to operate. If the heat exchanger could overshoot the lower setpoint,
or undershoot the higher setpoint, then the flow through the fluid stream connected as the
Loop Demand Side will be modulated to just meet the deadband setpoint.

• DualDeadbandSetpointOnOff. This control mode is applicable to situations where the

Loop Demand Side can provide either useful cooling or heating to the Loop Supply Side. A
dual deadband setpoint is obtained from a node named in the following field. If the setpoints
and inlet temperatures are such that heat exchanger could transfer heat from the Loop
Demand Side to the Loop Supply Side to meet the lower setpoint, then the heat exchanger
will run. If the setpoints and inlet temperatures are such that heat exchanger could transfer
heat from the Loop Supply Side to the Loop Demand Side to meet the high setpoint, then
the heat exchanger will run. The inlet temperatures must differ by more than the value
set in the field called Minimum Temperature Difference to Activate Heat Exchanger for the
heat exchanger to operate. If the heat exchanger runs, it will run at full capacity and may
overshoot the lower setpoint or undershoot the higher setpoint.
1020 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• CoolingDifferentialOnOff. This control mode is applicable to situations where the Loop

Demand Side can provide useful cooling to the Loop Supply Side. This mode is similar to
CoolingSetpointOnOff except that it ignores any cooling setpoint and its control is based only
on the temperature difference between Loop Demand Side and the Loop Supply Side. The
inlet temperatures must differ by more than the value set in the field called Minimum Temper-
ature Difference to Activate Heat Exchanger for the heat exchanger to operate. This control
mode corresponds to that available in the HeatExchanger:WatersideEconomizer object prior
to version 8.0.

• CoolingSetpointOnOffWithComponentOverride. This control mode is applicable to

situations where the heat exchanger operation is integrated with the operation of a specific
chiller. When conditions are favorable for the heat exchanger to provide cooling to the Loop
Supply Side, the heat exchanger is run and the integrated chiller is turned off. A cooling
setpoint is obtained from a node named in the following field. If it runs it will run at
full capacity and may undershoot the setpoint. The chiller that is integrated with the heat
exchanger is identified by entering the names of the chiller’s inlet nodes in the input fields be-
low. The control decision can be based on one of three different temperature signals selected
in the field below called Component Override Cooling Control Temperature Mode. The
setpoint and control signal temperatures must differ by more than the value set in the field
called Minimum Temperature Difference to Activate Heat Exchanger for the heat exchanger
to operate. This control mode corresponds to that available in the HeatExchanger:Hydronic
object prior to version 8.0.

1.24.17.1.12 Field: Heat Exchanger Setpoint Node Name

This field specifies the name of a plant system node located on loop attached to the Loop Supply
Side. This field is used and required when the previous field is set to one of the “Setpoint” control
types. The node must have a temperature setpoint placed on it by a setpoint manager (or EMS
actuator).
If the previous field is set to DualDeadbandSetpointModulated or DeadbandSetpointOnOff then
there must be a setpoint manager that places both a high and low setpoint on the node named in
this field. (see SetpointManager:Scheduled:DualSetpoint).

1.24.17.1.13 Field: Minimum Temperature Difference to Activate Heat Ex-

changer
This field specifies the value of a temperature tolerance used in control decisions, in deg. Cel-
sius. Whenever the control logic needs to compare two temperatures, the value entered in this
field is used as a threshold for comparisons.

1.24.17.1.14 Field: Heat Transfer Metering End Use Type

This field specifies how the metering for heat transfer will be accounted with respect to end
uses. Although the heat exchanger consumes no energy that needs to be metered, there are also
meters for heat transfers that apply to the model. The nature of the end use may vary depending
on the application that the heat exchanger is being used for. The available choices are FreeCool-
ing, HeatRecovery, HeatRejection, HeatRecoveryForCooling, HeatRecoveryForHeating, and Loop-
ToLoop.

1.24.17.1.15 Field: Component Override Loop Supply Side Inlet Node Name
1.24. GROUP – CONDENSER EQUIPMENT 1021

This field specifies the name of an inlet node for the remote component that will be integrated
with this heat exchanger. This inlet should be on the supply side of a loop – typically chilled water
inlet or return for a chiller. This field and the next two are only used for the control type called
CoolingSetpointOnOffWithComponentOverride.

1.24.17.1.16 Field: Component Override Loop Demand Side Inlet Node Name

This field specifies the name of an inlet node for the remote component that will be integrated
with this heat exchanger. This inlet should be on the demand side of a loop – typically condenser
water inlet or return for a water-cooled chiller. This field is only used for the control type called
CoolingSetpointOnOffWithComponentOverride.

1.24.17.1.17 Field: Component Override Cooling Control Temperature Mode

This field specifies which type of temperature is used to control a heat exchanger that uses
the control type called CoolingSetpointOnOffWithComponentOverride. There are three options:
Loop, WetBulbTemperature, and DryBulbTemperature. The option called “Loop” directs the
program to use the inlet fluid temperature at the Loop Demand Side connection of heat exchanger
for the temperature used as a signal to be compared with the setpoint. The option call “Wet-
BulbTemperature” uses the outdoor air wetbulb temperature as the signal. The option called
“DryBulbTemperature” uses the outdoor air drybulb temperature as the signal.

1.24.17.1.18 Field: Sizing Factor

This optional field can be used to modify the results of autosize calculations. This sizing factor
is used for this heat exchanger and modifies sizing results by multiplying them by the factor entered
here. This factor is applied to the Loop Supply Side Design Flow rate and in turn affects the heat
exchanger UA and the loop demand side flow rate which are derived from that flow rate. This
allows fine control over the size of the heat exchanger when using autosize in those fields.

1.24.17.1.19 Field: Operation Minimum Temperature Limit

This optional field can be used to provide supervisory control of the heat exchanger. If either
of the inlet temperatures are below this limit (°C), the heat exchanger will not operate.

1.24.17.1.20 Field: Operation Maximum Temperature Limit

This optional field can be used to provide supervisory control of the heat exchanger. If either
of the inlet temperatures are above this limit (°C), the heat exchanger will not operate.
Some example IDF input objects follow.

HeatExchanger:FluidToFluid ,
CondenserLoop HX ,!- Name
ALWAYS_ON , !- Availability Schedule Name
CondenserLoop HX HX Inlet Node , !- Loop Demand Side Inlet Node Name
CondenserLoop HX HX Outlet Node , !- Loop Demand Side Outlet Node Name
autosize , !- Loop Demand Side Design Flow Rate
CondenserLoop Pump - HXNode , !- Loop Supply Side Inlet Node Name
CondenserLoop HX - ChillerNode ,!- Loop Supply Side Outlet Node Name
autosize , !- Loop Supply Side Design Flow Rate
CounterFlow , !- Heat Exchange Model Type
autosize , !- Heat Exchanger U-Factor Times Area Value
CoolingDifferentialOnOff , !- Control Type
, !- Heat Exchanger Setpoint Node Name
1022 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

2.0, !- Minimum Temperature Difference to Activate Heat Exchanger

FreeCooling; !- Heat Transfer Metering End Use Type

HeatExchanger:FluidToFluid ,
SOURCE to TRANSFER HX , !- Name
AlwaysOnSchedule , !- Availability Schedule Name
SOURCE Demand HX Inlet Node , !- Loop Demand Side Inlet Node Name
SOURCE Demand HX Outlet Node , !- Loop Demand Side Outlet Node Name
0.003 , !- Loop Demand Side Design Flow Rate
TRANSFER HX Supply Inlet Node , !- Loop Supply Side Inlet Node Name
TRANSFER HX Supply Outlet Node , !- Loop Supply Side Outlet Node Name
0.003 , !- Loop Supply Side Design Flow Rate
CrossFlow , !- Heat Exchange Model Type
15000 , !- Heat Exchanger U-Factor Times Area Value
DualDeadbandSetpointModulated , !- Control Type
TRANSFER Supply Outlet Node , !- Heat Exchanger Setpoint Node Name
0.2 , !- Minimum Temperature Difference to Activate Heat Exchanger
LoopToLoop; !- Heat Transfer Metering End Use Type

1.24.17.2 Outputs
1.24.17.2.1 Fluid Heat Exchanger Heat Transfer Rate [W]

1.24.17.2.2 Fluid Heat Exchanger Heat Transfer Energy [J]

These outputs are the rate and energy transferred from the Loop Supply Side to the Loop
Demand Side. The sign convention is taken from cooling or heat rejection applications such that
positive values indicate cooling of the Loop Supply Side.

1.24.17.2.3 Fluid Heat Exchanger Loop Supply Side Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
This is the system mass flow of fluid through the heat exchanger side connected as the Loop
Supply Side, in kg/s.

1.24.17.2.4 Fluid Heat Exchanger Loop Supply Side Inlet Temperature [C]
This is the temperature, in degrees Celsius, of the fluid entering the heat exchanger on the side
connected as the Loop Supply Side.

1.24.17.2.5 Fluid Heat Exchanger Loop Supply Side Outlet Temperature [C]
This is the temperature, in degrees Celsius, of the fluid leaving the heat exchanger on the side
connected as the Loop Supply Side.

1.24.17.2.6 Fluid Heat Exchanger Loop Demand Side Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
This is the system mass flow of fluid through the heat exchanger side connected as the Loop
Demand Side, in kg/s.

1.24.17.2.7 Fluid Heat Exchanger Loop Demand Side Inlet Temperature [C]
This is the temperature, in degrees Celsius, of the fluid entering the heat exchanger on the side
connected as the Loop Demand Side.
1.25. GROUP – PLANT-CONDENSER FLOW CONTROL 1023

1.24.17.2.8 Fluid Heat Exchanger Loop Demand Side Outlet Temperature [C]

This is the temperature, in degrees Celsius, of the fluid leaving the heat exchanger on the side
connected as the Loop Demand Side.

1.24.17.2.9 Fluid Heat Exchanger Operation Status [0 = off, 1 = on]

This output is a numeric flag that indicates whether or not the heat exchanger was operating
or not. If the value is 0, then the heat exchanger was not operating. If the value is 1, then the
heat was operating.

1.24.17.2.10 Fluid Heat Exchanger Effectiveness []

This output is the calculated heat exchanger effectiveness (non-dimensional). It is an interme-
diate value in the NTU model calculations for heat flow rate. Values range between 0 and 1.0. A
value of 1.0 indicates ideal heat transfer.

1.25 Group – Plant-Condenser Flow Control

The connector list described earlier determines how the branches of a particular loop will be hooked
together. These connections can be classified either as a separation of a single stream into several
outlet streams (splitter) or the merging of several streams into a single outlet stream (mixer). Due
to the limitation per branch of a single splitter and a single mixer, the connector list can only have
two pieces of equipment as a maximum. The names defined for either/both the splitter or/and the
mixer refer then to “component” definitions as described below.

1.25.1 Connector:Splitter, Connector:Mixer

The format of both the Connector:Splitter and Connector:Mixer statements is similar. Both
begin with an identifying name followed by the branch name of the “single side” of the component.
In the case of the splitter, this is the inlet since the inlet stream is broken into several outlet
streams. In the case of the mixer, this is the outlet since several streams are mixed together to
form a single outlet. The remaining list of up to 50 names is simply the branch names of the outlet
legs in the case of the splitter and inlet legs in the case of the mixer. No control logic is assume in
these components—a determination of how much air to split in which direction using the splitter
must be defined by other components.

1.25.2 Connector:Splitter
1.25.2.1 Inputs
1.25.2.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the Splitter.

1.25.2.1.2 Field: Inlet Branch Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the Splitter Inlet Branch.
1024 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.25.2.1.3 Field: Outlet Branch <x> Name

This alpha field contains the identifying names for the Splitter Outlet Branches and you enter
as many outlet branches as needed.

1.25.3 Connector:Mixer
1.25.3.1 Inputs
1.25.3.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the Mixer.

1.25.3.1.2 Field: Outlet Branch Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the Mixer Outlet Branch.

1.25.3.1.3 Field: Inlet Branch <x> Name

This alpha field contains the identifying names for the Mixer Inlet Branches and you enter as
many inlet branch names as needed..
An example of these statements in an IDF is:

Connector:Splitter ,
CW Loop Splitter ,
CW Pump Branch ,
Little Chiller Branch ,
Big Chiller Branch ,
Purchased Cooling Branch ,
Supply Bypass Branch;
Connector:Mixer ,
CW Loop Mixer ,
Cooling Supply Outlet ,
Little Chiller Branch ,
Big Chiller Branch ,
Purchased Cooling Branch ,
Supply Bypass Branch;

1.25.4 TemperingValve
This object is used for special cases where plant flow control is needed to make efficient use of
thermal storage. In certain solar hot water and heat recovery situations, a thermal storage tank
may become warmer than is necessary or allowable for safe use of the hot water. Although real
installations of a tempering, or anti-scald valve, would more commonly mix a new stream of mains
water with the hot water to achieve a desired outlet temperature, this is difficult to model directly
within EnergyPlus because plant loops need to be closed circuits. For many installations where
the water entering the splitter is directly from the mains, such as make up water entering a water
heater tank, the modeling provided with this object should be thermodynamically equivalent.
The TemperingValve object models a temperature-controlled diversion valve. It models a valve
on a bypass pipe that can open to divert flow around one or more plant components. It can only be
used on one of two branches between a Splitter and a Mixer. The figure below shows the use of the
tempering valve with a Water Heater:Mixed component on “Stream 2.” The tempering valve acts
to divert flow through the branch it is on in order to adjust the temperature at the outlet of the
mixer. If the temperature at Stream 2 Source Node is warmer than the setpoint and the inlet flow
1.25. GROUP – PLANT-CONDENSER FLOW CONTROL 1025

Figure 1.90: Tempering Valve Schematic

1026 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

is cooler than the setpoint, then a controller determines how much flow should bypass the storagew
tank to achieve the desired setpoint.
The TemperingValve is an Active component and the other path should have only Passive
components. Only two paths in the splitter/mixer can be used; bypasses are not allowed. No other
Connector:Splitter and Connector:Mixer pair can be used on the supply side of the plant loop.

1.25.4.1 Inputs
1.25.4.1.1 Field: Name
This field should contain an unique name for each TemperingValve object

1.25.4.1.2 Field: Inlet Node Name

This field should contain the name of node which is the inlet for the valve.

1.25.4.1.3 Field: Outlet Node Name

This field should contain the name of node which is the outlet for the valve

1.25.4.1.4 Field: Stream 2 Source Node Name

This field should contain the name of node that is the inlet to the Mixer object for the second
stream containing the component whose flow is being diverted.

1.25.4.1.5 Field: Temperature Setpoint Node Name

This field should contain the name of a node that has a temperature setpoint assigned to it. A
separate set point manager object is needed to provide a set point on the node listed here.

1.25.4.1.6 Field: Pump Outlet Node Name

This field should contain the name of the node that is the outlet for the pump that is one the
same plant loop. This is node is used to sense the total flow rate.
This object is demonstrated in the example file called SolarCollectorFlatPlateWater.idf. An
example of this object is:

TemperingValve ,
DHW Anti -Scald Diverter ,
DHW Anti -Scald Inlet Node , ! Inlet Node Name
DHW Anti -Scald Outlet Node , ! Outlet Node Name
SHW Storage Tank Use Outlet Node , ! Stream 2 Source Node Name
DHW Instantaneous Boost Outlet Node , ! Temperature Setpoint Node Name
DHW Use Side Pump Outlet; ! pump outlet node

1.25.4.2 Outputs
Use output variables for System Nodes for flow and temperature results.

1.26 Group – Air Distribution

1.26.1 AirLoopHVAC
Air loops along with zone equipment form the entire forced air heating and cooling system (air
side). The main statement for defining an air loop is the AirLoopHVAC object described here. As
1.26. GROUP – AIR DISTRIBUTION 1027

with the main plant and condenser statements, several of the items in the AirLoopHVAC object
definition are actually names that refer to other objects in the input file. After the AirLoopHVAC
object name, four such list pointers are encountered: for controllers, system availability, branches,
and connectors. The Controller List defines how the air loop will respond due to various inputs
(control signals). The Availability Manager List refers to methods for controlling when a system
is operational. This may be as simple as a schedule to define when the system is shutdown. The
Branch List lists the branches that comprise the primary air system. Finally, the Connector List
lists the connections between the branches. The branches and connections together define the
primary air system topology.
The only numeric input is the design primary air flow rate. This item is input just before the
BranchList name.
The next series of names refer to nodes for the various inlet and outlet points of the air loop.
The air loop starts where the zone equipment ends. This is a single point consisting of the return
air duct once all of the zone return air streams have been collected. While in reality, there is really
only one point, for clarity within the simulation components and consistency with the other HVAC
loop sections, this point in the systems is defined as two points: one that resides with the zone
equipment simulation and one that is acted upon by the air loop simulation. Both node names
must be entered into the input file, and both nodes must have unique names. Similarly, the end
points of the air loop that also correspond to the beginning points of the zone equipment loop
must also be defined. These consist of names referencing lists of up to three pairs of node names
as shown below. Up to three air loop outlets are allowed to accommodate the simulation of three
deck systems.

1.26.1.1 Inputs
1.26.1.1.1 Field: Name
This field is a unique, user assigned name for a single instance of an AirLoopHVAC object. Any
other object referencing this AirLoopHVAC will use this name.

1.26.1.1.2 Field: Controller List Name

This field is the name of a ControllerList object. A Controller List is simply a list of controllers
giving both controller name and type. This Controller List specifies all the controllers that will
act on this primary air loop. The order of the controllers in the list is significant: controllers are
simulated sequentially in the order given in the Controller List.

1.26.1.1.3 Field: Availability Manager List Name

This field is the name of a AvailabilityManagerList object. A Availability Manager List is a
list of Availability Managers giving both Availability Manager type and name. The availability
managers in the list apply to this primary air loop. That is, they determine when and if this air
loop is on or off, overriding the control provided by the central fan on/off schedule.

1.26.1.1.4 Field: Design Supply Air Flow Rate

This is the system primary air design volumetric flow rate in cubic meters per second.

1.26.1.1.5 Field: Branch List Name

This field is the object name of a BranchList object (see BranchList and Branch). The Branch-
List named here specifies all the branches composing the primary air system. These branches,
together with the Connectors listed in the ConnectorList, define the primary air system topology.
1028 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.26.1.1.6 Field: Connector List Name

This field is the name of ConnectorList object. This ConnectorList object lists all the Connec-
tors (by type and name) that are included in this primary air system. These Connectors, together
with the Branches in the BranchList, define the topology of the primary air system.

1.26.1.1.7 Field: Supply Side Inlet Node Name

The name of the air entrance node of this primary air system. This is the inlet node for return
air for this air system.

1.26.1.1.8 Field: Demand Side Outlet Node Name

The name of the air outlet node for the zone equipment group (ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections
objects) attached to the primary air system. This should be the outlet node of a AirLoopH-
VAC:ZoneMixer in the AirLoopHVAC:ReturnPath for the zone equipment group attached to this
primary air system.

1.26.1.1.9 Field: Demand Side Inlet Node Names

This field can be the name of a node which is the air inlet node for the zone equipment group
(see ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections objects) attached to this primary air system. Or, this field
can be the name of a node list containing one or more nodes (up to 3). These nodes should be
the inlet nodes to the AirLoopHVAC:ZoneSplitter or AirLoopHVAC:SupplyPlenum in each of the
AirLoopHVAC:SupplyPaths for the zone equipment groups attached to this primary air system.
For single duct systems, there is only one node name in this list. For two and three duct systems,
the order of the nodes in this list must correspond with the order of the nodes in the Supply Side
Outlet Node Names list.

1.26.1.1.10 Field: Supply Side Outlet Node Names

This field can be the name of a node which is the air outlet node for each supply duct of this
primary air system. Or, this field can be the name of a node list containing one or more nodes (up
to 3). The list can contain the names of up to three nodes. For single duct systems, there is only
one node name in this list. For two and three duct systems, the order of the nodes in this list must
correspond with the order of the nodes in the Demand Side Inlet Node Names list.
An example of this statement in an IDF is:

AirLoopHVAC ,
Main Dual Duct Air Loop , ! Primary Air Loop Name
Dual Duct System 1 Controllers , ! Controller List
Dual Duct System 1 Schedule List , ! System Availability Manager List
1.3 , ! Primary air design volumetric flow rate
Dual Duct Air Loop Branches , ! Air Loop Branch List Name
Dual Duct Connectors , ! Air Loop Connector List Name
Supply Fan Inlet Node , ! ReturnAir AirLoop Inlet Node
Return Air Mixer Outlet , ! ZoneEquipGroup Outlet Node
Zone Equipment Inlet Node List , ! SupplyAirPath ZoneEquipGroup Inlet Nodes
Air Loop Outlet Node List ; ! AirLoop Outlet Nodes

1.26.1.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Air System Simulation Cycle On Off Status

• HVAC,Sum,HVAC System Solver Iteration Count []

1.26. GROUP – AIR DISTRIBUTION 1029

• HVAC,Sum,Air System Solver Iteration Count []

• HVAC,Sum,Air System Simulation Maximum Iteration Count []

• HVAC,Sum,Air System Simulation Iteration Count []

• HVAC,Sum,Air System Component Model Simulation Calls []

1.26.1.2.1 Air System Simulation Cycle On Off Status

This field is the availability status of an AirLoopHVAC. This status flag is a result of the
calculations made by the System Availability Manager(s) listed in a System Availability Manager
List. When a single availability manager is used in a System Availability Manager List, this is
also the availability status reported by the specific availability manager (Ref. System Availability
Manager Outputs). When multiple availability managers are used in a System Availability Manager
List, the loop availability status is determine by the rules associated with AirLoopHVACs (see rules
described for Group – System Availability Managers). The control status outputs are represented
using integers 0 through 3.. These integers represent NoAction (0), ForceOff (1), CycleOn (2),
and CycleOnZoneFansOnly (3). Since the status output is averaged, the output result may not
correspond to the values described here when output variable frequencies other than detailed are
used. Use the “detailed” reporting frequency (Ref. Output:Variable object) to view the availability
status at each simulation timestep.

1.26.1.2.2 HVAC System Solver Iteration Count []

1.26.1.2.3 Air System Solver Iteration Count []

1.26.1.2.4 Air System Simulation Maximum Iteration Count []

1.26.1.2.5 Air System Simulation Iteration Count []

1.26.1.2.6 Air System Component Model Simulation Calls []

These variables are simply counters of how many iterations were executed. The count for any
given HVAC time step will be the iterations executed before convergence was achieved, or the max
allowed in which case the simulation throws a warning and proceeds to the next time step.

1.26.1.3 Outputs
This section provides more detailed information on the reporting available for outdoor air ventila-
tion. Sixteen cooling and heating load variables and eight energy summary variables are available
that report the impact of system outdoor air on zone loads, system demand and total energy use.
The representative air system shown in the diagram below shows outdoor air (OA), return air (RA),
supply air (SA) and mixed air (MA).
The overall effect of outdoor air on the system shown above can be summarized by considering
the mixing box. In this system, part or all of the return air is replaced by outdoor air. The presence
of any heat recovery will already be taken into account and thus will automatically be accounted
for by using the outdoor air inlet conditions to the mixing box (point OA in the diagram) rather
than actual outdoor air conditions. Thus, the overall energy impact of outdoor air (ventilation) on
a particular system can be evaluated by multiplying the outdoor air mass flow rate by the enthalpy
1030 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.91: Example System for Ventilation Loads Report

1.26. GROUP – AIR DISTRIBUTION 1031

difference between the outdoor air entering the mixing box (OA) and the return air entering the
mixing box (RA’) as shown in the following equation.

q̇OA = ṁOA (hOA − hRA′ ) = ṁsys (hM A − hRA′ ) (1.99)

1.26.1.3.1 Ventilation Flow Outputs

The fresh air flow into each zones are reported using the ventilation flow output variables. The
total outdoor air flow in a primary air system is divided to each zone based on the fraction of flow
each zone is supplied. There are six variables which deals with the mechanical ventilation flow
reporting. Those six variables are:

1.26.1.3.2 Zone Mechanical Ventilation Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

Reports the average outdoor air mass flow rate to any zone over the reporting interval.

1.26.1.3.3 Zone Mechanical Ventilation Mass [kg]

Reports the total outdoor air mass that has been supplied to any zone over the reporting
interval.

1.26.1.3.4 Zone Mechanical Ventilation Standard Density Volume Flow Rate

[m3/s]
Reports the average outdoor air volume flow rate to any zone over the reporting interval,
calculated using a standard density for air. Standard density in EnergyPlus corresponds to 20ºC
drybulb, dry air, and nominally adjusted for elevation.

1.26.1.3.5 Zone Mechanical Ventilation Standard Density Volume [m3]

Reports the total outdoor air volume that has been supplied to a zone over the reporting
interval, calculated using a standard density for air. Standard density in EnergyPlus corresponds
to 20ºC drybulb, dry air, and nominally adjusted for elevation.

1.26.1.3.6 Zone Mechanical Ventilation Current Density Volume Flow Rate

[m3/s]
Reports the average outdoor air volume flow rate to any zone over the reporting interval,
calculated using the current density for zone air.

1.26.1.3.7 Zone Mechanical Ventilation Current Density Volume [m3]

Reports the total outdoor air volume that has been supplied to a zone over the reporting
interval, calculated using the current density for zone air.

1.26.1.3.8 Zone Mechanical Ventilation Air Changes per Hour [ach]

Reports the air changes per hour in the zone due to the outside fresh air supplied by mechanical
ventilation system.
The example syntax below shows the basic ventilation flow variables reported on an hourly
basis.

• Output:Variable,*,Zone Mechanical Ventilation Mass Flow Rate,Hourly;

• Output:Variable,*,Zone Mechanical Ventilation Mass,Hourly;

1032 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• Output:Variable,*,Zone Mechanical Ventilation Standard Density Volume Flow Rate,Hourly;

• Output:Variable,*,Zone Mechanical Ventilation Standard Density Volume,Hourly;

• Output:Variable,*,Zone Mechanical Ventilation Current Density Volume Flow Rate,Hourly;

• Output:Variable,*,Zone Mechanical Ventilation Current Density Volume,Hourly;

• Output:Variable,*, Zone Mechanical Ventilation Air Changes per Hour,Hourly;

1.26.1.3.9 Ventilation Load Reports

The impact of system outdoor air on a particular zone may be calculated by summing the mass
flow weighted q̇OA over the supply air paths (both cooling and heating) serving the zone as follows:
AirP∑
athN um
ṁn
q̇OA,Zone 1 = q̇OA (1.100)
ṁsys
n=1

Four output variables each for cooling and heating report the impact of the ventilation air on
the zone load in the absence of ventilation air system interactions. The ventilation load output
variables are:

1.26.1.3.10 Zone Mechanical Ventilation Cooling Load Increase Due to Over-

heating Energy [J]

1.26.1.3.11 Zone Mechanical Ventilation Heating Load Increase Due to Over-

cooling Energy [J]
The cooling/heating load that would occur once ventilation air met the zone cooling/heating
load and continued to overcool/overheat the zone. No system effects are accounted for.

1.26.1.3.12 Zone Mechanical Ventilation Cooling Load Decrease Energy [J]

1.26.1.3.13 Zone Mechanical Ventilation Heating Load Decrease[J]

The decrease in zone cooling/heating load that would occur as a result of ventilation air intro-
duced directly into the zone. No system effects are accounted for.

1.26.1.3.14 Zone Mechanical Ventilation No Load Heat Removal Energy [J]

1.26.1.3.15 Zone Mechanical Ventilation No Load Heat Addition Energy [J]

The addition or removal of heat to a zone with no load. The heat addition or removal is due
to mechanical ventilation while the zone thermostat is in the deadband.
To summarize:
Cooling:
1. Zone Mechanical Ventilation No Load Heat Removal Energy [J]
Cooling that would be provided directly to zone by ventilation air. Ventilation occurred with
no zone load.
2. Zone Mechanical Ventilation Cooling Load Increase Energy [J]
The increase in zone cooling load that would occur as a result of ventilation air introduced
directly into the zone. No system effects are accounted for.
1.26. GROUP – AIR DISTRIBUTION 1033

3. Zone Mechanical Ventilation Cooling Load Increase Due to Overheating Energy

[J]
The cooling load that would occur once ventilation air met the zone heating load and continued
to overheat the zone. No system effects are accounted for.
4. Zone Mechanical Ventilation Cooling Load Decrease Energy [J]
The decrease in zone cooling load that would occur as a result of ventilation air introduced
directly into the zone. No system effects are accounted for.
Heating:
1. Zone Mechanical Ventilation No Load Heat Addition Energy [J]
Heating that would be provided directly to zone by ventilation air. Ventilation occurred with
no zone load.
2. Zone Mechanical Ventilation Heating Load Increase Energy [J]
The increase in zone heating load that would occur as a result of ventilation air introduced
directly into the zone. No system effects are accounted for.
3. Zone Mechanical Ventilation Heating Load Increase Due to Overcooling Energy
[J]
The heating load that would occur once ventilation air met the zone cooling load and continued
to overcool the zone. No system effects are accounted for.
4. Zone Mechanical Ventilation Heating Load Decrease Energy [J]
The decrease in zone heating load that would occur as a result of ventilation air introduced
directly into the zone. No system effects are accounted for.
The output variables are calculated by comparing the zone ventilation load with the zone cooling
or heating load. ‘Ventilation cooling’ decreases the zone cooling load until the cooling load has
been eliminated. The remaining ‘ventilation cooling’ is reported as ‘overcooling’. ‘Overheating’
is calculated in the same manner. The actual system operation, which determines whether or
not an ‘overcooling’ or ‘overheating’ load actually results in increased energy consumption, is not
considered in the calculation of these output variables.
The ventilation zone load output variables are shown in Table 1.40. The variables report the
maximum potential “cost” or “benefit” of ventilation air introduced directly into the zone.

Table 1.40: Ventilation Load Output Variables

No Zone Load Zone Cooling Load Zone Heating Load

Ventilation Cooling Zone Mechanical Ven- Zone Mechanical Ven- Zone Mechanical Ven-
tilation No Load Heat tilation Cooling Load tilation Heating Load
Removal Energy Decrease Energy Increase Energy
Zone Mechanical Ven-
tilation Heating Load
Increase Due to Over-
cooling Energy
Ventilation Heating Zone Mechanical Ven- Zone Mechanical Ven- Zone Mechanical Ven-
tilation No Load Heat tilation Cooling Load tilation Heating Load
Addition Energy Increase Energy Decrease Energy
1034 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Table 1.40: Ventilation Load Output Variables

No Zone Load Zone Cooling Load Zone Heating Load

Zone Mechanical Ven-

tilation Cooling Load
Increase Due to Over-
heating Energy

The example syntax below shows the basic ventilation load variables reported on a monthly
basis.

• Output:Variable,*,Zone Mechanical Ventilation Heating Load Increase Energy,monthly;

• Output:Variable,*,Zone Mechanical Ventilation Heating Load Decrease Energy,monthly;

• Output:Variable,*,Zone Mechanical Ventilation No Load Heat Addition Energy,monthly;

• Output:Variable,*,Zone Mechanical Ventilation Cooling Load Increase Energy,monthly;

• Output:Variable,*,Zone Mechanical Ventilation Cooling Load Decrease Energy,monthly;

• Output:Variable,*,Zone Mechanical Ventilation No Load Heat Removal Energy,monthly;

Reporting on a timestep or hourly level would produce a detailed report with variables inter-
mingled with the other output variables that might be requested in the input file.
Another method will more easily encapsulate the report:

OutputControl:Table:Style , HTML; !- ColumnSeparator

Output:Table:Monthly ,
Ventilation Loads , !- Name
, !- DigitsAfterDecimal
Zone Mechanical Ventilation No Load Heat Removal Energy ,
SumOrAverage ,
Zone Mechanical Ventilation Cooling Load Increase Due to Overheating Energy ,
SumOrAverage ,
Zone Mechanical Ventilation Cooling Load Decrease Energy ,
SumOrAverage ,
Zone Mechanical Ventilation Cooling Load Increase Energy ,
SumOrAverage ,
Zone Mechanical Ventilation No Load Heat Addition Energy ,
SumOrAverage ,
Zone Mechanical Ventilation Heating Load Increase Due to Overcooling Energy ,
SumOrAverage ,
Zone Mechanical Ventilation Heating Load Decrease Energy ,
SumOrAverage ,
Zone Mechanical Ventilation Heating Load Increase Energy ,
SumOrAverage;

This combination will report the ventilation loads on a monthly basis in a HTML style report
that can be easily read in a web browser. Review the Output:Table:Monthly object for other
methods of display or further options on this report item.
1.26. GROUP – AIR DISTRIBUTION 1035

1.26.2 Systems Level Reporting

Most output variables are a single entity reporting. Meters are a combination of like variables –
specifically for Energy Consumption. This section introduces a slightly different concept – where
output variables described herein are a combination of several similar items – specifically targeted
at HVAC/System level reporting. This reporting is coupled with an Air Loop (ref: AirLoopHVAC)
All items shown in this section are typical “output variables” and can be reported with the
Output:Variable object.
Or, as is shown by example here, perhaps a more readable form is to generate them in Tabular
Form with the “Output:Table:Monthly” object.

Figure 1.92: View of System Level Reporting

1036 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.26.3 System Loads Outputs

In this category, the total system load is reported. Two aspects are reported here: Heating and
Cooling. The following two variables report the heat energy that system components (including
packaged equipment, fans, main coils, reheat coils, humidifiers, desiccant dehumidifiers, evaporative
coolers and heat exchangers) add or remove from the air loop. Each variable within these grouping
wil

1.26.3.1 Air System Total Heating Energy

Heat Addition to the Air Loop (Sum of all components) in Joules

1.26.3.2 Air System Total Cooling Energy

Heat Removal from the Air Loop (Sum of all components) in Joules
In ‘Output:Table:Monthly’ format shown below.

OutputControl:Table:Style ,HTML;

Output:Table:Monthly ,
System Loads , !- Name
, !- DigitsAfterDecimal
Air System Total Heating Energy , SumOrAverage ,
Air System Total Cooling Energy , SumOrAverage;

1.26.4 System Energy Use Outputs

System Energy Use consists of six output variables that report the total energy (in Joules) and
water consumption (in m3 ) for all system components and including packaged equipment, fans,
main coils, reheat coils, humidifiers, desiccant dehumidifiers, and evaporative coolers. The output
variables shown below show hot and cold water, steam, electric and gas energy. Hot and cold water
energy includes all ‘district cooling’ and ‘district heating’ energy.

1.26.4.1 Air System Hot Water Energy

Hot Water Consumption for the system (Joules).

1.26.4.2 Air System Steam Energy

Steam Consumption for the system (Joules).

1.26.4.3 Air System Chilled Water Energy

Chilled Water Consumption for the system (Joules).

1.26.4.4 Air System Electric Energy

Electric Consumption for the system (Joules).

1.26.4.5 Air System Gas Energy

Gas (Natural Gas and Propane) Consumption for the system (Joules).
1.26. GROUP – AIR DISTRIBUTION 1037

1.26.4.6 Air System Water Volume

Water Consumption for the system (humidifiers and evaporative coolers) (m3).
The Standard reports file includes these variables reporting in the Tabular report form as “Air
Loop System Energy and Water Use”.

OutputControl:Table:Style ,HTML;

Output:Table:Monthly ,
Air Loop System Energy and Water Use , !- Name
, !- DigitsAfterDecimal
Air System Hot Water Energy , SumOrAverage ,
Air System Steam Energy , SumOrAverage ,
Air System Chilled Water Energy , SumOrAverage ,
Air System Electric Energy , SumOrAverage ,
Air System Gas Energy , SumOrAverage ,
Air System Water Volume , SumOrAverage;

1.26.5 System Component Loads Outputs

Reporting System Component Loads shows the energy transferred to or extracted from the air
loop by system component type. Fans, Cooling Coils, Heating Coils, Heat exchangers, humidifiers,
evaporative coolers, and desiccant dehumidifiers show heat transfer rates in Joules. The components
may be located in outdoor air systems bundled with packaged equipment or specified as stand-alone
components. The reporting accounts for both main branch and reheat coils.
The Standard reports file includes these variables reporting in the Tabular report form as “Air
Loop System Component Loads”.

OutputControl:Table:Style ,HTML;

Output:Table:Monthly ,
Air Loop System Component Loads , !- Name
, !- DigitsAfterDecimal
Air System Fan Air Heating Energy , SumOrAverage ,
Air System Cooling Coil Total Cooling Energy , SumOrAverage ,
Air System Heating Coil Total Heating Energy , SumOrAverage ,
Air System Heat Exchanger Total Heating Energy , SumOrAverage ,
Air System Heat Exchanger Total Cooling Energy , SumOrAverage ,
Air System Humidifier Total Heating Energy , SumOrAverage ,
Air System Evaporative Cooler Total Cooling Energy , SumOrAverage ,
Air System Desiccant Dehumidifier Total Cooling Energy , SumOrAverage;

1.26.5.1 Air System Fan Air Heating Energy

Energy added to the air loop by Fans (Joules)

1.26.5.2 Air System Cooling Coil Total Cooling Energy

Energy removed from air loop by Cooling Coils (Joules)

1.26.5.3 Air System Heating Coil Total Heating Energy

Energy added to air loop by Heating Coils (Joules)
1038 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.26.5.4 Air System Heat Exchanger Total Heating Energy

Energy added to air loop by air-to-air heat recovery heat exchangers (Joules)

1.26.5.5 Air System Heat Exchanger Total Cooling Energy

Energy removed from air loop by air-to-air heat recovery heat exchangers (Joules)

1.26.5.6 Air System Humidifier Total Heating Energy

Energy added to air loop by humidifiers (Joules)

1.26.5.7 Air System Evaporative Cooler Total Cooling Energy

Energy removed from air loop by evaporative coolers (Joules)

1.26.5.8 Air System Desiccant Dehumidifier Total Cooling Energy

Energy removed from air loop by desiccant dehumidifiers (Joules)

1.26.5.9 Air System Solar Collector Total Heating Energy

Energy added to air loop by solar collectors (Joules)

1.26.5.10 Air System Solar Collector Total Cooling Energy

Energy removed from air loop by solar collectors (Joules)

1.26.5.11 Air System User Defined Air Terminal Total Heating Energy
Energy added to air loop by user defined air terminal units (Joules)

1.26.5.12 Air System User Defined Air Terminal Total Cooling Energy
Energy removed from air loop by user defined air terminal units (Joules)

1.26.6 System Component Energy Use Outputs

Reporting System Component Energy Use consists of eleven output variables that report the total
energy consumption (in Joules) of system components by energy type and coil type. Electric
energy consumption is reported for fans, heating and cooling coils in packaged (DX) systems,
electric resistance heating coils, humidifiers, evaporative coolers and desiccant dehumidifiers.

1.26.6.1 Air System Fan Electric Energy

Electric consumption for fans. (Joules)

1.26.6.2 Air System Heating Coil Hot Water Energy

Consumption for heating coil hot water (both purchased and plant supplied) (Joules)
1.26. GROUP – AIR DISTRIBUTION 1039

1.26.6.3 Air System Cooling Coil Chilled Water Energy

Consumption for cooling coil chilled water (both purchased and plant supplied) (Joules)

1.26.6.4 Air System DX Heating Coil Electric Energy

Compressor plus condenser fan electricity use. (Joules)

1.26.6.5 Air System DX Cooling Coil Electric Energy

Compressor plus condenser fan electricity use. (Joules)

1.26.6.6 Air System Heating Coil Electric Energy

Electricity consumption for the heating coil. (Joules)

1.26.6.7 Air System Heating Coil Gas Energy

Gas (Propane and Natural Gas) consumption for the heating coil. (Joules)

1.26.6.8 Air System Heating Coil Steam Energy

Steam consumption for the heating coil (steam coils). (Joules)

1.26.6.9 Air System Humidifier Electric Energy

Electricity consumption for the humidifiers. (Joules)

1.26.6.10 Air System Evaporative Cooler Electric Energy

Electricity consumption for the evaporative coolers. (Joules)

1.26.6.11 Air System Desiccant Dehumidifier Electric Energy

Electricity consumption for the desiccant dehumidifiers. (Joules)
The Standard reports file includes these variables reporting in the Tabular report form as “Air
Loop System Component Energy Use”.

OutputControl:Table:Style ,HTML;

Output:Table:Monthly ,
Air Loop System Component Energy Use , !- Name
, !- DigitsAfterDecimal
Air System Fan Electric Energy , SumOrAverage ,
Air System Heating Coil Hot Water Energy , SumOrAverage ,
Air System Cooling Coil Chilled Water Energy , SumOrAverage ,
Air System DX Heating Coil Electric Energy , SumOrAverage ,
Air System DX Cooling Coil Electric Energy , SumOrAverage ,
Air System Heating Coil Electric Energy , SumOrAverage ,
Air System Heating Coil Gas Energy , SumOrAverage ,
Air System Heating Coil Steam Energy , SumOrAverage ,
Air System Humidifier Electric Energy , SumOrAverage ,
Air System Evaporative Cooler Electric Energy , SumOrAverage ,
Air System Desiccant Dehumidifier Electric Energy , SumOrAverage;
1040 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.26.7 Overall Air Loop Syntax

A map for Air Loop input syntax is shown in the following diagram.

Figure 1.93: Air Loop Input Syntax Map

1.26.8 AirLoopHVAC:ControllerList
The syntax for the AirLoopHVAC:ControllerList definition is shown below. As with other lists in
EnergyPlus input, the object title and identifying name are followed by type-name pairs. In this
case, the types are controller types. The order in which controllers appear on this list also define
the priority as described below. The identifying name refers back to the name recorded in the
AirLoopHVAC statement.

1.26.8.1 Inputs
1.26.8.1.1 Field: Name
The user designated unique name of an instance of a Controller List. Any object referencing
this Controller List will do so using this name.

1.26.8.1.2 Field Set (Object Type, Controller Name) up to 8

After the identifying name, input for the controller list consists of up to 8 pairs of data items: a
controller type and a controller name. The first controller listed has the highest priority, the second
the second highest priority, and so forth.
1.26. GROUP – AIR DISTRIBUTION 1041

1.26.8.1.3 Field: Controller <x> Object Type

The type of controller. This should be a key word defining a class of controllers such as
Controller:WaterCoil.

1.26.8.1.4 Field: Controller <x> Name

The name of a controller object (such as a Controller:WaterCoil) defined elsewhere in the input
file.
An example of this statement in an IDF is:

AirLoopHVAC:ControllerList ,
Dual Duct System 1 Controllers ,
Controller:WaterCoil , Main Cooling Coil Controller ,
Controller:WaterCoil , Main Heating Coil Controller;

1.26.9 AvailabilityManagerAssignmentList
The AvailabilityManagerAssignmentList defines the applicable managers used for an AirLoopHVAC
or PlantLoop. The priority of availability managers is based on a set of rules and are specific to the
type of loop. The output from each Availability Manager is an availability status flag. This flag can
have the values NoAction, ForceOff, CycleOn, or CycleOnZoneFansOnly (used only for air loops).
The availability status flags for the Availability Managers referenced by an air or plant loop are used
to set the availability status flag for each loop. For the air loops, ForceOff takes precedence: if any
of the loop’s availability managers are showing status ForceOff, the loop status will be ForceOff.
Next in precedence is CycleOnZoneFansOnly, followed by CycleOn, and NoAction. For the plant
loops, there is no precedence among the Availability Manager status flag values. Instead, the first
availability manager giving a status flag value other than NoAction sets the status for the loop.
The Availability Managers are executed in Availability Manager List order.
Special rules also apply for which managers may be listed in a Availability Manager list. The
Hybrid Ventilation Control Manager (object: AvailabilityManager:HybridVentilation) is a special
type of manager and is never specified in a Availability Manager List (it is used stand-alone for
a specific air loop). All other types of availability managers may be listed in the Availability
Manager List used for AirLoopHVACs. For Plant Loops, the Night Cycle and Night Ventilation
managers (objects: AvailabilityManager:NightCycle and AvailabilityManager:NightVentilation) are
not allowed in the Availability Manager List.

1.26.9.1 Inputs
1.26.9.1.1 Field: Name
The name of the AvailabilityManagerAssignmentList object. This is referenced by AirLoopH-
VAC and PlantLoop objects.

1.26.9.1.2 Field Set (Availability Manager Object Type, Name)

Managers are listed by pairs of data items: Availability Manager Object Type and Availability
Manager Name. The managers are simulated down the list and calculate a control status for use
by the AirLoopHVAC or PlantLoop. The priority of each manager used for a specific loop is based
on the rules described above. Availability managers are not currently used for condenser loops.
The availability managers, along with the AirLoopHVAC and PlantLoop object, report the control
status calculated each simulation timestep. These output variables can be used to prioritize the
1042 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

managers according to the required control strategy. Six managers are accomodated in the list by
default, however, this IDD specification is extensible. Additional pairs may be added by directly
editing the IDD.

1.26.9.1.3 Field: Availability Manager <x> Object Type

The key word defining the type of manager, e.g. AvailabilityManager:NightCycle.

1.26.9.1.4 Field: Availability Manager<x> Name

The name of a AvailabilityManager object defined elsewhere in the input file.
An example of this statement in an IDF is:

AvailabilityManagerAssignmentList ,
Collector Loop Availability Manager List , !- Name
AvailabilityManager :HighTemperatureTurnOff , !- System Availability Manager Type 1
High Temperature Turn Off Availability Manager , !- System Availability Manager Name 1
AvailabilityManager :LowTemperatureTurnOn , !- System Availability Manager Type 2
Low Temperature Turn On Availability Manager , !- System Availability Manager Name 2
AvailabilityManager :DifferentialThermostat , !- System Availability Manager Type 3
Differential Thermostat Availability Manager; !- System Availability Manager Name 3

1.26.10 AirLoopHVAC:OutdoorAirSystem
The Outside Air System (object AirLoopHVAC:OutdoorAirSystem) is a subsystem of an AirLoopH-
VAC. It handles the mixed air portion of the primary air system: the system relief air, the outside
air inlet, and any components and controllers associated with the system relief air and outside air
streams. From the perspective of the primary air loop the Outside Air System is treated as a single
component. As a subsystem, it can contain one or more components and controllers.
The input for the Outside Air System consists of a system name, a controller list name, an
equipment list name, and an availability manager list name. The controller list simply lists, by
type and unique name, all the controllers in the subsystem. The controllers will be simulated in
list order. The equipment list lists all the components in the subsystem, by type and name. The
equipment is simulated in list order. Finally, the availability manager list gives the type and name
of the availability managers used by the subsystem.
The equipment inlet/outlet must be sequential with no loops - the simulation can only handle a
straight-through air path, both on the primary air side and on the secondary air side, if any. Heat
exchanger secondary air inlets need to be independent of the primary air stream – usually relief air
is used.

1.26.10.1 Inputs
1.26.10.1.1 Field: Name
The unique, user assigned name for a single instance of an Outside Air System. Any other
object referencing this Outside Air System will use this name.

1.26.10.1.2 Field: Name: Controller List Name

This field is the name of a AirLoopHVAC:ControllerList object. A AirLoopHVAC:ControllerList
is simply a list of controllers giving both controller name and type. This Controller List specifies
all the controllers that will act on this outside air system. The order of the controllers in the
list is significant: controllers are simulated sequentially in the order given in the Controller List.
1.26. GROUP – AIR DISTRIBUTION 1043

Typically the Controller List would contain a Controller:OutdoorAir. If there are chilled water or
hot water coils in the outdoor air system, each such coil will need a Controller:WaterCoil.

1.26.10.1.3 Field: Outdoor Air Equipment List Name

This field is the name of an AirLoopHVAC:OutdoorAirSystem:EquipmentList object. An Air-
LoopHVAC:OutdoorAirSystem:EquipmentList is simply a list of components giving both compo-
nent name and type. This Outdoor Air Equipment List specifies all the components that will be
simulated in this outside air system. The order of the components in the list is significant: compo-
nents are simulated sequentially in the order given in the Outdoor Air Equipment List. Typically
the equipment list would contain at least an OutdoorAir:Mixer. If there is more than one compo-
nent, the components must be listed in order from the outside air to the OutdoorAir:Mixer (the
OutdoorAir:Mixer is last).

1.26.10.1.4 Field: Availability Manager List Name

This field is the name of a AvailabilityManagerAssignmentList object. An Availability Manager
List is a list of Availability Managers giving both Availability Manager Object Type and Name.
Use of this input is optional. This field may be omitted; it is not currently used by the program.
An IDF example, including the AirLoopHVAC, and the controller and equipment lists.

AirLoopHVAC ,Typical Terminal Reheat 1,

Reheat System 1 Controllers ,
Reheat System 1 Avail List ,
1.3,
Air Loop Branches ,,
Air Loop Inlet Node , Return Air Mixer Outlet ,
Zone Equipment Inlet Node , Air Loop Outlet Node;

AirLoopHVAC:ControllerList ,
Reheat System 1 Controllers ,
Controller:WaterCoil , Main Cooling Coil Controller;

BranchList , Air Loop Branches ,

Air Loop Main Branch;

Branch , Air Loop Main Branch ,

1.3,
,
AirLoopHVAC:OutdoorAirSystem , OA Sys 1,
Air Loop Inlet Node , Mixed Air Node ,PASSIVE
Fan:ConstantVolume , Supply Fan 1,
Mixed Air Node , Cooling Coil Air Inlet Node , ACTIVE ,
Coil:Cooling:Water:DetailedGeometry , Detailed Cooling Coil ,
Cooling Coil Air Inlet Node , Air Loop Outlet Node , PASSIVE;

AvailabilityManagerAssignmentList , Reheat System 1 Avail List ,

AvailabilityManager:Scheduled , Reheat System 1 Avail;

AvailabilityManager:Scheduled , Reheat System 1 Avail ,

FanAndCoilAvailSched ;

AirLoopHVAC:OutdoorAirSystem ,
OA Sys 1,
OA Sys 1 Controllers ,
OA Sys 1 Equipment;

AirLoopHVAC:ControllerList ,
OA Sys 1 Controllers ,
Controller:OutdoorAir , OA Controller 1;

AirLoopHVAC:OutdoorAirSystem:EquipmentList ,
1044 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

OA Sys 1 Equipment ,
HeatExchanger:AirToAir:FlatPlate ,OA Heat Recovery 1,
OutdoorAir:Mixer , OA Mixing Box 1;

1.26.10.2 Outputs
The impact of using outside air/mechanical ventilation is described in the section: Outdoor Air
Ventilation Outputs.

1.26.11 AirLoopHVAC:OutdoorAirSystem:EquipmentList
Used to specify the components in the outdoor air system. The components will be simulated in
the order in which they occur in the list.
The following HVAC equipment types are allowed as outdoor air system equipment. The
component matrix shows which coils and fans are allowed with which equipment models.

Figure 1.94:

1.26.11.1 Inputs
1.26.11.1.1 Field: Name
The user designated unique name of an instance of an Air Loop Equipment List. Any object
referencing this Air Loop Equipment List will do so using this name.

1.26.11.1.2 Field Set (Component Object Type„ Component Name) up to 8

After the identifying name, the list consists of up to 8 pairs of data items:

1.26.11.1.3 Field: Component <x> Object Type

This field specifies the keyword for the type of component used.
1.26. GROUP – AIR DISTRIBUTION 1045

1.26.11.1.4 Field: Component <x> Name

This field is the unique name of the component specified in the previous field. This named
object must appear in the IDF.
An example from an IDF:

AirLoopHVAC:OutdoorAirSystem:EquipmentList ,
OA Sys 1 Equipment ,
HeatExchanger:AirToAir:FlatPlate ,OA Heat Recovery 1,
OutdoorAir:Mixer , OA Mixing Box 1;

1.26.12 OutdoorAir:Node
The OutdoorAir:Node object declares an HVAC system node for outdoor air conditions. The
program automatically sets the air conditions at these nodes to correspond to the ambient envi-
ronmental conditions at the beginning of every timestep. The outdoor air node is typically used
as the inlet air node to an HVAC component such as the OutdoorAir:Mixer object. Multiple Out-
doorAir:Node objects can be used in an input file, however, duplicate node names are not allowed.
The Height Above Ground field is used to adjust the weather file air conditions, e.g., outdoor
dry-bulb and wet-bulb air temperatures, for atmospheric variation with height. This variation can
become a significant factor when modeling tall buildings. See the Engineering Reference section
on Atmospheric Variation for a description of the algorithm for variation of atmospheric properties
with height. A blank entry or a value less than zero for this field indicates that the height will be
ignored and the weather file conditions will be used.
OutdoorAir:Node and OutdoorAir:NodeList both set a node to outdoor air conditions.
OutdoorAir:Node modifies the weather file conditions if a height has been specified. Out-
doorAir:NodeList does not have a height input and always uses the weather file conditions
without modification. The same node name may not be used with both of these objects.

1.26.12.1 Inputs
1.26.12.1.1 Field: Name
The unique name for this outdoor air node.

1.26.12.1.2 Field: Height Above Ground

The height [m] of the node above ground level. A value greater than zero allows the weather
file conditions, e.g., outdoor dry-bulb and wet-bulb air temperatures, to be adjusted according to
atmospheric variation with height.
A blank entry or value less than zero indicates that the height will be ignored and the weather
file conditions will be used.
An example IDF:

OutdoorAir:Node ,
OA Node 1; !- Name

OutdoorAir:Node ,
Floor 10 Outdoor air Inlet Node , !- Name
30.0; !- Height Above Ground {m}
1046 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.26.13 Outdoor Air Node outputs:

The ambient dry-bulb air temperature and flow rate at the outdoor air node can be monitored
using the system node output variables:

• HVAC,Average,System Node Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,System Node Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

e.g.

Output:Variable ,
Floor 10 Outdoor air Inlet Node ,
System Node Temperature ,
Hourly;

1.26.14 OutdoorAir:NodeList
The program needs to know which HVAC system nodes are inlets for outdoor air. Knowing this, the
program can set the conditions at these nodes to the outdoor conditions at the start of each major
timestep. The OutdoorAir:NodeList provides the means for specifying which nodes are outdoor air
nodes.
The input is flexible: there may be one or more OutdoorAir:NodeList in each input file. Each
list contains up to 25 names. The names can be the name of a unique HVAC system node, or the
name of a Node List which will contain the actual node names. Duplicate node names are ignored.
OutdoorAir:Node and OutdoorAir:NodeList both set a node to outdoor air conditions.
OutdoorAir:Node modifies the weather file conditions if a height has been specified. Out-
doorAir:NodeList does not have a height input and always uses the weather file conditions
without modification. The same node name may not be used with both of these objects.

1.26.14.1 Inputs
1.26.14.1.1 Field: Node or NodeList name
The name of an HVAC system node or of a NodeList object. There can be up to 25 names.
An example IDF:

OutdoorAir:NodeList ,
OutsideAirInletNodes;

NodeList ,OutsideAirInletNodes ,
Outdoor air Inlet Node;

1.26.15 OutdoorAir:Mixer
The OutdoorAir:Mixer is the most common component used in an outdoor air system. The outdoor
air mixer has 2 inlet air streams: the system return air and the outdoor air. It has 2 outlet air
streams: the system relief air and the mixed air. This is a passive component. It takes the inlet
mass flows and conditions plus the relief air mass flow and calculates the mixed air flow rate and
conditions (as well as the relief air conditions). The inlet and relief mass flow must be set outside
the component – most commonly by an outdoor air controller. The OutdoorAir:Mixer can also be
used in compound components such as a fan coil unit.
1.27. GROUP – AIRFLOW NETWORK 1047

Input for this object is very simple: a unique name plus the node names of the 2 inlet nodes
and the 2 outlet nodes.

1.26.15.1 Inputs
1.26.15.1.1 Field: Name
A unique user assigned name for a particular outdoor air mixer component. Any reference to
this component by another object will use this name.

1.26.15.1.2 Field: Mixed Air Node Name

The name of the HVAC system node which is the outlet for the mixed air stream.

1.26.15.1.3 Field: Outdoor Air Stream Node Name

The name of the HVAC system node which is the inlet for the outdoor air stream.

1.26.15.1.4 Field: Relief Air Stream Node Name

The name of the HVAC system node which is the outlet for the system relief air.

1.26.15.1.5 Field: Return Air Stream Node Name

The name of the HVAC system node which is the inlet for the return air stream.
An IDF example:

OutdoorAir:Mixer ,
Zone1WindACOAMixer , ! name
Zone1WindACOAMixerOutletNode , ! mixer outlet node
Zone1WindACOAInNode , ! mixer OA node
Zone1WindACExhNode , ! mixer relief node
Zone1WindACAirInletNode ; ! mixer inlet node

1.27 Group – Airflow Network

1.27.1 Overview
The Airflow Network model provides the ability to simulate multizone airflows driven by wind
and also by a forced air distribution system. The model can also simulate the heat and moisture
gains or losses from the air distribution system itself (e.g., ductwork). When modeling an air
distribution system, the current version of the Airflow Network model is restricted to a single forced
air system (i.e., AirLoopHVAC object) with a constant volume supply air fan (Fan:ConstantVolume
or Fan:OnOff). The capabilities of the model are to:

• Simulate zone pressures due to envelope leakage and forced air distribution during HVAC
system fan operation
• Simulate node pressures in a forced air distribution system during HVAC system fan operation
• Calculate multizone airflows due to forced air, wind, and surface leakage, including adjacent
zones and outdoors, during HVAC system fan operation
• Simulate distribution system airflows, including supply and return air leaks, during HVAC
system fan operation
1048 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• Simulate air distribution system node temperatures and humidity ratios during HVAC system
fan operation

• Calculate duct conduction losses during HVAC system fan operation

• Calculate vapor diffusion losses of ducts during HVAC system fan operation

• Calculate sensible and latent loads on the surrounding zones due to supply and return air
leaks in the air distribution system during HVAC system fan operation

• Simulate zone pressures due to envelope leakage driven by wind when the HVAC system fan
is off or if no air distribution system is specified

• Calculate multizone airflows due to wind and surface leakage, including adjacent zones and
outdoors when the HVAC system fan is off or if no air distribution system is specified

• Allow zone exhaust fans to be included as part of the airflow network

• For airflow networks with a forced air distribution system, calculate zone sensible and la-
tent loads for two different supply air fan operation modes as required: cycling fan, cycling
compressor (CyclingFanAndCompressor) and continuous fan, cycling compressor (Continu-
ousFanWithCyclingCompressor)

1.27.2 Summary of Objects

Before describing the Airflow Network input objects in detail, we list all of the objects and then
give a short description of what the objects do.
The Airflow Network input objects are:
AirflowNetwork:SimulationControl
AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Zone
AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface
AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:SimpleOpening
AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:DetailedOpening
AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:HorizontalOpening
AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Surface:Crack
AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:ReferenceCrackConditions
AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Surface:EffectiveLeakageArea
AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:ZoneExhaustFan
AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:ExternalNode
AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:WindPressureCoefficientArray
AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:WindPressureCoefficientValues
AirflowNetwork:Intrazone:Node
AirflowNetwork:Intrazone:Linkage
AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Node
AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:Leak
AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:LeakageRatio
AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:Duct
AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:ConstantPressureDrop
AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:ConstantVolumeFan
AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:Coil
1.27. GROUP – AIRFLOW NETWORK 1049

AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:HeatExchanger
AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:TerminalUnit
AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Linkage

• AirflowNetwork:SimulationControl defines basic run parameters for the air flow calcula-
tions and specifies whether wind pressure coefficients are input by the user or, for rectangular
buildings, calculated by the program.

• The AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Zone object specifies the ventilation control that applies

to all of the openable exterior and interior windows and doors in the corresponding thermal
zone. Surface-level ventilation control can be used to override the zone-level ventilation
control if required (see AirflowNetwork: Multizone:Surface object below).

• AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface object indicates whether a heat transfer sur-

face (wall, window, etc.) has a crack or opening and references an AirflowNet-
work:MultiZone:Surface:Crack, AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Surface:EffectiveLeakageArea,
AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:SimpleOpening, AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Compone
AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:HorizontalOpening or AirflowNet-
work:MultiZone:Component:ZoneExhaustFan object that gives the air flow charac-
teristics of that crack, opening, or zone exhaust fan. The AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface
object can also be used to specify individual ventilation control for openable exterior and
interior windows and doors.

• AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:ReferenceCrackConditions is used to normalize crack in-

formation that is based on measurements of crack air flow.

• AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Node represents air distribution system nodes for the Air-

flowNetwork model. A set of an AirLoopHVAC and ZoneHVAC:EquipmentList nodes is a
subset of the AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Nodes.

• AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component objects consist of Leak, LeakageRatio,

Duct, ConstantPressureDrop, ConstantVolumeFan, Coil, and TerminalUnit. The
components provide a relationship between pressure and airflow. The Leak and Leakage
components can be used to simulate supply and/or return leaks in an air distribution
system. The Duct and ConstantPressureDrop components can be used to deliver
forced air into conditioned spaces. The components ConstantVolumeFan, Coil, and
TerminalUnit reference normal EnergyPlus objects. The Airflow Network model gets
information from these objects to perform an airflow network simulation.

• AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Linkage object represents a connection between two

node objects and an AirflowNetwork component. The node objects can be an Air-
flowNetwork:Distribution:Node, AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:ExternalNode or AirflowNet-
work:Multizone:Zone.

If you input wind pressure coefficients, AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface also has

an associated AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:ExternalNode, that, via the AirflowNet-
work:Multizone:WindPressureCoefficientArray and AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:WindPressureCoeffi
objects, gives the wind pressure distribution vs. wind direction for that node and, implicitly, for
the cracks and openings in the exterior surfaces associated with that node.
1050 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.95 shows the relationships among AirflowNetwork:Multizone objects and between Air-
flowNetwork:Multizone objects and regular EnergyPlus objects. In this figure an arrow from object
A to object B means A references B, i.e., one of the inputs in A is the name of object B. For example,
one input for AirflowNetwork: Multizone:Surface is the name of a heat transfer surface, and another
is the name of a crack or opening object. The arrow between AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface
and AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:ExternalNode is shown dashed to indicate that this reference is not
used when wind pressure coefficients are calculated by the program rather than being input by the
user.

Figure 1.95 also shows the relationships among AirflowNetwork:Distribution objects and
between AirflowNetwork:Distribution objects and regular EnergyPlus objects. The AirflowNet-
work:Distribution:Linkage objects link two nodes from AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Node and/or
AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Zone objects with a component defined in the object AirflowNet-
work:Distribution:Component. The solid arrows show a reference from object A to object B. The
dashed arrows indicate the components which can be used in a linkage object. The red arrows
pointing to the Zone object indicate the components that interact with the zone air. For example,
the temperature in a zone where a supply leak terminates is used to calculate duct leakage energy
loss. The temperature in a zone where a duct component is located is also used to calculate duct
conduction loss.

Much of the information needed for the air flow calculation is automatically extracted from
the building description for thermal modeling. This includes things like the volume and neutral
height of the zones, and the orientation and location of the building surfaces that contain cracks
or openings through which air flows. From all of this information the program creates a “pressure-
flow network” that is solved each timestep using iterative solution methods to obtain the unknown
pressures and air flows.

Figure 1.96 shows a plan view of a very simple air flow network that you can construct using
the above AirflowNetwork objects. There are three thermal zones, Zone-1, Zone-2 and Zone-3.
There are openable exterior windows—Window-1, Window-2 and Window-3—and openable interior
doors—Door-12 and Door-23. Two External Nodes are indicated. ExternalNode-1 is associated
with the façade that contains Window-1 and Window-2. ExternalNode-2 is associated with the
façade containing Window-3.

One possible air flow pattern is shown in this figure. The actual air flow pattern in a particular
timestep, and the size of the flows, depends on many factors, such as (1) What is the wind pressure
distribution seen by the exterior windows? (2) Are the exterior windows open or closed, and if open,
how far are they open? (3) Are the interior doors open or closed? (4) What are the air temperature
differences between zones and between zones and the outdoor air (which affect buoyancy flows)?

Figure 1.96 shows a possible air flow pattern in which all of the windows and doors
are open. Associated with the external nodes are wind pressure coefficient distributions
as a function of wind direction that are input using two AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Wind
Pressure Coefficient objects. The nature of the air flows through the windows and doors
is specified using AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:DetailedOpening and AirflowNet-
work:MultiZone:Component:SimpleOpening objects. The Airflow Network model calculates the
flows each system timestep depending on various factors, including wind direction and speed, size
and vertical position of openings, outdoor air temperature, and zone air temperatures.
1.27. GROUP – AIRFLOW NETWORK 1051

Figure 1.95: Relationships among AirflowNetwork objects (right-hand side) and between
AirflowNetwork objects and regular EnergyPlus objects. An arrow from object A to object
B means that A references B.
1052 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.96: Plan view of a simple air flow network showing a possible air flow pattern in
which all of the windows and doors are open.

1.27.3 Airflow Network Example Files (included in the installa-

tion)
• AirflowNetwork3zVent.idf

• AirflowNetwork3zVentAutoWPC.idf

• AirflowNetwork_Simple_House.idf

• AirflowNetwork_Simple_SmallOffice.idf

• AirflowNetwork_Multizone_House.idf

• AirflowNetwork_MultiZone_House_OvercoolDehumid.idf

• AirflowNetwork_Multizone_House_TwoSpeed.idf

• AirflowNetwork_Multizone_SmallOffice.idf

• AirflowNetwork_Multizone_SmallOffice_CoilHXAssistedDX.idf

• AirflowNetwork_MultiZone_SmallOffice_GenericContam.idf

• AirflowNetwork_Multizone_SmallOffice_HeatRecoveryHXSL.idf

• AirflowNetwork_Multizone_SmallOffice_VAV.idf

• AirflowNetwor_Multizone_HorizontalOpening.idf
1.27. GROUP – AIRFLOW NETWORK 1053

• CrossVent_1Zone_AirflowNetwork.idf

• DisplacementVent_Nat_AirflowNetwork.idf

• HybridVentilationControl.idf

1.27.4 What the Airflow Network Model Can and Cannot Do

Here is a list of some of the things that the Airflow Network calculation can and cannot model.

1.27.4.1 Can Do
1) Air flow through cracks in exterior or interzone surfaces.
2) Air flow through cracks around windows and doors when closed.
3) Natural ventilation (i.e., air flow through open or partially open exterior windows and
doors).
4) Zone level control of natural ventilation (all windows/doors in a zone that are defined with
a component opening object have identical controls).
5) Individual surface control of natural ventilation for a subsurface (window, door, or glass-
door).
6) Modulation of natural ventilation to prevent large zone air temperature swings.
7) Interzone air flow (i.e., air flow through open interzone windows and doors, and through
cracks in interzone surfaces).
8) Dependence of air flow on buoyancy effects and wind pressure.
9) Dependence of wind pressure on wind speed, wind direction and surface orientation.

10) Supply and return air leaks in an air distribution system.

11) Account for the effect of supply-air and/or return-air leakage on zone pressure when a forced
air distribution system is present and is operating.

12) When duct leakage is modeled and the HVAC system is on, interzone airflow or infiltra-
tion/exfiltration can occur due to changes in zone pressure.

13) Bi-directional flow through large openings. See discussion below under AirflowNet-
work:MultiZone:Component:DetailedOpening, AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Component:HorizontalOpening,
and AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Component:SimpleOpening.

14) Calculate air flows and pressures in ducts or other components of a forced air distribution
system.

15) Calculate zone loads when the supply air fan cycles on and off during a system timestep using
the CyclingFanAndCompressor fan operation mode (Fan:OnOff).

16) Determine the impact of zone exhaust fans on air flows, pressures, air temperatures/humidity
levels and energy consumption.
1054 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.27.4.2 Cannot Do or Restricted

1) The model is restricted to using a constant volume fan (Fan:ConstantVolume and Fan:OnOff)
and cannot model variable volume fan equipment.
2) Air circulation and/or air temperature stratification within a thermal zone. For example,
you should not try to divide a high space, such as an atrium, into subzones separated by artificial
horizontal surfaces that have cracks or openings with the expectation that AirflowNetwork will give
you a realistic temperature in each subzone and/or a realistic air flow between subzones.
3) The model is restricted to eleven types of coils that can be in the air distribution system
(Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed, Coil:Heating:Gas, Coil:Heating:Electric, Coil:Heating:DX:SingleSpeed,
Coil:Cooling:Water, Coil:Heating:Water, Coil:Cooling:Water:DetailedGeometry, Coil:Cooling:DX:TwoStageWithH
Coil:Cooling:DX:MultiSpeed, Coil:Heating:DX:MultiSpeed, and Coil:Heating:Desuperheater).
4) The model is restricted to a single type of air distribution equipment terminal units
(AirTerminal:SingleDuct:ConstantVolume:Reheat).
5) Pollutant transport cannot currently be modeled.
6) Supply and return leaks are not allowed in an AirLoopHVAC. They can only be modeled
in the Zone Equipment portion of the air loop (i.e., return leaks may be modeled between the
zone return node and the zone mixer inlet or the zone mixer outlet and the zone equipment loop
outlet; and supply leaks may be modeled between the zone equipment loop inlet and the AirLoopH-
VAC:ZoneSplitter inlet node or the AirLoopHVAC:ZoneSplitter outlet node and the zone supply
node).
7) An air distribution system must be located inside the building (i.e., the ducts must pass
through zones within the building).
8) Zone exhaust fans must be defined in ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections objects.
The input specifications consist of five main sections: AirflowNetwork:SimulationControl
object, AirflowNetwork multizone data objects, AirflowNetwork distribution node ob-
jects, AirflowNetwork distribution component objects, and AirflowNetwork distribu-
tion linkage objects. Each of these object types is described in detail below.

1.27.5 AirflowNetwork:SimulationControl
The basic run parameters for this model are defined in this unique object which has the following
input specifications:

1.27.5.1 Inputs
1.27.5.1.1 Field: Name
This is a unique character string associated with this instance of the AirflowNet-
work:SimulationControl object. At this time, only one AirflowNetwork:SimulationControl
object can be specified in an input data file (idf).

1.27.5.1.2 Field: AirflowNetwork Control

The following selections are available to control the Airflow Network simulation:
MultizoneWithDistribution: Multizone air flow calculations are performed during all sim-
ulation timesteps, including the impacts of the air distribution system when a HVAC system fan is
operating. Any ZoneInfiltration:*, ZoneVentilation:*, ZoneMixing and ZoneCrossMixing
objects specified in the input data file are not simulated.
1.27. GROUP – AIRFLOW NETWORK 1055

MultizoneWithoutDistribution: Multizone air flow calculations are performed during all

simulation timesteps, but the air distribution system portion of the network is not modeled even if
it is specified in the input data file. Any ZoneInfiltration:*, ZoneVentilation:*, ZoneMixing
and ZoneCrossMixing objects specified in the input data file are not simulated.
MultizoneWithDistributionOnlyDuringFanOperation: Multizone air flow calculations,
including the impacts of the air distribution system, are only performed when the HVAC system
fan is operating. Any ZoneInfiltration:*, ZoneVentilation:*, ZoneMixing and ZoneCross-
Mixing objects specified in the input data file are used when the HVAC system fan is OFF (if
none are specified, then no air flow calculations are performed when the fan is OFF).
NoMultizoneOrDistribution: No multizone air flow calculations (with or without the air
distribution system portion of the network) are performed during the simulation. Any ZoneIn-
filtration:*, ZoneVentilation:*, ZoneMixing and ZoneCrossMixing objects specified in the
input data file are simulated (if none are specified, then no air flow calculations are performed).
Note: Having an input data file with no AirflowNetwork:SimulationControl objects gives the same
impact – no multizone air flow calculations. However, this choice is provided as a convenience to
the user to easily disable the multizone air flow calculations for an input data file that already
contains AirflowNetwork objects.
Note: A ZoneInfiltration:* object indicates any one of ZoneInfiltration:DesignFlowRate,
ZoneInfiltration:EffectiveLeakageArea,and ZoneInfiltration:FlowCoefficient objects.A
object ofZoneVentilation:* indicates any one of ZoneVentilation:DesignFlowRate and
ZoneVentilation:WindandStackOpenArea objects.

1.27.5.1.3 Field: Wind Pressure Coefficient Type

Determines whether the wind pressure coefficients are input by the user or calculated. The
choices are Input or SurfaceAverageCalculation, with the default being SurfaceAverageCalcu-
lation.
If INPUT, you must enter an AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:WindPressureCoefficientArray ob-
ject, one or more AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:ExternalNode objects, and one or more AirflowNet-
work:MultiZone:WindPressureCoefficientValues objects.
The second choice, SurfaceAverageCalculation, should only be used for rectangular buildings.
In this case surface-average wind pressure coefficients vs. wind direction are calculated by the pro-
gram for the four vertical facades and the roof based on user entries for “Building Type,” “Azimuth
Angle of Long Axis of Building,” and “Ratio of Building Width Along Short Axis to Width Along
Long Axis” (see description of these fields below). With this choice you do not have to enter any
of the following objects: AirflowNetwork:MultiZone: Wind Pressure Coefficient Array, AirflowNet-
work:MultiZone:ExternalNode and AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:WindPressureCoefficientValues.

1.27.5.1.4 Field: AirflowNetwork Wind Pressure Coefficient Array Name

This is the name of the AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:WindPressureCoefficientArray object that
contains wind directions corresponding to the wind pressure coefficients given in the AirflowNet-
work:MultiZone:WindPressureCoefficientValues objects.
A value need be entered only if Wind Pressure Coefficient Type = INPUT (see description of
previous field).

1.27.5.1.5 Field: Height Selection for Local Wind Pressure Calculation

Determines whether the local wind pressure is calculated based on either given external node
heights or surface opening heights. The choices are ExternalNode or OpeningHeight, with
1056 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

the default being OpeningHeight. The local outdoor wind speed calculation procedure is given
in the section of “Local Wind Speed Calculation” in the Engineering Reference. The calculation
procedure requires the height input.
If ExternalNode, the heights given in the AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:ExternalNode objects
are used to calculate local wind pressures based on the given height local wind speed. Used only
if Wind Pressure Coefficient Type = INPUT (see description of previous field).
If OpeningHeight, the number of the AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:ExternalNode objects has
to be equal to the number of external surfaces defined in the AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Surface
objects. The centroids in the z direction of the AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Surface objects are the
heights used in the local wind pressure calculation with the given height wind speed. The input is
required if Wind Pressure Coefficient Type = INPUT (see description of previous field).
If Wind Pressure Coefficient Type = SurfaceAverageCalculation, a value in this field is
not required and a blank may be entered. The default choice is used internally to generate the
AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:ExternalNode objects

1.27.5.1.6 Field: Building Type

Used only if Wind Pressure Coefficient Type = SurfaceAverageCalculation. The choices for
Building Type are LowRise and HighRise, with the default being LowRise.
LowRise corresponds to a rectangular building whose height is less than three times the width
of the footprint (wshort in Figure 1.97) and is less than three times the length of the footprint (wlong
in the same figure).
HighRise corresponds to a rectangular building whose height is more than three times the width
of the footprint (wshort in Figure 1.97) or is more than three times the length of the footprint (wlong
in the same figure).

1.27.5.1.7 Field: Maximum Number of Iterations

The maximum number of iterations allowed in finding an AirflowNetwork solution. If the
number of iterations at each simulation timestep is above the maximum number of iterations
defined by this field, the program could not find the solution and a Severe error is issued and the
program is aborted. The default value is 500.

1.27.5.1.8 Field: Initialization Type

Designates which method is used for AirflowNetwork initialization. The choices for Initialization
Type are LinearInitializationMethod and ZeroNodePressures, with the default being ZeroNodePres-
sures.

1.27.5.1.9 Field: Relative Airflow Convergence

 /Tolerance
∑ •  ∑  • 
The solution is assumed to have converged when  mi  mi  is less than the value specified
for this input field. This convergence
∑ •  criteria is equivalent to the ratio of the absolute value of the
  ∑  • 
sum of all network airflows ( mi  ) to the sum of network airflow magnitudes ( mi  ). The
default value is 1.0x10−4 .

1.27.5.1.10 Field: Absolute Airflow Convergence Tolerance

1.27. GROUP – AIRFLOW NETWORK 1057

The solution is assumed

 to have converged when the summation of the absolute value of all
∑ • 
network airflows ( mi  ) is less than the value specified for this input field. The default value is
1.0x10−6 .

1.27.5.1.11 Field: Convergence Acceleration Limit

If the ratio of successive pressure corrections is less than this limit, use Steffensen acceleration
algorithm (Ref. AirflowNetwork Model in the EnergyPlus Engineering Reference). The range for
this field is -1 to 1, with the default value being -0.5.

1.27.5.1.12 Field: Azimuth Angle of Long Axis of Building

Gives the orientation of a rectangular building for calculating wind pressure coefficients. This
is the smaller of the angles, measured clockwise, between North and the long axis of the building
(see Figure 1.97). Used only if Wind Pressure Coefficient Type = SurfaceAverageCalculation. The
range for this input is 0 to 180, with the default value being 0.

1.27.5.1.13 Field: Ratio of Building Width Along Short Axis to Width Along
Long Axis
This is the aspect ratio of a rectangular footprint. It is given by the width of the footprint along
its short axis divided by the width along the long axis (see Figure 1.97). If the footprint is square, the
value of this field is 1.0. Used only if Wind Pressure Coefficient Type = SurfaceAverageCalculation.
The range for this input is > 0 to 1, with the default value being 1.

1.27.5.1.14 Field: Height Dependence of External Node Temperature

This is an optional field. Input is Yes or No. The default is No. Yes is that external node
temperature is dependent on node height. No means that external node temperature is calculated
with zero height.
An IDF example is shown below:

AirflowNetwork:SimulationControl ,
AirflowNetwork_All , !- Name
MultiZoneWithDistribution , !- AirflowNetwork Control
Input , !- Wind Pressure Coefficient Type
Every 30 Degrees , !- AirflowNetwork Wind Pressure Coefficient Array Name
OpeningHeight , !- Height Selection for Local Wind Speed Calculation
LowRise , !- Building Type
500, !- Maximum Number of Iterations {dimensionless}
ZeroNodePressures , !- Initialization Type
1.0E-05, !- Relative Airflow Convergence Tolerance {dimensionless}
1.0E-06, !- Absolute Airflow Convergence Tolerance {kg/s}
-0.5, !- Convergence Acceleration Limit {dimensionless}
0.0, !- Azimuth Angle of Long Axis of Building {deg}
1.0; !- Ratio of Building Width Along Short Axis to Width Along Long
Axis

AirflowNetwork:Multizone data objects are used to calculate multizone airflows. This section
describes the input requirements for the following objects:

• AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Zone

AirflowNetwork:Multizone data objects are used to calculate multizone airflows. This section
describes the input requirements for the following objects:
1058 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.97: Footprint of a rectangular building showing variables used by the program to
calculate surface-average wind pressure coefficients. The angle a is the “Azimuth Angle of
Long Axis of Building.” *w$_{short}$*/*w$_{long}$* is the “Ratio of Building Width
Along Short Axis to Width Along Long Axis.”
1.27. GROUP – AIRFLOW NETWORK 1059

• AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Zone

• AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Surface

• AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Surface:Crack

• AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:ReferenceCrackConditions

• AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Surface:EffectiveLeakageArea

• AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:DetailedOpening

• AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:SimpleOpening

• AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:HorizontalOpening

• AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:ZoneExhaustFan

• AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:ExternalNode

• AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:WindPressureCoefficientArray

• AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:WindPressureCoefficientValues

A detailed description for each of these objects is provided below.

1.27.6 AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Zone
This object allows control of natural ventilation through exterior and interior openings
in a zone, where “opening” is defined as an openable window or door. (Note that only
window, door or glass door subsurfaces in a zone that are specified using AirflowNet-
work:MultiZone:Component:DetailedOpening, AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:HorizontalOpening
or AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Component:SimpleOpening and have an associated AirflowNet-
work:Multizone:Surface object are considered to be openings). The control will be applied in the
same way to all of the openings in the zone.
This object is required to perform Airflow Network calculations. Note that ventilation control
for all openings is provided at the zone level as default and individual ventilation control of a surface
opening can be used to override the zone-level control (see the AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface
object description below).

1.27.6.1 Field: Zone Name

The name of the EnergyPlus thermal zone corresponding to the AirflowNetwork zone.

1.27.6.2 Field: Ventilation Control Mode

Specifies the type of zone-level natural ventilation control.
Let Tout equal the outdoor air temperature, Tzone equal the previous timestep’s zone air tem-
perature, Tset equal the Vent Temperature Schedule value, Hzone equal the specific enthalpy of
zone air from the previous timestep, and Hout equal the specific enthalpy of outdoor air. Then the
four allowed choices for Ventilation Control Mode are:
1060 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

NoVent: All of the zone’s openable windows and doors are closed at all times independent of
indoor or outdoor conditions. The Venting Availability Schedule is ignored in this case. This is the
default value for this field.
Temperature: All of the zone’s openable windows and doors are opened if Tzone > Tout and
Tzone > Tset and Venting Availability Schedule (see below) allows venting.
Enthalpy: All of the zone’s openable windows and doors are opened if Hzone > Hout and Tzone
> Tset and Venting Availability Schedule allows venting.
Constant: Whenever this object’s Venting Availability Schedule allows venting, all of the
zone’s openable windows and doors are open, independent of indoor or outdoor conditions. Note
that “Constant” here means that the size of each opening is fixed while venting; the air flow through
each opening can, of course, vary from timestep to timestep.
ASHRAE55Adaptive: All of the zone’s operable windows and doors are opened if the op-
erative temperature is greater than the comfort temperature (central line) calculated from the
ASHRAE Standard 55-2010 adaptive comfort model and Venting Availability Schedule allows vent-
ing.
CEN15251Adaptive: All of the zone’s operable windows and doors are opened if the operative
temperature is greater than the comfort temperature (central line) calculated from the CEN15251
adaptive comfort model and Venting Availability Schedule allows venting.

1.27.6.3 Field: Ventilation Control Zone Temperature Setpoint Schedule Name

The name of a schedule of zone air temperature set points that controls the opening of windows and
doors in the thermal zone to provide natural ventilation. This setpoint is the temperature above
which all the openable windows and doors in the zone will be opened if the conditions described in
the previous field Ventilation Control Mode are met.
The Ventilation Control Zone Temperature Setpoint Schedule Name applies only to windows
and doors in the zone that are specified using AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:DetailedOpening,
AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:HorizontalOpening or AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:SimpleOpeni
and have an associated AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Surface object.
(The discussion under the field Window/Door Opening Factor in the AirflowNet-
work:MultiZone:Surface object describes how the actual opening area of a window or door
in a particular timestep is determined.)
Modulation of Openings
The following five fields can be used to modulate the window/door openings when Ventilation
Control Mode = Temperature or Enthalpy. These fields determine a factor between 0 and 1 that
multiplies the opening factor of each window and door in the zone according to the control action
shown in Figure 1.98 for Ventilation Control Mode = Temperature and in Figure 1.99 for Ventilation
Control Mode = Enthalpy. Modulation of the openings can reduce the large temperature swings
that can occur if the windows/doors are open too far when they are venting, especially when there
is a large inside-outside temperature difference.
The modulation takes the following form when Ventilation Control Mode = Temperature:
if Tzone - Tout < = [Lower Value on Inside/Outside Temperature Difference for Modulating
the Venting Open Factor] then Multiplication factor = 1.0
if [Lower Value on Inside/Outside Temperature Difference for Modulating the Venting Open
Factor] < Tzone - Tout < [Upper Value on Inside/Outside Temperature Difference for Modulating
the Venting Open Factor] then Multiplication factor varies linearly from 1.0 to [Limit Value on
Multiplier for Modulating Venting Open Factor]
1.27. GROUP – AIRFLOW NETWORK 1061

if Tzone - Tout > = [Upper Value on Inside/Outside Temperature Difference for Modulating
the Venting Open Factor] then Multiplication factor = [Limit Value on Multiplier for Modulating
Venting Open Factor]
One way of “tuning” the following modulation control parameters is to perform a sensitivity
analysis for winter and/or summer design days to determine what combination of values causes the
biggest reduction in zone air temperature fluctuations due to venting.
Note that the default values for the following fields are such that, if none of the fields are
specified, the default values are assigned.

1.27.6.4 Field: Minimum Venting Open Factor

See Figure 1.98 or Figure 1.99. This field applies only if Ventilation Control Mode = Temperature
or Enthalpy. This value may be from zero to 1.0, with the default being 0.0.

1.27.6.5 Field: Indoor and Outdoor Temperature Difference Lower Limit For
Maximum Venting Open Factor
See Figure 1.98. This field applies only if Ventilation Control Mode = Temperature. This value
may be from zero to less than 100˚C, with the default being 0˚C. The value for this field must be
less than the value specified for the following field.

1.27.6.6 Field: Indoor and Outdoor Temperature Difference Upper Limit for
Minimun Venting Open Factor
See Figure 1.98. This field applies only if Ventilation Control Mode = Temperature. This value
must be greater than 0˚C, with the default being 100˚C. The value for this field must be greater
than the value specified for the previous field..

1.27.6.7 Field: Indoor and Outdoor Enthalpy Difference Lower Limit For Max-
imum Venting Open Factor
See Figure 1.99. This field applies only if Ventilation Control Mode = Enthalpy. This value may
be from zero to less than 300,000 J/kg, with the default being 0 J/kg. The value for this field must
be less than the value specified for the following field.

1.27.6.8 Field: Indoor and Outdoor Enthalpy Difference Upper Limit for Min-
imun Venting Open Factor
See Figure 1.99. This field applies only if Ventilation Control Mode = Enthalpy. This value must
be greater than zero, with the default being 300,000 J/kg. The value for this field must be greater
than the value specified for the previous field.

1.27.6.9 Field: Venting Availability Schedule Name

The name of a schedule that specifies when venting is available. A zero or negative schedule value
means venting is not allowed. A value greater than zero means venting can occur if other venting
control conditions (specified by Ventilation Control Mode and Vent Temperature Schedule Name)
are satisfied. This schedule name should not be confused with Vent Temperature Schedule Name.
1062 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

If a Venting Availability Schedule Name is not specified, it is assumed that venting is always
available.
Using Venting Availability Schedule allows you to turn off venting at certain times of the day
(at night, for example), of the week (on weekends, for example), or of the year (during the winter,
for example).
If used with Ventilation Control Mode = Constant, the ventilation rate is constant only when
this schedule allows venting; otherwise the ventilation rate is set to zero.
If Ventilation Control Mode = NoVent, this schedule has no effect.

1.27.6.10 Field: Occupant Ventilation Control Name

The name of an AirlowNetwork:OccupantVentilationControl object. The object is used to per-
form advanced window opening control based on occupant conditions. When an object name is
given, advanced window opening control is performed and, the ventilation control defined in the
Ventilation Control Mode field will be overridden.
Note: The Occupant Ventilation Control object can be assigned to a zone (AirflowNet-
work:MultiZone:Zone) or a surface (AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Surface). When the object
is assigned to a zone, the Occupant Ventilation Control is assigned to the surfaces be-
longing to the zone automatically. The surface objects must have an associated AirflowNet-
work:MultiZone:Component:DetailedOpening, AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:HorizontalOpening,
or AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:SimpleOpening component specified in the field of Leak-
age Component Name. All output variables will be shown under surface names only, and not
under zone names.

Figure 1.98: Modulation of venting area according to inside-outside temperature difference.

1.27. GROUP – AIRFLOW NETWORK 1063

Figure 1.99: Modulation of venting area according to inside-outside enthalpy difference.

1064 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Note: In order to establish an airflow network, each AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Zone object

must have at least two surfaces defined with AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface objects, so that
air can flow from one zone into other zones (or to outdoors) through the network (air mass flow
conserved). In addition, for all AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface objects facing the same Zone
(ref. BuildingSurface:Detailed), at least two different environments must be defined for the other
side of these surfaces (e.g., an external node and an adjacent zone, two adjacent zones, or two
external nodes).
An IDF example is shown below:

AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Zone ,
RESISTIVE ZONE , !- Name of Associated Thermal Zone
Temperature , !- Ventilation Control Mode
WindowVentSched , !- Vent Temperature Schedule Name
0.3, !- Limit Value on Multiplier for Modulating Venting Open Factor
!- {dimensionless}
5.0, !- Lower Value on Inside/Outside Temperature Difference for
!- Modulating the Venting Open Factor {deltaC}
10.0, !- Upper Value on Inside/Outside Temperature Difference for
!- Modulating the Venting Open Factor {deltaC}
0.0, !- Lower Value on Inside/Outside Enthalpy Difference for
Modulating
!- the Venting Open Factor {J/kg}
300000.0 , !- Upper Value on Inside/Outside Enthalpy Difference for
Modulating
!- the Venting Open Factor {J/kg}
VentingSched; !- Venting Availability Schedule Name

1.27.7 AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface
The AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface object specifies the properties of a surface “linkage” through
which air flows. This linkage is always associated with a heat transfer surface (wall, roof, floor,
or a ceiling) or subsurface (door, glass door, or window) with both faces exposed to air. The
linkage specifies two connected nodes: two zone nodes defined in AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Zone
objects based on inside and outside face environment for an interior surface, or a zone node defined
in an AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Zone object based on inside face environment and an external
node defined in an AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:ExternalNode object for an exterior surface. The
associated leakage component for this surface can be a crack (or surface effective leakage area) in
an exterior or interior heat transfer surface or subsurface, or an exterior or interior window, door
or glass door (heat transfer subsurface) that can be opened to allow air flow. The allowed surface
air leakage components are:

• AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Surface:Crack

• AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Surface:EffectiveLeakageArea

• AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:DetailedOpening

• AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:HorizontalOpening

• AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:SimpleOpening

• AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:ZoneExhaustFan
1.27. GROUP – AIRFLOW NETWORK 1065

The two “opening” components are used to modulate openness based on required conditions.
The AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface object allows a heat transfer surface or subsurface to
have one crack (or one surface effective leakage area object), or a subsurface (i.e., window, door or
glass door) to have one opening (detailed or simple).
An interior heat transfer surface (BuildingSurface:Detailed) whose surface name is used as the
input for the Outside Boundary Condition Object field represents a floor without ground contact
and is not allowed as an AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface. A heat transfer surface defined in the
BuildingSurface:Detailed:ExteriorNaturalVentedCavity is also not allowed.
When a triangular subsurface is used, the model provides a warning and treats this subsurface
as rectangular. The effective width and height calculated in the ProcessSurfaceVertices function of
the SurfaceGeometry module are used to represent a rectangular subsurface.
Effective width = 0.75 x Length between Vertex 1 and Vertex 2
Effective height = 4 x Area / ( 3 x Length between Vertex 2 and Vertex 3 )

1.27.7.1 Field: Surface Name

This is the name of the corresponding surface (wall, roof, ceiling, floor, window, door or glass door).
Information on this surface is used by the program as follows:
(1) For a linkage associated with an exterior heat transfer surface: air flow through this linkage
is between the outside environment and the thermal zone to which the surface belongs.
(2) For a linkage associated with an interior (i.e., interzone) heat transfer surface: air flow
through this linkage is between the thermal zones separated by the surface (i.e., the thermal zone
associated with the inside face environment and the thermal zone associated with the outside face
environment).
(3) This heat transfer surface determines the height of the linkage, which is used in calculating
buoyancy-related flow through the linkage.
Note: It is possible to define an interzone surface twice in EnergyPlus, once in each of the zones
that the surface separates. Previously this was a requirement of EnergyPlus (prior to version 2.0),
but now it is optional and the user also has the option of only defining the surface once (EnergyPlus
defines the second surface automatically within the program). For each interzone surface, use only
one (of possible two) interzone surface names in the AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface object for
“Surface Name.” Do not enter two AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface objects corresponding to
the two possible interzone names. This would cause the air flow through the surface to be counted
twice.

1.27.7.2 Field: Leakage Component Name

The name of the AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Surface:Crack, AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Surface:EffectiveLeakageAre
AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:SimpleOpening, AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:HorizontalOpening
AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:DetailedOpening or AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:ZoneExhaustFa
object associated with this air flow linkage.
If the name of an opening component (i.e. AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:DetailedOpening.
AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:HorizontalOpening, or AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:SimpleOpen
is given here, then the Surface Name in the previous field must be that of a window, door or glass
door heat transfer subsurface. Otherwise an error message will be reported.
If the name of an AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Surface:Crack object or AirflowNet-
work:MultiZone:Surface:EffectiveLeakageArea object is given here, the program will position
the crack at the average height of the associated heat transfer surface or subsurface. The user can
1066 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

define multiple heat transfer surfaces (e.g., split a wall into several surfaces) to be more precise in
establishing the crack location. Similarly, the user can define multiple heat transfer surfaces if a
wall, for example, has multiple cracks or openings that need to be defined individually.
If the name of an AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:ZoneExhaustFan is given here,
then the Surface Name in the previous field must be that of an exterior heat transfer surface.
The zone name defined in the Zone Name field for this heat transfer surface must be the
same zone name defined in the ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections object (which references a
ZoneHVAC:EquipmentList containing the name of the corresponding zone exhaust fan).Otherwise
an error message will be reported. When this zone exhaust fan is operating for a simulation
timestep, all surface-level controls described below are ignored for that timestep.

1.27.7.3 Field: External Node Name

The name of the associated AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:ExternalNode object, which determines the
wind pressure coefficients for the heat transfer surface. Used only if Surface Name is for an exterior
surface.
If Wind Pressure Coefficient Type = SurfaceAverageCalculation in the AirflowNet-
work:SimulationControl object, this field is not used and a blank may be entered. If the
surface is an interior (i.e., interzone) surface, leave this field blank.

1.27.7.4 Field: Window/Door Opening Factor, or Crack Factor

If this linkage is associated with an AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:DetailedOpening or Air-
flowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:SimpleOpening object (which means it is an openable window
or door), then this field is called “Window/Door Opening Factor” and represents the value of the
Opening Factor that is in effect when the Vent Temperature Schedule (defined in the AirflowNet-
work:Multizone:Zone object) indicates that this window or door is open.
The AirflowNetwork model uses a combination of factors to determine the actual opening area
for a window or door when it is venting. For example, consider a window that is 1.5m high and 2.0m
wide (excluding frame). Assume that the AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:DetailedOpening
for this window has Type of Large Vertical Opening = 1 (non-pivoting window), Height Factor
= 0.5 and Width Factor = 0.8. Then when the window is fully open, the opening area = height
of opening (0.5x1.5) times width of opening (0.8x2.0) = 0.75x1.6 = 1.2 m2 . If the Window/Door
Opening Factor is 0.75, then the opening area = 0.75x1.2 = 0.9 m2 .
If, in addition, the window is in a thermal zone for which opening modulation has been specified
(ref: AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Zone) and the multiplication factor due to modulation is 0.3 in a
particular timestep, then the actual opening factor that timestep = 0.3x0.75 = 0.225 and the actual
opening area that timestep = 0.3x0.9 = 0.27 m2 .
If this linkage is associated with an AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Surface:Crack object, the fol-
lowing crack air flow equation is used.

Q = (Crack F actor) ∗ CT ∗ CQ (∆P )n (1.101)

Where
Q = air mass flow (kg/s)
CQ = air mass flow coefficient (kg/s @ 1 Pa)
CT = reference condition temperature correction factor (dimensionless). See AirflowNet-
work:MultiZone:Surface:Crack object.
∆P = pressure difference across crack (Pa)
1.27. GROUP – AIRFLOW NETWORK 1067

n = air flow exponent (dimensionless)

The following fields control venting. They are used only when Name of Associated Heat Transfer
Surface is that of an openable exterior or interior window, door or glass door. They only apply to
openings, and do not apply to surface cracks, effective leakage area or zone exhaust fans. If none
of these fields is specified, or if Ventilation Control Mode = ZoneLevel, venting is controlled by
the AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Zone object for the thermal zone containing the window or door (ref:
AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Zone Data).

1.27.7.5 Field: Ventilation Control Mode

Specifies the type of surface-level natural ventilation control.

Let Tout equal the outdoor air temperature, Tzone equal the previous timestep’s zone air tem-
perature, Tset equal the Vent Temperature Schedule value, Hzone equal the specific enthalpy of
zone air from the previous timestep, and Hout equal the specific enthalpy of outdoor air. Then the
four allowed choices for Ventilation Control Mode are:
NoVent: The openable window or door associated with this surface is closed at all times
independent of indoor or outdoor conditions. The Venting Availability Schedule is ignored in this
case.
Temperature: The openable window or door associated with this surface is opened if Tzone
> Tout and Tzone > Tset and Venting Availability Schedule (see below) allows venting.
Enthalpy: The openable window or door associated with this surface is opened if Hzone > Hout
and Tzone > Tset and Venting Availability Schedule allows venting.
Constant: Whenever this object’s Venting Availability Schedule allows venting, the openable
window or door associated with this surface is open, independent of indoor or outdoor conditions.
Note that “Constant” here means that the size of this opening is fixed while venting; the air flow
through this opening can, of course, vary from timestep to timestep.
ASHRAE55Adaptive: The openable window or door associated with this surface is opened
if the operative temperature is greater than the comfort temperature (central line) calculated from
the ASHRAE Standard 55-2010 adaptive comfort model and Venting Availability Schedule allows
venting.
CEN15251Adaptive: The openable window or door associated with this surface is opened if
the operative temperature is greater than the comfort temperature (central line) calculated from
the CEN15251 adaptive comfort model and Venting Availability Schedule allows venting.
ZoneLevel: Venting of the window or door is not controlled individually, but is con-
trolled instead at the zone level. This means that the venting is determined by the Air-
flowNetwork:Multizone:Zone object for the thermal zone containing the window or door (ref:
AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Zone object). This is the default value for this field.
AdjacentTemperature: This choice is used for an interior surface only. The openable interior
window or door associated with this surface is opened if Tzone > Tadjacentzone and Tzone > Tset
and Venting Availability Schedule (see below) allows venting, where Tadjacentzone is the adjacent
zone temperature.
AdjacentEnthalpy: This choice is also used for an interior surface only. The interior openable
window or door associated with this surface is opened if Hzone > Hadjacentzone and Tzone > Tset
and Venting Availability Schedule allows venting, where Hadjacentzone is the adjacent zone specific
enthalpy.
1068 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.27.7.6 Field: Ventilation Control Zone Temperature Setpoint Schedule Name

The name of a schedule of zone air temperature set points that controls the opening of a window or
door associated with this surface to provide natural ventilation. This setpoint is the temperature
above which this openable window or door will be opened if the conditions described in the previous
field Ventilation Control Mode are met.
The Ventilation Control Zone Temperature Setpoint Schedule applies only to a window or door
attached to this surface that is specified using AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:DetailedOpening
or AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:SimpleOpening.
(The discussion under the field Window/Door Opening Factor in this object describes how the
actual opening area of a window or door in a particular timestep is determined.)
Modulation of Openings
The following five fields can be used to modulate this window/door opening when Ventilation
Control Mode = Temperature or Enthalpy. These fields determine a factor between 0 and 1
that multiplies the opening factor of this window or door according to the control action shown
in Figure 1.98 for Ventilation Control Mode = Temperature and in Figure 1.99 for Ventilation
Control Mode = Enthalpy. Modulation of this opening can reduce the large temperature swings
that can occur if the window/door is open too far when it is venting, especially when there is a
large inside-outside temperature difference.
The modulation takes the following form when Ventilation Control Mode = Temperature:
if Tzone - Tout < = [Lower Value on Inside/Outside Temperature Difference for Modulating
the Venting Open Factor] then Multiplication factor = 1.0
if [Lower Value on Inside/Outside Temperature Difference for Modulating the Venting Open
Factor] < Tzone - Tout < [Upper Value on Inside/Outside Temperature Difference for Modulating
the Venting Open Factor] then Multiplication factor varies linearly from 1.0 to [Limit Value on
Multiplier for Modulating Venting Open Factor]
if Tzone - Tout > = [Upper Value on Inside/Outside Temperature Difference for Modulating
the Venting Open Factor] then Multiplication factor = [Limit Value on Multiplier for Modulating
Venting Open Factor]
One way of “tuning” the following modulation control parameters is to perform a sensitivity
analysis for winter and/or summer design days to determine what combination of values causes the
biggest reduction in zone air temperature fluctuations due to venting.
Note that the default values for the following fields are such that, if none of the fields are
specified, modulation will not occur.

1.27.7.7 Field: Minimum Venting Open Factor

See Figure 1.98 or Figure 1.99. This field applies only if Ventilation Control Mode = Temperature
or Enthalpy. This value may be from zero to 1.0, with the default being 0.0.

1.27.7.8 Field: Indoor and Outdoor Temperature Difference Lower Limit For
Maximum Venting Open Factor
See Figure 1.98. This field applies only if Ventilation Control Mode = Temperature. This value
may be from zero to less than 100°C, with the default being 0°C. The value for this field must be
less than the value specified for the following field.
1.27. GROUP – AIRFLOW NETWORK 1069

1.27.7.9 Field: Indoor and Outdoor Temperature Difference Upper Limit for
Minimun Venting Open Factor
See Figure 1.98. This field applies only if Ventilation Control Mode = Temperature. This value
must be greater than 0°C, with the default being 100°C. The value for this field must be greater
than the value specified for the previous field.

1.27.7.10 Field: Indoor and Outdoor Enthalpy Difference Lower Limit For Max-
imum Venting Open Factor
See Figure 1.99. This field applies only if Ventilation Control Mode = Enthalpy. This value may
be from zero to less than 300,000 J/kg, with the default being 0 J/kg. The value for this field must
be less than the value specified for the following field.

1.27.7.11 Field: Indoor and Outdoor Enthalpy Difference Upper Limit for Min-
imun Venting Open Factor
See Figure 1.99. This field applies only if Ventilation Control Mode = Enthalpy. This value must
be greater than zero, with the default being 300,000 J/kg. The value for this field must be greater
than the value specified for the previous field.

1.27.7.12 Field: Venting Availability Schedule Name

The name of a schedule that specifies when venting is available. A zero or negative schedule value
means venting is not allowed. A value greater than zero means venting can occur if other venting
control conditions (specified by Ventilation Control Mode and Vent Temperature Schedule Name)
are satisfied. This schedule name should not be confused with Vent Temperature Schedule Name.
If a Venting Availability Schedule Name is not specified, it is assumed that venting is always
available.
Using Venting Availability Schedule allows you to turn off venting at certain times of the day
(at night, for example), week (on weekends, for example), or year (during the winter, for example).
If used with Ventilation Control Mode = Constant, the ventilation rate is constant only when
this schedule allows venting; otherwise the ventilation rate is set to zero.
If Ventilation Control Mode = NoVent, this schedule has no effect.
Note: In order to establish an airflow network, each AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Zone object
must have at least two surfaces defined with AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface objects, so that
air can flow from one zone into other zones (or to outdoors) through the network (air mass flow
conserved). In addition, for all AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface objects facing the same Zone
Name (ref. BuildingSurface:Detailed), at least two different environments must be defined for the
other side of these surfaces (e.g., an external node and an adjacent zone, two adjacent zones, or
two external nodes).

1.27.7.13 Field: Occupant Ventilation Control Name

The name of an AirlowNetwork:OccupantVentilationControl object. The object is used to per-
form advanced window opening control based on occupant conditions. When an object name is
given, advanced window opening control is performed and, the Ventilation Control defined in the
Ventilation Control Mode field will be overridden.
IDF examples are provided below:
1070 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Surface ,
Zn001:Wall001 , !- Name of Associated Heat Transfer Surface
CR -1, !- Leakage Component Name
SFacade , !- External Node Name
1.0; !- Window/Door Opening Factor , or Crack Factor {dimensionless}

AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Surface ,
Zn001:Wall001:Win001 , !- Name of Associated Heat Transfer Surface
WiOpen1 , !- Leakage Component Name
SFacade , !- External Node Name
0.5; !- Window/Door Opening Factor , or Crack Factor {dimensionless}

AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Surface ,
Zn003:Wall003 , !- Name of Associated Heat Transfer Surface
Zone3 Exhaust Fan , !- Leakage Component Name
EFacade , !- External Node Name
1.0; !- Window/Door Opening Factor , or Crack Factor {dimensionless}

AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Surface ,
Zn001:Wall001:Win002 , !- Name of Associated Heat Transfer Surface
WiOpen2 , !- Leakage Component Name
WFacade , !- External Node Name
0.5; !- Window/Door Opening Factor , or Crack Factor {dimensionless}
Temperature , !- Ventilation Control Mode
WindowVentSched , !- Vent Temperature Schedule Name
0.3, !- Limit Value on Multiplier for Modulating Venting Open Factor
!- {dimensionless}
5.0, !- Lower Value on Inside/Outside Temperature Difference for
!- Modulating the Venting Open Factor {deltaC}
10.0, !- Upper Value on Inside/Outside Temperature Difference for
!- Modulating the Venting Open Factor {deltaC}
0.0, !- Lower Value on Inside/Outside Enthalpy Difference for
Modulating
!- the Venting Open Factor {J/kg}
300000.0 , !- Upper Value on Inside/Outside Enthalpy Difference for
Modulating
!- the Venting Open Factor {J/kg}
VentingSched; !- Venting Availability Schedule Name

1.27.8 AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:ReferenceCrackConditions
This object specifies the reference conditions for temperature, humidity, and pressure which corre-
spond to the AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Surface:Crack object.

1.27.8.1 Inputs
1.27.8.1.1 Field: Name
The name of this Reference Crack Conditons object. This name is referenced by an AirflowNet-
work:MultiZone:Surface:Crack object.

1.27.8.1.2 Field: Reference Temperature

The reference temperature in °C under which the Surface Crack Data were obtained. The
default value is 20°C.

1.27.8.1.3 Field: Reference Barometric Pressure

The reference barometric pressure in Pa under which the Surface Crack Data were obtained.
The default value is 101325 Pa.
1.27. GROUP – AIRFLOW NETWORK 1071

1.27.8.1.4 Field: Reference Humidity Ratio

The reference humidity ratio in kgWater/kgDryAir under which the Surface Crack Data were
obtained. The default value is 0 kgWater/kgDryAir.
An IDF example is provided below:

AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:ReferenceCrackConditions ,
ReferenceCrackConditions , !- Name of Reference Crack Conditions
20.0, !- Reference Temperature for Crack Data {C}
101325 , !- Reference Barometric Pressure for Crack Data {Pa}
0.0; !- Reference Humidity Ratio for Crack Data {kgWater/kgDryAir
}

1.27.9 AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Surface:Crack
This object specifies the properties of air flow through a crack and the associated measurement
conditions. The following power law form is used that gives air flow through the crack as a function
of the pressure difference across the crack:

Q = (Crack F actor) ∗ CT ∗ CQ (∆P )n (1.102)

Where
Q = air mass flow (kg/s)
CQ = air mass flow coefficient (kg/s-Pan @ 1 Pa)
CT = reference condition temperature correction factor (dimensionless)
∆P = pressure difference across crack (Pa)
n = air flow exponent (dimensionless)
[ ]n−1 [
ρo νo ]2n−1
CT = (1.103)
ρ ν
where
ρ = Air density at the specific air temperature and humidity ratio conditions [kg/m3 ]
ν = Air kinetic viscosity at the specific air temperature condition [m2 /s]
ρo = Air density at the reference air conditions provided by the object AirflowNetwork:Multi-
Zone:ReferenceCrackConditions specified in the field Reference Crack Conditions [kg/m3 ]
νo = Air kinetic viscosity at the reference air temperature provided by the object AirflowNet-
work:MultiZone:ReferenceCrackConditions specified in the field Reference Crack Conditions [m2 /s]
Note: The correction factor shown above is use for this particular component as specified.

1.27.9.1 Inputs
1.27.9.1.1 Field: Name
This is a name for this AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Surface:Crack object. It is referenced by an
AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface object.

1.27.9.1.2 Field: Air Mass Flow Coefficient at Reference Conditions

The value of the air mass flow coefficient,CQ , in the crack air flow equation. It has units of
kg/s at 1Pa. This value must be greater than zero.
1072 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.27.9.1.3 Field: Air Mass Flow Exponent

The value of the exponent,* n*, in the crack air flow equation. The valid range is 0.5 to 1.0,
with the default value being 0.65.

1.27.9.1.4 Field: Reference Crack Conditions

The name of the AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:ReferenceCrackConditions object which specifies
the conditions under which the air mass flow coefficient was measured. If the user omits this field
and only one AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:ReferenceCrackConditions object is defined in the input
data file, then those reference crack conditions will be used. If the user omits this field and either
zero or more than one AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:ReferenceCrackConditions objects are defined in
the input data file, then the default conditions for the AirflowNetwork:Multizone: Reference Crack
Conditions object will be used.
An IDF example is shown below:
AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Surface:Crack ,
CR -1, !- Name of Surface Crack Component
0.01, !- Air Mass Flow Coefficient at Reference Conditions {kg/s}
0.667 , !- Air Mass Flow Exponent {dimensionless}
ReferenceCrackConditions ; !- Reference Crack Conditions

1.27.10 AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Surface:EffectiveLeakageArea
The effective leakage area (ELA) object is used to define surface air leakage. It has
five fields. The relationship between pressure and airflow may be expressed as:
√
ṁ = ELA ∗ Cd 2ρ ∗ (∆Pr )0.5−n (∆P )n (1.104)
where
ṁ = Air mass flow rate [kg/s]
ELA = Effective leakage area [m2 ]
ρ = Air density [kg/m3 ]
∆Pr = Reference pressure difference [Pa]
∆P = Pressure difference across this component [Pa]
Cd = Discharge coefficient [dimensionless]
n = Air mass flow exponent [dimensionless]

1.27.10.1 Inputs
1.27.10.1.1 Field: Name
This is a name for this AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Surface:EffectiveLeakageArea object. It is
referenced by an AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface object.

1.27.10.1.2 Field: Effective Leakage Area

This numeric field is used to input the effective leakage area in square meters. The effective
leakage area is used to characterize openings for infiltration calculations (ASHRAE Handbook of
Fundamentals, 1997, pp 25.18). This value must be greater than zero.

1.27.10.1.3 Field: Discharge Coefficient

This numeric field is used to input the discharge coefficient. This value must be greater than
zero, with a default value of 1.0.
1.27. GROUP – AIRFLOW NETWORK 1073

1.27.10.1.4 Field: Reference Pressure Difference

This numeric field is used to input the reference pressure difference [Pa]. This value must be
greater than zero, with a default value of 4.0 Pa.

1.27.10.1.5 Field: Air Mass Flow Exponent

This numeric field is used to input the pressure difference exponent. The valid range of the
exponent is from 0.5 to 1.0, with a default value of 0.65.

Note: There are two common sets of reference conditions: Cd = 1.0 and ∆P = 4 Pa, or Cd
= 0.6 and ∆P = 10 Pa

An IDF example is shown below:

AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Surface:EffectiveLeakageArea ,
SurfaceELR , !- Name of surface effective leakage area component
0.07, !- Effective leakage area {dimensionless}
1.00, !- Discharge coefficient {dimensionless}
4.0, !- Reference pressure difference {Pa}
0.65; !- Air mass flow exponent {dimensionless}

1.27.11 AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:DetailedOpening
This object specifies the properties of air flow through windows and doors (window, door and glass
door heat transfer subsurfaces) when they are closed or open. The fields are similar to those for
AirflowNetwork:Multizone:SurfaceCrack object when the window or door is closed, but additional
fields are required to describe the air flow characteristics when the window or door is open. These
additional fields include opening type, opening dimensions, degree of opening, and opening schedule.
The AirflowNetwork model assumes that open windows or doors are vertical or close to vertical;
for this reason they are called “Large Vertical Openings.” Such openings can have air flow moving
simultaneously in two different directions depending on stack effects and wind conditions (for
example, flow from inside to outside at the top of a window and from outside to inside at the
bottom). AirflowNetwork models such two-directional flow, but only for vertical openings.
It is assumed that the air flow through a window opening is unaffected by the presence of a
shading device such as a shade or blind on the window. Also, the calculation of conductive heat
transfer and solar gain through a window or door assumes that the window or door is closed.
The AirflowNetwork model does not have a model for bi-directional flow through large hori-
zontal openings. For this reason, AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:DetailedOpening
should not be used for horizontal openings. The best modeling technique in this case is to
put an AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Surface:Crack object in a horizontal surface and use a large air
mass flow coefficient. Crack flow is assumed to be uni-directional in any given timestep (but can
reverse flow direction from timestep to timestep).
A subsurface multiplier may be used to represent multiple subsurfaces and calculates total air
flow when the subsurface (window, glassdoor, or door) is either closed or open. The total airflow
across the surface is equal to the airflow based on the surface geometry multiplied by the subsurface
multiplier.

1.27.11.1 Inputs
1.27.11.1.1 Field: Name
1074 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

The name of this AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:DetailedOpening object. It is refer-

enced by an AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface object.

1.27.11.1.2 Field: Air Mass Flow Coefficient When Opening is Closed

Crack flow is assumed when the window or door is closed. The units for this air mass flow
coefficient (CQ, unit length ) are different from the units for CQ (kg/s at 1 Pa pressure difference)
defined in an AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Surface:Crack object. There is no default but the entered
value must be greater than zero. The program will automatically generate four cracks around the
perimeter of the window or door–one along the bottom, one along the top, and one on each side.
The temperature correction factor used in the AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Surface:Crack object is
not used for this component to calculate air mass flow rate.

1.27.11.1.3 Field: Air Mass Flow Exponent When Opening Is Closed

Crack flow is assumed when the window or door is closed. In this case, the value of this field
is the exponent, n, in the crack air flow equation. The valid range for this exponent is 0.5 to 1.0,
with the default value being 0.65. Mass Flow Rate = Air Mass Flow Coefficient (deltaP) Air Mass
Flow Exponent.

1.27.11.1.4 Field: Type of Rectanguler Large Vertical Opening (LVO)

This alpha field specifies the type of rectangular window or door. (Open windows or doors are
also called Large Vertical Openings (LVOs). The choices for the opening type are NonPivoted
(LVO Type 1) and HorizontallyPivoted (LVO Type 2) with the default being NonPivoted. The
NonPivoted type represents a regular window or door. The HorizontallyPivoted type represents a
window with a horizontal axis (i.e., a horizontally-pivoting window) and cannot be used for a door.

1.27.11.1.5 Field: Extra Crack Length or Height of Pivoting Axis

Specifies window or door characteristics that depend on the LVO type.
For LVO Type 1 (rectangular non-pivoted windows and doors) this field is the extra crack
length in meters due to multiple openable parts, if present. “Extra” here means in addition to the
length, calculated by the program, of the cracks on the top, bottom and sides of the window/door.
For LVO Type 2 (rectangular horizontally-pivoted windows) this field gives the height of the
pivoting axis measured from the bottom of the glazed part of the window (m).

1.27.11.1.6 Field: Number of Sets of Opening Factor Data

This is the number of the following sets of data for opening factor, discharge coefficient, width
factor, height factor, and start height factor. From two to four of these sets must be defined. The
first set should be for Opening Factor = 0.0 and the last set should be for Opening Factor = 1.0.
For example, if only two sets are defined, the first set should be for Opening Factor = 0.0 and the
second set should be for Opening Factor = 1.0, as shown below in the IDF example below.
An “opening factor” refers to the amount that a window or door is opened. The program
linearly interpolates each timestep between the values of discharge coefficient, width factor, etc.,
in these sets using the opening factor for the window or door for the timestep. (See discussion
under the field Window/Door Opening Factor in the AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Zone object for a
description of how the AirflowNetwork model determines the time-step value of the opening factor.)
1.27. GROUP – AIRFLOW NETWORK 1075

1.27.11.1.7 Field Group: Opening Factor, Discharge Coefficient, Width Factor,

Height Factor, Start Height Factor
Each field is described for as many groups as required in the previous field (number of sets of
opening factor data). As the final field has specific requirements, this field (n) will be described.

1.27.11.1.8 Field: Opening Factor 11

The first opening factor of a window or door. This value must be 0.0. The default value is also
0.0.
For LVO Type 1 (rectangular non-pivoted window or door), the Opening Factor corresponds
to the fraction of window or door that is opened.
For LVO Type 2 (rectangular horizontally-pivoted windows), the Opening Factor is determined
by the window opening angle. For example, an opening angle of 45° corresponds to an Opening
Factor of 0.50 since the maximum opening angle is 90°.

1.27.11.1.9 Field: Discharge Coefficient for Opening Factor 1

The discharge coefficient of the window or door for Opening Factor 1. The range is greater than
0.0 to less than or equal to 1.0. The default value is 0.001. The Discharge Coefficient indicates the
fractional effectiveness for air flow through a window or door at that Opening Factor.
Note: In the following, “window width” and “window height” are glazing dimensions; they do
not include the frame, if present.

1.27.11.1.10 Field: Width Factor for Opening Factor 1

The Width Factor of the rectangular window or door for Opening Factor 1. The Width Factor
is the opening width divided by the window or door width (see Figure 1.100). The range is 0.0 to
1.0. The default value is 0.0. Note that the width factor applies to rectangular windows or doors
where the width is assumed constant along the entire height of the opening.

1.27.11.1.11 Field: Height Factor for Opening Factor 1

The Height Factor of the rectangular window or door for Opening Factor 1. The Height Factor
is the opening height divided by the window or door height (see Figure 1.100). The range is 0.0 to
1.0. The default value is 0.0. Note that the height factor applies to rectangular windows or doors
where the height is assumed constant along the entire width of the opening.

1.27.11.1.12 Field: Start Height Factor for Opening Factor 1

The Start Height Factor of the window or door for Opening Factor 1. The Start Height Factor
is the Start Height divided by the window or door height (see Figure 1.100). The range is 0.0 to
1.0. The default is 0. Start Height is the distance between the bottom of the window or door and
the bottom of the window or door opening. The sum of the Height Factor and the Start Height
Factor must be less than 1.0 in order to have the opening within the window or door dimensions.

1.27.11.1.13 Field: Opening Factor <n>

When Number of Sets of Opening Factor Data = n, the value of Opening Factor n must be set
to 1.0.

1.27.11.1.14 Field: Discharge Coefficient for Opening Factor <n>

The discharge coefficient of the window or door for Opening Factor n. The range is greater
than 0.0 to less than or equal to 1.0. The default value is 1.0.
1076 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.100: Window (or door) showing geometrical factors associated with an opening
through which air flows.

1.27.11.1.15 Field: Width Factor for Opening Factor <n>

The Width Factor of the rectangular window or door for Opening Factor n. The Width Factor
is the opening width divided by the window or door width (see Figure 1.100). The range is 0.0 to
1.0. The default value is 1.0.

1.27.11.1.16 Field: Height Factor for Opening Factor <n>

The Height Factor of the rectangular window or door for Opening Factor n. The Height Factor
is the opening height divided by the window or door height (see Figure 1.100). The range is 0.0 to
1.0. The default value is 1.0.

1.27.11.1.17 Field: Start Height Factor for Opening Factor <n>

The Start Height Factor of the window or door for Opening Factor n. The Start Height Factor
is the Start Height divided by the window or door height (see Figure 1.100). The range is 0.0 to
1.0. The default is 0.
When the opening factor value (as described under the field Window/Door Opening Factor
in the AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface object) is between two Opening Factor field values, the
values of Discharge Coefficient, Width Factor, Height Factor, and Start Height Factor are linearly
interpolated.
An IDF example is shown below:

AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:DetailedOpening ,
WiOpen1 , !- Detailed Opening Name
0.001 , !- Air Mass Flow Coefficient When Opening is Closed {kg/s-m}
0.667 , !- Air Mass Flow Exponent When Opening is Closed {dimensionless}
NonPivoted , !- Type of Large Vertical Opening (LVO)
0.0, !- Extra crack length for LVO type 1 with multiple openable parts ,
!- or Height of pivoting axis for LVO type 2 {m}
2, !- Number of Sets of Opening Factor Data
0.0, !- Opening factor 1 {dimensionless}
1.27. GROUP – AIRFLOW NETWORK 1077

0.5, !- Discharge coefficient for opening factor 1 {dimensionless}

0.0, !- Width factor for opening factor 1 {dimensionless}
1.0, !- Height factor for opening factor 1 {dimensionless}
0.0, !- Start height factor for opening factor 1 {dimensionless}
1.0, 0.6, 1.0, 1.0, 0.0; !- Set of values for opening factor 2

1.27.12 AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:HorizontalOpening
This object specifies the properties of air flow through windows, doors and glass doors (heat transfer
subsurfaces defined as a subset of FenestrationSurface:Detailed objects) when they are closed or
open. This AirflowNetwork model assumes that these openings are horizontal or close to horizontal
and are interzone surfaces. The second and third input fields are similar to those for AirflowNet-
work:MultiZone:Surface:Crack, when the window or door is closed, but additional information is
required to describe the air flow characteristics when the window or door is open. This additional
information is specified in the last two input fields. The airflow across the opening consists of two
types of flows: forced and buoyancy. The forced flow is caused by the pressure difference between
two zones, while the buoyancy flow only occurs when the air density in the upper zone is greater
than the air density in the lower zone. This opening also allows for the possibility of two-way flow
when forced and buoyancy flows co-exist. This object’s openness can also be modulated based
on the same opening factor control as an AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:DetailedOpening
object. However, the opening factor is only applied to the subsurface width. The opening width is
equal to opening factor multiplied by the subsurface width.
A subsurface multiplier may be used to represent multiple subsurfaces and calculates total air
flow when the subsurface (window, glassdoor, or door) is either closed or open. The total airflow
across the surface is equal to the airflow based on the surface geometry multiplied by the subsurface
multiplier.

1.27.12.1 Inputs
1.27.12.1.1 Field: Name
This is a name for this AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:HorizontalOpening object. It is
referenced by an AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface object.

1.27.12.1.2 Field: Air Mass Flow Coefficient When Opening is Closed

The value of the air mass flow coefficient, CQ, unit length , in the horizontal opening air flow
equation. It has units of kg/s-m at 1Pa. The temperature correction factor is not applied to the
mass flow calculation. This is a required input field and the entered value must be greater than
zero.

1.27.12.1.3 Field: Air Mass Flow Exponent When Opening is Closed

The value of the exponent,* n*, in the crack air flow equation. The valid range is 0.5 to 1.0,
with the default value being 0.65.

1.27.12.1.4 Field: Sloping Plane Angle

This numeric field is used to represent the angle between the horizontal plane and a sloped
plane under the horizontal opening. Sloping plane angle = 90 is equivalent to fully open. The valid
range is >0 to 90, with the default value being 90.
1078 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.27.12.1.5 Field: Discharge Coefficient

This numeric field is used to input the discharge coefficient. This is a required field and the
entered value must be greater than zero.
An IDF example is shown below:

AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:HorizontalOpening ,
HrOpen , !- Name
0.001 , !- Air Mass Flow Coefficient When Opening is Closed {kg/s-m}
0.667 , !- Air Mass Flow Exponent When Opening is Closed {dimensionless}
90.0, !- Sloping Plane Angle
0.2; !- Discharge Coefficient

1.27.13 AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:SimpleOpening
This object specifies the properties of air flow through windows, doors and glass doors (heat trans-
fer subsurfaces) when they are closed or open. The AirflowNetwork model assumes that open
windows or doors are vertical or close to vertical. The second and third fields are similar to
those for AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Surface:Crack, when the window or door is closed, but ad-
ditional information is required to describe the air flow characteristics when the window or door
is open. This additional information is specified in the last two fields. Compared to the object
AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:DetailedOpening, which requires more inputs at different
opening factors, this object needs comparatively less inputs. For this reason it is called a sim-
ple opening. This opening also allows for the possibility of two-way flow due to temperature and
resulting density differences. Therefore, it is possible to have a positive pressure difference at
the top of the opening, and a negative pressure difference at the bottom (or vice versa) when
the neutral height is between the bottom and top heights of the associated surface. This ob-
ject’s openness can also be modulated based on the same opening factor control as an AirflowNet-
work:MultiZone:Component:DetailedOpening object. However, the opening factor is only applied
to the subsurface width. The opening width is equal to opening factor multiplied by the subsurface
width.
A subsurface multiplier may be used to represent multiple subsurfaces and calculates total air
flow when the subsurface (window, glassdoor, or door) is either closed or open. The total airflow
across the surface is equal to the airflow based on the surface geometry multiplied by the subsurface
multiplier.

1.27.13.1 Inputs
1.27.13.1.1 Field: Name
This is a name for this AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:SimpleOpening object. It is
referenced by an AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface object.

1.27.13.1.2 Field: Air Mass Flow Coefficient When Opening is Closed

The value of the air mass flow coefficient, CQ, unit length , in the simple opening air flow equation.
It has units of kg/s-m at 1Pa. The temperature correction factor is not applied for mass flow
calculation.

1.27.13.1.3 Field: Air Mass Flow Exponent When Opening is Closed

1.27. GROUP – AIRFLOW NETWORK 1079

The value of the exponent,* n, in the crack air flow equation. The valid range is 0.5 to 1.0,
with the default value being 0.65. Mass Flow Rate = Air Mass Flow Coefficient (deltaP)ˆAir Mass
Flow Exponent.

1.27.13.1.4 Field: Minimum Density Difference for Two-Way Flow

This numeric field is used to input the minimum density difference above which two-way or one
way flow may occur due to stack effect with the window being open. Two-way flow occurs only
when the neutral plane is within the opening. Density differences less than this value result in
one-way flow only with the window being closed. The minimum value for this field is greater than
zero.

1.27.13.1.5 Field: Discharge Coefficient

This numeric field is used to input the discharge coefficient. This value must be greater than
zero.
An IDF example is shown below:

AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:SimpleOpening ,
WiOpen2 , !- Simple Opening Name
0.001 , !- Air Mass Flow Coefficient When Opening Is Closed {kg/s-m}
0.650 , !- Air Mass Flow Exponent When Opening Is Closed {dimensionless}
0.0001 , !- Minimum density difference for two -way flow (kg/m3)
1.0; !- Discharge coefficient (dimensionless)

1.27.14 AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:ZoneExhaustFan
This object specifies the properties of air flow through an exterior heat transfer surface with a zone
exhaust fan. The zone exhaust fan turns on or off based on the availability schedule defined in the
corresponding Fan:ZoneExhaust object. When the exhaust fan mass flow rate is greater than zero,
the airflow network model treats this object as a constant volume fan. When the fan is off based
on the availability schedule, the model treats this object as a crack.
When the fan is on, the air mass flow rate modeled for the airflow network is based on the value
defined in the MaximumFlow Rate field of the Fan:ZoneExhaust object. The airflow direction is
from the corresponding zone to outdoors.
When the fan is off, the following power law form is used that gives air flow through the crack
as a function of the pressure difference across the crack:

Q = (Crack F actor) ∗ CT ∗ CQ (∆P )n (1.105)

Where
Q = air mass flow (kg/s)
CQ = air mass flow coefficient (kg/s-Pan @ 1 Pa)
CT = reference condition temperature correction factor (dimensionless)
∆P = pressure difference across crack (Pa)
n = air flow exponent (dimensionless)
[ ]n−1 [
ρo νo ]2n−1
CT = (1.106)
ρ ν
where
ρ = Air density at the specific air temperature and humidity ratio conditions [kg/m3 ]
1080 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

ν = Air kinetic viscosity at the specific air temperature condition [m2 /s]
ρo = Air density at the reference air conditions provided by the object AirflowNetwork:Multi-
Zone:ReferenceCrackConditions specified in the field Reference Crack Conditions [kg/m3 ]
νo = Air kinetic viscosity at the reference air temperature provided by the object AirflowNet-
work:MultiZone:ReferenceCrackConditions specified in the field Reference Crack Conditions [m2 /s]
Note: The correction factor shown above is used when the exhaust fan is off. The airflow
direction is based on the pressure difference between the zone and outdoors.

1.27.14.1 Inputs
1.27.14.1.1 Field: Name
This is the name for this instance of the AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:ZoneExhaust-
Fan object. This name must be the same name defined in the Fan:ZoneExhaust object. It is
referenced by an AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface object.

1.27.14.1.2 Field: Air Mass Flow Coefficient When the Zone Exhaust Fan is Off
at Reference Conditions
The value of the air mass flow coefficient,CQ , in the crack air flow equation. It has units of
kg/s at 1Pa. This value must be greater than zero. The value is used when the fan is off.

1.27.14.1.3 Field: Air Mass Flow Exponent When the Zone Exhaust Fan is Off

The value of the exponent,* n*, in the crack air flow equation. The valid range is 0.5 to 1.0,
with the default value being 0.65. The value is used when the fan is off.

1.27.14.1.4 Field: Reference Crack Conditions

The name of the AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:ReferenceCrackConditions object which specifies
the conditions under which the air mass flow coefficient was measured. If the user omits this field
and only one AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:ReferenceCrackConditions object is defined in the input
data file, then those reference crack conditions will be used. If the user omits this field and either
zero or more than one AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:ReferenceCrackConditions objects are defined in
the input data file, then the default conditions for the AirflowNetwork:Multizone: Reference Crack
Conditions object will be used.
An IDF example is shown below:

AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:ZoneExhaustFan ,
Zone3 Exhaust Fan , !- Name
0.01, !- Air Mass Flow Coefficient When the Zone Exhaust Fan is Off at Reference
Conditions {kg/s}
0.667; !- Air Mass Flow Exponent When the Zone Exhaust Fan is Off{dimensionless}
ReferenceCrackConditions ; !- Reference Crack Conditions

1.27.15 AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:ExternalNode
External nodes in the AirflowNetwork model define environmental conditions outside of the build-
ing. These conditions include wind pressure coefficients that vary from façade to façade and can
be highly dependent on the building geometry.
AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:ExternalNode objects do not have to be entered if Wind Pressure
Coefficient Type = SurfaceAverageCalculation in the AirflowNetwork:SimulationControl object.
1.27. GROUP – AIRFLOW NETWORK 1081

1.27.15.1 Inputs
1.27.15.1.1 Field: Name
The external node name is associated with a particular building façade. This name is referenced
by the External Node Name field of an AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:WindPressureCoefficientValues
object (which gives wind pressure coefficients for the façade as a function of angle of wind incident on
the façade) and by the External Node Name field of an AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Surface object.

1.27.15.1.2 Field: External Node Height

Designates the reference height, in meters, used to calculate relative pressure. The default value
is 0 meters.

1.27.15.1.3 Field: Wind Pressure Coefficient Values Object Name

The name of a specific AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:WindPressureCoefficientValues object (which
gives wind pressure coefficients for the façade as a function of angle of wind incident on the façade).
IDF examples are provided below:

AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:ExternalNode ,
NFacade , !- Name
1.524 , !- External Node Height {m}
NFacade_WPCValue; !- Wind Pressure Coefficient Values Object Name

AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:ExternalNode ,
EFacade , !- Name
1.524 , !- External Node Height {m}
EFacade_WPCValue; !- Wind Pressure Coefficient Values Object Name

AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:ExternalNode ,
SFacade , !- Name
1.524 , !- External Node Height {m}
SFacade_WPCValue; !- Wind Pressure Coefficient Values Object Name

AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:ExternalNode ,
WFacade , !- Name
1.524 , !- External Node Height {m}
WFacade_WPCValue; !- Wind Pressure Coefficient Values Object Name

AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:ExternalNode ,
Horizontal , !- Name
3.028 , !- External Node Height {m}
Horizontal_WPCValue ; !- Wind Pressure Coefficient Values Object Name

1.27.16 AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:WindPressureCoefficientArray
The reference height and wind directions are first specified under the AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:WindPressureCoeffi
object. The user may specify up to 36 different wind directions in ascending order. These are then
referenced by AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:WindPressureCoefficientValues objects defined for each
AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:ExternalNode.
The AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:WindPressureCoefficientArray object is unique and needs to be
entered only if Wind Pressure Coefficient Type = INPUT in the AirflowNetwork:SimulationControl
object. If Wind Pressure Coefficient Type = SurfaceAverageCalculation, this object is not required.

1.27.16.1 Inputs
1.27.16.1.1 Field: Name
1082 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

The name of this AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:WindPressureCoefficientArray object. This name

is referenced by each AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:WindPressureCoefficientValues object which, for
each AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:ExternalNode, gives the wind pressure coefficients at each of the
wind directions listed in the AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:WindPressureCoefficientArray. This name
is also referenced by the AirflowNetwork:SimulationControl object, indicating that this AirflowNet-
work:MultiZone:WindPressureCoefficientArray and the pressure coefficients in the associated Air-
flowNetwork:MultiZone:WindPressureCoefficientValues objects will be used in the air flow simula-
tion.

1.27.16.1.2 Field: Wind Direction 1-Wind Direction N

Each field references the wind direction corresponding to the first through the Nth WPC value
in each of the AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:WindPressureCoefficientValues objects. N can be as high
as 36.
An IDF example is provided below:

AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:WindPressureCoefficientArray ,
Every 30 Degrees , !- WPC Array Name
0, !- Wind Direction #1 {deg}
30, !- Wind Direction #2 {deg}
60, !- Wind Direction #3 {deg}
90, !- Wind Direction #4 {deg}
120, !- Wind Direction #5 {deg}
150, !- Wind Direction #6 {deg}
180, !- Wind Direction #7 {deg}
210, !- Wind Direction #8 {deg}
240, !- Wind Direction #9 {deg}
270, !- Wind Direction #10 {deg}
300, !- Wind Direction #11 {deg}
330; !- Wind Direction #12 {deg}

1.27.17 AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:WindPressureCoefficientValues
This object specifies up to 36 wind pressure coefficients (WPCs) for an AirflowNet-
work:MultiZone:ExternalNode. These coefficients are defined for each of the wind directions
defined in the unique AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:WindPressureCoefficientArray object. In the air
flow calculation, interpolation of the specified WPC values is done for time-step values of wind
direction.
AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:WindPressureCoefficientValues objects need to be entered only if
the Wind Pressure Coefficient Type = INPUT in the AirflowNetwork:SimulationControl object. If
Wind Pressure Coefficient Type = SurfaceAverageCalculation, this object is not required and is
not used.

1.27.17.1 Inputs
1.27.17.1.1 Field: Name
The name of this WindPressureCoefficientValues object. This name can be referenced by mul-
tiple AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:ExternalNode objects.

1.27.17.1.2 Field: WindPressureCoefficientArray Name

Name of the associated AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:WindPressureCoefficientArray, which lists
the wind direction corresponding to each wind pressure coefficient value in this AirflowNet-
work:MultiZone:WindPressureCoefficientValues object.
1.27. GROUP – AIRFLOW NETWORK 1083

1.27.17.1.3 Field: Wind Pressure Coefficient Value 1 to Wind Pressure Coeffi-

cient Value N
The WPC (wind pressure coefficient) value for the building façade indicated by the External
Node Name field above. This WPC value corresponds to the first wind direction in the AirflowNet-
work:MultiZone:WindPressureCoefficientArray. Note that WPC values can be positive, negative
or zero.

1.27.17.1.4 Obtaining WPC values

WPC values can be obtained from wind tunnel measurements, CFD calculations, or from pub-
lished values for different building shapes.
For rectangular buildings EnergyPlus will automatically calculate surface-averaged Cp values
for the walls and roof of the building if you specify Wind Pressure Coefficient Type = SurfaceAv-
erageCalculation in the AirflowNetwork:SimulationControl object. In this case you do not have to
enter any AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:WindPressureCoefficientValues objects.
Wind pressure coefficients are reported in the eplusout.eio either from inputs using
“INPUT” as the choice for the Wind Pressure Coefficient Type field defined in the AirflowNet-
work:SimulationControl object, or from internal calculation using SurfaceAverageCalculation as
the choice for the Wind Pressure Coefficient Type field defined in the same object. Below is an
output example from the eplusout.eio file:
AirflowNetwork Model:Wind Direction ,
0.0 ,30.0 ,60.0 ,90.0 ,120.0 ,150.0 ,180.0 ,210.0 ,240.0 ,270.0 ,300.0 ,330.0
! <AirflowNetwork Model:Wind Pressure Coefficients , WPC Name , Wind Pressure Coefficients #1 to n
(dimensionless)>
AirflowNetwork Model:Wind Pressure Coefficients , NFACADE , 0.60 ,0.48 ,4.00E
-002 , -0.56 , -0.56 , -0.42 , -0.37 , -0.42 , -0.56 , -0.56 ,4.00E -002 ,0.48
AirflowNetwork Model:Wind Pressure Coefficients , EFACADE , -0.56 ,4.00E -002 ,0.48 ,0.60 ,0.48 ,4.00E
-002 , -0.56 , -0.56 , -0.42 , -0.37 , -0.42 , -0.56
AirflowNetwork Model:Wind Pressure Coefficients , SFACADE , -0.37 , -0.42 , -0.56 , -0.56 ,4.00E
-002 ,0.48 ,0.60 ,0.48 ,4.00E-002 , -0.56 , -0.56 , -0.42
AirflowNetwork Model:Wind Pressure Coefficients , WFACADE ,
-0.56 , -0.56 , -0.42 , -0.37 , -0.42 , -0.56 , -0.56 ,4.00E -002 ,0.48 ,0.60 ,0.48 ,4.00E -002

An IDF example is provided below:

AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:WindPressureCoefficientValues ,
NFacade_WPCValue , !- Name
Every 30 Degrees , !- AirflowNetwork:MultiZone: WindPressureCoefficientArray Name
0.60, !- Wind Pressure Coefficient Value 1 {dimensionless}
0.48, !- Wind Pressure Coefficient Value 2 {dimensionless}
0.04, !- Wind Pressure Coefficient Value 3 {dimensionless}
-0.56, !- Wind Pressure Coefficient Value 4 {dimensionless}
-0.56, !- Wind Pressure Coefficient Value 5 {dimensionless}
-0.42, !- Wind Pressure Coefficient Value 6 {dimensionless}
-0.37, !- Wind Pressure Coefficient Value 7 {dimensionless}
-0.42, !- Wind Pressure Coefficient Value 8 {dimensionless}
-0.56, !- Wind Pressure Coefficient Value 9 {dimensionless}
-0.56, !- Wind Pressure Coefficient Value 10 {dimensionless}
0.04, !- Wind Pressure Coefficient Value 11 {dimensionless}
0.48; !- Wind Pressure Coefficient Value 12 {dimensionless}

1.27.18 AirflowNetwork:OccupantVentilationControl
The AirflowNetwork:OccupantVentilationControl object provides control options with minimum
opening and closing time checks and opening and closing probability values. In general, the proba-
bility values could be a constant or a specific function. Due to lack of real data, two schedules are
1084 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

selected to represent probability values. If real data are available, this object may be modified to
adopt new data.

1.27.18.1 Inputs
1.27.18.1.1 Field: Name
This is the name of the object.

1.27.18.1.2 Field: Minimum Opening Time

The field represents the minimum time that windows will remain open. If a window has been
open for a time less than this value, the window will remain open.

1.27.18.1.3 Field: Minimum Closing Time

The field represents the minimum time that windows will remain closed. If a window has been
closed for a time less than this value, the window will remain closed.

1.27.18.1.4 Field: Thermal Comfort Low Temperature Curve Name

This alpha field defines the name of a curve to be used for thermal comfort temperature cal-
culation at low outdoor dry-bulb temperature. This curve is a linear or quadratic equation using
outdoor dry-bulb temperatures as an independent variable. This performance curve can be used
to describe the thermal comfort temperature at low outdoor dry-bulb temperature. It allows max-
imum two curves to describe the thermal comfort temperature in two different outdoor dry-bulb
temperature regions. If a single curve is used, blanks are entered in the following two fields.

1.27.18.1.5 Field: Thermal Comfort Temperature Boundary Point

When there are two piecewise curves to represent thermal comfort temperature calculation, this
field represents a boundary point of outdoor dry-bulb temperature. The low temperature curve
and the high temperature curve should have the same values at the boundary point. If a single
curve is used, this field may be left blank.

1.27.18.1.6 Field: Thermal Comfort High Temperature Curve Name

This alpha field defines the name of a curve to be used for thermal comfort temperature cal-
culation at high outdoor dry-bulb temperature. This curve is a linear or quadratic equation using
outdoor dry-bulb temperatures as an independent variable. This performance curve can be used to
describe the thermal comfort temperature at high outdoor dry-bulb temperature. It allows max-
imum two curves to describe the thermal comfort temperature in two different outdoor dry-bulb
temperature regions. If a single curve is used, blanks are entered in this field.

1.27.18.1.7 Field: Maximum Threshold for Persons Dissatisfied PPD

This field is used to calculate the comfort band as a function of predicted percentage of dissat-
isfied (PPD). The default value is 10%. The equation is based on curve fit and is valid between 0%
and 35%.

Θ = −0.0028(100 − P P D)2 + 0.3419(100 − P P D) − 6.6275 (1.107)

where
• Θ is the comfort band (degC)
• PPD is predicted percentage person of dissatisfied (%)
1.27. GROUP – AIRFLOW NETWORK 1085

1.27.18.1.8 Field: Occupancy Check

Input is Yes or No. The default is No. If Yes, an occupancy check is performed used in the
opening probability check. If No, the occupancy check is bypassed.

1.27.18.1.9 Field: Opening Probability Schedule Name

The name of a schedule of opening probability that controls the opening of windows and doors
in the thermal zone to provide natural ventilation. If the probability value is greater a random
number, windows are allowed to open. Otherwise, the output will be false. This control will occur
when minimum time checks for both opening and closing are satisfied.

1.27.18.1.10 Field: Closing Probability Schedule Name

The name of a schedule of closing probability that controls the closing of windows and doors
in the thermal zone to reduce natural ventilation. If the probability value is greater a random
number, windows are allowed to be closed. Otherwise, the output will be false. This control will
occur when minimum time checks for both opening and closing are satisfied.
An IDF example is provided below:

AirlowNetwork:OccupantVentilationControl ,
VentilationControl , !- Name
5.0, !- Minimum Opening Time
5.0, !- Minimum Opening Time
ComfortLowTempCurve , !- Thermal Comfort Low Temperature Curve Name
10.0, !- Thermal Comfort Temperature Boundary Point
ComfortHighTempCurve , !- Thermal Comfort High Temperature Curve Name
10.0, !- Maximum Threshold for Persons Dissatisfied PPD
Yes , !- Occupancy Check
OpeningProbabilitySch , !- Opening Probability Schedule Name
ClosingProbabilitySch; !- Closing Probability Schedule Name

The next two objects of AirflowNetwork:Intrazone:Node and AirflowNetwork:Intrazone:Linkage

are used with RoomAir:Node:AirflowNetwork objects together to simulate multiple internal airflows
via multiple intrazone nodes and linkages in a thermal zone. The mixed-air assumption for zone
air conditions is not always appropriate. EnergyPlus includes several RoomAir models that can
model the implications for different flow patterns on variations in temperature within the zone.
However none of them are generalized enough for different types of air flow situations and none are
coupled tightly with AirflowNetwork. A general RoomAir model based on pressure network solver
will allow modeling a variety of spaces types not currently covered by existing models such as tall
spaces.
Recent advancements have been made to AirflowNetwork to model large horizontal openings.
This new development makes AirflowNetwork useful for not only modeling air movement between
zones (and outdoors), but also within individual thermal zones.
The possible combination will allow the EnergyPlus to simulate a thermal zone using a network
approach by assuming internal nodes connected by user-defined patterns of temperatures and air-
flows. It should be pointed out that the new model works when the MultizoneWithoutDistribution
is selected in the field of AirflowNetwork Control of the AirflowNetwork:SimulationCOntrol object.
The model cannot work with other choices.

1.27.19 AirflowNetwork:Intrazone:Node
This object allows users to input multiple nodes in a zone. A single object represent a node. If
there is only one node per zone, then use the AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Zone input object. The
1086 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

zone node is not defined in this object.

1.27.19.1 Field: Name

The name identifies the node for later reference and in the output listing. Each node should have
a unique name. This name can be referenced as AirflowNetworkNodeNames.

1.27.19.2 Field: RoomAir:Node:AirflowNetwork Name

The name of a RoomAir:Node:AirflowNetwork object, which is also defined in a RoomAirSet-
tings:AirflowNetwork object (zone based).

1.27.19.3 Field: Zone Name

The name of a zone object, which is also defined in a AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Zone object (zone
based).

1.27.19.4 Field: Node Height

This field requires input of node height in meters.
An IDF example is provided below:
VentilationControl, !- Name

AirflowNetwork:IntraZone:Node ,
LeftUpper , !- Name
LeftUpper , !- RoomAir:Node:AirflowNetwork Name
NORTH_ZONE , !- Zone Name
4.572; !- Node Height {m}

1.27.20 AirflowNetwork:Intrazone:Linkage
The input object specifies a connection between two AirflowNetwork:Intrazone:Node objects and
an AiflowNetwork component defined elsewhere. The object also allow users to specify a connec-
tion between an AirflowNetwork:Intrazone:Node and an adjacent zone defined in an AirflowNet-
work:MultiZone:Zone object. This object provides flexibility to define a linkage either in the same
zone or in two different zones.

1.27.20.1 Field: Name

The name identifies the linkage for later reference and in the output listing. Each linkage should
have a unique name.

1.27.20.2 Field: Node 1 Name

The input designates a node name where airflow starts. The node name should be defined in an
AirflowNetwork:Intrazone:Node object or an AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Zone object.
1.27. GROUP – AIRFLOW NETWORK 1087

1.27.20.3 Field: Node 2 Name

The input designates a node name where airflow ends. The node name should be defined in an
AirflowNetwork:Intrazone:Node object or an AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Zone object.
Note: One of Node 1 and Node 2 should be defined as an AirflowNetwork:Intrazone:Node object.
In other words, both nodes cannot be defined as AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Zone object. This type
of connection should be defined as an AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Surface object.

1.27.20.4 Field: Component Name

The input designates an AirflowNetwork component name associated with the two nodes. The
component name should be one of the AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Component object names. The
component is used for intrazone node connection only. If the next field is specified, the input of
this field could be a blank.
It should be pointed out that an AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface object allows following five
AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Component objects:

• AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:DetailedOpening,
• AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:SimpleOpening,
• AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Surface:Crack,
• AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Surface:EffectiveLeakageArea,
• AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:HorizontalOpening

However, an AirflowNetwork:Intrazone:Linkage object without a surface connection

has connection with two intrazone nodes in the same zone and allows two AirflowNet-
work:Multizone:Component objects due to lack of geometry inputs.

• AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Surface:Crack,
• AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Surface:EffectiveLeakageArea,

1.27.20.5 Field: Connection Surface

The input specifies an AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface object name, when the nodes defined
above are not located in the same zone. The surface linkage will be connected by the above
two nodes, instead of zone nodes in normal definition. In other words, the connection defined in
an AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface is removed. Instead, this new connection replaces the the
connection specified before. A warning message is issued to let users be aware of the changes.
Since each AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface object has its own component defined in the Leakage
Component Name field, the input of the Component Name field in this object will be ignored.
An IDF example is provided below:

AirflowNetwork:IntraZone:Linkage ,
IntraZoneMiddleUpperLink , !- Name
LeftUpper , !- Node 1 Name
CentralUpper , !- Node 2 Name
CR -1; !- Component Name

AirflowNetwork:IntraZone:Linkage ,
IntraZoneLeftUpperLink ,
LeftUpper , !- Node 1 Name
EAST_ZONE_T , !- Node 2 Name
CR -1, !- Component Name
Surface_11_T; !- Surface Name
1088 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

The previous sections of this AirflowNetwork model discussion describe input objects used for
multizone airflow calculations. The following sections describe input objects used for air distribution
system simulations. These objects work when control option “MultiZone with Distribution” or
“MultiZone with Distribution Only During Fan Operation” is defined in the AirflowNetwork Control
field in the AirflowNetwork:SimulationControl object.
The first section presents the input object for distribution system nodes. Although thermal
zones are required to perform air distribution system simulations, the thermal zones are already
defined in the multizone input section (described previously), so that there is no need to repeat
the inputs for thermal zones when modeling an air distribution system. The same is also true for
surface air leakage. This section has only one object: AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Node.

1.27.21 AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Node
The AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Node object is used to represent air distribution system nodes for
the AirflowNetwork model. The EnergyPlus nodes defined in an AirLoopHVAC are a subset of the
nodes used to simulate the distribution system using the AirflowNetwork model. For example, the
inlet node of a fan and the outlet node of a coil defined in an AirLoopHVAC must be defined as
nodes using the AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Node object. A set of EnergyPlus Zone Equipment
nodes is also a subset of the AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Nodes. For example, zone inlet and outlet
nodes must be defined as nodes using the AirflowNetwork:Distribution: Node object. In addition,
although mixers and splitters are defined as objects with inlet and outlet nodes within EnergyPlus,
the AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Node object treats mixers and splitters as single nodes. The node
objects are referenced by AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Linkage objects.
In summary, all nodes used to define an AirLoopHVAC (except splitters, mixers, and out-
door air systems which are treated as single nodes) and its connections to a thermal zone must
be specified as AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Nodes. If distribution system air leaks are to be
modeled, additional AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Nodes may be defined along with AirflowNet-
work:Distribution:Components (e.g., leak or leak ratio) to define the air leakage characteristics.
Note: Supply and return leaks are not allowed in an AirLoopHVAC. They can only be modeled
in the Zone Equipment Loop (i.e., return leaks may be modeled between the zone return node and
the zone mixer inlet or the zone mixer outlet and the zone equipment loop outlet; and supply leaks
may be modeled between the zone equipment loop inlet and the AirLoopHVAC:ZoneSplitter inlet
node or the AirLoopHVAC:ZoneSplitter outlet node and the zone supply node).

1.27.21.1 Inputs
1.27.21.1.1 Field: Name
The name of an air distribution system node. This node name is referenced by an AirflowNet-
work:Distribution:Linkage and in the output listing. Each node should have a unique name within
the AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Node objects (however, the node name may be used elsewhere as
regular EnergyPlus node names such as the fan inlet node or coil outlet node).

1.27.21.1.2 Field:Component Name or Node Name

Designates node names defined in another EnergyPlus object, so that the AirflowNet-
work:Distribution:Node object is able to get input parameters and node conditions from the
associated EnergyPlus node or object. The actual node name is entered here and represents a
node already defined in an AirLoopHVAC or zone equipment loop. This field is left blank if the
EnergyPlus Node Type field below is entered as Mixer, Splitter, Outdoor air System, or Other.
1.27. GROUP – AIRFLOW NETWORK 1089

1.27.21.1.3 Field: Component Object Type or Node Type

This choice field distinguishes the node type for the EnergyPlus node or object name defined
above. Five node types are available:

• AirLoopHVAC:ZoneMixer: Represents an AirLoopHVAC:ZoneMixer object defined in

EnergyPlus

• AirLoopHVAC:ZoneSplitter: Represents an AirLoopHVAC:ZoneSplitter object defined

in EnergyPlus

• AirLoopHVAC:OutdoorAirSystem: Represents an AirLoopHVAC:OutdoorAirSystem

object used in EnergyPlus

• OAMixerOutdoorAirStreamNode: Represents an external node name specified as an

Outdoor Air Stream Node Name in the OutdoorAir:Mixer object when the AirLoopH-
VAC:OutdoorAirSystem object is used.

• OutdoorAir:NodeList: Represents an external node name defined in the Out-

doorAir:NodeList object when the AirLoopHVAC:OutdoorAirSystem object and an exhaust
energy recovery system (air-to-air heat exchanger) are used.

• OutdoorAir: Represents an external node name defined in the OutdoorAir:Node object

when the AirLoopHVAC:OutdoorAirSystem and an exhaust energy recovery system (air-to-
air heat exchanger) are used.

• Other: Represents a type not already defined above.

Note: Both the OutdoorAir:NodeList and OutdoorAir:Node node types represent a node to out-
door air conditions. Either one of these node types can be used to represent an external node when
an air-to-air heat exchanger is used to recover energy from the exhaust air stream as part of an
AirLoopHVAC:OutdoorAirSystem object. Node type OAMixerOutdoorAirStreamNode does not
represent an external node when an OutdoorAir:NodeList or OutdoorAir:Node object is specified.
If no exhaust heat recovery system (i.e., air-to-air heat exchanger) is specified in the AirLoopH-
VAC:OutdoorAirSystem, the node type OAMixerOutdoorAirStreamNode represents an external
node.

1.27.21.1.4 Field: Node Height

Designates the reference height in meters used to calculate relative pressure. The default value
is 0 meters.
IDF examples are provided below:

AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Node ,
EquipmentInletNode , !- Name
Zone Equipment Inlet Node , !- Component Name or Node Name
Other , !- Component Object Type or Node Type
3.0; !- Node Height {m}

AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Node ,
SupplyMainNode , !- Name
, !- Component Name or Node Name
Other , !- Component Object Type or Node Type
3.0; !- Node Height {m}
1090 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Node ,
MainSplitterNode , !- Name
, !- Component Name or Node Name
AirLoopHVAC:ZoneSplitter , !- Component Object Type or Node Type
3.0; !- Node Height {m}

AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Node ,
MainSplitterNode , !- Name of Node
, !- Name of Associated EnergyPlus Node or Object
AirLoopHVAC:ZoneSplitter , !- EnergyPlus Object or Node Type
3.0; !- Node Height {m}

The next section describes AirflowNetwork Distribution Components, with 7 available types
listed below. All required fields for each component represent a relationship between pressure
difference and airflow. The components are referenced in AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Linkage
objects.

• AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:Leak

• AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:LeakageRatio

• AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:Duct

• AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:ConstantVolumeFan

• AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:Coil

• AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:HeatExchanger

• AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:TerminalUnit

• AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:ConstantPressureDrop

1.27.22 AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:Leak
This component may be also called a power law component and is used to represent a supply or
return air leak in an air distribution system. Its relationship between pressure difference and airflow
may be expressed as:

ṁ = CT C(∆P )n (1.108)
where
ṁ = Air mass flow rate through the component [kg/s]
C = Air mass flow coefficient (kg/s at 1 Pa pressure difference)
∆P = Total pressure loss across the element [Pa]
n = Air mass flow exponent
CT = Temperature correction factor
[ ]n−1 [
ρo νo ]2n−1
CT = (1.109)
ρ ν
where
ρ = Air density at the specific air temperature and humidity ratio conditions [kg/m3 ]
ν = Air kinetic viscosity at the specific air temperature condition [m2 /s]
1.27. GROUP – AIRFLOW NETWORK 1091

ρo = Air density at air conditions of 20°C, 0 kg/kg and 101325 Pa [kg/m3 ]

νo = Air kinetic viscosity at an air temperature of 20°C [m2 /s]
Note: The correction factor shown above is use for this particular component as specified.

1.27.22.1 Inputs
1.27.22.1.1 Field: Name
A unique name identifying a supply or return air leak in an air distribution system. This
unique name will be referenced by an AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Linkage object to represent a
component leak.

1.27.22.1.2 Field: Air Mass Flow Coefficient

This numeric field is defined as the air mass flow coefficient at 1 Pa pressure difference across
this component. Valid entries must be greater than zero.

1.27.22.1.3 Field: Air Mass Flow Exponent

This numeric field is defined as the pressure difference exponent across the component. Valid
entries are from 0.5 to 1.0, with the default value being 0.65.
An IDF example is provided below:
AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:Leak ,
MainSupplyLeak , !- Name of Supply or Return Leak
0.0001 , !- Air Mass Flow Coefficient {kg/s}
0.65; !- Air Mass Flow Exponent {dimensionless}

AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:Leak ,
ZoneSupplyLeak , !- Name of Supply or Return Leak
0.01, !- Air Mass Flow Coefficient {kg/s}
0.65; !- Air Mass Flow Exponent {dimensionless}

1.27.23 AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:LeakageRatio
The leakage ratio component is generally used to define supply and return leaks with respect to
a constant fan flow. This object requires 5 inputs. The relationship between pressure and airflow
may be expressed as a power law element:

ṁ = Cequ (∆P )n (1.110)

where
ρ = Air density [kg/m3 ]
∆P = Total pressure loss across the element [Pa]
n = Air mass flow exponent
Cequ = Equivalent air mass flow coefficient

Cequ = r ∗ Qr ∗ ρ ∗ (∆Pr )−n (1.111)

where
ρ = Effective leakage ratio [dimensionless]
Qr = Maximum airflow rate [m3 /s]
∆Pr = Reference pressure difference [Pa]
n = Air mass flow exponent [dimensionless]
1092 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

The above calculation is valid only for a HVAC system using a constant volume supply fan:
Fan:ConstantVolume or Fan:OnOff.

1.27.23.1 Inputs
1.27.23.1.1 Field: Name
A unique name identifying a supply or return air leak (ratio with respect to the constant
volume fan flow rate) in an air distribution system. This unique name will be referenced in an
AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Linkage object to represent a component.

1.27.23.1.2 Field: Effective Leakage Ratio

This numeric field is used to input the effective leakage ratio. This value must be greater than
zero and less than or equal to 1. The effective leakage ratio is used to characterize supply and
return leaks with respect to the constant fan flow (supply or return air leak flow rate divided by
the maximum air flow rate for the fan). When a VAV system is used with Supply Fan Object Type
= Fan:VariableVolume in the AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:Fan object, the ratio for a
supply leak is defined as the value of supply air leak flow rate divided by the supply fan air flow
rate at the current time step. The inputs of the rest of 3 fields are not used.

1.27.23.1.3 Field: Maximum Flow Rate

This numeric field is used to input the maximum flow rate for a constant volume fan [m3 /s].
This value must be greater than 0 m3 /s. When a VAV system is used with Supply Fan Object
Type = Fan:VariableVolume in the AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:Fan object, this input
is not used, because the real supply fan flow rate at the current time step is used to calculate the
amount of a supply leak.

1.27.23.1.4 Field: Reference Pressure Difference

This numeric field is used to input the reference pressure difference [Pa]. This value must be
greater than 0 Pa. When a VAV system is used with Supply Fan Object Type = Fan:VariableVolume
in the AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:Fan object, this input is not used, because the real
supply fan flow rate at the current time step is used to calculate the amount of a supply leak.

1.27.23.1.5 Field: Air Mass Flow Exponent

This numeric field is used to input the pressure difference exponent. The value of the exponent
can be from 0.5 to 1.0, with the default value being 0.65. When a VAV system is used with Supply
Fan Object Type = Fan:VariableVolume in the AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:Fan ob-
ject, this input is not used, because the real supply fan flow rate at the current time step is used
to calculate the amount of a supply leak.
Note: The reference pressure difference is defined as the difference between pressures of originate
and terminate nodes for supply and return leaks. In general, it may require that a simulation
be performed with an initial guess for reference pressure difference using design day conditions.
After obtaining pressures at the leakage nodes, more realistic reference pressure differences can be
entered. It should be pointed out that since pressures at the nodes vary with temperature and
other conditions, the effective leakage ratio is only an estimate. In other words, the exact leakage
ratio may not be available.
When a VAV system is used with Supply Fan Object Type = Fan:VariableVolume in the Air-
flowNetwork:Distribution:Component:Fan object, the AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:LeakageRatio
1.27. GROUP – AIRFLOW NETWORK 1093

object has to be used to define a supply leak. The other components cannot be used. In addition,
the first node in a AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Linkage to define a supply leak has to be the
node in the duct to originate a supply leak, and the second node has to be the node of a zone to
terminate a supply leak. In other words, the supply leak has to flow from node 1 to node 2. When
this object is used to define a return leak, the first node in a AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Linkage
has to be a thermal zone to originate a leak, and the second node has to be the node of a duct to
terminate a leak.
An IDF example is provided below:

AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:LeakageRatio ,
Zone1SupplyLeakELA , !- Name of Effective Leakage Ratio
0.043527 , !- Effective Leakage Ratio {dimensionless}
1.0, !- Maximum Flow Rate {m3/s}
20.0, !- Reference Pressure Difference {Pa}
0.65; !- Air Mass Flow Exponent {dimensionless}

1.27.24 AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:Duct
This object represents a duct component and requires 9 input fields, one alpha field and 8 numeric
fields. The relationship between pressure and airflow across the component may be expressed as
(2001 ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals, Chapter 34):
√
2ρA2 ∆P
ṁ = ∑ (1.112)
f L/D + Cd
where
ṁ = Mass flow rate of air through the component [kg/s]
r = Air density [kg/m3 ]
A = Cross sectional area [m2 ]
∆P = Total pressure loss across the component [Pa]
L = Duct length [m]
D = Hydraulic diameter [m]
Cd = Dynamic loss coefficient due to fitting [dimensionless]
f = Friction factor
The friction factor can be calculated using the nonlinear Colebrook equation (ASHRAE Hand-
book of Fundamentals, 1997. p. 2.9, Eq. 29b)
( ) ( )
1 D 9.3
√ = 1.44 + 2 ∗ log − 2 ∗ log 1 + √ (1.113)
f ε Re ∗ ε/D ∗ f
where
e = Surface roughness [m]
ρV D
Re = Reynolds number = µ

1.27.24.1 Inputs
1.27.24.1.1 Field: Name
A unique name for an AirflowNetwork duct component in an air distribution system. This
unique name will be referenced by an AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Linkage object to represent a
component.
1094 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.27.24.1.2 Field: Duct Length

This numeric field is used to input duct length [m]. This value must be greater than zero.

1.27.24.1.3 Field: Hydraulic Diameter

This numeric field is used to input hydraulic diameter, which is defined as:

4A
Dh = (1.114)
P
where
Dh = Hydraulic diameter [m]
A = Duct cross sectional area [m2 ]
P = Perimeter of cross section [m]

1.27.24.1.4 Field: Cross Section Area

This numeric field is used to input cross section area [m2 ]. The model assumes that this element
has no area change along its length. Otherwise, effective cross sectional area is required.

1.27.24.1.5 Field: Surface Roughness

This numeric field is used to input surface roughness [m]. This value must be greater than zero,
and the default value is 0.0009 m.

1.27.24.1.6 Field: Coefficient for Local Dynamic Loss Due to fitting

This numeric field is defined as a coefficient for dynamic loss [dimensionless]. It represents
dynamic loss due to fittings (such as an elbow).

1.27.24.1.7 Field: Overall Heat Transmittance Coefficient (U-Factor) from Air

to Air
This numeric field is defined as the overall heat transmittance coefficient (U value, W/m2 -K)
from air to air, including film coefficients at both surfaces.

1.27.24.1.8 Field: Overall Moisture Transmittance Coefficient from Air to Air

This numeric field is defined as the overall moisture transmittance coefficient (kg/m2 ) from air
to air, including film coefficients at both surfaces.
An IDF example is provided below:

AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:Duct ,
MainTruck1 , !- Name of Duct Component
3.0, !- Duct Length {m}
0.6, !- Hydraulic Diameter {m}
0.2827 , !- Cross Section Area {m2}
0.0009 , !- Surface Roughness {m}
0.01, !- Coefficient for local dynamic loss due to fitting {
dimensionless}
0.772 , !- Overall heat transmittance coefficient (U value) from air to
air {W/m2 -K}
0.0001; !- Overall moisture transmittance coefficient from air to air {kg/
m2}
1.27. GROUP – AIRFLOW NETWORK 1095

1.27.25 AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:Fan
This component represents a constant volume fan in the air distribution system (AirLoopHVAC).
The air flow rate and air conditions (temperature and humidity) are obtained from the associated
Fan:ConstantVolume, Fan:OnOff, or Fan:VariableVolume object.

1.27.25.1 Inputs
1.27.25.1.1 Field: Fan Name
The name identifying an AirflowNetwork constant volume fan in an air distribution system.
This name must be the same as the name of the associated Fan:ConstantVolume, Fan:OnOff or
Fan:VariableVolume object. This name will be referenced by an AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Linkage
object to represent a component.

1.27.25.1.2 Field: Supply Fan Object Type

This choice field defines the type of fan. The only valid choices are Fan:OnOff, Fan:ConstantVolume,
and Fan:VariableVolume, with the default being Fan:ConstantVolume. Both cycling and contin-
uous fan operating modes are allowed for Fan:OnOff. Only the continuous fan operating mode is
allowed for Fan:ConstantVolume. The variable airflow rate is allowed for Fan:VariableVolume.
Note: Make sure that the volumetric air flow rates for the fan, coils, and parent components
(e.g., unitary system or furnace) are the same so that fan energy and air distribution system
losses/gains are properly calculated.
An IDF example is provided below:

AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:Fan ,
Supply Fan 1, !- Name of Constant Volume Fan
Fan:ConstantVolume; !- Supply fan type

1.27.26 AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:Coil
This component represents a cooling or heating coil. The main purpose for this object is to get
calculated values (air flow and temperature/humidity conditions) from the associated coil models.

1.27.26.1 Inputs
1.27.26.1.1 Field: Coil Name
The name identifying an AirflowNetwork cooling coil or heating coil defined in an air loop. This
name must be the same name as the associated coil object. This unique name will be referenced
by an AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Linkage object to represent a component.

1.27.26.1.2 Field: Coil Object Type

This field requires input of the coil type used in the AirflowNetwork model. The available
choices are:

• Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed

• Coil:Heating:Gas

• Coil:Heating:Electric
1096 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• Coil:Heating:DX:SingleSpeed

• Coil:Cooling:Water

• Coil:Heating:Water

• Coil:Cooling:Water:DetailedGeometry

• Coil:Cooling:DX:TwoStageWithHumidityControlMode

• Coil:Cooling:DX:MultiSpeed

• Coil:Heating:DX:MultiSpeed

• Coil:Heating:Desuperheater

1.27.26.1.3 Field: Air Path Length

This numeric field is used to input air path length for the coil [m]. This value must be greater
than 0 meters.

1.27.26.1.4 Field: Air Path Hydraulic Diameter

This numeric field is used to input hydraulic diameter of a coil’s air path, which is defined as:

4A
Dh = (1.115)
P
where
Dh = Hydraulic diameter [m]
A = Duct cross section area [m2 ]
P = Perimeter of cross section [m]
For this component, the relationship between airflow and pressure is similar to the component
AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:Duct. However, the model assumes very small surface
roughness (10−4 ) and no local dynamic loss due to fittings for this component. Therefore, this
component only requires two numerical fields. Heat and moisture exchange from surroundings is
ignored.
Note: Make sure that the volumetric air flow rates for the fan, coils, and parent components
(e.g., unitary system or furnace) are the same so that fan energy and air distribution system
losses/gains are properly calculated.
An IDF example is provided below:

AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:Coil ,
ACDXCoil 1, !- Name of Associated EnergyPlus Coil
Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed , !- EnergyPlus Coil Type
0.1, !- Air Path Length {m}
1.00; !- Air Path Hydraulic Diameter {m}

AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:Coil ,
HP Heating Coil 1, !- Name of Associated EnergyPlus Coil
Coil:Heating:DX:SingleSpeed , !- EnergyPlus Coil Type
0.1, !- Air Path Length {m}
1.00; !- Air Path Hydraulic Diameter {m}
1.27. GROUP – AIRFLOW NETWORK 1097

1.27.27 AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:HeatExchanger
This component represents an air-to-air heat exchanger typically used in combination with a cool-
ing coil to enhance dehumidification or in an outside air system to recover energy from exhaust
air to pretreat incoming outdoor ventilation air. The cooling coils with enhanced dehumidifica-
tion are defined in the two objects CoilSystem:Cooling:DX:HeatExchangerAssisted and CoilSys-
tem:Cooling:Water:HeatExchangerAssisted using one of three heat exchanger objects specified be-
low. The exhaust air energy recovery system also has the same restriction using the one of three
heat exchanger objects. The main purpose for this object is to obtain calculated values (air flow
and temperature/humidity conditions) from the associated heat exchanger models for the airflow
network calculations.

1.27.27.1 Inputs
1.27.27.1.1 Field: Heat Exchanger Name
The name identifying an AirflowNetwork heat exchanger defined in an air loop. This name
must be the same name that is used in the associated heat exchanger object. This unique name
will be referenced by an AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Linkage object to represent a component.

1.27.27.1.2 Field: Heat Exchanger Object Type

This field requires input of the heat exchanger type. The available choices are:

• HeatExchanger:AirToAir:FlatPlate

• HeatExchanger:AirToAir:SensibleAndLatent

• HeatExchanger:Desiccant:BalancedFlow

1.27.27.1.3 Field: Air Path Length

This numeric field is used to input air path length for the heat exchanger coil [m]. This value
must be greater than 0 meters.

1.27.27.1.4 Field: Air Path Hydraulic Diameter

This numeric field is used to input hydraulic diameter of a heat exchanger coil’s air path, which
is defined as:

4A
Dh = (1.116)
P
where
Dh = Hydraulic diameter [m]
A = Duct cross section area [m2 ]
P = Perimeter of cross section [m]
For this component, the relationship between airflow and pressure is similar to the component
AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:Duct. However, the model assumes very small surface
roughness (10−4 ) and no local dynamic loss due to fittings for this component. Therefore, this
component only requires two numerical fields. Heat and moisture exchange from surroundings are
ignored.
Note: When a heat exchanger is used as a component of either CoilSystem:Cooling:DX:HeatExchangerAssisted
or CoilSystem:Cooling:Water:HeatExchangerAssisted, the heat exchanger acts as two components
1098 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

in an air primary loop. For example, an air-to-air heat exchanger has a component connected
to the supply air side (equivalent to a supply coil) and a component connected to exhaust air
side (equivalent to an exhaust coil). The desiccant heat exchanger has a component connected to
regeneration air side (equivalent to a regeneration air coil) and a component connected to process
air side (equivalent to a process air coil). Therefore, each air-to-air heat exchanger used in this
configuration requires two linkage objects (instead of only one linkage object as required for other
AirflowNetwork components).
When a heat exchanger is used in an exhaust air energy recovery system (i.e., in an AirLoopH-
VAC:OutdoorAirSystem object to recover waste heat from exhaust air to pretreat incoming outdoor
ventilation air), the heat exchanger is treated as a single component. The AirflowNetwork model
only connects the two nodes associated with the incoming outdoor ventilation air, while the two
exhaust nodes are not defined as part of the AirflowNetwork model. Therefore, each heat exchanger
component used in an exhaust air energy recovery system has only one linkage object, similar to
AirflowNetwork coil components.
An IDF example is provided below:

AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:HeatExchanger ,
OA Heat Recovery 1, !- HeatExchanger Name
HeatExchanger:AirToAir:SensibleAndLatent , !- HeatExchanger Object Type
0.1, !- Air Path Length {m}
1.00; !- Air Path Hydraulic Diameter {m}

AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:HeatExchanger ,
Desiccant Heat Exchanger 1, !- HeatExchanger Name
HeatExchanger:Desiccant:BalancedFlow , !- HeatExchanger Object Type
0.1, !- Air Path Length {m}
1.00; !- Air Path Hydraulic Diameter {m}

1.27.28 AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:TerminalUnit
This component represents a terminal unit for reheating the incoming supply air. The main purpose
is to get calculated values from the terminal unit models.

1.27.28.1 Inputs
1.27.28.1.1 Field: Terminal Unit Name
A name identifying an AirflowNetwork terminal unit defined in a zone equipment list. This name
must be the same as the associated terminal unit object. This unique name will be referenced by
an AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Linkage object to represent a component.

1.27.28.1.2 Field: Terminal Unit Object Type

This field requires input of the terminal unit type used in the AirflowNetwork model.
The available types are AirTerminal:SingleDuct:ConstantVolume:Reheat and AirTermi-
nal:SingleDuct:VAV:Reheat. The AirTerminal:SingleDuct:ConstantVolume:Reheat type is
used when the Supply Fan Object Type in the AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:Fan
is either Fan:ConstantVolume or Fan:OnOff. The AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:Reheat type is
used when the Supply Fan Object Type in the AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:Fan is
Fan:VariableVolume only.
1.27. GROUP – AIRFLOW NETWORK 1099

1.27.28.1.3 Field: Air Path Length

This numeric field is used to input the air path length for the terminal unit [m]. This value
must be greater than 0 meters.

1.27.28.1.4 Field: Air Path Hydraulic Diameter

This numeric field is used to input hydraulic diameter for the terminal unit’s air path, which is
defined as:

4A
Dh = (1.117)
P
where
Dh = Hydraulic diameter [m]
A = Duct cross section area [m2 ]
P = Perimeter of cross section [m]
It should be noted that the relationship for this component between airflow and pressure is sim-
ilar to the component AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:Duct. However, the model assumes
very small surface roughness (10−4 ) and no local dynamic loss due to fittings for this component.
Therefore, this component only requires two numerical fields. Heat and moisture exchange from
surroundings is ignored.
Note: The AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:TerminalUnit object is used to represent
an AirTerminal:SingleDuct:ConstantVolume:Reheat or an AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:Reheat ob-
ject in an AirflowNetwork simulation. The AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:TerminalUnit
should not be used to represent any other air terminal unit types. When the Zone-
HVAC:EquipmentList object specifies an Air:Terminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled object, the
AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:Duct object should be used instead.
The AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:Reheat object has two components: a damper and a reheat
coil. When the AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:Reheat type is used, two objects of AirflowNet-
work:Distribution:Linkage have to be used to make two links, one of which is a link to connect
two nodes for a damper, and the other is a link to connect two nodes for a reheat coil.
When a VAV system is used with Supply Fan Object Type = Fan:VariableVolume in the Air-
flowNetwork:Distribution:Component:Fan object, the type of all terminals has to be AirTermi-
nal:SingleDuct:VAV:Reheat. The object of Air:Terminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled is not allowed.
An IDF example is provided below:

AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:TerminalUnit ,
Reheat Zone 1, !- Name of Associated Energyplus Terminal Unit
AirTerminal:SingleDuct:ConstantVolume:Reheat , !- EnergyPlus Terminal Unit Type
0.1, !- Air Path Length {m}
0.44; !- Air Path Hydraulic Diameter {m}

1.27.29 AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:ConstantPressureDrop
This component represents a constant pressure drop component. It is generally used to simulate a
constant pressure drop filter. The mathematical equation may be written as:

∆P = const (1.118)
1100 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.27.29.1 Inputs
1.27.29.1.1 Field: Name
A unique name identifying an AirflowNetwork constant pressure drop component in an air dis-
tribution system. This unique name will be referenced by an AirflowNetwork: Distribution:Linkage
object to represent a component.

1.27.29.1.2 Field: Pressure Difference across the Component

This numeric field is used to input the pressure difference across the element [Pa].
Note: This object should be used with caution. Each node connected to this object cannot be
a node for a mixer or splitter, a node in an AirLoopHVAC, or a node in a zone configuration loop.
It is recommended that duct components be specified at both ends of this object.
An IDF example is provided below:

AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:ConstantPressureDrop ,
SupplyCPDComp , ! Name of Constant Pressure Drop Component
1.0; ! Pressure Difference Across the Component [Pa]

1.27.30 AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Linkage
The AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Linkage represents a connection between two AirflowNet-
work:Distribution:Node objects and an AirflowNetwork component defined above. In addition, the
relative height from node height to linkage height for each node is required.

1.27.30.1 Inputs
1.27.30.1.1 Field: Name
The name identifies the linkage for later reference and in the output listing. Each linkage should
have a unique name.

1.27.30.1.2 Field: Node 1 Name

Designates a node name where airflow starts. The node name should be defined in an Air-
flowNetwork:Distribution:Node object.

1.27.30.1.3 Field: Node 2 Name

Designates a node name where airflow ends. The node name should be defined in an AirflowNet-
work:Distribution:Node object.

1.27.30.1.4 Field: Component Name

Designates an AirflowNetwork component name associated with the two nodes. The component
name should be one of the AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component… object names.

1.27.30.1.5 Field: Thermal Zone Name

Designates a thermal zone where the linkage is located. The information provides the ambi-
ent conditions for duct elements to calculate duct conduction losses (only used if component is
AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Component:Duct).
An IDF example is provided below:
1.27. GROUP – AIRFLOW NETWORK 1101

AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Linkage ,
Main Link 1, !- Name of Linkage
EquipmentInletNode , !- Node 1 Name
SupplyMainNode , !- Node 2 Name
MainTruck1 , !- Component Name
Attic Zone; !- Thermal Zone Name

1.27.30.2 Outputs
The AirflowNetwork nodes in the following output variables includes zones defined in AirflowNet-
work:Multizone:Zone objects, external nodes defined in AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:ExternalNode
objects, and nodes defined in AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Node objects.
The AirflowNetwork linkage used in following output variables includes surfaces de-
fined in AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface objects, and linkages defined in AirflowNet-
work:Distribution:Linkage objects. The surface linkages represent airflows through surface
cracks or openings between two zones or between a zone and outdoors. The distribution linkages
represent airflows in an air distribution system.

• HVAC,Average,AFN Node Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Node Humidity Ratio [kgWater/kgDryAir]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Node Total Pressure [Pa]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Node Wind Pressure [Pa]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Node CO2 Concentration [ppm]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Node Generic Air Contaminant Concentration [ppm]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Linkage Node 1 to Node 2 Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Linkage Node 2 to Node 1 Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Linkage Node 1 to Node 2 Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Linkage Node 2 to Node 1 Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Linkage Node 1 to Node 2 Pressure Difference [Pa]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Surface Venting Window or Door Opening Factor []

• HVAC,Average,AFN Surface Venting Window or Door Opening Modulation Multiplier []

• HVAC,Average,AFN Surface Venting Inside Setpoint Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Surface Venting Availability Status []

• HVAC,Average,AFN Zone Infiltration Sensible Heat Gain Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,AFN Zone Infiltration Sensible Heat Gain Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Zone Mixing Sensible Heat Gain Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,AFN Zone Mixing Sensible Heat Gain Energy [J]

1102 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• HVAC,Average,AFN Zone Infiltration Sensible Heat Loss Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,AFN Zone Infiltration Sensible Heat Loss Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Zone Mixing Sensible Heat Loss Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,AFN Zone Mixing Sensible Heat Loss Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Zone Infiltration Latent Heat Gain Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,AFN Zone Infiltration Latent Heat Gain Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Zone Infiltration Latent Heat Loss Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,AFN Zone Infiltration Latent Heat Loss Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Zone Mixing Latent Heat Gain Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,AFN Zone Mixing Latent Heat Gain Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Zone Mixing Latent Heat Loss Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,AFN Zone Mixing Latent Heat Loss Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Zone Duct Leaked Air Sensible Heat Gain Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,AFN Zone Duct Leaked Air Sensible Heat Gain Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Zone Duct Leaked Air Sensible Heat Loss Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,AFN Zone Duct Leaked Air Sensible Heat Loss Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Zone Duct Leaked Air Latent Heat Gain Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,AFN Zone Duct Leaked Air Latent Heat Gain Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Zone Duct Leaked Air Latent Heat Loss Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,AFN Zone Duct Leaked Air Latent Heat Loss Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Zone Duct Conduction Sensible Heat Gain Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,AFN Zone Duct Conduction Sensible Heat Gain Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Zone Duct Conduction Sensible Heat Loss Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,AFN Zone Duct Conduction Sensible Heat Loss Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Zone Duct Diffusion Latent Heat Gain Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,AFN Zone Duct Diffusion Latent Heat Gain Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Zone Duct Diffusion Latent Heat Loss Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,AFN Zone Duct Diffusion Latent Heat Loss Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Distribution Sensible Heat Gain Rate [W]

1.27. GROUP – AIRFLOW NETWORK 1103

• HVAC,Sum,AFN Distribution Sensible Heat Gain Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Distribution Sensible Heat Loss Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,AFN Distribution Sensible Heat Loss Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Distribution Latent Heat Gain Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,AFN Distribution Latent Heat Gain Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Distribution Latent Heat Loss Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,AFN Distribution Latent Heat Loss Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,AFN Zone Infiltration Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Sum,AFN Zone Infiltration Mass [kg]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Zone Infiltration Air Change Rate [ach]

• HVAC,Sum,AFN Zone Mixing Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Sum,AFN Zone Mixing Mass [kg]

The following output variables are reported only when a Fan:OnOff object is used:

• HVAC,Average,AFN Zone Average Pressure [Pa]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Zone On Cycle Pressure [Pa]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Zone Off Cycle Pressure [Pa]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Linkage Node 1 to 2 Average Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Linkage Node 2 to 1 Average Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Linkage Node 1 to 2 Average Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Linkage Node 2 to 1 Average Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Surface Average Pressure Difference [Pa]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Surface On Cycle Pressure Difference [Pa]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Surface Off Cycle Pressure Difference [Pa]

The following output variables are reported only when an AirflowNet-

work:OccupantVentilationControl object is used:

• HVAC,Average,AFN Surface Venting Window or Door Opening Factor at Previous Time

Step []

• HVAC,Average,AFN Surface Opening Elapsed Time [min]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Surface Closing Elapsed Time [min]

• HVAC,Average,AFN Surface Opening Status at Previous Time Step []

1104 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• HVAC,Average,AFN Surface Opening Status []

• HVAC,Average,AFN Surface Opening Probability Status []

• HVAC,Average,AFN Surface Closing Probability Status []

The following are reported only when an integrated model of RoomAir and Air-
flowNetwork is used:

• HVAC,Average, RoomAirflowNetwork Node Total Pressure [Pa]

• HVAC,Average, RoomAirflowNetwork Node Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average, RoomAirflowNetwork Node Humidity Ratio [kgWater/kgDryAir]

1.27.30.2.1 AFN Node Temperature [C]

This is the AirflowNetwork node temperature output in degrees C. When a Fan:OnOff object
is used and is scheduled to operate in the cycling fan operation mode, this value for AirflowNet-
work:Distribution:Node objects reflects the temperature when the fan is operating (ON).

1.27.30.2.2 AFN Node Humidity Ratio [kgWater/kgDryAir]

This is the AirflowNetwork node humidity ratio output in kgWater/kgDryAir. When a
Fan:OnOff object is used and is scheduled to operate in the cycling fan operation mode, this value
for AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Node objects reflects the humidity ratio when the fan is operating
(ON).

1.27.30.2.3 AFN Node Total Pressure [Pa]

This is the AirflowNetwork node total pressure in Pa with respect to outdoor barometric pres-
sure. The total pressure is the sum of static pressure, dynamic pressure, and elevation impact
at the node’s relative height. When a Fan:OnOff object is used and is scheduled to operate in
the cycling fan operation mode, the value for AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Node objects reflects
the total pressure when the fan is operating (ON). The total pressures for nodes associate with
AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Zone objects are reported in different output variables (below).

1.27.30.2.4 AFN Node CO2 Concentration [ ppm]

This is the AirflowNetwork node carbon dioxide concentration level in parts per million (ppm).
When a Fan:OnOff object is used and is scheduled to operate in the cycling fan operation mode,
this value for AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Node objects reflects the carbon dioxide when the fan
is operating (ON).

1.27.30.2.5 AFN Node Generic Air Contaminant Concentration [ppm]

This is the AirflowNetwork node generic contaminant concentration level in parts per million
(ppm). When a Fan:OnOff object is used and is scheduled to operate in the cycling fan operation
mode, this value for AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Node objects reflects the carbon dioxide when
the fan is operating (ON).
1.27. GROUP – AIRFLOW NETWORK 1105

1.27.30.2.6 AFN Zone Average Pressure [Pa]

This is the AirflowNetwork average zone total pressure in Pa with respect to outdoor barometric
pressure. This output is only available when a Fan:OnOff object is used in the air distribution
system. The average zone pressure is weighted by the system fan part-load ratio using the calculated
zone pressures during the fan on and off periods for the system timestep. The system fan part-load
ratio is defined as the ratio of the air distribution system mass flow rate (average for the simulation
timestep) to the system design mass flow rate.
Average zone pressure = (Zone pressure during on cycle * Part-load ratio) + Zone pressure
during off cycle * (1.0 – Part-load ratio)

1.27.30.2.7 AFN Zone On Cycle Pressure [Pa]

This is the AirflowNetwork zone total pressure in Pa with respect to outdoor barometric pressure
when the air distribution system fan is operating (ON). This output is only available when a
Fan:OnOff object is used in the air distribution system. When the fan part-load ratio is equal to
0.0, this pressure value will be zero because the air distribution system is not simulated when the
fan is off for the entire timestep.

1.27.30.2.8 AFN Zone Off Cycle Pressure [Pa]

This is the AirflowNetwork zone total pressure in Pa with respect to outdoor barometric pressure
when the air distribution system fan is not operating (OFF). This output is only available when a
Fan:OnOff object is used in the air distribution system. Even if the fan part-load ratio is equal to
1.0, the pressure calculated as if the fan were not operating (OFF) is reported.

1.27.30.2.9 AFN Node Wind Pressure [Pa]

This is the AirflowNetwork wind pressure output in Pa. The wind pressure depends on several
factors, including wind speed, wind direction, the wind-pressure coefficient (Cp) values for the
AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:ExternalNode associated with the heat transfer surface and the site
wind conditions.
When Wind Pressure Coefficient Type = “Input” in the AirflowNetwork:SimulationControl
object, the output represents external node pressures driven by wind defined in an AirflowNet-
work:MultiZone:ExternalNode object. When Wind Pressure Coefficient Type = “SurfaceAverage-
Calculation” in AirflowNetwork:SimulationControl, the program assumes five external nodes:

• FACADE1 Representing north orientation

• FACADE2 Representing east orientation

• FACADE3 Representing south orientation

• FACADE4 Representing west orientation

• ROOF Representing horizontal orientation

In this case, the output represents the wind pressures for the five external nodes defined above.
1106 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.27.30.2.10 AFN Linkage Node 1 to Node 2 Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

This is the AirflowNetwork linkage mass flow rate output in kg/s in the direction from Node
1 to Node 2. It reports surface airflows through a crack or opening, and through linkages defined
in an AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Linkage object. The surface linkage is divided into two types of
surfaces, exterior surface and interior surface. Node 1 for an exterior surface linkage is a thermal
zone and Node 2 is an external node. The value of AFN Linkage Node 1 to Node 2 Mass Flow Rate
represents the flow rate from a thermal zone to outdoors. The flow direction through an interior
surface crack or opening is defined from a thermal zone defined by a surface’s Zone Name (Node
1) to an adjacent thermal zone defined by a surface’s OutsideFaceEnvironment (Node 2). For an
AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Linkage object, the value represents the air mass flow rate flowing
from Node 1 to Node 2.
It should be pointed out that in general, each linkage has one directional flow at any given time,
either from Node 1 to 2 or from Node 2 to 1. However, there are three components which may have
flows in both directions simultaneously: AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:DetailedOpening,
AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:SimpleOpening, and AirflowNetwork:MultiZone:Component:HorizontalOpe
When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the air mass flow rates reported for the AirflowNet-
work:Distribution:Linkage objects are the values when the fan is operating (ON). It is assumed
that the air mass flow rates when the fan is off are zero for the distribution system air linkage
objects. The air mass flow rates for the AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface object are reported in
different output variables (below).

1.27.30.2.11 AFN Linkage Node 2 to Node 1 Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

This is the AirflowNetwork linkage mass flow rate output in kg/s in the direction from Node 2
to Node 1. It reports airflows from surfaces through a crack or opening, and from linkages defined
in an AirflowNetwork:Distribution:Linkage object. Node 1 and Node 2 for a surface or subsurface
are defined in the same manner as AFN Linkage Node 1 to Node 2 Mass Flow Rate.
When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the air mass flow rates reported for the AirflowNet-
work:Distribution:Linkage objects are the values when the fan is operating (ON). It is assumed
that the air mass flow rates when the fan is off are zero for the distribution system air linkage
objects. The air mass flow rates for the AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface object are reported in
different output variables (below).

1.27.30.2.12 AFN Linkage Node 1 to 2 Average Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

This is the AirflowNetwork linkage average mass flow rate in kg/s in the direction from Node 1
to Node 2 defined in the AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface objects. This output is only available
when a Fan:OnOff object is used in the air distribution system. The average mass flow rate is
weighted by the system fan part-load ratio using the calculated air mass flow rates during the fan
on and off periods for the system timestep. The system fan part-load ratio is defined as the ratio
of the air distribution system mass flow rate (average for the simulation timestep) to the system
design mass flow rate.
Average surface mass flow rate = (Surface mass flow rate during on cycle * Part-load ratio) +
Surface mass flow rate during off cycle * (1.0 – Part-load ratio)

1.27.30.2.13 AFN Linkage Node 2 to 1 Average Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

This is the AirflowNetwork linkage average mass flow rate in kg/s in the direction from Node 2
to Node 1 defined in the AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface objects. This output is only available
when a Fan:OnOff object is used in the air distribution system. The average mass flow rate is
1.27. GROUP – AIRFLOW NETWORK 1107

weighted by the system fan part-load ratio using the calculated air mass flow rates during the fan
on and off periods for the system timestep. The system fan part-load ratio is defined as the ratio
of the air distribution system mass flow rate (average for the simulation timestep) to the system
design mass flow rate.

1.27.30.2.14 AFN Linkage Node 1 to Node 2 Volume Flow Rate [m3 /s]
This is the AirflowNetwork linkage volume flow rate output in m3 /s in the direction from the
Node 1 to Node 2. It is defined in the same manner as AFN Linkage Node 1 to Node 2 Mass Flow
Rate.
When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the air volume flow rates reported for the AirflowNet-
work:Distribution:Linkage objects are the values when the fan is operating (ON). It is assumed
that the air volume flow rates when the fan is off are zero for the distribution system air linkage
objects. The air volume flow rates for the AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface object are reported
in different output variables (below).

1.27.30.2.15 AFN Linkage Node 2 to Node 1 Volume Flow Rate [m3 /s]
This is the AirflowNetwork linkage volume flow rate output in m3 /s in the direction from Node
2 to Node 1. It is defined in the same manner as AFN Linkage Node 2 to Node 1 Mass Flow Rate.
When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the air volume flow rates reported for the AirflowNet-
work:Distribution:Linkage objects are the values when the fan is operating (ON). It is assumed
that the air volume flow rates when the fan is off are zero for the distribution system air linkage
objects. The air volume flow rates for the AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface object are reported
in different output variables (below).

1.27.30.2.16 AFN Linkage Node 1 to 2 Average Volume Flow Rate [m3 /s]
This is the AirflowNetwork linkage average volume flow rate in m3 /s in the direction from Node
1 to Node 2 defined in the AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface objects. This output is only available
when a Fan:OnOff object is used. The average volume flow rate is weighted by the system fan
part-load ratio using the calculated air volume flow rates during the fan on and off periods for the
system timestep.
Average surface volume flow rate = (Surface volume flow rate during on cycle * Part-load ratio)
+ Surface volume flow rate during off cycle * (1.0 – Part-load ratio)

1.27.30.2.17 AFN Linkage Node 2 to 1 Average Volume Flow Rate [m3 /s]
This is the AirflowNetwork linkage average volume flow rate in m3 /s in the direction from Node
2 to Node 1 defined in the AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface objects. This output is only available
when a Fan:OnOff object is used. The average volume flow rate is weighted by the system fan
part-load ratio using the calculated air volume flow rates during the fan on and off periods for the
system timestep.

1.27.30.2.18 AFN Linkage Node 1 to Node 2 Pressure Difference [Pa]

This is the pressure difference across a linkage in Pa. The linkage includes both objects:
AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface and AirflowNetwork: Distribution:Linkage.
When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the pressure differences reported for the AirflowNet-
work:Distribution:Linkage objects are the values calculated when the fan is operating (ON). It
is assumed that the pressure differences when the fan is off are zero for the distribution system
1108 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

air linkage objects. The pressure differences defined in the AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface are
reported in different output variables (below).

1.27.30.2.19 AFN Surface Average Pressure Difference [Pa]

This is the average pressure difference across a linkage in Pa for the AirflowNet-
work:Multizone:Surface objects only when a Fan:OnOff object is used. The average pressure
difference is weighted by the system fan part-load ratio using the calculated pressure differences
during the fan on and off periods for the system timestep. The system fan part-load ratio is defined
as the ratio of the air distribution system mass flow rate (average for the simulation timestep) to
the system design mass flow rate.
Surface Average Pressure Difference = (Surface Average Pressure Difference during on cycle *
Part-load ratio) + Surface Average Pressure Difference during off cycle * (1.0 - Part-load ratio)

1.27.30.2.20 AFN Surface On Cycle Pressure Difference [Pa]

This is the pressure difference across a linkage in Pa for the AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface
objects only when the air distribution system fan is operating (ON). This output is only available
when a Fan:OnOff object is used. When the fan part-load ratio is equal to 0.0, this pressure
difference value will be zero because the air distribution system is not simulated when the fan is
off for the entire timestep.

1.27.30.2.21 AFN Surface Off Cycle Pressure Difference [Pa]

This is the pressure difference across a linkage in Pa for the AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface
objects only when the air distribution system fan is not operating (OFF). This output is only
available when a Fan:OnOff object is used. Even if the fan part-load ratio is equal to 1.0, the
pressure difference calculated as if the fan were not operating (OFF) is reported.

1.27.30.2.22 AFN Surface Venting Window or Door Opening Factor []

The current time-step value of the venting opening factor for a particular window or door.
When the window or door is venting, this is the input value of the opening factor (see AirflowNet-
work:Multizone:Surface, Window/Door Opening Factor) times the multiplier for venting modu-
lation (see description of next output variable, “Opening Factor Multiplier for AirflowNetwork
Venting Modulation”). For example, if the input Window/Door opening factor is 0.5 and the
modulation multiplier is 0.7, then the value of this output variable will be 0.5x0.7 = 0.35.

1.27.30.2.23 AFN Surface Venting Window or Door Opening Modulation Mul-

tiplier []
This is the multiplier on a window or door opening factor when venting modulation is in effect.
See “Modulation of Openings” under AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Zone for a description of how the
multiplier is determined.
When modulation is in effect the value of the multiplier is between 0.0 and 1.0. When modu-
lation does not apply the value of the multiplier may be –1.0. When modulation applies but the
surface is not venting, the value is –1.0. This is summarized in the following table. In this table,
“Zone” means a thermal zone for which AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Zone has been specified. See
object AirflowNetwork: Multizone:Zone for definition of “Ventilation Control Mode.”
1.27. GROUP – AIRFLOW NETWORK 1109

Table 1.41: Value of opening factor multiplier for different

venting conditions.

Is surface in a Zone? Ventilation Control Is surface venting? Value of opening factor

Mode multiplier

Yes Temperature Yes 0.0 to 1.0

No -1.0
Enthalpy Yes 0.0 to 1.0
No -1.0
Constant Yes 1.0
NoVent No -1.0

1.27.30.2.24 AFN Surface Venting Inside Setpoint Temperature [C]

The time-step value of the venting setpoint temperature for the zone to which the surface
belongs. This setpoint is determined from the Vent Temperature Schedule input (ref: AirflowNet-
work:Multizone:Zone).

1.27.30.2.25 AFN Surface Venting Availability Status []

A value of 1.0 means venting through the surface can occur if venting control conditions are sat-
isfied. A value of 0.0 means venting through the surface cannot occur under any circumstances. This
value is determined by the Venting Availability Schedule input (ref: AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Zone
or AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface).

1.27.30.2.26 AFN Zone Infiltration Sensible Heat Gain Rate [W]

The average convective sensible heat gain rate, in Watts, to the zone air corresponding to the
Zone Infiltration Volume averaged over the reporting period. This value is calculated for each
timestep when the outdoor dry-bulb temperature is higher than the zone temperature; otherwise,
the sensible gain rate is set to 0.
When a Fan:OnOff object is used, this reported value is weighted by the system run time
fraction using the calculated infiltration sensible gain rate during the system on and off cycles for
the reporting period:
Infiltration Sensible Gain Rate = (Infiltration Sensible Gain Rate during on cycle * Run time
fraction) + Infiltration Sensible Gain Rate during off cycle * (1.0 – Run time fraction)

1.27.30.2.27 AFN Zone Infiltration Sensible Heat Gain Energy [J]

The average convective sensible heat gain, in Joules, to the zone air corresponding to the Zone
Infiltration Volume averaged over the reporting period. This value is calculated for each timestep
when the outdoor dry-bulb temperature is higher than the zone temperature; otherwise, the sensible
gain rate is set to 0.
When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported value is weighted by the system run time fraction
using the calculated infiltration sensible gain during the system on and off cycles for the reporting
period:
Infiltration Sensible Gain = (Infiltration Sensible Gain during on cycle * Run time fraction) +
Infiltration Sensible Gain during off cycle * (1.0 – Run time fraction)
1110 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.27.30.2.28 AFN Zone Infiltration Sensible Heat Loss Rate [W]

The average convective sensible heat loss rate, in Watts, to the zone air corresponding to the
Zone Infiltration Volume averaged over the reporting period.
When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported value is weighted by the system run time
fraction using the calculated infiltration sensible loss rate during the system on and off cycles for
the reporting period:
Infiltration Sensible Loss Rate = (Infiltration Sensible Loss Rate during on cycle * Run time
fraction) + Infiltration Sensible Loss Rate during off cycle * (1.0 – Run time fraction)

1.27.30.2.29 AFN Zone Infiltration Sensible Heat Loss Energy [J]

The average convective sensible heat loss, in Joules, to the zone air corresponding to the Zone
Infiltration Volume averaged over the reporting period.
When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported value is weighted by the system run time
fraction using the calculated infiltration sensible loss rate during the system on and off cycles for
the reporting period:
Infiltration Sensible Loss = (Infiltration Sensible Loss during on cycle * Run time fraction) +
Infiltration Sensible Loss during off cycle * (1.0 – Run time fraction)

1.27.30.2.30 AFN Zone Infiltration Latent Heat Gain Rate [W]

The average convective latent heat gain rate, in Watts, to the zone air corresponding to the
Zone Infiltration Volume averaged over the reporting period, when the outdoor humidity ratio is
higher than the zone air humidity ratio.
When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported value is weighted by the system run time fraction
using the calculated infiltration latent gain rate during the system on and off cycles for the reporting
period:
Infiltration Latent Gain Rate = (Infiltration Latent Gain Rate during on cycle * Run time
fraction) + Infiltration Latent Gain Rate during off cycle * (1.0 – Run time fraction)

1.27.30.2.31 AFN Zone Infiltration Latent Heat Gain Energy [J]

The total convective latent heat gain, in Joules, to the zone air corresponding to the Zone
Infiltration Volume summed over the reporting period.
When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported value is weighted by the system run time fraction
using the calculated infiltration latent gain during the system on and off cycles for the reporting
period:
Infiltration Latent Gain = (Infiltration Latent Gain during on cycle * Run time fraction) +
Infiltration Latent Gain during off cycle * (1.0 – Run time fraction)

1.27.30.2.32 AFN Zone Infiltration Latent Heat Loss Rate [W]

The average convective latent heat loss rate, in Watts, to the zone air corresponding to the
Zone Infiltration Volume averaged over the reporting period.
When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported value is weighted by the system run time fraction
using the calculated infiltration latent loss rate during the system on and off cycles for the reporting
period:
Infiltration Latent Loss Rate = (Infiltration Latent Gain Loss Rate during on cycle * Run time
fraction) + Infiltration Latent Loss Rate during off cycle * (1.0 – Run time fraction)
1.27. GROUP – AIRFLOW NETWORK 1111

1.27.30.2.33 AFN Zone Infiltration Latent Heat Loss Energy [J]

The total convective latent heat loss, in Joules, to the zone air corresponding to the Zone
Infiltration Volume summed over the reporting period.
When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported value is weighted by the system run time fraction
using the calculated infiltration latent loss during the system on and off cycles for the reporting
period:
Infiltration Latent Loss = (Infiltration Latent Gain Loss during on cycle * Run time fraction)
+ Infiltration Latent Loss during off cycle * (1.0 – Run time fraction)

1.27.30.2.34 AFN Zone Mixing Sensible Heat Gain Rate [W]

The average convective sensible heat gain rate, in Watts, to the zone air corresponding to the
Zone Mixing Volume averaged over the reporting period. The mixing-volume is defined as incoming
volume flow from other adjacent zones where the air temperature is higher than the temperature
in this zone. For example, there are two zones (Zone 2 and Zone 3) adjacent to this zone (Zone
1). Zone 1 receives airflows from both Zone 2 and Zone 3. The air temperature is 21°C in Zone 1.
The air temperatures are 20°C in Zone 2 and 22°C in Zone 3. The sensible gain rate only includes
heat gain from Zone 3 with respect to Zone 1. The energy received from Zone 2 is considered as a
sensible loss, instead of a gain, because the air temperature in Zone 2 is lower than in Zone 1.
When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported value is weighted by the system run time fraction
using the calculated mixing sensible gain rate during the system on and off cycles for the reporting
period:
Mixing Sensible Gain Rate = (Mixing Sensible Gain Rate during on cycle * Run time fraction)
+ Mixing Sensible Gain Rate during off cycle * (1.0 – Run time fraction)

1.27.30.2.35 AFN Zone Mixing Sensible Heat Loss Rate [W]

The average convective sensible heat loss rate, in Watts, to the zone air corresponding to the
Zone Mixing Volume averaged over the reporting period.
When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported value is weighted by the system run time fraction
using the calculated mixing sensible loss rate during the on and off cycles for the reporting period:
Mixing Sensible Loss Rate = (Mixing Sensible Loss Rate during on cycle * Run time fraction)
+ Mixing Sensible Loss Rate during off cycle * (1.0 – Run time fraction)

1.27.30.2.36 AFN Zone Mixing Sensible Heat Gain Energy [J]

The total convective sensible heat gain, in Joules, to the zone air corresponding to the Zone
Mixing Volume summed over the reporting period.
When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported value is weighted by the system run time fraction
using the calculated mixing sensible gain during the on and off cycles for the reporting period:
Mixing Sensible Gain = (Mixing Sensible Gain during on cycle * Run time fraction) + Mixing
Sensible Gain during off cycle * (1.0 – Run time fraction)

1.27.30.2.37 AFN Zone Mixing Sensible Heat Loss Energy [J]

The total convective sensible heat loss, in Joules, to the zone air corresponding to the Zone
Mixing Volume summed over the reporting period.
When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported value is weighted by the system run time fraction
using the calculated mixing sensible loss during the on and off cycles for the reporting period:
Mixing Sensible Loss = (Mixing Sensible Loss during on cycle * Run time fraction) + Mixing
Sensible Loss during off cycle * (1.0 – Run time fraction)
1112 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.27.30.2.38 AFN Zone Mixing Latent Heat Gain Rate [W]

The average convective latent heat gain rate, in Watts, to the zone air corresponding to the
Zone Mixing Volume averaged over the reporting period.
When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported value is weighted by the system run time fraction
using the calculated mixing latent gain rate during the on and off cycles for the reporting period:
Mixing Latent Gain Rate = (Mixing Latent Gain Rate during on cycle * Run time fraction) +
Mixing Latent Gain Rate during off cycle * (1.0 – Run time fraction)

1.27.30.2.39 AFN Zone Mixing Latent Heat Gain Energy [J]

The total convective latent heat gain, in Joules, to the zone air corresponding to the Zone
Mixing Volume summed over the reporting period.
When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported value is weighted by the system run time fraction
using the calculated mixing latent gain during the on and off cycles for the reporting period:
Mixing Latent Gain = (Mixing Latent Gain during on cycle * Run time fraction) + Mixing
Latent Gain during off cycle * (1.0 – Run time fraction)

1.27.30.2.40 AFN Zone Mixing Latent Heat Loss Rate [W]

The average convective latent heat loss rate, in Watts, to the zone air corresponding to the
Zone Mixing Volume averaged over the reporting period.
When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported value is weighted by the system run time fraction
using the calculated mixing latent loss rate during the on and off cycles for the reporting period:
Mixing Latent Loss Rate = (Mixing Latent Loss Rate during on cycle * Run time fraction) +
Mixing Latent Loss Rate during off cycle * (1.0 – Run time fraction)

1.27.30.2.41 AFN Zone Mixing Latent Heat Loss Energy [J]

The total convective latent heat loss, in Joules, to the zone air corresponding to the Zone Mixing
Volume summed over the reporting period.
When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported value is weighted by the system run time fraction
using the calculated mixing latent loss during the on and off cycles for the reporting period:
Mixing Latent Loss = (Mixing Latent Loss during on cycle * Run time fraction) + Mixing
Latent Loss during off cycle * (1.0 – Run time fraction)

1.27.30.2.42 AFN Zone Mixing CO2 Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

This is a sum of mass flow rates from adjacent zones multiplied by the corresponding zone carbon
dioxide concentration level to the receiving zone. When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported
value is weighted by the system fan part-load ratio using the mixing mass flow rate calculated
during the fan on and off periods for the simulation timestep.

1.27.30.2.43 AFN Zone Mixing Generic Air Contaminant Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

This is a sum of mass flow rates from adjacent zones multiplied by the corresponding zone
generic contaminant concentration level to the receiving zone. When a Fan:OnOff object is used,
the reported value is weighted by the system fan part-load ratio using the mixing mass flow rate
calculated during the fan on and off periods for the simulation timestep.
1.27. GROUP – AIRFLOW NETWORK 1113

1.27.30.2.44 AFN Zone Duct Leaked Air Sensible Heat Gain Rate [W]
This is the average sensible heat gain rate, in Watts, to a specific zone due to supply air leaks
from the forced air distribution system. This value is averaged over the reporting period. A sensible
heat gain occurs when duct air is warmer than zone air. It should be pointed out that when multiple
supply air leaks are present in a single zone, the output value is the summation of all the supply
air leak gains in this zone. When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported value is for the system
on cycle.

1.27.30.2.45 AFN Zone Duct Leaked Air Sensible Heat Gain Energy [J]
This is the total sensible heat gain, in Joules, to a specific zone due to supply air leaks summed
over the reporting period. When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported value is for the system
on cycle.

1.27.30.2.46 AFN Zone Duct Leaked Air Sensible Heat Loss Rate [W]
This is the average sensible heat loss rate, in Watts, to a specific zone due to supply air leaks
from the forced air distribution system. This value is averaged over the reporting period. A sensible
heat loss occurs when duct air is cooler than zone air. It should be pointed out that when multiple
supply air leaks are present in this zone, the output value is the summation of all the supply air
leak losses in this zone. When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported value is for the system on
cycle.

1.27.30.2.47 AFN Zone Duct Leaked Air Sensible Heat Loss Energy [J]
This is the total sensible heat loss, in Joules, to a specific zone due to supply air leaks summed
over the reporting period. When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported value is for the system
on cycle.

1.27.30.2.48 AFN Zone Duct Leaked Air Latent Heat Gain Rate [W]
This is the average latent heat gain rate, in Watts, to a specific zone due to supply air leaks
from the forced air distribution system for the reported time period. When a Fan:OnOff object is
used, the reported value is for the system on cycle.

1.27.30.2.49 AFN Zone Duct Leaked Air Latent Heat Gain Energy [J]
This is the total latent heat gain, in Joules, to a specific zone due to supply air leaks summed
over the reporting period. When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported value is for the system
on cycle.

1.27.30.2.50 AFN Zone Duct Leaked Air Latent Heat Loss Rate [W]
This is the average latent heat loss rate, in Watts, to a specific zone due to supply air leaks
from the forced air distribution system for the reported time period. When a Fan:OnOff object is
used, the reported value is for the system on cycle.

1.27.30.2.51 AFN Zone Duct Leaked Air Latent Heat Loss Energy [J]
This is the total latent heat loss, in Joules, to a specific zone due to supply air leaks summed
over the reporting period. When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported value is for the system
on cycle.
1114 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.27.30.2.52 AFN Zone Duct Conduction Sensible Heat Gain Rate [W]
This is the average sensible heat gain rate, in Watts, of duct conduction to a specific zone where
the ducts are located. This value is averaged over the reporting period. A sensible heat gain occurs
when duct air is warmer than the zone air. It should be pointed out that when ducts are located
in different zones, the total duct conduction loss should be the summation of the duct conduction
losses in these zones. When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported value is for the system on
cycle.

1.27.30.2.53 AFN Zone Duct Conduction Sensible Heat Gain Energy [J]
This is the total sensible heat gain, in Joules, to a specific zone due to duct conduction summed
over the reporting period. When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported value is for the system
on cycle.

1.27.30.2.54 AFN Zone Duct Conduction Sensible Heat Loss Rate [W]
This is the average sensible heat loss rate, in Watts, of duct conduction to a specific zone where
the ducts are located. This value is averaged over the reporting period. A sensible heat loss occurs
when duct air is cooler than the zone air. When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported value is
for the system on cycle.

1.27.30.2.55 AFN Zone Duct Conduction Sensible Heat Loss Energy [J]
This is the total sensible heat loss, in Joules, to a specific zone due to duct conduction summed
over the reporting period. When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported value is for the system
on cycle.

1.27.30.2.56 AFN Zone Duct Diffusion Latent Heat Gain Rate [W]
This is the average latent heat gain rate, in Watts, of vapor diffusion through the walls of the
air distribution system to a specific zone where the ducts are located. This value is averaged over
the reporting period. When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported value is for the system on
cycle.

1.27.30.2.57 AFN Zone Duct Diffusion Latent Heat Gain Energy [J]
This is the total latent heat gain, in Joules, to a specific zone due to duct vapor diffusion
summed over the reporting period. When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported value is for the
system on cycle.

1.27.30.2.58 AFN Zone Duct Diffusion Latent Heat Loss Rate [W]
This is the average latent heat loss rate, in Watts, of duct vapor diffusion to a specific zone
where the ducts are located. This value is averaged over the reporting period. When a Fan:OnOff
object is used, the reported value is for the system on cycle.

1.27.30.2.59 AFN Zone Duct Diffusion Latent Heat Loss Energy [J]
This is the total latent heat loss, in Joules, to a specific zone due to duct vapor diffusion summed
over the reporting period. When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported value is for the system
on cycle.
1.27. GROUP – AIRFLOW NETWORK 1115

1.27.30.2.60 AFN Distribution Sensible Heat Gain Rate [W]

This is the average total sensible heat gain rate, in Watts, in a specific zone caused by the
forced air distribution system. The total sensible gain rate is the sum of duct leakage sensible gain
rate and duct conduction sensible gain rate. This value is averaged over the reporting period. The
multizone airflow sensible gain rate is excluded in this output variable. The output of multizone
airflow sensible gain is reported in the previously-described output variables AFN Zone Infiltration
Sensible Heat Gain Rate and AFN Zone Mixing Sensible Heat Gain Rate. When a Fan:OnOff
object is used, the reported value is for the system on cycle.

1.27.30.2.61 AFN Distribution Sensible Heat Gain Energy [J]

This is the total sensible heat gain, in Joules, in a specific zone caused by the forced air
distribution system. The total sensible gain is the sum of duct leakage sensible gain and duct
conduction sensible gain. This value is summed over the reporting period. The multizone airflow
sensible gain is excluded in this output variable. The output of multizone airflow sensible gain is
reported in the previously-described output variables AFN Zone Infiltration Sensible Heat Gain
Energy and AFN Zone Mixing Sensible Heat Gain Energy. When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the
reported value is for the system on cycle.

1.27.30.2.62 AFN Distribution Sensible Heat Loss Rate [W]

This is the average total sensible heat loss rate, in Watts, in a specific zone caused by the forced
air distribution system. The total sensible loss rate is the sum of duct leakage sensible loss rate and
duct conduction sensible loss rate. This value is averaged over the reporting period. The multizone
airflow sensible loss rate is excluded in this output variable. The output of multizone airflow sensible
loss rate is reported in the previously-described output variables AFN Zone Infiltration Sensible
Heat Loss Rate and AFN Zone Mixing Sensible Heat Loss Rate. When a Fan:OnOff object is used,
the reported value is for the system on cycle.

1.27.30.2.63 AFN Distribution Sensible Heat Loss Energy [J]

This is the total sensible heat loss, in Joules, in a specific zone caused by the forced air distri-
bution system. The total sensible loss is the sum of duct leakage sensible loss and duct conduction
sensible loss. This value is summed over the reporting period. The multizone airflow sensible loss
is excluded in this output variable. The output of multizone airflow sensible loss is reported in the
previously-described output variables AFN Zone Infiltration Sensible Heat Loss Energy and AFN
Zone Mixing Sensible Heat Loss Energy. When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported value is
for the system on cycle.

1.27.30.2.64 AFN Distribution Latent Heat Gain Rate [W]

This is the average total latent heat gain rate, in Watts, in a specific zone caused by the forced
air distribution system. The total latent gain rate is the sum of duct leakage latent gain rate
and duct conduction latent gain rate. This value is averaged over the reporting period. When a
Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported value is for the system on cycle.

1.27.30.2.65 AFN Distribution Latent Heat Gain Energy [J]

This is the total latent heat gain, in Joules, in a specific zone caused by the forced air distribution
system. The total latent gain is the sum of duct leakage latent gain and duct diffusion latent gain.
This value is summed over the reporting period. When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported
value is for the system on cycle.
1116 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.27.30.2.66 AFN Distribution Latent Heat Loss Rate [W]

This is the average total latent heat loss rate, in Watts, in a specific zone caused by the forced
air distribution system. The total latent loss rate is a sum of duct leakage latent loss rate and duct
diffusion latent loss rate. This value is averaged over the reporting period. When a Fan:OnOff
object is used, the reported value is for the system on cycle.

1.27.30.2.67 AFN Distribution Latent Heat Loss Energy [J]

This is the total latent heat loss, in Joules, in a specific zone caused by the forced air distribution
system. The total latent loss is the sum of duct leakage latent loss and duct diffusion latent loss.
This value is summed over the reporting period. When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported
value is for the system on cycle.
NOTE: The following output variables should not be confused with similar output variables
for the infiltration, mixing, and cross mixing objects (Ref. Infiltration Output, Mixing Output,
or Cross Mixing Output). The output variables described below refer to infiltration, mixing, and
cross-mixing when an Airflow Network Simulation is performed. The following output variables are
always used to describe infiltration, mixing, and cross mixing when the AirflowNetwork Control
field in the AirflowNetwork:SimulationControl object is set to “MultizoneWithoutDistribution” or
“MultizoneWithDistribution”. In this case the output variables for the infiltration, mixing, and
cross mixing objects will always be 0.
In contrast, the following output variables are only used to describe infiltration, mixing, and
cross mixing when the AirflowNetwork Control field in the AirflowNetwork:SimulationControl ob-
ject is set to “MultizoneAirflowWithDistributionOnlyDuringFanOperation” and the fan is operat-
ing. When the fan is not operating, the output variables for the infiltration, mixing, and cross
mixing objects are used.
In the case where the AirflowNetwork Control field in the AirflowNetwork:SimulationControl
object is set to “NoMultizoneOrDistribution”, the following output variables are not used and the
output variables for the infiltration, mixing, and cross mixing objects are used instead.

1.27.30.2.68 AFN Zone Infiltration Sensible Heat Gain Energy [J]

The total convective sensible heat gain, in Joules, to the zone air corresponding to the Zone
Infiltration Volume summed over the reporting period. This value is calculated for each timestep
when the outdoor dry-bulb temperature is higher than the zone temperature, otherwise the sensible
gain is set to 0. When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported value is for the system on cycle.

1.27.30.2.69 AFN Zone Infiltration Sensible Heat Loss Energy [J]

The total convective sensible heat loss, in Joules to the zone air corresponding to the Zone
Infiltration Volume summed over the reporting period. When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the
reported value is for the system on cycle.

1.27.30.2.70 AFN Zone Infiltration Volume [m3]

The volume of outdoor air flow into the zone from window/door openings and cracks in the
exterior surfaces of the zone (i.e., the sum of ventilation and crack flows from the exterior into the
zone). The zone air density is used to calculate the zone infiltration volume based on the mass flow
rate. Note that AirflowNetwork Zone Infiltration Volume will be zero if all of the flows through the
zone’s exterior surfaces are out of the zone. When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported value
is weighted by the system fan part-load ratio using the infiltration volume calculated during the
fan on and off periods for the simulation timestep.
1.27. GROUP – AIRFLOW NETWORK 1117

1.27.30.2.71 AFN Zone Infiltration Mass [kg]

The mass of air corresponding to the AirflowNetwork Zone Infiltration Volume. When a
Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported value is weighted by the system fan part-load ratio us-
ing the infiltration mass calculated during the fan on and off periods for the simulation timestep.

1.27.30.2.72 AFN Zone Infiltration Air Change Rate [ach]

The number of air changes per hour produced by outdoor air flow into the zone from window/-
door openings and cracks in the exterior surfaces of the zone (i.e. the sum of ventilation and crack
flows from the exterior into the zone). The target zone air density is used to calculate the zone
infiltration air change rate based on the mass flow rate Note that, like Zone Infiltration Volume,
Zone Infiltration Air Change Rate will be zero if all flows through the zone’s exterior surfaces are
out of the zone. When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported value is weighted by the system fan
part-load ratio using the infiltration air change rate calculated during the fan on and off periods
for the simulation timestep.

1.27.30.2.73 AFN Zone Mixing Volume [m3]

This is a measure of interzone air flow for each thermal zone. It is the volume of air flow into the
zone from adjacent zones through window/door openings and cracks in the interior heat transfer
surfaces of the zone. The target zone air density is used to calculate the zone mixing volume based
on the mass flow rate. This variable does not include flows that are from the zone to adjacent
zones. Note that Zone Mixing Volume will be zero if all flows through the zone’s interior surfaces
are out of the zone. When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported value is weighted by the system
fan part-load ratio using the mixing volume calculated during the fan on and off periods for the
simulation timestep.

1.27.30.2.74 AFN Zone Mixing Mass [kg]

The mass of air corresponding to the AFN Zone Mixing Volume. When a Fan:OnOff object
is used, the reported value is weighted by the system fan part-load ratio using the mixing mass
calculated during the fan on and off periods for the simulation timestep.

1.27.30.2.75 AFN Zone Mixing Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

This is a sum of mass flow rates from adjacent zones to the receiving zone. When a Fan:OnOff
object is used, the reported value is weighted by the system fan part-load ratio using the mixing
mass flow rate calculated during the fan on and off periods for the simulation timestep.

1.27.30.2.76 AFN Zone Outdoor Air CO2 Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
This is a sum of mass flow rates from outdoors multiplied by the outdoor carbon dioxide
concentration level to the receiving zone. When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported value is
weighted by the system fan part-load ratio using the outdoor mass flow rate calculated during the
fan on and off periods for the simulation timestep.

1.27.30.2.77 AFN Zone Outdoor Air Generic Air Contaminant Mass Flow Rate
[kg/s]
This is a sum of mass flow rates from outdoors multiplied by the outdoor generic air contaminant
concentration level to the receiving zone. When a Fan:OnOff object is used, the reported value is
weighted by the system fan part-load ratio using the outdoor mass flow rate calculated during the
fan on and off periods for the simulation timestep
1118 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.27.30.2.78 AFN Zone Outdoor Air Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

This is a sum of mass flow rates from outdoors to the receiving zone. When a Fan:OnOff object
is used, the reported value is weighted by the system fan part-load ratio using the outdoor mass
flow rate calculated during the fan on and off periods for the simulation timestep.

1.27.30.2.79 AFN Zone Total CO2 Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

This is a sum of mass flow rates from adjacent zones or outdoors multiplied by the carbon
dioxide concentration differences between the corresponding zone and the receiving zone.

1.27.30.2.80 AFN Zone Total Generic Air Contaminant Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

This is a sum of mass flow rates from adjacent zones or outdoors multiplied by the generic
contaminant concentration differences between the corresponding zone and the receiving zone.
The following output variables are reported only when an AirflowNetwork:OccupantVentilationControl
object is used:

1.27.30.2.81 AFN Surface Venting Window or Door Opening Factor at Previous

Time Step []
The value of the venting opening factor for a particular window or door at the previous time
step. When the window or door is venting, this is the input value of the opening factor (see
AirflowNetwork:Multizone:Surface, Window/Door Opening Factor) times the multiplier for venting
modulation (see description of next output variable, “Opening Factor Multiplier for AirflowNetwork
Venting Modulation”). For example, if the input Window/Door opening factor is 0.5 and the
modulation multiplier is 0.7, then the value of this output variable will be 0.5*0.7 = 0.35.

1.27.30.2.82 AFN Surface Opening Elapsed Time [min]

This output is the opening elapsed time in the units of minutes since the window opened.

1.27.30.2.83 AFN Surface Closing Elapsed Time [min]

This output is the opening elapsed time in the units of minutes since the windows closed.

1.27.30.2.84 AFN Surface Opening Status at Previous Time Step []

This is the window or door opening factor control status at the previous time step using an
AirflowNetwork:OccupantVentilationControl object, which can have three integer values: 0, 1, and
2. A 0 value indicates no occupant ventilation control. The opening factor is determined by the
Ventilation Control Mode field. A value of 1 indicates that a window or door is allowed to open.
The value of 1 is determined when the opening elapsed time is less than the minimum opening
time. A value of 2 denotes that a window or door is forced to close. The value of 2 is determined
when the closing elapsed time is less than the minimum closing time.

1.27.30.2.85 AFN Surface Opening Status []

This is the window or door opening factor control status at the current time step using an
AirflowNetwork:OccupantVentilationControl object, which can have three integer values: 0, 1, and
2. A 0 value indicates no occupant ventilation control. The opening factor is determined by the
Ventilation Control Mode field. A value of 1 indicates that a window or door is allowed to open.
The value of 1 is determined when the opening elapsed time is less than the minimum opening
1.28. GROUP - ZONE EQUIPMENT 1119

time. A value of 2 denotes that a window or door is forced to close. The value of 2 is determined
when the closing elapsed time is less than the minimum closing time.

1.27.30.2.86 AFN Surface Opening Probability Status []

This is the opening probability status at the current time step using an AirflowNet-
work:OccupantVentilationControl object, which can have three integer values: 0, 1, and 2. A 0
value indicates no opening probability control action. A value of 1 indicates that a window or
door is forced to open when the opening status is 0. A value of 2 denotes that the status at the
previous time step will be kept.

1.27.30.2.87 AFN Surface Closing Probability Status []

This is the closing probability status at the current time step using an AirflowNet-
work:OccupantVentilationControl object, which can have three integer values: 0, 1, and 2. A 0
value indicates no closing probability control action. A value of 1 indicates that a window or door
is forced to close when the opening status is 0. A value of 2 denotes that the status at the previous
time step will be kept.

1.27.30.2.88 RoomAirflowNetwork Node Temperature [C]

This is the RoomAirflowNetwork node temperature output in degrees C.

1.27.30.2.89 RoomAirflowNetwork Node Humidity Ratio [kgWater/kgDryAir]

This is the RoomAirflowNetwork node humidity ratio output in kgWater/kgDryAir.

1.27.30.2.90 RoomAirflowNetwork Node Total Pressure [Pa]

This is the RoomAirflowNetwork node total pressure in Pa with respect to outdoor barometric
pressure. The total pressure is the sum of static pressure, dynamic pressure, and elevation impact
at the node’s relative height.

1.28 Group - Zone Equipment

There are five main zone equipment statements that must be used to describe a block of zone
equipment as shown in the below figure “Zone Equipment Input Syntax Map”.
Types of Zone equipment are listed below and shown below in figure “Zone Equipment”.
1120 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Table 1.42: Available Zone Equipment Types

Air Distribution AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled AirTermi-

Equipment nal:SingleDuct:ConstantVolume:Reheat AirTermi-
nal:SingleDuct:VAV:Reheat AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:NoReheat
AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:Reheat:VariableSpeedFan AirTer-
minal:DualDuct:ConstantVolume AirTerminal:DualDuct:VAV
Powered Induction Units (Series and Parallel)

Zone Forced Air Units ZoneHVAC:IdealLoadsAirSystem ZoneHVAC:FourPipeFanCoil

ZoneHVAC:WindowAirConditioner Zone-
HVAC:RefrigerationChillerSet Unit Ventilator/Heater Air-to-Air
Heat Pumps Unitary Systems (heat only and heat/cool) Furnaces
(heat only and heat/cool) Energy Recovery Ventilator:Stand Alone
CoilSystem:Cooling:DX
Radiative/Convective Baseboard Heaters Low Temp Radiant Systems High Temp Radiant
Units System

![ZoneEquipmentSyntax (media/image261.png)
Figure 99. Zone Equipment Input Syntax Map
The following figure (Air Loop/Zone Equipment Node Diagram) illustrates the connection be-
tween the zone equipment and the air loop systems.
Each zone served by an HVAC system must have three additional statements to complete the
zone equipment specification. An ZoneHVAC:AirDistributionUnit allows equipment typically found
within the zone inlet ductwork (such as dampers, reheat coils, etc.) to be attached to the supply
air stream for a particular zone. A ZoneControl statement will allow the conditions in the zone to
be managed. Finally, a ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections statement describes all of the pertinent
information about the zone from an HVAC perspective. Each of these statements is described in
more detail below.

1.28.1 ZoneHVAC:AirDistributionUnit
The ZoneHVAC:AirDistributionUnit object gives further information on what air loop equipment
(air terminal units) will be serving a particular zone. The ZoneHVAC:AirDistributionUnit is
the part of the system that is supplied from a common main air handler simulated in the Air
Loop Simulation and includes the equipment that controls or tempers the air going to each
individual zone according to the desired thermostatic control. The current options for Zone-
HVAC:AirDistributionUnit terminal unit types are:

• AirTerminal:DualDuct:ConstantVolume

• AirTerminal:DualDuct:VAV

• AirTerminal:DualDuct:VAV:OutdoorAir

• AirTerminal:SingleDuct:ConstantVolume:Reheat

• AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:Reheat
1.28. GROUP - ZONE EQUIPMENT 1121

Figure 1.101: Representative Zone Equipment

1122 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.102: Air Loop/Zone Equipment Node Diagram

1.28. GROUP - ZONE EQUIPMENT 1123

• AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:NoReheat

• AirTerminal:SingleDuct:SeriesPIU:Reheat

• AirTerminal:SingleDuct:ParallelPIU:Reheat

• AirTerminal:SingleDuct:ConstantVolume:FourPipeInduction

• AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:Reheat:VariableSpeedFan

• AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:HeatAndCool:Reheat

• AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:HeatAndCool:NoReheat

Connections between the air distribution unit, the supply air duct, and the zone are specified in
the input syntax for the air distribution unit and the AirLoopHVAC:ZoneSplitter. The input syntax
also explicitly defines an outlet identifier. This implies a connection to a zone through a NodeList
for zone inlets (see the ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections statement). The air distribution unit
is limited to one combined component-controller unit; because controls are normally based on the
zone thermostat and can work in parallel or series in complex fashion. Since the control and the
flow resolution can be complex, each air distribution unit is unique in addressing these combinations
and therefore only one is allowed per zone.
The Air Distribution unit also allows the user to specify leaks in the supply air duct system.
These inputs are used in the EnergyPlus Simplified Duct Leakage Model (SDLM). This model
simulates a specific configuration: supply leaks to a return plenum in a commercial VAV or CV
system. The system must have a constant static pressure setpoint. Within these limitations SDLM
allows the user to easily evaluate the energy penalty due to duct leakage.

1.28.1.1 Inputs
1.28.1.1.1 Field: Name
Unique identifying name of the air distribution unit.

1.28.1.1.2 Field: Air Distribution Unit Outlet Node Name

Outlet node name for the air distribution unit to the attached zone.

1.28.1.1.3 Field: Air Terminal Object Type

Single combined component/controller unit for that attached zone. Selection of components as
listed above.

1.28.1.1.4 Field: Air Terminal Name

The unique identifying component name.

1.28.1.1.5 Field: Nominal Upstream Leakage Fraction

This is the leakage upstream of the terminal unit as a fraction of the design flow rate through
the unit. It is the leakage fraction at the design flow rate. It is used to calculate a leakage flow rate
which is then held constant while the system air flow varies. This input is optional; the default is
zero.
1124 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.28.1.1.6 Field: Constant Downstream Leakage Fraction

This is the leakage downstream of the terminal unit as a fraction of the current flow rate through
the terminal unit. This fraction is held constant, so the leakage flow rate will vary proportinally
with the supply air flow rate. This input is optional; the default is zero.
Two example IDF excerpts (one with duct leakage, one without):

ZoneHVAC:AirDistributionUnit ,
SPACE1 -1 ATU , !- Air Distribution Unit Name
SPACE1 -1 In Node , !- Air Dist Unit Outlet Node Name
AIRTERMINAL:SINGLEDUCT:VAV:REHEAT , !- KEY --System Component Type 1
SPACE1 -1 VAV Reheat; !- Component Name 1

ZoneHVAC:AirDistributionUnit ,
SPACE4 -1 ATU , !- Air Distribution Unit Name
SPACE4 -1 In Node , !- Air Dist Unit Outlet Node Name
AIRTERMINAL:SINGLEDUCT:VAV:REHEAT , !- KEY --System Component Type 1
SPACE4 -1 VAV Reheat , !- Component Name 1
0.05, !- upstream nominal leakage fraction
0.07; !- downstream constant leakage fraction

1.28.2 ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections
Finally, the ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections statement defines the remaining details about each
thermal zone from an HVAC perspective (besides the controls which were defined above). As with
other statements, the first two items in this object are the keyword and an identifying name which
links the zone back to its geometrical input, internal gains, etc. and other statements in the HVAC
section of the input. The next three items are names of lists (equipment, air inlet nodes, and air
exhaust nodes) that are described in more detail below. Note that if there are no air exhaust nodes
from the zone that field is left blank. And if there are no air inlet nodes, that field is left blank.
Finally, two node names are necessary to complete the zone-HVAC description. The first node is
the main air node for the zone upon which the air heat balance is performed. The other node
begins the return air path from the zone.
Note that all nodes mentioned in the ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections input must be
unique. That is, all nodes in all the ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections statements referenced by
the “Zone Air Inlet Nodes”, “Zone Air Exhaust Nodes”, “Zone Air Node Name” and “Zone Return
Air Node Name” cannot have any node name appearing more than once.

1.28.2.1 Inputs
1.28.2.1.1 Field: Zone Name
Name links this equipment list back to the heat balance for the zone.

1.28.2.1.2 Field: Zone Conditioning Equipment List Name

List of zone equipment for this zone in a ZoneHVAC:EquipmentList object. This list will consist
of air distribution units or other direct convection or radiant equipment, i.e. window air conditioner,
baseboard, fan coils, etc.

1.28.2.1.3 Field: Zone Air Inlet Node or NodeList Name

There can be more than one air inlet node depending on how many pieces of equipment are in
the ZoneHVAC:EquipmentList. Generally there will be one air inlet node for each piece of zone
equipment that delivers conditioned air to the zone. Components such as electric or hot water
1.28. GROUP - ZONE EQUIPMENT 1125

baseboards and radiant systems do not require zone air inlet nodes. If there is only one node – its
name can be put in this field. If there is more than one node, this must be the name of a node list
object (a node list object can also contain only one node name). If this field is not required (as in
the baseboard system), it should be blank.

1.28.2.1.4 Field: Zone Air Exhaust Node or NodeList Name

List of exhaust nodes leaving the zone for exhaust fans, zone energy recovery, etc. However
these nodes are also used as sources of zone air for zone components such as fan coil units, unit
heaters and ventilators, and window air conditioners. For each such component attached to a zone
there should be a unique zone exhaust node acting as the inlet node to the component. If there is
only one node – its name can be put in this field. If there is more than one node, this must be the
name of a node list object (a node list object can also contain only one node name). If there are
no air exhaust nodes, this field should be blank.

1.28.2.1.5 Field: Zone Air Node Name

The conditions at this node represent the average state of the air in the zone. For zones modeled
as fully mixed the conditions at this node are assumed to represent the air in the entire zone. This
field is required for all ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections statements.

1.28.2.1.6 Field: Zone Return Air Node Name

The name of the return air node which attaches the zone to the return air path described above.
Even if there is no return air or no return air path a unique name must be entered in this field.
The conditions at this node represent the state of the air leaving the zone including any heat gain
from light-heat-to-return.

1.28.2.1.7 Field: Zone Return Air Flow Rate Fraction Schedule Name
The name of a schedule to specify the return air flow rate as a fraction of the base return air.
If the next field is blank, then the return air flow rate is the total supply inlet flow rate to the zone
less the total exhaust node flow rate from the zone multiplied by this schedule name. If this field
is left blank, the schedule defaults to 1.0 at all times.

1.28.2.1.8 Field: Zone Return Air Flow Rate Basis Node or NodeList Name
The name of a node or list of nodes (NodeList) that is used to calculate the return air flow rate
for this zone. The sum of the current flow rates for this node(s) multiplied by the Zone Return
Air Flow Rate Fraction Schedule determines the return air flow rate. If this field is blank, then the
base return air flow rate is the total supply inlet flow rate to the zone less the total exhaust node
flow rate from the zone.
An example of this statement in an IDF is:

ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections ,
SPACE3 -1, !- Zone Name
SPACE3 -1 Eq , !- List Name: Zone Equipment
SPACE3 -1 In Nodes , !- List Name: Zone Air Inlet Nodes
, !- List Name: Zone Air Exhaust Nodes
SPACE3 -1 Node , !- Zone Air Node Name
SPACE3 -1 Out Node; !- Zone Return Air Node Name

The following HVAC equipment types are allowed as zone equipment. The component matrix
shows which coils and fans are allowed with which equipment models.
1126 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.103:
1.28. GROUP - ZONE EQUIPMENT 1127

1.28.3 ZoneHVAC:EquipmentList
The first list encountered in the ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections statement is the Zone-
HVAC:EquipmentList. This object lists all HVAC equipment serving the zone. Each item in
the list has four fields associated with it: Object Type, Name, Cooling Sequence and Heating or
No-Load Sequence The Object Type and Name identify the specific equipment object. Cooling
Sequence and Heating or No-Load Sequence specify the order of simulation for zones with more
than one type of HVAC equipment.
Note that a ZoneHVAC:AirDistributionUnit or AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled must be
listed in this statement if there is a forced air system serving the zone from an air loop.

1.28.3.1 Inputs
1.28.3.1.1 Field: Name
Unique identifying name.

1.28.3.1.2 Field Set (Zone Equipment: Object Type, Name, Cooling Sequence,
Heating or No-Load Sequence)
This set is used together in order to sequence the equipment for heating and cooling. The #1
sequence equipment will try to meet the entire demand with its capacity and then pass the results
on to the #2 and so on for both heating and cooling. This field set is extensible by duplicating the
last four fields.
Equipment is simulated in the order specified by Zone Equipment Cooling Sequence and Zone
Equipment Heating or No-Load Sequence, depending on the current thermostat request. For equip-
ment of similar type, assign sequence 1 to the first system intended to serve that type of load, assign
sequence 2 to the next system, and so on. For situations where one or more equipment types has
limited capacity or limited control capability, order the sequence so that the most controllable
piece of equipment runs last. For example, with a dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS), the air
terminal for the DOAS should be assigned Heating Sequence = 1 and Cooling Sequence = 1. Any
other equipment should be assigned sequence 2 or higher so that it will see the net load after the
DOAS air is added to the zone.

1.28.3.1.3 Field: Zone Equipment <x> Object Type

Type of zone equipment such as air distribution unit, baseboard, window air conditioner, etc.
The current legal types are listed in the following table:

Table 1.43: Legal Zone Equipment Types (Zone-

HVAC:EquipmentList)

Legal Zone Equipment Types

AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled
Fan:ZoneExhaust
WaterHeater:HeatPump:PumpedCondenser
WaterHeater:HeatPump:WrappedCondenser
ZoneHVAC:AirDistributionUnit
ZoneHVAC:Baseboard:Convective:Electric
1128 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Table 1.43: Legal Zone Equipment Types (Zone-

HVAC:EquipmentList)

Legal Zone Equipment Types

ZoneHVAC:Baseboard:Convective:Water
ZoneHVAC:Baseboard:RadiantConvective:Electric
ZoneHVAC:Baseboard:RadiantConvective:Water
ZoneHVAC:Baseboard:RadiantConvective:Steam
ZoneHVAC:Dehumidifier:DX
ZoneHVAC:EnergyRecoveryVentilator
ZoneHVAC:FourPipeFanCoil
ZoneHVAC:HighTemperatureRadiant
ZoneHVAC:IdealLoadsAirSystem
ZoneHVAC:LowTemperatureRadiant:ConstantFlow
ZoneHVAC:LowTemperatureRadiant:Electric
ZoneHVAC:LowTemperatureRadiant:VariableFlow
ZoneHVAC:OutdoorAirUnit
ZoneHVAC:PackagedTerminalAirConditioner
ZoneHVAC:PackagedTerminalHeatPump
ZoneHVAC:RefrigerationChillerSet
ZoneHVAC:UnitHeater
ZoneHVAC:UnitVentilator
ZoneHVAC:WindowAirConditioner
ZoneHVAC:WaterToAirHeatPump
ZoneHVAC:VentilatedSlab

1.28.3.1.4 Field: Zone Equipment <x> Name

Name of the zone equipment used in the object definition of its type.

1.28.3.1.5 Field: Zone Equipment <x> Cooling Sequence

Specifies the zone equipment simulation order when the zone thermostat requests cooling.

1.28.3.1.6 Field: Zone Equipment <x> Heating or No-Load Sequence

Specifies the zone equipment simulation order when the zone thermostat requests heating or no
load.
Examples of this statement in an IDF are:

ZoneHVAC:EquipmentList ,
Zone1Equipment , !- Name
ZoneHVAC:AirDistributionUnit , !- Zone Equipment 1 Object Type
Zone1TermReheat , !- Zone Equipment 1 Name
1, !- Zone Equipment 1 Cooling Sequence
1; !- Zone Equipment 1 Heating or No -Load Sequence
1.29. GROUP – AIR DISTRIBUTION EQUIPMENT 1129

ZoneHVAC:EquipmentList ,
Zone1Equipment , !- Name
AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled , !- Zone Equipment 1 Object Type
Zone1DirectAir , !- Zone Equipment 1 Name
1, !- Zone Equipment 1 Cooling Sequence
1, !- Zone Equipment 1 Heating or No -Load Sequence
ZoneHVAC:WaterToAirHeatPump , !- Zone Equipment 2 Object Type
Zone1WTAHP , !- Zone Equipment 2 Name
2, !- Zone Equipment 2 Cooling Sequence
2; !- Zone Equipment 2 Heating or No -Load Sequence

1.29 Group – Air Distribution Equipment

The systems described in the Air Distribution Units (ADU’s) are shown below. A variety of air
terminal units are available for connecting air systems to thermal zones. These single description
ADU’s contain the reference to the components and the actual controls in one block of input.
The idea is that the control volume is drawn tightly around the controls and loosely around the
components. This allows complex interactions to take place between all of the components that
respond to the Zone Thermostatic Control output. The coils that are referenced in the ADU’s are
explained fully in the “Coils” section of this manual.

1.29.1 AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled
Central system air is usually supplied to a zone through a terminal unit such as a single duct VAV
reheat box. Sometimes, however, it is desirable to supply central system air directly to a zone
without any zone level control or tempering. An example would be a single zone reheat system.
The control zone receives supply air directly from the central system since the supply air
temperature has been adjusted to control the temperature in the control zone. The slave zones
then have baseboards or reheat coils to allow some temperature adjustment. The AirTermi-
nal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled object creates the capability of supplying central system air directly
to a zone. Its input consists of the object name, an availability (on/off) schedule, and a node name.
This node is both a zone inlet node and an outlet node of the AirLoopHVAC:ZoneSplitter.
For the objects to work correctly, it is important in any systems including Direct Air objects
for the sum of the maximum zone air flow rates to be equal to the maximum central system flow
rate. The zone maximum flow rates are specified in the zone terminal unit or direct air inputs. The
central air system flow rate is specified in the AirLoopHVAC input and also in the air loop branch
and central fan inputs.

1.29.1.1 Inputs
1.29.1.1.1 Field: Name
A unique user assigned name for each AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled component. Any
other component that needs to use this direct air component will refer to it by this name.

1.29.1.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

The name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the component can run during a
given time period. A schedule value greater than 0 (usually 1 is used) indicates that the component
can be on during the time period. A value less than or equal to 0 (usually 0 is used) denotes that
1130 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

the component must be off for the time period. If this field is blank, the schedule has values of 1
for all time periods.

1.29.1.1.3 Field: Zone Supply Air Node Name

The name of the node to which the component is supplying air. This should be one of the
supply air nodes for the zone the component is serving. This node should also be an outlet node
of a AirLoopHVAC:ZoneSplitter component.

1.29.1.1.4 Field: Maximum Air Flow Rate

The design maximum volume flow rate (m3 /sec) specified for the AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled
object. This field is autosizable.
An example input follows.

AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled ,
Zone1DirectAir ,
FanAndCoilAvailSched ,
Zone 1 Inlet Node ,
0.47;
AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled ,
Zone2DirectAir ,
FanAndCoilAvailSched ,
Zone 2 Inlet Node ,
0.36;
AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled ,
Zone3DirectAir ,
FanAndCoilAvailSched ,
Zone 3 Inlet Node ,
0.47;

1.29.1.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Sum,Zone Air Terminal Sensible Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Air Terminal Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Air Terminal Sensible Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Air Terminal Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

1.29.1.2.1 Zone Air Terminal Sensible Heating Energy [J]

1.29.1.2.2 Zone Air Terminal Sensible Heating Rate [W]

These outputs are the sensible heating power and energy provided to the zone by the uncon-
trolled air terminal unit.

1.29.1.2.3 Zone Air Terminal Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

1.29.1.2.4 Zone Air Terminal Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

These outputs are the sensible cooling power and energy provided to the zone by the uncon-
trolled air terminal unit.
1.29. GROUP – AIR DISTRIBUTION EQUIPMENT 1131

1.29.2 AirTerminal:SingleDuct:ConstantVolume:Reheat
The AirTerminal:SingleDuct:ConstantVolume:Reheat or terminal reheat system is a constant vol-
ume reheat system. The systems cooling capabilities are provided by way of cooling coil that
supplies cooling to the entire supply air volume. The cooling coil is controlled by a controller set-
point specified for the cooling coil. Zone control is accomplished by heating (reheating) the airflow
into each zone as determined by the zone thermostat. Currently the reheat can be supplied by a
electric, gas, or hot water coil that tries to meet the zone demand.

1.29.2.1 Inputs
1.29.2.1.1 Field: Name
Unique name for the terminal reheat Air Distribution Unit (ADU).

1.29.2.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

Schedule that this component will operate or is available to operate. A schedule value greater
than 0 (usually 1 is used) indicates that the component can be on during the time period. A value
less than or equal to 0 (usually 0 is used) denotes that the component must be off for the time
period. If this field is blank, the schedule has values of 1 for all time periods.

1.29.2.1.3 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

The outlet node from the ADU to the zone. This is the same node as the reheat component
air outlet node.

1.29.2.1.4 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

The air-inlet node name that connects the air splitter to the individual zone ADU. This is the
same node as the reheat component air inlet node.

1.29.2.1.5 Field: Maximum Air Flow Rate

The design constant volume flow rate (m3 /sec) specified for the terminal reheat ADU.

1.29.2.1.6 Field: Reheat Coil Object Type

The valid reheat component objects currently available are:

• Coil:Heating:Water

• Coil:Heating:Electric

• Coil:Heating:Gas

• Coil:Heating:Steam

1.29.2.1.7 Field: Reheat Coil Name

Reheat Coil Object name being simulated with this ADU. Applicable for all coils.

1.29.2.1.8 Field: Maximum Hot Water or Steam Flow Rate

This field is zero for gas and electric coils. Set to the maximum design hot water or steam
volumetric flow rate in m3 /s for the hot water or steam heating coil. The steam volumetric flow
rate is calculated at 100C and 101325 Pa.
1132 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.29.2.1.9 Field: Minimum Hot Water or Steam Flow Rate

This field is zero for gas and electric coils. Set to the minimum design hot water or steam
volumetric flow rate in m3 /s for the hot water or steam coil, normally set to be a shut off valve
that is set to zero. The steam volumetric flow rate is calculated at 100C and 101325 Pa.

1.29.2.1.10 Field: Convergence Tolerance

The coil is controlled by knowing the zone demand determined by the zone thermostat and
setting the outlet conditions to meet this demand. For the electric and gas coils, this is set exactly
since the coil model solution can be inverted. With the hot water coil that uses an effectiveness-
NTU method, the solution cannot be inverted directly. Therefore, to determine the correct mass
flow rate for the hot water the solution is solved for by iteration. The iterative solution uses an
interval halving routine and needs a termination criteria that is set with the Convergence Tolerance
parameter. This control offset is set to a decimal fraction of the zone demand as the criteria,
i.e. 0.001. The default for the field is 0.001.

1.29.2.1.11 Field: Maximum Reheat Air Temperature

This is the upper limit on the temperature in degrees C of the air leaving the terminal unit –
reheat coil (and being delivered to the zone). If the user leaves this field blank, no maximum reheat
air temperature is enforced.
An IDF example:

AirTerminal:SingleDuct:ConstantVolume:Reheat ,
Reheat Zone 1, !- Name of System
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability schedule for VAV System
Zone 1 Reheat Air Outlet Node , !- Unit Air Outlet Node
Zone 1 Reheat Air Inlet Node , !- Unit Air Inlet Node
0.59, !- Maximum air flow rate {m3/s}
COIL:Gas:Heating , !- Reheat Component Object
Reheat Coil Zone 1, !- Name of Reheat Component
0.0, !- Max Reheat Water Flow {m3/s}
0.0, !- Min Reheat Water Flow {m3/s}
0.001; !- Convergence Tolerance

1.29.2.2 Outputs
There are no outputs for the constant volume reheat air terminal.

1.29.3 AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:Reheat
AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:Reheat - Variable air volume (VAV) systems control the dry-bulb
temperature inside a zone by varying the supply air volume instead of the air temperature. At
full cooling the VAV damper is fully open supplying the specified maximum air flow rate. As the
cooling load decreases, the damper closes until it reaches the minimum stop specified by the zone
minimum air flow fraction.
VAV systems can be used for interior or perimeter zones with a common fan system, air tem-
perature control, and reheating devices. The VAV concept may vary according to the VAV box
locations, air temperature controls and types of heating elements. Heating can usually be provided
by use of reheat coils or thermostatic baseboard.
1.29. GROUP – AIR DISTRIBUTION EQUIPMENT 1133

1.29.3.1 Inputs
1.29.3.1.1 Field: Name
Unique name for the AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:Reheat Air Distribution Unit (ADU).

1.29.3.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

Schedule that this component will operate or is available to operate. A schedule value greater
than 0 (usually 1 is used) indicates that the component can be on during the time period. A value
less than or equal to 0 (usually 0 is used) denotes that the component must be off for the time
period. If this field is blank, the schedule has values of 1 for all time periods.

1.29.3.1.3 Field: Damper Air Outlet Node Name

The VAV damper outlet node. This is the outlet node of the damper and the inlet node of the
reheat coil.

1.29.3.1.4 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

The air inlet node name that connects the air splitter to the individual zone ADU. This is not
the same as the air inlet node of the reheat component: it is upstream of that node. This is the
inlet node to the terminal unit and the damper

1.29.3.1.5 Field: Maximum Air Flow Rate

The design maximum volume flow rate (m3 /sec) specified for VAV ADU.

1.29.3.1.6 Field: Zone Minimum Air Flow Method

This field is used to select how the program will determine the minimum flow rate to the zone
while the system is operating. There are three choices for selecting how the minimum flow rate
is specified: Constant, FixedFlowRate, and Scheduled. If Constant is entered, then the program
will use the value for the constant minimum air flow fraction entered in the following field. If
FixedFlowRate is entered, then the program will use the value entered in the field below called
Fixed Minimum Air Flow Rate.If Scheduled is entered, then the program will obtain the value
for minimum flow fraction from the schedule named in the field below called Minimum Air Flow
Fraction Schedule Name.

1.29.3.1.7 Field: Constant Minimum Air Flow Fraction

The minimum flow rate to the zone while the system is operating, specified as a fraction of the
maximum air flow rate. The minimum zone fraction is normally specified to meet the minimum
ventilation requirement for the occupants. The reheat coil operates only when the damper is at
this minimum flow rate when Damper Heating Action is set to Normal (the default). This field is
used if the previous field is set to Constant. If the previous field is set to Scheduled (and the field
Maximum Hot Water or Steam Flow Rate is set to autosize), then this field is optional and can be
used to separately control the air flow rate used for sizing normal-action reheat coils. If this field
and the following field have values, the greater of the two is used for sizing.

1.29.3.1.8 Field: Fixed Minimum Air Flow Rate

The minimum flow rate to the zone while the system is operating, specified as a fixed minimum
air flow rate in meters cubed per second. The minimum air flow rate is normally specified to
meet the minimum ventilation requirement for the occupants. The reheat coil operates only when
1134 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

the damper is at this minimum flow rate when Damper Heating Action is set to Normal (the
default). This field is used if the Zone Minimum Air Flow Method field is set to FixedFlowRate. If
the Zone Minimum Air Flow Method field is set to Scheduled (and the field Maximum Hot Water
or Steam Flow Rate is set to autosize), then this field is optional and can be used to separately
control the air flow rate used for sizing normal-action reheat coils. Only one of these two minimum
air flow fields (i.e., this field and the previous field) should be used at any time. If this field and
the previous field have values, the greater of the two is used for sizing.

1.29.3.1.9 Field: Minimum Air Flow Fraction Schedule Name

The name of a schedule that determines the value of the minimum air flow fraction. The
schedule should contain fractions from 0.0 to 1.0. These values will define the minimum flow rate
to the zone while the system is operating, specified as a fraction of the maximum air flow rate. The
reheat coil operates only when the damper is at this minimum flow rate when Damper Heating
Action is set to Normal (the default). This field is used if the previous field is set to Scheduled. If
the previous field is left blank (and the field Maximum Hot Water or Steam Flow Rate is set to
autosize), then the air flow rate usedfor sizing normal-action reheat coils is the average of the
minimum and maximum values in this schedule. The air flow rate used for reheat coil sizing is
reported with other component sizing information as “Reheat Coil Sizing Air Volume Flow Rate.”

1.29.3.1.10 Field: Reheat Coil Object Type

The valid reheat component objects currently available are:

• Coil:Heating:Water

• Coil:Heating:Electric

• Coil:Heating:Gas

• Coil:Heating:Steam

If there is no reheat coil,use AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:NoReheat instead of this object.

1.29.3.1.11 Field: Reheat Coil Name

Reheat Coil Object name being simulated with this ADU. Applicable for all coils. If there is
no reheat coil,use object AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:NoReheat instead of this object.

1.29.3.1.12 Field: Maximum Hot Water or Steam Flow Rate

This field is zero for gas and electric coils. Set to the maximum design hot water or steam
volumetric flow rate in m3 /s for the hot water or steam heating coil. The steam volumetric flow
rate is calculated at 100C and 101325 Pa. This field is autosizable. If there is no reheat coil, this
is left blank.

1.29.3.1.13 Field: Minimum Hot Water or Steam Flow Rate

This field is zero for gas and electric coils. Set to the minimum design hot water or steam
volumetric flow rate in m3 /s for the hot water or steam heating coil, normally set to be a shut off
valve that is set to zero. The steam volumetric flow rate is calculated at 100C and 101325 Pa. If
there is no reheat coil, this is left blank.
1.29. GROUP – AIR DISTRIBUTION EQUIPMENT 1135

1.29.3.1.14 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

The terminal unit outlet node. This is the outlet node of the reheat coil and the zone inlet
node.

1.29.3.1.15 Field: Convergence Tolerance

The coil is controlled by knowing the zone demand determined by the zone thermostat and
setting the outlet conditions to meet this demand. For the electric and gas coils, this is set exactly
since the coil model solution can be inverted. With the hot water coil that uses an effectiveness-
NTU method, the solution cannot be inverted directly. Therefore, to determine the correct mass
flow rate for the hot water the solution is solved for by iteration. The iterative solution uses an
interval halving routine and needs a termination criteria that is set with the Convergence Tolerance
parameter. This control offset is set to a decimal fraction of the zone demand as the criteria,
i.e. 0.001. The default for the field is 0.001.

1.29.3.1.16 Field: Damper Heating Action

During heating operation, there are two control options for the damper controlling the air flow
in the VAV terminal unit as the zone moves above or below the zone setpoint. With both control
options, the damper is at the minimum air flow rate whenever the zone temperature is between the
cooling and heating setpoints (deadband condition).
With Normal (the default) action, the damper will remain at the minimum air flow rate
during heating operation. As the heating load increases, the water flow rate in the reheat coil will
be increased to maintain temperature in the zone until the maximum water flow rate is reached
or the user-specified maximum reheat air temperature is reached.. This is sometimes called the
single maximum control logic as illustrated below.

Figure 1.104: The Single Maximum Control Logic

1136 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

With Reverse action, as the heating load increases, the unit starts at minimum air flow and
minimum hot water flow. The hot water flow is increased until it reaches maximum flow or the
user-specified maximum reheat air temperature is reached, then the air damper starts to open to
meet the load. This option is used if the minimum air flow rate is not adequate to serve the peak
heating load. This is sometimes called the dual maximum control logic as illustrated in following
figure. For heating coil types other than the hot-water coil, e.g. electric, steam, and gas, the reverse
action works the same as the normal action – always keeping the air flow at the minimum during
heating.
The dual-max control currently applies to the AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:Reheat objects with
reverse acting dampers and hot-water coils.

Figure 1.105: The Dual Maximum Control Logic

1.29.3.1.17 Control Fields for Maximum Flow During Reheat:

The following two fields are used only when Reheat Coil Object Type = Coil:Heating:Water
and Damper Heating Action = Reverse. Maximum Flow per Zone Floor Area During Reheat
and Maximum Flow Fraction During Reheat are two optional methods to calculate the maximum
allowable air flow rate during reheat operation. If both are entered, the greater resulting flow rate is
used. If Design Specification Outdoor Air Object Name is also specified, it may increase this limit
to meet the outdoor air flow rate requirement. At no time will the maximum flow rate calculated
here exceed the value for Maximum Air Flow Rate.
This limit is active only when the zone thermostat requests heating and the VAV box damper
is reverse acting.

1.29.3.1.18 Field: Maximum Flow per Zone Floor Area During Reheat
1.29. GROUP – AIR DISTRIBUTION EQUIPMENT 1137

This factor (m3 /s-m2 ) is multiplied by the zone area, to determine the maximum volume flow
rate (m3 /s) allowed during reheat operation (see detailed explanation above). This field is auto-
calculatable. If autocalculate is selected, the value is set to 0.002032 m3 /s-m2 (0.4 cfm/ft2 ). If this
field and the following field are entered, the greater of the two inputs is used. If this field and the
following field are left blank, the maximum flow will not be limited.

1.29.3.1.19 Field: Maximum Flow Fraction During Reheat

This fraction is multiplied by the Maximum Air Flow Rate to determine the maximum volume
flow rate (m3 /s) allowed during reheat operation (see detailed explanation above). This field is
autocalculatable. If autocalculate is selected, the value is set to 0.002032 m3 /s-m2 (0.4 cfm/ft2 )
multiplied by the zone floor area divided by the Maximum Air Flow Rate. If this field and the
previous field are entered, the greater of the two inputs is used. If this field and the previous field
are left blank, the maximum flow will not be limited.

1.29.3.1.20 Field: Maximum Reheat Air Temperature

This field specifies a maximum supply air temperature (°C) leaving the reheat coil in a VAV
terminal unit during heating operation. If leaving blank, the temperature of the supply air to the
space in heating operation may get unrealistic high.

1.29.3.1.21 Field: Design Specification Outdoor Air Object Name

This alpha field specifies the name of a DesignSpecification:OutdoorAir object. When this
field is used, the terminal unit will increase flow as needed to meet this outdoor air requirement.
If Outdoor Air Flow per Person is non-zero, then the outdoor air requirement will be computed
based on the current number of occupants in the zone. At no time will the supply air flow rate
exceed the value for Maximum Air Flow Rate. If this field is blank, then the terminal unit will not
be controlled for outdoor air flow. See documentation for the zone HVAC outdoor air object for
further information (Ref DesignSpecification:OutdoorAir).
An IDF example:

AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:Reheat ,
SPACE2 -1 VAV Reheat , !- Name of System
ReheatCoilAvailSched , !- Availability schedule for VAV System
SPACE2 -1 Zone Coil Air In Node , !- Damper Air Outlet Node
SPACE2 -1 ATU In Node , !- Unit Air Inlet Node
autosize , !- Maximum air flow rate {m3/s}
Constant , !- Zone Minimum Air Flow Input Method
0.3, !- Constant Minimum Air Flow Fraction
, !- Fixed Minimum Air Flow Rate
, !- Minimum Air Flow Fraction Schedule Name
COIL:Gas:Heating , !- Reheat Component Object
SPACE2 -1 Zone Coil , !- Name of Reheat Component
0.0, !- Max Reheat Water Flow {m3/s}
0.0, !- Min Reheat Water Flow {m3/s}
SPACE2 -1 In Node , !- Unit Air Outlet Node
0.001 , !- Convergence Tolerance
Reverse , !- Damper Heating Action
, !- Maximum Flow per Zone Floor Area During Reheat
, !- Maximum Flow Fraction During Reheat
35.0, !- Maximum Reheat Air Temperature {C}
; !- Design Specification Outdoor Air Object Name

DesignSpecification :OutdoorAir ,
ZoneMinOARequirements , !- Name
Sum , !- Outdoor Air Method
0.00472 , !- Outdoor Air Flow per Person {m3/s}
1138 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

0.000508 , !- Outdoor Air Flow per Zone Floor Area {m3/s-m2}

, !- Outdoor Air Flow per Zone
, !- Outdoor Air Flow Air Changes per Hour
Min OARequirements Sched; !- Outdoor Air Flow Rate Fraction Schedule Name

Schedule:Compact ,
Min OARequirements Sched , !- Name
Any Number , !- Schedule Type Limits Name
Through: 12/31 , !- Field 1
For: Weekdays SummerDesignDay WinterDesignDay , !- Field 2
Until: 24:00 ,1.0 , !- Field 7
For: AllOtherDays , !- Field 9
Until: 24:00 ,0.25; !- Field 10
COIL:Heating:Gas ,
SPACE1 -1 Zone Coil , !- Coil Name
ReheatCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
0.8, !- Gas Burner Efficiency of the Coil
autosize , !- Nominal Capacity of the Coil {W}
SPACE1 -1 Zone Coil Air In Node , !- Coil_Air_Inlet_Node
SPACE1 -1 In Node; !- Coil_Air_Outlet_Node

1.29.3.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Zone Air Terminal VAV Damper Position []

• HVAC,Average,Zone Air Terminal Minimum Air Flow Fraction []

• HVAC,Average,Zone Air Terminal Outdoor Air Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.29.3.2.1 Zone Air Terminal VAV Damper Position []

This output is the variable air volume damper position required to meet the zone load. This is
the average value over the frequency being reported. The damper position is defined as the terminal
unit air mass flow rate divided by the terminal unit’s maximum air mass flow rate.

1.29.3.2.2 Zone Air Terminal Minimum Air Flow Fraction []

This output is the value for the minimum air flow fraction setting on a VAV terminal. This
is the average value over the frequency being reported. The minimum air flow fraction is defined
as the lower limit on the terminal unit air mass flow rate divided by the terminal units maximum
air mass flow rate.

1.29.3.2.3 Zone Air Terminal Outdoor Air Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]
This output is the amount of outdoor air entering the zone. This is the average value over the
frequency being reported. The amount of outdoor air is defined as the terminal unit air volume
flow rate multiplied by the fraction of outdoor air entering the air loop’s outside air system.

1.29.4 AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:Reheat:VariableSpeedFan
The VAV terminal unit with variable-speed fan and reheat coil is an air system terminal unit
consisting of a variable speed fan in series with a heating coil. These units are usually employed in
underfloor air distribution (UFAD) systems where the air is supplied at low static pressure through
an underfloor plenum. The fan is used to control the flow of conditioned air that enters the space.
When the fan is off the plenum pressure drives the minimum air flow through the terminal unit. At
maximum cooling the fan runs at its maximum speed. At full heating the fan runs at its heating
1.29. GROUP – AIR DISTRIBUTION EQUIPMENT 1139

maximum – usually less than the cooling maximum flow rate. Thus this unit has two separate
maximum flow rates – one for heating and one for cooling.
For cooling, control is maintained simply by varying the fan speed. For heating, the unit first
tries to meet the heating load by varying the heating coil output while keeping the air flow at
minimum (fan off). If this is not adequate the fan turns on and operates in variable flow mode up
to the heating maximum flow rate.
This unit is modeled in EnergyPlus as a compound component – a variable speed fan and a
heating coil in series in the air stream. The unit is blow through – the fan is upstream of the
heating coil.

1.29.4.1 Inputs
1.29.4.1.1 Field: Name
A unique user assigned name for a particular VS fan VAV reheat terminal unit. Any reference
to this unit by another object will use this name.

1.29.4.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

The name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the unit can run during a given
time period. A schedule value greater than 0 (usually 1 is used) indicates that the unit can be
on during the time period. A value less than or equal to 0 (usually 0 is used) denotes that the
unit must be off for the time period. If this field is blank, the schedule has values of 1 for all time
periods.

1.29.4.1.3 Field: Maximum Cooling Air Flow Rate

The maximum volumetric air flow rate through the unit in cubic meters per second when the
thermostat is calling for cooling. Normally this is the same as the unit’s fan maximum volumetric
flow rate.

1.29.4.1.4 Field: Maximum Heating Air Flow Rate

The maximum volumetric air flow rate through the unit in cubic meters per second when the
thermostat is calling for heating.

1.29.4.1.5 Field: Zone Minimum Air Flow Fraction

The minimum flow rate to the zone while the system is operating, specified as a fraction of the
maximum air flow rate. For this unit this is the flow rate when the fan is off.

1.29.4.1.6 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

The name of the HVAC system node that is the air inlet node for the terminal unit. This is
also the air inlet node for the unit’s fan.

1.29.4.1.7 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

The name of the HVAC system node that is the air outlet node of the unit. This same node
will be the unit heating coil’s air outlet node. This node is also a zone inlet node.

1.29.4.1.8 Field: Fan Object Type

The type of fan in the terminal unit. At this time the only type of fan allowed is
Fan:VariableVolume.
1140 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.29.4.1.9 Field: Fan Name

The name of the particular fan object in this terminal unit.

1.29.4.1.10 Field: Heating Coil Object Type

The type of heating coil in the terminal unit. The valid choices are:

• Coil:Heating:Water

• Coil:Heating:Electric

• Coil:Heating:Gas

• Coil:Heating:Steam

1.29.4.1.11 Field: Heating Coil Name

The name of the heating coil object contained in this terminal unit.

1.29.4.1.12 Field: Maximum Hot Water or Steam Flow Rate

The maximum hot water or steam volumetric flow rate in m3 /s through the unit’s heating coil.
The steam volumetric flow rate is calculated at 100C and 101325 Pa. If the heating coil is not a
hot water or steam coil this field should be left blank.

1.29.4.1.13 Field: Minimum Hot Water or Steam Flow Rate

The minimum hot water or steam volumetric flow rate in m3 /s through the unit’s heating coil.
The steam volumetric flow rate is calculated at 100C and 101325 Pa. If the heating coil is not a
hot water or steam coil this field should be left blank.
The control tolerance for the unit heating output. The unit is controlled by matching the
unit output to the zone demand. The model must be numerically inverted to obtain a specified
output. The convergence tolerance is the error tolerance used to terminate the numerical inversion
procedure. Basically this is the fraction:

|Qunit,out − Qzoneload |
≤ ConvergenceTolerance (1.119)
Qzoneload
The default is 0.001.
An IDF example:
AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:Reheat:VariableSpeedFan ,
SPACE2 -1 VAV Reheat , !- Name of System
ReheatCoilAvailSched , !- System Availability schedule
autosize , !- Maximum cooling air volume flow rate
autosize , !- Maximum heating air volume flow rate
0.05, !- Zone Minimum Air Flow Fraction
SPACE2 -1 ATU In Node , !- Air Inlet Node Name
SPACE2 -1 In Node , !- Air Outlet Node Name
FAN:SIMPLE:VariableVol , !- Fan object
SPACE2 -1 Zone Fan , !- Fan name
COIL:Water:SimpleHeating , Heating coil object
SPACE2 -1 Zone Coil , !- Heating coil name
autosize , !- Max hot water flow
0.0, !- Min hot water flow
0.001; !- Heating Convergence Tolerance

Coil:Heating:Water ,
SPACE2 -1 Zone Coil , !- Coil Name
ReheatCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
1.29. GROUP – AIR DISTRIBUTION EQUIPMENT 1141

autosize , !- UA of the Coil {W/K}

autosize , !- Max Water Flow Rate of Coil {m3/s}
SPACE2 -1 Zone Coil Water In Node , !- Coil_Water_Inlet_Node
SPACE2 -1 Zone Coil Water Out Node , !- Coil_Water_Outlet_Node
SPACE2 -1 Zone Coil Air In Node , !- Coil_Air_Inlet_Node
SPACE2 -1 In Node; !- Coil_Air_Outlet_Node

Fan:VariableVolume ,
SPACE2 -1 Zone Fan , !- Fan Name
FanAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
0.7, !- Fan Total Efficiency
125.0 , !- Delta Pressure {Pa}
autosize , !- Max Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.0, !- Min Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.9, !- Motor Efficiency
1.0, !- Motor In Airstream Fraction
0.00153028 , !- FanCoefficient 1
0.00520806 , !- FanCoefficient 2
1.1086242 , !- FanCoefficient 3
-.11635563 , !- FanCoefficient 4
0.000 , !- FanCoefficient 5
SPACE2 -1 ATU In Node , !- Fan_Inlet_Node
SPACE2 -1 Zone Coil AirIn Node; !- Fan_Outlet_Node

1.29.4.2 Outputs
HVAC,Average,Zone Air Terminal VAV Damper Position []

1.29.4.2.1 Zone Air Terminal VAV Damper Position

This output is the variable air volume flow fraction required to meet the zone load. This is the
average value over the frequency being reported. The flow fraction is defined as the terminal unit
air mass flow rate divided by the terminal unit’s maximum air mass flow rate.

1.29.5 AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:HeatAndCool:Reheat
Variable air volume (VAV) systems typically control the dry-bulb temperature inside a
zone by varying the supply air volume instead of the supply air temperature (ref: AirTer-
minal:SingleDuct:VAV:NoReheat). Reheat coils may be required to avoid overcooling (ref:
AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:Reheat).
This terminal unit is slightly different from the AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:Reheat terminal
unit. Both operate the same in cooling mode: the damper opens as needed to provide additional
sensible cooling to the zone. The difference between the two is in heating mode. For the Single Duct
VAV Reheat terminal unit, the air flow rate is reduced to the minimum value (max air flow rate x
zone minimum air flow fraction) when zone heating is required and the reheat coil output is mod-
ulated to meet the zone heating load. For the AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:HeatAndCool:Reheat
terminal unit, the air flow rate in heating mode is increased to meet higher zone heating loads
(similar to what is done in cooling mode). If additional heat is required (beyond what the terminal
unit can provide with its damper fully open), then the reheat coil is modulated as needed to meet
the additional heating load.
This terminal unit model was originally developed and tested for use with the changeover-bypass
VAV unitary system.
1142 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.106: Single Duct VAV Heat and Cool Reheat Schematic

1.29.5.1 Inputs
1.29.5.1.1 Field: Name
Unique user-defined name for this Air Distribution Unit (ADU).

1.29.5.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This alpha field defines the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether or not
this component is available to operate during a given time period. A schedule value greater than
0 (usually 1 is used) indicates that the component can be on during the time period. A value less
than or equal to 0 (usually 0 is used) denotes that the component must be off for the time period.
If this field is blank, the schedule has values of 1 for all time periods.

1.29.5.1.3 Field: Damper Air Outlet Node Name

This alpha field defines the name of the VAV damper air outlet node. This is the outlet node
of the damper and the inlet node of the reheat coil.

1.29.5.1.4 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

This alpha field defines the name of the air inlet node that connects the air splitter to the
individual zone ADU. This is not the same as the air inlet node of the reheat component: it is
upstream of that node. This is the inlet node to the terminal unit and the damper.

1.29.5.1.5 Field: Maximum Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the design maximum volumetric flow rate (m3 /sec) specified for this
VAV ADU. This flow rate must be greater than 0 or can be autosized.

1.29.5.1.6 Field: Zone Minimum Air Flow Fraction

This numeric field defines the minimum air volumetric flow rate to the zone while the system
is operating, specified as a fraction of the maximum air flow rate. The minimum zone fraction is
normally specified to meet the minimum ventilation requirement for the occupants. The reheat coil
operates as needed to maintain the heating set point specified in the Zone Control:Thermostatic
object. This value must be between 0 and 1.
1.29. GROUP – AIR DISTRIBUTION EQUIPMENT 1143

1.29.5.1.7 Field: Reheat Coil Object Type

The valid reheat component objects currently available are:

• Coil:Heating:Water

• Coil:Heating:Electric

• Coil:Heating:Gas

• Coil:Heating:Steam

If no reheat coil is required, use AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:HeatAndCool:NoReheat instead

of this object.

1.29.5.1.8 Field: Reheat Coil Name

Unique coil name being simulated with this ADU. Applicable for all coils. If there is no reheat
coil, use AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:HeatAndCool:NoReheat instead of this object.

1.29.5.1.9 Field: Maximum Hot Water or Steam Flow Rate

This field is ignored for gas or electric reheat coils. If using a hot water or steam reheat coil,
set to the maximum design water or steam volumetric flow rate in m3 /s for the hot water or steam
heating coil. The steam volume flow rate is calculated at 100C and 101325 Pa. This volumetric
flow rate can be autosized.

1.29.5.1.10 Field: Minimum Hot Water or Steam Flow Rate

This field is ignored for gas and electric coils. Set to the minimum design water or steam
volumetric flow rate in m3 /s for the hot water or steam heating coil, normally set to be a shut-off
valve that is set to zero. The steam volume flow rate is calculated at 100C and 101325 Pa.

1.29.5.1.11 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

This is the air outlet node for the ADU and is then connected to the zone. This is the same
node as the air outlet node of the reheat component.

1.29.5.1.12 Field: Convergence Tolerance

The coil is controlled by knowing the zone demand determined by the zone thermostat and
setting the outlet conditions to meet this demand. For the electric and gas coils, this is set exactly
since the coil model solution can be inverted and this field is not used. With the hot water coil
that uses an effectiveness-NTU method, the solution cannot be inverted directly. Therefore, to
determine the correct mass flow rate for the hot water the solution is solved by iteration. The
iterative solution uses an interval-halving routine and needs a termination criteria that is set with
this Convergence Tolerance parameter. This control offset is set to a decimal fraction of the zone
demand. The default value for this field is 0.001.

1.29.5.1.13 Field: Maximum Reheat Air Temperature

This is the upper limit on the temperature in degrees C of the air leaving the terminal unit –
reheat coil (and being delivered to the zone). If the user leaves this field blank, no maximum reheat
air temperature is enforced.
An IDF example is provided below:
1144 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:HeatAndCool:Reheat ,
Zone 1 VAV System , !- Name of System
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- System Availability schedule
Zone 1 Reheat Air Inlet Node , !- DAMPER Air Outlet Node
Zone 1 VAV Inlet Node , !- UNIT Air Inlet Node
0.583 , !- Maximum air flow rate {m3/s}
0.25, !- Zone Minimum Air Flow Fraction
Coil:Heating:Electric , !- Reheat Component Object
Reheat Coil Zone 1, !- Name of Reheat Component
0.0, !- Max Reheat Water Flow {m3/s}
0.0, !- Min Reheat Water Flow {m3/s}
Zone 1 Reheat Air Outlet Node , !- UNIT Air Outlet Node
0.001; !- Convergence Tolerance

Coil:Heating:Electric ,
Reheat Coil Zone 1, !- Coil Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
1.0, !- Efficiency of the Coil
3000.0 , !- Nominal Capacity of the Coil {W}
Zone 1 Reheat Air Inlet Node , !- Coil_Air_Inlet_Node
Zone 1 Reheat Air Outlet Node; !- Coil_Air_Outlet_Node

1.29.5.2 Outputs
HVAC,Average,Zone Air Terminal VAV Damper Position []

1.29.5.2.1 Zone Air Terminal VAV Damper Position []

This output is the damper position required to meet the zone load. This is the average value
over the simulation timestep being reported. The damper position is defined as the terminal unit
air mass flow rate divided by the terminal unit’s maximum air mass flow rate.

1.29.6 AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:NoReheat
Variable air volume (VAV) systems control the dry-bulb temperature inside a zone by varying the
supply air volume instead of the air temperature. At full cooling the VAV damper is fully open
supplying the specified maximum air flow rate. As the cooling load decreases, the damper closes
until it reaches the minimum stop specified by the zone minimum air flow fraction.
VAV systems can be used for interior or perimeter zones with a common fan system and air
temperature control. The VAV concept may vary according to the VAV box locations and air
temperature controls. Heating can be provided if necessary by use of baseboard.

1.29.6.1 Inputs
1.29.6.1.1 Field: Name
Unique name for the VAV Air Distribution Unit (ADU).

1.29.6.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

Schedule that this component will operate or is available to operate. A schedule value greater
than 0 (usually 1 is used) indicates that the component can be on during the time period. A value
less than or equal to 0 (usually 0 is used) denotes that the component must be off for the time
period. If this field is blank, the schedule has values of 1 for all time periods.
1.29. GROUP – AIR DISTRIBUTION EQUIPMENT 1145

1.29.6.1.3 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

The VAV damper and Unit outlet node.

1.29.6.1.4 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

The air inlet node name that connects the air splitter to the individual zone ADU.

1.29.6.1.5 Field: Maximum Air Flow Rate

The design maximum volume flow rate (m3 /sec) specified for VAV ADU. This is autosizable.

1.29.6.1.6 Field: Zone Minimum Air Flow Method

This field is used to select how the program will determine the minimum flow rate to the zone
while the system is operating. The minimum flow rate is modeled as a fraction of the maximum
flow rate. There are five choices: Constant, FixedFlowRate, Scheduled, Sum and Maximum. If
Constant is entered, then the program will use the value for minimum flow fraction entered in the
following field. If FixedFlowRate is entered, then the program will use the value for minimum flow
rate entered in the field below called Fixed Minimum Air Flow Rate.If Scheduled is entered, then
the program will obtain the value for minimum flow fraction from the schedule named in the field
below called Minimum Air Flow Fraction Schedule Name. Sum and Maximum are used to either
provide the summation of all “entered” inputs or the maximum of all “entered” inputs.

1.29.6.1.7 Field: Constant Minimum Air Flow Fraction

The minimum flow rate to the zone while the system is operating, specified as a fraction of the
maximum air flow rate. The minimum zone fraction is normally specified to meet the minimum
ventilation requirement for the occupants. This field is only used if the Zone Minimum Air Flow
Method field is set to Constant.

1.29.6.1.8 Field: Fixed Minimum Air Flow Rate

The minimum flow rate to the zone while the system is operating, specified as a fixed minimum
air flow rate in meters cubed per second. The minimum air flow rate is normally specified to
meet the minimum ventilation requirement for the occupants. This field is only used if the Zone
Minimum Air Flow Method field is set to FixedFlowRate.

1.29.6.1.9 Field: Minimum Air Flow Fraction Schedule Name

The name of a schedule that determines the value of the minimum air flow fraction. The
schedule should contain fractions from 0.0 to 1.0. These values will define the minimum flow rate
to the zone while the system is operating, specified as a fraction of the maximum air flow rate.
This field is only used if the Zone Minimum Air Flow Method field is set to Scheduled.

1.29.6.1.10 Field: Design Specification Outdoor Air Object Name

This alpha field specifies the name of a DesignSpecification:OutdoorAir object. When this
field is used, the terminal unit will increase flow as needed to meet this outdoor air requirement.
If Outdoor Air Flow per Person is non-zero, then the outdoor air requirement will be computed
based on the current number of occupants in the zone. At no time will the supply air flow rate
exceed the value for Maximum Air Flow Rate. If this field is blank, then the terminal unit will not
be controlled for outdoor air flow. See documentation for the zone HVAC outdoor air object for
further information (Ref DesignSpecification:OutdoorAir).
An IDF example:
1146 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:NoReheat ,
Zone 1 VAV System , !- Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
Zone 1 Reheat Air Outlet Node , !- Air Outlet Node Name
Zone 1 Damper Inlet Node ,!- Air Inlet Node Name
0.47, !- Maximum Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
Constant , !- Zone Minimum Air Flow Input Method
0.3, !- Constant Minimum Air Flow Fraction
, !- Fixed Minimum Air Flow Rate
, !- Minimum Air Flow Fraction Schedule Name
ZoneOAData; !- Design Specification Outdoor Air Object Name

DesignSpecification :OutdoorAir ,
ZoneOAData , !- Name
Sum , !- Outdoor Air Method
0.00236 , !- Outdoor Air Flow per Person {m3/s}
0.00305 , !- Outdoor Air Flow per Zone Floor Area {m3/s-m2}
, !- Outdoor Air Flow per Zone {m3/s}
, !- Outdoor Air Flow Air Changes per Hour
OARequirements Sched; !- Outdoor Air Flow Rate Fraction Schedule Name

Schedule:Compact ,
OARequirements Sched , !- Name
Any Number , !- Schedule Type Limits Name
Through: 12/31 , !- Field 1
For: Weekdays SummerDesignDay WinterDesignDay , !- Field 2
Until: 24:00 , 1.0, !- Field 4
For: AllOtherDays , !- Field 5
Until: 24:00 , 0.5; !- Field 7

1.29.6.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Zone Air Terminal VAV Damper Position []

• HVAC,Average,Zone Air Terminal Outdoor Air Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.29.6.2.1 Zone Air Terminal VAV Damper Position []

This output is the damper position required to meet the zone load. This is the average value
over the simulation timestep being reported. The damper position is defined as the terminal unit
air mass flow rate divided by the terminal unit’s maximum air mass flow rate.

1.29.6.2.2 Zone Air Terminal Outdoor Air Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]
This output is the amount of outdoor air entering the zone. This is the average value over the
frequency being reported. The amount of outdoor air is defined as the terminal unit air volume
flow rate multiplied by the fraction of outdoor air entering the air loop’s outside air system.

1.29.7 AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:HeatAndCool:NoReheat
Variable air volume (VAV) systems typically control the dry-bulb temperature inside a
zone by varying the supply air volume instead of the supply air temperature (ref: AirTer-
minal:SingleDuct:VAV:NoReheat). Reheat coils may be required to avoid overcooling (ref:
AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:Reheat).
This terminal unit is slightly different from the AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:NoReheat termi-
nal unit. Both operate the same in cooling mode: the damper opens as needed to provide additional
sensible cooling to the zone. The difference between the two is in heating mode. For the Single
1.29. GROUP – AIR DISTRIBUTION EQUIPMENT 1147

Duct VAV NoReheat terminal unit, the air flow rate is reduced to the minimum value (max air
flow rate x zone minimum air flow fraction) when zone heating is required. For the AirTermi-
nal:SingleDuct:VAV:HeatAndCool:NoReheat terminal unit, the air flow rate in heating mode is
increased to meet higher zone heating loads (similar to what is done in cooling mode).
This terminal unit model was originally developed and tested for use with the changeover-
bypass VAV unitary system..This object may be used when the central heating coil is sufficient to
maintain the heating set point temperature. Additional heating may be provided, if necessary, by
use of AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:HeatAndCool:Reheat or ZoneHVAC:Baseboard:* objects.

Figure 1.107: Single Duct VAV Heat and Cool NoReheat Schematic

1.29.7.1 Inputs
1.29.7.1.1 Field: Name
Unique user-defined name for this Air Distribution Unit (ADU).

1.29.7.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This alpha field defines the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether or not
this component is available to operate during a given time period. If a schedule value is greater
than zero then the system is available to operate; otherwise, the system is unavailable for that time
period. If this field is blank, the schedule has values of 1 for all time periods.

1.29.7.1.3 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

This alpha field defines the name of the VAV damper air outlet node.

1.29.7.1.4 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

This alpha field defines the name of the air inlet node that connects the air splitter to the
individual zone ADU.

1.29.7.1.5 Field: Maximum Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the design maximum volume flow rate (m3 /sec) specified for this VAV
ADU. This flow rate must be greater than 0 or can be autosized.
1148 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.29.7.1.6 Field: Zone Minimum Air Flow Fraction

This numeric field defines the minimum air volume flow rate to the zone while the system is
operating, specified as a fraction of the maximum air flow rate. The minimum zone fraction is
normally specified to meet the minimum ventilation requirement for the occupants. This value
must be between 0 and 1.
An IDF example is provided below:

AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:HeatAndCool:NoReheat ,
Zone 3 VAV System , !- Name of System
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- System Availability schedule
Zone 3 Reheat Air Outlet Node , !- UNIT Air Outlet Node
Zone 3 VAV Inlet Node , !- UNIT Air Inlet Node
0.584 , !- Maximum air flow rate {m3/s}
0.25; !- Zone Minimum Air Flow Fraction

1.29.7.2 Outputs
HVAC,Average,Zone Air Terminal VAV Damper Position []

1.29.7.2.1 Zone Air Terminal VAV Damper Position []

This output is the damper position required to meet the zone load. This is the average value
over the simulation timestep being reported. The damper position is defined as the terminal unit
air mass flow rate divided by the terminal unit’s maximum air mass flow rate.

1.29.8 AirTerminal:SingleDuct:SeriesPIU:Reheat
The series powered induction unit is an air system terminal unit that mixes varying amounts of
secondary (recirculated) air and primary (conditioned supply) air to produce a fixed flow of air
to a zone. The unit contains a small fan that acts to induce the secondary air and a heating coil
for heating the mixed secondary and primary air. The fan runs at a constant volume flow rate
whenever the unit is on (and the fan’s availability schedule is on or it is activated by an availability
manager). The fan is downstream of the primary and secondary air inlets. The variable mixing is
accomplished by a damper in the unit’s primary air supply inlet duct. This damper can move from
fully open (100% primary air. 0% secondary air) to a minimum stop that is specified in the input
description. At full cooling the damper will be fully open. At minimum cooling and for heating
the damper will be at the minimum stop and the secondary air flow will be at its maximum.
The EnergyPlus model of the series PIU terminal unit is composed of three components: a zone
mixer, a constant volume fan, and a heating coil (hot water, electric, or gas).

1.29.8.1 Inputs
1.29.8.1.1 Field: Name
A unique user assigned name for a particular series powered induction terminal unit. Any
reference to this unit by another object will use this name.

1.29.8.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

The name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the unit can run during a given
time period. A schedule value greater than 0 (usually 1 is used) indicates that the unit can be
on during the time period. A value less than or equal to 0 (usually 0 is used) denotes that the
1.29. GROUP – AIR DISTRIBUTION EQUIPMENT 1149

Figure 1.108: Series PIU Terminal Unit

unit must be off for the time period. If this field is blank, the schedule has values of 1 for all time
periods.

1.29.8.1.3 Field: Maximum Air Flow Rate

The maximum volumetric air flow rate through the unit in cubic meters per second. Since this
is a constant air volume unit, this is also the design, rated air flow rate of the unit.

1.29.8.1.4 Field: Maximum Primary Air Flow Rate

The maximum volumetric air flow rate of primary air through the unit in cubic meters per
second. This is the primary air flow rate at full cooling load when the primary air damper is fully
open. Usually this quantity is the same as the total unit flow rate, but it can be less.

1.29.8.1.5 Field: Minimum Primary Air Flow Fraction

The minimum volumetric air flow rate of primary air through the unit expressed as a fraction
of the maximum volumetric air flow rate of primary air. This input can be 0.0.

1.29.8.1.6 Field: Supply Air Inlet Node Name

The name of the HVAC system node from which the unit draws its primary or supply air

1.29.8.1.7 Field: Secondary Air Inlet Node Name

The name of the HVAC system node from which the unit draws its secondary or recirculated
air. The unit can draw secondary air from its conditioned zone directly or from a return air
plenum. Thus this node should be one of the zones exhaust air nodes (see Zone Air Exhaust Node
in ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections) or an induced air node outlet of a return plenum (see
Induced Air Outlet Node in AirLoopHVAC:ReturnPlenum).

1.29.8.1.8 Field: Outlet Node Name

The name of the HVAC system node to which the unit sends its outlet air. This should be one
of the inlet air nodes of the zone which is being served.

1.29.8.1.9 Field: Reheat Coil Air Inlet Node Name

The name of the HVAC system node which is the inlet node of the unit’s heating coil. This is
also the outlet node of the unit’s fan.
1150 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.29.8.1.10 Field: Zone Mixer Name

The name of an zone mixer component (object: AirLoopHVAC:ZoneMixer) which composes
part of the unit. Note that some of the input for the mixer will duplicate input fields of the
powered induction unit. One of the zone mixer inlet nodes should be the same as the supply air
inlet node of the PIU; the other inlet node of the zone mixer should be the same as the secondary
air inlet node of the PIU. The outlet node of the zone mixer should be the same as the inlet node
of the PIU fan.

1.29.8.1.11 Field: Fan Name

The name of a fan component which composes part of the unit. Note that the fan’s maximum
flow rate should be the same as the maximum air flow rate of the PIU and the type of fan object must
be Fan:ConstantVolume. The fan’s inlet node should be the same as the zone mixer’s outlet node.
The fan’s outlet node should be the same as the heating coil’s air inlet node. The secondary fan
will run according to the Availability Schedule specified in the Fan:ConstantVolume object, unless
it is overridden by an availability manager (ref. AvailabilityManager:NightCycle and others).

1.29.8.1.12 Field: Reheat Coil Object Type

The type of coil in the PIU. The valid choices are:

• Coil:Heating:Water

• Coil:Heating:Electric

• Coil:Heating:Gas

• Coil:Heating:Steam

In other words the PIU may have a hot water, gas, electric or steam reheat coil.

1.29.8.1.13 Field: Reheat Coil Name

The name of the heating coil component which composes part of the unit. Note that the heating
coil’s air inlet node is the same as the fan outlet node and the heating coil’s air outlet node is the
same as the PIU outlet node.

1.29.8.1.14 Field: Maximum Hot Water or Steam Flow Rate

The maximum hot water volumetric flow rate in m3 /sec through the unit’s heating coil. If the
heating coil is gas or electric this field should be blank.

1.29.8.1.15 Field: Minimum Hot Water or Steam Flow Rate

The minimum hot water volumetric flow rate in m3 /sec through the unit’s heating coil. If the
heating coil is gas or electric this field should be blank.

1.29.8.1.16 Field: Convergence Tolerance

The control tolerance for the unit heating output. The unit is controlled by matching the unit
output to the zone demand. For units with water coils, the model must be numerically inverted to
obtain a specified output. The convergence tolerance is the error tolerance used to terminate the
numerical inversion procedure. Basically this is the fraction:
1.29. GROUP – AIR DISTRIBUTION EQUIPMENT 1151

|QP IU,out − Qzone load |

≤ ConvergenceT olerance (1.120)
Qzone load
For gas or electric heating coils, this input should be left blank. The default is 0.001.
An IDF example:

AirTerminal:SingleDuct:SeriesPIU:Reheat ,
Zone 1 SPIU ATU , ! Name of air terminal unit
FanAndCoilAvailSched , ! Availability schedule for series PIU ATU
0.47, ! Total volume flow rate through ATU
0.47, ! Maximum primary air flow rate through terminal unit
0.3, ! Minimum primary air flow rate (fraction of max)
Zone 1 PIU Pri Air Inlet Node , ! Air Terminal unit supply air inlet node
Zone 1 PIU Sec Air Inlet Node , ! Air Terminal unit secondary air inlet node
Zone 1 PIU Air Outlet Node , ! Air Terminal unit outlet node
Zone 1 Reheat Air Inlet Node , ! Reheat coil air inlet node (fan outlet node)
Zone 1 PIU Mixer , ! Air terminal unit mixer name
Zone 1 PIU Fan , ! Air terminal unit fan name
COIL:Heating:Water , ! type of air terminal unit reheat coil
Reheat Coil Zone 1, ! name of air terminal unit reheat coil
0.0013 , ! Max Reheat Water Flow {Flow: m3/sec}
0.0, ! Min Reheat Water Flow {Flow: m3/sec}
0.001; ! Convergence tolerance

1.29.8.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Zone Air Terminal Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Air Terminal Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Air Terminal Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Air Terminal Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

1.29.8.2.1 Zone Air Terminal Heating Rate [W]

This field reports the dry air heating addition rate of the series PIU terminal unit to the zone
it is serving in Watts. This is determined by outlet and zone air conditions and the mass flow rate
through the terminal unit.

1.29.8.2.2 Zone Air Terminal Heating Energy [J]

This field reports the dry air heat addition of the series PIU terminal unit to the zone it is
serving in Joules over the timestep being reported. This is determined by outlet and zone air
conditions, the mass flow rate through the terminal unit, and the timestep.

1.29.8.2.3 Zone Air Terminal Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

This field reports the dry air sensible heat extraction rate of the series PIU terminal unit from
the zone it is serving in Watts. This is determined by the outlet and zone conditions and the mass
flow rate through the terminal unit.

1.29.8.2.4 Zone Air Terminal Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

This field reports the dry air sensible heat extraction of the series PIU terminal unit from the
zone it is serving in Joules over the timestep being reported. This is determined by outlet and zone
air conditions, the mass flow rate through the terminal unit, and the timestep.
1152 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.29.9 AirTerminal:SingleDuct:ParallelPIU:Reheat
The parallel powered induction unit is an air system terminal unit that mixes varying amounts of
secondary (recirculated) air and primary (conditioned supply) air to produce a variable total flow
of air to a zone. The unit contains a small fan that acts to induce the secondary air and a heating
coil for heating the mixed secondary and primary air. The secondary and primary air streams enter
the unit in parallel. The fan sits in the secondary air stream and runs only when the primary air
flow is below the Fan On Flow Fraction and the fan’s availability schedule is on or it is activated by
an availability manager. The primary air inlet contains a damper that can move from fully open
(maximum primary air) to a minimum stop (minimum primary air).
At full cooling load the primary air damper is fully open and the fan is off. The primary air
flow is at maximum and there is little or no secondary air flow. As the cooling load decreases,
the primary air damper gradually closes and the secondary air flow remains close to zero. At
some point, usually when the primary air flow has reached the minimum, the fan switches on and
secondary air is induced. The heating coil will switch on as needed to meet any heating demand.
The EnergyPlus model of the parallel PIU terminal unit is composed of three components: a
constant volume fan, a zone mixer, and a heating coil (hot water, electric, or gas).

Figure 1.109: Parallel PIU Terminal Unit

1.29.9.1 Inputs
1.29.9.1.1 Field: Name
A unique user assigned name for a particular parallel powered induction terminal unit. Any
reference to this unit by another object will use this name.

1.29.9.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

The name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the unit can run during a given
time period. A schedule value greater than 0 (usually 1 is used) indicates that the unit can be
on during the time period. A value less than or equal to 0 (usually 0 is used) denotes that the
unit must be off for the time period. If this field is blank, the schedule has values of 1 for all time
periods.

1.29.9.1.3 Field: Maximum Primary Air Flow Rate

The maximum volumetric air flow rate of primary air through the unit in cubic meters per
second. This is the primary air flow rate at full cooling load when the primary air damper is fully
open.
1.29. GROUP – AIR DISTRIBUTION EQUIPMENT 1153

1.29.9.1.4 Field: Maximum Secondary Air Flow Rate

The maximum volumetric air flow rate of secondary air through the unit in cubic meters per
second. This flow rate can be any amount but is commonly less than the maximum primary air
flow rate.

1.29.9.1.5 Field: Minimum Primary Air Flow Fraction

The minimum volumetric air flow rate of primary air through the unit expressed as a fraction
of the maximum volumetric air flow rate of primary air. This input can be 0.0.

1.29.9.1.6 Field: Fan On Flow Fraction

The fraction of the primary air flow at which fan turns on. In the parallel PIU the fan op-
eration is intermittent. If the primary air flow is above this fraction of the maximum, the fan
is off. Otherwise the secondary fan will run according to the Availability Schedule specified in
the Fan:ConstantVolume object (see Fan Name below), unless it is overridden by an availability
manager (ref. AvailabilityManager:NightCycle and others).

1.29.9.1.7 Field: Supply Air Inlet Node Name

The name of the HVAC system node from which the unit draws its primary or supply air

1.29.9.1.8 Field: Secondary Air Inlet Node Name

The name of the HVAC system node from which the unit draws its secondary or recirculated
air. The unit can draw secondary air from its conditioned zone directly or from a return air
plenum. Thus this node should be one of the zones exhaust air nodes (see Zone Air Exhaust Node
in ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections) or an induced air node outlet of a return plenum (see
Induced Air Outlet Node in AirLoopHVAC:ReturnPlenum).

1.29.9.1.9 Field: Outlet Node Name

The name of the HVAC system node to which the unit sends its outlet air. This should be one
of the inlet air nodes of the zone which is being served.

1.29.9.1.10 Field: Reheat Coil Air Inlet Node Name

The name of the HVAC system node which is the inlet node of the unit’s heating coil. This is
also the outlet node of the unit’s zone mixer.

1.29.9.1.11 Field: Zone Mixer Name

The name of an zone mixer component (object: AirLoopHVAC:ZoneMixer) which composes
part of the unit. Note that some of the input for the mixer will duplicate input fields of the
powered induction unit. One of the zone mixer inlet nodes should be the same as the supply air
inlet node of the PIU; the other inlet node of the zone mixer should be the same as the air outlet
node of the fan. The outlet node of the zone mixer should be the same as the inlet node of the
heating coil.

1.29.9.1.12 Field: Fan Name

The name of a fan component which composes part of the unit. Note that the fan’s maximum
flow rate should be the same as the maximum secondary air flow rate of the PIU and the type
of fan object must be Fan:ConstantVolume. The fan’s inlet node should be the same as the PIU
secondary air inlet node. The fan’s outlet node should be the same as one of the zone mixer’s inlet
1154 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

nodes. When the primary air flow is below the Fan On Flow Fraction (above), the secondary fan
will run according to the Availability Schedule specified in the Fan:ConstantVolume object, unless
it is overridden by an availability manager (ref. AvailabilityManager:NightCycle and others).

1.29.9.1.13 Field: Reheat Coil Object Type

The type of coil in the PIU. The valid choices are:

• Coil:Heating:Water

• Coil:Heating:Electric

• Coil:Heating:Gas

• Coil:Heating:Steam

In other words the PIU may have a hot water, gas, electric or steam reheat coil.

1.29.9.1.14 Field: Reheat Coil Name

The name of the heating coil component which composes part of the unit. Note that the heating
coil’s air inlet node is the same as the zone mixer’s outlet node and the heating coil’s air outlet
node is the same as the PIU outlet node.

1.29.9.1.15 Field: Maximum Hot Water or Steam Flow Rate

The maximum hot water or steam volumetric flow rate in m3 /s through the unit’s heating coil.
The steam volumetric flow rate is calculated at 100C and 101325 Pa. If the heating coil is gas or
electric this field should be blank.

1.29.9.1.16 Field: Minimum Hot Water or Steam Flow Rate

The minimum hot water or steam volumetric flow rate in m3 /s through the unit’s heating coil.
The steam volumetric flow rate is calculated at 100C and 101325 Pa. If the heating coil is gas or
electric this field should be blank.

1.29.9.1.17 Field: Convergence Tolerance

The control tolerance for the unit heating output. The unit is controlled by matching the unit
output to the zone demand. For units with water coils, the model must be numerically inverted to
obtain a specified output. The convergence tolerance is the error tolerance used to terminate the
numerical inversion procedure. Basically this is the fraction:

|QP IU,out − Qzone load |

≤ ConvergenceT olerance (1.121)
Qzone load
For gas or electric heating coils, this input should be left blank. The default is 0.001.
An IDF example:

AirTerminal:SingleDuct:ParallelPIU:Reheat ,
Zone 3 PPIU ATU , ! Name of air terminal unit
FanAndCoilAvailSched , ! Availability schedule for series PIU ATU
0.47, ! Maximum primary air flow rate through terminal unit
0.375 , ! Maximum secondary air flow rate through the terminal unit
0.1, ! Minimum primary air flow rate (fraction of max)
0.1, ! fan on flow fraction
Zone 3 PIU Pri Air Inlet Node , ! Air Terminal unit supply air inlet node
1.29. GROUP – AIR DISTRIBUTION EQUIPMENT 1155

Zone 3 PIU Sec Air Inlet Node , ! Air Terminal unit secondary air inlet node
Zone 3 PIU Air Outlet Node , ! Air Terminal unit outlet node
Zone 3 Reheat Air Inlet Node , ! Reheat coil air inlet node (fan outlet node)
Zone 3 PIU Mixer , ! Air terminal unit mixer name
Zone 3 PIU Fan , ! Air terminal unit fan name
Coil:Heating:Water , ! type of air terminal unit reheat coil
Reheat Coil Zone 3, ! name of air terminal unit reheat coil
0.0013 , ! Max Reheat Water Flow {Flow: m3/sec}
0.0, ! Min Reheat Water Flow {Flow: m3/sec}
0.001; ! Convergence tolerance

1.29.9.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Zone Air Terminal Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Air Terminal Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Air Terminal Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Zone Air Terminal Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

1.29.9.2.1 Zone Air Terminal Heating Rate [W]

This field reports the dry air heating addition rate of the parallel PIU terminal unit to the zone
it is serving in Watts. This is determined by outlet and zone air conditions and the mass flow rate
through the terminal unit.

1.29.9.2.2 Zone Air Terminal Heating Energy [J]

This field reports the dry air heat addition of the parallel PIU terminal unit to the zone it
is serving in Joules over the timestep being reported. This is determined by outlet and zone air
conditions, the mass flow rate through the terminal unit, and the timestep.

1.29.9.2.3 Zone Air Terminal Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

This field reports the sensible heat extraction rate of the parallel PIU terminal unit from the
zone it is serving in Watts. This is determined by the outlet and zone conditions and the mass flow
rate through the terminal unit.

1.29.9.2.4 Zone Air Terminal Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

This field reports the dry air sensible heat extraction of the parallel PIU terminal unit from
the zone it is serving in Joules over the timestep being reported. This is determined by outlet and
zone air conditions, the mass flow rate through the terminal unit, and the timestep.

1.29.10 AirTerminal:SingleDuct:ConstantVolume:FourPipeInduction
The four pipe induction terminal unit provides local hot water heating or chilled water cooling
of induced zone air which then mixes with centrally conditioned supply air. An air conditioning
system consisting of these terminal units is effectively a mixed cental air / local hydronic system.
The centrally conditioned air supplied to the induction terminal units is constant volume at quite
high pressure. The central air is discharged through a nozzle in the terminal unit, inducing a flow
of room air over a hydronic heating/cooling coil. The coil is connected either to a single inlet and
outlet pipe (2 pipe unit) or to 2 inlets and 2 outlets (4 pipe unit). The heated or cooled induced
air mixes with the centrally conditioned air before being discharged into the zone. The terminal
1156 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

units are usually expected to do only sensible cooling – any dehumidification is done by the central
air conditioning system.
The EnergyPlus model of the four pipe induction terminal unit is a compound component
consisting of a hot water heating coil, a chilled water cooling coil, and an air mixer. The unit has
two inlet air streams: the centrally conditioned supply air and the induced air from the zone. The
induced air passes first through the heating coil, then through the cooling coil and finally through
the mixer. The central supply air goes directly into the mixer. The water flow through the hot
or cold water coil is varied to meet the zone air conditioning requirement. Note that EnergyPlus
models the four pipe induction terminal unit as having separate heating and cooling coils whereas
real units have only a single coil used for both heating and cooling. Note also that the four pipe
induction unit model can be used to model a two pipe unit by simply adjusting the heating and
cooling coil schedules so that the heating coil is off when the cooling coil is on and vice versa.

1.29.10.1 Inputs
1.29.10.1.1 Field: Name
A unique user assigned name for a particular four pipe induction terminal unit. Any reference
to this unit by another object will use this name.

1.29.10.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

The name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the unit can run during a given
time period. A schedule value greater than 0 (usually 1 is used) indicates that the unit can be
on during the time period. A value less than or equal to 0 (usually 0 is used) denotes that the
unit must be off for the time period. If this field is blank, the schedule has values of 1 for all time
periods.

1.29.10.1.3 Field: Maximum Total Air Flow Rate

The maximum volumetric air flow rate discharged from the unit in cubic meters per second.
Since this is a constant air volume unit, this is also the design, rated air flow rate of the unit. Note
that this is the total discharge flow rate – including both central supply and induced air.

1.29.10.1.4 Field: Induction Ratio

The ratio of induced air flow rate to primary supply air flow rate. The default is 2.5 the supply
air induces zone air flow at 2.5 times the primary supply air flow rate.

1.29.10.1.5 Field: Supply Air Inlet Node Name

The name of the HVAC system node from which the unit draws its primary or supply air

1.29.10.1.6 Field: Induced Air Inlet Node Name

The name of the HVAC system node from which the unit draws its secondary or recirculated
air. This should be the same node as one of the zone exhaust nodes.

1.29.10.1.7 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

The name of the HVAC system node to which the unit sends its outlet air. This should be one
of the inlet air nodes of the zone which is being served.
1.29. GROUP – AIR DISTRIBUTION EQUIPMENT 1157

1.29.10.1.8 Field: Heating Coil Object Type

The type of heating coil in the terminal unit. The choices are:

• Coil:Heating:Water

In other words the unit may have a hot water coil only.

1.29.10.1.9 Field: Heating Coil Name

The name of the heating coil component which composes part of the unit. Note that the heating
coil’s air inlet node is the same as the terminal unit’s induced air inlet node. The heating coil’s air
outlet node is the same as the cooling coil’s air inlet node.

1.29.10.1.10 Field: Maximum Hot Water Flow Rate

The maximum hot water volumetric flow rate in m3 /sec through the unit’s heating coil.

1.29.10.1.11 Field: Minimum Hot Water Flow Rate

The minimum hot water volumetric flow rate in m3 /sec through the unit’s heating coil.

1.29.10.1.12 Field: Heating Convergence Tolerance

The control tolerance for the unit heating output. The unit is controlled by matching the
unit output to the zone demand. The model must be numerically inverted to obtain a specified
output. The convergence tolerance is the error tolerance used to terminate the numerical inversion
procedure. Basically this is the fraction:

|Qunit,out − Qzone load |

≤ ConvergenceT olerance (1.122)
Qzone load
The default is 0.001.

1.29.10.1.13 Field: Cooling Coil Object Type

The type of cooling coil in the terminal unit. The choices are:

• Coil:Cooling:Water

• Coil:Cooling:Water:DetailedGeometry

In other words the unit must use only the water cooling coils.

1.29.10.1.14 Field: Cooling Coil Name

The name of the cooling coil component which composes part of the unit. Note that the cooling
coil’s air inlet node is the same as the heating coil’s air outlet node. The cooling coil’s air outlet
node is the same as one of the zone mixer’s inlets.

1.29.10.1.15 Field: Maximum Cold Water Flow Rate

The maximum cold water volumetric flow rate in m3 /sec through the unit’s cooling coil.

1.29.10.1.16 Field: Minimum Cold Water Flow Rate

The minimum cold water volumetric flow rate in m3 /sec through the unit’s cooling coil.
1158 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.29.10.1.17 Field: Cooling Convergence Tolerance

The control tolerance for the unit cooling output. The unit is controlled by matching the
unit output to the zone demand. The model must be numerically inverted to obtain a specified
output. The convergence tolerance is the error tolerance used to terminate the numerical inversion
procedure. Basically this is the fraction:

|Qunit,out − Qzone load |

≤ ConvergenceT olerance (1.123)
Qzone load
The default is 0.001.

1.29.10.1.18 Field: Zone Mixer Name

The name of an zone mixer component (object: AirLoopHVAC:ZoneMixer) which composes
part of the terminal unit. Note that some of the zone mixer’s inputs will duplicate some of the
terminal units’s inputs. One of the zone mixer inlet nodes should be the same as the supply air
inlet node of the terminal unit; the other inlet node of the zone mixer should be the same as the
cooling coil air outlet node. The outlet node of the zone mixer should be the same as the outlet
node of the terminal unit.
An IDF example:

AirTerminal:SingleDuct:ConstantVolume:FourPipeInduction ,
SPACE2 -1 FPIU , !- Name of System
ReheatCoilAvailSched , !- System Availability schedule
autosize , !- Maximum total air volume flow rate
1.0, !- Induction ratio
SPACE2 -1 ATU Supply Node , !- Terminal unit supply air inlet node
SPACE2 -1 ATU Induc Node , !- Terminal unit induced air inlet node
SPACE2 -1 In Node , !- Terminal unit air outlet node
COIL:Heating:Water , !- Heating coil object
SPACE2 -1 HW Coil , !- Heating coil name
autosize , !- Max hot water flow
0.0, !- Min hot water flow
0.001 , !- Heating Convergence Tolerance
COIL:Cooling:Water , !- Cooling coil object
SPACE2 -1 CW Coil , !- Cooling coil name
autosize , !- Max cold water flow
0.0, !- Min cold water flow
0.001 , !- Cooling Convergence Tolerance
SPACE2 -1 ATU Mixer; !- Zone mixer component name

COIL:Heating:Water ,
SPACE2 -1 HW Coil , !- Coil Name
ReheatCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
autosize , !- UA of the Coil {W/K}
autosize , !- Max Water Flow Rate of Coil {m3/s}
SPACE2 -1 HW Coil Water In Node , !- Coil_Water_Inlet_Node
SPACE2 -1 HW Coil Water Out Node , !- Coil_Water_Outlet_Node
SPACE2 -1 ATU Induc Node , !- Coil_Air_Inlet_Node
SPACE2 -1 HW Coil Air Out Node; !- Coil_Air_Outlet_Node

COIL:Cooling:Water ,
SPACE2 -1 CW Coil , !- Coil Name
CWCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule
autosize , !- UA of the Coil
autosize , !- Max Water Flow Rate of Coil
, !- Leaving Relative Humidity of Coil
SPACE2 -1 CW Coil Water In Node , !- Coil_Water_Inlet_Node
SPACE2 -1 CW Coil Water Out Node , !- Coil_Water_Outlet_Node
SPACE2 -1 HW Coil Air Out Node , !- Coil_Air_Inlet_Node
SPACE2 -1 CW Coil Air Out Node; !- Coil_Air_Outlet_Node
1.29. GROUP – AIR DISTRIBUTION EQUIPMENT 1159

AirLoopHVAC:ZoneMixer ,
SPACE2 -1 ATU Mixer , !- Mixer Name
SPACE2 -1 In Node , !- Outlet_Node
SPACE2 -1 ATU Supply Node , !- Inlet_Node_1
SPACE2 -1 CW Coil Air Out Node; !- Inlet_Node_2

1.29.10.2 Outputs
There are no specific outputs for the four pipe induction terminal units.

1.29.11 AirTerminal:SingleDuct:ConstantVolume:FourPipeBeam
The four-pipe beam air terminal system is a mixed air-hydronic system. A central, single-duct
forced-air system that supplies conditioned air to the zones. Chilled water circulates through
ceiling-mounted fin-tube convector units to provide sensible cooling. Hot water circulates through
the same convectors to provide heating. Water flow rate through the beam unit is varied to meet
the zone sensible cooling or heating load. Any dehumidification is done by the central forced-
air system. Thermodynamically, the cooled beam system resembles the four-pipe induction unit
(AirTerminal:SingleDuct:ConstantVolume:FourPipeInduction).
To model a typical four-pipe beam system the user will need to define a conventional central
constant volume forced air system in order to deliver primary air to the beam. This central
system (usually) provides outside air for ventilation. Primary air is normally delivered at a fixed
temperature but could be reset by a schedule or using an outdoor air reset setpoint manager. On
the supply side of this air loop there will be the usual central conditioning equipment: outside
air mixer, fan, heating and cooling coil. On the zone equipment (demand) side of the loop, the
four-pipe beams will be represented as air terminal units. Because the four-pipe beam can provide
heating the system can avoid over-cooling zones during times of low load with cool primary air
temperatures, similar to the action of a reheat coil in a VAV terminal. Therefore it is not necessary
to have additional zone equipment (such as baseboard heaters) to handle heating (or reheating)
loads.
Although the four-pipe beam equipment in a zone is treated by the program as a single terminal
unit, the actual installation will often have multiple beam units in each zone. In this model, it is
only the total length of all the beams and the total air flow of all the units that are described, not
the number of individual beam units.
If needed, the program (in its sizing calculation for the system) determines the total length of
beams and primary supply air flow that is needed to meet the zone design loads. The four pipe
beam air terminal sizing differs from other air terminals in that the primary supply air flow rate
is sized using the entire performance model and the flow rate is not the direct result from the
Sizing:Zone and Sizing:System calculations. The flow rates will be somewhere between what an
air terminal would size out using VentilationRequirement or Sensible in the Sizing:System object
(either setting can be used).
The model includes two different types of inputs for flow rates, “design” and “rated … per-
meter.” The design values are the actual sizes of the flow rates as viewed from the zone and central
air handler (but before zone multipliers). The design values include all the individual beam units
and their lengths. The rated per-meter values are used to characterize product performance at
nominal rating conditions in such a way that it can be scaled to match the size of a zone. The
performance characteristics at the rating point are not fixed in the program and can be entered by
the user when they differ from default values. The rated per meter values are normalized by the
1160 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

linear dimensions of the beam and are generally obtained from product catalog data by dividing by
the length of the beam. The rated primary air flow rate is assumed to be for sea level conditions
while the design primary air flow rate is modeled for the location elevation above sea level.

1.29.11.1 Inputs
1.29.11.1.1 Field: Name
A unique user-assigned name for a particular beam unit. Any reference to this unit by another
object will use this name.

1.29.11.1.2 Field: Primary Air Availability Schedule Name

The name of the schedule that denotes whether the terminal unit is operating to provide primary
air during a given time period. A schedule value greater than 0 (usually 1 is used) indicates that
the unit is on and requesting primary air flow during the time period. A value less than or equal
to 0 (usually 0 is used) denotes that the unit must be off for the time period. If this field is blank,
the schedule has values of 1 for all time periods.

1.29.11.1.3 Field: Cooling Availability Schedule Name

The name of the schedule that denotes whether the terminal unit is operating to provide cooling
during a given time period. A schedule value greater than 0 (usually 1 is used) indicates that the
unit is on and available for beam cooling during the time period. A value less than or equal to 0
(usually 0 is used) denotes that the unit must be off for the time period. If this field is blank, the
schedule has values of 1 for all time periods. The primary air availability schedule named in the
previous input field must have a value that is “on” during times that cooling is available.

1.29.11.1.4 Field: Heating Availability Schedule Name

The name of the schedule that denotes whether the terminal unit can operate to provide heating
during a given time period. A schedule value greater than 0 (usually 1 is used) indicates that the
unit is on and available for beam heating during the time period. A value less than or equal to 0
(usually 0 is used) denotes that the unit must be off for the time period. If this field is blank, the
schedule has values of 1 for all time periods. The primary air availability schedule named in the
input field above must have a value that is “on” during times that heating is available.

1.29.11.1.5 Field: Primary Air Inlet Node Name

The name of the HVAC system air node from which the unit draws its primary air.

1.29.11.1.6 Field: Primary Air Outlet Node Name

The name of the HVAC system air node that connects this terminal unit to the zone. The will
be the same as one of the zone inlet nodes.

1.29.11.1.7 Field: Chilled Water Inlet Node Name

The name of the chilled water inlet node. If desired, the chilled water node connections can be
omitted and the model will assume the intent is to model a two-pipe heating only beam.

1.29.11.1.8 Field: Chilled Water Outlet Node Name

The name of the chilled water outlet node.
1.29. GROUP – AIR DISTRIBUTION EQUIPMENT 1161

1.29.11.1.9 Field: Design Primary Air Volume Flow Rate

This is the air flow rate (m3/s) of the primary air entering the air terminal unit from the central
air handling unit. This input can be autosized.

1.29.11.1.10 Field: Design Chilled Water Volume Flow Rate

The maximum chilled water flow rate (m3/s) for the unit(s) serving the entire zone. This input
can be autosized based on the zone design load.

1.29.11.1.11 Field: Design Hot Water Volume Flow Rate

The maximum hot water flow rate (m3/s) for the unit(s) serving the entire zone. This input
can be autosized based on the zone design load.

1.29.11.1.12 Field: Zone Total Beam Length (m)

The total length of all the beams in the zone (m). The real spaces may actually have a number
of individual beam units of a specific length and this is the length of individual beams times the
total number of beams in the thermal zone. It need not be an even multiple of actual unit’s beam
length but it can be if desired. This field is autosizable.

1.29.11.1.13 Field: Rated Primary Air Flow Rate per Beam Length (m3/s-m)

This is the primary air volume flow rate at rating conditions divided by the length of the beam,
in m3/s-m. This “catalog” value for volume flow rate input is converted to a mass flow rate using
standard air density at sea level. This value will be used for sizing the design primary air volume
flow rate if the total beam length is not also autosized. The default is 0.035 m3/s-m.

1.29.11.1.14 Field: Beam Rated Cooling Capacity per Beam Length (W/m)
This is the beam cooling capacity at rating conditions divided by the length of the beam, in
W/m. This is only the cooling contributed by the chilled water circulating through the convector
and is separate from any cooling (or heating) that may also be provided by the primary air. The
default is 600 W/m.

1.29.11.1.15 Field: Beam Rated Cooling Room Air Chilled Water Temperature
Difference (Delta C)
This input defines the value of the temperature difference between the room air and entering
chilled water at the rating point, in delta Celsius. This “catalog” input helps to define the operating
conditions that correspond with Rated Beam Cooling Capacity per Meter. It is used to normalize
the independent variable in the input field called Beam Cooling Capacity Temperature Difference
Modification Factor Curve or Table Name. The default is 10.0 delta C.

1.29.11.1.16 Field: Beam Rated Chilled Water Volume Flow Rate per Beam
Length (m3/s-m)
This input defines the value of the chilled water flow rate per meter length of beam at the rating
point, in m3/s-m. This input helps to define the operating conditions that correspond with Rated
Beam Cooling Capacity per Meter. It is used to normalize the independent variable in the input
field called Beam Cooling Capacity Chilled Water Flow Modification Factor Curve or Table Name.
The default is 0.00005 m3/s-m.
1162 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.29.11.1.17 Field: Beam Cooling Capacity Temperature Difference Modifica-

tion Factor Curve Name
This field is the name of a curve or table object that describes how the beam convector’s cooling
capacity varies as a function of the temperature difference between the zone air and the entering
chilled water. The single independent variable is the ratio of the current simulation results for the
difference between the air and entering water and the difference at the rating point. The result of
the curve or table is multiplied by the rated capacity to adjust the cooling capacity.

1.29.11.1.18 Field: Beam Cooling Capacity Air Flow Modification Factor Curve
Name
This field is the name of a curve or table object that describes how the beam convector’s cooling
capacity varies as a function of the primary air flow rate. The single independent variable is the
ratio of the current primary air flow rate and the primary air flow rate at the rating point. The
result of the curve or table is multiplied by the rated capacity to adjust the cooling capacity. The
factor is useful to adjust for a range of primary air flow rates that a given product can accommodate.
However since this is a constant volume air terminal, the modification does not typically vary during
the simulation and the range of independent variable does not need to be all that broad in practice.

1.29.11.1.19 Field: Beam Cooling Capacity Chilled Water Flow Modification

Factor Curve Name
This field is the name of a curve or table object that describes how the beam convector’s cooling
capacity varies as a function of the water flow rate. The single independent variable is the ratio
of the current fluid flow rate to the fluid flow rate at the rating point. The result of the curve or
table is multiplied by the rated capacity to adjust the cooling capacity. The model will adjust the
chilled water flow rate to vary cooling power to meet the zone load, so for control purposes, the
range of the independent variable must include all the way down to zero flow, with zero capacity
at zero flow.

1.29.11.1.20 Field: Beam Rated Heating Capacity per Beam Length (W/m)
This is the beam heating capacity at rating conditions divided by the length of the beam, in
W/m. This is only the heating contributed by the hot water circulating through the convector
and is separate from any heating (or cooling) that may also be provided by the primary air. The
default is 1.200 W/m.

1.29.11.1.21 Field: Beam Rated Heating Room Air Hot Water Temperature
Difference (Delta C)
This input defines the value of the temperature difference between the entering hot water
and the room air at the rating point, in delta Celsius. This input helps to define the operating
conditions that correspond with Rated Beam Heating Capacity per Meter. It is used to normalize
the independent variable in the input field called Beam Heating Capacity Temperature Difference
Modification Factor Curve or Table Name. The default is 27.8 delta C.

1.29.11.1.22 Field: Beam Rated Hot Water Volume Flow Rate per Beam
Length (m3/s-m)
This input defines the value of the hot water flow rate per meter length of beam at the rating
point, in m3/s/m, or more strictly m3/s-m. This input helps to define the operating conditions that
correspond with Rated Beam Heating Capacity per Meter. It is used to normalize the independent
1.29. GROUP – AIR DISTRIBUTION EQUIPMENT 1163

variable in the input field called Beam Heating Capacity Hot Water Flow Modification Factor Curve
or Table Name. The default is 0.00005 m3/s-m.

1.29.11.1.23 Field: Beam Heating Capacity Temperature Difference Modifica-

tion Factor Curve Name
This field is the name of a curve or table object that describes how the beam convector’s heating
capacity varies as a function of the temperature difference between the entering hot water and the
zone air. The single independent variable is the ratio of the current simulation results for the
difference between the water and air and the difference at the rating point. The result of the curve
or table is multiplied by the rated capacity to adjust the heating capacity.

1.29.11.1.24 Field: Beam Heating Capacity Air Flow Modification Factor Curve
Name
This field is the name of a curve or table object that describes how the beam convectors heating
capacity varies as a function of the primary air flow rate. The single independent variable is the
ratio of the current primary air flow rate and the primary air flow rate at the rating point. The
result of the curve or table is multiplied by the rated capacity to adjust the heating capacity. The
factor is useful to adjust for a range of primary air rates that a given product can accommodate.
However since this is a constant volume air terminal, the modification does not typically vary during
the simulation and the range of independent variable does not need to be all that broad in practice.

1.29.11.1.25 Field: Beam Heating Capacity Hot Water Flow Modification Fac-
tor Curve Name
This field is the name of a curve or table object that describes how the beam convector’s heating
capacity varies as a function of the water flow rate. The single independent variable is the ratio
of the current fluid flow rate to the fluid flow rate at the rating point. The result of the curve or
table is multiplied by the rated capacity to adjust the heating capacity. The model will adjust the
hot water flow rate to vary heating power to meet the zone load, so for control purposes, the range
of the independent variable must include all the way down to zero flow, with zero capacity at zero
flow.
An example input follows:
AirTerminal:SingleDuct:ConstantVolume:FourPipeBeam ,
Zone One 4pipe Beam , !- Name
ALWAYS_ON , !- Primary Air Availability Schedule Name
ALWAYS_ON , !- Cooling Availability Schedule Name
ALWAYS_ON , !- Heating Availability Schedule Name
Zone One 4pipe Beam Inlet Node Name , !- Primary Air Inlet Node Name
Zone One 4pipe Beam Outlet Node Name , !- Primary Air Outlet Node Name
Zone One 4pipe Beam CW Inlet Node , !- Chilled Water Inlet Node Name
Zone One 4pipe Beam CW Outlet Node , !- Chilled Water Outlet Node Name
AUTOSIZE , !- Design Primary Air Volume Flow Rate
AUTOSIZE , !- Design Chilled Water Volume Flow Rate
AUTOSIZE , !- Design Hot Water Volume Flow Rate
AUTOSIZE , !- Zone Total Beam Length
0.036 , !- Rated Primary Air Flow Rate per Beam Length
597 , !- Rated Beam Cooling Capacity per Beam Length
10.0 , !- Rated Cooling Room Air Chilled Water Temperature Difference
5.2E-5 , !- Rated Chilled Water Volume Flow Rate per Beam Length
CapModFuncOfTempDiff , !- Beam Cooling Capacity Temperature Difference Modification Factor
Curve or Table Name
CoolCapModFuncOfSAFlow , !- Beam Cooling Capacity Air Flow Modification Factor Curve or Table
Name
CapModFuncOfWaterFlow , !- Beam Cooling Capacity Chilled Water Flow Modification Factor Curve
or Table Name
1164 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1548 , !- Rated Beam Heating Capacity per Beam Length

27.8, !- Rated Heating Room Air Hot Water Temperature Difference
5.2E-5, !- Rated Hot Water Volume Flow Rate per Beam Length
CapModFuncOfTempDiff , !- Beam Heating Capacity Temperature Difference Modification Factor
Curve or Table Name
HeatCapModFuncOfSAFlow , !- Beam Heating Capacity Air Flow Modification Factor Curve or Table
Name
CapModFuncOfWaterFlow ; !- Beam Heating Capacity Hot Water Flow Modification Factor Curve or
Table Name

Curve:Linear , ! y = x
CapModFuncOfTempDiff , !-Name
0, !_ Coef Const
1, !- Coef x
0, !- min x
1.5, !- max x
0.0 , !- min y
1.5; ! max y

Table:OneIndependentVariable ,
CoolCapModFuncOfSAFlow , !- Name
quadratic ,!- Curve Type
EvaluateCurveToLimits ,!- Interpolation Method
0.714,!- min x
1.2857 ,! - max x
0.8234 ,! - min y
1.1256 ,! - max y
dimensionless , !-
dimensionless , !-
, !- normalization ref
0.714286 , 0.823403 ,
1.0, 1.0,
1.2857 , 1.1256;

Table:OneIndependentVariable ,
CapModFuncOfWaterFlow , !- Name
quadratic ,!- Curve Type
EvaluateCurveToLimits ,!- Interpolation Method
0.0,!- min x
1.333333 ,! - max x
0.0,!- min y
1.04,!- max y
dimensionless , !-
dimensionless , !-
, !- normalization ref
0.0, 0.0,
0.05, 0.001 ,
0.33333 , 0.71,
0.5, 0.85,
0.666667 , 0.92,
0.833333 , 0.97,
1.0, 1.0,
1.333333 , 1.04;

Table:OneIndependentVariable ,
HeatCapModFuncOfSAFlow , !- Name
quadratic ,!- Curve Type
EvaluateCurveToLimits ,!- Interpolation Method
0.714,!- min x
1.2857 ,! - max x
0.8554 ,! - min y
1.0778 ,! - max y
dimensionless , !-
dimensionless , !-
, !- normalization ref
1.29. GROUP – AIR DISTRIBUTION EQUIPMENT 1165

0.714286 , 0.8554 ,
1.0, 1.0,
1.2857 , 1.0778;

1.29.11.2 Outputs
1.29.11.2.1 Zone Air Terminal Beam Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

1.29.11.2.2 Zone Air Terminal Beam Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

These are the sensible cooling power and energy delivered by the beams to the zone, exclusive
of any cooling or heating done by the primary air.

1.29.11.2.3 Zone Air Terminal Beam Sensible Heating Rate [W]

1.29.11.2.4 Zone Air Terminal Beam Sensible Heating Energy [J]

These are the sensible heating power and energy delivered by the beams to the zone, exclusive
of any cooling or heating done by the primary air.

1.29.11.2.5 Zone Air Terminal Primary Air Sensible Cooling Rate [W]
Sensible cooling by the primary air to the zone, exclusive of any cooling or heating done by the
beams.

1.29.11.2.6 Zone Air Terminal Primary Air Sensible Cooling Energy [J]
Sensible cooling by the primary air to the zone, exclusive of any cooling or heating done by the
beams.

1.29.11.2.7 Zone Air Terminal Primary Air Sensible Heating Rate [W]
Heating by the primary air to the zone, exclusive of any cooling or heating done by the beams.

1.29.11.2.8 Zone Air Terminal Primary Air Sensible Heating Energy [J]
Heating by the primary air to the zone, exclusive of any cooling or heating done by the beams.

1.29.11.2.9 Zone Air Terminal Primary Air Flow Rate [m3/s]

Air flow rate from the central air handler into the zone in m3/s. Note that this does not include
any of the secondary air flow that is induced by the convector and nozzle action (the model does
not resolve secondary air flow rate and the result are not available).

1.29.12 AirTerminal:SingleDuct:ConstantVolume:CooledBeam
The Cooled Beam system is a mixed air-hydronic system. A central, single-duct forced-air system
supplies conditioned ventilation air to the zones. Sensible cooling is done by chilled water circulating
through ceiling mounted cooled beam units. Chilled water flow rate through the cooled beam units
is varied to meet the zone sensible cooling load. Any dehumidification is done by the central venti-
lation air system. Heating is usually accomplished with hot water radiators. Thermodynamically,
the cooled beam system resembles the four-pipe induction unit.
To model a typical cooled beam system the user will need to define a conventional central
constant volume forced air system. This system will normally be 100% outside air delivered at a
1166 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

fixed supply temperature (which could be reset by schedule or by outside air temperature). On the
supply side of this air loop there will be the usual central AC equipment: outside air mixer, fan,
heating and cooling coil. On the zone equipment (demand) side of the loop, the chilled beams will
be represented as terminal units. Additional zone equipment (such as baseboard heaters) will be
needed to handle heating loads.
Although the cooled beam equipment in a zone is treated by the program as a single terminal
unit, the actual installation will have multiple beams in each zone. The program (in its sizing
calculation for the system) figures out how many beams of what length are needed to meet the
zone design load.

1.29.12.1 Inputs
1.29.12.1.1 Field: Name
A unique user assigned name for a particular chilled beam unit. Any reference to this unit by
another object will use this name.

1.29.12.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

The name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the unit can run during a given
time period. A schedule value greater than 0 (usually 1 is used) indicates that the unit can be
on during the time period. A value less than or equal to 0 (usually 0 is used) denotes that the
unit must be off for the time period. If this field is blank, the schedule has values of 1 for all time
periods.

1.29.12.1.3 Field: Cooled Beam Type

Two types of units are modeled: Active or Passive. In the active unit, primary air is supplied
through the beam, inducing some secondary zone air into contact with the coil. This unit acts as
an active convector. The passive unit is simply a passive, finned convector. Primary air is supplied
through a normal diffuser.

1.29.12.1.4 Field: Supply Air Inlet Node Name

The name of the HVAC system node from which the unit draws its primary or supply air. Note
that this field should be specified for both types of unit, even though supply air does not pass
through the passive unit.

1.29.12.1.5 Field: Supply Air Outlet Node Name

The name of the air node that connects this terminal unit to the zone. The will be the same as
one of the zone inlet nodes. The name of this node must be entered even if the actual beams are
passive and is not actually supplying air to the zone.

1.29.12.1.6 Field: Chilled Water Inlet Node Name

The name of the chilled water inlet node.

1.29.12.1.7 Field: Chilled Water Outlet Node Name

The name of the chilled water outlet node.
1.29. GROUP – AIR DISTRIBUTION EQUIPMENT 1167

1.29.12.1.8 Field: Supply Air Volumetric Flow Rate

This is the air flow rate in cubic meters per second of the supply air entering the zone. This
input would normally be autosized based on the ventilation requirement (see Zone Sizing).

1.29.12.1.9 Field: Maximum Total Chilled Water Volumetric Flow Rate

The maximum chilled water flow rate (in cubic meters per second) for the unit. This input
would normally be autosized based on the zone design load.

1.29.12.1.10 Field: Number of Beams

The number of individual cooled beam units in the zone. Normally this unit would be autocal-
culated by the program based upon the previous field and the nominal flow rate for a single beam
unit (set by the program to 0.07 kg/s).

1.29.12.1.11 Field: Beam Length

The length of an individual beam in meters. Normally this will be autocalculated by the
program based upon the number of beam units and the zone design sensible cooling load. 1 to 4
meters is a typical length range.

1.29.12.1.12 Field: Design Inlet Water Temperature

The nominal or design inlet water temperature in degrees Celsius. The default is 15°C.

1.29.12.1.13 Field: Design Outlet Water Temperature

The nominal or design outlet water temperature in degrees Celsius. The default is 17°C.
The following inputs are parameters used to characterize the performance of the chilled beam
units. Values for a given unit can be obtained from the manufacturer. The parameters are used in
the following equations.
Pbeam = A·K·DT beam cooling output per unit length W/m
n1
K = a·DT ·vr ·w n2 n3 coil heat transfer coefficient W/(m2 K)
vr = (qin /a0 )·rair room air mass flow rate across coil kg/(m2 s)
qin = K1 ·DTn +Kin ·qpr room air volumetric flow rate across coil per
unit length m3 /(s-m)
DT is the room air –water temperature difference (average water temperature is used) in degrees
C.
w is the water velocity in m/s.
qpr is the supply air flow rate per unit length m3 /(s-m)

1.29.12.1.14 Field: Coil Surface Area per Coil Length

Surface area on the air side of the beam per unit beam length. The units are square meters per
meter. The default is 5.422. This is A in the above equations.

1.29.12.1.15 Field: Model Parameter a (a)

This is ain the above equations. The default is 15.3

1.29.12.1.16 Field: Model Parameter n1

This is n1 in the above equations. The default is 0.
1168 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.29.12.1.17 Field: Model Parameter n2

This is n2 in the above equations. The default is 0.84.

1.29.12.1.18 Field: Model Parameter n3

This is n3 in the above equations. The default is 0.12.

1.29.12.1.19 Field: Model Parameter a0 (a)

This is a0 in the above equations. It is the free area of the coil in plan view (for the air flow)
per unit beam length. The units are square meters per meter. The default is 0.171.

1.29.12.1.20 Field: Model Parameter K1 (K1)

This is K1 in the above equations. The default is 0.005.

1.29.12.1.21 Field: Model Parameter n

This is n in the above equations. The default is 0.4.

1.29.12.1.22 Field: Coefficient of Induction Kin (Kin)

The coefficient of induction Kin in the above equations. The default is 2.0 for active beams and
0.0 for passive beams.

1.29.12.1.23 Field: Pipe Inside Diameter

The water pipe inside diameter in meters. The default is 0.0145.
An example input is:

AirTerminal:SingleDuct:ConstantVolume:CooledBeam ,
SPACE2 -1 CB , !- Name
CWCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
Active , !- Cooled Beam Type
SPACE2 -1 ATU Supply Node ,!- Supply Air Inlet Node Name
SPACE2 -1 In Node , !- Supply Air Outlet Node Name
SPACE2 -1 CW Coil Water In Node , !- Chilled Water Inlet Node Name
SPACE2 -1 CW Coil Water Out Node , !- Chilled Water Outlet Node Name
, !- Supply Air Volumetric Flow Rate
, !- Maximum Total Chilled Water Volumetric Flow Rate
, !- Number of Beams
, !- Beam Length
, !- Design Inlet Water Temperature
, !- Design Outlet Water temperature
, !- Coil Surface Area per Coil Length
, !- Model Parameter a
, !- Model Parameter n1
, !- Model Parameter n2
, !- Model Parameter n3
, !- Model Parameter a0
, !- Model Parameter K1
, !- Model Parameter n
, !- Coefficient of Induction Kin
; !- Leaving Pipe Inside Diameter

1.29.12.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Sum,Zone Air Terminal Beam Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Air Terminal Beam Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

1.29. GROUP – AIR DISTRIBUTION EQUIPMENT 1169

• HVAC,Sum, Zone Air Terminal Supply Air Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Air Terminal Supply Air Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Air Terminal Supply Air Sensible Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Air Terminal Supply Air Sensible Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Air Terminal Beam Chilled Water Energy [J]

1.29.12.2.1 Zone Air Terminal Beam Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

Sensible cooling by the beams in the zone, exclusive of any cooling or heating done by the
supply air.

1.29.12.2.2 Zone Air Terminal Beam Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

Sensible cooling by the beams in the zone, exclusive of any cooling or heating done by the
supply air.

1.29.12.2.3 Zone Air Terminal Supply Air Sensible Cooling Rate [W]
Sensible cooling by the supply air to the zone, exclusive of any cooling done by the beams.

1.29.12.2.4 Zone Air Terminal Supply Air Sensible Cooling Energy [J]
Sensible cooling by the supply air to the zone, exclusive of any cooling done by the beams.

1.29.12.2.5 Zone Air Terminal Supply Air Sensible Heating Rate [W]
Heating by the supply air to the zone, exclusive of any cooling done by the beams.

1.29.12.2.6 Zone Air Terminal Supply Air Sensible Heating Energy [J]
Heating by the supply air to the zone, exclusive of any cooling done by the beams.

1.29.12.2.7 Zone Air Terminal Beam Chilled Water Energy [J]

The heat transfer energy for the chilled water serving the beams, in Joules.

1.29.13 AirTerminal:SingleDuct:InletSideMixer
The inlet side mixer air terminal unit provides a means of supplying central system air to the air
inlet of a zone AC unit such as a four pipe fan coil. Normally the central air would be ventilation
air from a dedicated outside air system (DOAS).
The AirTerminal:SingleDuct:InletSideMixer simply mixes two inlet air streams into a single
outlet stream. One inlet - designated the primary air stream - is from the DOAS. The other inlet
- designated the secondary air stream - is recirculated air from the zone. The outlet air stream of
the inlet side mixer is then the inlet to the zone AC unit.

1.29.13.1 Inputs
1.29.13.1.1 Field: Name
A unique user assigned name for a particular inlet side mixer terminal unit. Any reference to
this unit by another object will use this name.
1170 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.110: Inlet Side Mixer Air Terminal Unit with Fan Coil

1.29.13.1.2 Field: ZoneHVAC Terminal Unit Object Type

The type of zone AC unit to which this terminal unit will be connected. This is a choice field.
The choices are ZoneHVAC:FourPipeFanCoil or ZoneHVAC:WaterToAirHeatPump.

1.29.13.1.3 Field: ZoneHVAC Terminal Unit Name

The name of the zone AC unit to which this terminal will be connected.

1.29.13.1.4 Field: Terminal Unit Outlet Node Name

The name of the air outlet node of the inlet side mixer. This will be the inlet air node of the
zone AC unit.

1.29.13.1.5 Field: Terminal Unit Primary Air Inlet Node Name

The name of the primary air inlet node of the inlet side mixer. This will be an outlet node of
an AirLoopHVAC:ZoneSplitter, providing the connection to the DOAS system.

1.29.13.1.6 Field: Terminal Unit Secondary Air Inlet Node Name

The name of the secondary air inlet node of the inlet side mixer. This will be an exhaust node
of the zone that is being conditioned.
An IDF example:

AirTerminal:SingleDuct:InletSideMixer ,
SPACE2 -1 DOAS Air Terminal , !- Name
ZoneHVAC:FourPipeFanCoil ,!- ZoneHVAC Terminal Unit Object Type
SPACE2 -1 Fan Coil , !- ZoneHVAC Terminal Unit Name
SPACE2 -1 Fan Coil Inlet , !- Terminal Unit Outlet Node Name
SPACE2 -1 Air Terminal Mixer Primary Inlet , !- Terminal Unit Primary Air Inlet Node Name
SPACE2 -1 Air Terminal Mixer Secondary Inlet; !- Terminal Unit Secondary Air Inlet Node
Name

1.29.14 AirTerminal:SingleDuct:SupplySideMixer
The supply side mixer air terminal unit provides a means of supplying central system air to the air
outlet of a zone AC unit such as a four pipe fan coil. Normally the central air would be ventilation
air from a dedicated outside air system (DOAS).
The AirTerminal:SingleDuct:SupplySideMixer simply mixes two inlet air streams into a single
outlet stream. One inlet - designated the primary air stream - is from the DOAS. The other inlet
1.29. GROUP – AIR DISTRIBUTION EQUIPMENT 1171

- designated the secondary air stream - is outlet air from the zone AC unit. The outlet air stream
from the supply side mixer is then the inlet to the conditioned zone.

Figure 1.111: Supply Side Mixer Air Terminal Unit with Fan Coil

1.29.14.1 Inputs
1.29.14.1.1 Field: Name
A unique user assigned name for a particular supply side mixer terminal unit. Any reference
to this unit by another object will use this name.

1.29.14.1.2 Field: ZoneHVAC Terminal Unit Object Type

The type of zone AC unit to which this terminal unit will be connected. This is a choice field.
The choices are ZoneHVAC:FourPipeFanCoil or ZoneHVAC:WaterToAirHeatPump.

1.29.14.1.3 Field: ZoneHVAC Terminal Unit Name

The name of the zone AC unit to which this terminal will be connected.

1.29.14.1.4 Field: Terminal Unit Outlet Node Name

The name of the air outlet node of the supply side mixer. This will be an inlet air node of the
conditioned zone.

1.29.14.1.5 Field: Terminal Unit Primary Air Inlet Node Name

The name of the primary air inlet node of the supply side mixer. This will be an outlet node
of an AirLoopHVAC:ZoneSplitter, providing the connection to the DOAS system.

1.29.14.1.6 Field: Terminal Unit Secondary Air Inlet Node Name

The name of the secondary air inlet node of the supply side mixer. This will be the outlet air
node of the zone AC unit.
An IDF example:
1172 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

AirTerminal:SingleDuct:SupplySideMixer ,
SPACE1 -1 DOAS Air Terminal , !- Name
ZoneHVAC:FourPipeFanCoil ,!- ZoneHVAC Terminal Unit Object Type
SPACE1 -1 Fan Coil , !- ZoneHVAC Terminal Unit Name
SPACE1 -1 Supply Inlet , !- Terminal Unit Outlet Node Name
SPACE1 -1 Air Terminal Mixer Primary Inlet , !- Terminal Unit Primary Air Inlet Node Name
SPACE1 -1 Fan Coil Outlet ;!- Terminal Unit Secondary Air Inlet Node Name

1.29.15 AirTerminal:DualDuct:ConstantVolume
The AirTerminal:DualDuct:ConstantVolume simulation or the typical Multizone is described by
this Air Distribution Unit (ADU). Multizone systems condition all the air in a central apparatus and
distribute it to the conditioned zones through two parallel ducts. One duct carries cold air and the
other warm air, providing air sources for both heating and cooling at all times. In each conditioned
zone, a mixing valve responsive to a room thermostat mixes the warm and cold air in proper
proportions to satisfy the prevailing heating or cooling load of the space. The Multizone ADU is
the specific component that leads to the zone containing the mixer and the mixing damper and
then connecting to the zone. The total airflow to each room is kept constant while the proportion
of hot air to cold air is adjusted to maintain the temperature in each zone at the desired level.

1.29.15.1 Inputs
1.29.15.1.1 Field: Name
Unique name for the Multizone ADU.

1.29.15.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

Schedule that this component will operate or is available to operate for a given time period. A
schedule value greater than 0 (usually 1 is used) indicates that the component can be on during the
time period. A value less than or equal to 0 (usually 0 is used) denotes that the component must
be off for the time period. If this field is blank, the schedule has values of 1 for all time periods.

1.29.15.1.3 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

The outlet node from the ADU to the zone.

1.29.15.1.4 Field: Hot Air Inlet Node Name

The air-inlet node name that connects the hot air splitter to the individual zone ADU.

1.29.15.1.5 Field: Cold Air Inlet Node Name

The air-inlet node name that connects the cold air splitter to the individual zone ADU.

1.29.15.1.6 Field: Maximum Air Flow Rate

The design constant volume flow rate (m3 /sec) specified for that Multizone ADU.
An IDF example:

AirTerminal:DualDuct:ConstantVolume ,
Zone2MixDamp , !- Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule
Zone 2 Dual Duct Outlet , !- Unit Air Outlet Node
Zone 2 Dual Duct Hot Inlet , !- Unit Hot Air Inlet Node
1.29. GROUP – AIR DISTRIBUTION EQUIPMENT 1173

Zone 2 Dual Duct Cold Inlet , !- Unit Cold Air Inlet Node
0.36; !- Max Air Flow Rate {m3/s}

1.29.15.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Zone Air Terminal Cold Supply Duct Damper Position []

• HVAC,Average,Zone Air Terminal Hot Supply Duct Damper Position []

1.29.15.2.1 Zone Air Terminal Cold Supply Duct Damper Position

This output is the damper position of the cold air stream in a dual duct air terminal. This is the
average value over the frequency being reported. The damper position is defined as the terminal
unit cold air mass flow rate divided by the terminal unit’s maximum cold air mass flow rate. This
output is dimensionless and ranges from 0.0 to 1.0.

1.29.15.2.2 Zone Air Terminal Hot Supply Duct Damper Position

This output is the damper position of the hot air stream in a dual duct air terminal. This is the
average value over the frequency being reported. The damper position is defined as the terminal
unit hot air mass flow rate divided by the terminal unit’s maximum hot air mass flow rate. This
output is dimensionless and ranges from 0.0 to 1.0.

1.29.16 AirTerminal:DualDuct:VAV
AirTerminal:DualDuct:VAV (i.e., Dual duct variable air volume (DDVAV)) systems are used to
obtain zone temperature control by mixing the cold and warm air in various volume combinations.
The fan is sized for the anticipated maximum coincident hot or cold volume, not the sum of the
instantaneous peaks. This system has an advantage of a true single path VAV system, except for
warm port leakage. When cold air is modulated for control before mixing, it operates similar to
the VAV induction when mixing occurs without hot deck reheat. It is similar to a reheat system
when mixing occurs while the hot deck is using the reheat coil. It uses more energy than a true
VAV system, but less than a constant volume dual duct system.

1.29.16.1 Inputs
1.29.16.1.1 Field: Name
Unique name for the AirTerminal:DualDuct:VAV Air Distribution Unit (ADU).

1.29.16.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

Schedule that this component will operate or is available to operate for a given time period. A
schedule value greater than 0 (usually 1 is used) indicates that the component can be on during the
time period. A value less than or equal to 0 (usually 0 is used) denotes that the component must
be off for the time period. If this field is blank, the schedule has values of 1 for all time periods.

1.29.16.1.3 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

The outlet node from the ADU to the zone.

1.29.16.1.4 Field: Hot Air Inlet Node Name

The air-inlet node name that connects the hot air splitter to the individual zone ADU.
1174 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.29.16.1.5 Field: Cold Air Inlet Node Name

The air-inlet node name that connects the cold air splitter to the individual zone ADU.

1.29.16.1.6 Field: Maximum Damper Air Flow Rate

The design maximum volume flow rate (m3 /sec) specified for DDVAV ADU.

1.29.16.1.7 Field: Zone Minimum Air Flow Fraction

The minimum flow rate to the zone while the system is operating, specified as a fraction of
the Max Damper Air Flow Rate. The minimum zone fraction is normally specified to meet the
minimum ventilation requirement for the occupants.

1.29.16.1.8 Field: Design Specification Outdoor Air Object Name

This alpha field specifies the name of a DesignSpecification:OutdoorAir object. When this
field is used, the terminal unit will increase flow as needed to meet this outdoor air requirement.
If Outdoor Air Flow per Person is non-zero, then the outdoor air requirement will be computed
based on the current number of occupants in the zone. At no time will the supply air flow rate
exceed the value for Maximum Air Flow Rate. If this field is blank, then the terminal unit will not
be controlled for outdoor air flow. See documentation for the zone HVAC outdoor air object for
further information (Ref DesignSpecification:OutdoorAir).
An IDF example:

AirTerminal:DualDuct:VAV ,
Zone1MixDamp , !- Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
Zone 1 Dual Duct Outlet , !- Air Outlet Node Name
Zone 1 Dual Duct Hot Inlet , !- Hot Air Inlet Node Name
Zone 1 Dual Duct Cold Inlet , !- Cold Air Inlet Node Name
autosize , !- Maximum Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.1, !- Zone Minimum Air Flow Fraction
ZoneMinOARequirements ; !- Design Specification Outdoor Air Object Name

! Outdoor air specification should be consistent with Sizing:Zone object inputs.

DesignSpecification :OutdoorAir ,
ZoneMinOARequirements , !- Name
Sum , !- Outdoor Air Method
0.00944 , !- Outdoor Air Flow per Person {m3/s}
0.000508 , !- Outdoor Air Flow per Zone Floor Area {m3/s-m2}
, !- Outdoor Air Flow per Zone
, !- Outdoor Air Flow Air Changes per Hour
Min OARequirements Sched; !- Outdoor Air Flow Rate Fraction Schedule Name

Schedule:Compact ,
Min OARequirements Sched , !- Name
Any Number , !- Schedule Type Limits Name
Through: 12/31 , !- Field 1
For: Weekdays SummerDesignDay WinterDesignDay , !- Field 2
Until: 24:00 ,1.0 , !- Field 7
For: AllOtherDays , !- Field 9
Until: 24:00 ,0.25; !- Field 10

1.29.16.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Zone Air Terminal Cold Supply Duct Damper Position []
• HVAC,Average,Zone Air Terminal Hot Supply Duct Damper Position []
• HVAC,Average,Zone Air Terminal Outdoor Air Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]
1.29. GROUP – AIR DISTRIBUTION EQUIPMENT 1175

1.29.16.2.1 Zone Air Terminal Cold Supply Duct Damper Position []

This output is the damper position of the cold air stream in a dual duct air terminal. This is the
average value over the frequency being reported. The damper position is defined as the terminal
unit cold air mass flow rate divided by the terminal unit’s maximum cold air mass flow rate.

1.29.16.2.2 Zone Air Terminal Hot Supply Duct Damper Position []

This output is the damper position of the hot air stream in a dual duct air terminal. This is the
average value over the frequency being reported. The damper position is defined as the terminal
unit hot air mass flow rate divided by the terminal unit’s maximum hot air mass flow rate.

1.29.16.2.3 Zone Air Terminal Outdoor Air Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]
This output is the amount of outdoor air entering the zone. This is the average value over the
frequency being reported. The amount of outdoor air is defined as the terminal unit air volume
flow rate multiplied by the fraction of outdoor air entering the air loop’s outdoor air system.

1.29.17 AirTerminal:DualDuct:VAV:OutdoorAir
AirTerminal:DualDuct:VAV:OutdoorAir provides a model for a type of dual duct air system in
which one duct provides outdoor air ventilation and the other provides VAV cooling. The Outdoor
Air stream and the Recirculated Air stream are conditioned and supplied through separate air
streams as part of a centralized dedicated outdoor air (DOAS) distribution system. The dual duct
arrangement allows the ventilation air to be controlled separately using schedules or occupancy
demand while the recirculated air is controlled to meet the dry-bulb zone temperature setpoint.
The two airstreams remain decoupled until the terminal box where they are mixed. The terminal
unit is meant for systems regulating outdoor air based only on demand control or code minimum
settings and not on economizer operation.
This air terminal does not have heating coils and is not configured for conditions zones that
need heat. Additional ZoneHVAC equipment, such as baseboards or fan coil units, are needed to
provide heating to the zone when using this air terminal.
Although this air terminal is primarily for dual duct system, it is allowed to use just the outdoor
air side in a single duct system. This can be useful for modeling single duct DOAS when the required
volume of outdoor air varies over time.

1.29.17.1 Inputs
1.29.17.1.1 Field: Name
Unique name for the AirTerminal:DualDuct:VAV:OutdoorAir Air Distribution Unit (ADU).

1.29.17.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

Schedule that this component will operate or is available to operate for a given time period. A
schedule value greater than 0 (usually 1 is used) indicates that the component can be on during the
time period. A value less than or equal to 0 (usually 0 is used) denotes that the component must
be off for the time period. If this field is blank, the schedule has values of 1 for all time periods.

1.29.17.1.3 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

The outlet node of the terminal unit. This is the node leaving the unit and serving as the inlet
to the zone. It is for the mixed flow leaving from both of the inlet node.
1176 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.29.17.1.4 Field: Outdoor Air Inlet Node Name

The inlet node of the Outdoor Air (OA) stream deck of the Dual Duct system.

1.29.17.1.5 Field: Recirculated Air Inlet Node Name

The inlet node of the Recirculated Air (RA) stream deck of the Dual Duct system. This input
is optional. If no node name is entered here, then the recirulation duct is disabled and the model
functions as a single duct terminal and no second cooling deck is needed.

1.29.17.1.6 Field: Maximum Zone Total Airflow Rate

Max total airflow rate (in m3/s) at the terminal unit outlet including both the Outdoor Air
stream and the Recirculated stream. Can be autosized based on the Design Outdoor Airflow Rate
and the zone thermal cooling load. The autosized flow rate will be the sum of the maximum outdoor
air requirement and the flow for cooling. When autosizing, this maximum and the individual inlet
flow rate sizes are reported to the eio file.

1.29.17.1.7 Field: Design Specification Outdoor Air Object Name

This field specifies the name of a DesignSpecification:OutdoorAir object. This field is required
for this object. The terminal unit will modulate the Outdoor Air stream to meet this outdoor
air requirement. If Outdoor Air Flow per Person is applied, then the outdoor air required will be
based on either the current number of occupants in the zone, as for demand controlled ventilation,
or the design level of occupants depending on the setting in the next field.

1.29.17.1.8 Field: Per Person Ventilation Rate Mode

This field specifies how the outdoor air ventilation rates are calculated when based on a rate
per person. It can be either based on the current number of people as affected by time-varying
occupancy schedules, or on the constant value for the maximum number of people. Enter the key
CurrentOccupancy for the former and DesignOccupancy for the later.
An example input object follows.

AirTerminal:DualDuct:VAV:OutdoorAir ,
Media_Center Dual Duct Box Component , !- Name
ALWAYS_ON , !- Availability Schedule Name
Media_Center Dual Duct Box Outlet Node Name , !- Air Outlet Node Name
Media_Center Dual Duct Box Inlet Node Name , !- Outdoor Air Inlet Node Name
RC Media_Center Dual Duct Box Inlet Node Name , !- Recirculated Air Inlet Node Name
AUTOSIZE , !- Maximum Terminal Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
Media_Center Dual Duct Box OA Design Spec , !- Design Specification Outdoor Air Object
Name
CurrentOccupancy; !- Per Person Ventilation Rate Mode

DesignSpecification :OutdoorAir ,
Media_Center Dual Duct Box OA Design Spec , !- Name
Sum , !- Outdoor Air Method
0.004719 , !- Outdoor Air Flow per Person {m3/s-person}
0.00061 , !- Outdoor Air Flow per Zone Floor Area {m3/s-m2}
0.0, !- Outdoor Air Flow per Zone {m3/s}
0.0, !- Outdoor Air Flow Air Changes per Hour
MinOA_Sched; !- Outdoor Air Flow Rate Fraction Schedule Name
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1177

1.29.17.2 Outputs
• Output:Variable,*,Zone Air Terminal Outdoor Air Duct Damper Position,hourly; !- HVAC
Average []

• Output:Variable,*,Zone Air Terminal Recirculated Air Duct Damper Position,hourly; !-

HVAC Average []

• Output:Variable,*,Zone Air Terminal Outdoor Air Fraction,hourly; !- HVAC Average []

1.29.17.2.1 Zone Air Terminal Outdoor Air Duct Damper Position []

This output is the damper position of the outdoor air stream in a dual duct air terminal. This
is the average value over the frequency being reported. The damper position is defined as the
terminal unit outdoor air mass flow rate divided by the terminal unit’s maximum outdoor air mass
flow rate. This output is dimensionless and ranges from 0.0 to 1.0.

1.29.17.2.2 Zone Air Terminal Recirculated Air Duct Damper Position []

This output is the damper position of the recirculated cool air stream in a dual duct air terminal.
This is the average value over the frequency being reported. The damper position is defined as the
terminal unit cool air mass flow rate divided by the terminal unit’s maximum cool air mass flow
rate. This output is dimensionless and ranges from 0.0 to 1.0.

1.29.17.2.3 Zone Air Terminal Outdoor Air Fraction []

This output is the current fraction of outdoor air contained in the combined flow of aire entering
the zone from the terminal unit. This is the average value over the frequency being reported. The
outdoor air fraction is defined as the terminal unit outdoor air mass flow rate divided by the total
air mass flow rate. This output is dimensionless and ranges from 0.0 to 1.0.

1.30 Group – Zone Forced Air Units

1.30.1 ZoneHVAC:IdealLoadsAirSystem
The simplest piece of zone equipment is the ZoneHVAC:IdealLoadsAirSystem component. Zone-
HVAC:IdealLoadsAirSystem is used in situations where the user wishes to study the performance
of a building without modeling a full HVAC system. In such a case, the Ideal Loads Air System is
usually the sole conditioning component: the user does not need to specify air loops, water loops,
etc. All that is needed for the ideal system are zone controls, zone equipment configurations, and
the ideal loads system component.
This component can be operated with infinite or finite heating and cooling capacity. For either
mode – infinite or limited capacity – the user can also specify on/off schedules for heating and cooling
and outdoor air controls. There are also optional controls for dehumidification, humidification,
economizer, and heat recovery. This component may be used in combination with other HVAC
equipment serving the same zone.
This component can be thought of as an ideal unit that mixes air at the zone exhaust condition
with the specified amount of outdoor air and then adds or removes heat and moisture at 100%
efficiency in order to produce a supply air stream at the specified conditions. The energy required
to condition the supply air is metered and reported as DistrictHeating and DistrictCooling.
1178 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Notes: The ideal loads system uses the zone return node or an optional zone exhaust node to
extract air from the zone. Every zone served by an HVAC component must have a return air node,
even though this node may not be connected to anything.
The ideal loads system was significantly expanded in version 7.0 (October 2011). As part of
this upgrade, any change in the moisture content of the supply air stream results in a latent cool-
ing (dehumidification) or latent heating (humidification) load which is metered as DistrictCooling
and DistrictHeating energy consumption. Prior to version 7.0, when the ideal loads system was in
heating mode, only the energy for sensible heating was metered. This results in significant changes
in reported energy use compared to earlier versions, especially when using the ConstantSupply-
HumidityRatio option for Humidification Control Type.
Older idf files which are transitioned to version 7.0 will automatically be set to use the Con-
stantSupplyHumidityRatio option for both dehumidification and humidification controls, be-
cause this is equivalent to the controls used in the older version of this system. However, the user
should review all of the humidity control options and select the one which best reflects the goal of
the simulation.

1.30.1.1 Inputs
1.30.1.1.1 Field: Name
A unique user assigned name for each ideal loads air system component. This name is referenced
in a ZoneHVAC:EquipmentList object.

1.30.1.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This alpha field defines the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether or not
this component is available to operate during a given time period. If the schedule value is greater
than zero then the system is available to operate; otherwise, the system is unavailable for that time
period. If this field is blank, the schedule has values of 1 for all time periods.

1.30.1.1.3 Field: Zone Supply Air Node Name

The name of the outlet air node of the ideal loads object. This should be the same as one of
the zone air inlet nodes for the zone the ideal loads component is serving.

1.30.1.1.4 Field: Zone Exhaust Air Node Name

The name of the zone exhaust air node of the ideal loads object. This should be the same
as one of the zone air exhaust nodes for the zone this component is serving. This node name is
required if ZoneHVAC:IdealLoadsAirSystem is used in a zone which also has other forced air HVAC
equipment. Otherwise this node name is optional but recommended.

1.30.1.1.5 Field: Maximum Heating Supply Air Temperature

The maximum air temperature (degrees C) of the air used for heating the zone. The default is
50C (122F).

1.30.1.1.6 Field: Minimum Cooling Supply Air Temperature

The minimum air temperature (degrees C) of the air used for cooling the zone. The default is
13C (55.4F).
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1179

1.30.1.1.7 Field: Maximum Heating Supply Air Humidity Ratio

The maximum humidity ratio (kg of water per kg of dry air) of the hot supply air. The default
is 0.0156 kgWater/kgDryAir which corresponds to a 20%RH at 50C (122F) dry bulb.

1.30.1.1.8 Field: Minimum Cooling Supply Air Humidity Ratio

The minimum humidity ratio (kg of water per kg of dry air) of the cool supply air. The default
is 0.0077 kgWater/kgDryAir which corresponds to a 10C (50F) dew point.

1.30.1.1.9 Field: Heating Limit

The input must be either LimitFlowRate, LimitCapacity, LimitFlowRateAndCapacity
or NoLimit. LimitFlowRate means that the heating supply air flow rate will be limited to the
value specified in the next input field. LimitCapacity means that the sensible heating capacity
will be limited to the value specified in the Maximum Sensible Heating Capacity field. Limit-
FlowRateAndCapacity means that both flow rate and capacity will be limited. NoLimit (the
default) means that there will not be any limit on the heating supply air flow rate or capacity and
the subsequent two fields will be ignored.

1.30.1.1.10 Field: Maximum Heating Air Flow Rate

The maximum heating supply air flow rate in cubic meters per second if heating limit is set to
LimitFlowRate or LimitFlowRateAndCapacity . This field may be autosized. This field is
ignored if heating limit is set to NoLimit or LimitCapacity. If blank, there is no limit.

1.30.1.1.11 Field: Maximum Sensible Heating Capacity

The maximum allowed sensible heating capacity in Watts if Heating Limit is set to LimitCa-
pacity or LimitFlowRateAndCapacity. This field may be autosized. If blank, there is no limit.
If Heating Limit is set to NoLimit or LimitFlowRate, this field is ignored.

1.30.1.1.12 Field: Cooling Limit

The input must be either LimitFlowRate, LimitCapacity, LimitFlowRateAndCapacity
or NoLimit. LimitFlowrate means that the cooling supply air flow rate will be limited to the
value specified in the next input field. LimitCapacity means that the total cooling capacity will
be limited to the value specified in the Maximum Total Cooling Capacity field. LimitFlowRate-
AndCapacity means that both flow rate and capacity will be limited. NoLimit (the default)
means that there will not be any limit on the cooling supply air flow rate or capacity and the
subsequent two fields will be ignored.

1.30.1.1.13 Field: Maximum Cooling Air Flow Rate

The maximum cooling supply air flow rate in cubic meters per second if Cooling Limit is set
to LimitFlowRate or LimitFlowRateAndCapacity. This field may be autosized. This field is
ignored if cooling limit is set to NoLimit or LimitCapacity. If blank, there is no limit. If Cooling
Limit is set to NoLimit, this field is ignored. This field is required if Outdoor Air Control Type
is TemperatureEconomizer in order to establish an upper limit on outdoor air flow when the
economizer is active.
1180 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.30.1.1.14 Field: Maximum Total Cooling Capacity

The maximum allowed total (sensible plus latent) cooling capacity in Watts if Cooling Limit is
set to LimitCapacity or LimitFlowRateAndCapacity. This field may be autosized. If blank,
there is no limit. If Cooling Limit is set to NoLimit or LimitFlowRate, this field is ignored.

1.30.1.1.15 Field: Heating Availability Schedule Name

The name of a schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether heating is available. A schedule
value greater than 0 (usually 1 is used) indicates that heating and humidification are available. A
value less than or equal to 0 (usually 0 is used) denotes that heating and humidification are not
available. If blank, heating and humidification are always available.

1.30.1.1.16 Field: Cooling Availability Schedule Name

The name of a schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether cooling is available. A schedule
value greater than 0 (usually 1 is used) indicates that cooling and dehumidification are available.
A value less than or equal to 0 (usually 0 is used) denotes that cooling and dehumidification is not
available. If blank, cooling and dehumidification are always available.

1.30.1.1.17 Field: Dehumidification Control Type

Select from ConstantSensibleHeatRatio, Humidistat, None, or ConstantSupplyHu-
midityRatio. ConstantSensibleHeatRatio (the default) means that the ideal loads system will
be controlled to meet the sensible cooling load, and the latent cooling rate will be computed using
a constant sensible heat ratio (SHR) (see next field). Humidistat means that there is a ZoneCon-
trol:Humidistat for this zone and the ideal loads system will attempt to meet the humidistat request
(i.e. will dehumidify according to the Dehumidifying Relative Humidity Schedule in the ZoneCon-
trol:Humidistat object). None means that there is no dehumidification. ConstantSupplyHu-
midityRatio means that during cooling the supply air will always be at the Minimum Cooling
Supply Humidity Ratio. For ConstantSensibleHeatRatio and Humidistat, if the mixed air
humidity ratio is less than the target humidity ratio, then the mixed air humidity ratio will be
used. For all options, the supply air humidity ratio will never be allowed to exceed saturation at
the supply dry bulb temperature.
The selected dehumidification control type is always applied when the unit is in cooling mode. If
the unit is in deadband mode (not actively heating the supply air) control type Humidistat will be
active. If the unit is in heating mode, control type Humidistat will be active if the Humidification
Control Type field below is set to Humidistat or None.
This allows the ideal loads system to heat and dehumidify at the same time.

1.30.1.1.18 Field: Cooling Sensible Heat Ratio

When the Dehumidification Control Type is set to ConstantSensibleHeatRatio the ideal
loads system will be controlled to meet the sensible cooling load, and the latent cooling rate will be
computed using the value of Cooling Sensible Heat Ratio (SHR), where SHR = Sensible Cooling
divided by Total Cooling (sensible plus latent). The default is 0.7. If Dehumidification Control
Type is set to something other than ConstantSensibleHeatRatio then this field will be ignored.

1.30.1.1.19 Field: Humidification Control Type

Select from None, Humidistat, or ConstantSupplyHumidityRatio. None means that
there is no humidification. Humidistat means that there is a ZoneControl:Humidistat for this zone
and the ideal loads system will attempt to meet the humidistat request (i.e., humidify according
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1181

to the Humidifying Relative Humidity Setpoint Schedule in the ZoneControl:Humidistat object).

ConstantSupplyHumidityRatio means that during heating the supply air will always be at the
Maximum Heating Supply Humidity Ratio. The default is None. For Humidistat, if the mixed
air humidity ratio is greater than the target humidity ratio, then the mixed air humidity ratio will
be used. For all options, the supply air humidity ratio will never be allowed to exceed saturation
at the supply dry bulb temperature.
The selected humidification control type is always applied when the unit is in heating mode.
If the unit is in deadband mode (not actively heating the supply air) control type Humidistat
will be active. If the unit is in cooling mode, control type Humidistat will be active if the
Dehumidification Control Type field above is set to Humidistat or None.
This allows the ideal loads system to cool and humidify at the same time.

1.30.1.1.20 Field: Design Specification Outdoor Air Object Name

This alpha field specifies the name of a DesignSpecification:OutdoorAir object which specifies
the outdoor air requirements and schedule for this system. The outdoor air flow rate may also be
affected by the next two fields, Demand Controlled Ventilation Type and Outdoor Air Economizer
Type. If this field is blank, this system will have no outdoor air, and all outdoor air control and
heat recovery options will be ignored..

1.30.1.1.21 Field: Outdoor Air Inlet Node Name

This alpha field specifies the node name of the outdoor air inlet node. This node name is also
specified in an OutdoorAir:Node or OutdoorAir:NodeList object. If this field is blank, a node name
will be created internally.

1.30.1.1.22 Field: Demand Controlled Ventilation Type

This field, along with the Design Specification Outdoor Air Object (if used) specifies how the
minimum outdoor air flow rate is calculated. The choices are: None, OccupancySchedule or
CO2Setpoint. The default is None.

• None means that the design occupancy level will be used when computing the minimum
outdoor air flow rate based on the inputs in the Design Specification Outdoor Air Object
(see previous field).

• OccupancySchedule means that the current occupancy level will be used when computing
the minimum outdoor air flow rate based on the inputs in the Design Specification Outdoor
Air Object (see previous field).

• CO2Setpoint means that the design occupancy level will be used when computing the
minimum outdoor air flow rate based on the inputs in the Design Specification Outdoor Air
Object (see previous field). In addition, the minimum outdoor air flow rate may be increased
if necessary to maintain the level of indoor air carbon dioxide at or below the setpoint defined
in a ZoneControl:ContaminantController object.

1.30.1.1.23 Field: Outdoor Air Economizer Type

This field specifies if there is an outdoor air economizer. The choices are: NoEconomizer,
DifferentialDryBulb, or DifferentialEnthalpy. The default is NoEconomizer. Differen-
tialDryBulb and DifferentialEnthalpy mean that the economizer will increase the outdoor air
flow rate above the minimum outdoor air flow (see fields Design Specification Outdoor Air Object
1182 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Name and Demand Controlled Ventilation Type) when there is a cooling load and the outdoor
air temperature or enthalpy is below the zone exhaust air temperature or enthalpy. The Differ-
entialDryBulb and DifferentialEnthalpy options require that the Maximum Cooling Air Flow
Rate be specified which will be used as the limit for maximum outdoor air flow rate.

1.30.1.1.24 Field: Heat Recovery Type

Select from None, Sensible, or Enthalpy. None means that there is no heat recovery.
Sensible means that there is sensible heat recovery whenever the zone exhaust air temperature
is more favorable than the outdoor air temperature. Enthalpy means that there is latent and
sensible heat recovery whenever the zone exhaust air enthalpy is more favorable than the outdoor
air enthalpy. The default is None.

1.30.1.1.25 Field: Sensible Heat Recovery Effectiveness

The sensible heat recovery effectiveness, where effectiveness is defined as the change in supply
temperature divided by the difference in entering supply and relief air temperatures. The default
is 0.70.

1.30.1.1.26 Field: Latent Heat Recovery Effectiveness

The latent heat recovery effectiveness, where effectiveness is defined as the change in supply
humidity ratio divided by the difference in entering supply and relief air humidity ratios. The
default is 0.65.

1.30.1.1.27 Field: Design Specification ZoneHVAC Sizing Object Name

This optional input field is the name of a DesignSpecification:ZoneHVAC:Sizing object. The
name must correspond to unique name of a DesignSpecification:ZoneHVAC:Sizing object. A Design
Sepcification Zone HVAC Sizing object defines scalable sizing methods for sizing input fields such
as Maximum Heating Air Flow Rate and Maximum Cooling Air Flow Rate in a Ideal Load Air
System zone HVAC object. The scaled maximum heating and cooling air flow rates are used to
size the heating and cooling capacities.
An example of this object in an IDF is:

ZoneHVAC:IdealLoadsAirSystem ,
Zone1 Ideal Loads System , !- Name
AlwaysOn , !- Availability Schedule Name
Zone1 Ideal Loads Supply Node , !- Zone Supply Air Node Name
Zone1 Ideal Loads Return Node , ! Zone Exhaust Air Node Name
50, !- Maximum Heating Supply Air Temperature {C}
13, !- Minimum Cooling Supply Air Temperature {C}
0.0156 , !- Maximum Heating Supply Air Humidity Ratio {kgWater/kgDryAir}
0.0077 , !- Minimum Cooling Supply Air Humidity Ratio {kgWater/kgDryAir}
NoLimit , !- Heating Limit
, !- Maximum Heating Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- Maximum Sensible Heating Capacity {W}
NoLimit , !- Cooling Limit
, !- Maximum Cooling Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- Maximum Total Cooling Capacity {W}
, !- Heating Availability Schedule Name
, !- Cooling Availability Schedule Name
ConstantSensibleHeatRatio , !- Dehumidification Control Type
0.7, !- Cooling Sensible Heat Ratio
None , !- Humidification Control Type
Office OA Specification , !- Design Specification Outdoor Air Object Name
Zone1 Ideal Loads OA Inlet Node , !- Outdoor Air Inlet Node Name
None , !- Demand Controlled Ventilation Type
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1183

NoEconomizer , !- Outdoor Air Economizer Type

Enthalpy , !- Heat Recovery Type
0.70, !- Sensible Heat Recovery Effectiveness
0.65; !- Latent Heat Recovery Effectiveness

1.30.1.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ideal Loads Supply Air Sensible Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ideal Loads Supply Air Total Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ideal Loads Supply Air Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ideal Loads Supply Air Latent Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ideal Loads Supply Air Total Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ideal Loads Supply Air Latent Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ideal Loads Zone Sensible Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ideal Loads Zone Latent Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ideal Loads Zone Total Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ideal Loads Zone Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ideal Loads Zone Latent Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ideal Loads Zone Total Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ideal Loads Outdoor Air Sensible Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ideal Loads Outdoor Air Latent Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ideal Loads Outdoor Air Total Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ideal Loads Outdoor Air Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ideal Loads Outdoor Air Latent Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ideal Loads Outdoor Air Total Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ideal Loads Heat Recovery Sensible Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ideal Loads Heat Recovery Latent Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ideal Loads Heat Recovery Total Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ideal Loads Heat Recovery Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ideal Loads Heat Recovery Latent Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ideal Loads Heat Recovery Total Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ideal Loads Supply Air Sensible Heating Rate [W]

1184 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ideal Loads Supply Air Latent Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ideal Loads Supply Air Total Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ideal Loads Supply Air Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ideal Loads Supply Air Latent Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ideal Loads Supply Air Total Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ideal Loads Zone Sensible Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ideal Loads Zone Latent Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ideal Loads Zone Total Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ideal Loads Zone Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ideal Loads Zone Latent Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ideal Loads Zone Total Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ideal Loads Outdoor Air Sensible Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ideal Loads Outdoor Air Latent Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ideal Loads Outdoor Air Total Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ideal Loads Outdoor Air Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ideal Loads Outdoor Air Latent Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ideal Loads Outdoor Air Total Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ideal Loads Heat Recovery Sensible Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ideal Loads Heat Recovery Latent Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ideal Loads Heat Recovery Total Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ideal Loads Heat Recovery Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ideal Loads Heat Recovery Latent Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ideal Loads Heat Recovery Total Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ideal Loads Economizer Active Time [hr]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ideal Loads Heat Recovery Active Time [hr]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ideal Loads Hybrid Ventilation Available Status []

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ideal Loads Outdoor Air Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ideal Loads Outdoor Air Standard Density Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ideal Loads Supply Air Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ideal Loads Supply Air Standard Density Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1185

1.30.1.2.1 Ideal Loads Output Variable Overview

All of the ZoneHVAC:IdealLoadsAirSystem loads and energy use are reported for Sensible
Heating, Latent Heating, Total Heating, Sensible Cooling, Latent Cooling, and Total Cooling. To
explain the relationship between the various outputs, Total Cooling Energy will be used.
Zone Ideal Loads Supply Air Total Cooling Energy is the district cooling energy consumed by
the ideal loads system “cooling coil” to cool and dehumidify the supply air.
Zone Ideal Loads Zone Total Cooling Energy is the total (sensible plus latent) cooling energy
delivered to the zone. If there is no outdoor air, then Zone Ideal Loads Supply Air Total Cooling
Energy = Zone Ideal Loads Zone Total Cooling Energy.
Zone Ideal Loads Outdoor Air Total Cooling Energy is the total (sensible plus latent) cooling
energy required to cool the outdoor air to the zone exhaust air temperature and humidity ratio.
Zone Ideal Loads Heat Recovery Total Cooling Energy is the total (sensible plus latent) cooling
energy supplied by heat recovery. This offsets a portion of the Zone Ideal Loads Outdoor Air Total
Cooling Energy.
When the economizer is not active, these values are related by the following equation:
Zone Ideal Loads Supply Air Total Cooling Energy + Zone Ideal Loads Heat Recovery Total
Cooling Energy = Zone Ideal Loads Zone Total Cooling Energy+ Zone Ideal Loads Outdoor Air
Total Cooling Energy

1.30.1.2.2 Zone Ideal Loads Supply Air Sensible Heating Energy [J]

1.30.1.2.3 Zone Ideal Loads Supply Air Sensible Heating Rate [W]
The sensible heating energy (or rate) added to raise the temperature of the mixed air stream
to the temperature of the supply air stream. This is the ideal “heating coil” load.

1.30.1.2.4 Zone Ideal Loads Supply Air Latent Heating Energy [J]

1.30.1.2.5 Zone Ideal Loads Supply Air Latent Heating Rate [W]
The latent heating energy (or rate) added to raise the humidity ratio of the mixed air stream
to the temperature of the supply air stream. This is the ideal “humidifier” load.

1.30.1.2.6 Zone Ideal Loads Supply Air Total Heating Energy [J]

1.30.1.2.7 Zone Ideal Loads Supply Air Total Heating Rate [W]
The total (sensible and latent) heating energy (or rate) added to raise the mixed air stream to
the temperature and humidity ratio of the supply air stream. Zone Ideal Loads Supply Air Total
Heating Energy is metered as DistrictHeating energy.

1.30.1.2.8 Zone Ideal Loads Supply Air Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

1.30.1.2.9 Zone Ideal Loads Supply Air Sensible Cooling Rate [W]
The sensible cooling energy (or rate) removed to lower the temperature of the mixed air stream
to the temperature of the supply air stream. This is the ideal “cooling coil” sensible load.

1.30.1.2.10 Zone Ideal Loads Supply Air Latent Cooling Energy [J]
1186 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.30.1.2.11 Zone Ideal Loads Supply Air Latent Cooling Rate [W]
The latent cooling energy (or rate) removed to lower the humidity ratio of the mixed air stream
to the temperature of the supply air stream. This is the ideal “cooling coil” latent load.

1.30.1.2.12 Zone Ideal Loads Supply Air Total Cooling Energy [J]

1.30.1.2.13 Zone Ideal Loads Supply Air Total Cooling Rate [W]
The total (sensible and latent) cooling energy (or rate) removed to lower the mixed air stream
to the temperature and humidity ratio of the supply air stream. Zone Ideal Loads Supply Air Total
Cooling Energy is metered as DistrictCooling energy. This is the ideal “cooling coil” total load.

1.30.1.2.14 Zone Ideal Loads Zone Sensible Heating Energy [J]

1.30.1.2.15 Zone Ideal Loads Zone Sensible Heating Rate [W]

The sensible heating energy (or rate) added to the zone.

1.30.1.2.16 Zone Ideal Loads Zone Latent Heating Energy [J]

1.30.1.2.17 Zone Ideal Loads Zone Latent Heating Rate [W]

The latent heating energy (or rate) added to the zone.

1.30.1.2.18 Zone Ideal Loads Zone Total Heating Energy [J]

1.30.1.2.19 Zone Ideal Loads Zone Total Heating Rate [W]

The total (sensible and latent) heating energy (or rate) added to the zone.

1.30.1.2.20 Zone Ideal Loads Zone Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

1.30.1.2.21 Zone Ideal Loads Zone Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

The sensible cooling energy (or rate) removed from the zone.

1.30.1.2.22 Zone Ideal Loads Zone Latent Cooling Energy [J]

1.30.1.2.23 Zone Ideal Loads Zone Latent Cooling Rate [W]

The latent cooling energy (or rate) removed from the zone.

1.30.1.2.24 Zone Ideal Loads Zone Total Cooling Energy [J]

1.30.1.2.25 Zone Ideal Loads Zone Total Cooling Rate [W]

The total (sensible and latent) cooling energy (or rate) removed from the zone.

1.30.1.2.26 Zone Ideal Loads Outdoor Air Sensible Heating Energy [J]

1.30.1.2.27 Zone Ideal Loads Outdoor Air Sensible Heating Rate [W]
The sensible heating energy (or rate) required to raise the temperature of the outdoor air to
the zone exhaust air temperature. This value will be calculated only when heating is active.
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1187

1.30.1.2.28 Zone Ideal Loads Outdoor Air Latent Heating Energy [J]

1.30.1.2.29 Zone Ideal Loads Outdoor Air Latent Heating Rate [W]
The latent heating energy (or rate) required to raise the humidity ratio of the outdoor air to the
zone exhaust air humidity ratio. This value will be calculated only when humidification is active.

1.30.1.2.30 Zone Ideal Loads Outdoor Air Total Heating Energy [J]

1.30.1.2.31 Zone Ideal Loads Outdoor Air Total Heating Rate [W]
The total (sensible and latent) heating energy (or rate) required to raise the temperature and
humidity ratio of the outdoor air to the zone exhaust air humidity ratio. This value will be
calculated only when heating or humidification is active.

1.30.1.2.32 Zone Ideal Loads Outdoor Air Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

1.30.1.2.33 Zone Ideal Loads Outdoor Air Sensible Cooling Rate [W]
The sensible cooling energy (or rate) required to lower (or raise) the temperature of the outdoor
air to the zone exhaust air temperature. This value will be calculated only when cooling is active.

1.30.1.2.34 Zone Ideal Loads Outdoor Air Latent Cooling Energy [J]

1.30.1.2.35 Zone Ideal Loads Outdoor Air Latent Cooling Rate [W]
The latent cooling energy (or rate) required to lower (or raise) the humidity ratio of the outdoor
air to the zone exhaust air humidity ratio. This will be calculated only when dehumidification is
active.

1.30.1.2.36 Zone Ideal Loads Outdoor Air Total Cooling Energy [J]

1.30.1.2.37 Zone Ideal Loads Outdoor Air Total Cooling Rate [W]
The total (sensible and latent) cooling energy (or rate) required to lower the temperature and
humidity ratio of the outdoor air to the zone exhaust air temperature and humidity ratio. This
value will be calculated only when cooling or dehumidification is active.

1.30.1.2.38 Zone Ideal Loads Heat Recovery Sensible Heating Energy [J]

1.30.1.2.39 Zone Ideal Loads Heat Recovery Sensible Heating Rate [W]
The sensible heating energy (or rate) added to the outdoor air stream from heat recovery.

1.30.1.2.40 Zone Ideal Loads Heat Recovery Latent Heating Energy [J]

1.30.1.2.41 Zone Ideal Loads Heat Recovery Latent Heating Rate [W]
The latent heating energy (or rate) added to the outdoor air stream from heat recovery.

1.30.1.2.42 Zone Ideal Loads Heat Recovery Total Heating Energy [J]
1188 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.30.1.2.43 Zone Ideal Loads Heat Recovery Total Heating Rate [W]
The total (sensible and latent) heating energy (or rate) added to the outdoor air stream from
heat recovery.

1.30.1.2.44 Zone Ideal Loads Heat Recovery Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

1.30.1.2.45 Zone Ideal Loads Heat Recovery Sensible Cooling Rate [W]
The sensible cooling energy (or rate) removed from the outdoor air stream from heat recovery.

1.30.1.2.46 Zone Ideal Loads Heat Recovery Latent Cooling Energy [J]

1.30.1.2.47 Zone Ideal Loads Heat Recovery Latent Cooling Rate [W]
The latent cooling energy (or rate) removed from the outdoor air stream from heat recovery.

1.30.1.2.48 Zone Ideal Loads Heat Recovery Total Cooling Energy [J]

1.30.1.2.49 Zone Ideal Loads Heat Recovery Total Cooling Rate [W]
The total (sensible and latent) cooling energy (or rate) removed from the outdoor air stream
from heat recovery.

1.30.1.2.50 Zone Ideal Loads Economizer Active Time [hr]

Hours when the Ideal Loads economizer increased the outdoor air flow rate above the minimum.

1.30.1.2.51 Zone Ideal Loads Heat Recovery Active Time [hr]

Hours when the Ideal Loads heat recovery was actively heating or cooling the outdoor air
stream.

1.30.1.2.52 Zone Ideal Loads Hybrid Ventilation Available Status []

This is the availability status of the ideal loads object as set by the hybrid ventilation manager.
Rules to determine the availability status are described in the section ‘Group – System Availability
Managers’. The control status outputs are represented using integers 0 and 1. These integers
represent NoAction (0) and ForceOff (1). When the availability status is ForceOff, the unit is
turned off regardless of its availability schedule. The other status flag i.e. NoAction does not
control the unit and the controls of the unit turn it back on. Since the status output is averaged,
the output result may not correspond to the values described here when output variable frequencies
other than detailed are used. Use the “detailed” reporting frequency (Ref. Output:Variable object)
to view the availability status at each simulation timestep.

1.30.1.2.53 Zone Ideal Loads Outdoor Air Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
The mass flow rate of the outdoor air stream in kg/s.

1.30.1.2.54 Zone Ideal Loads Outdoor Air Standard Density Volume Flow Rate
[m3/s]
The volume flow rate of the outdoor air stream in m3/s using the standard density. The
standard density is determined for dry air at the standard barometric pressure for the location’s
elevation and a temperature of 20.0ºC. The standard density does not vary over time.
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1189

1.30.1.2.55 Zone Ideal Loads Supply Air Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
The mass flow rate of the supply air stream in kg/s.

1.30.1.2.56 Zone Ideal Loads Supply Air Standard Density Volume Flow Rate
[m3/s]
The volume flow rate of the supply air stream in m3/s using the standard density. The standard
density is determined for dry air at the standard barometric pressure for the location’s elevation
and a temperature of 20.0ºC. The standard density does not vary over time.

1.30.2 ZoneHVAC:FourPipeFanCoil
What is a fan coil unit? Like many HVAC terms, “fan coil unit” is used rather loosely. Some-
times it is used for terminal units that would be better described as powered induction units.
Carrier and others use the term for the room side of refrigerant-based split systems. Here we are
modeling in-room forced-convection hydronic units. The hydronic heating coil may be replaced
with an electric heating coil. Typically these units are small (200 – 1200 cfm) and self-contained.
They are mostly used in exterior zones, usually in hotels, apartments, or offices. They may be
connected to ducted outside air, or have a direct outside air vent, but they do not have outside
air economizers. Units with outside air economizers are marketed (in the United States) as unit
ventilators. Unit ventilators are typically bigger than fan coils and are widely used in classrooms
or other applications where ventilation is a priority. If a zonal unit with an outside economizer is
desired, ZoneHVAC:UnitVentilator should be used.
The heating or cooling output of the unit ventilator is controlled by varying the air flow rate, the
water flow rate, or both. Air flow rate can be controlled by cycling the fan on/off or with a variable
speed fan drive. The most common setup is a two or three speed fan with the speed selected by
hand. The fan then cycles on/off to control heating / cooling output. The controls are often a wall
mounted thermostat with hand selection of heating/cooling and fan speed (off/low/medium/high).
These controls may also be mounted on the unit.
Carrier offers a retrofit VSD motor for fan coil units. It claims up to 45% energy savings from
such a retrofit, as well as increased comfort and less noise compared to a cycling fan (fan coil fans
are typically noisy and inefficient). Some other manufacturers are also offering units with VSD
fans. Variable speed fans appear to offer an easy way to significantly increase the efficiency of what
have typically been very inefficient units.
EnergyPlus provides 6 capacity control methods for this unit:

1. multi-speed cycling fan with constant water flow rate

2. constant speed continuous fan with variable water flow rate

3. variable-speed fan with constant water flow rate

4. variable-speed fan with variable water flow rate

5. multi-speed fan with cycling between speeds and constant water flow.

6. fan speed control based on ASHRAE 90.1

In EnergyPlus the fan coil units are modeled as compound components. That is, they are
assembled from other components. Fan coils contain an outdoor air mixer, a fan, a heating coil
and a cooling coil. These components are described elsewhere in this document. The fan coil
1190 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

input simply requires the names of these four components, which have to be described elsewhere
in the input. The input also requires the name of an availability schedule, maximum airflow rate,
outdoor airflow rate, and maximum and minimum hot (for hydronic heating coil only) and cold
water volumetric flow rates. The unit is connected to the zone inlet and exhaust nodes and the
outdoor air by specifying unit inlet, and outlet air node names and the outdoor air mixer object
name. The outdoor air mixer child object provides the outdoor air and relief air nodes names.
Note that the unit air inlet node should be the same as a zone exhaust node and the unit outlet
node should be the same as a zone inlet node. The fan coil unit is connected to a hot water loop
through its hot water coil or with no hot water loop when using an electric coil (demand side) and
to a chilled water loop (demand side) through its cooling coil.
Note that the type of fan component associated with the fan coil unit depends on the type of ca-
pacity control method chosen. For ConstantFanVariableFlow a Fan:OnOff or Fan:ConstantVolume
should be used. For CyclingFan, a Fan:OnOff should be used, for VariableFanVariableFlow or Vari-
ableFanConstantFlow a Fan:VariableVolume, for MultiSpeedFan a Fan:OnOff should be used, and
for ASHRAE90VariableFan, a Fan:OnOff or Fan:VariableVolume should be chosen.
Fan coil units can be 4-pipe or 2-pipe. For 4-pipe units there are 2 supply pipes and 2 return
pipes. For 2-pipe units there is a single supply pipe and a single return pipe and the supply is
switched between hot and chilled water depending on the season. EnergyPlus models 4-pipe units,
but the 4-pipe model can be used to model 2-pipe units by using the coil availability schedules to
make sure that either hot or chilled water is exclusively available. Fan coil units with hydronic heat
can instead be modeled using an electric heating coil if desired (i.e., replace the hydronic heating
coil with an electric heating coil).

1.30.2.1 Inputs
1.30.2.1.1 Field: Name
A unique user assigned name for an instance of a Fan Coil unit. Any reference to this Fan Coil
unit by another object will use this name.

1.30.2.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

The name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the fan coil unit can run during a
given time period. A schedule value greater than 0 (usually 1 is used) indicates that the component
can be on during the time period. A value less than or equal to 0 (usually 0 is used) denotes that
the component must be off for the time period. If this field is blank, the schedule has values of 1
for all time periods.
Field: Capacity Control Method
This input denotes how the unit’s output is controlled in order to meet zone heating or cooling
requirement. The choices are ConstantFanVariableFlow, CyclingFan, VariableFanVari-
ableFlow, VariableFanConstantFlow, MultiSpeedFan, or ASHRAE90VariableFan. For
ConstantFanVariableFlow, the fan speed is held constant to produce a fixed air flow rate whenever
the unit is scheduled on. The hot water or chilled flow rate is varied so that the unit output matches
the zone heating or cooling requirement. For CyclingFan, the fan speed is chosen so that the unit
capacity is greater than or equal to the heating / cooling load and the fan is cycled to match unit
output with the load. For VariableFanVariableFlow both air and water flow rates are varied to
match the load. For VariableFanConstantFlow, the water flow rate is at full flow and the fan speed
varies to meet the load. For MultiSpeedFan the water flow rate is at full flow when there is load or
fully closed when there is no load and the supply air flow rate is varied by varying the fan speed in
order to match the load. For ASHRAE90VariableFan, the fan air flow rate is reduced according to
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1191

the low speed supply air flow ratio when the zone sensible load is less than the zone sensible load
multiplied by the low speed supply air flow ratio. The water coil water flow rate, or the electric
heating coil part-load ratio, is modulated to meet the zone load. If the zone sensible load is greater
than the zone sensible load multiplied by the low speed supply air flow ratio, then the air and water
flow rate is increased to meet the load. If the zone load is greater than the design sensible load, the
fan air flow rate is maintained at the maximum value while the water flow rate is further increased
to the maximum available while electric heating coils are maintained at the maximum output.
Note: when ASHRAE90VariableFan is selected, if the the Minimum Supply Air
Temperature in Cooling/Heating Mode inputs are not specified, the simulation must
include zone sizing to calculate the zone design sensible cooling and heating load used
to modulate the fan speed and, for water coils, the water flow rate or for electric
heating coils, the part load ratio.
MultiSpeedFan: for a given load, the fan cycles between speeds when fan speed selected is
higher than the minimum speed or the fan cycles on-off when the fan speed selected is the minimum
and the fan operating schedule is cycling fan. When the fan is operating as a continuous fan, then
the fan runs at minimum speed even when there is no load to meet. When the speed selected is
higher than the minimum speed, then the fan cycles between consecutive speed regardless of the
fan operating schedule type. The model selects at what fan speed to run depending on cooling or
heating load.

1.30.2.1.3 Field: Maximum Supply Air Flow Rate

The maximum volumetric airflow rate (m3 /sec) through the fan coil unit. This is also the
design, rated airflow rate of the unit.

1.30.2.1.4 Field: Low Speed Supply Air Flow Ratio

This numerical field specifies the ratio of the low speed flow rate to the maximum supply air
flow rate. This value should be less than the Medium Speed Supply Air Flow Ratio. If left blank, the
default value is 0.33. Leave this field blank if the capacity control method selected is not CyclingFan
or ASHRAE90VariableFan. The suggested value is 0.5 when using the ASHRAE90VariableFan
capacity control method.

1.30.2.1.5 Field: Medium Speed Supply Air Flow Ratio

This numerical field specifies the ratio of the medium speed flow rate to the maximum supply
air flow rate. Its value should be greater than the Low Speed Supply Air Flow Ratio but less than 1.
If left blank, the default value is 0.66. Leave this field blank if the capacity control method selected
is not CyclingFan or MultiSpeedFan.

1.30.2.1.6 Field: Maximum Outdoor Air Flow Rate

If the fan coil unit uses outdoor air, this field specifies the outdoor air volumetric flow rate
(m3 /sec). This flow rate should be less than or equal to the maximum airflow rate. A value of zero
specifies no outdoor air.

1.30.2.1.7 Field: Outdoor Air Schedule Name

The name of a schedule whose values (0.0 to 1.0) are used as multipliers to alter the outdoor
air flow rate. If this field is left blank, the values will default to 1.0.
1192 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.30.2.1.8 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

The name of the HVAC system node from which the fan coil unit draws its indoor air. This
should be one of zone exhaust nodes for the zone which the fan coil unit is serving.

1.30.2.1.9 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

The name of the HVAC system node to which the fan coil unit sends its outlet air. This should
be one of the inlet air nodes of the zone which is being served.

1.30.2.1.10 Field: Outdoor Air Mixer Object Type

This field specifies the type of outdoor air mixer used by this fan coil unit. The outdoor air
mixer component is part of the fan coil compound object. The only available outdoor air mixer
type is:
OutdoorAir:Mixer

1.30.2.1.11 Field: Outdoor Air Mixer Name

The name of an outdoor air mixer component (object:OutdoorAir:Mixer) which composes part
of the fan coil unit. Note that the return air node of the outdoor air mixer should be the same
node as the air inlet node of the fan coil unit. In addition, the outdoor air mixer’s mixed air node
should be the same as the inlet air node of the fan coil unit’s fan.

1.30.2.1.12 Field: Supply Air Fan Object Type

This field specifies the type of supply air fan object used by this fan coil. The supply air fan is
part of the fan coil compound object. The only valid supply air fan types are:

• Fan:OnOff

• Fan:ConstantVolume

• Fan:VariableVolume

1.30.2.1.13 Field: Supply Air Fan Name

The name of a fan component that composes part of the fan coil unit. Note that the fan’s max-
imum flow rate should be the same as the maximum airflow rate of the fan coil unit and the type
of fan object should correspond to the capacity control method. Namely, for ConstantFanVariable-
Flow a Fan:OnOff or Fan:ConstantVolume should be used. For CyclingFan, a Fan:OnOff should
be used. For VariableFanVariableFlow or VariableFanConstantFlow a Fan:VariableVolume should
be chosen. For MultiSpeedFan a Fan:OnOff should be used. And for ASHRAE90VariableFan, a
Fan:OnOff or Fan:VariableVolume should be chosen.
The ’fans inlet node should be the same as the outdoor air ’mixers mixed air node.
The ’fans outlet node should be the same as the cooling ’coils air inlet node.

1.30.2.1.14 Field: Cooling Coil Object Type

This field specifies the type of chilled water cooling coil to be modeled for this fan coil unit.
Only the following coil types can be used:

• Coil:Cooling:Water

• Coil:Cooling:Water:DetailedGeometry
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1193

• CoilSystem:Cooling:Water:HeatExchangerAssisted

The input requirements for these chilled water coil objects are described elsewhere in this
document.

1.30.2.1.15 Field: Cooling Coil Name

The name of the cooling coil component that composes part of the fan coil unit. The cooling
coil air inlet node should be the same as the fan outlet node. The cooling coil air outlet node should
be the same as the heating coil air inlet node.
Only the following coil types can be used:

• Coil:Cooling:Water

• Coil:Cooling:Water:DetailedGeometry

• CoilSystem:Cooling:Water:HeatExchangerAssisted

1.30.2.1.16 Field: Maximum Cold Water Flow Rate

The maximum cold water volumetric flow rate (m3 /sec) through the fan coil unit’s cooling coil.

1.30.2.1.17 Field: Minimum Cold Water Flow Rate

The minimum cold water volumetric flow rate (m3 /sec) through the fan coil unit’s cooling coil.

1.30.2.1.18 Field: Cooling Convergence Tolerance

The convergence tolerance for the control of the unit cooling output. The unit is controlled
by matching the unit output to the zone demand. For units with water coils, the model must be
numerically inverted to obtain a specified output. The cooling convergence tolerance is the error
tolerance used to terminate the numerical inversion procedure. Basically this is the fraction:

|Qf ancoil,out − Qzoneload |

≤ CoolingConvergenceT olerance (1.124)
Qzoneload

1.30.2.1.19 Field: Heating Coil Object Type

This field is the type of coil that is used for heating in the fan coil system. It is used in
conjunction with the heating coil name (see next field) to specify the heating coil present within
the system. The only allowable heating coil types are:

• Coil:Heating:Water

• Coil:Heating:Electric

1.30.2.1.20 Field: Heating Coil Name

The name of the heating coil component that composes part of the fan coil unit. The heating
coil air inlet node should be the same as the cooling coil outlet node. The heating coil air outlet
node should be the same as the fan coil air outlet node.
Only the following coil types can be used:

• Coil:Heating:Water

• Coil:Heating:Electric
1194 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.30.2.1.21 Field: Maximum Hot Water Flow Rate

The maximum hot water volumetric flow rate (m3 /sec) through the fan coil unit’s heating coil.
This field is not used with an electric heating coil.

1.30.2.1.22 Field: Minimum Hot Water Flow Rate

The minimum hot water volumetric flow rate (m3 /sec) through the fan coil unit’s heating coil.
This field is not used with an electric heating coil.

1.30.2.1.23 Field: Heating Convergence Tolerance

The convergence tolerance for the control of the unit heating output. The unit is controlled
by matching the unit output to the zone demand. For units with water coils, the model must be
numerically inverted to obtain a specified output. The heating convergence tolerance is the error
tolerance used to terminate the numerical inversion procedure. Basically this is the fraction:

|Qf ancoil,out − Qzoneload |

≤ HeatingConvergenceT olerance (1.125)
Qzoneload

1.30.2.1.24 Field: Availability Manager List Name

This optional input field is the name of an AvailabilityManagerAssignmentList object. An
Availability Manager Assignment List is a list of Availability Managers giving both Availability
Manager type and name. The availability managers in the list apply to this object’s fan. If the fan
coil is available (per the Availability Schedule Name input field above) and this input field has a
valid availability manager assignment list name, then the availability managers in the list determine
when and if the fan of this object should be on or off.

1.30.2.1.25 Field: Design Specification ZoneHVAC Sizing Object Name

This optional input field is the name of a DesignSpecification:ZoneHVAC:Sizing object. The
name must correspond to unique name of a DesignSpecification:ZoneHVAC:Sizing object. A Design
Sepcification Zone HVAC Sizing object defines scalable sizing methods for sizing input fields such
as Maximum Air Flow Rate in this Four Pipe FanCoil zone HVAC object. The scaled Maximum
Air Flow Rate in turn is used to size cooling and heating capacity of the unit.

1.30.2.1.26 Field: Supply Air Fan Operating Mode Schedule Name

This input field is the name of a schedule that controls fan operation. Schedule Name values
of 0 denote cycling fan operation (fan cycles with heating or cooling coil). Schedule values greater
than 0 denote constant fan operation (fan runs continually regardless of coil operation). The fan
operating mode defaults to cycling fan operation if this field is left blank. This input field is
currently used with MultiSpeedFan capacity control method only.

1.30.2.1.27 Field: Minimum Supply Air Temperature in Cooling Mode

This optional input is used only when Capacity Control Method = ASHRAE90VariableFan.
Specify the minimum supply air temperature in cooling mode. When the fan coil capacity is
greater than the zone load, the fan speed will modulate down to the minimum fan speed, based on
the Low Speed Supply Air Flow Ratio input field, and the water flow rate will also be reduced to
maintain the zone thermostat set point temperature. When the zone load is one-half the fan coil
capacity, the fan will operate at the minimum speed. When these fields are not entered, a zone
sizing simulation must be performed. Both the cooling and heating supply air temperature must
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1195

be entered or blank in unison. Values must be greater than 0 or this field is autosizable. A value
of 0 (in both fields) will disregard these fields.

1.30.2.1.28 Field: Maximum Supply Air Temperature in Heating Mode

This optional input is used only when Capacity Control Method = ASHRAE90VariableFan.
Specify the maximum supply air temperature in heating mode. When the fan coil capacity is
greater than the zone load, the fan speed will modulate down to the minimum fan speed, based on
the Low Speed Supply Air Flow Ratio input field, and the water flow rate will also be reduced to
maintain the zone thermostat set point temperature. When the zone load is one-half the fan coil
capacity, the fan will operate at the minimum speed. When these fields are not entered, a zone
sizing simulation must be performed. Both the cooling and heating supply air temperature must
be entered or blank in unison. Values must be greater than 0 or this field is autosizable. A value
of 0 (in both fields) will disregard these fields.
An example input for a fan coil unit, including its constituent components, is shown below.

ZoneHVAC:FourPipeFanCoil ,
Zone1FanCoil , !- Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
ConstantFanVariableFlow , !- Capacity Control Method
autosize , !- Maximum Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- Low Speed Supply Air Flow Ratio
, !- Medium Speed Supply Air Flow Ratio
autosize , !- Maximum Outdoor Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
OUTAIRFANCOILSCHEDULE , !- Outdoor Air Schedule Name
Zone1FanCoilAirInletNode ,!- Air Inlet Node Name
Zone1FanCoilAirOutletNode , !- Air Outlet Node Name
OutdoorAir:Mixer , !- Outdoor Air Mixer Object Type
Zone1FanCoilOAMixer , !- Outdoor Air Mixer Name
Fan:ConstantVolume , !- Supply Air Fan Object Type
Zone1FanCoilFan , !- Supply Air Fan Name
Coil:Cooling:Water , !- Cooling Coil Object Type
Zone1FanCoilCoolingCoil , !- Cooling Coil Name
autosize , !- Maximum Cold Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.0, !- Minimum Cold Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.001 , !- Cooling Convergence Tolerance
Coil:Heating:Water , !- Heating Coil Object Type
Zone1FanCoilHeatingCoil , !- Heating Coil Name
autosize , !- Maximum Hot Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.0, !- Minimum Hot Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.001; !- Heating Convergence Tolerance

OutdoorAir:Mixer ,
Zone1FanCoilOAMixer , ! name
Zone1FanCoilOAMixerOutletNode , !Mixed Air Node Name
Zone1FanCoilOAInNode , !Outdoor Air Stream Node Name
Zone1FanCoilExhNode , !Relief Air Stream Node Name
Zone1FanCoilAirInletNode ; !Return Air Stream Node Name

Fan:OnOff ,
Zone1FanCoilFan , !- Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
0.5, !- Fan Total Efficiency
75.0, !- Pressure Rise {Pa}
autosize , !- Maximum Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.9, !- Motor Efficiency
1.0, !- Motor In Airstream Fraction
Zone1FanCoilOAMixerOutletNode , !- Air Inlet Node Name
Zone1FanCoilFanOutletNode , !-Air Outlet Node Name
FanPowerRatioCurve , !- Fan Power Ratio Function of Speed Ratio Curve Name
FanEffRatioCurve; !- Fan Efficiency Ratio Function of Speed Ratio Curve Name

Coil:Cooling:Water ,
1196 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Zone1FanCoilCoolingCoil , !- Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
autosize , !- Design Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
autosize , !- Design Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
autosize , !- Design Inlet Water Temperature {C}
autosize , !- Design Inlet Air Temperature {C}
autosize , !- Design Outlet Air Temperature {C}
autosize , !- Design Inlet Air Humidity Ratio {kgWater/kgDryAir}
autosize , !- Design Outlet Air Humidity Ratio {kgWater/kgDryAir}
Zone1FanCoilChWInletNode ,!- Water Inlet Node Name
Zone1FanCoilChWOutletNode , !- Water Outlet Node Name
Zone1FanCoilFanOutletNode , !- Air Inlet Node Name
Zone1FanCoilCCOutletNode ,!-Air Outlet Node Name
SimpleAnalysis , !- Type of Analysis
CrossFlow; !- Heat Exchanger Configuration

Coil:Heating:Water ,
Zone1FanCoilHeatingCoil , !- Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
autosize , !- U-Factor Times Area Value {W/K}
autosize , !- Maximum Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
Zone1FanCoilHWInletNode , !- Water Inlet Node Name
Zone1FanCoilHWOutletNode ,!- Water Outlet Node Name
Zone1FanCoilCCOutletNode ,!- Air Inlet Node Name
Zone1FanCoilAirOutletNode , !-Air Outlet Node Name
UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate , !- Performance Input Method
autosize , !- Nominal Capacity {W}
82.2, !- Design Inlet Water Temperature {C}
16.6, !- Design Inlet Air Temperature {C}
71.1, !- Design Outlet Water Temperature {C}
32.2; !- Design Outlet Air Temperature {C}

Curve:Exponent ,
FanPowerRatioCurve , !- Name
0.0, !- Coefficient1 Constant
1.0, !- Coefficient2 Constant
3.0, !- Coefficient3 Constant
0.0, !- Minimum Value of x
1.5, !- Maximum Value of x
0.01, !- Minimum Curve Output
1.5; !- Maximum Curve Output

Curve:Cubic ,
FanEffRatioCurve , !- Name
0.33856828 , !- Coefficient1 Constant
1.72644131 , !- Coefficient2 x
-1.49280132 , !- Coefficient3 x**2
0.42776208 , !- Coefficient4 x**3
0.5, !- Minimum Value of x
1.5, !- Maximum Value of x
0.3, !- Minimum Curve Output
1.0; !- Maximum Curve Output

1.30.2.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Fan Coil Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Fan Coil Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Fan Coil Total Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Fan Coil Total Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Fan Coil Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1197

• HVAC,Sum,Fan Coil Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Fan Coil Fan Electric Power[W]

• HVAC,Sum,Fan Coil Fan Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Fan Coil Runtime Fraction []

• HVAC,Average, Fan Coil Fan Speed Level []

• HVAC,Average, Fan Coil Part Load Ratio []

• HVAC,Average, Fan Coil Availability Status []

• HVAC,Average, Fan Coil Part Load Ratio []

• HVAC,Average, Fan Coil Speed Ratio []

1.30.2.2.1 Fan Coil Heating Rate [W]

This field reports the dry air heating addition rate of the fan coil unit to the zone it is serving
in Watts. This is determined by outlet and zone air conditions and the mass flow rate through the
unit.

1.30.2.2.2 Fan Coil Heating Energy [J]

This field is the dry air heat addition of the fan coil unit to the zone it is serving in Joules over
the timestep being reported. This is determined by outlet and zone air conditions, the mass flow
rate through the unit, and the timestep.

1.30.2.2.3 Fan Coil Total Cooling Rate [W]

This field is the total (sensible and latent) heat extraction rate of the fan coil unit from the
zone it is serving in Watts. This is determined by the outlet and zone conditions and the mass flow
rate through the unit.

1.30.2.2.4 Fan Coil Total Cooling Energy [J]

This field is the total (sensible and latent) heat extraction of the fan coil unit from the zone
it is serving in Joules over the timestep being reported. This is determined by outlet and zone air
conditions, the mass flow rate through the unit, and the timestep.

1.30.2.2.5 Fan Coil Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

This field reports the dry air sensible heat extraction rate of the fan coil unit from the zone it
is serving in Watts. This is determined by the outlet and zone conditions and the mass flow rate
through the unit.

1.30.2.2.6 Fan Coil Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

This field is the dry air sensible heat extraction of the fan coil unit from the zone it is serving
in Joules over the timestep being reported. This is determined by the outlet and zone conditions,
the mass flow rate through the unit, and the timestep.

1.30.2.2.7 Fan Coil Fan Electric Power [W]

This field reports the electricity consumption rate of the fan coil unit in Watts.
1198 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.30.2.2.8 Fan Coil Fan Electric Energy [J]

This field is the electricity consumption of the fan coil unit in Joules over the timestep being
reported.

1.30.2.2.9 Fan Coil Runtime Fraction[]

This field is the fraction of the system timestep the fan coil unit is running for the CyclingFan
capacity control method. This variable is defined only for the CyclingFan capacity control method.

1.30.2.2.10 Fan Coil Fan Speed Level []

This field is indicates the speed chosen for the fan in the CyclingFan and MultiSpeedFan capacity
control methods. A value of ‘0’ means that the unit is off, ‘1’ the fan is running at its low speed,
‘2’ medium speed, and ‘3’ high speed (maximum). This variable is defined only for the CyclingFan
and MultiSpeedFan capacity control methods.

1.30.2.2.11 Fan Coil Part Load Ratio []

When the capacity control method is VariableFanVariableFlow or VariableFanConstantFlow,
this output variable reports the unit part load ratio (ratio of unit heating / cooling output to the
maximum heating / cooling output). This variable is defined only for VariableFanVariableFlow,
VariableFanConstantFlow or MultiSpeedFan capacity control methods. The unit part load ratio is
applicable to MultiSpeedFan only when the fan speed level selected is the minimum (Speed 1).

1.30.2.2.12 Fan Coil Availability Status []

This is the availability status of the fan coil unit fan. This status flag is a result of the calcula-
tions made by the Availability Manager(s) listed in an AvailabilityManagerAssignmentList object
and/or calculations made by Hybrid Ventilation Manager object. The AvailabilityManagerAssign-
mentList is an optional input in the fan coil unit object. When a single availability manager is
used in an Availability Manager Assignment List, this is also the availability status reported by the
specific availability manager (Ref. AvailabilityManager:* Outputs). For multiple availability man-
agers in an Availability Manager Assignment List (with or without Hybrid Ventilation Manager),
rules to determine fan availability status are described in the section ‘Group – System Availability
Managers’. The control status outputs are represented using integers 0 through 3. These integers
represent NoAction (0), ForceOff (1), CycleOn (2), and CycleOnZoneFansOnly (3). Since the sta-
tus output is averaged, the output result may not correspond to the values described here when
output variable frequencies other than detailed are used. Use the “detailed” reporting frequency
(Ref. Output:Variable object) to view the availability status at each simulation timestep.

1.30.2.2.13 Fan Coil Speed Ratio []

This output variable is the ratio of time in a system timestep that the fan coil unit is at rated
speed between two consecutive speed levels ( [load – Capacity at Fan Speed i-1] / [Capacity at
Fan Speed i – Capacity at Fan Speed i-1]). The fan speed ratio has minimum value of 0.0, and a
maximum value of 1.0 and any value in between as it is averaged over the timestep. The value is
0.0 during Speed Level 1 operation. Hydronic FanCoil units speed ratio depends on the fan speed
and current load. The speed ratio represents how long the higher speed runs as a fraction of the
system timestep, and the lower speed runs in the rest of the system timestep.
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1199

1.30.3 ZoneHVAC:UnitVentilator
Unit ventilators are zone equipment units which are assembled from other components. They
contain a built-in outdoor air mixer, a fan, a heating coil, and a cooling coil. These components
are described elsewhere in this document, except the built-in outdoor air mixer which is contained
within the unit ventilator statement. The unit ventilator input simply requires the names of these
other three components, which have to be described elsewhere in the input. The input also requires
the name of an availability schedule, maximum airflow rate, outdoor air control information (control
type and schedules), an outdoor airflow rate, and maximum and minimum hot and cold water mass
flow rates. The unit is connected to the zone inlet and exhaust nodes and the outdoor air by
specifying unit inlet, outlet, outdoor air and exhaust (relief) air node names. Note that the unit
air inlet node should be the same as a zone exhaust node and the unit outlet node should be the
same as a zone inlet node. In general, the unit ventilator input is very similar to the fan coil unit
input, and the unit is connected to a hot water loop (demand side) through its hot water coil and
to a chilled water loop (demand side) through its cooling coil.
The main difference between the fan coil and unit ventilator input is that the unit ventilator
has a built-in outdoor air mixer with its own specialized controls. The outdoor air control type
can be selected from one of the following options: “variable percent”, “fixed temperature” or
“fixed amount”. In fixed temperature control, the amount of outdoor air is varied between the
minimum outdoor air fraction (specified by a schedule) and 100% outdoor air to obtain a mixed air
temperature as close as possible to the temperature schedule defined in the input. Variable percent
control will also vary the amount of outdoor air between the minimum and maximum fractions
(both specified in input by the user) to meet the load without the use of a coil if possible. In fixed
amount control, the outdoor air flow rate is fixed to the specified value by the user. In this control
strategy, the maximum outdoor air flow rate and schedule are automatically set to be equal to the
minimum outdoor air flow rate and schedule. These control types are based on the 2004 ASHRAE
Systems and Equipment Handbook (pp. 31.1-31.3) description of unit ventilator systems.
The unit is controlled to meet the zone (remaining) heating or cooling demand. If there is a
heating demand, the cooling coil is off and the hot water flow through the heating coil is throttled
to meet the demand. The hot water control node must be specified (same as the hot water coil
inlet node). If there is a cooling demand from the zone, the hot water coil is off and the chilled
water flow through the cooling coil is throttled to meet the load. The cooling coil control node
must be specified (same as the cooling coil inlet node). Finally both heating and cooling require a
convergence tolerance, which is the tolerance denoting how closely the fan coil unit will meet the
heating or cooling load. The tolerance is always relative to the zone load.
Overall, control of the unit must consider the outdoor air. Here is a more detailed description
of the overall unit control:
Off: Unit is schedule off or there is no load on it. All flow rates are set to zero and the
temperatures are set to zone conditions (except for the outdoor air inlet). Outdoor air requirements
will not override this condition.
Heating/No Coil/VariablePercent: The unit is on, there is a heating load, no heating coil
is present or it has been scheduled off, and variable percent outdoor air control type has been
specified. In this case, the variable percent outdoor air controls what happens with the outdoor
air. If the outside temperature is greater than the return temperature, then the outdoor air is set
to the maximum as defined by the user input. If the outdoor air temperature is less than the return
temperature from the zone, then the outdoor air is set to the minimum outdoor air flow rate as
defined by the user. Since a coil is not present to further condition the supply air, the zone simply
receives whatever temperature air results from the outdoor air controls.
1200 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Heating/No Coil/FixedTemperature: The unit is on, there is a heating load, no heating

coil is present or it has been scheduled off, and fixed temperature has been specified. The unit
ventilator tries to use outdoor air as best as possible to meet the temperature goal. If it cannot
meet this goal because the temperature goal is not between the zone return temperature and the
outdoor air temperature, then the unit ventilator will either use the maximum or minimum outdoor
air flow rate.
Heating/No Coil/FixedAmount: The unit is on, there is a heating load, no heating coil is
present or it has been scheduled off, and fixed amount control has been specified. The unit ventilator
fixes the outdoor air flow rate as defined by the user and sets the maximum and minimum outdoor
air flow rate to be equal in order to avoid the variation of outdoor air flow rate between the
maximum and minimum values. Since a coil is not present to further condition the supply air, the
zone simply receives whatever temperature air results from the outdoor air controls.
Heating /With Coil/VariablePercent: The unit is on, there is a heating load, and variable
percent control is specified. The outdoor air fraction is set to the minimum outdoor air fraction
(schedule based), and the heating coil is activated. The heating coil attempts to meet the remaining
load on the zone being served by the unit ventilator.
Heating /With Coil/FixedAmount: The unit is on, there is a heating load, a heating coil is
present and is scheduled on, and fixed amount control has been specified. The unit ventilator fixes
the outdoor air flow rate as defined by the user and sets the maximum and minimum outdoor air
flow rate to be equal in order to avoid the variation of outdoor air flow rate between the maximum
and minimum values. The heating coil then attempts to meet any remaining zone heating load.
Cooling/No Coil/VariablePercent: The unit is on, there is a cooling load, no coil is present
or it has been scheduled off, and variable percent outdoor air control type has been specified. In this
case, the variable percent outdoor air controls what happens with the outdoor air. If the outside
temperature is greater than the return temperature, then the outdoor air is set to the minimum
as defined by the user input. If the outdoor air temperature is less than the return temperature
from the zone, then the outdoor air is set to the maximum outdoor air flow rate as defined by the
user. This may be somewhat simplistic in that it could result in overcooling of the space. However,
since a temperature goal was not established, this is the best that can be done by the simulation.
Since a coil is not present to further condition the supply air, the zone simply receives whatever
temperature air results from the outdoor air controls.
Cooling/No Coil/FixedTemperature: The unit is on, there is a cooling load, no cooling
coil is present or it has been scheduled off, and fixed temperature has been specified. The unit
ventilator tries to use outdoor air as best as possible to meet the temperature goal. If it cannot
meet this goal because the temperature goal is not between the zone return temperature and the
outdoor air temperature, then the unit ventilator will either use the maximum or minimum outdoor
air flow rate in the same fashion as the variable percent outdoor air control.
Cooling/No Coil/FixedAmount: The unit is on, there is a cooling load, no cooling coil is
present or it has been scheduled off, and fixed amount control has been specified. The unit ventilator
fixes the outdoor air flow rate as defined by the user and sets the maximum and minimum outdoor
air flow rate to be equal in order to avoid the variation of outdoor air flow rate between the
maximum and minimum values. Since a coil is not present to further condition the supply air, the
zone simply receives whatever temperature air results from the outside air controls.
Cooling/With Coil/VariablePercent: The unit is on, there is a cooling load, a coil is
present and is scheduled on, and variable percent outdoor air control type has been specified. In
this case, the percentage of outdoor air is set to the minimum flow outdoor air flow rate. The coil
then attempts to meet any remaining zone load.
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1201

Cooling/With Coil/FixedTemperature: The unit is on, there is a cooling load, a cooling

coil is present and is scheduled on, and fixed temperature has been specified. The unit ventilator
tries to use outdoor air as best as possible to meet the temperature goal. If it cannot meet this
goal because the temperature goal is not between the zone return temperature and the outdoor air
temperature, then the unit ventilator will either use the maximum or minimum outdoor air flow
rate in the same fashion as the fixed temperature outdoor air control for the “no coil” conditions.
The cooling coil then attempts to meet any remaining zone load.
Cooling/With Coil/FixedAmount: The unit is on, there is a cooling load, a cooling coil is
present and is scheduled on, and fixed amount control has been specified. The unit ventilator fixes
the outdoor air flow rate as defined by the user and sets the maximum and minimum outdoor air
flow rate to be equal in order to avoid the variation of outdoor air flow rate between the maximum
and minimum values. The cooling coil then attempts to meet any remaining zone cooling load.
Note: the unit ventilator controls are strictly temperature based and do not factor humidity
into the equation (not an enthalpy economy cycle but rather a simple return air economy cycle). In
addition, temperature predictions are not strict energy balances here in the control routine though
in the mixing routine an energy balance is preserved.

1.30.3.1 Inputs
1.30.3.1.1 Field: Name
This field is simply the identifying name that distinguishes one particular unit ventilator from
another in the input data file. Like all other names in EnergyPlus, it is assumed that this is a
unique character string and that no other unit ventilators use this same name.

1.30.3.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This field is a schedule name (ref: Schedule) that determines whether the unit ventilator is
available to operate. A schedule value greater than 0 (usually 1 is used) indicates that the compo-
nent can be on during the time period. A value less than or equal to 0 (usually 0 is used) denotes
that the component must be off for the time period. If this field is blank, the schedule has values
of 1 for all time periods.

1.30.3.1.3 Field: Maximum Supply Air Flow Rate

This field allows the user to enter the maximum volumetric flow rate of air through the unit
ventilator system in m3 /sec. This parameter should be some real number greater than zero.

1.30.3.1.4 Field: Outdoor Air Control Type

This field allows the user to control how outdoor air is used in the unit ventilator system. The
unit ventilator system described by this syntax has its own outdoor air handler. The three options
for outdoor air control are “VariablePercent”, “FixedTemperature” and “FixedAmount”.
Those keys are the only allowed choices for this parameter. In general, the variable percent control
will attempt to vary the amount of outdoor air between some minimum and maximum schedules
of fractions (see next two fields) to best meet the current heating or cooling load. The fixed
temperature control will vary the amount of outdoor air between the minimum schedule (fraction
of maximum, see next field) and 100% available outdoor air to come as close as possible to a
desired mixed air temperature (see 2 fields down) that can be scheduled. The fixed amount control
will fix the outdoor air flow rate as minimum outdoor air flow rate and schedule specified by the
user and automatically set the maximum and minimum outside flow rate to be equal by ignoring
1202 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

the maximum outdoor air flow rate. More information on the controls and operation of the unit
ventilator are given in the introductory section above. For cycling fan operating mode, the outdoor
air mass rate is capped by the actual supply air flow rate if the former is greater than the latter;
otherwise, uses the amount calculated by the outdoor air control.

1.30.3.1.5 Field: Minimum Outdoor Air Flow Rate

This field allows the user to enter the minimum volumetric flow rate of outdoor air (in m3 /sec)
that will be brought in to the unit ventilator. The actual minimum outdoor air flow rate will
be this number multiplied by the schedule value from the minimum outdoor air schedule. If
“FixedAmount” type is selected as the outdoor air control strategy, the outdoor air flow rate will
be fixed as this field and the unit ventilator will automatically set the maximum and minimum
outside flow rate to be equal by ignoring the maximum outdoor air flow rate.

1.30.3.1.6 Field: Minimum Outdoor Air Schedule Name

This field contains a schedule name (ref: Schedule) that should contain values for the minimum
outdoor air used by the unit ventilator system for IAQ or other reasons. Note that if the unit
ventilator is scheduled off or if there is no load sensed in the zone that the system will not operate
even to achieve the minimum air fraction. However, if the system is operating, it will always
bring in this fraction of the minimum air flow rate (see minimum air flow rate field above). If
“FixedAmount” type is selected as the outdoor air control strategy, the actual outdoor air flow rate
will be this number multiplied by the minimum outdoor air flow rate in the field above. The unit
ventilator will automatically set the maximum and minimum outdoor air schedule to be equal by
ignoring the maximum outdoor air schedule.

1.30.3.1.7 Field: Maximum Outdoor Air Flow Rate

This field allows the user to enter the maximum volumetric flow rate of outdoor air that can
be brought into the unit ventilator system in m3 /sec. This parameter should be some real number
greater than zero. Note that the value for this parameter may be less than the maximum air flow
rate of the unit ventilator and this may affect the maximum fraction of outdoor air within the
control strategy defined above. This parameter is an absolute maximum and will supercede any
scheduled fraction of the unit ventilator maximum airflow rate. If “FixedAmount” type is selected
as the outdoor air control strategy, this field will be ignored and be automatically set to be equal
to the minimum outdoor air flow rate specified in the field above.

1.30.3.1.8 Field: Maximum Outdoor Air Fraction or Temperature Schedule

Name
This field can have one of two meanings depending the type of control selected in the outdoor air
control type parameter above. If “VariablePercent” or “FixedAmount” was selected, then this field
is a schedule name (ref: Schedule) corresponding to a maximum air fraction schedule. Furthermore,
if “FixedAmount” type is selected as the outdoor air control strategy, this field will be ignored and
be automatically set to be equal to the minimum outdoor air fraction specified in the field below.
Note that this is a fraction of the maximum airflow rate field (see parameter above) for the unit
ventilator. If “FixedTemperature” control was selected, then this field is still a schedule name (ref:
Schedule), but it corresponds to a schedule of mixed air temperatures that the outdoor air control
will try to attain.
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1203

1.30.3.1.9 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

This field is a node name used to identify the node that serves as the inlet (air side) to the unit
ventilator. In EnergyPlus, nodes represent points between components or at various points in the
loops. In a unit ventilator, the air inlet node to the system will typically be the same node as a
zone outlet node. While a node name may be referenced more than once in an input data file, each
node must have a unique name.

1.30.3.1.10 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

This field is a node name used to identify the node that serves as the outlet (air side) to the
unit ventilator. In EnergyPlus, nodes represent points between components or at various points in
the loops. In a unit ventilator, the air outlet node from the system will typically be the same node
as a zone inlet node. While a node name may be referenced more than once in an input data file,
each node must have a unique name.

1.30.3.1.11 Field: Outdoor Air Node Name

This field is a node name used to identify the node associated with fresh air brought into the
unit ventilator from the outdoor environment. You should also have defined an OutdoorAir:Node
object with the same name and assign it an optional height (above ground).

1.30.3.1.12 Field: Exhaust Air Node Name

This field is a node name used to identify the node associated with air exhausted out of the unit
ventilator to the outdoor environment. While from a simulation standpoint this name is arbitrary
and not a “necessity”, assigning a name to this node allows the user to receive output on conditions
at this node to verify the correct operation of the unit ventilator.

1.30.3.1.13 Field: Mixed Air Node Name

This field is a node name used to identify the node associated with the “mixed” air of the unit
ventilator. These conditions are post-“mixing box” since they are the conditions of the fraction of
return air combined with the outdoor air. Since this is a simple system, this can also be viewed as
the conditions of the air being sent to the coils. While from a simulation standpoint this name is
arbitrary and not a “necessity”, assigning a name to this node allows the user to receive output on
conditions at this node to verify the correct operation of the unit ventilator.

1.30.3.1.14 Field: Supply Air Fan Object Type

This field specifies the type of supply air fan used by this unit ventilator. The supply air fan is
part of the unit ventilator compound object. The only valid supply air fan types are:

• Fan:OnOff

• Fan:ConstantVolume

• Fan:VariableVolume

1.30.3.1.15 Field: Supply Air Fan Name

This field is the name of a fan (ref: Fan:OnOff, Fan:ConstantVolume, Fan: VariableVolume)
that is part of the unit ventilator system. This name links the unit ventilator to particular fan data
entered elsewhere in the input data file. A fan name is required since it is the prime mover of air
in the unit ventilator system.
1204 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.30.3.1.16 Field: Coil Option

This field allows the user to specify the coil operating options as one of the following options:
None, Heating, Cooling or HeatingAndCooling. If None is selected, the unit ventilator does
not have any coils, and any other input will be ignored. If either Heating or Cooling is selected,
only a heating or cooling coil, respectively, is present. Thus, only four more inputs will be expected.
If HeatingAndCooling is selected, both heating and cooling coil input must be entered, and the
unit ventilator will have both a heating and a cooling coil.

1.30.3.1.17 Field: Supply Air Fan Operating Mode Schedule Name

This field is a schedule name (ref: Schedule) that determines the operating modes of the unit
ventilator’s On:Off fan. A schedule value of 0 indicates cycling fan operation (fan cycles with
cooling/heating coil). A schedule value greater than 0 (usually 1 is used) indicates constant fan
operation (fan runs continually regardless of the coils operation). If this input field is left blank,
then the operating mode of the On:Off fan type defaults to cycling operation.

1.30.3.1.18 Field: Heating Coil Object Type

This field is the type of coil that is used for heating in the unit ventilator system. It is used in
conjunction with the heating coil name (see next field) to specify the heating coil present within
the system. Allowable heating coil types are:

• Coil:Heating:Water

• Coil:Heating:Electric

• Coil:Heating:Gas

• Coil:Heating:Steam

1.30.3.1.19 Field: Heating Coil Name

This field is the name of the heating coil that is part of the unit ventilator system. It is assumed
that there is always some sort of heating coil associated with a unit ventilator system. This name
links the unit ventilator to particular heating coil data entered elsewhere in the input data file.

1.30.3.1.20 Field: Heating Convergence Tolerance

The control tolerance for the unit heating output. This field allows the user some control over
how closely the heating coil will control the air side conditions. The relative size of this parameter
relates directly to the closeness of the control. A very small value in this field will result in tight
control and will probably result in larger numbers of iterations. A large value in this field will
result in looser controls and could result in unsatisfactory fluctuations in supply conditions (that
could in turn result in excessive iterations). Initial experience with this parameter lends to the
recommendation of using 0.001 as a starting point. This field is ignored for gas and electric heating
coils.
The unit is controlled by matching the unit output to the zone demand. For units with water
coils, the model must be numerically inverted to obtain a specified output. The heating convergence
tolerance is the error tolerance used to terminate the numerical inversion procedure. Basically this
is the fraction:

|QU nitV entilator,Out − QZoneLoad |

≤ HeatingConvergenceT olerance (1.126)
QZoneLoad
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1205

1.30.3.1.21 Field: Cooling Coil Object Type

This field is the type of coil that is used for cooling in the unit ventilator system. It is used
in conjunction with the cooling coil name (see next field) to specify the cooling coil present within
the system.
Only the following coil types can be used:

• Coil:Cooling:Water
• Coil:Cooling:Water:DetailedGeometry
• CoilSystem:Cooling:Water:HeatExchangerAssisted

1.30.3.1.22 Field: Cooling Coil Name

This field is the name of the cooling coil that is part of the unit ventilator system. This name
links the unit ventilator to particular cooling coil data entered elsewhere in the input data file.
Note that a cooling coil is not a required part of a unit ventilator system. If no cooling coil is
present, the previous field may be followed by a semi-colon and the remaining parameters in this
statement may be ignored.

1.30.3.1.23 Field: Cooling Convergence Tolerance

The convergence tolerance for the unit cooling output. This field allows the user some control
over how closely the cooling coil will control the air side conditions. The relative size of this
parameter relates directly to the closeness of the control. A very small value in this field will result
in tight control and will probably result in larger numbers of iterations. A large value in this field
will result in looser controls and could result in unsatisfactory fluctuations in supply conditions
(that could in turn result in excessive iterations). Initial experience with this parameter lends to
the recommendation of using 0.001 as a starting point.
The unit is controlled by matching the unit output to the zone demand. For units with water
coils, the model must be numerically inverted to obtain a specified output. The cooling convergence
tolerance is the error tolerance used to terminate the numerical inversion procedure. Basically this
is the fraction:

|QU nitV entilator,Out − QZoneLoad |

≤ CoolingConvergenceT olerance (1.127)
QZoneLoad

1.30.3.1.24 Field: Availability Manager List Name

This optional input field is the name of an AvailabilityManagerAssignmentList object. An
Availability Manager Assignment List is a list of Availability Managers giving both Availability
Manager type and name. The availability managers in the list apply to this unit ventilator object’s
fan. If the unit ventilator is available (per the Availability Schedule Name input field above) and
this input field has a valid availability manager assignment list name, then the availability managers
in the list determine when and if the fan of this unit ventilator object should be on or off.

1.30.3.1.25 Field: Design Specification ZoneHVAC Sizing Object Name

This optional input field is the name of a DesignSpecification:ZoneHVAC:Sizing object. The
name must correspond to unique name of a DesignSpecification:ZoneHVAC:Sizing object. A Design
Sepcification Zone HVAC Sizing object defines scalable sizing methods for sizing input fields such
as Maximum Air Flow Rate in this Unit Ventilator zone HVAC object. The scaled Maximum Air
Flow Rate in turn is used to size cooling and heating capacity of the unit.
1206 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

An example input for a unit ventilator, including its constituent components, is shown below.

ZoneHVAC:UnitVentilator ,
Zone1UnitVent , !- Name
UnitVentAvailability , !- Availability Schedule Name
0.84, !- Maximum Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
VariablePercent , !- Outdoor Air Control Type
0.168 , !- Minimum Outdoor Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
UnitVentMinOA , !- Minimum Outdoor Air Schedule Name
0.84, !- Maximum Outdoor Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
UnitVentMaxOA , !- Maximum Outdoor Air Fraction or Temperature Schedule Name
Zone1UnitVentAirInletNode , !- Air Inlet Node Name
Zone1UnitVentAirOutletNode , !- Air Outlet Node Name
Zone1UnitVentOAInNode , !- Outdoor Air Node Name
Zone1UnitVentExhNode , !- Exhaust Air Node Name
Zone1UnitVentOAMixerOutletNode , !- Mixed Air Node Name
Fan: ConstantVolume , !- Supply Air Fan Object Type
Zone1UnitVentFan , !- Fan Name
HeatingAndCooling , !- Coil Option
Coil:Heating:Water , !- Heating Coil Object Type
Zone1UnitVentHeatingCoil ,!- Heating Coil Name
0.001 , !- Heating Convergence Tolerance
Coil:Cooling:Water , !- Cooling Coil Object Type
Zone1UnitVentCoolingCoil ,!- Cooling Coil Name
0.001; !- Cooling Convergence Tolerance

OutdoorAir:Node ,
Zone1UnitVentOAInNode , !- Name
-1.0; !- Height Above Ground {m}

Fan:ConstantVolume ,
Zone1UnitVentFan , !- Name
UnitVentAvailability , !- Availability Schedule Name
0.5, !- Fan Total Efficiency
75.0, !- Pressure Rise {Pa}
0.84, !- Maximum Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.9, !- Motor Efficiency
1.0, !- Motor In Airstream Fraction
Zone1UnitVentOAMixerOutletNode , !- Fan Inlet Node Name
Zone1UnitVentFanOutletNode ; !- Fan Outlet Node Name

Coil:Cooling:Water ,
Zone1UnitVentCoolingCoil ,!- Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
0.0010 , !- Design Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.84, !- Design Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
6.67, !- Design Inlet Water Temperature {C}
30, !- Design Inlet Air Temperature {C}
12, !- Design Outlet Air Temperature {C}
0.013 , !- Design Inlet Air Humidity Ratio {kgWater/kgDryAir}
0.008 , !- Design Outlet Air Humidity Ratio {kgWater/kgDryAir}
Zone1UnitVentChWInletNode , !- Water Inlet Node Name
Zone1UnitVentChWOutletNode , !- Water Outlet Node Name
Zone1UnitVentFanOutletNode , !- Air Inlet Node Name
Zone1UnitVentCCOutletNode , !- Air Outlet Node Name
SimpleAnalysis , !- Type of Analysis
CrossFlow; !- Heat Exchanger Configuration

Coil:Heating:Water ,
Zone1UnitVentHeatingCoil ,!- Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
400., !- U-Factor Times Area Value {W/K}
0.0005 , !- Maximum Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
Zone1UnitVentHWInletNode ,!- Water Inlet Node Name
Zone1UnitVentHWOutletNode , !- Water Outlet Node Name
Zone1UnitVentCCOutletNode , !- Air Inlet Node Name
Zone1UnitVentAirOutletNode , !- Air Outlet Node Name
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1207

UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate , !- Performance Input Method

autosize , !- Nominal Capacity {W}
82.2, !- Design Inlet Water Temperature {C}
16.6, !- Design Inlet Air Temperature {C}
71.1, !- Design Outlet Water Temperature {C}
32.2; !- Design Outlet Air Temperature {C}

1.30.3.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Zone Unit Ventilator Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Unit Ventilator Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Unit Ventilator Total Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Unit Ventilator Total Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Unit Ventilator Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Unit Ventilator Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Unit Ventilator Fan Electric Power[W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Unit Ventilator Fan Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Unit Ventilator Fan Availability Status []

• HVAC,Average, Zone Unit Ventilator Fan Part Load Ratio []

1.30.3.2.1 Zone Unit Ventilator Heating Rate [W]

This field reports the heating output rate of the unit ventilator system to the zone it is serving
in Watts. This is determined by outlet and zone air conditions and the mass flow rate through the
unit ventilator.

1.30.3.2.2 Zone Unit Ventilator Heating Energy [J]

This field is the heating output of the unit ventilator system to the zone it is serving in Joules
over the timestep being reported. This is determined by outlet and zone air conditions, the mass
flow rate through the unit ventilator, and the timestep.

1.30.3.2.3 Zone Unit Ventilator Total Cooling Rate [W]

This field reports the total cooling (sensible plus latent) output rate of the unit ventilator system
to the zone it is serving in Watts. This is determined by outlet and zone air conditions and the
mass flow rate through the unit ventilator.

1.30.3.2.4 Zone Unit Ventilator Total Cooling Energy [J]

This field is the total cooling (sensible plus latent) output of the unit ventilator system to the
zone it is serving in Joules over the timestep being reported. This is determined by outlet and zone
air conditions, the mass flow rate through the unit ventilator, and the timestep.
1208 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.30.3.2.5 Zone Unit Ventilator Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

This field reports the sensible cooling output rate of the unit ventilator system to the zone it
is serving in Watts. This is determined by outlet and zone air conditions and the mass flow rate
through the unit ventilator.

1.30.3.2.6 Zone Unit Ventilator Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

This field is the sensible cooling output of the unit ventilator system to the zone it is serving
in Joules over the timestep being reported. This is determined by outlet and zone air conditions,
the mass flow rate through the unit ventilator, and the timestep.

1.30.3.2.7 Zone Unit Ventilator Fan Electric Power [W]

This field reports the electric power consumption rate of the fan of the unit ventilator in Watts.

1.30.3.2.8 Zone Unit Ventilator Fan Electric Energy [J]

This field reports the electric power consumed by the fan of the unit ventilator over the timestep
in Joules.

1.30.3.2.9 Zone Unit Ventilator Fan Availability Status []

This is the availability status of the unit ventilator fan. This status flag is a result of the calcu-
lations made by the Availability Manager(s) listed in an AvailabilityManagerAssignmentList object
and/or calculations made by Hybrid Ventilation Manager object. The AvailabilityManagerAssign-
mentList is an optional input in the unit ventilator object. When a single availability manager is
used in an Availability Manager Assignment List, this is also the availability status reported by the
specific availability manager (Ref. AvailabilityManager:* Outputs). For multiple availability man-
agers in an Availability Manager Assignment List (with or without Hybrid Ventilation Manager),
rules to determine fan availability status are described in the section ‘Group – System Availability
Managers’. The control status outputs are represented using integers 0 through 3. These integers
represent NoAction (0), ForceOff (1), CycleOn (2), and CycleOnZoneFansOnly (3). Since the sta-
tus output is averaged, the output result may not correspond to the values described here when
output variable frequencies other than detailed are used. Use the “detailed” reporting frequency
(Ref. Output:Variable object) to view the availability status at each simulation timestep.

1.30.3.2.10 Zone Unit Ventilator Fan Part Load Ratio []

This is the fan’s part load ratio for the report timestep during which the fan had operated.
This variable is available for OnOff supply air fan type only.

1.30.4 ZoneHVAC:UnitHeater
Unit heaters are zone equipment units which are assembled from other components and are a
simplification of unit ventilators. They contain only a fan and a heating coil. These components
are described elsewhere in this document. The unit heater input simply requires the names of these
components, which have to be described elsewhere in the input. The input also requires the name of
an availability schedule, maximum airflow rate, and maximum and minimum hot water volumetric
flow rates. The unit is connected to the zone inlet and exhaust nodes by specifying unit inlet and
outlet node names. Note that the unit air inlet node should be the same as a zone exhaust node
and the unit outlet node should be the same as a zone inlet node.
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1209

While the control of the heating coil is similar to the fan coil units and the unit ventilator, the
overall control of the unit heater is much different. There are four different modes in which a unit
heat can operate based on the user input:
Off: Unit is schedule off. All flow rates are set to zero and the temperatures are set to zone
conditions.
NoLoad OR Cooling/”No” is specified in input field “Supply Air Fan Operation During
No Heating”: Unit is available, but there is no heating load. With “No” specified for “Supply Air
Fan Operation During No Heating” and the supply fan operating mode set to 0, the fan will be off
since there is no heating load. All flow rates are set to zero and the temperatures are set to zone
conditions.
NoLoad OR Cooling/”Yes” is specified in input field “Supply Air Fan Operation During
No Heating”: Unit is available, the supply fan operating mode schedule value is greater than 0 (for
OnOff Fan) and the fan is running (if it is scheduled to be available also). No heating is provided,
only air circulation via the fan running. However, any heat added by the fan is introduced into the
space with the circulation of the air.
Heating: The unit is on/available and there is a heating load. The heating coil is modulated
(constant fan speed) to meet the heating load. When the fan type is not an OnOff fan then
the control of the heating coil and its flow rate is identical to the fan coil unit. In the case of OnOff
fan, the fan cycles with heating coil if the current timestep supply fan operating mode is schedule
value is 0, or else if the current timestep supply fan operating mode schedule value is greater than
0, then the supply fan runs continuously for the entire timestep.

1.30.4.1 Inputs
1.30.4.1.1 Field: Name
This field is simply the identifying name that distinguishes one particular unit heater from
another in the input data file. Like all other names in EnergyPlus, it is assumed that this is a
unique character string and that no other unit heaters use this same name.

1.30.4.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This field is a schedule name (ref: Schedule) that determines whether the unit heater is available
to operate. A schedule value greater than 0 (usually 1 is used) indicates that the component can
be on during the time period. A value less than or equal to 0 (usually 0 is used) denotes that the
component must be off for the time period. If this field is blank, the schedule has values of 1 for
all time periods.

1.30.4.1.3 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

This field is a node name used to identify the node that serves as the inlet (air side) to the
unit heater. In EnergyPlus, nodes represent points between components or at various points in the
loops. In a unit heater, the air inlet node to the system will typically be the same node as a zone
outlet node. While a node name may be referenced more than once in an input data file, each node
must have a unique name.

1.30.4.1.4 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

This field is a node name used to identify the node that serves as the outlet (air side) to the
unit heater. In EnergyPlus, nodes represent points between components or at various points in the
loops. In a unit heater, the air outlet node from the system will typically be the same node as a
1210 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

zone inlet node. While a node name may be referenced more than once in an input data file, each
node must have a unique name.

1.30.4.1.5 Field: Supply Air Fan Object Type

This field specifies the type of supply air fan used by this unit heater. The supply air fan is
part of the unit heater compound object. The only valid supply air fan types are:

• Fan:OnOff

• Fan:ConstantVolume

• Fan:VariableVolume

1.30.4.1.6 Field: Supply Air Fan Name

This field is the name of a fan (ref: Fan:ConstantVolume, Fan:VariableVolume) that is part of
the unit heater system. This name links the unit heater to particular fan data entered elsewhere
in the input data file. A fan name is required since it is the prime mover of air in the unit heater
system.

1.30.4.1.7 Field: Maximum Supply Air Flow Rate

This field allows the user to enter the maximum volumetric flow rate of air through the unit
heater system in m3 /s. This parameter should be some real number greater than zero.

1.30.4.1.8 Field: Heating Coil Object Type

This field is the type of coil that is used for heating in the unit heater system. It is used in
conjunction with the heating coil name (see next field) to specify the heating coil present within
the system. Allowable heating coil types are:

• Coil:Heating:Water

• Coil:Heating:Electric

• Coil:Heating:Gas

• Coil:Heating:Steam

1.30.4.1.9 Field: Heating Coil Name

This field is the name of the heating coil that is part of the unit heater system. It is assumed
that there is always some sort of heating coil associated with a unit heater system. This name links
the unit ventilator to particular heating coil data entered elsewhere in the input data file.

1.30.4.1.10 Field: Supply Air Fan Operating Mode Schedule Name

This field is a schedule name (ref: Schedule) that determines the operating modes of the unit
heater’s On:Off fan. A schedule value of 0 indicates cycling fan operation (fan cycles with cool-
ing/heating coil). A schedule value greater than 0 (usually 1 is used) indicates constant fan oper-
ation (fan runs continually regardless of the coils operation). If this input field is left blank, then
the operating mode of the On:Off fan type defaults to cycling operation.
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1211

1.30.4.1.11 Field: Supply Air Fan Operation During No Heating

This choice field allows the user to define how the unit heater will operate under “no heating
load” or cooling conditions. The user may select from two options (“Yes”, “No”). If the “No”
control is selected, then the fan will not run unless there is a heating load. If the fan does not run,
this effectively shuts the unit heater system off. If the “Yes” control is selected, the unit heater is
available, and the fan is continuous, then the fan will always run. This will produce air movement
in the zone but also add some amount of heat to the energy balance since the fan generates some
heat. But if the “Yes” control is selected and the “Supply Air Fan Operating Mode Schedule”
values is 0 (for OnOff fan), then the fan will NOT run. This allows the user to schedule the
operation of the fan when there is no load.

1.30.4.1.12 Field: Maximum Hot Water or Steam Flow Rate

This field allows the user to enter a maximum hot water or steam volumetric flow rate through
the heating coil in m3 /s. The steam volume flow rate is calculated at 100C and 101325 Pa. This
number should be some number greater than zero and greater than the minimum hot water or
steam volumetric flow rate (see next field). Note that this parameter has no meaning for either an
electric or a gas heating coil.

1.30.4.1.13 Field: Minimum Hot Water or Steam Flow Rate

This field allows the user to enter a minimum hot water or steam volumetric flow rate through
the heating coil in m3 /s. The steam volume flow rate is calculated at 100C and 101325 Pa. This
number should be some number greater than zero and less than the maximum hot water or steam
volumetric flow rate (see previous field). Note that this parameter has no meaning for either an
electric or a gas heating coil.

1.30.4.1.14 Field: Heating Convergence Tolerance

The convergence tolerance for the unit heating output. This field allows the user some control
over how closely the heating coil will control the air side conditions. The relative size of this
parameter relates directly to the closeness of the control. A very small value in this field will result
in tight control and will probably result in larger numbers of iterations. A large value in this field
will result in looser controls and could result in unsatisfactory fluctuations in supply conditions
(that could in turn result in excessive iterations). Initial experience with this parameter lends to
the recommendation of using 0.001 as a starting point. This field is ignored for gas and electric
heating coils.
The unit is controlled by matching the unit output to the zone demand. For units with water
coils, the model must be numerically inverted to obtain a specified output. The heating convergence
tolerance is the error tolerance used to terminate the numerical inversion procedure. Basically this
is the fraction:

|Qunit heater,out − Qzoneload |

≤ HeatingConvergenceT olerance (1.128)
Qzoneload

1.30.4.1.15 Field: Availability Manager List Name

This optional input field is the name of an AvailabilityManagerAssignmentList object. An
Availability Manager Assignment List is a list of Availability Managers giving both Availability
Manager type and name. The availability managers in the list apply to this unit heater object’s
fan. If the unit heater is available (per the Availability Schedule Name input field above) and this
1212 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

input field has a valid availability manager assignment list name, then the availability managers in
the list determine when and if the fan of this unit heater object should be on or off.

1.30.4.1.16 Field: Design Specification ZoneHVAC Sizing Object Name

This optional input field is the name of a DesignSpecification:ZoneHVAC:Sizing object. The
name must correspond to unique name of a DesignSpecification:ZoneHVAC:Sizing object. A Design
Sepcification Zone HVAC Sizing object defines scalable sizing methods for sizing input fields Max-
imum Supply Air Flow Rate in this Unit Heater zone HVAC object. The scaled maximum supply
air flow rates is used to size Maximum Hot Water or Steam Flow Rate if specified as autosize. The
scaled Maximum Air Flow Rate in turn is used to size heating capacity of the unit.
An example input for a unit heater, including its constituent components, is shown below.

ZoneHVAC:UnitHeater ,
Zone1UnitHeat , !- Name
UnitHeatAvailability , !- Availability Schedule Name
Zone1UnitHeatAirInletNode , !- Air Inlet Node Name
Zone1UnitHeatAirOutletNode , !- Air Outlet Node Name
Fan: ConstantVolume , !- Supply Air Fan Object Type
Zone1UnitHeatFan , !- Fan Name
0.84, !- Maximum Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
Continuous , !- Fan Control Type
Coil:Heating:Water , !- Heating Coil Object Type
Zone1UnitHeatHeatingCoil ,!- Heating Coil Name
0.0005 , !- Maximum Hot Water or Steam Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.0, !- Minimum Hot Water or Steam Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.001; !- Heating Convergence Tolerance

Fan:ConstantVolume ,
Zone1UnitHeatFan , !- Name
UnitHeatAvailability , !- Availability Schedule Name
0.5, !- Fan Total Efficiency
75.0, !- Pressure Rise {Pa}
0.84, !- Maximum Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.9, !- Motor Efficiency
1.0, !- Motor In Airstream Fraction
Zone1UnitHeatAirInletNode , !- Fan Inlet Node Name
Zone1UnitHeatFanOutletNode ; !- Fan Outlet Node Name

Coil:Heating:Water ,
Zone1UnitHeatHeatingCoil ,!- Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
400., !- U-Factor Times Area Value {W/K}
0.0005 , !- Maximum Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
Zone1UnitHeatHWInletNode ,!- Water Inlet Node Name
Zone1UnitHeatHWOutletNode , !- Water Outlet Node Name
Zone1UnitHeatFanOutletNode , !- Air Inlet Node Name
Zone1UnitHeatAirOutletNode , !- Air Outlet Node Name
UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate , !- Performance Input Method
autosize , !- Nominal Capacity {W}
82.2, !- Design Inlet Water Temperature {C}
16.6, !- Design Inlet Air Temperature {C}
71.1, !- Design Outlet Water Temperature {C}
32.2; !- Design Outlet Air Temperature {C}

1.30.4.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Zone Unit Heater Heating Rate [W]
• HVAC,Sum,Zone Unit Heater Heating Energy [J]
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1213

• HVAC,Average,Zone Unit Heater Fan Electric Power[W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Unit Heater Fan Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Zone Unit Heater Fan Availability Status []

• HVAC,Average, Zone Unit Heater Fan Part Load Ratio []

1.30.4.2.1 Zone Unit Heater Heating Rate [W]

This field reports the heating output rate of the unit heater system to the zone it is serving in
Watts. This is determined by outlet and zone air conditions and the mass flow rate through the
unit heater.

1.30.4.2.2 Zone Unit Heater Heating Energy [J]

This field is the heating output of the unit heater system to the zone it is serving in Joules over
the timestep being reported. This is determined by outlet and zone air conditions, the mass flow
rate through the unit heater, and the timestep.

1.30.4.2.3 Zone Unit Heater Fan Electric Power [W]

This field reports the electric power consumption rate of the fan of the unit heater in Watts.

1.30.4.2.4 Zone Unit Heater Fan Electric Energy [J]

This field reports the electric power consumed by the fan of the unit heater over the timestep
in Joules.

1.30.4.2.5 Zone Unit Heater Fan Availability Status []

This is the availability status of the unit heater fan. This status flag is a result of the calcula-
tions made by the Availability Manager(s) listed in an AvailabilityManagerAssignmentList object
and/or calculations made by Hybrid Ventilation Manager object. The AvailabilityManagerAssign-
mentList is an optional input in the unit heater object. When a single availability manager is
used in an Availability Manager Assignment List, this is also the availability status reported by the
specific availability manager (Ref. AvailabilityManager:* Outputs). For multiple availability man-
agers in an Availability Manager Assignment List (with or without Hybrid Ventilation Manager),
rules to determine fan availability status are described in the section ‘Group – System Availability
Managers’. The control status outputs are represented using integers 0 through 3. These integers
represent NoAction (0), ForceOff (1), CycleOn (2), and CycleOnZoneFansOnly (3). Since the sta-
tus output is averaged, the output result may not correspond to the values described here when
output variable frequencies other than detailed are used. Use the “detailed” reporting frequency
(Ref. Output:Variable object) to view the availability status at each simulation timestep.

1.30.4.2.6 Zone Unit Heater Fan Part Load Ratio []

This is the fan’s part load ratio for the report timestep during which the fan had operated.
This variable is available for OnOff supply air fan type only.
1214 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.30.5 ZoneHVAC:EvaporativeCoolerUnit
The zone evaporative cooler unit is a compound object made up of a fan and one or two evaporative
cooler components. This unit serves a single thermal zone as a forced-convection, cooling-only unit
with supply fan. It always draws 100% of its supply air from the outside, passes the air through a
supply fan and evaporative cooler(s) and then into the zone. The fan can be positioned upstream
of the cooler(s) for a blow through placement. Or it can be positioned downstream of the cooler(s)
for a draw through placement. If there is more than one evaporative cooler, then should be in
series with the first cooler immediately upstream of the second cooler. There is an option to include
a relief zone exhaust node to balance the air in the zone.
The unit can have either constant or variable speed fans. This zone unit differs from other
constant speed forced-air zone units in that its controls are not based on a part-load formulation
with averaged air flow rates. Instead the unit is completely on or off during the entire timestep. This
means that it is beneficial to use relatively short timesteps. However for variable speed fans, the
unit can modulate fan speed to just meet cooling loads and therefore operates similar to other zone
HVAC units.

1.30.5.1 Inputs
1.30.5.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field defines a unique user-assigned name for an instance of a zone evaporative cooler
unit. References to this unit by other objects will use this name.

1.30.5.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This alpha field defines the name of a schedule that denotes whether the unit operates during
a given time period. A schedule value equal to 0.0 denotes that the cooler unit must be off for
that time period. A schedule value greater than 0.0 denotes that the cooler is available to operate
during that time period. If this field is left blank, then the program assumes that the unit is always
available as if the schedule was always set to 1.0.

1.30.5.1.3 Field: Availability Manager List Name

This optional alpha input field is the name of an AvailabilityManagerAssignmentList object.
An Availability Manager Assignment List is a list of Availability Managers giving both Availability
Manager type and name. The availability managers in the list apply to this evaporative cooler
unit’s operation. If this field is used and the cooler unit is scheduled to be available, based on the
previous input field, then the unit will operate based on the result of the availability managers in
the list.

1.30.5.1.4 Field: Outdoor Air Inlet Node Name

This alpha input field defines the name of the HVAC system node from which the evaporative
cooler unit draws its supply air. This node is usually declared to be an outdoor air node using
OutdoorAir:Node or OutdoorAir:NodeList.

1.30.5.1.5 Field: Cooler Outlet Node Name

This alpha input field defines the name of the HVAC system node to which the evaporative
cooler sends its outlet air. This node name must be the name of a zone air inlet node (Ref.
ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections).
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1215

1.30.5.1.6 Field: Zone Relief Air Node Name

This optional alpha input field defines the name of an HVAC system node which can extract
air from the zone to balance the air supplied to the zone by the cooler outlet node. This node
name would match the name of a zone exhaust air node.

1.30.5.1.7 Field: Supply Air Fan Object Type

This alpha input field defines the type of fan used by the zone evaporative cooler
unit. There are four valid choices: Fan:ConstantVolume, Fan:OnOff, Fan:VariableVolume,
or Fan:ComponentModel. However the type of fan must be consistent with the control method
defined below and a variable speed fan is needed with ZoneCoolingLoadVariableSpeedFan.

1.30.5.1.8 Field: Supply Air Fan Name

This alpha input field defines the user-defined name of the fan used by this cooler unit. The
fan itself is defined elsewhere. Note that the fan’s maximum flow rate should be greater than
or equal to the Design Supply Air Flow Rate defined in the following field. For a blow-through
fan placement, the fan’s inlet node should be the same as the Outlet Air Inlet Node Name. For a
draw-through fan placement, the fan’s outlet node should be the same as the Cooler Outlet Node
Name.

1.30.5.1.9 Field: Design Supply Air Flow Rate [m3 /s]

This numeric input field defines the evaporative cooler unit’s design supply air flow rate, in
cubic meters per second. This value is typically consistent with the maximum air flow rate of the
fan, but it can be less if desired.

1.30.5.1.10 Field: Fan Placement

This alpha input field defines how the supply fan is arranged. There are two choices,
BlowThrough or DrawThrough. The BlowThrough choice indicates that the fan is located
upstream of the evaporative cooler(s). The DrawThrough choice indicates that the fan is located
downstream of the evaporative cooler(s). These are the only configurations that are available and
the HVAC system nodes used as inlets and outlet in the components must be arranged consistent
with the flow path.

1.30.5.1.11 Field: Cooler Unit Control Method

This alpha field is used to determine how the unit is to be controlled. There are three possible
choices:
• ZoneTemperatureDeadbandOnOffCycling. This control method determines whether or
not to operate the cooler based on the thermostat setpoint and the zone air temperature. This
thermostatic control method uses a throttling temperature range, determined in the following
input field, to model hysteresis-type control to avoid excessive short-cycling. If the zone air
temperature is warmer than the cooling setpoint temperature plus one-half of the throttling
range, then the unit is operated for the entire timestep at the design air mass flow rate. If the
zone air temperature is cooler than the cooling setpoint temperature minus one-half of the
throttling range, then the unit is off for the entire timestep. When the zone air temperatures
are within the throttling range, then the unit will stay off if it was not running during the
previous timestep and will stay on if it was already running. This control method does not
usually behave in a smooth manner and zone conditions will tend to oscillate considerably
during periods of low load.
1216 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• ZoneCoolingLoadOnOffCycling. This control method determines whether or not to op-

erate the cooler based on the predicted zone load to cooling setpoint. If there is a cooling
load (and the unit is available), then the unit is operated for the entire timestep at the design
air mass flow rate. If there is no cooling load, then the unit is not operated at all. The mag-
nitude of the cooling load that will trigger the unit to operate can be controlled using the field
below called Cooling Load Control Threshold Heat Transfer Rate. This control method does
not usually behave in a smooth manner and zone conditions will tend to oscillate considerably
during periods of low load.

• ZoneCoolingLoadVariableSpeedFan. This control method determines whether or not

to operate the cooler based on the predicted zone load to cooling setpoint. If there is a
cooling load (and the unit is available), then the unit is operated for the entire timestep at a
fan speed that is controlled to meet the sensible cooling load (if possible). The magnitude of
the cooling load that will trigger the unit to operate can be controlled using the field below
called Cooling Load Control Threshold Heat Transfer Rate. This control method requires a
variable speed fan and cannot be used with Fan:ConstantVolume or Fan:OnOff.

1.30.5.1.12 Field: Throttling Range Temperature Difference [DeltaC]

This numeric input field defines the throttling range to use for zone-temperature based control,
in degrees Celsius. This value is used when the unit’s control method is ZoneTemperatureDeadban-
dOnOffCycling. This temperature range is used for hysteresis thermostatic control. It is modeled
as symmetric about the cooling setpoint. The default is 1.0°C.

1.30.5.1.13 Field: Cooling Load Control Threshold Heat Transfer Rate [W]
This numeric input field defines the magnitude, in Watts, of a significant zone cooling load to
use with zone-load-to-setpoint based control. This value is used when the unit’s control method is
ZoneCoolingLoadOnOffCycling or ZoneCoolingLoadVariableSpeedFan. This is a sensible cooling
load that is used as a threshold to determine when the cooling load is significant. When the
predicted zone load to cooling setpoint is less than this threshold, the cooler unit’s control will
consider the load to be too small to trigger operation. The default is 100W.

1.30.5.1.14 Field: First Evaporative Cooler Object Type

This alpha input field defines the type of evaporative cooler used in the unit. The
zone evaporative cooler unit can have one or two separate cooler components and this field
is for the first cooler. There are five types of evaporative cooler component models to
choose from: EvaporativeCooler:Direct:CelDekPad, EvaporativeCooler:Direct:ResearchSpecial,
EvaporativeCooler:Indirect:CelDekPad, EvaporativeCooler:Indirect:WetCoil, or Evaporative-
Cooler:Indirect:ResearchSpecial.

1.30.5.1.15 Field: First Evaporative Cooler Object Name

This alpha input field defines the user-defined name of the first evaporative cooler component
used by this zone unit. The cooler component itself is defined elsewhere. For a blow through
fan placement, the inlet node for the evaporative cooler should be the same as the fan’s outlet
node. For a draw through fan placement, the inlet node for the evaporative cooler should be the
same as the unit’s Outdoor Air Inlet Node Name.
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1217

1.30.5.1.16 Field: Second Evaporative Cooler Object Type

This optional alpha input field defines the type of evaporative cooler used in the unit. This field
is used when the zone evaporative cooler unit has two separate evaporative cooler sections arranged
in series. For example, some coolers are arranged with both direct and indirect evaporative
coolers. If the unit has only one type of cooler, this field should be left blank. There are five types
of evaporative cooler component models to choose from: EvaporativeCooler:Direct:CelDekPad,
EvaporativeCooler:Direct:ResearchSpecial, EvaporativeCooler:Indirect:CelDekPad, Evaporative-
Cooler:Indirect:WetCoil, or EvaporativeCooler:Indirect:ResearchSpecial

1.30.5.1.17 Field: Second Evaporative Cooler Name

This optional alpha input field defines the user-defined name of the second evaporative cooler
component used by this zone unit. The cooler component itself is defined elsewhere. The inlet node
for the second evaporative cooler should be the same as the outlet node for the first evaporative
cooler. For a draw through fan placement, the outlet node for the second evaporative cooler should
be the same as the unit’s fan inlet node.

1.30.5.1.18 Field: Design Specification ZoneHVAC Sizing Object Name

This optional input field is the name of a DesignSpecification:ZoneHVAC:Sizing object. The
name must correspond to unique name of a DesignSpecification:ZoneHVAC:Sizing object defined
elsewhere. A Design Sepcification Zone HVAC Sizing object defines scalable sizing methods for
sizing input field Design Supply Air Flow Rate in Evaportaive Cooler zone HVAC object. The
scaled design supply air flow rates in turn is used to size capacity of the unit.
An example input object follows.

ZoneHVAC:EvaporativeCoolerUnit ,
Zone Evap Unit , !- Name
System Availability Schedule , !- Availability Schedule Name
, !- Availability Manager List Name
Cooler Unit OA inlet , !- Outdoor Air Inlet Node Name
Main Zone Inlet Node , !- Cooler Outlet Node Name
Main Zone Relief Node , !- Zone Relief Air Node Name
Fan:ConstantVolume , !- Supply Air Fan Object Type
Supply Fan , !- Supply Air Fan Name
2.0, !- Design Supply Air Flow Rate
DrawThrough , !- Fan Placement
ZoneCoolingLoadOnOffCycling , !- Cooler Unit Control Method
1.1, !- Throttling Range Temperature Difference
100.0 , !- Cooling Load Control Threshold Heat Transfer Rate
EvaporativeCooler:Direct:CelDekPad , !- First Evaporative Cooler Object Type
Evaporative Cooler , !- First Evaporative Cooler Object Name
, !- Second Evaporative Cooler Object Type
; !- Second Evaporative Cooler Name

1.30.5.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Zone Evaporative Cooler Unit Total Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Evaporative Cooler Unit Total Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Evaporative Cooler Unit Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Evaporative Cooler Unit Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Evaporative Cooler Unit Latent Heating Rate [W]

1218 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Evaporative Cooler Unit Latent Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Evaporative Cooler Unit Latent Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Evaporative Cooler Unit Latent Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Evaporative Cooler Unit Fan Speed Ratio []

• HVAC,Average,Zone Evaporative Cooler Unit Fan Availability Status []

1.30.5.2.1 Zone Evaporative Cooler Unit Total Cooling Rate [W]

This output is the total (enthalpy) heat extraction rate of the zone evaporative cooler unit from
the zone it is serving, in Watts. This value is calculated using the enthalpy difference of the unit
outlet air node and the zone air node and the air mass flow rate entering the zone.

1.30.5.2.2 Zone Evaporative Cooler Unit Total Cooling Energy [J]

This output is the total (enthalpy) heat extraction of the zone evaporative cooler unit from
the zone it is serving, in Joules. This value is calculated using the enthalpy difference of the unit
outlet air node and the zone air node and the air mass flow rate entering the zone.

1.30.5.2.3 Zone Evaporative Cooler Unit Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

This output is the moist air sensible-only heat extraction rate of the zone evaporative cooler
unit from the zone it is serving, in Watts. This value is calculated using the enthalpy difference of
the unit outlet air node and the zone air node based on a single, minimum humidity ratio along
with the air mass flow rate entering the zone.

1.30.5.2.4 Zone Evaporative Cooler Unit Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

This output is the moist air sensible-only heat extraction of the zone evaporative cooler unit
from the zone it is serving, in Joules. This value is calculated using the enthalpy difference of the
unit outlet air node and the zone air node based on a single, minimum humidity ratio along with
the air mass flow rate entering the zone.

1.30.5.2.5 Zone Evaporative Cooler Unit Latent Heating Rate [W]

This output is the latent heat addition (humidification) rate of the zone evaporative cooler unit
to the zone it is serving in Watts. This value is calculated as the difference between the total
cooling rate and the sensible cooling rate. Because an evaporative cooler can provide sensible
cooling while adding moisture the zone air, a unit can operate with both a positive sensible cooling
load and a positive latent heating rate.

1.30.5.2.6 Zone Evaporative Cooler Unit Latent Heating Energy [J]

This output is the latent heat addition (humidification) of the zone evaporative cooler unit to
the zone it is serving in Joules. This value is calculated as the difference between the total cooling
energy and the sensible cooling energy.

1.30.5.2.7 Zone Evaporative Cooler Unit Latent Cooling Rate [W]

This output is the latent heat extraction (dehumidification) rate of the zone evaporative cooler
unit to the zone it is serving in Watts. This value is calculated as the difference between the total
cooling rate and the sensible cooling rate.
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1219

1.30.5.2.8 Zone Evaporative Cooler Unit Latent Cooling Energy [J]

This output is the latent heat extraction (dehumidification) of the zone evaporative cooler unit
to the zone it is serving in Joules. This value is calculated as the difference between the total
cooling energy and the sensible cooling energy.

1.30.5.2.9 Zone Evaporative Cooler Unit Fan Speed Ratio []

This output is the speed ratio of the fan for the zone evaporative cooler unit. The speed ratio
is defined as the current supply air mass flow rate divided by the design air mass flow rate.

1.30.5.2.10 Zone Evaporative Cooler Unit Fan Availability Status []

This output is the availability status of the zone evaporative cooler unit’s fan. This status flag is
a result of the calculations made by the Availability Manager(s) listed in an AvailabilityManagerAs-
signmentList object and/or calculations made by Hybrid Ventilation Manager object. The Avail-
abilityManagerAssignmentList is an optional input in the zone evaporative cooler object. When
a single availability manager is used in an Availability Manager Assignment List, this is also the
availability status reported by the specific manager. For multiple availability managers in an
Availability Manager Assignment List (with or without Hybrid Ventilation Manager)), rules to de-
termine fan availability status are described in the section on system availability managers. The
control status outputs are represented using integers 0 through 3. These integers represent NoAc-
tion (0), ForceOff (1), CycleOn(2), and CycleOneZoneFansOnly (3). It is recommend to report
this output at the “Detailed” frequency because the integer status flags do not average out to
meaningful values.

1.30.6 ZoneHVAC:OutdoorAirUnit
The zone outdoor air unit (ZoneHVAC:OutdoorAirUnit) in EnergyPlus is intended to model dedi-
cated outdoor air systems (DOAS) and other similar systems which aim to provide either additional
outside air or some limited amount of sensible and/or latent conditioning. The zone outdoor air
unit is a piece of zone equipment that can consist of a supply fan, an exhaust fan (optional), heat-
ing and cooling coils, and heat recovery. The outdoor air unit input simply requires information
about flow rates, schedules, node names, and a list of component that are part of the unit. These
components require additional input as per the requirements for these components. In addition,
the input includes information about controls for the unit. It should be noted that the components
that make up the zone outdoor air unit do not require additional controls or setpoints. The unit
input defines how the unit outlet temperature is controlled as described below.
Zones may contain one or more zone outdoor air units. The user can choose to have each unit
have its own exhaust fan or may choose to have only one unit have a exhaust fan that will handle
the flow of all of the zone outdoor air units. Note that the user will need to account for any flow
balance among the zone outdoor air units on the supply and exhaust sides.
The full input for zone outdoor air units is described below using a variety of fields.

1.30.6.1 Inputs
1.30.6.1.1 Field: Name
This field is simply the identifying name that distinguishes one particular outdoor air unit from
another in the input data file. Like all other names in EnergyPlus, it is assumed that this is a
unique character string and that no other zone outdoor air units use this same name.
1220 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.112: Zone Outdoor Air Unit Schematic

1.30.6.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This field is a schedule name (ref: Schedule) that determines whether the zone outdoor air
unit is available to operate. A schedule value greater than 0 (usually 1 is used) indicates that the
outdoor air unit can be on during the time period. A value less than or equal to 0 (usually 0 is
used) denotes that the outdoor air unit must be off for the time period. If this field is blank, the
schedule has values of 1 for all time periods. For any schedule value greater than zero, the outdoor
air unit is considered available and will operate at the supply and exhaust flow rates defined by
input field described below.

1.30.6.1.3 Field: Zone Name

This field is the name of the zone (Ref: Zone) in which the outdoor air unit is located and
intended to affect. Zone outdoor air units impact only a single zone.

1.30.6.1.4 Field: Outdoor Air Flow Rate

This field allows the user to enter the volumetric flow rate of outdoor air (in m3 /sec) that will
be brought in through the outdoor air unit. The actual outdoor air flow rate will be this number
multiplied by the schedule value from the outdoor air schedule. This field is autosizable. When au-
tosized, the unit’s outdoor air flow rate will match the minimum outdoor air requirements specified
through the Sizing:Zone object.

1.30.6.1.5 Field: Outdoor Air Schedule Name

This field contains a schedule name (ref: Schedule) that contains values for modifying the
outdoor air flow rate. The supply air flow rate is the product of the outdoor air flow rate and the
outdoor air schedule value for the time of interest. Note that if the outdoor air unit is scheduled
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1221

off that the system will not operate regardless of the outdoor air schedule value. However, if the
system is operating, it will always bring in this fraction of the outdoor air flow rate.

1.30.6.1.6 Field: Supply Fan Name

This field is the name of a fan (ref: Fan:ConstantVolume, Fan: VariableVolume) that is part
of the zone outdoor air unit. This name links the outdoor air unit to particular fan data entered
elsewhere in the input data file. A fan name is required since it is the prime mover of air in the
outdoor air control unit.

1.30.6.1.7 Field: Fan Placement

This field has two choices: BlowThrough or DrawThrough. The first choice stands for
“blow through fan”. It means that the unit consists of outdoor air node followed by a supply fan
followed by the equipment that are part of the system. The second choice stands for “draw through
fan”. It means that the supply fan placed at the end of supply air stream and supply fan outlet
node is identified with the air outlet node. The fan “draws air through” the equipment system.

• BlowThrough

• DrawThrough

If the user does not select a fan placement type, DrawThrough is assumed as default by
EnergyPlus.

1.30.6.1.8 Field: Exhaust Fan Name

This field is the name of a fan (ref: Fan:ConstantVolume, Fan: VariableVolume) that is part of
the outdoor air unit. This name links the outdoor air unit to particular fan data entered elsewhere
in the input data file. This field is optional.

1.30.6.1.9 Field: Exhaust Air Flow Rate

This field allows the user to enter the volumetric flow rate of air (in m3 /sec) that will be
exhausted to the outdoors. The actual exhaust air flow rate will be this number multiplied by the
schedule value from the exhaust air schedule. If the exhaust fan name is left blank, this field will
be ignored and automatically set to be equal to zero.

1.30.6.1.10 Field: Exhaust Air Schedule Name

This field contains a schedule name (ref: Schedule) that should contain values for modifying
the exhaust air flow rate. The actual exhaust air flow rate equals the exhaust air flow rate input
(previous field) multiplied by the exhaust air schedule value. If the exhaust fan name is left blank,
this field will be ignored and automatically set to be equal to zero.

1.30.6.1.11 Field: Unit Control Type

The unit control type field determines with conditions in the zone being served what the response
of the zone outdoor air system will be. It is important to note that this only controls the temperature
of the air being delivered to the space not whether or not the system will operate. There are two
options for this field: Neutral or Temperature. Neutral control tries to have no energy impact
on the zone by delivering air at the temperature of the zone. This allows air to be delivered
to the zone without affecting the zone air heat balance and thus provides outside air without
impacting any other system providing conditioning to this zone. The temperature control option
1222 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

will supply air to the zone based on the high and low air control temperature schedules (see next
two fields). For temperature control, when the outside air temperature is less than the low air
control temperature, the zone outdoor air unit will provide whatever heating is available from its
components to achieve the low air temperature value. When the outside air temperature is above
the high air control temperature, the zone outdoor air unit will provide whatever cooling is available
from its components to achieve the high air temperature value. When the outdoor air temperature
is between the high and low air control temperatures, the unit will simply provide air at whatever
the outdoor air conditions are, modified by any fan heat added by the supply fan. In summary, the
user must select from the following two options:
• NeutralControl
• TemperatureControl
If the user does not select a unit control type, NeutralControl is assumed as the default by
EnergyPlus.

1.30.6.1.12 Field: High Air Control Temperature Schedule Name

This field specifies the dry-bulb air temperature in degrees Celsius for the supply air temperature
to the zone. When the outdoor air temperature or post-supply fan outlet temperature in the case
of blow through is above the high air control temperature, a cooling coil, if available and specified
by the user, is tuned on to conditioning the outdoor air to the high control temperature. This field
only applies to zone outdoor air units that use Temperature Control (see previous field).

1.30.6.1.13 Field: Low Air Control Temperature Schedule Name

This field specifies the dry-bulb air temperature in degrees Celsius for the supply air temperature
to the zone. When the outdoor air temperature or post-supply fan outlet temperature is below the
low air control temperature, a heating coil, if available and specified by the user, is tuned on to
conditioning the outdoor air to the low control temperature. This field only applies to zone outdoor
air units that use Temperature Control (see two previous fields).

1.30.6.1.14 Field: Outdoor Air Node Name

This field is a node name used to identify the node associated with fresh air brought into the
outdoor air unit from the outdoor environment. It should also be defined in an OutdoorAir:Node
object with the same name and assigned an optional height (above ground).

1.30.6.1.15 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

This field is a node name used to identify the node that serves as the outlet (air side) from the
zone outdoor air unit. In EnergyPlus, nodes represent points between components or at various
points in the loops. In an outdoor air unit, the air outlet node from the system will typically be
the same node as a zone inlet node. While a node name may be referenced more than once in an
input data file, each node must have a unique name.

1.30.6.1.16 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

This field is a node name used to identify the node that serves as the inlet (air side) to the
exhaust side of the outdoor air unit. In EnergyPlus, nodes represent points between components or
at various points in the loops. In an outdoor air unit, the air inlet node of the system will typically
be the same node as a zone outlet node. While a node name may be referenced more than once in
an input data file, each node must have a unique name.
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1223

1.30.6.1.17 Field: Supply Fan Outlet Node Name

This field is a node name used to identify the node that serves as the outlet (air side) of the
supply fan for the zone outdoor air unit. In EnergyPlus, nodes represent points between components
or at various points in the loops. While a node name may be referenced more than once in an input
data file, each node must have a unique name.

1.30.6.1.18 Field: Outdoor Air Unit List Name

This field is the name of an ZoneHVAC:OutdoorAirUnit:EquipmentList object. An Zone-
HVAC:OutdoorAirUnit:EquipmentList is simply a list of components giving both component name
and type. This equipment list specifies all the components that will be simulated in this unit. The
order of the components in the list is significant: components are simulated sequentially in the
order given in the Equipment List.

1.30.6.1.19 Field: Availability Manager List Name

This optional input field is the name of an AvailabilityManagerAssignmentList object. An
Availability Manager Assignment List is a list of Availability Managers giving both Availability
Manager type and name. The availability managers in the list apply to this outdoor air unit object’s
fan. If the outdoor air unit is available (per the Availability Schedule Name input field above) and
this input field has a valid availability manager assignment list name, then the availability managers
in the list determine when and if the fan of this outdoor air unit object should be on or off.
An example of this object defined in an input data file is shown below:

ZoneHVAC:OutdoorAirUnit ,
Zone5DXOutAir , !- Name
OAUnitOASched , !- Availability Schedule Name
SPACE5 -1, !- Zone Name
0.42, !- Outdoor Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
OAUnitOASched , !- Outdoor Air Schedule Name
Zone5OAUFan1 , !- Supply Fan Name
BlowThrough , !- Supply Fan Placement
, !- Exhaust Fan Name
, !- Exhaust Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- Exhaust Air Schedule Name
TemperatureControl , !- Unit Control Type
OAUHitemp2 , !- High Air Control Temperature Schedule Name
OAULotemp2 , !- Low Air Control Temperature Schedule Name
Zone5OAUOANode , !- Outdoor Air Node Name
Zone5OAUZoneInletNode , !- AirOutlet Node Name
Zone5OAUZoneOutletNode , !- AirInlet Node Name
Zone5OAUFanOutletNode , !- Supply FanOutlet Node Name
Zone5OAUEquip1; !- Outdoor Air Unit List Name

1.30.6.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average, Zone Outdoor Air Unit Total Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Zone Outdoor Air Unit Total Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Zone Outdoor Air Unit Total Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Zone Outdoor Air Unit Total Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Zone Outdoor Air Unit Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Zone Outdoor Air Unit Sensible Heating Energy [J]

1224 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• HVAC,Average, Zone Outdoor Air Unit Fan Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Zone Outdoor Air Unit Fan Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Zone Outdoor Air Unit Air Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average, Zone Outdoor Air Unit Fan Availability Status []

• Zone Outdoor Air Unit Latent Cooling Energy

1.30.6.2.1 Zone Outdoor Air Unit Total Heating Rate [W]

This field reports the heating output rate of the outdoor air unit system to the zone it is serving
in Watts. This is determined by outlet and zone air conditions and the mass flow rate through the
zone outdoor air unit.

1.30.6.2.2 Zone Outdoor Air Unit Total Heating Energy [J]

This field is the heating output of the outdoor air unit system to the zone it is serving in Joules
over the timestep being reported. This is determined by outlet and zone air conditions, the mass
flow rate through the zone outdoor air unit, and the time step.

1.30.6.2.3 Zone Outdoor Air Unit Total Cooling Rate [W]

This field reports the total cooling (sensible plus latent) output rate of the outdoor air unit
system to the zone it is serving in Watts. This is determined by outlet and zone air conditions and
the mass flow rate through the zone outdoor air unit.

1.30.6.2.4 Zone Outdoor Air Unit Total Cooling Energy [J]

This field is the total cooling (sensible plus latent) output of the outdoor air unit system to
the zone it is serving in Joules over the timestep being reported. This is determined by outlet and
zone air conditions, the mass flow rate through the zone outdoor air unit, and the time step.

1.30.6.2.5 Zone Outdoor Air Unit Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

1.30.6.2.6 Zone Outdoor Air Unit Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

These reports are the sensible cooling output rate of the outdoor air unit system to the zone it
is serving in Joules or Watts. This is determined by outlet and zone air conditions and the mass
flow rate through the zone outdoor air unit.

1.30.6.2.7 Zone Outdoor Air Unit Sensible Heating Energy [J]

1.30.6.2.8 Zone Outdoor Air Unit Sensible Heating Rate [W]

These are the sensible heating output of the outdoor air unit system to the zone it is serving
in Joules or Watts over the timestep being reported. This is determined by outlet and zone air
conditions, the mass flow rate through the zone outdoor air unit, and the time step.

1.30.6.2.9 Zone Outdoor Air Unit Latent Cooling Energy [J]

1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1225

1.30.6.2.10 Zone Outdoor Air Unit Latent Cooling Rate [W]

These are the latent cooling output of the outdoor air unit system to the zone it is serving, in
Joules and Watts. This is determined by outlet and zone air conditions, the mass flow rate through
the zone outdoor air unit, and the time step.

1.30.6.2.11 Zone Outdoor Air Unit Latent Heating Energy [J]

1.30.6.2.12 Zone Outdoor Air Unit Latent Heating Rate [W]

These are the latent heating output of the outdoor air unit system to the zone it is serving, in
Joules and Watts. This is determined by outlet and zone air conditions, the mass flow rate through
the zone outdoor air unit, and the time step.

1.30.6.2.13 Zone Outdoor Air Unit Fan Electric Power [W]

This field reports the electric power consumption rate of the fan of the outdoor air unit in
Watts.

1.30.6.2.14 Zone Outdoor Air Unit Fan Electric Energy [J]

This field reports the electric power consumed by the fan of the outdoor air unit over the time
step in Joules.

1.30.6.2.15 Zone Outdoor Air Unit Air Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
This field reports the air mass flow rate of the zone outdoor air unit Outdoor Air Unit in
kilograms per second.

1.30.6.2.16 Zone Outdoor Air Unit Fan Availability Status []

This is the availability status of the outdoor air unit fan. This status flag is a result of the calcu-
lations made by the Availability Manager(s) listed in an AvailabilityManagerAssignmentList object
and/or calculations made by Hybrid Ventilation Manager object. The AvailabilityManagerAssign-
mentList is an optional input in the outdoor air unit object. When a single availability manager is
used in an Availability Manager Assignment List, this is also the availability status reported by the
specific availability manager (Ref. AvailabilityManager:* Outputs). For multiple availability man-
agers in an Availability Manager Assignment List (with or without Hybrid Ventilation Manager),
rules to determine fan availability status are described in the section ‘Group – System Availability
Managers’. The control status outputs are represented using integers 0 through 3. These integers
represent NoAction (0), ForceOff (1), CycleOn (2), and CycleOnZoneFansOnly (3). Since the sta-
tus output is averaged, the output result may not correspond to the values described here when
output variable frequencies other than detailed are used. Use the “detailed” reporting frequency
(Ref. Output:Variable object) to view the availability status at each simulation timestep.

1.30.7 ZoneHVAC:OutdoorAirUnit:EquipmentList
This input syntax is used to specify the components in a zone outdoor air unit. The components
will be simulated in the order in which they occur in this list.

1.30.7.1 Inputs
1.30.7.1.1 Field: Name
The user designated unique name of an instance of a zone outdoor air unit equipment list.
1226 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.30.7.1.2 Field Set (Component Object Type, Component Name, Control

Node Name) up to 8
After the identifying name, the list consists of up to 8 pairs of data items.

1.30.7.1.3 Field: Component <x> Object Type

This field specifies the keyword for the type of component used.

1.30.7.1.4 Field: Component <x> Name

This field is the unique name of the component specified in the previous field. This named
object must appear in the IDF.
Note: If any of the components use the autosized option at the component level, input data
for zone sizing purposes are required for the proper sizing of the components. Please refer to
the Sizing:Zone object for more information.
An example from an IDF:

ZoneHVAC:OutdoorAirUnit:EquipmentList ,
Zone5OAUEquip1 , !- Name
Dehumidifier:Desiccant:NoFans , !- Component 1 Object Type
Z5Dessicant , !- Component 1 Name
HeatExchanger:AirToAir:FlatPlate , !- Component 2 Object Type
Zone5A2AHeat Recovery , !- Component 2 Name
CoilSystem:Cooling:DX , !- Component 3 Object Type
DX Cooling Coil System 5,!- Component 3 Name
Coil:Heating:Electric , !- Component 4 Object Type
Zone5DESHCoil; !- Component 4 Name

1.30.8 ZoneHVAC:WindowAirConditioner
The Window Air Conditioner is a unit of zone equipment made up of other components. Each
window air conditioner consists of an outdoor air mixer, a fan, and a direct expansion (DX) cooling
coil. These components are described elsewhere in this document. The input for a window air
conditioner requires the names of these three pieces of equipment, which are then specified individ-
ually elsewhere in the input. The input for a window air conditioner also requires the name of an
availability schedule, the maximum unit airflow rate, and the maximum outdoor airflow rate for
the unit. The unit is connected to a zone by specifying an air inlet node, which must be the same
as a zone exhaust node; and an air outlet node, which must be the same as a zone inlet node (ref.
ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections).
A supply air fan operating mode schedule must also be specified. The supply air fan operating
mode schedule value determines if the supply air fan can run continuously with the DX coil cycling
on/off to match the zone cooling demand or the fan and DX coil can cycle on/off together to
meet the cooling demand. The placement of the supply air fan, in relation to the DX coil, must
also be specified (blow through or draw through). The cooling convergence tolerance is required,
which is the tolerance denoting how closely the window air conditioner will meet the cooling load.
The tolerance is always relative to the zone load (i.e., the unit will operate to meet the zone load
to within the tolerance value times the zone load for each simulation timestep). Finally, the DX
cooling coil type must be specified.

1.30.8.1 Inputs
1.30.8.1.1 Field: Name
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1227

A unique user assigned name for an instance of a window air conditioner unit. Any reference
to this window air conditioner by another object will use this name.

1.30.8.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

The name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the window air conditioner unit
can run during a given time period. A schedule value greater than 0 (usually 1 is used) indicates
that the unit can be on during the time period. A value less than or equal to 0 (usually 0 is used)
denotes that the unit must be off for the time period. If this field is blank, the schedule has values
of 1 for all time periods.

1.30.8.1.3 Field: Maximum Supply Air Flow Rate

The maximum volumetric airflow rate through the window air conditioner in cubic meters per
second. Since the unit operates by cycling on/off, this is also the design, rated airflow rate of the
unit.

1.30.8.1.4 Field: Maximum Outdoor Air Flow Rate

If the window air conditioner uses outdoor air, this field specifies the outdoor air volumetric
flow rate in cubic meters per second. This flow rate should be less than or equal to the maximum
airflow rate. A value of zero specifies no outdoor air. Note that the outdoor airflow rate is fixed:
it cannot change during the simulation

1.30.8.1.5 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

The name of the HVAC system node (see Node) from which the window air conditioner draws
its indoor air. This should be one of the zone exhaust nodes for the zone which the window air
conditioner is cooling.

1.30.8.1.6 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

The name of the HVAC system node (see Node) to which the window air conditioner sends its
outlet air. This should be one of the inlet air nodes for the zone which is being cooled.

1.30.8.1.7 Field: Outdoor Air Mixer Object Type

This field specifies the type of outdoor air mixer used by this window air conditioner unit. The
outdoor air mixer component is part of the window air conditioner compound object. The only
available outdoor air mixer type is:
OutdoorAir:Mixer

1.30.8.1.8 Field: Outdoor Air Mixer Name

The name of an outdoor air mixer component which composes part of the window air conditioner
unit. Note that the return air node of the outdoor air mixer should be the same node as the air
inlet node of the window air conditioner. In addition, the outdoor air mixer’s mixed air node
should be the same as the window air conditioner’s fan inlet air node (for blow through) or the air
conditioner’s DX coil inlet node (for draw through)

1.30.8.1.9 Field: Supply Air Fan Object Type

This field specifies the type of supply air fan used by window air conditioner. The supply air
fan is part of the window air conditioner compound object. The only valid supply air fan types are:
1228 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• Fan:OnOff

• Fan:ConstantVolume

1.30.8.1.10 Field:Supply Air Fan Name

The name of a constant volume fan component that composes part of the window air conditioner.
Note that the fan’s maximum flow rate should be the same as the maximum airflow rate of the
window air conditioner. A fan of type Fan:OnOff may be used with either cycling or continuous
fan, and a fan of type Fan:ConstantVolume is used only with continuous fan (see Supply Air Fan
Operating Mode Schedule field below). The fan’s inlet node should be the same as the outdoor
air mixer’s mixed air node (for blow through) or the DX coil’s outlet node (for draw through).
The fan’s outlet node should be the same as the DX coil’s air inlet node (for blow through) or the
window air conditioner’s air outlet node (for draw through).

1.30.8.1.11 Field: Cooling Coil Object Type

This field specifies the type of cooling coil to be modeled for this window air conditioner. The
input requirements for these cooling coil objects are described elsewhere in this document. If the
user wants to control the enhanced dehumidification performance of the Heat Exchanger Assisted
coil type based on zone air humidity level, then the input file must include a humidistat object (ref.
ZoneControl:Humidistat) for the zone being served by this air conditioner and a high humidity set
point manager (ref. SetpointManager:SingleZone:Humidity:Maximum) with the high humidity set
point placed on the outlet node of the heat exchanger assisted cooling coil. Only allowable coil
types are:

• Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed

• CoilSystem:Cooling:DX:HeatExchangerAssisted

1.30.8.1.12 Field: DX Cooling Coil Name

The name of a DX cooling coil component that composes part of the window air conditioner
unit. The DX coil air inlet node should be the same as the fan outlet node (for blow through) or
the outdoor air mixer’s mixed air node (for draw through). The DX coil air outlet node should be
the same as the window air conditioner’s air outlet node (for blow through) or the fan’s inlet node
(for draw through).

1.30.8.1.13 Field: Supply Air Fan Operating Mode Schedule Name

This alpha field specifies the name of the supply air fan operating mode schedule. The supply
air fan operating mode may vary during the simulation based on time-of-day or with a change of
season. Schedule values of 0 denote that the supply air fan and the heating or cooling coil cycle
on and off together to meet the heating or cooling load (a.k.a. AUTO fan). Schedule values other
than 0 denote that the supply air fan runs continuously while the heating or cooling coil cycles
to meet the load. If this field is left blank, the model assumes the supply air fan cycles with the
heating or cooling coil throughout the simulation.

1.30.8.1.14 Field: Fan Placement

This input field has two choices: BlowThrough or DrawThrough. The first choice stands
for “blow through fan”. This means that the unit consists of an outdoor air mixer followed by a
fan followed by a DX coil. The fan “blows through” the DX coil. The second choice stands for
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1229

“draw through fan”. This means that the unit consists of an outdoor air mixer followed by a DX
coil followed by a fan. The fan “draws air through” the coil.

1.30.8.1.15 Field: Cooling Convergence Tolerance

This input field defines the convergence tolerance for the unit’s cooling output. This field allows
the user some control over how closely the air conditioner will control the air-side conditions. The
relative size of this parameter relates directly to the closeness of the control. A very small value
in this field will result in tight control and will probably result in larger numbers of iterations. A
large value in this field will result in looser controls and could result in unsatisfactory fluctuations
in zone air temperature. Initial experience with this parameter lends to the recommendation of
using 0.001 as the starting point.
The window air conditioner is controlled by matching its sensible (temperature) cooling output
to the zone sensible load (demand). Because the performance of the DX coil is frequently non-
linear, the air conditioner model must call the DX coil model several times (iterate) to determine
the proper run time fraction to meet the zone load. The cooling convergence tolerance is the error
tolerance used to terminate the iteration procedure when the following equation is satisfied:

|QZoneLoad − QW indowAirConditioner,out )|
≤ Cooling ConvergenceT olerance (1.129)
QZoneLoad
The maximum number of iterations is limited, with a warning message generated if the above
equation is not satisfied within the maximum number of iterations.

1.30.8.1.16 Field: Availability Manager List Name

This optional input field is the name of an AvailabilityManagerAssignmentList object. An
Availability Manager Assignment List is a list of Availability Managers giving both Availability
Manager type and name. The availability managers in the list apply to this window air conditioner
or object’s fan. If the window air conditioner is available (per the Availability Schedule Name input
field above) and this input field has a valid availability manager assignment list name, then the
availability managers in the list determine when and if the fan of this window air conditioner object
should be on or off.

1.30.8.1.17 Field: Design Specification ZoneHVAC Sizing Object Name

This optional input field is the name of a DesignSpecification:ZoneHVAC:Sizing object. The
name must correspond to unique name of a DesignSpecification:ZoneHVAC:Sizing object. A Design
Sepcification Zone HVAC Sizing object defines scalable sizing methods for sizing input fields such as
Maximum Air Flow Rate in this Window Air Conditioner zone HVAC object. The scaled Maximum
Air Flow Rate in turn is used to size cooling capacity of the unit.
Following is an example input for the cycling window air conditioner, along with its constituent
components.

ZoneHVAC:WindowAirConditioner ,
Zone3WindAC , ! name of window AC unit
FanAndCoilAvailSched , ! Availability Schedule Name
0.6, ! Maximum Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.05, ! Maximum Outdoor Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
Zone3WindACAirInletNode , ! Air Inlet Node Name
Zone3WindACAirOutletNode , ! Air Outlet Node Name
OutdoorAir:Mixer , ! Outdoor Air Mixer Object Type
Zone3WindACOAMixer , ! Outdoor Air Mixer Name
Fan:ConstantVolume , ! Supply Air Fan Object Type
1230 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Zone3WindACFan , ! Fan Name

Zone3WindACDXCoil , ! DX Cooling Coil Name
CyclingFanSch , ! Supply Air Fan Operation Mode Schedule Name
DrawThrough , ! Fan Placement
0.001 , ! Cooling Convergence Tolerance
Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed; ! Cooling Coil Object Type

Schedule:Compact ,
CyclingFanSch , !- Name
Fraction , !- ScheduleType
Through: 12/31 , !- Complex Field \#1
For: AllDays , !- Complex Field \#2
Until: 24:00 , !- Complex Field \#7
0.0; !- Complex Field \#8

OutdoorAir:Mixer ,
Zone3WindACOAMixer , ! Name
Zone3WindACOAMixerOutletNode , ! Mixed Air Node Name
Zone3WindACOAInNode , ! Outdoor Air Stream Node Name
Zone3WindACExhNode , ! Relief Air Stream Node Name
Zone3WindACAirInletNode ; ! Return Air Stream Node Name

Fan:ConstantVolume ,
Zone3WindACFan , ! Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , ! Availability Schedule Name
0.5, ! Fan Total Efficiency
75.0, ! Pressure Rise {Pa}
0.6, ! Maximum Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.9, ! Motor Efficiency
1.0, ! Motor In Airstream Fraction
Zone3WindACDXOutletNode , ! Air Inlet Node Name
Zone3WindACAirOutletNode ; ! Air Outlet Node Name

Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed ,
Zone3WindACDXCoil , !- Name
CoolingCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
autosize , !- Rated Total Cooling Capacity {W}
autosize , !- Rated Sensible Heat Ratio
3.0, !- Rated COP
autosize , !- Rated Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
Zone3WindACOAMixerOutletNode , !- Air Inlet Node Name
Zone3WindACDXOutletNode , !- Air Outlet Node Name
WindACCoolCapFT , !- Total Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature Curve Name
WindACCoolCapFFF , !- Total Cooling Capacity Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
WindACEIRFT , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve Name
WindACEIRFFF , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
WindACPLFFPLR; !- Part Load Fraction Correlation Curve Name

1.30.8.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Zone Window Air Conditioner Total Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Window Air Conditioner Total Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Window Air Conditioner Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Window Air Conditioner Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Window Air Conditioner Latent Cooling Rate [W]

1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1231

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Window Air Conditioner Latent Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Window Air Conditioner Electric Power[W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Window Air Conditioner Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Zone Window Air Conditioner Fan Part Load Ratio []

• HVAC,Average, Zone Window Air Conditioner Compressor Part Load Ratio []

• HVAC,Average,Zone Window Air Conditioner Fan Availability Status []

1.30.8.2.1 Zone Window Air Conditioner Total Cooling Rate [W]

This field is the total (sensible and latent) heat extraction rate of the window air conditioner
unit from the zone it is serving in Watts. This is determined by the outlet and zone conditions and
the mass flow rate through the unit.

1.30.8.2.2 Zone Window Air Conditioner Total Cooling Energy [J]

This is the total (sensible and latent) heat extraction of the window air conditioner unit from
the zone it is serving in Joules over the timestep being reported. This is determined by outlet and
zone air conditions, the mass flow rate through the unit, and the timestep.

1.30.8.2.3 Zone Window Air Conditioner Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

This field reports the moist air sensible heat extraction rate of the window air conditioner unit
from the zone it is serving in Watts. This is determined by the outlet and zone conditions and the
mass flow rate through the unit.

1.30.8.2.4 Zone Window Air Conditioner Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

This field reports the moist air sensible heat extraction of the window air conditioner unit from
the zone it is serving in Joules over the timestep being reported. This is determined by the outlet
and zone conditions and the mass flow rate through the unit.

1.30.8.2.5 Zone Window Air Conditioner Latent Cooling Rate [W]

This output is the latent heat extraction rate of the window air conditioner unit from the zone
it is serving in Watts. This is determined by the outlet and zone conditions and the mass flow rate
through the unit.

1.30.8.2.6 Zone Window Air Conditioner Latent Cooling Energy [J]

This is the latent heat extraction of the window air conditioner unit from the zone it is serving
in Joules over the timestep being reported. This is determined by the outlet and zone conditions
and the mass flow rate through the unit.

1.30.8.2.7 Zone Window Air Conditioner Electric Power[W]

This output is the electricity consumption rate of the window air conditioner unit in Watts.
The consumption includes electricity used by the compressor and the fans (indoor supply air fan
and the condenser fan).
1232 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.30.8.2.8 Zone Window Air Conditioner Electric Energy [J]

This output is the electricity consumption of the window air conditioner unit in Joules for the
time period being reported. The consumption includes electricity used by the compressor and the
fans (indoor supply air fan and the condenser fan).

1.30.8.2.9 Zone Window Air Conditioner Fan Part Load Ratio []

This is the fan’s part load ratio for the report timestep during which the fan had operated.

1.30.8.2.10 Zone Window Air Conditioner Compressor Part Load Ratio []

This is the part load ratio of the report timestep during which the DX unit compressor had
operated.
Zone Window Air Conditioner Fan Availability Status []
This is the availability status of the window air conditioner fan. This status flag is a result of the
calculations made by the Availability Manager(s) listed in an AvailabilityManagerAssignmentList
object and/or calculations made by Hybrid Ventilation Manager object. The AvailabilityMan-
agerAssignmentList is an optional input in the window air conditioner object. When a single
availability manager is used in an Availability Manager Assignment List, this is also the availability
status reported by the specific availability manager (Ref. AvailabilityManager:* Outputs). For
multiple availability managers in an Availability Manager Assignment List (with or without Hy-
brid Ventilation Manager), rules to determine fan availability status are described in the section
‘Group – System Availability Managers’. The control status outputs are represented using integers
0 through 3. These integers represent NoAction (0), ForceOff (1), CycleOn (2), and CycleOn-
ZoneFansOnly (3). Since the status output is averaged, the output result may not correspond to
the values described here when output variable frequencies other than detailed are used. Use the
“detailed” reporting frequency (Ref. Output:Variable object) to view the availability status at each
simulation timestep.

1.30.9 ZoneHVAC:PackagedTerminalAirConditioner
The packaged terminal air conditioner (PTAC) is a compound object made up of other components.
Each PTAC consists of an outdoor air mixer, direct expansion (DX) cooling coil, heating coil (gas,
electric, hot water, or steam) and a supply air fan. While the figure below shows the PTAC with
draw through fan placement, blow through fan placement can also be modeled by positioning the
supply air fan between the outdoor air mixer and the DX cooling coil. The packaged terminal
air conditioner coordinates the operation of these components and is modeled as a type of zone
equipment (Ref. ZoneHVAC:EquipmentList and ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections).
Links to the PTAC’s supply air fan, DX cooling coil, heating coil, and outdoor air mixer
specifications are provided in the air conditioner’s input syntax. Additional inputs include supply
and outdoor air flow rates during cooling operation, heating operation, and when neither cooling
or heating is required. A description of each input field for the packaged terminal air conditioner
compound object is provided below.

1.30.9.1 Inputs
1.30.9.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field defines a unique user-assigned name for an instance of a packaged terminal air
conditioner. Any reference to this air conditioner by another object will use this name.
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1233

Figure 1.113: Schematic of a packaged terminal air conditioner with draw through fan
placement

1.30.9.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This alpha field defines the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the air
conditioner operates during a given time period. A schedule value equal to 0 denotes that the air
conditioner must be off for that time period. A value greater than 0 denotes that the air conditioner
is available to operate during that time period. This schedule may be used to completely disable
the air conditioner (all of its coils and the supply air fan) as required. If this field is blank, the
schedule has values of 1 for all time periods.

1.30.9.1.3 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

This alpha field defines the name of the HVAC system node from which the air conditioner
draws its inlet air. This node name must be the name of a zone air exhaust node (Ref. Zone-
HVAC:EquipmentConnections).

1.30.9.1.4 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

This alpha field defines the name of the HVAC system node to which the air conditioner
sends its outlet air. This node name must be the name of a zone air inlet node (Ref. Zone-
HVAC:EquipmentConnections).

1.30.9.1.5 Field: Outdoor Air Mixer Object Type

This field specifies the type of outdoor air mixer used by this PTAC. The outdoor air mixer
component is part of the PTAC unit. The only available outdoor air mixer type is:

• OutdoorAir:Mixer
1234 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.30.9.1.6 Field: Outdoor Air Mixer Name

This alpha field defines the name of an outdoor air mixer component which composes part of
the PTAC. The return air node of the outdoor air mixer should also be the same node as the air
inlet node of the PTAC. Furthermore, the outdoor air mixer’s mixed air node should be the same
as the PTAC’s fan inlet air node (for blow through fan placement) or the PTAC’s DX cooling coil
inlet node (for draw through fan placement).

1.30.9.1.7 Field: Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the supply air flow rate leaving the air conditioner in cubic meters
per second when the DX cooling coil is operating. Values must be greater than 0 or this field is
autosizable.

1.30.9.1.8 Field: Heating Supply Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the supply air flow rate leaving the air conditioner in cubic meters per
second when the heating coil is operating. Values must be greater than 0 or this field is autosizable.

1.30.9.1.9 Field: No Load Supply Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the supply air flow rate leaving the air conditioner in cubic meters
per second when neither cooling nor heating is required (i.e., DX coil and heater are off but the
supply air fan operates). This field is only used when the air conditioner’s supply air fan operating
mode schedule specifies continuous fan operation. Values must be greater than or equal to zero,
or this field is autosizable. If the air conditioner’s supply air fan operating mode schedule specifies
continuous fan operation and this value is set to zero or this field is left blank, then the model
assumes that the supply air flow rate when no cooling/heating is needed is equal to the supply
air flow rate when the cooling or heating coil was last operating (for cooling operation or heating
operation).

1.30.9.1.10 Field: Cooling Outdoor Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the outdoor air flow rate through the air conditioner in cubic meters
per second when the DX cooling coil is operating. Values must be greater than or equal to 0, or
this field is autosizable. Note that the Cooling Outdoor Air Flow Rate is fixed; it cannot change
during the simulation. In addition, the Cooling Outdoor Air Flow Rate cannot be greater than the
air conditioner’s supply air volumetric flow rate during cooling operation.

1.30.9.1.11 Field: Heating Outdoor Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the outdoor air flow rate through the air conditioner in cubic meters
per second when the heating coil is operating. Values must be greater than or equal to 0, or this
field is autosizable. Note that the Heating Outdoor Air Flow Rate is fixed; it cannot change during
the simulation. In addition, the Heating Outdoor Air Flow Rate cannot be greater than the air
conditioner’s supply air volumetric flow rate during heating operation.

1.30.9.1.12 Field: No Load Outdoor Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the outdoor air flow rate through the air conditioner in cubic meters
per second when neither cooling nor heating is required (i.e., cooling and heating coils are off but
the supply air fan operates). Values must be greater than or equal to 0, or this field is autosizable.
Note that the outdoor air flow rate when no cooling/heating is needed is fixed; it cannot change
during the simulation. In addition, the outdoor air flow rate when no cooling/heating is needed
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1235

cannot be greater than the air conditioner’s supply air volumetric flow rate when no cooling/heating
is needed. This field is only used when the air conditioner’s supply air fan operating mode schedule
specifies continuous fan operation. If the air conditioner’s supply air fan operating mode schedule
specifies continuous fan operation and the field ‘Supply air volumetric flow rate when no cooling
or heating is needed’ is set to zero or is left blank, then the model assumes that the outdoor air
flow rate when no cooling/heating is needed is equal to the outdoor air flow rate when the cooling
or heating coil was last operating (for cooling operation [i.e., Cooling Outdoor Air Flow Rate] or
heating operation [i.e., Heating Outdoor Air Flow Rate]) and this field is not used.

1.30.9.1.13 Field: Supply Air Fan Object Type

This alpha field defines the type of fan used by this PTAC. The only valid choices are Fan:OnOff
and Fan:ConstantVolume. A fan of type Fan:OnOff is used with cycling fan operating mode,
and a fan of type Fan:ConstantVolume is used with continuous fan operating mode (see Supply
Air Fan Operating Mode Schedule field below). The input requirements for these fan objects are
described elsewhere in this document.

1.30.9.1.14 Field: Supply Air Fan Name

The name of a constant volume fan component that composes part of the PTAC. Note that the
fan’s maximum flow rate should be greater than or equal to the maximum supply air flow rate for
the PTAC. The fan’s inlet node should be the same as the outdoor air mixer’s mixed air node (for
blow through fan placement) or the heating coil’s outlet node (for draw through fan placement).
The fan’s outlet node should be the same as the DX cooling coil’s air inlet node (for blow through
fan placement) or the PTAC’s air outlet node (for draw through fan placement).

1.30.9.1.15 Field: Heating Coil Object Type

This alpha field defines the type of heating coil to be used by this PTAC. The input requirements
for this heating coil object are described elsewhere in this document. The hot water flow modulation
through the heating coil does not require additional controller or Controller:WaterCoil object. The
parent object (PTAC) itself provides the “controller” function of modulating water flow. Allowable
heating coil types are:

• Coil:Heating:Water

• Coil:Heating:Electric

• Coil:Heating:Gas

• Coil:Heating:Steam

1.30.9.1.16 Field: Heating Coil Name

This alpha field defines the name of the heating coil used by this PTAC, and this name should
match the name specified in the corresponding heating coil object.

1.30.9.1.17 Field: Cooling Coil Object Type

This alpha field defines the type of DX cooling coil used by this PTAC. The input requirements
for these DX cooling coil objects are described elsewhere in this document. Only allowable coil
types are:

• Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed
1236 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• CoilSystem:Cooling:DX:HeatExchangerAssisted

• Coil:Cooling:DX:VariableSpeed

1.30.9.1.18 Field: Cooling Coil Name

This alpha field defines the name of the cooling coil used by this PTAC, and this name should
match the name specified in the corresponding DX cooling coil object.

1.30.9.1.19 Field: Fan Placement

This alpha field has two choices: BlowThrough or DrawThrough. The first choice stands
for “blow through fan”. This means that the unit consists of an outdoor air mixer followed by a
fan followed by the DX cooling coil and heating coil. The fan “blows through” the DX cooling
coil and the heating coil. The second choice stands for “draw through fan”. This means that the
unit consists of an outdoor air mixer followed by the DX cooling coil and heating coil with the
fan located at the outlet of the PTAC. The fan “draws air through” the DX cooling coil and the
heating coil. If this field is left blank, the default is draw through.
Note: the packaged terminal air conditioner’s supply air fan, cooling coil and heating coil must
be connected according to the configuration shown above (Figure 1.113) for the draw through fan
configuration. The only other valid configuration is with a blow through fan placement, where the
fan is located between the outdoor air mixer and the DX cooling coil.

1.30.9.1.20 Field: Supply Air Fan Operating Mode Schedule Name

This alpha field specifies the name of the supply air fan operating mode schedule. The supply
air fan operating mode may vary during the simulation based on time-of-day or with a change of
season. Schedule values of 0 denote that the supply air fan and the heating or cooling coil cycle
on and off together to meet the heating or cooling load (a.k.a. AUTO fan). Schedule values other
than 0 denote that the supply fan runs continuously while the heating or cooling coil cycles to meet
the load.

1.30.9.1.21 Field: Availability Manager List Name

This optional input field is the name of an AvailabilityManagerAssignmentList object. An
Availability Manager Assignment List is a list of Availability Managers giving both Availability
Manager type and name. The availability managers in the list apply to this packaged terminal air
conditioner or object’s fan. If the packaged terminal air conditioner is available (per the Availability
Schedule Name input field above) and this input field has a valid availability manager assignment
list name, then the availability managers in the list determine when and if the fan of this packaged
terminal air conditioner object should be on or off.

1.30.9.1.22 Field: Design Specification ZoneHVAC Sizing Object Name

This optional input field is the name of a DesignSpecification:ZoneHVAC:Sizing object. The
name must correspond to unique name of a DesignSpecification:ZoneHVAC:Sizing object. A Design
Sepcification Zone HVAC Sizing object defines scalable sizing methods for sizing input fields such
as Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate in this Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner zone HVAC object.
The scaled Supply Air Flow Rate in turn is used to size cooling and heating capacity of the unit.
As shown in the example below, correct specification of the packaged terminal air conditioner
requires the following objects in addition to the compound object itself:

1) Fan (Fan:OnOff or Fan:ConstantVolume)

1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1237

2) DX cooling coil (Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed or CoilSystem:Cooling:DX:HeatExchangerAssisted)

3) Heating coil (Coil:Heating:Gas, Coil:Heating:Electric, Coil:Heating:Water, or Coil:Heating:Steam)

4) OutdoorAir:Mixer

ZoneHVAC:PackagedTerminalAirConditioner ,
Zone2PTAC , !- Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
Zone2PTACAirInletNode , !- Air Inlet Node Name
Zone2PTACAirOutletNode , !- Air Outlet Node Name
OutdoorAir:Mixer , !- Outdoor Air Mixer Object Type
Zone2PTACOAMixer , !- Outdoor Air Mixer Name
autosize , !- Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
autosize , !- Heating Supply Air Flow Rate operation {m3/s}
autosize , !- No Load Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
autosize , !- Cooling Outdoor Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
autosize , !- Heating Outdoor Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
autosize , !- No Load Outdoor Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
Fan:OnOff , !- Supply Air Fan Object Type
Zone2PTACFan , !- Supply Air Fan Name
Coil:Heating:Electric , !- Heating Coil Object Type
Zone2PTACHeatCoil , !- Heating Coil Name
Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed , !- Cooling Coil Object Type
Zone2PTACDXCoolCoil , !- Cooling Coil Name
BlowThrough , !- Fan Placement
SupplyFanSch; !- Supply Air Fan Operating Mode Schedule Name

Schedule:Compact ,
SupplyFanSch , !- Name
Fraction , !- ScheduleType
Through: 12/31 , !- Complex Field \#1
For: AllDays , !- Complex Field \#2
Until: 7:00, !- Complex Field \#3
0.0, !- Complex Field \#4
Until: 18:00 , !- Complex Field \#5
1.0, !- Complex Field \#6
Until: 24:00 , !- Complex Field \#7
0.0; !- Complex Field \#8

OutdoorAir:Mixer ,
Zone2PTACOAMixer , !- Name
Zone2PTACOAMixerOutletNode , !-Mixed Air Node Name
Zone2PTACOAInNode , !-Outdoor Air Stream Node Name
Zone2PTACExhNode , !- Relief Air Stream Node Name
Zone2PTACAirInletNode ; !- Return Air Stream Node Name

Fan:OnOff ,
Zone2PTACFan , !- Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
0.5, !- Fan Total Efficiency
75.0, !- Pressure Rise {Pa}
autosize , !- Maximum Flow Rate{m3/s}
0.9, !- Motor Efficiency
1.0, !- Motor In Airstream Fraction
Zone2PTACOAMixerOutletNode , !- Air Inlet Node Name
Zone2PTACFanOutletNode; !- Air Outlet Node Name

Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed ,
Zone2PTACDXCoolCoil , !- Coil Name
CoolingCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
autosize , !- Rated Total Cooling Capacity (gross) {W}
autosize , !- Rated SHR
3.0, !- Rated COP
autosize , !- Rated Air Volume Flow Rate {m3/s}
1238 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Zone2PTACFanOutletNode , !- Coil Air Inlet Node

Zone2PTACCoolCoilOutletNode , !-Coil Air Outlet Node
HPACCoolCapFT , !- Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve (function of
temperature)
HPACCoolCapFFF , !- Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve (function of flow
fraction)
HPACEIRFT , !- Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve (function of temperature)
HPACEIRFFF , !- Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve (function of flow
fraction)
HPACPLFFPLR; !- Part Load Fraction Correlation (function of part load ratio
)

Coil:Heating:Electric ,
Zone2PTACHeatCoil , !- Coil Name
HeatingCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
1.0, !- Efficiency
autosize , !- Nominal Capacity {W}
Zone2PTACCoolCoilOutletNode , !- Air Inlet Node Name
Zone2PTACAirOutletNode; !- Air Outlet Node Name

1.30.9.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Zone Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner Total Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner Total Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner Total Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner Total Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner Sensible Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner Sensible Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner Latent Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner Latent Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner Latent Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner Latent Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner Fan Part Load Ratio []

• HVAC,Average,Zone Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner Compressor Part Load Ratio []

• HVAC,Average,Zone Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner Fan Availability Status []

1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1239

1.30.9.2.1 Zone Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner Total Heating Rate [W]
This output field is the total (enthalpy) heat addition rate of the packaged terminal air con-
ditioner to the zone it is serving in Watts. This value is calculated using the enthalpy difference
of the air conditioner outlet air and inlet air streams, and the air mass flow rate through the air
conditioner. This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the
results (enthalpy addition only) are averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.30.9.2.2 Zone Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner Total Heating Energy [J]
This output field is the total (enthalpy) heat addition of the packaged terminal air conditioner
to the zone it is serving in Joules over the timestep being reported. This value is calculated using
the enthalpy difference of the air conditioner outlet air and inlet air streams, the air mass flow rate
through the air conditioner, and the HVAC simulation timestep. This value is calculated for each
HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the results (enthalpy addition only) are summed for
the timestep being reported.

1.30.9.2.3 Zone Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner Total Cooling Rate [W]
This output field is the total (enthalpy) heat extraction rate of the packaged terminal air
conditioner from the zone it is serving in Watts. This value is calculated using the enthalpy
difference of the air conditioner outlet air and inlet air streams, and the air mass flow rate through
the air conditioner. This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and
the results (enthalpy extraction only) are averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.30.9.2.4 Zone Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner Total Cooling Energy [J]
This output field is the total (enthalpy) heat extraction of the packaged terminal air conditioner
from the zone it is serving in Joules over the timestep being reported. This value is calculated using
the enthalpy difference of the air conditioner outlet air and inlet air streams, the air mass flow rate
through the air conditioner, and the HVAC simulation timestep. This value is calculated for each
HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the results (enthalpy extraction only) are summed for
the timestep being reported.

1.30.9.2.5 Zone Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner Sensible Heating Rate [W]

This output field is the sensible heat addition rate of the packaged terminal air conditioner to
the zone it is serving in Watts. This value is calculated using the enthalpy difference of the air
conditioner outlet air and inlet air streams at a constant humidity ratio, and the air mass flow
rate through the air conditioner. This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being
simulated, and the results (heating only) are averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.30.9.2.6 Zone Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner Sensible Heating Energy

[J]
This output field is the sensible heat addition of the packaged terminal air conditioner to the
zone it is serving in Joules over the timestep being reported. This value is calculated using the
enthalpy difference of the air conditioner outlet air and inlet air streams at a constant humidity
ratio, the air mass flow rate through the air conditioner, and the HVAC simulation timestep. This
value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the results (heating only)
are summed for the timestep being reported.
1240 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.30.9.2.7 Zone Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

This output field reports the moist air sensible heat extraction rate of the packaged terminal
air conditioner from the zone it is serving in Watts. This value is calculated using the enthalpy
difference of the air conditioner outlet air and inlet air streams at a constant humidity ratio,
and the air mass flow rate through the air conditioner. This value is calculated for each HVAC
system timestep being simulated, and the results (cooling only) are averaged for the timestep being
reported.

1.30.9.2.8 Zone Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner Sensible Cooling Energy

[J]
This output field reports the moist air sensible heat extraction of the packaged terminal air
conditioner from the zone it is serving in Joules over the timestep being reported. This value
is calculated using the enthalpy difference of the air conditioner outlet air and inlet air streams
at a constant humidity ratio, the air mass flow rate through the air conditioner, and the HVAC
simulation timestep. This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and
the results (cooling only) are summed for the timestep being reported.

1.30.9.2.9 Zone Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner Latent Heating Rate [W]

This output field is the latent heat addition (humidification) rate of the packaged terminal air
conditioner to the zone it is serving in Watts. This value is calculated as the difference between the
total energy rate and the sensible energy rate provided by the packaged terminal air conditioner.
This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the results (latent
heat addition only) are averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.30.9.2.10 Zone Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner Latent Heating Energy

[J]
This output field is the latent heat addition (humidification) of the packaged terminal air
conditioner to the zone it is serving in Joules over the timestep being reported. This value is
calculated as the difference between the total energy delivered to the zone and the sensible energy
delivered to the zone by the packaged terminal air conditioner. This value is calculated for each
HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the results (latent heat addition only) are summed
for the timestep being reported.

1.30.9.2.11 Zone Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner Latent Cooling Rate [W]

This output field is the latent heat extraction (dehumidification) rate of the packaged terminal
air conditioner from the zone it is serving in Watts. This value is calculated as the difference
between the total energy rate and the sensible energy rate provided by the packaged terminal air
conditioner. This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the
results (latent heat extraction only) are averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.30.9.2.12 Zone Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner Latent Cooling Energy [J]

This output field is the latent heat extraction (dehumidification) of the packaged terminal air
conditioner from the zone it is serving in Joules over the timestep being reported. This value is
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1241

calculated as the difference between the total energy delivered to the zone and the sensible energy
delivered to the zone by the packaged terminal air conditioner. This value is calculated for each
HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the results (latent heat extraction only) are summed
for the timestep being reported.

1.30.9.2.13 Zone Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner Electric Power [W]

This output field is the electricity consumption rate of the packaged terminal air conditioner in
Watts. The consumption includes electricity used by the compressor (including crankcase heater),
fans (indoor supply air fan and the condenser fan), and the heating coil (includes electricity con-
sumption rate for electric heating coil or parasitic electricity consumption rate for non-electric
coils). This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the results
are averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.30.9.2.14 Zone Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner Electric Energy [J]

This output field is the electricity consumption of the packaged terminal air conditioner in Joules
for the time period being reported. The consumption includes electricity used by the compressor
(including crankcase heater), fans (indoor supply air fan and the condenser fan), and the heating
coil (includes electricity consumption for electric heating coil or parasitic electricity consumption
for non-electric coils). This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being simulated,
and the results are summed for the timestep being reported.

1.30.9.2.15 Zone Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner Fan Part Load Ratio []
This output field is the part-load ratio of the fan. The fan part-load ratio is defined as the
average supply air mass flow rate divided by the maximum supply air mass flow rate. The maximum
supply air mass flow rate depends on whether heating, cooling, or no heating or cooling is required
during the timestep. This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and
the results are averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.30.9.2.16 Zone Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner Compressor Part Load

Ratio []
This output field is the part-load ratio used by the coils (cooling and heating). Part-load ratio
is defined as the total coil load divided by the coil steady-state capacity. This value is calculated for
each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the results are averaged for the timestep being
reported.

1.30.9.2.17 Zone Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner Fan Availability Status []

This is the availability status of the packaged terminal air conditioner fan. This status flag is a
result of the calculations made by the Availability Manager(s) listed in an AvailabilityManagerAs-
signmentList object and/or calculations made by Hybrid Ventilation Manager object. The Avail-
abilityManagerAssignmentList is an optional input in the packaged terminal air conditioner object.
When a single availability manager is used in an Availability Manager Assignment List, this is also
the availability status reported by the specific availability manager (Ref. AvailabilityManager:*
Outputs). For multiple availability managers in an Availability Manager Assignment List (with or
without Hybrid Ventilation Manager), rules to determine fan availability status are described in
the section ‘Group – System Availability Managers’. The control status outputs are represented
using integers 0 through 3. These integers represent NoAction (0), ForceOff (1), CycleOn (2),
1242 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

and CycleOnZoneFansOnly (3). Since the status output is averaged, the output result may not
correspond to the values described here when output variable frequencies other than detailed are
used. Use the “detailed” reporting frequency (Ref. Output:Variable object) to view the availability
status at each simulation timestep.

1.30.10 ZoneHVAC:PackagedTerminalHeatPump
The packaged terminal heat pump (PTHP) is a compound object made up of other components.
Each PTHP consists of an outdoor air mixer, direct expansion (DX) cooling coil, DX heating
coil, supply air fan, and a supplemental heating coil as shown in the figure below. These indi-
vidual components are described elsewhere in this document. The packaged terminal heat pump
coordinates the operation of these components and is modeled as a type of zone equipment (Ref.
ZoneHVAC:EquipmentList and ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections).

Figure 1.114: Schematic of a packaged terminal heat pump (draw through fan placement)

Links to the PTHP’s supply air fan, DX coils, supplemental heating coil, and outdoor air mixer
specifications are provided in the heat pump’s input syntax. Additional inputs include supply
and outdoor air flow rates during cooling operation, heating operation, and when neither cooling
or heating is required. A description of each input field for the packaged terminal heat pump
compound object is provided below.

1.30.10.1 Inputs
1.30.10.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field defines a unique user-assigned name for an instance of a packaged terminal
heat pump. Any reference to this heat pump by another object will use this name.
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1243

1.30.10.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This alpha field defines the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the heat
pump operates during a given time period. A schedule value equal to 0 denotes that the heat pump
must be off for that time period. A value greater than 0 denotes that the heat pump is available to
operate during that time period. This schedule may be used to completely disable the heat pump
(all of its coils and the supply air fan) as required. If this field is blank, the schedule has values of
1 for all time periods.

1.30.10.1.3 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

This alpha field defines the name of the HVAC system node from which the heat pump
draws its inlet air. This node name must be the name of a zone air exhaust node (Ref. Zone-
HVAC:EquipmentConnections).

1.30.10.1.4 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

This alpha field defines the name of the HVAC system node to which the heat pump
sends its outlet air. This node name must be the name of a zone air inlet node (Ref.
ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections).

1.30.10.1.5 Field: Outdoor Air Mixer Object Type

This field specifies the type of outdoor air mixer used by this PTHP. The outdoor air mixer
component is part of the PTHP compound object. The only available outdoor air mixer type is:

• OutdoorAir:Mixer

1.30.10.1.6 Field: Outdoor Air Mixer Name

This alpha field defines the name of an outdoor air mixer component which composes part of
the PTHP. Note that the return air node of the outdoor air mixer should also be the same node
as the air inlet node of the PTHP. Furthermore, the outdoor air mixer’s mixed air node should be
the same as the PTHP’s fan inlet air node (for blow through fan placement) or the PTHP’s DX
cooling coil inlet node (for draw through fan placement).

1.30.10.1.7 Field: Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the supply air flow rate leaving the heat pump in cubic meters per
second when the DX cooling coil is operating. Values must be greater than 0 or this field is
autosizable.

1.30.10.1.8 Field: Heating Supply Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the supply air flow rate leaving the heat pump in cubic meters per
second when the DX heating coil and/or supplemental heater are operating. Values must be greater
than 0 or this field is autosizable.

1.30.10.1.9 Field: No Load Supply Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the supply air flow rate leaving the heat pump in cubic meters per
second when neither cooling or heating is required (i.e., DX coils and supplemental heater are off
but the supply air fan operates). This field is only used when the heat pump’s supply air fan
operating mode schedule specifies continuous fan operation. Values must be greater than or equal
to zero, or this field is autosizable. If the heat pump’s supply air fan operating mode schedule
1244 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

specifies continuous fan operation and this value is set to zero or this field is left blank, then the
model assumes that the supply air flow rate when no cooling/heating is needed is equal to the
supply air flow rate when the cooling or heating coil was last operating (for cooling operation or
heating operation).

1.30.10.1.10 Field: Cooling Outdoor Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the outdoor air flow rate through the heat pump in cubic meters per
second when the DX cooling coil is operating. Values must be greater than or equal to 0, or this
field is autosizable. Note that the Cooling Outdoor Air Flow Rate is fixed; it cannot change during
the simulation. In addition, the Cooling Outdoor Air Flow Rate cannot be greater than the heat
pump’s supply air volumetric flow rate during cooling operation.

1.30.10.1.11 Field: Heating Outdoor Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the outdoor air flow rate through the heat pump in cubic meters per
second when the DX heating coil and/or supplemental heater are operating. Values must be greater
than or equal to 0, or this field is autosizable. Note that the Heating Outdoor Air Flow Rate is
fixed; it cannot change during the simulation. In addition, the Heating Outdoor Air Flow Rate
cannot be greater than the heat pump’s supply air volumetric flow rate during heating operation.

1.30.10.1.12 Field: No Load Outdoor Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the outdoor air flow rate through the heat pump in cubic meters per
second when neither cooling or heating is required (i.e., DX coils and supplemental heater are off but
the supply air fan operates). Values must be greater than or equal to 0, or this field is autosizable.
Note that the outdoor air flow rate when no cooling/heating is needed is fixed; it cannot change
during the simulation. In addition, the outdoor air flow rate when no cooling/heating is needed
cannot be greater than the heat pump’s supply air volumetric flow rate when no cooling/heating
is needed. This field is only used when the heat pump’s supply air fan operating mode schedule
specifies continuous fan operation. If the heat pump’s supply air fan operating mode schedule
specifies continuous fan operation and the field ‘Supply air volumetric flow rate when no cooling
or heating is needed’ is set to zero or is left blank, then the model assumes that the outdoor air
flow rate when no cooling/heating is needed is equal to the outdoor air flow rate when the cooling
or heating coil was last operating (for cooling operation [i.e., Cooling Outdoor Air Flow Rate] or
heating operation [i.e., Heating Outdoor Air Flow Rate]) and this field is not used.

1.30.10.1.13 Field: Supply Air Fan Object Type

This alpha field defines the type of fan used by this PTHP. The only valid choices are Fan:OnOff
and Fan:ConstantVolume. A fan of type Fan:OnOff may be used with either cycling or continuous
fan operating mode, and a fan of type Fan:ConstantVolume is used only with continuous fan
operating mode (see Supply Air Fan Operating Mode Schedule field below). The input requirements
for these fan objects are described elsewhere in this document.

1.30.10.1.14 Field: Supply Air Fan Name

The name of a constant volume fan component that composes part of the PTHP. Note that the
fan’s maximum flow rate should be greater than or equal to the maximum supply air flow rate for
the PTHP. The fan’s inlet node should be the same as the outdoor air mixer’s mixed air node (for
blow through fan placement) or the DX heating coil’s outlet node (for draw through fan placement).
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1245

The fan’s outlet node should be the same as the DX cooling coil’s air inlet node (for blow through
fan placement) or the supplemental heater’s air inlet node (for draw through fan placement).

1.30.10.1.15 Field: Heating Coil Object Type

This alpha field defines the type of DX heating coil to be used by this PTHP. The only valid
choice are Coil:Heating:DX:SingleSpeed and Coil:Heating:DX:VariableSpeed. The input
requirements for this DX heating coil object are described elsewhere in this document.

1.30.10.1.16 Field: Heating Coil Name

This alpha field defines the name of the DX heating coil used by this PTHP, and this name
should match the name specified in the corresponding DX heating coil object.

1.30.10.1.17 Field: Heating Convergence Tolerance

This numeric field defines the convergence tolerance for the unit’s heating output. This field
allows the user some control over how closely the heat pump will control the air-side conditions.
The relative size of this parameter relates directly to the closeness of the control. A very small value
in this field will result in tight control and will probably result in larger numbers of iterations. A
large value in this field will result in looser controls and could result in unsatisfactory fluctuations
in zone air temperature. Initial experience with this parameter lends to the recommendation of
using 0.001 as the starting point.
The heat pump is controlled by matching its sensible (temperature) heating output to the zone
sensible load (demand). Because the performance of the DX heating coil is frequently non-linear,
the heat pump model must call the DX heating coil model several times (iterate) to determine the
proper run time fraction to meet the zone load. The heating convergence tolerance is the error
tolerance used to terminate the iteration procedure when the following equation is satisfied:

|(QZoneLoad − QHeatP ump,out )|

≤ Heating ConvergenceT olerance (1.130)
QZoneLoad
The maximum number of iterations is limited, with a warning message generated if the above
equation is not satisfied within the maximum number of iterations.

1.30.10.1.18 Field: Minimum Outdoor Dry-Bulb Temperature for Compressor

Operation
This numeric field defines the minimum outdoor dry-bulb temperature in degrees Celsius for
PTHP compressor operation. The compressor will not operate (for DX heating or DX cooling)
when outdoor dry-bulb temperatures fall below this value. The minimum value must be greater
than or equal to -20 °C. If this field is left blank, the default value is -8°C. This temperature should
match the minimum compressor operating temperature specified for the heat pump’s DX heating
coil (if they don’t match, the highest of the two temperatures will be the cut-off temperature for
compressor operation).

1.30.10.1.19 Field: Cooling Coil Object Type

This alpha field defines the type of DX cooling coil used by this PTHP. The input requirements
for these DX cooling coil objects are described elsewhere in this document. Only allowable coil
types are:

• Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed
1246 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• CoilSystem:Cooling:DX:HeatExchangerAssisted

• Coil:Cooling:DX:VariableSpeed

1.30.10.1.20 Field: Cooling Coil Name

This alpha field defines the name of the cooling coil used by this PTHP, and this name should
match the name specified in the corresponding DX cooling coil object.

1.30.10.1.21 Field: Cooling Convergence Tolerance

This numeric field defines the convergence tolerance for the unit’s cooling output. This field
allows the user some control over how closely the heat pump will control the air-side conditions.
The relative size of this parameter relates directly to the closeness of the control. A very small value
in this field will result in tight control and will probably result in larger numbers of iterations. A
large value in this field will result in looser controls and could result in unsatisfactory fluctuations
in zone air temperature. Initial experience with this parameter lends to the recommendation of
using 0.001 as the starting point.
The heat pump is controlled by matching its sensible (temperature) cooling output to the zone
sensible load (demand). Because the performance of the DX cooling coil is frequently non-linear,
the heat pump model must call the DX cooling coil model several times (iterate) to determine the
proper run time fraction to meet the zone load. The cooling convergence tolerance is the error
tolerance used to terminate the iteration procedure when the following equation is satisfied:

|(QZoneLoad − QHeatP ump,out )|

≤ Cooling ConvergenceT olerance (1.131)
QZoneLoad
The maximum number of iterations is limited, with a warning message generated if the above
equation is not satisfied within the maximum number of iterations.

1.30.10.1.22 Field: Supplemental Heating Coil Object Type

This alpha field defines the type of supplemental heating coil to be used by this PTHP. The
input requirements for these heating coil objects are described elsewhere in this document. The
hot water and steam heating coils require specifying plant loop, branches, and connector objects
to support the heating coils, and are placed on the demand side of the plantloop. The hot water
flow modulation through the supplemental heating coil does not require additional controller or
Controller:WaterCoil object. The parent object (PTHP) itself provides the “controller” function of
modulating water flow. Allowable coil types are:

• Coil:Heating:Electric

• Coil:Heating:Gas

• Coil:Heating:Water

• Coil:Heating:Steam

1.30.10.1.23 Field: Supplemental Heating Coil Name

This alpha field defines the name of the supplemental heating coil used by this PTHP, and this
name should match the name specified in the corresponding heating coil object.
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1247

1.30.10.1.24 Field: Maximum Supply Air Temperature from Supplemental

Heater
This numeric field defines the maximum supply air temperature in degrees Celsius exiting the
heat pump supplemental heater coil. The supplemental heater will be controlled so that its supply
air temperature does not exceed this value. This field is autosizable.

1.30.10.1.25 Field: Maximum Outdoor Dry-Bulb Temperature for Supplemen-

tal Heater Operation
This numeric field defines the maximum outdoor dry-bulb temperature in degrees Celsius for
PTHP supplemental heater operation. The supplemental heater will not operate when the outdoor
dry-bulb temperature is above this value. The maximum value must be less than or equal to 21°C.
If this field is left blank, the default value is 21°C.

1.30.10.1.26 Field: Fan Placement

This alpha field has two choices: BlowThough or DrawThrough. The first choice stands for
“blow through fan”. This means that the unit consists of an outdoor air mixer followed by a fan
followed by the DX coils and supplemental heating coil. The fan “blows through” the cooling and
heating coils. The second choice stands for “draw through fan”. This means that the unit consists
of an outdoor air mixer followed by the DX coil(s) followed by a fan, with the supplemental heater
located at the outlet of the fan. The fan “draws air through” the DX coil(s). If this field is left
blank, the default is draw through.
Note: the packaged terminal heat pump’s supply air fan, cooling coil, heating coil and supple-
mentary heating coil must be connected according to the configuration shown above (Figure 1.114)
for the draw through fan configuration. The only other valid configuration is with a blow through
fan placement, where the fan is located between the outdoor air mixer and the DX cooling coil.

1.30.10.1.27 Field: Supply Air Fan Operating Mode Schedule Name

This alpha field specifies the name of the supply air fan operating mode schedule. The supply
air fan operating mode may vary during the simulation based on time-of-day or with a change of
season. Schedule values of 0 denote that the supply air fan and the heating or cooling coil cycle
on and off together to meet the heating or cooling load (a.k.a. AUTO fan). Schedule values other
than 0 denote that the supply air fan runs continuously while the heating or cooling coil cycles
to meet the load. If this field is left blank, the model assumes the supply air fan cycles with the
heating or cooling coil throughout the simulation.

1.30.10.1.28 Field: Availability Manager List Name

This optional input field is the name of an AvailabilityManagerAssignmentList object. An
Availability Manager Assignment List is a list of Availability Managers giving both Availability
Manager type and name. The availability managers in the list apply to this packaged terminal
heat pump or object’s fan. If the packaged terminal heat pump is available (per the Availability
Schedule Name input field above) and this input field has a valid availability manager assignment
list name, then the availability managers in the list determine when and if the fan of this packaged
terminal heat pump object should be on or off.

1.30.10.1.29 Field: Design Specification ZoneHVAC Sizing Object Name

This optional input field is the name of a DesignSpecification:ZoneHVAC:Sizing object. The
name must correspond to unique name of a DesignSpecification:ZoneHVAC:Sizing object. A Design
1248 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Sepcification Zone HVAC Sizing object defines scalable sizing methods for sizing input fields such
as Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate in this PTHP zone HVAC object. The scaled Supply Air Flow
Rate in turn is used to size cooling and heating capacity of the unit.
As shown in the example below, correct specification of the packaged terminal heat pump
requires the following objects in addition to the compound object itself:

1) Fan (Fan:OnOff or Fan:ConstantVolume)

2) DX cooling coil (Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed or CoilSystem:Cooling:DX:HeatExchangerAssisted)

3) DX heating coil (Coil:Heating:DX:SingleSpeed)

4) Supplemental heating coil (Coil:Heating:Gas or Coil:Heating:Electric)

5) OutdoorAir:Mixer

ZoneHVAC:PackagedTerminalHeatPump ,
Zone2PTHP , !- Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
Zone2PTHPAirInletNode , !- Air Inlet Node Name
Zone2PTHPAirOutletNode , !- Air Outlet Node Name
OutdoorAir:Mixer , !- Outdoor Air Mixer Object Type
Zone2PTHPOAMixer , !- Outdoor Air Mixer Name
autosize , !- Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
autosize , !- Heating Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
autosize , !- No Load Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
autosize , !- Cooling Outdoor Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
autosize , !- Heating Outdoor Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
autosize , !- No Load Outdoor Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
Fan:OnOff , !- Supply Air Fan Object Type
Zone2PTHPFan , !- Supply Air Fan Name
Coil:Heating:DX:SingleSpeed , !- Heating Coil Object Type
Zone2PTHPDXHeatCoil , !- Heating Coil Name
0.001 , !- Heating Convergence Tolerance {dimensionless}
2.0, !- Minimum Outdoor Dry -Bulb Temperature for Compressor Operation {C}
Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed , !- Cooling Coil Object Type
Zone2PTHPDXCoolCoil , !- Cooling Coil Name
0.001 , !- Cooling Convergence Tolerance {dimensionless}
Coil:Heating:Electric , !- Supplemental Heating Coil Object Type
Zone2PTHPSupHeater , !- Supplemental Heating Coil Name
autosize , !- Maximum Supply Air Temperature from Supplemental Heater {C}
10.0, !- Maximum Outdoor Dry -Bulb Temperature for Supplemental Heater
Operation {C}
BlowThrough , !- Fan Placement
CyclingFanSch; !- Supply Air Fan Operating Mode Schedule Name

Schedule:Compact ,
CyclingFanSch , !- Name
Fraction , !- ScheduleType
Through: 12/31 , !- Complex Field \#1
For: AllDays , !- Complex Field \#2
Until: 24:00 , !- Complex Field \#7
0.0; !- Complex Field \#8

OutdoorAir:Mixer ,
Zone2PTHPOAMixer , !- Name
Zone2PTHPOAMixerOutletNode , !-Mixed Air Node Name
Zone2PTHPOAInNode , !-Outdoor Air Stream Node Name
Zone2PTHPExhNode , !- Relief Air Stream Node Name
Zone2PTHPAirInletNode ; !- Return Air Stream Node Name
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1249

Fan:OnOff ,
Zone2PTHPFan , !- Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
0.5, !- Fan Total Efficiency
75.0, !- Pressure Rise {Pa}
autosize , !- Maximum Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.9, !- Motor Efficiency
1.0, !- Motor In Airstream Fraction
Zone2PTHPOAMixerOutletNode , !- Air Inlet Node Name
Zone2PTHPFanOutletNode; !- Air Outlet Node Name

Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed ,
Zone2PTHPDXCoolCoil , !- Coil Name
CoolingCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule
autosize , !- Rated Total Cooling Capacity (gross) {W}
autosize , !- Rated SHR
3.0, !- Rated COP
autosize , !- Rated Air Volume Flow Rate {m3/s}
Zone2PTHPFanOutletNode , !- Coil Air Inlet Node
Zone2PTHPCoolCoilOutletNode , !- Coil Air Outlet Node
HPACCoolCapFT , !- Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve (function of
temperature)
HPACCoolCapFFF , !- Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve (function of flow
fraction)
HPACEIRFT , !- Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve (function of temperature)
HPACEIRFFF , !- Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve (function of flow
fraction)
HPACPLFFPLR; !- Part Load Fraction Correlation (function of part load ratio
)

COIL:Heating:DX:SingleSpeed ,
Zone2PTHPDXHeatCoil , !- Coil Name
HeatingCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule
autosize , !- Rated Total Heating Capacity {W}
2.75, !- Rated COP
autosize , !- Rated Air Volume Flow Rate {m3/s}
Zone2PTHPCoolCoilOutletNode , !- Coil Air Inlet Node
Zone2PTHPDXHeatCoilOutletNode , !- Coil Air Outlet Node
HPACHeatCapFT , !- Total heating capacity modifier curve (function of
temperature)
HPACHeatCapFFF , !- Total heating capacity modifier curve (function of flow
fraction)
HPACHeatEIRFT , !- Energy input ratio modifier curve (function of temperature)
HPACHeatEIRFFF , !- Energy input ratio modifier curve (function of flow fraction
)
HPACCOOLPLFFPLR , !- Part load fraction correlation (function of part load ratio)
, !- Defrost energy input ratio modifier curve (function of
temperature)
2.0, !- Minimum Outdoor Dry -bulb Temperature for Compressor
Operation {C}
5.0, !- Maximum Outdoor Dry -bulb Temperature for Defrost Operation {
C}
200.0 , !- Crankcase Heater Capacity {W}
10.0, !- Maximum Outdoor Dry -bulb Temperature for Crankcase Heater
Operation {C}
Resistive , !- Defrost Strategy
TIMED , !- Defrost Control
0.166667 , !- Defrost Time Period Fraction
20000; !- Resistive Defrost Heater Capacity {W}

Coil:Heating:Electric ,
Zone2PTHPSupHeater , !- Name
HeatingCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
1.0, !- Efficiency
autosize , !- Nominal Capacity {W}
Zone2PTHPDXHeatCoilOutletNode , !- Air Inlet Node Name
Zone2PTHPAirOutletNode; !- Air Outlet Node Name
1250 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.30.10.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Zone Packaged Terminal Heat Pump Total Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Packaged Terminal Heat Pump Total Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Packaged Terminal Heat Pump Total Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Packaged Terminal Heat Pump Total Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Packaged Terminal Heat Pump Sensible Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Packaged Terminal Heat Pump Sensible Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Packaged Terminal Heat Pump Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Packaged Terminal Heat Pump Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Packaged Terminal Heat Pump Latent Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Packaged Terminal Heat Pump Latent Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Packaged Terminal Heat Pump Latent Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Packaged Terminal Heat Pump Latent Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Packaged Terminal Heat Pump Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Packaged Terminal Heat Pump Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Packaged Terminal Heat Pump Fan Part Load Ratio []

• HVAC,Average,Zone Packaged Terminal Heat Pump Compressor Part Load Ratio []

• HVAC,Average,Zone Packaged Terminal Heat Pump Fan Availability Status []

1.30.10.2.1 Zone Packaged Terminal Heat Pump Total Heating Rate [W]
This output field is the total (enthalpy) heat addition rate of the packaged terminal heat pump
to the zone it is serving in Watts. This value is calculated using the enthalpy difference of the
heat pump outlet air and inlet air streams, and the air mass flow rate through the heat pump.
This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the results (enthalpy
addition only) are averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.30.10.2.2 Zone Packaged Terminal Heat Pump Total Heating Energy [J]
This output field is the total (enthalpy) heat addition of the packaged terminal heat pump to
the zone it is serving in Joules over the timestep being reported. This value is calculated using the
enthalpy difference of the heat pump outlet air and inlet air streams, the air mass flow rate through
the heat pump, and the HVAC simulation timestep. This value is calculated for each HVAC system
timestep being simulated, and the results (enthalpy addition only) are summed for the timestep
being reported.
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1251

1.30.10.2.3 Zone Packaged Terminal Heat Pump Total Cooling Rate [W]
This output field is the total (enthalpy) heat extraction rate of the packaged terminal heat
pump from the zone it is serving in Watts. This value is calculated using the enthalpy difference of
the heat pump outlet air and inlet air streams, and the air mass flow rate through the heat pump.
This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the results (enthalpy
extraction only) are averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.30.10.2.4 Zone Packaged Terminal Heat Pump Total Cooling Energy [J]
This output field is the total (enthalpy) heat extraction of the packaged terminal heat pump
from the zone it is serving in Joules over the timestep being reported. This value is calculated
using the enthalpy difference of the heat pump outlet air and inlet air streams, the air mass flow
rate through the heat pump, and the HVAC simulation timestep. This value is calculated for each
HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the results (enthalpy extraction only) are summed for
the timestep being reported.

1.30.10.2.5 Zone Packaged Terminal Heat Pump Sensible Heating Rate [W]
This output field is the sensible heat addition rate of the packaged terminal heat pump to the
zone it is serving in Watts. This value is calculated using the enthalpy difference of the heat pump
outlet air and inlet air streams at a constant humidity ratio, and the air mass flow rate through
the heat pump. This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the
results (heating only) are averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.30.10.2.6 Zone Packaged Terminal Heat Pump Sensible Heating Energy [J]
This output field is the sensible heat addition of the packaged terminal heat pump to the zone
it is serving in Joules over the timestep being reported. This value is calculated using the enthalpy
difference of the heat pump outlet air and inlet air streams at a constant humidity ratio, the air
mass flow rate through the heat pump, and the HVAC simulation timestep. This value is calculated
for each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the results (heating only) are summed for
the timestep being reported.

1.30.10.2.7 Zone Packaged Terminal Heat Pump Sensible Cooling Rate [W]
This output field reports the moist air sensible heat extraction rate of the packaged terminal
heat pump from the zone it is serving in Watts. This value is calculated using the enthalpy difference
of the heat pump outlet air and inlet air streams at a constant humidity ratio, and the air mass
flow rate through the heat pump. This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being
simulated, and the results (cooling only) are averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.30.10.2.8 Zone Packaged Terminal Heat Pump Sensible Cooling Energy [J]
This output field reports the moist air sensible heat extraction of the packaged terminal heat
pump from the zone it is serving in Joules over the timestep being reported. This value is calculated
using the enthalpy difference of the heat pump outlet air and inlet air streams at a constant humidity
ratio, the air mass flow rate through the heat pump, and the HVAC simulation timestep. This value
is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the results (cooling only) are
summed for the timestep being reported.
1252 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.30.10.2.9 Zone Packaged Terminal Heat Pump Latent Heating Rate [W]
This output field is the latent heat addition (humidification) rate of the packaged terminal heat
pump to the zone it is serving in Watts. This value is calculated as the difference between the total
energy rate and the sensible energy rate provided by the packaged terminal heat pump. This value
is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the results (latent heat addition
only) are averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.30.10.2.10 Zone Packaged Terminal Heat Pump Latent Heating Energy [J]
This output field is the latent heat addition (humidification) of the packaged terminal heat
pump to the zone it is serving in Joules over the timestep being reported. This value is calculated
as the difference between the total energy delivered to the zone and the sensible energy delivered
to the zone by the packaged terminal heat pump. This value is calculated for each HVAC system
timestep being simulated, and the results (latent heat addition only) are summed for the timestep
being reported.

1.30.10.2.11 Zone Packaged Terminal Heat Pump Latent Cooling Rate [W]
This output field is the latent heat extraction (dehumidification) rate of the packaged terminal
heat pump from the zone it is serving in Watts. This value is calculated as the difference between
the total energy rate and the sensible energy rate provided by the packaged terminal heat pump.
This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the results (latent
heat extraction only) are averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.30.10.2.12 Zone Packaged Terminal Heat Pump Latent Cooling Energy [J]
This output field is the latent heat extraction (dehumidification) of the packaged terminal heat
pump from the zone it is serving in Joules over the timestep being reported. This value is calculated
as the difference between the total energy delivered to the zone and the sensible energy delivered
to the zone by the packaged terminal heat pump. This value is calculated for each HVAC system
timestep being simulated, and the results (latent heat extraction only) are summed for the timestep
being reported.

1.30.10.2.13 Zone Packaged Terminal Heat Pump Electric Power [W]

This output field is the electricity consumption rate of the packaged terminal heat pump in
Watts. The consumption includes electricity used by the compressor (including crankcase heater),
fans (indoor supply air fan and the condenser fan), and the supplemental heating coil (if electric).
This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the results are
averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.30.10.2.14 Zone Packaged Terminal Heat Pump Electric Energy [J]

This output field is the electricity consumption of the packaged terminal heat pump in Joules
for the time period being reported. The consumption includes electricity used by the compressor
(including crankcase heater), fans (indoor supply air fan and the condenser fan), and the supple-
mental heating coil (if electric). This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being
simulated, and the results are summed for the timestep being reported.

1.30.10.2.15 Zone Packaged Terminal Heat Pump Fan Part Load Ratio []
This output field is the part-load ratio of the fan. The fan part-load ratio is defined as the
average supply air mass flow rate divided by the maximum supply air mass flow rate. The maximum
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1253

supply air mass flow rate depends on whether heating, cooling, or no heating or cooling is required
during the timestep. This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and
the results are averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.30.10.2.16 Zone Packaged Terminal Heat Pump Compressor Part Load Ratio
[]
This output field is the part-load ratio of the compressor used by the DX coils (cooling and
heating). Compressor part-load ratio is defined as the total coil load divided by the coil steady-state
capacity. This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the results
are averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.30.10.2.17 Zone Packaged Terminal Heat Pump Fan Availability Status []

This is the availability status of the packaged terminal heat pump fan. This status flag is a
result of the calculations made by the Availability Manager(s) listed in an AvailabilityManagerAs-
signmentList object and/or calculations made by Hybrid Ventilation Manager object. The Avail-
abilityManagerAssignmentList is an optional input in the packaged terminal heat pump object.
When a single availability manager is used in an Availability Manager Assignment List, this is also
the availability status reported by the specific availability manager (Ref. AvailabilityManager:*
Outputs). For multiple availability managers in an Availability Manager Assignment List (with or
without Hybrid Ventilation Manager), rules to determine fan availability status are described in
the section ‘Group – System Availability Managers’. The control status outputs are represented
using integers 0 through 3. These integers represent NoAction (0), ForceOff (1), CycleOn (2),
and CycleOnZoneFansOnly (3). Since the status output is averaged, the output result may not
correspond to the values described here when output variable frequencies other than detailed are
used. Use the “detailed” reporting frequency (Ref. Output:Variable object) to view the availability
status at each simulation timestep.

1.30.11 ZoneHVAC:RefrigerationChillerSet
The ZoneHVAC:RefrigerationChillerSet object works in conjunction with one or multiple air
chillers, compressor racks, refrigeration systems, or refrigeration secondary system objects
(Ref. Refrigeration:AirChiller Refrigeration:CompressorRack, Refrigeration:System, or Refrigera-
tion:SecondarySystem) to simulate the performance of a group of air chillers cooling a single zone.
The chiller set model passes information about the zone conditions to determine the performance
of individual chiller coils within the set, thus providing the sensible and latent heat exchange with
the zone environment.
The refrigeration chiller set object inputs include a name, an availability schedule name, the
name of the zone cooled by the chiller set, the air inlet node name, the air outlet node name, and
an extensible list of air chiller names (Ref. Refrigeration:AirChiller).

1.30.11.1 Inputs
1.30.11.1.1 Field: Name
A unique user-assigned name for an instance of a refrigeration chiller. Any reference to this
refrigeration chiller by another object (may be listed in a Refrigeration:CaseAndWalkInList, Re-
frigeration:System, Refrigeration:SecondarySystem, or Refrigeration:CompressorRack) will use this
name.
1254 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.30.11.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

The name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the refrigeration chiller can
operate during a given time period. A schedule value greater than 0 (maximum schedule value of
1.0 is typically used) indicates that the refrigeration chiller will operate during a given time period.
A value equal to 0 denotes that the case does not operate (everything is OFF: refrigeration, fans,
lights, anti-sweat, etc.). Typically the refrigeration chiller will operate throughout the day (i.e.,
the schedule will contain 1 for all time periods); however, refrigeration chillers require maintenance
and/or cleaning and this can be modeled accordingly using this schedule if desired. If this field is
left blank, the default schedule has a value of 1 for all time periods.

1.30.11.1.3 Field: Zone Name

A unique user-assigned name for the zone cooled by this refrigeration chiller. This zone must
represent a conditioned space, that is, it must appear in a ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections
object.

1.30.11.1.4 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

Not used, reserved for future use. Current version exchanges energy directly with the zone,
external of any air system. (Future: The name of the zone exhaust node (see Node) from which
the refrigeration chiller draws its indoor air. This should be one of the zone exhaust nodes for the
zone cooled by the chiller set.)

1.30.11.1.5 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

Not used, reserved for future use. Current version exchanges energy directly with the zone,
external of any air system. (Future: The name of the node where the chiller coil sends its outlet
air, which must be one of the inlet air nodes for the zone which is being cooled.)

1.30.11.1.6 Field: Air Chiller #1 Name

The name of the first air chiller that will be used to meet the zone cooling load.

1.30.11.1.7 Field: Air Chiller #2 Name

The name of the second air chiller that will be used to meet the zone cooling load.

1.30.11.1.8 Field: Air Chiller #3 Name

The name of the third air chiller that will be used to meet the zone cooling load.

1.30.11.1.9 Field: Air Chiller #n Name (Extensible list, 20 provided in the

IDD)
The name of the nth air chiller that will be used to meet the zone cooling load.
The following is an example input for a refrigeration chiller set.

ZoneHVAC:RefrigerationChillerSet ,
SubFreezerChillerSet , !- Name
, !- Availability Schedule Name
SubFreezer , !- Zone Name
NODE_142 , !- Air Inlet Node Name
NODE_141 , !- Air Outlet Node Name
SubFreezerAirChiller_1 , !- Air Chiller \#1 Name
SubFreezerAirChiller_2 , !- Air Chiller \#2 Name
SubFreezerAirChiller_3; !- Air Chiller \#3 Name
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1255

There are no outputs variables for a ZoneHVAC:RefrigerationChillerSet. Outputs for the re-
frigeration impact on any zone are listed in the Group:Refrigeration.

1.30.12 ZoneHVAC:WaterToAirHeatPump
The zone water-to-air heat pump is a compound component consisting of a fan, water-to-air cooling
and heating coils, and a supplemental heating coil. Links to the fan, WaterToAirHeatPump cooling
coil, WaterToAirHeatPump heating coil, and supplementary heating coil specifications are provided
in the heat pump’s input data syntax. The heat pump switches between cooling and heating de-
pending on the zone’s demand. The load side (air) of the zone water-to-air heat pump consists of an
On/Off fan component, a WaterToAirHeatPump cooling coil component, a WaterToAirHeatPump
heating coil component, and a Gas or Electric supplemental heating coil component. The source
side (water) of the heat pump is connected to a condenser loop with a heat exchanger (ground
heat exchanger or other type) or a plant loop with a heating source such as a boiler and a cooling
source such as a chiller or cooling tower. The diagram below shows the setup and connection of
the heat pump for the source side and load side for a ground heat exchanger configuration. Note
that on the load side, the WaterToAirHeatPump cooling coil must always be placed before the
WaterToAirHeatPump heating coil.
For this zone heat pump,there are two types of WaterToAirHeatPump coil model allowed:

• Coil:Cooling:WaterToAirHeatPump:EquationFit

• Coil:Heating:WaterToAirHeatPump:EquationFit

• Coil:Cooling:WaterToAirHeatPump:VariableSpeedEquationFit

• Coil:Heating:WaterToAirHeatPump:VariableSpeedEquationFit

1.30.12.1 Inputs
1.30.12.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the zone system heat pump.

1.30.12.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This alpha field defines the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the heat
pump operates during a given time period. A schedule value equal to 0 denotes that the heat pump
must be off for that time period. A value greater than 0 denotes that the heat pump is available to
operate during that time period. This schedule may be used to completely disable the heat pump
(all of its coils and the supply air fan) as required. If this field is blank, the schedule has values of
1 for all time periods.

1.30.12.1.3 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the name of the HVAC system node from which the heat
pump draws its inlet air. This node must be a zone exhaust node as specified in a Zone-
HVAC:EquipmentConnections object.
1256 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.115: Zone Water to Air Heat Pump Schematic for a DrawThrough Configuration
with Ground Heat Exchanger
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1257

1.30.12.1.4 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the name of the HVAC system node to which the heat pump sends its
outlet air. This node must be a zone inlet node as specified in a ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections
object.

1.30.12.1.5 Field: Outdoor Air Mixer Object Type

This field specifies the type of outdoor air mixer used by this WaterToAirHeatPump unit. The
outdoor air mixer component is part of the WaterToAirHeatPump compound object. The only
available outdoor air mixer type is:

• OutdoorAir:Mixer

1.30.12.1.6 Field: Outdoor Air Mixer Name

This alpha field defines the name of an outdoor air mixer component which composes part of
the zone WaterToAirHeatPump. The return air stream node of the outdoor air mixer should also
be the same node as the air inlet node of the WaterToAirHeatPump. Furthermore, the outdoor
air mixer’s mixed air node should be the same as the WaterToAirHeatPump’s fan inlet air node
(for blow through fan placement) or the WaterToAirHeatPump’s cooling coil inlet node (for draw
through fan placement).

1.30.12.1.7 Field: Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the supply air flow rate leaving the heat pump in cubic meters per
second when the DX cooling coil is operating. Values must be greater than 0 or this field is
autosizable.

1.30.12.1.8 Field: Heating Supply Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the supply air flow rate leaving the heat pump in cubic meters per
second when the DX heating coil and/or supplemental heater are operating. Values must be greater
than 0 or this field is autosizable.

1.30.12.1.9 Field: No Load Supply Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the supply air flow rate leaving the heat pump in cubic meters per
second when neither cooling or heating is required (i.e., DX coils and supplemental heater are off
but the supply air fan operates). This field is only used when the heat pump’s supply air fan
operating mode schedule specifies continuous fan operation. Values must be greater than or equal
to zero, or this field is autosizable. If the heat pump’s supply air fan operating mode schedule
specifies continuous fan operation and this value is set to zero or this field is left blank, then the
model assumes that the supply air flow rate when no cooling/heating is needed is equal to the
supply air flow rate when the cooling or heating coil was last operating (for cooling operation or
heating operation).

1.30.12.1.10 Field: Cooling Outdoor Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the outdoor air flow rate through the heat pump in cubic meters per
second when the DX cooling coil is operating. Values must be greater than or equal to 0, or this
field is autosizable. Note that the outside air flow rate during cooling operation is fixed; it cannot
change during the simulation. In addition, the outside air flow rate during cooling operation cannot
be greater than the heat pump’s supply air flow rate during cooling operation.
1258 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.30.12.1.11 Field: Heating Outdoor Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the outdoor air flow rate through the heat pump in cubic meters
per second when the DX heating coil and/or supplemental heater are operating. Values must be
greater than or equal to 0, or this field is autosizable. Note that the outside air flow rate during
heating operation is fixed; it cannot change during the simulation. In addition, the outside air flow
rate during heating operation cannot be greater than the heat pump’s supply air flow rate during
heating operation.

1.30.12.1.12 Field: No Load Outdoor Air Flow Rate When No Cooling or Heat-
ing is Needed
This numeric field defines the outdoor air flow rate through the heat pump in cubic meters
per second when neither cooling or heating is required (i.e., DX coils and supplemental heater are
off but the supply air fan operates). Values must be greater than or equal to 0, or this field is
autosizable. Note that the no load outdoor air flow rate cannot change during the simulation. In
addition, the no load outdoor air flow rate cannot be greater than the heat pump’s no load supply
air flow rate. This field is only used when the heat pump’s supply air fan operating mode schedule
specifies continuous fan operation. If the heat pump’s supply air fan operating mode schedule
specifies continuous fan operation and the field “No Load Supply Air Flow Rate” is set to zero or
is left blank, then the model assumes that the no load outdoor air flow rate is equal to the outdoor
air flow rate when the cooling or heating coil was last operating (for cooling operation [i.e., Cooling
outdoor air flow rate] or heating operation [i.e., Heating outdoor air flow rate]) and this field is not
used.

1.30.12.1.13 Field: Supply Air Fan Object Type

This alpha field contains the identifying type of supply air fan specified in the heat pump. Fan
type must be Fan:OnOff.

1.30.12.1.14 Field: Supply Air Fan Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the heat pump supply air fan, and should
match the name specified in the corresponding fan object.

1.30.12.1.15 Field: Heating Coil Object Type

This alpha field contains the identifying type of heating coil specified in the heat pump. The only
valid types are Coil:Heating:WaterToAirHeatPump:EquationFit Coil:Heating:WaterToAirHeatPump:VariableSpee

1.30.12.1.16 Field: Heating Coil Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the WaterToAirHeatPump heating coil,
and should match the name specified in the corresponding WaterToAirHeatPump heating coil
object.

1.30.12.1.17 Field: Cooling Coil Object Type

This alpha field contains the identifying type of cooling coil specified in the heat
pump. The only valid types are Coil:Cooling:WaterToAirHeatPump:EquationFit and
Coil:Cooling:WaterToAirHeatPump:VariableSpeedEquationFit.
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1259

1.30.12.1.18 Field: Cooling Coil Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the WaterToAirHeatPump cooling coil,
and should match the name specified in the corresponding WaterToAirHeatPump cooling coil
object.

1.30.12.1.19 Field: Maximum Cycling Rate

This numeric field contains the maximum on-off cycling rate for the compressor, which occurs
at 50% run time fraction. Suggested values are shown below (Henderson et al. 1999):

Figure 1.116:

1.30.12.1.20 Field: Heat Pump Time Constant

This numeric field contains the time constant for the cooling coil’s capacity to reach steady
state after startup. Suggested values are shown below (Henderson et al. 1999):

Figure 1.117:

1.30.12.1.21 Field: Fraction of On-Cycle Power Use

This numeric field contains the fraction of on-cycle power use to adjust the part load frac-
tion based on the off-cycle power consumption due to crankcase heaters, controls, fans, and etc.
Suggested value values are below (Henderson et al. 1999):

1.30.12.1.22 Field: Heat Pump Fan Delay Time

This numeric field contains the time delay in seconds for the heat pump supply air fan to
shut off after compressor cycle off. This value can be obtained from the manufacturer or the
heat pump catalog. Suggested value is 60 seconds. This value is disregared at times when the
WaterToAirHeatPump’s fan operating mode schedule value is greater than 0 (i.e., continuous fan
mode).
1260 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.118:

1.30.12.1.23 Field: Supplemental Heating Coil Object Type

This is the object type of the supplemental heating coil. The hot water and steam heating
coils require specifying plant loop, branches, and connector objects to support the heating coils,
and are placed on the demand side of the plantloop. The hot water flow modulation through the
supplemental heating coil does not require additional controller or Controller:WaterCoil object.
The parent object (Zone Water to Air Heat Pump) itself provides the “controller” function of
modulating water flow. The valid choices are:

• Coil:Heating:Electric

• Coil:Heating:Gas

• Coil:Heating:Water

• Coil:Heating:Steam

1.30.12.1.24 Field: Supplemental Heating Coil Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the supplemental heating coil, and should
match the name specified in the corresponding supplemental heating coil object.

1.30.12.1.25 Field: Maximum Supply Air Temperature from Supplemental

Heater
This numeric field defines the maximum allowed supply air temperature exiting the heat pump
supplemental heating coil in degrees Celsius.

1.30.12.1.26 Field: Maximum Outdoor Dry-Bulb Temperature for Supplemen-

tal Heater Operation
This numeric field defines the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature in degrees Celsius above which
the heat pump supplemental heating coil is disabled. The temperature for this input field must be
less than or equal to 21°C. If this input field is left blank, the default value is 21°C.

1.30.12.1.27 Field: Outdoor Dry-Bulb Temperature Sensor Node Name

This alpha field specifies the name of the outdoor node which controls the operation of the
supplemental heating coil. If this field is left blank, the outdoor temperature is based solely on
the weather data. If this field is not blank, the node name specified must also be listed in an
OutdoorAir:Node object where the height of the node is taken into consideration when calculating
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1261

outdoor temperature from the weather data. Alternately, the node name must be specified in an
OutdoorAir:NodeList object where the outdoor temperature is taken directly from the weather
data.

1.30.12.1.28 Field: Fan Placement

This alpha field has two choices: BlowThrough or DrawThrough. The first choice represents
a blow through system where the supply air fan is before the WaterToAirHeatPump cooling/heating
coil and the supplementary heating coil. The second choice represents a draw through system where
the supply fan is between the WaterToAirHeatPump cooling/heating coil and the supplementary
heating coil. If this input field is left blank, the default is blow through.

1.30.12.1.29 Field: Supply Air Fan Operating Mode Schedule Name

This alpha field specifies the name of the supply air fan operating mode schedule. The supply
air fan operating mode may vary during the simulation based on time-of-day or with a change of
season. Schedule values of 0 denote that the supply air fan and the heating or cooling coil cycle
on and off together to meet the heating or cooling load (a.k.a. AUTO fan). Schedule values other
than 0 denote that the supply air fan runs continuously while the heating or cooling coil cycles
to meet the load. If this field is left blank, the model assumes the supply air fan cycles with the
heating or cooling coil throughout the simulation.
As shown in the example below, correct specifications of the WatertoAirHeatPump requires
specification of the following objects in addition to the ZoneHVAC:WaterToAirHeatPump object:

• On/Off fan

• WatertoAirHeatPump cooling coil (EquationFit only)

• WatertoAirHeatPump heating coil (EquationFit only)

• Supplementary heating coil

• Outdoor air mixer

• Condenser loop or plant loop demand branches

1.30.12.1.30 Field: Availability Manager List Name

This optional input field is the name of an AvailabilityManagerAssignmentList object. An
Availability Manager Assignment List is a list of Availability Managers giving both Availability
Manager type and name. The availability managers in the list apply to this WatertoAirHeatPump
or object’s fan. If the WatertoAirHeatPump is available (per the Availability Schedule Name input
field above) and this input field has a valid availability manager assignment list name, then the
availability managers in the list determine when and if the fan of this WatertoAirHeatPump object
should be on or off.

1.30.12.1.31 Field: Heat Pump Coil Water Flow Mode

This field specifies the way in which water flow through the heat pump coils will be mod-
eled. This field is only used when WatertoAirHeatPump:EquationFit coils are used. There are
three options:

• Cycling
1262 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• Constant

• CyclingOnDemand

Cycling varies water flow through the coil based on the heat pump Part Load Ratio. This
control method is appropriate for modeling heat pumps that are outfitted with a soleniod valve
which allows water to flow through the coil only when the compressor is active. This is the default
for EnergyPlus V8 and later.
Constant provides a constant water flow regardless of heat pump operation. Remember that
EnergyPlus has two coils (a heating coil and a cooling coil) to approximate the operation of one
coil that can operate in either heating mode or cooling mode. Therefore, when the water flow mode
is constant, there will be full flow through either the heating coil or the cooling coil, but not both
at the same time.
ConstantOnDemand provides full flow through the coil whenever there is a load. When there
is no load, there is zero flow through the coil. This control strategy represents the way EnergyPlus
modeled heat pump water flow prior to Version 8.

1.30.12.1.32 Field: Design Specification ZoneHVAC Sizing Object Name

This optional input field is the name of a DesignSpecification:ZoneHVAC:Sizing object. The
name must correspond to unique name of a DesignSpecification:ZoneHVAC:Sizing object. A Design
Sepcification Zone HVAC Sizing object defines scalable sizing methods for sizing input fields such
as Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate in this Water To Air Heat Pump zone HVAC object. The scaled
Supply Air Flow Rate in turn is used to size cooling and heating capacity of the unit.
Examples of IDF use:

ZoneHVAC:WaterToAirHeatPump ,
Zone1WTAHP , !- Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
Zone 1 Outlet Node , !- Air Inlet Node Name
Zone 1 Inlet Node , !- Air Outlet Node Name
OutdoorAir:Mixer , !- Outdoor air mixer object type
Zone 1 Mixer , !- Outdoor Air Mixer Name
Autosize , !- Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
Autosize , !- Heating Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- No Load Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.0, !- Cooling Outdoor Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.0, !- Heating Outdoor Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- No Load Outdoor Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
Fan:OnOff , !- Supply Air Fan Object Type
Zone 1 Fan , !- Supply Air Fan Name
Coil:Heating:WaterToAirHeatPump:EquationFit , !- Heating Coil Object Type
Sys 1 Heat Pump Heating Mode , !- Heating Coil Name
Coil:Cooling:WaterToAirHeatPump:EquationFit , !- Cooling Coil Object Type
Sys 1 Heat Pump Cooling Mode , !- Cooling Coil Name
2.5, !- Maximum Cycling Rate
60.0, !- Heat Pump Time Constant
0.01, !- Fraction of On -Cycle Power Use
60, !- Heat Pump Fan Delay Time
Coil:Heating:Gas , !- Supplemental Heating Coil Object Type
Heat Pump DX Supp Heating Coil 1, !- Supplemental Heating Coil Name
60.0, !- Maximum Supply Air Temperature from Supplemental Heater {C}
20.0, !- Maximum Outdoor Dry -Bulb Temperature for Supplemental Heater
Operation {C}
Sys 1 Outside Air Inlet Node , !- Outdoor Dry -Bulb Temperature Sensor Node Name
BlowThrough , !- Fan Placement
CyclingFanSch; !- Supply Air Fan Operating Mode Schedule Name

Schedule:Compact ,
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1263

CyclingFanSch , !- Name
Fraction , !- Schedule Type Limits Name
Through: 12/31 , !- Field 1
For: AllDays , !- Field 2
Until: 24:00 , !- Field 3
0.0; !- Field 4

Coil:Heating:WaterToAirHeatPump:EquationFit ,
Sys 1 Heat Pump Heating Mode , !- Name
Sys 1 Water to Air Heat Pump Source Side2 Inlet Node , !- Water Inlet Node Name
Sys 1 Water to Air Heat Pump Source Side2 Outlet Node , !- Water Outlet Node Name
Sys 1 Heating Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Air Inlet Node Name
Sys 1 SuppHeating Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Air Outlet Node Name
Autosize , !- Rated Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
Autosize , !- Rated Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
Autosize , !- Rated Heating Capacity {W}
4.75, !- Rated Heating Coefficient of Performance
-1.361311959 , !- Heating Capacity Coefficient 1
-2.471798046 , !- Heating Capacity Coefficient 2
4.173164514 , !- Heating Capacity Coefficient 3
0.640757401 , !- Heating Capacity Coefficient 4
0.0, !- Heating Capacity Coefficient 5
-2.176941116 , !- Heating Power Consumption Coefficient 1
0.832114286 , !- Heating Power Consumption Coefficient 2
1.570743399 , !- Heating Power Consumption Coefficient 3
0.690793651 , !- Heating Power Consumption Coefficient 4
0.0; !- Heating Power Consumption Coefficient 5

OutdoorAir:Mixer ,
Zone 1 Mixer , !- Name
Sys 1 Mixed Air Node , !- Mixed Air Node Name
Sys 1 Outside Air Inlet Node , !- Outdoor Air Stream Node Name
Sys 1 Relief Air Outlet Node , !- Relief Air Stream Node Name
Zone 1 Outlet Node; !- Return Air Stream Node Name

Fan:OnOff ,
Zone 1 Fan , !- Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
0.7, !- Fan Total Efficiency
300.0 , !- Pressure Rise {Pa}
Autosize , !- Maximum Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.9, !- Motor Efficiency
1.0, !- Motor In Airstream Fraction
Sys 1 Mixed Air Node , !- Air Inlet Node Name
Sys 1 Cooling Coil Air Inlet Node; !- Air Outlet Node Name

Coil:Heating:Gas ,
Heat Pump DX Supp Heating Coil 1, !- Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
0.8, !- Gas Burner Efficiency
32000 , !- Nominal Capacity {W}
Sys 1 SuppHeating Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Air Inlet Node Name
Zone 1 Inlet Node; !-Air Outlet Node Name

BRANCH ,
Gshp Cooling Condenser Branch , !- Name
0, !- Maximum Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- Pressure Drop Curve Name
Coil:Cooling:WaterToAirHeatPump:ParameterEstimation , !- Component 1 Object Type
Heat Pump Cooling Mode , !- Component 1 Name
Water to Air Heat Pump Source Side1 Inlet Node , !- Component 1 Inlet Node Name
Water to Air Heat Pump Source Side1 Outlet Node , !- Component 1 Outlet Node Name
ACTIVE; !- Component 1 Branch Control Type

BRANCH ,
Gshp Heating Condenser Branch , !- Name
0, !- Maximum Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- Pressure Drop Curve Name
1264 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Coil:Heating:WaterToAirHeatPump:ParameterEstimation , !- Component 1 Object Type

Heat Pump Heating Mode , !- Component 1 Name
Water to Air Heat Pump Source Side2 Inlet Node , !- Component 1 Inlet Node Name
Water to Air Heat Pump Source Side2 Outlet Node , !- Component 1 Outlet Node Name
ACTIVE; !- Component 1 Branch Control Type

1.30.12.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Zone Water to Air Heat Pump Total Heating Rate [W]
• HVAC,Sum,Zone Water to Air Heat Pump Total Heating Energy [J]
• HVAC,Average,Zone Water to Air Heat Pump Total Cooling Rate [W]
• HVAC,Sum,Zone Water to Air Heat Pump Total Cooling Energy [J]
• HVAC,Average,Zone Water to Air Heat Pump Sensible Heating Rate [W]
• HVAC,Sum,Zone Water to Air Heat Pump Sensible Heating Energy [J]
• HVAC,Average,Zone Water to Air Heat Pump Sensible Cooling Rate [W]
• HVAC,Sum,Zone Water to Air Heat Pump Sensible Cooling Energy [J]
• HVAC,Average,Zone Water to Air Heat Pump Latent Heating Rate [W]
• HVAC,Sum,Zone Water to Air Heat Pump Latent Heating Energy [J]
• HVAC,Average,Zone Water to Air Heat Pump Latent Cooling Rate [W]
• HVAC,Sum,Zone Water to Air Heat Pump Latent Cooling Energy [J]
• HVAC,Average,Zone Water to Air Heat Pump Electric Power [W]
• HVAC,Sum,Zone Water to Air Heat Pump Electric Energy [J]
• HVAC,Average,Zone Water to Air Heat Pump Fan Part Load Ratio []
• HVAC,Average,Zone Water to Air Heat Pump Compressor Part Load Ratio []
• HVAC,Average,Zone Water to Air Heat Pump Fan Availability Status []

1.30.12.2.1 Zone Water to Air Heat Pump Total Heating Rate [W]
This output field is the total (enthalpy) heat addition rate of the Water to Air Heat Pump to
the zone it is serving in Watts. This value is calculated using the enthalpy difference of the heat
pump outlet air and inlet air streams, and the air mass flow rate through the heat pump. This
value is calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results (enthalpy
addition only) are averaged for the time step being reported.

1.30.12.2.2 Zone Water to Air Heat Pump Total Heating Energy [J]
This output field is the total (enthalpy) heat addition of the Water to Air Heat Pump to the
zone it is serving in Joules over the time step being reported. This value is calculated using the
enthalpy difference of the heat pump outlet air and inlet air streams, the air mass flow rate through
the heat pump, and the HVAC simulation time step. This value is calculated for each HVAC system
time step being simulated, and the results (enthalpy addition only) are summed for the time step
being reported.
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1265

1.30.12.2.3 Zone Water to Air Heat Pump Total Cooling Rate [W]
This output field is the total (enthalpy) heat extraction rate of the Water to Air Heat Pump
from the zone it is serving in Watts. This value is calculated using the enthalpy difference of the
heat pump outlet air and inlet air streams, and the air mass flow rate through the heat pump. This
value is calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results (enthalpy
extraction only) are averaged for the time step being reported.

1.30.12.2.4 Zone Water to Air Heat Pump Total Cooling Energy [J]
This output field is the total (enthalpy) heat extraction of the Water to Air Heat Pump from
the zone it is serving in Joules over the time step being reported. This value is calculated using
the enthalpy difference of the heat pump outlet air and inlet air streams, the air mass flow rate
through the heat pump, and the HVAC simulation time step. This value is calculated for each
HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results (enthalpy extraction only) are summed
for the time step being reported.

1.30.12.2.5 Zone Water to Air Heat Pump Sensible Heating Rate [W]
This output field is the sensible heat addition rate of the Water to Air Heat Pump to the zone
it is serving in Watts. This value is calculated using the enthalpy difference of the heat pump outlet
air and inlet air streams at a constant humidity ratio, and the air mass flow rate through the heat
pump. This value is calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results
(heating only) are averaged for the time step being reported.

1.30.12.2.6 Zone Water to Air Heat Pump Sensible Heating Energy [J]
This output field is the sensible heat addition of the Water to Air Heat Pump to the zone it
is serving in Joules over the time step being reported. This value is calculated using the enthalpy
difference of the heat pump outlet air and inlet air streams at a constant humidity ratio, the air
mass flow rate through the heat pump, and the HVAC simulation time step. This value is calculated
for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results (heating only) are summed for
the time step being reported.

1.30.12.2.7 Zone Water to Air Heat Pump Sensible Cooling Rate [W]
This output field reports the moist air sensible heat extraction rate of the Water to Air Heat
Pump from the zone it is serving in Watts. This value is calculated using the enthalpy difference
of the heat pump outlet air and inlet air streams at a constant humidity ratio, and the air mass
flow rate through the heat pump. This value is calculated for each HVAC system time step being
simulated, and the results (cooling only) are averaged for the time step being reported.

1.30.12.2.8 Zone Water to Air Heat Pump Sensible Cooling Energy [J]
This output field reports the moist air sensible heat extraction of the Water to Air Heat Pump
from the zone it is serving in Joules over the time step being reported. This value is calculated using
the enthalpy difference of the heat pump outlet air and inlet air streams at a constant humidity
ratio, the air mass flow rate through the heat pump, and the HVAC simulation time step. This
value is calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results (cooling only)
are summed for the time step being reported.
1266 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.30.12.2.9 Zone Water to Air Heat Pump Latent Heating Rate [W]
This output field is the latent heat addition (humidification) rate of the Water to Air Heat
Pump to the zone it is serving in Watts. This value is calculated as the difference between the total
energy rate and the sensible energy rate provided by the WaterToAirHP heat pump. This value is
calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results (latent heat addition
only) are averaged for the time step being reported.

1.30.12.2.10 Zone Water to Air Heat Pump Latent Heating Energy [J]
This output field is the latent heat addition (humidification) of the Water to Air Heat Pump
to the zone it is serving in Joules over the time step being reported. This value is calculated as the
difference between the total energy delivered to the zone and the sensible energy delivered to the
zone by the WaterToAirHP heat pump. This value is calculated for each HVAC system time step
being simulated, and the results (latent heat addition only) are summed for the time step being
reported.

1.30.12.2.11 Zone Water to Air Heat Pump Latent Cooling Rate [W]
This output field is the latent heat extraction (dehumidification) rate of the Water to Air Heat
Pump from the zone it is serving in Watts. This value is calculated as the difference between the
total energy rate and the sensible energy rate provided by the WaterToAirHP heat pump. This
value is calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results (latent heat
extraction only) are averaged for the time step being reported.

1.30.12.2.12 Zone Water to Air Heat Pump Latent Cooling Energy [J]
This output field is the latent heat extraction (dehumidification) of the Water to Air Heat Pump
from the zone it is serving in Joules over the time step being reported. This value is calculated as
the difference between the total energy delivered to the zone and the sensible energy delivered to
the zone by the WaterToAirHP heat pump. This value is calculated for each HVAC system time
step being simulated, and the results (latent heat extraction only) are summed for the time step
being reported.

1.30.12.2.13 Zone Water to Air Heat Pump Electric Power [W]

This output field is the electricity consumption rate of the Water to Air Heat Pump in Watts.
The consumption includes electricity used by the compressor (including crankcase heater), fans
(indoor supply air fan and the condenser fan), and the supplemental heating coil (if electric). This
value is calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are averaged
for the time step being reported.

1.30.12.2.14 Zone Water to Air Heat Pump Electric Energy [J]

This output field is the electricity consumption of the Water to Air Heat Pump in Joules for the
time period being reported. The consumption includes electricity used by the compressor (including
crankcase heater), fans (indoor supply air fan and the condenser fan), and the supplemental heating
coil (if electric). This value is calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the
results are summed for the time step being reported.

1.30.12.2.15 Zone Water to Air Heat Pump Fan Part Load Ratio []
This output field is the part-load ratio of the fan. The fan part-load ratio is defined as the
average supply air mass flow rate divided by the maximum supply air mass flow rate. The maximum
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1267

supply air mass flow rate depends on whether heating, cooling, or no heating or cooling is required
during the time step. This value is calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated,
and the results are averaged for the time step being reported.

1.30.12.2.16 Zone Water to Air Heat Pump Compressor Part Load Ratio []
This output field is the part-load ratio of the compressor used by the DX coils (cooling and
heating). Compressor part-load ratio is defined as the total coil load divided by the coil steady-state
capacity. This value is calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results
are averaged for the time step being reported.

1.30.12.2.17 Zone Water to Air Heat Pump Fan Availability Status []

This is the availability status of the zone water source heat pump fan. This status flag is a
result of the calculations made by the Availability Manager(s) listed in an AvailabilityManagerAs-
signmentList object and/or calculations made by Hybrid Ventilation Manager object. The Avail-
abilityManagerAssignmentList is an optional input in the zone water source heat pump object.
When a single availability manager is used in an Availability Manager Assignment List, this is also
the availability status reported by the specific availability manager (Ref. AvailabilityManager:*
Outputs). For multiple availability managers in an Availability Manager Assignment List (with or
without Hybrid Ventilation Manager), rules to determine fan availability status are described in
the section ‘Group – System Availability Managers’. The control status outputs are represented
using integers 0 through 3. These integers represent NoAction (0), ForceOff (1), CycleOn (2),
and CycleOnZoneFansOnly (3). Since the status output is averaged, the output result may not
correspond to the values described here when output variable frequencies other than detailed are
used. Use the “detailed” reporting frequency (Ref. Output:Variable object) to view the availability
status at each simulation timestep.

1.30.13 ZoneHVAC:Dehumidifier:DX
This object can be used for modeling conventional mechanical dehumidifiers. These systems use a
direct expansion (DX) cooling coil to cool and dehumidify an airstream. Heat from the DX system’s
condenser section is rejected into the cool/dehumidified airstream, resulting in warm dry air being
supplied from the unit. In EnergyPlus, this object is modeled as a type of zone equipment (ref.
ZoneHVAC:EquipmentList and ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections).
The model has inputs for water removal, energy factor and air flow rate at rated conditions
(26.7°C, 60% RH). Curve objects must be specified to describe performance at off-rated conditions.
A part-load cycling curve input must also be specified to account for inefficiencies due to cycling.
Other inputs including minimum and maximum operating temperatures for dehumidifier operation,
off-cycle parasitic load, and an input to direct the removed water to a storage tank.
The model assumes that this equipment dehumidifies and heats the air. If used in tandem
with another system that cools and dehumidifies the zone air, then the zone dehumidifier should
be specified as the lowest cooling priority in the ZoneHVAC:EquipmentList object for best con-
trol of zone temperature and humidity levels (e.g., if there are 3 pieces of equipment in Zone-
HVAC:EquipmentList, then the zone dehumidifier should have Cooling Priority = 3). With this
zone equipment prioritization, the other cooling and dehumidification system would operate first to
meet the temperature setpoint (and possibly meet the high humidity setpoint as well). If additional
dehumidification is needed, then the zone dehumidifier would operate. The sensible heat generated
by the dehumidifier is carried over to the zone air heat balance for the next HVAC time step.
1268 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.119: Schematic of a mechanical dehumidifier

1.30.13.1 Inputs
1.30.13.1.1 Field: Name
A unique user-assigned name for an instance of a zone DX dehumidifier unit. Any reference to
this dehumidifier by another object will use this name.

1.30.13.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This alpha field defines the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the
dehumidifier operates during a given time period. A schedule value equal to 0 denotes that the
dehumidifier will not operate for that time period. A value greater than 0 denotes that the dehu-
midifier is available to operate during that time period. If this field is left blank, the schedule has
a value of 1 for all time periods.

1.30.13.1.3 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

This alpha field defines the name of the HVAC system node from which the dehumidifier
draws its inlet air. This node name must be the name of a zone air exhaust node (ref. Zone-
HVAC:EquipmentConnections).

1.30.13.1.4 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

This alpha field defines the name of the HVAC system node to which the dehumidi-
fier sends its outlet air. This node name must be the name of a zone air inlet node (ref.
ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections).

1.30.13.1.5 Field: Rated Water Removal

This numeric input is the full load water removal rate, in liters per day, at rated conditions (air
entering the dehumidifier at 26.7°C [80°F] dry-bulb and 60% relative humidity, and air flow rate as
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1269

defined by field “Rated Air Flow Rate” below). This is a required input field and the entered value
must be greater than zero.

1.30.13.1.6 Field: Rated Energy Factor

This numeric input is the energy factor (liters of water removed per kWh of electricity consumed)
at rated conditions (air entering the dehumidifier at 26.7°C [80°F] dry-bulb and 60% relative hu-
midity, and air flow rate as defined by field “Rated Air Flow Rate” below). This is a required input
field and the entered value must be greater than zero.

1.30.13.1.7 Field: Rated Air Flow Rate

This numeric input is the volumetric air flow rate through the dehumidifier, in m3 per second, at
rated conditions (air entering the dehumidifier at 26.7°C [80°F] dry-bulb and 60% relative humidity).
This is a required input field and the entered value must be greater than zero.

1.30.13.1.8 Field: Water Removal Curve Name

This alpha field defines the name of a biquadratic performance curve (ref: Performance Curves)
that parameterizes the variation of water removal as a function of the dry-bulb temperature (°C)
and relative humidity (%) of the air entering the dehumidifier. The output of this curve is multiplied
by the Rated Water Removal to give the water removal of the dehumidifier at specific operating
conditions (i.e., at temperatures and relative humidity levels different from the rating point condi-
tions). The curve should be normalized to have the value of 1.0 at the rating point (air entering
the dehumidifier at 26.7°C [80°F] dry-bulb and 60% relative humidity, and air flow rate as defined
by field “Rated Air Flow Rate” above).

1.30.13.1.9 Field: Energy Factor Curve Name

This alpha field defines the name of a biquadratic performance curve (ref: Performance Curves)
that parameterizes the variation of the energy factor as a function of the dry-bulb temperature
(°C) and relative humidity (%) of the air entering the dehumidifier. The output of this curve is
multiplied by the Rated Energy Factor to give the energy factor of the dehumidifier at specific
operating conditions (i.e., at temperatures and relative humidity levels different from the rating
point conditions). The curve should be normalized to have the value of 1.0 at the rating point (air
entering the dehumidifier at 26.7°C [80°F] dry-bulb and 60% relative humidity, and air flow rate as
defined by field “Rated Air Flow Rate” above).

1.30.13.1.10 Field: Part Load Fraction Correlation Curve Name

This alpha field defines the name of a quadratic or cubic performance curve (ref: Performance
Curves) that parameterizes the variation of electrical power input to the dehumidifier as a function
of the part load ratio (PLR, defined as the water removal load to be met (kg/s) divided by the
dehumidifier’s water removal rate (kg/s) at the current operating conditions). The part load fraction
(PLF) correlation accounts for efficiency losses due to compressor cycling.
The part load fraction correlation should be normalized to a value of 1.0 when the part load
ratio equals 1.0 (i.e., no efficiency losses when the dehumidifier runs continuously for the simulation
timestep). For PLR values between 0 and 1 (0 < = PLR < 1), the following rules apply:
0.7 < = PLF < = 1.0 and PLF > = PLR
If PLF < 0.7 a warning message is issued, the program resets the PLF value to 0.7, and the
simulation proceeds. The runtime fraction of the dehumidifier is defined as PLR/PLF. If PLF <
PLR, then a warning message is issued and the runtime fraction of the dehumidifier is set to 1.0.
1270 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Mechanical dehumidifier typically have long runtimes with minimal compressor cycling. So, a
typical part load fraction correlation might be:
PLF = 0.95 + 0.05(PLR)
If the user wishes to model no efficiency degradation due to compressor cycling, the part load
fraction correlation should be defined as follows:
PLF = 1.0 + 0.0(PLR)

1.30.13.1.11 Field: Minimum Dry-Bulb Temperature for Dehumidifier Opera-

tion
This numeric field defines the minimum inlet air dry-bulb temperature for dehumidifier opera-
tion. The dehumidifier will not operate if the inlet air temperature is below this value. This input
value must be less than the Maximum Dry-Bulb Temperature for Dehumidifier Operation, and the
default value is 10°C.

1.30.13.1.12 Field: Maximum Dry-Bulb Temperature for Dehumidifier Opera-

tion
This numeric field defines the maximum inlet air dry-bulb temperature for dehumidifier opera-
tion. The dehumidifier will not operate if the inlet air temperature is above this value. This input
value must be greater than the Minimum Dry-Bulb Temperature for Dehumidifier Operation, and
the default value is 35°C.

1.30.13.1.13 Field: Off-Cycle Parasitic Electric Load

This numeric field contains the off-cycle parasitic electric power in Watts. This is the parasitic
electric power consumed by controls or other electrical devices associated with the dehumidifier.
This parasitic electric load is consumed whenever the dehumidifier is available to operate, but is
not operating. The model assumed that this parasitic power contributes to heating the zone air
(i.e., affects the zone air heat balance). The minimum value for this field is 0.0, and the default
value is also 0.0 if this field is left blank.

1.30.13.1.14 Field: Condensate Collection Water Storage Tank Name

This field is optional. It is used to specify where condensate from the dehumidifier is collected.
If blank or omitted, then any water (condensate) removed is discarded. Enter the name of a Water
Storage Tank (ref. WaterUse:Storage) object defined elsewhere and the condensate will then be
collected in that tank.
Following is an example input for a zone DX dehumidifier object. A ZoneControl:Humidistat
object must also be specified for the zone to which the dehumidifier is connected (connect via a
zone air exhaust node and a zone air inlet node, ref. ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections).

ZoneHVAC:Dehumidifier:DX ,
North Zone Dehumidifier , !- Name
ON , !- Availability Schedule Name
Zone3DehumidifierInlet , !- Air Inlet Node Name
Dehumidifier Outlet Node , !- Air Outlet Node Name
50.16 , !- Rated Water Removal {L/day} (106 pints/day)
3.412 , !- Rated Energy Factor {L/kWh} (7.21 pints/kWh)
0.12036 , !- Rated Air Flow Rate {m3/s} (255 cfm)
ZoneDehumidWaterRemoval , !- Water Removal Curve Name
ZoneDehumidEnergyFactor , !- Energy Factor Curve Name
ZoneDehumidPLFFPLR , !- Part Load Fraction Correlation Curve Name
10.0, !- Minimum Dry -Bulb Temperature for Compressor Operation {C}
32.0, !- Maximum Dry -Bulb Temperature for Compressor Operation {C}
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1271

0.0; !- Off Cycle Parasitic Electric Load {W}

ZoneControl:Humidistat ,
Zone 3 Humidistat , !- Name
NORTH ZONE , !- Zone Name
Seasonal Relative Humidity Sch; !- Relative Humidity Setpoint Schedule Name

1.30.13.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Zone Dehumidifier Sensible Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Dehumidifier Sensible Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Dehumidifier Removed Water Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Dehumidifier Removed Water Mass [kg]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Dehumidifier Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Dehumidifier Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Dehumidifier Off Cycle Parasitic Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Dehumidifier Off Cycle Parasitic Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Dehumidifier Part Load Ratio []

• HVAC,Average,Zone Dehumidifier Runtime Fraction []

• HVAC,Average,Zone Dehumidifier Outlet Air Temperature [C]

If Condensate Collection Water Storage Tank Name is specified:

• HVAC,Average,Zone Dehumidifier Condensate Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Dehumidifier Condensate Volume [m3]

1.30.13.2.1 Zone Dehumidifier Sensible Heating Rate [W]

This output field is the sensible heating rate output of the dehumidifier in Watts. This is
determined by the water removal rate, enthalpy of water evaporation, and the zone dehumidifier
electric power. To reduce simulation time, this heating is carried over to the zone air heat balance
for the next HVAC time step (i.e., it is reported here for the current time step but actually impacts
the zone air heat balance on the following HVAC time step). This value is calculated for each
HVAC system timestep, and the results are averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.30.13.2.2 Zone Dehumidifier Sensible Heating Energy [J]

This output field is the sensible heating output of the dehumidifier in Joules over the timestep
being reported. This is determined by the water removal rate, enthalpy of water evaporation, and
the zone dehumidifier electric power. To reduce simulation time, this heating is carried over to the
zone air heat balance for the next HVAC time step (i.e., it is reported here for the current time
step but actually impacts the zone air heat balance on the following HVAC time step). This value
is calculated for each HVAC system timestep, and the results are summed for the timestep being
reported.
1272 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.30.13.2.3 Zone Dehumidifier Removed Water Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

This output field is the water removal rate by the dehumidifier in kg/s. This value is calculated
for each HVAC system timestep, and the results are averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.30.13.2.4 Zone Dehumidifier Removed Water Mass [kg]

This output field is the water removed by the dehumidifier in kg. This value is calculated for
each HVAC system timestep, and the results are summed for the timestep being reported.

1.30.13.2.5 Zone Dehumidifier Electric Power [W]

1.30.13.2.6 Zone Dehumidifier Electric Energy [J]

These outputs are the electric power and electric consumption of the dehumidifier for the time
period being reported. They include all electricity used by the dehumidifier (including off-cycle
electric parasitics). These values are calculated for each HVAC system timestep, and the results
are averaged (power) or summed (consumption) for the timestep being reported. The electric
consumption output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use Key =
Cooling, Group Key = System (ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.30.13.2.7 Zone Dehumidifier Off Cycle Parasitic Electric Power [W]

1.30.13.2.8 Zone Dehumidifier Off Cycle Parasitic Electric Energy [J]

These outputs are the parasitic electric power and electric consumption for controls or other
electrical devices associated with the dehumidifier. This parasitic electric load is consumed when-
ever the dehumidifier is available to operate, but is not operating. The model assumes that this
parasitic power contributes to heating the zone air (i.e., affects the zone air heat balance). These
outputs values are included in the Zone Dehumidifier Electric Power and Zone Dehumidifier Electric
Energy output variables.

1.30.13.2.9 Zone Dehumidifier Part Load Ratio []

This output field is the part-load ratio for the dehumidifier. Part-load ratio is defined as the
water removal load to be met (kg/s) divided by the dehumidifier’s water removal rate (kg/s) at
the current operating conditions. This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep, and the
results are averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.30.13.2.10 Zone Dehumidifier Runtime Fraction []

This output field is the runtime fraction for the dehumidifier. This value is calculated for each
HVAC system timestep, and the results are averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.30.13.2.11 Zone Dehumidifier Outlet Air Temperature [C]

This output field is dry-bulb temperature of the air leaving the dehumidifier in Celsius. This
value represents the dry-bulb temperature of the air leaving the dehumidifier when it is operating.
For periods when the dehumidifier is not operating, the outlet air temperature is set equal to the
inlet air temperature. This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep, and the results are
averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.30.13.2.12 Zone Dehumidifier Condensate Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1273

1.30.13.2.13 Zone Dehumidifier Condensate Volume [m3]

These outputs are the rate and volume of water removed as condensate by the dehumidifier.
These reports only appear if a water storage tank is named in the input object. The condensate
volume output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = OnSiteWater, End Use Key =
Condensate, Group Key = System (ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.30.14 ZoneHVAC:EnergyRecoveryVentilator
The ZoneHVAC:EnergyRecoveryVentilator - stand alone energy recovery ventilator (ERV) is a
single-zone HVAC component used for exhaust air heat recovery (Figure 1.120). This compound
object consists of 3 required components: a generic air-to-air heat exchanger (see object Heat
Exchanger:Air to Air:Generic), a supply air fan, and an exhaust air fan (see object Fan:OnOff).
An optional controller (see object ZoneHVAC:EnergyRecoveryVentilator:Controller) may be
used to simulate economizer (free cooling) operation, modify air flow rates based on high indoor
humidity, or simulate a “push-button” type economizer controller.

Figure 1.120: ZoneHVAC:EnergyRecoveryVentilator compound object Schematic

This compound object models the basic operation of supply and exhaust air fans and an air-to-
air heat exchanger. The stand alone ERV operates whenever the unit is scheduled to be available
(Availability schedule). The stand alone ERV object can be used in conjunction with an economizer
feature whereby heat exchange is suspended whenever free cooling is available (i.e., air flow is fully
bypassed around a fixed-plate heat exchanger or the rotation of a rotary heat exchanger is stopped).
The economizer feature may also be activated based on a time-of-day schedule. Heat exchange is
also suspended when air flow rates through the heat exchanger are modified in response to a zone
humidistat. When an economizer is used in conjunction with high humidity control, high humidity
control has the priority.
To model a stand alone ERV connected to a single zone, the input data file should include the
following objects:
1274 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• ZoneHVAC:EnergyRecoveryVentilator

• HeatExchanger:AirToAir:SensibleAndLatent

• Fan:OnOff (supply air)

• Fan:OnOff (exhaust air)

• ZoneHVAC:EnergyRecoveryVentilator:Controller (if economizer [free cooling] mode or high

humidity control operation is desired)

• ZoneControl:Humidistat (required for high humidity control option)

• SetpointManager:Scheduled (if supply air outlet temperature control is used, Ref. Heat
Exchanger:Air to Air:Generic for additional guidance)

• ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections

• ZoneHVAC:EquipmentList

• OutdoorAir:NodeList

A description of each input field for this compound object is provided below.

1.30.14.1 Inputs
1.30.14.1.1 Field: Name
A unique user-assigned name for the stand alone ERV unit. Any reference to this unit by
another object will use this name.

1.30.14.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

The name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the unit can operate during a
given time period. A schedule value greater than 0 (usually 1 is used) indicates that the unit can
operate during the time period. A value less than or equal to 0 (usually 0 is used) denotes that the
unit will not operate. If this field is left blank, the schedule has a value of 1 for all time periods.

1.30.14.1.3 Field: Heat Exchanger Name

The user-assigned name corresponding to the air-to-air heat exchanger used in this compound
object. The only allowable type is:.
HeatExchanger:AirToAir:SensibleAndLatent

1.30.14.1.4 Field: Supply Air Flow Rate

The supply air flow rate through the ERV unit in cubic meters per second at standard tem-
perature and pressure (dry air at 20o C drybulb). The program uses local barometric pressure
to account for altitude using the equation for “standard atmospheric” pressure on p 6.1 of the
ASHRAE 1997 HOF (SI edition) to initialize the air systems being simulated.
p = 101325*(1-2.25577E-05*Z)**5.2559
where p = pressure in Pa and Z = altitude in m
Note that this flow rate must be within the valid air flow range for the heat exchanger (ref:
HeatExchanger:AirToAir:SensibleAndLatent in the Engineering Document). In addition, this flow
rate must be less than or equal to the supply fan air flow rate (Fan:OnOff). If the supply air flow rate
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1275

is less than the exhaust air flow rate, the zone infiltration (ref: ZoneInfiltration) should be specified
accordingly (the infiltration induced by imbalanced air flows is not accounted for automatically).
The ERV supply air flow rate may also be autosized using the ventilation rate per floor area and/or
ventilation rate per occupant fields below. When autosizing, the heat exchanger and fan air flow
rates should also be autosized.
Note: The supply air inlet node specified in the generic heat exchanger object must be
an outdoor air node (ref: OutdoorAir:Node and OutdoorAir:NodeList). The supply air out-
let node specified in the generic heat exchanger object must be a zone air inlet node (ref:
ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections).

1.30.14.1.5 Field: Exhaust Air Flow Rate

The exhaust air flow rate through the ERV unit in cubic meters per second at standard tem-
perature and pressure (dry air at 20o C drybulb). The program uses local barometric pressure
to account for altitude using the equation for “standard atmospheric” pressure on p 6.1 of the
ASHRAE 1997 HOF (SI edition) to initialize the air systems being simulated.
p = 101325*(1-2.25577E-05*Z)**5.2559
where p = pressure in Pa and Z = altitude in m
Note that this flow rate must be within the valid air flow range for the heat exchanger (ref:
HeatExchanger:AirToAir:SensibleAndLatent in the Engineering Document). In addition, this flow
rate must be less than or equal to the exhaust fan air flow rate (Fan:OnOff). If the exhaust
air flow rate is greater than the supply air flow rate, the zone infiltration (ref: ZoneInfiltration)
should be specified accordingly (the infiltration induced by imbalanced air flows is not accounted
for automatically). The ERV exhaust air flow rate may also be autosized using the ventilation
rate per floor area and/or ventilation rate per occupant fields below. When autosizing, the heat
exchanger and fan air flow rates should also be autosized.
Note: The exhaust air inlet node specified in the generic heat exchanger object must be a zone
air exhaust node (ref: ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections).

1.30.14.1.6 Field: Supply Air Fan Name

The name of the supply air fan used in this object. Fan type must be Fan:OnOff.

1.30.14.1.7 Field: Exhaust Air Fan Name

The name of the exhaust air fan used in this object. Fan type must be Fan:OnOff.

1.30.14.1.8 Field: Controller Name

This optional field specifies the name of the controller used by this compound component if
economizer (free cooling) mode or high humidity control operation is desired. Controller type must
be ZoneHVAC:EnergyRecoveryVentilator:Controller.

1.30.14.1.9 Field: Ventilation Rate per Unit Floor Area

This optional numeric field defines the ventilation rate per unit floor area in cubic meters per
second per square meter. This field is only used when the supply and exhaust air flow rates are
autosized.

1.30.14.1.10 Field: Ventilation Rate per Occupant

This optional numeric field defines the ventilation rate per occupant in cubic meters per second
per occupant. This field is only used when the supply and exhaust air flow rates are autosized.
1276 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.30.14.1.11 Field: Availability Manager List Name

This optional input field is the name of an AvailabilityManagerAssignmentList object. An Avail-
ability Manager Assignment List is a list of Availability Managers giving both Availability Manager
type and name. The availability managers in the list apply to this Stand Alone ERV object’s fan.
If the Stand Alone ERV is available (per the Availability Schedule Name input field above) and this
input field has a valid availability manager assignment list name, then the availability managers in
the list determine when and if the fan of this Stand Alone ERV object should be on or off.
Following is an example input for this compound object and associated objects that may be
defined:

ZoneHVAC:EnergyRecoveryVentilator ,
Stand Alone ERV 1, !- Stand alone ERV name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability schedule name
OA Heat Recovery 1, !- Heat exchanger name
0.05, !- Supply air flow rate {m3/s}
0.05, !- Exhaust air flow rate {m3/s}
Stand Alone ERV Supply Fan , !- Supply air fan name
Stand Alone ERV Exhaust Fan , !- Exhaust air fan name
ERV OA Controller 1; !- ERV controller name

OutdoorAir:NodeLine ,
OutsideAirInletNodes; !- 1st Node name or node list name

NodeList ,
OutsideAirInletNodes , !- Node List Name
ERV Outdoor air Inlet Node; !- Node_ID_1

ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections ,
RESISTIVE ZONE , !- Zone Name
Zone1Equipment , !- List Name: Zone Equipment
Zone1Inlets , !- List Name: Zone Inlet Nodes
Zone1Exhausts , !- List Name: Zone Exhaust Nodes
Zone 1 Node , !- Zone Air Node Name
Zone 1 Outlet Node; !- Zone Return Air Node Name

ZoneHVAC:EquipmentList ,
Zone1Equipment , !-Name
ZoneHVAC:EnergyRecoveryVentilator , !- KEY --Zone Equipment Type 1
Stand Alone ERV 1, !- Type Name 1
1, !- Cooling Priority
1; !- Heating Priority

NodeList ,
Zone1Inlets , !- Node List Name
Stand Alone ERV Supply Fan Outlet Node; !- Node_ID_1

NodeList ,
Zone1Exhausts , !- Node List Name
Zone 1 Exhaust Node; !- Node_ID_1

ZoneHVAC: EnergyRecoveryVentilator:Controller ,
ERV OA Controller 1, !- ERV controller name
0.05, !- Outdoor air flow rate {m3/s}
19., !- Temperature high limit {C}
14., !- Temperature low limit {C}
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1277

0.0, !- Enthalpy high limit {J/kg}

NoExhaustAirTemperatureLimit , !- Exhaust air temperature limit
NoExhaustAirEnthalpyLimit ; !- Exhaust air enthalpy limit

HeatExchanger:AirToAir:SensibleAndLatent ,
OA Heat Recovery 1, !- Heat exchanger name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability schedule name
0.05, !- Nominal supply air flow rate {m3/s}
.76, !- Sensible effectiveness at 100% airflow heating condition
.68, !- Latent effectiveness at 100% airflow heating condition
.81, !- Sensible effectiveness at 75% airflow heating condition
.73, !- Latent effectiveness at 75% airflow heating condition
.76, !- Sensible effectiveness at 100% airflow cooling condition
.68, !- Latent effectiveness at 100% airflow cooling condition
.81, !- Sensible effectiveness at 75% airflow cooling condition
.73, !- Latent effectiveness at 75% airflow cooling condition
ERV Outdoor air Inlet Node , !- Supply air inlet node name
Heat Recovery Outlet Node , !- Supply air outlet node name
Zone 1 Exhaust Node , !- Exhaust air inlet node name
Heat Recovery Secondary Outlet Node , !- Exhaust air outlet node name
50.0, !- Nominal electric power {W}
Yes , !- Supply air outlet temperature control
Rotary , !- Heat exchanger type
MinimumExhaustTemperature , !- Frost control type
1.7; !- Threshold temperature

Fan:OnOff ,
Stand Alone ERV Supply Fan , !- Fan Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
0.5, !- Fan Total Efficiency
75.0, !- Delta Pressure {Pa}
0.05, !- Max Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.9, !- Motor Efficiency
1.0, !- Motor In Airstream Fraction
Heat Recovery Outlet Node , !- Fan_Inlet_Node
Stand Alone ERV Supply Fan Outlet Node; !- Fan_Outlet_Node

Fan:OnOff ,
Stand Alone ERV Exhaust Fan , !- Fan Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
0.5, !- Fan Total Efficiency
75.0, !- Delta Pressure {Pa}
0.05, !- Max Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.9, !- Motor Efficiency
1.0, !- Motor In Airstream Fraction
Heat Recovery Secondary Outlet Node , !- Fan_Inlet_Node
Stand Alone ERV Exhaust Fan Outlet Node; !- Fan_Outlet_Node

SetpointManager:Scheduled ,
Heat Exhchanger Supply Air Temp Manager , !- Name
Temperature , !- Control variable
Heat Exchanger Supply Air Temp Sch , !- Schedule Name
Heat Exchanger Supply Air Nodes; !- Name of the set point Node List

NodeList ,
Heat Exchanger Supply Air Nodes , !- Node List Name
Heat Recovery Outlet Node; !- Node_ID_1
1278 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.30.14.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Zone Ventilator Electric Power[W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ventilator Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ventilator Total Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ventilator Total Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ventilator Total Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ventilator Total Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ventilator Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ventilator Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ventilator Sensible Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ventilator Sensible Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ventilator Latent Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ventilator Latent Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ventilator Latent Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ventilator Latent Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ventilator Supply Fan Availability Status []

1.30.14.2.1 Zone Ventilator Electric Power [W]

This output field is the electric consumption rate of the stand alone energy recovery ventilator
in Watts. This rate includes the electric consumption by the supply air fan, exhaust air fan and
the generic air-to-air heat exchanger.

1.30.14.2.2 Zone Ventilator Electric Energy [J]

This output field is the electric consumption of the stand alone energy recovery ventilator in
Joules for the timestep being reported. This value includes the electric consumption by the supply
air fan, exhaust air fan and the generic air-to-air heat exchanger.

1.30.14.2.3 Zone Ventilator Total Cooling Rate [W]

This output field is the total (enthalpy) heat extraction rate of the stand alone energy recovery
ventilator from the zone in Watts. This value is calculated using the supply air outlet mass flow
rate, and the enthalpy difference of the supply outlet and exhaust inlet air streams. This value is
calculated for each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the results (enthalpy extraction
only) are averaged for the timestep being reported.
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1279

1.30.14.2.4 Zone Ventilator Total Cooling Energy [J]

This output field is the total (enthalpy) heat extraction of the stand alone energy recovery
ventilator from the zone in Joules over the timestep being reported. This value is calculated using
the supply air outlet mass flow rate, the enthalpy difference of the supply outlet and exhaust
inlet air streams, and the HVAC system timestep. This value is calculated for each HVAC system
timestep being simulated, and the results (enthalpy extraction only) are summed for the timestep
being reported.

1.30.14.2.5 Zone Ventilator Total Heating Rate [W]

This output field is the total (enthalpy) heat addition rate of the stand alone energy recovery
ventilator to the zone in Watts. This value is calculated using the supply air outlet mass flow
rate, and the enthalpy difference of the supply outlet and exhaust inlet air streams. This value
is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the results (enthalpy addition
only) are averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.30.14.2.6 Zone Ventilator Total Heating Energy [J]

This output field is the total (enthalpy) heat addition of the stand alone energy recovery ventila-
tor to the zone in Joules over the timestep being reported. This value is calculated using the supply
air outlet mass flow rate, the enthalpy difference of the supply outlet and exhaust inlet air streams,
and the HVAC system timestep. This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being
simulated, and the results (enthalpy addition only) are summed for the timestep being reported.

1.30.14.2.7 Zone Ventilator Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

This output is the moist air sensible heat extraction rate of the stand alone energy recovery
ventilator from the zone in Watts. This value is calculated using the supply air outlet mass flow
rate, and the enthalpy difference of the supply outlet and exhaust inlet air streams at a constant
humidity ratio. This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the
results (cooling only) are averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.30.14.2.8 Zone Ventilator Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

This output is the moist air sensible heat extraction of the stand alone energy recovery ventilator
from the zone in Joules over the timestep being reported. This value is calculated using the supply
air outlet mass flow rate, the enthalpy difference of the supply outlet and exhaust inlet air streams
at a constant humidity ratio, and the HVAC system timestep. This value is calculated for each
HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the results (cooling only) are summed for the timestep
being reported.

1.30.14.2.9 Zone Ventilator Sensible Heating Rate [W]

This output is the sensible heat addition rate of the stand alone energy recovery ventilator to
the zone in Watts. This value is calculated using the supply air outlet mass flow rate, and the
enthalpy difference of the supply outlet and exhaust inlet air streams at a constant humidity ratio.
This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the results (heating
only) are averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.30.14.2.10 Zone Ventilator Sensible Heating Energy [J]

This output is the sensible heat addition of the stand alone energy recovery ventilator to the
zone in Joules over the timestep being reported. This value is calculated using the supply air outlet
1280 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

mass flow rate, the enthalpy difference of the supply outlet and exhaust inlet air streams at a
constant humidity ratio, and the HVAC system timestep. This value is calculated for each HVAC
system timestep being simulated, and the results (heating only) are summed for the timestep being
reported.

1.30.14.2.11 Zone Ventilator Latent Cooling Rate [W]

This output is the latent heat extraction (dehumidification) rate of the stand alone energy
recovery ventilator from the zone in Watts. This value is calculated as the difference between the
total energy rate and the sensible energy rate provided by the stand alone ERV. This value is
calculated for each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the results (latent heat extraction
only) are averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.30.14.2.12 Zone Ventilator Latent Cooling Energy [J]

This output is the latent heat extraction (dehumidification) of the stand alone energy recovery
ventilator from the zone in Joules over the timestep being reported. This value is calculated as
the difference between the total energy delivered to the zone and the sensible energy delivered to
the zone by the stand alone ERV. This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being
simulated, and the results (latent heat extraction only) are summed for the timestep being reported.

1.30.14.2.13 Zone Ventilator Latent Heating Rate [W]

This output is the latent heat addition (humidification) rate of the stand alone energy recovery
ventilator to the zone in Watts. This value is calculated as the difference between the total energy
rate and the sensible energy rate provided by the stand alone ERV. This value is calculated for each
HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the results (latent heat addition only) are averaged
for the timestep being reported.

1.30.14.2.14 Zone Ventilator Latent Heating Energy [J]

This output is the latent heat addition (humidification) of the stand alone energy recovery
ventilator to the zone in Joules over the timestep being reported. This value is calculated as
the difference between the total energy delivered to the zone and the sensible energy delivered to
the zone by the stand alone ERV. This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being
simulated, and the results (latent heat addition only) are summed for the timestep being reported.

1.30.14.2.15 Zone Ventilator Supply Fan Availability Status []

This is the availability status of the Stand Alone ERV fan. This status flag is a result of the
calculations made by the Availability Manager(s) listed in an AvailabilityManagerAssignmentList
object and/or calculations made by Hybrid Ventilation Manager object. The AvailabilityMan-
agerAssignmentList is an optional input in the Stand Alone ERV object. When a single availabil-
ity manager is used in an Availability Manager Assignment List, this is also the availability status
reported by the specific availability manager (Ref. AvailabilityManager:* Outputs). For multiple
availability managers in an Availability Manager Assignment List (with or without Hybrid Venti-
lation Manager), rules to determine fan availability status are described in the section ‘Group –
System Availability Managers’. The control status outputs are represented using integers 0 through
3. These integers represent NoAction (0), ForceOff (1), CycleOn (2), and CycleOnZoneFansOnly
(3). Since the status output is averaged, the output result may not correspond to the values
described here when output variable frequencies other than detailed are used. Use the “detailed”
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1281

reporting frequency (Ref. Output:Variable object) to view the availability status at each simulation
timestep.

1.30.15 ZoneHVAC:TerminalUnit:VariableRefrigerantFlow
Zone terminal units with variable refrigerant flow DX coils are used exclusively with variable refrig-
erant flow (VRF) air conditioning systems (Ref. AirConditioner:VariableRefrigerantFlow object).
The zone terminal units are connected to a zone using the inlet and exhaust node names speci-
fied in a ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections object. The zone exhaust node has the same name
as the terminal unit air inlet node. The zone inlet node has the same name as the terminal unit
air outlet node. The zone terminal unit is also listed in a zone’s equipment list and will typically
be the first equipment operating for both cooling and heating (i.e., Sequence = 1 in the Zone-
HVAC:EquipmentList). Other ZoneHVAC equipment may be used in the same zone and should be
sequenced to operate after the zone terminal units (i.e., sequence = 2 or higher)
The terminal units operate to satisfy a heating or cooling load in a zone based on a zone
thermostat temperature set point. A direct-expansion (DX) cooling and/or DX heating coil is
specified depending on the operating mode required. Both a DX cooling and DX heating coil will
typically be installed in the terminal unit, however only one may be used if desired. Outdoor
ventilation air is modeled with the use of an optional outside air mixer object. Outside air may be
provided to the zone only when the coil is operating or can be supplied continuously even when the
coil is not operating. A supply air fan is also required and can be modeled as either draw through
or blow through.

1.30.15.1 Inputs
1.30.15.1.1 Field: Zone Terminal Unit Name
This alpha field defines a unique user-assigned name for an instance of a variable refrigerant
flow zone terminal unit. Any reference to this terminal unit by another object will use this name.
The zone terminal unit name must be specified in a ZoneTerminalUnitList object to connect this
terminal unit to an AirConditioner:VariableRefrigerantFlow object.

1.30.15.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This alpha field defines the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the
terminal unit operates during a given time period. A schedule value equal to 0 denotes that the
terminal unit must be off for that time period. A value greater than 0 denotes that the terminal
unit is available to operate during that time period. This schedule may be used to completely
disable the terminal unit as required. If this field is left blank, the schedule has a value of 1 for all
time periods.

1.30.15.1.3 Field: Terminal Unit Air Inlet Node Name

This alpha field defines the name of the terminal unit air inlet node. This node name should
be the same as a zone exhaust node (ref: ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections).

1.30.15.1.4 Field: Terminal Unit Air Outlet Node Name

This alpha field defines the name of the terminal unit air outlet node. This node name should
be the same as a zone inlet node (ref: ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections).
1282 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.30.15.1.5 Field: Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the terminal unit’s operating volumetric air flow rate in cubic meters
per second. This volumetric air flow rate is used when the terminal unit is operating in cooling
mode.

1.30.15.1.6 Field: No Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the terminal unit’s operating volumetric air flow rate in cubic meters
per second. This volumetric air flow rate is used when the terminal unit’s cooling coil is not
operating and the previous mode was cooling.

1.30.15.1.7 Field: Heating Supply Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the terminal unit’s operating volumetric air flow rate in cubic meters
per second. This volumetric air flow rate is used when the terminal unit is operating in heating
mode.

1.30.15.1.8 Field: No Heating Supply Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the terminal unit’s operating volumetric air flow rate in cubic meters
per second. This volumetric air flow rate is used when the terminal unit’s heating coil is not
operating and the previous mode was heating.

1.30.15.1.9 Field: Cooling Outdoor Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the outdoor air volumetric air flow rate in cubic meters per second.
This volumetric air flow rate is used when the terminal unit is operating in cooling mode.

1.30.15.1.10 Field: Heating Outdoor Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the outdoor air volumetric air flow rate in cubic meters per second.
This volumetric air flow rate is used when the terminal unit is operating in heating mode.

1.30.15.1.11 Field: No Load Outdoor Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the outdoor air volumetric air flow rate in cubic meters per second.
This volumetric air flow rate is used when the terminal unit is not operating in cooling or heating
mode.

1.30.15.1.12 Field: Supply Air Fan Operating Mode Schedule Name

This alpha field defines the name of the supply air fan operating mode schedule. Schedule values
equal to 0 denote cycling fan/cycling coil operation. All other schedule values denote constant
fan/cycling coil operation.

1.30.15.1.13 Field: Supply Air Fan Placement

This alpha field has two choices: BlowThrough or DrawThrough. If this field is left blank,
the default is blow through.
The first choice stands for “blow through fan”. This means that the unit consists of a fan
followed by the DX coils. The fan “blows through” the cooling and heating coils. If an outside air
mixer is used, the fan inlet connects to the outside air mixer’s mixed air node. If an outside air
mixer is not used, the fan inlet connects to the zone exhaust node. For this configuration, the fan
outlet always connects to the DX cooling coil inlet node (or if a DX cooling coil is not used, the
DX heating coil inlet node).
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1283

The second choice stands for “draw through fan”. This means that the unit consists of the DX
coil(s) followed by a fan. The fan “draws air through” the DX coil(s). In this case the fan inlet
always connects to the DX heating coil outlet node (or if a DX heating coil is not use, the DX
cooling coil outlet node) and the fan outlet node always connects to the zone inlet node.

1.30.15.1.14 Field: Supply Air Fan Object Type

This choice field contains the identifying type of supply air fan specified for the furnace. Fan type
must be Fan:OnOff or Fan:ConstantVolume. Fan:ConstantVolume is used when the Supply Air
Fan Operating Mode Schedule values are never 0 and the fan operates continuously. Fan:OnOff is
used when the fan cycles on and off with the cooling or heating coil (i.e. Supply Air Fan Operating
Mode Schedule values are at times 0).

1.30.15.1.15 Field: Supply Air Fan Object Name

This alpha field defines the name of the terminal unit’s supply air fan.

1.30.15.1.16 Field: Outside Air Mixer Object Type

This alpha field contains the identifying type of outside air mixer specified for the terminal
unit. Outside air mixer type must be OutsideAir:Mixer. This field should be left blank when an
outside air mixer is not simulated.

1.30.15.1.17 Field: Outside Air Mixer Object Name

This alpha field defines the name of the terminal unit’s outside air mixer. If this field is left
blank, an outside air mixer is not simulated.

1.30.15.1.18 Field: DX Cooling Coil Object Type

This choice field contains the identifying type of the terminal unit’s DX cooling coil. The only
valid DX cooling coil type is Coil:Cooling:DX:VariableRefrigerantFlow. This field should be
left blank when a DX cooling coil is not simulated.

1.30.15.1.19 Field: DX Cooling Coil Name

This alpha field defines the name of the terminal unit’s DX cooling coil. If this field is left
blank, a DX cooling coil is not simulated.

1.30.15.1.20 Field: DX Heating Coil Object Type

This choice field contains the identifying type of the terminal unit’s DX heating coil. The only
valid DX heating coil type is Coil:Heating:DX:VariableRefrigerantFlow. This field should be
left blank when a DX heating coil is not simulated.

1.30.15.1.21 Field: DX Heating Coil Object Name

This alpha field defines the name of the terminal unit’s DX heating coil. This field should be
left blank when a DX heating coil is not simulated.

1.30.15.1.22 Field: Zone Terminal Unit On Parasitic Electric Energy Use

This numeric field defines the parasitic electrical energy use of the zone terminal unit when
either terminal unit coil is operating. When in cooling mode, this electric energy use is reported
in a zone terminal unit cooling electric consumption output variable. When in heating mode, this
electric energy use is reported in a zone terminal unit heating electric consumption output variable.
1284 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.30.15.1.23 Field: Zone Terminal Unit Off Parasitic Electric Energy Use
This numeric field defines the parasitic electrical energy use of the zone terminal unit when the
terminal unit coil(s) is not operating. When the previous mode was cooling, this electric energy
use is reported in a zone terminal unit cooling electric consumption output variable. When the
previous mode was heating, this electric energy use is reported in a zone terminal unit heating
electric consumption output variable.

1.30.15.1.24 Field: Rated Total Heating Capacity Sizing Ratio

This numeric field defines the ratio of the heating coil to cooling coil size when autosizing is used.
The model assumes that when used, this value will be greater than 1. This field supersedes the
Rated Total Heating Capacity Sizing Ratio entered in the AirConditioner:VariableRefrigerantFlow
object. If this field is left blank, the value entered in the parent object is used for sizing. If neither
field is used, the sizing ratio is assumed to be 1.

1.30.15.1.25 Field: Availability Manager List Name

This optional input field is the name of an AvailabilityManagerAssignmentList object. An
Availability Manager Assignment List is a list of Availability Managers giving both Availability
Manager type and name. The availability managers in the list apply to this Zone Terminal Unit
object’s fan. If the Zone Terminal Unit is available (per the Availability Schedule Name input
field above) and this input field has a valid availability manager assignment list name, then the
availability managers in the list determine when and if the fan of this Zone Terminal Unit object
should be on or off.

1.30.15.1.26 Field: Design Specification ZoneHVAC Sizing Object Name

This optional input field is the name of a DesignSpecification:ZoneHVAC:Sizing object. The
name must correspond to unique name of a DesignSpecification:ZoneHVAC:Sizing object. A Design
Sepcification Zone HVAC Sizing object defines scalable sizing methods for sizing input fields such
as Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate in this VRF terminal unit zone HVAC object. The scaled Supply
Air Flow Rate in turn is used to size cooling and heating capacity of the unit.
Following is an example input for a ZoneHVAC:TerminalUnit:VariableRefrigerantFlow object.

ZoneHVAC:TerminalUnit:VariableRefrigerantFlow ,
Zone 1 TU , !- Zone Terminal Unit Name
TU Availability Schedule ,!- Terminal Unit Availability schedule
TU1 Inlet Node , !- Terminal Unit Air Inlet Node Name
TU1 Outlet Node , !- Terminal Unit Air Outlet Node Name
0.005 , !- Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
0, !- No Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.005 , !- Heating Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
0, !- No Heating Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.001 , !- Cooling Outdoor Air Flow Rate
0.001 , !- Heating Outdoor Air Flow Rate
0, !- No Load Outdoor Air Flow Rate
TU1 Fan Op Schedule , !- Supply Air Fan Operating Mode Schedule Name
drawthrough , !- Supply Air Fan placement
Fan:ConstantVolume , !- Supply Air Fan Object Type
TU1 SA Fan , !- Supply Air Fan Object Name
OutdoorAir:Mixer , !- Outside Air Mixer Object Type
TU1 OA Mixer , !- Outside Air Mixer Object Name
COIL:Cooling:DX:VariableRefrigerantFlow , !- Cooling Coil Object Type
TU1 VRF DX Cooling Coil , !- Cooling Coil Object Name
COIL:Heating:DX:VariableRefrigerantFlow , !- Heating Coil Object Type
TU1 VRF DX Heating Coil , !- Heating Coil Object Name
30, !- Zone Terminal Unit On Parasitic Electric Energy Use {W}
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1285

20, !- Zone Terminal Unit Off Parasitic Electric Energy Use {W}
, !- Rated Total Heating Capacity Sizing Ratio {W/W}
; !- Availability Manager List Name

1.30.15.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Zone VRF Air Terminal Total Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Zone VRF Air Terminal Total Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Zone VRF Air Terminal Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Zone VRF Air Terminal Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Zone VRF Air Terminal Latent Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Zone VRF Air Terminal Latent Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone VRF Air Terminal Total Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Zone VRF Air Terminal Total Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Zone VRF Air Terminal Sensible Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Zone VRF Air Terminal Sensible Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Zone VRF Air Terminal Latent Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Zone VRF Air Terminal Latent Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Zone VRF Air Terminal Cooling Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Zone VRF Air Terminal Cooling Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone VRF Air Terminal Heating Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone VRF Air Terminal Heating Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Zone VRF Air Terminal Fan Availability Status []

1.30.15.2.1 Zone VRF Air Terminal Total Cooling Rate [W]

This field is the total (sensible and latent) cooling rate output of the terminal unit in Watts.
This is determined by terminal unit inlet and outlet air conditions and the air mass flow rate
through the unit. This value describes the total energy rate delivered to the zone.

1.30.15.2.2 Zone VRF Air Terminal Total Cooling Energy [J]

This is the total (sensible plus latent) cooling output of the terminal unit in Joules over the
time step being reported. This is determined by the terminal unit inlet and outlet air conditions
and the air mass flow rate through the unit. This value describes the total cooling energy delivered
to the zone.
1286 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.30.15.2.3 Zone VRF Air Terminal Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

This output is the moist air sensible cooling rate output of the terminal unit in Watts. This
is determined by enthalpy difference between the inlet and outlet air temperature at a constant
humidity ratio, using the minimum of the inlet and outlet air node humidity ratios, and the air
mass flow rate through the unit. This value describes the sensible cooling energy rate delivered to
the zone.

1.30.15.2.4 Zone VRF Air Terminal Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

This is the moist air sensible cooling output of the terminal unit in Joules for the time step being
reported. This is determined by enthalpy difference between the inlet and outlet air temperature at
a constant humidity ratio, using the minimum of the inlet and outlet air node humidity ratios, and
the air mass flow rate through the unit. This value describes the sensible cooling energy delivered
to the zone.

1.30.15.2.5 Zone VRF Air Terminal Latent Cooling Rate [W]

This is the latent cooling rate output of the terminal unit in Watts. This is determined by
the inlet and outlet air humidity ratios and the air mass flow rate through the unit. This value
describes the latent cooling energy rate delivered to the zone.

1.30.15.2.6 Zone VRF Air Terminal Latent Cooling Energy [J]

This is the latent cooling output of the terminal unit in Joules for the time step being reported.
This is determined by the inlet and outlet air humidity ratios and the air mass flow rate through
the unit. This value describes the latent cooling energy delivered to the zone.

1.30.15.2.7 Zone VRF Air Terminal Total Heating Rate [W]

This field is the total enthalpic heating rate output of the terminal unit in Watts. This is
determined by the terminal unit inlet and outlet air conditions and the air mass flow rate through
the unit. This value describes the total heating energy rate delivered to the zone.

1.30.15.2.8 Zone VRF Air Terminal Total Heating Energy [J]

This is the total enthalpic heating output of the terminal unit in Joules over the time step being
reported. This is determined by the terminal unit inlet and outlet air conditions and the air mass
flow rate through the unit. This value describes the total heating energy delivered to the zone.

1.30.15.2.9 Zone VRF Air Terminal Sensible Heating Rate [W]

This output is the moist air sensible heating rate output of the terminal unit in Watts. This
is determined by enthalpy difference between the inlet and outlet air temperature at a constant
humidity ratio, using the minimum of the inlet and outlet air node humidity ratios, and the air
mass flow rate through the unit. This value describes the sensible heating energy rate delivered to
the zone.

1.30.15.2.10 Zone VRF Air Terminal Sensible Heating Energy [J]

This is the moist air sensible heating output of the terminal unit in Joules for the time step being
reported. This is determined by enthalpy difference between the inlet and outlet air temperature at
a constant humidity ratio, using the minimum of the inlet and outlet air node humidity ratios, and
the air mass flow rate through the unit. This value describes the sensible heating energy delivered
to the zone.
1.30. GROUP – ZONE FORCED AIR UNITS 1287

1.30.15.2.11 Zone VRF Air Terminal Latent Heating Rate [W]

This is the latent heating rate output of the terminal unit in Watts. This is determined by the
inlet and outlet air specific humidity ratios and the air mass flow rate through the unit. This value
describes the latent heating energy rate delivered to the zone.

1.30.15.2.12 Zone VRF Air Terminal Latent Heating Energy [J]

This is the latent heating output of the terminal unit in Joules for the time step being reported.
This is determined by the inlet and outlet air specific humidity ratios and the air mass flow rate
through the unit. This value describes the latent heating energy delivered to the zone.

1.30.15.2.13 Zone VRF Air Terminal Cooling Electric Power[W]

This output field is the parasitic electricity consumption rate of the zone terminal unit in Watts.
The consumption rate includes parasitic electricity used by the zone terminal unit’s transformers,
controls, or other electricity consuming devices. This value is calculated for each HVAC system
time step being simulated, and the results are averaged for the time step being reported. The
terminal unit parasitic on and off electricity is reported in this cooling output variable when the
unit operates in cooling mode or the most recent operation was for cooling.

1.30.15.2.14 Zone VRF Air Terminal Cooling Electric Energy [J]

This output field is the electricity consumption of the zone terminal unit in Joules for the time
period being reported. The consumption includes parasitic electricity used by the zone terminal
unit’s transformers, controls, or other electricity consuming devices. This value is calculated for
each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are summed for the time step being
reported. The terminal unit parasitic on and off electricity consumption is reported in this cooling
output variable when the unit operates in cooling mode or the most recent operation was for cooling.
This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use Key = Cooling,
Group Key = System (ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.30.15.2.15 Zone VRF Air Terminal Heating Electric Power[W]

This output field is the parasitic electricity consumption rate of the zone terminal unit in Watts.
The consumption rate includes parasitic electricity used by the zone terminal unit’s transformers,
controls, or other electricity consuming devices. This value is calculated for each HVAC system
time step being simulated, and the results are averaged for the time step being reported. The
terminal unit parasitic on and off electricity is reported in this heating output variable when the
unit operates in heating mode or the most recent operation was for heating.

1.30.15.2.16 Zone VRF Air Terminal Heating Electric Energy [J]

This output field is the electricity consumption of the zone terminal unit in Joules for the time
period being reported. The consumption includes parasitic electricity used by the zone terminal
unit’s transformers, controls, or other electricity consuming devices. This value is calculated for
each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are summed for the time step being
reported. The terminal unit parasitic on and off electricity consumption is reported in this heating
output variable when the unit operates in heating mode or the most recent operation was for
heating. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use Key =
Heating, Group Key = System (ref. Output:Meter objects).
1288 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.30.15.2.17 Zone VRF Air Terminal Fan Availability Status []

This is the availability status of the Zone Terminal Unit fan. This status flag is a result of the
calculations made by the Availability Manager(s) listed in an AvailabilityManagerAssignmentList
object and/or calculations made by Hybrid Ventilation Manager object. The AvailabilityMan-
agerAssignmentList is an optional input in the Zone Terminal Unit object. When a single availabil-
ity manager is used in an Availability Manager Assignment List, this is also the availability status
reported by the specific availability manager (Ref. AvailabilityManager:* Outputs). For multiple
availability managers in an Availability Manager Assignment List along with Hybrid Ventilation
Manager, rules to determine fan availability status are described in the section ‘Group – System
Availability Managers’. The control status outputs are represented using integers 0 through 3.
These integers represent NoAction (0), ForceOff (1), CycleOn (2), and CycleOnZoneFansOnly (3).
Since the status output is averaged, the output result may not correspond to the values described
here when output variable frequencies other than detailed are used. Use the “detailed” reporting
frequency (Ref. Output:Variable object) to view the availability status at each simulation timestep.

1.31 Group – Unitary Equipment

1.31.1 Furnace and Unitary Systems
The components

• AirLoopHVAC:UnitarySystem

• AirLoopHVAC:Unitary:Furnace:HeatOnly

• AirLoopHVAC:Unitary:Furnace:HeatCool

• AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatOnly

• AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatCool

• AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir

• AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed

are compound components usually placed in the primary air loop as the sole component. On
the zone equipment side they are usually connected to one or more zones through uncontrolled
terminal units (i.e., AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled objects). The maximum or design air
flow rate through the furnace or unitary system should usually be set equal to the sum of the
maximum air flow rates through the terminal unit objects. However, the simulation program can
usually account for unequal air flows if the user wishes to model this scenario.
The following HVAC equipment types are allowed in the air loop. The component matrix shows
which coils and fans are allowed with which equipment models.

1.31.2 AirLoopHVAC:UnitarySystem
The AirloopHVAC:UnitarySystem object is intended to replace all other air loop equipment, al-
though other system types are still available. This system is unique in that it can accommo-
date all fan and coil types whereas other system types are specific to the type of fan and coil
available for simulation. Additionally, although the AirloopHVAC:UnitarySystem is intended
1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1289

Figure 1.121:
1290 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

for use in the primary airloop, this object can be modeled as zone equipment (i.e., listed in a
ZoneHVAC:EquipmentList) or as an outside air system component (i.e., listed in a AirLoopH-
VAC:OutdoorAirSystem:EquipmentList).
The AirLoopHVAC:UnitarySystem object is a “virtual” component that consists of a fan com-
ponent (OnOff, ConstantVolume, VariableVolume, or ComponentModel), a cooling coil component,
a heating coil component, and a reheat coil as shown in Figure 1.127. When a draw through con-
figuration is desired, the fan is placed directly after the heating coil. If dehumidification control
is selected, a reheat coil component is also required. If the reheat coil is present and the dehu-
midification control type input is not specified as CoolReheat, the reheat coil will not be active.
All of the fan and coil components are optional which allows the AirLoopHVAC:UnitarySystem
object to be configured for fan-only, heating-only, cooling-only, or both heating and cooling. It
may also be applied without a fan, controlling one or more coils, similar to the function of CoilSys-
tem:Cooling:DX.

Figure 1.122: Schematic of the EnergyPlus Unitary System

Links to the fan, cooling coil, heating coil and reheat coil specifications are provided in the
unitary system input data syntax. In addition, the control zone name and the system design
operating conditions are specified by the unitary system inputs.
1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1291

1.31.2.1 Inputs
1.31.2.1.1 Multi-Speed Fan and Water Coils In Unitary System
Multi-speed fan chilled and hot water coils Air Handling Unit (AHU) can be modeled using
Airloop Unitary System HVAC object (AirloopHVAC:UnitarySystem). AHU with chilled and hot
water coils is setup by specifying Fan:OnOff and DesignSpecificationPerformance:MultiSpeed ob-
jects in Unitary System. The design specification performance object allows running the chilled and
hot water coils capacity control using a multi-speed supply air fan. The multi-speed fan capacity
control for chilled and hot water coil AHU is performed by modulating the supply air flow rate
while maintaining a constant water flow rate. The chilled or hot water flow rates is set at maximum
fixed flow rate when there is cooling or heating load and the water flow rate is set to zero when
there is no load. Such control strategy is called two-position cooling or heating coil control. The
fan speed selection depends on the current load, at lower load the fan is operated at minimum speed
(Speed = 1) and the fan speed level increases progressively as the load increases until it reaches the
maximum speed level specified. The multi-speed fan operation is modulated between the speeds to
meet the current load. When the supply air fan is cycling between consecutive speeds levels, the
speed ratio is calculated that indicates what fraction of the time step that the system run at the
higher of the two speeds. At lower load, the fan may cycle on-off or run continuously depending the
fan operating schedule specified. When the fan is cycling a part-load ratio is calculated to reflect
the proportion of the system timestep the fan and coils were operating. In continuous fan operating
mode only the coil cycles on-off and the part-load ratio applies to the coil only. Multi-speed fan
capacity control is allowed with load based control type only.

1.31.2.1.2 Field: Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the unitary system.

1.31.2.1.3 Field: Control Type

This alpha field contains control type i.e. load based or setpoint based for the unitary system.
Valid choices are Load and SetPoint. Load control requires a Controlling Zone name and SetPoint
control requires set points at each coil outlet node. A single set point at the outlet of the system
is allowed but not recommended.

1.31.2.1.4 Field: Controlling Zone or Thermostat Location

This alpha field contains the identifying zone name where the thermostat controlling the unitary
system is located.

1.31.2.1.5 Field: Dehumidification Control Type

This alpha field contains the type of dehumidification control. The following options are valid
for this field:
None - meet sensible load only, no active dehumidification control
Multimode - activate enhanced dehumidification mode as needed and meet sensible load.
This option is used to model DX equipment with a controllable heat exchanger assisting the DX
cooling coil for improved dehumidification. It is valid only with cooling coil type = CoilSys-
tem:Cooling:DX:HeatExchangerAssisted.
CoolReheat - cool beyond the dry-bulb temperature set point as required to meet the high
humidity setpoint. If cooling coil type = CoilSystem:Cooling:DX:HeatExchangerAssisted, then the
heat exchanger is assumed to always transfer energy between the cooling coil’s inlet and outlet
airstreams when the cooling coil is operating.
1292 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

The default is None. For the other dehumidification control modes, the maximum humidity
setpoint is used. This must be set using a ZoneControl:Humidistat object. When extra de-
humidification is required, the system may not be able to meet the humidity setpoint if its full
capacity is not adequate. If the dehumidification control type is specified as CoolReheat, then
two additional inputs (reheat coil type and name) are also required as shown below. Although
the reheat coil is required only when CoolReheat is selected, the optional reheat coil may be
present for any of the allowed Dehumidification Control Types. If the reheat coil is present and the
dehumidification control type is not specified as CoolReheat, the reheat coil will not be active,

1.31.2.1.6 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the schedule name which contains information on the availability of
the unitary system to operate. A schedule value equal to 0 denotes that the unitary system must
be off for that time period. A value greater than 0 denotes that the unitary system is available
to operate during that time period. This schedule may be used to completely disable the unitary
system as required. If this field is left blank, the schedule has a value of 1 for all time periods.

1.31.2.1.7 Field: Unitary System Air Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the unitary system inlet node name.

1.31.2.1.8 Field: Unitary System Air Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the unitary system outlet node name.

1.31.2.1.9 Field: Supply Fan Object Type

This alpha field contains the identifying type of supply air fan specified for the unitary
system. Fan type must be Fan:OnOff, Fan:ConstantVolume, Fan:VariableVolume, or
Fan:ComponentModel. Fan:ConstantVolume is used when the Supply Air Fan Operating Mode
Schedule values are never 0 and the fan operates continuously. Fan:OnOff is used when the fan
cycles on and off with the cooling or heating coil (i.e. Supply Air Fan Operating Mode Schedule
values are at times 0). Fan:VariableVolume is used for variable air volume systems or multi- or
variable-speed coils. The Fan:ComponentModel may be used in place of the ConstantVolume or
VariableVolume fan types to more accurately represent fan performance.

1.31.2.1.10 Field: Supply Fan Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the unitary system fan.

1.31.2.1.11 Field: Fan Placement

This alpha field has two choices: BlowThrough or DrawThrough. The first choice stands
for “blow through fan”. This means that the unit consists of a fan followed by the main cooling
and heating coils and supplemental heating coil. The fan “blows through” the cooling and heating
coils. The second choice stands for “draw through fan”. This means that the unit consists of the
main cooling/heating coil(s) followed by a fan, with the supplemental heater located at the outlet
of the fan. The fan “draws air through” the cooling/heating coil(s). If this field is left blank, the
default is blow through.
Field: Supply Air Fan Operating Mode Schedule Name
This alpha field specifies the name of the supply air fan operating mode schedule. The supply
air fan operating mode may vary during the simulation based on time-of-day or with a change
of season. Schedule values of 0 denote that the unitary system supply air fan and the heating
1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1293

or cooling coil cycle on and off together to meet the heating or cooling load (a.k.a. AUTO fan).
Schedule values other than 0 denote that the supply fan runs continuously while the heating or
cooling coil cycles to meet the load.

1.31.2.1.12 Field: Heating Coil Object Type

This alpha field contains the identifying type of heating coil specified in the unitary system. The
hot water and steam heating coils require specifying plant loop, branches, and connector objects
to support the heating coils, and are placed on the demand side of the plantloop. Allowable coil
types are:

• Coil:Heating:DX:SingleSpeed

• Coil:Heating:DX:TwoSpeed

• Coil:Heating:DX:MultiSpeed

• Coil:Heating:DX:VariableSpeed

• Coil:Heating:WaterToAirHeatPump:ParameterEstimation

• Coil:Heating:WaterToAirHeatPump:EquationFit

• Coil:Heating:WaterToAirHeatPump:VariableSpeedEquationFit

• Coil:Heating:Gas

• Coil:Heating:Gas:MultiStage

• Coil:Heating:Electric

• Coil:Heating:Electric:MultiStage

• Coil:Heating:Water

• Coil:Heating:Steam

• Coil:Heating:Desuperheater

• Coil:UserDefined

1.31.2.1.13 Field: Heating Coil Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the unitary system heating coil.

1.31.2.1.14 Field: DX Heating Coil Sizing Ratio

This numeric field is used to adjust heat pump heating capacity with respect to DX cooling
capacity. It is used only for DX heat pump configurations (i.e., a DX cooling and heating coil is
used).
1294 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.31.2.1.15 Field: Cooling Coil Object Type

This alpha field contains the identifying type of cooling coil specified in the unitary system.
Allowable coil types are:

• Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed

• Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed:ThermalStorage

• Coil:Cooling:DX:TwoSpeed

• Coil:Cooling:DX:MultiSpeed

• Coil:Cooling:DX:VariableSpeed

• Coil:Cooling:DX:TwoStageWithHumidityControlMode

• CoilSystem:Cooling:DX:HeatExchangerAssisted

• Coil:Cooling:WaterToAirHeatPump:ParameterEstimation

• Coil:Cooling:WaterToAirHeatPump:EquationFit

• Coil:Cooling:WaterToAirHeatPump:VariableSpeedEquationFit

• Coil:Cooling:Water

• Coil:Cooling:Water:DetailedGeometry

• CoilSystem:Cooling:Water:HeatExchangerAssisted

• Coil:UserDefined

1.31.2.1.16 Field: Cooling Coil Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the unitary system cooling coil.

1.31.2.1.17 Field: Use DOAS DX Cooling Coil

This input field eanbles DX Cooling coils to be used for 100% outdoor air dedicated outdor air
system applications. There are two choices Yes or No. If Yes, the DX coil is used as 100% outdoor
DX coil. If No, the DX coil is used as regular DX coil. This input file d is optional and the default
is No.

1.31.2.1.18 Field: DOAS DX Cooling Coil Leaving Minimum Air Temperature

This input field is DX Cooling coils leaving minimum air temperature for frost control. The DX
cooling coil leaving air temperature is not allowed to exceed this minimum air temperature. The
DX cooling coil frost controller adjusts or limits the desired coil outlet air setpoint temperature
when the coil outlet temperature exceeds this minimum temperature limit specified. This input
field is optional and only used along with in the input field above. The minimum and maximum
values of this input field are 0.0o C and 7.2o C, and the default value is 2.0°C.
1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1295

1.31.2.1.19 Field: Latent Load Control

This alpha field defines the latent load control method. Available choices are SensibleOnlyLoad-
Control, LatentOnlyLoadControl, LatentWithSensibleLoadControl, or LatentOrSensibleLoadCon-
trol. The default choice is SensibleOnlyLoadControl. The SensibleOnlyLoadControl choice will
operate to meet only a sensible load, and the LatentOnlyLoadConrol will operate to meet only a
latent load. The LatentWithSensibleLoadControl will operate to meet the latent load only if there
is a sensible load. The LatentOrSensibleLoadControl will operate to meet either a latent or sensible
load.

1.31.2.1.20 Field: Supplemental Heating Coil Object Type

This alpha field contains the identifying type of supplemental heating coil specified in the
unitary system. The hot water and steam heating coils require specifying plant loop, branches, and
connector objects to support the heating coils, and are placed on the demand side of the plantloop.
The Coil:UserDefined object must be configured as a heating coil. Supplemental heating type must
be one of:

• Coil:Heating:Electric

• Coil:Heating:Gas

• Coil:Heating:Desuperheater

• Coil:Heating:Water

• Coil:Heating:Steam

• Coil:UserDefined

1.31.2.1.21 Field: Supplemental Heating Coil Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the unitary system reheat coil.

1.31.2.1.22 Field: Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate Method

This alpha field defines the supply air flow method during cooling operation. Available choices
are SupplyAirFlowRate, FlowPerFloorArea, FractionOfAutosizedCoolingValue, FlowPerCooling-
Capacity. For each of the choices, a corresponding air flow rate for cooling must be specified.

1.31.2.1.23 Field: Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the supply air flow rate leaving the unitary system in cubic meters per
second when the cooling coil is operating. Values must be greater than 0 or this field is autosizable.
Required field when Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate Method is SupplyAirFlowRate.

1.31.2.1.24 Field: Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate Per Floor Area
This numeric field defines the supply air flow rate per floor area leaving the unitary system in
meters per second when the cooling coil is operating. Values must be greater than 0 or this field is
autosizable. Required field when Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate Method is FlowPerFloorArea.
1296 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.31.2.1.25 Field: Cooling Fraction of Autosized Design Cooling Supply Air

Flow Rate
This numeric field defines the fraction of autosized supply air flow rate leaving the unitary
system when the cooling coil is operating. Values must be greater than 0 or this field is autosizable.
Required field when Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate Method is FractionOfAutosizedCooling-
Value.

1.31.2.1.26 Field: Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate Per Unit of Capacity
This numeric field defines the supply air flow rate per unit of capacity leaving the unitary
system when the cooling coil is operating. Values must be greater than 0 or this field is autosizable.
Required field when Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate Method is FlowPerCoolingCapacity.

1.31.2.1.27 Field: Heating Supply Air Flow Rate Method

This alpha field defines the supply air flow method during heating operation. Available choices
are SupplyAirFlowRate, FlowPerFloorArea, FractionOfAutosizedHeatingValue, FlowPerHeating-
Capacity. For each of the choices, a corresponding air flow rate for heating must be specified.

1.31.2.1.28 Field: Heating Supply Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the supply air flow rate leaving the unitary system in cubic meters per
second when the heating coil is operating. Values must be greater than 0 or this field is autosizable.
Required field when Heating Supply Air Flow Rate Method is SupplyAirFlowRate.

1.31.2.1.29 Field: Heating Supply Air Flow Rate Per Floor Area
This numeric field defines the supply air flow rate per floor area leaving the unitary system in
meters per second when the heating coil is operating. Values must be greater than 0 or this field is
autosizable. Required field when Heating Supply Air Flow Rate Method is FlowPerFloorArea.

1.31.2.1.30 Field: Heating Fraction of Autosized Design Heating Supply Air

Flow Rate
This numeric field defines the fraction of autosized supply air flow rate leaving the unitary sys-
tem when the heating coil is operating. Values must be greater than 0 or this field is autosizable.
Required field when Heating Supply Air Flow Rate Method is FractionOfAutosizedHeating-
Value.

1.31.2.1.31 Field: Heating Supply Air Flow Rate Per Unit of Capacity
This numeric field defines the supply air flow rate per unit of capacity leaving the unitary
system when the heating coil is operating. Values must be greater than 0 or this field is autosizable.
Required field when Heating Supply Air Flow Rate Method is FlowPerHeatingCapacity.

1.31.2.1.32 Field: No Load Supply Air Flow Rate Method

This alpha field defines the supply air flow method when neither cooling or heating is required.
Available choices are SupplyAirFlowRate, FlowPerFloorArea, FractionOfAutosizedCoolingValue,
FractionOfAutosizedHeatingValue, FlowPerCoolingCapacity, FlowPerHeatingCapacity. For each
of the choices, a corresponding air flow rate must be specified.
1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1297

1.31.2.1.33 Field: No Load Supply Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the supply air flow rate leaving the unitary system in cubic meters per
second when neither cooling or heating is required (i.e., main cooling/heating coils and supplemental
heater are off but the supply air fan operates). This field is only used when the unitary system
operating mode is specified as continuous fan operation. Values must be greater than or equal to
zero, or this field is autosizable. If the unitary system operating mode is specified as continuous
fan operation and this value is set to zero or this field is left blank, then the model assumes that
the supply air flow rate when no cooling/heating is needed is equal to the supply air flow rate when
the compressor was last operating (for cooling operation or heating operation).

1.31.2.1.34 Field: No Load Supply Air Flow Rate Per Floor Area
This numeric field defines the supply air flow rate per floor area leaving the unitary system in
meters per second when neither cooling or heating coil is operating. Values must be greater than
0 or this field is autosizable. Required field when No Load Supply Air Flow Rate Method During
is FlowPerFloorArea.

1.31.2.1.35 Field: No Load Fraction of Autosized Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the fraction of autosized supply air flow rate leaving the unitary
system when neither cooling or heating coil is operating. Values must be greater than 0 or this
field is autosizable. Required field when No Load Supply Air Flow Rate Method is FractionO-
fAutosizedCoolingValue.

1.31.2.1.36 Field: No Load Fraction of Autosized Heating Supply Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the fraction of autosized supply air flow rate leaving the unitary
system when the neither cooling or heating coil is operating. Values must be greater than 0 or this
field is autosizable. Required field when No Load Supply Air Flow Rate Method is FractionO-
fAutosizedHeatingValue.

1.31.2.1.37 Field: No Load Supply Air Flow Rate Per Unit of Capacity During
Cooling Operation
This numeric field defines the supply air flow rate per unit of capacity leaving the unitary sys-
tem when neither cooling or heating is operating. Values must be greater than 0 or this field is
autosizable. Required field when No Load Supply Air Flow Rate Method is FlowPerCoolingCa-
pacity.

1.31.2.1.38 Field: No Load Supply Air Flow Rate Per Unit of Capacity During
Heating Operation
This numeric field defines the supply air flow rate per unit of capacity leaving the unitary sys-
tem when neither cooling or heating is operating. Values must be greater than 0 or this field is
autosizable. Required field when No Load Supply Air Flow Rate Method is FlowPerHeatingCa-
pacity.

1.31.2.1.39 Field: Maximum Supply Air Temperature

This numeric field contains the design operating air outlet temperature in degrees C when the
unitary system is heating. If this input field is left blank, the default value is 80 C.
1298 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.31.2.1.40 Field: Maximum Outdoor Dry-Bulb Temperature for Supplemental

Heater Operation
This numeric field defines the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature above which the heat pump
supplemental heating coil is disabled. The temperature for this input field must be less than or
equal to 21 C. If this input field is left blank, the default value is 21 C.

1.31.2.1.41 Field: Outdoor Dry-Bulb Temperature Sensor Node Name

This alpha field specifies the name of the outdoor node which controls the operation of the
supplemental heating coil. If this field is left blank, the outdoor temperature is based solely on
the weather data. If this field is not blank, the node name specified must also be listed in an
OutdoorAir:Node object where the height of the node is taken into consideration when calculating
outdoor temperature from the weather data. Alternately, the node name must be specified in an
OutdoorAir:NodeList object where the outdoor temperature is taken directly from the weather
data.

1.31.2.1.42 Field: Maximum Cycling Rate

This numeric field contains the maximum on-off cycling rate for the compressor, which occurs
at 50% run time fraction. Suggested values are shown below (Henderson et al. 1999):

Figure 1.123:

1.31.2.1.43 Field: Heat Pump Time Constant

This numeric field contains the time constant for the cooling coil’s capacity to reach steady
state after startup. Suggested values are shown below (Henderson et al. 1999):

Figure 1.124:
1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1299

1.31.2.1.44 Field: Fraction of On-Cycle Power Use

This numeric field contains the fraction of on-cycle power use to adjust the part load frac-
tion based on the off-cycle power consumption due to crankcase heaters, controls, fans, and etc.
Suggested value values are below (Henderson et al. 1999):

Figure 1.125:

1.31.2.1.45 Field: Heat Pump Fan Delay Time

This numeric field contains the time delay for the heat pump supply air fan to shut off after
the compressor cycles off in seconds. This value can be obtained from the manufacturer or the
heat pump catalog. Enter a value of zero when the heat pump’s fan operating mode is continuous.
Suggested value is 60 seconds.

1.31.2.1.46 Field: Ancillary On-Cycle Electric Power

This field defines ancillary electrical power (W) consumed during the on-cycle period (i.e., when
the cooling or heating coil is operating). The model assumes that this ancillary power does not
contribute to heating the supply air. The minimum value for this field is 0.0, and the default value
is also 0.0 if the field is left blank.

1.31.2.1.47 Field: Ancillary Off-Cycle Electric Power

This field defines ancillary electrical power (W) consumed during the off-cycle period (i.e., when
the cooling and heating coil are not operating). The model assumes that this ancillary power does
not contribute to heating the supply air. The minimum value for this field is 0.0, and the default
value is also 0.0 if the field is left blank.

1.31.2.1.48 Field: Design Heat Recovery Water Flow Rate

This optional input field defines the design water flow rate used if the heat recovery option
is being simulated. If this value is greater than 0.0 then a heat recovery loop must be specified
and attached to the multispeed heat pump using the next 2 node fields. To determine how the
heat recovery algorithm works, refer to the EnergyPlus Engineering Reference in the AirLoopH-
VAC:UnitarySystem with Heat Recovery section. The units for this input value are cubic meters
per second.

1.31.2.1.49 Field: Maximum Temperature for Heat Recovery

This field sets the maximum temperature (in degrees C) that this heat pump can produce for
heat recovery. The idea behind this field is that the current models do not take temperatures into
account for availability and they just pass Q’s around the loop without a temperature limit. This
1300 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

temperature limit puts an upper bound on the recovered heat and limits the max temperature
leaving the component.
As temperatures in the loop approach the maximum temperature, the temperature difference
between the entering water and the surfaces in the piece of equipment becomes smaller. For the
given heat recovery flow rate and that temperature difference the amount of heat recovered will be
reduced, and eventually there will be no heat recovered when the entering water temperature is
equal to the maximum temperature specified by the user in this field. The reduced amount of heat
recovered will diminish if the temperature of the loop approach is the maximum temperature, and
this will show up in the reporting. This allows the user to set the availability or the quality of the
heat recovered for usage in other parts of the system or to heat domestic hot water supply.

1.31.2.1.50 Field: Heat Recovery Water Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the heat recovery side inlet node.

1.31.2.1.51 Field: Heat Recovery Water Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the heat recovery side outlet node.

1.31.2.1.52 Field: Design Specification Multispeed Object Type

This alpha field contains the identifying type for the design specification multispeed object.
This field is only needed when multispeed cooling or heating coil is specified.

1.31.2.1.53 Field: Design Specification Multispeed Object Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the design specification multispeed object.
This field is only needed when multispeed cooling or heating coil is specified.
As shown in the example below, correct specification of the heat/cool unitary system requires
specification of the following objects in addition to the unitary system object:

1) Fan (Fan:OnOff or Fan:ConstantVolume)

2) Cooling coil

3) Heating coil

4) Reheat coil

5) Direct air unit (AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled) for each zone served by the unitary
system

AirLoopHVAC:UnitarySystem ,
DXAC Heat Pump 1, !- Name
Load , !- Control Type
East Zone , !- Controlling Zone or Thermostat Location
, !- Dehumidification Control Type
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
Mixed Air Node , !- Air Inlet Node Name
Air Loop Outlet Node , !- Air Outlet Node Name
Fan:OnOff , !- Supply Air Fan Object Type
Supply Fan 1, !- Supply Air Fan Name
BlowThrough , !- Fan Placement
FanModeSchedule , !- Supply Air Fan Operating Mode Schedule Name
Coil:Heating:DX:MultiSpeed , !- Heating Coil Object Type
Heat Pump DX Heating Coil 1, !- Heating Coil Name
1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1301

, !- DX Heating Coil Sizing Ratio

Coil:Cooling:DX:MultiSpeed , !- Cooling Coil Object Type
Heat Pump ACDXCoil 1, !- Cooling Coil Name
, !- Use DOAS DX Cooling Coil
, !- DOAS DX Cooling Coil Leaving Minimum Air Temperature
, !- Latent Load Control
Coil:Heating:Gas , !- Supplemental Heating Coil Object Type
Supp Gas Heating Coil 1, !- Supplemental Heating Coil Name
SupplyAirFlowRate , !- Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate Method
1.7, !- Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate Per Floor Area
, !- Cooling Fraction of Autosized Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate
, !- Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate Per Unit of Cooling Capacity
SupplyAirFlowRate , !- Heating Supply Air Flow Rate Method
1.7, !- Heating Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- Heating Supply Air Flow Rate Per Floor Area
, !- Heating Fraction of Autosized Heating Supply Air Flow Rate
, !- Heating Supply Air Flow Rate Per Unit of Heating Capacity
SupplyAirFlowRate , !- No Load Supply Air Flow Rate Method
0.2, !- No Load Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- No Load Supply Air Flow Rate Per Floor Area
, !- No Load Fraction of Autosized Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate
, !- No Load Fraction of Autosized Heating Supply Air Flow Rate
, !- No Load Supply Air Flow Rate Per Unit of Cooling Capacity
, !- No Load Supply Air Flow Rate Per Unit of Heating Capacity
50, !- Maximum Supply Air Temperature {C}
21, !- Maximum Outdoor Dry -Bulb Temperature for Supplemental Heater Operation
, !- Outdoor Dry -Bulb Temperature Sensor Node Name
, !- Maximum Cycling Rate
, !- Heat Pump Time Constant
, !- Fraction of On -Cycle Power Use
, !- Heat Pump Fan Delay Time
, !- Ancillary On -Cycle Electric Power
, !- Ancillary Off -Cycle Electric Power
, !- Design Heat Recovery Water Flow Rate
, !- Maximum Temperature for Heat Recovery (Maximum Heat Recovery Outlet Temperature ?)
, !- Heat Recovery Water Inlet Node Name
, !- Heat Recovery Water Outlet Node Name
UnitarySystemPerformance :Multispeed , !- Design Specification Multispeed Heat Pump Object Type
MyMultispeedHPSpec ; !- Design Specification Multispeed Heat Pump Object Name

UnitarySystemPerformance :Multispeed ,
MyMultispeedHPSpec , !- Name
4, !- Number of Speeds for Heating
4, !- Number of Speeds for Cooling
No , !- Single Mode Operation
0.235294118 , !- Heating Speed 1 Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.235294118 , !- Cooling Speed 1 Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.470588235 , !- Heating Speed 2 Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.470588235 , !- Cooling Speed 2 Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.705882353 , !- Heating Speed 3 Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.705882353 , !- Cooling Speed 3 Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
1.0, !- Heating Speed 4 Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
1.0; !- Cooling Speed 4 Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}

1.31.2.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average, Unitary System Fan Part Load Ratio []

• HVAC,Average, Unitary System Compressor Part Load Ratio

• HVAC,Average,Unitary System Total Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Unitary System Total Heating Rate [W]

1302 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• HVAC,Average,Unitary System Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Unitary System Sensible Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Unitary System Latent Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Unitary System Latent Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Unitary System Ancillary Electric Power[W]

Two speed coil outputs

• HVAC,Average,Unitary System Cycling Ratio []

Multi speed coil outputs

• HVAC,Average,Unitary System DX Coil Cycling Ratio []

• HVAC,Average,Unitary System DX Coil Speed Ratio []

• HVAC,Average,Unitary System DX Coil Speed Level []

• HVAC,Average,Unitary System Electric Power[W]

• HVAC,Sum,Unitary System Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Unitary System Cooling Ancillary Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Unitary System Heating Ancillary Electric Energy [J]

Multi speed coil outputs(If heat recovery is specified)

• HVAC,Average, Unitary System Heat Recovery Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average, Unitary System Heat Recovery Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average, Unitary System Heat Recovery Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average, Unitary System Heat Recovery Fluid Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Sum, Unitary System Heat Recovery Energy [J]

Water to air heat pump outputs

• HVAC,Average, Unitary System Requested Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average, Unitary System Requested Latent Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average, Unitary System Requested Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average, Unitary System Water Coil Cycling Ratio []

• HVAC,Average, Unitary System Water Coil Speed Ratio []

• HVAC,Average, Unitary System Water Coil Speed Level []

1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1303

1.31.2.2.1 Unitary System Fan Part Load Ratio []

This output variable is the ratio of actual air mass flow rate through the unitary system to the
unitary system’s design air mass flow rate (i.e., design volumetric flow rate converted to dry air
mass flow rate). For continuous fan operation mode, this variable is always 1.0 when the unitary
system is available (based on the availability schedule). For cycling fan/cycling coil operation
mode, the actual air mass flow rate is calculated based on the ratio of the sensible heating (or
cooling) load to the steady-state unitary system heating (or cooling) capacity. For the cycling fan
mode, the runtime fraction for the unitary system fan may be different from the fan part-load ratio
reported here due the part-load performance of the unitary system’s heating (or cooling) coil (delay
at start-up to reach steady-state output). In general, runtime fractions are reported by individual
components where appropriate (e.g., Fan:OnOff). When the speed number is greater than 1, the
value is 1.0.

1.31.2.2.2 Unitary System Compressor Part Load Ratio []

This output variable is the ratio of the sensible load (heating or cooling) to the steady-state
capacity of the unitary system’s DX heating or cooling coil at Speed 1. The runtime fraction for
the unitary system compressor may be different from the compressor part-load ratio reported here
due the part-load performance of the heating/cooling coil (delay at start-up to reach steady-state
output). In general, runtime fractions are reported by individual components where appropriate.
When the speed number is greater than 1, the value is 1.0.

1.31.2.2.3 Unitary System DX Coil Cycling Ratio []

This output variable is the ratio of the sensible load (heating or cooling) to the steady-state
capacity of the unitary system’s DX heating or cooling coil (Speed 1) for the entire system timestep.
The value is between 0.0 and 1.0 when the unitary system is cycling on and off its lowest speed
(Speed 1) and 1.0 when the unitary system operates at speeds above 1.
When Single Mode Operation is specified, the value is between 0.0 and 1.0 when the heat pump
is cycling on at any given speed.

1.31.2.2.4 Unitary System DX Coil Speed Ratio []

This output variable is the ratio of time in a system timestep that the compressor is at rated
speed between two consecutive speed numbers ( [Compressor Speed - Compressor speed at Speed
i-1] / [Compressor speed at Speed i - Compressor speed at Speed i-1]). The compressor speed ratio
reports (1.0 is max, 0.0 is min) and any value in between as it is averaged over the timestep. The
value is 0.0 during Speed 1 operation.
The physical meaning of the speed ratio is dependent on the compressor configuration defined
in the field of child coil object: Apply Part Load Fraction to Speeds greater than 1. The allowed
choice is either Yes or No. When No is entered, one compressor is assumed for all speeds. The
speed ratio represents how long the higher speed runs as a fraction of the system timestep, and the
lower speed runs in the rest of the system timestep. When Yes is entered, multiple compressors
are assumed, and each compressor has associated speed. The speed ratio represents how long the
higher speed runs as a fraction of the system timestep, and the low speed runs in a whole system
timestep.
When Single Mode Operation is specified, the speed ratio is set to 0 at Speed 1 and 1 at Speed
> 1.
1304 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.31.2.2.5 Unitary System DX Coil Speed Level []

This output variable reports the maximum speed needed when the unitary system operates to
meet the sensible load (heating or cooling) in a system timestep. When the value is 1, the unitary
system operates at Speed 1 (lowest speed). For this case the cycling ratio is between 0.0 and 1.0,
while the speed ratio is 0.0. When the speed number output variable is above one, such as i,
the unitary system operation is determined by the speed ratio through linear interpolation. For
example, when the speed ratio is 0.4 and the speed number is 3, the unitary system operates at
Speed 3 for 40% of a system timestep and at Speed 2 for 60% of a system timestep for a single
compressor. For multiple compressors, the unitary system operates at Speed 3 in the 40% of a
system timestep and at Speed 2 in the whole system timestep.

1.31.2.2.6 Unitary System Total Heating Rate [W]

This output field is the total (enthalpy) heat addition rate of the unitary system to the zones
it is serving in Watts. This value is calculated using the enthalpy difference of the unitary system
outlet air and inlet air streams, and the air mass flow rate through the unitary system. This value
is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the results (enthalpy addition
only) are averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.31.2.2.7 Unitary System Total Cooling Rate [W]

This output field is the total (enthalpy) heat extraction rate of the unitary system from the
zones it is serving in Watts. This value is calculated using the enthalpy difference of the unitary
system outlet air and inlet air streams, and the air mass flow rate through the unitary system.
This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the results (enthalpy
extraction only) are averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.31.2.2.8 Unitary System Sensible Heating Rate [W]

This output field reports the sensible heat addition rate of the unitary system to the zones it
is serving in Watts. This value is calculated using the enthalpy difference of the unitary system
outlet air and inlet air streams at a constant humidity ratio, and the air mass flow rate through
the unitary system. This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and
the results (heating only) are averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.31.2.2.9 Unitary System Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

This output field reports the moist air sensible heat extraction rate of the unitary system from
the zones it is serving in Watts. This value is calculated using the enthalpy difference of the
unitary system outlet air and inlet air streams at a constant humidity ratio, and the air mass flow
rate through the unitary system. This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being
simulated, and the results (cooling only) are averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.31.2.2.10 Unitary System Latent Heating Rate [W]

This output field is the latent heat addition (humidification) rate of the unitary system in Watts.
This value is calculated as the difference between the total energy rate and the sensible energy rate
provided by the unitary system. This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being
simulated, and the results (latent heat addition only) are averaged for the timestep being reported.
1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1305

1.31.2.2.11 Unitary System Latent Cooling Rate [W]

This output field is the latent heat extraction (dehumidification) rate of the unitary system in
Watts. This value is calculated as the difference between the total energy rate and the sensible
energy rate provided by the unitary system. This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep
being simulated, and the results (latent heat extraction only) are averaged for the timestep being
reported.

1.31.2.2.12 Unitary System Electric Power [W]

This output field is the electricity consumption rate of the unitary system in Watts. The
consumption includes electricity used by the DX coils (including crankcase heater if the fuel type
is electricity), fans (indoor supply air fan and the condenser fans associated with the DX coil[s]),
auxiliary power during on and off period, and the supplemental heating coil (if electric). This value
is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the results are averaged for the
timestep being reported. Any non-electric energy use is not reported by the unitary system object
but is reported in the associated coil objects as appropriate.

1.31.2.2.13 Unitary System Electric Energy [J]

This output field is the electricity consumption of the unitary system in Joules for the timestep
being reported. The consumption includes electricity used by the DX compressor (including
crankcase heater if the fuel type is electricity), fans (indoor supply air fan and the condenser fans
associated with the DX coil[s]), auxiliary power during on and off period, and the supplemental
heating coil (if electric). This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being simulated,
and the results are summed for the timestep being reported. Any non-electric energy use is not
reported by the unitary system object but is reported in the associated coil objects as appropriate.

1.31.2.2.14 Unitary System Ancillary Electric Power [W]

This output field is the average auxiliary electricity consumption rate (including both on-cycle
and off-cycle) in Watts for the timestep being reported.

1.31.2.2.15 Unitary System Cooling Ancillary Electric Energy [J]

This is the auxiliary electricity consumption in Joules for the timestep being reported. This is
the auxiliary electricity consumption during periods when the unitary system is providing cooling
(DX cooling coil is operating). This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type =
Electricity, End Use Key = Cooling, Group Key = System (ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.31.2.2.16 Unitary System Heating Ancillary Electric Energy [J]

This is the auxiliary electricity consumption in Joules for the timestep being reported. This is
the auxiliary electricity consumption during periods when the unitary system is providing heating
(DX heating coil is operating). This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type =
Electricity, End Use Key = Heating, Group Key = System (ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.31.2.2.17 Unitary System Heat Recovery Inlet Temperature [C]

1.31.2.2.18 Unitary System Heat Recovery Outlet Temperature [C]

1306 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.31.2.2.19 Unitary System Heat Recovery Fluid Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
These outputs are the heat recovery inlet and outlet temperatures and water mass flow rate for
unitary systems with heat recovery.

1.31.2.2.20 Unitary System Heat Recovery Rate [W]

1.31.2.2.21 Unitary System Heat Recovery Energy [J]

For multispeed unitary systems with heat recovery, these outputs are the recoverable energy
rate (in Watts) and energy (in Joules).

1.31.2.2.22 Unitary System Requested Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

This output variable is the sensible cooling requested from the zone thermostat in watts. This
value is calculated using the unitary system outlet air and zone conditions, the specific heat of the
zone air, and the supply air mass flow rate entering/leaving the system. This value is calculated for
each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the results are averaged for the timestep being
reported.

1.31.2.2.23 Unitary System Requested Latent Cooling Rate [W]

This output variable is the latent cooling requested from the zone humidistat in watts. This
value is calculated using the unitary system outlet air and zone conditions, the heat of vaporization
of water at the current zone conditions, and the supply air mass flow rate entering/leaving the
system. This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the results
are averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.31.2.2.24 Unitary System Requested Heating Rate [W]

This output variable is the sensible heating requested from the zone thermostat in watts. This
value is calculated using the unitary system outlet air and zone conditions, the specific heat of the
zone air, and the supply air mass flow rate entering/leaving the system. This value is calculated for
each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the results are averaged for the timestep being
reported.

1.31.2.2.25 Unitary System Water Coil Cycling Ratio []

This output variable is the ratio of the sensible load (heating or cooling) to the steady-state
capacity of the multispeed fan chilled water or hot water coil for the entire system timestep. The
value is between 0.0 and 1.0 when the AHU is cycling on and off its lowest speed (fan speed 1) and
1.0 when the multispeed fan chilled water or hot water AHU operates at speed levels above 1.

1.31.2.2.26 Unitary System Water Coil Speed Ratio []

This output variable is the ratio of time in a system timestep that the AHU fan is at rated speed
between two consecutive speed levels ( [System Load – Capacity at Fan Speed i-1] / [Capacity at
Fan Speed i – Capacity at Fan Speed i-1]). The fan speed ratio reports (1.0 is max, 0.0 is min)
and any value in between as it is averaged over the timestep. The value is 0.0 during Speed 1
operation. AHU speed ratio depends on the system load and the supply air fan speed. The speed
ratio represents how long the higher speed runs as a fraction of the system timestep, and the lower
speed runs in the rest of the system timestep.
1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1307

1.31.2.2.27 Unitary System Water Coil Speed Level []

This output variable reports the maximum speed needed when the system operates to meet the
sensible load (heating or cooling) in a system timestep. When the value is 1, the AHU operates at
Speed 1 (lowest speed). For this case the cycling ratio is between 0.0 and 1.0, while the speed ratio
is 0.0. When the speed level is above the minimum (speed = 1), the system operation is determined
by the speed ratio. For example, when the speed ratio is 0.4 and the speed lever is 3, then the
supply air fan and water coil operate at Speed 3 for 40% of a system timestep and at Speed 2 for
60% of a system timestep.

1.31.3 UnitarySystemPerformance:Multispeed
1.31.3.1 Inputs
1.31.3.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the multispeed performance specification.

1.31.3.1.2 Field: Number of Speeds for Heating

This field defines the number of heating speeds for the heat pump, and must match the number
of heating speeds defined in the associated heating coil. The value for this input field defines the
number of airflow rate ratios that must be defined for heating in the fields below. The minimum
value for this field is one and the maximum value is the number specified in the coil object. If the
heating coil type used in the unitary system object is not a multispeed coil type, then this field
should be 1.

1.31.3.1.3 Field: Number of Speeds for Cooling

This field defines the number of cooling speeds for the heat pump, and must match the number
of cooling speeds defined in the associated DX cooling coil. The value for this input field defines
the number of airflow rate ratios that must be defined for cooling in the fields below. The minimum
value for this field is one and the maximum value is the number specified in the coil object. If the
cooling coil type used in the unitary system object is not a multispeed coil type, then this field
should be 1.

1.31.3.1.4 Field: Single Mode Operation

This field specifies the coil operation mode for multiple speed DX cooling and heating coils
during each HVAC timestep. The allowed choice is Yes or No. The No choice allows a coil works
between two adjacent speeds when a system load is greater than the coil capacity at speed 1. The
Yes choice allows a coil works with a single capacity at a different speed. The speed number is
determined by a system load.
The allowed cooling and heating coil types are restricted to the following combinations:
Coil:Cooling:DX:MultiSpeed and Coil:Heating:DX:MultiSpeed or Coil:Cooling:DX:MultiSpeed
and Coil:Heating:Gas.

1.31.3.1.5 Field: Heating Speed 1 Supply Air Flow Ratio

This numeric field defines the ratio of supply air flow rate leaving the unitary system to the
maximum air flow rate specified in the coil object at maximum speed when the heating coil and/or
supplemental heater are operating at Speed 1 (lowest speed). Values must be greater than 0.
1308 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.31.3.1.6 Field: Cooling Speed 1 Supply Air Flow Ratio

This numeric field defines the ratio of supply air flow rate leaving the unitary system to the
maximum air flow rate specified in the coil object at maximum speed when the DX cooling coil is
operating at Speed 1 (lowest speed). Values must be greater than 0.

1.31.3.1.7 Field: Heating Speed 2 Supply Air Flow Ratio

This numeric field defines the ratio of supply air flow rate leaving the unitary system to the
maximum air flow rate specified in the coil object at maximum speed when the heating coil and/or
supplemental heater are operating at Speed 2. Values must be greater than 0. The entered value
must be greater or equal to the flow rate ratio specified for heating speed 1.

1.31.3.1.8 Field: Cooling Speed 2 Supply Air Flow Ratio

This numeric field defines the ratio of supply air flow rate leaving the unitary system to the
maximum air flow rate specified in the coil object at maximum speed when the DX cooling coil is
operating at Speed 2. Values must be greater than 0. The entered value must be greater or equal
to the flow rate ratio specified for cooling speed 1.

1.31.3.1.9 Field: Heating Speed 3 Supply Air Flow Ratio

This numeric field defines the ratio of supply air flow rate leaving the unitary system to the
maximum air flow rate specified in the coil object at maximum speed when the heating coil and/or
supplemental heater are operating at Speed 3. Values must be greater than 0. The entered value
must be greater or equal to the flow rate ratio specified for heating speed 2.If the ‘Number of Speeds
for Heating’ is less than 3, then this field can be left blank.

1.31.3.1.10 Field: Cooling Speed 3 Supply Air Flow Ratio

This numeric field defines the ratio of supply air flow rate leaving the unitary system to the
maximum air flow rate specified in the coil object at maximum speed when the DX cooling coil is
operating at Speed 3. Values must be greater than 0. The entered value must be greater or equal
to the flow rate ratio specified for cooling speed 2.If the ‘Number of Speeds for Cooling’ is less than
3, then this field can be left blank.

1.31.3.1.11 Field: Heating Speed 4 Supply Air Flow Ratio

This numeric field defines the ratio of supply air flow rate leaving the unitary system to the
maximum air flow rate specified in the coil object at maximum speed when the DX heating coil
and/or supplemental heater are operating at Speed 3. Values must be greater than 0. The entered
value must be greater or equal to the flow rate ratio specified for heating Speed 3.If the ‘Number
of Speeds for Heating’ is less than 4, then this field can be left blank.

1.31.3.1.12 Field: Cooling Speed 4 Supply Air Flow Ratio

This numeric field defines the ratio of supply air flow rate leaving the unitary system to the
maximum air flow rate specified in the coil object at maximum speed when the DX cooling coil is
operating at Speed 4. Values must be greater than 0. The entered value must be greater or equal
to the flow rate ratio specified for cooling Speed 3.If the ‘Number of Speeds for Cooling’ is less than
4, then this field can be left blank.
1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1309

1.31.4 AirLoopHVAC:Unitary:Furnace:HeatCool
The heat/cool furnace is a “virtual” component that consists of a fan component (OnOff or Con-
stantVolume), a DX cooling coil component, and a Gas or Electric heating coil component. The
blow through furnace configuration is shown in Figure 1.126 below. When a draw through furnace
configuration is desired, the fan is placed directly after the heating coil. If the dehumidification
control type is specified as CoolReheat, a reheat coil component is also required. If the reheat coil
is present and the dehumidification control type input is not specified as CoolReheat, the reheat
coil will not be active,

Figure 1.126: Schematic of EnergyPlus Heat/Cool Furnace

Note: the coil order shown here has been revised from previous versions (prior to V4.0) of
Energyplus to configure the cooling coil upstream of the heating coil. This configuration provides
uniformity with all unitary equipment. However, for unitary HeatCool systems that do not use
a reheat coil, the heating coil can also be placed upstream of the cooling coil. This optional coil
placement is retained to allow compatibility with previous versions of Energyplus. For input files
developed using previous versions of Energyplus, it is recommended that the coil order be revised
according to the figure above.
1310 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Links to the fan, heating coil, DX cooling coil and optional reheat coil specifications are provided
in the furnace input data syntax. In addition, the control zone name and the furnace design
operating conditions are specified by the furnace inputs.

1.31.4.1 Inputs
1.31.4.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the unit.

1.31.4.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the schedule name which contains information on the availability of
the furnace to operate. A schedule value equal to 0 denotes that the furnace must be off for that
time period. A value greater than 0 denotes that the furnace is available to operate during that
time period. This schedule may be used to completely disable the furnace as required. If this field
is left blank, the schedule has a value of 1 for all time periods.

1.31.4.1.3 Field: Furnace Air Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the furnace inlet node name.

1.31.4.1.4 Field: Furnace Air Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the furnace outlet node name.

1.31.4.1.5 Field: Supply Air Fan Operating Mode Schedule Name

This alpha field specifies the name of the supply air fan operating mode schedule. The supply
air fan operating mode may vary during the simulation based on time-of-day or with a change of
season. Schedule values of 0 denote that the furnace supply air fan and the heating or cooling coil
cycle on and off together to meet the heating or cooling load (a.k.a. AUTO fan). Schedule values
other than 0 denote that the supply fan runs continuously while the heating or cooling coil cycles
to meet the load.

1.31.4.1.6 Field: Maximum Supply Air Temperature

This numeric field contains the design operating furnace air outlet temperature in degrees C
when the furnace is heating. If this input field is left blank, the default value is 80 C.

1.31.4.1.7 Field: Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the supply air flow rate leaving the furnace in cubic meters per second
when the DX cooling coil is operating. Values must be greater than 0 or this field is autosizable.

1.31.4.1.8 Field: Heating Supply Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the supply air flow rate leaving the furnace in cubic meters per second
when the DX heating coil and/or supplemental heater are operating. Values must be greater than
0 or this field is autosizable.
1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1311

1.31.4.1.9 Field: No Load Supply Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the supply air flow rate leaving the furnace in cubic meters per second
when neither cooling or heating is required (i.e., DX coils and supplemental heater are off but the
supply air fan operates). This field is only used when the furnace operating mode is specified as
continuous fan operation. Values must be greater than or equal to zero, or this field is autosizable.
If the furnace operating mode is specified as continuous fan operation and this value is set to zero or
this field is left blank, then the model assumes that the supply air flow rate when no cooling/heating
is needed is equal to the supply air flow rate when the compressor was last operating (for cooling
operation or heating operation).

1.31.4.1.10 Field: Controlling Zone or Thermostat Location

This alpha field contains the identifying zone name where the thermostat controlling the furnace
is located.

1.31.4.1.11 Field: Supply Fan Object Type

This alpha field contains the identifying type of supply air fan specified for the furnace. Fan type
must be Fan:OnOff or Fan:ConstantVolume. Fan:ConstantVolume is used when the Supply Air
Fan Operating Mode Schedule values are never 0 and the fan operates continuously. Fan:OnOff is
used when the fan cycles on and off with the cooling or heating coil (i.e. Supply Air Fan Operating
Mode Schedule values are at times 0).

1.31.4.1.12 Field: Supply Fan Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the furnace fan.

1.31.4.1.13 Field: Fan Placement

This alpha field has two choices: BlowThrough or DrawThrough. The first choice stands
for “blow through fan”. This means that the unit consists of a fan followed by the DX coils and
supplemental heating coil. The fan “blows through” the cooling and heating coils. The second
choice stands for “draw through fan”. This means that the unit consists of the DX coil(s) followed
by a fan, with the supplemental heater located at the outlet of the fan. The fan “draws air through”
the DX coil(s). If this field is left blank, the default is blow through.

1.31.4.1.14 Field: Heating Coil Object Type

This alpha field contains the identifying type of heating coil specified in the furnace. The hot
water and steam heating coils require specifying plant loop, branches, and connector objects to
support the heating coils, and are placed on the demand side of the plantloop. The hot water flow
modulation through the heating coil does not require additional controller or Controller:WaterCoil
object. The parent object (Unitary Heat and Cool Furnace) itself provides the “controller” function
of modulating water flow. Allowable coil types are:

• Coil:Heating:Electric

• Coil:Heating:Gas

• Coil:Heating:Water

• Coil:Heating:Steam
1312 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.31.4.1.15 Field: Heating Coil Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the furnace heating coil.

1.31.4.1.16 Field: Cooling Coil Object Type

This alpha field contains the identifying type of cooling coil specified in the furnace. Only
allowable coil types are:

• Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed

• CoilSystem:Cooling:DX:HeatExchangerAssisted

• Coil:Cooling:DX:VariableSpeed

1.31.4.1.17 Field: Cooling Coil Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the furnace cooling coil.

1.31.4.1.18 Field: Dehumidification Control Type

This alpha field contains the type of dehumidification control. The following options are valid
for this field:

• None - meet sensible load only, no active dehumidification control

• Multimode - activate enhanced dehumidification mode as needed and meet sensible load.
This option is used to model DX equipment with a controllable heat exchanger assisting
the DX cooling coil for improved dehumidification. It is valid only with cooling coil type =
CoilSystem:Cooling:DX:HeatExchangerAssisted.

• CoolReheat - cool beyond the dry-bulb temperature set point as required to meet the high
humidity setpoint. If cooling coil type = CoilSystem:Cooling:DX:HeatExchangerAssisted,
then the heat exchanger is assumed to always transfer energy between the cooling coil’s inlet
and outlet airstreams when the cooling coil is operating.

The default is None. For the other dehumidification control modes, the maximum humidity
setpoint is used. This must be set using a ZoneControl:Humidistat object. When extra dehu-
midification is required, the system may not be able to meet the humidity setpoint if its full capacity
is not adequate. If the dehumidification control type is specified as CoolReheat, then two addi-
tional inputs (reheat coil type and name) are also required as shown below. Although the reheat
coil is required only when CoolRheat is selected, the optional reheat coil may be present for any of
the allowed Dehumidification Control Types. If the reheat coil is present and the dehumidification
control type is not specified as CoolReheat, the reheat coil will not be active,

1.31.4.1.19 Field: Reheat Coil Object Type

This alpha field contains the identifying type of reheat coil specified in the furnace. The hot
water and steam heating coils require specifying plant loop, branches, and connector objects to
support the heating coils, and are placed on the demand side of the plantloop. The hot water flow
modulation through the reheat coil does not require additional controller or Controller:WaterCoil
object. The parent object (Unitary Heat and Cool Furnace) itself provides the “controller” function
of modulating water flow. Reheat coil type must be one of:

• Coil:Heating:Electric
1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1313

• Coil:Heating:Gas

• Coil:Heating:Desuperheater

• Coil:Heating:Water

• Coil:Heating:Steam

1.31.4.1.20 Field: Reheat Coil Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the furnace reheat coil.
As shown in the example below, correct specification of the heat/cool furnace requires specifi-
cation of the following objects in addition to the furnace object:

1) fan (Fan:OnOff or Fan:ConstantVolume)

2) cooling coil (Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed or CoilSystem:Cooling:DX:HeatExchangerAssisted)

3) heating coil (Coil:Heating:Gas or Coil:Heating:Electric)

4) reheat coil (optional, Coil:Heating:Gas, Coil:Heating:Electric, or Coil:Heating:Desuperheater)

5) terminal unit (AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled) for each zone served by the furnace

Note: the furnace’s fan, cooling coil, heating coil and optional reheat coil must be connected
in the air loop according to the configuration shown above (Figure 1.126) when CoolReheat is
selected as the dehujmidificaiton control type. In addition, the volumetric air flow rate specified in
the terminal air unit for the controlling zone should properly reflect the fractional volumetric air
flow rate specified in the furnace object.

AirLoopHVAC:Unitary:Furnace:HeatCool ,
GasHeat DXAC Furnace 1, !- Name of furnace
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability schedule
Air Loop Inlet Node , !- Furnace inlet node name
Air Loop Outlet Node , !- Furnace outlet node name
CycFanSchedule , !- Supply Air Fan Operating Mode Schedule Name
80, !- Maximum supply air temperature from furnace heater {C}
1.3, !- Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
1.3, !- Heating Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.0, !- No Load Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
East Zone , !- Controlling zone or thermostat location
Fan:OnOff , !- Supply fan type
Supply Fan 1, !- Supply fan name
BlowThrough , !- Fan Placement
Coil:Heating:Gas , !- Heating coil type
Furnace Heating Coil 1, !- Heating coil name
Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed , !- Cooling coil type
Furnace ACDXCoil 1, !- Cooling coil name
None; !- Dehumidificatioin Control Type

Coil:Heating:Gas ,
Furnace Heating Coil 1, !- Coil Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
0.8, !- Gas Burner Efficiency of the Coil
25000 , !- Nominal Capacity of the Coil {W}
Heating Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Coil\_Air\_Inlet\_Node
Air Loop Outlet Node; !- Coil\_Air\_Outlet\_Node

Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed ,
Furnace ACDXCoil 1, !- Coil Name
1314 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule

25000 , !- Rated Total Cooling Capacity (gross) {W}
0.75, !- Rated SHR
3.0, !- Rated COP
1.3, !- Rated Air Volume Flow Rate {m3/s}
DX Cooling Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Coil Air Inlet Node
Heating Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Coil Air Outlet Node
WindACCoolCapFT , !- Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve (function of temperature)
WindACCoolCapFFF , !- Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve (function of flow fraction)
WindACEIRFT , !- Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve (function of temperature)
WindACEIRFFF , !- Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve (function of flow fraction)
WindACPLFFPLR , !- Part Load Fraction Correlation (function of part load ratio)
CyclingFanAndCompressor ; !- Supply Air Fan Operation Mode

Fan:OnOff ,
Supply Fan 1, !- Fan Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
0.7, !- Fan Total Efficiency
600.0 , !- Delta Pressure {Pa}
1.3, !- Max Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.9, !- Motor Efficiency
1.0, !- Motor In Airstream Fraction
Air Loop Inlet Node , !- Fan\_Inlet\_Node
DX Cooling Coil Air Inlet Node; !- Fan\_Outlet\_Node

AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled ,
Zone1DirectAir , !- Direct Air Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Schedule name for on/off schedule
Zone 1 Inlet Node , !- Zone Supply Air Node Name
0.47; !- Maximum air flow rate {m3/s}

AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled ,
Zone2DirectAir , !- Direct Air Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Schedule name for on/off schedule
Zone 2 Inlet Node , !- Zone Supply Air Node Name
0.36; !- Maximum air flow rate {m3/s}

AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled ,
Zone3DirectAir , !- Direct Air Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Schedule name for on/off schedule
Zone 3 Inlet Node , !- Zone Supply Air Node Name
0.47; !- Maximum air flow rate {m3/s}

Example of Heat/Cool Furnace Specification

1.31.4.2 Outputs
HVAC,Average,Unitary System Fan Part Load Ratio []
HVAC,Average,Unitary System Compressor Part Load Ratio []

1.31.4.2.1 Unitary System Fan Part Load Ratio

This output variable is the ratio of actual air mass flow rate through the furnace to the furnace’s
design air mass flow rate (i.e., design volumetric flow rate converted to dry air mass flow rate).
For continuous fan operation mode, this variable is always 1.0 when the furnace is available (based
on the availability schedule). For cycling fan/cycling coil operation mode, the actual air mass flow
rate is calculated based on the ratio of the sensible heating (or cooling) load to the steady-state
furnace heating (or cooling) capacity. For the cycling fan mode, the runtime fraction for the furnace
fan may be different from the fan part-load ratio reported here due the part-load performance of
the furnace’s heating (or cooling) coil (delay at start-up to reach steady-state output). In general,
runtime fractions are reported by individual components where appropriate (e.g., Fan:OnOff).
Unitary System Compressor Part Load Ratio []
1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1315

1.31.5 AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatCool
The AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatCool object is the identical model to the AirLoopHAVC:Unitary:Furnace:HeatCool
object. The heat/cool unitary system is a “virtual” component that consists of a fan component
(OnOff or ConstantVolume), a DX cooling coil component and a Gas or Electric heating coil
component as shown in Figure 1.127. When a draw through configuration is desired, the fan
is placed directly after the heating coil. If dehumidification control is selected, a reheat coil
component is also required. If the reheat coil is present and the dehumidification control type
input is not specified as CoolReheat, the reheat coil will not be active,

Figure 1.127: Schematic of Blow Through Heat/Cool Unitary System

Note: the coil order shown here has been revised from previous versions (prior to V4.0) of
Energyplus to configure the cooling coil upstream of the heating coil. This configuration provides
uniformity with all unitary equipment. However, for unitary HeatCool systems that do not use
a reheat coil, the heating coil can also be placed upstream of the cooling coil. This optional coil
placement is retained to allow compatibility with previous versions of Energyplus. For input files
developed using previous versions of Energyplus, it is recommended that the coil order be revised
according to the figure above.
1316 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Links to the fan, DX cooling coil, heating coil and optional reheat coil specifications are provided
in the unitary system input data syntax. In addition, the control zone name and the system design
operating conditions are specified by the unitary system inputs.

1.31.5.1 Field: Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the unitary system.

1.31.5.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the schedule name which contains information on the availability of the
unitary system to operate. A schedule value equal to 0 denotes that the unitary system must be off
for that time period. A value greater than 0 denotes that the unitary system is available to operate
during that time period. This schedule may be used to completely disable the unitary system as
required. If this field is left blank, the schedule has a value of 1 for all time periods.

1.31.5.3 Field: Unitary System Air Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the unitary system inlet node name.

1.31.5.4 Field: Unitary System Air Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the unitary system outlet node name.
Field: Supply Air Fan Operating Mode Schedule Name
This alpha field specifies the name of the supply air fan operating mode schedule. The supply
air fan operating mode may vary during the simulation based on time-of-day or with a change
of season. Schedule values of 0 denote that the unitary system supply air fan and the heating
or cooling coil cycle on and off together to meet the heating or cooling load (a.k.a. AUTO fan).
Schedule values other than 0 denote that the supply fan runs continuously while the heating or
cooling coil cycles to meet the load.

1.31.5.5 Field: Maximum Supply Air Temperature

This numeric field contains the design operating air outlet temperature in degrees C when the
unitary system is heating. If this input field is left blank, the default value is 80 C.

1.31.5.6 Field: Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the supply air flow rate leaving the unitary system in cubic meters
per second when the DX cooling coil is operating. Values must be greater than 0 or this field is
autosizable.

1.31.5.7 Field: Heating Supply Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the supply air flow rate leaving the unitary system in cubic meters per
second when the DX heating coil and/or supplemental heater are operating. Values must be greater
than 0 or this field is autosizable.
1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1317

1.31.5.8 Field: No Load Supply Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the supply air flow rate leaving the unitary system in cubic meters per
second when neither cooling or heating is required (i.e., DX coils and supplemental heater are off
but the supply air fan operates). This field is only used when the unitary system operating mode
is specified as continuous fan operation. Values must be greater than or equal to zero, or this field
is autosizable. If the unitary system operating mode is specified as continuous fan operation and
this value is set to zero or this field is left blank, then the model assumes that the supply air flow
rate when no cooling/heating is needed is equal to the supply air flow rate when the compressor
was last operating (for cooling operation or heating operation).

1.31.5.9 Field: Controlling Zone or Thermostat Location

This alpha field contains the identifying zone name where the thermostat controlling the unitary
system is located.

1.31.5.10 Field: Supply Fan Object Type

This alpha field contains the identifying type of supply air fan specified for the unitary system.
Fan type must be Fan:OnOff or Fan:ConstantVolume. Fan:ConstantVolume is used when the
Supply Air Fan Operating Mode Schedule values are never 0 and the fan operates continuously.
Fan:OnOff is used when the fan cycles on and off with the cooling or heating coil (i.e. Supply Air
Fan Operating Mode Schedule values are at times 0).

1.31.5.11 Field: Supply Fan Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the unitary system fan.

1.31.5.12 Field: Fan Placement

This alpha field has two choices: BlowThrough or DrawThrough. The first choice stands for
“blow through fan”. This means that the unit consists of a fan followed by the DX coils and
supplemental heating coil. The fan “blows through” the cooling and heating coils. The second
choice stands for “draw through fan”. This means that the unit consists of the DX coil(s) followed
by a fan, with the supplemental heater located at the outlet of the fan. The fan “draws air through”
the DX coil(s). If this field is left blank, the default is blow through.

1.31.5.13 Field: Heating Coil Object Type

This alpha field contains the identifying type of heating coil specified in the unitary system. The
hot water and steam heating coils require specifying plant loop, branches, and connector objects to
support the heating coils, and are placed on the demand side of the plantloop. The hot water flow
modulation through the heating coil does not require additional controller or Controller:WaterCoil
object. The parent object (Unitary Heat and Cool System) itself provides the “controller” function
of modulating water flow. Allowable coil types are:

• Coil:Heating:Electric

• Coil:Heating:Gas

• Coil:Heating:Water
1318 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• Coil:Heating:Steam

1.31.5.14 Field: Heating Coil Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the unitary system heating coil.

1.31.5.15 Field: Cooling Coil Object Type

This alpha field contains the identifying type of cooling coil specified in the unitary system. Only
allowable coil types are:

• Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed

• CoilSystem:Cooling:DX:HeatExchangerAssisted

• Coil:Cooling:DX:VariableSpeed

1.31.5.16 Field: Cooling Coil Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the unitary system cooling coil.

1.31.5.17 Field: Dehumidification Control Type

This alpha field contains the type of dehumidification control. The following options are valid for
this field:

• None - meet sensible load only, no active dehumidification control

• Multimode - activate enhanced dehumidification mode as needed and meet sensible load.
This option is used to model DX equipment with a controllable heat exchanger assisting
the DX cooling coil for improved dehumidification. It is valid only with cooling coil type =
CoilSystem:Cooling:DX:HeatExchangerAssisted.

• CoolReheat - cool beyond the dry-bulb temperature set point as required to meet the high
humidity setpoint. If cooling coil type = CoilSystem:Cooling:DX:HeatExchangerAssisted,
then the heat exchanger is assumed to always transfer energy between the cooling coil’s inlet
and outlet airstreams when the cooling coil is operating.

The default is None. For the other dehumidification control modes, the maximum humidity
setpoint is used. This must be set using a ZoneControl:Humidistat object. When extra de-
humidification is required, the system may not be able to meet the humidity setpoint if its full
capacity is not adequate. If the dehumidification control type is specified as CoolReheat, then
two additional inputs (reheat coil type and name) are also required as shown below. Although
the reheat coil is required only when CoolReheat is selected, the optional reheat coil may be
present for any of the allowed Dehumidification Control Types. If the reheat coil is present and the
dehumidification control type is not specified as CoolReheat, the reheat coil will not be active,
1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1319

1.31.5.18 Field: Reheat Coil Object Type

This alpha field contains the identifying type of reheat coil specified in the unitary system. The
hot water and steam heating coils require specifying plant loop, branches, and connector objects to
support the heating coils, and are placed on the demand side of the plantloop. The hot water flow
modulation through the reheat coil does not require additional controller or Controller:WaterCoil
object. The parent object (Unitary Heat and Cool System) itself provides the “controller” function
of modulating water flow. Reheat coil type must be one of:

• Coil:Heating:Electric

• Coil:Heating:Gas

• Coil:Heating:Desuperheater

• Coil:Heating:Water

• Coil:Heating:Steam

1.31.5.19 Field: Reheat Coil Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the unitary system reheat coil.
As shown in the example below, correct specification of the heat/cool unitary system requires
specification of the following objects in addition to the unitary system object:
1) Fan (Fan:OnOff or Fan:ConstantVolume)
2) Cooling coil (Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed or CoilSystem:Cooling:DX:HeatExchangerAssisted)
3) Heating coil (Coil:Heating:Gas or Coil:Heating:Electric)
4) Reheat coil (optional, Coil:Heating:Gas, Coil:Heating:Electric, or Coil:Heating:Desuperheater)
5) Direct air unit (AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled) for each zone served by the unitary
system
Note: the unitary system’s fan, cooling coil, heating coil and optional reheat coil must be
connected in the air loop according to the configuration shown above (Figure 1.127). In addition,
the volumetric air flow rate specified in the direct air unit for the controlling zone should properly
reflect the fractional volumetric air flow rate specified in the unitary system object.

AirLoopHVAC:Unitary:Furnace:HeatCool ,
GasHeat DXAC Unitary System 1, !- Name of unitary system
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability schedule
Air Loop Inlet Node , !- Unitary system inlet node name
Air Loop Outlet Node , !- Unitary system outlet node name
CycFanSchedule , !- Supply Air Fan Operating Mode Schedule Name
80, !- Maximum supply air temperature from unitary system heater {C}
1.3, !- Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
1.3, !- Heating Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.0, !- No Load Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
East Zone , !- Controlling zone or thermostat location
Fan:OnOff , !- Supply fan type
Supply Fan 1, !- Supply fan name
BlowThrough , !- Fan Placement
Coil:Heating:Gas , !- Heating coil type
Unitary System Heating Coil 1, !- Heating coil name
Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed , !- Cooling coil type
Unitary System ACDXCoil 1, !- Cooling coil name
None; !- High humidity control

Coil:Heating:Gas ,
1320 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Unitary System Heating Coil 1, !- Coil Name

FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
0.8, !- Gas Burner Efficiency of the Coil
25000 , !- Nominal Capacity of the Coil {W}
Heating Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Coil\_Air\_Inlet\_Node
Air Loop Outlet Node; !- Coil\_Air\_Outlet\_Node

Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed ,
Unitary System ACDXCoil 1, !- Coil Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule
25000 , !- Rated Total Cooling Capacity (gross) {W}
0.75, !- Rated SHR
3.0, !- Rated COP
1.3, !- Rated Air Volume Flow Rate {m3/s}
DX Cooling Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Coil Air Inlet Node
Heating Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Coil Air Outlet Node
WindACCoolCapFT , !- Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve (function of temperature)
WindACCoolCapFFF , !- Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve (function of flow fraction)
WindACEIRFT , !- Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve (function of temperature)
WindACEIRFFF , !- Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve (function of flow fraction)
WindACPLFFPLR , !- Part Load Fraction Correlation (function of part load ratio)
CyclingFanAndCompressor ; !- Supply Air Fan Operation Mode

Fan:OnOff ,
Supply Fan 1, !- Fan Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
0.7, !- Fan Total Efficiency
600.0 , !- Delta Pressure {Pa}
1.3, !- Max Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.9, !- Motor Efficiency
1.0, !- Motor In Airstream Fraction
Air Loop Inlet Node , !- Fan\_Inlet\_Node
DX Cooling Coil Air Inlet Node; !- Fan\_Outlet\_Node

AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled ,
Zone1DirectAir , !- Direct Air Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Schedule name for on/off schedule
Zone 1 Inlet Node , !- Zone Supply Air Node Name
0.47; !- Maximum air flow rate {m3/s}

AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled ,
Zone2DirectAir , !- Direct Air Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Schedule name for on/off schedule
Zone 2 Inlet Node , !- Zone Supply Air Node Name
0.36; !- Maximum air flow rate {m3/s}

AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled ,
Zone3DirectAir , !- Direct Air Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Schedule name for on/off schedule
Zone 3 Inlet Node , !- Zone Supply Air Node Name
0.47; !- Maximum air flow rate {m3/s}

Example of Heat/Cool Unitary System Specification

1.31.6 Unitary System Heat and Cool (AirLoopHVAC) Outputs

• HVAC,Average, Unitary System Fan Part Load Ratio []

• HVAC,Average, Unitary System Compressor Part Load Ratio

1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1321

1.31.6.1 Unitary System Fan Part Load Ratio []

This output variable is the ratio of actual air mass flow rate through the unitary system to the
system’s design air mass flow rate (i.e., design volumetric flow rate converted to dry air mass flow
rate). For continuous fan operation mode, this variable is always 1.0 when the unitary system
is available (based on the availability schedule). For cycling fan/cycling coil operation mode, the
actual air mass flow rate is calculated based on the ratio of the sensible heating (or cooling) load
to the steady-state unitary system heating (or cooling) capacity. For the cycling fan mode, the
runtime fraction for the unitary system fan may be different from the fan part-load ratio reported
here due the part-load performance of the system’s heating (or cooling) coil (delay at start-up to
reach steady-state output). In general, runtime fractions are reported by individual components
where appropriate (e.g., Fan:OnOff).

1.31.6.2 Unitary System Compressor Part Load Ratio []

This output variable is the ratio of the sensible cooling load to the steady-state cooling capacity
of the unitary system’s DX cooling coil. The runtime fraction for the DX cooling coil compressor
may be different from the compressor part-load ratio reported here due the part-load performance
of the cooling coil (delay at start-up to reach steady-state output). In general, runtime fractions
are reported by individual components where appropriate.

1.31.7 AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir
The unitary air-to-air heat pump is a “virtual” component that consists of a fan component (OnOff
or ConstantVolume), a DX cooling coil component, a DX heating coil component, and a Gas or
Electric supplementary heating coil component as shown in the Figure below.
Links to the fan, DX cooling coil, DX heating coil, and supplementary heating coil specifications
are provided in the heat pump’s input data syntax. In addition the control zone name and the
system design operating conditions are specified by the heat pump inputs.

1.31.7.1 Inputs
1.31.7.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the unitary system heat pump.

1.31.7.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the schedule name (ref. Schedule objects) that contains information
on the availability of the heat pump to operate. A schedule value greater than 0 (usually 1 is used)
indicates that the unit can be on during the hour. A value less than or equal to 0 (usually 0 is
used) denotes that the unit must be off for the hour. If this field is left blank, the schedule has a
value of 1 for all time periods.

1.31.7.1.3 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the name of the HVAC system node from which the heat pump draws
its inlet air.

1.31.7.1.4 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the name of the HVAC system node to which the heat pump sends
its outlet air.
1322 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.128: Schematic of EnergyPlus Unitary Air-to-Air Heat Pump (Blow Through Con-
figuration)
1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1323

1.31.7.1.5 Field: Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the supply air flow rate leaving the heat pump in cubic meters per
second when the DX cooling coil is operating. Values must be greater than 0 or this field is
autosizable.

1.31.7.1.6 Field: Heating Supply Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the supply air flow rate leaving the heat pump in cubic meters per
second when the DX heating coil and/or supplemental heater are operating. Values must be greater
than 0 or this field is autosizable.

1.31.7.1.7 Field: No Load Supply Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the supply air flow rate leaving the heat pump in cubic meters per
second when neither cooling or heating is required (i.e., DX coils and supplemental heater are off
but the supply air fan operates). This field is only used when the heat pump operating mode is
specified as continuous fan operation. Values must be greater than or equal to zero, or this field
is autosizable. If the heat pump operating mode is specified as continuous fan operation and this
value is set to zero or this field is left blank, then the model assumes that the supply air flow rate
when no cooling/heating is needed is equal to the supply air flow rate when the compressor was
last operating (for cooling operation or heating operation).

1.31.7.1.8 Field: Controlling Zone or Thermostat Location

This alpha field contains the identifying zone name where the thermostat controlling the heat
pump is located.

1.31.7.1.9 Field: Supply Air Fan Object Type

This alpha field contains the identifying type of supply air fan specified for the heat pump.
Fan type must be Fan:OnOff or Fan:ConstantVolume. Fan:ConstantVolume is used when the
Supply Air Fan Operating Mode Schedule values are never 0 and the fan operates continuously.
Fan:OnOff is used when the fan cycles on and off with the cooling or heating coil (i.e. Supply Air
Fan Operating Mode Schedule values are at times 0).

1.31.7.1.10 Field: Supply Air Fan Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the heat pump supply air fan, and should
match the name specified in the corresponding fan object.

1.31.7.1.11 Field: Heating Coil Object Type

This alpha field contains the identifying type of heating coil specified in the heat pump. Heating
coil type must be either Coil:Heating:DX:SingleSpeed or Coil:Heating:DX:VariableSpeed.

1.31.7.1.12 Field: Heating Coil Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the heat pump DX heating coil, and
should match the name specified in the corresponding DX heating coil object.

1.31.7.1.13 Field: Cooling Coil Object Type

This alpha field contains the identifying type of cooling coil specified in the heat pump. There
are three valid choices for this field:
1324 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed

• CoilSystem:Cooling:DX:HeatExchangerAssisted

• Coil:Cooling:DX:VariableSpeed

1.31.7.1.14 Field: Cooling Coil Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the heat pump cooling coil, and should
match the name specified in the corresponding DX cooling coil object.

1.31.7.1.15 Field: Supplemental Heating Coil Object Type

This alpha field contains the identifying type of supplemental heating coil specified in the heat
pump. The hot water and steam heating coils require specifying plant loop, branches, and connector
objects to support the heating coils, and are placed on the demand side of the plantloop. The hot
water flow modulation through the supplemental heating coil does not require additional controller
or Controller:WaterCoil object. The parent object (Airloop Air to Air Heat Pump) itself provides
the “controller” function of modulating water flow. Heating coil type must be:

• Coil:Heating:Electric

• Coil:Heating:Gas

• Coil:Heating:Water

• Coil:Heating:Steam

1.31.7.1.16 Field: Supplemental Heating Coil Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the heat pump supplemental heating
coil, and should match the name specified in the corresponding heating coil object.

1.31.7.1.17 Field: Maximum Supply Air Temperature from Supplemental

Heater
This numeric field defines the maximum allowed supply air temperature exiting the heat pump
supplemental heating coil.

1.31.7.1.18 Field: Maximum Outdoor Dry-Bulb Temperature for Supplemental

Heater Operation
This numeric field defines the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature above which the heat pump
supplemental heating coil is disabled. The temperature for this input field must be less than or
equal to 21 C. If this input field is left blank, the default value is 21 C.

1.31.7.1.19 Field: Fan Placement

This alpha field has two choices: BlowThrough or DrawThrough. The first choice represents
a blow through system where the supply air fan is before the DX cooling/heating coil and the
supplementary heating coil. The second choice represents a draw through system where the supply
air fan is between the DX cooling/heating coil and the supplementary heating coil. If this input
field is left blank, the default is blow through.
Field: Supply Air Fan Operating Mode Schedule Name
1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1325

This alpha field specifies the name of the supply air fan operating mode schedule. The supply
air fan operating mode may vary during the simulation based on time-of-day or with a change
of season. Schedule values of 0 denote that the unitary system supply air fan and the heating
or cooling coil cycle on and off together to meet the heating or cooling load (a.k.a. AUTO fan).
Schedule values other than 0 denote that the supply fan runs continuously while the heating or
cooling coil cycles to meet the load.
As shown in the example below, correct specification of the air-to-air heat pump requires spec-
ification of the following objects in addition to the heat pump object:
1) Fan (Fan:OnOff or Fan:ConstantVolume)
2) Heating coil (Coil:Heating:DX:SingleSpeed)
3) Cooling coil (Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed or CoilSystem:Cooling:DX:HeatExchangerAssisted)
4) Supplemental heating coil (Coil:Heating:Gas or Coil:Heating:Electric)
5) Direct air unit (AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled)for each zone served by the unitary
system

1.31.7.1.20 Field: Dehumidification Control Type

This alpha input field contains the type of dehumidification control. The following options are
valid for this field:

• None - meet sensible load only, no active dehumidification control

• Multimode - activate enhanced dehumidification mode as needed and meet sensible cooling
load. This option is used to model DX equipment with a controllable heat exchanger assisting
the DX cooling coil for improved dehumidification. It is valid only with cooling coil type =
CoilSystem:Cooling:DX:HeatExchangerAssisted.

• CoolReheat - cool beyond the dry-bulb temperature set point as required to meet
the high humidity setpoint. The excess cooling beyond the cooling set point tem-
perature is offset by the supplemental heating coil. If cooling coil type = CoilSys-
tem:Cooling:DX:HeatExchangerAssisted, then the heat exchanger is assumed to always
transfer energy between the cooling coil’s inlet and outlet airstreams when the cooling coil
is operating.

The default is None. For the other dehumidification control modes, the maximum humidity
setpoint is required. This must be set using a ZoneControl:Humidistat object. When extra
dehumidification is required, the system may not be able to meet the humidity setpoint if its full
capacity is not adequate. Supplemental heating coil (supplemental heating coil type and name) is a
required input in AirToAir HeatPumps. The supplemental heating coil capacity must be adequate
enough to meet the heating coil load and offset the excess cooling load due to extra dehumidification
required to meet the high relative humidity setpoint.
Note: the air-to-air heat pump’s fan, cooling coil, heating coil and supplementary heating coil
must be connected in the air loop according to the configuration shown above (Figure 118) for
the blow-through fan configuration. The only other valid configuration is with a draw-through fan
placement, where the fan is located between the DX heating coil and the supplementary heating
coil.

1.31.7.1.21 AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir Example Specification

1326 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir ,
DXAC Heat Pump 1, ! Heat Pump name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , ! Heat Pump availability schedule
Mixed Air Node , ! Heat Pump air inlet node
Air Loop Outlet Node , ! Heat Pump air outlet node
1.3, !- Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
1.3, !- Heating Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.0, !- No Load Suuply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
East Zone , ! Controlling zone or thermostat location
Fan:OnOff , ! Supply air fan type
Supply Fan 1, ! Supply air fan name –- same name used in fan object
Coil:Heating:DX:SingleSpeed , ! Heating coil type
Heat Pump DX Heating Coil 1, ! Heating coil name –- same name used in DX heating coil
object
Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed , ! Cooling coil type
Heat Pump ACDXCoil 1, ! Cooling coil name –- same name used in DX cooling coil
object
Coil:Heating:Gas , ! Supplemental heating coil type
Heat Pump DX Supp Heating Coil 1, ! Supplemental heating coil –name - same as in heating
coil object
50, ! Maximum supply air temperature from supplemental heater [C
]
21, ! Maximum outdoor dry -bulb temp for supplemental heating coil
operation [C]
BlowThrough , ! Fan placement
CycFanSchedule , ! Supply air fan operating mode schedule name
CoolReheat; !- Dehumidification Control Type

Coil:Heating:DX:SingleSpeed ,
Heat Pump DX Heating Coil 1, ! Name of heating coil
FanAndCoilAvailSched , ! Heating coil schedule
35000 , ! Rated total heating capacity [W] (at 21.11C/8.33C)
2.75, ! Rated heating COP
1.7, ! Rated air flow rate [m3/s]
Heating Coil Air Inlet Node , ! Coil air inlet node
SuppHeating Coil Air Inlet Node , ! Coil air outlet node
HPACHeatCapFT , ! Heating capacity modifier curve (temperature ,C)
HPACHeatCapFFF , ! Heating capacity modifier curve (flow fraction)
HPACHeatEIRFT , ! Energy input ratio modifier curve (temperature ,C)
HPACHeatEIRFFF , ! Energy input ratio modifier curve (flow fraction)
HPACCoolPLFFPLR , ! Part load fraction modifier curve (function of part -
load ratio)
, ! defrost EIR modifier curve (temp , C) not required for
resistive defrost
CyclingFanAndCompressor , ! Operation mode (cycling fan , cycling
compressor)
-5.0, ! Minimum OAT for heat pump compressor operation [C]
5.0, ! Maximum outdoor dry -bulb temp for defrost operation [C
]
200.0 , ! Crankcase heater capacity[W]
10.0, ! Maximum OAT for crankcase heater operation [C]
resistive , ! Defrost strategy (resistive or reverse -cycle)
timed , ! Defrost control (timed or on -demand)
0.166667 , !Defrost time period fraction (used for timed defrost
control only)
20000; ! Resistive defrost heater capacity [W]

Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed ,
Heat Pump ACDXCoil 1, ! Name of cooling coil
FanAndCoilAvailSched , ! Availability schedule
32000 , ! Rated total cooling capacity [W]
0.75, ! Rated sensible heat ratio
3.0, ! Rated COP
1.7, ! Rated air flow rate [m3/s]
DX Cooling Coil Air Inlet Node , ! Coil air inlet node
Heating Coil Air Inlet Node , ! Coil air outlet node
HPACCoolCapFT , ! Cooling capacity modifier curve (temperature ,C)
1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1327

HPACCoolCapFFF , ! Cooling capacity modifier curve (flow fraction)

HPACCoolEIRFT , ! Energy input ratio modifier curve (temperature ,C)
HPACCoolEIRFFF , ! Energy input ratio modifier curve (flow fraction)
HPACCoolPLFFPLR , ! Part load factor modifier curve (function of part -load
ratio)
CyclingFanAndCompressor ; ! Operation mode (cycling fan , cycling
compressor)

Coil:Heating:Gas ,
Heat Pump DX Supp Heating Coil 1, ! Name of heating coil
FanAndCoilAvailSched , ! Availability schedule
0.8 , ! Gas Burner Efficiency of the Coil
32000 , ! Nominal Capacity of the Coil [W]
SuppHeating Coil Air Inlet Node , ! Supplementary heating coil air side inlet node
Air Loop Outlet Node; ! Supplementary heating coil air side outlet node

Fan:OnOff ,
Supply Fan 1, ! Fan Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , ! Fan Schedule
0.7, ! Fan Total Efficiency
300.0 , ! Delta Pressure [N/M^2]
1.7, ! Max Vol Flow Rate [m^3/ Sec]
0.9, ! motor efficiency
1.0, ! motor in air stream fraction
Mixed Air Node , ! fan inlet node
DX Cooling Coil Air Inlet Node; ! fan outlet node

AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled ,
Zone1DirectAir , ! direct air unit name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , ! schedule name for on/off schedule
Zone 1 Inlet Node , ! zone supply air node name
0.612; ! maximum air flow rate , m3/s

AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled ,
Zone2DirectAir , ! direct air unit name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , ! schedule name for on/off schedule
Zone 2 Inlet Node , ! zone supply air node name
0.476; ! maximum air flow rate , m3/s

AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled ,
Zone3DirectAir , ! direct air unit name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , ! schedule name for on/off schedule
Zone 3 Inlet Node , ! zone supply air node name
0.612; ! maximum air flow rate , m3/s

1.31.7.2 Outputs
• HVAC, Average, Unitary System Fan Part Load Ratio []

• HVAC, Average, Unitary System Compressor Part Load Ratio []

• HVAC, Average, Unitary System Dehumidification Induced Heating Demand Rate [W]

1.31.7.2.1 Unitary System Fan Part Load Ratio []

This output variable is the ratio of actual air mass flow rate through the heat pump to the
heat pump’s design air mass flow rate (i.e., design volumetric flow rate converted to dry air mass
flow rate). For continuous fan operation mode, this variable is always 1.0 when the furnace is
available (based on the availability schedule). For cycling fan/cycling coil operation mode, the
actual air mass flow rate is calculated based on the ratio of the sensible heating (or cooling) load
to the steady-state heat pump heating (or cooling) capacity. For the cycling fan mode, the runtime
fraction for the heat pump fan may be different from the fan part-load ratio reported here due
1328 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

the part-load performance of the heat pump’s heating (or cooling) coil (delay at start-up to reach
steady-state output). In general, runtime fractions are reported by individual components where
appropriate (e.g., Fan:OnOff).

1.31.7.2.2 Unitary System Compressor Part Load Ratio []

This output variable is the ratio of the sensible load (heating or cooling) to the steady-state
capacity of the heat pump’s DX heating or cooling coil. The runtime fraction for the heat pump
compressor may be different from the compressor part-load ratio reported here due the part-load
performance of the heating/cooling coil (delay at start-up to reach steady-state output). In general,
runtime fractions are reported by individual components where appropriate.

1.31.7.2.3 Unitary System Dehumidification Induced Heating Demand Rate

[W]
This output variable is the additional heating demand rate of the supplemental heating coil
of an Air-to-Air heat pumps in Watts. This additional heating demand is induced when zone
air overshoots the heating setpoint due to extra dehumidification requirement to meet the high
humidity setpoint. This value is always positive. This value is calculated for each HVAC system
timestep, and the results are averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.31.8 AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed
The multispeed air-to-air heat pump is a “virtual” component that consists of a fan component
(On/Off or ConstVolume), a DX multispeed cooling coil component, a DX multispeed heating
coil component, and a Gas or Electric supplemental heating coil component. This system also
includes the option to use available waste energy to heat water. A schematic diagram of the air-
to-air multispeed heat pump is shown below. The component connection sequence for the blow
through option (shown below) from inlet to outlet is fan, cooling coil, heating coil, and supplemental
heater. The connection sequence for the draw through option is cooling coil, heating coil, fan, and
supplemental heater.
The main difference between this heat pump object and other EnergyPlus heat pump objects is
that this object allows from two to four discrete compressor speeds for heating and cooling operation
(instead of a single speed for each mode). The lowest speed is called Speed 1, and the highest speed
is called Speed n (2, 3 or 4 as specified in the input syntax). This object allows a different number
of speeds for cooling and heating, and each speed has an associated airflow rate. The airflow rates
for the various heating speeds can be different from the airflow rates for the cooling speeds. In
addition, the airflow rate when no cooling or heating is needed can also be defined. The number of
cooling and heating speeds defined by the user in this heat pump object must equal the number of
speeds defined in the associated coils (child objects). For example, the number of speeds for cooling
defined in this heat pump object must be equal to the number of speeds defined in the associated
cooling coil object.
Links to the fan, DX multispeed cooling coil, DX multispeed heating coil, and supplementary
heating coil specifications are provided in the heat pump’s input data syntax. In addition, the
control zone name and airflow rates at the corresponding compressor speeds are specified by the
heat pump syntax.
If the ZoneControl:Thermostat:StagedDualSetpoint object and other zone control thermostat
and humidistat are assigned to the same controlled zone in the Controlling Zone or Thermostat
Location field, the ZoneControl:Thermostat:StagedDualSetpoint object takes precedence and the
1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1329

stage number provided by the the ZoneControl:Thermostat:StagedDualSetpoint object is used to

set the speed number.

Figure 1.129: Schematic of EnergyPlus Unitary Air-to-Air Multi Speed Heat Pump

1.31.8.1 Inputs
1.31.8.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the multispeed heat pump.

1.31.8.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the schedule name (ref. Schedule objects) that contains information
on the availability of the heat pump to operate. A schedule value greater than 0 (usually 1 is used)
indicates that the unit can be on during the time period. A value less than or equal to 0 (usually 0
is used) denotes that the unit must be off for the time period. If this field is left blank, the schedule
has a value of 1 for all time periods.

1.31.8.1.3 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the name of the HVAC system node from which the heat pump draws
its inlet air.

1.31.8.1.4 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the name of the HVAC system node to which the heat pump sends its
outlet air.
1330 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.31.8.1.5 Field: Controlling Zone or Thermostat Location

This alpha field contains the identifying zone name where the thermostat controlling the mul-
tispeed heat pump is located.

1.31.8.1.6 Field: Supply Air Fan Object Type

This alpha field contains the identifying type of supply air fan specified for the heat pump.
Fan type must be Fan:OnOff or Fan:ConstantVolume. Fan:ConstantVolume can only be used when
the supply air fan operating mode is continuous (see field ‘Supply air fan operating mode schedule
name).

1.31.8.1.7 Field: Supply Air Fan Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the heat pump supply air fan, and should
match the name specified in the corresponding fan object.

1.31.8.1.8 Field: Supply Air Fan Placement

This alpha field has two choices: BlowThrough or DrawThrough. The first choice stands
for “blow through fan”. This means that the unit consists of a fan followed by a DX multispeed
cooling coil, DX multispeed heating coil, and a supplemental heating coil. The fan “blows through”
the cooling and heating coils. The second choice stands for “draw through fan”. This means that
the unit consists of the DX cooling and heating coils followed by a fan, with the supplemental
heater located at the outlet of the fan. The fan “draws” air through the DX coils.
Note: the multispeed heat pump’s supply air fan, cooling coil, heating coil and supplemental
heating coil must be connected according to the configuration shown above (Figure 1.129) for the
‘blow through’ fan configuration. For the ‘draw through’ fan configuration the fan must be located
between the DX heating coil and the supplemental heater, whose outlet node is the system outlet
node. In addition, the DX cooling coil and DX heating coil operation mode must be specified
consistently with the heat pump’s supply air fan operating mode (e.g., with the heat pump’s
supply air fan set to cycle on and off with the cooling/heating load, the DX cooling and heating
coil operation mode must be CyclingFanAndCompressor). If the operation modes in the parent
(heat pump) and child (coil) objects are specified differently, the operation mode in the parent
object prevails.

1.31.8.1.9 Field: Supply Air Fan Operating Mode Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the schedule name (ref. Schedule objects) that contains information
to control the supply air fan. Schedule values of zero mean that the supply air fan will cycle off
if there is no cooling or heating load in the control zone. Non-zero schedule values mean that the
supply air fan will operate continuously even if there is no cooling or heating load in the control
zone. If this field is left blank, the supply air fan will operate continuously for the entire simulation
period.

1.31.8.1.10 Field: Heating Coil Object Type

This alpha field contains the identifying type of heating coil specified in the heat
pump. Allowable choices for Heating coil type are Coil:Heating:DX:MultiSpeed,
Coil:Heating:Electric:MultiStage, Coil:Heating:Gas:MultiStage, Coil:Heating:Water,
and Coil:Heating:Steam.
1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1331

1.31.8.1.11 Field: Heating Coil Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the DX heating coil, and should match
the name specified in the corresponding DX heating coil object.

1.31.8.1.12 Field: Minimum Outdoor Dry-Bulb Temperature for Compressor

Operation
This numeric field defines the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature below which the DX heating
coil turns off. The temperature for this input field must be greater than or equal to –20 C. If this
input field is left blank, the default value is -8 C. This temperature should match the minimum
compressor operating temperature specified for the multispeed heat pump’s DX heating coil. This
field is only needed when Heating Coil Object Type above is Coil:Heating:DX:MultiSpeed.

1.31.8.1.13 Field: Cooling Coil Object Type

This alpha field contains the identifying type of cooling coil specified in the heat pump. Cooling
coil type must be Coil:Cooling:DX:MultiSpeed.

1.31.8.1.14 Field: Cooling Coil Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the heat pump cooling coil, and should
match the name specified in the corresponding DX cooling coil object.

1.31.8.1.15 Field: Supplemental Heating Coil Object Type

This alpha field contains the identifying type of supplemental heating coil specified in the
heat pump. The hot water and steam heating coils require specifying plant loop, branches, and
connectors objects to support the heating coils, and are placed on the demand side of the plantloop.
The hot water flow modulation through the supplemental heating coil does not require additional
controller or Controller:WaterCoil object. The parent object (Unitary MultiSpeed Air to Air Heat
Pump) itself provides the “controller” function of modulating water flow. Heating coil type must
be:

• Coil:Heating:Electric

• Coil:Heating:Gas

• Coil:Heating:Water

• Coil:Heating:Steam

1.31.8.1.16 Field: Supplemental Heating Coil Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the heat pump supplemental heating
coil, and should match the name specified in the corresponding heating coil object.

1.31.8.1.17 Field: Maximum Supply Air Temperature from Supplemental

Heater
This numeric field defines the maximum allowed supply air temperature (in degrees C) exiting
the heat pump supplemental heating coil. If the calculated supply air temperature exiting the
supplemental heater exceeds this value, then it is reset to this maximum temperature. This field is
autosizable.
1332 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.31.8.1.18 Field: Maximum Outdoor Dry-Bulb Temperature for Supplemental

Heater Operation
This numeric field defines the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature above which the heat pump
supplemental heating coil is disabled. The temperature for this input field must be less than or
equal to 21 C. If this input field is left blank, the default value is 21 C.

1.31.8.1.19 Field: Auxiliary On-Cycle Electric Power

This field defines auxiliary electrical power (W) consumed during the on-cycle period (i.e., when
the cooling or heating coil is operating). The model assumes that this auxiliary power does not
contribute to heating the supply air. The minimum value for this field is 0.0, and the default value
is also 0.0 if the field is left blank.

1.31.8.1.20 Field: Auxiliary Off-Cycle Electric Power

This field defines auxiliary electrical power (W) consumed during the off-cycle period (i.e., when
the cooling and heating coil are not operating). The model assumes that this auxiliary power does
not contribute to heating the supply air. The minimum value for this field is 0.0, and the default
value is also 0.0 if the field is left blank.

1.31.8.1.21 Field: Design Heat Recovery Water Flow Rate

This optional input field defines the design water flow rate used if the heat recovery option
is being simulated. If this value is greater than 0.0 then a heat recovery loop must be specified
and attached to the multispeed heat pump using the next 2 node fields. To determine how the
heat recovery algorithm works, refer to the EnergyPlus Engineering Reference in the AirLoopH-
VAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed with Heat Recovery section. The units for this input
value are cubic meters per second.

1.31.8.1.22 Field: Maximum Temperature for Heat Recovery

This field sets the maximum temperature (in degrees C) that this heat pump can produce for
heat recovery. The idea behind this field is that the current models do not take temperatures into
account for availability and they just pass Q’s around the loop without a temperature limit. This
temperature limit puts an upper bound on the recovered heat and limits the max temperature
leaving the component.
As temperatures in the loop approach the maximum temperature, the temperature difference
between the entering water and the surfaces in the piece of equipment becomes smaller. For the
given heat recovery flow rate and that temperature difference the amount of heat recovered will be
reduced, and eventually there will be no heat recovered when the entering water temperature is
equal to the maximum temperature specified by the user in this field. The reduced amount of heat
recovered will diminish if the temperature of the loop approach is the maximum temperature, and
this will show up in the reporting. This allows the user to set the availability or the quality of the
heat recovered for usage in other parts of the system or to heat domestic hot water supply.

1.31.8.1.23 Field: Heat Recovery Water Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the heat recovery side inlet node.

1.31.8.1.24 Field: Heat Recovery Water Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the heat recovery side outlet node.
1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1333

1.31.8.1.25 Field: No Load Supply Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the supply air flow rate leaving the heat pump in cubic meters per
second when neither cooling nor heating is required (i.e., DX coils and supplemental heater are
off but the supply air fan operates). This field is only used when the heat pump supply air fan
is scheduled to operate continuously regardless of DX coil operation (ref. field “Supply Air Fan
Operating Mode Schedule). Values must be greater than or equal to zero, or this field is autosizable.
If the heat pump supply air fan is scheduled to operate continuously and the input value for this
field is set to zero or this field is left blank, then the model assumes that the supply air flow rate
when no cooling/heating is needed is equal to the supply air flow rate when the compressor was
last operating (for cooling operation or heating operation).

1.31.8.1.26 Field: Number of Speeds for Heating

This field defines the number of heating speeds for the heat pump, and must match the number
of heating speeds defined in the associated heating coil. The value for this input field defines the
number of airflow rates that must be defined for heating in the field below. The minimum value
for this field is one and the maximum value is four. If the Heating Coil Object Type above are
Coil:Heating:Water or Coil:Heating:Steam, then this field should be 1.

1.31.8.1.27 Field: Number of Speeds for Cooling

This field defines the number of cooling speeds for the heat pump, and must match the number
of cooling speeds defined in the associated DX cooling coil. The value for this input field defines
the number of airflow rates that must be defined for cooling in the field below. The minimum value
for this field is two and the maximum value is four.

1.31.8.1.28 Field: Heating Speed 1 Supply Air Flow Rate

This required numeric field defines the supply air flow rate leaving the heat pump in cubic
meters per second when the DX heating coil and/or supplemental heater are operating at Speed 1
(lowest speed). Values must be greater than 0 or this field is autosizable.

1.31.8.1.29 Field: Heating Speed 2 Supply Air Flow Rate

This required numeric field defines the supply air flow rate leaving the heat pump in cubic
meters per second when the DX heating coil and/or supplemental heater are operating at Speed 2.
Values must be greater than 0 or this field is autosizable. If not autosized, the entered value must
be greater or equal to the flow rate specified for heating Speed 1.

1.31.8.1.30 Field: Heating Speed 3 Supply Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the supply air flow rate leaving the heat pump in cubic meters per
second when the DX heating coil and/or supplemental heater are operating at Speed 3. Values must
be greater than 0 or this field is autosizable. If not autosized, the entered value must be greater or
equal to the flow rate specified for heating Speed 2. If the ‘Number of Speeds for Heating’ is less
than 3, then this field can be left blank.

1.31.8.1.31 Field: Heating Speed 4 Supply Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the supply air flow rate leaving the heat pump in cubic meters per
second when the DX heating coil and/or supplemental heater are operating at Speed 4 (high speed).
Values must be greater than 0 or this field is autosizable. If not autosized, the entered value must
1334 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

be greater or equal to the flow rate specified for heating Speed 3. If the ‘Number of Speeds for
Heating’ is less than 4, then this field can be left blank.
Note: When autosizable is selected for any of the supply air volumetric flow rate fields, all
supply air flow fields at the different speeds must be specified as autosizable. Otherwise, a fatal
error will be issued and the simulation will terminate.

1.31.8.1.32 Field: Cooling Speed 1 Supply Air Flow Rate

This required numeric field defines the supply air flow rate leaving the heat pump in cubic
meters per second when the DX cooling coil is operating at Speed 1 (lowest speed). Values must
be greater than 0 or this field is autosizable.

1.31.8.1.33 Field: Cooling Speed 2 Supply Air Flow Rate

This required numeric field defines the supply air flow rate leaving the heat pump in cubic
meters per second when the DX cooling coil is operating at Speed 2. Values must be greater than
0 or this field is autosizable. If not autosized, the entered value must be greater or equal to the
flow rate specified for cooling Speed 1.

1.31.8.1.34 Field: Cooling Speed 3 Supply Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the supply air flow rate leaving the heat pump in cubic meters per
second when the DX cooling coil is operating at Speed 3. Values must be greater than 0 or this
field is autosizable. If not autosized, the entered value must be greater or equal to the flow rate
specified for cooling Speed 2. If the ‘Number of Speeds for Cooling’ is less than 3, then this field
can be left blank.

1.31.8.1.35 Field: Cooling Speed 4 Supply Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the supply air flow rate leaving the heat pump in cubic meters per
second when the DX cooling coil is operating at Speed 4 (highest speed). Values must be greater
than 0 or this field is autosizable. If not autosized, the entered value must be greater or equal to
the flow rate specified for cooling Speed 3. If the ‘Number of Speeds for Cooling’ is less than 4,
then this field can be left blank.
Following is an example input for the object and its associated components.

AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed ,
DXAC Heat Pump 1, !- Name of multispeed heat pump
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability schedule
Mixed Air Node , !- Heat pump air inlet node name
Air Loop Outlet Node , !- Heat pump air outlet node name
East Zone , !- Controlling zone or thermostat location
Fan:OnOff , !- Supply air fan type
Supply Fan 1, !- Supply air fan name
BlowThrough , !- Supply air fan placement
FanModeSchedule , !- Supply air fan operating mode schedule name
Coil:Heating:DX:MultiSpeed , Heat Pump DX Heating Coil 1, !- Heating coil type & name
-8.0, !- Minimum outdoor dry -bulb temperature for compressor operation
Coil:Cooling:DX:MultiSpeed , Heat Pump ACDXCoil 1, !- Cooling coil type & name
Coil:Heating:Gas , !- Supplemental heating coil type
Supp Gas Heating Coil 1, !- Supplemental heating coil name
50.0, !- Maximum supply air temperature from supplemental heater
21, !- Maximum outdoor dry -bulb temperature for supplemental heater
operation
0, !- Auxiliary On -Cycle Electric Power {W}
0, !- Auxiliary Off -Cycle Electric Power {W}
0.00, !- Design Heat Recovery Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
80.0,,, !- Maximum Temp for Heat Recovery {C} & Node names (none)
1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1335

0.2, !- Supply air volumetric flow rate when no cooling or heating is

needed
4, !- Number of speeds for heating
4, !- Number of speeds for cooling
0.4, !- Heating Speed 1 Supply Air Flow Rate
0.8, !- Heating Speed 2 Supply Air Flow Rate
1.2, !- Heating Speed 3 Supply Air Flow Rate
1.7, !- Heating Speed 4 Supply Air Flow Rate
0.4, !- Cooling Speed 1 Supply Air Flow Rate
0.8, !- Cooling Speed 2 Supply Air Flow Rate
1.2, !- Cooling Speed 3 Supply Air Flow Rate
1.7; !- Cooling Speed 4 Supply Air Flow Rate

Coil:Heating:DX:MultiSpeed ,
Heat Pump DX Heating Coil 1, !- Name of heat pump heating coil
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule
Heating Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Coil Air Inlet Node
SuppHeating Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Coil Air Outlet Node
CyclingFanAndCompressor , !- Supply Air Fan Operation Mode
-8.0, !- Minimum Outdoor Dry -bulb Temperature for Compressor Operation {
C}
200.0 , !- Crankcase Heater Capacity {W}
10.0, !- Maximum Outdoor Dry -bulb Temperature for Crankcase Heater
!- Operation {C}
HPACDefrostCAPFT , !- Defrost energy input ratio modifier curve (temperature)
7.22, !- Maximum Outdoor Dry -bulb Temperature for Defrost Operation
reverse -cycle , !- Defrost Strategy
timed , !- Defrost Control
0.058333 , !- Defrost Time Period Fraction
2000.0 , !- Resistive Defrost Heater Capacity {W}
No , !- Apply Part Load Fraction to Speeds greater than 1
NaturalGas , !- Fuel type
4, !- Number of speeds
7500, !- Rated Total Heating Capacity , Speed 1 {W}
2.75, !- Rated COP , Speed 1
0.45, !- Rated Air Volume Flow Rate , Speed 1 {m3/s}
HPACHeatCapFT Speed 1, !- Total Heating Capacity Modifier Curve , Speed 1 (temperature)
HPACHeatCapFF Speed 1, !- Total Heating capacity modifier curve , Speed 1 (flow fraction)
HPACHeatEIRFT Speed 1, !- Energy input ratio modifier curve , Speed 1 (temperature)
HPACHeatEIRFF Speed 1, !- Energy input ratio modifier curve , Speed 1 (flow fraction)
HPACHeatPLFFPLR Speed 1, !- Part load fraction correlation , Speed 1 (part load ratio)
0.2, !- Rated waste heat fraction of power input , Speed 1
HAPCHeatWHFT Speed 1, !- Waste heat modifier curve , Speed 1 (temperature)
17500 , !- Rated Total Heating Capacity , Speed 2 {W}
2.75, !- Rated COP , Speed 2
0.85, !- Rated Air Volume Flow Rate , Speed 2 {m3/s}
HPACHeatCapFT Speed 2, !- Total Heating Capacity Modifier Curve , Speed 2 (temperature)
HPACHeatCapFF Speed 2, !- Total Heating capacity modifier curve , Speed 2 (flow fraction)
HPACHeatEIRFT Speed 2, !- Energy input ratio modifier curve , Speed 2 (temperature)
HPACHeatEIRFF Speed 2, !- Energy input ratio modifier curve , Speed 2 (flow fraction)
HPACHeatPLFFPLR Speed 2, !- Part load fraction correlation , Speed 2 (part load ratio)
0.2, !- Rated waste heat fraction of power input , Speed 2
HAPCHeatWHFT Speed 2, !- Waste heat modifier curve , Speed 2 (temperature)
25500 , !- Rated Total Heating Capacity , Speed 3 {W}
2.75, !- Rated COP , Speed 3
1.25, !- Rated Air Volume Flow Rate , Speed 3 {m3/s}
HPACHeatCapFT Speed 3, !- Total Heating Capacity Modifier Curve , Speed 3 (temperature)
HPACHeatCapFF Speed 3, !- Total Heating capacity modifier curve , Speed 3 (flow fraction)
HPACHeatEIRFT Speed 3, !- Energy input ratio modifier curve , Speed 3 (temperature)
HPACHeatEIRFF Speed 3, !- Energy input ratio modifier curve , Speed 3 (flow fraction)
HPACHeatPLFFPLR Speed 3, !- Part load fraction correlation , Speed 3 (part load ratio)
0.2, !- Rated waste heat fraction of power input , Speed 3
HAPCHeatWHFT Speed 3, !- Waste heat modifier curve , Speed 3 (temperature)
35500 , !- Rated Total Heating Capacity , Speed 4 {W}
2.75, !- Rated COP , Speed 4
1.75, !- Rated Air Volume Flow Rate , Speed 4 {m3/s}
HPACHeatCapFT Speed 4, !- Total Heating Capacity Modifier Curve , Speed 4 (temperature)
HPACHeatCapFF Speed 4, !- Total Heating capacity modifier curve , Speed 4 (flow fraction)
1336 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

HPACHeatEIRFT Speed 4, !- Energy input ratio modifier curve , Speed 4 (temperature)

HPACHeatEIRFF Speed 4, !- Energy input ratio modifier curve , Speed 4 (flow fraction)
HPACHeatPLFFPLR Speed 4, !- Part load fraction correlation , Speed 4 (part load ratio)
0.2, !- Rated waste heat fraction of power input , Speed 4
HAPCHeatWHFT Speed 4; !- Waste heat modifier curve , Speed 4 (temperature)

COIL:Cooling:DX:MultiSpeed ,
Heat Pump ACDXCoil 1, !- Coil Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule
DX Cooling Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Coil Air Inlet Node
Heating Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Coil Air Outlet Node
CyclingFanAndCompressor , !- Supply Air Fan Operation Mode
Outdoor Condenser Air Node , !- Condenser Air Inlet Node Name
AirCooled , !- Condenser Type
, !- Name of Water Storage Tank for Supply
, !- Name of Water Storage Tank for Condensate Collection
No , !- Apply Part Load Fraction to Speeds greater than 1
No , !- Apply Latent Degradation to Speeds greater than 1
200.0 , !- Crankcase Heater Capacity {W}
10.0, !- Maximum Outdoor Dry -bulb Temperature for Crankcase Heater
Operation {C}
NaturalGas , !- Fuel type
4, !- Number of speeds
7500, !- Rated Total Cooling Capacity , Speed 1 (gross) {W}
0.75, !- Rated SHR , Speed 1
3.0, !- Rated COP , Speed 1
0.40, !- Rated Air Volume Flow Rate , Speed 1 {m3/s}
HPACCoolCapFT Speed 1, !- Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve , Speed 1 (temperature)
HPACCoolCapFF Speed 1, !- Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve , Speed 1 (flow fraction)
HPACCOOLEIRFT Speed 1, !- Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve , Speed 1 (temperature)
HPACCOOLEIRFF Speed 1, !- Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve , Speed 1 (flow fraction)
HPACCOOLPLFFPLR Speed 1, !- Part Load Fraction Correlation , Speed 1 (part load ratio)
1000.0 , !- Nominal Time for Condensate Removal to Begin , Speed 1 {s}
1.5, !- Ratio of Initial Moisture Evaporation Rate and Steady -state
Latent Capacity , Speed 1 {dimensionless}
3.0, !- Maximum ON/OFF Cycling Rate , Speed 1 {cycles/hr}
45.0, !- Latent Capacity Time Constant , Speed 1 {s}
0.2, !- Rated waste heat fraction of power input , Speed 1 {
dimensionless}
HAPCCoolWHFT Speed 1, !- Waste heat modifier curve , Speed 1 (temperature)
0.9, !- Evaporative Condenser Effectiveness , Speed 1 {dimensionless}
0.05, !- Evaporative Condenser Air Volume Flow Rate , Speed 1 {m3/s}
50, !- Evaporative Condenser Pump Rated Power Consumption , Speed 1 {W}
17500 , !- Rated Total Cooling Capacity , Speed 2 (gross) {W}
0.75, !- Rated SHR , Speed 2
3.0, !- Rated COP , Speed 2
0.85, !- Rated Air Volume Flow Rate , Speed 2 {m3/s}
HPACCoolCapFT Speed 2, !- Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve , Speed 2 (temperature)
HPACCoolCapFF Speed 2, !- Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve , Speed 2 (flow fraction)
HPACCOOLEIRFT Speed 2, !- Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve , Speed 2 (temperature)
HPACCOOLEIRFF Speed 2, !- Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve , Speed 2 (flow fraction)
HPACCOOLPLFFPLR Speed 1, !- Part Load Fraction Correlation , Speed 2 (part load ratio)
1000.0 , !- Nominal Time for Condensate Removal to Begin , Speed 2 {s}
1.5, !- Ratio of Initial Moisture Evaporation Rate and Steady -state
Latent Capacity , Speed 2 {dimensionless}
3.0, !- Maximum ON/OFF Cycling Rate , Speed 2 {cycles/hr}
45.0, !- Latent Capacity Time Constant , Speed 2 {s}
0.2, !- Rated waste heat fraction of power input , Speed 2 {
dimensionless}
HAPCCoolWHFT Speed 2, !- Waste heat modifier curve , Speed 2 (temperature)
0.9, !- Evaporative Condenser Effectiveness , Speed 2 {dimensionless}
0.1, !- Evaporative Condenser Air Volume Flow Rate , Speed 2 {m3/s}
60, !- Evaporative Condenser Pump Rated Power Consumption , Speed 2 {W}
25500 , !- Rated Total Cooling Capacity , Speed 3 (gross) {W}
0.75, !- Rated SHR , Speed 3
3.0, !- Rated COP , Speed 3
1.25, !- Rated Air Volume Flow Rate , Speed 3 {m3/s}
1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1337

HPACCoolCapFT Speed 3, !- Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve , Speed 3 (temperature)

HPACCoolCapFF Speed 3, !- Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve , Speed 3 (flow fraction)
HPACCOOLEIRFT Speed 3, !- Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve , Speed 3 (temperature)
HPACCOOLEIRFF Speed 3, !- Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve , Speed 3 (flow fraction)
HPACCOOLPLFFPLR Speed 1, !- Part Load Fraction Correlation , Speed 3 (part load ratio)
1000.0 , !- Nominal Time for Condensate Removal to Begin , Speed 3 {s}
1.5, !- Ratio of Initial Moisture Evaporation Rate and Steady -state
Latent Capacity , Speed 3 {dimensionless}
3.0, !- Maximum ON/OFF Cycling Rate , Speed 3 {cycles/hr}
45.0, !- Latent Capacity Time Constant , Speed 3 {s}
0.2, !- Rated waste heat fraction of power input , Speed 3 {
dimensionless}
HAPCCoolWHFT Speed 3, !- Waste heat modifier curve , Speed 3 (temperature)
0.9, !- Evaporative Condenser Effectiveness , Speed 3 {dimensionless}
0.2, !- Evaporative Condenser Air Volume Flow Rate , Speed 3 {m3/s}
80, !- Evaporative Condenser Pump Rated Power Consumption , Speed 3 {W}
35500 , !- Rated Total Cooling Capacity , Speed 4 (gross) {W}
0.75, !- Rated SHR , Speed 4
3.0, !- Rated COP , Speed 4
1.75, !- Rated Air Volume Flow Rate , Speed 4 {m3/s}
HPACCoolCapFT Speed 4, !- Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve , Speed 4 (temperature)
HPACCoolCapFF Speed 4, !- Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve , Speed 4 (flow fraction)
HPACCOOLEIRFT Speed 4, !- Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve , Speed 4 (temperature)
HPACCOOLEIRFF Speed 4, !- Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve , Speed 4 (flow fraction)
HPACCOOLPLFFPLR Speed 1, !- Part Load Fraction Correlation , Speed 4 (part load ratio)
1000.0 , !- Nominal Time for Condensate Removal to Begin , Speed 4 {s}
1.5, !- Ratio of Initial Moisture Evaporation Rate and Steady -state
Latent Capacity , Speed 4 {dimensionless}
3.0, !- Maximum ON/OFF Cycling Rate , Speed 4 {cycles/hr}
45.0, !- Latent Capacity Time Constant , Speed 4 {s}
0.2, !- Rated waste heat fraction of power input , Speed 4 {
dimensionless}
HAPCCoolWHFT Speed 4, !- Waste heat modifier curve , Speed 4 (temperature)
0.9, !- Evaporative Condenser Effectiveness , Speed 4 {dimensionless}
0.3, !- Evaporative Condenser Air Volume Flow Rate , Speed 4 {m3/s}
100; !- Evaporative Condenser Pump Rated Power Consumption , Speed 4 {W}

Coil:Heating:Gas ,
Supp Gas Heating Coil 1, !- Coil Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
0.8, !- Gas Burner Efficiency of the Coil
45000 , !- Nominal Capacity of the Coil {W}
SuppHeating Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Coil\_Air\_Inlet\_Node
Air Loop Outlet Node; !- Coil\_Air\_Outlet\_Node

Fan:OnOff ,
Supply Fan 1, !- Fan Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
0.7, !- Fan Total Efficiency
300.0 , !- Delta Pressure {Pa}
1.7, !- Max Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.9, !- Motor Efficiency
1.0, !- Motor In Airstream Fraction
Mixed Air Node , !- Fan\_Inlet\_Node
DX Cooling Coil Air Inlet Node; !- Fan\_Outlet\_Node

AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled ,
Zone1DirectAir , ! direct air unit name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , ! schedule name for on/off schedule
Zone 1 Inlet Node , ! zone supply air node name
0.612; ! maximum air flow rate , m3/s

AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled ,
Zone2DirectAir , ! direct air unit name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , ! schedule name for on/off schedule
Zone 2 Inlet Node , ! zone supply air node name
0.476; ! maximum air flow rate , m3/s
1338 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled ,
Zone3DirectAir , ! direct air unit name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , ! schedule name for on/off schedule
Zone 3 Inlet Node , ! zone supply air node name
0.612; ! maximum air flow rate , m3/s

1.31.8.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Unitary System Fan Part Load Ratio []

• HVAC,Average,Unitary System Compressor Part Load Ratio []

• HVAC,Average,Unitary System DX Coil Cycling Ratio []

• HVAC,Average,Unitary System DX Coil Speed Ratio []

• HVAC,Average,Unitary System DX Coil Speed Level []

• HVAC,Average,Unitary System Electric Power[W]

• HVAC,Sum,Unitary System Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Unitary System Total Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Unitary System Total Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Unitary System Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Unitary System Sensible Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Unitary System Latent Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Unitary System Latent Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Unitary System Ancillary Electric Power[W]

• HVAC,Sum,Unitary System Cooling Ancillary Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Unitary System Heating Ancillary Electric Energy [J]

If heat recovery is specified:

• HVAC,Average, Unitary System Heat Recovery Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average, Unitary System Heat Recovery Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average, Unitary System Heat Recovery Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average, Unitary System Heat Recovery Fluid Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Sum, Unitary System Heat Recovery Energy [J]

1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1339

1.31.8.2.1 Unitary System Fan Part Load Ratio []

This output variable is the ratio of actual air mass flow rate through the multispeed heat pump
to the heat pump’s design air mass flow rate (i.e., design volumetric flow rate converted to dry
air mass flow rate) at Speed 1. For continuous fan operation mode, this variable is always 1.0
when the heat pump is available (based on the availability schedule). For cycling fan/cycling coil
operation mode, the actual air mass flow rate is calculated based on the ratio of the sensible heating
(or cooling) load to the steady-state heat pump heating (or cooling) capacity. For the cycling fan
mode, the runtime fraction for the heat pump fan may be different from the fan part-load ratio
reported here due the part-load performance of the heat pump’s heating (or cooling) coil (delay
at start-up to reach steady-state output). In general, runtime fractions are reported by individual
components where appropriate (e.g., Fan:OnOff). When the speed number is greater than 1, the
value is 1.0.

1.31.8.2.2 Unitary System Compressor Part Load Ratio []

This output variable is the ratio of the sensible load (heating or cooling) to the steady-state
capacity of the multispeed heat pump’s DX heating or cooling coil at Speed 1. The runtime fraction
for the heat pump compressor may be different from the compressor part-load ratio reported here
due the part-load performance of the heating/cooling coil (delay at start-up to reach steady-state
output). In general, runtime fractions are reported by individual components where appropriate.
When the speed number is greater than 1, the value is 1.0.

1.31.8.2.3 Unitary System DX Coil Cycling Ratio []

This output variable is the ratio of the sensible load (heating or cooling) to the steady-state
capacity of the multispeed heat pump’s DX heating or cooling coil (Speed 1) for the entire system
timestep. The value is between 0.0 and 1.0 when the heat pump is cycling on and off its lowest
speed (Speed 1) and 1.0 when the multispeed heat pump operates at speeds above 1.
When Single Mode Operation is specified, the value is between 0.0 and 1.0 when the heat pump
is cycling on at any given speed.

1.31.8.2.4 Unitary System DX Coil Speed Ratio []

This output variable is the ratio of time in a system timestep that the compressor is at rated
speed between two consecutive speed numbers ( [Compressor Speed - Compressor speed at Speed
i-1] / [Compressor speed at Speed i - Compressor speed at Speed i-1]). The compressor speed ratio
reports (1.0 is max, 0.0 is min) and any value in between as it is averaged over the timestep. The
value is 0.0 during Speed 1 operation.
The physical meaning of the speed ratio is dependent on the compressor configuration defined
in the field of child coil object: Apply Part Load Fraction to Speeds greater than 1. The allowed
choice is either Yes or No. When No is entered, one compressor is assumed for all speeds. The
speed ratio represents how long the higher speed runs as a fraction of the system timestep, and the
lower speed runs in the rest of the system timestep. When Yes is entered, multiple compressors
are assumed, and each compressor has associated speed. The speed ratio represents how long the
higher speed runs as a fraction of the system timestep, and the low speed runs in a whole system
timestep.
When Single Mode Operation is specified, the speed ratio is set to 0 at Speed 1, and 1 at Speed
>1
1340 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.31.8.2.5 Unitary System DX Coil Speed Level []

This output variable reports the maximum speed needed when the heat pump operates to meet
the sensible load (heating or cooling) in a system timestep. When the value is 1, the heat pump
operates at Speed 1 (lowest speed). For this case the cycling ratio is between 0.0 and 1.0, while
the speed ratio is 0.0. When the speed number output variable is above one, such as i, the heat
pump operation is determined by the speed ratio through linear interpolation. For example, when
the speed ratio is 0.4 and the speed number is 3, the heat pump operates at Speed 3 for 40% of a
system timestep and at Speed 2 for 60% of a system timestep for a single compressor. For multiple
compressors, the heat pump operates at Speed 3 in the 40% of a system timestep and at Speed 2
in the whole system timestep.

1.31.8.2.6 Unitary System Total Heating Rate [W]

This output field is the total (enthalpy) heat addition rate of the multispeed heat pump to the
zones it is serving in Watts. This value is calculated using the enthalpy difference of the heat pump
outlet air and inlet air streams, and the air mass flow rate through the heat pump. This value
is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the results (enthalpy addition
only) are averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.31.8.2.7 Unitary System Total Cooling Rate [W]

This output field is the total (enthalpy) heat extraction rate of the multispeed heat pump from
the zones it is serving in Watts. This value is calculated using the enthalpy difference of the heat
pump outlet air and inlet air streams, and the air mass flow rate through the heat pump. This value
is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the results (enthalpy extraction
only) are averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.31.8.2.8 Unitary System Sensible Heating Rate [W]

This output field reports the sensible heat addition rate of the multispeed heat pump to the
zones it is serving in Watts. This value is calculated using the enthalpy difference of the heat pump
outlet air and inlet air streams at a constant humidity ratio, and the air mass flow rate through
the heat pump. This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the
results (heating only) are averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.31.8.2.9 Unitary System Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

This output field reports the moist air sensible heat extraction rate of the multispeed heat pump
from the zones it is serving in Watts. This value is calculated using the enthalpy difference of the
heat pump outlet air and inlet air streams at a constant humidity ratio, and the air mass flow rate
through the heat pump. This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being simulated,
and the results (cooling only) are averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.31.8.2.10 Unitary System Latent Heating Rate [W]

This output field is the latent heat addition (humidification) rate of the multispeed heat pump
in Watts. This value is calculated as the difference between the total energy rate and the sensible
energy rate provided by the multispeed heat pump. This value is calculated for each HVAC system
timestep being simulated, and the results (latent heat addition only) are averaged for the timestep
being reported.
1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1341

1.31.8.2.11 Unitary System Latent Cooling Rate [W]

This output field is the latent heat extraction (dehumidification) rate of the multispeed heat
pump in Watts. This value is calculated as the difference between the total energy rate and the
sensible energy rate provided by the multispeed heat pump. This value is calculated for each HVAC
system timestep being simulated, and the results (latent heat extraction only) are averaged for the
timestep being reported.

1.31.8.2.12 Unitary System Electric Power [W]

This output field is the electricity consumption rate of the multispeed heat pump in Watts. The
consumption includes electricity used by the DX coils (including crankcase heater if the fuel type
is electricity), fans (indoor supply air fan and the condenser fans associated with the DX coil[s]),
auxiliary power during on and off period, and the supplemental heating coil (if electric). This value
is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the results are averaged for the
timestep being reported. Any non-electric energy use is not reported by the heat pump object but
is reported in the associated coil objects as appropriate.

1.31.8.2.13 Unitary System Electric Energy [J]

This output field is the electricity consumption of the multispeed heat pump in Joules for
the timestep being reported. The consumption includes electricity used by the DX compressor
(including crankcase heater if the fuel type is electricity), fans (indoor supply air fan and the
condenser fans associated with the DX coil[s]), auxiliary power during on and off period, and the
supplemental heating coil (if electric). This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep
being simulated, and the results are summed for the timestep being reported. Any non-electric
energy use is not reported by the heat pump object but is reported in the associated coil objects
as appropriate.

1.31.8.2.14 Unitary System Ancillary Electric Power [W]

This output field is the average auxiliary electricity consumption rate (including both on-cycle
and off-cycle) in Watts for the timestep being reported.

1.31.8.2.15 Unitary System Cooling Ancillary Electric Energy [J]

This is the auxiliary electricity consumption in Joules for the timestep being reported. This is
the auxiliary electricity consumption during periods when the heat pump is providing cooling (DX
cooling coil is operating). This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity,
End Use Key = Cooling, Group Key = System (ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.31.8.2.16 Unitary System Heating Ancillary Electric Energy [J]

This is the auxiliary electricity consumption in Joules for the timestep being reported. This is
the auxiliary electricity consumption during periods when the heat pump is providing heating (DX
heating coil is operating). This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity,
End Use Key = Heating, Group Key = System (ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.31.8.2.17 Unitary System Heat Recovery Inlet Temperature [C]

1.31.8.2.18 Unitary System Heat Recovery Outlet Temperature [C]

1342 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.31.8.2.19 Unitary System Heat Recovery Fluid Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
These outputs are the heat recovery inlet and outlet temperatures and water mass flow rate for
multispeed heat pumps with heat recovery.

1.31.8.2.20 Unitary System Heat Recovery Rate [W]

1.31.8.2.21 Unitary System Heat Recovery Energy [J]

For multispeed heat pumps with heat recovery, these outputs are the recoverable energy rate
(in Watts) and energy (in Joules).

1.31.9 AirLoopHVAC:Unitary:Furnace:HeatOnly
The EnergyPlus furnace is a “virtual” component that consists of a fan component (OnOff or
ConstantVolume) and a Gas or Electric heating coil component. The blow through furnace config-
uration is shown in the Figure below.
Links to the fan and heating coil specifications are provided in the furnace input data syntax.
In addition the control zone name and the furnace design operating conditions are specified by the
furnace inputs.

1.31.9.1 Inputs
1.31.9.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the furnace.

1.31.9.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the schedule name which contains information on the availability of
the furnace to operate. A schedule value equal to 0 denotes that the furnace must be off for that
time period. A value greater than 0 denotes that the furnace is available to operate during that
time period. This schedule may be used to completely disable the unitary system as required. If
this field is left blank, the schedule has a value of 1 for all time periods.

1.31.9.1.3 Field: Furnace Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the furnace inlet node name.

1.31.9.1.4 Field: Furnace Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the furnace outlet node name.
Field: Supply Air Fan Operating Mode Schedule Name
This alpha field specifies the name of the supply air fan operating mode schedule. The supply
air fan operating mode may vary during the simulation based on time-of-day or with a change of
season. Schedule values of 0 denote that the furnace supply air fan and the heating coil cycle on
and off together to meet the heating load (a.k.a. AUTO fan). Schedule values other than 0 denote
that the supply fan runs continuously while the heating coil cycles to meet the load.

1.31.9.1.5 Field: Maximum Supply Air Temperature

This numeric field contains the design operating furnace air outlet temperature in degrees C
when the furnace is heating. If this input field is left blank, the default value is 80 C.
1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1343

Figure 1.130: Schematic of Blow Through Furnace Model

1344 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.31.9.1.6 Field: Heating Supply Air Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the design volumetric flow rate of the furnace in cubic meters per
second. This volumetric flow rate should match the flow rate specified for the furnace fan.

1.31.9.1.7 Field: Controlling Zone or Thermostat Location

This alpha field contains the identifying zone name where the thermostat controlling the furnace
is located.

1.31.9.1.8 Field: Supply Fan Object Type

This alpha field contains the identifying type of supply air fan specified for the furnace. Fan type
must be Fan:OnOff or Fan:ConstantVolume. Fan:ConstantVolume is used when the Supply Air
Fan Operating Mode Schedule values are never 0 and the fan operates continuously. Fan:OnOff is
used when the fan cycles on and off with the cooling or heating coil (i.e. Supply Air Fan Operating
Mode Schedule values are at times 0).

1.31.9.1.9 Field: Supply Fan Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the furnace fan.

1.31.9.1.10 Field: Fan Placement

This alpha field has two choices: BlowThrough or DrawThrough. The first choice stands
for “blow through fan”. This means that the unit consists of a fan followed by the heating coil.
The fan “blows through” the heating coil. The second choice stands for “draw through fan”. This
means that the unit consists of the heating coil followed by a fan. The fan “draws air through” the
heating coil. If this field is left blank, the default is blow through.

1.31.9.1.11 Field: Heating Coil Object Type

This alpha field contains the identifying type of heating coil specified in the furnace. The hot
water and steam heating coils require specifying plant loop, branches, and connectors objects to
support the heating coils, and are placed on the demand side of the plantloop. The hot water flow
modulation through the heating coil does not require additional controller or Controller:WaterCoil
object. The parent object (Unitary Heat Only Furnace) itself provides the “controller” function of
modulating water flow. Heating coil type must be:

• Coil:Heating:Electric

• Coil:Heating:Gas

• Coil:Heating:Water

• Coil:Heating:Steam

1.31.9.1.12 Field: Heating Coil Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the furnace heating coil.
As shown in the example below, correct specification of the furnace requires specification of the
following objects in addition to the furnace object:
1) fan (Fan:OnOff or Fan:ConstantVolume)
2) heating coil (Coil:Heating:Gas or Coil:Heating:Electric)
3) direct air unit (AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled) for each zone served by the furnace
1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1345

Note: the furnace’s fan and heating coil must be connected in the air loop according to the
configuration shown above (Figure 1.130) when a blow through fan configuration is specified. If
a draw through fan is used, the fan is located down stream of the heating coil. In addition, the
volumetric air flow rate specified in the direct air unit for the controlling zone should properly
reflect the fractional volumetric air flow rate specified in the furnace object.

AirLoopHVAC:Unitary:Furnace:HeatOnly ,
Gas Furnace 1, !- Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
Air Loop Inlet Node , !- Furnace Air Inlet Node Name
Air Loop Outlet Node , !- Furnace Air Outlet Node Name
CycFanSchedule , !- Supply Air Fan Operating Mode Schedule Name
80, !- Maximum Supply Air Temperature {C}
1.3, !- Heating Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
East Zone , !- Controlling Zone or Thermostat Location
Fan:OnOff , !- Supply Fan Object Type
Supply Fan 1, !- Supply Fan Fame
BlowThrough , !- Fan Placement
Coil:Heating:Gas , !- Heating Coil Object Type
Furnace Coil; !- Heating Coil Name

Coil:Heating:Gas ,
Furnace Coil , !- Coil Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
0.8, !- Gas Burner Efficiency of the Coil
20000 , !- Nominal Capacity of the Coil {W}
Heating Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Coil_Air_Inlet_Node
Air Loop Outlet Node , !- Coil_Air_Outlet_Node
, !- Coil_Temp_Setpoint_Node
100, !- Parasitic Electric Load {W}
PLFCurveforGasFurnace , !- Part load fraction correlation (function of part load ratio)
10; !- Parasitic Gas Load {W}

Curve:Cubic ,
PLFCurveforGasFurnace , !- Name
0.8, !- Coefficient1 Constant
0.2, !- Coefficient2 x
0.0, !- Coefficient3 x**2
0.0, !- Coefficient4 x**3
0, !- Minimum Value of x
1; !- Maximum Value of x

Fan:OnOff ,
Supply Fan 1, !- Fan Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
0.7, !- Fan Total Efficiency
600.0 , !- Delta Pressure {Pa}
1.3, !- Max Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.9, !- Motor Efficiency
1.0, !- Motor In Airstream Fraction
Air Loop Inlet Node , !- Fan_Inlet_Node
Heating Coil Air Inlet Node; !- Fan_Outlet_Node

AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled ,
Zone1DirectAir , !-Direct Air Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Schedule name for on/off schedule
Zone 1 Inlet Node , !- Zone Supply Air Node Name
0.47; !- Maximum air flow rate {m3/s}

AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled ,
Zone2DirectAir , !- Direct Air Name
1346 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Schedule name for on/off schedule

Zone 2 Inlet Node , !- Zone Supply Air Node Name
0.36; !- Maximum air flow rate {m3/s}

AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled ,
Zone3DirectAir , !- Direct Air Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Schedule name for on/off schedule
Zone 3 Inlet Node , !- Zone Supply Air Node Name
0.47; !- Maximum air flow rate {m3/s}

Example of Heat-Only Furnace Specification

1.31.9.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Unitary System Fan Part Load Ratio []

1.31.9.2.1 Unitary System Fan Part Load Ratio []

This output variable is the ratio of actual air mass flow rate through the furnace to the furnace’s
design air mass flow rate (i.e., design volumetric flow rate converted to dry air mass flow rate).
For continuous fan operation mode, this variable is always 1.0 when the furnace is available (based
on the availability schedule). For cycling fan/cycling coil operation mode, the actual air mass flow
rate is calculated based on the ratio of the sensible heating load to the furnace heating capacity.
For the cycling fan mode, the runtime fraction for the furnace fan may be different from the fan
part-load ratio reported here due the part-load performance of the furnace’s heating coil (delay
at start-up to reach steady-state heating output). In general, runtime fractions are reported by
individual components where appropriate (e.g., Fan:OnOff).

1.31.10 AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatOnly
The AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatOnly is identical to the AirLoopHVAC:Unitary:Furnace:HeatOnly
model. The heat-only unitary system is a “virtual” component that consists of a fan component
(OnOff or ConstantVolume) and a Gas or Electric heating coil component. The blow through
unitary system configuraion is shown in the Figure below.
Links to the fan and heating coil specifications are provided in the unitary system input data
syntax. In addition, the control zone name and the unitary system design operating conditions are
specified by the unitary system syntax.

1.31.10.1 Inputs
1.31.10.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the unitary system.

1.31.10.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the schedule name which contains information on the availability of
the unitary system to operate. A schedule value equal to 0 denotes that the unitary system must
be off for that time period. A value greater than 0 denotes that the unitary system is available
to operate during that time period. This schedule may be used to completely disable the unitary
system as required. If this field is left blank, the schedule has a value of 1 for all time periods.
1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1347

Figure 1.131: Schematic of Blow Through Heat-Only Unitary System

1348 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.31.10.1.3 Field: Unitary System Air Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the unitary system inlet node name.

1.31.10.1.4 Field: Unitary System Air Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the unitary system outlet node name.
Field: Supply Air Fan Operating Mode Schedule Name
This alpha field specifies the name of the supply air fan operating mode schedule. The supply
air fan operating mode may vary during the simulation based on time-of-day or with a change of
season. Schedule values of 0 denote that the furnace supply air fan and the heating coil cycle on
and off together to meet the heating load (a.k.a. AUTO fan). Schedule values other than 0 denote
that the supply fan runs continuously while the heating coil cycles to meet the load.

1.31.10.1.5 Field: Maximum Supply Air Temperature

This numeric field contains the design air outlet temperature in degrees C when the unitary
system is heating. If this input field is left blank, the default value is 80 C.

1.31.10.1.6 Field: Heating Supply Air Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the design volumetric flow rate of the unitary system in cubic meters
per second. This volumetric flow rate should match the flow rate specified for the unitary system
fan.

1.31.10.1.7 Field: Controlling Zone or Thermostat Location

This alpha field contains the identifying zone name where the thermostat controlling the unitary
system is located.

1.31.10.1.8 Field: Supply Fan Object Type

This alpha field contains the identifying type of supply air fan specified for the unitary system.
Fan type must be Fan:OnOff or Fan:ConstantVolume. Fan:ConstantVolume is used when the
Supply Air Fan Operating Mode Schedule values are never 0 and the fan operates continuously.
Fan:OnOff is used when the fan cycles on and off with the cooling or heating coil (i.e. Supply Air
Fan Operating Mode Schedule values are at times 0).

1.31.10.1.9 Field: Supply Fan Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the unitary system fan.

1.31.10.1.10 Field: Fan Placement

This alpha field has two choices: BlowThrough or DrawThrough. The first choice stands
for “blow through fan”. This means that the unit consists of a fan followed by the heating coil.
The fan “blows through” the heating coil. The second choice stands for “draw through fan”. This
means that the unit consists of the heating coil followed by a fan. The fan “draws air through” the
heating coil. If this field is left blank, the default is blow through.

1.31.10.1.11 Field: Heating Coil Object Type

This alpha field contains the identifying type of heating coil specified in the unitary system.
The hot water and steam heating coils require specifying plant loop, branches, and connectors
objects to support the heating coils, and are placed on the demand side of the plantloop. The
1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1349

hot water flow modulation through the heating coil does not require additional controller or Con-
troller:WaterCoil object. The parent object (Unitary Heat Only) itself provides the “controller”
function of modulating water flow. Heating coil type must be:

• Coil:Heating:Electric

• Coil:Heating:Gas

• Coil:Heating:Water

• Coil:Heating:Steam

1.31.10.1.12 Field: Heating Coil Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the unitary system heating coil.
As shown in the example below, correct specification of the heat-only unitary system requires
specification of the following objects in addition to the unitary system object:
1) fan (Fan:OnOff or Fan:ConstantVolume)
2) heating coil (Coil:Heating:Gas or Coil:Heating:Electric)
3) direct air unit (AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled) for each zone served by the furnace
Note: the unitary system’s fan and heating coil must be connected in the air loop according to
the configuration shown above (Figure 1.131) when a blow through fan configuration is specified.
If a draw through fan is used, the fan is located down stream of the heating coil. In addition,
the volumetric air flow rate specified in the direct air unit for the controlling zone should properly
reflect the fractional volumetric air flow rate specified in the unitary system object.

AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatOnly ,
Gas Unitary System 1, !- Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
Air Loop Inlet Node , !- Unitary System Air Inlet Node Name
Air Loop Outlet Node , !- Unitary System Air Outlet Node Name
CycFanSchedule , !- Supply Air Fan Operating Mode Schedule Name
80, !- Maximum Supply Air Temperature {C}
1.3, !- Heating Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
East Zone , !- Controlling Zone or Thermostat Location
Fan:OnOff , !- Supply Fan Object Type
Supply Fan 1, !- Supply Fan Name
BlowThrough , !- Fan Placement
Coil:Heating:Gas , !- Heating Coil Object Type
Unitary System Heating Coil; !- Heating Coil Name

Coil:Heating:Gas ,
Unitary System Heating Coil , !- Coil Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
0.8, !- Gas Burner Efficiency of the Coil
20000 , !- Nominal Capacity of the Coil {W}
Heating Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Coil_Air_Inlet_Node
Air Loop Outlet Node , !- Coil_Air_Outlet_Node
, !- Coil_Temp_Setpoint_Node
100, !- Parasitic Electric Load {W}
PLFCurveforUnitarySystem , !- Part load fraction correlation (function of part load ratio
)
10; !- Parasitic Gas Load {W}

Curve:Cubic ,
PLFCurveforUnitarySystem , !- Name
0.8, !- Coefficient1 Constant
0.2, !- Coefficient2 x
1350 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

0.0, !- Coefficient3 x**2

0.0, !- Coefficient4 x**3
0, !- Minimum Value of x
1; !- Maximum Value of x

Fan:OnOff ,
Supply Fan 1, !- Fan Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
0.7, !- Fan Total Efficiency
600.0 , !- Delta Pressure {Pa}
1.3, !- Max Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.9, !- Motor Efficiency
1.0, !- Motor In Airstream Fraction
Air Loop Inlet Node , !- Fan_Inlet_Node
Heating Coil Air Inlet Node; !- Fan_Outlet_Node

AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled ,
Zone1DirectAir , !-Direct Air Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Schedule name for on/off schedule
Zone 1 Inlet Node , !- Zone Supply Air Node Name
0.47; !- Maximum air flow rate {m3/s}

AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled ,
Zone2DirectAir , !- Direct Air Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Schedule name for on/off schedule
Zone 2 Inlet Node , !- Zone Supply Air Node Name
0.36; !- Maximum air flow rate {m3/s}

AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled ,
Zone3DirectAir , !- Direct Air Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Schedule name for on/off schedule
Zone 3 Inlet Node , !- Zone Supply Air Node Name
0.47; !- Maximum air flow rate {m3/s}

Example of Heat-Only Unitary System Specification

1.31.10.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Unitary System Fan Part Load Ratio []

1.31.10.2.1 Unitary System Fan Part Load Ratio []

This output variable is the ratio of actual air mass flow rate through the unitary system to the
unitary system’s design air mass flow rate (i.e., design volumetric flow rate converted to dry air mass
flow rate). For continuous fan operation mode, this variable is always 1.0 when the unitary system
is available (based on the availability schedule). For cycling fan/cycling coil operation mode, the
actual air mass flow rate is calculated based on the ratio of the sensible heating load to the unitary
system heating capacity. For the cycling fan mode, the runtime fraction for the unitary system fan
may be different from the fan part-load ratio reported here due the part-load performance of the
unitary system’s heating coil (delay at start-up to reach steady-state heating output). In general,
runtime fractions are reported by individual components where appropriate (e.g., Fan:OnOff).

1.31.11 AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:WaterToAir
The unitary water-to-air heat pump is similar to the unitary air-to-air heat pump except water is
used on the source side. Links to the fan, WaterToAirHeatPump cooling coil, WaterToAirHeat-
1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1351

Pump heating coil, and supplementary heating coil specifications are provided in the heat pump’s
input data syntax. The heat pump switches between cooling and heating depending on the zone’s
demand. The load side (air) of the unitary water-to-air heat pump consists of an On/Off fan
component, a WaterToAirHeatPump cooling coil component, a WaterToAirHeatPump heating coil
component, and a Gas, Electric, Steam, or Hot Water supplemental heating coil component. The
source side (water) of the heat pump is connected to a condenser loop with a heat exchanger (ground
heat exchanger or other type) or a plant loop with a heating source such as a boiler and a cooling
source such as a chiller or cooling tower. The diagram below shows the setup and connection of
the heat pump for the source side and load side for a ground heat exchanger configuration. Note
that on the load side, the WaterToAirHeatPump cooling coil must always be placed before the
WaterToAirHeatPump heating coil.
There are three type of WaterToAirHeatPump coil models available:

• Coil:Cooling:WaterToAirHeatPump:ParameterEstimation

• Coil:Heating:WaterToAirHeatPump:ParameterEstimation

• Coil:Cooling:WaterToAirHeatPump:EquationFit

• Coil:Heating:WaterToAirHeatPump:EquationFit

• Coil:Cooling:WatertoAirHeatPump:VariableSpeedEquationFit

• Coil:Heating:WatertoAirHeatPump:VariableSpeedEquationFit

In addition, the control zone name and the system design operating conditions are specified by
the heat pump inputs.

1.31.11.1 Inputs
1.31.11.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the unitary system heat pump.

1.31.11.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the schedule name (ref. Schedule objects) that contains information
on the availability of the heat pump to operate. A schedule value greater than 0 (usually 1 is used)
indicates that the unit can be on during the time period. A value less than or equal to 0 (usually 0
is used) denotes that the unit must be off for the time period. If this field is left blank, the schedule
has a value of 1 for all time periods.

1.31.11.1.3 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the name of the HVAC system node from which the heat pump draws
its inlet air.

1.31.11.1.4 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the name of the HVAC system node to which the heat pump sends its
outlet air.
1352 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.132: Water to Air Heat Pump Schematic for a BlowThrough Configuration with
Ground Heat Exchanger
1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1353

1.31.11.1.5 Field: Supply Air Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the design volumetric flow rate through the heat pump in cubic
meters per second. This volume flow rate is only used when the cooling and heating coil
object type is Coil:*:WaterToAirHeatPump:ParameterEstimation. Although a value greater
than 0 is required (input cannot be blank or 0), this input is not used for the EquationFit
model. Instead, the supply air flow rate is determined by the input in the corresponding
Coil:*:WaterToAirHeatPump:EquationFit objects.

1.31.11.1.6 Field: Controlling Zone or Thermostat Location

This alpha field contains the identifying zone name where the thermostat controlling the heat
pump is located.

1.31.11.1.7 Field: Supply Air Fan Object Type

This alpha field contains the identifying type of supply air fan specified in the heat pump. Fan
type must be Fan:OnOff.

1.31.11.1.8 Field: Supply Air Fan Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the heat pump supply air fan, and should
match the name specified in the corresponding fan object.

1.31.11.1.9 Field: Heating Coil Object Type

This alpha field contains the identifying type of heating coil specified in the heat pump. Heating
coil types are:
• Coil:Heating:WaterToAirHeatPump:ParameterEstimation
• Coil:Heating:WaterToAirHeatPump:EquationFit
• Coil:Heating:WaterToAirHeatPump:VariableSpeedEquationFit

1.31.11.1.10 Field: Heating Coil Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the WaterToAirHeatPump heating coil,
and should match the name specified in the corresponding WaterToAirHeatPump heating coil
object.

1.31.11.1.11 Field: Heating Convergence

This numeric value allows the user to determine how close the air side has to be controlled.
Lower the value of convergence better the control of air side conditions and less the zone temperature
fluctuations. However in a poorly designed system, a lower convergence might result in warning
errors which are caused due to the iteration limit for run time fraction calculation is limited to 20.

1.31.11.1.12 Field: Cooling Coil Object Type

This alpha field contains the identifying type of cooling coil specified in the heat pump. Cooling
coil types are:
• Coil:Cooling:WaterToAirHeatPump:ParameterEstimation
• Coil:Cooling:WaterToAirHeatPump:EquationFit
• Coil:Cooling:WaterToAirHeatPump:VariableSpeedEquationFit
1354 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.31.11.1.13 Field: Cooling Coil Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the WaterToAirHeatPump cooling coil,
and should match the name specified in the corresponding WaterToAirHeatPump cooling coil
object.

1.31.11.1.14 Field: Cooling Convergence

This numeric value allows the user to determine how close the air side has to be controlled.
Lower the value of convergence better the control of air side conditions and less the zone temperature
fluctuations. However in a poorly designed system, a lower convergence might result in warning
errors which are caused due to the iteration limit for run time fraction calculation is limited to 20.

1.31.11.1.15 Field: Maximum Cycling Rate

This numeric field contains the maximum on-off cycling rate for the compressor, which occurs
at 50% run time fraction. Suggested values are shown below (Henderson et al. 1999):

Figure 1.133:

1.31.11.1.16 Field: Heat Pump Time Constant

This numeric field contains the time constant for the cooling coil’s capacity to reach steady
state after startup. Suggested values are shown below (Henderson et al. 1999):

Figure 1.134:

1.31.11.1.17 Field: Fraction of On-Cycle Power Use

This numeric field contains the fraction of on-cycle power use to adjust the part load frac-
tion based on the off-cycle power consumption due to crankcase heaters, controls, fans, and etc.
Suggested value values are below (Henderson et al. 1999):
1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1355

Figure 1.135:

1.31.11.1.18 Field: Heat Pump Fan Delay Time

This numeric field contains the time delay for the heat pump supply air fan to shut off after
the compressor cycles off in seconds. This value can be obtained from the manufacturer or the
heat pump catalog. Enter a value of zero when the heat pump’s fan operating mode is continuous.
Suggested value is 60 seconds.

1.31.11.1.19 Field: Supplemental Heating Coil Object Type

This is the object type of the supplemental heating coil. The hot water and steam heating
coils require specifying plant loop, branches, and connectors objects to support the heating coils,
and are placed on the demand side of the plantloop. The hot water flow modulation through the
supplemental heating coil does not require additional controller or Controller:WaterCoil object.
The parent object (AirLoop Unitary Water to Air Heat Pump) itself provides the “controller”
function of modulating water flow. The valid choices are:

• Coil:Heating:Electric

• Coil:Heating:Gas

• Coil:Heating:Water

• Coil:Heating:Steam

1.31.11.1.20 Field: Supplemental Heating Coil Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the supplemental heating coil, and should
match the name specified in the corresponding supplemental heating coil object.

1.31.11.1.21 Field: Maximum Supply Air Temperature from Supplemental

Heater
This numeric field defines the maximum allowed supply air temperature exiting the heat pump
supplemental heating coil in degrees Celsius.

1.31.11.1.22 Field: Maximum Outdoor Dry-Bulb Temperature for Supplemen-

tal Heater Operation
This numeric field defines the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature in degrees Celsius above which
the heat pump supplemental heating coil is disabled. The temperature for this input field must be
less than or equal to 21°C. If this input field is left blank, the default value is 21°C.
1356 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.31.11.1.23 Field: Outdoor Dry-Bulb Temperature Sensor Node Name

This alpha field specifies the name of the outdoor node which controls the operation of the
supplemental heating coil. If this field is left blank, the outdoor temperature is based solely on
the weather data. If this field is not blank, the node name specified must also be listed in an
OutdoorAir:Node object where the height of the node is taken into consideration when calculating
outdoor temperature from the weather data. Alternately, the node name must be specified in an
OutdoorAir:NodeList object where the outdoor temperature is taken directly from the weather
data.

1.31.11.1.24 Field: Fan Placement

This alpha field has two choices: BlowThrough or DrawThrough. The first choice represents
a blow through system where the supply air fan is before the WaterToAirHeatPump cooling/heating
coil and the supplementary heating coil. The second choice represents a draw through system where
the supply fan is between the WaterToAirHeatPump cooling/heating coil and the supplementary
heating coil. If this input field is left blank, the default is blow through.

1.31.11.1.25 Field: Supply Air Fan Operating Mode Schedule Name

This alpha field specifies the name of the supply air fan operating mode schedule. The supply
air fan operating mode may vary during the simulation based on time-of-day or with a change of
season. Schedule values of 0 denote that the supply air fan and the heating/cooling coil cycle on
and off together to meet the heating or cooling load (a.k.a. AUTO fan). Schedule values other than
0 denote that the supply air fan runs continuously while the heating or cooling coil cycles to meet
the load. If this field is left blank, the model assumes the supply air fan cycles with the heating or
cooling coil throughout the simulation period.
As shown in the example below, correct specification of the water-to-air heat pump requires spec-
ification of the following objects in addition to the AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:WaterToAir
object:

• On/Off fan

• WaterToAirHeatPump cooling coil

• WaterToAirHeatPump heating coil

• Supplementary heating coil

• Direct air unit for each zone served by the heat pump

• Condenser demand branches

It should be noted that the volumetric air flow rate specified in the direct air unit for the
controlling zone should properly reflect the fractional volumetric air flow rate specified in the heat
pump object.

1.31.11.1.26 Field: Dehumidification Control Type

This alpha input field contains the type of dehumidification control. The following options are
valid for this field:
None - meet sensible load only, no active dehumidification control
1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1357

CoolReheat - cool beyond the dry-bulb temperature set point as required to meet the high
humidity setpoint. The excess cooling beyond the cooling set point temperature is offset by the
supplemental heating coil.
The default is None. For CoolReheat dehumidification control modes, the maximum hu-
midity setpoint is required. This must be set using a ZoneControl:Humidistat object. When
extra dehumidification is required, the system may not be able to meet the humidity setpoint if
its full capacity is not adequate. Supplemental heating coil (supplemental heating coil type and
name) is a required input in WaterToAir HeatPumps. When dehumidification control is active the
heating and the reheat load due to extra dehumidification are met with supplemetal heating coil.
The supplemental heating coil capacity must be adequate enough to meet the heating coil load and
offset the excess cooling load due to extra dehumidification. The dehumidification control type
CoolReheat works only with Coil:Cooling:WaterToAirHeatPump:EquationFit cooling coil type.

1.31.11.1.27 Field: Heat Pump Coil Water Flow Mode

This field specifies the way in which water flow through the heat pump coils will be mod-
eled. This field is only used when WatertoAirHeatPump:EquationFit coils are used. There are
three options:

• Cycling

• Constant

• CyclingOnDemand

Cycling varies water flow through the coil based on the heat pump Part Load Ratio. This
control method is appropriate for modeling heat pumps that are outfitted with a soleniod valve
which allows water to flow through the coil only when the compressor is active. This is the default
for EnergyPlus V8 and later.
Constant provides a constant water flow regardless of heat pump operation. Remember that
EnergyPlus has two coils (a heating coil and a cooling coil) to approximate the operation of one
coil that can operate in either heating mode or cooling mode. Therefore, when the water flow
mode is constant, there will be full flow through either the heating coil or the cooling coil, but not
both at the same time.
ConstantOnDemand provides full flow through the coil whenever there is a load. When
there is no load, there is zero flow through the coil. This control strategy represents the way
EnergyPlus modeled heat pump water flow prior to Version 8.
Following is an example of IDF usage:

AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:WaterToAir ,
DXAC Heat Pump 1, !- Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
Mixed Air Node , !- Air Inlet Node Name
Air Loop Outlet Node , !- Air Outlet Node Name
2, !- Supply Air Flow Fate {m3/s}
East Zone , !- Controlling Zone or Thermostat Location
Fan:OnOff , !- Supply Air Fan Object Type
Supply Fan 1, !- Supply Air Fan Name
Coil:Heating:WaterToAirHeatPump:ParameterEstimation , !- Heating Coil Object Type
Heat Pump Heating Mode , !- Heating Coil Name
0.001 , !- Heating Convergence
Coil:Cooling:WaterToAirHeatPump:ParameterEstimation , !- Cooling Coil Object Type
Heat Pump Cooling Mode , !- Cooling Coil Name
0.001 , !- Cooling Convergence
1358 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

2.5, !- Maximum Cycling Rate {cycles/hr}

60, !- Heat Pump Time Constant {s}
0.01, !- Fraction of On -Cycle Power Use
60, !- Heat Pump Fan Delay Time {s}
Coil:Heating:Gas , !- Supplemental Heating Coil Object Type
Heat Pump DX Supp Heating Coil 1, !- Supplemental Heating Coil Name
50, !- Maximum Supply Air Temperature from Supplemental Heater {C}
21, !- Maximum Outdoor Dry -Bulb Temperature for Supplemental Heater
Operation {C}
Outside Air Inlet Node , !- Outdoor Dry -Bulb Temperature Sensor Node Name
BlowThrough , !- Fan Placement
CyclingFanSch , !- Supply Air Fan Operating Mode Schedule Name
CoolReheat; !- Dehumidification Control Type

Schedule:Compact ,
CyclingFanSch , !- Name
Fraction , !- Schedule Type Limits Name
Through: 12/31 , !- Field 1
For: AllDays , !- Field 2
Until: 24:00 , !- Field 3
0.0; !- Field 4

Coil:Cooling:WaterToAirHeatPump:ParameterEstimation ,
Heat Pump Cooling Mode , !- Name
Scroll , !- Compressor Type
R22 , !- Refrigerant Type
0.0015 , !- Design Source Side Flow Rate {m3/s}
38000 , !- Nominal Cooling Coil Capacity {W)
0, !- Nominal Time for Condensate Removal to Begin {s}
0, !- Ratio of Initial Moisture Evaporation Rate and Steady State Latent Capacity
3000000 , !- High Pressure CutOff {Pa}
0, !- Low Pressure CutOff {Pa}
Water to Air Heat Pump Source Side1 Inlet Node , !- Water Inlet Node Name
Water to Air Heat Pump Source Side1 Outlet Node , !- Water Outlet Node Name
Cooling Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Air Inlet Node Name
Heating Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Air Outlet Node Name
3.78019E+03,!- Parameter 1 {W/K}
2.80303E+03,!- Parameter 2 {W/K}
7.93591E-01,!- Parameter 3 {C}
1.91029E+03,!- Parameter 4 {W}
2.66127E+00,!- Parameter 5
1.06009E-02,!- Parameter 6
1.65103E+00,!- Parameter 7
9.73887E-03,!- Parameter 8
1.04563E+03;! - Parameter 9

Coil:Heating:WaterToAirHeatPump:ParameterEstimation ,
Heat Pump HEATING Mode , !- Name
Scroll , !- Compressor Type
R22 , !- Refrigerant Type
0.0015 , !- Design Source Side Flow Rate {m3/s}
38000 , !- Nominal Heating Coil Capacity {W}
3000000 , !- High Pressure CutOff
0, !- Low Pressure CutOff {Pa}
Water to Air Heat Pump Source Side2 Inlet Node , !- Water Inlet Node Name
Water to Air Heat Pump Source Side2 Outlet Node , !- Water Outlet Node Name
Heating Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Air Inlet Node Name
SuppHeating Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Air Outlet Node Name
3.91379E+03, !-Parameter 1 {W/K}
5.94753E-01, !- Parameter 2 {C}
2.49945E+03, !- Parameter 3 {W}
1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1359

8.68734E-01, !- Parameter 4
7.23595E-03, !- Parameter 5
3.69126E+00, !- Parameter 6
1.75701E-05, !- Parameter 7
3.65348E+03; !-Parameter 8

Coil:Heating:Gas ,
Heat Pump DX Supp Heating Coil 1, !- Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
0.8, !- Gas Burner Efficiency
32000 , !- Nominal Capacity {W}
SuppHeating Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Air Inlet Node Name
Air Loop Outlet Node; !- Air Outlet Node Name

BRANCH ,
Gshp Cooling Condenser Branch , !- Name
0, !- Maximum Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- Pressure Drop Curve Name
Coil:Cooling:WaterToAirHeatPump:ParameterEstimation , !- Component 1 Object Type
Heat Pump Cooling Mode , !- Component 1 Name
Water to Air Heat Pump Source Side1 Inlet Node , !- Component 1 Inlet Node Name
Water to Air Heat Pump Source Side1 Outlet Node , !- Component 1 Outlet Node Name
ACTIVE; !- Component 1 Branch Control Type

BRANCH ,
Gshp Heating Condenser Branch , !- Name
0, !- Maximum Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- Pressure Drop Curve Name
Coil:Heating:WaterToAirHeatPump:ParameterEstimation , !- Component 1 Object Type
Heat Pump Heating Mode , !- Component 1 Name
Water to Air Heat Pump Source Side2 Inlet Node , !- Component 1 Inlet Node Name
Water to Air Heat Pump Source Side2 Outlet Node , !- Component 1 Outlet Node Name
ACTIVE; !- Component 1 Branch Control Type

Fan:OnOff ,
Supply Fan 1, !- Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
0.7, !- FanTotal Efficiency
300.0 , –! Pressure Rise {Pa}
2.0, !- Maximum Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.9, !- Motor Efficiency
1.0, !- Motor In Airstream Fraction
Mixed Air Node , !- Air Inlet_Node Name
Cooling Coil Air Inlet Node; !- Air Outlet Node Name

AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled ,
Zone1DirectAir , !- Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
Zone 1 Inlet Node , !- Zone Supply Air Node Name
0.7; !- Maximum Air Flow Rate {m3/s}

AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled ,
Zone2DirectAir , !- Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
Zone 2 Inlet Node , !- Zone Supply Air Node Name
0.6; !- Maximum Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
1360 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

AirTerminal:SingleDuct:Uncontrolled ,
Zone3DirectAir , !- Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
Zone 3 Inlet Node , !- Zone Supply Air Node Name
0.7; !- Maximum Air Flow Rate {m3/s}

1.31.11.2 Outputs
Energy use reporting for the water-to-air heat pump is documented under the heat pump coil object
types:

• Coil:Cooling:WaterToAirHeatPump:ParameterEstimation

• Coil:Heating:WaterToAirHeatPump:ParameterEstimation

• Coil:Cooling:WaterToAirHeatPump:EquationFit

• Coil:Heating:WaterToAirHeatPump:EquationFit

The heat pump demand as well as the compressor and fan part-load ratios may be obtained
with the output variables shown below.

• HVAC,Average, Unitary System Requested Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average, Unitary System Requested Latent Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average, Unitary System Requested Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average, Unitary System Compressor Part Load Ratio []

• HVAC,Average, Unitary System Fan Part Load Ratio

• HVAC,Average, Unitary System Dehumidification Induced Heating Demand Rate [W]

1.31.11.2.1 Unitary System Requested Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

This output variable is the sensible cooling requested from the zone thermostat in watts. This
value is calculated using the unitary heat pump outlet air and zone conditions, the specific heat of
the zone air, and the supply air mass flow rate entering/leaving the system. This value is calculated
for each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the results are averaged for the timestep being
reported.

1.31.11.2.2 Unitary System Requested Latent Cooling Rate [W]

This output variable is the latent cooling requested from the zone humidistat in watts. This
value is calculated using the unitary heat pump outlet air and zone conditions, the heat of vapor-
ization of water at the current zone conditions, and the supply air mass flow rate entering/leaving
the system. This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the
results are averaged for the timestep being reported.
1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1361

1.31.11.2.3 Unitary System Requested Heating Rate [W]

This output variable is the sensible heating requested from the zone thermostat in watts. This
value is calculated using the unitary heat pump outlet air and zone conditions, the specific heat of
the zone air, and the supply air mass flow rate entering/leaving the system. This value is calculated
for each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the results are averaged for the timestep being
reported.

1.31.11.2.4 Unitary System Compressor Part Load Ratio []

This output variable is the ratio of actual load on the unitary system to the unitary system’s
steady state output. This ratio is based on the nominal capacity of the unit.

1.31.11.2.5 Unitary System Fan Part Load Ratio []

This output variable is the ratio of actual air mass flow rate through the unitary system to the
unitary system’s design air mass flow rate (i.e., design volumetric flow rate converted to dry air
mass flow rate). For continuous fan operation mode, this variable is always 1.0 when the unitary
system is available (based on the availability schedule).

1.31.11.2.6 Unitary System Dehumidification Induced Heating Demand Rate

[W]
This output variable is the additional heating demand rate of the supplemental heating coil
of a Water-to-Air heat pumps in Watts. This additional heating demand is induced when zone
air overshoots the heating setpoint due to extra dehumidification requirement to meet the high
humidity setpoint. This value is always positive. This value is calculated for each HVAC system
timestep, and the results are averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.31.12 AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatCool:VAVChangeoverBypass
The changeover-bypass variable air volume (CBVAV) unitary system is a compound object made
up of other components. Each CBVAV system consists of an outdoor air mixer, direct expansion
(DX) cooling coil, heating coil, and a supply air fan as shown in the figures below. Zone ther-
mostats and terminal units are required in each zone served by this system. The terminal units
are specific to this system type and are either AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:HeatAndCool:Reheat
or AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:HeatAndCool:NoReheat. A zone humidistat and single zone max
humidity set point manager may also be specified to help control high humidity levels. These indi-
vidual components are described elsewhere in this document. The CBVAV unitary system object
coordinates the operation of these components and is modeled as a type of air loop equipment (Ref.
AirLoopHVAC).
Links to the CBVAV system’s supply air fan, coils, and outdoor air mixer specifications are
provided in the object’s input syntax. Additional inputs include system and outdoor air flow rates
during heating and cooling operation, the priority control mode, and dehumidification control type.
A description of each input field for the CBVAV unitary system compound object is provided below.

1.31.12.1 Inputs
1.31.12.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field defines a unique user-assigned name for an instance of a changeover-bypass
VAV system. Any reference to this system by another object will use this name.
1362 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.136: Schematic of a CBVAV unitary system (draw through fan placement)

Figure 1.137: Schematic of a CBVAV unitary system (blow through fan placement)
1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1363

1.31.12.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This alpha field defines the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the
system operates during a given time period. A schedule value equal to 0 denotes that the system
must be off for that time period, and a schedule value greater than 0 denotes that the system is
available to operate during that time period. This schedule may be used to completely disable the
system (all of its coils and the supply air fan) as required. If this field is left blank, the schedule
has a value of 1 for all time periods.

1.31.12.1.3 Field: Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the air flow rate through the system (i.e., through the fan and
heating/cooling coils) in cubic meters per second when the DX cooling coil is operating. Values
must be greater than 0, or this field is autosizable.

1.31.12.1.4 Field: Heating Supply Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the air flow rate through the system (i.e., through the fan and
heating/cooling coils) in cubic meters per second when the heating coil is operating. Values must
be greater than 0, or this field is autosizable.

1.31.12.1.5 Field: No Load Supply Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the air flow rate through the system (i.e., through the fan and
heating/cooling coils) in cubic meters per second when neither cooling nor heating is required (i.e.,
the DX cooling coil and heating coil are off but the supply air fan operates). Values must be
greater than or equal to zero, or this field is autosizable. This field is only used when the unitary
system’s supply air fan operating mode is specified as continuous fan operation (Ref. Field: Supply
air fan operating mode schedule name). If the system’s supply air fan operating mode is specified
as continuous fan operation and this value is set to zero or the field is left blank, then the model
assumes that the system air flow rate when no heating/cooling is needed is equal to the system air
flow rate when the coils were last operating (for cooling operation or heating operation).

1.31.12.1.6 Field: Cooling Outdoor Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the outdoor air flow rate through the system (i.e., through the
Outdoor air Mixer’s Outside_Air_Stream_Node) in cubic meters per second when the DX cooling
coil is operating. Values must be greater than or equal to 0, or this field is autosizable. Note that the
Cooling Outdoor Air Flow Rate can be changed during the simulation using a multiplier schedule
(Ref. Field: Outdoor air volumetric flow rate multiplier schedule name). For any simulation
timestep, the Cooling Outdoor Air Flow Rate cannot exceed the system air volumetric flow rate
during cooling operation.

1.31.12.1.7 Field: Heating Outdoor Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the outdoor air flow rate through the system (i.e., through the
Outdoor air Mixer’s Outside_Air_Stream_Node) in cubic meters per second when the heating coil
is operating. Values must be greater than or equal to 0, or this field is autosizable. Note that the
Heating Outdoor Air Flow Rate can be changed during the simulation using a multiplier schedule
(Ref. Field: Outdoor air volumetric flow rate multiplier schedule name). For any simulation
timestep, the Heating Outdoor Air Flow Rate cannot exceed the system air volumetric flow rate
during heating operation.
1364 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.31.12.1.8 Field: No Load Outdoor Air Flow Rate When No Cooling or Heat-
ing is Needed
This numeric field defines the outdoor air flow rate through the system (i.e., through the
Outdoor air Mixer’s Outside_Air_Stream_Node) in cubic meters per second when neither cooling
nor heating is required (i.e., the DX cooling coil and heating coil are off but the supply air fan
operates). Values must be greater than or equal to 0, or this field is autosizable. Note that the no
load outdoor air flow rate can be changed during the simulation using a multiplier schedule (Ref.
Field: Outdoor air volumetric flow rate multiplier schedule name). For any simulation timestep,
the no load outdoor air flow rate cannot exceed the no load supply air flow rate. This field is
only used when the unitary system’s supply air fan operating mode is specified as continuous fan
operation (Ref. Field: Supply air fan operating mode schedule name). If the system’s supply air
fan operating mode is specified as continuous fan operation and this value is set to zero or the field
is left blank, then the model assumes that the no load outdoor air flow rate is equal to the outdoor
air flow rate when the coils were last operating (for cooling operation [i.e. Cooling outdoor air flow
rate] or heating operation [i.e. Heating outdoor air flow rate]) and this field is not used.

1.31.12.1.9 Field: Outdoor Air Flow Rate Multiplier Schedule Name

This alpha field defines the name of a schedule (ref: Schedule) that contains multipliers for the
outdoor air volume flow rates (heating, cooling, no heating/cooling). Schedule values must be from
zero to 1. If this field is left blank, then the model assumes that the outdoor air multiplier is 1 for
the entire simulation period.

1.31.12.1.10 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

This alpha field defines the name of the HVAC system node from which the system draws its
inlet air.

1.31.12.1.11 Field: Bypass Duct Mixer Node Name

This alpha field defines the name of the HVAC system node where the bypass air mixes with
the unitary system’s inlet air. This name should match the name of the Return Air Stream Node
Name for the OutdoorAir:Mixer associated with this system. This node name must be different
from the system’s air inlet node name.

1.31.12.1.12 Field: Bypass Duct Splitter Node Name

This alpha field defines the name of the HVAC system node where the conditioned air is split
into bypass air and supply air leaving the system (e.g., delivered to the terminal units). This splitter
air node name should match the outlet node name for the last component (furthest downstream)
in this unitary system. For blow through fan placement, the splitter air node is the outlet node of
the heating coil. For draw through fan placement, the splitter node is the outlet node of the supply
air fan.

1.31.12.1.13 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

This alpha field defines the name of the HVAC system node to which the system sends its outlet
air.

1.31.12.1.14 Field: Outdoor Air Mixer Object Type

1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1365

This field specifies the type of outdoor air mixer used by this CBVAV unitary system. The
outdoor air mixer component is part of the CBVAV unitary compound object. The only available
outdoor air mixer type is:

• OutdoorAir:Mixer

1.31.12.1.15 Field: Outdoor Air Mixer Name

This alpha field defines the name of an outdoor air mixer component that composes part of the
CBVAV system. The name of the outdoor air mixer’s Return_Air_Stream_Node should match
the bypass duct mixer node name, and be different from the CBVAV system’s air inlet node name.
The Mixed Air Node Name of the outdoor air mixer should be the same as the CBVAV system’s
supply fan inlet air node (for blow through fan placement) or the system’s DX cooling coil inlet
node (for draw through fan placement).

1.31.12.1.16 Field: Supply Air Fan Object Type

This alpha field defines the type of fan used by this unitary system. The only valid choices
are Fan:OnOff and Fan:ConstantVolume. The input requirements for these fan objects are
described elsewhere in this document.

1.31.12.1.17 Field: Supply Air Fan Name

This alpha field defines the name of the fan component that composes part of this unitary
system. Note that the fan component’s maximum flow rate should be greater than or equal to
the largest system air volumetric flow rate specified for this unitary system (heating, cooling, and
no heating/cooling). In addition, the fan’s inlet air node should be the same as the outdoor air
mixer’s Mixed Air Node (for blow through fan placement) or the heating coil’s outlet node (for
draw through fan placement). The fan outlet air node should be the same as the DX cooling coil’s
air inlet node (for blow through fan placement) or the system’s bypass duct splitter node (for draw
through fan placement).

1.31.12.1.18 Field: Supply Air Fan Placement

This alpha field defines the placement of the supply air fan within this unitary system. The
only valid choices are BlowThrough and DrawThrough. With blow through placement, the
supply air fan is located immediately upstream of the system’s cooling coil. With draw through
placement, the supply air fan is located immediately downstream of the heating coil.

1.31.12.1.19 Field: Supply Air Fan Operating Mode Schedule Name

This alpha field defines the name of a schedule that specifies the supply air fan operating mode
during the simulation. A schedule value of 0 denotes the fan cycles off when no cooling or heating
is required, and any other value denotes that the fan runs continuously regardless of the need for
heating or cooling. If this field is left blank, the model assumes continuous supply air fan operation
for the entire simulation period.

1.31.12.1.20 Field: Cooling Coil Object Type

This alpha field defines the type of cooling coil used by this unitary system. There are three
valid choices for this field:

• Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed
1366 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• CoilSystem:Cooling:DX:HeatExchangerAssisted

• Coil:Cooling:DX:TwoStageWithHumidityControlMode

The input requirements for these cooling coil objects are described elsewhere in this document.

1.31.12.1.21 Field: Cooling Coil Name

This alpha field defines the name of the cooling coil used by this unitary system, and this name
should match the name specified in the corresponding cooling coil object.

1.31.12.1.22 Field: Heating Coil Object Type

This alpha field defines the type of heating coil used by this unitary system. The hot water and
steam heating coils require specifying plant loop, branches, and connector objects to support the
heating coils, and are placed on the demand side of the plantloop. The hot water flow modulation
through the heating coil does not require additional controller or Controller:WaterCoil object. The
parent object (CBVAV Unitary System) itself provides the “controller” function of modulating
water flow. The valid choices are:

• Coil:Heating:Electric

• Coil:Heating:Gas

• Coil:Heating:DX:SingleSpeed

• Coil:Heating:Water

• Coil:Heating:Steam

The input requirements for these heating coil objects are described elsewhere in this document.

1.31.12.1.23 Field: Heating Coil Name

This alpha field defines the name of the heating coil used by this unitary system, and this name
should match the name specified in the corresponding heating coil object.

1.31.12.1.24 Field: Priority Control Mode

This choice field defines the cooling or heating priority control mode for the unitary system.
Valid choices are:

• CoolingPriority

• HeatingPriority

• ZonePriority

If CoolingPriority is selected, the system operates to meet the cooling load if any zone served
by this system (air loop) requires cooling. If no zones require cooling, then the system operates
in heating mode if needed. If HeatingPriority is selected, the system operates to meet the heating
load if any zone requires heating. If no zones require heating, then the system operates in cooling
mode if needed. If ZonePriority is selected, the system operates based on the maximum number
of zones requiring either heating or cooling. If the number of zones requiring cooling is greater
than the number of zones requiring heating, then the system operates in cooling mode. If the
1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1367

number of zones requiring heating is greater than the number of zones requiring cooling, then the
system operates in heating mode. If the number of zones requiring cooling equals the number of
zones requiring heating, then the largest combined load (i.e., the sum of the cooling loads for zones
requiring cooling compared to the sum of the heating loads for zones that require heating) sets the
cooling or heating operating mode for the system during that simulation timestep.

1.31.12.1.25 Field: Minimum Outlet Air Temperature During Cooling Opera-

tion
This numeric field defines the minimum outlet air temperature leaving the system when the
unit is operating to provide cooling. Values are specified in degrees Celsius and must be greater
than 0. The default value is 8°C. This value must be less than or equal to the maximum outlet air
temperature during heating operation.

1.31.12.1.26 Field: Maximum Outlet Air Temperature During Heating Opera-

tion
This numeric field defines the maximum outlet air temperature leaving the system when the
unit is operating to provide heating. Values are specified in degrees Celsius and must be greater
than 0. The default value is 50°C. This value must be greater than or equal to the minimum outlet
air temperature during cooing operation.

1.31.12.1.27 Field: Dehumidification Control Type

This alpha field contains the type of dehumidification control. The following options are valid
for this field:
None - meet sensible load only, no active dehumidification control
Multimode - activate enhanced dehumidification mode as needed and meet sensible load.
This option is used to model DX equipment with a controllable heat exchanger assisting
the DX cooling coil for improved dehumidification. It is valid only with cooling coil type =
Coil:Cooling:DX:TwoStageWithHumidityControlMode.
CoolReheat - cool beyond the dry-bulb temperature set point as required to meet the high hu-
midity setpoint. It is valid only with cooling coil type = Coil:Cooling:DX:TwoStageWithHumidityControlMode.
The default is None. For the other dehumidification control modes, the maximum humidity
setpoint on the CBVAV system’s air outlet node is used. This must be set using a ZoneCon-
trol:Humidistat and one of:

• SetpointManager:SingleZone:Humidity:Maximum

• SetpointManager:MultiZone:Humidity:Maximum

• SetpointManager:MultiZone:MaximumHumidity:Average

objects. When extra dehumidification is required, the system may not be able to meet the
humidity setpoint if its full capacity is not adequate.
As shown in the example below, correct specification of the CBVAV unitary system requires
specification of the following objects in addition to the AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatCool:VAVChangeoverBypass
object:
1) outdoor air mixer (OutdoorAir:Mixer)
2) fan (Fan:OnOff or Fan:ConstantVolume)
3) cooling coil (Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed, CoilSystem:Cooling:DX:HeatExchangerAssisted,
or Coil:Cooling:DX:TwoStageWithHumidityControlMode)
1368 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

4) heating coil (Coil:Heating:Gas, Coil:Heating:Electric, or Coil:Heating:DX:SingleSpeed)

5) terminal unit for each zone being served by this system (AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:HeatAndCool:Reheat
or AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:HeatAndCool:NoReheat)
Note: The fan, heating coil, cooling coil, and outdoor air mixer must be connected in the air
loop according to the configurations shown above (Figure 1.136 and Figure 1.137).

AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatCool:VAVChangeoverBypass ,
GasHeat CBVAV System , !- Name of unitary system
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability schedule name
1.8, !- Cooling Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
1.7, !- Heating Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
1.6, !- No Load Supply Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.32, !- Cooling Outdoor Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.3, !- Heating Outdoor Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.27, !- No Load Outdoor Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
Outdoor Air Multiplier Schedule , !- Outdoor air volumetric flow rate multiplier schedule name
Air Loop Inlet Node , !- Air inlet node name
Mixer Inlet Node , !- Bypass duct mixer node name
Heating Coil Air Outlet Node , !- Bypass duct splitter node name
Air Loop Outlet Node , !- Air outlet node name
OutdoorAir:Mixer , !- Outdoor Air Mixer Object Type
Outdoor air Mixer , !- Outdoor air mixer name
Fan:OnOff , !- Supply air fan type
Supply Fan 1, !- Supply air fan name
BlowThrough , !- Supply air fan placement
Fan OpMode Schedule , !- Supply air fan operating mode schedule name
Coil:Cooling:DX: TwoStageWithHumidityControlMode , !- Cooling coil type
ACDXCoil 2, !- Cooling coil name
Coil:Heating:Gas , !- Heating coil type
Furnace Heating Coil 1, !- Heating coil name
CoolingPriority , !- Priority control mode
10.0, !- Minimum outlet air temperature during cooling operation {C}
50.0, !- Maximum outlet air temperature during heating operation {C}
None; !- Dehumidification control type

OutdoorAir:Mixer ,
Outdoor air Mixer , !- Name
Mixed Air Node , !- Mixed Air Node Name
Outdoor air Inlet Node , !- Outdoor Air Stream Node
Relief Air Outlet Node , !- Relief Air Stream Node Name
Mixer Inlet Node; !- Return Air Stream Node Name

Fan:OnOff ,
Supply Fan 1, !- Fan Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
0.7, !- Fan Total Efficiency
600.0 , !- Delta Pressure {Pa}
1.8, !- Max Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.9, !- Motor Efficiency
1.0, !- Motor In Airstream Fraction
Mixed Air Node , !- Fan\_Inlet\_Node
DX Cooling Coil Air Inlet Node; !- Fan\_Outlet\_Node

Coil:Cooling:DX: TwoStageWithHumidityControlMode ,
ACDXCoil 2, !- Coil Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule
DX Cooling Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Coil Air Inlet Node
Heating Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Coil Air Outlet Node
, !- Crankcase Heater Capacity {W}
, !- Maximum Outdoor Dry -bulb Temperature for Crankcase Heater
Operation {C}
2, !- Number of Capacity Stages
0, !- Number of Enhanced Dehumidification Modes
CoilPerformance:DX:Cooling , !- Normal Mode Stage 1 Coil Performance Object Type
ACDXCoil 2 Standard Mode -Stage 1, !- Normal Mode Stage 1 Coil Performance Object Name
CoilPerformance:DX:Cooling , !- Normal Mode Stage 1+2 Coil Performance Object Type
1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1369

ACDXCoil 2 Standard Mode -Stage 1&2; !- Normal Mode Stage 1+2 Coil Performance Object Name

Coil:Heating:Gas ,
Furnace Heating Coil 1, !- Coil Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
0.8, !- Gas Burner Efficiency of the Coil
35000 , !- Nominal Capacity of the Coil {W}
Heating Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Coil\_Air\_Inlet\_Node
Heating Coil Air Outlet Node; !- Coil\_Air\_Outlet\_Node

AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:HeatAndCool:Reheat ,
Zone 1 VAV System , !- Name of System
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- System Availability schedule
Zone 1 Reheat Air Inlet Node , !- DAMPER Air Outlet Node
Zone 1 VAV Inlet Node , !-UNIT Air Inlet Node
0.583 , !- Maximum air flow rate {m3/s}
0.25, !- Zone Minimum Air Flow Fraction
, !- Control node
Coil:Heating:Electric , !- Reheat Component Object
Reheat Coil Zone 1, !- Name of Reheat Component
0.0, !- Max Reheat Water Flow {m3/s}
0.0, !- Min Reheat Water Flow {m3/s}
Zone 1 Reheat Air Outlet Node , !- UNIT Air Outlet Node
0.001; !- Convergence Tolerance

AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:HeatAndCool:Reheat ,
Zone 2 VAV System , !- Name of System
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- System Availability schedule
Zone 2 Reheat Air Inlet Node , !- DAMPER Air Outlet Node
Zone 2 VAV Inlet Node , !-UNIT Air Inlet Node
0.583 , !- Maximum air flow rate {m3/s}
0.25, !- Zone Minimum Air Flow Fraction
, !- Control node
Coil:Heating:Electric , !- Reheat Component Object
Reheat Coil Zone 2, !- Name of Reheat Component
0.0, !- Max Reheat Water Flow {m3/s}
0.0, !- Min Reheat Water Flow {m3/s}
Zone 2 Reheat Air Outlet Node , !- UNIT Air Outlet Node
0.001; !- Convergence Tolerance

AirTerminal:SingleDuct:VAV:HeatAndCool:NoReheat ,
Zone 3 VAV System , !- Name of System
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- System Availability schedule
Zone 3 Reheat Air Outlet Node , !- UNIT Air Outlet Node
Zone 3 VAV Inlet Node , !-UNIT Air Inlet Node
0.584 , !- Maximum air flow rate {m3/s}
0.25; !- Zone Minimum Air Flow Fraction

1.31.12.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Unitary System Total Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Unitary System Total Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Unitary System Total Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Unitary System Total Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Unitary System Sensible Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Unitary System Sensible Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Unitary System Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

1370 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• HVAC,Sum,Unitary System Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Unitary System Latent Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Unitary System Latent Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Unitary System Latent Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Unitary System Latent Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Unitary System Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Unitary System Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Unitary System Fan Part Load Ratio []

• HVAC,Average,Unitary System Compressor Part Load Ratio []

• HVAC,Average,Unitary System Bypass Air Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Unitary System Air Outlet Setpoint Temperature [C]

1.31.12.2.1 Unitary System Total Heating Rate [W]

This output field is the total (enthalpy) heat addition rate of the CBVAV system in Watts.
This value is calculated using the enthalpy difference of the outlet air and inlet air streams, and
the supply air mass flow rate entering/leaving the system. This value is calculated for each HVAC
system timestep being simulated, and the results (enthalpy addition only) are averaged for the
timestep being reported.

1.31.12.2.2 Unitary System Total Heating Energy [J]

This output field is the total (enthalpy) heat addition of the CBVAV system in Joules over the
timestep being reported. This value is calculated using the enthalpy difference of the outlet air
and inlet air streams, the supply air mass flow rate entering/leaving the system, and the HVAC
simulation timestep. This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and
the results (enthalpy addition only) are summed for the timestep being reported.

1.31.12.2.3 Unitary System Total Cooling Rate [W]

This output field is the total (enthalpy) heat extraction rate of the CBVAV system in Watts.
This value is calculated using the enthalpy difference of the outlet air and inlet air streams, and
the supply air mass flow rate entering/leaving the system. This value is calculated for each HVAC
system timestep being simulated, and the results (enthalpy extraction only) are averaged for the
timestep being reported.

1.31.12.2.4 Unitary System Total Cooling Energy [J]

This output field is the total (enthalpy) heat extraction of the CBVAV system in Joules over
the timestep being reported. This value is calculated using the enthalpy difference of the outlet air
and inlet air streams, the supply air mass flow rate entering/leaving the system, and the HVAC
simulation timestep. This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and
the results (enthalpy extraction only) are summed for the timestep being reported.
1.31. GROUP – UNITARY EQUIPMENT 1371

1.31.12.2.5 Unitary System Sensible Heating Rate [W]

This output field is the sensible heat addition rate of the CBVAV system in Watts. This value is
calculated using the enthalpy difference of the outlet air and inlet air streams at a constant humidity
ratio, and the supply air mass flow rate entering/leaving the system. This value is calculated for
each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the results (heating only) are averaged for the
timestep being reported.

1.31.12.2.6 Unitary System Sensible Heating Energy [J]

This output field is the sensible heat addition of the CBVAV system in Joules over the timestep
being reported. This value is calculated using the enthalpy difference of the outlet air and inlet air
streams at a constant humidity ratio, the supply air mass flow rate entering/leaving the system,
and the HVAC simulation timestep. This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being
simulated, and the results (heating only) are summed for the timestep being reported.

1.31.12.2.7 Unitary System Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

This output field reports the moist air sensible heat extraction rate of the CBVAV system in
Watts. This value is calculated using the enthalpy difference of the outlet air and inlet air streams
at a constant humidity ratio, and the supply air mass flow rate entering/leaving the system. This
value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the results (cooling only)
are averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.31.12.2.8 Unitary System Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

This output field reports the moist air sensible heat extraction of the CBVAV system in Joules
over the timestep being reported. This value is calculated using the enthalpy difference of the outlet
air and inlet air streams at a constant humidity ratio, the supply air mass flow rate entering/leaving
the system, and the HVAC simulation timestep. This value is calculated for each HVAC system
timestep being simulated, and the results (cooling only) are summed for the timestep being reported.

1.31.12.2.9 Unitary System Latent Heating Rate [W]

This output field is the latent heat addition (humidification) rate of the CBVAV system in
Watts. This value is calculated as the difference between the total energy rate and the sensible
energy rate provided by the system. This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being
simulated, and the results (latent heat addition only) are averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.31.12.2.10 Unitary System Latent Heating Energy [J]

This output field is the latent heat addition (humidification) of the CBVAV system in Joules
over the timestep being reported. This value is calculated as the difference between the total energy
and the sensible energy delivered by the system. This value is calculated for each HVAC system
timestep being simulated, and the results (latent heat addition only) are summed for the timestep
being reported.

1.31.12.2.11 Unitary System Latent Cooling Rate [W]

This output field is the latent heat extraction (dehumidification) rate of the CBVAV system
in Watts. This value is calculated as the difference between the total energy rate and the sensible
energy rate provided by the system. This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep
being simulated, and the results (latent heat extraction only) are averaged for the timestep being
reported.
1372 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.31.12.2.12 Unitary System Latent Cooling Energy [J]

This output field is the latent heat extraction (dehumidification) of the CBVAV system in Joules
over the timestep being reported. This value is calculated as the difference between the total energy
and the sensible energy delivered by the system. This value is calculated for each HVAC system
timestep being simulated, and the results (latent heat extraction only) are summed for the timestep
being reported.

1.31.12.2.13 Unitary System Electric Power [W]

This output field is the electricity consumption rate of the CBVAV system in Watts. The
consumption includes electricity used by the DX compressor (including crankcase heater), fans
(indoor supply air fan and the condenser fans associated with the DX coil[s]), and the heating coil
(if electric). This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the
results are averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.31.12.2.14 Unitary System Electric Energy [J]

This output field is the electricity consumption of the CBVAV system in Joules for the time
period being reported. The consumption includes electricity used by the DX compressor (including
crankcase heater), fans (indoor supply air fan and the condenser fans associated with the DX
coil[s]), and the heating coil (if electric). This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep
being simulated, and the results are summed for the timestep being reported.

1.31.12.2.15 Unitary System Fan Part Load Ratio []

This output field is the part-load ratio of the supply air fan, which will be either zero or 1
for each simulation timestep. For this system, the fan will operate continuously for the simulation
timestep if the system is available (ref. Field: Availability schedule name) and there is a cooling
or heating load to be met (i.e., fan part-load ratio will equal 1). When the system is available but
there is no cooling or heating load to be met, the fan will either be off for the entire timestep or on
for the entire timestep depending on the supply air fan operating mode schedule (ref. Field: Supply
Air Fan Operating Mode Schedule Name). This value is set for each HVAC system timestep being
simulated, and the results are averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.31.12.2.16 Unitary System Compressor Part Load Ratio []

This output field is the part-load ratio of the compressor used by the DX coils (cooling and
heating). The compressor part-load ratio is defined as the total coil load divided by the coil steady-
state capacity (steady-state capacity of first stage for multi-mode coils). This value is calculated for
each HVAC system timestep being simulated, and the results are averaged for the timestep being
reported.

1.31.12.2.17 Unitary System Bypass Air Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

This output field is the mass flow rate of air, in kg/s, being bypassed from the supply air path
and blended with the air entering the CBVAV system. This value is calculated for each HVAC
system timestep being simulated, and the results are averaged for the timestep being reported.

1.31.12.2.18 Unitary System Air Outlet Setpoint Temperature [C]

This output field is the dry-bulb set point temperature in degrees Celsius. This set point
temperature is calculated by the model based on the zone cooling/heating loads calculated by
EnergyPlus, and the priority control mode and the dehumidification control type specified for this
1.32. GROUP – VARIABLE REFRIGERANT FLOW EQUIPMENT 1373

unitary system. The CBVAV system attempts to achieve the outlet air set point temperature to
the extent possible.

1.32 Group – Variable Refrigerant Flow Equipment

This group of EnergyPlus input objects describes the configurations of Variable Refrigerant Flow
(VRF, or Variable Refrigerant Volume) air-conditioning systems.
A VRF system is an air-conditioning system that varies the refrigerant flow rate using variable
speed compressor(s) in the outdoor unit, and the electronic expansion valves (EEVs) located in
each indoor unit. The system meets the space cooling or heating load requirements by maintaining
the zone air temperature at the setpoint. The ability to control the refrigerant mass flow rate
according to the cooling and/or heating load enables the use of as many as 60 or more indoor units
with differing capacities in conjunction with one single outdoor unit. This unlocks the possibility of
having individualized comfort control, simultaneous heating and cooling in different zones, and heat
recovery from one zone to another. It may also lead to more efficient operations during part-load
conditions.
There are two alternative VRF models in EnergyPlus:

1. System curve based model (VRF-SysCurve). In this model, a number of system level
curves are used to describe the VRF system performance. This model corresponds to the
AirConditioner:VariableRefrigerantFlow object.

2. Physics based model (VRF-FluidTCtrl). This model is able to consider the dynamics
of more operational parameters and is applicable for fluid temperature control. This model
corresponds to the AirConditioner:VariableRefrigerantFlow:FluidTemperatureControl object.

( Please refer to the engineering reference for more technical details of the two models).
In the VRF system model, direct-expansion cooling and/or heating coils are config-
ured in a zone terminal unit, which is connected to a zone via the zone inlet and exhaust
nodes. The zone terminal units are identified in a ZoneTerminalUnitList object, the name
of which is entered as an input to the AirConditioner:VariableRefrigerantFlow or AirCondi-
tioner:VariableRefrigerantFlow:FluidTemperatureControl object.
The Energyplus connection methodology is shown as dashed and greyed arrows in the figure
below according to the following rules:

• The zone inlet and zone exhaust node names are defined in a ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections
object (bottom of figure).

• A ZoneHVAC:TerminalUnit:VariableRefrigerantFlow object will identify these zone exhaust

and zone inlet node names as the terminal unit’s air inlet and air outlet nodes, respectively.

• All zone terminal units that are connected to the same AirConditioner:VariableRefrigerantFlow
or AirConditioner:VariableRefrigerantFlow:FluidTemperatureControl object are listed in a
ZoneTerminalUnitList object.

• The name of the ZoneTerminalUnitList object is an input to the AirConditioner:VariableRefrigerantFlow

or AirConditioner:VariableRefrigerantFlow:FluidTemperatureControl object.
1374 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• The AirConditioner:VariableRefrigerantFlow:FluidTemperatureControl or AirCondi-

tioner:VariableRefrigerantFlow object is not listed in an AirloopHVAC object, and
therefore, can only be simulated if the terminal units are connected to the AirCondi-
tioner:VariableRefrigerantFlow or AirConditioner:VariableRefrigerantFlow:FluidTemperatureControl
object using the ZoneTerminalUnitList.

• Secondary ZoneHVAC equipment objects may be used in the same zones as the terminal
units for other purposes (e.g., code compliance)

The following schematic demonstrates these connection rules.

Figure 1.138: Variable Refrigerant Flow Schematic

Energyplus object type and object name, and node name relationships are also shown in the
following figure to aid in the assembly of this HVAC system type.
1.32. GROUP – VARIABLE REFRIGERANT FLOW EQUIPMENT 1375

(a) VRF model based on system curves (VRF-SysCurve)

1376 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

(b) VRF model based on physics (VRF-FluidTCtrl)

Figure 126. Variable Refrigerant Flow Object Links

1.32.1 AirConditioner:VariableRefrigerantFlow
1.32.1.1 Inputs
1.32.1.1.1 Field: Heat Pump Name
This alpha field defines a unique user-assigned name for an instance of a variable refrigerant
flow heat pump. Any reference to this heat pump will use this name. Since this object is not listed
in an AirloopHVAC object, the most likely use of this name would be for reporting purposes.

1.32.1.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This alpha field defines the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the heat
pump operates during a given time period. A schedule value equal to 0 denotes that the heat pump
must be off for that time period. A value other than 0 denotes that the heat pump is available
to operate during that time period. This schedule may be used to completely disable the heat
pump (and all of its terminal units) as required. If this field is blank, the unit is enabled the entire
simulation.

1.32.1.1.3 Field: Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity

This numeric field defines the total cooling capacity (sensible + latent) of the heat pump at
rated conditions in watts. The cooling capacity must be greater than 0 or set to autosize.

1.32.1.1.4 Field: Gross Rated Cooling COP

This numeric field defines the cooling coefficient of performance at rated conditions. The cooling
coefficient of performance includes compressor power and condenser fan power. This COP value
does not account for impacts due to the supply air fan. The nominal heat pump cooling COP must
be greater than 0. If this field is left blank, a default coefficient of performance of 3.3 is assumed.

1.32.1.1.5 Field: Minimum Outdoor Temperature in Cooling Mode

This numeric field defines the minimum source temperature allowed for cooling operation. For
air-cooled equipment outdoor dry-bulb temperature is used. For water-cooled equipment inlet
water temperature is used. Below this temperature, cooling is disabled. If this field is left blank,
the default value is -6ºC.

1.32.1.1.6 Field: Maximum Outdoor Temperature in Cooling Mode

This numeric field defines the maximum source temperature allowed for cooling operation. For
air-cooled equipment outdoor dry-bulb temperature is used. For water-cooled equipment inlet
water temperature is used. Above this temperature, cooling is disabled. If this field is left blank,
the default value is 43ºC.

1.32.1.1.7 Field: Cooling Capacity Ratio Modifier Function of Low Tempera-

ture Curve Name
This alpha field defines the cooling capacity ratio modifier at low outdoor dry-bulb tempera-
tures. This curve is a bi-quadratic equation using weighted average indoor wet-bulb temperature
(i.e., the indoor terminal units weighted average inlet temperatures) and condenser entering air
1.32. GROUP – VARIABLE REFRIGERANT FLOW EQUIPMENT 1377

dry-bulb temperature as the independent variables. This performance curve can be used to de-
scribe the cooling capacity ratio at low outdoor temperatures (i.e., the following two curves are
used) or can be used to describe the performance for all outdoor temperatures (i.e., the following
two curves are not used). For this system type it is likely that all three of these performance curves
will be required. See the Engineering Reference for more discussion on using this input field.

1.32.1.1.8 Field: Cooling Capacity Ratio Boundary Curve Name

This alpha field defines the cooling capacity ratio boundary curve name. This curve is a linear,
quadratic or cubic curve that defines a change in cooling capacity at a specific condenser entering
air dry-bulb temperature as a function of indoor air wet-bulb temperature. This curve is used when
the trend in cooling capacity changes dramatically as outdoor temperature changes. If the cooling
capacity does not change dramatically with changes in outdoor conditions, this field may be left
blank. See the Engineering Reference for more discussion on using this input field.

1.32.1.1.9 Field: Cooling Capacity Ratio Modifier Function of High Tempera-

ture Curve Name
This alpha field defines the cooling capacity ratio modifier at high outdoor temperatures. This
curve is a bi-quadratic equation using weighted average indoor wet-bulb temperature and condenser
entering air dry-bulb temperature as the independent variables. This curve is used when the trend
in cooling capacity changes dramatically as outdoor temperature changes. If the cooling capacity
does not change dramatically with changes in outdoor conditions, this field may be left blank. See
the Engineering Reference for more discussion on using this input field.

1.32.1.1.10 Field: Cooling Energy Input Ratio Modifier Function of Low Tem-
perature Curve Name
This alpha field defines the cooling energy input ratio modifier at low outdoor temperatures.
This curve is a bi-quadratic equation with a weighted average indoor wet-bulb temperature and
condenser entering air dry-bulb temperature as the independent variables. This performance curve
can be used to describe the cooling energy input ratio at low outdoor temperatures (i.e., the follow-
ing two curves are used) or can be used to describe the performance for all outdoor temperatures
(i.e., the following two curves are not used). For this system type it is likely that all three of these
performance curves will be required. See the Engineering Reference for more discussion on using
this input field.

1.32.1.1.11 Field: Cooling Energy Input Ratio Boundary Name

This alpha field defines the cooling energy input ratio boundary curve name. This curve is
a linear, quadratic or cubic curve that defines a change in cooling energy at a specific condenser
entering air dry-bulb temperature as a function of indoor air wet-bulb temperature. This curve is
used when the trend in cooling energy changes dramatically as outdoor temperature changes. If
the cooling energy does not change dramatically with changes in outdoor conditions, this field may
be left blank. See the Engineering Reference for more discussion on using this input field.

1.32.1.1.12 Field: Cooling Energy Input Ratio Modifier Function of High Tem-
perature Curve Name
This alpha field defines the cooling energy input ratio modifier at high outdoor temperatures.
This curve is a bi-quadratic equation with weighted average indoor wet-bulb temperature and
condenser entering air dry-bulb temperature as the independent variables. This curve is used when
1378 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

the trend in cooling energy changes dramatically as outdoor temperature changes. If the cooling
energy does not change dramatically with changes in outdoor conditions, this field may be left
blank. See the Engineering Reference for more discussion on using this input field.

1.32.1.1.13 Field: Cooling Energy Input Ratio Modifier Function of Low Part-
Load Ratio Curve Name
This alpha field defines the cooling energy input ratio modifier (function of part-load ratio when
PLR is less than or equal to 1) curve name. This curve is a linear, quadratic or cubic equation with
cooling part-load ratio used as the independent variable. The cooling energy input ratio modifier
curve is normalized to 1 at a part-load ratio of 1 and is used only when the operating part-load
ratio is less than or equal to 1.

1.32.1.1.14 Field: Cooling Energy Input Ratio Modifier Function of HIgh Part-
Load Ratio Curve Name
This alpha field defines the cooling energy input ratio modifier (function of part-load ratio when
PLR is greater than 1) curve name. This curve is a linear, quadratic or cubic equation with cooling
part-load ratio used as the independent variable. The cooling energy input ratio modifier curve is
normalized to 1 at a part-load ratio of 1 and is used only when the operating part-load ratio is
greater than 1.

1.32.1.1.15 Field: Cooling Combination Ratio Correction Factor Curve Name

This alpha field defines the cooling combination ratio (CR) correction factor curve name for
combination ratios greater than or equal to 1. The combination ratio is defined as the total rated
indoor terminal unit cooling capacity divided by this heat pump’s gross rated total cooling capacity.
The curve is a linear, quadratic or cubic equation and uses the minimum value of x in the curve
object to determine the maximum part-load ratio which is linearly proportional to capacity (i.e.,
the minimum value of x [CR] in the curve object must be �1). The output of this curve provides a
multiplier (>1) which is applied to this heat pump’s Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity. Between
a combination ratio of 1 and the curve’s minimum value of x, the multiplier is linearly interpolated.
For combination ratio’s less than 1 (i.e., the total indoor terminal unit capacity is less than this
heat pump’s rated total capacity), capacity is directly proportional to part-load ratio and this curve
will not be used.

1.32.1.1.16 Field: Cooling Part-Load Fraction Correlation Curve Name

This alpha field defines the cooling part-load fraction correlation curve name. This curve is used
to define the cycling losses when the condenser’s compressors cycle on and off. The compressor
cycles when the cooling part-load ratio is less than the Minimum Heat Pump Part-Load Ratio
specified later in this object’s inputs.

1.32.1.1.17 Field: Gross Rated Heating Capacity

This numeric field defines the gross total heat pump heating capacity at rated conditions in
watts. The nominal heat pump heating capacity must be greater than 0 or set to autosize.

1.32.1.1.18 Field: Rated Heating Capacity Sizing Ratio

This numeric field defines the ratio of gross heating to gross cooling capacity. The model
assumes that when used, this value will be greater than 1. A similar input is available in the
1.32. GROUP – VARIABLE REFRIGERANT FLOW EQUIPMENT 1379

ZoneHVAC:TerminalUnit:VariableRefrigerantFlow object. When the heating capacity is autosized,

if this field is non-blank, this ratio is used to scale the heating capacity to the gross rated total
cooling capacity regardless of the value entered in the terminal unit objects. When the heating
capacity is not autosized, the gross rated heating capacity will be equal to the value specified in
the Gross Rated Heating Capacity input field and this value will be compared to the sum of the
terminal unit heating coil size. If these values are more than 10% different, a warning will be
issued when Output:Diagnostics, DisplayExtraWarnings; is included in the input file. If this field is
blank and the terminal unit sizing ratio input is also blank, then the heating capacity sizing ratio
is assumed to be 1. If this field is not blank and the heating capacity sizing ratio in the terminal
unit object(s) is blank, then this ratio also applies to each heating coil. If this field is not blank
and the heating capacity sizing ratio in the terminal units is also not blank, then the terminal unit
heating coil capacity sizing ratio input applies to each heating coil.

1.32.1.1.19 Field: Gross Rated Heating COP

This numeric field defines the heating coefficient of performance at rated conditions. The
heating coefficient of performance includes compressor power and condenser fan power. This gross
COP value does NOT account for the supply air fan. The nominal heat pump heating COP must
be greater than 0. If this field is left blank, a coefficient of performance of 3.4 is assumed.

1.32.1.1.20 Field: Minimum Outdoor Temperature in Heating Mode

This numeric field defines the minimum outdoor temperature allowed for heating operation.
Below this temperature, heating is disabled. If this field is left blank, the default value is -20ºC.

1.32.1.1.21 Field: Maximum Outdoor Temperature in Heating Mode

This numeric field defines the maximum outdoor temperature allowed for heating operation.
Above this temperature, heating is disabled. If this field is left blank, the default value is 16ºC.

1.32.1.1.22 Field: Heating Capacity Ratio Modifier Function of Low Tempera-

ture Curve Name
This alpha field defines the heating capacity ratio modifier at low temperature curve name.
This curve is a bi-quadratic equation with a weighted average indoor dry-bulb temperature (i.e., the
indoor terminal units weighted average inlet temperatures) and condenser entering air dry-bulb or
wet-bulb temperature as the independent variables. Since manufacturers may provide performance
data using either outdoor dry-bulb or wet-bulb temperatures, either of these temperature types may
be used for heating performance curves as specified in the Heating Performance Curve Outdoor
Temperature Type input field below. This performance curve can be used to describe the heating
capacity ratio at low outdoor temperatures (i.e., the following two curves are used) or can be used
to describe the performance for all outdoor temperatures (i.e., the following two curves are not
used). For this system type it is likely that all three of these performance curves will be required.
See the Engineering Reference for more discussion on using this input field.

1.32.1.1.23 Field: Heating Capacity Ratio Boundary Curve Name

This alpha field defines the heating capacity ratio boundary curve name. This curve is a
quadratic or cubic curve that defines a change in heating capacity at a specific condenser entering
air dry-bulb or wet-bulb temperature as a function of indoor air dry-bulb temperature. Since man-
ufacturers may provide performance data using either outdoor dry-bulb or wet-bulb temperatures,
either of these temperature types may be used for heating performance curves as specified in the
1380 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Heating Performance Curve Outdoor Temperature Type input field below. This curve is used when
the trend in heating capacity changes dramatically as outdoor temperature changes. If the heating
capacity does not change dramatically with changes in outdoor conditions, this field may be left
blank.

1.32.1.1.24 Field: Heating Capacity Ratio Modifier Function of High Temper-

ature Curve Name
This alpha field defines the heating capacity ratio modifier at high temperature curve name.
This curve is a bi-quadratic equation with a weighted average indoor dry-bulb temperature and
condenser entering air dry-bulb or wet-bulb temperature as the independent variables. Since man-
ufacturers may provide performance data using either outdoor dry-bulb or wet-bulb temperatures,
either of these temperature types may be used for heating performance curves as specified in the
Heating Performance Curve Outdoor Temperature Type input field below. This curve is used when
the trend in heating capacity changes dramatically as outdoor temperature changes. If the heating
capacity does not change dramatically with changes in outdoor conditions, this field may be left
blank.

1.32.1.1.25 Field: Heating Energy Input Ratio Modifier Function of Low Tem-
perature Curve Name
This alpha field defines the heating energy input ratio modifier at low temperature curve name.
This curve is a bi-quadratic equation with a weighted average indoor dry-bulb temperature and
condenser entering air dry-bulb or wet-bulb temperature as the independent variables. Since man-
ufacturers may provide performance data using either outdoor dry-bulb or wet-bulb temperatures,
either of these temperature types may be used for heating performance curves as specified in the
Heating Performance Curve Outdoor Temperature Type input field below. This performance curve
can be used to describe the heating energy input ratio at low outdoor temperatures (i.e., the follow-
ing two curves are used) or can be used to describe the performance for all outdoor temperatures
(i.e., the following two curves are not used).

1.32.1.1.26 Field: Heating Energy Input Ratio Boundary Curve Name

This alpha field defines the heating energy input ratio boundary curve name. This curve is a
quadratic or cubic curve that defines a change in heating energy at a specific condenser entering
air dry-bulb or wet-bulb temperature as a function of indoor air dry-bulb temperature. Since man-
ufacturers may provide performance data using either outdoor dry-bulb or wet-bulb temperatures,
either of these temperature types may be used for heating performance curves as specified in the
Heating Performance Curve Outdoor Temperature Type input field below. This curve is used when
the trend in heating energy changes dramatically as outdoor temperature changes. If the heating
energy does not change dramatically with changes in outdoor conditions, this field may be left
blank.

1.32.1.1.27 Field: Heating Energy Input Ratio Modifier Function of High Tem-
perature Curve Name
This alpha field defines the heating energy input ratio modifier at high temperature curve name.
This curve is a bi-quadratic equation with a weighted average indoor dry-bulb temperature and
condenser entering air dry-bulb or wet-bulb temperature as the independent variables. Since man-
ufacturers may provide performance data using either outdoor dry-bulb or wet-bulb temperatures,
either of these temperature types may be used for heating performance curves as specified in the
1.32. GROUP – VARIABLE REFRIGERANT FLOW EQUIPMENT 1381

Heating Performance Curve Outdoor Temperature Type input field below. This curve is used when
the trend in heating energy changes dramatically as outdoor temperature changes. If the heating
energy does not change dramatically with changes in outdoor conditions, this field may be left
blank.

1.32.1.1.28 Field: Heating Performance Curve Outdoor Temperature Type

This choice field defines the outdoor temperature type used for all performance curves. The valid
choices are DryBulbTemperature and WetBulbTemperature. The default value is WetBulbTem-
perature. Manufacturers will typically provide heating performance data as a function of outdoor
air wet-bulb temperatures. This means that the performance (e.g., capacity and energy input ra-
tio) curves will use outdoor wet-bulb temperature as one of the independent variables. At times,
manufacturers will only provide performance data as a function of outdoor dry-bulb temperatures.
In this case, all performance curves shall be developed using outdoor dry-bulb temperature and
this field shall be selected as DryBulbTemperature.

1.32.1.1.29 Field: Heating Energy Input Ratio Modifier Function of Low Part-
Load Ratio Curve Name
This alpha field defines the heating energy input ratio modifier (function of part-load ratio when
PLR is less than or equal to 1) curve name. This curve is a linear, quadratic, or cubic equation with
heating part-load ratio used as the independent variable. The heating energy input ratio modifier
curve is normalized to 1 at a part-load ratio of 1 and is used only when the part-load ratio is less
than or equal to 1.

1.32.1.1.30 Field: Heating Energy Input Ratio Modifier Function of High Part-
Load Ratio Curve Name
This alpha field defines the heating energy input ratio modifier (function of part-load ratio
when PLR is greater than 1) curve name. This curve is a linear, quadratic, or cubic equation with
heating part-load ratio used as the independent variable. The heating energy input ratio modifier
curve is normalized to 1 at a part-load ratio of 1 and is used only when the part-load ratio is greater
than 1.

1.32.1.1.31 Field: Heating Combination Ratio Correction Factor Curve Name

This alpha field defines the heating combination ratio (CR) correction factor curve name for
combination ratios greater than or equal to 1. The combination ratio is defined as the total rated
indoor heating capacity divided by the rated heat pump heating capacity. The curve is either
quadratic or cubic and uses the minimum value of x in the curve object to determine the maximum
part-load ratio which is linearly proportional to capacity (i.e., the minimum value of x in the curve
object must be �1). The output of this curve provides a multiplier (>1) which is applied to the
Nominal Heat Pump Heating Capacity. Between a combination ratio of 1 and the curve’s minimum
value of x, the multiplier is linearly interpolated. For combination ratio’s less than 1, capacity is
directly proportional to part-load ratio and this curve will not be used. If this field is left blank,
the Cooling Combination Ratio Correction factor will be used.

1.32.1.1.32 Field: Heating Part-Load Fraction Correlation Curve Name

This alpha field defines the heating part-load fraction correlation curve name. This curve is
used to define the cycling losses when the condenser’s compressors cycle on and off. The compressor
1382 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

cycles when the indoor to outdoor heating capacity ratio is less than the Minimum Heat Pump
Part-Load Ratio specified in the following field.

1.32.1.1.33 Field: Minimum Heat Pump Part-Load Ratio

This numeric field specifies the minimum operating part-load ratio (PLR) of the heat pump.
When the heat pump operates at a PLR below this value, the heat pump’s compressor will cycle
to meet the cooling or heating demand. Above this value, the heat pump’s compressor operates
the entire time step to meet the cooling or heating demand. The minimum value for this field is
0. If this field is left blank, the default value is 0.15. When the heat pump compressor cycles, the
previous field is used to determine cycling losses.

1.32.1.1.34 Field: Zone Name for Master Thermostat Location

This alpha field defines the name of the zone where the “master” thermostat is located. When
the heat pump is connected to multiple zone terminal units, one terminal unit must be selected as
the master thermostat. The remaining thermostats are slaves and can operate only in the same
mode as the master thermostat.

1.32.1.1.35 Field: Master Thermostat Priority Control Type

This choice field determines the logic used to simulate the “master” thermostat. Valid choices
are LoadPriority, ZonePriority, ThermostatOffsetPriority, MasterThermostatPriority, and Sched-
uled. The default value is MasterThermostatPriority. When LoadPriority is selected, the total
zone load is used to choose the operating mode as either cooling or heating. When ZonePriority is
selected, the number of zones requiring cooling or heating determines the operating mode. When
ThermostatOffsetPriority is selected, the zone farthest from the thermostat set point determines
the operating mode. The MasterThermostatPriority choice operates the system according the zone
load where the master thermostat is located. The heat pump can also be scheduled to operate in
either cooling or heating mode. For scheduled operation, a schedule name is entered in the following
field.

1.32.1.1.36 Field: Thermostat Priority Schedule Name

This alpha field identifies the schedule used when the previous field is set to Scheduled. Schedule
values of 0 denote heating mode while values of 1 denote cooling mode. Any other values will force
the system off.

1.32.1.1.37 Field: Zone Terminal Unit List Name

This alpha field defines the name of the zone terminal unit list. The name specified here should
match the name of a valid ZoneTerminalUnitList object. In addition, each name specified in this
list should match the name of a valid ZoneHVAC:TerminalUnit: VariableRefrigerantFlow object.
All terminal units connected to this heat pump must be listed in this ZoneTerminalUnitList object.
Note: the previous field is designated at the last field necessary to simulate the variable refrig-
erant flow heat pump. The following fields do not have to be entered, however, piping loses, defrost
operation, crankcase heater operation, and basin heater operation will not be modeled. Defaults
for fields not entered may also not apply. These remaining fields must be entered if that portion
of the model is to be simulated.
1.32. GROUP – VARIABLE REFRIGERANT FLOW EQUIPMENT 1383

1.32.1.1.38 Field: Heat Pump Waste Heat Recovery

This choice field defines the configuration of the heat pump refrigeration system. Valid choices
are Yes and No. If Yes is selected, heat recovery is enabled and the heat pump can independently
cool and heat different zones. If No is selected, the heat pump is only able to cool or heat for any
given time step.

1.32.1.1.39 Field: Equivalent Piping Length used for Piping Correction Factor
in Cooling Mode
This numeric field defines the equivalent pipe length in meters between the farthest terminal
unit and the heat pump condenser. This value includes the gas refrigerant line length (for both
horizontal and vertical distances), fitting losses, pipe bends, and other connections that contribute
to piping losses. This field is used to calculate the piping correction factor in cooling mode. This
value defines the head losses due to the pipe length between the farthest terminal unit and the heat
pump condenser and impacts the maximum available capacity in cooling mode.

1.32.1.1.40 Field: Vertical Height used for Piping Correction Factor

This numeric field defines the vertical pipe height in meters between the highest or lowest
terminal unit and the heat pump condenser. This value defines the gravitational losses due to a
change in height between the highest (positive value), or lowest (negative value) terminal unit and
the heat pump condenser. The distance specified here is applied to the piping correction factor
calculation for both cooling and heating. If the distance between the highest terminal unit above
the heat pump condenser is greater than the distance between the lowest terminal unit below the
condenser enter the difference between the highest and lowest terminal units as a positive distance,
otherwise enter this difference as a negative distance. Example: if the distance from the heat pump
condenser to the highest terminal unit above the condenser is 10 m and the distance from the heat
pump condenser to the lowest terminal unit below the condenser is -15 m, then enter a value of -5
m in this field. This head loss impacts the maximum available capacity in cooling mode.

1.32.1.1.41 Field: Piping Correction Factor for Length in Cooling Mode Curve
Name
This alpha field defines the linear, quadratic, or cubic curve name used to calculate the piping
correction factor for length in cooling mode. Piping losses are a function of piping length. If
sufficient piping loss information is available where piping losses are also a function of combination
ratio (i.e., in addition to length), a biquadratic performance curve may be used.

1.32.1.1.42 Field: Piping Correction Factor for Height in Cooling Mode Coef-
ficient
This numeric field defines the coefficient used to calculate the piping correction factor for height
in cooling mode.

1.32.1.1.43 Field: Equivalent Piping Length used for Piping Correction Factor
in Heating Mode
This numeric field defines the equivalent pipe length in meters between the farthest terminal
unit and the heat pump condenser. This value includes the liquid refrigerant line length (for both
horizontal and vertical distances), fitting losses, pipe bends, and other connections that contribute
to piping losses. This field is used to calculate the piping correction factor in heating mode. This
1384 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

value defines the head losses due to the pipe length between the farthest terminal unit and the heat
pump condenser and impacts the maximum available capacity in heating mode.

1.32.1.1.44 Field: Piping Correction Factor for Length in Heating Mode Curve
Name
This alpha field defines the linear, quadratic, or cubic curve name used to calculate the piping
correction factor for length in heating mode. Piping losses are a function of piping length. If
sufficient piping loss information is available where piping losses are also a function of combination
ratio (i.e., in addition to length), a biquadratic performance curve may be used.

1.32.1.1.45 Field: Piping Correction Factor for Height in Heating Mode Coef-
ficient
This numeric field defines the coefficient used to calculate the piping correction factor for height
in heating mode.

1.32.1.1.46 Field: Crankcase Heater Power per Compressor

This numeric field defines the electrical power consumed by the crankcase heater in watts for
each compressor. This crankcase heater power is consumed when the outdoor temperature is below
the maximum outdoor dry-bulb temperature for crankcase heater operation. The minimum value
for this field is 0. If this field is left blank, the default value is 33 watts. Crankcase heater electrical
consumption is applied only when the compressor is off or is applied during the off cycle when the
compressor is cycling below the Minimum Heat Pump Part-Load Ratio. This field is only used to
calculate crankcase heater power and has no impact on heat pump performance.

1.32.1.1.47 Field: Number of Compressors

This numeric field defines the number of compressors in the heat pump condensing unit and is
used exclusively to determine the operating characteristics of the crankcase heater. For example, if
the number of compressors is 3, one crankcase heater will operate when the heat pump condensing
unit’s part-load ratio is less than or equal to 0.67 (when the ratio of compressor size to total
compressor capacity input is 0.33) and the outdoor temperature is below the maximum outdoor
temperature for crankcase heater operation. Similarly, two crankcase heaters will operate when
the heat pump condensing unit’s PLR is less than or equal to 0.33 and the outdoor temperature
is below the maximum outdoor temperature for crankcase heater operation. If the heat pump
condensing unit is off, all 3 crankcase heaters will operate if the outdoor temperature is below the
maximum outdoor temperature for crankcase heater operation. The minimum value for this field
is 1. If this field is left blank, the default value is 2. This field is only used to calculate crankcase
heater power and has no impact on heat pump performance.

1.32.1.1.48 Field: Ratio of Compressor Size to Total Compressor Capacity

This numeric field defines the size of the first stage compressor to the total compressor capacity
and is used exclusively for calculating crankcase heater energy. If this field and the previous field
are left blank, the default value is 0.5. If this field is left blank and the previous field is not blank,
the compressors are assumed to be equally sized. When the number of compressors is greater than
2, the 2nd stage compressor and all additional compressors are assumed to be equally sized. This
field is only used to calculate crankcase heater power and has no impact on heat pump performance.
1.32. GROUP – VARIABLE REFRIGERANT FLOW EQUIPMENT 1385

1.32.1.1.49 Field: Maximum Outdoor Dry-bulb Temperature for Crankcase

Heater
This numeric field defines the maximum outdoor temperature, in degrees Celsius, below which
the crankcase heater will operate. If this field is left blank, the default value is 0°C. This field is
only used to calculate crankcase heater power and has no impact on heat pump performance.

1.32.1.1.50 Field: Defrost Strategy

This alpha field has two choices: reverse-cycle or resistive. If the reverse-cycle strategy is
selected, the heating cycle is reversed periodically to provide heat to melt frost accumulated on the
outdoor coil. If a resistive defrost strategy is selected, the frost is melted using an electric resistance
heater. If this input field is left blank, the default defrost strategy is reverse-cycle. Defrost can
be disabled by entering a resistive defrost strategy using a timed defrost control, a 0 defrost time
period fraction and a 0 resistive defrost heater capacity in the following inputs fields. This method
is used when the Maximum Outdoor Dry-Bulb Temperature for Defrost Operation field value is
greater than the expected minimum outdoor dry-bulb temperature simulated in the weather file.

1.32.1.1.51 Field: Defrost Control

This alpha field has two choices: timed or on-demand. If timed control is selected, the defrost
time period is calculated based on a fixed value of compressor runtime whether or not frost has
actually accumulated. For timed defrost control, the fractional amount of time the unit is in defrost
is entered in the input field “Defrost Time Period Fraction” described below. If on-demand defrost
control is selected, the defrost time period is calculated based on outdoor weather (humidity ratio)
conditions. Regardless of which defrost control is selected, defrost does not occur above the user
specified outdoor temperature entered in the input field “Maximum Outdoor Dry-bulb Temperature
for Defrost Operation” described above. If this input field is left blank, the default defrost control
is timed.

1.32.1.1.52 Field: Defrost Energy Input Ratio Modifier Function of Tempera-

ture Curve Name
This alpha field defines the name of a bi-quadratic performance curve (ref: Performance Curves)
that parameterizes the variation of the energy input ratio (EIR) during reverse-cycle defrost pe-
riods as a function of the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature and the weighted average wet-bulb
temperature of the air entering the indoor terminal units. The output of this curve is multiplied
by the coil capacity, the fractional defrost time period and the runtime fraction of the heating coil
to give the defrost power at the specific temperatures at which the indoor and outdoor coils are
operating. The curve is normalized to a value of 1.0 at the rating point conditions.

1.32.1.1.53 Field: Defrost Time Period Fraction

This numeric field defines the fraction of compressor runtime when the defrost cycle is active.
For example, if the defrost cycle is active for 3.5 minutes for every 60 minutes of compressor runtime,
then the user should enter 3.5/60 = 0.058333. The value for this input field must be greater than
or equal to 0. If this input field is left blank, the default value is 0.058333.

1.32.1.1.54 Field: Resistive Defrost Heater Capacity

This numeric field defines the capacity of the resistive defrost heating element in Watts. This
input field is used only when the selected defrost strategy is ‘resistive’ (see input field “Defrost
1386 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Strategy” above). The value for this input field must be greater than or equal to 0. If this input
field is left blank, the default value is 0.

1.32.1.1.55 Field: Maximum Outdoor Dry-bulb Temperature for Defrost Op-

eration
This numeric field defines the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature above which outdoor coil de-
frosting is disabled. If this input field is left blank, the default value is 5 C. Defrost can be completely
eliminated by selecting a temperature lower than the minimum expected outdoor temperature found
in the weather file.

1.32.1.1.56 Field: Condenser Type

This choice field defines the configuration of the heat pump condenser. Valid choices are Air-
Cooled, EvaporativelyCooled, and WaterCooled.

1.32.1.1.57 Field: Condenser Inlet Node Name

This alpha field defines the name of the condenser inlet air or water node. For Condenser type
= AirCooled, this node name should also be listed in an OutdoorAir:Node or OutdoorAir:NodeList
object. If this field is blank, the model assumes an air-cooled condenser and the weather file is
used to define the outdoor conditions entering the condenser. If this field is not blank, the node
conditions are used to define the outdoor air or inlet water conditions entering the condenser. A
node name is typically entered here for air-cooled systems when conditions other than those found
in the weather file should be used (ref. OutdoorAir:Node related to height above ground).

1.32.1.1.58 Field: Condenser Outlet Node Name

This alpha field defines the name of the condenser outlet water node. This field is only used
for water-cooled systems.

1.32.1.1.59 Field: Water Condenser Volume Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the condenser water volume flow rate in cubic meters per second.
This field is autosizable and only used for water-cooled systems.

1.32.1.1.60 Field: Evaporative Condenser Effectiveness

The effectiveness of the evaporative condenser, which is used to determine the temperature of
the air entering the outdoor condenser coil as follows:

T cond inlet = (T wb, o) + (1 − EvapCondEf f ectiveness) (T db, o − T wb, o) (1.132)

where
Tcondinlet = the temperature of the air entering the condenser coil (C)
Twb,o = the wet-bulb temperature of the outdoor air (C)
Tdb,o = the dry-bulb temperature of the outdoor air (C)
The resulting condenser inlet air temperature is used by the Cooling Capacity Ratio Modifier
Curve (function of temperature) and the Cooling Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve (function of
temperature). The default value for this field is 0.9, although valid entries can range from 0.0 to
1.0. This field is not used when Condenser Type = Air Cooled and the simulation is calculating
heating performance.
1.32. GROUP – VARIABLE REFRIGERANT FLOW EQUIPMENT 1387

If the user wants to model an air-cooled condenser, they should simply specify AirCooled in
the field Condenser Type. In this case, the Cooling Capacity Ratio Modifier Curve (function of
temperature) and the Cooling Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve (function of temperature) input
fields for this object should reference performance curves that are a function of outdoor dry-bulb
temperature.
If the user wishes to model an evaporative-cooled condenser AND they have performance curves
that are a function of the wet-bulb temperature of air entering the condenser coil, then the user
should specify Condenser Type = EvapCooled and the evaporative condenser effectiveness value
should be entered as 1.0. In this case, the Cooling Capacity Ratio Modifier Curve (function of
temperature) and the Cooling Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve (function of temperature) in-
put fields for this object should reference performance curves that are a function of the wet-bulb
temperature of air entering the condenser coil.
If the user wishes to model an air-cooled condenser that has evaporative media placed in front
of it to cool the air entering the condenser coil, then the user should specify Condenser Type =
EvapCooled. The user must also enter the appropriate evaporative effectiveness for the media. In
this case, the Cooling Capacity Ratio Modifier Curve (function of temperature) and the Cooling
Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve (function of temperature) input fields for this object should
reference performance curves that are a function of outdoor dry-bulb temperature. Be aware that
the evaporative media will significantly reduce the dry-bulb temperature of the air entering the
condenser coil, so the Cooling Capacity and Cooling EIR Modifier Curves must be valid for the
expected range of dry-bulb temperatures that will be entering the condenser coil.

1.32.1.1.61 Field: Evaporative Condenser Air Flow Rate

The air volume flow rate, in m3 per second, entering the evaporative condenser. This value
is used to calculate the amount of water used to evaporatively cool the condenser inlet air. The
minimum value for this field must be greater than zero, and this input field is autosizable (equivalent
to 0.000144 m3 /s per watt of rated total cooling capacity [850 cfm/ton]). This field is not used
when Condenser Type = AirCooled.

1.32.1.1.62 Field: Evaporative Condenser Pump Rated Power Consumption

The rated power of the evaporative condenser water pump in Watts. This value is used to
calculate the power required to pump the water used to evaporatively cool the condenser inlet air.
The default value for this input field is zero, but it is autosizable (equivalent to 0.004266 W per
watt [15 W/ton] of rated total cooling capacity). This field is not used when Condenser Type =
AirCooled.

1.32.1.1.63 Field: Supply Water Storage Tank Name

This alpha field defines the name of the water storage tank when an evaporatively-cooled con-
denser is used.

1.32.1.1.64 Field: Basin Heater Capacity

This numeric field contains the capacity of the heat pump’s electric basin heater in watts per
degree Kelvin. This field only applies for Condenser Type = EvaporativelyCooled. This field is
used in conjunction with the Basin Heater Setpoint Temperature described in the following field.
The basin heater electric power is equal to this field multiplied by the difference between the basin
heater set point temperature and the outdoor dry-bulb temperature. The basin heater only operates
when the heat pump compressor(s) is off, regardless of the basin heater schedule described below.
1388 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

The basin heater capacity must be greater than or equal to zero, with a default value of zero if this
field is left blank.

1.32.1.1.65 Field: Basin Heater Setpoint Temperature

This numeric field contains the set point temperature (˚C) for the basin heater described in
the previous field. This field only applies for Condenser Type = EvaporativelyCooled. The basin
heater is active when the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature falls below this setpoint temperature,
as long as the heat pump is off. This set point temperature must be greater than or equal to 2˚C,
and the default value is 2˚C if this field is left blank.

1.32.1.1.66 Field: Basin Heater Operating Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of the basin heater operating schedule. This field only applies
for Condenser Type = EvaporativelyCooled. The basin heater operating schedule is assumed to
be an on/off schedule and the heater is available to operate any time the schedule value is greater
than 0. The basin heater operates when scheduled on and the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature is
below the set point temperature described in the previous field. If this field is left blank, the basin
heater is available to operate throughout the simulation. Regardless of this schedule, the basin
heater may only operate when the heat pump is off.

1.32.1.1.67 Field: Fuel Type

This alpha field determines the type of fuel that this variable refrigerant flow system uses. This
field has seven choices: Electricity, NaturalGas, PropaneGas, Diesel, Gasoline, FuelOil#1, Fu-
elOil#2, OtherFuel1, and OtherFuel2. The default is Electricity. The use of alternate fuel types
assumes an engine drives the variable speed compression system and also accounts for condenser
air flow (i.e., a fan attached to the engine provides air flow through the outdoor condenser.

1.32.1.1.68 Field: Minimum Outdoor Temperature in Heat Recovery Mode

This numeric field defines the minimum outdoor dry-bulb temperature allowed for heat recovery
operation. Below this temperature, heat recovery is disabled. This input must be greater than
the larger of the minimum outdoor temperature in cooling or heating mode. If this field is left
blank, the default value is the higher of the Minimum Outdoor Temperature in Cooling Mode or
Minimum Outdoor Temperature in Heating Mode inputs. This system may still operate in cooling
or heating only mode when outdoor temperatures are below the minimum outdoor temperature in
heat recovery mode. This input is only used when Heat Pump Waste Heat Recovery is selected as
Yes.

1.32.1.1.69 Field: Maximum Outdoor Temperature in Heat Recovery Mode

This numeric field defines the maximum outdoor dry-bulb temperature allowed for heat recovery
operation. Above this temperature, heat recovery is disabled. This input must be less than the
smaller of the maximum outdoor temperature in cooling or heating mode. If this field is left
blank, the default value is the lower of the Maximum Outdoor Temperature in Cooling Mode or
Maximum Outdoor Temperature in Heating Mode inputs.. This system may still operate in cooling
or heating only mode when outdoor temperatures are above the maximum outdoor temperature in
heat recovery mode. This input is only used when Heat Pump Waste Heat Recovery is selected as
Yes.
1.32. GROUP – VARIABLE REFRIGERANT FLOW EQUIPMENT 1389

1.32.1.1.70 Field: Heat Recovery Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve Name

This alpha field defines the cooling capacity modifier when heat recovery mode is active. This
modifier is used as a multiplier for available cooling capacity, and when in heat recovery mode,
this modifier is usually less than 1. This curve is either a bi-quadratic equation using weighted
average indoor temperature (i.e., the indoor terminal units weighted average inlet temperatures)
and condenser entering air temperature as the independent variables or a cubic curve based on
part-load ratio. This performance curve can be used to describe the cooling capacity modifier as
either a constant (e.g., temperature or part-load ratio term coefficients are 0), a cooling modifier
that varies with either indoor temperature and/or outdoor temperature, or part-load ratio (e.g.,
one or more temperature or part-load ratio term coefficients are 0), or varies with both indoor and
outdoor temperatures or part-load ratio (e.g., all temperature or part-load ratio term coefficients
are non-zero). If this field is left blank, and heat recovery operating mode is selected, the default
constant modifier is 0.9. This modifier is applied only when heat recovery mode is active. To model
a heat recovery system which has no degradation in cooling performance when heat recovery mode
is active, or if the degradation is not constant at different operating conditions, a performance curve
object must be used. This input is only used when Heat Pump Waste Heat Recovery is selected as
Yes and the system changes from cooling only mode to heat recovery mode.

1.32.1.1.71 Field: Initial Heat Recovery Cooling Capacity Fraction

This numeric field defines the fraction of cooling capacity available when the system transitions
from cooling only operation to simultaneous cooling and heating. It is common for the cooling
capacity to decrease before the system recovers. If this field is left blank, a default value of 0.5
is used (50% reduction in cooling capacity at the start of heat recovery mode). The system will
recovery according to the time constant entered in Heat Recovery Cooling Capacity Time Constant
input field. If the transition period will not be modeled, this input field must be set to 1. This input
is only used when Heat Pump Waste Heat Recovery is selected as Yes and the system changes from
cooling only mode to heat recovery mode. Refer to the engineering reference document discussion
on the variable refrigerant flow heat pump model section for transition from cooling only mode to
heat recovery mode for a more detailed description.

1.32.1.1.72 Field: Heat Recovery Cooling Capacity Time Constant

This numeric field defines the cooling capacity time constant, in hours, used to model the time
it takes for the system to change from cooling only operation to simultaneous cooling and heating.
Total response time is defined as 5 time constants. If this field is left blank, a default value of 0.083
is used. If the transition period will not be modeled, the Initial Heat Recovery Cooling Capacity
Fraction field must be set to 1. This input is only used when Heat Pump Waste Heat Recovery
is selected as Yes and the system changes from cooling only mode to heat recovery mode. Refer
to the engineering reference document discussion on the variable refrigerant flow heat pump model
section for transition from cooling only mode to heat recovery mode for a more detailed description.

1.32.1.1.73 Field: Heat Recovery Cooling Energy Modifier Curve Name

This alpha field defines the cooling energy modifier when heat recovery mode is active. This
modifier is used as a multiplier for operating cooling energy, and when in heat recovery mode, this
modifier is usually greater than 1. This curve is a bi-quadratic equation using weighted average
indoor temperature (i.e., the indoor terminal units weighted average inlet temperatures) and con-
denser entering air temperature as the independent variables. This performance curve can be used
to describe the cooling energy modifier as either a constant (e.g., temperature term coefficients are
1390 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

0), a cooling energy modifier that varies with indoor and/or outdoor temperatures (e.g., one or
more temperature term coefficients are 0), or varies with both indoor and outdoor temperatures
(e.g., temperature term coefficients are non-zero). If this field is left blank, and heat recovery
operating mode is selected, the default constant modifier is 1.1. This modifier is applied only when
heat recovery mode is active. To model a heat recovery system which has no degradation in cooling
performance when heat recovery mode is active, or if the degradation is not constant at different
operating conditions, a performance curve object must be used. This input is only used when Heat
Pump Waste Heat Recovery is selected as Yes and the system changes from cooling only mode to
heat recovery mode.

1.32.1.1.74 Field: Initial Heat Recovery Cooling Energy Fraction

This numeric field defines the fraction of cooling energy consumed when the system transitions
from cooling only operation to simultaneous cooling and heating. It is common for the cooling
energy to drop before the system recovers. If this field is left blank, a default value of 1 is used (no
change in energy at the start of heat recovery mode). If the transition period will not be modeled,
this input field must be set to 1. This input is only used when Heat Pump Waste Heat Recovery
is selected as Yes and the system changes from cooling only mode to heat recovery mode. Refer
to the engineering reference document discussion on the variable refrigerant flow heat pump model
section for transition from cooling only mode to heat recovery mode for a more detailed description.

1.32.1.1.75 Field: Heat Recovery Cooling Energy Time Constant

This numeric field defines the cooling energy time constant, in hours, used to model the time it
takes for the system to transition from cooling only operation to simultaneous cooling and heating.
Total response time is defined as 5 time constants. If this field is left blank, a default value of 0.0
is used. If the transition period will not be modeled, the Initial Heat Recovery Cooling Energy
Fraction field must be set to 1. This input is only used when Heat Pump Waste Heat Recovery
is selected as Yes and the system changes from cooling only mode to heat recovery mode. Refer
to the engineering reference document discussion on the variable refrigerant flow heat pump model
section for transition from cooling only mode to heat recovery mode for a more detailed description.

1.32.1.1.76 Field: Heat Recovery Heating Capacity Modifier Curve Name

This alpha field defines the heating capacity modifier when heat recovery mode is active. This
modifier is used as a multiplier for available heating capacity, and when in heat recovery mode, this
modifier is usually less than 1. This curve is a bi-quadratic equation using weighted average indoor
temperature (i.e., the indoor terminal units weighted average inlet temperatures) and condenser
entering air temperature as the independent variables. This performance curve can be used to
describe the heating capacity modifier as either a constant (e.g., temperature term coefficients are
0), a heating modifier that varies with indoor and/or outdoor temperatures (e.g., one or more
temperature term coefficients are 0), or varies with both indoor and outdoor temperatures (e.g.,
temperature term coefficients are non-zero). If this field is left blank, and heat recovery operating
mode is selected, the default constant modifier is 0.9. This modifier is applied only when heat
recovery mode is active. To model a heat recovery system which has no degradation in heating
performance when heat recovery mode is active, or if the degradation is not constant at different
operating conditions, a performance curve object must be used. This input is only used when Heat
Pump Waste Heat Recovery is selected as Yes and the system changes from heating only mode to
heat recovery mode.
1.32. GROUP – VARIABLE REFRIGERANT FLOW EQUIPMENT 1391

1.32.1.1.77 Field: Initial Heat Recovery Heating Capacity Fraction

This numeric field defines the fraction of heating capacity available when the system changes
from heating only operation to simultaneous heating and cooling. It is common for the heating
capacity to decrease before the system recovers. If this field is left blank, a default value of 0.5
is used (50% reduction in heating capacity at the start of heat recovery mode). The system will
recovery according to the time constant entered in Heat Recovery Heating Capacity Time Constant
input field. If the transition period will not be modeled, this input field must be set to 1. This input
is only used when Heat Pump Waste Heat Recovery is selected as Yes and the system changes from
heating only mode to heat recovery mode. Refer to the engineering reference document discussion
on the variable refrigerant flow heat pump model section for transition from cooling only mode to
heat recovery mode for a more detailed description.

1.32.1.1.78 Field: Heat Recovery Heating Capacity Time Constant

This numeric field defines the heating capacity time constant, in hours, used to model the time it
takes for the system to transition from cooling only operation to simultaneous cooling and heating.
Total response time is defined as 5 time constants. If this field is left blank, a default value of 0.083
is used. If the transition period will not be modeled, the Initial Heat Recovery Heating Capacity
Fraction field must be set to 1. This input is only used when Heat Pump Waste Heat Recovery
is selected as Yes and the system changes from heating only mode to heat recovery mode. Refer
to the engineering reference document discussion on the variable refrigerant flow heat pump model
section for transition from cooling only mode to heat recovery mode for a more detailed description.

1.32.1.1.79 Field: Heat Recovery Heating Energy Modifier Curve Name

This alpha field defines the heating energy modifier when heat recovery mode is active. This
modifier is used as a multiplier for operating heating energy, and when in heat recovery mode, this
modifier is usually greater than 1. This curve is a bi-quadratic equation using weighted average
indoor temperature (i.e., the indoor terminal units weighted average inlet temperatures) and con-
denser entering air temperature as the independent variables. This performance curve can be used
to describe the heating energy modifier as either a constant (e.g., temperature term coefficients are
0), a heating energy modifier that varies with indoor and/or outdoor temperatures (e.g., one or
more temperature term coefficients are 0), or varies with both indoor and outdoor temperatures
(e.g., temperature term coefficients are non-zero). If this field is left blank, and heat recovery oper-
ating mode is selected, the default constant modifier is 1.1. This modifier is applied only when heat
recovery mode is active. To model a heat recovery system which has no degradation in heating
performance when heat recovery mode is active, or if the degradation is not constant at different
operating conditions, a performance curve object must be used. This input is only used when Heat
Pump Waste Heat Recovery is selected as Yes and the system changes from heating only mode to
heat recovery mode.

1.32.1.1.80 Field: Initial Heat Recovery Heating Energy Fraction

This numeric field defines the fraction of heating energy consumed when the system changes
from heating only operation to simultaneous heating and cooling. It is common for the heating
energy to decrease before the system recovers. If this field is left blank, a default value of 0.5 is used
(50% reduction in heating energy at the start of heat recovery mode). The system will recovery
according to the time constant entered in Heat Recovery Heating Energy Time Constant input
field. If the transition period will not be modeled, this input field must be set to 1. This input is
only used when Heat Pump Waste Heat Recovery is selected as Yes and the system changes from
1392 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

heating only mode to heat recovery mode. Refer to the engineering reference document discussion
on the variable refrigerant flow heat pump model section for transition from cooling only mode to
heat recovery mode for a more detailed description.

1.32.1.1.81 Field: Heat Recovery Heating Energy Time Constant

This numeric field defines the heating energy time constant, in hours, used to model the time
it takes for the system to change from cooling only operation to simultaneous cooling and heating.
Total response time is defined as 5 time constants. If this field is left blank, a default value of 0.0
is used. If the transition period will not be modeled, the Initial Heat Recovery Heating Energy
Fraction field must be set to 1. This input is only used when Heat Pump Waste Heat Recovery
is selected as Yes and the system changes from heating only mode to heat recovery mode. Refer
to the engineering reference document discussion on the variable refrigerant flow heat pump model
section for transition from cooling only mode to heat recovery mode for a more detailed description.
Following is an example input for a AirConditioner:VariableRefrigerantFlow system.

AirConditioner:VariableRefrigerantFlow ,
VRF Heat Pump , !- Heat Pump Name
VRFCondAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
autosize , !- Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity {W}
3.16038 , !- Gross Rated Cooling COP {W}
-5, !- Minimum Outdoor Temperature in Cooling Mode {C}
43, !- Maximum Outdoor Temperature in Cooling Mode {C}
VRFCoolCapFT , !- Cooling Capacity Ratio Modifier Function of Low Temperature Curve
Name
VRFCoolCapFTBoundary , !- Cooling Capacity Ratio Boundary Curve Name
VRFCoolCapFTHi , !- Cooling Capacity Ratio Modifier Function of High Temperature Curve
Name
VRFCoolEIRFT , !- Cooling Energy Input Ratio Modifier Function of Low Temperature
Curve Name
VRFCoolEIRFTBoundary , !- Cooling Energy Input Ratio Boundary Curve Name
VRFCoolEIRFTHi , !- Cooling Energy Input Ratio Modifier Function of High Temperature
Curve Name
CoolingEIRLowPLR , !- Cooling Energy Input Ratio Modifier Function of Low Part -Load Ratio
Curve Name
CoolingEIRHiPLR , !- Cooling Energy Input Ratio Modifier Function of High Part -Load Ratio
Curve Name
CoolingCombRatio , !- Cooling Combination Ratio Correction Factor Curve Name
VRFCPLFFPLR , !- Cooling Part -Load Fraction Correlation Curve Name
autosize , !- Gross Rated Heating Capacity {W}
, !- Rated Heating Capacity Sizing Ratio (W/W)
3.40909 , !- Gross Rated Heating COP
-20, !- Minimum Outdoor Temperature in Heating Mode {C}
15.5, !- Maximum Outdoor Temperature in Heating Mode {C}
VRFHeatCapFT , !- Heating Capacity Ratio Modifier Function of Low Temperature Curve
Name
VRFHeatCapFTBoundary , !- Heating Capacity Ratio Boundary Curve Name
VRFHeatCapFTHi , !- Heating Capacity Ratio Modifier Function of High Temperature Curve
Name
VRFHeatEIRFT , !- Heating Energy Input Ratio Modifier Function of Low Temperature
Curve Name
VRFHeatEIRFTBoundary , !- Heating Energy Input Ratio Boundary Curve Name
VRFHeatEIRFTHi , !- Heating Energy Input Ratio Modifier Function of High Temperature
Curve Name
WetBulbTemperature , !- Heating Performance Curve Outdoor Temperature Type
HeatingEIRLowPLR , !- Heating Energy Input Ratio Modifier Function of Low Part -Load Ratio
Curve Name
HeatingEIRHiPLR , !- Heating Energy Input Ratio Modifier Function of High Part -Load Ratio
Curve Name
HeatingCombRatio , !- Heating Combination Ratio Correction Factor Curve Name
VRFCPLFFPLR , !- Heating Part -Load Fraction Correlation Curve Name
0.25, !- Minimum Heat Pump Part -Load Ratio
SPACE1 -1, !- Zone Name for Master Thermostat Location
1.32. GROUP – VARIABLE REFRIGERANT FLOW EQUIPMENT 1393

LoadPriority , !- Master Thermostat Priority Control Type

, !- Thermostat Priority Schedule Name
VRF Heat Pump TU List , !- Zone Terminal Unit List Name
No , !- Heat Pump Waste Heat Recovery
30, !- Equivalent Piping Length used for Piping Correction Factor in
Cooling Mode {m}
10, !- Vertical Height used for Piping Correction Factor {m}
CoolingLengthCorrectionFactor , !- Piping Correction Factor for Length in Cooling Mode Curve
Name
-0.000386 , !- Piping Correction Factor for Height in Cooling Mode Coefficient
30, !- Equivalent Piping Length used for Piping Correction Factor in
Heating Mode {m}
, !- Piping Correction Factor for Length in Heating Mode Curve Name
, !- Piping Correction Factor for Height in Heating Mode Coefficient
15, !- Crankcase Heater Power per Compressor {W}
3, !- Number of Compressors
0.33, !- Ratio of Compressor Size to Total Compressor Capacity
7, !- Maximum Outdoor Dry -bulb Temperature for Crankcase Heater {C}
Resistive , !- Defrost Strategy
Timed , !- Defrost Control
, !- Defrost Energy Input Ratio Modifier Function of Temperature Curve
Name
, !- Defrost Time Period Fraction
autosize , !- Resistive Defrost Heater Capacity {W}
7, !- Maximum Outdoor Dry -bulb Temperature for Defrost Operation {C}
EvaporativelyCooled , !- Condenser Type
MyVRFOANode , !- Condenser Inlet Node Name
, !- Condenser Outlet Node Name
, !- Water Condenser Volume Flow Rate
, !- Evaporative Condenser Effectiveness {dimensionless}
autosize , !- Evaporative Condenser Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
autosize , !- Evaporative Condenser Pump Rated Power Consumption {W}
, !- Supply Water Storage Tank Name
200, !- Basin Heater Capacity {W/K}
, !- Basin Heater Set Point Temperature (C)
, !- Basin Heater Operating Schedule Name
, !- Fuel Type
, !- Minimum Outdoor Temperature in Heat Recovery Mode (C)
, !- Maximum Outdoor Temperature in Heat Recovery Mode (C)
, !- Heat Recovery Cooling Capacity Modifier Function of Temperature
Curve Name
, !- Initial Heat Recovery Cooling Capacity Fraction
, !- Heat Recovery Cooling Capacity Time Constant (hr)
, !- Heat Recovery Cooling Energy Modifier Function of Temperature Curve
Name
, !- Initial Heat Recovery Cooling Energy Fraction
, !- Heat Recovery Cooling Energy Time Constant (hr)
, !- Heat Recovery Heating Capacity Modifier Function of Temperature
Curve Name
, !- Initial Heat Recovery Heating Capacity Fraction
, !- Heat Recovery Heating Capacity Time Constant (hr)
, !- Heat Recovery Heating Energy Modifier Function of Temperature Curve
Name
, !- Initial Heat Recovery Heating Energy Fraction
; !- Heat Recovery Heating Energy Time Constant (hr)

1.32.2 AirConditioner:VariableRefrigerantFlow:FluidTemperatureControl
1.32.2.1 Inputs
1.32.2.1.1 Field: Heat Pump Name
This alpha field defines a unique user-assigned name for an instance of a variable refrigerant
flow heat pump. Any reference to this heat pump will use this name. Since this object is not listed
in an AirloopHVAC object, the most likely use of this name would be for reporting purposes.
1394 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.32.2.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This alpha field defines the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the heat
pump operates during a given time period. A schedule value equal to 0 denotes that the heat pump
must be off for that time period. A value other than 0 denotes that the heat pump is available
to operate during that time period. This schedule may be used to completely disable the heat
pump (and all of its terminal units) as required. If this field is blank, the unit is enabled the entire
simulation.

1.32.2.1.3 Field: Zone Terminal Unit List Name

This alpha field defines the name of the zone terminal unit list. The name specified here should
match the name of a valid ZoneTerminalUnitList object. In addition, each name specified in this
list should match the name of a valid ZoneHVAC:TerminalUnit:VariableRefrigerantFlow object.
All terminal units connected to this heat pump must be listed in this ZoneTerminalUnitList object.

1.32.2.1.4 Field: Refrigerant Type

This alpha field defines the name of the refrigerant used in the VRF system. The name specified
here should match the name of a valid FluidProperties:Name object.

1.32.2.1.5 Field: Rated Evaporative Capacity

This numeric field defines the total evaporative capacity in watts at rated conditions. This is the
capacity corresponding to the max compressor speed at rated conditions. The actual evaporative
capacity is obtained by multiplying the rated capacity with the modification factor calculated by
Evaporative Capacity Multiplier Function of Temperature Curve. The value must be greater than
0. If this field is left blank, a default value of 40,000 W is assumed.

1.32.2.1.6 Field: Rated Compressor Power Per Unit of Rated Evaporative Ca-
pacity
This numeric field defines the rated compressor power per Watt of rated evaporative capacity.
Rated compressor power corresponds to the max compressor speed at rated conditions. The actual
compressor power is obtained by multiplying the rated power with the modification factor calculated
by Compressor Power Multiplier Function of Temperature Curve. The value must be greater than
0. If this field is left blank, a default value of 0.35 W/W is assumed.

1.32.2.1.7 Field: Minimum Outdoor Air Temperature in Cooling Mode

This numeric field defines the minimum source temperature allowed for heating operation. For
air-cooled equipment outdoor dry-bulb temperature is used. For water-cooled equipment inlet
water temperature is used. Below this temperature, heating is disabled. If this field is left blank,
the default value is -20ºC.

1.32.2.1.8 Field: Maximum Outdoor Air Temperature in Cooling Mode

This numeric field defines the maximum source temperature allowed for heating operation.
For air-cooled equipment outdoor dry-bulb temperature is used. For water-cooled equipment inlet
water temperature is used. Above this temperature, heating is disabled. If this field is left blank,
the default value is 16ºC.
1.32. GROUP – VARIABLE REFRIGERANT FLOW EQUIPMENT 1395

1.32.2.1.9 Field: Minimum Outdoor Air Temperature in Heating Mode

This numeric field defines the minimum outdoor temperature allowed for heating operation.
Below this temperature, heating is disabled. If this field is left blank, the default value is -20ºC.

1.32.2.1.10 Field: Maximum Outdoor Air Temperature in Heating Mode

This numeric field defines the maximum outdoor temperature allowed for heating operation.
Above this temperature, heating is disabled. If this field is left blank, the default value is 16ºC.

1.32.2.1.11 Field: Outdoor Unit Reference Superheating

This numeric field defines the reference superheating degrees of the outdoor unit. If this field
is blank, the default value of 3.0ºC is used.

1.32.2.1.12 Field: Outdoor Unit Reference Subcooling

This numeric field defines the reference subcooling degrees of the outdoor unit. If this field is
blank, the default value of 3.0ºC is used.

1.32.2.1.13 Field: Refrigerant Temperature Control Algorithm for Indoor Unit

This alpha field specifies the algorithm for the refrigerant temperature control. Two choices are
available: ConstantTemp or VariableTemp. The indoor unit evaporating temperature at cooling
mode or condensing temperature at heating are fixed in the ConstantTemp algorithm, while in
VariableTemp algorithm they can be varied.

1.32.2.1.14 Field: Reference Evaporating Temperature for Indoor Unit

This numeric field defines the reference evaporating temperature for the indoor unit when VRF
runs at cooling mode. This field is required if Refrigerant Temperature Control Algorithm is
ConstantTemp. If this field is blank, the default value of 6.0ºC is used.

1.32.2.1.15 Field: Reference Condensing Temperature for Indoor Unit

This numeric field defines the reference condensing temperature for the indoor unit when VRF
runs at heating mode. This field is required if Refrigerant Temperature Control Algorithm is
ConstantTemp. If this field is blank, the default value of 44.0ºC is used.

1.32.2.1.16 Field: Variable Evaporating Temperature Minimum for Indoor Unit

This numeric field defines the minimum evaporating temperature for the indoor unit when
VRF runs at cooling mode. This field is required if Refrigerant Temperature Control Algorithm is
VariableTemp. If this field is blank, the default value of 4.0ºC is used.

1.32.2.1.17 Field: Variable Evaporating Temperature Maximum for Indoor

Unit
This numeric field defines the maximum evaporating temperature for the indoor unit when
VRF runs at cooling mode. This field is required if Refrigerant Temperature Control Algorithm is
VariableTemp. If this field is blank, the default value of 13.0ºC is used.
1396 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.32.2.1.18 Field: Variable Condensing Temperature Minimum for Indoor Unit

This numeric field defines the minimum condensing temperature for the indoor unit when VRF
runs at heating mode. This field is required if Refrigerant Temperature Control Algorithm is
VariableTemp. If this field is blank, the default value of 42.0ºC is used.

1.32.2.1.19 Field: Variable Condensing Temperature Maximum for Indoor Unit

This numeric field defines the maximum condensing temperature for the indoor unit when
VRF runs at heating mode. This field is required if Refrigerant Temperature Control Algorithm is
VariableTemp. If this field is blank, the default value of 46.0ºC is used.

1.32.2.1.20 Field: Outdoor Unit Fan Power Per Unit of Rated Evaporative
Capacity
This numeric field defines the outdoor unit fan power per watt of rated evaporative capacity.
If this field is blank, the default value of 4.25E-3 W/W is used.

1.32.2.1.21 Field: Outdoor Unit Fan Flow Rate Per Unit of Rated Evaporative
Capacity
This numeric field defines the outdoor unit fan volumetric flow rate per watt of rated evaporative
capacity. If this field is blank, the default value of 7.50E-5 m3 /s-W is used.

1.32.2.1.22 Field: Outdoor Unit Evaporating Temperature Function of Super-

heating Curve Name
This alpha field defines the name of a quadratic performance curve that parameterizes the
variation of outdoor unit evaporating temperature as a function of superheating degrees. The
output of this curve is the temperature difference between the coil surface air temperature and the
evaporating temperature.

1.32.2.1.23 Field: Outdoor Unit Condensing Temperature Function of Subcool-

ing Curve Name
This alpha field defines the name of a quadratic performance curve that parameterizes the
variation of outdoor unit condensing temperature as a function of subcooling degrees. The output
of this curve is the temperature difference between the condensing temperature and the coil surface
air temperature.

1.32.2.1.24 Field: Diameter of Main Pipe Connecting Outdoor Unit to Indoor

Units
This numeric field defines the diameter of main pipe connecting outdoor unit to indoor units.
This value is used to calculate the piping loss of the refrigerant when going through the main pipe,
including the heat loss and pressure drop. If this field is blank, the default value of 0.0254m is used.

1.32.2.1.25 Field: Length of Main Pipe Connecting Outdoor Unit to Indoor

Units
This numeric field defines the length of main pipe connecting outdoor unit to indoor units. This
value is used to calculate the heat loss of the refrigerant when going through the main pipe. The
value should be greater than 0. If this field is blank, the default value of 30m is used.
1.32. GROUP – VARIABLE REFRIGERANT FLOW EQUIPMENT 1397

1.32.2.1.26 Field: Equivalent Length of Main Pipe Connecting Outdoor Unit

to Indoor Units
This numeric field defines the equivalent length of main pipe connecting outdoor unit to indoor
units. This value is used to calculate the pressure drop of the refrigerant when going through the
main pipe. The value should be greater than the real pipe length specified in the above field. If
this field is blank, the default value of 36m is used.

1.32.2.1.27 Field: Height Difference Between Outdoor Unit and Indoor Units

This numeric field defines the height difference between the outdoor unit node and indoor unit
node of the main pipe. This value is used to calculate the piping loss of the refrigerant when going
through the main pipe. The value can be positive, zero, or negative. Positive means outdoor unit
is higher than indoor unit, while negative means outdoor unit is lower than indoor unit.

1.32.2.1.28 Field: Main Pipe Insulation Thickness

This numeric field defines the insulation thickness of the main pipe. This value is used to
calculate the heat loss of the refrigerant when going through the main pipe. The value should be
greater than 0. If this field is blank, the default value of 0.02m is used.

1.32.2.1.29 Field: Main Pipe Insulation Thermal Conductivity

This numeric field defines the thermal conductivity of the main pipe insulation material. This
value is used to calculate the heat loss of the refrigerant when going through the main pipe. The
value should be greater than 0. If this field is blank, the default value of 0.032 W/m-K is used.

1.32.2.1.30 Field: Crankcase Heater Power per Compressor

This numeric field defines the electrical power consumed by the crankcase heater in watts for
each compressor. This crankcase heater power is consumed to warm the refrigerant and oil when
the compressor is off when the outdoor temperature is below the maximum outdoor dry-bulb
temperature for crankcase heater operation. The minimum value for this field is 0. If this field is
left blank, the default value is 33 watts. Crankcase heater electrical consumption is applied only
when the compressor is off or is applied during the off cycle when the compressor is cycling below
the Minimum Heat Pump Part-Load Ratio. This field is only used to calculate crankcase heater
power and has no impact on heat pump performance.

1.32.2.1.31 Field: Number of Compressors

This numeric field defines the number of compressors in the heat pump condensing unit and is
used exclusively to determine the operating characteristics of the crankcase heater. For example, if
the number of compressors is 3, one crankcase heater will operate when the heat pump condensing
unit’s part-load ratio is less than or equal to 0.67 (when the ratio of compressor size to total
compressor capacity input is 0.33) and the outdoor temperature is below the maximum outdoor
temperature for crankcase heater operation. Similarly, two crankcase heaters will operate when
the heat pump condensing unit’s PLR is less than or equal to 0.33 and the outdoor temperature
is below the maximum outdoor temperature for crankcase heater operation. If the heat pump
condensing unit is off, all 3 crankcase heaters will operate if the outdoor temperature is below the
maximum outdoor temperature for crankcase heater operation. The minimum value for this field
is 1. If this field is left blank, the default value is 2. This field is only used to calculate crankcase
heater power and has no impact on heat pump performance.
1398 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.32.2.1.32 Field: Ratio of Compressor Size to Total Compressor Capacity

This numeric field defines the size of the first stage compressor to the total compressor capacity
and is used exclusively for calculating crankcase heater energy. If this field and the previous field
are left blank, the default value is 0.5. If this field is left blank and the previous field is not blank,
the compressors are assumed to be equally sized. When the number of compressors is greater than
2, the 2nd stage compressor and all additional compressors are assumed to be equally sized. This
field is only used to calculate crankcase heater power and has no impact on heat pump performance.

1.32.2.1.33 Field: Maximum Outdoor Dry-bulb Temperature for Crankcase

Heater
This numeric field defines the maximum outdoor temperature, in degrees Celsius, below which
the crankcase heater will operate. If this field is left blank, the default value is 5°C. This field is
only used to calculate crankcase heater power and has no impact on heat pump performance.

1.32.2.1.34 Field: Defrost Strategy

This alpha field has two choices: reverse-cycle or resistive. If the reverse-cycle strategy is
selected, the heating cycle is reversed periodically to provide heat to melt frost accumulated on the
outdoor coil. If a resistive defrost strategy is selected, the frost is melted using an electric resistance
heater. If this input field is left blank, the default defrost strategy is reverse-cycle. Defrost can
be disabled by entering a resistive defrost strategy using a timed defrost control, a 0 defrost time
period fraction and a 0 resistive defrost heater capacity in the following inputs fields. This method
is used when the Maximum Outdoor Dry-Bulb Temperature for Defrost Operation field value is
greater than the expected minimum outdoor dry-bulb temperature simulated in the weather file.

1.32.2.1.35 Field: Defrost Control

This alpha field has two choices: timed or on-demand. If timed control is selected, the defrost
time period is calculated based on a fixed value of compressor runtime whether or not frost has
actually accumulated. For timed defrost control, the fractional amount of time the unit is in defrost
is entered in the input field “Defrost Time Period Fraction” described below. If on-demand defrost
control is selected, the defrost time period is calculated based on outdoor weather (humidity ratio)
conditions. Regardless of which defrost control is selected, defrost does not occur above the user
specified outdoor temperature entered in the input field “Maximum Outdoor Dry-bulb Temperature
for Defrost Operation” described above. If this input field is left blank, the default defrost control
is timed.

1.32.2.1.36 Field: Defrost Energy Input Ratio Modifier Function of Tempera-

ture Curve Name
This alpha field defines the name of a bi-quadratic performance curve (ref: Performance Curves)
that parameterizes the variation of the energy input ratio (EIR) during reverse-cycle defrost pe-
riods as a function of the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature and the weighted average wet-bulb
temperature of the air entering the indoor terminal units. The output of this curve is multiplied
by the coil capacity, the fractional defrost time period and the runtime fraction of the heating coil
to give the defrost power at the specific temperatures at which the indoor and outdoor coils are
operating. The curve is normalized to a value of 1.0 at the rating point conditions.

1.32.2.1.37 Field: Defrost Time Period Fraction

1.32. GROUP – VARIABLE REFRIGERANT FLOW EQUIPMENT 1399

This numeric field defines the fraction of compressor runtime when the defrost cycle is active.
For example, if the defrost cycle is active for 3.5 minutes for every 60 minutes of compressor runtime,
then the user should enter 3.5/60 = 0.058333. The value for this input field must be greater than
or equal to 0. If this input field is left blank, the default value is 0.058333.

1.32.2.1.38 Field: Resistive Defrost Heater Capacity

This numeric field defines the capacity of the resistive defrost heating element in Watts. This
input field is used only when the selected defrost strategy is ‘resistive’ (see input field “Defrost
Strategy” above). The value for this input field must be greater than or equal to 0. If this input
field is left blank, the default value is 0.

1.32.2.1.39 Field: Maximum Outdoor Dry-bulb Temperature for Defrost Op-

eration
This numeric field defines the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature above which outdoor coil de-
frosting is disabled. If this input field is left blank, the default value is 5°C. Defrost can be
completely eliminated by selecting a temperature lower than the minimum expected outdoor tem-
perature found in the weather file.

1.32.2.1.40 Field: Compressor maximum delta Pressure

This numeric field defines the maximum pressure increase that the compressor can provide.
The value should be greater than 0. If this field is blank, the default value of 4,500,000 Pa is used.

1.32.2.1.41 Field: Number of Compressor Loading Index Entries

This numeric field defines the number of compressor loading index entries. Loading index
specifies the VRF operational modes at various load conditions. In a single compressor system,
loading index reflects the compressor speed. The model requires at least two loading indices. The
first index represents the minimal capacity operation, while the last index represents full capacity
operation.

1.32.2.1.42 Field: Compressor Speed at Loading Index i

This numeric field defines the compressor speed at the i-th loading index. The value must be
greater than 0.

1.32.2.1.43 Field: Loading Index i Evaporative Capacity Multiplier Function of

Temperature Curve Name
This alpha field defines the name of a BiQuadratic curve for the VRF operational mode corre-
sponding to the i-th loading index. It parameterizes the variation of VRF evaporating capacity as
a function of operating conditions, i.e., evaporating and condensing temperatures. The output of
this curve is a dimensionless multiplier to be applied on the rated evaporative capacity to calculate
the actual capacity.

1.32.2.1.44 Field: Loading Index i Compressor Power Multiplier Function of

Temperature Curve Name
This alpha field defines the name of a BiQuadratic curve for the VRF operational mode corre-
sponding to the i-th loading index. It parameterizes the variation of compressor power as a function
of operating conditions, i.e., evaporating and condensing temperatures. The output of this curve
1400 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

is a dimensionless multiplier to be applied on the rated compressor power to calculate the actual
compressor power.
Following is an example input for a AirConditioner:VariableRefrigerantFlow:FluidTemperatureControl
system.

AirConditioner: VariableRefrigerantFlow:FluidTemperatureControl ,
VRF Heat Pump , !- Heat Pump Name
VRFCondAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
VRF Heat Pump TU List , !- Zone Terminal Unit List Name
R410A , !- Refrigerant Type
41300 , !- Rated Evaporative Capacity {W}
0.344 , !- Rated Compressor Power Per Unit of Rated Evaporative Capacity {W/W}
, !- Minimum Outdoor Air Temperature in Cooling Mode {C}
, !- Maximum Outdoor Air Temperature in Cooling Mode {C}
, !- Minimum Outdoor Air Temperature in Heating Mode {C}
, !- Maximum Outdoor Air Temperature in Heating Mode {C}
3, !- Reference Outdoor Unit Superheating Degrees {C}
3, !- Reference Outdoor Unit Subcooling Degrees {C}
VariableTemp , !- Refrigerant Temperature Control Algorithm for Indoor Unit
, !- Reference Evaporating Temperature for Indoor Unit {C}
, !- Reference Condensing Temperature for Indoor Unit {C}
6, !- Variable Evaporating Temperature Minimum for Indoor Unit {C}
13, !- Variable Evaporating Temperature Maximum for Indoor Unit {C}
42, !- Variable Condensing Temperature Minimum for Indoor Unit {C}
46, !- Variable Evaporating Temperature Maximum for Indoor Unit {C}
4.12E-3, !- Outdoor Unit Fan Power Per Unit of Rated Evaporative Capacity {W/W}
7.26E-5, !- Outdoor Unit Fan Flow Rate Per Unit of Rated Evaporative Capacity {
m3/s-W}
OUEvapTempCurve , !- Outdoor Unit Evaporating Temperature Function of Superheating Curve
Name
OUCondTempCurve , !- Outdoor Unit Condensing Temperature Function of Subcooling Curve
Name
0.0508 , !- Diameter of main pipe connecting outdoor unit to indoor units {m}
30, !- Length of main pipe connecting outdoor unit to indoor units {m}
36, !- Equivalent length of main pipe connecting outdoor unit to indoor
units {m}
5, !- Height difference between the outdoor unit node and indoor unit
node of the main pipe {m}
0.02, !- Insulation thickness of the main pipe {m}
0.032 , !- Thermal conductivity of the main pipe insulation material {W/m-K}
33, !- Crankcase Heater Power per Compressor {W}
1, !- Number of Compressors
0.33, !- Ratio of Compressor Size to Total Compressor Capacity
7, !- Maximum Outdoor Dry -bulb Temperature for Crankcase Heater {C}
, !- Defrost Strategy
, !- Defrost Control
, !- Defrost Energy Input Ratio Modifier Function of Temperature Curve
Name
, !- Defrost Time Period Fraction
, !- Resistive Defrost Heater Capacity {W}
, !- Maximum Outdoor Dry -bulb Temperature for Defrost Operation {C}
4500000 , !- Compressor maximum delta Pressure {Pa}
3, !- Number of Compressor Loading Index Entries
1500, !- Compressor Speed at Loading Index 1 {rev/min}
MinSpdCooling , !- Loading Index 1 Evaporative Capacity Multiplier Function of
Temperature Curve Name
MinSpdPower , !- Loading Index 1 Compressor Power Multiplier Function of Temperature
Curve Name
3600, !- Compressor Speed at Loading Index 2 {rev/min}
Spd1Cooling , !- Loading Index 2 Evaporative Capacity Multiplier Function of
Temperature Curve Name
Spd1Power , !- Loading Index 2 Compressor Power Multiplier Function of Temperature
Curve Name
6000, !- Compressor Speed at Loading Index 3 {rev/min}
Spd2Cooling , !- Loading Index 3 Evaporative Capacity Multiplier Function of
Temperature Curve Name
1.32. GROUP – VARIABLE REFRIGERANT FLOW EQUIPMENT 1401

Spd2Power; !- Loading Index 3 Compressor Power Multiplier Function of Temperature

Curve Name

Curve:Quadratic ,
OUEvapTempCurve , !- Name
0, !- Coefficient1 Constant
6.05E-1, !- Coefficient2 x
2.50E-2, !- Coefficient3 x**2
0, !- Minimum Value of x
15, !- Maximum Value of x
, !- Minimum Curve Output
, !- Maximum Curve Output
Temperature , !- Input Unit Type for X
Temperature; !- Output Unit Type

Curve:Quadratic ,
OUCondTempCurve , !- Name
0, !- Coefficient1 Constant
-2.91, !- Coefficient2 x
1.180 , !- Coefficient3 x**2
0, !- Minimum Value of x
20, !- Maximum Value of x
, !- Minimum Curve Output
, !- Maximum Curve Output
Temperature , !- Input Unit Type for X
Temperature; !- Output Unit Type

Curve:Biquadratic ,
MinSpdCooling , !- Name
3.19E-01, !- Coefficient1 Constant
-1.26E-03, !- Coefficient2 x
-2.15E-05, !- Coefficient3 x**2
1.20E-02, !- Coefficient4 y
1.05E-04, !- Coefficient5 y**2
-8.66E-05, !- Coefficient6 x*y
15, !- Minimum Value of x
65, !- Maximum Value of x
-30, !- Minimum Value of y
15, !- Maximum Value of y
, !- Minimum Curve Output
, !- Maximum Curve Output
Temperature , !- Input Unit Type for X
Temperature , !- Input Unit Type for Y
Dimensionless; !- Output Unit Type

Curve:Biquadratic ,
MinSpdPower , !- Name
8.79E-02 , !- Coefficient1 Constant
-1.72E-04, !- Coefficient2 x
6.93E-05 , !- Coefficient3 x**2
-3.38E-05, !- Coefficient4 y
-8.10E-06, !- Coefficient5 y**2
-1.04E-05, !- Coefficient6 x*y
15, !- Minimum Value of x
65, !- Maximum Value of x
-30, !- Minimum Value of y
15, !- Maximum Value of y
, !- Minimum Curve Output
, !- Maximum Curve Output
Temperature , !- Input Unit Type for X
Temperature , !- Input Unit Type for Y
Dimensionless; !- Output Unit Type

Curve:Biquadratic ,
Spd1Cooling , !- Name
8.12E-01 , !- Coefficient1 Constant
-4.23E-03, !- Coefficient2 x
-4.11E-05, !- Coefficient3 x**2
1402 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

2.97E-02 , !- Coefficient4 y
2.67E-04 , !- Coefficient5 y**2
-2.23E-04, !- Coefficient6 x*y
15, !- Minimum Value of x
65, !- Maximum Value of x
-30, !- Minimum Value of y
15, !- Maximum Value of y
, !- Minimum Curve Output
, !- Maximum Curve Output
Temperature , !- Input Unit Type for X
Temperature , !- Input Unit Type for Y
Dimensionless; !- Output Unit Type

Curve:Biquadratic ,
Spd1Power , !- Name
3.26E-01 , !- Coefficient1 Constant
-2.20E-03, !- Coefficient2 x
1.42E-04 , !- Coefficient3 x**2
2.82E-03 , !- Coefficient4 y
2.86E-05 , !- Coefficient5 y**2
-3.50E-05, !- Coefficient6 x*y
15, !- Minimum Value of x
65, !- Maximum Value of x
-30, !- Minimum Value of y
15, !- Maximum Value of y
, !- Minimum Curve Output
, !- Maximum Curve Output
Temperature , !- Input Unit Type for X
Temperature , !- Input Unit Type for Y
Dimensionless; !- Output Unit Type

Curve:Biquadratic ,
Spd2Cooling , !- Name
1.32E+00 , !- Coefficient1 Constant
-6.20E-03, !- Coefficient2 x
-7.10E-05, !- Coefficient3 x**2
4.89E-02 , !- Coefficient4 y
4.59E-04 , !- Coefficient5 y**2
-3.67E-04, !- Coefficient6 x*y
15, !- Minimum Value of x
65, !- Maximum Value of x
-30, !- Minimum Value of y
15, !- Maximum Value of y
, !- Minimum Curve Output
, !- Maximum Curve Output
Temperature , !- Input Unit Type for X
Temperature , !- Input Unit Type for Y
Dimensionless; !- Output Unit Type

Curve:Biquadratic ,
Spd2Power , !- Name
6.56E-01 , !- Coefficient1 Constant
-3.71E-03, !- Coefficient2 x
2.07E-04 , !- Coefficient3 x**2
1.05E-02 , !- Coefficient4 y
7.36E-05 , !- Coefficient5 y**2
-1.57E-04, !- Coefficient6 x*y
15, !- Minimum Value of x
65, !- Maximum Value of x
-30, !- Minimum Value of y
15, !- Maximum Value of y
, !- Minimum Curve Output
, !- Maximum Curve Output
Temperature , !- Input Unit Type for X
Temperature , !- Input Unit Type for Y
Dimensionless; !- Output Unit Type
1.32. GROUP – VARIABLE REFRIGERANT FLOW EQUIPMENT 1403

1.32.2.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,VRF Heat Pump Total Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,VRF Heat Pump Total Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,VRF Heat Pump Cooling COP []

• HVAC,Average,VRF Heat Pump Heating COP []

• HVAC,Average,VRF Heat Pump COP []

• HVAC,Average,VRF Heat Pump Part Load Ratio []

• HVAC,Average,VRF Heat Pump Runtime Fraction []

• HVAC,Average,VRF Heat Pump Cycling Ratio []

• HVAC,Average,VRF Heat Pump Operating Mode []

• HVAC,Average,VRF Heat Pump Condenser Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,VRF Heat Pump Maximum Capacity Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,VRF Heat Pump Maximum Capacity Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,VRF Heat Pump Crankcase Heater Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,VRF Heat Pump Crankcase Heater Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,VRF Heat Pump Terminal Unit Heating Load Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,VRF Heat Pump Terminal Unit Cooling Load Rate [W]

Heat Recovery:

• HVAC,Average,VRF Heat Pump Heat Recovery Status Change Multiplier []

Evap-cooled:

• HVAC,Sum,VRF Heat Pump Evaporative Condenser Water Use Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Average,VRF Heat Pump Evaporative Condenser Pump Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,VRF Heat Pump Evaporative Condenser Pump Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,VRF Heat Pump Basin Heater Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Average,VRF Heat Pump Basin Heater Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,VRF Heat Pump Heat Recovery Status Change Multiplier []

Water-cooled:

• HVAC,Average,VRF Heat Pump Condenser Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,VRF Heat Pump Condenser Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

1404 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• HVAC,Sum,VRF Heat Pump Condenser Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, VRF Heat Pump Condenser Heat Transfer Rate [W]

Electric Fuel type (default):

• HVAC,Average,VRF Heat Pump Cooling Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,VRF Heat Pump Cooling Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,VRF Heat Pump Heating Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,VRF Heat Pump Heating Electric Energy [J]

Electric defrost always used for Defrost Strategy = Resistive regardless of fuel type

• HVAC,Average,VRF Heat Pump Defrost Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,VRF Heat Pump Defrost Electric Energy [J]

Alternate Fuel types (e.g., FuelType = NaturalGas):

• HVAC,Average,VRF Heat Pump Cooling <FuelType> Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,VRF Heat Pump Cooling <FuelType> Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,VRF Heat Pump Heating <FuelType> Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,VRF Heat Pump Heating <FuelType> Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,VRF Heat Pump Defrost <FuelType> Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,VRF Heat Pump Defrost <FuelType> Energy [J]

For the pysics based VRF model (VRF-FluidTCtrl) only:

• VRF Heat Pump Indoor Unit Evaporating Temperature at Cooling Mode [C]

• VRF Heat Pump Outdoor Unit Condensing Temperature at Cooling Mode [C]

• VRF Heat Pump Indoor Unit Condensing Temperature at Heating Mode [C]

• VRF Heat Pump Outdoor Unit Evaporating Temperature at Heating Mode [C]

• VRF Heat Pump Compressor Electric Power at Cooling Mode [W]

• VRF Heat Pump Compressor Electric Power at Heating Mode [W]

• VRF Heat Pump Compressor Rotating Speed [rev/min]

• VRF Heat Pump Outdoor Unit Fan Power [W]

Note: refer to the rdd file after a simulation for exact output variable names
1.32. GROUP – VARIABLE REFRIGERANT FLOW EQUIPMENT 1405

1.32.2.2.1 VRF Heat Pump Total Cooling Rate [W]

This output field is the operating total cooling capacity of the variable refrigerant flow heat
pump in Watts. This value is calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and
the results are averaged for the time step being reported. This value should match the sum of the
individual zone terminal unit output variables for Zone VRF Air Terminal Total Cooling Rate.

1.32.2.2.2 VRF Heat Pump Total Heating Rate [W]

This output field is the operating total heating capacity of the variable refrigerant flow heat
pump in Watts. The capacity includes any degradation due to defrost mode. This value is calculated
for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are averaged for the time step
being reported. This value should match the sum of the individual zone terminal unit output
variables for Zone VRF Air Terminal Total Heating Rate.

1.32.2.2.3 VRF Heat Pump Cooling Electric Power [W]

This output field is the cooling mode electricity consumption rate of the variable refrigerant
flow heat pump in Watts. The consumption includes electricity used by the compressor and the
condenser fan. This value is calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the
results are averaged for the time step being reported. The choice of an alternate fuel type (see Fuel
Type input) will result in a change in the output variable name (e.g., Variable Refrigerant Flow
Heat Pump Cooling NaturalGas Consumption Rate).

1.32.2.2.4 VRF Heat Pump Cooling Electric Energy [J]

This output field is the cooling mode electricity consumption of the variable refrigerant flow
heat pump in Joules for the time period being reported. The consumption includes electricity used
by the compressor and the condenser fan. This value is calculated for each HVAC system time
step being simulated, and the results are summed for the time step being reported. This output is
also added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use Key = Cooling, Group Key =
System (Ref. Output:Meter objects). The choice of an alternate fuel type (see Fuel Type input)
will result in a change in the output variable name (e.g., Variable Refrigerant Flow Heat Pump
Cooling NaturalGas Consumption). The resource type meter will also be modified to reflect the
chosen fuel type (e.g., Resource Type = NaturalGas).

1.32.2.2.5 VRF Heat Pump Heating Electric Power [W]

This output field is the heating mode electricity consumption rate of the variable refrigerant
flow heat pump in Watts. The consumption includes electricity used by the compressor (including
crankcase heater), additional energy required for defrost, and the condenser fan. This value is
calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are averaged for the
time step being reported. The choice of an alternate fuel type (see Fuel Type input) will result
in a change in the output variable name (e.g., Variable Refrigerant Flow Heat Pump Heating
NaturalGas Consumption Rate).

1.32.2.2.6 VRF Heat Pump Heating Electric Energy [J]

This output field is the heating mode electricity consumption of the variable refrigerant flow heat
pump in Joules for the time period being reported. The consumption includes electricity used by the
compressor (including crankcase heater), additional energy required for defrost, and the condenser
fan. This value is calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are
summed for the time step being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource
1406 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Type = Electricity, End Use Key = Heating, Group Key = System (Ref. Output:Meter objects).
The choice of an alternate fuel type (see Fuel Type input) will result in a change in the output
variable name (e.g., Variable Refrigerant Flow Heat Pump Heating NaturalGas Consumption). The
resource type meter will also be modified to reflect the chosen fuel type (e.g., Resource Type =
NaturalGas).

1.32.2.2.7 VRF Heat Pump Cooling COP[]

This is the operating cooling coefficient of performance for the heat pump. This value is
calculated using the ratio of VRF Heat Pump Total Cooling Rate and Variable Refrigerant Flow
Heat Pump Cooling Electric Consumption Rate output variables. Crankcase heater (usually 0
in cooling mode), evaporative condenser water pump, and defrost (usually 0 in cooling mode)
consumption rate output variables are included in this calculation. This value is specific to outdoor
unit performance in cooling mode, is calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated,
and the results are averaged for the time step being reported.

1.32.2.2.8 VRF Heat Pump Heating COP[]

This is the operating heating coefficient of performance for the heat pump. This value is
calculated using the ratio of VRF Heat Pump Total Heating Rate and Variable Refrigerant Flow
Heat Pump Heating Electric Consumption Rate output variables. Crankcase heater, evaporative
condenser water pump (usually 0 in heating mode), and defrost consumption rate output variables
are included in this calculation. This value is specific to outdoor unit performance in heating mode,
is calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are averaged for the
time step being reported.

1.32.2.2.9 VRF Heat Pump COP[]

This is the operating coefficient of performance for the heat pump. This value is calculated using
the ratio of the total terminal unit coil capacity (cooling plus heating and accounts for piping losses)
and total system electric consumption rate (compressor, crankcase heater, evaporative condenser
water pump, defrost, and terminal unit parasitic electric consumption rate). This output variable
does not include pump power for a water-cooled system. This value is specific to overall system
performance, is calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are
averaged for the time step being reported.

1.32.2.2.10 VRF Heat Pump Defrost Electric Power [W]

This is the electricity consumption rate of the heat pump defrost in Watts when the unit is in
defrost mode (timed, reverse-cycle). . The choice of an alternate fuel type (see Fuel Type input)
will result in a change in the output variable name (e.g., Variable Refrigerant Flow Heat Pump
NaturalGas Defrost Consumption Rate).

1.32.2.2.11 VRF Heat Pump Defrost Electric Energy [J]

This is the electricity consumption of the heat pump in Joules for the time step being reported.
This consumption is applicable when the unit is in defrost mode (reverse-cycle or resistive). This
output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use Key = Heating, Group
Key = System (Ref. Output:Meter objects). The choice of an alternate fuel type (see Fuel Type
input) will result in a change in the output variable name (e.g., Variable Refrigerant Flow Heat
Pump NaturalGas Defrost Consumption). The resource type meter will also be modified to reflect
the chosen fuel type (e.g., Resource Type = NaturalGas).
1.32. GROUP – VARIABLE REFRIGERANT FLOW EQUIPMENT 1407

1.32.2.2.12 VRF Heat Pump Part Load Ratio

This output field is the part-load ratio of the heat pump condenser. Heat pump part-load
ratio is defined as the total coil load divided by the heat pump’s maximum available capacity at
the current operating conditions. This value is calculated for each HVAC system time step being
simulated, and the results are averaged for the time step being reported.

1.32.2.2.13 VRF Heat Pump Runtime Fraction []

This output field is the runtime fraction of the heat pump condenser’s first stage compressor.
Heat pump runtime fraction is defined as the fraction of time the first stage compressor is on during
a given time period and includes cycling losses. This value is calculated as the ratio of the VRF
Heat Pump Cycling Ratio and the output of the Cooling Part-Load Fraction Correlation Curve
object as the specific cycling ratio. This value is calculated for each HVAC system time step being
simulated, and the results are averaged for the time step being reported.

1.32.2.2.14 VRF Heat Pump Cycling Ratio []

This output field is the cycling ratio of the heat pump condenser’s first stage compressor. Heat
pump cycling ratio is defined as the fraction of time the first stage compressor is on during a given
time period. This value is calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the
results are averaged for the time step being reported.

1.32.2.2.15 VRF Heat Pump Operating Mode []

This output field is an integer representation of the operating mode of the variable refrigerant
flow heat pump. The operating mode for cooling mode is indicated by a 1 and heating mode is
indicated by a 2. A value of 0 is reported if the heat pump is off. This value is calculated for
each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are averaged for the time step being
reported.

1.32.2.2.16 VRF Heat Pump Condenser Inlet Temperature [C]

This is the inlet air temperature entering the condenser coil in degrees C. This value can
represent the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature, wet-bulb temperature, or somewhere in between
from the weather data being used, depending on the value used in the input field “Evaporative
Condenser Effectiveness”. The temperature reported here is used in the various modifier curves
related to temperature (e.g., Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve [function of temperature]).
(The use of the word Condenser here is taken from cooling operation – the same device can also
be an evaporator during heating operation.)

1.32.2.2.17 VRF Heat Pump Condenser Outlet Temperature [C]

This is the condenser coil outlet water temperature in degrees C. This value is calculated for
each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are averaged for the time step being
reported. This value is only reported for water-cooled systems. (The use of the word Condenser
here is taken from cooling operation – the same device can also be an evaporator during heating
operation.)

1.32.2.2.18 VRF Heat Pump Condenser Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

This is the condenser coil outlet water mass flow rate in kilograms per second. This value is
calculated for each HVAC system time step being simulated, and the results are averaged for the
time step being reported. This value is only reported for water-cooled systems. (The use of the
1408 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

word Condenser here is taken from cooling operation – the same device can also be an evaporator
during heating operation.)

1.32.2.2.19 VRF Heat Pump Condenser Heat Transfer Rate [W]

This is the condenser coil heat transfer rate in Watts. This value is calculated for each HVAC
system time step being simulated, and the results are averaged for the time step being reported.
This value is only reported for water-cooled systems. (The use of the word Condenser here is taken
from cooling operation – the same device can also be an evaporator during heating operation.)

1.32.2.2.20 VRF Heat Pump Condenser Heat Transfer Energy [J]

This is the condenser coil heat transfer in Joules. This value is calculated for each HVAC
system time step being simulated, and the results are summed for the time step being reported.
This value is only reported for water-cooled systems. (The use of the word Condenser here is taken
from cooling operation – the same device can also be an evaporator during heating operation.)

1.32.2.2.21 VRF Heat Pump Maximum Capacity Cooling Rate [W]

This output field is the maximum available terminal unit cooling capacity in Watts allowed for
the current time step being reported. If the terminal units request more capacity than is actually
available from the variable refrigerant flow heat pump, the individual terminal units will be limited
to this value. A maximum limit of 1E+20 is reported when there is sufficient capacity available
to meet all requests from the terminal units. This output variable easily identifies times when the
total terminal unit cooling load exceeds the heat pump’s available cooling capacity.

1.32.2.2.22 VRF Heat Pump Maximum Capacity Heating Rate [W]

This output field is the maximum available terminal unit heating capacity in Watts allowed for
the current time step being reported. If the terminal units request more capacity than is actually
available from the variable refrigerant flow heat pump, the individual terminal units will be limited
to this value. A maximum limit of 1E+20 is reported when there is sufficient capacity available
to meet all requests from the terminal units. This output variable easily identifies times when the
total terminal unit heating load exceeds the heat pump’s available heating capacity.

1.32.2.2.23 VRF Heat Pump Terminal Unit Cooling Load Rate [W]
This output field is the sum of the terminal unit cooling coil loads in Watts for the current time
step being reported. This value is derived directly from the cooling coils and represents the total
cooling load on the VRF system after piping losses have been accounted for. The total cooling load
will be less than the variable refrigerant flow total cooling capacity reported when piping losses are
modeled (i.e., when piping losses are < 1).

1.32.2.2.24 VRF Heat Pump Terminal Unit Heating Load Rate [W]
This output field is the sum of the terminal unit heating coil loads in Watts for the current time
step being reported. This value is derived directly from the heating coils and represents the total
heating load on the VRF system after piping losses have been accounted for. The total heating load
will be less than the variable refrigerant flow total heating capacity reported when piping losses are
modeled (i.e., when piping losses are < 1).
1.32. GROUP – VARIABLE REFRIGERANT FLOW EQUIPMENT 1409

1.32.2.2.25 VRF Heat Pump Crankcase Heater Electric Power [W]

This output field is the average electricity consumption rate of the heat pump’s crankcase
heaters in Watts for the time step being reported.

1.32.2.2.26 VRF Heat Pump Crankcase Heater Electric Energy [J]

This output field is the electricity consumption rate of the heat pump’s crankcase heaters in
Joules for the time step being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type
= Electricity, End Use Key = Cooling, Group Key = System (ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.32.2.2.27 VRF Heat Pump Evaporative Condenser Water Use Volume [m3]

This output is the amount of water used to evaporatively cool the condenser coil inlet air, in
cubic meters. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Water, End Use Key =
Cooling, Group Key = System (ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.32.2.2.28 VRF Heat Pump Evaporative Condenser Pump Electric Power [W]

This is the average electricity consumption rate of the evaporative condenser water pump in
Watts for the time step being reported.

1.32.2.2.29 VRF Heat Pump Evaporative Condenser Pump Electric Energy [J]

This is the electricity consumption rate of the evaporative condenser water pump in Joules
for the time step being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type =
Electricity, End Use Key = Cooling, Group Key = System (ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.32.2.2.30 VRF Heat Pump Basin Heater Electric Power [W]

This output is the electric consumption rate of the heat pump’s basin heater (for evaporatively-
cooled condenser type) in Watts. This basin heater only operates when the variable refrigerant flow
heat pump’s compressor(s) is off and therefore is reported as 0 anytime the compressor operates.
If the compressor is cycling (see VRF Heat Pump Cycling Ratio output variable above), the basin
heater electric power is proportional to one minus the cycling ratio of the compressor (i.e., the basin
heater is on when the compressor is off).

1.32.2.2.31 VRF Heat Pump Basin Heater Electric Energy [J]

This output is the electric consumption of the heat pump’s basin heater (for evaporatively-
cooled condenser type) in Joules. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type =
Electricity, End Use Key = Cooling, Group Key = System (Ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.32.2.2.32 VRF Heat Pump Heat Recovery Status Change Multiplier []

This output applies only when heat recovery is used and represents the multiplier used to derate
the capacity of the system when transitioning from cooling or heating mode to heat recovery mode.
This value is 1 when derating does not apply (i.e., the system has not recently changed modes
to provide heat recovery). Derating during a transition period is applied according to the inputs
for Heat Recovery Fraction and Heat Recovery Time Constant. To turn transition derating off,
set Heat Recovery Fraction to 1. Refer to the engineering reference document discussion on the
1410 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

variable refrigerant flow heat pump model section for transition from cooling only mode to heat
recovery mode for a more detailed description.

1.32.2.2.33 VRF Heat Pump Indoor Unit Evaporating Temperature at Cooling

Mode [C]
This output only applies for the VRF-FluidTCtrl model. This is the evaporating temperature
of the VRF system operating at cooling mode. This value is manipulated by the VRF system
considering the load conditions of all the zones it serves. It affects the indoor unit cooling coil
surface temperature and thus the cooling capacity of the indoor unit. It also affects the compressor
operating conditions and thus the compressor energy consumption.

1.32.2.2.34 VRF Heat Pump Outdoor Unit Condensing Temperature at Cooling

Mode [C]
This output only applies for the VRF-FluidTCtrl model. This is the condensing temperature of
the VRF system operating at cooling mode. This value is related with the outdoor air conditions
as well as the system operational mode. It affects the condensing capacity of the outdoor unit. It
also affects the compressor operating conditions and thus the compressor energy consumption.

1.32.2.2.35 VRF Heat Pump Indoor Unit Condensing Temperature at Heating

Mode [C]
This output only applies for the VRF-FluidTCtrl model. This is the condensing temperature
of the VRF system operating at heating mode. This value is manipulated by the VRF system
considering the load conditions of all the zones it serves. It affects the indoor unit heating coil
surface temperature and thus the heating capacity of the indoor unit. It also affects the compressor
operating conditions and thus the compressor energy consumption.

1.32.2.2.36 VRF Heat Pump Outdoor Unit Evaporating Temperature at Heat-

ing Mode [C]
This output only applies for the VRF-FluidTCtrl model. This is the evaporating temperature
of the VRF system operating at heating mode. This value is related with the outdoor air conditions
as well as the system operational mode. It affects the evaporating capacity of the outdoor unit. It
also affects the compressor operating conditions and thus the compressor energy consumption.

1.32.2.2.37 VRF Heat Pump Compressor Electric Power at Cooling Mode [W]

This output only applies for the VRF-FluidTCtrl model. This is the electric power of the
compressor running at the cooling mode. This value is related with the compressor speed as well
as the operational conditions, i.e., evaporating and condensing temperatures of the system.

1.32.2.2.38 VRF Heat Pump Compressor Electric Power at Heating Mode [W]

This output only applies for the VRF-FluidTCtrl model. This is the electric power of the
compressor running at the heating mode. This value is related with the compressor speed as well
as the operational conditions, i.e., evaporating and condensing temperatures of the system.
1.32. GROUP – VARIABLE REFRIGERANT FLOW EQUIPMENT 1411

1.32.2.2.39 VRF Heat Pump Compressor Rotating Speed [rev/min]

This output only applies for the VRF-FluidTCtrl model. This is the rotating speed of the
compressor, which indicates the loading index.

1.32.2.2.40 VRF Heat Pump Outdoor Unit Fan Power [W]

This output only applies for the VRF-FluidTCtrl model. This is the power consumed by the
fan located in the VRF outdoor unit.

1.32.3 ZoneTerminalUnitList
The zone terminal unit list defines the names of the terminal units connected to a single variable
refrigerant flow air-conditioning system. The zone terminal unit list is used exclusively in the vari-
able refrigerant flow (VRF) air conditioner object (ref: AirConditioner:VariableRefrigerantFlow).
Up to 20 terminal units may be connected to a single VRF outdoor condensing unit. This list is
extensible if additional indoor terminal units are required. The name of this zone terminal unit
list object is then input into the corresponding variable refrigerant flow air conditioner object. The
following figure demonstrates this concept.

Figure 1.139: Zone Terminal Unit List Diagram

1.32.3.1 Inputs
1.32.3.1.1 Field: Zone Terminal List Name
This alpha field specifies the name of the zone terminal unit list. This name must be specified
in the AirConditioner:VariableRefrigerantFlow object.
1412 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.32.3.1.2 Field: Zone Terminal Unit Name <x>

This alpha field defines the name of the zone terminal unit used in a variable refrigerant
air conditioner. The zone terminal unit must be connected to a zone using the Zone-
HVAC:EquipmentConnections object. The terminal unit air inlet node is the same name as a zone
exhaust node. The terminal unit air outlet node is the same name as a zone inlet node. The IDD
is supplied with 20 fields for this. The object is extensible and you can change the IDD by adding
more fields or, if you are using text editor for your input file, just add to the list of names.
Following is an example input for a ZoneTerminalUnitList object.

ZoneTerminalUnitList ,
VRF Heat Pump TU List , !- Zone Terminal Unit List Name
TU3 , !- Zone Terminal Unit Name 1
TU4 , !- Zone Terminal Unit Name 2
TU1 , !- Zone Terminal Unit Name 3
TU2 , !- Zone Terminal Unit Name 4
TU5; !- Zone Terminal Unit Name 5

1.33 Group – Radiative / Convective Units

This section describes the radiative/convective zone equipment units. The following units are
included in this section:
• ZoneHVAC:Baseboard:Convective:Electric
• ZoneHVAC:Baseboard:RadiantConvective:Water
• ZoneHVAC:Baseboard:RadiantConvective:Steam
• ZoneHVAC:Baseboard:RadiantConvective:Electric
• ZoneHVAC:Baseboard:Convective:Water
• ZoneHVAC:HighTemperatureRadiant
• ZoneHVAC:LowTemperatureRadiant:ConstantFlow
• ZoneHVAC:LowTemperatureRadiant:Electric
• ZoneHVAC:LowTemperatureRadiant:VariableFlow

1.33.1 ZoneHVAC:Baseboard:RadiantConvective:Water
The objective of this model is to calculate the convective and radiant heat transfer from water
baseboard heaters to the people and the surfaces within a zone so that surface heat balances can
take into account the radiant heat transfer to the surfaces and thus enhance the accuracy of thermal
comfort predictions within the space. The radiant heat gains are distributed to the surfaces by
fractions defined by user input.

1.33.1.1 Inputs
1.33.1.1.1 Field: Name
A unique user assigned name for an instance of a hot water baseboard heater unit. Any reference
to this unit by another object will use this name.
1.33. GROUP – RADIATIVE / CONVECTIVE UNITS 1413

1.33.1.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

The name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the hot water baseboard heater
unit can run during a given time period. A schedule value equal to 0 denotes that the unit must be
off for that time period. A value greater than 0 denotes that the unit is available to operate during
that time period. If this field is left blank, the schedule has a value of 1 for all time periods.

1.33.1.1.3 Field: Inlet Node Name

This field is the name of the hot water inlet node for the baseboard heater.

1.33.1.1.4 Field: Outlet Node Name

This field is the name of the hot water outlet node for the baseboard heater.

1.33.1.1.5 Field: Rated AverageWaterTemperature

This field is the rated average water temperature for the baseboard heater which is published
in the manufacturer’s literature in degree Celsius. It typically ranges from 65.56°C to 115.36°C in
the I = B = R rating document while the lowest allowable temperature is 32.22°C. The default
value is 87.78°C. If the user does not enter this field, the default value is assumed.

1.33.1.1.6 Field: Rated Water Mass Flow Rate

This field is the rated standard water flow rate in kg/s which is published as part of the
manufacturer’s literature. It is used by the manufacturers when determining the rated capacity
(see next field). The default value is 0.063kg/s. If it is blank or zero, the default values is assumed.

1.33.1.1.7 Field: Heating Design Capacity Method

Enter the method used to determine the heating design capacity or the method for scalable
sizing. Input allowed is either HeatingDesignCapacity, CapacityPerFloorArea, and FractionOfAu-
tosizedHeatingCapacity. If this input field is left blank or zero, then autosizing is assumed. Heat-
ingDesignCapacity means user specifies the magnitude of heating capacity or the program calculates
the design heating capacity if autosize is specified. CapacityPerFloorArea means the program cal-
culates the design heating capacity from user specified heating capacity per floor area and floor
area of the zone served by the radiant baseboard unit. FractionOfAutosizedHeatingCapacity means
the program calculates the design heating capacity from user specified fraction and the auto-sized
design heating capacity. The default method is HeatingDesignCapacity.

1.33.1.1.8 Field: Heating Design Capacity {W}

This field is the radiant-convective water baseboard rated capacity in watts at a rated water
mass flow rate (see input field Rated Mass Flow Rate). Almost all publications from manufacturers
indicate it as W/m (Btuh per linear foot). The user thus must multiply it by the active length of
the unit. The active length is available in the literature. Manufacturers are required to publish
the difference between active and total length of the unit (I = B = R rating for boilers baseboard
radiation, 2009).If it is blank or zero, autosizing is assumed. Design day sizing run must be specified
for autosizing.

1.33.1.1.9 Field: Heating Design Capacity Per Floor Area {W/m2}

Enter the rated heating capacity per unit floor area of radiant-convective water baseboard unit
in m3/s-m2. This field is required field when the Heating Design Capacity Method is CapacityPe-
rFloorArea. The program calculates the heating capacity from floor area of the zone served by the
1414 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

radiant baseboard unit and the heating capacity per unit floor area value specified by the user.
This field may be left blank.

1.33.1.1.10 Field: Fraction of Autosized Heating Design Capacity

Enter the heating capacity as a fraction of the autosized heating capacity of radiant-convective
water baseboard. This input field is required when the Heating Design Capacity Method is Frac-
tionOfAutosizedHeatingCapacity. The program calculates the heating capacity from the design
autosized heating capacity and user specified fraction. Design day sizing run must be specified.
This field may be left blank. Default value is 1.0.

1.33.1.1.11 Field: Maximum Water Flow Rate

This field is the maximum water volumetric flow rate in m3 /sec. It can be autosized by
EnergyPlus.

1.33.1.1.12 Field: Convergence Tolerance

This field is the control tolerance for the unit heating output. The unit is controlled by matching
the unit output to the zone demand. For hot water baseboards, the model must be numerically
inverted to obtain a specified output. The convergence tolerance is the error tolerance used to
terminate the numerical inversion procedure. Basically this is the fraction:

|(Qbb,out − QZoneLoad )|
≤ ConvergenceT olerance (1.133)
QZoneLoad
The default is 0.001.

1.33.1.1.13 Field: Fraction Radiant

This field specifies what fraction of the power input to the baseboard heater is actually trans-
ferred to the space as radiant heat. The fraction should be between 0 and 1. This is the portion
of the total power that is modeled as radiation. The portion that is radiant heat transfer from the
baseboard heater is distributed to people and specific surfaces using the remaining fields. Note that
the sum of the fractions in the remaining fields (people and surfaces) must equal 1.0 so that all the
radiant power is distributed properly. For more information on the specification of this parameter,
please see the Engineering Reference for EnergyPlus.

1.33.1.1.14 Field: Fraction of Radiant Energy Incident on People

This field specifies the fraction of radiant portion of heat transfer to the zone from the baseboard
heater that is incident directly on people within the space. This has an impact on the predicted
thermal comfort of the zone occupants. Note that although this energy is “radiant” it is actually
modeled in the zone heat balance as convective energy (like an internal gain). The basic assumption
here is that most radiant energy falling on people will most likely be rereleased to the zone air by
convection. This is a simplification of reality, but it maintains the overall energy balance.

1.33.1.1.15 Field Set: Surface Name, Fraction of Radiant Energy to Surface

The following two items are repeated up to a maximum of 20 surface/fraction pairs. At least
one surface/fraction pair must appear in an input file. In other words, at least one surface must be
identified as a recipient of radiant energy from the baseboard heater.
1.33. GROUP – RADIATIVE / CONVECTIVE UNITS 1415

1.33.1.1.16 Field: Surface <x> Name

This field is the name of the first surface to which radiant heat transfer from the baseboard
heater is distributed. Used in conjunction with the next field, it helps to define the distribution of
the radiant energy on the surfaces within the zone. Note that up to 20 pairs of surface names and
corresponding fractions may be entered for a single radiant heater system.

1.33.1.1.17 Field: Fraction of Radiant Energy to Surface <x>

This field is paired with the preceding surface name (previous field) to define the fraction of
radiant heat transfer leaving the baseboard heater that is incident on a particular surface. Users
should take into account the directionality of baseboard heaters and their location when defining
the value for this input field.
Note on Fraction of Radiant Energy Incident on People and to Surfaces
The radiant energy from the baseboard heater is defined by the total energy input to the
baseboard heater from the water loop times the fraction radiant field shown above. This radiant
energy is distributed to surfaces and people using the surface and fraction pairs and the fraction
to people input by the user. These fractions to people and surfaces must add up to 1.0. In other
words, in an input file, the following relation should be maintained by the user input:
∑
F ractionIndicentOnP eople + F ractionT oSurf aces = 1 (1.134)
An example IDF for the water baseboard is shown below.

ZoneHVAC:Baseboard:RadiantConvective:Water ,
SPACE2 -1 Baseboard , !- Baseboard Name
ReheatCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
SPACE2 -1 Zone Coil Water In Node , !- Inlet\_Node
SPACE2 -1 Zone Coil Water Out Node , !- Outlet\_Node
76.67 , !- Average Water Temperature {C}
0.063 , !- Standard Water Mass Flow Rate {Kg/s}
HeatingDesignCapacity , !- Heating Design Capacity Method
3000.0 , !- Heating Design Capacity{ W }
, !- Heating Design Capacity Per Floor Area{ W / m2 }
, !- Fraction of Autosized Heating Design Capacity{ -}
0.0013 , !- Max Water Volumetric Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.001 , !- Convergence Tolerance
0.3, !- Fraction radiant
0.3, !- Fraction of radiant energy incident on people
C2 -1, !- Surface 1 Name
0.1, !- Fraction of radiant energy from heater distributed to surface 1
F2 -1, !- Surface 2 Name
0.2, !- Fraction of radiant energy from heater distributed to surface 2
SB21 , !- surface 3 Name
0.1, !- fraction of radiant energy from heater distributed to surface 3
SB23 , !- surface 4 Name
0.1, !- fraction of radiant energy from heater distributed to surface 4
SB25 , !- surface 5 Name
0.1, !- fraction of radiant energy from heater distributed to surface 5
WR -1, !- surface 6 Name
0.1; !- fraction of radiant energy from heater distributed to surface 6

1.33.1.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Baseboard Total Heating Rate [W]
• HVAC,Average,Baseboard Convective Heating Rate [W]
• HVAC,Average,Baseboard Radiant Heating Rate [W]
1416 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• HVAC,Sum,Baseboard Total Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Baseboard Total Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Baseboard Convective Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Baseboard Radiant Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Meter,Baseboard:EnergyTransfer [J]

1.33.1.2.1 Baseboard Total Heating Rate [W]

This is the actual convective heat addition rate of the baseboard to the zone in Watts. This
value includes the heat convected to the zone air from the baseboard unit, the heat radiated to
people in the zone from the baseboard unit, and the additional convection from surfaces within
the zone that have been heated by radiation from the baseboard unit. This value will be different
from (and almost always less than) the next field.

1.33.1.2.2 Baseboard Convective Heating Rate [W]

This field reports the rate at which convective heat addition is transferred from the baseboard
to the zone in Watts.

1.33.1.2.3 Baseboard Radiant Heating Rate [W]

This field reports the rate at which radiant heat addition is transferred from the baseboard to
the people and the surfaces within the zone in Watts.

1.33.1.2.4 Baseboard Total Heating Energy [J]

This is the actual, total convective energy transferred directly and indirectly from the baseboard
to the zone it is serving in Joules. Direct convective heat transfer includes the convective portion
of the baseboard unit. Indirect convective heat transfer includes heat radiated to people that is
then convected to the zone air and heat that is radiated to the surfaces and then convected to the
zone air.

1.33.1.2.5 Baseboard Convective Heating Energy [J]

This field reports the amount of convective energy transferred from the baseboard directly to
the zone air in Joules.

1.33.1.2.6 Baseboard Radiant Heating Energy [J]

This field reports the amount of radiant energy transferred from the baseboard to the zone in
Joules.

1.33.1.2.7 Baseboard Hot Water Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

This field reports the water mass flow rate at the inlet node of a baseboard unit.

1.33.1.2.8 Baseboard Air Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

This field reports the air mass flow rate at the inlet node of a baseboard unit.

1.33.1.2.9 Baseboard Water Inlet Temperature [C]

This field reports the water temperatures at the inlet node of a baseboard unit.
1.33. GROUP – RADIATIVE / CONVECTIVE UNITS 1417

1.33.1.2.10 Baseboard Water Outlet Temperature [C]

This field reports the water temperatures at the outlet node of a baseboard unit.

1.33.1.2.11 Baseboard Air Inlet Temperature [C]

This field reports the air temperatures at the inlet node of a baseboard unit.

1.33.1.2.12 Baseboard Air Outlet Temperature [C]

This field reports the air temperatures at the outlet node of a baseboard unit.

1.33.2 ZoneHVAC:Baseboard:RadiantConvective:Steam
The objective of this model is to calculate the convective and radiant heat transfer from steam
baseboard heaters to the people and the surfaces within a zone so that surface heat balances can
take into account the radiant heat transfer to the surfaces and thus enhance the accuracy of thermal
comfort predictions within the space. The radiant heat gains are distributed to the surfaces by
fractions defined by the user. Users are requested to provide degree of sub cooling to estimate the
outlet conditions of the condensate.

1.33.2.1 Inputs
1.33.2.1.1 Field: Name
A unique user assigned name for an instance of a steam baseboard heater unit. Any reference
to this unit by another object will use this name.

1.33.2.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

The name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the steam baseboard heater
unit can run during a given time period. A schedule value equal to 0 denotes that the unit must be
off for that time period. A value greater than 0 denotes that the unit is available to operate during
that time period. If this field is left blank, the schedule has a value of 1 for all time periods.

1.33.2.1.3 Field: Inlet Node Name

This field is the name of the steam inlet node for the baseboard heater.

1.33.2.1.4 Field: Outlet Node Name

This field is the name of the steam outlet node for the baseboard heater.

1.33.2.1.5 Field: Heating Design Capacity Method

Enter the method used to determine the heating design capacity for scalable sizing. Input
allowed is either HeatingDesignCapacity, CapacityPerFloorArea, and FractionOfAutosizedHeating-
Capacity. If this input field is left blank or zero, then autosizing is assumed. HeatingDesignCapacity
means user specifies the magnitude of maximum heating capacity or the program calculates the
maximum design heating capacity if autosize is specified. CapacityPerFloorArea means the program
calculates the design heating capacity from user specified heating capacity per floor area and floor
area of the zone served by the radiant baseboard unit. FractionOfAutosizedHeatingCapacity means
the program calculates the design heating capacity from user specified fraction and the auto-sized
design heating capacity. The default method is HeatingDesignCapacity.
1418 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.33.2.1.6 Field: Heating Design Capacity {W}

This field is for the a radiant/convective steam baseboard unit heating capacity in watts. This
field can be autosized by EnergyPlus. When the Heating Design Capacity Method is HeatingDe-
signCapacity and this input is is blank, autosizing is assumed. Design day sizing run must be
specified.

1.33.2.1.7 Field: Heating Design Capacity Per Floor Area {W/m2}

Enter the heating capacity per unit floor area in m3/s-m2 of radiant/convective steam base-
board. This field is required field when the Heating Design Capacity Method is CapacityPer-
FloorArea. The program calculates the heating capacity from floor area of the zone served by the
steam baseboard unit and the heating capacity per unit floor area value specified by the user. This
field may be left blank.

1.33.2.1.8 Field: Fraction of Autosized Heating Design Capacity

Enter the heating capacity as a fraction of the autosized heating capacity of a radiant/convective
steam baseboard unit. This input field is required when the Heating Design Capacity Method is
FractionOfAutosizedHeatingCapacity. The program calculates the heating capacity from the design
autosized heat capacity and user specified fraction. Design day sizing run must be specified. This
field may be left blank. Default value is 1.0.

1.33.2.1.9 Field: Degree of SubCooling

This field is the temperature drop of the condensate in the coil of the baseboard heater. The
steam condensates in the coil and changes the phase to the water, giving up the latent heat of
steam to the air in the steam to air heat exchanger. The condensate due to the phase change then
cools by certain degree in the coil, so that this amount of heat is added to the zone. The minimum
value is 1.0° Celsius and default is 5.0° Celsius.

1.33.2.1.10 Field: Maximum Steam Flow Rate

This field is the maximum steam volumetric flow rate in m3 /s through the steam baseboard
heater. The steam volumetric flow rate is calculated at 100C and 101325 Pa. It can be autosized
by EnergyPlus.

1.33.2.1.11 Field: Convergence Tolerance

This field is the control tolerance for the unit heating output. The unit is controlled by matching
the unit output to the zone demand. For steam baseboards, the model must be numerically inverted
to obtain a specified output. The convergence tolerance is the error tolerance used to terminate
the numerical inversion procedure. Basically this is the fraction:

|(Qbb,out − QZoneLoad )|
≤ ConvergenceT olerance (1.135)
QZoneLoad
The default is 0.001.

1.33.2.1.12 Field: Fraction Radiant

This field specifies what fraction of the power input to the baseboard heater is actually trans-
ferred to the space as radiant heat. The fraction should be between 0 and 1. This is the portion
of the total power that is modeled as radiation. The portion that is radiant heat transfer from
the baseboard heater is distributed to people and specific surfaces using the remaining fields. Note
1.33. GROUP – RADIATIVE / CONVECTIVE UNITS 1419

that the sum of the fractions in the remaining fields (people and surfaces) must equal 1.0 so that
all the radiant power is distributed properly.

1.33.2.1.13 Field: Fraction of Radiant Energy Incident on People

This field specifies the fraction of radiant portion of heat transfer to the zone from the baseboard
heater that is incident directly on people within the space. This has an impact on the predicted
thermal comfort of the zone occupants. Note that although this energy is “radiant” it is actually
modeled in the zone heat balance as convective energy (like an internal gain). The basic assumption
here is that most radiant energy falling on people will most likely be rereleased to the zone air by
convection. This is a simplification of reality, but it maintains the overall energy balance.

1.33.2.1.14 Field Set: Surface Name, Fraction of Radiant Energy to Surface

The following two items are repeated up to a maximum of 20 surface/fraction pairs. At least
one surface/fraction pair must appear in an input file. In other words, at least one surface must be
identified as a recipient of radiant energy from the baseboard heater.

1.33.2.1.15 Field: Surface <x> Name

This field is the name of the first surface to which radiant heat transfer from the baseboard
heater is distributed. Used in conjunction with the next field, it helps to define the distribution of
the radiant energy on the surfaces within the zone. Note that up to 20 pairs of surface names and
corresponding fractions may be entered for a single radiant heater system.

1.33.2.1.16 Field: Fraction of Radiant Energy to Surface <x>

This field is paired with the preceding surface name (previous field) to define the fraction of
radiant heat transfer leaving the baseboard heater that is incident on a particular surface. Users
should take into account the directionality of baseboard heaters and their location when defining
the value for this input field.

1.33.2.1.17 Note on Fraction of Radiant Energy Incident on People and to Sur-

faces
The radiant energy from the baseboard heater is defined by the total energy input to the
baseboard heater from the steam loop times the fraction radiant field shown above. This radiant
energy is distributed to surfaces and people using the surface and fraction pairs and the fraction
to people input by the user. These fractions to people and surfaces must add up to 1.0. In other
words, in an input file, the following relation should be maintained by the user input:
∑
F ractionIndicentOnP eople + F ractionT oSurf aces = 1 (1.136)
An example IDF for the steam baseboard is shown below.

ZoneHVAC:Baseboard:RadiantConvective:Steam ,
Zone1Baseboard , !- Baseboard name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- On/off schedule
Steam Inlet Node , !- Steam inlet node
Steam Outlet Node , !- Steam outlet node
HeatingDesignCapacity ,!- Heating Design Capacity Method
autosize , !- Heating Design Capacity{ W }
, !- Heating Design Capacity Per Floor Area{ W / m2 }
, !- Fraction of Autosized Heating Design Capacity{ -}
5.0, !- Degree of sub cooling in the coil {C}
autosize , !- Maximum steam volumetric flow rate {m3/s}
1420 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

0.001 , !- Tolerance
0.3, !- Fraction radiant
0.3, !- Fraction of radiant energy that is incident directly on people
OuterWall , !- Surface 1 Name
0.4, !- Fraction of radiant energy from heater distributed to surface 1
Ceiling , !- Surface 2 Name
0.1, !- Fraction of radiant energy from heater distributed to surface 2
InnerWall , !- Surface 3 Name
0.1, !- Fraction of radiant energy from heater distributed to surface 3
Floor , !- Surface 4 Name
0.1; !- Fraction of radiant energy from heater distributed to surface 4

1.33.2.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Baseboard Total Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Baseboard Convective Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Baseboard Radiant Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Baseboard Total Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Baseboard Convective Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Baseboard Radiant Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Meter,Baseboard:EnergyTransfer [J]

• HVAC,Average,Baseboard Steam Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Baseboard Steam Inlet temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Baseboard Steam Outlet temperature [C]

1.33.2.2.1 Baseboard Total Heating Rate [W]

This is the actual convective heat addition rate of the baseboard to the zone in Watts. This
value includes the heat convected to the zone air from the baseboard unit, the heat radiated to
people in the zone from the baseboard unit, and the additional convection from surfaces within the
zone that have been heated by radiation from the baseboard unit. This value will be different from
(and almost always less than) the next field.

1.33.2.2.2 Baseboard Convective Heating Rate [W]

This field reports the rate at which convective heat addition is transferred from the baseboard
to the zone in Watts.

1.33.2.2.3 Baseboard Radiant Heating Rate [W]

This field reports the rate at which radiant heat addition is transferred from the baseboard to
the people and the surfaces within the zone in Watts.
1.33. GROUP – RADIATIVE / CONVECTIVE UNITS 1421

1.33.2.2.4 Baseboard Total Heating Energy [J]

This is the actual, total convective energy transferred directly and indirectly from the baseboard
to the zone it is serving in Joules. Direct convective heat transfer includes the convective portion
of the baseboard unit. Indirect convective heat transfer includes heat radiated to people that is
then convected to the zone air and heat that is radiated to the surfaces and then convected to the
zone air.

1.33.2.2.5 Baseboard Convective Heating Energy [J]

This field reports the amount of convective energy transferred from the baseboard directly to
the zone air in Joules.

1.33.2.2.6 Baseboard Radiant Heating Energy [J]

This field reports the amount of radiant energy transferred from the baseboard to the zone in
Joules.

1.33.2.2.7 Baseboard Steam Energy [J]

1.33.2.2.8 Baseboard Steam Rate [W]

These are the total heat addition energy and rate of steam used by the baseboard to heat the
zone it is serving in Joules and Watts.

1.33.2.2.9 Baseboard Steam Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

This field reports the steam mass flow rate at the inlet node of a baseboard unit.

1.33.2.2.10 Baseboard Steam Inlet Temperature [C]

This field reports the steam temperatures at the inlet node of a baseboard unit.

1.33.2.2.11 Baseboard Steam Outlet Temperature [C]

This field reports the steam temperatures at the outlet node of a baseboard unit.

1.33.3 ZoneHVAC:Baseboard:RadiantConvective:Electric
The electric baseboard heater is a component in the zone equipment simulation. Heat from this
device is radiated to people and surfaces and also convected to the surrounding air. The electric
baseboard model includes the impact of the radiant heat addition to people and surfaces so that the
thermal comfort and surface heat balances are impacted. The component is controlled to meet any
remaining zone load not met by other equipment baseboard operates to meet the remaining zone
load and the total electric consumption is calculated by dividing by the efficiency of the baseboard.

1.33.3.1 Inputs
1.33.3.1.1 Field: Name
A unique user assigned name for an instance of an electric baseboard heater unit. Any reference
to this unit by another object will use this name.
1422 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.33.3.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

The name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the electric baseboard heater
unit can run during a given time period. A schedule value greater than 0 (usually 1 is used)
indicates that the unit can be on during the time period. A value less than or equal to 0 (usually
0 is used) denotes that the unit will be off for the time period. If this field is blank, the schedule
has values of 1 for all time periods.

1.33.3.1.3 Field: Heating Design Capacity Method

Enter the method used to determine the heating design capacity for scalable sizing. Input
allowed is either HeatingDesignCapacity, CapacityPerFloorArea, and FractionOfAutosizedHeating-
Capacity. If this input field is left blank or zero, then autosizing is assumed. HeatingDesignCapacity
means user specifies the magnitude of maximum or nominal heating capacity or the program calcu-
lates the maximum or nominal design heating capacity if autosize is specified. CapacityPerFloorArea
means the program calculates the design heating capacity from user specified heating capacity per
floor area and floor area of the zone served by the radiant baseboard unit. FractionOfAutosizedHeat-
ingCapacity means the program calculates the design heating capacity from user specified fraction
and the auto-sized design heating capacity. The default method is HeatingDesignCapacity.

1.33.3.1.4 Field: Heating Design Capacity {W}

This field is for the radiant-convective electric baseboard unit nominal heating capacity in
watts. This field can be autosized by EnergyPlus. This input field is autosizable. When the
Heating Design Capacity Method is HeatingDesignCapacity and this input is is blank, autosizing
is assumed. Design day sizing run must be specified.

1.33.3.1.5 Field: Heating Design Capacity Per Floor Area {W/m2}

Enter the heating capacity per unit floor area in m3/s-m2 of radiant/convective electric base-
board. This field is required field when the Heating Design Capacity Method is CapacityPer-
FloorArea. The program calculates the heating capacity from floor area of the zone served by the
radiant baseboard unit and the heating capacity per unit floor area value specified by the user.
This field may be left blank.

1.33.3.1.6 Field: Fraction of Autosized Heating Design Capacity

Enter the heating capacity as a fraction of the autosized heating capacity for radiant/convective
electric baseboard. This input field is required when the Heating Design Capacity Method is
FractionOfAutosizedHeatingCapacity. The program calculates the heating capacity from the design
autosized heat capacity and user specified fraction. Design day sizing run must be specified. This
field may be left blank. Default value is 1.0.

1.33.3.1.7 Field: Efficiency

This is the overall electrical efficiency of the electric baseboard unit. The zone load met by this
unit is divided by the electrical efficiency to obtain the total electric energy used.

1.33.3.1.8 Field: Fraction Radiant

This field specifies what fraction of the power input to the baseboard heater is actually trans-
ferred to the space as radiant heat. The fraction should be between 0 and 1. This is the portion
of the total power that is modeled as radiation. The portion that is radiant heat transfer from
the baseboard heater is distributed to people and specific surfaces using the remaining fields. Note
1.33. GROUP – RADIATIVE / CONVECTIVE UNITS 1423

that the sum of the fractions in the remaining fields (people and surfaces) must equal 1.0 so that
all the radiant power is distributed properly.

1.33.3.1.9 Field: Fraction of Radiant Energy Incident on People

This field specifies the fraction of the radiant portion of heat transfer to the zone from the
baseboard heater that is incident directly on people within the space. This has an impact on the
predicted thermal comfort of the zone occupants. Note that although this energy is “radiant” it is
actually modeled in the zone heat balance as a convective energy (like an internal gain). The basic
assumption here is that radiant energy falling on people will most likely be rereleased to the zone
air by convection. This is a simplification of reality, but it maintains the overall energy balance.

1.33.3.1.10 Field Set: Surface Name, Fraction of Radiant Energy to Surface

The following two items are repeated up to a maximum of 20 surface/fraction pairs. At least
one surface/fraction pair must appear in an input file. In other words, at least one surface must be
identified as a recipient of radiant energy from the baseboard heater.

1.33.3.1.11 Field Set: Surface <x> Name

This field is the name of the first surface to which radiant heat transfer from the baseboard
heater is distributed. Used in conjunction with the next field, it helps to define the distribution of
the radiant energy on the surfaces within the zone. Note that up to 20 pairs of surface names and
corresponding fractions may be entered for a single radiant heater system.

1.33.3.1.12 Field Set: Fraction of Radiant Energy to Surface <x>

This field is paired with the preceding surface name (previous field) to define the fraction of
radiant heat transfer leaving the baseboard heater that is incident on a particular surface. Users
should take into account the directionality of baseboard heaters and their location when defining
the value for this input field.

1.33.3.1.13 Note on Fraction of Radiant Energy Incident on People and to Sur-

faces
The radiant energy from the baseboard heater is defined by the total energy input to the
baseboard heater times the fraction radiant field shown above. This radiant energy is distributed
to surfaces and people using the surface and fraction pairs and the fraction to people input by the
user. These fractions to people and surfaces must add up to 1.0. In other words, in an input file,
the following relation should be maintained by the user input:
∑
F ractionIndicentOnP eople + F ractionT oSurf aces = 1 (1.137)
Below is an example input for an Electric Baseboard Heater.

ZoneHVAC:Baseboard:RadiantConvective:Electric ,
Baseboard 1, !- Name
BB Schedule , !- Availability Schedule Name
HeatingDesignCapacity , !- Heating Design Capacity Method
5000, !- Heating Design Capacity{ W }
, !- Heating Design Capacity Per Floor Area{ W / m2 }
, !- Fraction of Autosized Heating Design Capacity{ -}
0.97, !- Efficiency of the baseboard
0.3, !- Fraction radiant
0.3, !- Fraction of radiant energy that is incident directly on people
EastWall , !- Surface 1 name
1424 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

0.3, !- Fraction of radiant energy from heater distributed to surface 1

WestWall , !- Surface 2 name
0.1, !- Fraction of radiant energy from heater distributed to surface 2
NorthWall , !- Surface 3 name
0.1, !- Fraction of radiant energy from heater distributed to surface 3
SouthWall , !- Surface 4 name
0.1, !- Fraction of radiant energy from heater distributed to surface 4
Ceiling , !- Surface 5 name
0.1; !- Fraction of radiant energy from heater distributed to surface 5

1.33.3.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Baseboard Total Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Baseboard Radiant Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Baseboard Convective Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Baseboard Electric Power[W]

• HVAC,Sum,Baseboard Total Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Baseboard Radiant Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Baseboard Convective Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Baseboard Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Meter,Baseboard:EnergyTransfer [J]

• HVAC,Meter,Heating:Electricity[J]

1.33.3.2.1 Baseboard Total Heating Rate [W]

This is the actual convective heat addition rate of the baseboard to the zone in Watts. This
value includes the heat convected to the zone air from the baseboard unit, the heat radiated to
people in the zone from the baseboard unit, and the additional convection from surfaces within the
zone that have been heated by radiation from the baseboard unit. This value will be different from
(and almost always less than) the next field.

1.33.3.2.2 Baseboard Radiant Heating Rate [W]

This field reports the rate at which radiant heat addition is transferred from the baseboard to
the people and the surfaces within the zone in Watts.

1.33.3.2.3 Baseboard Convective Heating Rate [W]

This field reports the rate at which convective heat addition is transferred from the baseboard
to the zone in Watts.

1.33.3.2.4 Baseboard Electric Energy [J]

This is the electric energy used by the baseboard in Joules.

1.33.3.2.5 Baseboard Electric Power [J]

This is the electric power required by the baseboard to heat the zone it is serving in Watts
1.33. GROUP – RADIATIVE / CONVECTIVE UNITS 1425

1.33.3.2.6 Baseboard Total Heating Energy [J]

This is the actual convective energy transferred directly and indirectly from the baseboard
heater to the zone it is serving in Joules. Direct convective heat transfer includes the convective
portion of the baseboard unit. Indirect convective heat transfer includes heat radiated to people
that is then convected to the zone air and heat that is radiated to the surfaces and then convected
to the zone air.

1.33.3.2.7 Baseboard Radiant Heating Energy [J]

This field reports the amount of radiant energy transferred from the baseboard to the zone in
Joules.

1.33.3.2.8 Baseboard Convective Heating Energy [J]

This field reports the amount of convective energy transferred from the baseboard directly to
the zone air in Joules.

1.33.4 ZoneHVAC:Baseboard:Convective:Water
The hot water baseboard heater is a component of zone equipment. The component is controlled
to meet any remaining zone load not met by other equipment in the zone that have higher heating
priority. The control is accomplished by throttling the hot water flow. Input resembles that for the
simple heating coil: there is an availability schedule, an overall UA, and a maximum hot water mass
flow rate. The unit is connected to a hot water loop (demand side) with an inlet and outlet node.
Finally, there is the convergence tolerance, which is the tolerance on how closely the baseboard
outlet will meet the zone load. Of course, this tolerance is relative to the zone load.

1.33.4.1 Inputs
1.33.4.1.1 Field: Name
A unique user assigned name for an instance of a hot water baseboard heater unit. Any reference
to this unit by another object will use this name.

1.33.4.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

The name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the hot water baseboard heater
unit can run during a given time period. A schedule value greater than 0 (usually 1 is used)
indicates that the unit can be on during the time period. A value less than or equal to 0 (usually
0 is used) denotes that the unit must be off for the time period. If this field is blank, the schedule
has values of 1 for all time periods.

1.33.4.1.3 Field: Inlet Node Name

The name of the hot water inlet node for the baseboard heater.

1.33.4.1.4 Field: Outlet Node Name

The name of the hot water outlet node for the baseboard heater.
1426 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.33.4.1.5 Field: Heating Design Capacity Method

Enter the method used to determine the heating design capacity for scalable sizing. Input
allowed is either HeatingDesignCapacity, CapacityPerFloorArea, and FractionOfAutosizedHeating-
Capacity. If this input field is left blank or zero, then autosizing is assumed. HeatingDesignCapacity
means user specifies the magnitude of maximum or nominal heating capacity or the program calcu-
lates the maximum or nominal design heating capacity if autosize is specified. CapacityPerFloorArea
means the program calculates the design heating capacity from user specified heating capacity per
floor area and floor area of the zone served by the hot water baseboard heater. FractionOfAuto-
sizedHeatingCapacity means the program calculates the design heating capacity from user specified
fraction and the auto-sized design heating capacity. The default method is HeatingDesignCapacity.

1.33.4.1.6 Field: Heating Design Capacity {W}

This field is for the hot water baseboard heater design heating capacity in watts. This field can
be autosized by EnergyPlus. This input field is autosizable. When the Heating Design Capacity
Method is HeatingDesignCapacity and this input is is blank, autosizing is assumed. Design day
sizing run must be specified id autosize is specified.

1.33.4.1.7 Field: Heating Design Capacity Per Floor Area {W/m2}

Enter the heating capacity per unit floor area in m3/s-m2 of hot water baseboard heater. This
field is required field when the Heating Design Capacity Method is CapacityPerFloorArea. The
program calculates the heating capacity from floor area of the zone served by hot water baseboard
heater and the heating capacity per unit floor area value specified by the user. This field may be
left blank.

1.33.4.1.8 Field: Fraction of Autosized Heating Design Capacity

Enter the heating capacity as a fraction of the autosized heating capacity for the hot water
baseboard heater. This input field is required when the Heating Design Capacity Method is Frac-
tionOfAutosizedHeatingCapacity. The program calculates the heating capacity from the design
autosized heat capacity and user specified fraction. Design day sizing run must be specified. This
field may be left blank. Default value is 1.0.

1.33.4.1.9 Field: U-Factor Times Area Value

The overall heat transfer coefficient for the baseboard heater in watts per degree Celsius at de-
sign conditions. The U-Factor Times Area Value (UA) is used in an NTU - effectiveness calculation.
An estimate of the UA can be obtained from:

q = U A × (Twater,avg − Tair,avg ) (1.138)

where q is the heat transferred from water to the air in watts; Twater,avg is the average water
temperature in degrees C; and Tair,avg is the average air temperature in degrees C. Or the LMTD
temperature difference can be used.

1.33.4.1.10 Field: Maximum Water Flow Rate

The maximum hot water volumetric flow rate in m3 /sec.
1.33. GROUP – RADIATIVE / CONVECTIVE UNITS 1427

1.33.4.1.11 Field Convergence Tolerance

The control tolerance for the unit heating output. The unit is controlled by matching the unit
output to the zone demand. For hot water baseboards, the model must be numerically inverted to
obtain a specified output. The convergence tolerance is the error tolerance used to terminate the
numerical inversion procedure. Basically this is the fraction:

|(Qbb,out − QZoneLoad )|
≤ ConvergenceT olerance (1.139)
QZoneLoad
The default is 0.001.
An example IDF for the hot water convective baseboard is shown below.

ZoneHVAC:Baseboard:Convective:Water ,
Zone3Baseboard , ! name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , ! on/off schedule
Zone 3 Reheat Water Inlet Node , ! water inlet node
Zone 3 Reheat Water Outlet Node , ! water outlet node
HeatingDesignCapacity , !- Heating Design Capacity Method
autosize ,!- Heating Design Capacity{ W }
, !- Heating Design Capacity Per Floor Area{ W / m2 }
, !- Fraction of Autosized Heating Design Capacity{ -}
500., ! UA
0.0013 , ! maximum water flow rate m3/s
0.001; ! tolerance

1.33.4.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Baseboard Total Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Baseboard Total Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Baseboard Hot Water Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Baseboard Hot Water Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Baseboard Air Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Baseboard Air Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Baseboard Air Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Baseboard Water Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Baseboard Water Outlet Temperature [C]

1.33.4.2.1 Baseboard Total Heating Rate [W]

This is the heat addition rate of the convective baseboard to the zone it is serving in Watts.

1.33.4.2.2 Baseboard Total Heating Energy [J]

This is the heat addition of the convective baseboard to the zone it is serving in Joules over the
timestep being reported.

1.33.4.2.3 Baseboard Hot Water Energy [J]

This is the energy in the hot water used by the baseboard to heat the zone, in Joules.
1428 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.33.4.2.4 Baseboard Hot Water Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

This field reports the water mass flow rate at the inlet node of a baseboard unit.

1.33.4.2.5 Baseboard Air Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

This field reports the air mass flow rate at the inlet node of a baseboard unit.

1.33.4.2.6 Baseboard Water Inlet Temperature [C]

This field reports the water temperatures at the inlet node of a baseboard unit.

1.33.4.2.7 Baseboard Water Outlet Temperature [C]

This field reports the water temperatures at the outlet node of a baseboard unit.

1.33.4.2.8 Baseboard Air Inlet Temperature [C]

This field reports the air temperatures at the inlet node of a baseboard unit.

1.33.4.2.9 Baseboard Air Outlet Temperature [C]

This field reports the air temperatures at the outlet node of a baseboard unit.

1.33.5 ZoneHVAC:Baseboard:Convective:Electric
The electric baseboard heater is a component in the zone equipment simulation. The component
is controlled to meet any remaining zone load not met by other equipment in the zone that have
higher heating priority. The control is accomplished by taking the remaining zone load and dividing
by the efficiency of the baseboard.

1.33.5.1 Inputs
1.33.5.1.1 Field: Name
A unique user assigned name for an instance of a electric baseboard heater unit. Any reference
to this unit by another object will use this name.

1.33.5.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

The name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the electric baseboard heater
unit can run during a given time period. A schedule value greater than 0 (usually 1 is used)
indicates that the unit can be on during the time period. A value less than or equal to 0 (usually
0 is used) denotes that the unit must be off for the time period. If this field is blank, the schedule
has values of 1 for all time periods.

1.33.5.1.3 Field: Heating Design Capacity Method

Enter the method used to determine the heating design capacity or enter the method for scalable
sizing of heating capacity of electric baseboard unit. Input allowed is either HeatingDesignCapacity,
CapacityPerFloorArea, and FractionOfAutosizedHeatingCapacity. If this input field is left blank or
zero, then autosizing is assumed. HeatingDesignCapacity means user specifies the magnitude of
maximum or nominal heating capacity or the program calculates the maximum or nominal design
heating capacity if autosize is specified. CapacityPerFloorArea means the program calculates the
design heating capacity from user specified heating capacity per floor area and floor area of the
zone served by the electric convective baseboard unit. FractionOfAutosizedHeatingCapacity means
1.33. GROUP – RADIATIVE / CONVECTIVE UNITS 1429

the program calculates the design heating capacity from user specified fraction and the auto-sized
design heating capacity. The default method is HeatingDesignCapacity.

1.33.5.1.4 Field: Heating Design Capacity {W}

This field is for the convective electric baseboard nominal heating capacity in watts. This field
can be autosized by EnergyPlus. This input field is autosizable. Design day sizing run must be
specified. This input field may be left blank.

1.33.5.1.5 Field: Heating Design Capacity Per Floor Area {W/m2}

Enter the heating capacity per unit floor area in m3/s-m2 of electric convective baseboard unit.
This field is required field when the Heating Design Capacity Method is CapacityPerFloorArea.
The program calculates the heating capacity from floor area of the zone served by the electric
convective baseboard unit and the heating capacity per unit floor area value specified by the user.
This field may be left blank.

1.33.5.1.6 Field: Fraction of Autosized Heating Design Capacity

Enter the heating capacity as a fraction of the autosized heating capacity for convective elec-
tric baseboard unit. This input field is required when the Heating Design Capacity Method is
FractionOfAutosizedHeatingCapacity. The program calculates the heating capacity from the design
autosized heating capacity and user specified fraction. Design day sizing must be specified. This
field may be left blank. Default value is 1.0.

1.33.5.1.7 Field: Efficiency

This is the overall electrical efficiency of the electric baseboard. The zone load met by this unit
is divided by the electrical efficiency to obtain the total electric energy used.
An example IDF for the electric convective baseboard is shown below.

ZoneHVAC:Baseboard:Convective:Electric ,
Zone1Baseboard , !- Baseboard Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
HeatingDesignCapacity , !- Heating Design Capacity Method
5000, !- Heating Design Capacity{ W }
, !- Heating Design Capacity Per Floor Area{ W / m2 }
, !- Fraction of Autosized Heating Design Capacity{ -}
0.97; !- Efficiency of the BaseBoard

1.33.5.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Baseboard Total Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Baseboard Total Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Meter,Baseboard:EnergyTransfer [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Baseboard Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Baseboard Electric Power[W]

• HVAC,Meter,Heating:Electricity[J]
1430 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.33.5.2.1 Baseboard Total Heating Rate [W]

This is the heat addition rate of the electric convective baseboard to the zone it is serving in
Watts.

1.33.5.2.2 Baseboard Total Heating Energy [J]

This is the heat addition of the convective baseboard to the zone it is serving in Joules over the
timestep being reported.

1.33.5.2.3 Baseboard Electric Energy [J]

This is the total electric consumption of the baseboard for the zone it is serving in Joules over
the timestep being reported.

1.33.5.2.4 Baseboard Electric Power [W]

This is the electric power required by the baseboard to the zone it is serving in Watts.

1.33.6 ZoneHVAC:LowTemperatureRadiant:VariableFlow
This low temperature radiant system (hydronic) is a component of zone equipment that is intended
to model any “radiant system” where water is used to supply/remove energy to/from a building
surface (wall, ceiling, or floor). The component is controlled to meet any remaining zone load not
met by other equipment in the zone that have higher priority. The control is accomplished by
throttling the hot or chilled water flow to the unit. Note that this system will only control based
on the radiant system controls defined by this input syntax and not via a zone thermostat such
as is used for forced air systems. Note also that because this unit does not require a thermostat
that in cases where no other systems are serving the zone in which this system resides that it
will use the heating equipment priority to determine which system will run first. If the radiant
system is serving a zone with forced air equipment, the radiant system will follow the priority order
established by the zone thermostat but will still base its response on the controls defined by the
user for the radiant system.
This model covers a wide range of low temperature radiant systems: heating and/or cooling,
panel or embedded pipes, etc. It is not intended to simulate high temperature electric or gas
radiant heaters. Those devices will be handled by a separate model and different input syntax.
Low temperature radiant systems that use electric resistance heating should also be defined using
separate input syntax (ref: ZoneHVAC:LowTemperatureRadiant:Electric).

1.33.6.1 Inputs
1.33.6.1.1 Field: Name
This field is an unique user assigned name for an instance of a hydronic low temperature radiant
system. Any reference to this unit by another object will use this name.

1.33.6.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This field is the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the hydronic low
temperature radiant system can run during a given time period. A schedule value less than or equal
to 0 (usually 0 is used) denotes that the unit must be off for that time period. A value greater than
0 (usually 1 is used) denotes that the unit is available to operate during that time period. If this
field is left blank, the schedule has a value of 1 for all time periods.
1.33. GROUP – RADIATIVE / CONVECTIVE UNITS 1431

1.33.6.1.3 Field: Zone Name

This field is the name of the zone (Ref: Zone) in which the hydronic low temperature radiant
system is principally located and intended to affect. A system that is between two zones will still
act upon each zone; however, the zone name referenced here should be the zone that controls the
radiant system response.

1.33.6.1.4 Field: Surface Name or Radiant Surface Group Name

This field is the name of the surface (Ref: BuildingSurface) or surface list (Ref: Zone-
HVAC:LowTemperatureRadiant:SurfaceGroup) in which the hydronic tubing is embedded/con-
tained. This specification attaches the source or sink from the radiant system to a particular
surface and the contribution of the system to the heat balances of that surface. If this field is a
surface list, then the source or sink is attached to all of the surfaces in the list with the radiant
system surface group defining the breakdown of how flow rate is split between the various surfaces.
Base surfaces (e.g., BuildingSurface:Detailed), door surfaces and internal mass are valid. Window
surfaces are not valid surface types for embedded radiant systems.

1.33.6.1.5 Field: Hydronic Tubing Inside Diameter

This field is the inside diameter of the tubes through which water is circulated for the system
being defined by this statement. The inside diameter should be recorded in meters and is used to
determine the convective heat transfer from the water to the inside surface of the hydronic tubing.

1.33.6.1.6 Field: Hydronic Tubing Length

This field is the total length of pipe embedded in the surface named above in the surface name
field. The length of the tube should be entered in meters and is used to determine the effectiveness
of heat transfer from the fluid being circulated through the tubes and the tube/surface. Longer
tubing lengths result in more heat will be transferred to/from the radiant surface to the circulating
fluid. Note that if the user elects to autosize this field that a standard zone thermostat such as
would be used for a forced air system must be defined as autosizing calculations are based on the
zone thermostat value and not on the radiant system control values.

1.33.6.1.7 Field: Temperature Control Type

This field specifies along with the throttling range and setpoint schedules how the user wishes
to control the hydronic radiant system. The temperature denoted in the setpoint schedule can
refer to one of five different temperatures: the zone mean air temperature, the zone mean radiant
temperature, the zone operative temperature, the outdoor dry-bulb temperature, or the outdoor
wet-bulb temperature. The choice of temperature is controlled by the current field—temperature
control type. The user must select from the following options:

• MeanAirTemperature

• MeanRadiantTemperature

• OperativeTemperature

• OutdoorDryBulbTemperature

• OutdoorWetBulbTemperature
1432 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Operative temperature for radiant system controls is the average of Mean Air Temperature and
Mean Radiant Temperature. If the user does not select a control type, MeanAirTemperature
control is assumed by EnergyPlus. See the throttling range and control temperature schedule fields
below for more information.

1.33.6.1.8 Field: Heating Design Capacity Method

Enter the method used to determine the heating design capacity for scalable sizing. Input
allowed is either HeatingDesignCapacity, CapacityPerFloorArea, and FractionOfAutosizedHeating-
Capacity. If this input field is left blank or zero, then autosizing is assumed. HeatingDesignCapacity
means user specifies the magnitude of maximum or nominal heating capacity or the program calcu-
lates the design heating capacity if autosize is specified. CapacityPerFloorArea means the program
calculates the design heating capacity from user specified heating capacity per floor area and floor
area of the zone served by the low temperature radiant variable flow unit. FractionOfAutosizedHeat-
ingCapacity means the program calculates the design heating capacity from user specified fraction
and the auto-sized design heating capacity. The default method is HeatingDesignCapacity.

1.33.6.1.9 Field: Heating Design Capacity {W}

This field is for the low temperature radiant variable flow unit design heating capacity in
watts. This field can be autosized by EnergyPlus. This input field is autosizable. When the
Heating Design Capacity Method is HeatingDesignCapacity and this input is is blank, autosizing
is assumed. Design day sizing run must be specified if autosized.

1.33.6.1.10 Field: Heating Design Capacity Per Floor Area {W/m2}

Enter the heating capacity per unit floor area in m3/s-m2 of low temperature radiant variable
flow unit. This field is required field when the Heating Design Capacity Method is CapacityPe-
rFloorArea. The program calculates the heating capacity from floor area of the zone served by
the low temperature radiant variable flow unit and the heating capacity per unit floor area value
specified by the user. This field may be left blank.

1.33.6.1.11 Field: Fraction of Autosized Heating Design Capacity

Enter the heating capacity as a fraction of the autosized heating capacity for low temperature
radiant variable flow unit. This input field is required when the Heating Design Capacity Method is
FractionOfAutosizedHeatingCapacity. The program calculates the heating capacity from the design
autosized heat capacity and user specified fraction. Design day sizing run must be specified. This
field may be left blank. Default value is 1.0.

1.33.6.1.12 Field: Maximum Hot Water Flow

This field is the maximum flow rate of hot water through the radiant system in m3 /sec. The
controls for the radiant system will vary the flow rate of hot water through the surface using zero
flow and the maximum flow rate specified in this field as the lower and upper bounds, respectively.
Note that if the user elects to autosize this field that a standard zone thermostat such as would
be used for a forced air system must be defined as autosizing calculations are based on the zone
thermostat value and not on the radiant system control values.

1.33.6.1.13 Field: Heating Water Inlet Node Name

1.33. GROUP – RADIATIVE / CONVECTIVE UNITS 1433

This field contains the name of the hot water inlet node to the radiant system. Note that
this node name must also show up in the branch description when defining the plant demand side
network in a manner identical to defining a heating coil.

1.33.6.1.14 Field: Heating Water Outlet Node Name

This field contains the name of the hot water oulet node to the radiant system. Note that
this node name must also show up in the branch description when defining the plant demand side
network in a manner identical to defining a heating coil.

1.33.6.1.15 Field: Heating Control Throttling Range

This field specifies the range of temperature in degrees Celsuis over which the radiant system
throttles from zero flow rate up to the maximum defined by the maximum hot water flow rate
field described above. The throttling range parameter is used in conjunction with the control
temperature to define the response of the system to various zone conditions. The heating control
temperature schedule specifies the “setpoint” temperature where the flow rate to the system is at
half of the maximum flow rate. For example, if the heating control temperature setpoint is currently
15°C and the heating throttling range is 2°C, the water flow rate to the radiant system will be zero
when the controlling temperature (MAT, MRT, Operative Temperature, ODB, or OWB; see control
type field above) is at or above 16°C and the maximum flow rate when the controlling temperature
is at or below 14°C. This represents a throttling range of 2°C around the setpoint of 15°C. In
between 14°C and 16°C, the flow rate to the radiant system is varied linearly.

1.33.6.1.16 Field: Heating Control Temperature Schedule Name

This field specifies the heating setpoint or control temperature for the radiant system in degrees
Celsius. Used in conjunction with the previous field (heating control throttling range), it will define
whether or not the system is running and the current flow rate. Water flow rate to the system is
varied linearly around the setpoint temperature based on the throttling range and the maximum
heating flow rate parameters (see above). It should be noted that this control schedule will allow
different setpoint temperatures throughout the year for heating. The control of the radiant system is
based solely on the heating control temperature schedule, the cooling control temperature schedule
(see below), and the control temperature type listed above. The radiant system will not use any
zone thermostat that might be used by other systems serving the zone in which the radiant system
resides.

1.33.6.1.17 Field: Cooling Design Capacity Method

Enter the method used to determine the cooling design capacity for scalable sizing. Input
allowed is either CoolingDesignCapacity, CapacityPerFloorArea, and FractionOfAutosizedCooling-
Capacity. If this input field is left blank or zero, then autosizing is assumed. CoolingDesignCapacity
means user specifies the design cooling capacity or the program calculates the design cooling capac-
ity if autosize is specified. CapacityPerFloorArea means the program calculates the design cooling
capacity from user specified heating capacity per floor area and floor area of the zone served by the
low temperature radiant variable flow unit. FractionOfAutosizedCoolingCapacity means the pro-
gram calculates the design cooling capacity from user specified fraction and the auto-sized design
cooling capacity. The default method is CoolingDesignCapacity.

1.33.6.1.18 Field: Cooling Design Capacity {W}

1434 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

This field is for the low temperature radiant variable flow unit design cooling capacity in watts.
This field can be autosized by EnergyPlus. This input field is autosizable. When the Cooling Design
Capacity Method is CoolingDesignCapacity and this input is is blank, autosizing is assumed. Design
day sizing run must be specified if autosized.

1.33.6.1.19 Field: Cooling Design Capacity Per Floor Area {W/m2}

Enter the cooling capacity per unit floor area in m3/s-m2 of low temperature radiant variable
flow unit. This field is required field when the Cooling Design Capacity Method is CapacityPe-
rFloorArea. The program calculates the cooling capacity from floor area of the zone served by
the low temperature radiant variable flow unit and the cooling capacity per unit floor area value
specified by the user. This field may be left blank.

1.33.6.1.20 Field: Fraction of Autosized Cooling Design Capacity

Enter the cooling capacity as a fraction of the autosized cooling capacity for low temperature
radiant variable flow unit. This input field is required when the Cooling Design Capacity Method is
FractionOfAutosizedCoolingCapacity. The program calculates the cooling capacity from the design
autosized cooling capacity and user specified fraction. Design day sizing run must be specified.
This field may be left blank. Default value is 1.0.

1.33.6.1.21 Field: Maximum Cold Water Flow

This field is the maximum flow rate of cold water through the radiant system in m3 /sec. The
controls for the radiant system will vary the flow rate of cold water through the surface using zero
flow and the maximum flow rate specified in this field as the lower and upper bounds, respectively.
Note that this field is optional and not required for a heating only system. Note also that if the
user elects to autosize this field that a standard zone thermostat such as would be used for a forced
air system must be defined as autosizing calculations are based on the zone thermostat value and
not on the radiant system control values.

1.33.6.1.22 Field: Cooling Water Inlet Node Name

This field contains the name of the cold water inlet node to the radiant system. Note that
this node name must also show up in the branch description when defining the plant demand side
network in a manner identical to defining a cooling coil. As with the maximum cold water flow
rate, this field is optional and not required for a heating only system.

1.33.6.1.23 Field: Cooling Water Outlet Node Name

This field contains the name of the cold water oulet node to the radiant system. Note that
this node name must also show up in the branch description when defining the plant demand side
network in a manner identical to defining a cooling coil. As with the maximum cold water flow
rate, this field is optional and not required for a heating only system.

1.33.6.1.24 Field: Cooling Control Throttling Range

This field specifies the range of temperature in degrees Celsuis over which the radiant system
throttles from zero flow rate up to the maximum defined by the maximum cold water flow rate
field described above. The throttling range parameter is used in conjunction with the control
temperature to define the response of the system to various zone conditions. The cooling control
temperature schedule specifies the “setpoint” temperature where the flow rate to the system is at
half of the maximum flow rate. For example, if the cooling control temperature setpoint is currently
1.33. GROUP – RADIATIVE / CONVECTIVE UNITS 1435

25°C and the cooling throttling range is 2°C, the water flow rate to the radiant system will be zero
when the controlling temperature (MAT, MRT, Operative Temperature, ODB, or OWB; see control
type field above) is at or below 24°C and the maximum flow rate when the controlling temperature
is at or above 26°C. This represents a throttling range of 2°C around the setpoint of 25°C. In
between 24°C and 26°C, the flow rate to the radiant system is varied linearly.

1.33.6.1.25 Field: Cooling Control Temperature Schedule Name

This field specifies the cooling setpoint or control temperature for the radiant system in degrees
Celsius. Used in conjunction with the previous field (cooling control throttling range), it will
define whether or not the system is running and the current flow rate. Water flow rate to the
system is varied linearly around the setpoint temperature based on the throttling range and the
maximum cooling flow rate parameters (see above). It should be noted that this control schedule
will allow different setpoint temperatures throughout the year for cooling. The control of the
radiant system is based solely on the heating control temperature schedule listed above, the cooling
control temperature schedule, and the control temperature type listed above. The radiant system
will not use any zone thermostat that might be used by other systems serving the zone in which
the radiant system resides.

1.33.6.1.26 Field: Condensation Control Type

When radiant systems do cooling, there is the possibility that condensation will occur on the
surface that is being cooled. This is due to the fact that the surface temperature may drop
below the dew-point temperature of the space. When this occurs, condensation on the surface will
occur. In EnergyPlus, users have several options for handling this situation including: Off and
SimpleOff. When the user chooses the Off option, EnergyPlus will not do anything other than
produce a warning message when condensation is predicted to occur. The program will simply
continue on; no moisture will be removed from the zone air and there will be no adjustment of the
surface temperature as a result of the condensation. When the user chooses the SimpleOff option,
the program will predict cases where condensation will occur and shut-off the radiant system to
avoid this situation. With this option, the users also have the opportunity to adjust when the
system will shut down. This is specified with the next parameter (field: condensation differential
parameter). This parameter is optional and EnergyPlus will use the SimpleOff strategy when this
parameter is not specified.

1.33.6.1.27 Field: Condensation Control Dewpoint Offset

This optional parameter is only valid with the SimpleOff condensation handling algorithm
(see previous input parameter). It establishes the difference between the calculated dew-point
temperature of the space and the allowed surface temperature to which the surface can drop before
the radiant system shuts down in degrees Celsius. This parameter can be any positive, negative,
or zero value. When this parameter is zero, the radiant system will shut down when the surface
temperature drops to the dew-point temperature or below. When this parameter is positive, the
radiant system will shut down when the surface is the number of degrees Celsius above the dew-
point temperature. This allows some extra safety to avoid condensation. When this parameter is
negative, the radiant system will shut down when the surface temperature is the number of degrees
Celsius below the dew-point temperature. While not recommended, this strategy allows the user
to simulate a situation where small amounts of condensation are tolerable.

1.33.6.1.28 Field: Number of Circuits

1436 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

This optional input allows the user to choose between modeling each surface in the radiant
system as a single hydronic circuit or to allow the program to divide the surface into multiple
parallel hydronic circuits based on the next input field Circuit Length. To model as a single
circuit choose OnePerSurface. To model as multiple circuits choose CalculateFromCircuitLength.
It is recommended that CalculateFromCircuitLength be chosen. The default is OnePerSurface for
backward compatibility with older versions of EnergyPlus.

1.33.6.1.29 Field: Circuit Length

The length in meters of each parallel hydronic circuit in a surface. Used when the previous
input field is set to CalculateFromCircuitLength. The default is 106.7 meters (350 feet), which is
the maximum circuit length allowed in Title 24.
An example IDF with a hydronic low temperature radiant system is shown below.

ZoneHVAC: LowTemperatureRadiant:VariableFlow ,
SPACE1 -1 Zone Radiant Floor , !- Name
RADIANTSYSAVAILSCHED , !- Availability Schedule Name
SPACE1 -1, !- Zone Name
C1 -1, !- Surface Name or Radiant Surface Group Name
0.013 , !- Hydronic Tubing Inside Diameter {m}
autosize , !- Hydronic Tubing Length {m}
OperativeTemperature , !- Temperature Control Type
HeatingDesignCapacity , !- Heating Design Capacity Method
autosize , !- Heating Design Capacity{ W }
, !- Heating Design Capacity Per Floor Area{ W / m2 }
, !- Fraction of Autosized Heating Design Capacity{ -}
0.0004 , !- Maximum Hot Water Flow {m3/s}
SPACE1 -1 Zone Radiant Water Inlet Node , !- Heating Water Inlet Node Name
SPACE1 -1 Zone Radiant Water Outlet Node , !- Heating Water Outlet Node Name
2.0, !- Heating Control Throttling Range {deltaC}
RADIANT HEATING SETPOINTS , !- Heating Control Temperature Schedule Name
CoolingDesignCapacity , !- Cooling Design Capacity Method
autosize , !- Cooling Design Capacity{ W }
, !- Cooling Design Capacity Per Floor Area{ W / m2 }
, !- Fraction of Autosized Cooling Design Capacity{ -}
autosize , !- Maximum Cold Water Flow {m3/s}
SPACE1 -1 Cooling Water Inlet Node , !- Cooling Water Inlet Node Name
SPACE1 -1 Cooling Water Outlet Node , !- Cooling Water Outlet Node Name
2.0, !- Cooling Control Throttling Range {deltaC}
RADIANT COOLING SETPOINTS , !- Cooling Control Temperature Schedule Name
Off , !- Condensation Control Type
1.0, !- Condensation Control Dewpoint Offset
CalculateFromCircuitLength , !- Number of Circuits
106.7; !- Circuit Length

1.33.6.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Zone Radiant HVAC Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Radiant HVAC Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Radiant HVAC Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Radiant HVAC Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Radiant HVAC Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Radiant HVAC Inlet Temperature [C]

1.33. GROUP – RADIATIVE / CONVECTIVE UNITS 1437

• HVAC,Average,Zone Radiant HVAC Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Radiant HVAC Moisture Condensation Time[s]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Radiant HVAC Heating Fluid Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Radiant HVAC Cooling Fluid Energy [J]

1.33.6.2.1 Zone Radiant HVAC Heating Rate [W]

This field reports the heating input rate to the low temperature radiant system in Watts. This is
the heat source to the surface that is defined as the radiant system. The heating rate is determined
by the zone conditions and the control scheme defined in the user input.

1.33.6.2.2 Zone Radiant HVAC Heating Energy [J]

This field reports the heating input to the low temperature radiant system in Joules. This is
the heat source to the surface that is defined as the radiant system. The heating rate is determined
by the zone conditions, the control scheme defined in the user input, and the timestep.

1.33.6.2.3 Zone Radiant HVAC Cooling Rate [W]

This field reports the cooling input rate to the low temperature radiant system in Watts. This
is the heat sink to the surface that is defined as the radiant system. The cooling rate is determined
by the zone conditions and the control scheme defined in the user input.

1.33.6.2.4 Zone Radiant HVAC Cooling Energy [J]

This field reports the cooling input to the low temperature radiant system in Joules. This is
the heat sink to the surface that is defined as the radiant system. The cooling rate is determined
by the zone conditions, the control scheme defined in the user input, and the timestep.

1.33.6.2.5 Zone Radiant HVAC Mass Flow Rate Rate [kg/s]

This field reports the mass flow rate of water through the low temperature radiant system in
kilograms per second.

1.33.6.2.6 Zone Radiant HVAC Inlet Temperature [C]

This field reports the temperature of water entering the low temperature radiant system in
Celsius.

1.33.6.2.7 Zone Radiant HVAC Outlet Temperature [C]

This field reports the temperature of water leaving the low temperature radiant system in
Celsius.

1.33.6.2.8 Zone Radiant HVAC Moisture Condensation Time[s]

This field reports the amount of time when condensation is occurring. When using the Off
condensation control, this simply reports the amount of time when condensation occurs. When
using the SimpleOff condensation control, this indicates the amount of time when the system has
been shut off because of the potential danger of condensation.
1438 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.33.6.2.9 Zone Radiant HVAC Heating Fluid Energy [J]

This is the demand placed on the hot fluid plant loop connection serving the low temperature
radiant system, in Joules.

1.33.6.2.10 Zone Radiant HVAC Cooling Fluid Energy [J]

This is the demand placed on the cooling fluid plant loop connection serving the low temperature
radiant system, in Joules.

1.33.7 ZoneHVAC:LowTemperatureRadiant:ConstantFlow
This low temperature radiant system (hydronic) is a component of zone equipment that is intended
to model any “radiant system” where water is used to supply/remove energy to/from a building
surface (wall, ceiling, or floor). The component is controlled via control schedules as described in
the syntax below and does not require a zone thermostat. Note that because this unit does not
require a thermostat that in cases where no other systems are serving the zone in which this system
resides that it will use the heating equipment priority to determine which system will run first. If
the radiant system is serving a zone with forced air equipment, the radiant system will follow the
priority order established by the zone thermostat but will still base its response on the controls
defined by the user for the radiant system.
The constant flow system differs from the hydronic system describe above in what it controls.
The hydronic system varies the flow rate through the radiant system based on some control tem-
perature. The constant flow system keeps flow rate constant via a local circulation pump and varies
the water temperature that is sent to the radiant system. This is accomplished with a mixing valve
that is controlled by a sensor. This model covers a wide range of low temperature radiant systems:
heating and/or cooling, panel or embedded pipes, etc. It is not intended to simulate high tempera-
ture electric or gas radiant heaters. Those devices will be handled by a separate model and different
input syntax. Low temperature radiant systems that use electric resistance heating should also be
defined using separate input syntax (ref: ZoneHVAC:LowTemperatureRadiant:Electric). Low tem-
perature radiant systems that vary the flow rate through the radiant system should also be defined
using separate input syntax (ref: ZoneHVAC:LowTemperatureRadiant:VariableFlow)
One of the other differences between this model and the variable flow hydronic radiant system
is that the constant flow radiant system has a built-in local secondary loop. It will recirculate
flow coming out of the system and mix this with flow from the loop to arrive at the desired inlet
temperature to the radiant system (note that this model has the temperature sensor AFTER the
pump to insure proper inlet temperature to the radiant system). The local loop also contains a
pump which is assumed to be upstream of the radiant system and after the mixing valve. So, the
local loop can have some recirculation. The flow from the main loop may also bypass the radiant
system if more than enough flow is available and the main loop is also a constant flow system.

1.33.7.1 Inputs
1.33.7.1.1 Field: Name
This field is an unique user assigned name for an instance of a constant flow low temperature
radiant system. Any reference to this unit by another object will use this name.

1.33.7.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This field is the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the constant flow
low temperature radiant system can run during a given time period. A schedule value less than
1.33. GROUP – RADIATIVE / CONVECTIVE UNITS 1439

or equal to 0 (usually 0 is used) denotes that the unit must be off for that time period. A value
greater than 0 (usually 1 is used) denotes that the unit is available to operate during that time
period. If this field is left blank, the schedule has a value of 1 for all time periods.

1.33.7.1.3 Field: Zone Name

This field is the name of the zone (Ref: Zone) in which the constant flow low temperature
radiant system is principally located and intended to affect. A system that is between two zones
will still act upon each zone; however, the zone name referenced here should be the zone that
controls the radiant system response.

1.33.7.1.4 Field: Surface Name or Radiant Surface Group Name

This field is the name of the surface (Ref: BuildingSurface:Detailed) or surface list (Ref: Zone-
HVAC:LowTemperatureRadiant:SurfaceGroup) in which the hydronic tubing is embedded/con-
tained. This specification attaches the source or sink from the radiant system to a particular
surface and the contribution of the system to the heat balances of that surface. If this field is a
surface list, then the source or sink is attached to all of the surfaces in the list with the radiant
system surface group defining the breakdown of how flow rate is split between the various surfaces.
Base surfaces (e.g., BuildingSurface:Detailed), door surfaces and internal mass are valid. Window
surfaces are not valid surface types for embedded radiant systems.

1.33.7.1.5 Field: Hydronic Tubing Inside Diameter

This field is the inside diameter of the tubes through which water is circulated for the system
being defined by this statement. The inside diameter should be recorded in meters and is used to
determine the convective heat transfer from the water to the inside surface of the hydronic tubing.

1.33.7.1.6 Field: Hydronic Tubing Length

This field is the total length of pipe embedded in the surface named above in the surface name
field. The length of the tube should be entered in meters and is used to determine the effectiveness
of heat transfer from the fluid being circulated through the tubes and the tube/surface. Longer
tubing lengths result in more heat being transferred to/from the radiant surface to the circulating
fluid. This field is autosizable.

1.33.7.1.7 Field: Temperature Control Type

This field specifies along with setpoint (control) and water schedules how the user wishes to
control the constant flow radiant system. The temperature denoted in the setpoint schedule can
refer to one of five different temperatures: the zone mean air temperature, the zone mean radiant
temperature, the zone operative temperature, the outdoor dry-bulb temperature, or the outdoor
wet-bulb temperature. The choice of temperature is controlled by the current field—temperature
control type. The user must select from the following options:

• MeanAirTemperature

• MeanRadiantTemperature

• OperativeTemperature

• OutdoorDryBulbTemperature

• OutdoorWetBulbTemperature
1440 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Operative temperature for radiant system controls is the average of Mean Air Temperature and
Mean Radiant Temperature. If the user does not select a control type, MeanAirTemperature
control is assumed by EnergyPlus. See the throttling range and control temperature schedule fields
below for more information.

1.33.7.1.8 Field: Rated Flow Rate

This field is the maximum flow rate of water through the radiant system in m3 /sec. This flow
rate is held constant by the local component pump, but the user has the option of varying this flow
rate via a schedule (see next input field). The constant flow system will accept this flow rate and
control the inlet temperature based on the control and water temperature schedules defined below.
This field is autosizable.

1.33.7.1.9 Field: Pump Flow Rate Schedule Name

This field modifies the maximum flow rate of water through the radiant system in m3 /sec. This
input is “optional”. If the user does not enter a schedule, the flow rate through the radiant system
is assumed to be constant during all hours that it is operating based on the value entered in the
previous input field. Note that the values for this schedule must be between zero and one. The
values in this schedule are multipliers on the previous field – Rated Flow Rate.

1.33.7.1.10 Field: Rated Pump Head

This numeric field contains the pump’s rated head in Pascals.

1.33.7.1.11 Field: Rated Power Consumption

This numeric field contains the pump’s rated power consumption in Watts.

1.33.7.1.12 Field: Motor Efficiency

This numeric field contains the pump’s efficiency in decimal form (0 = 0%, 1 = 100%).

1.33.7.1.13 Field: Fraction of Motor Inefficiencies to Fluid Stream

This numeric field contains the pump’s fraction of power loss to the fluid.

1.33.7.1.14 Field: Heating Water Inlet Node Name

This field contains the name of the hot water inlet node to the radiant system. Note that
this node name must also show up in the branch description when defining the plant demand side
network in a manner identical to defining a heating coil.

1.33.7.1.15 Field: Heating Water Outlet Node Name

This field contains the name of the hot water outlet node to the radiant system. Note that
this node name must also show up in the branch description when defining the plant demand side
network in a manner identical to defining a heating coil.

1.33.7.1.16 Field: Heating High Water Temperature Schedule Name

This field specifies the high water temperature in degrees Celsius for the temperature control of
a constant flow radiant heating system. Water and control temperatures for heating work together
to provide a linear function that determines the water temperature sent to the radiant system.
The current control temperature (see Temperature Control Type above) is compared to the high
1.33. GROUP – RADIATIVE / CONVECTIVE UNITS 1441

and low control temperatures at the current time. If the control temperature is above the high
temperature, then the system will be turned off and the water mass flow rate will be zero. If
the control temperature is below the low temperature, then the inlet water temperature is set to
the high water temperature. If the control temperature is between the high and low value, then
the inlet water temperature is linearly interpolated between the low and high water temperature
values. For more information and a graph of how the water and control schedules affect the system
operation, please consult the Engineering Reference document.

1.33.7.1.17 Field: Heating Low Water Temperature Schedule Name

This field specifies the low water temperature in degrees Celsius for the temperature control of
a constant flow heating radiant system. For more information on its interpretation, see Heating
High Water Temperature Schedule above.

1.33.7.1.18 Field: Heating High Control Temperature Schedule Name

This field specifies the high control temperature in degrees Celsius for the temperature control
of a constant flow heating radiant system. For more information on its interpretation, see Heating
High Water Temperature Schedule above.

1.33.7.1.19 Field: Heating Low Control Temperature Schedule Name

This field specifies the low control temperature in degrees Celsius for the temperature control
of a constant flow heating radiant system. For more information on its interpretation, see Heating
High Water Temperature Schedule above.

1.33.7.1.20 Field: Cooling Water Inlet Node Name

This field contains the name of the cold water inlet node to the radiant system. Note that
this node name must also show up in the branch description when defining the plant demand side
network in a manner identical to defining a cooling coil. As with the maximum cold water flow
rate, this field is optional and not required for a heating only system.

1.33.7.1.21 Field: Cooling Water Outlet Node Name

This field contains the name of the cold water outlet node to the radiant system. Note that
this node name must also show up in the branch description when defining the plant demand side
network in a manner identical to defining a cooling coil. As with the maximum cold water flow
rate, this field is optional and not required for a heating only system.

1.33.7.1.22 Field: Cooling High Water Temperature Schedule Name

This field specifies the high water temperature in degrees Celsius for the temperature control of
a constant flow radiant cooling system. Water and control temperatures for heating work together
to provide a linear function that determines the water temperature sent to the radiant system.
The current control temperature (see Temperature Control Type above) is compared to the high
and low control temperatures at the current time. If the control temperature is above the high
temperature, then the inlet water temperature is set to the low water temperature. If the control
temperature is below the low temperature, then system will be turned off and the water mass flow
rate will be zero. If the control temperature is between the high and low value, then the inlet water
temperature is linearly interpolated between the low and high water temperature values. For more
information and a graph of how the water and control schedules affect the system operation, please
consult the Engineering Reference document.
1442 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.33.7.1.23 Field: Cooling Low Water Temperature Schedule Name

This field specifies the low water temperature in degrees Celsius for the temperature control
of a constant flow cooling radiant system. For more information on its interpretation, see Cooling
High Water Temperature Schedule above.

1.33.7.1.24 Field: Cooling High Control Temperature Schedule Name

This field specifies the high control temperature in degrees Celsius for the temperature control
of a constant flow cooling radiant system. For more information on its interpretation, see Cooling
High Water Temperature Schedule above.

1.33.7.1.25 Field: Cooling Low Control Temperature Schedule Name

This field specifies the low control temperature in degrees Celsius for the temperature control
of a constant flow cooling radiant system. For more information on its interpretation, see Cooling
High Water Temperature Schedule above.

1.33.7.1.26 Field: Condensation Control Type

When radiant systems do cooling, there is the possibility that condensation will occur on the
surface that is being cooled. This is due to the fact that the surface temperature may drop
below the dew-point temperature of the space. When this occurs, condensation on the surface will
occur. In EnergyPlus, users have several options for handling this situation including: Off and
SimpleOff. When the user chooses the Off option, EnergyPlus will not do anything other than
produce a warning message when condensation is predicted to occur. The program will simply
continue on; no moisture will be removed from the zone air and there will be no adjustment of the
surface temperature as a result of the condensation. When the user chooses the SimpleOff option,
the program will predict cases where condensation will occur and shut-off the radiant system to
avoid this situation. With this option, the users also have the opportunity to adjust when the
system will shut down. This is specified with the next parameter (field: condensation differential
parameter). This parameter is optional and EnergyPlus will use the SimpleOff strategy when this
parameter is not specified.

1.33.7.1.27 Field: Condensation Control Dewpoint Offset

This optional parameter is only valid with the SimpleOff condensation handling algorithm
(see previous input parameter). It establishes the difference between the calculated dew-point
temperature of the space and the allowed surface temperature to which the surface can drop before
the radiant system shuts down in degrees Celsius. This parameter can be any positive, negative,
or zero value. When this parameter is zero, the radiant system will shut down when the surface
temperature drops to the dew-point temperature or below. When this parameter is positive, the
radiant system will shut down when the surface is the number of degrees Celsius above the dew-
point temperature. This allows some extra safety to avoid condensation. When this parameter is
negative, the radiant system will shut down when the surface temperature is the number of degrees
Celsius below the dew-point temperature. While not recommended, this strategy allows the user
to simulate a situation where small amounts of condensation are tolerable.

1.33.7.1.28 Field: Number of Circuits

This optional input allows the user to choose between modeling each surface in the radiant
system as a single hydronic circuit or to allow the program to divide the surface into multiple
parallel hydronic circuits based on the next input field Circuit Length. To model as a single
1.33. GROUP – RADIATIVE / CONVECTIVE UNITS 1443

circuit choose OnePerSurface. To model as multiple circuits choose CalculateFromCircuitLength.

It is recommended that CalculateFromCircuitLength be chosen. The default is OnePerSurface for
backward compatibility with older versions of EnergyPlus.

1.33.7.1.29 Field: Circuit Length

The length in meters of each parallel hydronic circuit in a surface. Used when the previous
input field is set to CalculateFromCircuitLength. The default is 106.7 meters (350 feet), which is
the maximum circuit length allowed in Title 24.
An example IDF with a constant flow low temperature radiant system is shown below.

ZoneHVAC: LowTemperatureRadiant :ConstantFlow ,

Resistive Zone Radiant Floor , !- name of CONSTANT FLOW low temperature radiant system
RadiantSysAvailSched , !- availability schedule
Resistive Zone , !- Zone name
Zn001:Flr001 , !- Surface name or group
0.012 , !- Hydronic tubing inside diameter {m}
400.0 , !- Hydronic tubing length {m}
MeanAirTemperature , !- temperature control type
0.0004 , !- maximum water volumetric flow rate {m3/s}
, !-schedule for flow rate (optional , non -existent means constant)
30000 , !-Rated Pump Head in Pa
50, !-Rated Power Consumption in W
0.87, !-Motor Efficiency
0.1, !-Fraction of Motor Inefficiencies to Fluid Stream
Resistive Zone Radiant Water Inlet Node , !- heating water inlet node
Resistive Zone Radiant Water Outlet Node , !- heating water outlet node
RadHeatHighWaterTemp , !-high water temperature schedule
RadHeatLowWaterTemp , !-low water temperature schedule
RadHeatHighControlTemp , !-high control temperature schedule
RadHeatLowControlTemp , !-low control temperature schedule
Zone 1 Cooling Water Inlet Node , !- cooling water inlet node
Zone 1 Cooling Water Outlet Node , !- cooling water outlet node
RadCoolHighWaterTemp , !-cooling high water temperature schedule
RadCoolLowWaterTemp , !-cooling low water temperature schedule
RadCoolHighControlTemp , !- cooling high control temperature schedule
RadCoolLowControlTemp , !- cooling low control temperature schedule
SimpleOff , !- condensation control type
0.5, !- condensation control dewpoint offset
CalculateFromCircuitLength , !- Number of Circuits
106.7; !- Circuit Length

1.33.7.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Zone Radiant HVAC Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Radiant HVAC Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Radiant HVAC Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Radiant HVAC Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Radiant HVAC Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Radiant HVAC Injection Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Radiant HVAC Recirculation Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Radiant HVAC Inlet Temperature [C]

1444 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• HVAC,Average,Zone Radiant HVAC Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Radiant HVAC Pump Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Radiant HVAC Pump Electric Power[W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Radiant HVAC Pump Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Radiant HVAC Pump Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Radiant HVAC Pump Fluid Heat Gain Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Radiant HVAC Pump Fluid Heat Gain Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Radiant HVAC Moisture Condensation Time [s]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Radiant HVAC Cooling Fluid Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Radiant HVAC Heating Fluid Heat Transfer Energy [J]

1.33.7.2.1 Zone Radiant HVAC Heating Rate [W]

This field reports the heating input rate to the low temperature radiant system in Watts. This is
the heat source to the surface that is defined as the radiant system. The heating rate is determined
by the zone conditions and the control scheme defined in the user input.

1.33.7.2.2 Zone Radiant HVAC Heating Energy [J]

This field reports the heating input to the low temperature radiant system in Joules. This is
the heat source to the surface that is defined as the radiant system. The heating rate is determined
by the zone conditions, the control scheme defined in the user input, and the timestep.

1.33.7.2.3 Zone Radiant HVAC Cooling Rate [W]

This field reports the cooling input rate to the low temperature radiant system in Watts. This
is the heat sink to the surface that is defined as the radiant system. The cooling rate is determined
by the zone conditions and the control scheme defined in the user input.

1.33.7.2.4 Zone Radiant HVAC Cooling Energy [J]

This field reports the cooling input to the low temperature radiant system in Joules. This is
the heat sink to the surface that is defined as the radiant system. The cooling rate is determined
by the zone conditions, the control scheme defined in the user input, and the timestep.

1.33.7.2.5 Zone Radiant HVAC Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

This field reports the mass flow rate of water through the low temperature radiant system in
kilograms per second. This should be identical to the pump flow rate for the system.

1.33.7.2.6 Zone Radiant HVAC Injection Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

This field reports the mass flow rate of water that is injected into the radiant system from
the main loop. A valve will control the injection and recirculation mass flow rates (see next field)
to match the temperature controls specified by the user and dictated by the current simulation
conditions.
1.33. GROUP – RADIATIVE / CONVECTIVE UNITS 1445

1.33.7.2.7 Zone Radiant HVAC Recirculation Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

This field reports the mass flow rate of water that is recirculated from the radiant system outlet
and mixed with the injection flow from the main loop. A valve will control the injection and
recirculation mass flow rates (see next field) to match the temperature controls specified by the
user and dictated by the current simulation conditions.

1.33.7.2.8 Zone Radiant HVAC Inlet Temperature [C]

This field reports the temperature of water entering the low temperature radiant system in
Celsius. This may differ from the inlet node temperature for the component since this component
has its own local secondary loop.

1.33.7.2.9 Zone Radiant HVAC Outlet Temperature [C]

This field reports the temperature of water leaving the low temperature radiant system in
Celsius. This may differ from the outlet node temperature for the component since this component
has its own local secondary loop.

1.33.7.2.10 Zone Radiant HVAC Pump Inlet Temperature [C]

This field reports the temperature of water entering the low temperature radiant system pump
in Celsius. This may differ from the inlet node temperature for the component since this component
has its own local secondary loop. It is assumed that the pump is upstream of the radiant system.

1.33.7.2.11 Zone Radiant HVAC Pump Electric Power [W]

This field reports the rate of electric power consumption for the pump which supplies flow to
the constant flow radiant system in Watts.

1.33.7.2.12 Zone Radiant HVAC Pump Electric Energy [J]

This field reports the electric power consumption for the pump which supplies flow to the
constant flow radiant system in Joules.

1.33.7.2.13 Zone Radiant HVAC Pump Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

This field reports the mass flow rate of water through the low temperature radiant system pump
in kilograms per second. This should be identical to the flow rate for the system.

1.33.7.2.14 Zone Radiant HVAC Pump Fluid Heat Gain Rate [W]
This field reports the rate at which heat is added to the fluid stream as it passes through
the pump in Watts. This heat is reflected in the radiant system inlet temperature which will be
different from the pump inlet temperature if this field has a non-zero value.

1.33.7.2.15 Zone Radiant HVAC Pump Fluid Heat Gain Energy [J]
This field reports the amount of heat energy added to the fluid stream as it passes through
the pump in Joules. This heat is reflected in the radiant system inlet temperature which will be
different from the pump inlet temperature if this field has a non-zero value.
1446 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.33.7.2.16 Zone Radiant HVAC Moisture Condensation Time [s]

This field reports the amount of time when condensation is occurring. When using the Off
condensation control, this simply reports the amount of time when condensation occurs. When
using the SimpleOff condensation control, this indicates the amount of time when the system has
been shut off because of the potential danger of condensation.

1.33.7.2.17 Zone Radiant HVAC Cooling Fluid Heat Transfer Energy [J]
The heat transfer energy for the cooling fluid connection, in Joules.

1.33.7.2.18 Zone Radiant HVAC Heating Fluid Heat Transfer Energy [J]
The heat transfer energy for the heating fluid connection, in Joules.

1.33.8 ZoneHVAC:LowTemperatureRadiant:Electric
This low temperature radiant system (electric) is a component of zone equipment that is intended
to model any “radiant system” where electric resistance heating is used to supply energy (heat)
to a building surface (wall, ceiling, or floor). The component is controlled by the radiant system
controls that are defined in the syntax below and this control does not require the use of a zone
thermostat unless the unit is being autosized. Note also that because this unit does not require a
thermostat that in cases where no other systems are serving the zone in which this system resides
that it will use the heating equipment priority to determine which system will run first. If the
radiant system is serving a zone with forced air equipment, the radiant system will follow the
priority order established by the zone thermostat but will still base its response on the controls
defined by the user for the radiant system.
The control is accomplished by varying the electrical power supplied to the unit. This model
covers either a radiant panel system or wires embedded in entire walls, floors, or ceilings. It is
not intended to simulate high temperature electric or gas radiant heaters. Those devices will be
handled by a separate model and different input syntax. Low temperature radiant systems that use
water flowing through tubes to provide heat to the system should also be defined using separate
input syntax (ref: Low Temp Radiant System:Hydronic).

1.33.8.1 Inputs
1.33.8.1.1 Field: Name
This field is an unique user assigned name for an instance of an electric low temperature radiant
system. Any reference to this unit by another object will use this name.

1.33.8.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This field is the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the electric low
temperature radiant system can operate during a given time period. A schedule value less than
or equal to 0 (usually 0 is used) denotes that the unit must be off for that time period. A value
greater than 0 (usually 1 is used) denotes that the unit is available to operate during that time
period. If this field is left blank, the schedule has a value of 1 for all time periods.

1.33.8.1.3 Field: Zone Name

This field is the name of the zone (Ref: Zone) in which the electric low temperature radiant
system is principally located and intended to affect. A system that is between two zones will still
1.33. GROUP – RADIATIVE / CONVECTIVE UNITS 1447

act upon each zone; however, the zone name referenced here should be the zone that controls the
radiant system response.

1.33.8.1.4 Field: Surface Name or Radiant Surface Group Name

This field is the name of the surface (Ref: BuildingSurface) or surface list (Ref: Zone-
HVAC:LowTemperatureRadiant:SurfaceGroup) in which the hydronic tubing is embedded/con-
tained. This specification attaches the source or sink from the radiant system to a particular
surface and the contribution of the system to the heat balances of that surface. If this field is a
surface list, then the source or sink is attached to all of the surfaces in the list with the radiant
system surface group defining the breakdown of how flow rate is split between the various surfaces.
Base surfaces (e.g., BuildingSurface:Detailed), door surfaces and internal mass are valid. Window
surfaces are not valid surface types for embedded radiant systems.

1.33.8.1.5 Field: Heating Design Capacity Method

Enter the method used to determine the maximum electrical power (heating design capac-
ity ) or enter the method for scalable sizing the maximum electrical power of low temperature
radiant electric unit. Input allowed is either HeatingDesignCapacity, CapacityPerFloorArea, and
FractionOfAutosizedHeatingCapacity. If this input field is left blank or zero, then autosizing is as-
sumed. HeatingDesignCapacity means user specifies the magnitude of maximum or nominal heating
capacity or the program calculates the maximum or nominal design heating capacity if autosize is
specified. CapacityPerFloorArea means the program calculates the design heating capacity from
user specified heating capacity per floor area and floor area of the zone served by the low tem-
perature radiant electric unit. FractionOfAutosizedHeatingCapacity means the program calculates
the design heating capacity from user specified fraction and the auto-sized design heating capacity.
The default method is HeatingDesignCapacity.

1.33.8.1.6 Field: Heating Design Capacity {W}

This field is for the maximum amount of electric energy rate (electric power) converted into
heat in low temperature radiant electric unit in watts. This input field is autosizable. The controls
for the radiant system will vary the amount of power supplied to the surface between zero input
and the maximum power specified in this field as the lower and upper bounds, respectively. Note
that if the user elects to autosize this field that a standard zone thermostat such as would be used
for a forced air system must be defined as autosizing calculations are based on the zone thermostat
value and not on the low temperature radiant electric unit control values. The default input for
this input field is autosize.

1.33.8.1.7 Field: Heating Design Capacity Per Floor Area {W/m2}

Enter the heating capacity per unit floor area in m3/s-m2 of low temperature radiant electric
system. This field is required field when the Heating Design Capacity Method is CapacityPer-
FloorArea. The program calculates the heating capacity from floor area of the zone served by the
low temperature radiant electric unit and the heating capacity per unit floor area value specified
by the user. This field may be left blank.

1.33.8.1.8 Field: Fraction of Autosized Heating Design Capacity

Enter the heating capacity as a fraction of the autosized heating capacity of low temperature
radiant electric unit. This input field is required when the Heating Design Capacity Method is
FractionOfAutosizedHeatingCapacity. The program calculates the heating capacity from the design
1448 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

autosized heating capacity and user specified fraction. Design day sizing must be specified. This
field may be left blank. The default value is 1.0.

1.33.8.1.9 Field: Temperature Control Type

This field specifies along with the throttling range and setpoint schedules how the user wishes
to control the low temperature electric radiant system. The temperature denoted in the setpoint
schedule can refer to one of three different temperatures: the zone mean air temperature, the zone
mean radiant temperature, the zone operative temperature, the outdoor dry-bulb temperature, or
the outdoor wet-bulb temperature. The choice of temperature is controlled by the current field—
temperature control type. The user must select from the following options:

• MeanAirTemperature

• MeanRadiantTemperature

• OperativeTemperature

• OutdoorDryBulbTemperature

• OutdoorWetBulbTemperature

Operative temperature for radiant system controls is the average of Mean Air Temperature and
Mean Radiant Temperature. If the user does not select a control type, MeanAirTemperature
control is assumed by EnergyPlus. See the throttling range and control temperature schedule fields
below for more information.

1.33.8.1.10 Field: Heating Throttling Range

This field specifies the range of temperature in degrees Celsuis over which the radiant system
throttles from zero heat input via the electric resistance wires up to the maximum defined by
the maximum electrical power field described above. The throttling range parameter is used in
conjunction with the control temperature (see below) to define the response of the system to various
zone conditions. The heating control temperature schedule specifies the “setpoint” temperature
where the power input to the system is at half of the maximum power input. For example, if the
heating control temperature setpoint is currently 15°C and the heating throttling range is 2°C,
the electrical power supplied to the radiant system will be zero when the controlling temperature
(MAT, MRT, Operative Temperature, ODB, or OWB; see control type field above) is at or above
16°C and the maximum power input when the controlling temperature is at or below 14°C. This
represents a throttling range of 2°C around the setpoint of 15°C. In between 14°C and 16°C, the
power input to the radiant system is varied linearly.

1.33.8.1.11 Field: Heating Setpoint Temperature Schedule Name

This field specifies the heating setpoint or control temperature for the radiant system in degrees
Celsius. Used in conjunction with the previous field (heating throttling range), it will define whether
or not the system is running and the current power input to the radiant surface. Power input to
the system is varied linearly around the setpoint temperature based on the throttling range and the
maximum electrical power parameters (see above). It should be noted that this control schedule will
allow different setpoint temperatures throughout the year for heating. In addition, this schedule
may be different that the thermostatic control schedule defined for overall operation of components
serving the zone in which the radiant system is located. The thermostatic control determines
1.33. GROUP – RADIATIVE / CONVECTIVE UNITS 1449

whether or not there is a heating or cooling load in the space and thus whether the systems should
be operating. This field simply controls the flow rate to the radiant system.
An example IDF with an electric low temperature radiant system is shown below.

ZoneHVAC: LowTemperatureRadiant :Electric , Zone 2 Radiant Floor ,

RadiantPanelAvailSched , ! Availability schedule
EAST ZONE , ! Zone name (name of zone system is serving)
Zn002:Flr001 , ! Surface name (name of surface system is embedded in)
HeatingDesignCapacity , !- Heating Design Capacity Method
10000 , !- Heating Design Capacity{ W }
, !- Heating Design Capacity Per Floor Area{ W / m2 }
, !- Fraction of Autosized Heating Design Capacity{ -}
MeanAirTemperature , ! control type (control on mean air temperature)
2.0 , ! heating throttling range (in C)
Radiant Heating Setpoints ; ! heating setpoint temperatures

1.33.8.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average, Zone Radiant HVAC Electric Power[W]

• HVAC,Sum, Zone Radiant HVAC Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Radiant HVAC Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Zone Radiant HVAC Heating Rate [W]

1.33.8.2.1 Zone Radiant HVAC Electric Power [W]

This field reports the rate at which electric energy is “burned” in the low temperature radiant
system in Watts. This is the heat source to the surface that is defined as the radiant system. The
heating rate is determined by the zone conditions and the control scheme defined in the user input.

1.33.8.2.2 Zone Radiant HVAC Electric Energy [J]

This field reports the amount of electric energy “burned” in the low temperature radiant system
in Joules. This is the heat source to the surface that is defined as the radiant system. The heating
rate is determined by the zone conditions, the control scheme defined in the user input, and the
timestep.

1.33.8.2.3 Zone Radiant HVAC Heating Energy [J]

1.33.8.2.4 Zone Radiant HVAC Heating Rate [W]

These outputs are the heating provided by the low temperature radiant system to the zone, in
Watts or Joules.

1.33.9 ZoneHVAC:LowTemperatureRadiant:SurfaceGroup
A low temperature radiant system (hydronic or electric) may consist of multiple active surfaces that
are serving to condition the space. Surfaces that act serially can be specified as multiple radiant
systems using the standard radiant system input described above. However, if the multiple surfaces
act in parallet, the Radiant System Surface Group input line is used to specify which surfaces are
acting in a coordinated fashion and how flow rate is split between the surfaces. This list of surfaces
(the name it is assigned) replaces the name of a single surface in the radiant system input described
1450 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

above. Note that all of the surfaces within a single list must be a part of the same zone and that
the zone of these surfaces must also match the zone the radiant system is attempting to condition.

1.33.9.1 Inputs
1.33.9.1.1 Field: Name
This field is an unique user assigned name for the list of surfaces that are acting in coordination
with one another. Any reference to this list by a radiant system will use this name.

1.33.9.1.2 Field Set: Surface Name, Flow Fraction to Surface

The pairs of Surface Name, Flow Fraction to Surface are used in several objects. There can be
up to 10 specified. The object is extensible so more can be added.

1.33.9.1.3 Field: Surface <x> Name

This field is the name of a surface in the zone being conditioned by the radiant system. Base sur-
faces (e.g., BuildingSurface:Detailed), door surfaces and internal mass are valid. Window surfaces
are not valid surface types for embedded radiant systems.

1.33.9.1.4 Field: Flow Fraction for Surface <x>

This field is the fraction of the total radiant system flow rate that is being sent to this particular
surface. Note that the Surface Name/Surface Flow Fraction pair can be repeated up to 10 times.
Flow rate fractions must sum to unity, otherwise the program will not accept the input as valid.
An example IDF with an electric low temperature radiant system is shown below.

ZoneHVAC: LowTemperatureRadiant :SurfaceGroup ,

Zone 1 Radiant Surfaces , !- name of surface list
Zn001:Flr001 , !- Surface name 1
0.75, !- Flow fraction for surface 1
Zn001:Roof001 , !- Surface name 2
0.25; !- Flow fraction for surface 2

1.33.10 ZoneHVAC:HighTemperatureRadiant
The high temperature radiant system (gas-fired or electric) is a component of zone equipment that
is intended to model any “high temperature” or “high intensity” radiant system where electric
resistance or gas-fired combustion heating is used to supply energy (heat) to a building occupants
directly as well as the building surfaces (wall, ceiling, or floor). The component is controlled by
the radiant system controls defined in the syntax below and this control does not require the use
of a zone thermostat unless the unit is being autosized. Note also that because this unit does not
require a thermostat that in cases where no other systems are serving the zone in which this system
resides that it will use the heating equipment priority to determine which system will run first. If
the radiant system is serving a zone with forced air equipment, the radiant system will follow the
priority order established by the zone thermostat but will still base its response on the controls
defined by the user for the radiant system.
The control is accomplished by varying the electrical power supplied to or gas consumed by the
unit. It is not intended to simulate low temperature electric or hydronic radiant systems. Those
devices will be handled by a separate model and different input syntax (ref: the low temperature
systems described elsewhere).
1.33. GROUP – RADIATIVE / CONVECTIVE UNITS 1451

1.33.10.1 Inputs
1.33.10.1.1 Field: Name
This field is an unique user assigned name for an instance of the high temperature radiant
system. Any reference to this unit by another object will use this name.

1.33.10.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This field is the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the high temperature
radiant system can operate during a given time period. A schedule value less than or equal to 0
(usually 0 is used) denotes that the unit must be off for that time period. A value greater than
0 (usually 1 is used) denotes that the unit is available to operate during that time period. If this
field is left blank, the schedule has a value of 1 for all time periods.

1.33.10.1.3 Field: Zone Name

This field is the name of the zone (Ref: Zone) in which the high temperature radiant system is
principally located and intended to affect.

1.33.10.1.4 Field: Heating Design Capacity Method

Enter the method used to determine the maximum electrical power (heating design capac-
ity ) or enter the method for scalable sizing the maximum electrical power of high temperature
radiant system unit. Input allowed is either HeatingDesignCapacity, CapacityPerFloorArea, and
FractionOfAutosizedHeatingCapacity. If this input field is left blank or zero, then autosizing is as-
sumed. HeatingDesignCapacity means user specifies the magnitude of maximum or nominal heating
capacity or the program calculates the maximum or nominal design heating capacity if autosize is
specified. CapacityPerFloorArea means the program calculates the design heating capacity from
user specified heating capacity per floor area and floor area of the zone served by the high tem-
perature radiant electric unit. FractionOfAutosizedHeatingCapacity means the program calculates
the design heating capacity from user specified fraction and the auto-sized design heating capacity.
The default method is HeatingDesignCapacity.

1.33.10.1.5 Field: Heating Design Capacity {W}

This field is for the maximum amount of electric energy rate (electric power) converted into
heat in high temperature radiant electric unit in watts. This input field is autosizable. The controls
for the radiant system will vary the amount of power supplied to the surface between zero input
and the maximum power specified in this field as the lower and upper bounds, respectively. Note
that if the user elects to autosize this field that a standard zone thermostat such as would be used
for a forced air system must be defined as autosizing calculations are based on the zone thermostat
value and not on the radiant system control values. The default input for this field is autosize.

1.33.10.1.6 Field: Heating Design Capacity Per Floor Area {W/m2}

Enter the heating capacity per unit floor area in m3/s-m2 of high temperature radiant electric
unit. This field is required field when the Heating Design Capacity Method is CapacityPerFloorArea.
The program calculates the heating capacity from floor area of the zone served by the high tem-
perature radiant electric unit and the heating capacity per unit floor area value specified by the
user. This field may be left blank.
1452 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.33.10.1.7 Field: Fraction of Autosized Heating Design Capacity

Enter the heating capacity as a fraction of the autosized heating capacity for high temperature
radiant electric unit. This input field is required when the Heating Design Capacity Method is
FractionOfAutosizedHeatingCapacity. The program calculates the heating capacity from the design
autosized heating capacity and user specified fraction. Design day sizing run must be specified.
This field may be left blank. The default value is 1.0.

1.33.10.1.8 Field: Fuel Type

This field denotes the type of high temperature radiant heater: gas or electric. The user must
specify this by inputting either the keyword “NaturalGas” or “Electricity” for this field.

1.33.10.1.9 Field: Combustion Efficiency

This field is the combustion efficiency for a gas high temperature radiant heater. This value
should be greater than 0 and less than or equal to 1. It is intended to take into account any potential
inefficiencies in the combustion process inside the radiant heater. The heater gas consumption is
the ratio of heater output over the combustion efficiency. This parameter has no meaning for an
electric high temperature radiant heater and is ignored when the previous field is equal to “Electric”.

1.33.10.1.10 Field: Fraction of Input Converted to Radiant Energy

This field specifies what fraction of the power input to the high temperature radiant heater is
actually radiant heat transfer. The fraction should be between 0 and 1. In conjunction with the
next two parameters, it defines the breakdown of how the power input to the heater is distributed to
the rest of the zone. The sum of these fractions must be less than or equal to 1. If the fractions are
less than one, the remaining energy is added to the zone as convective heat transfer. The radiant
heat transfer from the heat is distributed to people and surfaces using the distribution fractions
listed below.

1.33.10.1.11 Field: Fraction of Input Converted to Latent Energy

This field specifies the fraction of the power input to the high temperature radiant heater that
is converted to a latent heat gain within the space. This may be appropriate when a combustion
process produces moisture that is transferred into the space. The latent heat addition from a high
temperature radiant heater is handled as any other latent heat gain within the space, affecting the
moisture balance on the zone air.

1.33.10.1.12 Field: Fraction of Input that Is Lost

This field specifies the fraction of power input to the high temperature radiant heater that is
“lost”. This energy is a loss term, and this fraction of the input power has no effect on the zone
heat balances.

1.33.10.1.13 Field: Temperature control type

This field specifies along with the throttling range and setpoint schedules how the user wishes to
control the high temperature radiant system. The temperature denoted in the setpoint schedule can
refer to one of three different temperatures: a mean air temperature, a mean radiant temperature, or
an operative temperature. The choice of temperature is controlled by the current field—temperature
control type. The user must select from the following options:

• MeanAirTemperature
1.33. GROUP – RADIATIVE / CONVECTIVE UNITS 1453

• MeanRadiantTemperature

• OperativeTemperature

• MeanAirTemperatureSetpoint

• MeanRadiantTemperatureSetpoint

• OperativeTemperatureSetpoint

If the user does not select a control type, OperativeTemperature control is assumed by Energy-
Plus. For the setpoint control strategies (those ending in Setpoint above), EnergyPlus will attempt
to find the correct heater output to meet the heating setpoint temperature (see below) through
iteration and interpolation. This will more closely match the operation of an actual thermostat, but
it will require significantly longer execution times. For more information on the standard piece-
wise linear control algorithm used by the Mean Air Temperature, Mean Radiant Temperature, and
Operative Temperature control types (the “non-Setpoint” controls), see the throttling range and
control temperature schedule fields below for more information.

1.33.10.1.14 Field: Heating Throttling Range

This field specifies the range of temperature in degrees Celsuis over which the radiant system
throttles from zero heat input via the electric resistance wires up to the maximum defined by
the maximum electrical power field described above. The throttling range parameter is used in
conjunction with the control temperature (see below) to define the response of the system to various
zone conditions. The heating control temperature schedule specifies the “setpoint” temperature
where the power input to the system is at half of the maximum power input. For example, if the
heating control temperature setpoint is currently 15°C and the heating throttling range is 2°C, the
electrical power supplied to the radiant system will be zero when the controlling temperature (Mean
Air Temperature, Mean Radiant Temperature, and Operative Temperature; see control type field
above) is at or above 16°C and the maximum power input when the controlling temperature is at
or below 14°C. This represents a throttling range of 2°C around the setpoint of 15°C. In between
14°C and 16°C, the power input to the radiant system is varied linearly.

1.33.10.1.15 Field: Heating Setpoint Temperature Schedule Name

This field specifies the heating setpoint or control temperature for the radiant system in degrees
Celsius. Used in conjunction with the previous field (heating throttling range), it will define whether
or not the system is running and the current power input to the radiant surface. Power input to
the system is varied linearly around the setpoint temperature based on the throttling range and the
maximum electrical power parameters (see above). It should be noted that this control schedule will
allow different setpoint temperatures throughout the year for heating. In addition, this schedule
may be different that the thermostatic control schedule defined for overall operation of components
serving the zone in which the radiant system is located. The thermostatic control determines
whether or not there is a heating or cooling load in the space and thus whether the systems should
be operating. This field simply controls the flow rate to the radiant system.

1.33.10.1.16 Field: Fraction of Radiant Energy Incident on People

This field specifies the fraction of radiant heat transfer to the zone from the radiant heater
that is incident directly on people within the space. This has an impact on the predicted thermal
comfort of the zone occupants. Note that since the thermal comfort models only use the results of
1454 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

the zone heat balances this energy is accounted for within the heat balance as convective energy,
directly affecting the zone air heat balance. The basic assumption here is that most radiant energy
falling on people will most likely be convected to the surroundings. This is a simplification of
reality, but it maintains the overall energy balance.

1.33.10.1.17 Field Set: Surface Name, Fraction of radiant energy to Surface

The pairs of Surface Name, Fraction of Radiant Energy to Surface are used in several objects.
There can be up to 20 specified.

1.33.10.1.18 Field: Surface <x> Name

This field is the name of the first surface to which radiant heat transfer from the high tem-
perature radiant heater is distributed. Used in conjunction with the next field, it helps to define
the distribution of the radiant energy on the surfaces within the zone. Note that up to 20 pairs of
surface names and corresponding fractions may be entered for a single radiant heater system.

1.33.10.1.19 Field: Fraction of Radiant Energy to Surface <x>

This field is paired with the preceding surface name (previous field) to define the fraction of
radiant heat transfer leaving the high temperature radiant system that is incident on a particular
surface. Users should take into account the directionality of high temperature radiant heaters and
their location when defining the value for this input field. Note that the sum of all fractions plus
the fraction of radiant energy incident on people must add up to less than or equal to 1.
An example IDF with a high temperature radiant system is shown below.

ZoneHVAC:HighTemperatureRadiant , Zone 2 Radiant Heater ,

RadiantPanelAvailSched , ! Availability schedule
EAST ZONE , ! Zone name (name of zone system is serving)
10000 , !- Heating Design Capacity{ W }
, !- Heating Design Capacity Per Floor Area{ W / m2 }
, !- Fraction of Autosized Heating Design Capacity{ -}
Gas , ! type of heater (either gas or electric)
0.8, ! combustion efficiency (ignored for electric radiant
heaters)
0.80, ! fraction radiant
0.00, ! fraction latent
0.00, ! fraction lost
OperativeTemperature , ! temperature control type (controls on operative
temperature)
2.0 , ! heating throttling range (in C)
Radiant Heating Setpoints , ! heating setpoint temperatures
0.04, ! fraction of radiant energy that is incident directly on
people
Zn002:Flr001 , 0.80, ! fraction of radiant energy that is incident on the
surface indicated
Zn002:Wall001 , 0.04, ! fraction of radiant energy that is incident on the
surface indicated
Zn002:Wall002 , 0.04, ! fraction of radiant energy that is incident on the
surface indicated
Zn002:Wall003 , 0.04, ! fraction of radiant energy that is incident on the
surface indicated
Zn002:Wall004 , 0.04; ! fraction of radiant energy that is incident on the
surface indicated

1.33.10.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average, Zone Radiant HVAC Heating Rate [W]
1.33. GROUP – RADIATIVE / CONVECTIVE UNITS 1455

• HVAC,Sum, Zone Radiant HVAC Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Zone Radiant HVAC Gas Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Zone Radiant HVAC Gas Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Zone Radiant HVAC Electric Power[W]

• HVAC,Sum, Zone Radiant HVAC Electric Energy [J]

1.33.10.2.1 Zone Radiant HVAC Heating Rate [W]

This field reports the rate at which energy is transferred from the high temperature radiant
system to the zone in Watts. This rate is determined by the zone conditions and the control scheme
defined in the user input. Note that this amount takes into account any combustion inefficiency and
thus could be different that the gas consumption rate in a high temperature gas radiant system.

1.33.10.2.2 Zone Radiant HVAC Heating Energy [J]

This field reports the amount of energy transferred from the high temperature gas radiant
system to the zone in Joules. This amount is determined by the zone conditions, the control
scheme defined in the user input, and the timestep. Note that this amount takes into account any
combustion inefficiency and thus could be different that the gas consumption in a high temperature
gas radiant system.

1.33.10.2.3 Zone Radiant HVAC Gas Rate [W]

This field reports the rate at which gas is “burned” in a high temperature gas radiant system
in Watts. This rate is determined by the zone conditions and the control scheme defined in the
user input.

1.33.10.2.4 Zone Radiant HVAC Gas Energy [J]

This field reports the amount of gas “burned” in a high temperature gas radiant system in
Joules. This amount is determined by the zone conditions, the control scheme defined in the user
input, and the timestep.

1.33.10.2.5 Zone Radiant HVAC Electric Power[W]

This field reports the rate at which electric energy is “burned” in a high temperature electric
radiant system in Watts. This rate is determined by the zone conditions and the control scheme
defined in the user input.

1.33.10.2.6 Zone Radiant HVAC Electric Energy [J]

This field reports the amount of electric energy “burned” in a high temperature electric radiant
system in Joules. This amount is determined by the zone conditions, the control scheme defined in
the user input, and the timestep.

1.33.11 ZoneHVAC:VentilatedSlab
Ventilated slab systems in general use outdoor air to “precool” slabs with colder nighttime air. This
method of precooling the thermal mass of a space can be very effective when nighttime temperatures
are low and the mass of the system is high enough to provide a significant amount of cooling
1456 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

potential during the day to counteract internal heat gains within a zone. Nearly all ventilated
slabs are simple systems such as that shown in the right side of Figure 1.140. The fan is shown in
a blow through position, but the model will allow either a blow or draw through configuration.

Figure 1.140: Ventilated Slab model - basic system

1.33.11.1 Inputs
1.33.11.1.1 Field: Name
This field is a unique user assigned name for an instance of a ventilated slab system. Any
reference to this unit by another object will use this name. Other objects that use this ventilated
slab system will reference it by this name.

1.33.11.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This field is the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the ventilated slab
system can run during a given time period. A schedule value less than or equal to 0 (usually 0 is
used) denotes that the unit must be off for that time period. A value greater than 0 (usually 1
is used) denotes that the unit is available to operate during that time period. If this field is left
blank, the schedule has a value of 1 for all time periods.

1.33.11.1.3 Field: Zone Name

This field is the name of the zone (Ref: Zone) in which the ventilated slab system is principally
located and intended to affect. A system that is between two zones will still act upon each zone;
however, the zone name referenced here should be the zone that controls the system response.

1.33.11.1.4 Field: Surface Name or Radiant Surface Group Name

This field is the name of the surface (Ref: Surface) or surface list (Ref: Zone-
HVAC:VentilatedSlab:SlabGroup) in which the hollow cores are embedded/contained. This
specification attaches the source or sinks from the radiant system to a particular surface and the
contribution of the system to the heat balances of that surface. If this field is a surface list, then
the source or sink is attached to all of the surfaces in the list with the radiant system surface group
defining the breakdown of how flow rate is split between the various surfaces. Only base surfaces
(Walls, Roofs, Floors) are valid. Window/Door surfaces and Internal Mass are not valid surface
types for embedded radiant systems.
1.33. GROUP – RADIATIVE / CONVECTIVE UNITS 1457

Figure 1.141: Example operating schedule for Ventilated Slab

1.33.11.1.5 Field: Maximum Air Flow Rate

This field allows the user to enter the maximum volumetric flow rate of air through the ventilated
slab system in m3 /sec. This parameter should be some real number greater than zero.

1.33.11.1.6 Field: Outdoor Air Control Type

This field allows the user to control how outdoor air is used in the ventilated slab system. The
ventilated slab system described by this syntax has its own outdoor air handler. The three options
for outdoor air control are “VariablePercent”, “FixedTemperature” and “FixedAmount”.
Those keywords are the only allowed choices for this parameter. In general, the variable percent
control will attempt to vary the amount of outdoor air between some minimum and maximum
schedules of fractions (see next two fields) to best meet the current heating or cooling load. The
fixed temperature control will vary the amount of outdoor air between the minimum schedule
(fraction of maximum, see next field) and 100% available outdoor air to come as close as possible
to a desired mixed air temperature (see two fields down) that can be scheduled. The fixed amount
control will fix the outdoor air flow rate as minimum outdoor air flow rate and schedule specified
by the user and automatically set the maximum and minimum outside flow rate to be equal by
ignoring the maximum outdoor air flow rate. More information on the controls and operation of
the ventilated slab are given in the section above (preceding the IDF description).

1.33.11.1.7 Field: Minimum Outdoor Air Flow Rate

This field allows the user to enter the minimum volumetric flow rate of outdoor air (in m3 /sec)
that will be brought in to the ventilated slab. The actual minimum outdoor air flow rate will be this
number multiplied by the schedule value from the minimum outdoor air schedule. If “FixedAmount”
type is selected as the outdoor air control strategy, the outdoor air flow rate will be fixed at the
value of this field and the ventilated slab will automatically set the maximum and minimum outside
flow rate to be equal by ignoring the maximum outdoor air flow rate.

1.33.11.1.8 Field: Minimum Outdoor Air Schedule Name

This field contains a schedule name (ref: Schedule) that should contain values for the minimum
outdoor air used by the ventilated slab system for IAQ or other reasons. Note that if the ventilated
1458 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

slab is scheduled off or if there is no load sensed in the zone that the system will not operate even
to achieve the minimum air fraction. However, if the system is operating, it will always bring
in at least this fraction of the minimum air flow rate (see minimum air flow rate field above). If
“FixedAmount” type is selected as the outdoor air control strategy, the actual outdoor air flow
rate will be this number multiplied by the minimum outdoor air flow rate in the field above. The
ventilated slab will automatically set the maximum and minimum outdoor air schedule to be equal
by ignoring the maximum outdoor air schedule.

1.33.11.1.9 Field: Maximum Outdoor Air Flow Rate

This field allows the user to enter the maximum volumetric flow rate of outdoor air that can be
brought into the ventilated slab in m3 /sec. This parameter should be some real number greater
than zero. Note that the value for this parameter may be less than the maximum air flow rate
of the ventilated slab and this may affect the maximum fraction of outdoor air within the control
strategy defined above. This parameter is an absolute maximum and will supercede any scheduled
fraction of the ventilated slab maximum airflow rate. If “FixedAmount” type is selected as the
outdoor air control strategy, this field will be ignored and be automatically set to be equal to the
minimum outdoor air flow rate specified in the field above.

1.33.11.1.10 Field: Maximum Outdoor Air Fraction or Temperature Schedule

Name
This field can have one of two meanings depending the type of control selected in the outdoor
air control type parameter above. If “VariablePercent” or “FixedAmount” was selected, then
this field is a schedule name (ref: Schedule) corresponding to a maximum air fraction schedule.
Furthermore, if “FixedAmount” type is selected as the outdoor air control strategy, this field will
be ignored and be automatically set to be equal to the minimum outdoor air fraction specified
in the field below. Note that this is a fraction of the maximum airflow rate field (see parameter
above) for the ventilated slab. If “FixedTemperature” control was selected, then this field is still a
schedule name (ref: Schedule), but it corresponds to a schedule of mixed air temperatures that the
outdoor air control will try to attain.

1.33.11.1.11 Field: System Configuration Type

This field allows the user to control how the air is circulated using the ventilated slab sys-
tem. The options for system configuration are

• SlabOnly

• SlabAndZone

• SeriesSlabs

In the SlabOnly, the ventilation air is sent to the slab only and does not enter the zone. In
the SlabAndZone, the air first enters the slab and then is delivered to the zone before re-
turning to the system. With the SeriesSlabs option, the user specifies a list of slabs (Zone-
HVAC:VentilatedSlab:SlabGroup). This list determines the order of slabs through which the air
passes. In this option, air is not delivered to any zone.
1.33. GROUP – RADIATIVE / CONVECTIVE UNITS 1459

1.33.11.1.12 Field: Hollow Core Inside Diameter

This field is the inside diameter of the cores through which air is circulated for the system
being defined by this statement. The inside diameter should be recorded in meters and is used to
determine the convective heat transfer from the circulated air to the inside surface of the ventilated
slab.

1.33.11.1.13 Field: Hollow Core Length

This field is the length of core embedded in the surface named above in the surface name
field. In other words, this should be the distance that air travels as it through the slab. The
length of the hollow core in the slab should be entered in meters and is used to determine the
effectiveness of heat transfer from the air being circulated through the cores and the core inside
surface. Longer core lengths result in more heat transferred to/from the radiant surface to the
circulating fluid.

1.33.11.1.14 Field: Number of Cores

This field allows the user to specify how many cores there are in the ventilated slab. Air flow
will be divided equally among the different cores.

1.33.11.1.15 Field: Temperature Control Type

This field specifies along with the throttling range and setpoint schedules how the user wishes to
control the ventilated slab system. The temperature denoted in the set temperature schedule can
refer to one of seven different temperatures: the zone mean air temperature, the zone mean radiant
temperature, the zone operative temperature, the surface temperature of the ventilated slab, the
outdoor dry-bulb temperature, the outdoor wet-bulb temperature, or the dewpoint temperature
of zone mean air temperature. The choice of temperature is controlled by the current field—
temperature control type. The user must select from the following options:

• MeanAirTemperature

• MeanRadiantTemperature

• OperativeTemperature

• OutdoorDryBulbTemperature

• OutdoorWetBulbTemperature

• SurfaceTemperature

• ZoneAirDewPointTemperature

If the user does not select a control type, MeanAirTemperature control is assumed by
EnergyPlus. See the control temperature schedule fields below for more information.

1.33.11.1.16 Field: Heating High Air Temperature Schedule Name

This field specifies the high air temperature in degrees Celsius for the temperature control
of a ventilated slab system. Air and control temperatures for heating work together to provide
a linear function that determines the air temperature sent to the ventilated slab. The current
control temperature (see Temperature Control Type above) is compared to the high and low control
temperatures at the current time. If the control temperature is above the high temperature,
1460 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

then the inlet air temperature is set to the low air temperature. If the control temperature is
below the low temperature, then the inlet air temperature is set to the high air temperature. If the
control temperature is between the high and low value, then the inlet air temperature is linearly
interpolated between the low and high air temperature values.

1.33.11.1.17 Field: Heating Low Air Temperature Schedule Name

This field specifies the low air temperature in degrees Celsius for the temperature control of
a ventilated slab. For more information on its interpretation, see Heating High Air Temperature
Schedule above.

1.33.11.1.18 Field: Heating High Control Temperature Schedule Name

This field specifies the high control temperature in degrees Celsius for the temperature control
of a ventilated slab. For more information on its interpretation, see Heating High Air Temperature
Schedule above.

1.33.11.1.19 Field: Heating Low Control Temperature Schedule Name

This field specifies the low control temperature in degrees Celsius for the temperature control
of a ventilated slab. For more information on its interpretation, see Heating High Air Temperature
Schedule above.

1.33.11.1.20 Field: Cooling High Air Temperature Schedule Name

This field specifies the high air temperature in degrees Celsius for the temperature control of
a ventilated slab system. Air and control temperatures for cooling work together to provide a
linear function that determines the air temperature sent to the ventilated slab system. The current
control temperature (see Temperature Control Type above) is compared to the high and low control
temperatures at the current time. If the control temperature is above the high temperature, then
the inlet air temperature is set to the low air temperature. If the control temperature is below
the low temperature, then the inlet air temperature is set to the high air temperature. If the
control temperature is between the high and low value, then the inlet air temperature is linearly
interpolated between the low and high air temperature values.

1.33.11.1.21 Field: Cooling Low Air Temperature Schedule Name

This field specifies the low air temperature in degrees Celsius for the temperature control of a
constant flow cooling radiant system. For more information on its interpretation, see Cooling High
Air Temperature Schedule above.

1.33.11.1.22 Field: Cooling High Control Temperature Schedule Name

This field specifies the high control temperature in degrees Celsius for the temperature control
of a constant flow cooling radiant system. For more information on its interpretation, see Cooling
High Air Temperature Schedule above.

1.33.11.1.23 Field: Cooling Low Control Temperature Schedule Name

This field specifies the low control temperature in degrees Celsius for the temperature control
of a ventilated slab system. For more information on its interpretation, see Cooling High Air
Temperature Schedule above.
1.33. GROUP – RADIATIVE / CONVECTIVE UNITS 1461

1.33.11.1.24 Field: Return Air Node Name

This field is a node name used to identify the node that serves as the zone return air inlet to
the ventilated slab system. This node is one of the inlets to the outdoor air mixer which is implicit
in the ventilated slab system model. For “SlabAndZone” configuration, the Return Air Node will
typically be the same node as a zone exhaust node. For “SlabOnly” or “SeriesSlabs” configuration,
this node name is required but will have zero flow.

1.33.11.1.25 Field: Slab In Node Name

This field is a node name used to identify the node that serves as the inlet of the ventilated
slab or series of slabs, after the outdoor air mixer, fan, and optional coils.

1.33.11.1.26 Field: Zone Supply Air Node Name

This field is a node name used to identify the node that serves as the outlet from the ventilated
slab system to the zone when using the “SlabAndZone” configuration. It is the node exiting the
slab section of the system. This node will typically be the same node as a zone inlet node. In the
case of “SlabOnly” or “SeriesSlabs” configuration, this field will be ignored and it should be left
BLANK.

1.33.11.1.27 Field: Outdoor Air Node Name

This field is a node name used to identify the node associated with fresh outdoor air brought
into the ventilated slab system outdoor air mixer. This node should also be specified in an
OutdoorAir:Node or OutdoorAir:NodeList object.

1.33.11.1.28 Field: Relief Air Node Name

This field is a node name used to identify the node associated with air exhausted out of the
ventilated slab system to the outdoor environment.

1.33.11.1.29 Field: Outdoor Air Mixer Outlet Node Name

This field is a node name used to identify the node associated with the “mixed” air of the
ventilated slab. These conditions are post-“mixing box” since they are the conditions of the
fraction of return air combined with the outdoor air. Since this is a simple system, this can also
be viewed as the conditions of the air being sent to the coils.

1.33.11.1.30 Field: Fan Outlet Node Name

This field is a node name used to identify the node that serves as the air outlet from the fan.

1.33.11.1.31 Field: Fan Name

This field is the name of a fan (ref: Fan:ConstantVolume) that is part of the ventilated slab
system. This name links the ventilated slab to particular fan data entered elsewhere in the input
data file. A fan name is required since it is the prime mover of air in the ventilated slab system.

1.33.11.1.32 Field: Coil Option Type

This field allows the user to specify the coil operating options as one of the following options:

• None

• Heating
1462 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• Cooling

• HeatingAndCooling

If None is selected, the ventilated slab does not have any coils, and any other input will be
ignored. If either Heating or Cooling is selected, only a heating or cooling coil, respectively, is
present. Thus, only four more inputs will be expected. If HeatingAndCooling is selected, both
heating and cooling coil input must be entered, and the ventilated slab will have both a heating
and a cooling coil.

1.33.11.1.33 Field: Heating Coil Object Type

This field is the type of coil (ref: Coil:Heating:Water, Coil:Heating:Electric, Coil:Heating:Gas,
Coil:Heating:Steam) that is used for heating in the ventilated slab system. This field must
be one of the following keywords: Coil:Heating:Water, Coil:Heating:Electric, Coil:Heating:Gas,
Coil:Heating:Steam. It is used in conjunction with the heating coil name (see next field) to specify
the heating coil present within the system.

1.33.11.1.34 Field: Heating Coil Name

This field is the name of the heating coil that is part of the ventilated slab system. It is assumed
that there is always some sort of heating coil associated with a ventilated slab system. This name
links the ventilated slab to particular heating coil data entered elsewhere in the input data file.

1.33.11.1.35 Field: Hot Water or Steam Inlet Node Name

This field corresponds to the water inlet node to the heating coil for a water coil. The water
inlet node controls how a water heating coil operates. This field is ignored/not needed for gas and
electric heating coils.

1.33.11.1.36 Field: Cooling Coil Object Type

This field is the name of the cooling coil (ref: Coil:Cooling:Water, Coil:Cooling:Water:DetailedGeometry,
CoilSystem:Cooling:Water:HeatExchangerAssisted) that is part of the ventilated slab system. This
name links the ventilated slab system to particular cooling coil data entered elsewhere in the input
data file. If no cooling coil is present, the previous field may be followed by a semi-colon and the
remaining parameters in this statement may be ignored.

1.33.11.1.37 Field: Cooling Coil Name

This field is the name of the cooling coil that is part of the ventilated slab system. It is assumed
that there is always some sort of cooling coil associated with a ventilated slab system. This name
links the ventilated slab to particular cooling coil data entered elsewhere in the input data file.

1.33.11.1.38 Field: Cold Water Inlet Node Name

This field corresponds to the water inlet node to the cooling coil. The water inlet node controls
how a water cooling coil operates and is required for the ventilated slab system that has a cooling
coil associated with it to function properly.
1.33. GROUP – RADIATIVE / CONVECTIVE UNITS 1463

1.33.11.1.39 Field: Availability Manager List Name

This optional input field is the name of an AvailabilityManagerAssignmentList object. An
Availability Manager Assignment List is a list of Availability Managers giving both Availability
Manager type and name. The availability managers in the list apply to this ventilated slab object’s
fan. If the ventilated slab is available (per the Availability Schedule Name input field above) and
this input field has a valid availability manager assignment list name, then the availability managers
in the list determine when and if the fan of this ventilated slab object should be on or off.

1.33.11.1.40 Field: Design Specification ZoneHVAC Sizing Object Name

This optional input field is the name of a DesignSpecification:ZoneHVAC:Sizing object. The
name must correspond to unique name of a DesignSpecification:ZoneHVAC:Sizing object. A Design
Sepcification Zone HVAC Sizing object defines scalable sizing methods for sizing input fields such
as Maximum Air Flow Rate in this Ventilated Slab zone HVAC object. The scaled Maximum Air
Flow Rate in turn is used to size cooling and heating capacity of the coils.
An example IDF with a ventilated slab is shown below.

ZoneHVAC:VentilatedSlab ,
Zone4VentSlab , !- Name
VentSlabAvailability , !- Availability Schedule Name
SPACE4 -1, !- Zone Name
F4 -1, !- Surface Name or Radiant Surface Group Name
0.84, !- Maximum Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
VariablePercent , !- Outdoor Air Control Type
0.168 , !- Minimum Outdoor Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
U2MinOASched , !- Minimum Outdoor Air Schedule Name
0.84, !- Maximum Outdoor Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
VentSlabMaxOA , !- Maximum Outdoor Air Fraction or Temperature Schedule Name
SlabAndZone , !- System Configuration Type
0.050 , !- Hollow Core Inside Diameter {m}
15.0, !- Hollow Core Length {m}
50.0, !- Number of Cores
MeanRadiantTemperature , !- Temperature Control Type
VentSlabHotHighAir , !- Heating High Air Temperature Schedule Name
VentSlabHotLowAir , !- Heating Low Air Temperature Schedule Name
VentSlabHotHighControl , !- Heating High Control Temperature Schedule Name
VentSlabHotLowControl , !- Heating Low Control Temperature Schedule Name
VentSlabCoolHighAir , !- Cooling High Air Temperature Schedule Name
VentSlabCoolLowAir , !- Cooling Low Air Temperature Schedule Name
VentSlabCoolHighControl , !- Cooling High Control Temperature Schedule Name
VentSlabCoolLowControl , !- Cooling Low Control Temperature Schedule Name
Zone4VentSlabReturnAirNode , !- Return Air Node Name
Zone4VentslabSlabInNode , !- Slab In Node Name
Zone4Inlets , !-Zone Supply Air Node Name
Zone4VentSlabOAInNode , !- Outdoor Air Node Name
Zone4VentSlabExhNode , !- Relief Air Node Name
Zone4VentSlabOAMixerOutletNode , !-Outdoor Air Mixer Outlet Node Name
Zone4VentSlabFanOutletNode , !- Fan Outlet Node Name
Zone4VentSlabFan , !- Fan Name
HeatingAndCooling , !- Coil Option Type
Coil:Heating:Electric , !- Heating Coil Object Type
Zone4VentSlabHeatingCoil ,!- Heating Coil Name
, !- Hot Water or Steam Inlet Node Name
Coil:Cooling:Water , !- Cooling Coil Object Type
Zone4VentSlabCoolingCoil ,!- Cooling Coil Name
Zone4VentSlabChWInletNode ; !- Cold Water Inlet Node Name

1.33.11.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Zone Ventilated Slab Radiant Heating Rate [W]
1464 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ventilated Slab Radiant Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ventilated Slab Radiant Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ventilated Slab Radiant Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ventilated Slab Coil Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ventilated Slab Coil Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ventilated Slab Coil Total Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ventilated Slab Coil Total Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ventilated Slab Coil Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ventilated Slab Coil Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ventilated Slab Coil Latent Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ventilated Slab Coil Latent Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Zone Ventilated Slab Air Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average, Zone Ventilated Slab Fan Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Zone Ventilated Slab Fan Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ventilated Slab Inlet Air Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ventilated Slab Outlet Air Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ventilated Slab Zone Inlet Air Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ventilated Slab Return Air Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ventilated Slab Fan Outlet Air Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Ventilated Slab Fan Availability Status []

1.33.11.2.1 Zone Ventilated Slab Radiant Heating Rate [W]

This field reports the radiant heating input rate of the ventilated slab system to the zone it
is serving in Watts. This is determined by outlet and zone air conditions and the mass flow rate
through the ventilated slab system.

1.33.11.2.2 Zone Ventilated Slab Radiant Heating Energy [J]

This field is the heating radiant input of the ventilated slab system to the zone it is serving in
Joules over the timestep being reported. This is determined by outlet and zone air conditions, the
mass flow rate through the ventilated slab system, and the timestep.

1.33.11.2.3 Zone Ventilated Slab Radiant Cooling Rate [W]

This field reports the radiant cooling input rate to the ventilated slab system in Watts. This
is the heat sink to the surface that is defined as the ventilated slab system. The cooling rate is
determined by the zone conditions and the control scheme defined in the user input.
1.33. GROUP – RADIATIVE / CONVECTIVE UNITS 1465

1.33.11.2.4 Zone Ventilated Slab Radiant Cooling Energy [J]

This field reports the radiant cooling input to the ventilated slab system in Joules. This is the
heat sink to the surface that is defined as the radiant system. The cooling rate is determined by
the zone conditions, the control scheme defined in the user input, and the timestep.

1.33.11.2.5 Zone Ventilated Slab Coil Heating Rate [W]

This field reports the heating input rate of the heating coil of ventilated slab system the zone
it is serving in Watts. This is determined by return air and zone air conditions and the mass flow
rate through the ventilation slab system.

1.33.11.2.6 Zone Ventilated Slab Coil Heating Energy [J]

This field is the heating output of the heating coil of the ventilated slab system the zone it is
serving in Joules over the timestep being reported. This is determined by return air and zone air
conditions, the mass flow rate through the ventilation slab system, and the timestep.

1.33.11.2.7 Zone Ventilated Slab Coil Total Cooling Rate [W]

This field reports the total cooling (sensible plus latent) output rate of the cooling coil of the
ventilated slab system to the zone it is serving in Watts. This is determined by outlet and zone
air conditions and the mass flow rate through the ventilation slab system.

1.33.11.2.8 Zone Ventilated Slab Coil Total Cooling Energy [J]

This field is the total cooling (sensible plus latent) output of the cooling coil of the ventilated
slab system to the zone it is serving in Joules over the timestep being reported. This is determined
by outlet and zone air conditions, the mass flow rate through the ventilation slab system, and the
timestep.

1.33.11.2.9 Zone Ventilated Slab Coil Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

This field reports the sensible cooling output rate of the cooling coil of the ventilated slab
system to the zone it is serving in Watts. This is determined by outlet and zone air conditions
and the mass flow rate through the ventilation slab system.

1.33.11.2.10 Zone Ventilated Slab Coil Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

This field is the sensible cooling output of the cooling coli of the ventilated slab system to the
zone it is serving in Joules over the timestep being reported. This is determined by outlet and
zone air conditions, the mass flow rate through the ventilation slab system, and the timestep.

1.33.11.2.11 Zone Ventilated Slab Coil Latent Cooling Rate [W]

This field reports the latent cooling output rate of the cooling coil of the ventilated slab system
to the zone it is serving in Watts. This is determined by outlet and zone air conditions and the
mass flow rate through the ventilation slab system.

1.33.11.2.12 Zone Ventilated Slab Coil Latent Cooling Energy [J]

This field is the latent cooling output of the cooling coli of the ventilated slab system to the
zone it is serving in Joules over the timestep being reported. This is determined by outlet and
zone air conditions, the mass flow rate through the ventilation slab system, and the timestep.
1466 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.33.11.2.13 Zone Ventilated Slab Air Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

This field reports the mass flow rate of air through the ventilated slab system in kilograms per
second.

1.33.11.2.14 Zone Ventilated Slab Fan Electric Power [W]

This field reports the electric power consumption rate of the fan of the ventilated slab system
in Watts.

1.33.11.2.15 Zone Ventilated Slab Fan Electric Energy [J]

This field reports the electric power consumed by the fan of the ventilated slab system over the
timestep in Joules.

1.33.11.2.16 Zone Ventilated Slab Inlet Air Temperature [C]

This field reports the temperature of air entering the ventilated slab system in Celsius.

1.33.11.2.17 Zone Ventilated Slab Outlet Air Temperature [C]

This field reports the temperature of air leaving the ventilated slab system in Celsius.

1.33.11.2.18 Zone Ventilated Slab Zone Inlet Air Temperature [C]

This field reports the temperature of air entering the zone in Celsius.

1.33.11.2.19 Zone Ventilated Slab Return Air Temperature [C]

This field reports the temperature of air leaving the zone in Celsius. When system does not
circulate air to zone(“SlabOnly” Configuration), the slab outlet temperature and return air tem-
perature will be the same.

1.33.11.2.20 Zone Ventilated Slab Fan Outlet Air Temperature [C]

This field reports the fan outlet air temperature for the ventilated slab system in Celsius.

1.33.11.2.21 Zone Ventilated Slab Fan Availability Status []

This is the availability status of the ventilated slab fan. This status flag is a result of the calcu-
lations made by the Availability Manager(s) listed in an AvailabilityManagerAssignmentList object
and/or calculations made by Hybrid Ventilation Manager object. The AvailabilityManagerAssign-
mentList is an optional input in the ventilated slab object. When a single availability manager is
used in an Availability Manager Assignment List, this is also the availability status reported by
the specific availability manager (Ref. AvailabilityManager:* Outputs). For multiple availability
managers in an Availability Manager Assignment List along with Hybrid Ventilation Manager,
rules to determine fan availability status are described in the section ‘Group – System Availability
Managers’. The control status outputs are represented using integers 0 through 3. These integers
represent NoAction (0), ForceOff (1), CycleOn (2), and CycleOnZoneFansOnly (3). Since the sta-
tus output is averaged, the output result may not correspond to the values described here when
output variable frequencies other than detailed are used. Use the “detailed” reporting frequency
(Ref. Output:Variable object) to view the availability status at each simulation timestep.
1.33. GROUP – RADIATIVE / CONVECTIVE UNITS 1467

1.33.12 ZoneHVAC:VentilatedSlab:SlabGroup
A ventilated slab system may consist of multiple active slabs that are serving to condition the zone.
Slabs that act serially can be specified as multiple radiant systems using the standard ventilated
slab input described above. This list of surfaces (the name it is assigned) replcaces the name of a
single surface in the ventilated slab system input described above.

1.33.12.1 Inputs
1.33.12.1.1 Field : Name of Ventilated Slab Surface Group
This field is a unique user assigned name for the list of surfaces that are acting in coordination
with one another. Any reference to this list by a ventilated slab system will use this name.

1.33.12.1.2 Field: Zone Name

This field is the name of the zone in which the surface is principally located and intended to
affect.

1.33.12.1.3 Field: Surface Name

This field is the name of a surface in the zone being conditioned by the ventilated slab system.
Only base surfaces like walls, floors and roofs are valid. Door/Window Surface and Internal Mass
are not valid surface types for the ventilated slab system.

1.33.12.1.4 Field: Core Diameter

This field is the inside diameter of the cores through which air is circulated for the surface
being defined by this statement. The inside diameter should be recorded in meters and is used to
determine the convective heat transfer from the circulated air to the inside surface of the ventilated
slab.

1.33.12.1.5 Field: Core length

This field is the length of core embedded in the surface named above in the surface name
field. In other words, this should be the distance that air travels as it through the slab. The
length of the hollow core in the surface should be entered in meters and is used to determine the
effectiveness of heat transfer from the air being circulated through the cores and the core inside
surface. Longer core lengths result in more heat transferred to/from the radiant surface to the
circulating fluid.

1.33.12.1.6 Field: Number of Cores

This field allows the user to specify how many cores there are in the ventilated slab. Air flow
will be divided equally among the different cores.

1.33.12.1.7 Field: Slab Inlet Node Name

This field is a node name (character string) used to identify the node that serves as the inlet
(air side) to the surface. In EnergyPlus, nodes represent points between components or at various
points in the loops. While a node name may be referenced more than once in an input data file,
each node must have a unique name.
1468 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.33.12.1.8 Field: Slab Outlet Node Name

This field is a node name (character string) used to identify the node that serves as the outlet
(air side) of the surface. In EnergyPlus, nodes represent points between components or at various
points in the loops. While a node name may be referenced more than once in an input data file,
each node must have a unique name.
An Example IDF with a ventilated slab system is shown below

ZoneHVAC:VentilatedSlab:SlabGroup ,
Z125 , !- Name
SPACE1 -1, !- Zone 1 Name
C1 -1, !- Surface 1 Name
0.05, !- Core Diameter for Surface 1
30, !- Core Length for Surface 1
20, !- Core Numbers for Surface 1
Z1VentslabIn , !- Slab In Node Name for Surface 1
Z1VentSlabout , !- Slab Outlet Node Name for Surface 1
SPACE2 -1, !- Zone 2 Name
C2 -1, !- Surface 2 Name
0.05, !- Core Diameter for Surface 2
15, !- Core Length for Surface 2
20, !- Core Numbers for Surface 2
Z2VentSlabIn , !- Slab In Node Name for Surface 2
Z2VentSlabOut , !- Slab Outlet Node Name for Surface 2
SPACE5 -1, !- Zone 3 Name
C5 -1, !- Surface 3 Name
0.05, !- Core Diameter for Surface 3
30, !- Core Length for Surface 3
20, !- Core Numbers for Surface 3
Z5VentSlabIn , !- Slab In Node Name for Surface 3
Z5VentSlabOut; !- Slab Outlet Node Name for Surface 3

1.34 Group – Refrigeration

There are two ways to model a supermarket refrigeration system. The first, and simplest, approach
models the combination of compressor(s) and condenser as a single refrigeration compressor rack
object. (A list is used to enter multiple case or walk-in names.)
For the first approach, the input objects needed are:

• One Refrigeration:CompressorRack object

• At least one refrigeration load, which may be any combination of:

• Refrigeration:Case or

• Refrigeration:WalkIn or

• Refrigeration:CaseAndWalkInList objects .

The second approach requires more input objects but also allows the user to model more complex
systems. This detailed approach must be used whenever loads are transferred from one system to
another, such as with secondary loops, cascade condensers, or mechanical subcoolers. Again lists
are used to enter multiple load or compressor names.
For the detailed approach, the input objects needed are:

• One Refrigeration:System object

1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1469

• At least one refrigeration load object which may include any combination of:

• Refrigeration:Case,

• Refrigeration:WalkIn,

• Refrigeration:CaseAndWalkInList (may include any combination of cases and walk in cooler

names, OR, a list of air chiller names)

• Refrigeration:SecondarySystem,

• Refrigeration:Condenser:Cascade (as a load, cooling a lower-temperature system) objects,

• Refrigeration:TransferLoadList (may include cascade condenser loads and/or secondary loop

loads)

• Refrigeration:AirChiller

• At least one Refrigeration:Compressor object (multiple compressors are entered using a Re-
frigeration:CompressorList),

• One condenser object which may be either:

• Refrigeration:Condenser:AirCooled,

• Refrigeration:Condenser:EvaporativeCooled,

• Refrigeration:Condenser:WaterCooled, or

• Refrigeration:Condenser:Cascade (rejecting heat from this system)

• The object Refrigeration:Subcooler may optionally be included to describe either a liquid

suction or mechanical subcooler.

Output variables are also available to describe the total heat exchange between all refrigeration
objects and the zones containing these objects. These variables are described at the end of this
section after all the refrigeration objects.

1.34.1 Refrigeration:CompressorRack
The refrigeration compressor rack object works in conjunction with the refrigeration case and
walkin objects (Ref. Refrigeration:Case and Refrigeration:WalkIn) to simulate the performance of
a refrigerated case system. This object models the electric consumption of the rack compressors and
the condenser fans. Heat removed from the refrigerated cases, walkins, and compressor/condenser
fan heat can be rejected either outdoors or to a zone. Compressor rack waste heat can also be
reclaimed for use by an optional air- or water-heating coil (Ref. Coil:Heating:Desuperheater and
Coil:WaterHeating:Desuperheater).
If heat is rejected outdoors, condenser cooling can either be accomplished by direct air flow,
evaporative water cooling, or a by water-cooled condenser with appropriate plant loop piping. With
evaporative cooling, water is sprayed through the air stream to effectively lower the air temperature
experienced by the condenser coil as a result of water evaporation. The use of a water-cooled
condenser requires the definition of a plant loop to supply cooling to the condenser. Waste heat
can be reclaimed and stored using a water storage device.
1470 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

The inputs for the compressor rack object include a name, the heat rejection location, the com-
pressor rack coefficient of performance (COP) at design conditions, the design condenser fan power,
and the type of condenser cooling. The model requires two curve objects to describe performance
at off-design conditions. If the condenser is water-cooled, the inlet and outlet node names as well as
the water outlet temperature schedule name are required. If the condenser has evaporative cool-
ing, additional inputs for evaporative condenser effectiveness, condenser air flow rate, basin heater
parameters, water pump power, water source, and an evaporative cooling availability schedule are
available. The names of refrigerated cases and walkins connected to the compressor rack are the
final inputs to the model.

1.34.1.1 Inputs
1.34.1.1.1 Field: Name
A unique user-assigned name for an instance of a refrigeration compressor rack. Any reference
to this compressor rack by another object will use this name.

1.34.1.1.2 Field: Heat Rejection Location

The location of the compressor rack’s condenser. The compressor rack condenser heat can
be directed “Outdoors” to model an outdoor air or water-cooled condenser or “Zone” to model a
condenser located in a zone (e.g., a stand-alone packaged refrigerated case with integral condenser
located in a conditioned zone). The default for this field is “Outdoors”. If the heat rejection location
is “Zone” and no walk-in coolers are served by this compressor rack, then all refrigerated cases
connected to this compressor rack must be located in the same zone. If however, walk-in coolers
are also served by this compressor rack, then the heat rejection zone name must be specified (see
Heat Rejection Zone Name field below) and cases and walk-ins can be located in multiple zones.
NOTE: When modeling a heat reclaim coil, the heat rejection location must be “Outdoors”.
If the heat rejection location is “Zone”, the total amount of waste heat available for reclaim (e.g.,
by a desuperheater heating coil) is set to zero by this compressor rack object and the simulation
proceeds.

1.34.1.1.3 Field: Design Compressor Rack COP

The coefficient of performance (COP) for the compressor rack at design conditions (compressors
only, excluding condenser fan power). This value must be greater than zero, with a default value of
2.0 if this field is left blank. This value should represent the compressor rack COP corresponding
to the lowest evaporating temperature of any case or walkin served by the rack.

1.34.1.1.4 Field: Compressor Rack COP Function of Temperature Curve Name

The name of the curve object defining the change in compressor rack COP as a function of the
temperature of air entering the condenser. The curve object will be evaluated using the zone air
dry-bulb temperature when rack heat rejection location equals “Zone” and the outdoor air dry-
bulb temperature when rack heat rejection location equals “Outdoors” and the condenser type is
air-cooled. As explained below, if the condenser is cooled by evaporative or water loop cooling, the
curve object is evaluated using an effective temperature. The output from this curve is multiplied by
the design compressor rack COP to yield the actual COP at the specific air temperature entering the
condenser. This curve must be cubic or quadratic (Curve:Cubic or Curve:Quadratic), and should
be normalized to 1.0 at the condenser entering air temperature at which the design compressor rack
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1471

COP occurs. This curve should represent the compressor rack COP corresponding to the lowest
evaporating temperature of any case served by the rack.

1.34.1.1.5 Field: Design Condenser Fan Power

This field defines the design power for the condenser fan(s) in Watts. This field is applicable
for air or evaporative cooling only. If the condenser is water-cooled, the fan power is captured in
the cooling object (e.g., cooling tower). If applicable, this value must be greater than 0.0, with a
default value of 250 Watts if this field is left blank.

1.34.1.1.6 Field: Condenser Fan Power Function of Temperature Curve Name

This field is the name of the curve object defining the change in condenser fan power as a function
of the temperature of air entering the condenser. This curve is used to simulate the modulation
of air flow by the condenser fans (e.g., staging, multi-speed, or variable speed) as a function of
temperature. The curve object will be evaluated using the zone air dry-bulb temperature when
rack heat rejection location equals “Zone” and the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature when rack
heat rejection location equals “Outdoors” and the condenser type is air-cooled. As explained below,
if the condenser is cooled by evaporative cooling, the curve object is evaluated using an effective
temperature. The output from this curve is multiplied by the design condenser fan power to yield
the actual fan power at the specific air temperature entering the condenser. This curve must
be cubic or quadratic (Curve:Cubic or Curve:Quadratic), and should be normalized to 1.0 at the
condenser entering air temperature at which the design condenser fan power occurs. The actual
condenser fan power is not allowed to exceed the design condenser fan power defined in the previous
input field or go below zero (i.e., the output of the curve object is limited to values from 0.0 to 1.0).
If this field is left blank, then the model assumes the condenser fan power is at the design power
level when any of the refrigerated cases connected to this rack are operating.

1.34.1.1.7 Field: Condenser Type

When the heat rejection location is “Outdoors”, the condenser may be either cooled by dry air
by specifying “AirCooled”, by wet evaporative cooling by specifying “EvaporativelyCooled”, or by
a water loop by specifying “WaterCooled”. If the condenser type is “WaterCooled”, then a plant
cooling loop will need to be defined using other EnergyPlus objects, e.g., plant loop, pump, cooling
tower, etc. The default value is “AirCooled”.

1.34.1.1.8 Field: Water-cooled Condenser Inlet Node Name

When the condenser type is “WaterCooled”, a node name for the water-side condenser inlet
must be provided.

1.34.1.1.9 Field: Water-cooled Condenser Outlet Node Name

When the condenser type is “WaterCooled”, a node name for the water-side condenser outlet
must be provided.

1.34.1.1.10 Field: Water-cooled Loop Flow Type

When the condenser type is “WaterCooled”, the type of flow loop should be specified. The two
choices are VariableFlow, in which a Pump:VariableSpeed needs to be included in the plant loop,
or ConstantFlow, in which the loop circuit has a constant flow rate, typically associated with
a Pump:ConstantSpeed object. If the flow type is VariableFlow, the flow needed to remove the
1472 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

condenser heat energy will be calculated and requested of the pump. If the flow type is Constant
Flow, the outlet water temperature will be determined based on the fixed loop flow rate and heat
energy to be removed. The default type is VariableFlow. Refer to additional discussion in the
Engineering Reference.

1.34.1.1.11 Field: Water-cooled Condenser Outlet Temperature Schedule Name

When the condenser type is “WaterCooled”, and when the water-cooled loop flow type is
“Variable Flow”, the name of a schedule (Ref: Schedule) that defines the desired condenser water
outlet temperature must be provided. The schedule may define an outlet temperature that varies
through time.

1.34.1.1.12 Field: Water-cooled Condenser Design Flow Rate

When the condenser type is “WaterCooled”, and when the water-cooled loop flow type is
“Constant Flow”, this is the design water flow rate in m3 /s that will be requested initially. This
requested flow will be passed to the loop simulation, and resulting actual flow will be dependent
upon supply system capabilities (e.g., pump capability). The design flow rate must always be less
than the maximum flow rate, defined below.

1.34.1.1.13 Field: Water-cooled Condenser Maximum Flow Rate

When the condenser type is “Water Cooled”, this is the maximum water flow rate in m3 /s that
will be allowed through the condenser. When the loop flow type is Variable Flow, if the calculated
flow rate is higher than the maximum flow rate, an error message will be generated, and the flow
rate will be reset to the maximum flow rate.

1.34.1.1.14 Field: Water-cooled Condenser Maximum Water Outlet Tempera-

ture
When the condenser type is “WaterCooled”, this field specifies the maximum allowed water
temperature in degrees C leaving the compressor rack condenser. The default value is 55 degrees
C.

1.34.1.1.15 Field: Water-cooled Condenser Minimum Water Inlet Temperature

When the condenser type is “WaterCooled”, this field specifies the minimum allowed water
temperature in degrees C entering the compressor rack condenser. The default value is 10 degrees
C. Refer to additional discussion in the Engineering Reference.

1.34.1.1.16 Field: Evaporative Condenser Availability Schedule Name

When the condenser type is “EvaporativelyCooled”, the name of the optional schedule (Ref:
Schedule) that specifies the time periods that evaporative cooling is available/unavailable. In some
colder climates, evaporative cooling is periodically discontinued and the basin sumps drained to
avoid freezing. In these times, the condenser runs as a typical dry air cooled condenser, and related
evaporative cooling systems (e.g., water pump, basin heaters) do not operate. Use of this optional
schedule permits modeling of planned, seasonal interruptions of evaporative cooling. All schedule
values must be greater than or equal to zero. Typically, an ON/OFF schedule type is used with
values being either 0 or 1. A schedule value of 1 indicates that evaporative cooling is available
during the defined time period, and a value of 0 denotes that evaporative cooling is not available
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1473

during the defined time period. If the schedule name is omitted (blank) and Condenser Type =
“Evap Cooled”, then the model assumes that evaporative cooling of the condenser is available for
the entire simulation period.

1.34.1.1.17 Field: Evaporative Condenser Effectiveness

When the condenser type is “EvaporativelyCooled”, this field specifies the effectiveness of the
evaporative system in modifying the temperature of the air entering the condenser coil. The
resulting effective temperature is determined as

Tef f ective = Towb + (1 − ε) ∗ [Todb − Towb ] (1.140)

where:
Tef f ective = effective dry-bulb temperature of air entering the condenser cooling coil (°C)
Towb = outdoor air wet-bulb temperature (°C)
Todb = outdoor air dry-bulb temperature (°C)
ε = evaporative condenser effectiveness.
The resulting condenser inlet air temperature is used by the Compressor Rack COP as a Func-
tion of Temperature Curve and the Condenser Fan Power as a Function of Temperature Curve.
The default value for this field is 0.9, although valid entries can range from 0.0 to 1.0.
If the two function-of-temperature curves (i.e., Compressor Rack COP as a Function of Temper-
ature Curve and Condenser Fan Power as a Function of Temperature Curve) are based on wet-bulb
temperature rather than dry-bulb temperature, the evaporative condenser effectiveness should be
set to 1.0 for consistency.

1.34.1.1.18 Field: Evaporative Condenser Air Flow Rate

When the condenser type is “EvaporativelyCooled”, the air volume flow rate, in m3 per second,
entering the evaporative condenser. This value is used to calculate the amount of water evaporated
when evaporatively cooling the condenser inlet air. The value for this field must be greater than
zero. This input field is also autocalculatable, equivalent to 0.000144 m3 /s per watt of total
cooling capacity [850 cfm/ton] where the total cooling capacity is the sum of the rated total cooling
capacities for the refrigerated cases connected to this compressor rack (Ref. Refrigeration:Case).

1.34.1.1.19 Field: Basin Heater Capacity

When the condenser type is “EvaporativelyCooled”, this field defines the power level of the
basin heater, if applicable, used to avoid water freezing in an outdoor evaporative cooler basin.
This numeric field contains the capacity of the electric basin heater in Watts per degree Kelvin.
This field is used in conjunction with the Basin Heater Set Point Temperature described in the
following field. The basin heater electric power is equal to this field multiplied by the difference
between the basin heater set point temperature and the dry-bulb temperature of the condenser coil
inlet air. The basin heater only operates when the condenser fan is off (i.e., no compressor heat
rejection). The basin heater capacity must be greater than or equal to zero, with a default value
of 200 W/K if this field is left blank.

1.34.1.1.20 Field: Basin Heater Setpoint Temperature

When the condenser type is “EvaporativelyCooled”, this numeric field contains the set point
temperature (°C) for the basin heater described in the previous field. The basin heater is active
when the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature falls below this set point temperature, as long as the
condenser fan is off. The default value is 2°C if this field is left blank.
1474 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.34.1.1.21 Field: Design Evaporative Condenser Water Pump Power

When the condenser type is “EvaporativelyCooled”, the rated power of the evaporative con-
denser water pump in Watts. This value is used to calculate the power required to pump the water
used to evaporatively cool the condenser inlet air. The value for this field must be greater than
or equal to 0, with a default value of 1000 Watts if this field is left blank. This input field is also
autocalculatable, equivalent to 0.004266 W per watt [15 W/ton] of total cooling capacity where the
total cooling capacity is the sum of the rated total cooling capacities for the refrigerated cases and
walk-ins connected to this compressor rack (Ref. Refrigeration:Case and Refrigeration:WalkIn)).

1.34.1.1.22 Field: Evaporative Water Supply Tank Name

When the condenser type is “EvaporativelyCooled”, this field is used to define where the com-
pressor rack obtains water used for evaporative cooling of its condenser. If this field is left blank,
the unit will obtain water directly from the mains (Ref. Water Mains Temperatures). If the name
of a Water Storage Tank object is used here, then the unit will obtain its water from that tank.

1.34.1.1.23 Field: Condenser Air Inlet Node Name

This optional alpha field contains the name of the node from which the outdoor compressor
rack condenser draws its outdoor air. This field is applicable only when the heat rejection location
is “Outdoors” (if the heat rejection location is “Zone”, this field is disregarded). If this field is left
blank, the outdoor air temperature entering the condenser (dry-bulb or wet-bulb) is taken directly
from the weather data. If this field is not blank, this node name must also be specified in an
OutdoorAir:Node object where the height of the node is taken into consideration when calculating
outdoor air temperature from the weather data. Alternately, the node name may be specified in an
OutdoorAir:NodeList object where the outdoor air temperature is taken directly from the weather
data.

1.34.1.1.24 Field: End-Use Subcategory

This field allows the specification of a user-defined end-use subcategory (e.g., “Low Temperature
Rack”). A new meter for reporting is created for each unique subcategory (Ref: Output:Meter
objects). Subcategories are also reported in the ABUPS table. If this field is left blank, the
equipment will be assigned to the “General” end-use subcategory.

1.34.1.1.25 Field: Refrigeration Case Name or WalkIn Name or CaseAnd-

WalkInList Name
This alpha field is the name of a single refrigerated case, a single walk in cooler, the name of
a CaseAndWalkInList for multiple refrigerated cases and/or walk-ins, the name of a refrigeration
chiller, or the name of a CaseAndWalkInList for multiple refrigeration chillers connected to this
compressor rack. Note that if a CaseAndWalkInList contains the name(s) of refrigeration chillers,
it CANNOT have the name(s) or any refrigerated cases or walkins . This field is required.

1.34.1.1.26 Field: Heat Rejection Zone Name

If the Heat Rejection Location is “Zone” and any walk-in coolers are connected to this com-
pressor rack, then this field is required. The compressor rack heat rejection will impact the air heat
balance in this zone.
The following is an example input for a Refrigeration Compressor Rack with water cooled
condenser.
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1475

Refrigeration:CompressorRack ,
MediumTempRack , !- Name
Outdoors , !- Heat Rejection Location
1.7, !- Design Compressor Rack COP {W/W}
RackCOPfTCurve , !- Compressor Rack COP as a Function of Temperature Curve Name
1025.0 , !- Design Condenser Fan Power {W}
RackCondFanCurve , !- Condenser Fan Power as a Function of Temperature Curve Name
WaterCooled , !- Condenser Type
Condenser Inlet Node , !- Water -cooled Condenser Inlet Node Name
Condenser Outlet Node , !- Water -cooled Condenser Outlet Node Name
VariableFlow , !- Water -cooled Loop Flow Type
Cond Outlet Temp Sch , !- Water -cooled Condenser Outlet Temperature Schedule Name
, !- Water -cooled Condenser Design Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.003 , !- Water -cooled Condenser Maximum Flow Rate {m3/s}
55, !- Water -cooled Condenser Maximum Water Outlet Temperature {C}
, !- Water -cooled Condenser Minimum Water Inlet Temperature {C}
, !- Evaporative Condenser Availability Schedule Name
, !- Evaporative Condenser Effectiveness {dimensionless}
, !- Evaporative Condenser Air Volume Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- Basin Heater Capacity {W/K}
, !- Basin Heater Set Point Temperature {C}
, !- Design Evaporative Condenser Water Pump Power {W}
, !- Evaporative Water Supply Tank Name
, !- Condenser Air Inlet Node Name
, !- End -Use Subcategory
MediumTempCaseList; !- Refrigeration Case Name or WalkIn Name or CaseAndWalkInList
Name

1.34.1.2 Outputs
If Condenser Type = Water Cooled:

• System,Average, Refrigeration Compressor Rack Condenser Refrigerant Mass Flow Rate

[kg/s]

• System,Average, Refrigeration Compressor Rack Condenser Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• System,Sum, Refrigeration Compressor Rack Condenser Heat Transfer Energy [J]

IF THE RACK SERVES CASES AND/OR WALKINS:

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration Compressor Rack Electric Power [W]

• Zone,Sum, Refrigeration Compressor Rack Electric Energy [J]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration Compressor Rack Condenser Fan Electric Power [W]

• Zone,Sum, Refrigeration Compressor Rack Condenser Fan Electric Energy [J]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration Compressor Rack Total Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum, Refrigeration Compressor Rack Total Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration Compressor Rack COP [W/W]

If Condenser Type = Evap Cooled:

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration Compressor Rack Evaporative Condenser Pump Electric Power

[W]
1476 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• Zone,Sum, Refrigeration Compressor Rack Evaporative Condenser Pump Electric Energy [J]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration Compressor Rack Evaporative Condenser Basin Heater Electric

Power [W]

• Zone,Sum, Refrigeration Compressor Rack Evaporative Condenser Basin Heater Electric En-
ergy [J]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration Compressor Rack Evaporative Condenser Water Volume Flow

Rate [m3 /s]

• Zone,Sum, Refrigeration Compressor Rack Evaporative Condenser Water Volume [m3 ]

If Heat Rejection Location = Zone:

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration Compressor Rack Zone Sensible Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Refrigeration Compressor Rack Zone Sensible Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration Compressor Rack Return Air Sensible Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Refrigeration Compressor Rack Return Air Sensible Heating Energy [J]

IF THE RACK SERVES REFRIGERATION CHILLERS

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller Compressor Rack Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Refrigeration Air Chiller Compressor Rack Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Refrigeration Air Chiller System Compressor Runtime Fraction []

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller Compressor Rack Condenser Fan Electric Power
[W]

• HVAC,Sum, Refrigeration Air Chiller Compressor Rack Condenser Fan Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller Compressor Rack Total Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Refrigeration Air Chiller Compressor Rack Total Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller Compressor Rack COP [W/W]

If Condenser Type = Evap Cooled:

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller Compressor Rack Evaporative Condenser Pump

Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Refrigeration Air Chiller Compressor Rack Evaporative Condenser Pump Elec-
tric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller Compressor Rack Evaporative Condenser Basin

Heater Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Refrigeration Air Chiller Compressor Rack Electric PowerRefrigeration Air

Chiller Compressor Rack Evaporative Condenser Basin Heater Electric Energy [J]
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1477

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller Compressor Rack Evaporative Condenser Water

Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum, Refrigeration Air Chiller Compressor Rack Evaporative Condenser Water Vol-
ume [m3]

If Heat Rejection Location = Zone:

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller Compressor Rack Zone Sensible Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Refrigeration Air Chiller Compressor Rack Zone Sensible Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller Compressor Rack Return Air Sensible Heating Rate
[W]

• HVAC,Sum,Refrigeration Air Chiller Compressor Rack Return Air Sensible Heating Energy
[J]

1.34.1.2.1 Refrigeration Compressor Rack Condenser Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

When condenser type is Water Cooled, this is the mass flow rate of water flowing through the
water cooled condenser.

1.34.1.2.2 Refrigeration Compressor Rack Condenser Heat Transfer Rate [W]

When condenser type is Water Cooled, this is the total heat transfer across the condenser (i.e.,
compressor energy and case cooling).

1.34.1.2.3 Refrigeration Compressor Rack Condenser Heat Transfer Energy [J]

When condenser type is Water Cooled, this is the total heat energy flowing across the condenser
for the timestep being reported.

1.34.1.2.4 IF THE RACK SERVES CASES AND OR WALKINS:

1.34.1.2.5 Refrigeration Compressor Rack Electric Power [W]

This output is the electric power input to the rack compressor(s) in Watts.

1.34.1.2.6 Refrigeration Compressor Rack Electric Energy [J]

This is the electricity consumption of the rack compressor(s) in Joules for the timestep being
reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use Key =
Refrigeration, Group Key = Plant (Ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.34.1.2.7 Refrigeration Compressor Runtime Fraction []

This is the runtime operating ratio for the compressor.

1.34.1.2.8 Refrigeration Compressor Rack Condenser Fan Electric Power [W]

This output is the electric input to the rack condenser fan(s) in Watts.
1478 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.34.1.2.9 Refrigeration Compressor Rack Condenser Fan Electric Energy [J]

This is the electricity consumption of the rack condenser fan(s) in Joules for the timestep being
reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use Key =
Refrigeration, Group Key = Plant (Ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.34.1.2.10 Refrigeration Compressor Rack Total Heat Transfer Rate [W]

This output is the total heat transfer rate of the refrigeration compressor rack in Watts. It is
the sum of all of the heat transfer rates for the refrigerated cases and walk-ins that are connected
to this rack. This value does not include compressor or condenser fan heat.

1.34.1.2.11 Refrigeration Compressor Rack Total Heat Transfer Energy [J]

This is the total heat transfer of the refrigeration compressor rack in Joules for the timestep
being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = EnergyTransfer, End
Use Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Plant (Ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.34.1.2.12 Refrigeration Compressor Rack COP [W/W]

This field is the refrigeration compressor rack coefficient of performance. It is the actual
compressor rack COP for the timestep being reported, accounting for the COP variation as a
function of temperature. It is calculated as the Design Compressor Rack COP times the Compressor
Rack COP as a Function of Temperature Curve evaluated at the effective condenser entering air
temperature for the timestep being reported.

1.34.1.2.13 Refrigeration Compressor Rack Evaporative Condenser Pump Elec-

tric Power [W]
This is the electrical power requirement in Watts for the timestep being reported for the water
pump used with evaporative cooling of the compressor rack condenser.

1.34.1.2.14 Refrigeration Compressor Rack Evaporative Condenser Pump Elec-

tric Energy [J]
This is the electricity consumption in Joules of the water pump used with evaporative cooling
of the compressor rack condenser for the timestep being reported. This output is also added to a
meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Plant. Use
of an optional subkey category is also available, with default to the General end-use subcategory
(Ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.34.1.2.15 Refrigeration Compressor Rack Evaporative Condenser Basin

Heater Electric Power [W]
This is the electrical power requirement in Watts for the timestep being reported for the water
heater in the basin of the evaporative system used to cool the compressor rack condenser.

1.34.1.2.16 Refrigeration Compressor Rack Evaporative Condenser Basin

Heater Electric Energy [J]
This is the electricity consumption in Joules of the water heater used to prevent freezing of the
evaporative cooling system for the compressor rack condenser for the timestep being reported. This
output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use Key = Refrigeration,
Group Key = Plant. Use of an optional subkey category is also available, with default to the
General end-use subcategory (Ref. Output:Meter objects).
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1479

1.34.1.2.17 Refrigeration Compressor Rack Evaporative Condenser Water Vol-

ume Flow Rate [m3/s]
The volumetric flow rate in m3 /s of water consumed while providing evaporative cooling of the
compressor rack condenser.

1.34.1.2.18 Refrigeration Compressor Rack Evaporative Condenser Water Vol-

ume [m3]
This is the water consumed by evaporation in m3 while providing evaporative cooling of the
compressor rack condenser for the timestep being reported. This output is also added to a meter
with Resource Type = Water, End Use Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Plant. Use of an
optional subkey category is also available, with default to the General end-use subcategory (Ref.
Output:Meter objects).

1.34.1.2.19 Refrigeration Compressor Rack Zone Sensible Heating Rate [W]

This field is the rate of sensible heating in Watts provided to the zone by condenser waste heat
rejection, which impacts the zone air heat balance.

1.34.1.2.20 Refrigeration Compressor Rack Zone Sensible Heating Energy [J]

This field is the sensible heating energy in Joules provided to the zone by condenser waste heat
rejection for the timestep being reported.

1.34.1.2.21 Refrigeration Compressor Rack Return Air Sensible Heating Rate

[W]
This field is the rate of sensible heating in Watts provided by condenser waste heat rejection
to the HVAC return air (zone return air path outlet node), which impacts the HVAC return air
temperature. If the HVAC system is off for a simulation timestep (no return air mass flow), then
this sensible heating is actually provided to the zone air instead (even though a non-zero value is
reported here).

1.34.1.2.22 Refrigeration Compressor Rack Return Air Sensible Heating En-

ergy [J]
This field is the sensible heating energy in Joules provided by condenser waste heat rejection
to the HVAC return air (zone return air path outlet node) for the timestep being reported. If the
HVAC system is off for a simulation timestep (no return air mass flow), then this sensible heating
is actually provided to the zone air instead (even though a non-zero value is reported here).

1.34.1.2.23 IF THE RACK SERVES CHILLERS

1.34.1.2.24 Refrigeration Air Chiller Compressor Rack Electric Power [W]

This output is the electric power input to the rack compressor(s) in Watts.

1.34.1.2.25 Refrigeration Air Chiller Compressor Rack Electric Energy [J]

This is the electricity consumption of the rack compressor(s) in Joules for the timestep being
reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use Key =
Refrigeration, Group Key = Plant (Ref. Output:Meter objects).
1480 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.34.1.2.26 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Compressor Runtime Fraction []

This is the runtime fraction for the compressor serving air chillers.

1.34.1.2.27 Refrigeration Air Chiller Compressor Rack Condenser Fan Electric

Power [W]
This output is the electric input to the rack condenser fan(s) in Watts.

1.34.1.2.28 Refrigeration Air Chiller Compressor Rack Condenser Fan Electric

Energy [J]
This is the electricity consumption of the rack condenser fan(s) in Joules for the timestep being
reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use Key =
Refrigeration, Group Key = Plant (Ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.34.1.2.29 Refrigeration Air Chiller Compressor Rack Total Heat Transfer

Rate [W]
This output is the total heat transfer rate of the refrigeration compressor rack in Watts. It is
the sum of all of the heat transfer rates for the refrigerated cases and walk-ins that are connected
to this rack. This value does not include compressor or condenser fan heat.

1.34.1.2.30 Refrigeration Air Chiller Compressor Rack Total Heat Transfer En-
ergy [J]
This is the total heat transfer of the refrigeration compressor rack in Joules for the timestep
being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = EnergyTransfer, End
Use Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Plant (Ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.34.1.2.31 Refrigeration Air Chiller Compressor Rack COP [W/W]

This field is the refrigeration compressor rack coefficient of performance. It is the actual
compressor rack COP for the timestep being reported, accounting for the COP variation as a
function of temperature. It is calculated as the Design Compressor Rack COP times the Compressor
Rack COP as a Function of Temperature Curve evaluated at the effective condenser entering air
temperature for the timestep being reported.

1.34.1.2.32 Refrigeration Air Chiller Compressor Rack Evaporative Condenser

Pump Electric Power [W]
This is the electrical power requirement in Watts for the timestep being reported for the water
pump used with evaporative cooling of the compressor rack condenser.

1.34.1.2.33 Refrigeration Air Chiller Compressor Rack Evaporative Condenser

Pump Electric Energy [J]
This is the electricity consumption in Joules of the water pump used with evaporative cooling
of the compressor rack condenser for the timestep being reported. This output is also added to a
meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Plant. Use
of an optional subkey category is also available, with default to the General end-use subcategory
(Ref. Output:Meter objects).
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1481

1.34.1.2.34 Refrigeration Air Chiller Compressor Rack Evaporative Condenser

Basin Heater Electric Power [W]
This is the electrical power requirement in Watts for the timestep being reported for the water
heater in the basin of the evaporative system used to cool the compressor rack condenser.

1.34.1.2.35 Refrigeration Air Chiller Compressor Rack Evaporative Condenser

Basin Heater Electric Energy [J]
This is the electricity consumption in Joules of the water heater used to prevent freezing of the
evaporative cooling system for the compressor rack condenser for the timestep being reported. This
output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use Key = Refrigeration,
Group Key = Plant. Use of an optional subkey category is also available, with default to the
General end-use subcategory (Ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.34.1.2.36 Refrigeration Air Chiller Compressor Rack Evaporative Condenser

Water Volume Flow Rate [m3 /s]
The volumetric flow rate in m3 /s of water consumed while providing evaporative cooling of the
compressor rack condenser.

1.34.1.2.37 Refrigeration Air Chiller Compressor Rack Evaporative Condenser

Water Volume [m3 ]
This is the water consumed by evaporation in m3 while providing evaporative cooling of the
compressor rack condenser for the timestep being reported. This output is also added to a meter
with Resource Type = Water, End Use Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Plant. Use of an
optional subkey category is also available, with default to the General end-use subcategory (Ref.
Output:Meter objects).

1.34.1.2.38 Refrigeration Air Chiller Compressor Rack Zone Sensible Heating

Rate [W]
This field is the rate of sensible heating in Watts provided to the zone by condenser waste heat
rejection, which impacts the zone air heat balance.

1.34.1.2.39 Refrigeration Air Chiller Compressor Rack Zone Sensible Heating

Energy [J]
This field is the sensible heating energy in Joules provided to the zone by condenser waste heat
rejection for the timestep being reported.

1.34.1.2.40 Refrigeration Air Chiller Compressor Rack Return Air Sensible

Heating Energy [J]

1.34.1.2.41 Refrigeration Air Chiller Compressor Rack Return Air Sensible

Heating Rate [W]
These are the sensible heating energy, in Joules or Watts, provided to the HVAC system return
air node by condenser heat rejection at the compressor rack.
1482 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.34.2 Refrigeration:Case
The Refrigeration Case object works in conjunction with a compressor rack, a refrigeration sys-
tem, or a secondary loop object (Refrigeration:CompressorRack, Refrigeration:System, or Refriger-
ation:SecondarySystem) to simulate the performance of a refrigerated case system. The refrigerated
case model uses performance information at rated conditions along with performance curves for
latent case credits and defrost heat load to determine performance at off-rated conditions. Energy
use for lights, fans and anti-sweat heaters is modeled based on inputs for nominal power, schedules,
and control type. The refrigerated case model accounts for the sensible and latent heat exchange
with the surrounding environment (termed “case credits”) which impacts the temperature and
humidity in the zone where the case is located.
A dataset has been provided containing refrigerated case input data for a large
number of refrigerated cases from multiple manufacturers. See RefrigerationCases.idf.
The Refrigeration Case object inputs include a case name, an availability schedule name, the
zone name for the location of the case, and the temperature and relative humidity of the am-
bient (zone) air surrounding the refrigerated case at the rating conditions for case performance.
Additional inputs include the total cooling capacity, latent heat ratio, and run time fraction of
the refrigerated case at rated conditions. The case length and operating temperature (average
temperature of air/products within the case) must also be specified.
The refrigerated case model requires two curves to describe performance at off-rated condi-
tions (i.e., at different zone temperature and humidity levels): the latent case credit curve and the
defrost energy correction curve. The user must enter cubic performance curves with the indepen-
dent variable being user selectable (case temperature, zone relative humidity, or zone dewpoint
temperature).
The user can select from eight case defrost types, with additional inputs being required de-
pending on the type selected. The user must enter a defrost schedule (unless Case Defrost Type
= None), and an optional defrost drip-down schedule can be specified to allow additional time for
melted frost to drain from the cooling coil following the regular defrost period.
Inputs are required for case fans, lights, and anti-sweat heaters. Case lighting can be controlled
by the user through entering a schedule. The case fans operate whenever the cooling coil is operating
and during defrost periods for certain case defrost types. Anti-sweat heater power can be controlled
by several methods which are user selectable. The model assumes that the fans are contained within
the thermal envelope of the case and provide a direct heat load on the case cooling coil. For lighting
and anti-sweat heaters, the user can specify the fraction of their respective heat loads that directly
impact the case cooling coil (with the remainder of their heat load impacting the surrounding zone
air).
The user has the option of specifying a case restocking schedule and a schedule for modifying the
case credits if needed. Finally, the user can specify the under case HVAC return air fraction which
determines the portion of the case credits that directly impact the HVAC return air conditions
(with the remainder of the case credits impacting the zone sensible and latent loads).

1.34.2.1 Inputs
1.34.2.1.1 Field: Name
A unique user-assigned name for an instance of a refrigerated case. Any reference to this case
by another object will use this name.

1.34.2.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1483

The name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the refrigerated case can operate
during a given time period. A schedule value greater than 0 (maximum schedule value of 1.0 is
typically used) indicates that the case will operate during a given time period. A value equal
to 0 denotes that the case does not operate (everything is OFF: refrigeration, fans, lights, anti-
sweat, etc.). Typically the refrigerated case will operate throughout the day (i.e., the schedule will
contain 1 for all time periods); however, cases require maintenance and/or cleaning and this can
be modeled accordingly using this schedule if desired. If this field is left blank, the case is assumed
to be available at all time periods.

1.34.2.1.3 Field: Zone Name

The name of the zone where the refrigerated case is located. The refrigerated case will impact the
air heat balance in this zone. When modeling multiple refrigerated cases connected to a single com-
pressor rack where the condenser heat is rejected to the zone (ref: Refrigeration:CompressorRack),
all of the refrigerated cases connected to that compressor rack must be located in the same zone.

1.34.2.1.4 Field: Rated Ambient Temperature

Dry-bulb temperature of the ambient (zone) air surrounding the refrigerated case at the rating
conditions for refrigerated case performance. The default value for this field is 23.9˚C (75˚F).
This temperature must be greater than 0˚C and greater than the case operating temperature.

1.34.2.1.5 Field: Rated Ambient Relative Humidity

Relative humidity of the ambient (zone) air surrounding the refrigerated case at the rating
conditions for refrigerated case performance. The default value for this field is 55% RH.

1.34.2.1.6 Field: Rated Total Cooling Capacity per Unit Length

The total, full load cooling capacity (sensible plus latent) in watts per unit length of refrigerated
case (W/m) at rated conditions (i.e., at the Rated Ambient Temperature, Rated Ambient Relative
Humidity, Case Operating Temperature, and with the Standard Case Fan Power per Unit Length
and the Standard Case Lighting Power per Unit Length). The value entered for this field must be
greater than zero, with a default value of 1900 W/m if the field is blank.

1.34.2.1.7 Field: Rated Latent Heat Ratio

The latent heat ratio (LHR = latent capacity divided by total cooling capacity) of the refrig-
erated case at rated conditions (i.e., at the Rated Ambient Temperature, Rated Ambient Relative
Humidity, Case Operating Temperature, and with the Standard Case Fan Power per Unit Length
and the Standard Case Lighting Power per Unit Length). The value for this field can range from
zero to 1.0, with a default value of 0.3 if the field is blank.

1.34.2.1.8 Field: Rated Runtime Fraction

The runtime fraction of the refrigerated case at rated conditions (i.e., at the Rated Ambient
Temperature, Rated Ambient Relative Humidity, and Case Operating Temperature). Even at rated
conditions, refrigerated cases typically include additional cooling capacity to account for product
stocking and recovery from defrost. The rated runtime fraction for refrigerated cases typically
ranges from 0.8 to 0.9. The entered value for this field must be greater than 0.0 and less than or
equal to 1.0, and the default value is 0.85 if the field is blank.
1484 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.34.2.1.9 Field: Case Length

The length of the refrigerated case in meters. The entered value for this field must be greater
than 0.0, and the default value is 3 meters if the field is blank.

1.34.2.1.10 Field: Case Operating Temperature

The average temperature of the air and products within the refrigerated case in ˚C. The
refrigerated case manufacturer typically provides this information in the product literature. Typical
operating temperatures for medium temperature cases are 1.6˚C to 7.2˚C (35˚F to 45˚F). Typical
operating temperatures for low temperatures cases are -28.9˚C to -17.8˚C (-20˚F to 0˚F). The
entered value for this field must be less than 20˚C and lower than the Rated Ambient Temperature.
The default value is 1.1˚C if the field is blank.

1.34.2.1.11 Field: Latent Case Credit Curve Type

This alpha field defines the form of the curve used to modify the latent case credits (latent heat
removed from the zone where the refrigerated case is located) at off-rated conditions. The valid
choices for this field are:

• CaseTemperatureMethod

This method defines the variation in latent case credits as a cubic function of Case Operat-
ing Temperature. The result from the cubic curve is multiplied by the difference between the
rated ambient relative humidity and the actual zone relative humidity, and one minus this value
is multiplied by the Rated LHR to give the operating LHR at the actual zone humidity condition.
(Representative cooefficient values for single-shelf horizontal and multi-shelf vertical display cases
are given in the EnergyPlus Engineering Reference.)

• RelativeHumidityMethod

This method defines the variation in latent case credits as a cubic function of ambient (zone)
air relative humidity.

• DewpointMethod

This method defines the variation in latent case credits as a cubic function of ambient (zone)
air dewpoint temperature.
The default curve type is the Case Temperature Method. Refer to the Engineering Reference
for further information on how latent case credits are modeled.

1.34.2.1.12 Field: Latent Case Credit Curve Name

The name of a cubic performance curve (ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes the
variation of the latent case credits at off-rated conditions. The curve should be normalized to have
a value of 1.0 at the rated ambient air conditions defined above.

1.34.2.1.13 Field: Standard Case Fan Power per Unit Length

The total standard fan power in Watts per unit length of refrigerated case (W/m). This value
represents the fan power included in the field Rated Total Cooling Capacity per Unit Length, and
is used to determine the sensible case credits. The entered value for this field must be greater than
or equal to zero, and the default value is 75.0 W/m if the field is blank.
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1485

1.34.2.1.14 Field: Operating Case Fan Power per Unit Length

The total operating fan power in Watts per unit length of refrigerated case (W/m). Enter the
actual power for the installed fans. The entered value for this field must be greater than or equal
to zero, and the value is set equal to the standard case fan powers if the field is blank.

1.34.2.1.15 Field: Standard Case Lighting Power per Unit Length

The total standard lighting power in Watts per unit length of refrigerated case (W/m). This
value should represent the lighting power provided by the case manufacturer and included in the
“Rated Total Cooling Capacity per Unit Length” field and is used to determine the sensible case
credits. For cases where the manufacturer does not include the lights in the Rated Total Cooling
Capacity, this value should be zero (0.0). The entered value for this field must be greater than or
equal to zero, and the default value is 90.0 W/m if the field is blank.

1.34.2.1.16 Field: Installed Case Lighting Power per Unit Length

The total installed lighting power in Watts per unit length of refrigerated case (W/m). Enter
the actual power for the installed lights. This number may be greater or less than the standard
lighting power value, depending upon the manufacturer’s practice in specifying the case rated
cooling capacity and whether or not energy-efficient lights are being modeled. The next field
(i.e. Case Lighting Schedule Name) may be used to specify the name of a schedule that contains
the fraction of the Installed Case Lighting Power per Unit Length to be modeled for each timestep
of the simulation period. The entered value for this field must be greater than or equal to zero,
and the value is set equal to the standard case lighting power if the field is blank.

1.34.2.1.17 Field: Case Lighting Schedule Name

The name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes the fraction of installed refrigerated case
lights that operate during a given time period. A schedule value greater than 0 indicates that the
lights will operate during that time period (maximum schedule value of 1.0 means lights are fully
on at the Installed Case Lighting Power per Unit Length level). A schedule value of zero denotes
that the lights are off. The refrigerated case lights will typically operate only when the store is
open for business and can be scheduled off as desired via this schedule. If this field is left blank,
the default schedule has a value of 1 for all time periods.

1.34.2.1.18 Field: Fraction of Lighting Energy To Case

The fraction of the lighting energy that directly contributes to the case heat load. The remainder
of the lighting energy (1 – fraction) is a heating load to the zone where the case is located. This field
can be used to model lighting ballasts and bulbs located outside the air curtain of the refrigerated
case. The value for this field can range from zero to 1.0, with a default value of 1.0 if the field is
blank.

1.34.2.1.19 Field: Case Anti-Sweat Heater Power per Unit Length

The electric anti-sweat heater power in watts per unit length of refrigerated case (W/m). The
entered value for this field must be greater than or equal to zero, and the default value is 0 W/m
if the field is blank.

1.34.2.1.20 Field: Minimum Anti-Sweat Heater Power per Unit Length

The minimum electric anti-sweat heater power in watts per unit length of refrigerated case
(W/m). Anti-sweat heater power will remain at or above this value for anti-sweat heater control
1486 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

types linear, dewpoint method, or heat balance method. Other anti-sweat heater control types
disregard this field. The entered value for this field must be greater than or equal to zero, and the
default value is 0 W/m if the field is blank.

1.34.2.1.21 Field: Anti-Sweat Heater Control Type

The type of anti-sweat heater control used for this refrigerated case. Valid choices are None,
Constant, Linear, DewpointMethod, or HeatBalanceMethod. The default is None if the field is
blank. Refer to the Engineering Reference for further information on how the different anti-sweat
heater controls are modeled.

1.34.2.1.22 Field: Humidity at Zero Anti-Sweat Heater Energy

The value of this numeric field is only used when the Linear anti-sweat heater control type is
selected. Enter the zone relative humidity where anti-sweat heater energy use is zero. Negative
values for relative humidity may be entered. Other anti-sweat heater control types disregard this
field. The value entered for this field must be less than the Rated Ambient Relative Humidity
specified above. The default for this field is -10.0.

1.34.2.1.23 Field: Case Height

The value of this numeric field is used when Heat Balance Method anti-sweat heater control is
selected. Enter the case height in meters. Other anti-sweat heater control types disregard this field.
The entered value for this field must be greater than zero when Heat Balance Method anti-sweat
heater control is selected, and the default value is 1.5 meters if the field is blank.

1.34.2.1.24 Field: Fraction of Anti-Sweat Heater Energy To Case

This value denotes the fraction of anti-sweat heater energy that results in a direct heat load to
the refrigerated case. The remainder of the anti-sweat heater energy (1-fraction) is a heating load
to the zone where the refrigerated case is located. The value for this field can range from zero to
1.0, with a default value of 1.0 if the field is blank.

1.34.2.1.25 Field: Case Defrost Power per Unit Length

The defrost power in watts per unit length of refrigerated case (W/m). This input is required
for hot-gas, hot-fluid, or electric defrost types and is used to evaluate the load on the case as well as
power or heat consumption. Refrigerated case manufacturers do not typically provide information
on the heat input for hot-gas and hot-fluid defrost. Information provided for electric defrost power
can be substituted here for refrigerated cases using hot-gas or hot-fluid defrost if other information
is not available. Only electric Case Defrost Types consume electricity during the defrost period.
The entered value for this field must be greater than or equal to zero, and the default value is 0
W/m if the field is blank.

1.34.2.1.26 Field: Case Defrost Type

The type of defrost used for this refrigerated case. Valid choices are None, OffCycle, Hot-
Gas, HotGaswithTemperatureTermination, Electric, ElectricwithTemperatureTermination, Hot-
Fluid, and HotFluidwithTemperatureTermination. The default defrost type is OffCycle if the
field is blank. Refer to the Engineering Reference for further information on how the different case
defrost types are modeled. In particular, hot-fluid defrost systems may be effective with much
shorter defrost times than other systems, which should be reflected in the defrost and drip-down
schedules.
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1487

1.34.2.1.27 Field: Case Defrost Schedule Name

The name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the refrigerated case requires
defrosting. A schedule value of 1.0 indicates that defrost will be on during a given time period. A
value equal to 0 denotes that the defrost is off. Defrost schedules normally repeat the duration and
number of defrost cycles for each day of the year. The refrigerated case manufacturer typically pro-
vides this information with the product literature. The use of Compact Schedules (ref. Schedules)
are ideal for this purpose. In a typical supermarket with many cases, it is important to diversify
the defrost schedules in order to avoid large swings in the load placed upon the remainder of the
refrigeration system.

1.34.2.1.28 Field: Case Defrost Drip-Down Schedule Name

The name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the refrigerated case requires
additional time for draining condensate after the defrost period. A schedule value of 1.0 indicates
that the defrost drip-down period is on during a given time period. A value equal to 0 denotes
that the defrost drip-down period is over. The refrigerated case manufacturer typically provides
this information with the product literature.
Each defrost drip-down period specified in this schedule should start at the same time as the
corresponding defrost period specified in the schedule for Case Defrost Schedule, and the drip-down
schedule defrost period should always be longer than or equal to the length of the defrost schedule
time period. For example, if the case defrost schedule contains a defrost period from 7:00 to 7:15,
you would specify a case defrost drip-down period from 7:00 to 7:20 if you wanted to model a 5
minute condensate drip-down period after the regular defrost period. If no drip-down schedule is
entered, then the case defrost schedule (specified for the previous input field) will be used. The use
of Compact Schedules (ref. Schedules) are ideal for this purpose.

1.34.2.1.29 Field: Defrost Energy Correction Curve Type

This alpha field defines the form of the correction curve used to modify the defrost energy use
(and the associated load on the case cooling coil) at off-rated conditions. The valid choices for this
field are:

• None

This choice specifies that a defrost energy correction curve will not be used.

• CaseTemperatureMethod

This method defines the variation in defrost energy as a cubic function of Case Operating Tem-
perature. The result from the cubic curve is multiplied by the difference between the rated ambient
relative humidity and the actual zone relative humidity, and one minus this value is multiplied by
the Case Defrost Power to give the (average) operating defrost power at the actual zone humidity
condition. (Representative cooefficient values for single-shelf horizontal and multi-shelf vertical
display cases are given in the EnergyPlus Engineering Reference.)

• RelativeHumidityMethod

This method defines the variation in defrost energy as a cubic function of ambient (zone) air
relative humidity.

• DewpointMethod
1488 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

This method defines the variation in defrost energy as a cubic function of ambient (zone) air
dewpoint temperature.
The default curve type is None. The methods described here (e.g. Case Temperature, Relative
Humidity, and Dewpoint) are applicable only to Electric with Temperature Termination, Hot-Gas
with Temperature Termination, and Hot-Brine with Temperature Termination case defrost types.
Refer to the Engineering Reference for further information on how the defrost energy correction
types are modeled.

1.34.2.1.30 Field: Defrost Energy Correction Curve Name

The name of a cubic performance curve (ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes the
variation of the defrost energy (and the associated load on the case cooling coil) at off-rated condi-
tions. The curve should be normalized to have the value of 1.0 at the rated ambient air conditions
defined above. The defrost energy correction curve name is used only for the Electric with Tem-
perature Termination, Hot-Gas with Temperature Termination, and Hot-Brine with Temperature
Termination case defrost types.

1.34.2.1.31 Field: Under Case HVAC Return Air Fraction

This field denotes the fraction of HVAC system (air loop) return air that passes beneath the
refrigerated case, if any. At times it is necessary to design HVAC systems with under case returns
to avoid overcooling the area around the refrigerated case, thus providing a more comfortable
environment for the zone occupants. This return air fraction affects the portion of the case credits
(sensible and latent) that are applied to the air returning to the HVAC system, while the remainder
of the case credits directly impacts the zone air heat balance. Refer to the Engineering Reference
for further information on how this is modeled. The sum of the Under Case HVAC Return Air
Fractions for all refrigerated cases located in a single zone must be less than or equal to 1.0. The
value for this field can range from zero to 1.0, with a default value of 0 if the field is blank.

1.34.2.1.32 Field: Refrigerated Case Restocking Schedule Name

The name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the refrigerated case is being
restocked with product. The schedule should contain values in units of Watts per unit length
of refrigerated case (W/m). This field can be used to denote the additional load imposed on
the refrigerated case from stocking the case with product that is warmer than the refrigerated
case temperature. This information is difficult to find and may require additional research for
proper modeling; however, this schedule is available for this purpose if desired. If restocking of the
refrigerated case will not be simulated, enter a schedule with values of zero for all time periods or
leave this field blank.

1.34.2.1.33 Field: Case Credit Fraction Schedule Name

The name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes a fraction of both the sensible and latent
case credits to be applied to the zone and/or the HVAC system return air. Schedule values must
be from 0 to 1. This allows correction of the case credits for various refrigerated case types. For
instance, if glass door refrigerated display cases are installed in a store that is operated 12 hours
per day, then the doors will remain closed during the unoccupied times and would therefore reduce
the sensible and latent case credits during the unoccupied time. Leaving this field blank will result
in no case credit fraction being applied during the simulation.
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1489

1.34.2.1.34 Field: Design Evaporator Temperature or Brine Inlet Temperature

The value of this numeric field is used only with the detailed refrigeration system and is not
read for the compressor-rack system. For the refrigeration system, it is used to evaluate compressor
performance and is also used when the evaporator pressure and temperature are allowed to float
at loads less than the design load. If the case is cooled by a secondary system (ref: Refrigera-
tion:SecondarySystem), this value is the brine inlet temperature. The minimum value is -70C and
the maximum value is 40C. The default value is 5C less than the case temperature.

1.34.2.1.35 Field: Average Refrigerant Charge Inventory

The value of this optional field is the refrigerant inventory present in the refrigerated case during
ordinary operation. The value is used to produce an estimate of the total refrigerant present in the
refrigeration system. The value is entered in kg/m.
The following is an example input for a refrigerated case.

Refrigeration:Case ,
Multi -Deck Dairy/Deli Merchandiser with Synergy -E, !- Name [Based on Hill Phoenix 6DMLH -NRG]
, !- Availability Schedule [Used to turn case on/off including all power draws (ie fans ,
lights , etc)]
UserProvideZoneName , !- Zone Name [Location of Fixture]
23.89 , !- Rated Ambient Temperature {C} [75øF]
55, !- Rated Ambient Relative Humidity {percent}
1394, !- Rated Total Cooling Capacity per Unit length {W/m} [1 ,450 Btu/hr/ft =
11 ,600 Btu/hr]
0.30, !- Rated Latent Heat Ratio [ Rated Latent Capacity]
0.85, !- Rated Runtime Fraction
2.4, !- Case Length {m} [8 ft]
3.33, !- Case Operating Temperature {C} [38øF]
CaseTemperatureMethod , !- Latent Case Credit Curve Type
Multi_Shelf_Vertical_Latent_Case_Credit_Curve , !- Latent Case Credit Curve Name
27.3, !- Standard Case Fan Power per Unit Length {W/m} [8.3 W/ft]
27.3, !- Operating Case Fan Power per Unit Length {W/m} [8.3 W/ft = 67 W]
0.0, !- Standard Case Lighting Power per Unit Length {W/m} [0.0 W/ft]
114.8 , !- Installed Case Lighting Power per Unit Length {W/m} [35.0 W/ft =
280 W]
, !- Case Lighting Schedule Name
1.0, !- Fraction Of Lighting Energy To Case
0.0, !- Case Anti -Sweat Heater Power per Unit Length {W/m} [0.0 W/ft = 0
W]
, !- Minimum Anti -Sweat Heater Power per Unit Length {W/m} []
None , !- Anti -Sweat Heater Control Type
, !- Humidity At Zero Anti -Sweat Heater Energy {%}
, !- Case Height {m} []
1.0, !- Fraction of Anti -Sweat Heater Energy To Case
0.0, !- Case Defrost Power per Unit Length {W/m} [0.0 W/ft 0 W]
Off Cycle , !- Case Defrost Type
UserProvideDefSched6PerDay45MinEa , !- Case Defrost Schedule Name
UserProvideDefSched4PerDay42MinEa , !- Case Defrost Drip -Down Schedule
CaseTemperatureMethod , !- Defrost Energy Correction Curve Type
Multi Shelf Vertical , !- Defrost Energy Correction Curve Name
0.00, !- Under Case HVAC Return Air Fraction
, !- Refrigerated Case Restocking Schedule Name [Not modeling any
restocking]
, !- Case Credit Fraction Schedule Name
-3.33, !- Design Evaporator Temperature or Brine Inlet Temperature {C} [26
øF]
; !- Average Refrigerant Charge Inventory {kg/m} [ = ]
1490 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.34.2.2 Outputs
• Zone,Average,Refrigeration Case Evaporator Total Cooling Rate [W]
• Zone,Sum,Refrigeration Case Evaporator Total Cooling Energy [J]
• Zone,Average,Refrigeration Case Evaporator Sensible Cooling Rate [W]
• Zone,Sum,Refrigeration Case Evaporator Sensible Cooling Energy [J]
• Zone,Average, Refrigeration Case Evaporator Latent Cooling Rate [W]
• Zone,Sum, Refrigeration Case Evaporator Latent Cooling Energy [J]
• Zone,Average,Refrigeration Case Zone Sensible Cooling Rate [W]
• Zone,Sum,Refrigeration Case Zone Sensible Cooling Energy [J]
• Zone,Average,Refrigeration Case Zone Sensible Heating Rate [W]
• Zone,Sum,Refrigeration Case Zone Sensible Heating Energy [J]
• Zone,Average,Refrigeration Case Zone Latent Rate [W]
• Zone,Sum,Refrigeration Case Zone Latent Energy [J]
• Zone,Average,Refrigeration Case Return Air Sensible Cooling Rate [W]
• Zone,Sum,Refrigeration Case Return Air Sensible Cooling Energy [J]
• Zone,Average,Refrigeration Case Return Air Sensible Heating Rate [W]
• Zone,Sum,Refrigeration Case Return Air Sensible Heating Energy [J]
• Zone,Average,Refrigeration Case Return Air Latent Rate [W]
• Zone,Sum,Refrigeration Case Return Air Latent Energy [J]
• Zone,Average,Refrigeration Case Evaporator Fan Electric Power [W]
• Zone,Sum,Refrigeration Case Evaporator Fan Electric Energy [J]
• Zone,Average,Refrigeration Case Lighting Electric Power [W]
• Zone,Sum,Refrigeration Case Lighting Electric Energy [J]
• Zone,Average,Refrigeration Case Latent Credit Curve Value []
If case defrost type is Electric, Hot-Gas, or Hot-Brine with Temperature Termination
• Zone,Average,Refrigeration Case Defrost Energy Correction Curve Value
If anti-sweat heater control type is not equal to None:
• Zone,Average,Refrigeration Case Anti Sweat Electric Power [W]
• Zone,Sum,Refrigeration Case Anti Sweat Electric Energy [J]
If case defrost type is Electric or Electric with Temperature Termination:
• Zone,Average,Refrigeration Case Defrost Electric Power [W]
• Zone,Sum,Refrigeration Case Defrost Electric Energy [J]
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1491

1.34.2.2.1 Refrigeration Case Evaporator Total Cooling Rate [W]

This field is the total (sensible plus latent) cooling rate of the refrigerated case evaporator coil
in Watts.

1.34.2.2.2 Refrigeration Case Evaporator Total Cooling Energy [J]

This field is the total (sensible plus latent) cooling of the refrigerated case evaporator coil in
Joules over the timestep being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type
= EnergyTransfer, End Use Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Building (Ref. Output:Meter
objects).

1.34.2.2.3 Refrigeration Case Evaporator Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

This field is the sensible cooling rate of the refrigerated case evaporator coil in Watts.

1.34.2.2.4 Refrigeration Case Evaporator Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

This field is the sensible cooling of the refrigerated case evaporator coil in Joules over the
timestep being reported.

1.34.2.2.5 Refrigeration Case Evaporator Latent Cooling Rate [W]

This field is the latent cooling (dehumidification) rate of the refrigerated case evaporator coil
in Watts.

1.34.2.2.6 Refrigeration Case Evaporator Latent Cooling Energy [J]

This field is the latent cooling (dehumidification) of the refrigerated case evaporator coil in
Joules over the timestep being reported.

1.34.2.2.7 Refrigeration Case Zone Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

This field is the rate of sensible cooling case credits delivered to the zone in Watts. If an under
case return duct is simulated, only a portion of the sensible case credits are applied to the zone.
A positive value is reported when the zone is cooled by sensible case credits, otherwise a zero is
reported.

1.34.2.2.8 Refrigeration Case Zone Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

This field is the amount of sensible cooling case credit energy delivered to the zone in Joules.
If an under case return duct is simulated, only a portion of the sensible case credits are applied to
the zone. A positive value is reported when the zone is cooled by sensible case credits, otherwise a
zero is reported.

1.34.2.2.9 Refrigeration Case Zone Sensible Heating Rate [W]

This field is the rate of sensible heating case credits delivered to the zone in Watts. If an under
case return duct is simulated, only a portion of the sensible case credits are applied to the zone.
A positive value is reported when the zone is heated by sensible case credits, otherwise a zero is
reported.
1492 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.34.2.2.10 Refrigeration Case Zone Sensible Heating Energy [J]

This field is the amount of sensible heating case credit energy delivered to the zone in Joules.
If an under case return duct is simulated, only a portion of the sensible case credits are applied to
the zone. A positive value is reported when the zone is heated by sensible case credits, otherwise
a zero is reported.

1.34.2.2.11 Refrigeration Case Zone Latent Rate [W]

This field is the rate of latent cooling (dehumidification) case credits delivered to the zone in
Watts. If an under case return duct is simulated, only a portion of the latent case credits are
applied to the zone. A negative value (or zero) will be reported when the refrigerated case provides
dehumidification (thereby reducing the zone latent load).

1.34.2.2.12 Refrigeration Case Zone Latent Energy [J]

This field is the amount of latent cooling (dehumidification) case credit energy delivered to the
zone in Joules. If an under case return duct is simulated, only a portion of the latent case credits
are applied to the zone. A negative value (or zero) will be reported when the refrigerated case
provides dehumidification (thereby reducing the zone latent load).

1.34.2.2.13 Refrigeration Case Return Air Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

This field is the rate of sensible cooling case credits delivered to the return air duct (zone return
air node) in Watts. If an under case return duct is simulated, a portion of the sensible case credits
are applied to the HVAC (zone) return air. A positive value is reported when the return air is cooled
by sensible case credits, otherwise a zero is reported. If the HVAC system is off for a simulation
timestep (no return air mass flow), then this sensible cooling is actually provided to the zone air
instead (even though a non-zero value is reported here).

1.34.2.2.14 Refrigeration Case Return Air Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

This field is the amount of sensible cooling case credit energy delivered to the return air duct
(zone return air node) in Joules. If an under case return duct is simulated, a portion of the sensible
case credits are applied to the HVAC (zone) return air. A positive value is reported when the
return air is cooled by sensible case credits, otherwise a zero is reported. If the HVAC system is off
for a simulation timestep (no return air mass flow), then this sensible cooling is actually provided
to the zone air instead (even though a non-zero value is reported here).

1.34.2.2.15 Refrigeration Case Return Air Sensible Heating Rate [W]

This field is the rate of sensible heating case credits delivered to the return air duct (zone
return air node) in Watts. If an under case return duct is simulated, a portion of the sensible case
credits are applied to the HVAC (zone) return air. A positive value is reported when the return
air is heated by sensible case credits, otherwise a zero is reported. If the HVAC system is off for
a simulation timestep (no return air mass flow), then this sensible heating is actually provided to
the zone air instead (even though a non-zero value is reported here).

1.34.2.2.16 Refrigeration Case Return Air Sensible Heating Energy [J]

This field is the amount of sensible heating case credit energy delivered to the return air duct
(thereby reducing the zone latent load). If the HVAC system is off for a simulation timestep (no
return air mass flow), then this latent energy is actually provided to the zone air instead (even
though a non-zero value is reported here).
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1493

1.34.2.2.17 Refrigeration Case Return Air Latent Energy [J]

1.34.2.2.18 Refrigeration Case Return Air Latent Rate [W]

These are the amount of latent cooling (dehumidification) case credit energy delivered to the
return air duct (zone return air node) in Joules or Watts. If an under case return duct is simulated,
only a portion of the latent case credits are applied to the HVAC (zone) return air. A negative value
(or zero) will be reported since the refrigerated case provides dehumidification (thereby reducing
the zone latent load). If the HVAC system is off for a simulation timestep (no return air mass flow),
then this latent energy is actually provided to the zone air instead (even though a non-zero value
is reported here).

1.34.2.2.19 Refrigeration Case Evaporator Fan Electric Power [W]

This field is the electric power input to the refrigerated case fan(s) in Watts.

1.34.2.2.20 Refrigeration Case Evaporator Fan Electric Energy [J]

This field is the electricity consumption of the refrigerated case fan(s) in Joules over the timestep
being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use
Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Building (Ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.34.2.2.21 Refrigeration Case Lighting Electric Power [W]

This field is the electric power input to the refrigerated case lights in Watts.

1.34.2.2.22 Refrigeration Case Lighting Electric Energy [J]

This field is the electricity consumption of the refrigerated case lights in Joules over the timestep
being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use
Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Building (Ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.34.2.2.23 Refrigeration Case Defrost Energy Correction Curve Value

This field is the output of the Defrost Energy Correction Curve which denotes the variation in
defrost energy at off-rated conditions. The output of the defrost energy correction curve directly
impacts the energy used during the defrost time period. It does not, however, impact the duration
of the defrost period. This output is available only for Electric with Temperature Termination,
Hot-Gas with Temperature Termination, or Hot-Brine with Temperature Termination case defrost
types.

1.34.2.2.24 Refrigeration Case Latent Credit Curve Value []

This field is the output of the Latent Case Credit Curve which denotes the variation in latent
case credits at off-rated conditions. The output of the latent case credit curve directly impacts the
amount of frost formation on the refrigerated case evaporator coil and the requirement for defrost.

1.34.2.2.25 Refrigeration Case Anti Sweat Electric Power [W]

This field is the electric power input to the refrigerated case anti-sweat heater in Watts. This
output is available unless anti-sweat heater control type is specified as NONE.
1494 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.34.2.2.26 Refrigeration Case Anti Sweat Electric Energy [J]

This field is the total electricity consumption of the refrigerated case anti-sweat heater in Joules
over the timestep being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type =
Electricity, End Use Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Building (Ref. Output:Meter objects).
This output is available unless anti-sweat heater control type is specified as NONE.

1.34.2.2.27 Refrigeration Case Defrost Electric Power [W]

This field is the electric power input to the refrigerated case electric defrost heater(s) in Watts.
This output is available if case defrost type is Electric or Electric with Temperature Termination.

1.34.2.2.28 Refrigeration Case Defrost Electric Energy [J]

This field is the total electricity consumption of the refrigerated case electric defrost heater(s) in
Joules over the timestep being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type
= Electricity, End Use Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Building (Ref. Output:Meter objects).
This output is available if case defrost type is Electric or Electric with Temperature Termination.

1.34.3 Refrigeration:CaseAndWalkInList
This object provides a list of all the refrigerated cases and/or walk in coolers cooled by a single
refrigeration system (ref: Refrigeraion:CompressorRack and Refrigeration:System). This list is
extensible. Note that the names of all cases, walk-ins,air chillers, and caseandwalkinlists must be
unique. That is, you cannot give a list the same name as one of the cases. Similarly, a walkin
cannot have the same name as a case.This list may contain a combination of case and walk-in
names OR a list of air chiller names. Air chillers may not be included in any list that also includes
cases or walk-ins.

1.34.3.1 Inputs
1.34.3.1.1 Field: Name
A unique user-assigned name for an instance of a CaseAndWalkInList. Any reference to this
list by another object will use this name.

1.34.3.1.2 Field: Case or WalkIn or Air Chiller <x> Name

Identifies a particular refrigerated case or walk-in. The name will be validated against the Re-
frigeration Case, Refrigeration WalkIn, and Air Chiller names (ref: Refrigeration:Case, Refrigera-
tion:WalkIn, and Refrigeration:AirChiller) in the input file. Up to 20 are provided in the IDD; this
object is extensible.
The following is an example input for a CaseAndWalkInList.

Refrigeration:CaseAndWalkInList ,
MediumTempCaselist , !- Name
UprightDairyCase , !- Refrigeration Case or WalkIn Name \#1
LunchmeatCase , !- Refrigeration Case or WalkIn Name \#2
MeatWalkIn , !- Refrigeration Case or WalkIn Name \#3
DeliCaseOne; !- Refrigeration Case or WalkIn Name \#4
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1495

1.34.4 Refrigeration:WalkIn
The Refrigeration WalkIn object works in conjunction with a compressor rack, a refrigeration
system, or a refrigeration secondary system object (Ref. Refrigeration:CompressorRack, Refriger-
ation:System, or Refrigeration:SecondarySystem) to simulate the performance of a walk-in cooler.
The walk-in cooler model uses information at rated conditions along with input descriptions for
heat transfer surfaces facing multiple zones to determine performance. Energy use for lights, fans,
and floor and anti-sweat heaters is modeled based on inputs for nominal power, schedules, and
control type. The walk-in cooler model accounts for the sensible and latent heat exchange with the
surrounding environment (termed “case credits”) which impacts the temperature and humidity in
each zone adjacent to the walk-in.
The walk-in cooler object inputs include a name, an availability schedule name, the rated cooling
capacity, the rated operating temperature, the rated cooling source temperature, the rated total
heating power and heating power schedule, the rated fan and lighting power and schedules, defrost
type, defrost control type, defrost schedule name, drip-down schedule name, defrost power, the
portion of the defrost energy used to melt ice (only for temperature termination control type),
restocking schedule, refrigerant inventory, and the floor area and U-value.
For each zone adjacent to the walk-in, the user must input the zone name and the insulated
surface area and U-value facing that zone. The user must also specify, for two types of doors, the
door area, height, U-value, door opening schedule name, and any door opening protection.
Under case HVAC return air fraction, available for refrigerated cases, is not available for walk-in
coolers.

1.34.4.1 Field: Name

A unique user-assigned name for an instance of a refrigerated walk-in. Any reference to this walk-in
by another object will use this name.

1.34.4.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

The name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the walk in can operate during a
given time period. A schedule value greater than 0 (maximum schedule value of 1.0 is typically used)
indicates that the walkin will operate during a given time period. A value equal to 0 denotes that
the case does not operate (everything is OFF: refrigeration, fans, lights, anti-sweat, etc.). Typically
the walkin will operate throughout the day (i.e., the schedule will contain 1 for all time periods);
however, walkins require maintenance and/or cleaning and this can be modeled accordingly using
this schedule if desired. If this field is left blank, the default schedule has a value of 1 for all time
periods.

1.34.4.3 Field: Rated Coil Cooling Capacity

The total, full load cooling capacity (sensible plus latent) in watts (W) at rated conditions The
value entered for this field must be greater than zero, with no default value.

1.34.4.4 Field: Operating Temperature

The rated average temperature of the air and products within the walk-in cooler in ˚C. The entered
value for this field must be less than 20˚C. There is no default value.
1496 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.34.4.5 Field: Rated Cooling Source Temperature

For a DX evaporator coil, enter the saturated evaporating temperature in ˚C. For a fluid coil,
enter the fluid coil entrance temperature in ˚C. There is no default value. This number is used,
with temperatures for other refrigeration loads on any one system, to set that system’s minimum
suction pressure or minimum circulating fluid temperature. (This value is not used if the walkin is
cooled by a compressor rack object.)

1.34.4.6 Field: Rated Total Heating Power

The total heating power in watts including all anti-sweat, door, drip-pan, and floor heaters (W).
This value is required and has no default value.

1.34.4.7 Field: Heating Power Schedule Name

The name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes the fraction of heater power that operates
during a given time period. A schedule value of zero denotes that all heaters are off. A schedule
value greater than 0 indicates that some portion of the total heater power will operate during that
time period (maximum schedule value of 1.0 means all heaters are fully on). For example, if door
and floor heaters represent 50% of the total heater power and are on all the time, the minimum
schedule value would be 0.5. If anti-sweat heaters represent 40% of the total heater power and are
only on during certain hours, the schedule value during those hours would be increased by 0.4. If
this field is left blank, the default schedule has a value of 1 for all time periods.

1.34.4.8 Field: Rated Cooling Coil Fan Power

The cooling coil fan power in watts (W). This value has a default value of 375W. This fan is
assumed to run continuously except during electric, hot brine, or hot gas defrost periods.

1.34.4.9 Field: Rated Circulation Fan Power

The circulation fan power in watts (W). This value has a default value of 0 W. This fan is assumed
to run continuously.

1.34.4.10 Field: Rated Total Lighting Power

The total lighting power in watts including both display and task lighting (W). This value is
required and has no default value.

1.34.4.11 Field: Lighting Schedule Name

The name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes the fraction of walk-in lights that operate
during a given time period. A schedule value greater than 0 indicates that the lights will operate
during that time period (maximum schedule value of 1.0 means lights are fully on). A schedule
value of zero denotes that the lights are off. If this field is left blank, the default schedule has a
value of 1 for all time periods.
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1497

1.34.4.12 Field: Defrost Type

The type of defrost used for this walk-in. Valid choices are None, Off-Cycle, HotFluid, and Electric.
The default defrost type is Electric if the field is blank. HotFluid includes both hot gas and hot
brine defrost systems. Refer to the Engineering Reference for further information on how the
different defrost types are modeled.

1.34.4.13 Field: Defrost Control Type

The type of defrost control used for this walkin. Valid choices are TimeSchedule and Temper-
atureTermination. The default is TimeSchedule if the field is blank. Refer to the Engineering
Reference for further information on how the different defrost controls are modeled.

1.34.4.14 Field: Defrost Schedule Name

The name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes when the walkin requires defrosting. A
schedule value of 1.0 indicates that defrost will be on during a given time period if the defrost
control type is “TimeSchedule”. For the TemperatureTermination defrost control type, the defrost
will start with the schedule value changes from 0 to 1, but will end when the ice is melted. A
value equal to 0 denotes that the defrost is off. Defrost schedules normally repeat the duration
and number of defrost cycles for each day of the year. The walkin manufacturer typically provides
this information with the product literature. If TemperatureTermination control type is used, the
defrost schedule is used for the defrost cycle start time and the defrost cycle end time is not allowed
to extend beyond the scheduled off time. The use of Compact Schedules (ref. Schedules) are ideal
for this purpose.

1.34.4.15 Field: Defrost Drip-Down Schedule Name

The name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the walkin requires additional time
for draining condensate after the defrost period. A schedule value of 1.0 indicates that the defrost
drip-down period is on during a given time period. A value equal to 0 denotes that the defrost
drip-down period is over. The walkin manufacturer typically provides this information with the
product literature.
Each defrost drip-down period specified in this schedule should start at the same time as the
corresponding defrost period specified in the schedule for Defrost Schedule, and the drip-down
schedule defrost period should always be longer than or equal to the length of the defrost schedule
time period. For example, if the defrost schedule contains a defrost period from 7:00 to 7:15, you
would specify a case defrost drip-down period from 7:00 to 7:20 if you wanted to model a 5 minute
condensate drip-down period after the regular defrost period. If no drip-down schedule is entered,
then the defrost schedule (specified for the previous input field) will be used. The use of Compact
Schedules (ref. Schedules) are ideal for this purpose.

1.34.4.16 Field: Defrost Power

The defrost power in watts. This input is required for hot-fluid (hot gas or hot brine), or electric
defrost types. Walkin manufacturers do not typically provide information on the heat input for hot
gas and hot brine defrost. Information provided for electric defrost power can be substituted here
for walkins using hot-gas or hot-brine defrost if other information is not available. Only electric
1498 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Defrost Types consume electricity during the defrost period. The entered value for this field must
be greater than or equal to zero.

1.34.4.17 Field: Temperature Termination Defrost Fraction to Ice

When cooling coils go through a defrost cycle, only a portion of the defrost energy is actually
used to melt the ice. The rest of the defrost energy goes to increasing the temperature of the
coils themselves and to the walkin environment. The Temperature Termination defrost control
type calculates the end of the defrost cycle that corresponds to melting all the ice. Therefore, the
user must input this fractional value. The default value is 0.7 for electric defrost and 0.3 for hot
fluid defrost. Refer to the Engineering Reference for further information on how the defrost energy
control types are modeled.

1.34.4.18 Field: Restocking Schedule Name

The name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the walkin is being restocked with
product. The schedule should contain values in units of Watts (note this is different from the
restocking schedule values for cases that are entered per unit length). This field can be used to
denote the additional load imposed on the walkin from stocking the walkin with product that
is warmer than the walkin temperature. This information is difficult to find and may required
additional research for proper modeling; however, this schedule is available for this purpose if
desired. If restocking of the refrigerated walkin will not be simulated, enter a schedule with values
of zero for all time periods or leave this field blank.

1.34.4.19 Field: Average Refrigerant Charge Inventory

The value of this optional field is the refrigerant inventory present in the walkin during ordinary op-
eration. The value is used to produce an estimate of the total refrigerant present in the refrigeration
system. The value is entered in kg.

1.34.4.20 Field: Insulated Floor Surface Area

The floor area in square meters. This value is required and has no default value.

1.34.4.21 Field: Insulated Floor U-Value

The floor themal transmittance (in W/m2 -K). This value has a default value of 0.3154. (This
corresponds to R18 in Archaic American Insulation Units. To convert other R-values to thermal
transmittance, divide 5.678 by the R-value. For example, R15 is 0.3785 W/m2 -K and R5 is 1.136
W/m2 -K.)
THE REMAINING 12 FIELDS FOR THE WALK-IN COOLER MUST BE RE-
PEATED FOR EACH ZONE WHICH IS IN CONTACT WITH A WALK-IN WALL,
CEILING, OR DOOR. The IDD includes fields for 3 zones, but can be extended by
repeating the last 12 values in the object.

1.34.4.22 Field: Zone <x> Name

The name of a zone adjoining the walkin. The walkin will impact the air heat balance
in this zone. This zone must represent a conditioned space, that is, it must appear in a
ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections object.
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1499

1.34.4.23 Field: Total Insulated Surface Area Facing Zone <x>

The total surface area (walls and ceilings) facing this particular zone in square meters. This value
is required and has no default value.

1.34.4.24 Field: Insulated Surface U-Value Facing Zone <x>

The surface (walls and ceilings) themal transmittance (in W/m2 -K). This value has a default value
of 0.3154. (This corresponds to R18 in Archaic American Insulation Units. To convert other R-
values to thermal transmittance, divide 5.678 by the R-value. For example, R15 is 0.3785 W/m2 -K
and R5 is 1.136 W/m2 -K.)

1.34.4.25 Field: Area of Glass Reach In Doors Facing Zone <x>

The total area of glass doors facing this particular zone in square meters. The default is 0.0.

1.34.4.26 Field: Height of Glass Reach In Doors Facing Zone <x>

The glass reach in door height in meters. The default is 1.5.

1.34.4.27 Field: Glass Reach In Door U-Value Facing Zone <x>

The glass door themal transmittance (in W/m2 -K). This field has a default value of 1.136. (This
corresponds to R5 in Archaic American Insulation Units.)

1.34.4.28 Field: Glass Reach In Door Opening Schedule Name Facing Zone
<x>
The name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes the fraction of time glass doors are open
during a given time period. The schedule values should be between 0 and 1.0. If no schedule is
specified, the doors are assumed to be open 5% of the time (corresponding to a schedule value of
0.05).

1.34.4.29 Field: Area of Stocking Doors Facing Zone <x>

The total area of stock doors facing this particular zone in square meters. The default is 0.0.

1.34.4.30 Field: Height of Stocking Doors Facing Zone <x>

The stocking door height in meters. The default is 2.0.

1.34.4.31 Field: Stocking Door U-Value Facing Zone <x>

The stocking door themal transmittance (in W/m2 -K). This value has a default value of 0.3785.
(This corresponds to R15 in Archaic American Insulation Units.)
1500 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.34.4.32 Field: Stocking Door Opening Schedule Name Facing Zone <x>
The name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes the fraction of time stocking doors are open
during a given time period. The schedule values should be between 0 and 1.0. If no schedule is
specified, the doors are assumed to be open 5% of the time (corresponding to a schedule value of
0.05).

1.34.4.33 Field: Stocking Door Opening Protection Type Facing Zone <x>
The type of stocking door opening protection used for this walkin. Valid choices are None, AirCur-
tain, and StripCurtain. The default is AirCurtain if the field is blank. Use the type, StripCurtain,
for both hanging strips and airlock vestibules. Refer to the Engineering Reference for further
information on how the door protection types are modeled.
The following is an example input for a refrigeration walkin.

Refrigeration:WalkIn ,
WalkInFreezer , !- Name
CaseOperatingSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
4690. , !- Rated Coil Cooling Capacity {W}
-2.22, !- Operating Temperature {C}
-6.67, !- Rated Cooling Source Temperature {C}
0.0, !- Rated Total Heating Power {W}
CaseOperatingSched , !- Heating Power Schedule Name
735., !- Rated Cooling Coil Fan Power {W}
0.0, !- Rated Circulation Fan Power {W}
120., !- Rated Total Lighting Power {W}
CaseLightingSched2 , !- Lighting Schedule Name
Electric , !- Defrost Type
TimeSchedule , !- Defrost Control Type
CaseDefrostSched3 , !- Defrost Schedule Name
CaseDripDownSched3 , !- Defrost Drip -Down Schedule Name
5512. , !- Defrost Power {W}
, !- Temperature Termination Defrost Fraction to Ice {dimensionless}
WalkInStockingSched , !- Restocking Schedule Name
, !- Average Refrigerant Charge Inventory {kg}
13.0, !- Insulated Floor Surface Area {m2}
0.207 , !- Insulated Floor U-Value {W/m2 -C}
BackRoom , !- Zone Name
43.4, !- Total Insulated Surface Area Facing this Zone {m2}
.235, !- Insulated Surface U-Value Facing this Zone {W/m2 -C}
, !- Area of Glass Reach In Doors Facing this Zone {m2}
, !- Height of Glass Reach In Doors Facing this Zone {m}
, !- Glass Reach In Door U Value Facing this Zone {W/m2 -C}
, !- Glass Reach In Door Opening Schedule Name Facing this Zone
2.0, !- Area of Stocking Doors Facing this Zone {m2}
2.0, !- Height of Stocking Doors Facing this Zone {m}
, !- Stocking Door U Value Facing this Zone {W/m2 -C}
WIStockDoorOpenSch , !- Stocking Door Opening Schedule Name Facing this Zone
StripCurtain; !- Stocking Door Opening Protection Type Facing this Zone

1.34.5 Refrigeration Case and WalkIn Outputs

• Zone,Average,Refrigeration Walk In Evaporator Total Cooling Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Refrigeration Walk In Evaporator Total Cooling Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Refrigeration Walk In Evaporator Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Refrigeration Walk In Evaporator Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1501

• Zone,Average,Refrigeration Walk In Evaporator Latent Cooling Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Refrigeration Walk In Evaporator Latent Cooling Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Refrigeration Walk In Ancillary Electric Power [W]

• Zone,Sum,Refrigeration Walk In Ancillary Electric Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Refrigeration Walk In Fan Electric Power [W]

• Zone,Sum,Refrigeration Walk In Fan Electric Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Refrigeration Walk In Lighting Electric Power [W]

• Zone,Sum,Refrigeration Walk In Lighting Electric Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Refrigeration Walk In Heater Electric Power [W]

• Zone,Sum,Refrigeration Walk In Heater Electric Energy [J]

Report only for WalkIns using electric defrost

• Zone,Average,Refrigeration Walk In Defrost Electric Power [W]

• Zone,Sum,Refrigeration Walk In Defrost Electric Energy [J]

Report for each Zone exchanging energy with the WalkIn

• Zone,Average,Refrigeration Walk In Zone Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Refrigeration Walk In Zone Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

• Zone,Average, Zone,Average,Refrigeration Walk In Zone Sensible Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Refrigeration Walk In Zone Sensible Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Zone,Average,Refrigeration Walk In Zone Latent Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Refrigeration Walk In Zone Latent Energy [J]

1.34.5.1 Refrigeration Walk In Evaporator Total Cooling Rate [W]

This field is the total (sensible plus latent) cooling rate of the WalkIn evaporator coil in Watts.

1.34.5.2 Refrigeration Walk In Evaporator Total Cooling Energy [J]

This field is the total (sensible plus latent) cooling of the WalkIn evaporator coil in Joules over
the timestep being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Energy-
Transfer, End Use Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Building (Ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.34.5.3 Refrigeration Walk In Evaporator Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

This field is the sensible cooling rate of the WalkIn evaporator coil in Watts.
1502 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.34.5.4 Refrigeration Walk In Evaporator Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

This field is the sensible cooling of the WalkIn evaporator coil in Joules over the timestep being
reported.

1.34.5.5 Refrigeration Walk In Evaporator Latent Cooling Rate [W]

This field is the latent cooling (dehumidification) rate of the WalkIn evaporator coil in Watts.

1.34.5.6 Refrigeration Walk In Evaporator Latent Cooling Energy [J]

This field is the latent cooling (dehumidification) of the WalkIn evaporator coil in Joules over the
timestep being reported.

1.34.5.7 Refrigeration Walk In Ancillary Electric Power [W]

This field is the total electricity (fan, heaters, lights, and electric defrost) used by the walkin in
Watts.

1.34.5.8 Refrigeration Walk In Ancillary Electric Energy [J]

This field is the electricity (fan, heaters, lights, and electric defrost)used by the WalkIn in Joules
over the timestep being reported.

1.34.5.9 Refrigeration Walk In Fan Electric Power [W]

This field is the electric power input to the WalkIn fan(s) in Watts.

1.34.5.10 Refrigeration Walk In Fan Electric Energy [J]

This field is the electricity consumption of the WalkIn fan(s) in Joules over the timestep being
reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use Key =
Refrigeration, Group Key = Building (Ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.34.5.11 Refrigeration Walk In Lighting Electric Power [W]

This field is the electric power input to the WalkIn lights in Watts.

1.34.5.12 Refrigeration Walk In Lighting Electric Energy [J]

This field is the electricity consumption of the WalkIn lights in Joules over the timestep being
reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use Key =
Refrigeration, Group Key = Building (Ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.34.5.13 Refrigeration Walk In Heater Electric Power [W]

This field is the electric power input to the WalkIn heaters in Watts.
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1503

1.34.5.14 Refrigeration Walk In Heater Electric Energy [J]

This field is the total electricity consumption of the WalkIn heaters in Joules over the timestep
being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use
Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Building (Ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.34.5.15 Refrigeration Walk In Defrost Electric Power [W]

This field is the electric power input to the WalkIn electric defrost heater(s) in Watts. This output
is available if case defrost type is Electric.

1.34.5.16 Refrigeration Walk In Defrost Electric Energy [J]

This field is the total electricity consumption of the WalkIn electric defrost heater(s) in Joules
over the timestep being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type =
Electricity, End Use Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Building (Ref. Output:Meter objects).
This output is available if case defrost type is Electric.
The following output variables are available for each zone adjacent to the walkin. An output
variable identification is created for each zone exchanging energy with the walkin. For example if
the walkin, “DairyWalkIn”, were exchanging energy with the zone, “SalesArea”, the output variable
identification would be “DairyWalkInInZoneSalesArea”.

1.34.5.17 Refrigeration Walk In Zone Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

This field is the rate of sensible cooling case credits delivered to the zone in Watts. A positive value
is reported when the zone is cooled by sensible case credits, otherwise a zero is reported.

1.34.5.18 Refrigeration Walk In Zone Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

This field is the amount of sensible cooling case credit energy delivered to the zone in Joules. A
positive value is reported when the zone is cooled by sensible case credits, otherwise a zero is
reported.

1.34.5.19 Refrigeration Walk In Zone Sensible Heating Rate [W]

This field is the rate of sensible heating case credits delivered to the zone in Watts. A positive
value is reported when the zone is heated by sensible case credits, otherwise a zero is reported.

1.34.5.20 Refrigeration Walk In Zone Sensible Heating Energy [J]

This field is the amount of sensible heating case credit energy delivered to the zone in Joules. A
positive value is reported when the zone is heated by sensible case credits, otherwise a zero is
reported.

1.34.5.21 Refrigeration Walk In Zone Latent Rate [W]

This field is the rate of latent cooling (dehumidification) case credits delivered to the zone in Watts.
A negative value (or zero) will be reported when the WalkIn provides dehumidification (thereby
reducing the zone latent load).
1504 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.34.5.22 Refrigeration Walk In Zone Latent Energy [J]

This field is the amount of latent cooling (dehumidification) case credit energy delivered to the zone
in Joules. A negative value (or zero) will be reported when the WalkIn provides dehumidification
(thereby reducing the zone latent load).

1.34.6 Refrigeration:System
The refrigeration system object simulates the performance of a supermarket refrigeration system
when used along with other objects to define the refrigeration load(s), the compressor(s), and the
condenser.
At least one refrigeration load object must be defined which may be one of four types of load, a
refrigerated case, a walk-in cooler, a chiller providing refrigeration to a secondary loop, or a cascade
condenser which absorbs heat rejected by a lower-temperature system (Ref. Refrigeration:Case,
Refrigeration:WalkIn, Refrigeration:SecondarySystem, and Refrigeration:Condenser:Cascade) If
multiple loads are served by the same system , the user should use one or both of the list objects
available to assign loads to the system. The first list includes all cases and walkins cooled directly by
this system (Ref. Refrigeration:CaseAndWalkInList). The second list includes any ‘transfer’ loads,
that is refrigeration loads borne by this system that are transferred from another refrigeration sys-
tem via either a secondary loop chiller or a cascade condenser (Ref. Refrigeration:TransferLoadList,
see the Engineering Reference for more information about these types of systems).
The refrigeration system object is capable of modeling both single-stage and two-stage compres-
sion refrigeration systems. The name of at least one compressor must be defined and a list object
is available if the system is served by more than one compressor (Ref. Refrigeration:Compressor
and Refrigeration:CompressorList).
Heat is rejected outdoors in a condenser by direct air flow, evaporative water cool-
ing, by a water-cooled condenser with appropriate plant loop piping, or to a cascade
condenser cooled by another refrigeration system(ref: Refrigeration:Condenser:AirCooled,
Refrigeration:Condenser:EvaporativeCooled, Refrigeration:Condenser:WaterCooled, Refrigera-
tion:Condenser:Cascade). With evaporative cooling, water is sprayed through the air stream
to effectively lower the air temperature experienced by the condenser coil as a result of water
evaporation. The use of a water-cooled condenser requires the definition of a plant loop to supply
cooling to the condenser. If a cascade condenser is specified, the refrigeration system absorbing
the rejected heat must also be defined.
The refrigeration system may also include a liquid suction and/or mechanical subcooler (Ref.
Refrigeration:Subcooler).
The system object coordinates the energy flows between the other refrigeration objects and is
used to set system parameters. Compressor waste heat can also be reclaimed for use by an optional
air- or water-heating coil (Ref. Coil:Heating:Desuperheater and Coil:WaterHeating:Desuperheater).
The inputs for the refrigeration system object, in addition to the names of the other refrigeration
objects described above, include a name for this system, the minimum condensing temperature, the
refrigeration system working fluid, and the type of saturated suction temperature control. Optional
input fields are also provided for users seeking to keep track of refrigerant inventory and suction
pipe heat gains.

1.34.6.1 Inputs
1.34.6.1.1 Field: Name
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1505

A unique user-assigned name for an instance of a refrigeration system. Any reference to this
refrigeration system by another object will use this name.

1.34.6.1.2 Field: Refrigerated Case or WalkIn or CaseAndWalkInList Name

Identifies a single case, a single walkin, single air chiller, or a particular list of refrigerated cases
and walkins or air chillers, that is cooled by this refrigeration system. The name will be validated
against the case, walkin, air chiller and CaseAndWalkInList names (ref: Refrigeration:Case, Re-
frigeration:WalkIn, Refrigeration:AirChiller, and Refrigeration:CaseAndWalkInList) in the input
file. Only cases and walkins or air chillers served directly by the system should be included in
this list. Any cases, walkins, or air chillers served indirectly via a secondary loop should NOT be
included in this list. Note that any system that serves an air chiller cannot also serve a case or
walkin.

1.34.6.1.3 Field: Refrigeration Transfer Load or TransferLoad List Name

Identifies a single SecondarySystem, a single Cascade Condenser, OR or a list of Transfer
Loads (where the list is comprised of SecondarySystems and/or Cascade Condensers) that are
cooled by this refrigeration system. The name will be validated against the secondary system,
cascade condenser, and TransferLoad list names (ref: Refrigeration:SecondarySystem, Refriger-
ation:Condenser:Cascade, and Refrigeration:TransferLoadList) in the input file. Only secondary
systems and cascade condensers served directly by the system should be included in this list.
(NOTE – this entry is for a cascade condenser cooled by this system, not a condenser absorbing
heat rejected by this system.)

1.34.6.1.4 Field: Condenser Name

The name of the condenser that is used to reject heat from this refrigeration system. The
name will be validated against the condenser names (ref: Refrigeration:Condenser:AirCooled,
Refrigeration:Condenser:WaterCooled, Refrigeration:Condenser:EvaporativeCooled, and Refriger-
ation:Condenser:Cascade) in the input file.

1.34.6.1.5 Field:Compressor or Compressor List Name

Identifies a single compressor, or a particular list of compressors, that provide cooling energy
to this refrigeration system. The name will be validated against the compressor list names (ref:
List:Refrigeration:Compressors) in the input file. If the refrigeration systems contains two stages
of compression, this field identifies the low-stage compressors connected to the two-stage system.

1.34.6.1.6 Field: Minimum Condensing Temperature

This numeric field specifies the minimum condensing temperature (C), which is usually deter-
mined by the temperature required to maintain acceptable thermal expansion valve performance.

1.34.6.1.7 Field: Refrigeration System Working Fluid Type

The type of refrigerant used by the system. Valid choices are R11, R123, R134A, R12, R22,
R404A, R507A, or R410A. This name will be validated against Fluid Names (ref: Fluid Properties
section) in the input file. Note that the corresponding property data, available in FluidProperties-
RefData.idf, must by supplied in the input file.
1506 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.34.6.1.8 Field: Suction Temperature Control Type

The type of saturated suction temperature control used by the system. Valid choices are
FloatSuctionTemperature and ConstantSuctionTemperature. If the field is blank, the
default will be ConstantSuctionTemperature. See the Engineering Reference section, Variable
Evaporator Temperature, for a discussion of this option.

1.34.6.1.9 Field: Mechanical Subcooler Name

This optional field identifies a mechanical subcooler that absorbs heat from this refrigeration
system. This field should not be used for a mechanical subcooler that absorbs heat from another
system. The name will be validated against the subcooler names (ref: Refrigeration:Subcooler) in
the input file.

1.34.6.1.10 Field: Liquid Suction Heat Exchanger Subcooler Name

This optional field Identifies a particular liquid suction heat exchanger (LSHX) subcooler present
in this refrigeration system. The name will be validated against the subcooler names (ref: Refrig-
eration:Subcooler) in the input file.

1.34.6.1.11 Field: Sum UA Suction Piping

This optional field is typically used when trying to determine the impact of pipe heat gains on
system performance and zone heat balance, particularly in comparing a DX system to a secondary
system. Enter the value for suction piping heat gain (in W/C). That is, sum up the product of
the pipe wall insulation conductance times the outer surface area of the pipe insulation. Please see
the Engineering Reference for guidance in calculating this value. If the Sum UA Suction Piping is
entered, the Suction Piping Zone Name is also required.

1.34.6.1.12 Field: Suction Piping Zone Name

This optional field is typically used when trying to determine the impact of pipe heat gains on
system performance, particularly in comparing a DX system to a secondary system. (If the previous
field, Sum UA Suction Piping, is blank, this field will not be used.) Enter the name of the zone
where the suction piping is located. The suction piping heat gains will be calculated based upon the
air temperature within this zone. The heat balance of this zone will also be affected by the piping
heat exchange. Additional output variables are described at the end of this “Group-Refrigeration”
section for the total impact of refrigeration on zones, including suction pipe heat exchange.

1.34.6.1.13 Field: End-Use Subcategory

This field allows the specification of a user-defined end-use subcategory (e.g., “Low Temperature
Rack”). A new meter for reporting is created for each unique subcategory (Ref: Output:Meter
objects). Subcategories are also reported in the ABUPS table. If this field is left blank, the
equipment will be assigned to the “General” end-use subcategory.

1.34.6.1.14 Field: Number of Compressor Stages

This field determines whether the refrigeration system contains one or two stages of compres-
sion. In this field, enter either “1” for single-stage compression systems or “2” for two-stage
compression systems. If two stages of compression are selected, then an intercooler will be used
between the compressor stages to cool the discharge of the low-stage compressors. The default
value is “1”.
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1507

1.34.6.1.15 Field: Intercooler Type

This field determines the type of intercooler which is used for two-stage compression sys-
tems. Valid choices for this field include “None”, “Flash Intercooler” or “Shell-and-Coil Inter-
cooler”. Single-stage systems require “None” while two-stage systems require either “Flash In-
tercooler” or “Shell-and-Coil Intercooler”. The default selection is “None”, corresponding to a
single-stage compression system.

1.34.6.1.16 Field: Shell-and-Coil Intercooler Effectiveness

When a shell-and-coil intercooler is selected for two-stage compression systems, this field allows
the specification of the shell-and-coil intercooler effectiveness. Values in this field will only be valid
if “Shell-and-Coil Intercooler” is selected in the “Intercooler Type” field above. The valid range of
values for this field is between 0.0 and 1.0. A default value of 0.80 will be used if none is specified.

1.34.6.1.17 Field: High-Stage Compressor or CompressorList Name

Identifies a single compressor, or a particular list of compressors, that comprise the high-stage
compression of a two-stage compression refrigeration system. The name will be validated against
the compressor list names (ref: List:Refrigeration:Compressors) in the input file. Names in this
field are only valid if two compressor stages have been specified in the “Number of Compressor
Stages” field above.
The following is an example input for a single-stage compression refrigeration system.

Refrigeration:System ,
MediumTempSystem , !- Refrigeration System Name
MediumTempCaselist , !- Refrigeration Case or Walkin or CaseAndWalkInList Name
, !- Refrigeration Transfer Load or TransferLoad List Name
AirCooledCondenserA , !- Refrigeration Condenser Name
MediumTempCompressorlist , !- Refrigeration Compressor or CompressorList Name
25.0, !- Minimum Condensing Temperture {C}
R134a , !- Refrigeration System Working Fluid
ConstantSuctionTemperature , !- Suction Temperature Control Type
, !- Optional mechanical subcooler name
, !- Optional LSHX subcooler name
, !- Sum UA Distribution Piping {W/K}
, !- Distribution Piping Zone Name
MedTempRefrig; !- End -Use Subcategory

The following is an example input for a two-stage compression refrigeration system.

Refrigeration:System ,
LowTempSystem , !- Refrigeration System Name
LowTempCaselist , !- Refrigeration Case or Walkin or CaseAndWalkInList Name
, !- Refrigeration Transfer Load or TransferLoad List Name
AirCooledCondenserB , !- Refrigeration Condenser Name
LowStageCompressorList , !- Refrigeration Compressor or CompressorList Name
25.0, !- Minimum Condensing Temperture {C}
R404A , !- Refrigeration System Working Fluid
ConstantSuctionTemperature , !- Suction Temperature Control
, !- Optional mechanical subcooler name
, !- Optional LSHX subcooler name
, !- Sum UA Distribution Piping {W/K}
, !- Distribution Piping Zone Name
LowTempRefrig , !- End -Use Subcategory
2, !- Number of Compressor Stages
Shell -and -Coil Intercooler , !- Intercooler Type
0.7, !- Shell -and -Coil Intercooler Effectiveness
HiStageCompressorList !- High -Stage Compressor or CompressorList Name
1508 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.34.6.2 Outputs
THE FOLLOWING OUTPUTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR SYSTEMS THAT SERVE CASES
AND/OR WALKINS:

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration System Total Compressor Electric Power [W]

• Zone,Sum, Refrigeration System Total Compressor Electric Energy [J]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration System Average Compressor COP [W/W]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration System Total Compressor Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum, Refrigeration System Total Compressor Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration System Total Cases and Walk Ins Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum, Refrigeration System Total Cases and Walk Ins Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration System Total Transferred Load Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum, Refrigeration System Total Transferred Load Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration System Total Suction Pipe Heat Gain Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum, Refrigeration System Total Suction Pipe Heat Gain Energy [J]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration System Net Rejected Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum, Refrigeration System Net Rejected Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Refrigeration System Estimated Refrigerant Inventory Mass [kg]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration System Liquid Suction Subcooler Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• Zone, Sum, Refrigeration System Liquid Suction Subcooler Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration System Estimated Refrigerant Inventory [kg]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration System Estimated Refrigerant Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration System Condensing Temperature [C]’

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration System Evaporating Temperature [C]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration System Suction Pipe Suction Temperature [C]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration System Thermostatic Expansion Valve Liquid Temperature [C]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration System Estimated High Stage Refrigerant Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• Zone,Sum,Refrigeration System Total High Stage Compressor Electric Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Refrigeration System Total High Stage Compressor Electric Power [W]

• Zone,Sum,Refrigeration System Total High Stage Compressor Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Refrigeration System Total High Stage Compressor Heat Transfer Rate [W]
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1509

• Zone,Sum,Refrigeration System Total Low and High Stage Compressor Electric Energy [J]

• Zone,Sum,Refrigeration System Total Low Stage Compressor Electric Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Refrigeration System Total Low Stage Compressor Electric Power [W]

• Zone,Sum,Refrigeration System Total Low Stage Compressor Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Refrigeration System Total Low Stage Compressor Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• Zone,Average,Refrigeration System Estimated Low Stage Refrigerant Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

THE FOLLOWING OUTPUTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR SYSTEMS THAT SERVE AIR
CHILLERS:

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Total Compressor Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Total Compressor Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Average Compressor COP [W/W]

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Total Compressor Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Total Compressor Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Total Air Chiller Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Total Case and Walk In Heat Transfer Energy
[J]

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Total Transferred Load Heat Transfer Rate
[W]

• HVAC,Sum, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Total Transferred Load Heat Transfer Energy
[J]

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Total Suction Pipe Heat Gain Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Total Suction Pipe Heat Gain Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Net Rejected Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Net Rejected Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Liquid Suction Subcooler Heat Transfer
Rate [W]

• HVAC, Sum, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Liquid Suction Subcooler Heat Transfer Energy
[J]

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Estimated Refrigerant Inventory Mass [kg]

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Estimated Refrigerant Mass Flow Rate
[kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Refrigeration Air Chiller System Intercooler Temperature [C]

1510 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• HVAC,Average,Refrigeration Air Chiller System Intercooler Pressure [Pa]

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condensing Temperature [C]’

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Evaporating Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Suction Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller System TXV Liquid Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Refrigeration Air Chiller System Estimated High Stage Refrigerant Mass Flow
Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Refrigeration Air Chiller System Total High Stage Compressor Electric Energy
[J]

• HVAC,Average,Refrigeration Air Chiller System Total High Stage Compressor Electric Power
[W]

• HVAC,Sum,Refrigeration Air Chiller System Total High Stage Compressor Heat Transfer
Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Refrigeration Air Chiller System Total High Stage Compressor Heat Transfer
Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Total Low and High Stage Compressor Electric
Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Refrigeration Air Chiller System Total Low Stage Compressor Electric Energy
[J]

• HVAC,Average,Refrigeration Air Chiller System Total Low Stage Compressor Electric Power
[W]

• HVAC,Sum, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Total Low Stage Compressor Heat Transfer
Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Refrigeration Air Chiller System Total Low Stage Compressor Heat Transfer
Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Refrigeration Air Chiller System Estimated Low Stage Refrigerant Mass Flow
Rate [kg/s]

1.34.6.2.1 THE FOLLOWING OUTPUTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR SYSTEMS

THAT SERVE CASES AND/OR WALKINS

1.34.6.2.2 Refrigeration System Total Compressor Electric Power [W]

This output is the total electric power input to the system compressor(s) in Watts.

1.34.6.2.3 Refrigeration System Total Compressor Electric Energy [J]

This is the electricity consumption of the system’s compressor(s) in Joules for the timestep being
reported. The individual consumption for each compressor is also added to a meter with Resource
Type = Electricity, End Use Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Plant (Ref. Output:Meter objects).
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1511

1.34.6.2.4 Refrigeration System Total Low Stage Compressor Electric Power

[W]
This output is the total electric power input to the system’s low-stage compressor(s) in
Watts. This output is valid only for two-stage compression systems.

1.34.6.2.5 Refrigeration System Total Low Stage Compressor Electric Energy

[J]
This is the electricity consumption of the system’s low-stage compressor(s) in Joules for the
timestep being reported. The individual consumption for each compressor is also added to a
meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Plant (Ref.
Output:Meter objects). This output is valid only for two-stage compression systems.

1.34.6.2.6 Refrigeration System Total High Stage Compressor Electric Power

[W]
This output is the total electric power input to the system’s high-stage compressor(s) in
Watts. This output is valid only for two-stage compression systems.

1.34.6.2.7 Refrigeration System Total High Stage Compressor Electric Energy

[J]
This is the electricity consumption of the system’s high-stage compressor(s) in Joules for the
timestep being reported. The individual consumption for each compressor is also added to a
meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Plant (Ref.
Output:Meter objects). This output is valid only for two-stage compression systems.

1.34.6.2.8 Refrigeration System Total Low and High Stage Compressor Electric
Energy [J]
This is the total electricity consumption of the system’s low- and high-stage compressor(s) in
Joules for the timestep being reported. The individual consumption for each compressor is also
added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use Key = Refrigeration, Group Key =
Plant (Ref. Output:Meter objects). This output is valid only for two-stage compression systems.

1.34.6.2.9 Refrigeration System Average Compressor COP [W/W]

This output is the system average compressor COP, the total refrigeration effect divided by the
total power to the compressors.

1.34.6.2.10 Refrigeration System Total Compressor Heat Transfer Rate [W]

This output is the total heat transfer rate of the Refrigeration Compressor rack in Watts. It
is the sum of all of the heat transfer rates for the refrigerated cases, walk-ins, secondary loops,
cascade condensers, and mechanical subcoolers that are cooled by this system. This value does not
include compressor or condenser fan heat. If specified as in input value, the suction pipe heat gains
are included in this value.

1.34.6.2.11 Refrigeration System Total Compressor Heat Transfer Energy [J]

This is the total heat transfer of the Refrigeration Compressor rack in Joules for the timestep
being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = EnergyTransfer, End
Use Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Plant (Ref. Output:Meter objects).
1512 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.34.6.2.12 Refrigeration System Total Low Stage Compressor Heat Transfer

Rate [W]
This output is the total heat transfer rate of the low-stage compressors in Watts. It is the
sum of all of the heat transfer rates for the refrigerated cases, walk-ins, secondary loops, cascade
condensers, and mechanical subcoolers that are cooled by this system. This value does not include
compressor or condenser fan heat. If specified as in input value, the suction pipe heat gains are
included in this value. This output is valid only for two-stage compression systems.

1.34.6.2.13 Refrigeration System Total Low Stage Compressor Heat Transfer

Energy [J]
This is the total heat transfer of the low-stage compressors in Joules for the timestep being
reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = EnergyTransfer, End Use
Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Plant (Ref. Output:Meter objects). This output is valid only
for two-stage compression systems.

1.34.6.2.14 Refrigeration System Total High Stage Compressor Heat Transfer

Rate [W]
This output is the total heat transfer rate of the high-stage compressors in Watts. It is the
sum of all of the heat transfer rates for the refrigerated cases, walk-ins, secondary loops, cascade
condensers, and mechanical subcoolers that are cooled by this system. This value does not include
compressor or condenser fan heat. If specified as in input value, the suction pipe heat gains are
included in this value. This output is valid only for two-stage compression systems.

1.34.6.2.15 Refrigeration System Total High Stage Compressor Heat Transfer

Energy [J]
This is the total heat transfer of the high-stage compressors in Joules for the timestep being
reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = EnergyTransfer, End Use
Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Plant (Ref. Output:Meter objects). This output is valid only
for two-stage compression systems.

1.34.6.2.16 Refrigeration System Total Cases and Walk Ins Heat Transfer Rate
[W]
This output is the total heat transfer rate from the refrigerated cases and walk-ins served directly
by this system in Watts. It is the sum of all of the heat transfer rates for the refrigerated cases
and walk-ins that are connected directly to this system. This value does not include compressor or
condenser fan heat or the heat transfer for cases and walk-ins served by any connected secondary
systems.

1.34.6.2.17 Refrigeration System Total Cases and Walk Ins Heat Transfer En-
ergy [J]
This output is the total heat transfer energy from the refrigerated cases and walk-ins served
directly by this system in Joules. It is the sum of all of the heat transfered for the refrigerated cases
and walk-ins that are connected directly to this system. This value does not include compressor or
condenser fan heat or the heat transfer for cases and walk-ins served by any connected secondary
systems.
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1513

1.34.6.2.18 Refrigeration System Total Transferred Load Heat Transfer Rate

[W]
This output is the sum of the heat transfer rates for any secondary loops, cascade condensers,
and mechanical subcoolers cooled by this system, minus the benefit of any mechanical subcooler
providing cooling to this system in Watts. Therefore, if the only transfer load between two systems
is a mechanical subcooler, the same amount will show as a negative value for the system receiving
the cooling effect and as a positive number for the system serving that cooling load. It also includes
the pump energy for any secondary loops and the compressor energy for any cascade condenser
systems that are cooled by this system. (See the Engineering Reference for more details about the
loads placed by secondary systems upon the primary system.)

1.34.6.2.19 Refrigeration System Total Transferred Load Heat Transfer Energy

[J]
This output is the sum of the heat transfered for any secondary loops, cascade condensers,
and mechanical subcoolers cooled by this system, minus the benefit of any mechanical subcooler
providing cooling to this system in Joules. Therefore, if the only transfer load between two systems
is a mechanical subcooler, the same amount will show as a negative value for the system receiving
the cooling effect and as a positive number for the system serving that cooling load. It also includes
the pump energy for any secondary loops and the compressor energy for any cascade condenser
systems that are cooled by this system. (See the Engineering Reference for more details about the
loads placed by secondary systems upon the primary system.)

1.34.6.2.20 Refrigeration System Total Suction Pipe Heat Gain Rate [W]
This output is the total heat transfer rate for suction piping served by this system in Watts.
Note this is an optional input, and is only available if the user has described the suction piping
heat gain characteristics in the input.

1.34.6.2.21 Refrigeration System Total Suction Pipe Heat Gain Energy [J]
This output is the total heat transfer rate for suction piping served by this system in Watts.
Note this is an optional input, and is only available if the user has described the suction piping
heat gain characteristics in the input.

1.34.6.2.22 Refrigeration System Net Rejected Heat Transfer Rate [W]

This output is the total heat rejected by this system to the system condenser in Watts. It
does not include system heat rejection that has been recovered for useful purposes. However, if a
water-cooled condenser was used to provide heat to a separate water loop, the energy transferred
to that loop is included here.

1.34.6.2.23 Refrigeration System Net Rejected Heat Transfer Energy [J]

This output is the total heat rejected by this system to the system condenser in Joules for the
timestep being reported. It does not include system heat rejection that has been recovered for
useful purposes. However, if a water-cooled condenser was used to provide heat to a separate water
loop, the energy transferred to that loop is included here.

1.34.6.2.24 Refrigeration System Liquid Suction Subcooler Heat Transfer Rate

[W]
1514 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

This output is the total heat transferred from the liquid condensate before the thermal expansion
valve to the suction gas.

1.34.6.2.25 Refrigeration System Liquid Suction Subcooler Heat Transfer En-

ergy [J]
This output is the total heat transferred from the liquid condensate before the thermal expansion
valve to the suction gas.

1.34.6.2.26 Refrigeration System Estimated Refrigerant Inventory Mass [kg]

This output is the sum of the input inventory values for the condenser, receiver, cases, and
liquid pipes that are a part of this system.

1.34.6.2.27 Refrigeration System Estimated Refrigerant Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

This output is the calculated refrigerant mass flow through the compressors for this system.

1.34.6.2.28 Refrigeration System Estimated Low Stage Refrigerant Mass Flow

Rate [kg/s]
This output is the calculated refrigerant mass flow through the low-stage compressors for this
system. This output is valid only for two-stage compression systems.

1.34.6.2.29 Refrigeration System Estimated High Stage Refrigerant Mass Flow

Rate [kg/s]
This output is the calculated refrigerant mass flow through the high-stage compressors for this
system. This output is valid only for two-stage compression systems.

1.34.6.2.30 Refrigeration System Intercooler Temperature [C]

This is the saturation temperature in the intercooler. This output is valid only for two-stage
compression systems.

1.34.6.2.31 Refrigeration System Intercooler Pressure [Pa]

This is the saturation pressure in the intercooler. This output is valid only for two-stage
compression systems.

1.34.6.2.32 Refrigeration System Condensing Temperature [C]

This is the saturated condensing temperature.

1.34.6.2.33 Refrigeration System Evaporating Temperature [C]

This is the saturated evaporating temperature.

1.34.6.2.34 Refrigeration System Suction Pipe Suction Temperature [C]

This is the temperature at the compressor inlet including superheat after the cases and superheat
from any liquid suction heat exchangers.
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1515

1.34.6.2.35 Refrigeration System Thermostatic Expansion Valve Liquid Tem-

perature [C]
This is the temperature entering the thermal expansion valve before the cases, equal to the
condensing temperature minus any subcooling included in the condenser or provided by mechanical
and/or liquid suction heat exchanger subcoolers.

1.34.6.2.36 THE FOLLOWING OUTPUTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR SYS-

TEMS THAT SERVE AIR CHILLERS

1.34.6.2.37 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Total Compressor Electric Power

[W]
This output is the total electric power input to the system compressor(s) in Watts.

1.34.6.2.38 Refrigeration Chiller System Total Compressor Electric Energy [J]

This is the electricity consumption of the system’s compressor(s) in Joules for the timestep being
reported. The individual consumption for each compressor is also added to a meter with Resource
Type = Electricity, End Use Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Plant (Ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.34.6.2.39 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Total Low Stage Compressor Elec-
tric Power [W]
This output is the total electric power input to the system’s low-stage compressor(s) in
Watts. This output is valid only for two-stage compression systems.

1.34.6.2.40 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Total Low Stage Compressor Elec-
tric Energy [J]
This is the electricity consumption of the system’s low-stage compressor(s) in Joules for the
timestep being reported. The individual consumption for each compressor is also added to a
meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Plant (Ref.
Output:Meter objects). This output is valid only for two-stage compression systems.

1.34.6.2.41 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Total High Stage Compressor Elec-
tric Power [W]
This output is the total electric power input to the system’s high-stage compressor(s) in
Watts. This output is valid only for two-stage compression systems.

1.34.6.2.42 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Total High Stage Compressor Elec-
tric Energy [J]
This is the electricity consumption of the system’s high-stage compressor(s) in Joules for the
timestep being reported. The individual consumption for each compressor is also added to a
meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Plant (Ref.
Output:Meter objects). This output is valid only for two-stage compression systems.

1.34.6.2.43 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Total Low and High Stage Com-
pressor Electric Energy [J]
This is the total electricity consumption of the system’s low- and high-stage compressor(s) in
Joules for the timestep being reported. The individual consumption for each compressor is also
1516 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use Key = Refrigeration, Group Key =
Plant (Ref. Output:Meter objects). This output is valid only for two-stage compression systems.

1.34.6.2.44 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Average Compressor COP [W/W]

This output is the system average compressor COP, the total refrigeration effect divided by the
total power to the compressors

1.34.6.2.45 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Total Compressor Heat Transfer

Rate [W]
This output is the total heat transfer rate of the Refrigeration Compressor rack in Watts. It
is the sum of all of the heat transfer rates for the refrigerated cases, walk-ins, secondary loops,
cascade condensers, and mechanical subcoolers that are cooled by this system. This value does not
include compressor or condenser fan heat. If specified as in input value, the suction pipe heat gains
are included in this value.

1.34.6.2.46 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Total Compressor Heat Transfer

Energy [J]
This is the total heat transfer of the Refrigeration Compressor rack in Joules for the timestep
being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = EnergyTransfer, End
Use Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Plant (Ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.34.6.2.47 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Total Low Stage Compressor Heat
Transfer Rate [W]
This output is the total heat transfer rate of the low-stage compressors in Watts. It is the
sum of all of the heat transfer rates for the refrigerated cases, walk-ins, secondary loops, cascade
condensers, and mechanical subcoolers that are cooled by this system. This value does not include
compressor or condenser fan heat. If specified as in input value, the suction pipe heat gains are
included in this value. This output is valid only for two-stage compression systems.

1.34.6.2.48 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Total Low Stage Compressor Heat
Transfer Energy [J]
This is the total heat transfer of the low-stage compressors in Joules for the timestep being
reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = EnergyTransfer, End Use
Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Plant (Ref. Output:Meter objects). This output is valid only
for two-stage compression systems.

1.34.6.2.49 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Total High Stage Compressor Heat
Transfer Rate [W]
This output is the total heat transfer rate of the high-stage compressors in Watts. It is the
sum of all of the heat transfer rates for the refrigerated cases, walk-ins, secondary loops, cascade
condensers, and mechanical subcoolers that are cooled by this system. This value does not include
compressor or condenser fan heat. If specified as in input value, the suction pipe heat gains are
included in this value. This output is valid only for two-stage compression systems.
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1517

1.34.6.2.50 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Total High Stage Compressor Heat
Transfer Energy [J]
This is the total heat transfer of the high-stage compressors in Joules for the timestep being
reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = EnergyTransfer, End Use
Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Plant (Ref. Output:Meter objects). This output is valid only
for two-stage compression systems.

1.34.6.2.51 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Total Air Chiller Heat Transfer
Rate [W]
This output is the total heat transfer rate from the refrigerated cases and walk-ins served directly
by this system in Watts. It is the sum of all of the heat transfer rates for the refrigerated cases
and walk-ins that are connected directly to this system. This value does not include compressor or
condenser fan heat or the heat transfer for cases and walk-ins served by any connected secondary
systems.

1.34.6.2.52 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Total Case and Walk In Heat
Transfer Energy [J]
This output is the total heat transfer energy from the refrigerated cases and walk-ins served
directly by this system in Joules. It is the sum of all of the heat transfered for the refrigerated cases
and walk-ins that are connected directly to this system. This value does not include compressor or
condenser fan heat or the heat transfer for cases and walk-ins served by any connected secondary
systems.

1.34.6.2.53 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Total Transferred Load Heat

Transfer Rate [W]
This output is the sum of the heat transfer rates for any secondary loops, cascade condensers,
and mechanical subcoolers cooled by this system, minus the benefit of any mechanical subcooler
providing cooling to this system in Watts. Therefore, if the only transfer load between two systems
is a mechanical subcooler, the same amount will show as a negative value for the system receiving
the cooling effect and as a positive number for the system serving that cooling load. It also includes
the pump energy for any secondary loops and the compressor energy for any cascade condenser
systems that are cooled by this system. (See the Engineering Reference for more details about the
loads placed by secondary systems upon the primary system.)

1.34.6.2.54 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Total Transferred Load Heat

Transfer Energy [J]
This output is the sum of the heat transfered for any secondary loops, cascade condensers,
and mechanical subcoolers cooled by this system, minus the benefit of any mechanical subcooler
providing cooling to this system in Joules. Therefore, if the only transfer load between two systems
is a mechanical subcooler, the same amount will show as a negative value for the system receiving
the cooling effect and as a positive number for the system serving that cooling load. It also includes
the pump energy for any secondary loops and the compressor energy for any cascade condenser
systems that are cooled by this system. (See the Engineering Reference for more details about the
loads placed by secondary systems upon the primary system.)

1.34.6.2.55 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Total Suction Pipe Heat Gain Rate
[W]
1518 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

This output is the total heat transfer rate for suction piping served by this system in Watts.
Note this is an optional input, and is only available if the user has described the suction piping
heat gain characteristics in the input.

1.34.6.2.56 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Total Suction Pipe Heat Gain En-
ergy [J]
This output is the total heat transfer rate for suction piping served by this system in Watts.
Note this is an optional input, and is only available if the user has described the suction piping
heat gain characteristics in the input.

1.34.6.2.57 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Net Rejected Heat Transfer Rate
[W]
This output is the total heat rejected by this system to the system condenser in Watts. It
does not include system heat rejection that has been recovered for useful purposes. However, if a
water-cooled condenser was used to provide heat to a separate water loop, the energy transferred
to that loop is included here.

1.34.6.2.58 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Net Rejected Heat Transfer En-
ergy [J]
This output is the total heat rejected by this system to the system condenser in Joules for the
timestep being reported. It does not include system heat rejection that has been recovered for
useful purposes. However, if a water-cooled condenser was used to provide heat to a separate water
loop, the energy transferred to that loop is included here.

1.34.6.2.59 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Liquid Suction Subcooler Heat

Transfer Rate [W]
This output is the total heat transferred from the liquid condensate before the thermal expansion
valve to the suction gas.

1.34.6.2.60 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Liquid Suction Subcooler Heat

Transfer Energy [J]
This output is the total heat transferred from the liquid condensate before the thermal expansion
valve to the suction gas.

1.34.6.2.61 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Mechanical Subcooler Heat Trans-

fer Energy [J]

1.34.6.2.62 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Estimated Refrigerant Inventory

Mass [kg]
This output is the sum of the input inventory values for the condenser, receiver, cases, and
liquid pipes that are a part of this system.

1.34.6.2.63 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Estimated Refrigerant Mass Flow

Rate [kg/s]
This output is the calculated refrigerant mass flow through the compressors for this system.
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1519

1.34.6.2.64 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Estimated Low Stage Refrigerant

Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
This output is the calculated refrigerant mass flow through the low-stage compressors for this
system. This output is valid only for two-stage compression systems.

1.34.6.2.65 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Estimated High Stage Refrigerant

Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
This output is the calculated refrigerant mass flow through the high-stage compressors for this
system. This output is valid only for two-stage compression systems.

1.34.6.2.66 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Intercooler Temperature [C]

This is the saturation temperature in the intercooler. This output is valid only for two-stage
compression systems.

1.34.6.2.67 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Intercooler Pressure [Pa]

This is the saturation pressure in the intercooler. This output is valid only for two-stage
compression systems.

1.34.6.2.68 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condensing Temperature [C]

This is the saturated condensing temperature.

1.34.6.2.69 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Evaporating Temperature [C]

This is the saturated evaporating temperature.

1.34.6.2.70 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Suction Temperature [C]

This is the temperature at the compressor inlet including superheat after the cases and superheat
from any liquid suction heat exchangers.

1.34.6.2.71 Refrigeration Air Chiller System TXV Liquid Temperature [C]

This is the temperature entering the thermal expansion valve before the cases, equal to the
condensing temperature minus any subcooling included in the condenser or provided by mechanical
and/or liquid suction heat exchanger subcoolers.

1.34.7 Refrigeration:TranscriticalSystem
The Refrigeration:TranscriticalSystem object allows users to model detailed transcritical carbon
dioxide (CO2 ) booster refrigeration systems used in supermarkets. The object allows for modeling
either a single stage system with medium-temperature loads or a two stage system with both
medium- and low-temperature loads.
The input objects required to model a detailed transcritical CO2 refrigeration system include
the following:

• One Refrigeration:TranscriticalSystem object,

• At least one refrigeration load object which may include any combination of the following:

• Refrigeration:Case,
1520 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• Refrigeration:WalkIn,

• Refrigeration:CaseAndWalkInList (may include both cases and/or walk-in cooler names),

• At least one Refrigeration:Compressor object (multiple compressors are entered using a Re-
frigeration:CompressorList),

• One Refrigeration:GasCooler:AirCooled object,

Output variables are available to describe the total heat exchange between all the refrigeration
objects and the zones containing these objects. These variables are described at the end of this
section.
At least one refrigeration load object must be defined which may be one of two types of loads,
including a refrigerated display case and a walk-in cooler, (Ref. Refrigeration:Case, and Refrigera-
tion:WalkIn). If multiple loads are served by the same system, the user should use the refrigerated
case and walk-in list object available to assign all cases and walk-ins cooled directly by this system
(Ref. Refrigeration:CaseAndWalkInList).
The name of at least one compressor must be defined and a list object is available if the
system is served by more than one compressor (Ref. Refrigeration:Compressor and Refrigera-
tion:CompressorList).
Heat is rejected to the outdoors via an air-cooled gas cooler (Ref. Refrigeration:GasCooler:AirCooled).
The Refrigeration:TranscriticalSystem object coordinates the energy flows between the other
refrigeration objects and is used to set system parameters.
The inputs for the refrigeration system object, in addition to the names of the other refrigera-
tion objects described above, include a name for this system, the receiver pressure, the subcooler
effectiveness, and the refrigeration system working fluid. Optional input fields are also provided
for users seeking to keep track of suction pipe heat gains.
A detailed description of the transcritical CO2 booster refrigeration system may be found in
the Refrigeration section of the Engineering Reference.

1.34.7.1 Inputs
1.34.7.1.1 Field: Name
A unique user-assigned name for an instance of a transcritical CO2 refrigeration system. Any
reference to this refrigeration system by another object will use this name.

1.34.7.1.2 Field: System Type

Identifies the transcritical CO2 refrigeration system as either a single-stage system with only
medium-temperature loads, or a two-stage system with both medium- and low-temperature
loads. Valid choices are: SingleStage for single stage systems or TwoStage for two stage systems.

1.34.7.1.3 Field: Medium Temperature Refrigerated Case or WalkIn or Case-

AndWalkInList Name
Identifies a single case, a single walk-in, or a particular list of refrigerated cases and walk-
ins, that is cooled by the medium-temperature stage of the refrigeration system. The name will
be validated against the case, walk-in, and CaseAndWalkInList names (Ref. Refrigeration:Case,
Refrigeration:WalkIn, and Refrigeration:CaseAndWalkInList) in the input file. Only medium
temperature cases and walk-ins served directly by the system should be included in this list. Note
that this entry is required for both single-stage and two-stage systems.
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1521

1.34.7.1.4 Field: Low Temperature Refrigerated Case or WalkIn or CaseAnd-

WalkInList Name
Identifies a single case, a single walk-in, or a particular list of refrigerated cases and walk-
ins, that is cooled by the low-temperature stage of the refrigeration system. The name will be
validated against the case, walk-in, and CaseAndWalkInList names (Ref. Refrigeration:Case, Re-
frigeration:WalkIn, and Refrigeration:CaseAndWalkInList) in the input file. Only low temperature
cases and walk-ins served directly by the system should be included in this list. Note that this
entry is valid only for two-stage systems.

1.34.7.1.5 Field: Refrigeration Gas Cooler Name

The name of the gas cooler that is used to reject heat from the transcritical refrigera-
tion system. The name will be validated against the gas cooler names (Ref. Refrigera-
tion:GasCooler:AirCooled) in the input file.

1.34.7.1.6 Field: High Pressure Compressor or Compressor List Name

Identifies a single compressor, or a particular list of compressors, that provides compression for
a single-stage system or the high pressure stage of a two-stage system. The name will be validated
against the compressor list names (Ref. List:Refrigeration:Compressors) in the input file. Note
that this entry is required for both single-stage and two-stage systems.

1.34.7.1.7 Field: Low Pressure Compressor or Compressor List Name

Identifies a single compressor, or a particular list of compressors, that provides compression for
the low pressure stage of a two-stage system. The name will be validated against the compressor
list names (Ref. List:Refrigeration:Compressors) in the input file. Note that this entry is valid
only for two-stage systems.

1.34.7.1.8 Field: Receiver Pressure

This numeric field specifies the refrigerant pressure (Pa) in the receiver. The default value for
the receiver pressure is 4.0 × 106 Pa.

1.34.7.1.9 Field: Subcooler Effectiveness

This numeric field specifies the heat exchanger effectiveness of the subcooler. The default value
for the subcooler effectiveness is 0.4.

1.34.7.1.10 Field: Refrigeration System Working Fluid Type

The type of refrigerant used by the system. It is assumed that carbon dioxide will be the
refrigerant used in the transcritical CO2 refrigeration system. However, the user must specify the
name used in the input file which refers to carbon dioxide. This name will be validated against
Fluid Names (Ref. Fluid Properties section) in the input file. Note that the corresponding property
data for carbon dioxide (R744), available in FluidPropertiesRefData.idf, must be supplied in the
input file.

1.34.7.1.11 Field: Sum UA Suction Piping for Medium Temperature Loads

This optional field is typically used to determine the impact of pipe heat gains on system
performance and zone heat balance. Enter the value for suction piping heat gain (in W/C) for the
medium-temperature suction line, i.e., sum up the product of the pipe wall insulation conductance
times the outer surface area of the pipe insulation. Please see the Engineering Reference for
1522 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

guidance in calculating this value. If the Sum UA Suction Piping for Medium Temperature Loads
is entered, the Medium Temperature Suction Piping Zone Name is also required.

1.34.7.1.12 Field: Medium Temperature Suction Piping Zone Name

This optional field is typically used to determine the impact of pipe heat gains on system
performance. If the previous field, Sum UA Suction Piping for Medium Temperature Loads, is
blank, this field will not be used. Enter the name of the zone where the medium-temperature
suction piping is located. The suction piping heat gains will be calculated based upon the air
temperature within this zone. The heat balance of this zone will also be affected by the piping
heat exchange. Additional output variables are described at the end of this section for the total
impact of refrigeration on zones, including suction pipe heat exchange.

1.34.7.1.13 Field: Sum UA Suction Piping for Low Temperature Loads

This optional field is typically used to determine the impact of pipe heat gains on system
performance and zone heat balance. Enter the value for suction piping heat gain (in W/C) for the
low-temperature suction line, i.e., sum up the product of the pipe wall insulation conductance times
the outer surface area of the pipe insulation. Please see the Engineering Reference for guidance in
calculating this value. If the Sum UA Suction Piping for Low Temperature Loads is entered, the
Low Temperature Suction Piping Zone Name is also required. Note that this entry is valid only
for two-stage systems.

1.34.7.1.14 Field: Low Temperature Suction Piping Zone Name

This optional field is typically used to determine the impact of pipe heat gains on system
performance. If the previous field, Sum UA Suction Piping for Low Temperature Loads, is blank,
this field will not be used. Enter the name of the zone where the low-temperature suction piping is
located. The suction piping heat gains will be calculated based upon the air temperature within this
zone. The heat balance of this zone will also be affected by the piping heat exchange. Additional
output variables are described at the end of this section for the total impact of refrigeration on
zones, including suction pipe heat exchange. Note that this entry is valid only for two-stage
systems.

1.34.7.1.15 Field: End-Use Subcategory

This field allows the specification of a user-defined end-use subcategory (e.g., “Medium Tem-
perature System”). A new meter for reporting is created for each unique subcategory (Ref. Out-
put:Meter objects). Subcategories are also reported in the ABUPS table. If this field is left blank,
the equipment will be assigned to the “General” end-use subcategory.
The following is an example input for a transcritical CO2 refrigeration system.

Refrigeration:TranscriticalSystem ,
TransRefrigSys , !- Name
TwoStage , !- System Type
MTLoads , !- Medium Temperature Refrigerated Case or Walkin or
CaseAndWalkInList Name
LTLoads , !- Low Temperature Refrigerated Case or Walkin or
CaseAndWalkInList Name
RefrigGasCooler , !- Refrigeration Gas Cooler Name
HPCompressors , !- High Pressure Compressor or CompressorList Name
LPCompressors , !- Low Pressure Compressor or CompressorList Name
4000000 , !- Receiver Pressure
0.4, !- Subcooler Effectiveness
R744 , !- Refrigeration System Working Fluid Type
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1523

, !- Sum UA Suction Piping for Medium Temperature Loads

, !- Medium Temperature Suction Piping Zone Name
, !- Sum UA Suction Piping for Low Temperature Loads
, !- Low Temperature Suction Piping Zone Name
TransRefrigSys; !- End -Use Subcategory

1.34.7.2 Outputs
• Zone,Average, Refrigeration Transcritical System Total High Pressure Compressor Electric
Power [W]

• Zone,Sum, Refrigeration Transcritical System Total High Pressure Compressor Electric En-
ergy [J]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration Transcritical System Low Pressure Compressor Electric Power

[W]

• Zone,Sum, Refrigeration Transcritical System Low Pressure Compressor Electric Energy [J]

• Zone,Sum, Refrigeration Transcritical System Total Compressor Electric Energy [J]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration Transcritical System Average COP [W/W]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration Transcritical System Medium Temperature Cases and Walk Ins
Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum, Refrigeration Transcritical System Medium Temperature Cases and Walk Ins Heat
Transfer Energy [J]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration Transcritical System Low Temperature Cases and Walk Ins Heat
Transfer Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum, Refrigeration Transcritical System Low Temperature Cases and Walk Ins Heat
Transfer Energy [J]

• Zone,Sum, Refrigeration Transcritical System Total Cases and Walk Ins Heat Transfer Energy
[J]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration Transcritical System Medium Temperature Suction Pipe Heat

Transfer Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum, Refrigeration Transcritical System Medium Temperature Suction Pipe Heat

Transfer Energy [J]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration Transcritical System Low Temperature Suction Pipe Heat Trans-
fer Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum, Refrigeration Transcritical System Low Temperature Suction Pipe Heat Transfer
Energy [J]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration Transcritical System High Pressure Compressor Heat Transfer

Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum, Refrigeration Transcritical System High Pressure Compressor Heat Transfer En-
ergy [J]
1524 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration Transcritical System Low Pressure Compressor Heat Transfer

Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum, Refrigeration Transcritical System Low Pressure Compressor Heat Transfer En-
ergy [J]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration Transcritical System Net Rejected Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum, Refrigeration Transcritical System Net Rejected Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration Transcritical System Estimated Refrigerant Inventory Mass [kg]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration Transcritical System Refrigerant Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration Transcritical System Medium Temperature Evaporating Tem-

perature [C]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration Transcritical System Medium Temperature Suction Temperature

[C]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration Transcritical System Low Temperature Evaporating Tempera-

ture [C]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration Transcritical System Low Temperature Suction Temperature [C]

1.34.7.2.1 Refrigeration Transcritical System Total High Pressure Compressor

Electric Power [W]
This output is the total electric power input to the system’s high pressure compressor(s) in
Watts.

1.34.7.2.2 Refrigeration Transcritical System Total High Pressure Compressor

Electric Energy [J]
This is the electricity consumption of the system’s high pressure compressor(s) in Joules for
the timestep being reported. The individual consumption for each compressor is also added to a
meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Plant (Ref.
Output:Meter objects).

1.34.7.2.3 Refrigeration Transcritical System Low Pressure Compressor Elec-

tric Power [W]
This output is the total electric power input to the system’s low pressure compressor(s) in
Watts.

1.34.7.2.4 Refrigeration Transcritical System Low Pressure Compressor Elec-

tric Energy [J]
This is the electricity consumption of the system’s low pressure compressor(s) in Joules for
the timestep being reported. The individual consumption for each compressor is also added to a
meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Plant (Ref.
Output:Meter objects).
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1525

1.34.7.2.5 Refrigeration Transcritical System Total Compressor Electric Energy

[J]
This output is the total electric power input to all of the system’s compressor(s) in Watts.

1.34.7.2.6 Refrigeration Transcritical System Average COP [W/W]

This output is the system average compressor COP, which is the total refrigeration effect divided
by the total power to all of the compressors.

1.34.7.2.7 Refrigeration Transcritical System Medium Temperature Cases and

Walk Ins Heat Transfer Rate [W]
This output is the total heat transfer rate from the medium temperature refrigerated cases and
walk-ins served directly by this system in Watts. It is the sum of all of the heat transfer rates for
the medium temperature refrigerated cases and walk-ins that are connected directly to this system.

1.34.7.2.8 Refrigeration Transcritical System Medium Temperature Cases and

Walk Ins Heat Transfer Energy [J]
This output is the total heat transfer energy from the medium temperature refrigerated cases
and walk-ins served directly by this system in Joules. It is the sum of all of the heat transferred for
the medium temperature refrigerated cases and walk-ins that are connected directly to this system.

1.34.7.2.9 Refrigeration Transcritical System Low Temperature Cases and Walk

Ins Heat Transfer Rate [W]
This output is the total heat transfer rate from the low temperature refrigerated cases and
walk-ins served directly by this system in Watts. It is the sum of all of the heat transfer rates for
the low temperature refrigerated cases and walk-ins that are connected directly to this system.

1.34.7.2.10 Refrigeration Transcritical System Low Temperature Cases and

Walk Ins Heat Transfer Energy [J]
This output is the total heat transfer energy from the low temperature refrigerated cases and
walk-ins served directly by this system in Joules. It is the sum of all of the heat transferred for the
low temperature refrigerated cases and walk-ins that are connected directly to this system.

1.34.7.2.11 Refrigeration Transcritical System Total Cases and Walk Ins Heat
Transfer Energy [J]
This output is the total heat transfer energy from all the low- and medium-temperature refrig-
erated cases and walk-ins served directly by this system in Joules. It is the sum of all of the heat
transferred for all the refrigerated cases and walk-ins that are connected directly to this system.

1.34.7.2.12 Refrigeration Transcritical System Medium Temperature Suction

Pipe Heat Transfer Rate [W]
This output is the total heat transfer rate for the medium-temperature suction piping served by
this system in Watts. Note this is an optional input, and is only available if the user has described
the medium-temperature suction piping heat gain characteristics in the input.
1526 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.34.7.2.13 Refrigeration Transcritical System Medium Temperature Suction

Pipe Heat Transfer Energy [J]
This output is the total heat transfer rate for the medium-temperature suction piping served by
this system in Watts. Note this is an optional input, and is only available if the user has described
the medium-temperature suction piping heat gain characteristics in the input.

1.34.7.2.14 Refrigeration Transcritical System Low Temperature Suction Pipe

Heat Transfer Rate [W]
This output is the total heat transfer rate for the low-temperature suction piping served by this
system in Watts. Note this is an optional input, and is only available if the user has described the
low-temperature suction piping heat gain characteristics in the input.

1.34.7.2.15 Refrigeration Transcritical System Low Temperature Suction Pipe

Heat Transfer Energy [J]
This output is the total heat transfer rate for the low-temperature suction piping served by this
system in Watts. Note this is an optional input, and is only available if the user has described the
low-temperature suction piping heat gain characteristics in the input.

1.34.7.2.16 Refrigeration Transcritical System High Pressure Compressor Heat

Transfer Rate [W]
This output is the total heat transfer rate of the high pressure Compressors in Watts. It is the
sum of all of the heat transfer rates for the low- and medium-temperature refrigerated cases and
walk-ins as well as the low pressure compressors that are cooled by this system. This value does
not include compressor or condenser fan heat. If specified as in input value, the suction pipe heat
gains are included in this value.

1.34.7.2.17 Refrigeration Transcritical System High Pressure Compressor Heat

Transfer Energy [J]
This is the total heat transfer of the high pressure compressors in Joules for the timestep being
reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = EnergyTransfer, End Use
Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Plant (Ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.34.7.2.18 Refrigeration Transcritical System Low Pressure Compressor Heat

Transfer Rate [W]
This output is the total heat transfer rate of the low pressure Compressors in Watts. It is the
sum of all of the heat transfer rates for the low temperature refrigerated cases and walk-ins that are
cooled by this system. This value does not include compressor or condenser fan heat. If specified
as in input value, the suction pipe heat gains are included in this value.

1.34.7.2.19 Refrigeration Transcritical System Low Pressure Compressor Heat

Transfer Energy [J]
This is the total heat transfer of the low pressure compressors in Joules for the timestep being
reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = EnergyTransfer, End Use
Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Plant (Ref. Output:Meter objects).
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1527

1.34.7.2.20 Refrigeration Transcritical System Net Rejected Heat Transfer Rate

[W]
This output is the total heat rejected by this system to the system gas cooler in Watts. It does
not include system heat rejection that has been recovered for useful purposes.

1.34.7.2.21 Refrigeration Transcritical System Net Rejected Heat Transfer En-

ergy [J]
This output is the total heat rejected by this system to the system gas cooler in Joules for the
timestep being reported. It does not include system heat rejection that has been recovered for
useful purposes.

1.34.7.2.22 Refrigeration Transcritical System Estimated Refrigerant Inventory

Mass [kg]
This output is the sum of the input refrigerant inventory values for the gas cooler, receiver,
cases, and liquid pipes that are a part of this system.

1.34.7.2.23 Refrigeration Transcritical System Refrigerant Mass Flow Rate

[kg/s]
This output is the calculated refrigerant mass flow rate through the high pressure compressors
for this system.

1.34.7.2.24 Refrigeration Transcritical System Medium Temperature Evaporat-

ing Temperature [C]
This is the saturated evaporating temperature for the medium temperature loads.

1.34.7.2.25 Refrigeration Transcritical System Medium Temperature Suction

Temperature [C]
This is the temperature at the high pressure compressor inlet including superheat after the
display cases and superheat from the suction line heat exchanger.

1.34.7.2.26 Refrigeration Transcritical System Low Temperature Evaporating

Temperature [C]
This is the saturated evaporating temperature for the low-temperature loads.

1.34.7.2.27 Refrigeration Transcritical System Low Temperature Suction Tem-

perature [C]
This is the temperature at the low pressure compressor inlet including superheat after the
display cases.

1.34.8 Refrigeration:Compressor
The compressors are described here using manufacturer’s data for curves that provide the efficiency,
cooling capacity, and power consumption. The corresponding rated values for cycle superheat and
subcooling are also required.
A dataset has been provided containing the compressor rating data, including the
performance curve inputs, for a large number of compressors. See RefrigerationCom-
pressorCurves.idf.
1528 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.34.8.1 Inputs
1.34.8.1.1 Field: Name
A unique user-assigned name for an instance of a compressor. Any reference to this compressor
by another object will use this name.

1.34.8.1.2 Field: Refrigeration Compressor Power Curve Name

This required field provides the name of the curve object that describes the compressor power
as a function of the evaporating and condensing temperatures, as specified in ARI 540. The curve
is of the bicubic form(ref: Curve:Bicubic). However, the input order for the Energy Plus bicubic
curve does not match the ARI 540 standard order. When this curve is entered, the user should use
the following assignments:
N1 is ARI C1 and N2 is ARI C2.
N3 is ARI C4 and N4 is ARI C3.
N5 is ARI C6 and N6 is ARI C5,
N7 is ARI C7.
N8 is ARI C10, N9 is ARI C8, and N10 is ARI C9.
N11 is the Minimum evaporating temperature and N12 is the Maximum evaporating tempera-
ture.
N13 is the the Minimum condensing temperature and N14 is the Maximum condensing tem-
perature

1.34.8.1.3 Field: Refrigeration Compressor Capacity Curve Name

This required field provides the name of the curve object that describes the compressor cooling
capacity as a function of the evaporating and condensing temperatures, as specified in ARI 540.
The curve is of the bicubic form(ref: Curve:Bicubic). However, the input order for the Energy
Plus bicubic curve does not match the ARI 540 standard order. When this curve is entered, the
user should use the following assignments:
N1 is ARI C1 and N2 is ARI C2.
N3 is ARI C4 and N4 is ARI C3.
N5 is ARI C6 and N6 is ARI C5,
N7 is ARI C7.
N8 is ARI C10, N9 is ARI C8, and N10 is ARI C9.
N11 is the Minimum evaporating temperature and N12 is Maximum evaporating temperature.
N13 is the Minimum condensing temperature and N14 is the Maximum condensing temperature

1.34.8.1.4 Field: Rated Superheat

Some manufacturers specify a constant return gas temperature while others specify a constant
superheat (the difference between the saturated evaporating temperature and the actual return gas
temperature). Use this field for compressors that provide their rated superheat. (Do NOT use both
this field and the Rated Return Gas Temperature field.) The rated superheat is specified in units
of delta C.

1.34.8.1.5 Field: Rated Return Gas Temperature

Some manufacturers specify a constant return gas temperature ( which may also be called
the Rated Suction Temperature) while others specify a constant superheat. Use this field for
compressors that provide their rated return gas temperature. (Do NOT use both this field and the
Rated Superheat field.) The rated return gas temperature is specified in units of C.
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1529

1.34.8.1.6 Field: Rated Liquid Temperature

Some compressor manufactures rate their equipment according to a constant subcooling (the
difference between the saturated condensing temperature and the actual liquid temperature entering
the thermal expansion valve before the refrigeration load). Other manufacturers specify a constant
liquid temperature.Use this field if the manufacturer specifies the rated liquid temperature. (Do
NOT use both this field and the Rated Subcooling field.) The units for this field are degrees C.

1.34.8.1.7 Field: Rated Subcooling

Some compressor manufactures rate their equipment according to a constant subcooling (the
difference between the saturated condensing temperature and the actual liquid temperature entering
the thermal expansion valve before the refrigeration load). Other manufacturers specify a constant
liquid temperature.Use this field if the manufacturer specifies the rated subcooling. (Do NOT use
both this field and the Rated Liquid Temperature field.) The units for this field are delta C.

1.34.8.1.8 Field: End-Use Subcategory

This field allows the specification of a user-defined end-use subcategory (e.g., “Low Temperature
System”). A new meter for reporting is created for each unique subcategory (Ref: Output:Meter
objects). Subcategories are also reported in the ABUPS table. If this field is left blank, the
equipment will be assigned to the “General” end-use subcategory.
The following is an example input for a refrigeration compressor.

Refrigeration:Compressor ,
CompressorA , !- Name
PowerCurveCompA , !- Refrigeration Compressor Power Curve Name
CapCurveCompA , !- Refrigeration Compressor Capacity Curve Name
10.0, ! – Rated Superheat {delta C}
, !- Rated Return Gas Temperature {C}
, ! – Rated Liquid Temperature{C}
15.0, !- Rated Subcooling {delta C}
MedTempRefrig; !- End -Use Subcategory

1.34.8.2 Outputs
THE FOLLOWING OUTPUTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR SYSTEMS THAT SERVE CASES
AND/OR WALKINS:

• Zone,Average,Refrigeration Compressor Electric Power [W]

• Zone,Sum,Refrigeration Compressor Electric Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Refrigeration Compressor Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Refrigeration Compressor Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• Zone,Sum,Refrigeration Compressor Run Time Fraction []

THE FOLLOWING OUTPUTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR SYSTEMS THAT SERVE AIR
CHILLERS:

• HVAC,Average,Refrigeration Air Chiller System Compressor Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Refrigeration Air Chiller System Compressor Electric Energy [J]

1530 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• HVAC,Average,Refrigeration Air Chiller System Compressor Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Refrigeration Air Chiller System Compressor Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Refrigeration Chiller Compressor Run TimeFraction []

1.34.8.2.1 THE FOLLOWING OUTPUTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR SYSTEMS

THAT SERVE CASES AND/OR WALKINS

1.34.8.2.2 Refrigeration Compressor Electric Power [W]

This output is the electric power input to the compressor in Watts.

1.34.8.2.3 Refrigeration Compressor Electric Energy [J]

This is the electric energy consumed by the compressor in Joules for the timestep being re-
ported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use Key =
Refrigeration, Group Key = Plant (Ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.34.8.2.4 Refrigeration Compressor Heat Transfer Rate [W]

This output is the heat removed from the refrigerated cases by the compressor in Watts.

1.34.8.2.5 Refrigeration Compressor Heat Transfer Energy [J]

This is the heat removed from the refrigerated cases by the compressor in Joules for the timestep
being reported.

1.34.8.2.6 Refrigeration Compressor Run Time Fraction []

This is the fraction of the time step when the compressor ran to meet the load. It is a value
between 0.0 and 1.0.

1.34.8.2.7 THE FOLLOWING OUTPUTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR SYSTEMS

THAT SERVE AIR CHILLERS

1.34.8.2.8 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Compressor Electric Power [W]

This output is the electric power input to the compressor in Watts.

1.34.8.2.9 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Compressor Electric Energy [J]

This is the electric energy consumed by the compressor in Joules for the timestep being re-
ported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use Key =
Refrigeration, Group Key = Plant (Ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.34.8.2.10 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Compressor Heat Transfer Rate

[W]
This output is the heat removed from the refrigerated cases by the compressor in Watts.

1.34.8.2.11 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Compressor Heat Transfer Energy

[J]
This is the heat removed from the refrigerated cases by the compressor in Joules for the timestep
being reported.
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1531

1.34.8.2.12 Refrigeration Chiller Compressor Run Time Fraction []

This is the fraction of the time step when the compressor ran to meet the load. It is a value
between 0.0 and 1.0.

1.34.9 Refrigeration:CompressorList
This object provides a list of all the compressors included within a single refrigeration system (Ref:
Refrigeration:System). Each list must contain at least one compressor. The order in which the
individual compressors are listed here will be the order in which the compressors are dispatched to
meet the system load. That is, at very low loads, only compressor #1 will be operating. As the
load increases, the first two compressors will be operating, and so on. This list is extensible.

1.34.9.1 Inputs
1.34.9.1.1 Field: Name
A unique user-assigned name for an instance of a compressor list. Any reference to this com-
pressor list by another object will use this name. The compressor list cannot have the same name
as any individual compressor.

1.34.9.1.2 Field: Refrigeration Compressor <x> Name

Identifies a particular compressor that works in conjunction with the other compressors on this
list to provides cooling to a single refrigeration system. The name will be validated against the
compressor names (ref: Refrigeration:Compressor) in the input file. Up to 20 are available in the
IDD; this object is extensible.
The following is an example input for a compressor list.

Refrigeration:CompressorList ,
MediumTempCompressorlist , !- Refrigeration Compressor List Name
CompressorA , !- Refrigeration Compressor Name \#1
CompressorB , !- Refrigeration Compressor Name \#2
CompressorC; !- Refrigeration Compressor Name \#3

1.34.10 Refrigeration:Subcooler
Two types of subcoolers are modeled by the detailed refrigeration system. As described in the
Engineering Reference, the liquid suction heat exchanger uses cool suction gas to subcool the hot
condensate after it leaves the condenser and before it reaches the thermal expansion valve. For
the liquid suction heat exchanger, both the source and sink of energy are located within the same
refrigeration system. In contrast, a mechanical subcooler is used to transfer cooling capacity from
one refrigeration system to another. The mechanical subcooler is listed as a part of the system for
which the condensate is cooled. However, the input data for the mechanical subcooler includes a
field that identifies the system that provides the cooling capacity.

1.34.10.1 Inputs
1.34.10.1.1 Field: Name
A unique user-assigned name for an instance of a subcooler. Any reference to this subcooler by
another object will use this name.
1532 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.34.10.1.2 Field: Subcooler Type

The type of subcooler. Valid choices are Mechanical and LiquidSuction. If the field is blank,
the default will be LiquidSuction.

1.34.10.1.3 Field: Liquid Suction Design Subcooling Temperature Difference

This numeric field is the design subcooling temperature difference (DeltaC) for a liquid suction
heat exchanger and should be blank for a mechanical subcooler.

1.34.10.1.4 Field: Design Liquid Inlet Temperature

This numeric field is the design inlet temperature (C) for the hot liquid entering a liquid suction
heat exchanger and should be blank for a mechanical subcooler.

1.34.10.1.5 Field: Design Vapor Inlet Temperature

This numeric field is the design inlet temperature (C) for the cool vapor entering a liquid suction
heat exchanger and should be blank for a mechanical subcooler.

1.34.10.1.6 Field: Capacity-Providing System

This field is the name of the refrigeration system object that provides the cooling capacity for
the mechanical subcooler (ref: Refrigeration:System Name). This field should be blank for a liquid
suction heat exchanger.

1.34.10.1.7 Field: Outlet Control Temperature

This numeric field is the controlled outlet temperature (C) for subcooled liquid exiting a me-
chanical subcooler. This field should be blank for a liquid suction heat exchanger.
The following is example input for both liquid suction and mechanical subcoolers.

REFRIGERATION:SUBCOOLER ,
SampleLSHx , !Subcooler Name
LiquidSuction , !subcooler type
6, !design liquid suction subcooling {deltaC}
16, !design inlet temperature on liquid side {C}
0, !design inlet temperature on vapor side {C}
, !Refrigeration System Detailed Name providing cooling capacity
; !Control Temperature Out for subcooled liquid {C}

! Mechanical Subcooler (uses Med Temp System to cool low temp liquid to 10C)

REFRIGERATION:SUBCOOLER ,
SampleMSC , !Subcooler Name
Mechanical , !subcooler type
, !design liquid suction subcooling {C}
, !design inlet temperature on liquid side {C}
, !design inlet temperature on vapor side {C}
MediumTempSystem , !Refrigeration System Detailed Name providing cooling capacity
10; !Control Temperature Out for subcooled liquid {C}

1.34.10.2 Outputs
FOR SUBCOOLERS ON SYSTEMS SERVING CASES AND/OR WALKINS:

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration System Mechanical Subcooler Heat Transfer Rate [W]

1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1533

• Zone,Sum, Refrigeration System Mechanical Subcooler Heat Transfer Energy [J]

FOR SUBCOOLERS ON SYSTEMS SERVING AIR CHILLERS:

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Mechanical Subcooler Heat Transfer Rate
[W]

• Zone,Sum, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Mechanical Subcooler Heat Transfer Energy [J]

1.34.10.2.1 FOR SUBCOOLERS ON SYSTEMS SERVING CASES AND/OR

WALKINS:

1.34.10.2.2 Refrigeration System Mechanical Subcooler Heat Transfer Rate [W]

This output is the cooling energy transferred from one system’s compressor group to the refrig-
erant leaving the condenser for another refrigeration system in Watts.

1.34.10.2.3 Refrigeration System Mechanical Subcooler Heat Transfer Energy

[J]
This output is the cooling energy transferred from one system’s compressor group to the refrig-
erant leaving the condenser for another refrigeration system in Joules.

1.34.10.2.4 FOR SUBCOOLERS ON SYSTEMS SERVING AIR CHILLERS

1.34.10.2.5 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Mechanical Subcooler Heat Trans-

fer Rate [W]
This output is the cooling energy transferred from one system’s compressor group to the refrig-
erant leaving the condenser for another refrigeration system in Watts.

1.34.10.2.6 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Mechanical Subcooler Heat Trans-

fer Energy [J]
This output is the cooling energy transferred from one system’s compressor group to the refrig-
erant leaving the condenser for another refrigeration system in Joules.

1.34.11 Refrigeration:Condenser:AirCooled
The refrigeration system requires a single condenser to reject the system heat. The air cooled
condenser object is one of four options for this condenser. In an air-cooled condenser, the total
heat of rejection is characterized by a linear relationship between the difference between the inlet air
(usually the outside drybulb) and condensing temperatures. This curve is commonly found in the
condenser manufacturers’ literature. This rating curve, which corresponds to ARI 460 standards,
also has an associated rated value for subcooling that should be entered. The rated condenser fan
power and fan speed control type must be specified. If the condenser is not at ground level, the
user may specify an air inlet node name (ref: OutdoorAir:Node name). If the condenser is located
inside a conditioned zone, the zone name may be specified(ref: bbbZoneNamebbb). Optional input
is provided to help the user compare refrigerant inventories for different systems. These inputs
represent the design values for the refrigerant inventory within the condenser, within a receiver
beneath the condenser, and in the liquid pipes between the condenser and the refrigerated cases.
1534 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.34.11.1 Inputs
1.34.11.1.1 Field: Name
Identifies a particular condenser that rejects heat for a one or more refrigeration system(s).
The name must be unique and will be validated against all the condenser names (ref: Refrigera-
tion:Condenser:*) in the input file, including names used for evaporative-cooled, water-cooled, and
cascade-cooled condensers.

1.34.11.1.2 Field: Rated Effective Total Heat Rejection Rate Curve Name
This field is the name of a curve object defining the condenser heat rejection as a function of
the difference between the condensing and entering air temperatures. The curve should be linear
(Curve:Linear). See the Engineering Reference for more discussion on the curve coefficients.

1.34.11.1.3 Field: Rated Subcooling Temperature Difference

This numeric field specifies the rated subcooling (DeltaC) specified by the manufacturer, con-
sistent with the heat rejection curve rating data.

1.34.11.1.4 Field: Condenser Fan Speed Control Type

The type of fan speed control used by the condenser fan. Valid choices are Fixed, FixedLinear,
VariableSpeed, and TwoSpeed. If the field is blank, Fixed will be used. See the Engineering
Reference for a discussion of this option’s effect on fan energy consumption.

1.34.11.1.5 Field: Rated Fan Power

This numeric field specifies the rated fan power (W) specified by the manufacturer, under
standard rating conditions.

1.34.11.1.6 Field: Minimum Fan Air Flow Ratio

Fan controls often include a minimum air flow ratio to avoid overheating the fan motor or for
other reasons. This numeric field should be between 0. and 1. and has a default value of 0.2.

1.34.11.1.7 Field: Air Inlet Node Name or Zone Name

This optional alpha field contains the name of the node from which the condenser draws its
outdoor air or the name of the conditioned zone where the condenser is located. If this field is
left blank, the outdoor air drybulb temperature entering the condenser is taken directly from the
weather data. If this field is not blank and an outdoor air node name is entered, this node name
must also be specified in an OutdoorAir:Node object where the height of the node is taken into
consideration when calculating outdoor air temperature from the weather data. Alternately, the
node name may be specified in an OutdoorAir:NodeList object where the outdoor air temperature
is taken directly from the weather data. If a zone name is entered, the temperature of that zone is
used.

1.34.11.1.8 Field: End-Use Subcategory

This field allows the specification of a user-defined end-use subcategory (e.g., “Low Temperature
Rack”). A new meter for reporting is created for each unique subcategory (Ref: Output:Meter
objects). Subcategories are also reported in the ABUPS table. If this field is left blank, the
equipment will be assigned to the “General” end-use subcategory.
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1535

1.34.11.1.9 Field: Condenser Refrigerant Operating Charge Inventory

This numeric field specifies the amount of refrigerant present within the condenser (kg) specified
by the manufacturer, under standard rating conditions.

1.34.11.1.10 Field: Condensate Receiver Refrigerant Inventory

This numeric field specifies the amount of refrigerant present within the condensate receiver
(kg) specified by the manufacturer or system designer, under standard rating conditions.

1.34.11.1.11 Field: Condensate Piping Refrigerant Inventory

This numeric field specifies the amount of refrigerant present within the condensate piping (kg)
specified by the system designer, under standard rating conditions.
The following is an example input for an air-cooled condenser.

Refrigeration:Condenser:AirCooled ,
MediumTempCondenser , !- Name of condenser
MediumTempCondenserHRCurve , !-name of condenser heat of rejection curve , linear
0., ! Rated subcooling {deltaC}
VariableSpeed , ! Fan speed control type
4000. , ! Design condenser fan power {W}
0.25, !Minimum air flow fraction through condenser fan {dimensionless}
Refrigeration MediumTempSystem CondenserNode , !- Condenser Air Inlet Node Name or Zone
Name
MediumTempRefrig; !- End -Use Subcategory

1.34.11.2 Outputs
FOR CONDENSERS COOLING SYSTEMS SERVING CASES AND/OR WALKINS:

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration System Condenser Fan Electric Power [W]

• Zone, Sum, Refrigeration System Condenser Fan Electric Energy [J]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration System Condenser Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• Zone, Sum, Refrigeration System Condenser Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration System Condenser Total Recovered Heat Transfer Rate [W]
Zone, Sum, Refrigeration System Condenser Total Recovered Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration System Condenser Non Refrigeration Recovered Heat Transfer

Rate [W]

• Zone, Sum, Refrigeration System Condenser Heat Recovered for Non-Refrigeration Purposes
Energy [J]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration System Condenser Defrost Recovered Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• Zone, Sum, Refrigeration System Condenser Defrost Recovered Heat Transfer Energy [J]

FOR CONDENSERS COOLING SYSTEMS SERVING AIR CHILLERS:

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration System Condenser Fan Electric Power [W]

• HVAC, Sum, Refrigeration System Condenser Fan Electric Consumption [J]

1536 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC, Sum, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Total Recovered Heat Transfer
Rate [W] HVAC, Sum, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Total Recovered Heat
Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Non Refrigeration Recovered

Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC, Sum, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Non Refrigeration Recovered Heat
Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Defrost Recovered Heat Transfer
Rate [W]

• HVAC, Sum, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Defrost Recovered Heat Transfer
Energy [J]

1.34.11.2.1 FOR CONDENSERS ON SYSTEMS SERVING CASES AND/OR

WALKINS:

1.34.11.2.2 Refrigeration System Condenser Fan Electric Power [W]

This output is the electric input to the system’s condenser fan(s) in Watts.

1.34.11.2.3 Refrigeration System Condenser Fan Electric Consumption [J]

This is the electricity consumption of the system’s condenser fan(s) in Joules for the timestep
being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use
Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Plant (Ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.34.11.2.4 Refrigeration System Condenser Heat Transfer Rate [W]

This is the total heat transfer across the condenser (i.e., compressor energy and refrigeration
load minus any heat recovered for defrost or other purposes).

1.34.11.2.5 Refrigeration System Condenser Heat Transfer Energy [J]

This is the total heat energy flowing across the condenser for the timestep being reported (i.e.,
compressor energy and refrigeration load minus any heat recovered for defrost or other purposes).

1.34.11.2.6 Refrigeration System Condenser Total Recovered Heat Transfer

Rate [W]
This is the total heat recovered from the condenser inlet flow for all purposes including defrost
and water or air heating.

1.34.11.2.7 Refrigeration System Condenser Total Recovered Heat Transfer En-

ergy [J]
This is the total heat recovered from the condenser inlet flow for all purposes including defrost
and water or air heating for the timestep being reported.
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1537

1.34.11.2.8 Refrigeration System Condenser Non Refrigeration Recovered Heat

Transfer Rate [W]
This is the total heat recovered from the condenser inlet flow for purposes such as water or air
heating.

1.34.11.2.9 Refrigeration System Condenser Non Refrigeration Recovered Heat

Transfer Energy [J]
This is the total heat recovered from the condenser inlet flow for purposes such as water or air
heating for the timestep being reported.

1.34.11.2.10 Refrigeration System Condenser Defrost Recovered Heat Transfer

Rate [W]
This is the total heat recovered from the condenser inlet flow for defrost purposes within the
refrigeration system.

1.34.11.2.11 Refrigeration System Condenser Defrost Recovered Heat Transfer

Energy [J]
This is the total heat recovered from the condenser inlet flow for defrost purposes within the
refrigeration system for the timestep being reported.

1.34.11.2.12 FOR CONDENSERS ON SYSTEMS SERVING AIR CHILLERS:

1.34.11.2.13 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Fan Electric Power

[W]
This output is the electric input to the system’s condenser fan(s) in Watts.

1.34.11.2.14 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Fan Electric Energy

[J]
This is the electricity consumption of the system’s condenser fan(s) in Joules for the timestep
being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use
Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Plant (Ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.34.11.2.15 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Heat Transfer Rate

[W]
This is the total heat transfer across the condenser (i.e., compressor energy and refrigeration
load minus any heat recovered for defrost or other purposes).

1.34.11.2.16 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Heat Transfer Energy

[J]
This is the total heat energy flowing across the condenser for the timestep being reported (i.e.,
compressor energy and refrigeration load minus any heat recovered for defrost or other purposes).

1.34.11.2.17 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Total Recovered Heat

Transfer Rate [W]
This is the total heat recovered from the condenser inlet flow for all purposes including defrost
and water or air heating.
1538 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.34.11.2.18 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Total Recovered Heat

Transfer Energy [J]
This is the total heat recovered from the condenser inlet flow for all purposes including defrost
and water or air heating for the timestep being reported.

1.34.11.2.19 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Non Refrigeration Re-

covered Heat Transfer Rate [W]
This is the total heat recovered from the condenser inlet flow for purposes such as water or air
heating.

1.34.11.2.20 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Non Refrigeration Re-

covered Heat Transfer Energy [J]
This is the total heat recovered from the condenser inlet flow for purposes such as water or air
heating for the timestep being reported.

1.34.11.2.21 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Defrost Recovered

Heat Transfer Rate [W]
This is the total heat recovered from the condenser inlet flow for defrost purposes within the
refrigeration system.

1.34.11.2.22 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Defrost Recovered

Heat Transfer Energy [J]
This is the total heat recovered from the condenser inlet flow for defrost purposes within the
refrigeration system for the timestep being reported.

1.34.12 Refrigeration:Condenser:EvaporativeCooled
Each refrigeration system requires a single condenser. The evaporative cooled condenser object
is one of four options for this condenser. In an evaporative-cooled condenser, the total heat of
rejection is characterized by a four-factor relationship between the condensing temperature and
the difference between the outside wetbulb and condensing temperatures. This curve must be de-
veloped by regression from the condenser manufacturers’ literature. This rating curve, which is
based upon rated data taken according to ARI 460 standards, also has an associated rated value
for subcooling that should be entered. The rated condenser fan power and fan speed control type
must be specified. If the condenser is not at ground level, the user may specify an air inlet node
name (ref: OutdoorAir:Node name). Optional input is provided to help the user compare refriger-
ant inventories for different systems. These input represent the design values for the refrigerant
inventory within the condenser, within a receiver beneath the condenser, and in the liquid pipes
between the condenser and the refrigerated cases.
Additional inputs are needed for basin heater parameters, water pump power, and water source.
An evaporative cooling availability schedule is available.

1.34.12.1 Inputs
1.34.12.1.1 Field: Name
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1539

Identifies a particular condenser that rejects heat for a one or more refrigeration system(s).
The name must be unique and will be validated against all the condenser names (ref: Refrigera-
tion:Condenser:*) in the input file, including names used for air-cooled, water-cooled and cascade-
cooled condensers.

1.34.12.1.2 Field: Rated Effective Total Heat Rejection Rate

This numeric field should be the rated heat rejection effect (W) at standard rating conditions
per ARI 490. Be sure the rating corresponds to the correct refrigerant.

1.34.12.1.3 Field: Rated Subcooling Temperature Difference

This numeric field specifies the rated subcooling (DeltaC) specified by the manufacturer, con-
sistent with the rated value for total heat rejection.

1.34.12.1.4 Field: Fan Speed Control Type

The type of fan speed control used by the condenser fan. Valid choices are Fixed, FixedLinear,
VariableSpeed, and TwoSpeed. If the field is blank, Fixed will be used. See the Engineering
Reference for a discussion of this option’s effect on fan energy consumption.

1.34.12.1.5 Field: Rated Fan Power

This numeric field specifies the rated fan power (W) specified by the manufacturer, under
standard rating conditions.

1.34.12.1.6 Field: Minimum Fan Air Flow Ratio

Fan controls often include a minimum air flow ratio to avoid overheating the fan motor or for
other reasons. This numeric field has a minimum value of 0. and a default value of 0.2.

1.34.12.1.7 Field: Approach Temperature Constant Term

As described in the Engineering Reference (ref Refrigeration:Condenser:Evaporative), the heat
rejection capacity factor is specified according to the form (where Twetbulb and Tcondense are in
C):
Tcondense = A1 + A2(hrcf) + A3/(hrcf) + (1 + A4)(Twb)
This numeric field is the value for A1 and has a default value of 6.63, a minimum of 0. and a
maximum of 20. (C)

1.34.12.1.8 Field: Approach Temperature Coefficient 2

As described in the Engineering Reference (ref Refrigeration:Condenser:Evaporative), the heat
rejection capacity factor is specified according to the form (where Twetbulb and Tcondense are in
C):
Tcondense = A1 + A2(hrcf) + A3/(hrcf) + (1 + A4)(Twb)
This numeric field is the value for A2 and has a default value of 0.468, a minimum of 0, and a
maximum of 20 (C).

1.34.12.1.9 Field: Approach Temperature Coefficient 3

As described in the Engineering Reference (ref Refrigeration:Condenser:Evaporative), the heat
rejection capacity factor is specified according to the form (where Twetbulb and Tcondense are in
C):
Tcondense = A1 + A2(hrcf) + A3/(hrcf) +(1 + A4)(Twb)
1540 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

This numeric field is the value for A3 and has a default value of 17.93, a minimum of 0, and a
maximum of 30 (C).

1.34.12.1.10 Field: Approach Temperature Coefficient 4

As described in the Engineering Reference (ref Refrigeration:Condenser:Evaporative), the heat
rejection capacity factor is specified according to the form (where Twetbulb and Tcondense are in
C):
Tcondense = A1 + A2(hrcf) + A3/(hrcf) + (1 + A4)(Twb)
This numeric field is the value for A4 and has a default value of -0.322, a minimum of -20., and
a maximum of 20 (dimensionless).

1.34.12.1.11 Field: Minimum Capacity Factor

This numeric field is the minimum heat rejection capacity factor in the manufacturer’s data
used to develop the equation described in the preceding four fields. The default value is 0.5.

1.34.12.1.12 Field: Maximum Capacity Factor

This numeric field is the maximum heat rejection capacity factor in the manufacturer’s data
used to develop the equation described in the preceding four fields. The default value is 5.0.

1.34.12.1.13 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

This optional alpha field contains the name of the node from which the condenser draws its
outdoor air. If this field is left blank, the outdoor air drybulb temperature entering the condenser
is taken directly from the weather data. If this field is not blank, this node name must also be
specified in an OutdoorAir:Node object where the height of the node is taken into consideration
when calculating outdoor air temperature from the weather data. Alternately, the node name may
be specified in an OutdoorAir:NodeList object where the outdoor air temperature is taken directly
from the weather data.

1.34.12.1.14 Field: Rated Air Flow Rate

The air volume flow rate, in m3 per second, entering the evaporative condenser. This value is
used to calculate the amount of water evaporated when evaporatively cooling the condenser inlet
air. The value for this field must be greater than zero. This input field is also autocalculatable,
equivalent to 0.000144 m3 /s per watt of total cooling capacity [850 cfm/ton] where the total cooling
capacity is the total heat of rejection.

1.34.12.1.15 Field: Basin Heater Capacity

This field defines the power level of the basin heater, if applicable, used to avoid water freezing
in an outdoor evaporative cooler basin. This numeric field contains the capacity of the electric
basin heater in Watts per degree C. This field is used in conjunction with the Basin Heater Set
Point Temperature described in the following field. The basin heater electric power is equal to this
field multiplied by the difference between the basin heater set point temperature and the dry-bulb
temperature of the condenser coil inlet air. The basin heater only operates when the condenser fan
is off (i.e., no compressor heat rejection). The basin heater capacity must be greater than or equal
to zero, with a default value of 200 W/C if this field is left blank.
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1541

1.34.12.1.16 Field: Basin Heater Setpoint Temperature

This numeric field contains the set point temperature (°C) for the basin heater described in the
previous field. The basin heater is active when the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature falls below
this set point temperature, as long as the condenser fan is off. The default value is 2°C if this field
is left blank.

1.34.12.1.17 Field: Rated Water Pump Power

The rated power of the evaporative condenser water pump in Watts. This value is used to
calculate the power required to pump the water used to evaporatively cool the condenser inlet air.
The value for this field must be greater than or equal to 0, with a default value of 1000 Watts if
this field is left blank. This input field is also autocalculatable, equivalent to 0.004266 W per Watt
[15 W/ton] of total cooling capacity.

1.34.12.1.18 Field: Evaporative Water Supply Tank Name

This field is used to define where the condenser obtains water used for evaporative cooling.
If this field is left blank, the unit will obtain water directly from the mains (Ref. Water Mains
Temperatures). If the name of a Water Storage Tank object is used here, then the unit will obtain
its water from that tank.

1.34.12.1.19 Field: Evaporative Condenser Availability Schedule Name

For evaporative cooled condensers, the name of the optional schedule (Ref: Schedule) that
specifies the time periods that evaporative cooling is available/unavailable. In some colder climates,
evaporative cooling is periodically discontinued and the basin sumps drained to avoid freezing and
to avoid ice formation on the condenser. In these times, the condenser runs as a typical dry air
cooled condenser, and related evaporative cooling systems (e.g., water pump, basin heaters) do
not operate. Use of this optional schedule permits modeling of planned, seasonal interruptions
of evaporative cooling. All schedule values must be greater than or equal to zero. Typically, an
ON/OFF schedule type is used with values being either 0 or 1. A schedule value of 1 indicates
that evaporative cooling is available during the defined time period, and a value of 0 denotes that
evaporative cooling is not available during the defined time period. If the schedule name is omitted
(blank), then the model assumes that evaporative cooling of the condenser is available for the
entire simulation period. Note: the use of this schedule is the correct way to model an evaporative
condenser in a climate subject to freezing weather. However, because some users will take a single
model description and run it for a multiple climates, the code also includes an automatic switch
from wet to dry operation, as described in the Engineering Reference.

1.34.12.1.20 Field: End-Use Subcategory

This field allows the specification of a user-defined end-use subcategory (e.g., “Low Temperature
Rack”). A new meter for reporting is created for each unique subcategory (Ref: Output:Meter
objects). Subcategories are also reported in the ABUPS table. If this field is left blank, the
equipment will be assigned to the “General” end-use subcategory.

1.34.12.1.21 Field: Condenser Refrigerant Operating Charge Inventory

This numeric field specifies the amount of refrigerant present within the condenser (kg) specified
by the manufacturer, under standard rating conditions.
1542 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.34.12.1.22 Field: Condensate Receiver Refrigerant Inventory

This numeric field specifies the amount of refrigerant present within the condensate receiver
(kg) specified by the manufacturer or system designer, under standard rating conditions.

1.34.12.1.23 Field: Condensate Piping Refrigerant Inventory

This numeric field specifies the amount of refrigerant present within the condensate piping (kg)
specified by the system designer, under standard rating conditions.
The following is an example input for an evaporative condenser

Refrigeration:Condenser:EvaporativeCooled ,
MedTempEvapCooledCondenser , !- Refrigeration Condenser Name
64800. , !- Rated Total Heat Rejection Effect , {W}
0. , !- Rated Subcooling
VariableSpeed , !- Condenser Fan Speed Control
746., !- Rated Condenser Fan Power
0.25, !- Minimum air flow fraction through condenser fan {
dimensionless}
6.63 , !- Evaporative Condenser Approach Temp Const , {C}
0.468 , !- Evaporative Condenser Approach Temp HRCF Cooefficient
17.93 , !- Evaporative Condenser Approach Temp 1/ hrcf coefficient
-0.322, !- Evaporative Condenser Approach Temp Twb coefficient {1/C}
0.6 , !- Minimum Condenser Capacity Factor
4.8 , !- Maximum Condenser Capacity Factor
Outside Air Inlet Node , !- Condenser Air Inlet Node Name
1.79 , !- Rated Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
66.7 , !- Basin Heater Capacity {W/C}
1.0 , !- Basin Heater Set Point Temperature {C}
250. , !- Rated Water Pump Power {W}
EvapWaterStorageTank , !- Evaporative Water Supply Tank Name
EvapCondAvail , !- Evaporative Condenser Availability Schedule Name
, !- End -UseSubcategory
21.9 , !- Condenser Refrigerant Operating Charge {kg}
10. , !- Condensate Receiver Refrigerant Inventory
25. ; !- Condensate Piping Refrigerant Inventory

1.34.12.2 Outputs
• Zone,Average, Refrigeration System Condenser Fan Electric Power [W]

• Zone, Sum, Refrigeration System Condenser Fan Electric Consumption [J]

FOR CONDENSERS COOLING SYSTEMS SERVING CASES AND/OR WALKINS:

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration System Condenser Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• Zone, Sum, Refrigeration System Condenser Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration System Condenser Total Recovered Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• Zone, Sum, Refrigeration System Condenser Total Recovered Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration System Condenser Non Refrigeration Recovered Heat Transfer

Rate [W]

• Zone, Sum, Refrigeration System Condenser Non Refrigeration Recovered Heat Transfer
Energy [J]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration System Condenser Defrost Recovered Heat Transfer Rate [W]
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1543

• Zone, Sum, Refrigeration System Condenser Defrost Recovered Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration System Condenser Pump Electric Power [W]

• Zone, Sum, Refrigeration System Condenser Pump Electric Energy [J]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration System Condenser Basin Heater Electric Power [W]

• Zone, Sum, Refrigeration System Condenser Basin Heater Electric Energy [J]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration System Condenser Evaporated Water Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• Zone, Sum, Refrigeration System Condenser Evaporated Water Volume [m3]

FOR CONDENSERS COOLING SYSTEMS SERVING AIR CHILLERS:

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC, Sum, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Total Recovered Heat Transfer
Rate [W]

• HVAC, Sum, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Total Recovered Heat Transfer
Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Non Refrigeration Recovered

Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC, Sum, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Non Refrigeration Recovered Heat
Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Defrost Recovered Heat Transfer
Rate [W]

• HVAC, Sum, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Defrost Recovered Heat Transfer
Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Pump Electric Power [W]

• HVAC, Sum, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Pump Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Basin Heater Electric Power [W]

• HVAC, Sum, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Basin Heater Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Evaporated Water Volume Flow
Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC, Sum, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Evaporated Water Volume [m3]

1.34.12.2.1 FOR CONDENSERS ON SYSTEMS SERVING CASES AND/OR

WALKINS:
1544 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.34.12.2.2 Refrigeration System Condenser Fan Electric Power [W]

This output is the electric input to the system’s condenser fan(s) in Watts.

1.34.12.2.3 Refrigeration System Condenser Fan Electric Energy [J]

This is the electricity consumption of the system’s condenser fan(s) in Joules for the timestep
being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use
Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Plant (Ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.34.12.2.4 Refrigeration System Condenser Heat Transfer Rate [W]

This is the total heat transfer across the condenser (i.e., compressor energy and refrigeration
loads) in Watts.

1.34.12.2.5 Refrigeration System Condenser Heat Transfer Energy [J]

This is the total heat energy flowing across the condenser for the timestep being reported.

1.34.12.2.6 Refrigeration System Condenser Total Recovered Heat Transfer

Rate [W]
This is the total heat recovered from the condenser refrigerant inlet flow for any purpose.

1.34.12.2.7 Refrigeration System Condenser Total Recovered Heat Transfer En-

ergy [J]
This is the total heat recovered from the condenser refrigerant inlet flow for any purpose for
the timestep being reported.

1.34.12.2.8 Refrigeration System Condenser Non Refrigeration Recovered Heat

Transfer Rate [W]
This is the total heat recovered from the condenser refrigerant inlet flow for purposes such as
water or air heating.

1.34.12.2.9 Refrigeration System Condenser Heat Recovered for Non-

Refrigeration Purposes Energy [J]
This is the total heat recovered from the condenser refrigerant inlet flow for purposes such as
water or air heating for the timestep being reported.

1.34.12.2.10 Refrigeration System Condenser Defrost Recovered Heat Transfer

Rate [W]
This is the total heat recovered from the condenser refrigerant inlet flow for defrost purposes
within the refrigeration system..

1.34.12.2.11 Refrigeration System Condenser Defrost Recovered Heat Transfer

Energy [J]
This is the total heat recovered from the condenser refrigerant inlet flow for defrost purposes
within the refrigeration system for the timestep being reported.

1.34.12.2.12 Refrigeration System Condenser Pump Electric Power [W]

This is the electrical power requirement in Watts for the timestep being reported for the water
pump used with evaporative cooling of the condenser.
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1545

1.34.12.2.13 Refrigeration System Condenser Pump Electric Energy [J]

This is the electricity consumption in Joules of the water pump used with evaporative cooling of
the condenser for the timestep being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource
Type = Electricity, End Use Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Plant. Use of an optional subkey
category is also available, with default to the General end-use subcategory (Ref. Output:Meter
objects).

1.34.12.2.14 Refrigeration System Condenser Basin Heater Electric Power [W]

This is the electrical power requirement in Watts for the timestep being reported for the water
heater in the basin of the evaporative system used to cool the condenser.

1.34.12.2.15 Refrigeration System Condenser Basin Heater Electric Energy [J]

This is the electricity consumption in Joules of the water heater used to prevent freezing of the
evaporative cooling system for the condenser for the timestep being reported. This output is also
added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use Key = Refrigeration, Group Key =
Plant. Use of an optional subkey category is also available, with default to the General end-use
subcategory (Ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.34.12.2.16 Refrigeration System Condenser Evaporated Water Volume Flow

Rate [m3 /s]
The volumetric flow rate in m3 /s of water consumed while providing evaporative cooling of the
condenser.

1.34.12.2.17 Refrigeration System Condenser Evaporated Water Volume [m3 ]

This is the water consumed by evaporation in m3 while providing evaporative cooling of the
condenser for the timestep being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource
Type = Water, End Use Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Plant. Use of an optional subkey
category is also available, with default to the General end-use subcategory (Ref. Output:Meter
objects).

1.34.12.2.18 FOR CONDENSERS ON SYSTEMS SERVING AIR CHILLERS:

1.34.12.2.19 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Fan Electric Power

[W]
This output is the electric input to the system’s condenser fan(s) in Watts.

1.34.12.2.20 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Fan Electric Energy

[J]
This is the electricity consumption of the system’s condenser fan(s) in Joules for the timestep
being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use
Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Plant (Ref. Output:Meter objects).
1546 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.34.12.2.21 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Heat Transfer Rate

[W]
This is the total heat transfer across the condenser (i.e., compressor energy and refrigeration
loads) in Watts.

1.34.12.2.22 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Heat Transfer Energy

[J]
This is the total heat energy flowing across the condenser for the timestep being reported.

1.34.12.2.23 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Total Recovered Heat

Transfer Rate [W]
This is the total heat recovered from the condenser refrigerant inlet flow for any purpose.

1.34.12.2.24 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Total Recovered Heat

Transfer Energy [J]
This is the total heat recovered from the condenser refrigerant inlet flow for any purpose for
the timestep being reported.

1.34.12.2.25 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Non Refrigeration Re-

covered Heat Transfer Rate [W]
This is the total heat recovered from the condenser refrigerant inlet flow for purposes such as
water or air heating.

1.34.12.2.26 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Non Refrigeration Re-

covered Heat Transfer Energy [J]
This is the total heat recovered from the condenser refrigerant inlet flow for purposes such as
water or air heating for the timestep being reported.

1.34.12.2.27 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Defrost Recovered

Heat Transfer Rate [W]
This is the total heat recovered from the condenser refrigerant inlet flow for defrost purposes
within the refrigeration system.

1.34.12.2.28 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Defrost Recovered

Heat Transfer Energy [J]
This is the total heat recovered from the condenser refrigerant inlet flow for defrost purposes
within the refrigeration system for the timestep being reported.

1.34.12.2.29 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Pump Electric Power

[W]
This is the electrical power requirement in Watts for the timestep being reported for the water
pump used with evaporative cooling of the condenser.
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1547

1.34.12.2.30 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Pump Electric Energy

[J]
This is the electricity consumption in Joules of the water pump used with evaporative cooling of
the condenser for the timestep being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource
Type = Electricity, End Use Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Plant. Use of an optional subkey
category is also available, with default to the General end-use subcategory (Ref. Output:Meter
objects).

1.34.12.2.31 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Basin Heater Electric

Power [W]
This is the electrical power requirement in Watts for the timestep being reported for the water
heater in the basin of the evaporative system used to cool the condenser.

1.34.12.2.32 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Basin Heater Electric

Energy [J]
This is the electricity consumption in Joules of the water heater used to prevent freezing of the
evaporative cooling system for the condenser for the timestep being reported. This output is also
added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use Key = Refrigeration, Group Key =
Plant. Use of an optional subkey category is also available, with default to the General end-use
subcategory (Ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.34.12.2.33 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Evaporated Water

Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]
The volumetric flow rate in m3 /s of water consumed while providing evaporative cooling of the
condenser.

1.34.12.2.34 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Evaporated Water

Volume [m3]
This is the water consumed by evaporation in m3 while providing evaporative cooling of the
condenser for the timestep being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource
Type = Water, End Use Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Plant. Use of an optional subkey
category is also available, with default to the General end-use subcategory (Ref. Output:Meter
objects).

1.34.13 Refrigeration:Condenser:WaterCooled
The refrigeration system requires a single condenser. The water cooled condenser object is one of
four options for this condenser. Manufacturer’s data is required for the rated total heat rejection,
the rated condensing temperature, and the rated leaving liquid refrigerant temperature, all per ARI
450. These values are used to calculate the subcooling included in the rated capacity. The inlet and
outlet node names as well as the water outlet temperature schedule name are required. Optional
input is provided to help the user compare refrigerant inventories for different systems. These input
represent the design values for the refrigerant inventory within the condenser, within a receiver
beneath the condenser, and in the liquid pipes between the condenser and the refrigerated cases.
1548 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.34.13.1 Inputs
1.34.13.1.1 Field: Name
Identifies a particular condenser that rejects heat for one or more refrigeration system(s).
The name must be unique and will be validated against all the condenser names (ref: Refrig-
eration:Condenser) in the input file, including names used for air-cooled, evaporative-cooled, and
cascade-cooled condensers.

1.34.13.1.2 Field: Rated Effective Total Heat Rejection Rate

This numeric field should be the rated heat rejection effect (W) at standard rating conditions
per ARI 450. Be sure the rating corresponds to the correct refrigerant.

1.34.13.1.3 Field: Rated Condensing Temperature

This numeric field provides the rated condensing temperature (C) corresponding to the rated
heat rejection capacity.

1.34.13.1.4 Field: Rated Subcooling Temperature Difference

This numeric field provides the rated liquid refrigerant subcooling (DeltaC) corresponding to the
rated heat rejection capacity. Note this is equal to the difference between the saturated condensing
temperature and the leaving liquid refrigerant temperature.

1.34.13.1.5 Field: Rated Water Inlet Temperature

This numeric field provides the rated water inlet temperature (C) corresponding to the rated
heat rejection capacity at the rated condensing temperature.

1.34.13.1.6 Field: Water Inlet Node Name

A node name for the water-side condenser inlet must be provided.

1.34.13.1.7 Field: Water Outlet Node Name

A node name for the water-side condenser outlet must be provided.

1.34.13.1.8 Field: Water-Cooled Loop Flow Type

The type of flow loop should be specified. The two choices are VariableFlow, in which a
Pump:VariableSpeed must be included in the plant loop, or ConstantFlow, in which the loop
circuit has a constant flow rate, typically associated with a Pump:ConstandSpeed object. If the
flow type is VariableFlow, the flow needed to remove the condenser heat energy will be calculated
and requested of the pump. If the flow type is ConstantFlow, the outlet water temperature will
be determined based on the fixed loop flow rate and heat energy to be removed. The default type
is VariableFlow. Refer to additional discussion in the Engineering Reference.

1.34.13.1.9 Field: Water Outlet Temperature Schedule Name

When the water-cooled loop flow type is “VariableFlow”, the name of a schedule (Ref: Schedule)
that defines the desired condenser water outlet temperature must be provided. The schedule may
define an outlet temperature that varies through time.
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1549

1.34.13.1.10 Field: Water Design Flow Rate

When the water-cooled loop flow type is “ConstantFlow”, this is the design water flow rate in
m3 /s that will be requested initially. This requested flow will be passed to the loop simulation, and
resulting actual flow will be dependent upon supply system capabilities (e.g., pump capability). The
design flow rate must always be less than the maximum flow rate, defined below.

1.34.13.1.11 Field: Water Maximum Flow Rate

This numeric field is the maximum water flow rate in m3 /s that will be allowed through the
condenser. When the loop flow type is Variable Flow, if the calculated flow rate is higher than
the maximum flow rate, an error message will be generated, and the flow rate will be reset to the
maximum flow rate.

1.34.13.1.12 Field: Maximum Water Outlet Temperature

This numeric field specifies the maximum allowed water temperature in degrees C leaving the
condenser. The default value is 55 degrees C.

1.34.13.1.13 Field: Minimum Water Inlet Temperature

This numeric field specifies the minimum allowed water temperature in degrees C entering the
compressor rack condenser. The default value is 10 degrees C. Refer to additional discussion in
the Engineering Reference.

1.34.13.1.14 Field: End-Use Subcategory

This field allows the specification of a user-defined end-use subcategory (e.g., “Low Temperature
System”). A new meter for reporting is created for each unique subcategory (Ref: Output:Meter
objects). Subcategories are also reported in the ABUPS table. If this field is left blank, the
equipment will be assigned to the “General” end-use subcategory.

1.34.13.1.15 Field: Condenser Refrigerant Operating Charge Inventory

This numeric field specifies the amount of refrigerant present within the condenser (kg) specified
by the manufacturer, under standard rating conditions.

1.34.13.1.16 Field: Condensate Receiver Refrigerant Inventory

This numeric field specifies the amount of refrigerant present within the condensate receiver
(kg) specified by the manufacturer or system designer, under standard rating conditions.

1.34.13.1.17 Field: Condensate Piping Refrigerant Inventory

This numeric field specifies the amount of refrigerant present within the condensate piping (kg)
specified by the system designer, under standard rating conditions.
The following is an example input for a water cooled condenser.

Refrigeration:Condenser:WaterCooled ,
MediumTempCondenser , !- Name
58000. , !- Rated Effective Total Heat Rejection Rate {W}
29.4 , !- Rated Condensing Temperature {C}
0.0 , !- Rated Subcooling Temperature Difference{deltaC}
10.0, !- Rated Water Inlet Temperature {C}
Condenser Inlet Node , !- Water Inlet Node Name
Condenser Outlet Node , !- Water - Outlet Node Name
Variable Flow , !- Water -cooled Loop Flow Type
Cond Outlet Temp Sch , !- Water Outlet Temperature Schedule Name
1550 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

, !- Water Design Flow Rate {m3/s}

0.003 , !- Water Maximum Flow Rate {m3/s}
55., !- Maximum Water Outlet Temperature {C}
, !- Minimum Water Inlet Temperature {C}
, !- End -Use Subcategory
30. , !- Condenser Refrigerant Operating Charge {kg}
65. , !- Condensate Receiver Refrigerant Inventory {kg}
20. ; !- Condensate Piping Refrigerant Inventory {kg}

1.34.13.2 Outputs
FOR CONDENSERS COOLING SYSTEMS SERVING CASES AND/OR WALKINS:

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration System Condenser Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• Zone, Sum, Refrigeration System Condenser Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration System Condenser Total Recovered Heat Transfer Rate [W]
Zone, Sum, Refrigeration System Condenser Total Recovered Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration System Condenser Non Refrigeration Recovered Heat Transfer

Rate [W]

• Zone, Sum, Refrigeration System Condenser Heat Recovered for Non-Refrigeration Purposes
Energy [J]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration System Condenser Defrost Recovered Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• Zone, Sum, Refrigeration System Condenser Defrost Recovered Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration System Condenser Water Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

FOR CONDENSERS COOLING SYSTEMS SERVING AIR CHILLERS:

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC, Sum, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Total Recovered Heat Transfer
Rate [W] HVAC, Sum, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Total Recovered Heat
Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Non Refrigeration Recovered

Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC, Sum, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Non Refrigeration Recovered Heat
Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Defrost Recovered Heat Transfer
Rate [W]

• HVAC, Sum, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Defrost Recovered Heat Transfer
Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Fluid Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1551

1.34.13.2.1 FOR CONDENSERS ON SYSTEMS SERVING CASES AND/OR

WALKINS:

1.34.13.2.2 Refrigeration System Condenser Heat Transfer Rate [W]

This is the total heat transfer across the condenser (i.e., compressor energy and refrigeration
loads) in Watts.

1.34.13.2.3 Refrigeration System Condenser Heat Transfer Energy [J]

This is the total heat energy flowing across the condenser for the timestep being reported.

1.34.13.2.4 Refrigeration System Condenser Total Recovered Heat Transfer

Rate [W]
This is the total heat recovered from the condenser refrigerant inlet flow for any purpose.

1.34.13.2.5 Refrigeration System Condenser Total Recovered Heat Transfer En-

ergy [J]
This is the total heat recovered from the condenser refrigerant inlet flow for any purpose for
the timestep being reported.

1.34.13.2.6 Refrigeration System Condenser Non Refrigeration Recovered Heat

Transfer Rate [W]
This is the total heat recovered from the condenser inlet flow for purposes such as water or air
heating.

1.34.13.2.7 Refrigeration System Condenser Heat Recovered for Non-

Refrigeration Purposes Energy [J]
This is the total heat recovered from the condenser inlet flow for purposes such as water or air
heating for the timestep being reported.

1.34.13.2.8 Refrigeration System Condenser Defrost Recovered Heat Transfer

Rate [W]
This is the total heat recovered from the condenser inlet flow for defrost purposes within the
refrigeration system..

1.34.13.2.9 Refrigeration System Condenser Heat Energy Recovered for Refrig-

eration Defrost Energy [J]
This is the total heat recovered from the condenser inlet flow for defrost purposes within the
refrigeration system for the timestep being reported.

1.34.13.2.10 Refrigeration System Condenser Water Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

This is the mass flow rate of the water used to cool the condenser in kg/s.

1.34.13.2.11 FOR CONDENSERS ON SYSTEMS SERVING AIR CHILLERS:

1552 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.34.13.2.12 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Heat Transfer Rate

[W]
This is the total heat transfer across the condenser (i.e., compressor energy and refrigeration
loads) in Watts.

1.34.13.2.13 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Heat Transfer Energy

[J]
This is the total heat energy flowing across the condenser for the timestep being reported.

1.34.13.2.14 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Total Recovered Heat

Transfer Rate [W]
This is the total heat recovered from the condenser refrigerant inlet flow for any purpose.

1.34.13.2.15 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Total Recovered Heat

Transfer Energy [J]
This is the total heat recovered from the condenser refrigerant inlet flow for any purpose for
the timestep being reported.

1.34.13.2.16 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Non Refrigeration Re-

covered Heat Transfer Rate [W]
This is the total heat recovered from the condenser inlet flow for purposes such as water or air
heating.

1.34.13.2.17 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Non Refrigeration Re-

covered Heat Transfer Energy [J]
This is the total heat recovered from the condenser inlet flow for purposes such as water or air
heating for the timestep being reported.

1.34.13.2.18 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Defrost Recovered

Heat Transfer Rate [W]
This is the total heat recovered from the condenser inlet flow for defrost purposes within the
refrigeration system.

1.34.13.2.19 Refrigeration Chiller System Condenser Heat Energy Recovered

for Refrigeration Defrost Energy [J]
This is the total heat recovered from the condenser inlet flow for defrost purposes within the
refrigeration system for the timestep being reported.

1.34.13.2.20 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Fluid Mass Flow Rate
[kg/s]
This is the mass flow rate of the water used to cool the condenser in kg/s.

1.34.14 Refrigeration:Condenser:Cascade
The refrigeration system requires a single condenser. The cascade condenser object is one of
four options for this condenser. The cascade condenser is unlike the other condenser options
because it rejects heat to another, higher-temperature, refrigeration system. That is, the cascade
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1553

condenser acts as a heat rejection object for one system, but acts as a refrigeration load for another
system. Therefore, this object will be referenced twice: first for the system rejecting heat (see
the field Refrigeration Condenser Name for the object Refrigeration:System), and second for the
system absorbing the heat (see the input for the field Refrigeration Transfer Load or TransferLoad
List Name for the object Refrigeration:System or the field Cascade Condenser Name or Secondary
System Name for the object Refrigeration:TransferLoadList).
Manufacturer’s data is required for the rated condensing temperature and the rated approach
temperature difference. The user must also specify the condensing temperature control type. There
are two choices. The user can specify “Fixed” and the condensing temperature will be held constant
at the input value. The user can specify “Float” if they want the condensing temperature to be
set by other refrigeration loads served by the higher-temperature system.
The rated heat rejection capacity is not used except as a rough input value check on the overall
system sizing. Optional input is provided to help the user compare refrigerant inventories for
different systems. These inputs represent the design values for the refrigerant inventory within the
condenser, within a receiver beneath the condenser, and in the liquid pipes between the condenser
and the refrigerated cases.

1.34.14.1 Inputs
1.34.14.1.1 Field: Name
Identifies a particular condenser that rejects heat for a single refrigeration system. The
name must be unique and will be validated against all the condenser names (ref: Refrigera-
tion:Condenser:*) in the input file, including names used for air-cooled, evaporative-cooled, and
water-cooled condensers.

1.34.14.1.2 Field: Rated Condensing Temperature

This numeric field provides the rated condensing temperature (C).

1.34.14.1.3 Field: Rated Approach Temperature Difference

This numeric field provides the rated difference (Delta C) between the saturated condensing
temperature for the system rejecting heat and the saturated evaporating refrigerant temperature
for the system absorbing heat. The default value is 3.0 C.

1.34.14.1.4 Field: Rated Effective Total Heat Rejection Rate

This numeric field should be the rated heat rejection effect (W). Be sure the rating corresponds
to the correct refrigerant(s). This value is used for system sizing error checking.

1.34.14.1.5 Field: Condensing Temperature Control Type

The type of control used to set the saturated condensing temperature. Valid choices are Fixed
and Float. If the field is blank, Fixed will be used. Fixed will hold the condensing temperature
constant at the value specified. Float will consider the specified input as a minimum condensing
temperature. This value will be compared to the evaporating temperatures required by other loads
on the higher-temperature refrigeration system, and will use the lowest temperature required to
meet those loads, along with the Approach Temperature Difference, to set the condensing temper-
ature.
1554 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.34.14.1.6 Field: Condenser Refrigerant Operating Charge Inventory

This numeric field specifies the amount of refrigerant present within the condenser (kg) specified
by the manufacturer, under standard rating conditions. This refrigerant is on the side of the
condenser rejecting heat, not on the side of the condenser absorbing the heat.

1.34.14.1.7 Field: Condensate Receiver Refrigerant Inventory

This numeric field specifies the amount of refrigerant present within the condensate receiver
(kg) specified by the manufacturer or system designer, under standard rating conditions.

1.34.14.1.8 Field: Condensate Piping Refrigerant Inventory

This numeric field specifies the amount of refrigerant present within the condensate piping (kg)
specified by the system designer, under standard rating conditions.
The following is an example input for a cascade condenser.

Refrigeration:Condenser:Cascade ,
CascadeCondenser1 , !- Name
-4. , !- Rated Condensing Temperature {C}
3. , !- Rated Approach Temperature Difference {DeltaC}
20000.0 , !- Rated Effective Total Heat Rejection Rate {W}
Fixed; !- Condensing Temperature Control Type

1.34.14.2 Outputs
FOR CONDENSERS COOLING SYSTEMS SERVING CASES AND/OR WALKINS:

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration System Condenser Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• Zone, Sum, Refrigeration System Condenser Heat Transfer Energy [J]

FOR CONDENSERS COOLING SYSTEMS SERVING AIR CHILLERS:

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC, Sum, Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Heat Transfer Energy [J]

1.34.14.2.1 FOR CONDENSERS ON SYSTEMS SERVING CASES AND/OR

WALKINS:

1.34.14.2.2 Refrigeration System Condenser Heat Transfer Rate [W]

This is the total heat transfer across the condenser (i.e., compressor energy and refrigeration
loads) in Watts.

1.34.14.2.3 Refrigeration System Condenser Heat Transfer Energy [J]

This is the total heat energy flowing across the condenser for the timestep being reported.

1.34.14.2.4 FOR CONDENSERS ON SYSTEMS SERVING AIR CHILLERS:

1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1555

1.34.14.2.5 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Heat Transfer Rate [W]

This is the total heat transfer across the condenser (i.e., compressor energy and refrigeration
loads) in Watts.

1.34.14.2.6 Refrigeration Air Chiller System Condenser Heat Transfer Energy

[J]
This is the total heat energy flowing across the condenser for the timestep being reported.

1.34.15 Refrigeration:GasCooler:AirCooled
The transcritical refrigeration system requires a single gas cooler to reject the system heat. The
total heat of rejection is characterized by a linear relationship between the difference between the
outside dry-bulb and gas cooler outlet temperatures. The rated gas cooler fan power and fan speed
control type must be specified. If the gas cooler is not at ground level, the user may specify an
air inlet node name (Ref. OutdoorAir:Node name). Optional input is provided to help the user
track refrigerant inventories. These inputs represent the design values for the refrigerant inventory
within the gas cooler, within a receiver, and in the liquid pipes between the gas cooler and the
refrigerated cases.

1.34.15.1 Inputs
1.34.15.1.1 Field: Name
Identifies a particular gas cooler that rejects heat for a single refrigeration system. The
name must be unique and will be validated against all the gas cooler names (Ref. Refrigera-
tion:GasCooler:AirCooled) in the input file.

1.34.15.1.2 Field: Rated Total Heat Rejection Rate Curve Name

This field is the name of a curve object defining the gas cooler heat rejection as a function of
the difference between the gas cooler outlet and entering air temperatures. The curve should be
linear (Curve:Linear). See the Engineering Reference for more discussion on the curve coefficients.

1.34.15.1.3 Field: Gas Cooler Fan Speed Control Type

The type of fan speed control used by the gas cooler fan. Valid choices are Fixed, FixedLinear,
VariableSpeed, and TwoSpeed. If the field is blank, Fixed will be used. Note that fan energy
consumption for the air-cooled gas cooler is computed in the same way as that of the air-cooled
condenser. For further information on fan energy calculations, see the discussion regarding air-
cooled condenser fan energy in the Engineering Reference.

1.34.15.1.4 Field: Rated Fan Power

This numeric field specifies the rated fan power (W) specified by the manufacturer, under
standard rating conditions. If this field is blank, the default value of 5000 W will be used

1.34.15.1.5 Field: Minimum Fan Air Flow Ratio

Fan controls often include a minimum air flow ratio to avoid overheating the fan motor or for
other reasons. This numeric field should be between 0. and 1. and has a default value of 0.2.
1556 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.34.15.1.6 Field: Transition Temperature

This is the temperature (C) at which the gas cooler and the refrigeration system transitions
between subcritical and transcritical operation. If this field is blank, the default value of 27.0°C
will be used.

1.34.15.1.7 Field: Transcritical Approach Temperature

This is the temperature difference (C) between the refrigerant (CO2 ) exiting the gas cooler and
the air entering the gas cooler during transcritical operation. If this field is blank, the default
value of 3.0°C will be used.

1.34.15.1.8 Field: Subcritical Temperature Difference

This is the temperature difference (C) between the condensing temperature and the ambient
air temperature during subcritical operation. If this field is blank, the default value of 10.0°C will
be used.
Field: Minimum Condensing Temperature
This numeric field specifies the minimum condensing temperature (C) required to maintain
stable subcritical operation. If this field is blank, the default value of 10.0°C will be used.
Field: Air Inlet Node Name
This optional alpha field contains the name of the node from which the gas cooler draws its
outdoor air. If this field is left blank, the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature entering the gas cooler
is taken directly from the weather data. If this field is not blank, this node name must also be
specified in an OutdoorAir:Node object where the height of the node is taken into consideration
when calculating outdoor air temperature from the weather data. Alternately, the node name may
be specified in an OutdoorAir:NodeList object where the outdoor air temperature is taken directly
from the weather data.

1.34.15.1.9 Field: End-Use Subcategory

This field allows the specification of a user-defined end-use subcategory (e.g., “Low Temperature
Rack”). A new meter for reporting is created for each unique subcategory (Ref. Output:Meter
objects). Subcategories are also reported in the ABUPS table. If this field is left blank, the
equipment will be assigned to the “General” end-use subcategory.

1.34.15.1.10 Field: Gas Cooler Refrigerant Operating Charge Inventory

This numeric field specifies the amount of refrigerant present within the gas cooler (kg) specified
by the manufacturer, under standard rating conditions. If this field is blank, the default value of
0.0 kg will be used.

1.34.15.1.11 Field: Gas Cooler Receiver Refrigerant Inventory

This numeric field specifies the amount of refrigerant present within the gas cooler receiver (kg)
specified by the manufacturer or system designer, under standard rating conditions. If this field is
blank, the default value of 0.0 kg will be used.

1.34.15.1.12 Field: Gas Cooler Outlet Piping Refrigerant Inventory

This numeric field specifies the amount of refrigerant present within the gas cooling outlet piping
(kg) specified by the system designer, under standard rating conditions. If this field is blank, the
default value of 0.0 kg will be used.
The following is an example input for an air-cooled gas cooler.
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1557

Refrigeration:GasCooler:AirCooled ,
RefrigGasCooler , !- Name
GasCoolerHRCurve , !- Rated Total Heat Rejection Rate Curve Name
Fixed , !- Gas Cooler Fan Speed Control Type
6400, !- Rated Fan Power
0.2, !- Minimum Fan Air Flow Ratio
27.0, !- Transition Temperature
3.0, !- Transcritical Approach Temperature
10.0, !- Subcritical Temperature Difference
10.0, !- Minimum Condensing Temperature
, !- Air Inlet Node Name
RefrigGasCooler , !- End -Use Subcategory
, !- Gas Cooler Refrigerant Operating Charge Inventory
, !- Gas Cooler Receiver Refrigerant Inventory
; !- Gas Cooler Outlet Piping Refrigerant Inventory

1.34.15.2 Outputs
• Zone,Average, Refrigeration Transcritical System Gas Cooler Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum, Refrigeration Transcritical System Gas Cooler Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration Transcritical System Gas Cooler Fan Electric Power [W]

• Zone,Sum, Refrigeration Transcritical System Gas Cooler Fan Electric Energy [J]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration Transcritical System Gas Cooler Outlet Temperature [C]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration Transcritical System Gas Cooler Outlet Pressure [Pa]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration Transcritical System Gas Cooler Defrost Recovered Heat Trans-
fer Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum, Refrigeration Transcritical System Gas Cooler Defrost Recovered Heat Transfer
Energy [J]

1.34.15.2.1 Refrigeration Transcritical System Gas Cooler Heat Transfer Rate

[W]
This output is the total heat transfer rate from the gas cooler in Watts, and includes compressor
energy and the refrigeration load.

1.34.15.2.2 Refrigeration Transcritical System Gas Cooler Heat Transfer En-

ergy [J]
This output is the total heat transferred from the gas cooler to the surroundings, in Joules, for
the timestep being reported.

1.34.15.2.3 Refrigeration Transcritical System Gas Cooler Fan Electric Power

[W]
This output is the electric input to the system’s gas cooler fan(s) in Watts.
1558 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.34.15.2.4 Refrigeration Transcritical System Gas Cooler Fan Electric Energy

[J]
This is the electricity consumption of the system’s gas cooler fan(s) in Joules for the timestep
being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use
Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Plant (Ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.34.15.2.5 Refrigeration Transcritical System Gas Cooler Outlet Temperature

[C]
This output is the temperature (in C) of the refrigerant exiting the gas cooler.

1.34.15.2.6 Refrigeration Transcritical System Gas Cooler Outlet Pressure [Pa]

This output is the pressure (in Pa) of the refrigerant exiting the gas cooler.

1.34.15.2.7 Refrigeration Transcritical System Gas Cooler Defrost Recovered

Heat Transfer Rate [W]
This is the total heat recovered from the gas cooler inlet flow for defrost purposes within the
refrigeration system.

1.34.15.2.8 Refrigeration Transcritical System Gas Cooler Defrost Recovered

Heat Transfer Energy [J]
This is the total heat recovered from the gas cooler inlet flow for defrost purposes within the
refrigeration system for the timestep being reported.

1.34.16 Refrigeration:TransferLoadList
A refrigeration system may provide cooling to other, secondary, systems through either a
secondary loop or a cascade condenser (Ref. Refrigeration:SecondarySystem and Refrigera-
tion:Condenser:Cascade). If multiple transfer loads are served by a single primary system, use
this list to group them together for reference by the primary system (see the field “Refrigeration
Transfer Load or TransferLoad List Name” in the Refrigeration:System object).

1.34.16.1 Inputs
1.34.16.1.1 Field: Name
A unique user-assigned name for an instance of a refrigeration transfer load list. Any reference
to this list by another object will use this name. In particular, the primary refrigeration system
absorbing the heat from all the loads listed here will use this name to reference those loads.

1.34.16.1.2 Field: Cascade Condenser Name or Secondary System Name

Identifies a cascade condenser or secondary loop that is cooled, along with the other trans-
fer loads listed here, by a single system. The name will be validated against the Refrigera-
tion:SecondarySystem and Refrigeration:Condenser:Cascade names in the input file (the name will
also be compared against all the other condenser names, but an error will be issued if it refers to
any type of condenser other than a cascade condenser).
The list is extensible; ten fields are provided in the IDD.
The following is an example input for a transfer load list.
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1559

Refrigeration:TransferLoadList ,
MedTempTransferLoads , !- Name
CascadeCondFrozen , !- Cascade Condenser Name or Secondary System Name
SecondLoopDairy; !- Cascade Condenser Name or Secondary System Name

1.34.17 Refrigeration:SecondarySystem
A refrigeration secondary system works in conjunction with refrigerated cases and walkins (Ref.
Refrigeration:SecondarySystem, Refrigeration:CaseAndWalkInList, Refrigeration:Case, and Refrig-
eration:WalkIn) to simulate the performance of a secondary loop supermarket refrigeration system.
Heat from the refrigeration loads served by the secondary loop is absorbed by a primary refrigera-
tion system (ref: Refrigeration:System). The SecondarySystem object simulates a heat exchanger
that is an evaporator, or refrigeration load, on the primary refrigeration system.
The inputs for the refrigeration secondary system object include a name, which is also referenced
to identify the load placed upon the primary refrigeration system. The inputs that describe the
loads placed upon the secondary loop include the name of a single refrigerated case, the name of
a single walk-in cooler, or a list of cases and walkin coolers. The circulating fluid type specifies
whether or not the secondary fluid remains in the liquid state throughout the loop (e.g., a glycol or
brine solution) or undergoes a partial phase change while serving the refrigeration loads (e.g., a CO2
liquid overfeed system). The circulating fluid name must also be specified and must correspond to
a name used to provide the fluid properties.
If the secondary fluid remains a liquid, the heat exchanger between the primary and secondary
systems functions as an evaporator on the primary side and chills the circulating fluid on the
secondary side. Inputs that describe the evaporator performance at rated conditions are used to
calculate the heat exchanger effectiveness. These values include the rated evaporator capacity
(which can be specified in terms of energy or fluid flow rate), the rated evaporating temperature,
the rated approach temperature difference, and the rated range temperature difference.
If the secondary fluid undergoes a partial phase change, the heat exchanger between the primary
and secondary systems functions as an evaporator on the primary side and as a condenser on the
secondary side. The evaporator capacity, evaporating temperature, and approach temperature
difference, all at full-load design conditions, are input.
The balance of the secondary system object describes the pumping system. The pumping op-
tions include a single constant speed pump, multiple constant speed pumps, or a variable frequency-
drive pump. The user can also keep track of distribution piping and receiver shell heat gains.

1.34.17.1 Inputs
1.34.17.1.1 Field: Name
A unique user-assigned name for an instance of a refrigeration secondary system. Any reference
to this refrigeration secondary system by another object will use this name. In particular, the
primary refrigeration system absorbing the heat from this system will use this name to define that
load.

1.34.17.1.2 Field: Refrigerated Case or WalkIn or CaseAndWalkInList Name

Identifies a single case, or walkin, or a particular list of refrigerated cases and walkins, that
are cooled by this refrigeration secondary system. The name will be validated against the case,
walkin, and CaseAndWalkInList names (ref. Refrigeration:Case, Refrigeration:WalkIn and Refrig-
eration:CaseAndWalkInList) in the input file.
1560 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.34.17.1.3 Field: Circulating Fluid Type

Specifies whether the fluid is always liquid (e.g., glycol solution), or undergoes a partial phase
change (e.g., CO2 liquid overfeed system). The options are “FluidAlwaysLiquid” and “Fluid-
PhaseChange”.

1.34.17.1.4 Field: Circulating Fluid Name

The name of the secondary circulating fluid.
For “FluidAlwaysLiquid”, this name must correspond to either an ethylene or propylene glycol
(ref: FluidProperties:GlycolConcentration) or to a user-defined glycol (ref: FluidProperties:Name
and FluidProperties: GlycolConcentration) in the input file. Note that the corresponding property
data, including FluidProperties:Concentration, FluidProperties:Temperatures, and FluidProper-
ties:GlycolConcentration must also be included in the input file and are provided in GlycolProper-
tiesRefData.idf for typical ethylene and propylene glycols.
For “FluidPhaseChange”, the refrigerant used by the secondary system must be listed in the
FluidProperties:Name object. The corresponding property data must also be supplied in the input
file. Property data for many refrigererants, including R11, R123, R134A, R12, R22, R404A, R507A,
R410A, and R744, are available in FluidPropertiesRefData.idf.

1.34.17.1.5 Field: Evaporator Capacity

For “FluidAlwaysLiquid”, this numeric field should be the rated heat evaporator capacity
(W). Be sure the rating corresponds to the correct refrigerant and secondary circulating fluid.
If this variable is specified and the rated evaporator flow rate for secondary fluid is not, then the
flow rate will be calculated. At least one of these two input variables is required.
For “FluidPhaseChange”, this numeric field should be the evaporator capacity (W) at full-load
design conditions. If this input is left blank, the capacity will be set to the sum of the capacities of
the cases and walk-ins served by the secondary loop plus the pump motor load at full-load design
conditions.

1.34.17.1.6 Field: Evaporator Flow Rate for Secondary Fluid

For “FluidAlwaysLiquid” systems, this is the rated evaporator secondary fluid flow rate in
m3 /s. If this variable is specified and the rated evaporator capacity in watts is not, then the rated
capacity will be calculated. At least one of these two input variables is required.
For “FluidPhaseChange”, this field is not used (see “Phase Cange Circulating Rate”).

1.34.17.1.7 Field:Evaporator Evaporating Temperature

This numeric field provides the evaporating temperature (C) corresponding to the evaporator
capacity. This is the evaporating temperature on the primary side of the heat exchanger used to
chill or condense the secondary loop circulating fluid. It is NOT the temperature in any cases or
walkins served by the secondary loop.

1.34.17.1.8 Field: Evaporator Approach Temperature Difference

For “FluidAlwaysLiquid”, this numeric field is the rated temperature difference (DeltaC) be-
tween the circulating secondary fluid leaving the heat exchanger and the heat exchanger’s evapo-
rating temperature.
For “FluidPhaseChange”, this is the temperature difference (DeltaC) between the primary
refrigerant evaporating and secondary refrigerant condensing temperatures at full-load design con-
ditions.
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1561

1.34.17.1.9 Field: Evaporator Range Temperature Difference

For “FluidAlwaysLiquid”, this numeric field is the rated temperature difference (DeltaC) be-
tween the circulating secondary fluid entering and leaving the heat exchanger. This value is not
used for “FluidPhaseChange”.

1.34.17.1.10 Field: Number of Pumps in Loop

This numeric field provides the integer number of pumps used to circulate the secondary heat
transfer fluid. The default value is 1. Unless a variable speed pump is specified, pump energy will
be calculated in linear steps to achieve the necessary flow rate.

1.34.17.1.11 Field: Total Pump Flow Rate

This is the secondary fluid circulating flow rate in m3 /s at full-load design conditions. For
“FluidAlwaysLiquid”, if no value is input, the Evaporator Flow Rate for Secondary Fluid will be
used. For “FluidPhaseChange”, if no value is input, the flow rate will be calculated using the
Evaporator Capacity and the PhaseChange Circulating Rate.

1.34.17.1.12 Field: Total Pump Power

This numeric field should be the pump power (W) at full-load design conditions. Be sure
the rating corresponds to the correct secondary circulating fluid at the design fluid temperature.
EITHER the Total Pump Power OR the Total Pump Head is required.

1.34.17.1.13 Field: Total Pump Head

This numeric field should be the design pressure drop, or head, across the secondary loop (Pa)
at full load design conditions. Be sure the rating corresponds to the correct secondary circulating
fluid at the design fluid temperature. EITHER the Total Pump Power OR the Total Head is
required.

1.34.17.1.14 Field: PhaseChange Circulating Rate

This field is not used for “FluidAlwaysLiquid”.
For “FluidPhaseChange”, the Circulating Rate is defined as the total mass flow at the pump
divided by the mass flow rate of vapor returning to the separator. Values between 2.1 and 3 are
common for CO2 systems and the default is 2.5. If Total Pump Flow Rate is also defined, the
PhaseChange Circulating Rate will only be used to check whether the two values are consistent.

1.34.17.1.15 Field: Pump Drive Type

Specifies whether the pump(s) is constant speed or variable speed. The options are “Constant”
and “Variable”. The default is “Constant”.

1.34.17.1.16 Field: Variable Speed Pump Cubic Curve Name

The name of a cubic performance curve (ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes the
variation of the variable speed pump power (and the associated load on the secondary refrigeration
load) at off-rated conditions. The curve should be normalized to have the value of 1.0 at full-load
design conditions. The variable speed pump cubic curve name is used only for the a pump drive
type of “Variable”.
1562 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.34.17.1.17 Field: Pump Motor Heat to Fluid

This choice field determines how much of the pump motor heat will be added to the circulating
secondary fluid. This represents the motor efficiency for a non-hermetic motor. The default is
0.85. For a semi-hermetic motor, enter 1.0. The value entered must be between 0.5 and 1.0.

1.34.17.1.18 Field: Sum UA Distribution Piping

This optional field is typically used when trying to compare the impact of pipe heat gains on
system performance, particularly in comparing a DX system to a secondary system. Enter the
value for secondary loop distribution piping heat gain (in W/C). That is, sum up the product
of the pipe insulation conductance times the outer piping insulation surface area. Please see the
Engineering Reference for guidance in calculating this value.

1.34.17.1.19 Field: Distribution Piping Zone Name

This optional field is used when trying to determine the impact of pipe heat gains on system
performance, particularly in comparing a DX system to a secondary system. (If the previous field,
Sum UA Distribution Piping, is blank, this field will not be used.) Enter the name of the zone
where the Distribution piping is located. The distribution piping heat gains will be calculated
based upon the air temperature within this zone and will count as a cooling credit for this zone.

1.34.17.1.20 Field: Sum UA Receiver/Separator Shell

This optional field is typically used when trying to compare the impact of refrigeration com-
ponent heat gains on system performance, particularly in comparing a conventional primary DX
system to a secondary system. Enter the value for receiver/separator heat gain (in W/C). That
is, sum up the product of the tank insulaton conductance times the outer tank insulation surface
area. Please see the Engineering Reference for guidance in calculating this value.

1.34.17.1.21 Field: Receiver/Separator Zone Name

This optional field is used when trying to determine the impact of refrigeration component heat
gains on system performance, particularly in comparing a conventional primary DX system to a
secondary system. (If the previous field, Sum UA Receiver/Separator, is blank, this field will not
be used.) Enter the name of the zone where the receiver/separator is located. The heat gains will
be calculated based upon the air temperature within this zone and will count as a cooling credit
for this zone.

1.34.17.1.22 Field: Evaporator Refrigerant Inventory

The secondary loop is chilled by a primary system via a heat exchanger. This field is the
refrigerant inventory on the cold (primary) side of that heat exchanger, in kg. The default value is
zero.

1.34.17.1.23 Field: End-Use Subcategory

This field allows the specification of a user-defined end-use subcategory (e.g., “Low Temperature
Rack”). A new meter for reporting is created for each unique subcategory (Ref: Output:Meter
objects). Subcategories are also reported in the ABUPS table. If this field is left blank, the
equipment will be assigned to the “General” end-use subcategory.
The following is an example input for a brine-type (“FluidAlwaysLiquid”)refrigeration sec-
ondary system.
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1563

Refrigeration:SecondarySystem ,
SecondaryMedLoop , !- Name
MedTempCaseList , !- Refrigerated Case or Walkin or CaseAndWalkInList Name
FluidAlwaysLiquid , !- Circulating Fluid Type
ProGly30Percent , !- Circulating Fluid Name
3.5E4 , !- Evaporator Capacity {W}
0.0021 , !- Evaporator Flow Rate for Secondary Fluid {M3/s}
-12.6, !- Evaporator Evaporating Temperature {C}
2.7, !- Evaporator Approach Temperature Difference {DeltaC}
4., !- Evaporator Range Temperature Difference {DeltaC}
3, !- Number of Pumps in Loop
.0023 , !- Total Pump Flow Rate {M3/s}
, !- Total Pump Power {W}
2.09E5 , !- Total Pump Head {Pa}
, !- PhaseChange Circulating Rate
, !- Pump Drive Type
, !- Variable Speed Pump Cubic Curve Name
1.0, !- Pump Motor Heat to Fluid
21., !- Sum UA Distribution Piping {W/C}
SalesFloor , !- Distribution Piping Zone Name
, !- Sum UA Receiver/Separator Shell
, !- Receiver/Separator Zone Name
, !- Evaporator Refrigerant Inventory {kg}
; !- End -Use Subcategory

The following is an example input for a liquid-overfeed-type (“FluidPhaseChange”) refrigeration

secondary system.

Refrigeration:SecondarySystem ,
SecondaryLowLoop , !- Name
LowTempCaseList , !- Refrigerated Case or Walkin or CaseAndWalkInList Name
FluidPhaseChange , !- Circulating Fluid Type
R744 , !- Circulating Fluid Name
, !- Evaporator Capacity {W}
, !- Evaporator Flow Rate for Secondary Fluid {M3/s}
-39.2, !- Evaporator Evaporating Temperature {C}
2., !- Evaporator Approach Temperature Difference {DeltaC}
, !- Evaporator Range Temperature Difference {DeltaC}
3, !- Number of Pumps in Loop
, !- Total Pump Flow Rate {M3/s}
, !- Total Pump Power {W}
2.09E5 , !- Total Pump Head {Pa}
2.5, !- PhaseChange Circulating Rate
Variable , !- Pump Drive Type
SecondaryVarSpeedPump , !- Variable Speed Pump Cubic Curve Name
1.0, !- Pump Motor Heat to Fluid
10.4, !- Sum UA Distribution Piping {W/C}
SalesFloor , !- Distribution Piping Zone Name
1.4, !- Sum UA Receiver/Separator Shell
BackRoom , !- Receiver/Separator Zone Name
, !- Evaporator Refrigerant Inventory {kg}
; !- End -Use Subcategory

1.34.17.2 Outputs
FOR SECONDARY SYSTEMS SERVING CASES AND/OR WALKINS:

• Zone,Average,Refrigeration Secondary Loop Pump Electric Power [W]

• Zone,Sum,Refrigeration Secondary Loop Pump Electric Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Refrigeration Secondary Loop Load Heat Transfer Rate [W]

1564 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• Zone,Sum,Refrigeration Secondary Loop Load Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Refrigeration Secondary Loop Total Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum,Refrigeration Secondary Loop Total Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Refrigeration Secondary Loop Estimated Refrigerant Inventory Mass[kg]

Zone,Average,Refrigeration Secondary Loop Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• Zone,Average,Refrigeration Secondary Loop Pipe Heat Gain Rate [W]

• Zone,Average,Refrigeration Secondary Loop Pipe Heat Gain Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Refrigeration Secondary Loop Receiver Heat Gain Rate [W]

• Zone,Average,Refrigeration Secondary Loop Receiver Heat Gain Energy [J]

FOR SECONDARY SYSTEMS SERVING AIR CHILLERS:

• HVAC,Average,Refrigeration Air Chiller Secondary Loop Pump Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Refrigeration Air Chiller Secondary Loop Pump Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Refrigeration Air Chiller Secondary Loop Load Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Refrigeration Air Chiller Secondary Loop Load Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Refrigeration Air Chiller Secondary Loop Total Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Refrigeration Air Chiller Secondary Loop Total Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Refrigeration Air Chiller Secondary Loop Estimated Refrigerant Inventory

Mass[kg]

• HVAC,Average,Refrigeration Air Chiller Secondary Loop Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Average,Refrigeration Air Chiller Secondary Loop Pipe Heat Gain Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Refrigeration Air Chiller Secondary Loop Pipe Heat Gain Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Refrigeration Air Chiller Secondary Loop Receiver Heat Gain Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Refrigeration Air Chiller Secondary Loop Receiver Heat Gain Energy [J]

1.34.17.2.1 FOR SECONDARY SYSTEMS SERVING CASES AND/OR

WALKINS:

1.34.17.2.2 Refrigeration Secondary Loop Pump Electric Power [W]

This output is the total electric power input to the pump(s) in Watts.

1.34.17.2.3 Refrigeration Secondary Loop Pump Electric Energy [J]

This is the electricity consumption of the system’s pump(s) in Joules for the timestep being
reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use Key =
Refrigeration, Group Key = Plant (Ref. Output:Meter objects).
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1565

1.34.17.2.4 Refrigeration Secondary Loop Load Heat Transfer Rate [W]

This is the amount of refrigeration provided to the cases and walkins served by the secondary
loop in W.

1.34.17.2.5 Refrigeration Secondary Loop Load Heat Transfer Energy [J]

This is the amount of refrigeration provided to the cases and walkins served by the secondary
loop in Joules for the timestep being reported.

1.34.17.2.6 Refrigeration Secondary Loop Total Heat Transfer Rate [W]

This is the total amount of refrigeration load placed upon the primary refrigeration system
(including loads due to the cases and walkins plus the loads from the secondary loop pumps and
any energy absorbed by the loop via pipe heat gains) in W.

1.34.17.2.7 Refrigeration Secondary Loop Total Heat Transfer Energy [J]

This is the total amount of energy placed upon the primary refrigeration system by the sec-
ondary loop in Joules for the timestep being reported.

1.34.17.2.8 Refrigeration Secondary Loop Estimated Refrigerant Inventory

Mass [kg]
This output is the sum of the input inventory values for the cases and walkins and the refrigerant
circulating through the loop.

1.34.17.2.9 Refrigeration Secondary Loop Volume Flow Rate [m3/]s

This output is the calculated volume flow through the pumps for this secondary loop.

1.34.17.2.10 Refrigeration Secondary Loop Pipe Heat Gain Rate [W]

This output is the total heat transferred to the pipes in Watts.

1.34.17.2.11 Refrigeration Secondary Loop Pipe Heat Gain Energy [J]

This is the total heat transferred to the pipes in Joules for the timestep being reported.

1.34.17.2.12 Refrigeration Secondary Loop Receiver Heat Gain Rate [W]

This output is the total heat transferred to the receiver in Watts.

1.34.17.2.13 Refrigeration Secondary Loop Receiver Heat Gain Energy [J]

This is the total heat transferred to the receiver in Joules for the timestep being reported.

1.34.17.2.14 FOR SECONDARY SYSTEMS SERVING AIR CHILLERS:

1.34.17.2.15 Refrigeration Air Chiller Secondary Loop Pump Electric Power

[W]
This output is the total electric power input to the pump(s) in Watts.
1566 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.34.17.2.16 Refrigeration Air Chiller Secondary Loop Pump Electric Energy

[J]
This is the electricity consumption of the system’s pump(s) in Joules for the timestep being
reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use Key =
Refrigeration, Group Key = Plant (Ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.34.17.2.17 Refrigeration Air Chiller Secondary Loop Load Heat Transfer Rate
[W]
This is the amount of refrigeration provided to the air chillers served by the secondary loop in
W.

1.34.17.2.18 Refrigeration Air Chiller Secondary Loop Load Heat Transfer En-
ergy [J]
This is the amount of refrigeration provided to the air chillers served by the secondary loop in
Joules for the timestep being reported.

1.34.17.2.19 Refrigeration Air Chiller Secondary Loop Total Heat Transfer Rate
[W]
This is the total amount of refrigeration load placed upon the primary refrigeration system
(including loads due to the air chillers plus the loads from the secondary loop pumps and any
energy absorbed by the loop via pipe heat gains) in W.

1.34.17.2.20 Refrigeration Air Chiller Secondary Loop Total Heat Transfer En-
ergy [J]
This is the total amount of energy placed upon the primary refrigeration system by the sec-
ondary loop in Joules for the timestep being reported.

1.34.17.2.21 Refrigeration Air Chiller Secondary Loop Estimated Refrigerant

Inventory Mass [kg]
This output is the sum of the input inventory values for the air chillers and the refrigerant
circulating through the loop.

1.34.17.2.22 Refrigeration Air Chiller Secondary Loop Volume Flow Rate

[m3/]s
This output is the calculated volume flow of coolant through the pumps for this secondary loop.

1.34.17.2.23 Refrigeration Air Chiller Secondary Loop Pipe Heat Gain

Rate [W]
This output is the total heat transferred to the pipes in Watts.

1.34.17.2.24 Refrigeration Air Chiller Secondary Loop Pipe Heat Gain Energy
[J]
This is the total heat transferred to the pipes in Joules for the timestep being reported.

1.34.17.2.25 Refrigeration Air Chiller Secondary Loop Receiver Heat Gain

Rate [W]
This output is the total heat transferred to the receiver in Watts.
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1567

1.34.17.2.26 Refrigeration Air Chiller Secondary Loop Receiver Heat Gain En-
ergy [J]
This is the total heat transferred to the receiver in Joules for the timestep being reported.

1.34.18 Additional Refrigeration Outputs Available for Each Zone

Multiple refrigeration cases and walkins may be located within a single zone. Each zone may also
exchange heat with refrigeration system suction piping, secondary loop distribution piping, and
secondary loop receivers. Output variables have been prepared to sum up the total heat exchange
due to all refrigeration objects within a single zone. The output variables that start with “Zone
Refrigeration” do not account for refrigeration provided by refrigeration chiller sets or any piping
from systems serving air chillers. The output variables that start with “Zone Chillers” account for
all the refrigeration system elements serving air chillers.

1.34.19 Additional Refrigeration Outputs for Each Zone

FOR THE SUM OF ALL COOLING SYSTEMS SERVING CASES AND/OR WALKINS:

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration Zone Case and Walk In Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum, Refrigeration Zone Case and Walk In Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration Zone Case and Walk In Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum, Refrigeration Zone Case and Walk In Heating Energy [J]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration Zone Case and Walk In Total Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum, Refrigeration Zone Case and Walk In Total Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration Zone Case and Walk In Total Latent Cooling Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum, Refrigeration Zone Case and Walk In Total Latent Cooling Energy [J]

• Zone,Sum, Refrigeration Zone Case and Walk In Total Cooling Energy [J]

• Zone,Average,Refrigeration Zone Case and Walk In Total Cooling Rate [W]

• Zone,Average, Refrigeration Zone Case and Walk In Total Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• Zone,Sum, Refrigeration Zone Case and Walk In Total Heat Transfer Energy [J]

FOR THE SUM OF ALL COOLING SYSTEMS SERVING CHILLERS:

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Sensible Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Sensible Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Latent Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Latent Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Total Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Total Cooling Energy [J]

1568 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.34.19.1 FOR THE SUM OF ALL COOLING SYSTEMS SERVING CASES

AND/OR WALKINS:
1.34.19.2 Refrigeration Zone Case and Walk In Total Sensible Cooling Rate [W]
This output is the total sensible heat transfer between all refrigeration objects located in the zone
in Watts. A negative value will be reported when the refrigeration objects cool (that is, remove
heat from) the zone.
Refrigeration Zone Case and Walk In Total Sensible Cooling Energy [J]
This is the total sensible heat transfer between all refrigeration objects located in the zone in
Joules for for the timestep being reported. A negative value will be reported when the refrigeration
objects cool (that is, remove heat from) the zone.

1.34.19.3 Refrigeration Zone Case and Walk In Total Latent Cooling Rate [W]
This output is the total latent heat transfer between all refrigeration objects located in the zone in
Watts. A negative value will be reported when the refrigeration equipment provides dehumidifica-
tion (thereby reducing the zone latent load).
Refrigeration Zone Case and Walk In Total Latent Cooling Energy [J]
This is the total latent heat transfer between all refrigeration objects located in the zone in
Joules for for the timestep being reported. A negative value will be reported when the refrigeration
equipment provides dehumidification (thereby reducing the zone latent load).

1.34.19.4 Refrigeration Zone Case and Walk In Total Heat Transfer Rate [W]
This output is the total heat transfer (sensible plus latent) between all refrigeration objects located
in the zone in Watts. A negative value will be reported when the refrigeration objects cool (that
is, remove heat from) the zone.
Refrigeration Zone Case and Walk In Total Heat Transfer Energy [J]
This is the total heat transfer (sensible plus latent) between all refrigeration objects located in
the zone in Joules for for the timestep being reported. A negative value will be reported when the
refrigeration objects cool (that is, remove heat from) the zone.

1.34.19.5 Refrigeration Zone Case and Walk In Sensible Cooling Rate [W]
This output is the total sensible cooling from all refrigeration objects located in the zone in Watts.
Refrigeration Zone Case and Walk In Sensible Cooling Energy [J]
This is the total sensible cooling from all refrigeration objects located in the zone in Joules for
for the timestep being reported.

1.34.19.6 Refrigeration Zone Case and Walk In Heating Rate [W]

This output is the total heating from all refrigeration objects located in the zone in Watts.
Refrigeration Zone Case and Walk In Heating Energy [J]
This is the total heating from all refrigeration objects located in the zone in Joules for for the
timestep being reported.
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1569

1.34.19.7 Refrigeration Zone Case and Walk In Total Cooling Rate [W]
This output is the total cooling (sensible plus latent) from all refrigeration objects located in the
zone in Watts.
Refrigeration Zone Case and Walk In Total Cooling Energy [J]
This is the total cooling (sensible plus latent) from all refrigeration objects located in the zone
in Joules for for the timestep being reported.

1.34.19.8 FOR THE SUM OF ALL COOLING SYSTEMS SERVING AIR

CHILLERS:
1.34.19.9 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Heating Rate [W]
This output is the total heating from all air chillers located in the zone in Watts.
Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Heating Energy [J]
This is the total heating from all air chillers located in the zone in Joules for for the timestep
being reported.

1.34.19.10 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

This output is the total sensible cooling from all air chillers located in the zone in Watts.
Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Sensible Cooling Energy [J]
This is the total sensible cooling from all air chillers located in the zone in Joules for for the
timestep being reported.

1.34.19.11 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Sensible Heat Transfer Rate [W]
This output is the total sensible heat transfer from all air chillers located in the zone in Watts. A
negative value will be reported when the refrigeration objects cool (that is, remove heat from) the
zone.

1.34.19.12 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Sensible Heat Transfer Energy [J]
This is the total sensible heat transfer from all air chillers located in the zone in Joules for for
the timestep being reported. A negative value will be reported when the refrigeration objects cool
(that is, remove heat from) the zone.

1.34.19.13 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Latent Cooling Rate [W]

This output is the total latent cooling from all air chillers located in the zone in Watts.
Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Latent Cooling Energy [J]
This is the total latent cooling from all air chillers located in the zone in Joules for for the
timestep being reported.

1.34.19.14 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Water Removed Mass Flow

Rate [kg/s]
This is the total amount of water removed by all air chillers located in the zone in kg/s for for the
timestep being reported.
1570 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.34.19.15 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Total Cooling Rate [W]

This output is the total cooling (sensible plus latent) from all air chillers located in the zone in
Watts.
Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Total Cooling Energy [J]
This is the total cooling (sensible plus latent) from all air chillers located in the zone in Joules
for for the timestep being reported.

1.34.20 Refrigeration:AirChiller
The Refrigeration:AirChiller object works in conjunction with a refrigeration chiller set,
compressor rack, a refrigeration system, or a refrigeration secondary system object (Ref. Zone-
Hvac:RefrigerationChillerSet, and a Refrigeration:CompressorRack, Refrigeration:System, or
Refrigeration:SecondarySystem) to simulate the performance of an air chiller, similar to one found
in a refrigerated warehouse. The air chiller model uses information at rated conditions along with
the zone conditions to determine performance. Energy use for fans and heaters is modeled based
on inputs for nominal power, schedules, and control type. The refrigeration chiller model accounts
for the sensible and latent heat exchange with the surrounding environment.
The refrigeration chiller cooler object inputs include a name, an availability schedule name, the
rated cooling capacity, the rated operating temperature, the rated cooling source temperature, the
rated total heating power and heating power schedule, the rated fan power and schedules, defrost
type, defrost control type, defrost schedule name, drip-down schedule name, defrost power, the
portion of the defrost energy used to melt ice (only for temperature termination control type), and
refrigerant inventory.
Chiller coils are rated under multiple conventions. Each rating is typically based upon a se-
lected fin material and refrigerant cycle, with correction factors for other materials or refrigerants.
Fields are provided here for those correction factors. The performance of all chiller coils depends
upon the inlet air temperature, relative humidity, and flow rate. Multiple methods of expressing
this relationship are provided here to accommodate the way information is provided by different
manufacturers.

1.34.20.1 Inputs
1.34.20.1.1 Field: Name
A unique user-assigned name for an instance of a refrigeration chiller. Any reference to this
refrigeration chiller by another object will use this name.

1.34.20.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

The name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the refrigeration chiller can
operate during a given time period. A schedule value greater than 0 (maximum schedule value of
1.0 is typically used) indicates that the refrigeration chiller will operate during a given time period.
A value equal to 0 denotes that the case does not operate (everything is OFF: refrigeration, fans,
lights, anti-sweat, etc.). Typically the refrigeration chiller will operate throughout the day (i.e.,
the schedule will contain 1 for all time periods); however, refrigeration chillers require maintenance
and/or cleaning and this can be modeled accordingly using this schedule if desired. If this field is
left blank, the default schedule has a value of 1 for all time periods.
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1571

1.34.20.1.3 Field: Capacity Rating Type

The type of capacity rating used for this refrigeration chiller. Valid choices are Unit-
LoadFactorSensibleOnly, CapacityTotalSpecificConditions, EuropeanSC1Standard, Euro-
peanSC1NominalWet, EuropeanSC2Standard, EuropeanSC2NominalWet, EuropeanSC3Standard,
EuropeanSC3NominalWet, EuropeanSC4Standard, EuropeanSC4NominalWet, EuropeanSC5Standard,
and EuropeanSC5NominalWet. In each case, select the rating option that corresponds to the
expected service conditions. For example, U.S. manufacturers quote a separate Unit Load Factor
for wet or frosted coils. If the evaporating temperature is less than 0C, input the frosted coil
value. Within the European convention, select SC1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 depending upon the expected
evaporating temperature. This field is required and there is no default value. Refer to the
Engineering Reference for further information on these rating types. NOTE: If the Capacity-
TotalSpecificConditions rating type is specified, the input file must include the manufacturer’s
coil capacity correction curve in tabular form using the Table:MultiVariableLookup object. An
example of this may be found in the RefrigeratedWarehouse.idf example file.

1.34.20.1.4 NOTE – ONLY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING TWO FIELDS IS

USED

1.34.20.1.5 Field: Rated Unit Load Factor

The sensible cooling capacity in watts (W/C) at rated conditions. The value entered for this
field must be greater than zero, with no default value. This value is only used if the Capacity
Rating Type is UnitLoadFactorSensibleOnly. The value given must be based upon the difference
between the chiller inlet and outlet air temperatures, not on the difference between the zone mean
temperature and the outlet air temperature.

1.34.20.1.6 Field: Rated Capacity

The cooling capacity in watts (W) at rated conditions. The value entered for this field must
be greater than zero, with no default value. This field is only used if the Capacity Rating Type
is CapacityTotalSpecificConditions, EuropeanSC1Standard, EuropeanSC1NominalWet, Euro-
peanSC2Standard, EuropeanSC2NominalWet, EuropeanSC3Standard, EuropeanSC3NominalWet,
EuropeanSC4Standard, EuropeanSC4NominalWet, EuropeanSC5Standard, or EuropeanSC5NominalWet.
For CapacityTotalSpecificConditions, this capacity includes both sensible and latent at the con-
ditions given in the next two fields. Note that the European Standard ratings are sensible only
and the European Nominal ratings include latent capacity as well. The value given here must
correspond to the capacity rating type given previously.

1.34.20.1.7 Field: Rated Relative Humidity

This field is ONLY used if the Capacity Rating Type is CapacityTotalSpecificConditions and
represents the relative humidity at rated conditions, expressed as a percent. The default is 85.

1.34.20.1.8 Field: Rated Cooling Source Temperature

For a DX evaporator coil, enter the saturated evaporating temperature in ˚C. For a fluid coil,
enter the fluid coil entrance temperature in ˚C. There is no default value. This number is used,
with temperatures for other refrigeration loads on any one system, to set that system’s minimum
suction pressure or minimum circulating fluid temperature.
1572 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.34.20.1.9 Field: Rated Temperature Difference DT1

The rated difference between the air entering the refrigeration chiller and the cooling source
temperature in ˚C. The entered value for this field must be less than 20˚C. There is no default
value.

1.34.20.1.10 Field: Maximum Difference Between Inlet Air and Evaporating

Temperature
The maximum difference between the air entering the refrigeration chiller and the cooling
source temperature in °C used to limit capacity during pull-down. The default is 1.3 times the
Rated Temperature Difference DT1.

1.34.20.1.11 Field: Coil Material Correction Factor

This field is used to enter the manufacturer’s correction factor for coil material corresponding
to the rating previously input. The default is 1.0 (dimensionless).

1.34.20.1.12 Field: Refrigerant Correction Factor

This field is used to enter the manufacturer’s correction factor for refrigerant corresponding
to the rating previously input. The default is 1.0 (dimensionless). (Note, the refrigerant itself is
specified for the detailed system or secondary loop providing the refrigerant to this coil.)

1.34.20.1.13 Field: Capacity Correction Curve Type

The type of capacity correction curve used to account for the impact of the room air con-
ditions on the chiller capacity. Valid choices are LinearSHR60, QuadraticSHR, European, and
TabularRHxDT1xTRoom. This field will default to LinearSHR60, unless the CapacityTotalSpeci-
ficConditions rating type is specified, in which case, the TabularRHxDT1xTRoom correction curve
type must be used. Refer to the Engineering Reference for further information on these curve
types. The resulting correction factor for LinearSHR60, QuadraticSHR, and European types will
be applied to the sensible capacity and must have output values between 1 and 2. The resulting
correction factor for TabularRHxDT1xTRoom will be applied to the CapacityTotalSpecificCondi-
tions capacity and can have values between 0.2 and 2. If TabularRHxDT1xTRoom is used, the
curve type within the table must be specified as “Quadratic”.

1.34.20.1.14 Field: Capacity Correction Curve Name

The name of the curve object defining the total refrigerating capacity. For correction curve
types LinearSHR60 and QuadraticSHR, the independent variable is the Sensible Heat Ratio and
the output values are between 1.0 and 2.0. For correction curve type European, EnergyPlus con-
tains built-in capacity correction curves and specification of a capacity correction curve name
is not required. For correction curve type TabularRHxDT1xTRoom, enter the name of a Ta-
ble:MultiVariableLookup object that gives the total capacity (in W) as a function of RH, DT1,
and Room Temperature; IN THAT ORDER. An example of a TabularRHxDT1xTRoom correction
curve using the Table:MultiVariableLoopkup object may be found in the RefrigeratedWarehouse.idf
example file.

1.34.20.1.15 Field: SHR60 Correction Factor

This field is only used when the capacity correction curve type is LinearSHR60. It should
correspond to the capacity factor, that is, the total capacity divided by the sensible capacity
corresponding to a Sensible Heat Ratio of 0.6. The default is 1.48 (dimensionless).
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1573

1.34.20.1.16 Field: Rated Total Heating Power

The total heating power in watts including drip-pan and any other heaters (W). This value is
required and has no default value.

1.34.20.1.17 Field: Heating Power Schedule Name

The name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes the fraction of heater power that operates
during a given time period. A schedule value of zero denotes that all heaters are off. A schedule
value greater than 0 indicates that some portion of the total heater power will operate during that
time period (maximum schedule value of 1.0 means all heaters are fully on). If this field is left
blank, the default schedule has a value of 1 for all time periods.

1.34.20.1.18 Field: Fan Speed Control Type

The type of fan speed control used by the cooling coil’s fan(s). Valid choices are Fixed,
FixedLinear, VariableSpeed, and TwoSpeed. If the field is blank, Fixed will be used. See
the Engineering Reference for a discussion of this option’s effect on fan energy consumption.

1.34.20.1.19 Field: Rated Fan Power

The cooling coil fan power in watts (W). This value has a default value of 375W. This fan is
assumed to run continuously except during electric, hot brine, or hot gas defrost periods.

1.34.20.1.20 Field: Rated Air Flow

The cooling coil fan rated air flow in cubic meters per second (m3 /s). This value has no default
value and must be input.

1.34.20.1.21 Field: Minimum Fan Air Flow Ratio

The minimum fraction of the rated air flow for part-load fan operation, must be between 0.
and 1.0. The default value is 0.2.

1.34.20.1.22 Field: Defrost Type

The type of defrost used for this refrigeration chiller. Valid choices are None, Off-Cycle, Hot-
Fluid, and Electric. The default defrost type is Electric if the field is blank. HotFluid includes both
hot gas and hot brine defrost systems. Refer to the Engineering Reference for further information
on how the different defrost types are modeled.

1.34.20.1.23 Field: Defrost Control Type

The type of defrost control used for this refrigeration chiller. Valid choices are TimeSchedule
and TemperatureTermination. The default is TimeSchedule if the field is blank. Refer to the
Engineering Reference for further information on how the different defrost controls are modeled.

1.34.20.1.24 Field: Defrost Schedule Name

The name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes when the refrigeration chiller requires
defrosting. A schedule value of 1.0 indicates that defrost can be on during a given time period. A
value equal to 0 denotes that the defrost is off. Defrost schedules normally repeat the duration and
number of defrost cycles for each day of the year. The refrigeration chiller manufacturer typically
provides this information with the product literature. If TemperatureTermination control type is
used, the defrost schedule is used for the defrost cycle start time and the defrost cycle end time is not
1574 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

allowed to extend beyond the scheduled off time. The use of Compact Schedules (ref. Schedules)
are ideal for this purpose.

1.34.20.1.25 Field: Defrost Drip-Down Schedule Name

The name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the refrigeration chiller requires
additional time for draining condensate after the defrost period. A schedule value of 1.0 indicates
that the defrost drip-down period is on during a given time period. A value equal to 0 denotes that
the defrost drip-down period is over. The refrigeration chiller manufacturer typically provides this
information with the product literature.
Each defrost drip-down period specified in this schedule should start at the same time as the
corresponding defrost period specified in the schedule for Defrost Schedule, and the drip-down
schedule defrost period should always be longer than or equal to the length of the defrost schedule
time period. For example, if the defrost schedule contains a defrost period from 7:00 to 7:15, you
would specify a case defrost drip-down period from 7:00 to 7:20 if you wanted to model a 5 minute
condensate drip-down period after the regular defrost period. If no drip-down schedule is entered,
then the defrost schedule (specified for the previous input field) will be used. The use of Compact
Schedules (ref. Schedules) are ideal for this purpose.

1.34.20.1.26 Field: Defrost Power

The defrost power in watts. This input is required for hot-fluid (hot gas or hot brine), or electric
defrost types. Refrigeration chiller manufacturers do not typically provide information on the heat
input for hot gas and hot brine defrost. Information provided for electric defrost power can be
substituted here for refrigeration chillers using hot-gas or hot-brine defrost if other information
is not available. Only electric Defrost Types consume electricity during the defrost period. The
entered value for this field must be greater than or equal to zero.

1.34.20.1.27 Field: Temperature Termination Defrost Fraction to Ice

When cooling coils go through a defrost cycle, only a portion of the defrost energy is actually
used to melt the ice. The rest of the defrost energy goes to increasing the temperature of the
coils themselves and to the refrigeration chiller environment. The Temperature Termination defrost
control type calculates the end of the defrost cycle that corresponds to melting all the ice. Therefore,
the user must input this fractional value. The default value is 0.7 for electric defrost and 0.3 for
hot fluid defrost. Refer to the Engineering Reference for further information on how the defrost
energy control types are modeled.

1.34.20.1.28 Field: Vertical Location

The vertical location for this refrigeration chiller. Valid choices are Floor, Middle, and Ceiling.
The default is Middle if the field is blank. The vertical location is used to transform the mixed zone
air temperature to the coil inlet air temperature. Refer to the Engineering Reference for further
information on how the different vertical locations are modeled.

1.34.20.1.29 Field: Average Refrigerant Charge Inventory

The value of this optional field is the refrigerant inventory present in the refrigeration chiller
during ordinary operation. The value is used to produce an estimate of the total refrigerant present
in the refrigeration system. The value is entered in kg.
The following is an example input for a refrigeration air chiller.
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1575

Refrigeration:AirChiller ,
Freezer_1AirChiller_1 , !- Name
AvailAllYear , !- Availability Schedule Name
UnitLoadFactorSensibleOnly , !- Capacity Rating Type
10900. , !- Rated Unit Load Factor {W/deltaC}
, !- Rated Capacity {W}
, !- Rated Relative Humidity
-26., !- Rated Cooling Source Temperature {C}
8., !- Rated Temperature Difference DT1 {DeltaC}
11., !- Maximum Temperature Difference DT1 {DeltaC}
, !- Material Correction Factor
, !- Refrigerant Correction Factor
LinearSHR60 , !- Capacity Correction Curve Type
, !- Capacity Correction Curve Name
1.5, !- SHR60 Correction Factor {dimensionless}
200., !- Rated Total Heating Power {W}
AirChillerDripDownSched1 , !- Heating Power Schedule Name
, !- Fan Speed Control Type
375., !- Rated Fan Power {W}
12.4, !- Rated Air Flow {m3/s}
, !- Minimum Fan Air Flow Ratio
Electric , !- Defrost Type
TimeSchedule , !- Defrost Control Type
AirChillerDefrostSched1 , !- Defrost Schedule Name
AirChillerDripDownSched1 , !- Defrost Drip -Down Schedule Name
55066. , !- Defrost Power {W}
, !- Temperature Termination Defrost Fraction to Ice
, !- Vertical Location
; !- Average Refrigerant Charge Inventory {kg}

The following is an example input for a refrigeration air chiller.

Refrigeration:AirChiller ,
Freezer_1AirChiller_1 , !- Name
AvailAllYear , !- Availability Schedule Name
UnitLoadFactorSensibleOnly , !- Capacity Rating Type
10900. , !- Rated Unit Load Factor {W/deltaC}
, !- Rated Capacity {W}
, !- Rated Relative Humidity
-26., !- Rated Cooling Source Temperature {C}
8., !- Rated Temperature Difference DT1 {DeltaC}
11., !- Maximum Temperature Difference DT1 {DeltaC}
, !- Material Correction Factor
, !- Refrigerant Correction Factor
LinearSHR60 , !- Capacity Correction Curve Type
, !- Capacity Correction Curve Name
1.5, !- SHR60 Correction Factor {dimensionless}
200., !- Rated Total Heating Power {W}
AirChillerDripDownSched1 , !- Heating Power Schedule Name
, !- Fan Speed Control Type
375., !- Rated Fan Power {W}
12.4, !- Rated Air Flow {m3/s}
, !- Minimum Fan Air Flow Ratio
Electric , !- Defrost Type
TimeSchedule , !- Defrost Control Type
AirChillerDefrostSched1 , !- Defrost Schedule Name
AirChillerDripDownSched1 , !- Defrost Drip -Down Schedule Name
55066. , !- Defrost Power {W}
, !- Temperature Termination Defrost Fraction to Ice
, !- Vertical Location
; !- Average Refrigerant Charge Inventory {kg}
1576 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.34.20.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Total Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Total Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Latent Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Latent Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Water Removed Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Total Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Total Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Fan Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Fan Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Heater Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Heater Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Sensible Heat Ratio []

• HVAC,Average,Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Frost Accumulation Mass [kg]

• HVAC,Average,Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Zone Total Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Zone Total Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Zone Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Zone Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Zone Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Zone Heating Energy [J]

Report only for Air Chillers using electric defrost

• HVAC,Average,Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Defrost Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Defrost Electric Energy [J]

Report for each Zone exchanging energy with the Air Chiller

• HVAC,Average,Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Heating Rate [W]

1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1577

• HVAC,Sum,Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Latent Cooling Rate [W]
• HVAC,Sum,Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Latent Cooling Energy [J
• HVAC,Average,Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Total Cooling Rate [W]
• HVAC,Sum,Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Total Cooling Energy [J]
• HVAC,Average,Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Water Removed Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

1.34.20.2.1 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Total Cooling Rate [W]

This field is the total (sensible plus latent) cooling rate of the Air Chiller evaporator coil in
Watts.

1.34.20.2.2 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Total Cooling Energy [J]

This field is the total (sensible plus latent) cooling of the Air Chiller evaporator coil in Joules
over the timestep being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type
= EnergyTransfer, End Use Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Building (Ref. Output:Meter
objects).

1.34.20.2.3 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

1.34.20.2.4 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Sensible Heat Transfer Rate [W]
This field is the sensible cooling rate of the Air Chiller evaporator coil in Watts.

1.34.20.2.5 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

1.34.20.2.6 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Sensible Heat Transfer Energy [J]
This field is the sensible cooling of the Air Chiller evaporator coil in Joules over the timestep
being reported.

1.34.20.2.7 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Latent Cooling Rate [W]

This field is the latent cooling (dehumidification) rate of the Air Chiller evaporator coil in
Watts.

1.34.20.2.8 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Latent Cooling Energy [J]

This field is the latent cooling (dehumidification) of the Air Chiller evaporator coil in Joules
over the timestep being reported.

1.34.20.2.9 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Water Removed Mass Flow Rate
[kg/s]
This field is the latent cooling (dehumidification) of the Air Chiller evaporator coil in kilograms
per second over the timestep being reported.

1.34.20.2.10 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Total Electric Power [W]

This field is the total electricity (fan, heaters, lights, and electric defrost) used by the Air Chiller
in Watts.
1578 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.34.20.2.11 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Total Electric Energy [J]

This field is the electricity (fan, heaters, lights, and electric defrost)used by the Refrigeration
chiller in Joules over the timestep being reported.

1.34.20.2.12 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Fan Electric Power [W]

This field is the electric power input to the Air Chiller fan(s) in Watts.

1.34.20.2.13 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Fan Electric Energy [J]

This field is the electricity consumption of the Air Chiller fan(s) in Joules over the timestep
being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use
Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Building (Ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.34.20.2.14 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Heater Electric Power [W]

This field is the electric power input to the Air Chiller heaters in Watts.

1.34.20.2.15 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Heater Electric Energy [J]

This field is the total electricity consumption of the Air Chiller heaters in Joules over the
timestep being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity,
End Use Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Building (Ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.34.20.2.16 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Defrost Electric Power [W]

This field is the electric power input to the Air Chiller electric defrost heater(s) in Watts. This
output is available if case defrost type is Electric.

1.34.20.2.17 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Defrost Electric Energy [J]

This field is the total electricity consumption of the Air Chiller electric defrost heater(s) in
Joules over the timestep being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type
= Electricity, End Use Key = Refrigeration, Group Key = Building (Ref. Output:Meter objects).
This output is available if case defrost type is Electric.

1.34.20.2.18 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Sensible Heat Ratio

This field is the Sensible Cooling Energy Rate divided by the Total Cooling Energy Rate.

1.34.20.2.19 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Frost Accumulation Mass [kg]

This field is the total amount of frost present on the coil during the timestep being reported.

1.34.20.2.20 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Zone Total Cooling Rate [W]
This field is the rate of total cooling delivered to the zone in Watts. A positive value is reported
when the zone is cooled by the air chiller, otherwise a zero is reported.

1.34.20.2.21 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Zone Total Cooling Energy [J]
This field is the amount of total cooling energy delivered to the zone in Joules. A positive value
is reported when the zone is cooled by the air chiller, otherwise a zero is reported.

1.34.20.2.22 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Zone Sensible Cooling Rate [W]
This field is the rate of sensible cooling delivered to the zone in Watts. A positive value is
reported when the zone is cooled by the air chiller, otherwise a zero is reported.
1.34. GROUP – REFRIGERATION 1579

1.34.20.2.23 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Zone Sensible Cooling Energy [J]
This field is the amount of sensible cooling energy delivered to the zone in Joules. A positive
value is reported when the zone is cooled by the air chiller, otherwise a zero is reported.

1.34.20.2.24 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Zone Heating Rate [W]

This field is the rate of sensible heating delivered to the zone in Watts. A positive value is
reported when the zone is heated by the air chiller (typically only occurs during defrost), otherwise
a zero is reported.

1.34.20.2.25 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Zone Heating Energy [J]

This field is the amount of sensible heating energy delivered to the zone in Joules. A positive
value is reported when the zone is heated by the air chiller (typically only occurs during defrost),
otherwise a zero is reported.
The following output variables are available for each zone served by any Air Chiller. An output
variable identification is created for each zone exchanging energy with the Air Chiller. For example
if the Air Chiller, “DairyRefrigeration chiller”, were exchanging energy with the zone, “SalesArea”,
the output variable identification would be “DairyRefrigeration chillerInZoneSalesArea”.

1.34.20.2.26 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

This field is the rate of sensible cooling delivered to the zone, net of any auxiliary heat input, in
Watts..

1.34.20.2.27 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

This field is the amount of sensible cooling energy, net of any auxiliary heat input, delivered to
the zone in Joules.

1.34.20.2.28 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Latent Cooling Rate [W]

This field is the rate of latent cooling (dehumidification) delivered to the zone in Watts. A
negative value will be reported when the Air Chiller provides dehumidification (thereby reducing
the zone latent load).

1.34.20.2.29 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Water Removed Mass Flow

Rate [kg/s]
This field is the rate of latent cooling (dehumidification) delivered to the zone in kg/s. A
negative value (or zero) will be reported when the Air Chiller provides dehumidification (thereby
reducing the zone latent load).

1.34.20.2.30 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Latent Cooling Energy [J]

This field is the amount of latent cooling (dehumidification) energy delivered to the zone in
Joules. A negative value (or zero) will be reported when the Air Chiller provides dehumidification
(thereby reducing the zone latent load).

1.34.20.2.31 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Total Cooling Rate [W]

This field is the total rate of cooling, sensible plus latent, delivered to the zone in Watts.
1580 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.34.20.2.32 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Total Cooling Energy [J]

This field is the total amount of cooling, sensible plus latent, energy delivered to the zone in
Joules.

1.34.20.2.33 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Heating Rate [W]

This field is the rate of net heating due to any auxiliary or defrost heat input delivered to the
zone, in Watts.

1.34.20.2.34 Refrigeration Zone Air Chiller Heating Energy [J]

This field is the amount of net heating energy due to any auxiliary heat input, delivered to the
zone in Joules.

1.35 Group - Zone Controls - Thermostats and Hu-

midistats
Zone Control objects are used to control zone conditions to a specific setpoint. The six types of
zone control are described in this section. They are, by name, ZoneControl:<name>.. These
types are:
Thermostat - The object provides the traditional approach to space control using air temper-
atures. Each controlled zone contains a thermostat object.
Humidistat - The object is used to control a zone to a specified relative humidity.
Thermostat:ThermalComfort - The object provides a method to control a zone to a dry-
bulb temperature setpoint based on a thermal comfort model (e.g. Fanger) and a user-specified
thermal comfort setpoint schedule.
Thermostat:OperativeTemperature - The operative temperature control is formulated to
reuse all of the traditional thermostat objects. One input object will be used for each thermal
zone to indicate if that zone s thermostat control mode should be overridden to effect operative
temperature control rather than traditional air temperature control. The user will still have to
input all the traditional ZoneControl:Thermostat and setpoint objects.
Thermostat:TemperatureAndHumidity - This thermostat control works together with the
traditional ZoneControl:Thermostat object to modify temperature control based on zone air hu-
midity conditions. Currently, this object resets the thermostat s cooling setpoint temperature
downward based on elevated zone air humidity levels, typically yielding additional cooling coil
operation and associated dehumidification. A ZoneControl:Thermostat:TemperatureAndHumidity
object should be specified to indicate if a zone s traditional thermostat control mode should be over-
ridden to provide enhanced dehumidification. The user must still input the traditional ZoneCon-
trol:Thermostat and setpoint objects.
Thermostat:StagedDualSetpoint - This thermostat control works alone with “Dual Set-
point” type only. The object provides heating and cooling setpoints, throttling range and offsets,
so that zone temperature setpoint used for system load calculation is adjusted by the setpoint
and throttling range based on the zone temperature at the previous time step. The stage num-
ber is determined by the temperature difference between the setpoint and zone temperature at
the previous time step, and offset values. If this object and other zone control thermostat and
humidistat are assigned to the same controlled zone, this object takes precedence when the con-
trolled zone is specified in the Controlling Zone or Thermostat Location field of the AirLoopH-
VAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed object.
1.35. GROUP - ZONE CONTROLS - THERMOSTATS AND HUMIDISTATS 1581

1.35.1 ZoneControl:Thermostat
The thermostatic zone control object is used to control a zone to a specified temperature. ZoneCon-
trol:Thermostat references a control type schedule and one or more control type objects which in
turn reference one or more setpoint schedules. The example at the end of this section illustrates a
complete zone thermostat specification including the control type and setpoint schedules.
The control type schedule and the list of control type/name pairs are directly related. The
schedule defines the type of control that is to be used throughout the simulation. Valid Control
Types are:
0 - Uncontrolled (No specification or default)
1 - Single Heating Setpoint
2 - Single Cooling SetPoint
3 - Single Heating/Cooling Setpoint
4 - Dual Setpoint (Heating and Cooling) with deadband
Thus, if the schedule referenced in the ZoneControl:Thermostat statement has a control type
of 4 for a particular time period, this indicates that during that time period “Dual Setpoint with
deadband” control is to be used. The specific “Dual Setpoint (Heating and Cooling) with deadband”
control object to be used is specified in the list of control type/name pairs. Then the specific control
type objects reference the thermostat setpoint temperature schedule to be used. Because only one
control can be specified for each control type in a ZoneControl:Thermostat statement, there are
only four pairs possible in a particular ZoneControl:Thermostat type/name list. This is because
individual controls can be defined throughout the simulation, thus giving the user a full range of
flexibility. Since putting in the name of the control type directly in the schedule would be very
cumbersome, the control types are assigned a number which is used in the schedule profile.

1.35.1.1 Inputs
1.35.1.1.1 Field: Name
Unique identifying name for the thermostat.

1.35.1.1.2 Field: Zone or ZoneList Name

Name of the zone or set of zones that is being controlled. When the ZoneList option is used
then this thermostat definition is applied to each of the zones in the zone list effecting a global
definition for thermostatic control in the zone.

1.35.1.1.3 Field: Control Type Schedule Name

Schedule which defines what type of control is active during the simulation. Valid Control
Types are:
0 - Uncontrolled (No specification or default)
1 - Single Heating Setpoint
2 - Single Cooling SetPoint
3 - Single Heating Cooling Setpoint
4 - Dual Setpoint with Deadband (Heating and Cooling)
Each non-zero control type which is used in this schedule must appear in the following fields
which list the specific thermostat control objects to be used for this zone.
1582 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.35.1.1.4 Field Set (Control Object Type, Control Name)

Up to four pairs of Control Object Type and Control Name may be listed to specify which
control objects are used for this zone. This list is not order-dependent, and the position in this
list has no impact on the control type schedule. In the control type schedule, a value of 1 always
means “Single Heating Setpoint”, even if that control type is not first in this list.

1.35.1.1.5 Field: Control Object <x>Type

This field specifies the control type to be used for this zone. Available control types are:
ThermostatSetpoint:SingleHeating
ThermostatSetpoint:SingleCooling
ThermostatSetpoint:SingleHeatingOrCooling
ThermostatSetpoint:DualSetpoint

1.35.1.1.6 Field: Control <x> Name

The corresponding control type name. The name is used in an object with the name of the
control type and specifies the schedule.
An example of this statement in an IDF is:

ZoneControl:Thermostat , Zone 3 Thermostat , NORTH ZONE ,

Zone Control Type Sched ,
DUAL SETPOINT WITH DEADBAND , VAV Setpoints;

An example of a global thermostat:

ZoneList ,AllControlledZones ,SPACE1 -1,SPACE2 -1,SPACE3 -1,SPACE4 -1,SPACE5 -1;

ZoneControl:Thermostat ,
AllControlledZones Thermostat , !- Name
AllControlledZones , !- Zone Name
Zone Control Type Sched , !- Control Type Schedule Name
ThermostatSetpoint :SingleCooling , !- Control 1 Object Type
CoolingSetPoint , !- Control 1 Name
ThermostatSetpoint :SingleHeating , !- Control 2 Object Type
HeatingSetpoint , !- Control 2 Name
ThermostatSetpoint :DualSetpoint , !- Control 3 Object Type
DualSetPoint; !- Control 3 Name

A complete zone thermostat example showing this statement and all of the objects it must
reference is:

! Zone control object which links thermostats to a particular zone

ZoneControl:Thermostat , Zone 2 Thermostat , EAST ZONE ,
Zone Control Type Sched ,
ThermostatSetpoint :SingleCooling , Cooling Setpoint with SB ,
ThermostatSetpoint :SingleHeating; Heating Setpoint with SB;

! Control type objects these may be used in more than one zone
ThermostatSetpoint :SingleCooling ,
Cooling Setpoint with SB ,
Cooling Setpoints;

ThermostatSetpoint :SingleHeating ,
Heating Setpoint with SB ,
Heating Setpoints;

! Schedule type definitions

ScheduleTypeLimits ,Temperature , -60:200 , CONTINUOUS;
ScheduleTypeLimits ,Control Type ,0:4, DISCRETE;
1.35. GROUP - ZONE CONTROLS - THERMOSTATS AND HUMIDISTATS 1583

! Control type schedule definition

Schedule:Compact , Zone Control Type Sched , Control Type ,
Through: 3/31,
For: AllDays ,
Until: 24:00 , 1, !- Single Heating
Through: 9/30,
For: AllDays ,
Until: 24:00 , 2, !- Single Cooling
Through: 12/31 ,
For: AllDays ,
Until: 24:00 , 1; !- Single Heating

! Heating setpoint schedule definition

Schedule:Compact , Heating Setpoints , Temperature ,
Through: 12/31 ,
For: AllDays ,
Until: 7:00, 15.,
Until: 17:00 ,20. ,
Until: 24:00 ,15.;

! Cooling setpoint schedule definition

Schedule:Compact , Cooling Setpoints , Temperature ,
Through: 12/31 ,
For: AllDays ,
Until: 7:00, 30.,
Until: 20:00 ,23. ,
Until: 24:00 ,30.;

1.35.1.2 Outputs
Outputs available from controlled zones. The “key” in the below is the Zone Name.

• HVAC,Average,Zone Predicted Sensible Load to Setpoint Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Predicted Sensible Load to Heating Setpoint Heat Transfer Rate [W]
• HVAC,Average,Zone Predicted Sensible Load to Cooling Setpoint Heat Transfer Rate [W]
• Zone,Average,Zone Thermostat Control Type []
• Zone,Average,Zone Thermostat Heating Setpoint Temperature [C]
• Zone,Average,Zone Thermostat Cooling Setpoint Temperature [C]
• HVAC,Sum,Facility Any Zone Oscillating Temperatures Time [hr]
• Zone,Sum,Zone Heating Setpoint Not Met Time [hr]
• Zone,Sum,Zone Heating Setpoint Not Met While Occupied Time [hr]
• Zone,Sum,Zone Cooling Setpoint Not Met Time [hr]
• Zone,Sum,Zone Cooling Setpoint Not Met While Occupied Time [hr]
• Zone,Sum,Facility Heating Setpoint Not Met Time [hr]
• Zone,Sum,Facility Cooling Setpoint Not Met Time [hr]
• Zone,Sum,Facility Heating Setpoint Not Met While Occupied Time [hr]
• Zone,Sum,Facility Cooling Setpoint Not Met While Occupied Time [hr]
1584 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.35.1.2.1 Zone Predicted Sensible Load to Setpoint Heat Transfer Rate [W]
This is the predicted sensible load in W required to meet the current zone thermostat setpoint.
A positive value indicates a heating load, a negative value indicates a cooling load. This is cal-
culated and reported from the Predict step in the Zone Predictor-Corrector module. For nearly
all equipment types, the Predictor-Corrector evaluates the active heating and/or cooling setpoints,
determines if the zone requires heating or cooling or is in the deadband, and then passes this single
load to the equipment. This value is not multiplied by zone or group multipliers.

1.35.1.2.2 Zone Predicted Sensible Load to Heating Setpoint Heat Transfer

Rate [W]
This is the predicted sensible load in W required to meet the current zone thermostat heating
setpoint. A positive value indicates a heating load, a negative value indicates a cooling load. This
is calculated and reported from the Predict step in the Zone Predictor-Corrector module. This
value is not multiplied by zone or group multipliers.

1.35.1.2.3 Zone Predicted Sensible Load to Cooling Setpoint Heat Transfer Rate
[W]
This is the predicted sensible load in W required to meet the current zone thermostat cooling
setpoint. A positive value indicates a heating load, a negative value indicates a cooling load. This
is calculated and reported from the Predict step in the Zone Predictor-Corrector module. This
value is not multiplied by zone or group multipliers.

1.35.1.2.4 Zone Thermostat Control Type []

This is the current zone thermostat control type (0 through 4). This value is set at each zone
timestep. Using the averaged value for longer reporting frequencies (hourly, for example) may not
be meaningful in some applications.

1.35.1.2.5 Zone Thermostat Heating Setpoint Temperature [C]

This is the current zone thermostat heating setpoint in degrees C. If there is no heating ther-
mostat active, then the value will be 0. This value is set at each zone timestep. Using the averaged
value for longer reporting frequencies (hourly, for example) may not be meaningful in some appli-
cations.
When the Thermostat:StagedDualSetpoint object is applied to the current zone, this output
variable reports staged zone heating setpoint. When the staged number is not equal to zero, both
staged heating and cooling setpoints are the same. When no cooling or heating is required, the
staged heating setpoint is equal to the scheduled heating setpoint 0.5 * heating throttling range,
and the staged cooling setpoint is equal to the scheduled cooling setpoint + 0.5 * cooling throttling
range.

1.35.1.2.6 Zone Thermostat Cooling Setpoint Temperature [C]

This is the current zone thermostat cooling setpoint in degrees C. If there is no cooling thermo-
stat active, then the value will be 0. This value is set at each zone timestep. Using the averaged
value for longer reporting frequencies (hourly, for example) may not be meaningful in some appli-
cations.
When the Thermostat:StagedDualSetpoint object is applied to the current zone, this output
variable reports staged zone cooling setpoint. When the staged number is not equal to zero, both
staged heating and cooling setpoints are the same. When no cooling or heating is required, the
1.35. GROUP - ZONE CONTROLS - THERMOSTATS AND HUMIDISTATS 1585

staged heating setpoint is equal to the scheduled heating setpoint 0.5 * heating throttling range,
and the staged cooling setpoint is equal to the scheduled cooling setpoint + 0.5 * cooling throttling
range.

1.35.1.2.7 Zone Thermostat Stage Number []

This is the current zone thermostat stage number when the ZoneControl:Thermostat:StagedDualSetpoint
object is specified in this zone. When no heating or cooling is required, the stage num-
ber is set to 0. When heating is required, the stage number is positive. When cooling
is required, the stage number is negative. The absolute number is sent to the AirLoopH-
VAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed object to specify the speed number accordingly.

1.35.1.2.8 Zone Heating Setpoint Not Met Time [hr]

Hours when the zone temperature is lower than 0.2 (default) degrees C below the heating
setpoint. See the OutputControl:ReportingTolerances object to change the reporting range from
0.2 degrees C.

1.35.1.2.9 Zone Heating Setpoint Not Met While Occupied Time [hr]
Hours when the zone temperature is lower than 0.2 (default) degrees C below the heating
setpoint and when people are present in the zone. To change the reporting range from 0.2 degrees
C, see the OutputControl:ReportingTolerances object.

1.35.1.2.10 Zone Cooling Setpoint Not Met Time [hr]

Hours when the zone temperature is greater than 0.2 (default) degrees C above the cooling
setpoint. See the OutputControl:ReportingTolerances object to change the reporting range from
0.2 degrees C.

1.35.1.2.11 Zone Cooling Setpoint Not Met While Occupied Time [hr]
Hours when the zone temperature is greater than 0.2 (default) degrees C above the cooling
setpoint and when people are present in the zone. To change the reporting range from 0.2 degrees
C, see the OutputControl:ReportingTolerances object.

1.35.1.2.12 Facility Heating Setpoint Not Met Time [hr]

Hours when the zone temperature is lower than 0.2 (default) degrees C below the heating
setpoint in any one or more zones. See the OutputControl:ReportingTolerances object to change
the reporting range from 0.2 degrees C.

1.35.1.2.13 Facility Heating Setpoint Not Met While Occupied Time [hr]
Hours when the zone temperature is lower than 0.2 (default) degrees C below the heating
setpoint and when people are present in any one or more zones. To change the reporting range
from 0.2 degrees C, see the OutputControl:ReportingTolerances object.

1.35.1.2.14 Facility Cooling Setpoint Not Met Time [hr]

Hours when the zone temperature is greater than 0.2 (default) degrees C above the cooling
setpoint in any one or more zones. See the OutputControl:ReportingTolerances object to change
the reporting range from 0.2 degrees C.
1586 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.35.1.2.15 Facility Cooling Setpoint Not Met While Occupied Time [hr]
Hours when the zone temperature is greater than 0.2 (default) degrees C above the cooling
setpoint and when people are present in any one or more zones. To change the reporting range
from 0.2 degrees C, see the OutputControl:ReportingTolerances object.

1.35.1.2.16 Zone Oscillating Temperatures Time[hr]

Hours when the temperature in the zone is oscillating back and forth. Oscillation is defined as
times when the three differences between zone temperatures during successive timesteps are greater
in magnitude than 0.15 degrees C and the sign of the differences changes from positive to negative
to positive or from negative to positive to negative.
This may indicate a simulation with reduced reliability during the oscillation. Some oscillating
hours should be expected in all simulations but excessive oscillations call into question the overall
validity of the results. If excessive oscillations are occurring, try reducing the minimum system
timestep (see ConvergenceLimits object) and the zone timestep (see the TimeStep object). Reduc-
ing these timestep lengths does increase the total computer time needed to complete the simulation.
Having the zone timestep and the minimum system timestep the same length of time can also cause
more oscillations. What amount of oscillations is considered excessive is difficult to quantify. One
approach is comparing the number of oscillations to the case with 15 minute zone timesteps (4 per
hour) and 1 minute minimum system timesteps. Often this variable is used as an indicator of the
validity of the results when trying to decrease the time needed to perform the simulation.

1.35.1.2.17 Facility Any Zone Oscillating Temperatures Time[hr]

Hours when any zone in the building has oscillations. See Zone Oscillating Temperatures Time
definition above.

1.35.2 Zone Thermostat Setpoints

The syntax for the current set of four zone thermostat setpoint objects is given below. In each
case, the keyword is accompanied by an identifying name and either one or two schedule names
(depending on whether the control is a single or dual setpoint control). The schedule defines a
temperature setpoint for the control type. The schedule would be defined through the standard
schedule syntax described earlier in this document. For an uncontrolled zone no thermostat is
specified or necessary.

1.35.3 ThermostatSetpoint:SingleHeating
This would be for a heating only thermostat. The setpoint can be scheduled and varied throughout
the simulation but only heating is allowed with this control type.

1.35.3.1 Inputs
1.35.3.1.1 Field: Name
Unique name for this control type.

1.35.3.1.2 Field: Setpoint Temperature Schedule Name

The name of the associated schedule. Values in the schedule are temperatures {C}.
1.35. GROUP - ZONE CONTROLS - THERMOSTATS AND HUMIDISTATS 1587

1.35.4 ThermostatSetpoint:SingleCooling
This would be for a cooling only thermostat. The setpoint can be scheduled and varied throughout
the simulation but only cooling is allowed.

1.35.4.1 Inputs
1.35.4.1.1 Field: Name
Unique name for this control type.

1.35.4.1.2 Field: Setpoint Temperature Schedule Name

The name of the associated schedule. Values in the schedule are temperatures {C}.

1.35.5 ThermostatSetpoint:SingleHeatingOrCooling
This would be for heating and cooling thermostat but only heating or cooling can be scheduled at
any given time period. The setpoint can be scheduled and varied throughout the simulation for
both heating and cooling.

1.35.5.1 Inputs
1.35.5.1.1 Field: Name
Unique name for this control type.

1.35.5.1.2 Field: Setpoint Temperature Schedule Name

The name of the associated schedule. Values in the schedule are temperatures {C}.

1.35.6 ThermostatSetpoint:DualSetpoint
This would be for heating and cooling thermostat where both a heating and cooling setpoint can
be scheduled for any given time period. The setpoint can be scheduled and varied throughout the
simulation for both heating and cooling.

1.35.6.1 Inputs
1.35.6.1.1 Field: Name
Unique name for this control type.

1.35.6.1.2 Field: Heating Setpoint Temperature Schedule Name

The heating temperature schedule. Values in the schedule are temperatures {C}.

1.35.6.1.3 Field: Cooling Setpoint Temperature Schedule Name

The cooling temperature schedule. Values in the schedule are temperatures {C}.
Examples of these statements in an IDF are:

ThermostatSetpoint:SingleHeating , Heating Setpoint with SB , Heating Setpoints;

ThermostatSetpoint :SingleCooling , Cooling Setpoint with SB , Cooling Setpoints;
ThermostatSetpoint :SingleHeatingOrCooling , Heating Cooling Setpoint Sched , Heating Cooling
Setpoints;
ThermostatSetpoint :DualSetpoint , VAV Setpoints , Heating Setpoints , Cooling Setpoints;
1588 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.35.7 ZoneControl:Thermostat:OperativeTemperature
This object is used to modify the program s behavior for ZoneControl:Thermostat objects. One
input object is used for each thermal zone to indicate if that zone s thermostat control mode
should be overridden to effect operative temperature control rather than traditional air temperature
control. Zone Control:Thermostatic and related set point objects also need to be included in the
input file. When this object is used, the zone can be controlled by a weighted mixture of radiant
and air temperatures (rather than just air temperatures).
This thermostatic operative temperature, TOP , is defined as:

TOP = γTM RT + (1 − γ)Tdrybulb (1.141)

where,
γ is the radiative fraction,
TM RT is the mean radiant temperature for the thermal zone, and
Tdrybulb is the mean zone air temperature.
The radiative fraction γ is selected by the user and can be scheduled to vary during the sim-
ulation. A typical value is 0.5. The maximum value needs to be less than 0.9 and the minimum
is 0.0. A value of 0.0 is the same as controlling on only zone air temperature. If air velocities are
higher than 0.2 m/s, then lower values for radiative fraction might apply. Niu and Burnett (1998)
cite International Standard ISO 77300 in recommending the values for this fraction listed in the
following table.

Table 1.44: Radiative Fraction vs Air Velocity (Operative

Temperature Control)

Air Velocity (m/s) < 0.2 0.2 to 0.6 0.6 to 1.0

γ 0.5 0.4 0.3

Reference: J. Niu and J. Burnett. 1998. Integrating Radiant/Operative Temperature Controls

into Building Energy Simulations. ASHRAE Transactions Vol. 104. Part 2. page 210. ASHRAE.
Atlanta, GA.

1.35.7.1 Inputs
1.35.7.1.1 Field: Thermostat Name
Name of ZoneControl:Thermostat object defined elsewhere in the input file whose operation is
to be modified to effect control based on operative temperature. If the ZoneControl:Thermostat
references a ZoneList (set of zones) then, this operative temperature thermostat will be applied to
each of those zones. If only a single thermostat/zone is desired, then the name to be put here is
<zone name> <Thermostat Name> where the Thermostat name is the thermostat that referenced
the set of zones.

1.35.7.1.2 Field: Radiative Fraction Input Mode

This field controls whether the input for radiative fraction is a constant value or if it is entered
using a schedule. Enter Constant here to use a fixed radiative fraction defined in the following
field. Enter Scheduled to vary the radiative fraction according to the schedule named in the
second field below.
1.35. GROUP - ZONE CONTROLS - THERMOSTATS AND HUMIDISTATS 1589

1.35.7.1.3 Field: Fixed Radiative Fraction

This is the fraction, γ, of the operative temperature that is due to the mean radiant temperature
in the zone. This field is used by the program if the previous field is set to Constant.

1.35.7.1.4 Field: Radiative Fraction Schedule Name

This field contains the name of a schedule, defined elsewhere, that determines the value for
radiative fraction γ during the simulation period. This schedule should have fractional values from
0.0 to 0.9. When the value of this schedule is 0.0, the controlling will be equivalent to control based
only on zone air temperature. This field is used by the program if the Input Mode field is set to
Scheduled.
Note that by setting the values in this schedule separately for design days, the user can control
how operative temperature control is applied during autosizing. (Operative temperature control
tends to increase the equipment capacities calculated during sizing.)
An example of this object follows.
ZoneControl:Thermostat:OperativeTemperature ,
Zone 1 Thermostat , !- ZoneControl:Thermostat Name
Constant , !- Radiative Fraction Input Mode
0.5, !- Fixed Radiative Fraction
; !- Radiative Fraction Schedule

Global operative temperature applied to all zones for a global thermostat:

ZoneList ,AllControlledZones ,SPACE1 -1,SPACE2 -1,SPACE3 -1,SPACE4 -1,SPACE5 -1;

ZoneControl:Thermostat ,
AllControlledZones Thermostat , !- Name
AllControlledZones , !- Zone Name
Zone Control Type Sched , !- Control Type Schedule Name
ThermostatSetpoint :SingleCooling , !- Control 1 Object Type
CoolingSetPoint , !- Control 1 Name
ThermostatSetpoint :SingleHeating , !- Control 2 Object Type
HeatingSetpoint , !- Control 2 Name
ThermostatSetpoint :DualSetpoint , !- Control 3 Object Type
DualSetPoint; !- Control 3 Name

ZoneControl:Thermostat:OperativeTemperature ,
AllControlledZones Thermostat , !- Thermostat Name
CONSTANT , !- Radiative Fraction Input Mode
0.4; !- Fixed Radiative Fraction

Global operative temperature referencing a single zone from the list:

ZoneList ,AllControlledZones ,SPACE1 -1,SPACE2 -1,SPACE3 -1,SPACE4 -1,SPACE5 -1;

ZoneControl:Thermostat ,
AllControlledZones Thermostat , !- Name
AllControlledZones , !- Zone Name
Zone Control Type Sched , !- Control Type Schedule Name
ThermostatSetpoint :SingleCooling , !- Control 1 Object Type
CoolingSetPoint , !- Control 1 Name
ThermostatSetpoint :SingleHeating , !- Control 2 Object Type
HeatingSetpoint , !- Control 2 Name
ThermostatSetpoint :DualSetpoint , !- Control 3 Object Type
DualSetPoint; !- Control 3 Name

ZoneControl:Thermostat:OperativeTemperature ,
SPACE3 -1 AllControlledZones Thermostat , !- Thermostat Name
CONSTANT , !- Radiative Fraction Input Mode
0.4; !- Fixed Radiative Fraction
1590 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.35.7.2 Outputs
• Zone,Average,Zone Thermostat Operative Temperature [C]

1.35.7.2.1 Zone Thermostat Operative Temperature [C]

Operative temperature (OT) is a weighted mixture of Zone Mean Air Temperature (MAT)
and Zone Mean Radiant Temperature (MRT), using the current value of Radiative Fraction (RF):
OT = (1-RF)*MAT + RF*MAT. This output variable does not include the direct effect of high
temperature radiant systems. See also Zone Operative Temperature.

1.35.8 ZoneControl:Thermostat:TemperatureAndHumidity
This object is used to modify the behavior of ZoneControl:Thermostat objects (control types Ther-
mostatSetpoint:SingleCooling and ThermostatSetpoint:DualSetpoint only) based on zone air hu-
midity conditions. Specifically, this TemperatureAndHumidity zone control resets the ZoneCon-
trol:Thermostat s cooling setpoint temperature downward when the zone air relative humidity
exceeds the Dehumidifying Relative Humidity Setpoint defined in this object. The reduced cooling
setpoint temperature typically results in longer cooling coil runtimes and additional dehumidifica-
tion. The rate at which the cooling setpoint temperature is reduced is dictated by the user-specified
Overcool Control Ratio. The maximum reduction in cooling setpoint temperature is defined by the
user-entered OverCool Range (user choice of a constant value for the entire simulation or a schedule
that can define how the overcool range varies over time). For details regarding the calculations, see
the EnergyPlus Engineering Reference.
Note: As described above, this ZoneControl:Thermostat:TemperatureAndHumidity control
object modifies the cooling setpoint temperature of ZoneControl:Thermostat objects. The
ZoneControl:Thermostat:TemperatureAndHumidity object works independently of the ZoneCon-
trol:Humidistat object; that is, it does not replace the need for, or coordinate its input fields
with, ZoneControl:Humidistat objects that are required for other types of high humidity control
(e.g., ZoneControl:Humidstat objects are required for ZoneHVAC:Dehumidifier:DX objects,
AirLoopHVAC:Unitary* objects with CoolReheat or MultiMode dehumidification control types,
etc.)

1.35.8.1 Inputs
1.35.8.1.1 Field: Thermostat Name
Name of ZoneControl:Thermostat object defined elsewhere in the input file whose operation
is to be modified to effect temperature control based on zone air humidity conditions. If the
ZoneControl:Thermostat references a ZoneList (set of zones), then simply enter the name of the
ZoneControl:Thermostat object and this TemperatureAndHumidity thermostat control will be ap-
plied to all zones in the ZoneList. If the ZoneControl:Thermostat references a ZoneList but it is
desired that only a single zone within the ZoneList be controlled based on TemperatureAndHu-
midity control, then the name to be put here is <zone name> <Thermostat Name> where the
Thermostat Name is the name of the ZoneControl:Thermostat object.

1.35.8.1.2 Field: Dehumidifying Relative Humidity Setpoint Schedule Name

Name of a schedule that defines the dehumidifying relative humidity setpoint, expressed as a
percentage (0-100), for each timestep of the simulation. This input field is required. This input
1.35. GROUP - ZONE CONTROLS - THERMOSTATS AND HUMIDISTATS 1591

field has absolutely no relationship or influence on the Dehumidifying Relative Humidity Setpoint
Schedule Name optional input field in the ZoneControl:Humidistat object.

1.35.8.1.3 Field:Dehumidification Control Type

This input field defines what type of dehumidification control is active during the simulation.
Valid control types are None and Overcool. The default is Overcool if this field is left blank.
Overcool resets the thermostat s cooling setpoint temperature lower based on the zone air relative
humidity level. None means no overcooling (i.e., traditional zone air temperature control based
on the associated ZoneControl:Thermostat object [Thermostat Name input field above] will be in
effect).

1.35.8.1.4 Field: Overcool Range Input Method

This field controls whether the input for the overcool (temperature) range is a constant value
or if it is entered using a schedule. Enter Constant here to use a constant overcool range defined
in the Overcool Constant Range input field below. Enter Scheduled to vary the overcool range
according to the schedule named in the Overcool Range Schedule Name input field below. The
default is Constant if this field is left blank.

1.35.8.1.5 Field: Overcool Constant Range

This field specifies a fixed maximum overcool temperature range for cooling setpoint temper-
ature reduction for zone overcool dehumidification in units of deltaC. This field is used if the
Overcool Range Input Method is specified as Constant. The Overcool dehumidification control
type only works with ZoneControl:Thermostat control types ThermostatSetpoint:SingleCooling
and ThermostatSetpoint:DualSetpoint . For ThermostatSetpoint:DualSetpoint , the model will
use the smaller of the Overcool Constant Range input value or the difference between the cooling
and heating setpoint temperatures specified in the ThermostatSetpoint:DualSetpoint object. The
Overcool Constant Range must be greater than or equal to zero with a maximum value of 3 °C. A
value of 0.0 indicates no zone air overcooling. The default value is 1.7 °C (3 °F) if this input field
is left blank.

1.35.8.1.6 Field: Overcool Range Schedule Name

This field contains the name of a schedule, defined elsewhere, that determines the value for the
overcool range during the simulation period. This schedule should contain values from 0.0 to < =
3.0 (deltaC). When the value of this schedule is 0.0, the zone air temperature control will be based
only on zone air dry-bulb temperature (i.e., no zone overcooling). This field is used by the program
if the Overcool Range Input Method field is set to Scheduled. Overcool dehumidification control
type only works with ZoneControl:Thermostat control types ThermostatSetpoint:SingleCooling and
ThermostatSetpoint:DualSetpoint . For ThermostatSetpoint:DualSetpoint , the model will use the
smaller of the Overcool Range values specified in this schedule or the difference between the cooling
and heating setpoint temperatures specified in the ThermostatSetpoint:DualSetpoint object.
Note that by setting the values in this schedule separately for design days, the user can control
how Overcool Dehumidification Control is applied during autosizing. (Overcool dehumidification
control tends to increase the cooling equipment capacities calculated during sizing.)

1.35.8.1.7 Field:Overcool Control Ratio

The value of this input field is used to adjust the cooling setpoint temperature (established by
the associated ZoneControl:Thermostat object) downward based on the difference between the zone
1592 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

air relative humidity level and the Dehumidifying Relative Humidity Setpoint. This input field is
only used with Dehumidification Control Type = Overcool. Input values must be greater than or
equal to 0.0 %RH/K. The default value is 3.6 if this field is left blank.
An example of this object follows.

ZoneControl:Thermostat:TemperatureAndHumidity ,
Zone Thermostat , !- Thermostat Name
Seasonal Relative Humidity Sch , !- Dehumidifying Relative Humidity Setpoint Schedule Name
Overcool , !- Dehumidification Control Type
Constant , !- Overcool Range Input Method
1.7, !- Overcool Constant Range {deltaC}
, !- Overcool Range Schedule Name
3.0; !- Overcool Control Ratio {percent/K}

1.35.9 ZoneControl:Thermostat:StagedDualSetpoint
The thermostatic zone control staged dual setpoint object is used to control a zone to a specified
temperature based on multiple stages. The other types of ZoneControl:Thermostat objects reference
a control type schedule and one or more control type objects which in turn reference one or more
setpoint schedules. This control object does not require a control type schedule and associated
one or more control type objects. Instead, the object is defined as a Dual Setpoint type only and
has two fields to provide heating and cooling setpoints. The object also provides two fields to
specify heating and cooling throttling temperature ranges, so that predicted zone loads may be
varied within the throttling ranges for both heating and cooling. The number of stages for both
heating and cooling varies from 1 to 4 for the time being to match the number of speeds used
in the AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed object. The number of stages may
be expanded later to accommodate other objects with the number of speeds higher than 4. The
object requires inputs temperature offsets for both heating and cooling based on the number of
stages. The stage number is determined by the temperature difference between the setpoint and
zone temperature at the previous time step, and offset values. The staged number will be assigned
to the speed number for the AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed system type.
It should be pointed out that If this object and other zone control thermostat and hu-
midistat are assigned to the same controlled zone, this object takes precedence when the
controlled zone is specified in the Controlling Zone or Thermostat Location field of the
AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed object.

1.35.9.1 Inputs
1.35.9.1.1 Field: Name
Unique identifying name for the staged dual-setpoint thermostat.

1.35.9.1.2 Field: Zone or ZoneList Name

Name of the zone or set of zones that is being controlled. When the ZoneList option is used
then this thermostat definition is applied to each of the zones in the zone list effecting a global
definition for thermostatic control in the zone.

1.35.9.1.3 Field: Number of Heating Stages

This numerical field defines the number of heating stages, and must be less than or
equal to the number of heating speeds defined in the associated heating coil, such as
1.35. GROUP - ZONE CONTROLS - THERMOSTATS AND HUMIDISTATS 1593

Coil:Heating:DX:MultiSpeed. The value for this input field defines the number of heating
temperature offsets that must be defined for heating in the fields below. The minimum value for
this field is one (1) and the maximum value is four (4).

1.35.9.1.4 Field:Heating Temperature Setpoint Schedule Name

The name of the associated schedule to specify heating temperature setpoint. Values in the
schedule are temperatures {C}.

1.35.9.1.5 Field:Heating Throttling Temperature Range

This numeric field defines the heating throttling temperature range in the units of deltaC.
When the zone temperature at the previous time step is below the heating temperature setpoint,
the zone heating setpoint will be set to the heating temperature setpoint + 0.5 * heating throttling
temperature range. Otherwise, the zone heating setpoint will be set to the heating temperature
setpoint - 0.5 * heating throttling temperature range. The zone heating setpoint is used in the
predictor to calculate how much the heating system load is needed to maintain the zone at the
heating setpoint.

1.35.9.1.6 Field: Stage 1 Heating Temperature Offset

This numeric field defines the heating temperature offset in the units of deltaC for Stage 1. The
value entered here must be equal to or less than 0. The heating temperature offset fields are used
to determine the heating stage number for AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed
object. When the temperature difference between the heating setpoint and the controlled zone tem-
perature at previous time step is less than Stage 1 offset value and greater than Stage 2 offset value,
the heating stage number is 1. When the AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed
object is called, Speed 1 is specified.

1.35.9.1.7 Field: Stage 2 Heating Temperature Offset

This numeric field defines the heating temperature offset in the units of deltaC for Stage 2. The
value entered here must be less than the value at the previous field: Stage 1 Heating Temperature
Offset. The heating temperature offset fields are used to determine the heating stage number for
AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed object. When the temperature difference
between the heating setpoint and the controlled zone temperature at previous time step is less than
Stage 2 offset value and greater than Stage 3 offset value, the heating stage number is 2. When the
AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed object is called, Speed 2 is specified.

1.35.9.1.8 Field: Stage 3 Heating Temperature Offset

This numeric field defines the heating temperature offset in the units of deltaC for Stage 3. The
value entered here must be less than the value at the previous field: Stage 3 Heating Temperature
Offset. The heating temperature offset fields are used to determine the heating stage number for
AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed object. When the temperature difference
between the heating setpoint and the controlled zone temperature at previous time step is less than
Stage 3 offset value and greater than Stage 4 offset value, the heating stage number is 3. When the
AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed object is called, Speed 3 is specified.
Note: If the stage number is not equal to the number of heating speed in the AirLoopH-
VAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed object, the minimum value is set to the speed num-
ber for the heat pump object.
1594 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.35.9.1.9 Field: Stage 4 Heating Temperature Offset

This numeric field defines the heating temperature offset in the units of deltaC for Stage 4.
The value entered here must be less than the value at the previous field: Stage 4 Heating Tem-
perature Offset. The heating temperature offset fields are used to determine the heating stage
number for AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed object. When the tempera-
ture difference between the heating setpoint and the controlled zone temperature at previous
time step is less than Stage 4 offset value, the heating stage number is 4. When the AirLoopH-
VAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed object is called, Speed 4 is specified.
Note: If the stage number is not equal to the number of heating speed in the AirLoopH-
VAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed object, the minimum value is set to the speed num-
ber for the heat pump object.

1.35.9.1.10 Field: Number of Cooling Stages

This field defines the number of cooling stages, and must be less than or equal to the number
of cooling speeds defined in the associated cooling coil, such as Coil:Cooling:DX:MultiSpeed. The
value for this input field defines the number of cooling temperature offsets that must be defined for
cooling in the fields below. The minimum value for this field is one (1) and the maximum value is
four (4).

1.35.9.1.11 Field:Cooling Temperature Setpoint Base Schedule Name

The name of the associated schedule to specify cooling temperature base setpoint. Values in
the schedule are temperatures {C}.

1.35.9.1.12 Field:Cooling Throttling Temperature Range

This numeric field defines the cooling throttling temperature range in the units of deltaC.
When the zone temperature at the previous time step is above the cooling temperature setpoint,
the zone cooling setpoint will be set to the cooling temperature setpoint - 0.5 * cooling throttling
temperature range. Otherwise, the zone cooling setpoint will be set to the cooling temperature
setpoint + 0.5 * cooling throttling temperature range. The zone cooling setpoint is used in the
predictor to calculate how much the cooling system load is needed to maintain the zone at the
cooling setpoint.

1.35.9.1.13 Field: Stage 1 Cooling Temperature Offset

This numeric field defines the cooling temperature offset in the units of deltaC for Stage 1. The
value entered here must be equal to or greater than 0. The cooling temperature offset fields are used
to determine the cooling stage number for AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed
object. When the temperature difference of the cooling setpoint and the controlled zone temper-
ature at previous time step is greater than Stage 1 offset value and less than Stage 2 offset value,
the cooling stage number is 1. When the AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed
object is called, Speed 1 is specified.

1.35.9.1.14 Field: Stage 2 Cooling Temperature Offset

This numeric field defines the cooling temperature offset in the units of deltaC for Stage 2.
The value entered here must be greater than the value at the previous field: Stage 1 Cooling
Temperature Offset. When the number of cooling stage is equal to 1, this filed is not used in the
program. The cooling temperature offset fields are used to determine the cooling stage number for
AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed object. When the temperature difference
1.35. GROUP - ZONE CONTROLS - THERMOSTATS AND HUMIDISTATS 1595

of the cooling setpoint and the controlled zone temperature at previous time step is greater than
Stage 2 offset value and less than Stage 3 offset value, the cooling stage number is 2. When the
AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed object is called, Speed 2 is specified.

1.35.9.1.15 Field: Stage 3 Cooling Temperature Offset

This numeric field defines the cooling temperature offset in the units of deltaC for Stage 3.
The value entered here must be greater than the value at the previous field: Stage 3 Cooling
Temperature Offset. When the number of cooling stage is less than 3, this filed is not used in the
program. The cooling temperature offset fields are used to determine the cooling stage number for
AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed object. When the temperature difference
of the cooling setpoint and the controlled zone temperature at previous time step is greater than
Stage 3 offset value and less than Stage 4 offset value, the cooling stage number is 3. When the
AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed object is called, Speed 3 is specified.
Note: If the stage number is not equal to the number of cooling speed in the AirLoopH-
VAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed object, the minimum value is set to the speed num-
ber for the heat pump object.

1.35.9.1.16 Field: Stage 4 Cooling Temperature Offset

This numeric field defines the cooling temperature offset in the units of deltaC for Stage 4.
The value entered here must be greater than the value at the previous field: Stage 4 Cooling
Temperature Offset. When the number of cooling stage is less than 4, this filed is not used
in the program. The cooling temperature offset fields are used to determine the cooling stage
number for AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed object. When the temper-
ature difference of the cooling setpoint and the controlled zone temperature at previous time
step is greater than Stage 4 offset value, the cooling stage number is 4. When the AirLoopH-
VAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed object is called, Speed 4 is specified.
Note: If the stage number is not equal to the number of cooling speed in the AirLoopH-
VAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed object, the minimum value is set to the speed num-
ber for the heat pump object.
An example of this statement in an IDF is:

ZoneControl:Thermostat:StagedDualSetpoint ,
ZoneThermostat , !- Name
AllZones , !- Zone or ZoneList Name
2, !- Number of Heating Stages
Heating Setpoints , !- Heating Temperature Setpoint Schedule Name
1.1, !- Heating Throttling Temperature Range {deltaC}
0.0, !- Stage 1 Heating Temperature Offset {deltaC}
-0.5, !- Stage 2 Heating Temperature Offset {deltaC}
-1.0, !- Stage 3 Heating Temperature Offset {deltaC}
-1.5, !- Stage 4 Heating Temperature Offset {deltaC}
4, !- Number of Cooling Stages
Cooling Setpoints , !- Cooling Setpoint Temperature Schedule Name
1.1, !- Cooling Throttling Temperature Range {deltaC}
0.0, !- Stage 1 Cooling Temperature Offset {deltaC}
1.0, !- Stage 2 Cooling Temperature Offset {deltaC}
2.0, !- Stage 3 Cooling Temperature Offset {deltaC}
3.0; !- Stage 4 Cooling Temperature Offset {deltaC}
1596 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.35.10 ZoneControl:Humidistat
The humidistat zone control object is used to control a zone to a single relative humidity setpoint
schedule, or to dual humidity setpoint schedules (humidifying/ dehumidifying setpoints with dead-
band). The single setpoint humidistat requires single setpoint input only, and the dual-setpoint
humidistat requires inputs of both humidifying and dehumidifying setpoints. The schedules consist
of relative humidities, expressed as a percentage (0-100), to be used during the simulation for that
zone s moisture prediction calculation. Only one humidistat control statement can be specified
for each zone. For a single setpoint humidistat, if the zone relative humidity is below the control
relative humidity setpoint and the equipment specified can humidify then that equipment will try
and meet the zone s humidification load. The opposite is true if the zone relative humidity is above
the control relative humidity setpoint and the equipment can dehumidify. For a dual setpoint
humidistat, if the zone relative humidity is below the humidifying relative humidity setpoint and
the equipment specified can humidify then that equipment will try and meet the zone s humidifica-
tion load. The opposite is true if the zone relative humidity is above the dehumidifying relative
humidity setpoint and the equipment can dehumidify.
If the ZoneControl:Humidistat is used by a furnace or unitary system (Ref. Furnace and Uni-
tary Systems) no other objects are required. The signal from the humidistat is used directly by
that component. If the Zone Control:Humidistat object is used to control a Humidifier or used in
conjunction with a Controller:WaterCoil object with control variable TemperatureAndHumid-
ityRatio or HumidityRatio, the following objects are required to determine a setpoint for those
components for a single setpoint humidistat:

• SetpointManager:SingleZone:Humidity:Minimum

• SetpointManager:MultiZone:MinimumHumidity:Average

• SetpointManager:MultiZone:MaximumHumidity:Average

• SetpointManager:MultiZone:Humidity:Minimum

• SetpointManager:MultiZone:Humidity:Maximum

• SetpointManager:SingleZone:Humidity:Minimum

For a dual setpoint humidistat, both a maximum humidity setpoint manager object:

• SetpointManager:SingleZone:Humidity:Maximum

• SetpointManager:MultiZone:MaximumHumidity:Average

• SetpointManager:MultiZone:Humidity:Maximum

and a minimum humidity setpoint manager object:

• SetpointManager:SingleZone:Humidity:Minimum

• SetpointManager:MultiZone:MinimumHumidity:Average

• SetpointManager:MultiZone:Humidity:Minimum

are required to determine the setpoints for the corresponding humidification and dehumidifica-
tion components.
1.35. GROUP - ZONE CONTROLS - THERMOSTATS AND HUMIDISTATS 1597

1.35.10.1 Inputs
1.35.10.1.1 Field: Name
Unique identifying name for the humidistat.

1.35.10.1.2 Field: Zone Name

Name of the zone that is being controlled.

1.35.10.1.3 Field: Humidifying Relative Humidity Setpoint Schedule Name

Name of a schedule that defines the humidifying relative humidity setpoint, expressed as a
percentage (0-100), for each timestep of the simulation.
Note: If only a single setpoint humidistat is desired, then input the single schedule name in the
Humidifying Setpoint Schedule Name field (and leave the Dehumidifying Setpoint Schedule Name
blank).

1.35.10.1.4 Field: Dehumidifying Relative Humidity Setpoint Schedule Name

Name of a schedule that defines the dehumidifying relative humidity setpoint, expressed as a
percentage (0-100), for each timestep of the simulation. This field is optional, only used if a dual
setpoint humidistat is to be modeled.
An example of this statement in an IDF is:

ZoneControl:Humidistat ,
Zone 2 Humidistat , !- Humidistat Name
EAST ZONE , !- Zone Name
Min Rel Hum Set Sch , !- Humidifying Relative Humidity Setpoint SCHEDULE Name
Max Rel Hum Set Sch; !- Dehumidifying Relative Humidity Setpoint SCHEDULE Name

An example schedule for the Zone Control:Humidistat

ScheduleTypeLimits ,Humidity ,0:100 , CONTINUOUS;

Schedule:Compact ,
Min Rel Hum Set Sch , !- Name
Humidity , !- ScheduleType
Through: 12/31 , !- Complex Field \#1
For: AllDays , !- Complex Field \#2
Until: 24:00 , !- Complex Field \#3
30.0; !- Complex Field \#4
Schedule:Compact ,,
Max Rel Hum Set Sch , !- Name
Humidity , !- ScheduleType
Through: 12/31 , !- Complex Field \#1
For: AllDays , !- Complex Field \#2
Until: 24:00 , !- Complex Field \#3
55.0; !- Complex Field \#4

1.35.10.2 Outputs
Outputs available from the ZoneControl:Humidistat:

• HVAC,Average,Zone Predicted Moisture Load Moisture Transfer Rate [kgWater/s]

1598 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• HVAC,Average,Zone Predicted Moisture Load to Humidifying Setpoint Moisture Transfer

Rate [kgWater/s]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Predicted Moisture Load to Dehumidifying Setpoint Moisture Transfer

Rate [kgWater/s]

1.35.10.2.1 Zone Predicted Moisture Load Moisture Transfer Rate [kgWater/s]

This is the predicted latent (moisture) load in kgr /s required to meet the current zone hu-
midistat setpoint. A positive value indicates a humidification load, a negative value indicates a
dehumidification load. For a dual setpoint humidistat, the value is zero when the controlled zone s
relative humidity is between the defined humidifying and dehumidifying setpoints. This moisture
load rate is calculated and reported from the Predict step in the Zone Predictor-Corrector module.
For nearly all equipment types, the Predictor-Corrector evaluates the active humidistat setpoints,
determines if the zone requires humidification or dehumidification, and then passes this single load
to the equipment for the single setpoint humidistat case. This value is not multiplied by zone or
group multipliers.

1.35.10.2.2 Zone Predicted Moisture Load to Humidifying Setpoint Moisture

Transfer Rate [kgWater/s]
This is the predicted latent (moisture) load in kgr /s required to meet the current zone humidistat
humidifying setpoint. This is calculated and reported from the Predict step in the Zone Predictor-
Corrector module. For nearly all equipment types, the Predictor-Corrector evaluates the active
humidistat humidifying setpoints, determines if the zone requires humidification or not, and then
passes this load to the equipment for the case of a dual setpoint humidistat (see Zone Predicted
Moisture Load Moisture Transfer Rate, above, for single setpoint humidistat case). This value is
multiplied by zone or group multipliers.

1.35.10.2.3 Zone Predicted Moisture Load to Dehumidifying Setpoint Moisture

Transfer Rate [kgWater/s]
This is the predicted latent (moisture) load in kgr /s required to meet the current zone humidistat
dehumidifying setpoint. This is calculated and reported from the Predict step in the Zone
Predictor-Corrector module. For nearly all equipment types, the Predictor-Corrector evaluates the
active humidistat humidifying setpoints, determines if the zone requires dehumidification or not,
and then passes this load to the equipment for a dual setpoint humidistat (see Zone Predicted
Moisture Load Moisture Transfer Rate, above, for single setpoint humidistat case). This value is
multiplied by zone or group multipliers.

1.35.11 ZoneControl:Thermostat:ThermalComfort
The thermal comfort zone control provides a method to control a zone to a dry-bulb temperature
setpoint based on a thermal comfort model (e.g. Fanger) and a user-specified thermal comfort
setpoint schedule.
This object references a control type schedule and one or more thermal comfort control type
objects which in turn reference one or more setpoint schedules. The example at the end of this
section illustrates a complete zone thermal comfort control specification including the control type
and setpoint schedules. The control type schedule and the list of control type/name pairs are
1.35. GROUP - ZONE CONTROLS - THERMOSTATS AND HUMIDISTATS 1599

directly related. The schedule defines the type of control that is to be used during for each hour.
Valid Control Types are
0 - Uncontrolled (No thermal comfort control)
1 - Single Thermal Comfort Heating Setpoint:Fanger
2 - Single Thermal Comfort Cooling Setpoint:Fanger
3 - Single Thermal Comfort Heating Cooling Setpoint:Fanger
4 - Dual Thermal Comfort Setpoint with Deadband:Fanger
Thus, if the schedule referenced in the ZoneControl:Thermostat:ThermalComfort statement
has a value of 4 for a particular hour, this indicates that during that hour “Dual Thermal Com-
fort Setpoint with Deadband:Fanger” is to be used. The specific “Dual Thermal Comfort Set-
point with Deadband:Fanger” control object to be used is specified in the list of control type-
/name pairs. Then the specific control type objects reference the thermal comfort control set-
point schedule to be used. Because only one control can be specified for each control type in a
ZoneControl:Thermostat:ThermalComfort statement, there are only four pairs possible in a partic-
ular ZoneControl:Thermostat:ThermalComfort type/name list. This is because individual controls
can be defined hourly, thus giving the user a full range of flexibility. Since putting in the name of
the control type directly in the schedule would be very cumbersome, the control types are assigned
a number which is used in the hourly schedule profile.
The ZoneControl:Thermostat:ThermalComfort object can be used alone, or with a ZoneCon-
trol:Thermostat object. When both control objects co-exist for a specific zone and the thermal
comfort control type value in the thermal comfort control type schedule is non-zero the thermal
comfort object will override the value from the zone thermostat object. If the thermal comfort con-
trol is specified as Uncontrolled (thermal comfort control type value of 0) for a particular period,
then control will revert to thermostat control if specified. If the thermal comfort control is specified
as Uncontrolled for a particular period and thermostat control is not specified in the input, then
conditions will float.
This object currently allows only Fanger comfort control (Ref. Thermal Comfort in Engineering
Reference). It requires one or more people objects in a specific zone. It also requires inputs of Fields
Activity Level Schedule Name, Work Efficiency Schedule Name, Clothing Insulation Schedule Name
and Air Velocity Schedule Name in the people object(s). When thermal comfort control is used in
a zone, the air velocity entered in the Air Velocity Schedule (Ref. People) should be greater than
or equal to 0.1 and less than or equal to 0.5 m/s. A warning message will be issued if thermal
comfort control is active and the air velocity is outside this range.
This object reads input PMV values from a given PMV setpoint schedule to calculate a dry-
bulb temperature setpoint based on the selected thermal comfort model. The dry-bulb temperature
setpoint calculation uses zone air humidity ratio at the previous system timestep and surface tem-
peratures at the previous zone timestep, along with other conditions at the current timestep (e.g.,
activity level, clothing level and air velocity from the PEOPLE object).

1.35.11.1 Inputs
1.35.11.1.1 Field: Name
Unique identifying name for this thermal comfort control object.

1.35.11.1.2 Field: Zone or ZoneList Name

Name of the zone or set of zones that is being controlled. When the ZoneList option is used
then this thermostat definition is applied to each of the zones in the zone list effecting a global
definition for thermostatic control in the zone.
1600 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.35.11.1.3 Field: Averaging Method

This choice field specifies the method for calculating the thermal comfort dry-bulb temperature
setpoint for a zone with multiple People objects defined. The available choices are: SpecificObject,
ObjectAverage, and PeopleAverage. This field is only used when multiple people objects are
defined for this zone. If this field is specified as PeopleAverage and the total number of people
for all people objects is zero for a particular timestep, the PeopleAverage method cannot be applied
and the program automatically uses the ObjectAverage method for this timestep. The default input
is PeopleAverage.

1.35.11.1.4 Field: Object Name for Specific Object Averaging Method

This choice field specifies the name of the specific People object to be used for calculating
comfort control when multiple People objects are defined. Only used if the Averaging Method is
specified as SpecificObject.

1.35.11.1.5 Field: Minimum Dry-Bulb Temperature Setpoint

This field specifies the minimum dry-bulb temperature setpoint allowed for this zone. If the
dry-bulb temperature calculated by the thermal comfort setpoint model is below this value, then
the temperature setpoint will be set to this value. The default value is 0 ˚C.

1.35.11.1.6 Field: Maximum Dry-Bulb Temperature Setpoint

This field specifies the maximum dry-bulb temperature setpoint allowed for this zone. If the
dry-bulb temperature calculated by the thermal comfort setpoint model exceeds this value, then
the temperature setpoint will be set to this value. The default value is 50 ˚C.
Note the minimum and maximum temperature setpoint fields are provided to allow the user
to bound the temperature control In a specific zone if necessary. These fields are used to pro-
vide boundaries for the dry-bulb temperature setpoint calculated at each system timestep when
unrealistic inputs have been specified.

1.35.11.1.7 Field: Thermal Comfort Control Type Schedule Name

Schedule which defines what type of thermal comfort control is active during each simulation
timestep.
Valid Control Types are
0 - No thermal comfort control
1 - Single Thermal Comfort Heating Setpoint:Fanger
2 - Single Thermal Comfort Cooling Setpoint:Fanger
3 - Single Thermal Comfort Heating Cooling Setpoint:Fanger
4 - Dual Thermal Comfort Setpoint with Deadband:Fanger
Each non-zero control type used in this schedule must appear in the following fields which list
the specific thermal comfort control objects to be used for this zone.

1.35.11.1.8 Field Set (Thermal Comfort Control Object Type, Thermal Com-
fort Control Name)
Up to four pairs of Thermal Comfort Control Type and Thermal Comfort Control Type Name
fields may be listed to specify which thermal comfort control type objects are used for this zone.
This list is not order-dependent, and the position in this list has no impact on the control type
schedule. In the control type schedule, a value of 1 always means “Single Thermal Comfort Heating
Setpoint:Fanger”, even if that control type is not first in this list.
1.35. GROUP - ZONE CONTROLS - THERMOSTATS AND HUMIDISTATS 1601

1.35.11.1.9 Field: Thermal Comfort Control <x> Object Type

This field specifies the first control type name to be used for this zone. Available control types
are:
ThermostatSetpoint:ThermalComfort:Fanger:SingleHeating
ThermostatSetpoint:ThermalComfort:Fanger:SingleCooling
ThermostatSetpoint:ThermalComfort:Fanger:SingleHeatingOrCooling
ThermostatSetpoint:ThermalComfort:Fanger:DualSetpoint

1.35.11.1.10 Field: Thermal Comfort Control <x> Name

The unique name for the corresponding thermal comfort control type.
An example of this statement in an IDF is:

ZoneControl:Thermostat:ThermalComfort ,
Zone 2 Comfort Control , !- Thermal Comfort Control Name
EAST ZONE , !- Zone Name
SpecificObject , !- Averaging Method for Zones with Multiple
People Objects
EAST ZONE , !- Object Name for Specific Object
Averaging Method
12.8, !- Minimum dry -bulb temperature
setpoint
40.0, !- Maximum dry -bulb temperature
setpoint
Zone Comfort Control Type Sched , !- Thermal Comfort Control Type SCHEDULE Name
Dual Thermal Comfort Setpoint WITH DEADBAND:Fanger , !- Control Type #1
Dual Comfort Setpoint; !- Thermal Comfort Control Type Name #1

Global thermal comfort thermostat example:

ZoneList ,AllControlledZones ,SPACE1 -1,SPACE2 -1,SPACE3 -1,SPACE4 -1,SPACE5 -1;

ZoneControl:Thermostat:ThermalComfort ,
ControlledZones Comfort Control , !- Name
AllControlledZones , !- Zone Name
PeopleAverage , !- Averaging Method
, !- Specific People Name
12.8, !- Minimum Dry -Bulb Temperature Setpoint {C}
40.0, !- Maximum Dry -Bulb Temperature Setpoint {C}
Zone Comfort Control Type Sched , !- Thermal Comfort Control Type Schedule Name
ThermostatSetpoint :ThermalComfort:Fanger:SingleHeating , !- Thermal Comfort Control 1 Object
Type
Single Heating Comfort Setpoint , !- Thermal Comfort Control 1 Name
ThermostatSetpoint :ThermalComfort:Fanger:SingleCooling , !- Thermal Comfort Control 2 Object
Type
Single Cooling Comfort Setpoint , !- Thermal Comfort Control 2 Name
ThermostatSetpoint :ThermalComfort:Fanger:SingleHeatingOrCooling , !- Thermal Comfort Control 3
Object Type
Single Heating Cooling Comfort Setpoint , !- Thermal Comfort Control 3 Name
ThermostatSetpoint :ThermalComfort:Fanger:DualSetpoint , !- Thermal Comfort Control 4 Object
Type
Dual Comfort Setpoint; !- Thermal Comfort Control 4 Name

1.35.11.2 Outputs
Three outputs are available from the ZoneControl:Thermostat:ThermalComfort object. Two output
variables used primarily for the ZoneControl:Thermost object are also described here to explain
their meaning when using thermal comfort control.
ZoneControl:ThermalComfort
1602 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• Zone,Average,Zone Thermal Comfort Control Type []

• Zone,Average,Zone Thermal Comfort Control Fanger Low Setpoint PMV []

• Zone,Average,Zone Thermal Comfort Control Fanger High Setpoint PMV []

ZoneControl:Thermostat

• Zone,Average,Zone Thermostat Heating Setpoint Temperature [C]

• Zone,Average,Zone Thermostat Cooling Setpoint Temperature [C]

1.35.11.2.1 Zone Thermal Comfort Control Type []

This is the current zone thermal comfort control type (0 through 4). This value is set at each
system timestep and averaged over the reporting interval. Using the averaged value for longer
reporting frequencies (hourly, for example) may not be meaningful in some applications.

1.35.11.2.2 Zone Thermal Comfort Control Fanger Low Setpoint PMV []

This is the current zone thermal comfort low Predicted Mean Vote value. Values range between
-3 and +3. If there is no heating thermal comfort active, then the value reported will be -999.
This value is set at each system timestep and averaged over the reporting interval. Using the
averaged value for longer reporting frequencies (hourly, for example) may not be meaningful in
some applications.

1.35.11.2.3 Zone Thermal Comfort Control Fanger High Setpoint PMV []

This is the current zone thermal comfort high Predicted Mean Vote value. Values range between
-3 and +3. If there is no cooling thermal comfort active, then the value reported will be 999.
This value is set at each system timestep and averaged over the reporting interval. Using the
averaged value for longer reporting frequencies (hourly, for example) may not be meaningful in
some applications.

1.35.11.2.4 Zone Thermostat Heating Setpoint Temperature [C]

The Zone Control:Thermal Comfort object shares the same output variable and overwrites
the thermal setpoints defined in object Zone Control:Thermostatic when both objects of Zone
Control:Thermostatic and Zone Control:Thermal Comfort co-exist. It outputs the current zone
thermal comfort heating setpoint in degrees C when thermal comfort control is active, otherwise
this output variable will report the thermostat heating setpoint (Ref. Zone Control:Thermostatic
Outputs). If there is no heating thermal comfort active and no thermostat heating setpoint is
defined for this zone, this value will be 0. This value is set at each system timestep and averaged
over the reporting interval. Using the averaged value for longer reporting frequencies (hourly, for
example) may not be meaningful in some applications.

1.35.11.2.5 Zone Thermostat Cooling Setpoint Temperature [C]

This output variable defined in object Zone Control:Thermostatic. The Thermal Comfort ob-
ject shares the same output variable and overwrites the thermal setpoints defined in object Zone
Control:Thermostatic when both objects of Zone Control:Thermostatic and Zone Control:Thermal
Comfort co-exist. It outputs the current zone thermal comfort cooling setpoint in degrees C when
thermal comfort control is active, otherwise this output variable will report the thermostat cooling
1.35. GROUP - ZONE CONTROLS - THERMOSTATS AND HUMIDISTATS 1603

setpoint (Ref. Zone Control:Thermostatic Outputs). If there is no cooling thermal comfort active
and no thermostat cooling setpoint is defined for this zone, this value will be 0. This value is set at
each system timestep and averaged over the reporting interval. Using the averaged value for longer
reporting frequencies (hourly, for example) may not be meaningful in some applications.

1.35.12 Thermal Comfort Setpoints

The syntax for the current set (4) of zone thermal comfort control types is given below. In each
case, the keyword is accompanied by an identifying name and either one or two schedule names
(depending on whether the control type is a single or dual setpoint control). The schedule defines
a Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) setpoint for the control type. The schedule would be defined
through the standard schedule syntax described earlier in this document. For an uncontrolled
thermal comfort zone, no Fanger thermal comfort object is specified or necessary. However, the
Fanger thermal comfort output variables, Zone Thermal Comfort Fanger Model PMV and Zone Thermal Comfort Fanger
Model PPD, are reported for thermal comfort uncontrolled conditions as well (e.i., free floating thermal
comfort condition) just like a free floating temperature and humidity ratio. These are indicative of the
actual thermal comfort level in uncontrolled thermal comfort zone, and are outputs variables underPeople
objects.

1.35.13 ThermostatSetpoint:ThermalComfort:Fanger:SingleHeating
This would be used for heating only thermal comfort control. The PMV setpoint can be scheduled
and varied throughout the simulation but only heating is allowed with this control type.

1.35.13.1 Inputs
1.35.13.1.1 Field: Name
Unique name for this control type.

1.35.13.1.2 Field: Fanger Thermal Comfort Schedule Name

The name of the associated schedule containing Zone Thermal Comfort Fanger Model PMV values.

1.35.14 ThermostatSetpoint:ThermalComfort:Fanger:SingleCooling
This would be used for cooling only thermal comfort control. The PMV setpoint can be scheduled
and varied throughout the simulation but only cooling is allowed with this control type.

1.35.14.1 Inputs
1.35.14.1.1 Field: Name
Unique name for this control type.

1.35.14.1.2 Field: Fanger Thermal Comfort Schedule Name

The name of the associated schedule, containing Zone Thermal Comfort Fanger Model PMV values.
1604 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.35.15 ThermostatSetpoint:ThermalComfort:Fanger:SingleHeatingOrCoolin
This would be used for heating and cooling thermal comfort control but only heating or cooling can
be scheduled at any given time period. The PMV setpoint can be scheduled and varied throughout
the simulation for both heating and cooling.

1.35.15.1 Inputs
1.35.15.1.1 Field: Name
Unique name for this control type.

1.35.15.1.2 Field: Fanger Thermal Comfort Schedule Name

The name of the associated schedule containing Zone Thermal Comfort Fanger Model PMV values.

1.35.16 ThermostatSetpoint:ThermalComfort:Fanger:DualSetpoint
This would be used for heating and cooling thermal comfort control where both a heating and
cooling PMV setpoint can be scheduled for any given time period. The PMV setpoint can be
scheduled and varied throughout the simulation for both heating and cooling.

1.35.16.1 Inputs
1.35.16.1.1 Field: Name
Unique name for this control type.

1.35.16.1.2 Field: Fanger Thermal Comfort Heating Schedule Name

The name of the associated schedule containing heating setpoint Zone Thermal Comfort Fanger Model
PMV values.

1.35.16.1.3 Field: Fanger Thermal Comfort Cooling Schedule Name

The name of the associated schedule containing cooling setpoint Zone Thermal Comfort Fanger Model
PMV values.
An example of this statement in an IDF is:

ThermostatSetpoint:ThermalComfort:Fanger:SingleHeating ,
Heating Comfort Setpoint ,!- Name
Heating PMV Setpoints; !- Setpoint Temperature SCHEDULE Name

ThermostatSetpoint :ThermalComfort:Fanger:SingleCooling ,
Cooling Comfort Setpoint ,!- Name
Cooling PMV Setpoints; !- Setpoint Temperature SCHEDULE Name

ThermostatSetpoint :ThermalComfort:Fanger:SingleHeatingOrCooling ,
Heating Cooling Comfort Setpoint ,!- Name
Heating Cooling PMV Setpoints; !- Setpoint Temperature SCHEDULE Name

ThermostatSetpoint :ThermalComfort:Fanger:DualSetpoint ,
Dual Comfort Setpoint , !- Name
Heating PMV Setpoints , !- Fanger Thermal Comfort Heating Setpoint PMV SCHEDULE Name
Cooling PMV Setpoints; !- Fanger Thermal Comfort Cooling Setpoint PMV SCHEDULE Name
1.35. GROUP - ZONE CONTROLS - THERMOSTATS AND HUMIDISTATS 1605

1.35.17 ZoneControl:ContaminantController
The ZoneControl:ContaminantController object is used for any of the following two purposes based
on the system outdoor air method specified in the Controller:MechanicalVentilation.

1) To control a zone to a specified indoor level of contaminants. When this zone is served
by an AirLoopHVAC, the other zones served by the same AirLoopHVAC will have the
same specified indoor level, if no objects in the other zones served by the same AirLoop
are specified. Currently, the available contaminant controls are carbon dioxide and generic
contaminant controls. The specified carbon dioxide setpoint is used to calculate the re-
quired outdoor airflow rate through the HVAC system to reach the setpoint. The Air-
LoopHVAC system outdoor flow rate is realized by the Controller:MechanicalVentilation ob-
ject with System Outdoor Air Method = IndoorAirQualityProcedure.The specified generic
contaminant setpoint is used to calculate the required outdoor airflow rate through the
HVAC system to reach the setpoint. The AirLoopHVAC system outdoor flow rate is re-
alized by the Controller:MechanicalVentilation object with System Outdoor Air Method =
IndoorAirQualityProcedure-GenericContaminant.

2) To specify minimum CO2 concentration schedule name for a zone. The AirLoopHVAC
system outdoor flow rate is realized by the Controller:MechanicalVentilation object with Sys-
tem Outdoor Air Method = ProportionalControlBasedonOccupancySchedule or Proportion-
alControlBasedOnDesignOccupancy. Carbon Dioxide Control Availability Schedule Name
determines the availability of ProportionalControl .

For the first purpose above, when multiple zones are served by an AirLoop, those zones that
do not have a contaminant controller object specified in the input data file are automatically
assigned a carbon dioxide setpoint. Zone objects entered in the input data file are internally
assigned an index number from 1 to n (first defined Zone object = 1, next Zone object defined
in the input file = 2, etc.). For zones served by an AirLoop that do not have a contaminant
controller specified, the zone s carbon dioxide setpoint will be the same as the zone with the next
highest zone index number that has a contaminant controller specified. If a zone with a higher
index number and contaminant controller specified does not exist, then the zone with the next
lowest zone index number that has a contaminant controller specified will be used. For example,
assume an AirLoop serves zones 1 through 5, but one ZoneControl:ContaminantController object
is specified for zone 2, a second ZoneControl:ContaminantController object is specified for zone 4,
and no ZoneControl:ContaminantController objects are specified for zones 1, 3 and 5. In this case,
zone 1 will be assigned the carbon dioxide setpoint schedule that was specified for zone 2, and zones
3 and 5 will be assigned the carbon dioxide setpoint schedule that was specified for zone 4.

1.35.17.1 Inputs
1.35.17.1.1 Field: Name
Unique identifying name for the ZoneControl:ContaminantController.

1.35.17.1.2 Field: Controlled Zone Name

Name of the zone that is being controlled.
1606 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.35.17.1.3 Field:Carbon Dioxide Control Availability Schedule Name

This field contains the name of a schedule that determines whether or not the ZoneCon-
trol:ContaminantController is available. When the schedule value is zero, the ZoneCon-
trol:ContaminantController is bypassed (not available to operate). When the schedule value
is greater than zero, the ZoneControl:ContaminantController is available and will be used to
calculate the required outdoor airflow rate to reach the carbon dioxide setpoint. If this field is left
blank, the schedule has a value of 1 for all time periods. Schedule values must be between 0 and 1.

1.35.17.1.4 Field:Carbon Dioxide Setpoint Schedule Name

This field contains the name of a schedule that contains the zone carbon dioxide concentration
setpoint as a function of time. The units for carbon dioxide setpoint are ppm. The setpoint values
in the schedule must be between 0 and 2000 ppm. . This field is used when the field System Outdoor
Air Method = IndoorAirQualityProcedure in the Controller:MechanicalVentilation object.

1.35.17.1.5 Field:Minimum Carbon Dioxide Concentration Schedule Name

This field contains the name of a schedule that contains the minimum zone carbon dioxide con-
centration setpoint as a function of time. The units for carbon dioxide setpoint are ppm. This field is
used when the field System Outdoor Air Method = ProportionalControlBasedonOccupancySched-
ule or ProportionalControlBasedOnDesignOccupancy in the Controller:MechanicalVentilation ob-
ject.

1.35.17.1.6 Field: Generic Contaminant Control Availability Schedule Name

This field contains the name of a schedule that determines whether or not the ZoneCon-
trol:ContaminantController is available. When the schedule value is zero, the generic contami-
nant control will not be performed. When the schedule value is greater than zero, the ZoneCon-
trol:ContaminantController is available and will be used to calculate the required outdoor airflow
rate to reach the generic contaminant setpoint. If this field is left blank, the schedule has a value
of 1 for all time periods. Schedule values must be between 0 and 1.

1.35.17.1.7 Field: Generic Contaminant Setpoint Schedule Name

This field contains the name of a schedule that contains the zone generic contaminant concen-
tration setpoint as a function of time. The units for generic contaminant setpoint are ppm. The
setpoint values in the schedule must be> = 0.
An IDF example is provided below:

ZoneControl:ContaminantController ,
CO2 Controller1 , !- Name
EAST ZONE , !- Controlled Zone Name
CO2AvailSchedule , !- Carbon Dioxide Control Availability Schedule Name
CO2SetpointSchedule , !- Carbon Dioxide Setpoint Schedule Name
, !- Minimum Carbon Dioxide Concentration
Schedule Name
GCAvailSchedule , !- Generic Contaminant Control Availability Schedule Name
GCSetpointSchedule ; !- Generic Contaminant Setpoint Schedule Name

1.35.17.2 Outputs
The following output variables are available when the ZoneControl:ContaminantController object
is specified.
1.36. GROUP – AIR PATH 1607

• HVAC,Average,Zone Air CO2 Predicted Load to Setpoint Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Air CO2 Setpoint Concentration [ppm]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Generic Air Contaminant Predicted Load to Setpoint Mass Flow Rate
[kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Zone Generic Air Contaminant Setpoint Concentration [ppm]

1.35.17.2.1 Zone Air CO2 Predicted Load to Setpoint Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
This output is the average predicted outdoor airflow rate in kg/s required to meet the current
zone carbon dioxide setpoint for the time step being reported. This value is calculated and reported
from the Predict step in the Zone Contaminant Predictor-Corrector module. The calculated outdoor
airflow rate will be specified in the Controller:MechanicalVentilation object with System Outdoor
Air Method = IndoorAirQualityProcedureto provide enough outdoor ventilation air to keep the
zone air carbon dioxide concentration level at or below the setpoint.

1.35.17.2.2 Zone Air CO2 Setpoint Concentration [ppm]

This output variable is the average carbon dioxide setpoint value, in parts per million, for the
time step being reported.

1.35.17.2.3 Zone Generic Air Contaminant Predicted Load to Setpoint Mass

Flow Rate [kg/s]
This output is the average predicted outdoor airflow rate in kg/s required to meet the current
zone generic contaminant setpoint for the time step being reported. This value is calculated and
reported from the Predict step in the Zone Contaminant Predictor-Corrector module. The cal-
culated outdoor airflow rate will be specified in the Controller:MechanicalVentilation object with
System Outdoor Air Method = IndoorAirQualityProcedure-GenericContaminant****to provide
enough outdoor ventilation air to keep the zone air generic contaminant concentration level at or
below the setpoint.

1.35.17.2.4 Zone Generic Air Contaminant Setpoint Concentration [ppm]

This output variable is the averagegeneric contaminant setpoint value, in parts per million, for
the time step being reported.

1.36 Group – Air Path

1.36.1 AirLoopHVAC:SupplyPath, AirLoopHVAC:ReturnPath
The zone supply and return air paths are used to describe the configuration of the flow path that
the supply air takes in moving from the main air handler to the zone terminal units and that the
return air takes on leaving the zones and returning to the central return air duct. The air paths
consist of a group of components AirLoopHVAC:ZoneSplitters and AirLoopHVAC:SupplyPlenums
for the supply path and AirLoopHVAC:ReturnPlenums and AirLoopHVAC:ZoneMixers for the
return path. The connectivity of the paths is established by the components node connections.
There are no branches defined in the zone air path constructs.
1608 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

For a typical single duct air system there will be one AirLoopHVAC:SupplyPath and one Air-
LoopHVAC:ReturnPath. A typical dual duct system would have 2 AirLoopHVAC:SupplyPaths one
for the hot air and one for the cold air and 1 AirLoopHVAC:ReturnPath.
The AirLoopHVAC:SupplyPlenum component provides the capability to have supply air dis-
tributed to the conditioned zones through one or more plenum zones such as would occur in an
underfloor air distribution system (UFAD). The AirLoopHVAC:ReturnPlenum component allows
the program to model return air plenums. Of course plenums are always optional. The sim-
plest AirLoopHVAC:SupplyPath would consist of only an AirLoopHVAC:ZoneSplitter; similarly
the simplest return air path consists of a single AirLoopHVAC:ZoneMixer. A UFAD system supply
air path might consist of a single AirLoopHVAC:ZoneSplitter connecting to multiple AirLoopH-
VAC:SupplyPlenums which in turn could each supply one or more conditioned zones. A system
with return plenums would have an AirLoopHVAC:ReturnPath in which the conditioned zones
connect to the return plenum inlets and the return plenum s outlets connect to a single AirLoopH-
VAC:ZoneMixer.
Both the zone supply and return plenums are solved in the heat balance as thermal zones
which couple through heat conduction with adjacent zones. Since they are solved as thermal zones
the solution scheme involves the zone predictor-corrector technique which will lag the temperature
at the system timestep in every zone. See Summary of Predictor-Corrector Procedure in the
EnergyPlus Engineering Reference.
Below are the descriptions of the zone supply and return path statements. Note that each
statement type has an identifying name, a single inlet/outlet node name, and a list of component
type/name pairs. For a single zone being served by an air loop, the inlet to its air distribution
unit and the zone return air outlet can be the zone equipment inlet and outlet nodes directly, thus
eliminating the need to specify an AirLoopHVAC:SupplyPath and an AirLoopHVAC:ReturnPath.

1.36.2 AirLoopHVAC:SupplyPath
The AirLoopHVAC:SupplyPath lists one or more AirLoopHVAC:ZoneSplitter and AirLoopH-
VAC:SupplyPlenum components comprising the path. The components are listed in flow order:
upstream to downstream and may be in series, parallel, or both. Connectivity is established by
means of the individual component inlet and outlet nodes.

1.36.2.1 Inputs
1.36.2.1.1 Field: Name
Unique name to identify the supply air path..

1.36.2.1.2 Field: Supply Air Path Inlet Node Name

The name of an inlet node for the zone equipment half of the air loop. This should be one of
the nodes named in the AirLoopHVAC field: Demand Side Inlet Node Names.

1.36.2.1.3 Field Set Component Type and Name

The remaining fields are sets of two repeated times: a component type and a name. These pairs
of fields define the components on the supply air path.

1.36.2.1.4 Field: Component <#> Object Type

Start of the component list for the AirLoopHVAC:SupplyPath. This field should contain either
AirLoopHVAC:SupplyPlenum or AirLoopHVAC:ZoneSplitter.
1.36. GROUP – AIR PATH 1609

1.36.2.1.5 Field: Component <#> Name

Unique name of the AirLoopHVAC:SupplyPlenum or AirLoopHVAC:ZoneSplitter component.

1.36.3 AirLoopHVAC:ReturnPath
The AirLoopHVAC:ReturnPath lists one or more AirLoopHVAC:ZoneMixer and AirLoopH-
VAC:ReturnPlenum components comprising the path. The components are listed in flow order:
upstream to downstream and may be in series, parallel, or both. Connectivity is established by
means of the individual component inlet and outlet nodes. At this time there can only be 1
AirLoopHVAC:ZoneMixer in an AirLoopHVAC:ReturnPath.

1.36.3.1 Inputs
1.36.3.1.1 Field: Name
Unique name to identify the return air path.

1.36.3.1.2 Field: Return Air Path Outlet Node Name

The name of the node that is the outlet to the air loop from the AirLoopHVAC:ReturnPath.
This should be the same node named in the AirLoopHVAC field: Demand Side Outlet Node Name.

1.36.3.1.3 Field Set Component Type and Name

The remaining fields are sets of two repeated times: a component type and a name. These pairs
of fields define the components on the return air path.

1.36.3.1.4 Field: Component <#> Object Type

Start of the component list for the AirLoopHVAC:ReturnPath. This field should contain either
AirLoopHVAC:ReturnPlenum or AirLoopHVAC:ZoneMixer.

1.36.3.1.5 Field: Component <#> Name

Unique name of the AirLoopHVAC:ReturnPlenum or AirLoopHVAC:ZoneMixer.
Example inputs are shown below

AirLoopHVAC:SupplyPath ,
SupplyAirPath 1, !- Name
Zone Equip In Node , !- Supply Air Path Inlet Node Name
AirLoopHVAC:SupplyPlenum , !- Component 1 Object Type
Supply -Plenum -1, !- Component 1 Name
AirLoopHVAC:ZoneSplitter , !- Component 2 Object Type
Zone Supply Air Splitter 1; !- Component 2 Name

AirLoopHVAC:ReturnPath ,
ReturnAirPath1 , !- Name
PLENUM -1 Out Node , !- Return Air Path Outlet Node Name
Zone Return Plenum , !- Component 1 Object Type
Return -Plenum -1; !- Component 1 Name
1610 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.36.4 AirLoopHVAC:ReturnPlenum
The simple building shown in the figure below consists of a controlled zone and a return plenum
zone that is used for the return air. This simple configuration contains a ground floor controlled
zone with a window and a return plenum zone which handles the roof load. The return air plenum is
a special type of component since there is both a heat balance connection and building description
and a system airflow connection that transfers the airflow directly from the controlled zone to the
return plenum zone in the system air simulation. The input described in this section is mainly just
for the system airflow connections in the HVAC algorithms. In addition the return plenum zone
must be fully input as a zone object for the heat balance calculation. The zone description needs
to contain the wall descriptions - the interzone ceiling and floor, and for this simple case the roof.
All the other attributes of a zone that can be specified in the building description can be used with
a return plenum zone if necessary: scheduled loads, windows, etc.

Figure 1.142: Illustration of Zone Return Plenum

After all the building zone attributes are specified, the AirLoopHVAC:ReturnPlenum object is
specified and included as one of the named components in an AirLoopHVAC:ReturnPath.

1.36.4.1 Inputs
1.36.4.1.1 Field: Name
A unique identifying name identifying the AirLoopHVAC:ReturnPlenum system component.

1.36.4.1.2 Field: Zone Name

The zone name specified in the heat balance portion of the input. This piece of input connects
the zone return plenum system component to the heat balance data structure.
1.36. GROUP – AIR PATH 1611

1.36.4.1.3 Field: Zone Node Name

The name of the zone node. The zone node name connects the heat balance data
structure to the system airflow data structure through this node. This node name must
be unique otherwise a warning is reported. Do not use the Zone Air Node Name specified
in any ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections object, and since this zone is a plenum a Zone-
HVAC:EquipmentConnections object is not required for the zone named in the previous field.

1.36.4.1.4 Field: Outlet Node Name

The name of the return plenum outlet node. For the zone return plenum there is only one
outlet node that can be specified.

1.36.4.1.5 Field: Induced Air Outlet Node or NodeList Name

The name of an induced air outlet node or the name of a NodeList of such nodes. These nodes
are to be used as the secondary inlet air nodes of powered induction terminal units (See AirTer-
minal:SingleDuct:SeriesPIU:Reheat and AirTerminal:SingleDuct:ParallelPIU:Reheat).

1.36.4.1.6 Field: Inlet <#> Node Name

The name of a plenum inlet node. There is no limit to the number of inlet nodes, and there
may be no duplicate inlet node names. (Note that some EnergyPlus editing tools may allow only
500 inlet node names, but this may be increased by extending the object in the Energy+.idd file.)
An IDF example of a zone return plenum component specification:

AirLoopHVAC:ReturnPlenum ,
Return -Plenum -1, !- Name
PLENUM -1, !- Zone Name
PLENUM -1 Node , !- Zone Node Name
PLENUM -1 Out Node , !- Outlet Node Name
PLENUM -1 Induced Air Nodes , !- Induced Air Outlet Node or NodeList Name
SPACE1 -1 Out Node , !- Inlet 1 Node Name
SPACE2 -1 Out Node , !- Inlet 2 Node Name
SPACE3 -1 Out Node , !- Inlet 3 Node Name
SPACE4 -1 Out Node , !- Inlet 4 Node Name
SPACE5 -1 Out Node; !- Inlet 5 Node Name

NodeList ,
PLENUM -1 Induced Air Nodes , !- Name
SPACE1 -1 ATU Sec Node , !- Node 1 Name
SPACE2 -1 ATU Sec Node , !- Node 2 Name
SPACE3 -1 ATU Sec Node , !- Node 3 Name
SPACE4 -1 ATU Sec Node; !- Node 4 Name

Below is an example of the AirLoopHVAC:ReturnPath for the simple case shown above.

AirLoopHVAC:ReturnPath ,
ReturnAirPath1 , !- Name
PLENUM -1 Out Node , !- Return Air Path Outlet Node Name
AirLoopHVAC:ReturnPlenum , !- Component 1 Object Type
Return -Plenum -1; !- Component 1 Name

1.36.5 AirLoopHVAC:SupplyPlenum
The building shown in the figure below consists of three controlled zones served by an AirLoopH-
VAC:SupplyPlenum beneath the floor.
1612 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.143: Illustration of AirLoopHVAC:SupplyPlenum

1.36. GROUP – AIR PATH 1613

The AirLoopHVAC:SupplyPlenum has a heat balance connection and building description,

and a system airflow connection which transfers the airflow from the supply plenum zone to the
controlled zones in the system simulation. The input described in this section is mainly just for the
system airflow connections in the HVAC algorithms. In addition the supply plenum zone must be
fully input in the building zone description. The supply plenum zone description needs to contain
the wall descriptions, the interzone ceiling and floor, and the ground connection. All the other
attributes of a zone that can be specified in the building description can be utilized with a supply
plenum zone if necessary, i.e. scheduled loads, windows, etc.
After all the building zone attributes are specified, the AirLoopHVAC:SupplyPlenum object is
specified and included as one of the named components in an AirLoopHVAC:SupplyPath.

1.36.5.1 Inputs
1.36.5.1.1 Field: Name
A unique identifying name identifying the AirLoopHVAC:SupplyPlenum system component.

1.36.5.1.2 Field: Zone Name

The zone name specified in the heat balance portion of the input. This piece of input connects
the AirLoopHVAC:SupplyPlenum system component to the heat balance data structure.

1.36.5.1.3 Field: Zone Node Name

The name of the zone node. The zone node name connects the heat balance data structure to
the system airflow data structure through this node. This node name is defined by the user in the
field Zone Air Node Name in the ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections object for the zone named in
the previous field.

1.36.5.1.4 Field: Inlet Node Name

The name of the inlet node to the supply plenum. The AirLoopHVAC:SupplyPlenum compo-
nent can send air to many outlets, but there is only one inlet.

1.36.5.1.5 Field: Outlet <#> Node Name

The name of a plenum outlet node. There is no limit to the number of outlet nodes, and there
may be no duplicate outlet node names. (Note that some EnergyPlus editing tools may allow only
500 outlet node names, but this may be increased by extending the object in the Energy+.idd file.)
An IDF example of an AirLoopHVAC:SupplyPlenum component specification:

AirLoopHVAC:SupplyPlenum ,
Supply Plenum 1, ! Name
SUPPLY PLENUM ZONE , ! Zone Name
Supply Plenum 1 Zone Node , ! Zone Node Name
Zone Equipment Inlet Node , ! Inlet Node Name
Supply Plenum 1 Outlet Node; ! Outlet 1 Node Name

Below is an example of the AirLoopHVAC:SupplyPath for the building shown above.

AirLoopHVAC:SupplyPath ,
TermReheatSupplyPath , ! Name
Zone Equipment Inlet Node , ! Supply Air Path Inlet Node Name
AirLoopHVAC:SupplyPlenum , ! Component 1 Object Type
Supply Plenum 1, ! Component 1 Name
AirLoopHVAC:ZoneSplitter , ! Component 2 Object Type
Zone Supply Air Splitter; ! Component 2 Name
1614 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.36.6 AirLoopHVAC:ZoneSplitter
The AirLoopHVAC:ZoneSplitter is a component that splits airflow from a single inlet to multiple
outlets. This component must be referenced in an AirLoopHVAC:SupplyPath object. The input
contains only node connection information.

1.36.6.1 Inputs
1.36.6.1.1 Field: Name
Unique name for this zone splitter.

1.36.6.1.2 Field: Inlet Node Name

The name of the single inlet node going into the splitter.

1.36.6.1.3 Field: Outlet <#> Node Name

The name of a splitter outlet node. There is no limit to the number of outlet nodes, and there
may be no duplicate outlet node names. (Note that some EnergyPlus editing tools may allow only
500 outlet node names, but this may be increased by extending the object in the Energy+.idd file.)
An example is shown below.

AirLoopHVAC:ZoneSplitter ,
Zone Supply Air Splitter , ! Name
Zone Equipment Inlet Node , ! Inlet Node Name
Zone 1 Damper Inlet Node , ! Outlet 1 Node Name
Zone 2 Damper Inlet Node , ! Outlet 2 Node Name
Zone 3 Damper Inlet Node; ! Outlet 3 Node Name

1.36.7 AirLoopHVAC:ZoneMixer
The AirLoopHVAC:ZoneMixer takes the air from multiple inlets and mixes the streams to-
gether to be sent out of a single outlet node. This is a simple process of summing flows and
averaging the air properties. This compoment may be part of an air loop return path or part
of an induction terminal unit. When used as a return air mixer, this component must be
listed in an AirLoopHVAC:ReturnPath object, and the inlets may be zone return air nodes
or AirLoopHVAC:ReturnPlenum outlet nodes. When used in an induction terminal unit (ref.
AirTerminal:SingleDuct:SeriesPIU:Reheat, AirTerminal:SingleDuct:ParallelPIU:Reheat, and
AirTerminal:SingleDuct:ConstantVolume:FourPipeInduction), one inlet node is the supply (pri-
mary) air inlet from the central air handler, and the second inlet node is the induced (secondary)
air inlet. These node names should match equivalent node names in the terminal unit.

1.36.7.1 Inputs
1.36.7.1.1 Field: Name
Unique name for this zone mixer.

1.36.7.1.2 Field: Outlet Node Name

The name of the single outlet node leaving the mixer.
1.37. GROUP – NON-ZONE EQUIPMENT 1615

1.36.7.1.3 Field: Inlet <#> Node Name

The name of a mixer inlet node. There is no limit to the number of inlet nodes, and there may
be no duplicate inlet node names. (Note that some EnergyPlus editing tools may allow only 500
inlet node names, but this may be increased by extending the object in the Energy+.idd file.)
An input example is shown below.

AirLoopHVAC:ZoneMixer ,
Zone Return Air Mixer , ! Name
Return Air Mixer Outlet Node , ! Outlet Node Name
Zone 1 Outlet Node , ! Inlet 1 Node Name
Zone 2 Outlet Node , ! Inlet 2 Node Name
Zone 3 Outlet Node; ! Inlet 3 Node Name

1.37 Group – Non-Zone Equipment

The non-zone equipment group consists of plant objects that connect to the demand side of the
plant loop but are not associated with a a specific Zone (and do not have their own group). There is
currently one non-zone equipment object called LoadProfile:Plant. This object places a scheduled
demand load on the plant.
Non-zone equipment allows the option of performing a plant-only EnergyPlus simulation,
i.e. without any zones. This can be useful for comparing the performance of various plant
configurations or components without the added complexity of a full building description.

1.37.1 LoadProfile:Plant
The LoadProfile:Plant object is used to simulate a scheduled demand profile. This can be useful
when the building loads are already known. Demanded load and flow rate are schedules specified
in the object definition. The load profile can specify heating and cooling loads. Cooling loads are
entered as negative numbers. The actual load met is dependent on the performance of the supply
loop components.
The LoadProfile:Plant object must be connected on the demand side of the plant loop. It should
be located on a Branch with its control type set to Active. If desired, multiple LoadProfile:Plant
objects can be combined in series and/or parallel.

1.37.1.1 Inputs
1.37.1.1.1 Field: Name
The unique name of the LoadProfile:Plant object.

1.37.1.1.2 Field: Inlet Node Name

The name of the inlet node connection to the plant loop.
This node should be on the demand side.

1.37.1.1.3 Field: Outlet Node Name

The name of the outlet node connection to the plant loop.

1.37.1.1.4 Field: Load Schedule Name

Reference to the schedule object specifying the load profile [W].
1616 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.37.1.1.5 Field: Peak Flow Rate

The peak demanded water flow rate [m3 /s]. This value is multiplied by the flow rate fraction
schedule values (below) to determine the actual volumetric flow rate.

1.37.1.1.6 Field: Flow Rate Fraction Schedule Name

Reference to the schedule object specifying the flow rate fraction relative to the value in the
field Peak Flow Rate (above).
An example of this object follows.

LoadProfile:Plant ,
Load Profile 1, !- Name
Demand Load Profile 1 Inlet Node , !- Inlet Node Name
Demand Load Profile 1 Outlet Node , !- Outlet Node Name
Load Profile 1 Load Schedule , !- Load Schedule Name {W}
0.003 , !- Peak Flow Rate {m3/s}
Load Profile 1 Flow Frac Schedule; !- Flow Rate Fraction Schedule Name

1.37.1.2 Outputs
The following output variables and meters are reported for the LoadProfile:Plant object:

• HVAC,Average,Plant Load Profile Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Plant Load Profile Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Plant Load Profile Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Plant Load Profile Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Plant Load Profile Cooling Energy [J]

1.37.1.2.1 Plant Load Profile Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

This is the mass flow of the fluid passing through the load profile object, in kg/s.

1.37.1.2.2 Plant Load Profile Heat Transfer Rate [W]

1.37.1.2.3 Plant Load Profile Heat Transfer Energy [J]

These report the overall heat transfer rate and energy for the load profile object, in Watts or
Joules.

1.37.1.2.4 Plant Load Profile Cooling Energy [J]Plant Load Profile Heating En-
ergy [J]
These report the overall cooling or heating energy that the load profile object places on the
plant loop, in Joules.
The inlet and outlet node temperatures and mass flow rates can be monitored using the system
node output variables:

• HVAC,Average,System Node Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,System Node Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

1.38. GROUP SOLAR COLLECTORS 1617

1.38 Group Solar Collectors

Solar collectors are thermal devices that convert solar energy into thermal energy by raising the
temperature of a circulating heat transfer fluid. The fluid can then be used to heat water for
domestic hot water usage or space heating.
In EnergyPlus solar collectors are components that are connected to the plant loop. A solar
heating system can be constructed with a combination of solar collectors, pumps, and hot water
tanks.
Flate plate solar collectors are defined using two objects: SolarCollector:FlatPlate:Water
and SolarCollectorPerformance:FlatPlate. Similarly, Integral-Collector-Storage (ICS) solar
collectors are defined using two objects: SolarCollector:IntegralCollectorStorage, and So-
larCollectorPerformance:IntegralCollectorStorage. The SolarCollector:FlatPlate:Water and
SolarCollector:IntegralCollectorStorage objects describe the plant component connections.
These object also reference SolarCollectorPerformance:FlatPlate and SolarCollectorPerfor-
mance:IntegralCollectorStorage performance objects which contains the thermal and optical
performance test data for a specific make and model of collector. Parameters are defined
separately so that these values can be organized into a reference data set and need only be entered
once if for an array of the same type of collectors.

1.38.1 SolarCollector:FlatPlate:Water
The flat-plate solar collector model simulates glazed, unglazed, and tubular (i.e. evacuated tube)
collectors. The SolarCollector:FlatPlate:Water object represents a single collector module con-
nected to the plant loop. The thermal and optical properties of the collector module are taken
from the referenced SolarCollectorPerformance:FlatPlate object. A surface or shading object de-
fines the collector tilt, azimuth, and gross area. The collector surface participates normally in
all shading calculations if the “FullExterior,” “FullInteriorAndExterior,” FullExteriorWithReflec-
tions , or FullInteriorAndExteriorWithReflections flags are set in the Solar Distribution field of the
Building object. Inlet and outlet nodes are specified for plant connections on the demand side of
the plant loop.

1.38.1.1 Inputs
1.38.1.1.1 Field: Name
The unique name of the SolarCollector:FlatPlate:Water object.

1.38.1.1.2 Field: Solar Collector Performance Name

Reference name of a SolarCollectorPerformance:FlatPlate object that defines the thermal and
optical properties of the collector.

1.38.1.1.3 Field: Surface Name

Reference to one of the many different types of surfaces such as the BuildingSurface:Detailed
or the Shading:Zone:Detailed objects. The surface named here is used to define the solar collector
tilt, azimuth, and gross area.

1.38.1.1.4 Field: Inlet Node Name

The name of the inlet node connection to the plant loop.
1618 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.38.1.1.5 Field: Outlet Node Name

The name of the outlet node connection to the plant loop.

1.38.1.1.6 Field: Maximum Flow Rate

The maximum flow rate [m3 /s] allowed through the collector. This field is optional. If not
specified, the collector will allow as much flow as the rest of the plant can deliver.
An example follows.

SolarCollector:FlatPlate:Water ,
Collector 1, !- Name
ACR Solar International Fireball 2001, !- Solar Collector Performance Name
Collector Surface , !- Surface Name
Collector Inlet Node , !- Inlet Node Name
Collector Outlet Node , !- Outlet Node Name
0.00005; !- Maximum Flow Rate (m3
/s)

1.38.1.2 Outputs
The following output variables are reported for the SolarCollector:FlatPlate:Water object:

• HVAC,Average,Solar Collector Incident Angle Modifier []

• HVAC,Average,Solar Collector Efficiency []

• HVAC,Average,Solar Collector Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Solar Collector Heat Gain Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Solar Collector Heat Loss Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Solar Collector Heat Transfer Energy [J]

1.38.1.2.1 Solar Collector Incident Angle Modifier []

The incident angle modifier is an important intermediate value used in the SRCC calculation
of solar collector performance. The value reported here is the combined result for the current time
that includes incident angles of beam solar, diffuse solar from sky, and diffuse solar from ground.

1.38.1.2.2 Solar Collector Efficiency []

The overall collector efficiency. This is the ratio of collected energy and the incident solar
energy. The efficiency can be greater than 1 at times when the outdoor air temperature is warm
enough.

1.38.1.2.3 Solar Collector Heat Transfer Rate [W]

1.38.1.2.4 Solar Collector Heat Transfer Energy [J]

These are the overall rate (in W) and amount of energy ( in J) transferred to the collector s
circulating fluid. Positive values indicate heating of the fluid while negative values indicate cooling
of the fluid.
1.38. GROUP SOLAR COLLECTORS 1619

1.38.1.2.5 Solar Collector Heat Gain Rate [W]

This is the overall rate of heat addition to the collector s circulating fluid in Watts. Values are
always positive or zero. If the fluid is actually cooled then the value is zero.

1.38.1.2.6 Solar Collector Heat Loss Rate [W]

This is the overall rate of heat loss from the collector s circulating fluid in Watts. Values are
always positive or zero. If the fluid is actually heated then the value is zero.
In addition, several surface variables are also relevant for the collector s surface object (Build-
ingSurface:Detailed or Shading:Zone:Detailed):

• Zone,Average,Surface Outside Face Sunlit Area [m2]

• Zone,Average,Surface Outside Face Sunlit Fraction []

• Zone,Average,Surface Outside Face Incident Solar Radiation Rate per Area [W/m2]

• Zone,Average,Surface Outside Face Incident Beam Solar Radiation Rate per Area [W/m2]

• Zone,Average,Surface Outside Face Incident Sky Diffuse Solar Radiation Rate per Area
[W/m2]

• Zone,Average,Surface Outside Face Incident Ground Diffuse Solar Radiation Rate per Area
[W/m2]

• Zone,Average,Surface Outside Face Beam Solar Incident Angle Cosine Value []

The temperatures at the inlet and outlet nodes and the collector mass flow rate can be monitored
using the system node output variables:

• HVAC,Average,System Node Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,System Node Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

1.38.2 SolarCollectorPerformance:FlatPlate
The SolarCollectorPerformance:FlatPlate object contains the thermal and optical performance pa-
rameters for a single collector module. These parameters are based on the testing methodologies
described in ASHRAE Standards 93 and 96. The Solar Rating and Certification Corporation
(SRCC) applies these standards in their rating procedures of solar collectors. The ratings for com-
mercially available collectors in North America are published in the Directory of SRCC Certified
Solar Collector Ratings. The SRCC database has also been converted into an EnergyPlus data set
of SolarCollectorPerformance:FlatPlate objects that is included with the program (see SolarCollec-
tors.idf in the DataSets folder).
The coefficients for the energy conversion efficiency and incident angle modifier allow first order
(linear) or second order (quadratic) correlations. To use a first order correlation, the second order
coefficient must be left blank or set to zero.
In order for the model to work correctly, the test conditions for which the performance coeffi-
cients were measured must be specified in the fields: Test Fluid, Test Volumetric Flow Rate, and
Test Correlation Type. Currently, only water is allowed as the Test Fluid.
For more detailed information about the performance coefficients, see the EnergyPlus Engineer-
ing Reference Document.
1620 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.38.2.1 Inputs
1.38.2.1.1 Field: Name
The unique name of the SolarCollectorPerformance:FlatPlate object.

1.38.2.1.2 Field: Gross Area

The gross area of the collector module [m2 ]. This value is mainly for reference. The area of the
associated collector surface object is used in all calculations.

1.38.2.1.3 Field: Test Fluid

The fluid that was used in the testing procedure that resulted in the thermal and optical
performance coefficients below. Currently only Water is allowed. This the fluid during the collector
testing, not the fluid used during a particular EnergyPlus run.

1.38.2.1.4 Field: Test Flow Rate

The volumetric flow rate during testing [m3 /s]. If the value is available as flow rate per unit
area, it is recommended to multiply by the Gross Area of the collector module, not the net aperture
area.

1.38.2.1.5 Field: Test Correlation Type

This field specifies type of temperature used to develop the correlation equations. The testing
procedure is based on an experimental correlation using either Inlet, Average, or Outlet tempera-
ture. Enter one of these choices. The ASHRAE Standards 93 and 96 always use Inlet temperature.

1.38.2.1.6 Field: Coefficient 1 of Efficiency Equation

First coefficient of efficiency equation for energy conversion [dimensionless]. This is the Y-
intercept term.

1.38.2.1.7 Field: Coefficient 2 of Efficiency Equation

Second coefficient of efficiency equation for energy conversion [W/m2 -K]. This is the first-order
term.

1.38.2.1.8 Field: Coefficient 3 of Efficiency Equation

Third coefficient of efficiency equation for energy conversion [W/m2 -K2 ]. This field is optional.
This is the second-order term. If left blank or set to zero, a first-order linear correlation is used.

1.38.2.1.9 Field: Coefficient 2 of Incident Angle Modifier

Second coefficient of the incident angle modifier equation. This the first-order term. (There is
no Coefficient 1 of Incident Angle Modifier because that number is always 1.0.)

1.38.2.1.10 Field: Coefficient 3 of Incident Angle Modifier

Third coefficient of the incident angle modifier equation. This is the second-order term. This
field is optional. If left blank or set to zero, a first order linear correlation is used.
An example of this object follows.
1.38. GROUP SOLAR COLLECTORS 1621

SolarCollectorPerformance :FlatPlate ,
Alternate Energy Technologies AE -32, !- Name
2.9646 , !- Gross Area {m2}
WATER , !- Test Fluid
0.0000388 , !- Test Flow Rate {m3/s}
INLET , !- Test Correlation Type
0.691 , !- Coefficient 1 of Efficiency Equation {
dimensionless}
-3.396, !- Coefficient 2 of Efficiency Equation {W/m2 -K}
-0.00193 , !- Coefficient 3 of Efficiency Equation {W/m2 -K2}
-0.1939 , !- Coefficient 2 of Incident Angle Modifier
-0.0055; !- Coefficient 3 of Incident Angle Modifier

1.38.2.2 Outputs
This object does not generate any output; see SolarCollector:FlatPlate:Water Output

1.38.3 SolarCollector:IntegralCollectorStorage
The Integral-Collector-Storage (ICS) solar collector model simulates glazed collectors with integral
storage unit. The SolarCollector:IntegralCollectorStorage object represents a single collector mod-
ule connected to the plant loop. The thermal and optical properties of the collector module are
calculated from inputs in SolarCollectorPerformance:IntegralCollectorStorage object. A surface or
shading object defines the collector tilt, and azimuth. The collector surface participates normally
in all shading calculations if the “FullExterior,” “FullInteriorAndExterior,” FullExteriorWithRe-
flections , or FullInteriorAndExteriorWithReflections flags are set in the Solar Distribution field
of the Building object. Inlet and outlet nodes are specified for plant connections on the demand
side of the plant loop. The SurfaceProperty:ExteriorNaturalVentedCavity, object is required to de-
scribe the surface properties, the characteristics of the cavity and opening for natural ventilation if
OtherSideConditionsModel is specified as the collector bottom surface outside boundary condition
type.

1.38.3.1 Inputs
1.38.3.1.1 Field: Name
The unique name of the SolarCollector:IntegralCollectorStorage object.

1.38.3.1.2 Field: Solar Collector Performance Name

Reference name of a SolarCollectorPerformance:IntegralCollectorStorage object that defines the
thermal and optical properties of the collector.

1.38.3.1.3 Field: Surface Name

Reference to one of the many different types of surfaces such as the BuildingSurface:Detailed
or the Shading:Zone:Detailed objects. The surface named here is used to define the solar collector
tilt, and azimuth. The collector shades the surface it is mounted on and hence impacts the surface
heat balance.
1622 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.38.3.1.4 Field: Bottom surface Boundary Conditions Type

This field contains the type of boundary conditions applicable to the ICS collector bottom
surface. Allowed boundary condition types are: AmbientAir and OtherSideConditions-
Model. If the other side conditions model is selected, specify the name of the SurfaceProp-
erty:OtherSideConditionsModel object in the next input field, otherwise, leave the next input field
blank. The AmbientAir boundary condition uses outdoor air temperature as boundary condition,
hence the subsurface is assumed to be exposed to the sun and wind.

1.38.3.1.5 Field: Other Side Conditions Model Name

This field contains the name of a SurfaceProperty:OtherSideConditionsModel object declared
elsewhere in the input file. This will connect the collector to the exterior boundary conditions for
the underlying heat transfer surface specified above..

1.38.3.1.6 Field: Inlet Node Name

The name of the inlet node connection to the plant loop.

1.38.3.1.7 Field: Outlet Node Name

The name of the outlet node connection to the plant loop.

1.38.3.1.8 Field: Maximum Flow Rate

The maximum flow rate [m3/s] allowed through the collector. This field is optional. If not
specified, the collector will allow as much flow as the rest of the plant can deliver.
An example follows.

SolarCollector:IntegralCollectorStorage ,
Collector 1, !- Name
ICS Solar Collector , !- Solar Collector Performance Name
ICS Collector Surface , !- Surface Name
OtherSideConditionsModel , !- Bottom Surface Boundary Conditions
Type
ICS OSCM , !- Boundary Condition
Model Name
Collector Inlet Node , !- Inlet Node Name
Collector Outlet Node , !- Outlet Node Name
0.00005; !- Maximum Flow Rate (m3
/s)

1.38.4 SolarCollectorPerformance:IntegralCollectorStorage
The SolarCollectorPerformance:IntegralCollectorStorage object contains the thermal and optical
performance parameters for a single collector module. The transmittance-absorptance product of
the absorber and cover system is determined from optical properties specified. For more detailed
information about the calculation procedure, see the EnergyPlus Engineering Reference Document.

1.38.4.1 Inputs
1.38.4.1.1 Field: Name
The unique name of the SolarCollectorPerformance:IntegralCollectorStorage object.

1.38.4.1.2 Field: ICS Collector Type

This input field is the ICS collector type. Currently only RectangularTank type is allowed.
1.38. GROUP SOLAR COLLECTORS 1623

1.38.4.1.3 Field: Gross Area

This input field is the gross area of the collector module in m2. This gross area is used in the
energy balance equations.

1.38.4.1.4 Field: Collector Water Volume

This input field is the volume of water in the solar collector in m3.

1.38.4.1.5 Field: Bottom Heat Loss Conductance

This input field is the collector bottom heat loss conductance in W/m2K. This value is calculated
from thermal conductivity and thickness of the bottom insulation.

1.38.4.1.6 Field: Side Heat Loss Conductance

This input field is the collector side heat loss conductance in W/m2K. This value is calculated
from thermal conductivity and thickness of the side insulation.

1.38.4.1.7 Field: Collector Aspect Ratio

This input field is the ratio of the short side (width) of the collector to the long side (length) of
the collector. This value is used only for calculating the collector side area along with the collector
side height specified in the next input filed. This ratio is less or equal to 1.0.

1.38.4.1.8 Field: Collector Side Height

This input field is height of collector side in m. This height is used to estimate the collector
side area for heat loss calculations along with heat loss coefficient specified in the input field above.

1.38.4.1.9 Field: Thermal Mass of Absorber Plate

This input field is thermal-mass of the absorber plate per unit area of the collector in [J/m2×K].
This input value multiplied by the absorber gross area determines the thermal mass of the absorber
plate. It is estimated from the specific heat, density and average thickness of the absorber plate.
If zero is specified then the absorber plate energy balance reduces to steady state form.

1.38.4.1.10 Field: Number of Covers

Number of transparent collector covers. Common practice is to use two covers: glass as the
outer cover and Teflon as the inner cover. If single cover is specified leave the inner cover optical
and thermal properties input fields blank.

1.38.4.1.11 Field: Cover Spacing

This input field provides the spacing between the two transparent covers, and the spacing
between the inner cover and the absorber plate in m. Default value is 0.05m.

1.38.4.1.12 Field: Refractive Index of Outer Cover

This is the average Refractive index for solar spectrum range of the outer transparent cover
material. Glass is used as the outer cover. Average refractive index value for non-absorbing glass
used in solar collectors over solar spectrum range is 1.526.
1624 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.38.4.1.13 Field: Extinction Coefficient Times Thickness of Outer Cover

This input field is the product of the extinction coefficient and the thickness of the out cover
material. The extinction coefficient for glass types approximately varies from 4m−1 to 32 m−1 . The
extinction coefficient for low-iron glass, which is the default outer cover material, is 15 m−1 . The
default value for extinction coefficient times thickness (KL) is 0.045 ( = 15.0 x0.003), which is the
product of the default extinction coefficient of 15m−1 and 3.0mm thick glass.

1.38.4.1.14 Field: Emissivity of Outer Cover

This input field value is thermal emissivity of the outer collector cover. The default value
assumes low-iron glass with thermal emissivity of 0.88.

1.38.4.1.15 Field: Refractive Index of Inner Cover

This input field is the average Refractive index of the inner transparent cover of the collector.
Commonly Teflon (PolytetraFluoroethylene) is used as the inner cover. The average refractive
index value over the solar spectrum range for Teflon is 1.37.

1.38.4.1.16 Field: Extinction Coefficient Times Thickness of Inner Cover

This input field is the product of the extinction coefficient (K) and the thickness (L) of the inner
cover material. The inner cover material is more transparent than the out cover, very thin and
hence their thickness can be assumed to be negligible. The default value for extinction coefficient
times thickness (KL) is 0.008 ( = 40.0x0.0002), which is the product of extinction coefficient of
40m−1 and a thickness of 0.2mm.

1.38.4.1.17 Field: Emissivity of Inner Cover

This input field value is thermal emissivity of the inner transparent collector cover. The default
value assumes plastic sheet with thermal emissivity of 0.30. This value is used in the thermal
analysis only.

1.38.4.1.18 Field: Absorptance of Absorber Plate

This input field is shortwave or solar absorptance of the absorber plate. The default value is
0.96.

1.38.4.1.19 Field: Emissivity of Absorber Plate

This input field value is thermal emissivity of the absorber plate. Default value is 0.30. This
input value is used in the thermal analysis only.
An example follows.

SolarCollectorPerformance :IntegralCollectorStorage ,
ICS Experimental , !- Name
RectangularTank , !- ICS Collector Type
0.37275 , !- Gross Area {m2}
0.0195875 , !- Collector Water Volume {m3}
0.10, !- Bottom Heat Loss Conductance
1.00, !- Side Heat Loss Conductance
0.8, !- Collector Aspect Ratio {dimensionless}
0.08, !- Collector Side Height {m}
5800.0 , !- Thermal Mass of Absorber Plate {J/m2K}
1, !- Number of Covers {dimensionless}
0.05, !- Cover Spacing {m}
1.526 , !- Refractive Index of Outer Cover {dimensionless}
0.0125 , !- Extinction Coefficient Times Thickness of Outer Cover {dimensionless}
1.38. GROUP SOLAR COLLECTORS 1625

0.88, !- Emissivity of Outer Cover

1.126 , !- Refractive Index of Inner Cover {dimensionless}
0.0126 , !- Extinction Coefficient Times Thickness of Inner Cover {dimensionless}
0.88, !- Emissivity of Inner Cover {dimensionless}
0.96, !- Absorptance of Absorber Plate {dimensionless}
0.60; !- Emissivity of Absorber Plate {dimensionless}

1.38.4.2 Outputs
The following output variables are reported for the SolarCollector:IntegralCollectorStorage object:

• HVAC,Average,Solar Collector Storage Water Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Solar Collector Absorber Plate Temperature [C]
• HVAC,Average,Solar Collector Overall Top Heat Loss Coefficient [W/m2-C]
• HVAC,Average,Solar Collector Thermal Efficiency []
• HVAC,Average,Solar Collector Storage Heat Transfer Rate [W]
• HVAC,Sum,Solar Collector Storage Heat Transfer Energy [J]
• HVAC,Average,Solar Collector Heat Transfer Rate [W]
• HVAC,Sum,Solar Collector Heat Transfer Energy [J]
• HVAC,Average,Solar Collector Skin Heat Transfer Rate [W]
• HVAC,Sum, Solar Collector Skin Heat Transfer Energy [J]
• HVAC,Average,Solar Collector Transmittance Absorptance Product []

1.38.4.2.1 Solar Collector Storage Water Temperature [C]

This output variable is the ICS collector stored water average temperature at a given time
steps in degree Celsius. This temperature is the same as the collector ICS collector leaving water
temperature.

1.38.4.2.2 Solar Collector Absorber Plate Temperature [C]

This output variable is the ICS collector absorber plate average temperature at a given time
steps in degree Celsius.

1.38.4.2.3 Solar Collector Thermal Efficiency []

This output variable is the instantaneous thermal efficiency of the ICS solar collector in per
cent. This value is determined from net useful energy collected and the total incident solar radiation
for each time step. The net useful energy collected is the sum of the energy stored in the collector
and net useful energy delivered.

1.38.4.2.4 Solar Collector Storage Heat Transfer Rate [W]

1.38.4.2.5 Solar Collector Storage Heat Transfer Energy [J]

These output variables are the instantaneous rate of change of the energy and the change in
energy of the water in the ICS solar collector in Watts, and Joules, respectively.
1626 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.38.4.2.6 Solar Collector Skin Heat Transfer Rate [W]

1.38.4.2.7 Solar Collector Skin Heat Transfer Energy [J]

These output variables are the instantaneous skin heat loss rate and the heat loss energy of the
ICS solar collector for each time steps in Watts, and Joules respectively. The skin heat loss rate is
the sum of the heat losses through the top, bottom and sides of the collector surfaces. This value
is mostly negative, but can have a positive value (heat gain) when the outdoor air temperature is
warmer than the collector.

1.38.4.2.8 Solar Collector Heat Transfer Rate [W]

1.38.4.2.9 Solar Collector Heat Transfer Energy [J]

This output variable is the heat rate and Energy transferred from the ICS collector to the
collector loop fluid (water) in Watts and Joule, respectively. This value is determined from the
collector water mass flow rate, specific heat of water and the temperature difference between the
collector water outlet and inlet nodes at each time step. The value is positive when the fluid is
heated or negative when cooled.

1.38.4.2.10 Solar Collector Transmittance Absorptance Product []

This output variable is the transmittance-absorptance product of the covers and absorber system
of the ICS solar collector. This value ranges from 0.0 to less than 1.0.

1.38.4.2.11 Solar Collector Overall Top Heat Loss Coefficient [W/m2-C]

This output variable is the overall heat loss coefficient from the absorber plate to the ambient
air calculated for each time step.

1.38.5 SolarCollector:FlatPlate:PhotovoltaicThermal
This object is used to model hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) solar collectors that convert inci-
dent solar energy into both electricity and useful thermal energy. This object describes the PVT
solar collector by referencing other objects that provide more detail or connections to other parts
of the EnergyPlus model.
The PVT solar collectors need to be connected to either an HVAC air system or a plant loop for
collected thermal energy to be utilized. The input field for the type of thermal working fluid informs
the program how the PVT collector is expected to be connected. If the the working fluid is air,
then the PVT collectors are modeled as a ventilation air pretreatment component and connected
to an outdoor air system. If the working fluid is water, then the PVT collectors are modeled as a
hot water solar collector and are connected to a plant loop with a water thermal storage tank.

1.38.5.1 Inputs
1.38.5.1.1 Field: Name
This field should contain a unique name chosen by the user to identify a specific PVT collector
in the building model.
1.38. GROUP SOLAR COLLECTORS 1627

1.38.5.1.2 Field: Surface Name

This field is the user-defined name of a surface object (defined elsewhere) to which the PVT
module is attached. These can be any type of building surface that is exposed to the exterior
environment. The model uses the named surface s geometry for the PVT solar collector.

1.38.5.1.3 Field: Photovoltaic-Thermal Model Performance Name

This field is the user-defined name of an object (defined elsewhere) that provides
the performance details of the PVT module. This should be the name of a Solar-
CollectorPerformance:PhotovoltaicThermal:Simple object. Multiple different SolarCollec-
tor:FlatPlate:PhotovoltaicThermal objects can reference the same object that provides performance
details.

1.38.5.1.4 Field: Photovoltaic Generator Name

This field is the user-defined name of a Generator:Photovoltaic object (defined elsewhere) that
will be used to model the solar electric portion of the PVT solar collector. The PVT models make
any adjustments needed to model PV performance in the context of the PVT collector.

1.38.5.1.5 Field: Thermal Working Fluid Type

This field is the user s choice for the type of fluid used to collect thermal energy. PVT solar
collectors can capture thermal energy in either air or water streams. The choices available for this
field are Water or Air. If the choice is Air then the PVT collector needs to be connected to an
HVAC air system loop. The PVT collector should be situated as the first component on an outdoor
air inlet stream. If the choice is Water then the PVT collector needs to be connected to a Plant
water system loop. The connections are made via node names which are defined in the following
fields, depending on the working fluid type.

1.38.5.1.6 Field: Water Inlet Node Name

This field is the name of Plant loop node that serves as the inlet to the PVT collector. This
field is only used if the Thermal Working Fluid Type is set to Plant/Water.

1.38.5.1.7 Field: Water Outlet Node Name

This field is the name of a plant loop node that seves as the outlet from the PVT collector.
This field is only used if the Thermal Working Fluid Type is set to Plant/Water.

1.38.5.1.8 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

This field is the name of HVAC air loop node that serves as the inlet to the PVT collector.
This field is only used if the Thermal Working Fluid Type is set to HVAC/Air.

1.38.5.1.9 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

This field is the name of HVAC air loop node that serves as the outlet from the PVT collector.
This field is only used if the Thermal Working Fluid Type is set to HVAC/Air.

1.38.5.1.10 Field: Design Flow Rate

This field is used to describe the nominal volume flow rate of the thermal working fluid. The
units are m3/s. The volume flow rate is autosizable.
An example of this object follows.
1628 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

SolarCollector:FlatPlate:PhotovoltaicThermal ,
PVT: 1_Ceiling , !- Name
1_Ceiling , !- Surface Name
30 percentPVThalfArea , !- Photovoltaic -Thermal Model
Performance Name
PV: ZN_1_FLR_1_SEC_1_Ceiling , !- Photovoltaic Name
Air , !- Thermal Working
Fluid Type
, !- Water Inlet Node
Name
, !- Water Outlet
Node Name
ZN_1_FLR_1_SEC_1:Sys_OAInlet Node , !- Air Inlet Node Name
PVT: ZN_1_FLR_1_SEC_1_Ceiling Outlet , !- Air Outlet Node Name
Autosize ; !- Design Flow Rate

1.38.5.2 Outputs
The output variables that are available for flat plate PVT include the following.

• HVAC,Average,Generator Produced Thermal Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Generator Produced Thermal Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Generator PVT Fluid Bypass Status []

• HVAC,Average,Generator PVT Fluid Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Generator PVT Fluid Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Generator PVT Fluid Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

1.38.5.2.1 Generator Produced Thermal Rate [W]

1.38.5.2.2 Generator Produced Thermal Energy [J]

These outputs are the thermal energy and power produced by the PVT collector. PVT collectors
are a type of cogenerator, producing both electrical and thermal power and these variables report
the thermal portion in the same manner as other fuel-based cogenerators. The thermal energy is
placed on HeatProduced meter and is attributed to SolarWater or SolarAir depending on the type
of working fluid. The generator thermal production is also reported at the load center level.

1.38.5.2.3 Generator PVT Fluid Bypass Status []

This output variable indicates the status a bypass damper. It is only available for air-based
PVT. There are no dimensions and the range is between 0.0 and 1.0. If the value is 0.0, then there
is no bypassing and all the working fluid goes through the collector. If the value is 1.0, then there is
complete bypassing and all the working fluid goes around the collector. If the value is between 0.0
and 1.0, then the model is effectively mixing bypass and collector streams to target a temperature
setpoint placed on the outlet node.

1.38.5.2.4 Generator PVT Fluid Inlet Temperature [C]

This report is the inlet temperature of the working fluid that enters the PVT collector
1.38. GROUP SOLAR COLLECTORS 1629

1.38.5.2.5 Generator PVT Fluid Outlet Temperature [C]

This report is the outlet temperature of the working fluid that leaves the PVT collector

1.38.5.2.6 Generator PVT Fluid Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

This report is the mass flow rate of the working fluid through the PVT collector. This is the
overall mass flow rate, portions of the flow may be internally bypassed around the collector itself
for control modulation.

1.38.6 SolarCollectorPerformance:PhotovoltaicThermal:Simple
This object is used to provide performance details for the simple PVT model. This is a simple user-
defined efficiency model. Thermal conversion efficiency is a constant or scheduled value. There are
no output variable for this object, reporting is done by the parent PVT object.

1.38.6.1 Inputs
1.38.6.1.1 Field: Name
This field is the unique name for this object.

1.38.6.1.2 Field: Fraction of Surface Area with Active Thermal Collector

This field is the fraction of the surface area that is active. It should be a decimal fraction
between 0.0 and 1.0. The area of the PVT s surface will be multiplied by this fraction to determine
the active area of the PVT collector(s).

1.38.6.1.3 Field: Thermal Conversion Efficiency Input Mode Type

This field is used to determine how the thermal efficiency is input. There are two choices, Fixed
or Scheduled. If this field is set to Fixed, then a constant value for thermal efficiency will be used
(set in next field). If this field is set to Scheduled, then the thermal efficiency values are defined in
a schedule.

1.38.6.1.4 Field: Value for Thermal Conversion Efficiency if Fixed

This field is used to provide a value for the efficiency with which solar energy is collected in
the working fluid. This field is only used if the input mode is set to Fixed in the previous field.
Efficiency is defined as the thermal energy collected divided by the incident solar radiation. The
value should be between 0.0 and 1.0. The user should be careful that the thermal efficiency and the
electrical efficiency be consistent with each other because the overall efficiency of the PVT collector
is the combination of both thermal and electrical.

1.38.6.1.5 Field: Name of Schedule for Thermal Conversion Efficiency

This field is used for the name of a schedule that provides values for the efficiency with which
solar energy is collected in the working fluid. This field is only used if the input mode is set to
Scheduled in the field above. Efficiency is defined as the thermal energy collected divided by the
incident solar radiation. The values in the named schedule should be between 0.0 and 1.0. The
user should be careful that the thermal efficiency and the electrical efficiency be consistent with
each other because the overall efficiency of the PVT collector is the combination of both thermal
and electrical.
1630 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.38.6.1.6 Field: Front Surface Emittance

This field is used to describe an average value for the total hemispherical emittance of the
collector s front face exposed to the sky. This is used to model cooling applications where the PVT
collectors are operated at night to cool the working fluid.
An example input object follows.

SolarCollectorPerformance :PhotovoltaicThermal :Simple ,

20 percentEffPVhalfArea , !- Name
0.5 , !- Fraction of Surface Area with
Active Thermal Collector
Fixed , !- Thermal Conversion Efficiency
Input Mode Type
0.2 , !- Value for Thermal Conversion
Efficiency if Fixed
, !- Name of Schedule for Thermal
Conversion Efficiency
0.84 ; !- Front Surface Emittance

1.38.7 Solar Collector Heating System Plant Connections

This section provides an overview of how to model solar heating systems. A solar heating system
can be constructed using a combination of solar collectors, pumps, water tanks and water heaters.
The solar collector must be connected on the demand side of the plant loop. Multiple collector
modules can be combined in series and parallel using the normal plant connection rules. The supply
side of the plant loop should contain a water heater with the solar collector loop connecting to the
Source Side Inlet and Source Side Outlet nodes. As usual, the pump must be the first component
on the supply side.
If the solar heating system is for domestic hot water (or service water heating) usage only, the
field Use Flow Rate Fraction Schedule Name of the WaterHeater:Mixed object can be used to avoid
additional plant connections. If the system has more complicated hot water requirements or if
the system is for space heating, the Use Side Inlet and Use Side Outlet nodes must be connected
to another plant loop to serve zone and non-zone equipment. (See the WaterHeater:Mixed object
documentation for more information.)
NOTE: The EnergyPlus plant simulation requires the pump to be the first component on the
supply side. This may be different from the way the solar heating system is actually configured.
This should not affect the validity of the simulation results.
In order to realize energy savings with a solar heating system, it is best to use a two-tank system
with a storage tank and auxiliary water heater. The storage tank gathers heat directly from the
solar collectors and stores it for later use. The storage tank is modeled using a WaterHeater:Mixed
object with the Heater Maximum Capacity set to zero. The auxiliary water heater is positioned
downstream of the storage tank on the supply side of the main plant loop. The auxiliary water
heater, or booster water heater, provides additional heat if the storage tank water is not hot
enough. The auxiliary water heater can be modeled as an instantaneous/tankless water heater or
as a standard tanked water heater with heating source (see WaterHeater:Mixed).
Another strategy to consider for solar heating systems is to allow the storage tank to reach a
much higher temperature than necessary for the end use. This allows the tank to store more energy
from the solar collectors, when it is available. However, for applications such as domestic hot water,
it is undesirable and unsafe to supply excessive hot water temperatures at the point of demand. To
take advantage of higher storage temperatures, yet still avoid scalding temperatures at the faucet,
1.38. GROUP SOLAR COLLECTORS 1631

Figure 1.144: Solar Collector Plant Loop Connection Diagram

the hot water leaving the storage tank can be tempered with cold water using a three-way valve to
achieve the target temperature. See the TemperingValve object documentation for more details.
A complete two-tank solar heating system with tempering valve is shown below.

1.38.8 Solar Heating System Control

There are several options for controlling a solar heating system in EnergyPlus. Since the solar
collectors request a constant flow demand based on their Maximum Flow Rate, the limiting factor
is actually the flow rate determined by the loop pump. Therefore the entire system can be controlled
using the Pump Flow Rate Schedule of the pump. If the schedule is omitted, the pump and system
will run all the time (without any other controls specified). This is usually not the best way to
operate a solar heating system.
To better control the collector loop, a differential thermostat can be used to compare the
temperature in the water heater to the temperature in the collector so that the pump is only
turned on when there is a useful heat gain. The differential thermostat is simulated using the
AvailabilityManager:DifferentialThermostat object. For a typical system, the Hot Node Name field
refers to an outlet node of one of the collector modules. The Cold Node Name field refers to the
Source Side Outlet node, i.e. the cold storage water leaving the water heater. The fields Temperature
Difference On Limit and Temperature Difference Off Limit are usually 8 12 C and 1 3 C respectively.
If the two temperature differences are too close, it is possible for the system to turn on and off
rapidly without much useful heat gain. This can also occur if the flow rate through the collector is
too high. Without flow the fluid in the collector heats up more quickly; when high flow is turned
on, all of the hot fluid is removed and the temperature drops, forcing the system off again.
Another control method is to use a photovoltaic panel to power the pump. The system begins
pumping when there is enough solar radiation to operate the pump. This is not yet implemented
in EnergyPlus.
1632 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.145: Two-Tank Solar Heating System Connection Diagram

1.38. GROUP SOLAR COLLECTORS 1633

Figure 1.146: Two-Tank Solar Heating System with Tempering Valve

1634 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.38.8.1 Freeze Prevention

In climates with a cold season, the solar heating system must be designed to avoid the risk of fluid
freezing in the solar collector or exposed pipes and causing damage. This is not a problem if air
is the heat transfer fluid. With water, however, there are several strategies that can minimize the
risk.
Seasonal schedule. The simplest strategy is to not use the system during the cold season. This
is a hassle because it requires the collector to be manually drained of all fluid. The benefits of the
solar heating system are also lost during this time. This can be simulated in EnergyPlus with the
appropriate pump schedule for the collector system.
Antifreeze. The freezing point of the liquid is decreased by adding antifreeze to the water or
using a different heat transfer liquid with a lower freezing point. This cannot yet be simulated in
EnergyPlus because only pure water is currently allowed in plant loops.
Drain-back system. This strategy automatically empties the collector when the pump is not
running. This scenario is modeled by default in EnergyPlus, although the extra pump energy
required to start the system is not taken into account.
Recirculation system. This strategy automatically recirculates warm liquid from the storage
tank back through the collector to maintain the system above the freezing point. There are sys-
tem losses using this method. This can be simulated in EnergyPlus by using AvailabilityMan-
ager:LowTemperatureTurnOn to force the system to turn on when the outdoor air temperature or
collector outlet temperature falls below a specified minimum.

1.38.8.2 Additional Controls

In addition to freeze prevention, it is also necessary to prevent the system from becoming too hot.
This is usually a safety issue for the water heater. For this case it is important to have a high
temperature cutoff to stop the pump before damaging the water heater. This is accomplished with
a AvailabilityManager:HighTemperatureTurnOff.

1.38.8.3 System Availability Manager List Example

To use the availability managers for the control cases described above, a AvailabilityManagerAs-
signmentList must be defined and referenced in the PlantLoop object of the collector loop. An
example of a differential thermostat, recirculation for freeze prevention, and high temperature
cutoff is shown below:

AvailabilityManagerAssignmentList ,
Collector Loop Availability Manager List , !- Name
AvailabilityManager:HighTemperatureTurnOff , !- Availability Manager 1 Object Type
High Temperature Turn Off Availability Manager , !- Availability Manager 1 Name
AvailabilityManager:HighTemperatureTurnOn , !- Availability Manager 2 Object Type
Low Temperature Turn On Availability Manager , !- Availability Manager 2 Name
AvailabilityManager:DifferentialThermostat , !- Availability Manager 3 Object Type
Differential Thermostat Availability Manager; !- Availability Manager 3 Name

AvailabilityManager:HighTemperatureTurnOff , ! For water heater safety

High Temperature Turn Off Availability Manager , !- Name
Water Heater Use Outlet Node , !- Sensor Node Name
60.0; !-
Temperature (C)

AvailabilityManager:HighTemperatureTurnOn , ! For freeze prevention by recirculation

1.38. GROUP SOLAR COLLECTORS 1635

Low Temperature Turn On Availability Manager , !- Name

Collector Outlet Node , !- Sensor Node Name
0.0; !-
Temperature (C)

AvailabilityManager:DifferentialThermostat , ! For useful heat gain from collector to

tank
Differential Thermostat Availability Manager , !- Name
Collector Outlet Node , !- Hot Node Name
Water Heater Source Outlet Node , !- Cold Node Name
10.0, !-
Temperature Difference On Limit (delta C)
2.0; !-
Temperature Difference Off Limit (delta C)

The AvailabilityManager:DifferentialThermostat object must always be the last manager in the

availability manager list. See the AvailabilityManagerAssignmentList object documentation for
more information.

1.38.9 SolarCollector:UnglazedTranspired
This object is used to model unglazed transpired solar collectors (UTSC) used to condition out-
door air. These collectors are generally used to heat air drawn through perforated absorbers that
are heated by the sun and also recover heat conducted out through the underlying wall. The
SolarCollector:UnglazedTranspired****object represents a single collector attached to one or more
BuildingSurface:Detailed objects and to one or more outdoor air systems. Therefore the transpired
collector is part of both the thermal envelope and the HVAC system. An example file is provided
called TranspiredCollectors.idf.
The area and orientation of the collector is obtained from BuildingSurface:Detailed objects,
which are referenced by name. Although the collector surface itself is slightly detached from the
underlying building wall (or roof), no additional surface object is needed to represent the collector
itself. When modeling transpired collectors, it is important to consider the size of the collector when
developing the building model s BuildingSurface:Detailed objects because the underlying surfaces
must match the collector. For example, if the collector covers only part of the wall, then that wall
should be split into separate surfaces where one matches the size of the collector. A single collector
can be associated with as many BuildingSurface:Detailed objects as desired (although if you need to
use more than 10 surfaces, then the IDD will need to be extended). The collector can be arranged
at any tilt angle by describing the surfaces appropriately. The surfaces need not be contiguous nor
have the same orientation, but the program will issue warnings if surfaces have widely ranging tilts
and azimuths.
The collector conditions outdoor air and is connected to the outdoor air system using
the usual method of specifying node names. Using the UTSC model requires specifying a
relatively complete HVAC air system that includes an outdoor air path. This will typically
require using a set of objects that, at a minimum, will include: AirLoopHVAC:ControllerList,
AirLoopHVAC:OutdoorAirSystem:EquipmentList, AirLoopHVAC:OutdoorAirSystem, Out-
doorAir:NodeList, OutdoorAir:Mixer, SetpointManager:MixedAir, and Controller:OutdoorAir. A
single UTSC can serve more than one outdoor air system but requires also using a separate object,
called SolarCollector:UnglazedTranspired:MultiSystem to specify node connections.
Controls for the UTSC involve setting the rate of air flow and the status of a bypass damper. If
the bypass damper is open, then all the ventilation air goes straight into the outdoor air mixer; if it
closed, then all the air first passes through the UTSC. The bypass damper is modeled as completely
1636 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

open or completely closed. The UTSC bypass damper control is determined by an availability
manager, the airflow set by the outdoor air mixer controls, and thermostatic type controls that
decide if heating is useful. An availability schedule is used to bypass the collector for certain times
of the year, eg. summer cooling season. The air flow rates are set by controls associated with
the outdoor air mixer (see SetpointManager:MixedAir, and Controller:OutdoorAir). Thermostatic
type control decides if the collector will provide useful heating based on either of two types of
setpoints. The first type of temperature setpoint is managed by SetpointManager:MixedAir, where
the UTSC model looks at a control node, usually the mixed air node. The second type is an extra
setpoint especially for free heating that is managed within this object where the UTSC model looks
at the zone air node.

1.38.9.1 Inputs
1.38.9.1.1 Field: Name
This field contains a unique name for the unglazed transpired solar collector.

1.38.9.1.2 Field: Boundary Conditions Model Name

This field contains the name of a SurfaceProperty:OtherSideConditionsModel object declared
elsewhere in the input file. This will connect the collector to the exterior boundary conditions for
the underlying heat transfer surface.

1.38.9.1.3 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This field contains the name of a schedule that determines whether or not the UTSC is available.
When the schedule value is less than or equal to zero, the UTSC is always bypassed. When the
schedule value is greater than zero, the UTSC is available and will be used when other conditions
are met, such as outdoor air requested by mixer and preheating has been determined to be beneficial
based on thermostatic control. If this field is blank, the schedule has values of 1 for all time periods.

1.38.9.1.4 Field: Inlet Node Name

This field contains the name of an air node that provides air into the UTSC. This node
name should also be assigned to be an outdoor air node using the OutdoorAir:NodeList or
OutdoorAir:Node objects. This node should also be named as the actuated node in a Con-
troller:OutdoorAir object. If the UTSC is connected to more than one air system, then this field
can be left blank and the SolarCollector:UnglazedTranspired:MultiSystem object should be used
to define the nodes.

1.38.9.1.5 Field: Outlet Node Name

This field contains the name of an air node that is the outlet of the UTSC. This node name will
typically be the inlet to the OutdoorAir:Mixer (if there is no other equipment on the outdoor air
path). If the UTSC is connected to more than one air system, then this field can be left blank and
the SolarCollector:UnglazedTranspired:MultiSystem object should be used to define the nodes.

1.38.9.1.6 Field: Setpoint Node Name

This field contains the name of an air node that has a setpoint manager controlling its tem-
perature setpoint. This node name will typically be named as the control node in a a Con-
troller:OutdoorAir object. If the UTSC is connected to more than one air system, then this field
can be left blank and the SolarCollector:UnglazedTranspired:MultiSystem object should be used to
define the nodes.
1.38. GROUP SOLAR COLLECTORS 1637

1.38.9.1.7 Field: Zone Node Name

This field contains the name of an air node for a thermal zone that is ultimately connected
to the air system. This node is used with the setpoint schedule, defined in the following field,
to provide an added layer of thermostatic control for the UTSC without affecting the control of
auxiliary heating. If there is a single air system that is connected to more than one zone, then
a single zone should be selected based on where the thermostat might be located. If the UTSC
is connected to more than one air system, then this field can be left blank and the SolarCollec-
tor:UnglazedTranspired:MultiSystem object should be used to define the nodes.

1.38.9.1.8 Field: Free Heating Setpoint Schedule Name

This field contains the name of a temperature schedule defined elsewhere in the input file.
This schedule should define temperatures desired in the zone, but not necessarily required. This
secondary setpoint schedule is used to allow the UTSC to operate as if it has its own thermostat
that is separate from the primary control mechanism. When the UTSC is used with auxiliary
heating, the usual setpoint managers and temperature controllers will determine how the auxiliary
heaters are controlled. This allows using a higher zone air temperature setpoint for controlling
UTSC bypass than for the auxiliary heating system.

1.38.9.1.9 Field: Diameter of Perforations in Collector

This field is used to enter the effective diameter of the perforations in the collector surface.
The diameter should be entered in meters. For perforations other than round, use an equivalent
diameter for a round hole that would have the same area.

1.38.9.1.10 Field: Distance Between Perforations in Collector

This field is used to enter the pitch, or average, shortest distance between perforations.

1.38.9.1.11 Field: Thermal Emissivity of Collector Surface

This field is used to enter the thermal emissivity of the collector. This surface property is
for longwave infrared radiation. The property is used for both sides of collector. Most painted
materials have an emissivity of 0.9.

1.38.9.1.12 Field: Solar Absorbtivity of Collector Surface

This field is used to enter the solar absorbtivity of the collector. This surface property is for
shortwave, solar radiation. The property is used for the front side of the collector that faces the
environment. Darker colors have a higher absorbtivity. While black is the highest performance,
other colors might be used to match the color scheme of the rest of the facade. The following
table provides sample solar absorbtivities for different colors (source: Conserval Engineering Inc.,
Toronto, Ontario, Canada).

Color Name of Kynar(R) [[1]](#_ftn1) Paint Solar Absorptivity

Black 0.94
Classic Bronze 0.91
Chocolate Brown 0.9
Hartford Green 0.9
Med. Bronze 0.89
1638 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Color Name of Kynar(R) [[1]](#_ftn1) Paint Solar Absorptivity

Boysenberry 0.86
Rocky Grey 0.85
Regal Blue 0.85
Forest Green 0.84
Hemlock Green 0.82
Slate Blue 0.8
Redwood 0.79
Teal 0.79
Slate Grey 0.79
Patina Green 0.77
Mint Green 0.71
Dove Grey 0.69
Mission Red 0.69
Sierra Tan 0.65
Brite Red 0.59
Rawhide 0.57
Sandstone 0.54
Silversmith 0.53
Coppertone 0.51
Concord Cream 0.45
Ascot White 0.4
Bone White 0.3

([1] Kynar is a registered trademark of Elf Atochem North America, Inc.)

1.38.9.1.13 Field: Effective Overall Height of Collector

This field is used to enter a nominal height for the collector. This value is used in the program
to determine a length scale in the vertical direction for the buoyancy-driven portion of natural
ventilation that occurs when the collector is inactive. (Note that most of the geometry information
is obtained from the underlying surfaces.) The value entered here is adjusted inside the program
to account for tilt of the collector. While the value here would generally correspond to the actual
distance/height, its value is not critical and it can be used to adjust modeling the air exchange
rates in passive mode. If the collector is horizontal, then the length scale is obtained from the
following field.

1.38.9.1.14 Field: Effective Gap Thickness of Plenum Behind Collector

This field is used to enter a nominal gap thickness for the collector. This distance value is
only used when the collector is near horizontal to determine a length scale in the vertical direction
for buoyancy calculations. For example, if the collector is mounted on a flat roof, its tilt-adjusted
height is zero and the program will use this gap thickness as a length scale rather than the height
from the previous field.
1.38. GROUP SOLAR COLLECTORS 1639

1.38.9.1.15 Field: Effective Cross Section Area of Plenum Behind Collector

This field is used to enter the nominal cross sectional area of the gap behind the collector. This
area is used to determine a velocity scale for surface convection heat transfer correlations when the
collector is active. This value is generally the average gap thickness times the average width of the
collector.

1.38.9.1.16 Field: Hole Layout Pattern for Pitch

This field is used to describe the pattern of perforations in the collector surface. There are
currently two choices available: Square and Triangle. Note that the hole layout pattern should be
consistent with how the value for pitch was determined.

1.38.9.1.17 Field: Heat Exchange Effectiveness Correlation

This field is used to select which correlation is used to model heat transfer from the collector sur-
face to the incoming air when the collector is active. There are two choices available: Kutscher1994,
and VanDeckerHollandsBrunger2001. See the Engineering Reference for details and references.

1.38.9.1.18 Field: Ratio of Actual Collector Surface Area to Projected Surface

Area
This field is used to enter a factor that accounts for the extra surface area resulting from
corrugations in the collector surface. Corrugations help stiffen the collector. The projected surface
area is obtained by the program from the (flat) underlying surfaces. If the collector is flat then this
ratio is 1.0. If the collector is corrugated, then this ratio will be greater than one. A typical value
might be 1.165.

1.38.9.1.19 Field: Roughness of Collector

This field is used to describe the relative roughness of the collector material. This field is
similar to one in the Material object. This parameter only influences the convection coefficients,
more specifically the outside convection coefficient. A special keyword is expected in this field
with the options being VeryRough , Rough , MediumRough , MediumSmooth , Smooth , and
VerySmooth in order of roughest to smoothest options.

1.38.9.1.20 Field: Collector Thickness

This field is used to enter the thickness of the collector material. This value is only needed for
the Van Decker Hollands Brunger 2001 correlation. The material thickness should be entered in
meters.

1.38.9.1.21 Field: Effectiveness for Perforations with Respect to Wind

This field is used to enter a value for the coefficient used to determine natural air exchanges
from wind, or Cv. When the collector is inactive, wind will cause exterior air to move in and out of
the collector. Cv is an arbitrary coefficient used to model the effectiveness of openings and depends
on opening geometry and the orientation with respect to the wind. Cv should probably be in the
range 0.25 to 0.65. Increasing Cv will increase the amount of natural ventilation.

1.38.9.1.22 Field: Discharge Coefficient for Openings with Respect to Buoyancy

Driven Flow
This field is used to enter a value for the coefficient used to determine natural air exchanges
from buoyancy, or Cd. When the collector is inactive, stack or buoyancy effects will cause exterior
1640 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

air to move in and out of the collector. Cd is an arbitrary discharge coefficient that depends on
the geometry of the opening. Cd should probably be in the range 0.4 to 1.0. Increasing Cd will
increase the amount of natural ventilation.

1.38.9.1.23 Field: Surface <#> Name

The remaining fields are used to name the BuildingSurface:Detailed objects that are associated
with the UTSC. These are the underlying heat transfer surfaces and are defined elsewhere in the
input file. These other surfaces should all specify OtherSideConditionsModel as their exterior
environment. The input object can currently accommodate up to ten surfaces, but it is extensible.
An example of this object follows.

SolarCollector:UnglazedTranspired ,
Shop OA UTSC ZN11 , ! Name
UTSC OSCM ZN11 , ! Boundary Conditions Model Name
HeatingAvailSched , ! Availability Schedule Name
Outside Air Inlet Node ZN11 , ! Inlet Node Name
UTSC Outlet Node ZN11 , ! Outlet Node Name
Mixed Air Node ZN11 , ! Setpoint Node Name
ZN11 Node , ! Zone Node Name
ShopFreeHeatingSetpoints , ! Free Heating Setpoint Schedule Name
0.0016 , ! Diameter of Perforations in
Collector
0.01689 , ! Distance Between Perforations in
Collector
0.9, ! Thermal Emissivity of
Collector Surface
0.9, ! Solar Absorbtivity of
Collector Surface
4.0, ! Effective Overall Height of
Collector
0.1, ! Effective Gap Thickness of
Plenum Behind Collector
2.0, ! Effective Cross Section Area
of Plenum Behind Collector
Triangle , ! Hole Layout Pattern for Pitch
Kutscher1994 , ! Heat Exchange Effectiveness Correlation
1.165 , ! Ratio of Actual Collector Surface Area to
Projected Surface Area
MediumRough , ! Roughness of Collector
0.00086 , ! Collector Thickness
0.25, ! Effectiveness for Perforations
with Respect to Wind
0.5, ! Discharge Coefficient for Openings with Respect to
Buoyancy Driven Flow
ZN11_Shop_1:ExtWall:South; ! Surface 1 Name

1.38.9.2 Outputs
In addition to related output that can be obtained for air nodes and surfaces, these outputs are
available for UTSC systems:

• HVAC,Average,Solar Collector Heat Exchanger Effectiveness []

• HVAC,Average,Solar Collector Leaving Air Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Solar Collector Outside Face Suction Velocity [m/s]

• HVAC,Average,Solar Collector Surface Temperature [C]

1.38. GROUP SOLAR COLLECTORS 1641

• HVAC,Average,Solar Collector Plenum Air Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Solar Collector Sensible Heating Rate [W]

• Zone,Meter,SolarAir:Facility [J]

• Zone,Meter,SolarAir:HVAC [J]

• Zone,Meter,HeatProduced:SolarAir [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Solar Collector Sensible Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Solar Collector Natural Ventilation Air Change Rate [ACH]

• HVAC,Average,Solar Collector Natural Ventilation Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Solar Collector Wind Natural Ventilation Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Solar Collector Buoyancy Natural Ventilation Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Solar Collector Incident Solar Radiation [W/m2]

• HVAC,Average,Solar Collector System Efficiency []

• HVAC,Average,Solar Collector Surface Efficiency []

1.38.9.2.1 Solar Collector Heat Exchanger Effectiveness []

Ta,HX −Tamb
The results from UTSC correlations defined by εHX = Ts,coll −Tamb .

1.38.9.2.2 Solar Collector Leaving Air Temperature [C]

The temperature of air entering the plenum after being heated by the collector.

1.38.9.2.3 Solar Collector Outside Face Suction Velocity [m/s]

The bulk velocity of air approaching the collector.

1.38.9.2.4 Solar Collector Surface Temperature [C]

The surface temperature of the collector itself.

1.38.9.2.5 Solar Collector Plenum Air Temperature [C]

The temperature of air inside, and leaving, the plenum behind the collector.

1.38.9.2.6 Solar Collector Sensible Heating Rate [W]

The overall rate at which heat is being added to the outdoor air stream.

1.38.9.2.7 SolarAir:Facility [J]

A meter that includes the heating energy provided by the UTSC.

1.38.9.2.8 SolarAir:HVAC [J]

A meter that includes the heating energy provided by the UTSC.
1642 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.38.9.2.9 HeatProduced:SolarAir [J]

A meter that includes the heating energy provided by the UTSC.

1.38.9.2.10 Solar Collector Sensible Heating Energy [J]

The overall sum of energy added to the outdoor air stream.

1.38.9.2.11 Solar Collector Natural Ventilation Air Change Rate [ACH]

The rate of natural ventilation air exchange between the plenum and ambient when the collector
is inactive in Air Changes per Hour.

1.38.9.2.12 Solar Collector Natural Ventilation Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

The mass flow rate of natural ventilation air exchange between the plenum and ambient when
the collector is inactive.

1.38.9.2.13 Solar Collector Wind Natural Ventilation Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
The part of mass flow rate of natural ventilation air exchange between the plenum and ambient
when the collector is inactive due to wind-driven forces.

1.38.9.2.14 Solar Collector Buoyancy Natural Ventilation Mass Flow Rate

[kg/s]
The part of mass flow rate of natural ventilation air exchange between the plenum and ambient
when the collector is inactive due to buoyancy-driven forces.

1.38.9.2.15 Solar Collector Incident Solar Radiation [W/m2]

The intensity of solar radiation incident on the UTSC collector from all sources.

1.38.9.2.16 Solar Collector System Efficiency []

The overall efficiency of the UTSC system including collected solar energy and heat recovered
from the underlying surface.

1.38.9.2.17 Solar Collector Surface Efficiency []

The efficiency of the UTSC solar collector.

1.38.10 SolarCollector:UnglazedTranspired:MultiSystem
This object is used to model unglazed transpired solar collectors (UTSC) that are connected to
multiple outdoor air systems. This object supplements the SolarCollector:UnglazedTranspired ob-
ject and is only necessary if more than one air system is connected to a single transpired collector.
After the name field, there are sets of four node names used to define the connections of each air
system. Each set contains node names for inlet, outlet, control, and zone. If more than five air
systems are needed, this object is extensible.

1.38.10.1 Field: Solar Collector Name

This field is used to identify the name of the SolarCollector:UnglazedTranspired object that needs
to be connected to more than one air system. This field must match the name.
1.38. GROUP SOLAR COLLECTORS 1643

1.38.10.2 Field Set: Inlet Node, Outlet Node, Mixed Air Node, Zone Node
The following four fields form a repeating set of four fields. One set is used for each outdoor air
system that is connected to the collector.

1.38.10.3 Field: Outdoor Air System <#> Collector Inlet Node

This field contains the name of an air node that provides air into the UTSC. This node name should
also be assigned to be an outdoor air node using the OutdoorAir:NodeList and OutdoorAir:Node
objects. This node is also be named as the actuator node in a Controller:OutdoorAir object.

1.38.10.4 Field: Outdoor Air System <#> Collector Outlet Node

This field contains the name of an air node that is the outlet of the UTSC. This node name will
typically be the Outdoor Air Stream Node Name in the OutdoorAir:Mixer (if there is no other
equipment on the outdoor air path).

1.38.10.5 Field: Outdoor Air System <#> Mixed Air Node

This field contains the name of an air node that has a setpoint manager controlling its temperature
setpoint. This node name will typically be named as the mixed air node in a Controller:OutdoorAir
object.

1.38.10.6 Field: Outdoor Air System <#> Zone Node

This field contains the name of an air node for a thermal zone that is ultimately connected to the
air system. This node is used with the setpoint schedule, defined in the following field, to provide
an added layer of thermostatic control for the UTSC without affecting the control of auxiliary
heating. If there is a single air system that is connected to more than one zone, then a single zone
should be selected based on where the thermostat might be located.
An example of this object follows.

SolarCollector:UnglazedTranspired:Multisystem ,
OFFICE MultiSystem OA UTSC , ! Solar Collector Name
Outside Air Inlet Node ZN1 , ! Outdoor Air System 1 Collector Inlet Node
UTSC Outlet Node ZN1 , ! Outdoor Air System 1 Collector Outlet Node
Mixed Air Node ZN1 , ! Outdoor Air System 1 Mixed Air Node
ZN1 Node , ! Outdoor Air System 1 Zone Node
Outside Air Inlet Node ZN2 , ! Outdoor Air System 2 Collector Inlet Node
UTSC Outlet Node ZN2 , ! Outdoor Air System 2 Collector Outlet Node
Mixed Air Node ZN2 , ! Outdoor Air System 2 Mixed Air Node
ZN2 Node , ! Outdoor Air System 2 Zone Node
Outside Air Inlet Node ZN3 , ! Outdoor Air System 3 Collector Inlet Node
UTSC Outlet Node ZN3 , ! Outdoor Air System 3 Collector Outlet Node
Mixed Air Node ZN3 , ! Outdoor Air System 3 Mixed Air Node
ZN3 Node , ! Outdoor Air System 3 Zone Node
Outside Air Inlet Node ZN4 , ! Outdoor Air System 4 Collector Inlet Node
UTSC Outlet Node ZN4 , ! Outdoor Air System 4 Collector Outlet Node
Mixed Air Node ZN4 , ! Outdoor Air System 4 Mixed Air Node
ZN4 Node , ! Outdoor Air System 4 Zone Node
Outside Air Inlet Node ZN5 , ! Outdoor Air System 5 Collector Inlet Node
UTSC Outlet Node ZN5 , ! Outdoor Air System 5 Collector Outlet Node
Mixed Air Node ZN5 , ! Outdoor Air System 5 Mixed Air Node
ZN5 Node; ! Outdoor Air System 5 Zone Node
1644 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.39 Group Pumps

EnergyPlus plant and condenser loops need pump components to drive liquid flow around the loop.
There are various types of pump models available.

1.39.1 Pump:VariableSpeed
Pumps are needed in both plant and condenser loops. The syntax for a variable speed pump is
given below.

1.39.1.1 Inputs
1.39.1.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying a unique name for the pump.

1.39.1.1.2 Field: Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the pump inlet node.

1.39.1.1.3 Field: Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the pump outlet node.

1.39.1.1.4 Field: Design Maximum Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the pump’s design maximum volume flow rate in cubic meters per
second. This field can be autosized.

1.39.1.1.5 Field: Design Pump Head

This numeric field contains the pump’s rated head pressure in Pascals. The default is 179352
Pa, or 60 ftH20, and is for a fairly large building.

1.39.1.1.6 Field: Design Power Consumption

This numeric field contains the pump’s design power consumption in Watts. If the user is
performing a pressure simulation on the loop in which this pump is found, this value would only
be used to estimate pump efficiency. During reported calculations, the pump would use the loop
pressure drop and current flow conditions along with efficiency to calculate pump power dynami-
cally. This field can be autosized. When set to autosize the type of scaling factor is chosen in the
input field Design Power Sizing Method.

1.39.1.1.7 Field: Motor Efficiency

This numeric field contains the pump’s efficiency in decimal form (0 = 0%, 1 = 100%).

1.39.1.1.8 Field: Fraction of Motor Inefficiencies to Fluid Stream

This numeric field contains the pump’s fraction of power loss to the fluid.
1.39. GROUP PUMPS 1645

1.39.1.1.9 Field: Coefficient 1 of the Part Load Performance Curve

This numeric field contains the first coefficient in the part load ratio curve. The fraction of full
load power is determined by the cubic equation:

F ractionF ullLoadP ower = C1 + C2 P LR + C3 P LR2 + C4 P LR3 (1.142)

where C1 ,C2 ,C3 ,and C4 are Coefficients 1 4 (below) and PLR is the Part Load Ratio.

1.39.1.1.10 Field: Coefficient 2 of the Part Load Performance Curve

This numeric field contains the second coefficient in the part load ratio curve.

1.39.1.1.11 Field: Coefficient 3 of the Part Load Performance Curve

This numeric field contains the third coefficient in the part load ratio curve.

1.39.1.1.12 Field: Coefficient 4 of the Part Load Performance Curve

This numeric field contains the fourth coefficient in the part load ratio curve.

1.39.1.1.13 Field: Design Minimum Flow Rate

This field contains the minimum volume flow rate while operating in variable flow capacity rate
in cubic meters per second. This field is autosizable. When set to autosize the value in the input
field Design Minimum Flow Rate Sizing Factor is used to scale the minimum flow rate as a fraction
of the Design Maximum Flow Rate.

1.39.1.1.14 Field: Pump Control Type

This is a choice field of Continuous or Intermittent. A variable speed pump is defined with
maximum and minimum flow rates that are the physical limits of the device. If there is no load on
the loop and the pump is operating intermittently, then the pump can shutdown. For any other
condition such as the loop having a load and the pump is operating intermittently or the pump is
continuously operating (regardless of the loading condition), the pump will operate and select a flow
somewhere between the minimum and maximum limits. In these cases where the pump is running,
it will try to meet the flow request made by demand side components. Applicable availability
managers (ref. AvailabilityManagerAssignmentList) may override this control by forcing the pump
to be on or off.

1.39.1.1.15 Field: Pump Flow Rate Schedule Name

The schedule values modify the value for Rated Flow Rate of the pump on a time basis.
This essentially sets the maximum value available for the pump at a given time, not the actual
flow rate at that time. The default is that the pump is ON and runs according to its other
operational requirements specified above. This schedule is for special, not typical pump operations.
For additional control over pump flow, EMS actuators can be employed.

1.39.1.1.16 Field: Pump Curve Name

This references a pump curve to be used during pump flow-loop head resolution. This is only
applicable for loop simulations which include pressure components on at least a single branch. More
information regarding pressure system simulation is available in the engineering reference.
1646 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.39.1.1.17 Field: Impeller Diameter

For pressure simulation cases, this is the impeller diameter used during calculations which is
used in non-dimensionalizing the pump curve described in the previous field. The units of this
value are meters.

1.39.1.1.18 Field: VFD Control Type

This string defines which type of VFD control type to perform. PressureSetPointControl is a
realistic approach which requires inputs of pressure range schedules to control the pump rpm to
maintain a certain pressure drop (head). ManualControl is an idealized control strategy in which
the pump RPM is maintained at a scheduled value throughout the simulation, abiding by other
flow restrictions in the loop.

1.39.1.1.19 Field: Pump RPM Schedule Name

For VFD Control Type = ManualControl, this defines the pump RPM schedule to use during
the simulation. For VFD Control Type = PressureSetPointControl, this field is not interpreted.
The value of the schedule is RPM.

1.39.1.1.20 Field: Minimum Pressure Schedule

For VFD Control Type = PressureSetPointControl, this field defines the minimum pressure
range setpoint value, or the lower bound of pressure drop (head) to use when determining the
required pump speed. For VFD Control Type = ManualControl, this field is not interpreted. The
value of the schedule is Pascals.

1.39.1.1.21 Field: Maximum Pressure Schedule

For VFD Control Type = PressureSetPointControl, this field defines the maximum pressure
range setpoint value, or the upper bound of pressure drop (head) to use when determining the
required pump speed. For VFD Control Type = ManualControl, this field is not interpreted. The
value of the schedule is Pascals.

1.39.1.1.22 Field: Minimum RPM Schedule

For VFD Control Type = PressureSetPointControl, this field defines the minimum allowable
RPM, or the lower bound of pump speed to use when determining the required pump speed. For
VFD Control Type = ManualControl, this field is not interpreted. The value of the schedule is
RPM.

1.39.1.1.23 Field: Maximum RPM Schedule

For VFD Control Type = PressureSetPointControl, this field defines the maximum allowable
RPM, or the upper bound of pump speed to use when determining the required pump speed. For
VFD Control Type = ManualControl, this field is not interpreted. The value of the schedule is
RPM.

1.39.1.1.24 Field: Zone Name

This field is optional. It can be used to input the name of the Zone in which the pump is
located in the model. If the pump is outdoors, or skin losses are not to be modeled, then leave this
field blank. If a valid Zone name is entered, then the portion of electrical power consumed by the
pump that is not added to the working fluid is added to the surrounding Zone.
1.39. GROUP PUMPS 1647

1.39.1.1.25 Field: Skin Loss Radiative Fraction

This field is optional. If a Zone is named in the previous field and pump losses are to be added
to a surrounding thermal zone, then this input determines the split between thermal radiation and
thermal convection for the heat losses from the pump. If it is left blank then all the losses will be
convective.

1.39.1.1.26 Field: Design Power Sizing Method

This field is optional. There are two choices PowerPerFlow and PowerPerFlowPerPressure. If
PowerPerFlow is used the pump’s Design Power Consumption will be calculated using the sizing
factor from the input field Design Electric Power per Unit Flow Rate – with Design Power Con-
sumption = Design Maximum Flow Rate * scaling factor. If PowerPerFlowPerPressure is used
the pump’s Design Power Consumption will use the sizing factor from the input field Design Shaft
Power per Unit Flow Rate Per Unit Head – with Design Power Consumption = Design Maximum
Flow Rate * Design Pump Head * scaling factor / Motor Efficiency. If omitted the default method
of PowerPerFlowPerPressure will be used.

1.39.1.1.27 Field: Design Electric Power per Unit Flow Rate

This field is optional. This input is used when the input field Design Power Consumption is
set to autosize and the Design Power Sizing Method is set to PowerPerFlow. It allows setting the
efficiency the pumping system’s power consumption using only the design flow rate. If omitted the
default value of 348701.1 W/(m3 /s) ( 22 W/gpm) will be used.

1.39.1.1.28 Field: Design Shaft Power per Unit Flow Rate Per Unit Head
This field is optional. This input is used when the input field Design Power Consumption
is set to autosize and the Design Power Sizing Method is set to PowerPerFlowPerPressure. It
allows setting the efficiency of the impeller and drive assembly when calculating the pump power
consumption for the design flow rate, motor efficiency, and pump head. If omitted the default value
of 1.282051 W/((m3 /s)-Pa) will be used.

1.39.1.1.29 Field: Design Minimum Flow Rate Sizing Factor

This field is optional. If omitted the default value of 0.0 will be used. This input is used when
the input field Design Minimum Flow Rate is set to autosize. The minimum flow rate will be set
to the product of this sizing factor and the Design Maximum Flow Rate.
Examples of this object in the IDF follow.

Pump:VariableSpeed ,
HW Circ Pump , !- Name
HW Supply Inlet Node , !- Inlet Node Name
HW Pump Outlet Node , !- Outlet Node Name
autosize , !- Design Maximum Flow Rate {m3/s}
179352 , !- Design Pump Head {Pa}
autosize , !- Design Power Consumption {W}
0.9, !- Motor Efficiency
0.0, !- Fraction of Motor Inefficiencies to Fluid Stream
0, !- Coefficient 1 of the Part Load Performance Curve
1, !- Coefficient 2 of the Part Load Performance Curve
0, !- Coefficient 3 of the Part Load Performance Curve
0, !- Coefficient 4 of the Part Load Performance Curve
0, !- Minimum Flow Rate {m3/s}
Intermittent; !- Pump Control Type
1648 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Pump:VariableSpeed ,
Circ Pump , !- Name
CW Supply Inlet Node , !- Inlet Node Name
CW Pump Outlet Node , !- Outlet Node Name
.0011 , !- Design Maximum Flow Rate {m3/s}
300000 , !- Design Pump Head {Pa}
500, !- Design Power Consumption {W}
.87, !- Motor Efficiency
0.0, !- Fraction of Motor Inefficiencies to Fluid Stream
0, !- Coefficient 1 of the Part Load Performance Curve
1, !- Coefficient 2 of the Part Load Performance Curve
0, !- Coefficient 3 of the Part Load Performance Curve
0, !- Coefficient 4 of the Part Load Performance Curve
0, !- Minimum Flow Rate {m3/s}
Intermittent; !- Pump Control Type

1.39.1.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Pump Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Pump Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Pump Shaft Power [W]

• HVAC,Average,Pump Fluid Heat Gain Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Pump Fluid Heat Gain Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Pump Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Pump Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Pump Zone Total Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Pump Zone Total Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Pump Zone Convective Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Pump Zone Radiative Heating Rate [W]

1.39.1.2.1 Pump Electric Power [W]

1.39.1.2.2 Pump Electric Energy [J]

These outputs are the electric power input to the pump motor. Consumption is metered on
Pumps:Electricity, Electricity:Plant, and Electricity:Facility.

1.39.1.2.3 Pump Shaft Power [W]

This is the shaft power delivered from the motor to the pump.

1.39.1.2.4 Pump Fluid Heat Gain Rate [W]

1.39.1.2.5 Pump Fluid Heat Gain Energy [J]

These outputs are the energy added to the fluid as heat. For the current algorithm, this is equal
to Pump Shaft Power, because the loops are closed and all energy added to the fluid will ultimately
become heat due to friction.
1.39. GROUP PUMPS 1649

1.39.1.2.6 Pump Outlet Temperature [C]

1.39.1.2.7 Pump Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

These outputs are the water outlet temperature and mass flow rate.

1.39.1.2.8 Pump Zone Total Heating Rate [W]

1.39.1.2.9 Pump Zone Total Heating Energy [J]

These outputs are the thermal losses from the pump to the surrounding Zone. They are only
available if a Zone was named in the pump s input. These indicate the amount of heat added to
the zone from the pump s inefficiencies. They are the total heat loss including both convection and
radiation.

1.39.1.2.10 Pump Zone Convective Heating Rate [W]

This output is the thermal loss from the pump to the surrounding Zone in the form of convective
gains directly to the zone air. It is only available if a Zone was named in the pump input.

1.39.1.2.11 Pump Zone Radiative Heating Rate [W]

This output is the thermal loss from the pump to the surrounding Zone in the form of thermal
radiation gains directly to the inside face of the zone s surfaces. It is only available if a Zone was
named in the pump input.

1.39.2 Pump:ConstantSpeed
Pumps may be found in both plant and condenser loops. The syntax for a constant speed pump is
given below.

1.39.2.1 Inputs
1.39.2.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the pump.

1.39.2.1.2 Field: Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the pump inlet node.

1.39.2.1.3 Field: Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the pump outlet node.

1.39.2.1.4 Field: Design Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the pump’s design volume flow rate in cubic meters per second.
This field is autosizable.

1.39.2.1.5 Field: Design Pump Head

This numeric field contains the pump’s design head pressure in Pascals. The default is 179352
Pa, or 60 ftH20, and is for a fairly large building.
1650 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.39.2.1.6 Field: Design Power Consumption

This numeric field contains the pump’s rated power consumption in Watts. If the user is per-
forming a pressure simulation on the loop in which this pump is found, this value would only be
used to estimate pump efficiency. During reported calculations, the pump would use the loop pres-
sure drop and current flow conditions along with efficiency to calculate pump power dynamically.
This field can be autosized. When set to autosize the type of scaling factor is chosen in the input
field Design Power Sizing Method.

1.39.2.1.7 Field: Motor Efficiency

This numeric field contains the pump’s efficiency in decimal form (0 = 0%, 1 = 100%).

1.39.2.1.8 Field: Fraction of Motor Inefficiencies to Fluid Stream

This numeric field contains the pump’s fraction of power loss to the fluid.

1.39.2.1.9 Field: Pump Control Type

This is a choice field of Continuous or Intermittent. The operation of a constant speed pump is
fairly straightforward. If the user designates a constant speed pump that is operating continuously,
the pump will run regardless of whether or not there is a load. This may have the net effect of
adding heat to the loop if no equipment is turned on. If the pump is constant speed and operates
intermittently, the pump will run at its capacity if a load is sensed and will shut off if there is no
load on the loop. Applicable availability managers (ref. AvailabilityManagerAssignmentList) may
override this control by forcing the pump to be on or off.

1.39.2.1.10 Field: Pump Flow Rate Schedule Name

The schedule values modify the value for Rated Flow Rate of the pump on a time basis.
This essentially sets the maximum value available for the pump at a given time, not the actual
flow rate at that time. The default is that the pump is ON and runs according to its other
operational requirements specified above. This schedule is for special, not typical pump operations.
For additional control over pump flow, EMS actuators can be employed.

1.39.2.1.11 Field:Pump Curve Name

This field is only used if the user is performing a pressure-based simulation in the plant loop of
the LoopFlowCorrection type (see PlantLoop section for how to enable this).
This field references a separate pressure head curve that the user has input separately in the
input file. The pressure curve represents a non-dimensional regression of pressure-flow rate data.
The equation should be of the following form:

ψ = C4 × φ4 + C3 × φ3 + C2 × φ2 + C1 × φ + C0 . (1.143)

In this equation, the two dimensionless parameters, X and X are defined in terms of physical
pump and flow parameters as:

∆P
ψ= (1.144)
ρN 2 D2

ṁ
φ= (1.145)
ρN D3
1.39. GROUP PUMPS 1651

Where Delta P is the pressure drop, mdot is the fluid mass flow rate, rho is a representative
fluid density, N is the rotational speed of the pump, and D is the pump impeller diameter.
Since the user may not need a full fourth order expansion of this, the user may use linear
(first order), quadratic (second order), cubic (third order), or full quartic (fourth order). These are
available in the objects Curve:Linear, Curve:Quadratic, Curve:Cubic, Curve:Quartic.
Once this curve is input properly (along with the following two fields), the pump will respond
to the plant loop pressure drop when resolving the flow rate. Note that this simulation method will
likely result in a plant loop that does not exactly hit the setpoint as the current simulation method
does. This is due to the loop flow rate now being pressure-based and not decision-based .

1.39.2.1.12 Field:Impeller Diameter

This field is only used if the user is performing a pressure-based simulation in the plant loop of
the LoopFlowCorrection type (see PlantLoop section for how to enable this).
To re-dimensionalize the dimensionless pump curve, the impeller diameter must be known. This
value is entered in meters.

1.39.2.1.13 Field:Rotational Speed

This field is only used if the user is performing a pressure-based simulation in the plant loop of
the LoopFlowCorrection type (see PlantLoop section for how to enable this).
To re-dimensionalize the dimensionless pump curve, the rotational speed must be known. This
value is entered in RPM (revolutions per minute).

1.39.2.1.14 Field: Zone Name

This field is optional. It can be used to input the name of the Zone in which the pump is
located in the model. If the pump is outdoors, or skin losses are not to be modeled, then leave this
field blank. If a valid Zone name is entered, then the portion of electrical power consumed by the
pump that is not added to the working fluid is added to the surrounding Zone.

1.39.2.1.15 Field: Skin Loss Radiative Fraction

This field is optional. If a Zone is named in the previous field and pump losses are to be added
to a surrounding thermal zone, then this input determines the split between thermal radiation and
thermal convection for the heat losses from the pump. If it is left blank then all the losses will be
convective.

1.39.2.1.16 Field: Design Power Sizing Method

This field is optional. There are two choices PowerPerFlow and PowerPerFlowPerPressure. If
omitted the default method of PowerPerFlowPerPressure will be used.
If PowerPerFlow is used the pump’s Design Power Consumption will be calculated using the
sizing factor from the input field Design Electrical Power per Unit Flow Rate – with Design Power
Consumption = Design Maximum Flow Rate * scaling factor.
If PowerPerFlowPerPressure is used the pump’s Design Power Consumption will use the sizing
factor from the input field Design Shaft Power per Unit Flow Rate Per Unit Head – with Design
Power Consumption = Design Maximum Flow Rate * Design Pump Head * scaling factor / Motor
Efficiency.
1652 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.39.2.1.17 Field: Design Electrical Power per Unit Flow Rate

This field is optional. This input is used when the input field Design Power Consumption is
set to autosize and the Design Power Sizing Method is set to PowerPerFlow. It allows setting the
efficiency the pumping system’s power consumption using only the design flow rate. If omitted the
default value of 348701.1 W/(m3 /s) (22 W/gpm) will be used.

1.39.2.1.18 Field: Design Shaft Power per Unit Flow Rate Per Unit Head
This field is optional. This input is used when the input field Design Power Consumption is
set to autosize and the Design Power Sizing Method is set to PowerPerFlowPerPressure. It allows
controlling the efficiency of the impeller and drive assembly when calculating the pump power
consumption for the design flow rate, motor efficiency, and pump head. If omitted the default
value of 1.282051 W/((m3 /s)-Pa) will be used.
An example of this object follows.

Pump:ConstantSpeed ,
Circ Pump , !- Name
CW Supply Inlet Node , !- Inlet Node Name
PumpChiller Node , !- Outlet Node Name
0.0011 , !- Design Flow Rate
300000 , !- Design Pump Head
700, !- Design Power Consumption
0.87, !- Motor Efficiency
0.0, !- Fraction of Motor Inefficiencies to Fluid Stream
Intermittent; !- Pump Control Type

1.39.2.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Pump Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Pump Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Pump Shaft Power [W]

• HVAC,Average,Pump Fluid Heat Gain Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Pump Fluid Heat Gain Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Pump Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Pump Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Pump Zone Total Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Pump Zone Total Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Pump Zone Convective Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Pump Zone Radiative Heating Rate [W]

1.39.2.2.1 Pump Electric Power [W]

1.39.2.2.2 Pump Electric Energy [J]

These outputs are the electric power input to the pump motor. Consumption is metered on
Pumps:Electricity, Electricity:Plant, and Electricity:Facility.
1.39. GROUP PUMPS 1653

1.39.2.2.3 Pump Shaft Power [W]

This is the shaft power delivered from the motor to the pump.

1.39.2.2.4 Pump Fluid Heat Gain Rate [W]

1.39.2.2.5 Pump Fluid Heat Gain Energy [J]

These outputs are the energy added to the fluid as heat. For the current algorithm, this is equal
to Pump Shaft Power, because the loops are closed and all energy added to the fluid will ultimately
become heat due to friction.

1.39.2.2.6 Pump Outlet Temperature [C]

1.39.2.2.7 Pump Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

These outputs are the water outlet temperature and mass flow rate.

1.39.2.2.8 Pump Zone Convective Heating Rate [W]

This output is the thermal loss from the pump to the surrounding Zone in the form of convective
gains directly to the zone air. It is only available if a Zone was named in the pump input.

1.39.2.2.9 Pump Zone Radiative Heating Rate [W]

This output is the thermal loss from the pump to the surrounding Zone in the form of thermal
radiation gains directly to the inside face of the zone s surfaces. It is only available if a Zone was
named in the pump input.

1.39.2.2.10 Pump Zone Total Heating Energy [J]

1.39.2.2.11 Pump Zone Total Heating Rate [W]

These outputs are the thermal losses from the pump to the surrounding Zone. They are only
available if a Zone was named in the pump s input. These indicate the amount of heat added to
the zone from the pump s inefficiencies. They are the total heat loss including both convection and
radiation.

1.39.3 Pump:VariableSpeed:Condensate
The Pump:VariableSpeed:Condensate object can only be used in steam system simulation for the
condensate side of the loop. This is a variable speed pump, which pumps the condensate back to
the steam boiler. The syntax for condensate pump is given below.

1.39.3.1 Inputs
1.39.3.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying unique name for the pump.

1.39.3.1.2 Field: Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the pump inlet node.
1654 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.39.3.1.3 Field: Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the pump outlet node.

1.39.3.1.4 Field: Design Steam Volume Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the pump’s design volume flow rate in cubic meters per second.
This field is autosizable. This is the volume flow rate of steam in expanded stated. The volume of
condensate is calculated by the software from the steam density and is much lower.

1.39.3.1.5 Field: Design Pump Head

This numeric field contains the pump’s design head in Pascals. The default is 179352 Pa, or 60
ftH20, and is for a fairly large building.

1.39.3.1.6 Field: Design Power Consumption

This numeric field contains the pump’s rated power consumption in Watts. If the user is per-
forming a pressure simulation on the loop in which this pump is found, this value would only be
used to estimate pump efficiency. During reported calculations, the pump would use the loop pres-
sure drop and current flow conditions along with efficiency to calculate pump power dynamically.
This field can be autosized. When set to autosize the type of scaling factor is chosen in the input
field Design Power Sizing Method.

1.39.3.1.7 Field: Motor Efficiency

This numeric field contains the pump’s efficiency in decimal form (0 = 0%, 1 = 100%).

1.39.3.1.8 Field: Fraction of Motor Inefficiencies to Fluid Stream

This numeric field contains the pump’s fraction of power loss to the fluid.

1.39.3.1.9 Field: Coefficient 1 of the Part Load Performance Curve

This numeric field contains the first coefficient in the part load ratio curve. The fraction of full
load power is determined by the cubic equation:

F ractionF ullLoadP ower = C1 + C2 P LR + C3 P LR2 + C4 P LR3 (1.146)

where C1 ,C2 ,C3 ,and C4 are Coefficients 1 4 (below) and PLR is the Part Load Ratio.

1.39.3.1.10 Field: Coefficient 2 of the Part Load Performance Curve

This numeric field contains the second coefficient in the part load ratio curve.

1.39.3.1.11 Field: Coefficient 3 of the Part Load Performance Curve

This numeric field contains the third coefficient in the part load ratio curve.

1.39.3.1.12 Field: Coefficient 4 of the Part Load Performance Curve

This numeric field contains the fourth coefficient in the part load ratio curve.
1.39. GROUP PUMPS 1655

1.39.3.1.13 Field: Pump Flow Rate Schedule Name

The schedule values modify the value for Rated Flow Rate of the pump on a time basis.
This essentially sets the maximum value available for the pump at a given time, not the actual
flow rate at that time. The default is that the pump is ON and runs according to its other
operational requirements specified above. This schedule is for special, not typical pump operations.
For additional control over pump flow, EMS actuators can be employed.

1.39.3.1.14 Field: Zone Name

This field is optional. It can be used to input the name of the Zone in which the pump is
located in the model. If the pump is outdoors, or skin losses are not to be modeled, then leave this
field blank. If a valid Zone name is entered, then the portion of electrical power consumed by the
pump that is not added to the working fluid is added to the surrounding Zone.

1.39.3.1.15 Field: Skin Loss Radiative Fraction

This field is optional. If a Zone is named in the previous field and pump losses are to be added
to a surrounding thermal zone, then this input determines the split between thermal radiation and
thermal convection for the heat losses from the pump. If it is left blank then all the losses will be
convective.

1.39.3.1.16 Field: Design Power Sizing Method

This field is optional. There are two choices PowerPerFlow and PowerPerFlowPerPressure. If
PowerPerFlow is used the pump’s Design Power Consumption will be calculated using the sizing
factor from the input field Design Electric Power per Unit Flow Rate – with Design Power Con-
sumption = Design Maximum Flow Rate * scaling factor. If PowerPerFlowPerPressure is used
the pump’s Design Power Consumption will use the sizing factor from the input field Design Shaft
Power per Unit Flow Rate Per Unit Head – with Design Power Consumption = Design Maximum
Flow Rate * Design Pump Head * scaling factor / Motor Efficiency. If omitted the default method
of PowerPerFlowPerPressure will be used.

1.39.3.1.17 Field: Design Electric Power per Unit Flow Rate

This field is optional. This input is used when the input field Design Power Consumption is
set to autosize and the Design Power Sizing Method is set to PowerPerFlow. It allows setting the
efficiency the pumping system’s power consumption using only the design flow rate. If omitted the
default value of 348701.1 W/(m3 /s) ( 22 W/gpm) will be used.

1.39.3.1.18 Field: Design Shaft Power per Unit Flow Rate Per Unit Head
This field is optional. This input is used when the input field Design Power Consumption
is set to autosize and the Design Power Sizing Method is set to PowerPerFlowPerPressure. It
allows setting the efficiency of the impeller and drive assembly when calculating the pump power
consumption for the design flow rate, motor efficiency, and pump head. If omitted the default value
of 1.282051 W/((m3 /s)-Pa) will be used.
Examples of this object in the IDF follow.

Pump:VariableSpeed:Condensate ,
Steam Boiler Plant Steam Circ Pump , !- Name
Steam Boiler Plant Steam Supply Inlet Node , !- Inlet Node Name
Steam Boiler Plant Steam Pump Outlet Node , !- Outlet Node Name
0.36, !- Design Steam Volume Flow Rate {m3/s}
179352 , !- Design Pump Head {Pa}
1656 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

400, !- Design Power Consumption {W}

0.9, !- Motor Efficiency
0.0, !- Fraction of Motor Inefficiencies to Fluid Stream
0, !- Coefficient 1 of the Part Load Performance Curve
1, !- Coefficient 2 of the Part Load Performance Curve
0, !- Coefficient 3 of the Part Load Performance Curve
0; !- Coefficient 4 of the Part Load Performance Curve

Pump:VariableSpeed:Condensate ,
Steam Boiler Plant Steam Circ Pump , !- Name
Steam Boiler Plant Steam Supply Inlet Node , !- Inlet Node Name
Steam Boiler Plant Steam Pump Outlet Node , !- Outlet Node Name
0.36, !- Design Steam Volume Flow Rate {m3/s}
179352 , !- Design Pump Head {Pa}
autosize , !- Design Power Consumption {W}
0.9, !- Motor Efficiency
0.0, !- Fraction of Motor Inefficiencies to Fluid Stream
0, !- Coefficient 1 of the Part Load Performance Curve
1, !- Coefficient 2 of the Part Load Performance Curve
0, !- Coefficient 3 of the Part Load Performance Curve
0; !- Coefficient 4 of the Part Load Performance Curve

1.39.3.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Pump Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Pump Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Pump Shaft Power [W]

• HVAC,Average,Pump Fluid Heat Gain Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Pump Fluid Heat Gain Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Pump Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Pump Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average, Pump Zone Total Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC, Sum, Pump Zone Total Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC, Average, Pump Zone Convective Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC, Average, Pump Zone Radiative Heating Rate [W]

1.39.3.2.1 Pump Electric Power [W]

1.39.3.2.2 Pump Electric Energy [J]

These outputs are the electric power input to the pump motor. Consumption is metered on
Pumps:Electricity, Electricity:Plant, and Electricity:Facility.

1.39.3.2.3 Pump Shaft Power [W]

This is the shaft power delivered from the motor to the pump.

1.39.3.2.4 Pump Fluid Heat Gain Rate [W]

1.39. GROUP PUMPS 1657

1.39.3.2.5 Pump Fluid Heat Gain Energy [J]

These outputs are the energy added to the fluid as heat. For the current algorithm, this is equal
to Pump Shaft Power, because the loops are closed and all energy added to the fluid will ultimately
become heat due to friction.

1.39.3.2.6 Pump Outlet Temperature [C]

1.39.3.2.7 Pump Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

These outputs are the water outlet temperature and mass flow rate.

1.39.3.2.8 Pump Zone Total Heating Rate [W]

1.39.3.2.9 Pump Zone Total Heating Energy [J]

These outputs are the thermal losses from the pump to the surrounding Zone. They are only
available if a Zone was named in the pump s input. These indicate the amount of heat added to
the zone from the pump s inefficiencies. They are the total heat loss including both convection and
radiation.

1.39.3.2.10 Pump Zone Convective Heating Rate [W]

This output is the thermal loss from the pump to the surrounding Zone in the form of convective
gains directly to the zone air. It is only available if a Zone was named in the pump input.

1.39.3.2.11 Pump Zone Radiative Heating Rate [W]

This output is the thermal loss from the pump to the surrounding Zone in the form of thermal
radiation gains directly to the inside face of the zone s surfaces. It is only available if a Zone was
named in the pump input.

1.39.4 HeaderedPumps:ConstantSpeed
Headered pumps are components with more than one identical pumps connected in parallel. The
syntax for HeaderedPumps:ConstantSpeed is as follows.

1.39.4.1 Inputs
1.39.4.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the pump bank.

1.39.4.1.2 Field: Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the pump bank inlet node.

1.39.4.1.3 Field: Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the pump bank outlet node.

1.39.4.1.4 Field: Total Design Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the pump bank s rated volumetric flow rate in cubic meters per
second. This is equal to the product of number of pumps and the flow rate of each individual pump.
The field can be autosized.
1658 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.39.4.1.5 Field: Number of Pumps in Bank

The numeric field specifies the number of pumps present in the pump bank. All these pumps
are connected in parallel internally.

1.39.4.1.6 Field: Flow Sequencing Control Scheme

The alpha field specifies the scheme for sequencing flow. Currently the only choice is Sequential,
where a pump in the pump bank will be turned ON only after fully loading the previous pump.

1.39.4.1.7 Field: Design Pump Head

This numeric field contains the pump s rated head pressure in Pascals.

1.39.4.1.8 Field: Design Power Consumption

This numeric field contains the pump bank s total power consumption in Watts. This field
is equal to the product of number of pumps and the rated power consumption of each individual
pump. If the user is performing a pressure simulation on the loop in which this pump bank is
found, this value would only be used to estimate pump efficiency. During reported calculations,
the pump would use the loop pressure drop and current flow conditions along with efficiency to
calculate pump power dynamically. This field can be autosized. When set to autosize the type of
scaling factor is chosen in the input field Design Power Sizing Method.

1.39.4.1.9 Field: Motor Efficiency

This numeric field contains the pump s efficiency in decimal form (0 = 0%, 1 = 100%).

1.39.4.1.10 Field: Fraction of Motor Inefficiencies to Fluid Stream

This numeric field contains the pump s fraction of power loss to the fluid.

1.39.4.1.11 Field: Pump Control Type

This is a choice field of Continuous or Intermittent. The operation of a constant speed pump
bank is fairly straightforward. If the user designates a constant speed pump bank that is operating
continuously, the pump bank will run regardless of whether or not there is a load. This may
have the net effect of adding heat to the loop if no equipment is turned on. If the pump bank
is constant speed and operates intermittently, the pump bank will run at its capacity if a load
is sensed and will shut off if there is no load on the loop. Applicable availability managers (ref.
AvailabilityManagerAssignmentList) may override this control by forcing the pump to be on or off.

1.39.4.1.12 Field: Pump Flow Rate Schedule Name

The schedule values modify the value for Rated Flow Rate of the pump on a time basis.
This essentially sets the maximum value available for the pump at a given time, not the actual
flow rate at that time. The default is that the pump is ON and runs according to its other
operational requirements specified above. This schedule is for special, not typical pump operations.
For additional control over pump flow, EMS actuators can be employed.

1.39.4.1.13 Field: Zone Name

This field is optional. It can be used to input the name of the Zone in which the pump is
located in the model. If the pump is outdoors, or skin losses are not to be modeled, then leave this
field blank. If a valid Zone name is entered, then the portion of electrical power consumed by the
pump that is not added to the working fluid is added to the surrounding Zone.
1.39. GROUP PUMPS 1659

1.39.4.1.14 Field: Skin Loss Radiative Fraction

This field is optional. If a Zone is named in the previous field and pump losses are to be added
to a surrounding thermal zone, then this input determines the split between thermal radiation and
thermal convection for the heat losses from the pump. If it is left blank then all the losses will be
convective.

1.39.4.1.15 Field: Design Power Sizing Method

This field is optional. There are two choices PowerPerFlow and PowerPerFlowPerPressure. If
PowerPerFlow is used the pump’s Design Power Consumption will be calculated using the sizing
factor from the input field Design Electric Power per Unit Flow Rate – with Design Power Con-
sumption = Design Maximum Flow Rate * scaling factor. If PowerPerFlowPerPressure is used
the pump’s Design Power Consumption will use the sizing factor from the input field Design Shaft
Power per Unit Flow Rate Per Unit Head – with Design Power Consumption = Design Maximum
Flow Rate * Design Pump Head * scaling factor / Motor Efficiency. If omitted the default method
of PowerPerFlowPerPressure will be used.

1.39.4.1.16 Field: Design Electric Power per Unit Flow Rate

This field is optional. This input is used when the input field Design Power Consumption is
set to autosize and the Design Power Sizing Method is set to PowerPerFlow. It allows setting the
efficiency the pumping system’s power consumption using only the design flow rate. If omitted the
default value of 348701.1 W/(m3 /s) ( 22 W/gpm) will be used.

1.39.4.1.17 Field: Design Shaft Power per Unit Flow Rate Per Unit Head
This field is optional. This input is used when the input field Design Power Consumption
is set to autosize and the Design Power Sizing Method is set to PowerPerFlowPerPressure. It
allows setting the efficiency of the impeller and drive assembly when calculating the pump power
consumption for the design flow rate, motor efficiency, and pump head. If omitted the default value
of 1.282051 W/((m3 /s)-Pa) will be used.
An example for constant speed pump bank follows.

HeaderedPumps:ConstantSpeed ,
Chilled Water Headered Pumps , !- Name
CW Supply Inlet Node , !- Inlet Node Name
CW Pumps Outlet Node , !- Outlet Node Name
autosize , !- Total Design Flow Rate
2, !- Number of Pumps in Bank
SEQUENTIAL , !- Flow Sequencing Control Scheme
179352 , !- Design Pump Head
autosize , !- Design Power Consumption
0.9, !- Motor Efficiency
0.0, !- Fraction of Motor Inefficiencies to Fluid Stream
INTERMITTENT , !- Pump Control Type
CoolingPumpAvailSched; !- Pump Flow Rate Schedule Name

1.39.4.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Pump Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Pump Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Pump Shaft Power [W]

1660 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• HVAC,Average, Pump Fluid Heat Gain Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Pump Fluid Heat Gain Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Pump Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Pump Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Number of Pumps Operating []

• HVAC, Average, Pump Zone Total Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC, Sum, Pump Zone Total Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC, Average, Pump Zone Convective Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC, Average, Pump Zone Radiative Heating Rate [W]

1.39.4.2.1 Pump Electric Power [W]

1.39.4.2.2 Pump Electric Energy [J]

These outputs are the electric power input to the pump motor. Consumption is metered on
Pumps:Electricity, Electricity:Plant, and Electricity:Facility.

1.39.4.2.3 Pump Shaft Power [W]

This is the shaft power delivered from the motor to the pump.

1.39.4.2.4 Pump Fluid Heat Gain Rate [W]

1.39.4.2.5 Pump Fluid Heat Gain Energy [J]

These outputs are the energy added to the fluid as heat. For the current algorithm, this is equal
to Pump Shaft Power, because the loops are closed and all energy added to the fluid will ultimately
become heat due to friction.

1.39.4.2.6 Pump Outlet Temperature [C]

1.39.4.2.7 Pump Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

These outputs are the water outlet temperature and mass flow rate.

1.39.4.2.8 Pump Operating Pumps Count []

This output tells the number of pumps in the pump bank operating at any reporting frequency.

1.39.4.2.9 Pump Zone Total Heating Rate [W]

1.39.4.2.10 Pump Zone Total Heating Energy [J]

These outputs are the thermal losses from the pump to the surrounding Zone. They are only
available if a Zone was named in the pump s input. These indicate the amount of heat added to
the zone from the pump s inefficiencies. They are the total heat loss including both convection and
radiation.
1.39. GROUP PUMPS 1661

1.39.4.2.11 Pump Zone Convective Heating Rate [W]

This output is the thermal loss from the pump to the surrounding Zone in the form of convective
gains directly to the zone air. It is only available if a Zone was named in the pump input.

1.39.4.2.12 Pump Zone Radiative Heating Rate [W]

This output is the thermal loss from the pump to the surrounding Zone in the form of thermal
radiation gains directly to the inside face of the zone s surfaces. It is only available if a Zone was
named in the pump input.

1.39.5 HeaderedPumps:VariableSpeed
Headered pumps are components with more than one identical pumps connected in parallel. Cur-
rently this object may be found only in plant loops. The syntax for a HeaderedPumps:VariableSpeed
pump is given below.

1.39.5.1 Inputs
1.39.5.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying unique name for the pump bank.

1.39.5.1.2 Field: Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the pump bank inlet node.

1.39.5.1.3 Field: Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name for the pump bank outlet node.

1.39.5.1.4 Field: Total Design Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the pump bank’s rated volume flow rate in cubic meters per second.
This is equal to the product of number of pumps and the flow rate of each individual pump. The
field can be autosized.

1.39.5.1.5 Field: Number of Pumps in Bank

The numeric field specifies the number of pumps present in the pump bank. All these pumps
are connected in parallel internally.

1.39.5.1.6 Field: Flow Sequencing Control Scheme

The alpha field specifies the scheme for sequencing flow. Currently the only choice is Sequential,
where a pump in the pump bank will be turned ON only after fully loading the previous pump.

1.39.5.1.7 Field: Design Pump Head

This numeric field contains the pump s rated head in Pascals.
1662 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.39.5.1.8 Field: Design Power Consumption

This numeric field contains the pump bank’s total power consumption in Watts. This field is
equal to the product of number of pumps and the design power consumption of each individual
pump. If the user is performing a pressure simulation on the loop in which this pump bank is
found, this value would only be used to estimate pump efficiency. During reported calculations,
the pump would use the loop pressure drop and current flow conditions along with efficiency to
calculate pump power dynamically. This field can be autosized. When set to autosize the type of
scaling factor is chosen in the input field Design Power Sizing Method.

1.39.5.1.9 Field: Motor Efficiency

This numeric field contains the efficiency of the individual pump (which will be equivalent to
pump bank efficiency) in decimal form (0 = 0%, 1 = 100%).

1.39.5.1.10 Field: Fraction of Motor Inefficiencies to Fluid Stream

This numeric field contains the individual pump s fraction of power loss to the fluid.

1.39.5.1.11 Field: Coefficient 1 of the Part Load Performance Curve

This numeric field contains the first coefficient (C1 ) in the part load ratio curve. The fraction
of full load power is determined by the cubic equation:

F ractionF ullLoadP ower = C1 + C2 P LR + C3 P LR2 + C4 P LR3 (1.147)

where C1 ,C2 ,C3 ,and C4 are Coefficients 1 4 (below) and PLR is the Part Load Ratio.

1.39.5.1.12 Field: Coefficient 2 of the Part Load Performance Curve

This numeric field contains the second coefficient (C2 ) in the part load ratio curve.

1.39.5.1.13 Field: Coefficient 3 of the Part Load Performance Curve

This numeric field contains the third coefficient (C3 ) in the part load ratio curve.

1.39.5.1.14 Field: Coefficient 4 of the Part Load Performance Curve

This numeric field contains the fourth coefficient (C4 ) in the part load ratio curve.

1.39.5.1.15 Field: Minimum Flow Rate Fraction

The numeric field specifies the minimum flow allowed for the pump bank as a fraction of the
nominal flow. If the requested flow is less than minimum flow pump bank runs at minimum flow.

1.39.5.1.16 Field: Pump Control Type

This is a choice field of Continuous or Intermittent. A variable speed pump bank is defined with
maximum and minimum flow rates that are the physical limits of the device. If there is no load
on the loop and the pump bank is operating intermittently, then the bank can shutdown. For any
other condition such as the loop having a load and the pump bank is operating intermittently or the
pump bank is continuously operating (regardless of the loading condition), the bank will operate and
select a flow somewhere between the minimum and maximum limits. In these cases where the pump
bank is running, it will try to meet the flow request made by demand side components. Applicable
availability managers (ref. AvailabilityManagerAssignmentList) may override this control by forcing
the pump to be on or off.
1.39. GROUP PUMPS 1663

1.39.5.1.17 Field: Pump Flow Rate Schedule Name

The schedule values modify the value for Rated Flow Rate of the pump on a time basis.
This essentially sets the maximum value available for the pump at a given time, not the actual
flow rate at that time. The default is that the pump is ON and runs according to its other
operational requirements specified above. This schedule is for special, not typical pump operations.
For additional control over pump flow, EMS actuators can be employed.

1.39.5.1.18 Field: Zone Name

This field is optional. It can be used to input the name of the Zone in which the pump is
located in the model. If the pump is outdoors, or skin losses are not to be modeled, then leave this
field blank. If a valid Zone name is entered, then the portion of electrical power consumed by the
pump that is not added to the working fluid is added to the surrounding Zone.

1.39.5.1.19 Field: Skin Loss Radiative Fraction

This field is optional. If a Zone is named in the previous field and pump losses are to be added
to a surrounding thermal zone, then this input determines the split between thermal radiation and
thermal convection for the heat losses from the pump. If it is left blank then all the losses will be
convective.

1.39.5.1.20 Field: Design Power Sizing Method

This field is optional. There are two choices PowerPerFlow and PowerPerFlowPerPressure. If
PowerPerFlow is used the pump’s Design Power Consumption will be calculated using the sizing
factor from the input field Design Electric Power per Unit Flow Rate – with Design Power Con-
sumption = Design Maximum Flow Rate * scaling factor. If PowerPerFlowPerPressure is used
the pump’s Design Power Consumption will use the sizing factor from the input field Design Shaft
Power per Unit Flow Rate Per Unit Head – with Design Power Consumption = Design Maximum
Flow Rate * Design Pump Head * scaling factor / Motor Efficiency. If omitted the default method
of PowerPerFlowPerPressure will be used.

1.39.5.1.21 Field: Design Electric Power per Unit Flow Rate

This field is optional. This input is used when the input field Design Power Consumption is
set to autosize and the Design Power Sizing Method is set to PowerPerFlow. It allows setting the
efficiency the pumping system’s power consumption using only the design flow rate. If omitted the
default value of 348701.1 W/(m3 /s) ( 22 W/gpm) will be used.

1.39.5.1.22 Field: Design Shaft Power per Unit Flow Rate Per Unit Head
This field is optional. This input is used when the input field Design Power Consumption
is set to autosize and the Design Power Sizing Method is set to PowerPerFlowPerPressure. It
allows setting the efficiency of the impeller and drive assembly when calculating the pump power
consumption for the design flow rate, motor efficiency, and pump head. If omitted the default value
of 1.282051 W/((m3 /s)-Pa) will be used.
An example of this object follows.

HeaderedPumps:VariableSpeed ,
Chilled Water Headered Pumps , !- Name
CW Supply Inlet Node , !- Inlet Node Name
CW Pumps Outlet Node , !- Outlet Node Name
autosize , !- Total Design Flow Rate {m3/s}
2, !- Number of Pumps in Bank
1664 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

SEQUENTIAL , !- Flow Sequencing Control Scheme

179352 , !- Design Pump Head {Pa}
autosize , !- Design Power Consumption {W}
0.9, !- Motor Efficiency
0.0, !- Fraction of Motor Inefficiencies to Fluid Stream
0, !- Coefficient 1 of the Part Load Performance Curve
1, !- Coefficient 2 of the Part Load Performance Curve
0, !- Coefficient 3 of the Part Load Performance Curve
0, !- Coefficient 4 of the Part Load Performance Curve
0.1, !- Minimum Flow Rate {m3/s}
INTERMITTENT , !- Pump Control Type
CoolingPumpAvailSched; !- Pump Flow Rate Schedule Name

1.39.5.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Pump Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Pump Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Pump Shaft Power [W]

• HVAC,Average, Pump Fluid Heat Gain Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Pump Fluid Heat Gain Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Pump Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Pump Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Number of pumps operating []

• HVAC, Average, Pump Zone Total Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC, Sum, Pump Zone Total Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC, Average, Pump Zone Convective Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC, Average, Pump Zone Radiative Heating Rate [W]

1.39.5.2.1 Pump Electric Power [W]

1.39.5.2.2 Pump Electric Energy [J]

These outputs are the electric power input to the pump motor. Consumption is metered on
Pumps:Electricity, Electricity:Plant, and Electricity:Facility.

1.39.5.2.3 Pump Shaft Power [W]

This is the shaft power delivered from the motor to the pump.

1.39.5.2.4 Pump Fluid Heat Gain Rate [W]

1.39.5.2.5 Pump Fluid Heat Gain Energy [J]

These outputs are the energy added to the fluid as heat. For the current algorithm, this is equal
to Pump Shaft Power, because the loops are closed and all energy added to the fluid will ultimately
become heat due to friction.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1665

1.39.5.2.6 Pump Outlet Temperature [C]

1.39.5.2.7 Pump Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

These outputs are the water outlet temperature and mass flow rate.

1.39.5.2.8 Pump Operating Pumps Count []

This output tells the number of pumps in the pump bank operating at any reporting frequency.

1.39.5.2.9 Pump Zone Total Heating Rate [W]

1.39.5.2.10 Pump Zone Total Heating Energy [J]

These outputs are the thermal losses from the pump to the surrounding Zone. They are only
available if a Zone was named in the pump s input. These indicate the amount of heat added to
the zone from the pump s inefficiencies. They are the total heat loss including both convection and
radiation.

1.39.5.2.11 Pump Zone Convective Heating Rate [W]

This output is the thermal loss from the pump to the surrounding Zone in the form of convective
gains directly to the zone air. It is only available if a Zone was named in the pump input.

1.39.5.2.12 Pump Zone Radiative Heating Rate [W]

This output is the thermal loss from the pump to the surrounding Zone in the form of thermal
radiation gains directly to the inside face of the zone s surfaces. It is only available if a Zone was
named in the pump input.

1.40 Group Heating and Cooling Coils

Several different coils may be added to zone equipment and air loops. This includes simple heating
(gas, electric, and hot water) and a simple water-cooling coil as well as a more detailed flat fin
water-cooling coil model. In general, the heating coil description can be used for a heating coil,
a reheat coil, or a preheat coil in the air loop simulation or for zone equipment. Figure 1.147 is
an example of a heating and cooling coil in the air loop simulation in a dual duct system. This
does show the basic node structure that will be referenced in the input description. The figure
does show water coils since they are the most complex to input in the simulation compared to the
Electric and Gas coils which only have air connections.

1.40.1 Coil:Cooling:Water
The water cooling coil (Coil:Cooling:Water) has the ability to give detailed output with simplified
inputs, inputting complicated coil geometry is not required by the user for this model instead the
coil is sized in terms of auto-sizeable thermodynamic inputs. The coil requires thermodynamic
inputs such as temperatures, mass flow rates and humidity ratios.
The coil is sized using auto-sized/user design input conditions and the UA values are calculated
from the design conditions. A rough estimate of the coil area is provided along with percentage of
surface wet and/or dry. This model uses the NTU-effectiveness approach to model heat transfer
and has two types of flow arrangements cross-flow or counter-flow.
1666 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.147: Example Air Loop Heating & Cooling Coil

The basic underlying idea is - use auto sizable thermodynamic design inputs, calculate the coil
UA s, use these UA values and operating conditions from the nodes connections, calculate the
outlet stream conditions, and calculate the heat transfer rates.
See section Cooling Coil Model in the EnergyPlus Engineering Document for further details
regarding this model.

1.40.1.1 Inputs
1.40.1.1.1 Field: Name
A unique user-assigned name for an instance of a cooling coil. Any reference to this cooling coil
by another object will use this name.

1.40.1.1.2 Field:Availability Schedule Name

Schedule that defines when the coil is available. The name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that
denotes whether the cooling coil can run during a given time period. A schedule value greater than
0 (usually 1 is used) indicates that the unit can be on during a given time period. A value less than
or equal to 0 (usually 0 is used) denotes that the unit is off. If this field is blank, the schedule has
a value of 1 for all time periods.

1.40.1.1.3 Field: Design Water Flow Rate

The maximum possible water volume flow rate (m3 /sec) through the coil. This is an auto
sizable design input.

1.40.1.1.4 Field: Design Air Flow Rate

The maximum possible air volume flow rate (m3 /sec) through the coil. This is an auto sizable
design input.

1.40.1.1.5 Field: Design Inlet Water Temperature

The inlet water temperature for the design flow (C). This is an auto sizable design input.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1667

1.40.1.1.6 Field: Design Inlet Air Temperature

The inlet air temperature for the design flow (C). This is an auto sizable design input.

1.40.1.1.7 Field: Design Outlet Air Temperature

The outlet air condition desired for design flow (C). This is an auto sizable design input.

1.40.1.1.8 Field: Design Inlet Air Humidity Ratio

The highest value of humidity ratio possible for the Design inlet air stream (kgWater/kgDryAir).
This is an auto sizable input.

1.40.1.1.9 Field: Design Outlet Air Humidity Ratio

The value of humidity ratio for the Design outlet air stream (kgWater/kgDryAir), it is an auto
sizable input.

1.40.1.1.10 Field: Water Inlet Node Name

The name of the water coil inlet from the chilled water loop, i.e. Cooling Coil Water Inlet Node.
It is from this node the operating inputs for water are transferred to the coil.

1.40.1.1.11 Field: Water Outlet Node Name

The name of the water coil outlet from the chilled water loop, i.e. Cooling Coil Water Outlet
Node. It is from this node the operating output for water are reported to the coil.

1.40.1.1.12 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

The name of the air inlet to the water coil, i.e. Cooling Coil Air Inlet Node. It is from this node
the operating inputs for air are transferred to the coil.

1.40.1.1.13 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

The name of the air outlet from the water coil, i.e. Cooling Coil Air Outlet Node. It is from
this node the operating output for airside is reported to the coil.

1.40.1.1.14 Field: Type of Analysis

The coil has two modes of operation, termed as SimpleAnalysis and DetailedAnalysis. The
difference between the two modes being, the simple mode reports the value of surface area fraction
wet of the coil as dry or wet. The detailed mode give the exact value, however the execution time
in detailed mode is noticeably higher.

1.40.1.1.15 Field: Heat Exchanger Configuration

The coil is operable in two modes, Cross Flow for general A/C applications and Counter flow
mode. Air-conditioning systems generally use cross flow heat exchangers, hence the default is set
to cross flow.

1.40.1.1.16 Field: Condensate Collection Water Storage Tank Name

This field is optional. It is used to describe where condensate from the coil is collected. If blank
or omitted, then any coil condensate is discarded. Enter the name of Water Storage Tank object
defined elsewhere and the condensate will then be collected in that tank.
Examples when auto sized in an IDF are as below:
1668 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Coil:Cooling:Water ,
Main Cooling Coil 1, !- Coil Name
CoolingCoilAvailSched , !-Availability Schedule Name
autosize , !- Design Water Volume Flow Rate of Coil {m3/s}
autosize , !- Design Air Flow Rate of Coil {m3/s}
autosize , !- Design Inlet Water Temperature {C}
autosize , !- Design Inlet Air Temperature {C}
autosize , !- Design Outlet Air Temperature {C}
autosize , !- Design Inlet Air Humidity Ratio(kgWater/kgDryAir)
autosize , !- Design Outlet Air Humidity Ratio(kgWater/kgDryAir)
Main Cooling Coil 1 Water Inlet Node , !- Coil_Water_Inlet_Node
Main Cooling Coil 1 Water Outlet Node , !- Coil_Water_Outlet_Node
Mixed Air Node 1, !- Coil_Air_Inlet_Node
Main Cooling Coil 1 Outlet Node; !- Coil_Air_Outlet_Node

Examples when values (hard-sized) are input in an IDF are as below:

Coil:Cooling:Water ,
Main Cooling Coil 1, !- Coil Name
CoolingCoilAvailSched , !-Availability Schedule Name
0.0022 , !- Design Water Volume Flow Rate of Coil {m3/s}
1.45, !- Design Air Flow Rate of Coil {m3/s}
6.1, !- Design Inlet Water Temperature {C}
25, !- Design Inlet Air Temperature {C}
10, !- Design Outlet Air Temperature {C}
0.012 , !- Design Inlet Air Humidity Ratio
0.008 , !- Design Outlet Air Humidity Ratio
Main Cooling Coil 1 Water Inlet Node , !- Coil_Water_Inlet_Node
Main Cooling Coil 1 Water Outlet Node , !- Coil_Water_Outlet_Node
Mixed Air Node 1, !- Coil_Air_Inlet_Node
Main Cooling Coil 1 Outlet Node; !- Coil_Air_Outlet_Node

1.40.1.2 Outputs
Following are the list of possible output output variables from this coil model:

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Total Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Total Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Wetted Area Fraction []

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Condensate Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Source Side Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Condensate Volume [m3]

1.40.1.2.1 Cooling Coil Total Cooling Energy (J)

Cooling Coil Total Cooling Energy is the total amount of heat transfer taking place in the coil
at the operating conditions.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1669

1.40.1.2.2 Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Energy (J)

Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Energy is the total amount of Sensible heat transfer taking place
in the coil at the operating conditions. It only takes into account temperature difference in the
inlet and outlet air streams at operating conditions.

1.40.1.2.3 Cooling Coil Total Cooling Rate (W)

Cooling Coil Total Cooling Rate is the Rate of heat transfer taking place in the coil at the
operating conditions. The units are (J/sec) or Watts.

1.40.1.2.4 Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Rate (W)

Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Rate is the Rate of Sensible heat transfer taking place in the coil
at the operating conditions.

1.40.1.2.5 Cooling Coil Wetted Area Fraction []

It defines the fraction of total surface area of coil which is wet due to moisture condensation on
the surface of the coil. Value varies between 0.0 and 1.0.
In addition, if a Water Storage Tank is used to collect coil condensate, then the following
outputs will be available.

1.40.1.2.6 Cooling Coil Condensate Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.40.1.2.7 Cooling Coil Condensate Volume [m3]

These reports provide the rate and amount of condensate from the coil. Condensate is water
condensed out of the air as a result of cooling. The condensate volume is also reported on the
meter for OnSiteWater.

1.40.1.2.8 Cooling Coil Source Side Heat Transfer Energy [J]

This is the energy extracted from the chilled water serving the coil, in Joules.

1.40.2 Coil:Heating:Water
This simple heating coil model only does sensible heating of the air. The simple heating coil uses
the Effectiveness-NTU algorithm and assumes a cross-flow heat exchanger.

1.40.2.1 Inputs
1.40.2.1.1 Field: Name
A unique identifying name for each coil.

1.40.2.1.2 Field:Availability Schedule Name

Schedule that defines when the coil is available. A schedule value greater than 0 (usually 1 is
used) indicates that the unit can be on during a given time period. A value less than or equal to 0
(usually 0 is used) denotes that the unit is off. If this field is blank, the schedule has a value of 1
for all time periods.
1670 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.2.1.3 Field: U-Factor Times Area Value

The UA value for the coil needed for the Effectiveness-NTU heat exchanger model. An estimate
of the UA can be obtained from:

q = U A × (Twater,avg − Tair,avg ) (1.148)

where q is the heat transferred from water to the air in watts; Twater,avg is the average wa-
ter temperature in degrees C; and Tair,avg is the average air temperature in degrees C. Or the
LMTD temperature difference can be used. This field is used when Performance Input Method =
UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate.This field is autosizable.

1.40.2.1.4 Field: Maximum Water Flow Rate

The maximum possible water flow rate (m3 /sec) through the coil. This field is used when Coil
Performance Input Method = UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate. This field is autosiz-
able.

1.40.2.1.5 Field: Water Inlet Node Name

The name of the coil s water inlet node from the hot water loop.

1.40.2.1.6 Field: Water Outlet Node Name

The name of the coil s water outlet node from the hot water loop.

1.40.2.1.7 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

The name of the air inlet node to the water coil.

1.40.2.1.8 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

The name of the air outlet node from the water coil.

1.40.2.1.9 Field: Performance Input Method

The user can choose either UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate or NominalCapacity.
If UFactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate is selected, the user must input values for UA of the
Coil and Max Water FlowRate of the Coil (and Rated Capacity is ignored). If NominalCapacity is
chosen, the user must input a Rated Capacity for the coil; UA of the Coil and Max Water FlowRate
of the Coil will be ignored. Rated capacity is defined as the heating capacity in watts of the coil at
the rating points (i.e., the rated inlet and outlet water/air temperatures defined in the input fields
below). The rated capacity is used to calculate a water mass flow rate and a UA for the coil. The
default is NominalCapacity.
To autosize the capacity, choose UfactorTimesAreaAndDesignWaterFlowRate and put autosize
as the inputs for U-Factor Times Area Value, Maximum Water Flow Rate, and Rated Capacity.
The program will use the Sizing inputs to size the coil. The rated temperatures (see below) are
ignored in autosizing. These are used only when the user is specifying coil performance using the
NominalCapacity input method.

1.40.2.1.10 Field: Gross Rated Heating Capacity

The heating capacity of the coil in watts at the rated inlet and outlet air and water temperatures.
The gross rated heating capacity does not account for the effect of supply air fan heat. This field
is used when the Performance Input Method = Nominal Capacity. This field is autosizable. The
rating points are given in the four subsequent input fields.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1671

1.40.2.1.11 Field: Rated Inlet Water Temperature

The inlet water temperature (degrees C) corresponding to the rated heating capacity. The
default is 82.2 degrees C (180 degrees F).

1.40.2.1.12 Field: Rated Inlet Air Temperature

The inlet air temperature (degrees C) corresponding to the rated heating capacity. The default
is 16.6 degrees C (60 degrees F).

1.40.2.1.13 Field: Rated Outlet Water Temperature

The outlet water temperature (degrees C) corresponding to the rated heating capacity. The
default is 71.1 degrees C (160 degrees F).

1.40.2.1.14 Field: Rated Outlet Air Temperature

The outlet air temperature (degrees C) corresponding to the nominal heating capacity. The
default is 32.2 degrees C (90 degrees F).

1.40.2.1.15 Field: Rated Ratio for Air and Water Convection

This is the ratio of convective heat transfers between air side and water side of the heating coil
at the rated operating conditions. The default is .5. This ratio describes the geometry and the
design of the coil and is defined by:

ηf (hA)air
ratio = (1.149)
(hA)water
where,
ηf is the fin efficiency, (dimensionless)
h is the surface convection heat transfer coefficient
A is the surface area
An example input of the object is:

Coil:Heating:Water ,
SPACE3 -1 Zone Coil , !- Coil Name
ReheatCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
, !- UA of the Coil {W/K}
, !- Max Water Flow Rate of Coil {m3/s}
SPACE3 -1 Zone Coil Water In Node , !- Coil_Water_Inlet_Node
SPACE3 -1 Zone Coil Water Out Node , !- Coil_Water_Outlet_Node
SPACE3 -1 Zone Coil Air In Node , !- Coil_Air_Inlet_Node
SPACE3 -1 In Node , !- Coil_Air_Outlet_Node
NominalCapacity , !- Coil Performance Input Method
10000. , !- Gross Rated Heating Capacity
0.55; !- Rated Ratio for Air and Water Convection

1.40.2.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Sum, Heating Coil Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Heating Coil Source Side Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average, Heating Coil U Factor Times Area Value [W/K]

1672 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.2.2.1 Heating Coil Heating Energy [J]

Heating Coil Heating Energy is the total amount of heat transfer taking place in the coil at the
operating conditions.

1.40.2.2.2 Heating Coil Heating Rate [W]

Heating Coil Heating Rate is the Rate of heat transfer taking place in the coil at the operating
conditions. The units are (J/sec) or Watts.

1.40.2.2.3 Heating Coil U Factor Times Area Value [W/K]

This characterizes the overall heat transfer UA value, or U-factor times Area. The simple
heating coil model adjusts UA value based on inlet temperatures and flow rates and this output
contains the results from that adjustment.

1.40.2.2.4 Heating Coil Source Side Heat Transfer Energy [J]

This is the same has the Heating Coil Heating Energy but it is also metered as a plant loop
heating demand. This represents the heat in Joules extracted from the hot water serving the coil.

1.40.3 Coil:Heating:Steam
The simple steam to air heating coil model only does sensible heating of the air. The steam to
air coils condenses the steam and sub cools steam at loop pressure and discharges the condensate
through steam traps at low pressure condensate line.

1.40.3.1 Inputs
1.40.3.1.1 Field: Name
A unique identifying name for each steam coil.

1.40.3.1.2 Field:Availability Schedule Name

Schedule that defines when the coil is available. If the schedule s value is less than or equal to
0.0, then the coil is not available and flow will not be requested. If the schedule s value is > 0.0
(usually 1 is used), the coil is available. If this field is blank, the schedule has values of 1 for all
time periods.

1.40.3.1.3 Field: Maximum Steam Flow Rate

The maximum possible steam volumetric flow rate in m3 /s through the steam heating coil. The
steam volumetric flow rate is calculated at 100C and 101325 Pa. This field is autosizable.

1.40.3.1.4 Field: Degree of SubCooling

Ideally the steam trap located at the outlet of steam coil should remove all the condensate
immediately, however there is a delay in this process in actual systems which causes the condensate
to SubCool by certain degree in the coil before leaving the coil, this SubCool occurs in the steam
coil and this SubCool-heat is added to the zone. The minimum value is 2 ° Celsius and default is
5 ° Celsius.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1673

1.40.3.1.5 Field: Degree of Loop SubCooling

This essentially represents the heat loss to the atmosphere due to uninsulated condensate re-
turn piping to the boiler. Condensate return piping operates at atmospheric pressure and is not
insulated. The condensate sub cools to certain degree before it is pumped back to the boiler. The
minimum value is 10 ° Celsius and default is 20 ° Celsius.

1.40.3.1.6 Field: Water Inlet Node Name

The name of the steam coil inlet from the steam loop, i.e. Steam Coil steam inlet node.

1.40.3.1.7 Field: Water Outlet Node Name

The name of the steam coil outlet to the condensate loop, i.e. Steam Coil condensate outlet
node.

1.40.3.1.8 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

The name of the air inlet to the steam coil, i.e. Steam Coil Air Inlet Node.

1.40.3.1.9 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

The name of the air outlet from the steam coil, i.e. Steam Coil Air Outlet Node.

1.40.3.1.10 Field:Coil Control Type

Choice of either ZoneLoadControl steam coil or TemperatureSetpointControl steam coil.
A zone coil is load controlled and an air loop steam coil is temperature controlled.

1.40.3.1.11 Field: Temperature Setpoint Node Name

If the coil is used in the air loop simulation and is temperature controlled using a Set Point
Manager (i.e., the previous file is TemperatureSetpointConrtol), then the node that is the control
node needs to be specified here. If the coil is used in an air terminal unit, the coil is load controlled
and a control node set point is not required (i.e., the previous field is ZoneLoadControl).
An example of a Steam Coil input statement (one each for Temperature Controlled and Load
Controlled) from an IDF is given below:

Coil:Heating:Steam ,
VAV SYS 1 Heating Coil , !- Coil Name
ReheatCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
0.06, !- Max Steam volume Flow rate
5.0, !- Deg of Subcooling Desired
15.0, !- Loop Subcooling Desired
VAV SYS 1 Heating Coil Steam Inlet , !- Coil Steam Inlet Node
VAV SYS 1 Heating Coil Steam Outlet , !- Coil Water Outlet Node
VAV SYS 1 Cooling Coil Outlet , !- Coil Air Inlet Node
VAV SYS 1 Heating Coil Outlet , !- Coil Air Outlet Node
TemperatureSetPointControl , !- field Coil Control Type
VAV SYS 1 Heating Coil Outlet; !- field Coil Temp Setpoint Node

Coil:Heating:Steam ,
SPACE1 -1 Reheat Coil , !- Coil Name
ReheatCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
autosize , !- Max Steam volume Flow rate
5.0, !- Deg of Subcooling
Desired
15.0, !- Loop Subcooling Desired
SPACE1 -1 Reheat Coil Steam Inlet , !- Coil Steam Inlet Node
SPACE1 -1 Reheat Coil Steam Outlet , !- Coil Water Outlet Node
1674 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

SPACE1 -1 Damper Outlet , !- Coil Air Inlet Node

SPACE1 -1 Supply Inlet , !- Coil Air Outlet Node
ZoneLoadControl; !- field Coil Control Type

1.40.4 Heating Coil (Steam) Outputs:

• HVAC,Sum, Heating Coil Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Total Steam Coil Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Steam Trap Loss Rate [W]

• HVAC, Average, Heating Coil Steam Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC, Average, Heating Coil Steam Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC, Average, Heating Coil Steam Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

1.40.4.1 Heating Coil Heating Energy [J]

Heating Coil Heating Energy is the total amount of heat transfer taking place in the coil at the
operating conditions.

1.40.4.2 Heating Coil Heating Rate [W]

Heating Coil Heating Rate is the Rate of heat transfer taking place in the coil at the operating
conditions. The units are (J/sec) or Watts.

1.40.4.3 Heating Coil Steam Trap Loss Rate [W]

Loop losses represent the unavoidable loss due to degree of sub cooling in the condensate return
piping back to the boiler and the loss occurring due to flashing of steam across the steam trap due
to pressure differential between the steam and the condensate side.

1.40.4.4 Heating Coil Steam Inlet Temperature [C]

1.40.4.5 Heating Coil Steam Outlet Temperature [C]
1.40.4.6 Heating Coil Steam Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]
These outputs are the Steam inlet and condensate outlet temperatures and steam flow rate for the
boiler.

1.40.5 Coil:Heating:Electric
The electric heating coil is a simple capacity model with a user-inputted efficiency. In many cases,
this efficiency for the electric coil will be 100%. This coil will be simpler than shown in Figure 1.147
since it will only have air nodes to connect it in the system. The coil can be used in the air loop
simulation or in the zone equipment as a reheat coil. Depending on where it is used determines if
this coil is temperature or capacity controlled. If used in the air loop simulation it will be controlled
to a specified temperature scheduled from the SetPoint Manager. If it is used in zone equipment,
it will be controlled from the zone thermostat by meeting the zone demand.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1675

1.40.5.1 Inputs
1.40.5.1.1 Field: Name
A unique identifying name for each coil.

1.40.5.1.2 Field:Availability Schedule Name

Schedule that defines when the coil is available. If the schedule s value is 0.0, then the coil is
not available and flow will not be requested. If the schedule s value is > 0.0 (usually 1 is used), the
coil is available. If this field is blank, the schedule has values of 1 for all time periods. Schedule
values must be > = 0 and < = 1.

1.40.5.1.3 Field: Efficiency

This is user-inputted efficiency (decimal units, not percent) and can account for any loss. In
most cases for the electric coil, this will be 100%.

1.40.5.1.4 Field: Nominal Capacity

This is the maximum capacity of the coil (W). This controlled coil will only provide the needed
capacity to meet the control criteria whether it is temperature or capacity controlled. This field is
autosizable.

1.40.5.1.5 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

The name of the air inlet to the electric coil, i.e. Heating Coil Air Inlet Node.

1.40.5.1.6 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

The name of the air outlet from the electric coil, i.e. Heating Coil Air Outlet Node.

1.40.5.1.7 Field: Temperature Setpoint Node Name

If the coil is used in the air loop simulation and is temperature controlled using a Set Point
Manager, then the node that is the control node needs to be specified here. If the coil is used in
an air terminal unit, the coil is load controlled and a control node set point is not required.
An example of IDF usage:

Coil:Heating:Electric ,
AHU Reheater , !- Name
2, !- Availability Schedule Name
0.99, !- Efficiency
600000 , !- Nominal Capacity {W}
DOAS Supply Fan Outlet , !- Air Inlet Node Name
AHU Reheater Outlet , !- Air Outlet Node Name
AHU Reheater Outlet; !- Temperature Setpoint Node Name

1.40.5.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Sum,Heating Coil Air Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Air Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Heating Coil Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Electric Power [W]

1676 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.5.2.1 Heating Coil Air Heating Energy (J)

Heating Coil Air Heating Energy is the total amount of heat transfer taking place in the coil
at the operating conditions.

1.40.5.2.2 Heating Coil Air Heating Rate [W]

Heating Coil Air Heating Rate is the Rate of heat transfer taking place in the coil at the
operating conditions. The units are (J/sec) or Watts.

1.40.5.2.3 Heating Coil Electric Energy [J]

Heating Coil electric consumption after the efficiency of the coil has been taken into account in
Joules for the timestep reported.

1.40.5.2.4 Heating Coil Electric Power [W]

This field is the average Heating Coil electric power after the efficiency of the coil has been
taken into account in Watts for the timestep reported.

1.40.6 Coil:Heating:Electric:MultiStage
The multi stage electric heating coil is a simple capacity model with a user-inputted efficiencies at
different stages. In many cases, the efficiencies for the electric coil will be 100%. This coil will only
have air nodes to connect it in the system. The coil can be used in the air loop simulation or in the
zone equipment as a reheat coil. Depending on where it is used determines if this coil is temperature
or capacity controlled. If used in the air loop simulation it will be controlled to a specified temper-
ature scheduled from the SetPoint Manager. If it is used in zone equipment, it will be controlled
from the zone thermostat by meeting the zone demand. For the time being, this coil model can
only be called by the parent object AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed.

1.40.6.1 Inputs
1.40.6.1.1 Field: Name
A unique identifying name for each coil.

1.40.6.1.2 Field:Availability Schedule Name

Schedule that defines when the coil is available. If the schedule s value is 0.0, then the coil is
not available and flow will not be requested. If the schedule s value is > 0.0 (usually 1 is used), the
coil is available. If this field is blank, the schedule has values of 1 for all time periods. Schedule
values must be > = 0 and < = 1.

1.40.6.1.3 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

The name of the air inlet to the electric coil, i.e. Heating Coil Air Inlet Node.

1.40.6.1.4 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

The name of the air outlet from the electric coil, i.e. Heating Coil Air Outlet Node.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1677

1.40.6.1.5 Field: Temperature Setpoint Node Name

If the coil is used in the air loop simulation and is temperature controlled using a Set Point
Manager, then the node that is the control node needs to be specified here. If the coil is used in
an air terminal unit, the coil is load controlled and a control node set point is not required. At
present, the multistage electric heating coil does not model temperature setoint control.

1.40.6.1.6 Field: Stage 1 Efficiency

This is stage 1 user-inputted efficiency (decimal units, not percent) and can account for any
loss. In most cases for the electric coil, this will be 100%.

1.40.6.1.7 Field: Stage 1 Nominal Capacity

This is stage 1 capacity of the coil (W). This field is autosizable.

1.40.6.1.8 Field: Stage 2 Efficiency

This is stage 2 user-inputted efficiency (decimal units, not percent) and can account for any
loss. In most cases for the electric coil, this will be 100%.

1.40.6.1.9 Field: Stage 2 Nominal Capacity

This is stage 2 capacity of the coil (W). This field is autosizable.

1.40.6.1.10 Field: Stage 3 Efficiency

This is stage 3 user-inputted efficiency (decimal units, not percent) and can account for any
loss. In most cases for the electric coil, this will be 100%.

1.40.6.1.11 Field: Stage 3 Nominal Capacity

This is stage 3 capacity of the coil (W). This field is autosizable.

1.40.6.1.12 Field: Stage 4 Efficiency

This is stage 4 user-inputted efficiency (decimal units, not percent) and can account for any
loss. In most cases for the electric coil, this will be 100%.

1.40.6.1.13 Field: Stage 4 Nominal Capacity

This is stage 4 capacity of the coil (W). This field is autosizable.
An example in IDF form:

Coil:Heating:Electric:MultiStage ,
Heat Pump Heating Coil 1, !- Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
Heating Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Air Inlet Node Name
SuppHeating Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Air Outlet Node Name
, !- Temp Setpoint node name
3, !- Number of Stages
1, !- Stage 1 Efficiency
Autosize , !- Stage 1 Nominal Capacity {W}
1, !- Stage 2 Efficiency
Autosize , !- Stage 2 Nominal Capacity {W}
1, !- Stage 3 Efficiency
Autosize; !- Stage 3 Nominal Capacity {W}
1678 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.6.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Sum,Heating Coil Energy[J]

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Rate[W]

• HVAC,Sum,Heating Coil Electric Consumption [J]

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Electric Power [W]

1.40.6.2.1 Heating Coil Energy (J)

Heating Coil Energy is the total amount of heat transfer taking place in the coil at the operating
conditions.

1.40.6.2.2 Heating Coil Rate[W]

Heating Coil Rate is the Rate of heat transfer taking place in the coil at the operating conditions.
The units are (J/sec) or Watts.

1.40.6.2.3 Heating Coil Electric Consumption [J]

Heating Coil electric consumption after the efficiency of the coil has been taken into account in
Joules for the timestep reported.

1.40.6.2.4 Heating Coil Electric Power [W]

This field is the average Heating Coil electric power after the efficiency of the coil has been
taken into account in Watts for the timestep reported.

1.40.7 Coil:Heating:Desuperheater
A simplified approach is used to determine the performance of this air heating coil. The model
assumes that the heating energy provided by this coil is reclaimed from the superheated refrigerant
gas leaving a compressor (i.e., a desuperheating refrigerant-to-air heating coil) and does not
impact the performance of the compressor. This coil can be used in air loop simulations but
can t be used by certain compound objects (e.g., AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir,
AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:WaterToAir, or Dehumidifier:Desiccant:NoFans) or any
air distribution equipment (e.g., AirTerminal:SingleDuct:ConstantVolume:Reheat, AirTermi-
nal:SingleDuct:VAV:Reheat, or AirTerminal:SingleDuct:SeriesPIU:Reheat).
The desuperheater heating coil input requires a coil name, an availability schedule, and a heat
reclaim recovery efficiency. The reclaim recovery efficiency determines the amount of heat available
for use by this heating coil. Approximately 25-30% of the energy rejected by typical refrigeration
system condensers is to reduce the superheated refrigerant vapor temperature to the condensing
temperature. Recovery efficiencies higher than 30% may cause the refrigerant gas to condense which
in turn impacts the performance of the refrigeration system. For this reason, the maximum heat
reclaim recovery efficiency for this coil is 30% for most sources of waste heat, including refrigeration
compressor racks. The one exception to this 30% limit is a condenser that is part of a detailed
refrigeration system. In a detailed refrigeration system, the portion of the rejected heat that lies
within the superheated region is explicitly calculated. Therefore, the desuperheater coils supplied
by a condenser attached to a detailed refrigeration system are subject to a maximum reclaim
recovery efficiency of 90% of the heat within the superheated region.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1679

The next two input items for the desuperheater heating coil are the node names for the in-
let and outlet air streams. The following two input fields define the source of heating energy for
the coil. This desuperheater heating coil may only be used with direct expansion (DX) cooling
or refrigeration equipment. The first of these two inputs is the heating source object type while
the second defines the name of the heating source. For proper modeling, the desuperheater heat-
ing coil must be placed downstream of a DX cooling coil when reclaiming heat from that cooling
coil. Desuperheating heating coil placement is unrestricted when reclaiming heat from a Refriger-
ation:CompressorRack or Refrigeration:Condenser.
The next input field is optional and defines the set point node name if the desuperheater heating
coil is to be controlled based on temperature. When a load-based control scheme is used, this field
is left blank. A final optional input is used to model parasitic electric energy use of auxiliary
equipment associated with the desuperheater heating coil (e.g., solenoid valve).

1.40.7.1 Inputs
1.40.7.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field defines a unique user-assigned name for an instance of a desuperheater heating
coil. Any reference to this desuperheater heating coil by another object will use this name.

1.40.7.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This alpha field defines the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the
desuperheater heating coil can run during a given time period. Schedule values must range from 0
to 1. A schedule value greater than 0 indicates that the coil can operate during the time period.
A value equal to 0 denotes that the coil must be off for that time period. If this field is blank, the
schedule has values of 1 for all time periods.

1.40.7.1.3 Field: Heat Reclaim Recovery Efficiency

This numeric field defines the ratio of recovered waste heat from the superheated refrigerant
gas to the total rejected waste heat from the heating source (as if no heat reclaim occurred). Values
can range from 0.0 up to a maximum of 0.9 if the source is a refrigeration condenser and 0.3 for all
other waste heat sources. If this input field is left blank, the default value is 0.8 for a refrigeration
condenser source type and 0.25 for all other sources.

1.40.7.1.4 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

This alpha field defines the name of the HVAC system node from which the desuperheater
heating coil draws its inlet air.

1.40.7.1.5 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

This alpha field defines the name of the HVAC system node to which the desuperheater heating
coil sends its outlet air.

1.40.7.1.6 Field: Heating Source Object Type

This alpha field defines the source of superheated refrigerant gas from which the desuperheater
heating coil recovers energy. Valid choices are:

• Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed

• Coil:Cooling:DX:TwoSpeed
1680 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• Coil:Cooling:DX:TwoStageWithHumidityControlMode

• Refrigeration:CompressorRack

• Refrigeration:Condenser:AirCooled

• Refrigeration:Condenser:EvaporativeCooled

• Refrigeration:Condenser:WaterCooled

When the heating coil source is a DX Coil, the air loop s supply air fan control mode may be
auto fan (cycling fan cycling coil), constant fan, or variable volume. When the heating source is a
compressor rack for refrigerated cases or a refrigeration condenser, the supply air fan control mode
should be either variable volume or constant fan.
NOTE: Use of the desuperheater heating coil in variable air volume systems should be done
with caution since the model assumption of a fixed heat reclaim recovery efficiency may not be
valid if the air flow rate over the coil varies significantly.

1.40.7.1.7 Field: Heating Source Name

This alpha field defines the name of the desuperheater heating coil source (e.g., the name
of a specific valid coil (as mentioned in the previous field) which provides waste heat to this
desuperheater heating coil).
NOTE: When the heating source is a Refrigeration Compressor rack, the heat rejection loca-
tion in the Refrigeration:CompressorRack object must be Outdoors . If the compressor rack heat
rejection location is Zone , the total amount of heat rejection available for reclaim (e.g., by this
desuperheater heating coil) is set to zero by the compressor rack object and the simulation proceeds.

1.40.7.1.8 Field: Temperature Setpoint Node Name

This optional alpha field defines the name of the HVAC system node used for temperature-
based control (e.g., controlling the heating coil s outlet air dry-bulb temperature to a setpoint). If
the desuperheater heating coil is temperature controlled through the use of a Set Point Manager,
then the control node specified in the Set Point Manager will be entered here. If the desuperheater
heating coil is controlled based on a certain heating load to be met (e.g., using this heating coil as
part of AirLoopHVAC:Unitary:Furnace:HeatCool for high humidity control), this field should be
left blank.

1.40.7.1.9 Field: Parasitic Electric Load

This optional numeric field defines the parasitic electric load (in Watts) due to control valves
or other devices specific to the desuperheater heating coil. The load is applied whenever the coil
is heating the air. The model assumes that this electric load is small and does not contribute to
heating the air.
Following is an example input for a desuperheater heating coil.

Coil:Heating:Desuperheater ,
DesuperheaterCoil , !- Coil Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule
0.3, !- Heat Reclaim Recovery
Efficiency
Cooling Coil Air Outlet Node , !- Coil Air Inlet Node Name
Air Loop Outlet Node , !- Coil Air Outlet Node Name
Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed , !- Heating Source Type
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1681

Furnace ACDXCoil 1, !- Heating Source Name

, !- Coil Temperature
Setpoint Node Name
0.1; !- Parasitic Electric Load {
W}

1.40.7.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Heating Coil Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Heating Coil Electric Consumption [J]

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Runtime Fraction []

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Air Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Heating Coil Air Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Heating Coil Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Runtime Fraction

1.40.7.2.1 Heating Coil Air Heating Rate [W]

This output is the average heating rate of the desuperheater heating coil in Watts over the
timestep being reported. This is determined by the coil inlet and outlet air conditions and the air
mass flow rate through the coil.

1.40.7.2.2 Heating Coil Air Heating Energy [J]

This output is the total heating output of the desuperheater heating coil in Joules over the
timestep being reported. This is determined by the coil inlet and outlet air conditions and the
air mass flow rate through the coil. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type =
EnergyTransfer, End Use Key = HeatingCoils, Group Key = System (ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.40.7.2.3 Heating Coil Electric Power [W]

This output is the average electric consumption rate for the parasitic load associated with the
desuperheater heating coil in Watts.

1.40.7.2.4 Heating Coil Electric Energy [J]

This output is the electric consumption of the desuperheater heating coil parasitic load in
Joules for the timestep being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type
= Electricity, End Use Key = Heating, Group Key = System (ref. Output:Meter objects).
1682 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.7.2.5 Heating Coil Runtime Fraction []

This is the runtime fraction of the desuperheater heating coil for the timestep being reported.
Since the desuperheater heating coil can only provide heat when the heat source object is active, the
runtime fraction of the desuperheater heating coil will always be less than or equal to the runtime
fraction of the heat source object.

1.40.8 Coil:Cooling:DX:VariableRefrigerantFlow
The variable refrigerant flow (VRF) DX cooling coil model is nearly identical to the single-speed
DX cooling coil model (Ref. Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed). For this reason, an adaptation of the
single-speed DX cooling coil model is used to model the variable-speed compression system used in
VRF AC systems. The model inputs are quite similar to the input requirements for the single-speed
DX cooling coil model, however, the location of a majority of the inputs have been moved to the
variable refrigerant flow air conditioner object since multiple DX cooling coils will use the same DX
compression system (Ref. AirConditioner:VariableRefrigerantFlow).

1.40.8.1 Inputs
1.40.8.1.1 Field: Coil Name
This alpha field defines a unique user-assigned name for an instance of a VRF DX cooling coil.
Any reference to this DX cooling coil by another object will use this name. This cooling coil name
must be entered in the AirConditioner:VariableRefrigerantFlow object. No other sytem type uses
this specific coil.

1.40.8.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This alpha field defines the name of the DX cooling coil availabiltiy schedule. Schedule values
of 0 denote the DX cooling coil is off. A schedule value greater than 0 indicates that the coil can
operate during the time period. If this field is blank, the schedule has values of 1 for all time
periods.

1.40.8.1.3 Field: Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity

This numeric field defines the gross rated total cooling capacity of the DX cooling coil in watts.
The total cooling capacity should be a gross , i.e., the effect of supply air fan heat NOT accounted
for.

1.40.8.1.4 Field: Gross Ratio Sensible Heat Ratio

This numeric field defines the gross sensible heat ratio (sensible capacity divided by total cooling
capacity) of the DX cooling coil at rated conditions. Both the sensible and total cooling capacities
used to define the Rated SHR should be gross (i.e., the effect of supply air fan heat is NOT
accounted for)

1.40.8.1.5 Field: Rated Air Flow Rate

The air volume flow rate, in m3 per second, across the DX cooling coil at rated conditions. The
rated air volume flow rate should be between 0.00004027 m3 /s and 0.00006041 m3 /s per watt of
rated total cooling capacity (300 to 450 cfm/ton). The gross rated total cooling capacity and gross
rated SHR should be performance information for the unit with at this rated air volume flow rate.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1683

1.40.8.1.6 Field: Cooling Capacity Ratio Modifier Function of Temperature

Curve Name
This alpha field defines the cooling capacity ratio modifier as a function of indoor wet-bulb tem-
perature or indoor wet-bulb and outdoor dry-bulb temperatures. This curve is a linear, quadratic,
or cubic curve if the cooling capacity is solely a function of indoor wet-bulb temperature (i.e., the
indoor terminal units weighted average inlet air wet-bulb temperatures). Without specific manu-
facturers data indicating otherwise, the use of a single independent variable is recommended for
this coil type. If, however, the user has reason to believe the cooling capacity is both a function
of indoor wet-bulb temperature and outdoor dry-bulb temperature (and has manufacturers data
to create the performance curve), a bi-quadratic equation using weighted average indoor wet-bulb
temperature and condenser entering air dry-bulb temperature as the independent variables may be
used. See the Engineering Reference for more discussion on using this input field.

1.40.8.1.7 Field: Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve Function of Flow Fraction

Name
This alpha field defines the name of a linear, quadratic or cubic performance curve (ref: Perfor-
mance Curves) that parameterizes the variation of total cooling capacity as a function of the ratio
of actual air flow rate across the cooling coil to the rated air flow rate (i.e., fraction of full load
flow). The output of this curve is multiplied by the gross rated total cooling capacity and the total
cooling capacity modifier curve (function of temperature) to give the gross total cooling capacity
at the specific temperature and air flow conditions at which the coil is operating. The curve is
normalized to have the value of 1.0 when the actual air flow rate equals the rated air flow rate.

1.40.8.1.8 Field: Coil Air Inlet Node Name

This alpha field defines the name of the air inlet node entering the DX cooling coil.

1.40.8.1.9 Field: Coil Air Outlet Node Name

This alpha field defines the name of the air outlet node exiting the DX cooling coil.

1.40.8.1.10 Field: Name of Water Storage Tank for Condensate Collection

This field is optional. It is used to describe where condensate from the coil is collected. If blank
or omitted, then any coil condensate is discarded. Enter the name of Water Storage Tank object
defined elsewhere and the condensate will then be collected in that tank.
Following is an example input for a Coil:Cooling:DX:VariableRefrigerantFlow object.

COIL:Cooling:DX:VariableRefrigerantFlow ,
TU1 VRF DX Cooling Coil , !- Coil Name
VRFAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
autosize , !- Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity {W}
autosize , !- Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio
autosize , !- Rated Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
VRFTUCoolCapFT , !- Cooling Capacity Ratio Modifier Function of Temperature
Curve Name
VRFACCoolCapFFF , !- Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve Function of Flow Fraction
Name
TU1 VRF DX CCoil Inlet Node , !- Coil Air Inlet Node
TU1 VRF DX CCoil Outlet Node; !- Coil Air Outlet Node
1684 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.8.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average, Cooling Coil Total Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Cooling Coil Total Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Cooling Coil Latent Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Cooling Coil Latent Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Cooling Coil Runtime Fraction []

Evaporative-cooled condenser:

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Condensate Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• Zone,Meter,Condensate:OnSiteWater [m3]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Condensate Volume [m3]

1.40.8.2.1 Cooling Coil Total Cooling Rate [W]

This field is the total (sensible and latent) cooling rate output of the DX coil in Watts. This is
determined by the coil inlet and outlet air conditions and the air mass flow rate through the coil.

1.40.8.2.2 Cooling Coil Total Cooling Energy [J]

This is the total (sensible plus latent) cooling output of the DX coil in Joules over the time step
being reported. This is determined by the coil inlet and outlet air conditions and the air mass flow
rate through the coil. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = EnergyTransfer,
End Use Key = CoolingCoils, Group Key = System (Ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.40.8.2.3 Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

This output is the moist air sensible cooling rate output of the DX coil in Watts. This is
determined by the inlet and outlet air conditions and the air mass flow rate through the coil.

1.40.8.2.4 Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

This is the moist air sensible cooling output of the DX coil in Joules for the time step being
reported. This is determined by the inlet and outlet air conditions and the air mass flow rate
through the coil.

1.40.8.2.5 Cooling Coil Latent Cooling Rate [W]

This is the latent cooling rate output of the DX coil in Watts. This is determined by the inlet
and outlet air conditions and the air mass flow rate through the coil.

1.40.8.2.6 Cooling Coil Latent Cooling Energy [J]

This is the latent cooling output of the DX coil in Joules for the time step being reported. This
is determined by the inlet and outlet air conditions and the air mass flow rate through the coil.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1685

1.40.8.2.7 Cooling Coil Runtime Fraction []

This is the runtime fraction of the DX coil compressor and condenser fan(s) for the time step
being reported.

1.40.8.2.8 Cooling Coil Condensate Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.40.8.2.9 Cooling Coil Condensate Volume [m3]

These outputs are the rate and volume of water collected as condensate from the coil. These
reports only appear if a water storage tank is named in the input object.

1.40.9 Coil:Heating:DX:VariableRefrigerantFlow
The variable refrigerant flow (VRF) DX heating coil model uses performance information at rated
conditions along with performance curves for variations in total capacity, energy input ratio and part
load fraction to determine performance at part-load conditions. The impacts of defrost operation
is modeled based a combination of user inputs and empirical models taken from the air-to-air heat
pump algorithms in DOE-2.1E.
The VRF DX heating coil input requires an availability schedule, the gross rated heating capac-
ity and the rated air volume flow rate. The rated air volume flow rate should be between 0.00008056
m3 /s and 0.00002684 m3 /s per watt of gross rated heating capacity.
Two performance curves are required. The first performance curve defines the heating capacity
as a function of indoor air dry-bulb and outdoor condenser entering air wet-bulb temperature. This
curve object is specified in the variable refrigerant flow air-to-air heat pump object. The second
performance curve is specific the each VRF DX heating coil and defines the change in heating
capacity as a function of air flow fraction. Each of these performance curves are further discussed
here.

1) Heating capacity modifier curve (function of temperature, specified in Heat Pump)

The heating capacity modifier curve (function of temperature) can be a function of both the
outdoor wet-bulb temperature and indoor air dry-bulb temperature. Users have the choice of a
bi-quadratic curve with two independent variables or a tri-quadratic curve with three independent
variable. The tri-quadratic curve is recommended if sufficient manufacturer data is available as it
provides sensitivity to the combined total capacity of all indoor units connected to the heat pump
condenser and a more realistic output. The output of this curve is multiplied by the gross rated
heating capacity to give the gross heating capacity at specific temperature operating conditions
(i.e., at an outdoor or indoor air temperature different from the rating point temperature) and the
combination ratio of the installed system.

2) Heating capacity modifier curve (function of flow fraction, specified in DX coil)

The heating capacity modifier curve (function of flow fraction) is a quadratic or cubic curve
with the independent variable being the ratio of the actual air flow rate across the heating coil to
the rated air flow rate (i.e., fraction of full load flow). The output of this curve is multiplied by
the gross rated heating capacity and the heating capacity modifier curve (function of temperature)
to give the gross heating capacity at the specific temperature and air flow conditions at which the
coil is operating.
1686 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.9.1 Inputs
1.40.9.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field defines a unique user-assigned name for an instance of a VRF DX heating coil.
Any reference to this DX heating coil by another object will use this name.

1.40.9.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This alpha field defines the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the DX
heating coil can run during a given time period. A schedule value greater than 0 (usually 1 is used)
indicates that the unit can be on during the time period. A value less than or equal to 0 (usually
0 is used) denotes that the unit must be off for the time period. If this field is blank, the schedule
has values of 1 for all time periods.

1.40.9.1.3 Field: Gross Rated Heating Capacity

This numeric field defines the total, full load gross heating capacity in watts of the DX coil unit
at rated conditions (outside air dry-bulb temperature of 8.33 C, outside air wet-bulb temperature
of 6.11 C, heating coil entering air dry-bulb temperature of 21.11 C, heating coil entering air wet-
bulb temperature of 15.55 C, and a heating coil air flow rate defined by field rated air flow volume
below). The value entered here must be greater than 0. The gross total heating capacity should
not account for the effect of supply air fan heat.

1.40.9.1.4 Field: Rated Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the volume air flow rate, in m3 per second, across the DX heating coil
at rated conditions. The value entered here must be greater than 0. The rated air volume flow rate
should be between 0.00004027 m3 /s and 0.00006041 m3 /s per watt of gross rated heating capacity.
The gross rated heating capacity and the gross rated COP should be performance information for
the unit with outside air dry-bulb temperature of 8.33 C, outside air wet-bulb temperature of 6.11
C, heating coil entering air dry-bulb temperature of 21.11 C, heating coil entering air wet-bulb
temperature of 15.55 C, and the rated air volume flow rate defined here.

1.40.9.1.5 Field: Coil Air Inlet Node

This alpha field defines the name of the HVAC system node from which the DX heating coil
draws its inlet air.

1.40.9.1.6 Field: Coil Air Outlet Node

This alpha field defines the name of the HVAC system node to which the DX heating coil sends
its outlet air.

1.40.9.1.7 Field: Heating Capacity Ratio Modifier Function of Temperature

Curve Name
This alpha field defines the heating capacity ratio modifier as a function of indoor dry-bulb tem-
perature or indoor dry-bulb and outdoor wet-bulb temperatures. This curve is a linear, quadratic,
or cubic curve if the heating capacity is solely a function of indoor dry-bulb temperature (i.e., the
indoor terminal units weighted average inlet air dry-bulb temperatures). Without specific manu-
facturers data indicating otherwise, the use of a single independent variable is recommended for
this coil type. If, however, the user has reason to believe the heating capacity is both a function
of indoor dry-bulb temperature and outdoor wet-bulb temperature (and has manufacturers data
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1687

to create the performance curve), a bi-quadratic equation using weighted average indoor dry-bulb
temperature and condenser entering air wet-bulb temperature as the independent variables may be
used. See the Engineering Reference for more discussion on using this input field.
Note: The choice of using either outdoor dry-bulb temperature or outdoor wet-bulb temperature
as the independent variable in this performance curve is set in the parent object AirConditioner:
VariableRefrigerantFlow.

1.40.9.1.8 Field: Heating Capacity Ratio Modifier Function of Flow Fraction

Curve Name
This alpha field defines the name of a linear, quadratic or cubic performance curve (ref: Per-
formance Curves) that parameterizes the variation of heating capacity as a function of the ratio
of actual air flow rate across the heating coil to the rated air flow rate (i.e., fraction of full load
flow). The output of this curve is multiplied by the gross rated heating capacity and the heating
capacity modifier curve (function of temperature) to give the gross heating capacity at the specific
temperature and air flow conditions at which the coil is operating. The curve is normalized to have
the value of 1.0 when the actual air flow rate equals the rated air flow rate.
Following is an example input for the object.

COIL:Heating:DX:VariableRefrigerantFlow ,
TU1 VRF DX Heating Coil , !- Coil Name
VRFAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule
autosize , !- Gross Rated Heating Capacity {W}
autosize , !- Rated Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
TU1 VRF DX CCoil Outlet Node , !- Coil Air Inlet Node
TU1 VRF DX HCoil Outlet Node , !- Coil Air Outlet Node
VRFTUHeatCapFT , !- Heating Capacity Ratio Modifier Function of Temperature
Curve Name
VRFACCoolCapFFF; !- Total heating capacity modifier curve Function of Flow
Fraction

1.40.9.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average, Heating Coil Total Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Heating Coil Total Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Heating Coil Runtime Fraction []

1.40.9.2.1 Heating Coil Total Heating Rate [W]

This field is the total heating rate output of the DX coil in Watts. This is determined by the
coil inlet and outlet air conditions and the air mass flow rate through the coil.

1.40.9.2.2 Heating Coil Total Heating Energy [J]

This is the total heating output of the DX coil in Joules over the time step being reported.
This is determined by the coil inlet and outlet air conditions and the air mass flow rate through
the coil. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = EnergyTransfer, End Use
Key = HeatingCoils, Group Key = System (ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.40.9.2.3 Heating Coil Runtime Fraction []

This is the runtime fraction of the DX coil compressor and condenser fan(s) for the time step
being reported.
1688 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.10 Coil:Cooling:DX:VariableRefrigerantFlow:FluidTemperatureControl
This coil object is specifically designed for the physics based VRF model applicable for Fluid Tem-
perature Control (VRF-FluidTCtrl). It describes the performance of the indoor unit coil of the
VRF system operating at cooling mode. The name of this object is entered as an input to the ob-
ject ZoneHVAC:TerminalUnit:VariableRefrigerantFlow. The outdoor unit part of the VRF system
is modeled separately (refer to AirConditioner:VariableRefrigerantFlow:FluidTemperatureControl
object).

1.40.10.1 Inputs
1.40.10.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field defines a unique user-assigned name for an instance of a VRF DX cooling coil.
Any reference to this DX cooling coil by another object will use this name. This cooling coil name
must be entered in the AirConditioner:VariableRefrigerantFlow:FluidTemperatureControl object.
No other system type uses this specific coil.

1.40.10.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This alpha field defines the name of the coil availability schedule. A name should be entered to
define the availability of the coil. Schedule values of 0 denote the DX cooling coil is off. A schedule
value greater than 0 indicates that the coil can operate during the time period. If this field is blank,
the schedule has values of 1 for all time periods.

1.40.10.1.3 Field: Coil Air Inlet Node

This alpha field defines the name of the air inlet node entering the DX cooling coil.

1.40.10.1.4 Field: Coil Air Outlet Node

This alpha field defines the name of the air outlet node exiting the DX cooling coil.

1.40.10.1.5 Field: Rated Total Cooling Capacity

This numeric field defines the gross rated total cooling capacity of the DX cooling coil in watts.
The total cooling capacity should be a gross , i.e., the effect of supply air fan heat NOT accounted
for.

1.40.10.1.6 Field: Rated Sensible Heat Ratio

This numeric field defines the gross sensible heat ratio (sensible capacity divided by total cooling
capacity) of the DX cooling coil at rated conditions. Both the sensible and total cooling capacities
used to define the Rated SHR should be gross (i.e., the effect of supply air fan heat is NOT
accounted for)

1.40.10.1.7 Field: Indoor Unit Reference Superheating

This numeric field defines the reference superheating degrees of the indoor unit. If this field is
blank, the default value of 5.0 C is used.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1689

1.40.10.1.8 Field: Indoor Unit Evaporating Temperature Function of Super-

heating Curve Name
This alpha field defines the name of a quadratic performance curve that parameterizes the
variation of indoor unit evaporating temperature as a function of superheating degrees. The out-
put of this curve is the temperature difference between the coil surface air temperature and the
evaporating temperature.

1.40.10.1.9 Field: Name of Water Storage Tank for Condensate Collection

This field is optional. It is used to describe where condensate from the coil is collected. If blank
or omitted, then any coil condensate is discarded. Enter the name of Water Storage Tank object
defined elsewhere and the condensate will then be collected in that tank.
Following is an example input for a Coil:Cooling:DX:VariableRefrigerantFlow:FluidTemperatureControl
object.

Coil:Cooling:DX: VariableRefrigerantFlow :FluidTemperatureControl ,

TU1 VRF DX Cooling Coil , !- Name
VRFAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
TU1 VRF DX CCoil Inlet Node , !- Coil Air Inlet Node
TU1 VRF DX CCoil Outlet Node , !- Coil Air Outlet Node
autosize , !- Rated Total Cooling Capacity {W}
autosize , !- Rated Sensible Heat Ratio
3, !- Indoor Unit Reference Superheating Degrees {C}
IUEvapTempCurve , !- Indoor Unit Evaporating Temperature Function of Superheating Curve
Name
; !- Name of Water Storage Tank for Condensate Collection

Curve:Quadratic ,
IUEvapTempCurve , !- Name
0, !- Coefficient1 Constant
0.843 , !- Coefficient2 x
0, !- Coefficient3 x**2
0, !- Minimum Value of x
15, !- Maximum Value of x
, !- Minimum Curve Output
, !- Maximum Curve Output
Temperature , !- Input Unit Type for X
Temperature; !- Output Unit Type

1.40.10.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average, Cooling Coil Total Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Cooling Coil Total Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Cooling Coil Latent Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Cooling Coil Latent Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Cooling Coil Runtime Fraction []

• HVAC,Average, Cooling Coil VRF Evaporating Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average, Cooling Coil VRF Super Heating Degrees [C]

1690 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Evaporative-cooled condenser:

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Condensate Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• Zone,Meter,Condensate:OnSiteWater [m3]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Condensate Volume [m3]

1.40.10.2.1 Cooling Coil Total Cooling Rate [W]

This field is the total (sensible and latent) cooling rate output of the DX coil in Watts. This is
determined by the coil inlet and outlet air conditions and the air mass flow rate through the coil.

1.40.10.2.2 Cooling Coil Total Cooling Energy [J]

This is the total (sensible plus latent) cooling output of the DX coil in Joules over the time step
being reported. This is determined by the coil inlet and outlet air conditions and the air mass flow
rate through the coil. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = EnergyTransfer,
End Use Key = CoolingCoils, Group Key = System (Ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.40.10.2.3 Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

This output is the moist air sensible cooling rate output of the DX coil in Watts. This is
determined by the inlet and outlet air conditions and the air mass flow rate through the coil.

1.40.10.2.4 Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

This is the moist air sensible cooling output of the DX coil in Joules for the time step being
reported. This is determined by the inlet and outlet air conditions and the air mass flow rate
through the coil.

1.40.10.2.5 Cooling Coil Latent Cooling Rate [W]

This is the latent cooling rate output of the DX coil in Watts. This is determined by the inlet
and outlet air conditions and the air mass flow rate through the coil.

1.40.10.2.6 Cooling Coil Latent Cooling Energy [J]

This is the latent cooling output of the DX coil in Joules for the time step being reported. This
is determined by the inlet and outlet air conditions and the air mass flow rate through the coil.

1.40.10.2.7 Cooling Coil Runtime Fraction []

This is the runtime fraction of the DX coil compressor and condenser fan(s) for the time step
being reported.

1.40.10.2.8 Cooling Coil VRF Evaporating Temperature [C]

This is the evaporating temperature of the VRF system operating at cooling mode. This value
is manipulated by the VRF system considering the load conditions of all the zones it serves. It
affects the cooling coil surface temperature and thus the cooling capacity of the coil.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1691

1.40.10.2.9 Cooling Coil VRF Super Heating Degrees [C]

This is the super heating degrees of the VRF system operating at cooling mode. This value is
manipulated by each VRF terminal unit to adjust the cooling capacity of the coil considering the
load conditions of the zone. It affects the cooling coil surface temperature and thus the cooling
capacity of the coil.

1.40.10.2.10 Cooling Coil Condensate Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

This is the volumetric rate of water collected as condensate from the coil. This report only
appears if a water storage tank is named in the input object.

1.40.10.2.11 Cooling Coil Condensate Volume [m3]

This is the volume of water collected as condensate from the coil. This report only appears if
a water storage tank is named in the input object.

1.40.11 Coil:Heating:DX:VariableRefrigerantFlow:FluidTemperatureContro
This coil object is specifically designed for the physics based VRF model applicable for Fluid Tem-
perature Control (VRF-FluidTCtrl). It describes the performance of the indoor unit coil of the
VRF system operating at heating mode. The name of this object is entered as an input to the ob-
ject ZoneHVAC:TerminalUnit:VariableRefrigerantFlow. The outdoor unit part of the VRF system
is modeled separately (refer to AirConditioner:VariableRefrigerantFlow:FluidTemperatureControl
object).

1.40.11.1 Inputs
1.40.11.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field defines a unique user-assigned name for an instance of a VRF DX heating coil.
Any reference to this DX heating coil by another object will use this name. This heating coil name
must be entered in the AirConditioner:VariableRefrigerantFlow:FluidTemperatureControl object.
No other system type uses this specific coil.

1.40.11.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule

This alpha field defines the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the DX
heating coil can run during a given time period. A schedule value greater than 0 (usually 1 is used)
indicates that the unit can be on during the time period. A value less than or equal to 0 (usually
0 is used) denotes that the unit must be off for the time period. If this field is blank the unit is
always available.

1.40.11.1.3 Field: Coil Air Inlet Node

This alpha field defines the name of the HVAC system node from which the DX heating coil
draws its inlet air.

1.40.11.1.4 Field: Coil Air Outlet Node

This alpha field defines the name of the HVAC system node to which the DX heating coil sends
its outlet air.
1692 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.11.1.5 Field: Rated Total Heating Capacity

This numeric field defines the total, full load gross heating capacity in watts of the DX coil
unit at rated conditions. The value entered here must be greater than 0. The gross total heating
capacity should not account for the effect of supply air fan heat.

1.40.11.1.6 Field: Indoor Unit Reference Subcooling

This numeric field defines the reference subcooling degrees of the indoor unit. If this field is
blank, the default value of 5.0 C is used.

1.40.11.1.7 Field: Indoor Unit Condensing Temperature Function of Subcooling

Curve Name
This alpha field defines the name of a quadratic performance curve that parameterizes the
variation of indoor unit condensing temperature as a function of subcooling degrees. The output of
this curve is the temperature difference between the condensing temperature and the coil surface
air temperature.
Following is an example input for a Coil:Heating:DX:VariableRefrigerantFlow:FluidTemperatureControl
object.

Coil:Heating:DX: VariableRefrigerantFlow :FluidTemperatureControl ,

TU1 VRF DX Heating Coil , !- Name
VRFAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule
TU1 VRF DX CCoil Outlet Node , !- Coil Air Inlet Node
TU1 VRF DX HCoil Outlet Node , !- Coil Air Outlet Node
autosize , !- Rated Total Heating Capacity {W}
5, !- Indoor Unit Reference Subcooling Degrees {C}
IUCondTempCurve; !- Indoor Unit Condensing Temperature Function of Subcooling Curve
Name

Curve:Quadratic ,
IUCondTempCurve , !- Name
-1.85, !- Coefficient1 Constant
0.411 , !- Coefficient2 x
0.0196 , !- Coefficient3 x**2
0, !- Minimum Value of x
20, !- Maximum Value of x
, !- Minimum Curve Output
, !- Maximum Curve Output
Temperature , !- Input Unit Type for X
Temperature; !- Output Unit Type

1.40.11.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average, Heating Coil Total Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Heating Coil Total Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Heating Coil Runtime Fraction []

• Heating Coil VRF Condensing Temperature [C]

• Heating Coil VRF Subcooling Degrees [C]

1.40.11.2.1 Heating Coil Total Heating Rate [W]

This field is the total heating rate output of the DX coil in Watts. This is determined by the
coil inlet and outlet air conditions and the air mass flow rate through the coil.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1693

1.40.11.2.2 Heating Coil Total Heating Energy [J]

This is the total heating output of the DX coil in Joules over the time step being reported.
This is determined by the coil inlet and outlet air conditions and the air mass flow rate through
the coil. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = EnergyTransfer, End Use
Key = HeatingCoils, Group Key = System (ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.40.11.2.3 Heating Coil Runtime Fraction []

This is the runtime fraction of the DX coil compressor and condenser fan(s) for the time step
being reported.

1.40.11.2.4 Cooling Coil VRF Condensing Temperature [C]

This is the condensing temperature of the VRF system operating at heating mode. This value
is manipulated by the VRF system considering the load conditions of all the zones it serves. It
affects the heating coil surface temperature and thus the heating capacity of the coil.

1.40.11.2.5 Cooling Coil VRF Subcooling Degrees [C]

This is the subcooling degrees of the VRF system operating at heating mode. This value is
manipulated by each VRF terminal unit to adjust the heating capacity of the coil considering the
load conditions of the zone. It affects the heating coil surface temperature and thus the heating
capacity of the coil.

1.40.12 Coil:Heating:Gas
The gas heating coil is a simple capacity model with a user inputted gas burner efficiency. The
default for the gas burner efficiency is 80%. This coil will be simpler than shown in Figure 1.147
since it will only have air nodes to connect it in the system. The coil can be used in the air loop
simulation or in the zone equipment as a reheat coil. Depending on where it is used determines if
this coil is temperature or capacity controlled. If used in the air loop simulation it will be controlled
to a specified temperature scheduled from the Setpoint Manager. If it is used in zone equipment,
it will be controlled from the zone thermostat by meeting the zone demand.

1.40.12.1 Inputs
1.40.12.1.1 Field: Name
A unique identifying name for each coil.

1.40.12.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

Schedule that defines when the coil is available. If the schedule s value is 0.0, then the coil is
not available and flow will not be requested. If the schedule s value is > 0.0 (usually 1 is used), the
coil is available. If this field is blank, the schedule has values of 1 for all time periods. Schedule
values must be > = 0 and < = 1.

1.40.12.1.3 Field: Gas Burner Efficiency

This is user inputted gas burner efficiency (decimal, not percent) and is defaulted to 80%.
1694 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.12.1.4 Field: Nominal Capacity

This is the maximum capacity of the coil (W). This controlled coil will only provide the needed
capacity to meet the control criteria whether it is temperature or capacity controlled. This field is
autosizable.

1.40.12.1.5 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

The name of the air inlet to the gas coil, i.e. Heating Coil Air Inlet Node.

1.40.12.1.6 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

The name of the air outlet from the gas coil, i.e. Heating Coil Air Outlet Node.

1.40.12.1.7 Field: Temperature Setpoint Node Name

If the coil is used in the air loop simulation and is temperature controlled using a Set Point
Manager, then the node that is the control node needs to be specified here. If the coil is used in
an air terminal unit, the coil is load controlled and a control node set point is not required.

1.40.12.1.8 Field: Parasitic Electric Load

This is the parasitic electric load associated with the gas coil operation, such as an inducer fan,
etc.. This will be modified by the PLR (or coil runtime fraction if a part-load fraction correlation
is provided in the next input field) to reflect the time of operation in a simulation timestep.

1.40.12.1.9 Field: Part Load Fraction Correlation Curve Name

This alpha field defines the name of a quadratic or cubic performance curve (Ref: Performance
Curves) that parameterizes the variation of gas consumption rate by the heating coil as a function
of the part load ratio (PLR, sensible heating load/nominal capacity of the heating coil). For any
simulation timestep, the nominal gas consumption rate (heating load/burner efficiency) is divided
by the part-load fraction (PLF) if a part-load curve has been defined. The part-load curve accounts
for efficiency losses due to transient coil operation.
The part-load fraction correlation should be normalized to a value of 1.0 when the part load
ratio equals 1.0 (i.e., no efficiency losses when the heating coil runs continuously for the simulation
timestep). For PLR values between 0 and 1 ( 0 < = PLR < 1), the following rules apply:
PLF > = 0.7 and PLF > = PLR
If PLF < 0.7 a warning message is issued, the program resets the PLF value to 0.7, and the
simulation proceeds. The runtime fraction of the heating coil is defined a PLR/PLF. If PLF <
PLR, then a warning message is issues and the runtime fraction of the coil is limited to 1.0.
A typical part load fraction correlation for a conventional gas heating coil (e.g., residential
furnace) would be:
PLF = 0.8 + 0.2( PLR)

1.40.12.1.10 Field: Parasitic Gas Load

This numeric field is the parasitic gas load associated with the gas coil s operation (Watts),
such as a standing pilot light. The model assumes that this parasitic load is consumed only for the
portion of the simulation timestep where the gas heating coil is not operating.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1695

1.40.12.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Sum,Heating Coil Air Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Air Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Heating Coil Gas Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Gas Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Heating Coil Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Runtime Fraction []

• HVAC,Sum,Heating Coil Ancillary Gas Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Ancillary Gas Rate [W]

1.40.12.2.1 Heating Coil Air Heating Energy [J]

This field is the total heating output of the coil in Joules over the timestep being reported.
This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = EnergyTransfer, End Use Key =
HeatingCoils, Group Key = System (ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.40.12.2.2 Heating Coil Air Heating Rate [W]

This field is the average heating rate output of the coil in Watts over the timestep being reported.

1.40.12.2.3 Heating Coil Gas Energy [J]

This field is the gas consumption of the heating coil in Joules over the timestep being reported,
including the impacts of part-load performance if a part load fraction correlation is specified. This
output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Gas, End Use Key = Heating, Group Key
= System (ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.40.12.2.4 Heating Coil Gas Rate [W]

This field is the average gas consumption rate of the coil in Watts over the timestep being
reported, including the impacts of part-load performance if a part load fraction correlation is
specified.

1.40.12.2.5 Heating Coil Electric Energy [J]

This field is the electric consumption of the heating coil auxiliaries in Joules over the timestep
being reported (e.g., inducer fan). This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type =
Electricity, End Use Key = Heating, Group Key = System (ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.40.12.2.6 Heating Coil Electric Power [W]

This field is the average electric consumption rate of the heating coil auxiliaries (e.g., inducer
fan) in Watts over the timestep being reported.

1.40.12.2.7 Heating Coil Runtime Fraction []

This field is the runtime fraction of the coil over the timestep being reported.
1696 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.12.2.8 Heating Coil Ancillary Gas Energy [J]

This field is the parasitic gas consumption of the heating coil in Joules over the timestep being
reported (e.g., standing pilot light). The model assumes that the parasitic load is accumulated
only for the portion of the simulation timestep where the gas heating coil is not operating. This
output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Gas, End Use Key = Heating, Group Key
= System (ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.40.12.2.9 Heating Coil Ancillary Gas Rate [W]

This field is the average parasitic gas consumption rate of the heating coil (e.g., standing pilot
light) in Watts over the timestep being reported. The model assumes that the parasitic load is
present only for the portion of the simulation timestep where the gas heating coil is not operating.

1.40.13 Coil:Heating:Gas:MultiStage
The multi stage gas heating coil is a simple capacity model with a user inputted gas burner ef-
ficiencies at different stages. This coil will only have air nodes to connect it in the system. The
coil can be used in the air loop simulation or in the zone equipment as a reheat coil. Depending
on where it is used determines if this coil is temperature or capacity controlled. If used in the
air loop simulation it will be controlled to a specified temperature scheduled from the Setpoint
Manager. If it is used in zone equipment, it will be controlled from the zone thermostat by meeting
the zone demand. For the time being, this coil model can only be called by the parent object
AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed.

1.40.13.1 Inputs
1.40.13.1.1 Field: Name
A unique identifying name for each coil.

1.40.13.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

Schedule that defines when the coil is available. If the schedule s value is 0.0, then the coil is
not available and flow will not be requested. If the schedule s value is > 0.0 (usually 1 is used), the
coil is available. If this field is blank, the schedule has values of 1 for all time periods. Schedule
values must be > = 0 and < = 1.

1.40.13.1.3 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

The name of the air inlet to the gas coil, i.e. Heating Coil Air Inlet Node.

1.40.13.1.4 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

The name of the air outlet from the gas coil, i.e. Heating Coil Air Outlet Node.

1.40.13.1.5 Field: Temperature Setpoint Node Name

If the coil is used in the air loop simulation and is temperature controlled using a Set Point
Manager, then the node that is the control node needs to be specified here. If the coil is used in
an air terminal unit, the coil is load controlled and a control node set point is not required. At
present, the multistage gas heating coil does not model temperature setoint control.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1697

1.40.13.1.6 Field: Part Load Fraction Correlation Curve Name

This alpha field defines the name of a quadratic or cubic performance curve (Ref: Performance
Curves) that parameterizes the variation of gas consumption rate by the heating coil as a function
of the part load ratio (PLR, sensible heating load/nominal capacity of the heating coil). For any
simulation timestep, the nominal gas consumption rate (heating load/burner efficiency) is divided
by the part-load fraction (PLF) if a part-load curve has been defined. The part-load curve accounts
for efficiency losses due to transient coil operation.
The part-load fraction correlation should be normalized to a value of 1.0 when the part load
ratio equals 1.0 (i.e., no efficiency losses when the heating coil runs continuously for the simulation
timestep). For PLR values between 0 and 1 ( 0 < = PLR < 1), the following rules apply:
PLF > = 0.7 and PLF > = PLR
If PLF < 0.7 a warning message is issued, the program resets the PLF value to 0.7, and the
simulation proceeds. The runtime fraction of the heating coil is defined a PLR/PLF. If PLF <
PLR, then a warning message is issues and the runtime fraction of the coil is limited to 1.0.
A typical part load fraction correlation for a conventional gas heating coil (e.g., residential
furnace) would be:
PLF = 0.8 + 0.2( PLR)

1.40.13.1.7 Field: Parasitic Gas Load

This numeric field is the parasitic gas load associated with the gas coil s operation (Watts),
such as a standing pilot light. The model assumes that this parasitic load is consumed only for the
portion of the simulation timestep where the gas heating coil is not operating.

1.40.13.1.8 Field: Stage 1 Gas Burner Efficiency

This is user inputted stage 1 gas burner efficiency (decimal, not percent) and is defaulted to
80%.

1.40.13.1.9 Field: Stage 1 Nominal Capacity

This is the stage 1 capacity of the coil (W). This controlled coil will only provide the needed
capacity to meet the control criteria whether it is temperature or capacity controlled. This field is
autosizable.

1.40.13.1.10 Field: Stage 1 Parasitic Electric Load

This is the stage 1 parasitic electric load associated with the gas coil operation, such as an
inducer fan, etc.. This will be modified by the PLR (or coil runtime fraction if a part-load fraction
correlation is provided in the next input field) to reflect the time of operation in a simulation
timestep.

1.40.13.1.11 Field: Stage 2 Gas Burner Efficiency

This is user inputted stage 2 gas burner efficiency (decimal, not percent) and is defaulted to
80%.

1.40.13.1.12 Field: Stage 2 Nominal Capacity

This is the stage 2 capacity of the coil (W). This controlled coil will only provide the needed
capacity to meet the control criteria whether it is temperature or capacity controlled. This field is
autosizable.
1698 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.13.1.13 Field: Stage 2 Parasitic Electric Load

This is the stage 2 parasitic electric load associated with the gas coil operation, such as an
inducer fan, etc.. This will be modified by the PLR (or coil runtime fraction if a part-load fraction
correlation is provided in the next input field) to reflect the time of operation in a simulation
timestep.

1.40.13.1.14 Field: Stage 3 Gas Burner Efficiency

This is user inputted stage 3 gas burner efficiency (decimal, not percent) and is defaulted to
80%.

1.40.13.1.15 Field: Stage 3 Nominal Capacity

This is the stage 3 capacity of the coil (W). This controlled coil will only provide the needed
capacity to meet the control criteria whether it is temperature or capacity controlled. This field is
autosizable.

1.40.13.1.16 Field: Stage 3 Parasitic Electric Load

This is the stage 3 parasitic electric load associated with the gas coil operation, such as an
inducer fan, etc.. This will be modified by the PLR (or coil runtime fraction if a part-load fraction
correlation is provided in the next input field) to reflect the time of operation in a simulation
timestep.

1.40.13.1.17 Field: Stage 4 Gas Burner Efficiency

This is user inputted stage 4 gas burner efficiency (decimal, not percent) and is defaulted to
80%.

1.40.13.1.18 Field: Stage 4 Nominal Capacity

This is the stage 4 capacity of the coil (W). This controlled coil will only provide the needed
capacity to meet the control criteria whether it is temperature or capacity controlled. This field is
autosizable.

1.40.13.1.19 Field: Stage 4 Parasitic Electric Load

This is the stage 4 parasitic electric load associated with the gas coil operation, such as an
inducer fan, etc.. This will be modified by the PLR (or coil runtime fraction if a part-load fraction
correlation is provided in the next input field) to reflect the time of operation in a simulation
timestep.
An example in IDF form:

Coil:Heating:Gas:MultiStage ,
Heat Pump Heating Coil 1, !- Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
Heating Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Air Inlet Node Name
SuppHeating Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Air Outlet Node Name
, !- Temp Setpoint node name
, !- Part Load Fraction Correlation Curve Name
, !- Parasitic Gas Load
3, !- Number of Speeds
0.92, !- Speed 1 Gas burner Efficiency
Autosize , !- Speed 1 Nominal Capacity {W}
, !- Stage 1 Parasitic Electric Load {W}
0.88, !- Speed 2 Gas burner Efficiency
Autosize , !- Speed 2 Nominal Capacity {W}
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1699

, !- Stage 2 Parasitic Electric Load {W}

0.84, !- Speed 3 Gas burner Efficiency
Autosize , !- Speed 3 Nominal Capacity {W}
; !- Stage 3 Parasitic Electric Load {W}

1.40.13.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Sum,Heating Coil Energy[J]

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Rate[W]

• HVAC,Sum,Heating Coil Gas Consumption [J]

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Gas Consumption Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Heating Coil Electric Consumption [J]

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Runtime Fraction

• HVAC,Sum,Heating Coil Parasitic Gas Consumption [J]

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Parasitic Gas Consumption Rate [W]

1.40.13.2.1 Heating Coil Energy [J]

This field is the total heating output of the coil in Joules over the timestep being reported. This
output is also added to an output meter with Resource Type = EnergyTransfer, End Use Key =
HeatingCoils, Group Key = System (ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.40.13.2.2 Heating Coil Rate [W]

This field is the average heating rate output of the coil in Watts over the timestep being reported.

1.40.13.2.3 Heating Coil Gas Consumption [J]

This field is the gas consumption of the heating coil in Joules over the timestep being reported,
including the impacts of part-load performance if a part load fraction correlation is specified. This
output is also added to an output meter with Resource Type = Gas, End Use Key = Heating,
Group Key = System (ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.40.13.2.4 Heating Coil Gas Consumption Rate [W]

This field is the average gas consumption rate of the coil in Watts over the timestep being
reported, including the impacts of part-load performance if a part load fraction correlation is
specified.

1.40.13.2.5 Heating Coil Electric Consumption [J]

This field is the electric consumption of the heating coil auxiliaries in Joules over the timestep
being reported (e.g., inducer fan). This output is also added to an output meter with Resource
Type = Electricity, End Use Key = Heating, Group Key = System (ref. Output:Meter objects).
1700 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.13.2.6 Heating Coil Electric Power [W]

This field is the average electric consumption rate of the heating coil auxiliaries (e.g., inducer
fan) in Watts over the timestep being reported.

1.40.13.2.7 Heating Coil Parasitic Gas Consumption [J]

This field is the parasitic gas consumption of the heating coil in Joules over the timestep being
reported (e.g., standing pilot light). The model assumes that the parasitic load is accumulated only
for the portion of the simulation timestep where the gas heating coil is not operating. This output
is also added to an output meter with Resource Type = Gas, End Use Key = Heating, Group Key
= System (ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.40.13.2.8 Heating Coil Parasitic Gas Consumption Rate [W]

This field is the average parasitic gas consumption rate of the heating coil (e.g., standing pilot
light) in Watts over the timestep being reported. The model assumes that the parasitic load is
present only for the portion of the simulation timestep where the gas heating coil is not operating.

1.40.14 Coil:Cooling:Water:DetailedGeometry
This detailed flat fin coil model is for continuous plate fins. First, found in Type 12 from MODSIM,
but now programmed directly from Elmahdy, A.H. and Mitalas, G.P. Then there was a discontinuity
in their original model that was fixed in the EnergyPlus implementation. Now this model can be
used in an interval halving solution technique for controlling this coil without the problems of
non-convergence.
“A Model for Cooling and Dehumidifying Coils for Use in Energy Requirements for Buildings”
ASHRAE Transactions, Vol. 83, Part 2, pp. 103-117 (1977). For fin efficiency see K.A. Gardner,
“Efficiency of Extended ,” Transactions ASME, Vol. 67, pp. 621-631, 1945.
The following figures illustrate the geometry and circuits in a cooling coil.

1.40.14.1 Inputs
1.40.14.1.1 Field: Name
A unique identifying name for each coil.

1.40.14.1.2 Field:Availability Schedule Name

Schedule that defines when the coil is available. If the schedule s value is 0.0, then the coil is
not available and flow will not be requested. If the schedule s value is > 0.0 (usually 1 is used), the
coil is available. If this field is blank, the schedule has values of 1 for all time periods.

1.40.14.1.3 Field: Maximum Water Flow Rate

The maximum possible water flow rate (m3 /sec) through the coil.

1.40.14.1.4 Field: Tube Outside Surface Area

The outside surface area (m2 ) of the tubes that is exposed to air (i.e. the outside area of the
unfinned tubes minus the area of tubes covered by the fins).

1.40.14.1.5 Field: Total Tube Inside Area

The total surface area (m2 ) inside the tubes (water side).
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1701

Figure 1.148: Geometry of a Cooling Coil (CC)

1.40.14.1.6 Field: Fin Surface Area

The total surface area (m2 ) of the fins attached to the coil.

1.40.14.1.7 Field: Minimum Air Flow Area

The minimum cross sectional area (m2 ) available for air passage. Frequently calculated as
Amin = (Amin/Afr)\*Afr

where Afr is the frontal area of the heat exchanger, and (Amin/Afr) is the ratio of the minimum
airflow area to frontal area.

1.40.14.1.8 Field: Coil Depth

The distance (m) from the front of the coil to the back of the coil in the airflow direction. Also
called the fin depth. Illustrated in the figure (Figure 1.148. Geometry of a Cooling Coil (CC)).

1.40.14.1.9 Field: Fin Diameter

The outside diameter (m) of the fins. Used instead of COIL HEIGHT

1.40.14.1.10 Field: Fin Thickness

Thickness (m) of the air side fins.

1.40.14.1.11 Field: Tube Inside Diameter

The inside diameter (m) of the tubes.

1.40.14.1.12 Field: Tube Outside Diameter

The outside diameter (m) of the tubes.
1702 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.149: Number of Coolant Circuits (CCNCC)

1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1703

1.40.14.1.13 Field: Tube Thermal Conductivity

The thermal conductivity (W/m-K) of the tube material.

1.40.14.1.14 Field: Fin Thermal Conductivity

The thermal conductivity (W/m-K) of the fin material.

1.40.14.1.15 Field: Fin Spacing

The spacing (m) of the fins, centerline to centerline.

1.40.14.1.16 Field: Tube Depth Spacing

The spacing (m) of the tube rows, centerline to centerline. Also called tube longitudinal spacing.

1.40.14.1.17 Field: Number of Tube Rows

The number of tube rows in the direction of the airflow.

1.40.14.1.18 Field: Number of Tubes per Row

The number of tubes per row. (NTPR in the above diagram)

1.40.14.1.19 Field: Water Inlet Node Name

The name of the water coil inlet from the chilled water loop, i.e. Cooling Coil Water Inlet Node.

1.40.14.1.20 Field: Water Outlet Node Name

The name of the water coil outlet from the chilled water loop, i.e. Cooling Coil Water Outlet
Node.

1.40.14.1.21 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

The name of the air inlet to the water coil, i.e. Cooling Coil Air Inlet Node.

1.40.14.1.22 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

The name of the air outlet from the water coil, i.e. Cooling Coil Air Outlet Node.

1.40.14.1.23 Field: Condensate Collection Water Storage Tank Name

This field is optional. It is used to describe where condensate from the coil is collected. If blank
or omitted, then any coil condensate is discarded. Enter the name of Water Storage Tank object
defined elsewhere and the condensate will then be collected in that tank.
Examples of these statements in an IDF are:

Coil:Cooling:Water:DetailedGeometry ,
Detailed Cooling Coil , !Name of cooling coil
CoolingCoilAvailSched , !Cooling Coil Schedule
0.0011 , !Max Water Flow Rate of Coil m3/sec
6.23816 , !Tube Outside Surf Area
6.20007018 , !Tube Inside Surf Area
101.7158224 , !Fin Surf Area
0.300606367 , !Min Air Flow Area
0.165097968 , !Coil Depth
0.43507152 , !Coil Height
0.001499982 , !Fin Thickness
0.014449958 , !Tube Inside Diameter
0.015879775 , !Tube Outside Diameter
1704 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

386.0 , !Tube Thermal Conductivity

204.0 , !Fin Thermal Conductivity
0.001814292 , !Fin Spacing
0.02589977 , !Tube Depth
6, !Number of Tube Rows
16, !Number of Tubes per Row
NODE_32 ,NODE_33 , !Coil Water Side Inlet & Outlet Node
NODE_5 , NODE_6; !Coil Air Side Inlet & Outlet Node

1.40.14.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Total Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Total Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Condensate Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Source Side Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Condensate Volume [m3]

1.40.14.2.1 Cooling Coil Total Cooling Energy (J)

Cooling Coil Total Cooling Energy is the total amount of heat transfer taking place in the coil
at the operating conditions.

1.40.14.2.2 Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Energy (J)

Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Energy is the total amount of Sensible heat transfer taking place
in the coil at the operating conditions. It only takes into account temperature difference in the
inlet and outlet air streams at operating conditions.

1.40.14.2.3 Cooling Coil Total Cooling Rate (W)

Cooling Coil Total Cooling Rate is the Rate of heat transfer taking place in the coil at the
operating conditions. The units are (J/sec) or Watts.

1.40.14.2.4 Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Rate (W)

Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Rate is the Rate of Sensible heat transfer taking place in the coil
at the operating conditions.
In addition, if a Water Storage Tank is used to collect coil condensate, then the following
outputs will be available.

1.40.14.2.5 Cooling Coil Condensate Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.40.14.2.6 Cooling Coil Condensate Volume [m3]

These reports provide the rate and amount of condensate from the coil. Condensate is water
condensed out of the air as a result of cooling. The condensate volume is also reported on the
meter for OnSiteWater.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1705

1.40.14.2.7 Cooling Coil Source Side Heat Transfer Energy [J]

This is the energy extracted from the chilled water serving the cooling coil, in Joules.

1.40.15 Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed
This DX cooling coil input requires an availability schedule, the gross rated total cooling capacity,
the gross rated SHR, the gross rated COP, and the rated air volume flow rate. The latter 4
inputs determine the coil performance at the rating point (air entering the cooling coil at 26.7 °C
drybulb/19.4 °C wetbulb and air entering the outdoor condenser coil at 35 °C drybulb/23.9 °C
wetbulb). The rated air volume flow rate should be between .00004027 m3 /s and .00006041 m3 /s
per watt of gross rated total cooling capacity (300 to 450 cfm/ton).
The rated volumetric air flow to total cooling capacity ratio for 100% dedicated outdoor air
(DOAS) application DX cooling coils should be between 0.00001677 (m3/s)/W (125 cfm/ton) and
0.00003355 (m3/s)/W (250 cfm/ton).
Pumped refrigerant economizer integrated with the single speed DX cooling coil model will
use exactly the same model except that performance curves use lookup table to cover the pumped
refrigerant economizer and the compressor operating ranges. One or two independent variables
may used to represent the performance data.
This model requires 5 curves as follows:

1. The total cooling capacity modifier curve (function of temperature) is a curve with two in-
dependent variables: wet-bulb temperature of the air entering the cooling coil, and dry-bulb
temperature of the air entering the air-cooled condenser coil (wet-bulb temperature if mod-
eling an evaporative-cooled condenser). The output of this curve is multiplied by the gross
rated total cooling capacity to give the gross total cooling capacity at specific temperature
operating conditions (i.e., at temperatures different from the rating point temperatures).
This curve is typically a biquadratic but any curve or table with two independent variables
can be used.

2. The total cooling capacity modifier curve (function of flow fraction) is a curve or lookup
table with the independent variable being the ratio of the actual air flow rate across the
cooling coil to the rated air flow rate (i.e., fraction of full load flow). The output of this
curve is multiplied by the gross rated total cooling capacity and the total cooling capacity
modifier curve (function of temperature) to give the gross total cooling capacity at the specific
temperature and air flow conditions at which the coil is operating. This curve is typically a
quadratic or cubic but any curve or table with one independent variables can be used.

3. The energy input ratio (EIR) modifier curve (function of temperature) is a curve with two
independent variables: wet-bulb temperature of the air entering the cooling coil, and dry-
bulb temperature of the air entering the air-cooled condenser coil (wet-bulb temperature if
modeling an evaporative-cooled condenser). The output of this curve is multiplied by the
rated EIR (inverse of the rated COP) to give the EIR at specific temperature operating
conditions (i.e., at temperatures different from the rating point temperatures). This curve is
typically a biquadratic but any curve or table with two independent variables can be used.

4. The energy input ratio (EIR) modifier curve (function of flow fraction) is a curve or lookup
table with the independent variable being the ratio of the actual air flow rate across the
cooling coil to the rated air flow rate (i.e., fraction of full load flow). The output of this
curve is multiplied by the rated EIR (inverse of the rated COP) and the EIR modifier curve
1706 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

(function of temperature) to give the EIR at the specific temperature and air flow conditions
at which the coil is operating. This curve is typically a quadratic or cubic but any curve or
table with one independent variables can be used.

5. The part load fraction correlation (function of part load ratio) is a curve or a lookup table
with the independent variable being part load ratio (sensible cooling load / steady-state
sensible cooling capacity). The output of this curve is used in combination with the rated
EIR and EIR modifier curves to give the effective EIR for a given simulation timestep. The
part load fraction (PLF) correlation accounts for efficiency losses due to compressor cycling.
The curve should be normalized to a value of 1.0 when the part-load ratio equals 1.0 (i.e.,
the compressor(s) run continuously for the simulation timestep). This curve is typically a
quadratic or cubic but any curve or table with one independent variables can be used.

The curves are simply specified by name. Curve inputs are described in the curve manager
section of this document (see Performance Curves in this document).
The next four input fields are optional and relate to the degradation of latent cooling capac-
ity when the supply air fan operates continuously while the cooling coil/compressor cycle on and
off to meet the cooling load. The fan operating mode is determined in the partent object and is
considered to either be constant (e.g. CoilSystem:Cooling:DX) or can be scheduled (e.g. AirLoopH-
VAC:UnitaryHeatCool). When scheduled, the schedule value must be greater than 0 to calculate
degradation of latent cooling capacity. At times when the parent object s supply air fan operating
mode schedule is 0, latent degradation will be ignored. When modeling latent capacity degradation,
these next four input fields must all have positive values.
The next input specifies the outdoor air node used to define the conditions of the air entering
the outdoor condenser. If this field is left blank, the outdoor temperature entering the condenser
is taken directly from the weather data. If this field is not blank, the node name specified must
be listed in an OutdoorAir:Node object where the height of the node is taken into consideration
when calculating outdoor temperature from the weather data. Alternately, the node name must be
specified in an OutdoorAir:NodeList object where the outdoor temperature entering the condenser
is taken directly from the weather data.
The next input describes the type of outdoor condenser coil used with the DX cooling coil (Air
Cooled or Evap Cooled). The following three inputs are required when modeling an evaporative-
cooled condenser: evaporative condenser effectiveness, evaporative condenser air volume flow rate,
and the power consumed by the evaporative condenser pump. Crankcase heater capacity and cutout
temperature are entered in the next two input fields. These two fields for this object define the
name of the water storage tank for supply and condensate collection. See section DX Cooling Coil
Model in the EnergyPlus Engineering Document for further details regarding this model.
The last two input fields following the Basin Heater Operating Schedule Name are the Sensible
Heat Ratio (SHR) modifier cruve names for temperature and flow fraction. These two input fields
are optional and used only when a user intends to override SHR calculated using the apparatus dew
point (ADP) and bypass factor (BF) method. See section SHR Calculation Using User Specified
SHR Modifier Curves in the EnergyPlus Engineering Document for further details.

1.40.15.1 Inputs
1.40.15.1.1 Field: Name
A unique user-assigned name for an instance of a DX cooling coil. Any reference to this DX
coil by another object will use this name.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1707

1.40.15.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

The name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the DX cooling coil can run
during a given time period. A schedule value greater than 0 (usually 1 is used) indicates that the
unit can be on during a given time period. A value less than or equal to 0 (usually 0 is used)
denotes that the unit must be off. If this field is blank, the schedule has values of 1 for all time
periods.

1.40.15.1.3 Field: Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity

The total, full load gross cooling capacity (sensible plus latent) in watts of the DX coil unit at
rated conditions (air entering the cooling coil at 26.7 °C drybulb/19.4 °C wetbulb, air entering the
outdoor condenser coil at 35 °C drybulb/23.9 °C wetbulb[1], and a cooling coil air flow rate defined
by field rated air flow rate below). Capacity should be gross (i.e., the effect of supply air fan heat
is NOT accounted for). When used in a heat pump, the gross rated total cooling capacity should
be within 20% of the gross rated heating capacity, otherwise a warning message is issued.

1.40.15.1.4 Field: Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio

The sensible heat ratio (SHR = gross sensible cooling capacity divided by gross total cooling
capacity) of the DX cooling coil at rated conditions (air entering the cooling coil at 26.7 °C dry-
bulb/19.4 °C wetbulb, air entering the outdoor condenser coil at 35 °C drybulb/23.9 °C wetbulb),
and a cooling coil air flow rate defined by field rated air flow rate below). Both the sensible and
total cooling capacities used to define the Rated SHR should be gross (i.e., the effect of supply air
fan heat is NOT accounted for).

1.40.15.1.5 Field: Gross Rated Cooling COP

The coefficient of performance is the ratio of the gross total cooling capacity in watts to electrical
power input in watts of the DX cooling coil unit at rated conditions (air entering the cooling coil
at 26.7 °C drybulb/19.4 °C wetbulb, air entering the outdoor condenser coil at 35 °C drybulb/ 23.9
°C wetbulb, and a cooling coil air flow rate defined by field rated air flow rate below). The input
power includes electric power for the compressor(s) and condenser fan(s) but does not include the
power consumption of the supply air fan. The gross COP should NOT account for the supply air
fan. If this input field is left blank, the default value is 3.0.

1.40.15.1.6 Field: Rated Air Flow Rate

The air volume flow rate, in m3 per second, across the DX cooling coil at rated conditions.
The rated air volume flow rate should be between 0.00004027 m3 /s and 0.00006041 m3 /s per watt
of gross rated total cooling capacity (300 to 450 cfm/ton). For DOAS applications the rated air
volume flow rate should be between 0.00001677 m3 /s and 0.00003355 m3 /s per watt of gross rated
total cooling capacity (125 to 250 cfm/ton). The gross rated total cooling capacity, gross rated
SHR and gross rated COP should be performance information for the unit with air entering the
cooling coil at 26.7 °C drybulb/19.4 °C wetbulb, air entering the outdoor condenser coil at 35 °C
drybulb/23.9 °C wetbulb, and the rated air volume flow rate defined here.

1.40.15.1.7 Field: Rated Evaporator Fan Power Per Volume Flow Rate
This field is the electric power for the evaporator (cooling coil) fan per air volume flow rate
through the coil at the rated conditions in W/(m3 /s). The default value is 773.3 W/(m3 /s) (365
W/1000 cfm) if this field is left blank. If a value is entered, it must be > = 0.0 and < = 1250
W/(m3 /s). This value is only used to calculate Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), Energy
1708 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Efficiency Ratio (EER), Integrated Energy Efficiency Ratio (IEER) and the Standard Rating (Net)
Cooling Capacity which will be outputs in the EnergyPlus eio file (ref. EnergyPlus Engineering
Reference, Single Speed DX Cooling Coil, Standard Ratings). This value is not used for modeling
the evaporator (cooling coil) fan during simulations; instead, it is used for calculating SEER, EER,
IEER and Standard Rating Cooling Capacity to assist the user in verifying their inputs for modeling
this type of equipment.

1.40.15.1.8 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

The name of the HVAC system node from which the DX cooling coil draws its inlet air.

1.40.15.1.9 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

The name of the HVAC system node to which the DX cooling coil sends its outlet air.

1.40.15.1.10 Field: Total Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature Curve

Name
The name of a performance curve (ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes the variation
of the gross total cooling capacity as a function of the wet-bulb temperature of the air entering
the cooling coil, and the dry-bulb temperature of the air entering the air-cooled condenser coil
(wet-bulb temperature if modeling an evaporative-cooled condenser). The output of this curve
is multiplied by the gross rated total cooling capacity to give the gross total cooling capacity at
specific temperature operating conditions (i.e., at temperatures different from the rating point
temperatures). The curve is normalized to have the value of 1.0 at the rating point. This curve is
typically a biquadratic but any curve or table with two independent variables can be used.

1.40.15.1.11 Field: Total Cooling Capacity Function of Flow Fraction Curve

Name
The name of a quadratic or cubic performance curve (ref: Performance Curves) that parameter-
izes the variation of the gross total cooling capacity as a function of the ratio of actual air flow rate
across the cooling coil to the rated air flow rate (i.e., fraction of full load flow). The output of this
curve is multiplied by the gross rated total cooling capacity and the total cooling capacity modifier
curve (function of temperature) to give the gross total cooling capacity at the specific temperature
and air flow conditions at which the coil is operating. The curve is normalized to have the value of
1.0 when the actual air flow rate equals the rated air flow rate.

1.40.15.1.12 Field: Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve Name

The name of a performance curve (ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes the variation
of the energy input ratio (EIR) as a function of the wet-bulb temperature of the air entering the
cooling coil, and the dry-bulb temperature of the air entering the air-cooled condenser coil (wet-
bulb temperature if modeling an evaporative-cooled condenser). The EIR is the inverse of the COP.
The output of this curve is multiplied by the rated EIR (inverse of rated COP) to give the EIR
at specific temperature operating conditions (i.e., at temperatures different from the rating point
temperatures). The curve is normalized to a value of 1.0 at the rating point. This curve is typically
a biquadratic but any curve or table with two independent variables can be used.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1709

1.40.15.1.13 Field: Energy Input Ratio Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name

The name of a performance curve (Ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes the variation
of the energy input ratio (EIR) as a function of the ratio of actual air flow rate across the cooling
coil to the rated air flow rate (i.e., fraction of full load flow). The EIR is the inverse of the COP.
The output of this curve is multiplied by the rated EIR and the EIR modifier curve (function
of temperature) to give the EIR at the specific temperature and air flow conditions at which the
cooling coil is operating. This curve is normalized to a value of 1.0 when the actual air flow rate
equals the rated air flow rate. This curve is typically a quadratic or cubic but any curve or table
with one independent variables can be used.

1.40.15.1.14 Field: Part Load Fraction Correlation Curve Name

This alpha field defines the name of a performance curve (Ref: Performance Curves) that
parameterizes the variation of electrical power input to the DX unit as a function of the part load
ratio (PLR, sensible cooling load/steady-state sensible cooling capacity). The product of the rated
EIR and EIR modifier curves is divided by the output of this curve to give the effective EIR for a
given simulation timestep. The part load fraction (PLF) correlation accounts for efficiency losses
due to compressor cycling. This curve is typically a quadratic or cubic but any curve or table with
one independent variables can be used.
The part load fraction correlation should be normalized to a value of 1.0 when the part load
ratio equals 1.0 (i.e., no efficiency losses when the compressor(s) run continuously for the simulation
timestep). For PLR values between 0 and 1 (0 < = PLR < 1), the following rules apply:
PLF > = 0.7 and PLF > = PLR
If PLF < 0.7 a warning message is issued, the program resets the PLF value to 0.7, and the
simulation proceeds. The runtime fraction of the coil is defined as PLR/PLF. If PLF < PLR, then
a warning message is issued and the runtime fraction of the coil is limited to 1.0.
A typical part load fraction correlation for a conventional, single-speed DX cooling coil (e.g.,
residential unit) would be:
PLF = 0.85 + 0.15( PLR)

If the user wishes to model no efficiency degradation due to compressor cycling, the part load
fraction correlation should be defined as follows:
PLF = 1.0 + 0.0( PLR)

1.40.15.1.15 Field: Nominal Time for Condensate Removal to Begin

The nominal time (in seconds) after startup for condensate to begin leaving the coil’s con-
densate drain line at the coil’s rated airflow and temperature conditions, starting with a dry coil.
Nominal time is equal to the ratio of the energy of the coil’s maximum condensate holding capacity
(J) to the coil’s steady-state latent capacity (W). Suggested value is 1000; zero value means the
latent degradation model is disabled. The default value for this field is zero. The supply air fan
operating mode must be continuous (i.e., the supply air fan operating mode may be specified in
other parent objects and is assumed continuous in some objects (e.g., CoilSystem:Cooling:DX) or
can be scheduled in other objects [e.g., AirloopHVAC:UnitaryHeatCool]), and this field as well as
the next three input fields for this object must have positive values in order to model latent capacity
degradation.
1710 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.15.1.16 Field: Ratio of Initial Moisture Evaporation Rate and Steady State
Latent Capacity
Ratio of the initial moisture evaporation rate from the cooling coil (when the compressor first
turns off, in Watts) and the coil’s steady-state latent capacity (Watts) at rated airflow and temper-
ature conditions. Suggested value is 1.5; zero value means the latent degradation model is disabled.
The default value for this field is zero. The supply air fan operating mode must be continuous
(i.e., the supply air fan operating mode may be specified in other parent objects and is assumed
continuous in some objects (e.g., CoilSystem:Cooling:DX) or can be scheduled in other objects [e.g.,
AirloopHVAC:UnitaryHeatCool]); and this field, the previous field and the next two fields must
have positive values in order to model latent capacity degradation.

1.40.15.1.17 Field: Maximum Cycling Rate

The maximum on-off cycling rate for the compressor (cycles per hour), which occurs at 50%
run time fraction. Suggested value is 3; zero value means latent degradation model is disabled.
The default value for this field is zero. The supply air fan operating mode must be continuous
(i.e., the supply air fan operating mode may be specified in other parent objects and is assumed
continuous in some objects (e.g., CoilSystem:Cooling:DX) or can be scheduled in other objects [e.g.,
AirloopHVAC:UnitaryHeatCool]); and this field, the previous two fields and the next field must
have positive values in order to model latent capacity degradation.

1.40.15.1.18 Field: Latent Capacity Time Constant

Time constant (in seconds) for the cooling coil’s latent capacity to reach steady state after
startup. Suggested value is 45: supply air fan operating mode must be continuous. That is, the
supply air fan operating mode may be specified in other parent objects and is assumed continuous
in some objects (e.g., CoilSystem:Cooling:DX) or can be scheduled in other objects (e.g., AirloopH-
VAC:UnitaryHeatCool), and this field as well as the previous three input fields for this object must
have positive values in order to model latent capacity degradation.

1.40.15.1.19 Field: Condenser Air Inlet Node Name

This optional alpha field specifies the outdoor air node name used to define the conditions of
the air entering the outdoor condenser. If this field is left blank, the outdoor air temperature
entering the condenser (dry-bulb or wet-bulb) is taken directly from the weather data. If this field
is not blank, the node name specified must also be specified in an OutdoorAir:Node object where
the height of the node is taken into consideration when calculating outdoor air temperature from
the weather data. Alternately, the node name may be specified in an OutdoorAir:NodeList object
where the outdoor air temperature is taken directly from the weather data.

1.40.15.1.20 Field: Condenser Type

The type of condenser used by the DX cooling coil. Valid choices for this input field are
AirCooled or EvaporativelyCooled. The default for this field is AirCooled.

1.40.15.1.21 Field: Evaporative Condenser Effectiveness

The effectiveness of the evaporative condenser, which is used to determine the temperature of
the air entering the outdoor condenser coil as follows:

T cond inlet = (T wb, o) + (1 − EvapCondEf f ectiveness) (T db, o − T wb, o) (1.150)

1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1711

where
Tcondinlet = the temperature of the air entering the condenser coil (C)
Twb,o = the wet-bulb temperature of the outdoor air (C)
Tdb,o = the dry-bulb temperature of the outdoor air (C)
The resulting condenser inlet air temperature is used by the Total Cooling Capacity Modifier
Curve (function of temperature) and the Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve (function of temper-
ature). The default value for this field is 0.9, although valid entries can range from 0.0 to 1.0. This
field is not used when Condenser Type = Air Cooled.
If the user wants to model an air-cooled condenser, they should simply specify AirCooled in
the field Condenser Type. In this case, the Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve (function of
temperature) and the Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve (function of temperature) input fields for
this object should reference performance curves that are a function of outdoor dry-bulb temperature.
If the user wishes to model an evaporative-cooled condenser AND they have performance curves
that are a function of the wet-bulb temperature of air entering the condenser coil, then the user
should specify Condenser Type = Evap Cooled and the evaporative condenser effectiveness value
should be entered as 1.0. In this case, the Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve (function of
temperature) and the Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve (function of temperature) input fields for
this object should reference performance curves that are a function of the wet-bulb temperature of
air entering the condenser coil.
If the user wishes to model an air-cooled condenser that has evaporative media placed in front
of it to cool the air entering the condenser coil, then the user should specify Condenser Type =
Evap Cooled. The user must also enter the appropriate evaporative effectiveness for the media. In
this case, the Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve (function of temperature) and the Energy
Input Ratio Modifier Curve (function of temperature) input fields for this object should reference
performance curves that are a function of outdoor dry-bulb temperature. Be aware that the evap-
orative media will significantly reduce the dry-bulb temperature of the air entering the condenser
coil, so the Total Cooling Capacity and EIR Modifier Curves must be valid for the expected range
of dry-bulb temperatures that will be entering the condenser coil.

1.40.15.1.22 Field: Evaporative Condenser Air Flow Rate

The air volume flow rate, in m3 per second, entering the evaporative condenser. This value
is used to calculate the amount of water used to evaporatively cool the condenser inlet air. The
minimum value for this field must be greater than zero, and this input field is autosizable (equivalent
to 0.000144 m3 /s per watt of rated total cooling capacity [850 cfm/ton]). This field is not used
when Condenser Type = Air Cooled.

1.40.15.1.23 Field: Evaporative Condenser Pump Rated Power Consumption

The rated power of the evaporative condenser water pump in Watts. This value is used to
calculate the power required to pump the water used to evaporatively cool the condenser inlet air.
The default value for this input field is zero, but it is autosizable (equivalent to 0.004266 W per
watt [15 W/ton] of rated total cooling capacity). This field is not used when Condenser Type =
Air Cooled.

1.40.15.1.24 Field: Crankcase Heater Capacity

This numeric field defines the crankcase heater capacity in Watts. When the outdoor air
dry-bulb temperature is below the value specified in the input field Maximum Outdoor Dry-bulb
Temperature for Crankcase Heater Operation (described below), the crankcase heater is enabled
1712 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

during the time that the compressor is not running. If this cooling coil is used as part of an
air-to-air heat pump (Ref. AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir or PackageTerminal: Heat-
Pump:AirToAir), the crankcase heater defined for this DX cooling coil is ignored and the crankcase
heater power defined for the DX heating coil (Ref. Coil:Heating:DX:SingleSpeed) is enabled during
the time that the compressor is not running for either heating or cooling. The value for this input
field must be greater than or equal to 0, and the default value is 0. To simulate a DX cooling coil
without a crankcase heater, enter a value of 0.

1.40.15.1.25 Field: Maximum Outdoor Dry-Bulb Temperature for Crankcase

Heater Operation
This numeric field defines the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature above which the compressor s
crankcase heater is disabled. The value for this input field must be greater than or equal to 0.0 °C,
and the default value is 10 °C.

1.40.15.1.26 Field: Supply Water Storage Tank Name

This field is optional. It is used to describe where the coil obtains water used for evaporative
cooling of its condenser. If blank or omitted, then the unit will obtain water directly from the
mains. If the name of a Water Storage Tank object is used here, then the unit will obtain its water
from that tank. If a tank is specified, the unit will attempt to obtain all the water it uses from the
tank. However if the tank cannot provide all the water the condenser needs, then the unit will still
operate and obtain the rest of the water it needs from the mains (referred to as StarvedWater).

1.40.15.1.27 Field: Condensate Collection Water Storage Tank Name

This field is optional. It is used to describe where condensate from the coil is collected. If blank
or omitted, then any coil condensate is discarded. Enter the name of Water Storage Tank object
defined elsewhere and the condensate will then be collected in that tank.

1.40.15.1.28 Field: Basin Heater Capacity

This numeric field contains the capacity of the DX coil s electric evaporative cooler basin heater
in watts per degree Kelvin. This field only applies for Condenser Type = EvaporativelyCooled.
This field is used in conjunction with the Basin Heater Setpoint Temperature described in the
following field. The basin heater electric power is equal to this field multiplied by the difference
between the basin heater set point temperature and the outdoor dry-bulb temperature. The basin
heater only operates when the DX coil is off, regardless of the basin heater schedule described
below. The basin heater capacity must be greater than or equal to zero, with a default value of
zero if this field is left blank.

1.40.15.1.29 Field: Basin Heater Setpoint Temperature

This numeric field contains the set point temperature (˚C) for the basin heater described in
the previous field. This field only applies for Condenser Type = EvaporativelyCooled. The basin
heater is active when the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature falls below this setpoint temperature,
as long as the DX coil is off. This set point temperature must be greater than or equal to 2˚C,
and the default value is 2˚C if this field is left blank.

1.40.15.1.30 Field: Basin Heater Operating Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of the basin heater operating schedule. This field only applies
for Condenser Type = EvaporativelyCooled. The basin heater operating schedule is assumed to
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1713

be an on/off schedule and the heater is available to operate any time the schedule value is greater
than 0. The basin heater operates when scheduled on and the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature is
below the set point temperature described in the previous field. If this field is left blank, the basin
heater is available to operate throughout the simulation. Regardless of this schedule, the basin
heater may only operate when the DX coil is off.

1.40.15.1.31 Field: Sensible Heat Ratio Function of Temperature Curve Name

The name of a biquadratic normalized curve (Ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes the
variation of the sensible heat ratio (SHR) as a function of DX cooling coil entering air wet-bulb
and dry-bulb temperatures. The output of this curve is multiplied by the rated SHR and the
SHR modifier curve (function of flow fraction) to give the SHR at the specific coil entering air
temperature and air flow conditions at which the cooling coil is operating. This curve is normalized
to a value of 1.0 at the rated condition. This input field is optional.

1.40.15.1.32 Field: Sensible Heat Ratio Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name

The name of a quadratic or cubic normalized curve (Ref: Performance Curves) that parameter-
izes the variation of the sensible heat ratio (SHR) as a function of the ratio of actual air flow rate
across the cooling coil to the rated air flow rate (i.e., fraction of full load flow). The output of this
curve is multiplied by the rated SHR and the SHR modifier curve (function of temperature) to give
the SHR at the specific temperature and air flow conditions at which the cooling coil is operating.
This curve is normalized to a value of 1.0 when the actual air flow rate equals the rated air flow
rate. This input field is optional.

1.40.15.1.33 Field: Zone Name for Condenser Placement

This input field is name of a conditioned or unconditioned zone where the secondary coil (con-
denser) of DX system or a heat pump is to be placed. This is an optional input field specified only
when user desires to reject the condenser heat into a zone. The heat rejected is modeled as sensible
internal gain of a secondary zone.
Following is an example input for a Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed coil.

Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed ,
Zone1WindACDXCoil , ! Coil Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , ! Availability Schedule
10548 , ! Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity
0.75, ! Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio
3.0, ! Gross Rated Cooling COP
0.637 , ! Rated Air Flow Rate (m3/s)
773.3 , ! Rated Evaporator Fan Power Per Volume Flow Rate {W/(m3/s)}
Zone1WindACFanOutletNode , ! Coil Air Inlet Node
Zone1WindACAirOutletNode , ! Coil Air Outlet Node
WindACCoolCapFT , ! Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve (function of
temperature)
WindACCoolCapFFF , ! Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve (function of flow
fraction)
WindACEIRFT , ! Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve (function of
temperature)
WindACEIRFFF , ! Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve (function of flow
fraction)
WindACPLFFPLR , ! Part Load Fraction Correlation (function of part load
ratio)
1000. , ! Nominal Time for Condensate Removal to Begin {s}
1714 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.5, ! Ratio of Initial Moisture Evaporation Rate and Steady -state

Latent Capacity
3.0, ! Maximum ON/OFF Cycling Rate {cycles/hr}
45.0, ! Latent Capacity Time Constant {s}
, ! Condenser Air Inlet Node Name
AirCooled , ! Condenser Type
, ! Evaporative Condenser Effectiveness
, ! Evaporative Condenser Air Volume Flow Rate {m3/s}
, ! Evaporative Condenser Pump Rated Power Consumption {W}
30., ! Crankcase Heater Capacity {W}
10.; ! Maximum Outdoor Dry -bulb Temperature for Crankcase Heater
Operation {C}

1.40.16 Coil:Cooling:DX:TwoSpeed
This component models a two-speed (or variable speed) DX compressor and fan. The method is
based on the model used for the cycling, single speed DX unit. The single speed unit is described
by single full load capacity, SHR, COP, and air flow rate at rated conditions. Off rated full load
performance is obtained by the use of 4 modifier curves. At partial load the unit cycles on/off and
the cycling losses are described by a part load fraction curve.
The multispeed unit is described by specifying the performance at two states: high speed
compressor, high speed fan; and low speed compressor, low speed fan. When the unit load is above
the high speed capacity, the unit runs with high speed compressor and fan. When the load on
the unit is below the high speed capacity but above the low speed capacity, the unit will run with
performance intermediate between high speed and low speed. When the load is less than the low
speed capacity, the unit will cycle on/off just like the single speed unit.
The multispeed unit model requires 2 full sets of performance data. There must be a high
and low speed capacity, SHR, COP, and evaporator air flow rate; as well as high and low speed
performance curves total cooling capacity modifier curve (function of temperature) and energy
input ratio modifier curve (function of temperature).
The multispeed DX component should be used for all cases in which a DX VAV system is
being simulated. Obviously this model in which performance is obtained by interpolating between
2 specified states - is an oversimplification of how real multi-speed and variable speed DX cooling
units are controlled. But detailed descriptions of how actual units perform and are controlled are
not available. This model should give a good average prediction of multispeed and variable speed
DX cooling unit performance. The last four input fields following the Basin Heater Operating
Schedule Name are the Sensible Heat Ratio (SHR) modifier cruve names for temperature and flow
fraction for high and low speed DX cooling coils. These four input fields are optional and used only
when a user intends to override SHR calculated using the apparatus dew point (ADP) and bypass
factor (BF) method. See section SHR Calculation Using User Specified SHR Modifier Curves in
the EnergyPlus Engineering Document for further details..

1.40.16.1 Inputs
1.40.16.1.1 Field: Name
A unique user-assigned name for an instance of a multispeed DX cooling coil. Any reference to
this DX coil by another object will use this name.

1.40.16.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

The name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the DX cooling coil can run
during a given time period. A schedule value greater than 0 (usually 1 is used) indicates that the
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1715

unit can be on during the time period. A value less than or equal to 0 (usually 0 is used) denotes
that the unit must be off for the time period. If this field is blank, the schedule has values of 1 for
all time periods.

1.40.16.1.3 Field: High Speed Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity

The total, full load gross cooling capacity (sensible plus latent) in watts of the DX coil unit
for high speed compressor and high speed fan at rated conditions (air entering the cooling coil at
26.7 °C drybulb/19.4 °C wetbulb, air entering the outdoor condenser coil at 35 °C drybulb/23.9
°C wetbulb, and a cooling coil air flow rate defined by field rated air flow rate below). Capacity
should be gross (i.e., the effect of supply air fan heat is NOT accounted for).

1.40.16.1.4 Field: High Speed Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio

The sensible heat ratio (gross sensible capacity divided by gross total cooling capacity) of the
DX cooling coil for high speed compressor and high speed fan at rated conditions (air entering
the cooling coil at 26.7 °C drybulb/19.4 °C wetbulb, air entering the outdoor condenser coil at 35
°C drybulb/23.9 °C wetbulb[2], and a cooling coil air flow rate defined by field rated air flow rate
below). Both the sensible and total cooling capacities used to define the Rated SHR should be
gross (i.e., the effect of supply air fan heat is NOT accounted for).

1.40.16.1.5 Field: High Speed Gross Rated Cooling COP

The coefficient of performance is the ratio of the gross total cooling capacity in watts to electrical
power input in watts) of the DX cooling coil unit for high speed compressor and high speed fan at
rated conditions (air entering the cooling coil at 26.7 °C drybulb/19.4 °C wetbulb, air entering the
outdoor condenser coil at 35 °C drybulb/23.9 °C wetbulb, and a cooling coil air flow rate defined
by field rated air flow rate below). The input power includes electric power for the compressor(s)
and condenser fan(s) but does not include the power consumption of the supply air fan. The gross
COP should NOT account for the supply air fan. If this input field is left blank, the default value
is 3.0.

1.40.16.1.6 Field: High Speed Rated Air Flow Rate

The high speed air volume flow rate, in m3 per second, across the DX cooling coil at rated
conditions. The rated air volume flow rate should be between 0.00004027 m3 /s and 0.00006041
m3 /s per watt of gross rated total cooling capacity. For DOAS applications the rated air volume
flow rate should be between 0.00001677 m3 /s and 0.00003355 m3 /s per watt of gross rated total
cooling capacity (125 to 250 cfm/ton). The gross rated total cooling capacity, gross rated SHR and
gross rated COP should be performance information for the unit with air entering the cooling coil
at 26.7 °C drybulb/19.4 °C wetbulb, air entering the outdoor condenser coil at 35 °C drybulb/23.9
°C wetbulb, and the rated air volume flow rate defined here.

1.40.16.1.7 Field: Unit Internal Static Air Pressure

If this coil is used with a Fan:VariableVolume to model a packaged variable-air-volume unit,
then ratings for standard rated net capacity, EER, and IEER will be calculated per ANSI/AHRI
Standard 340/360-2007 with Addenda 1 and 2. This field is to specify the internal static air pressure,
in units of Pascals, associated with the unit s supply air flow for rating purposes. This field does
not affect the performance during operation. This field is optional. If this field is used, then the
internal static air pressure is used with the associated fan characteristics when calculating standard
rated net capacity, EER, and IEER. If this field is not used, then the standard ratings are still
1716 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

performed but use a default for specific fan power of 773.3 (W/(m3 /s)). The air pressure drop/rise
input here should be internal in the sense that it is for the entire package of unitary equipment
as it would be tested in a laboratory (including other non-cooling sections inside the package for
filters, dampers, and.or heating coils) but none of the external pressure drop for distributing supply
air throughout the building. This is different from the input field called Pressure Rise in the fan
object which includes both the external static pressure and the internal static pressure. The results
of standard rating calculations are reported to the EIO file and to predefined output tables called
DX Cooling Coils and VAV DX Cooling Standard Rating Details.

1.40.16.1.8 Field: Air Inlet Node

The name of the HVAC system node from which the DX cooling coil draws its inlet air.

1.40.16.1.9 Field: Air Outlet Node

The name of the HVAC system node to which the DX cooling coil sends its outlet air.

1.40.16.1.10 Field: Total Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature Curve

Name
The name of a biquadratic performance curve (ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes
the variation of the gross total cooling capacity as a function of the wet-bulb temperature of the air
entering the cooling coil, and the dry-bulb temperature of the air entering the air-cooled condenser
(wet-bulb temperature if modeling an evaporative-cooled condenser). The output of this curve
is multiplied by the gross rated total cooling capacity to give the gross total cooling capacity at
specific temperature operating conditions (i.e., at temperatures different from the rating point
temperatures). The curve is normalized to have the value of 1.0 at the rating point. This curve is
used for performance at the high speed compressor, high speed fan operating point.

1.40.16.1.11 Field: Total Cooling Capacity Function of Flow Fraction Curve

Name
The name of a quadratic performance curve (ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes the
variation of gross total cooling capacity as a function of the ratio of actual air flow rate across the
cooling coil to the rated air flow rate (i.e., fraction of full load flow). The output of this curve is
multiplied by the gross rated total cooling capacity and the total cooling capacity modifier curve
(function of temperature) to give the gross total cooling capacity at the specific temperature and
air flow conditions at which the coil is operating. The curve is normalized to have the value of 1.0
when the actual air flow rate equals the rated air flow rate. This curve is applied only at the high
speed compressor, high speed fan operating point. There is no corresponding curve for the low
speed operating point.

1.40.16.1.12 Field: Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve Name

The name of a biquadratic performance curve (ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes
the variation of the energy input ratio (EIR) as a function of the wet-bulb temperature of the air
entering the cooling coil and the dry-bulb temperature of the air entering the air-cooled condenser
(wet-bulb temperature if modeling an evaporative-cooled condenser). The EIR is the inverse of the
COP. The output of this curve is multiplied by the rated EIR (inverse of rated COP) to give the
EIR at specific temperature operating conditions (i.e., at temperatures different from the rating
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1717

point temperatures). The curve is normalized to a value of 1.0 at the rating point. This curve is
used for performance at the high speed compressor, high speed fan operating point.

1.40.16.1.13 Field: Energy Input Ratio Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name

The name of a quadratic performance curve (Ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes the
variation of the energy input ratio (EIR) as a function of the ratio of actual air flow rate across the
cooling coil to the rated air flow rate (i.e., fraction of full load flow). The EIR is the inverse of the
COP. The output of this curve is multiplied by the rated EIR and the EIR modifier curve (function
of temperature) to give the EIR at the specific temperature and air flow conditions at which the
cooling coil is operating. This curve is normalized to a value of 1.0 when the actual air flow rate
equals the rated air flow rate. This curve is applied only at the high speed compressor, high speed
fan operating point. There is no corresponding curve for the low speed operating point.

1.40.16.1.14 Field: Part Load Fraction Correlation Curve Name

This alpha field defines the name of a quadratic or cubic performance curve (Ref: Performance
Curves) that parameterizes the variation of electrical power input to the DX unit as a function
of the part load ratio (PLR, sensible cooling load/steady-state sensible cooling capacity). The
product of the rated EIR and EIR modifier curves is divided by the output of this curve to give the
effective EIR for a given simulation timestep. The part load fraction (PLF) correlation accounts
for efficiency losses due to compressor cycling.
The part load fraction correlation should be normalized to a value of 1.0 when the part load
ratio equals 1.0 (i.e., no efficiency losses when the compressor(s) run continuously for the simulation
timestep). For PLR values between 0 and 1 (0 < = PLR < 1), the following rules apply:
PLF > = 0.7 and PLF > = PLR
If PLF < 0.7 a warning message is issued, the program resets the PLF value to 0.7, and the
simulation proceeds. The runtime fraction of the coil is defined as PLR/PLF. If PLF < PLR, then
a warning message is issued and the runtime fraction of the coil is limited to 1.0.
A typical part load fraction correlation for a conventional, single-speed DX cooling coil (e.g.,
residential unit) would be:
PLF = 0.85 + 0.15( PLR)

If the user wishes to model no efficiency degradation due to compressor cycling, the part load
fraction correlation should be defined as follows:
PLF = 1.0 + 0.0( PLR)

1.40.16.1.15 Field: Low Speed Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity

The total, full load gross total cooling capacity (sensible plus latent) in watts of the DX coil
unit for low speed compressor and low speed fan at rated conditions (air entering the cooling coil
at 26.7 °C drybulb/19.4 °C wetbulb, air entering the outdoor condenser coil at 35 °C drybulb/23.9
°C wetbulb, and a cooling coil air flow rate defined by field rated air flow rate, low speed below).
Capacity should be gross (i.e., the effect of supply air fan heat is NOT accounted for).

1.40.16.1.16 Field: Low Speed Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio

The sensible heat ratio (SHR = gross sensible capacity divided by gross total cooling capacity)
of the DX cooling coil for low speed compressor and low speed fan at rated conditions (air entering
the cooling coil at 26.7 °C drybulb/19.4 °C wetbulb, air entering the outdoor condenser coil at 35
1718 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

°C drybulb/23.9 °C wetbulb, and a cooling coil air flow rate defined by field rated air flow rate, low
speed below). Both the sensible and total cooling capacities used to define the Rated SHR should
be gross (i.e., the effect of supply air fan heat is NOT accounted for).

1.40.16.1.17 Field: Low Speed Gross Rated Cooling COP

The coefficient of performance is the ratio of gross total cooling capacity in watts to electrical
power input in watts) of the DX cooling coil unit for low speed compressor and low speed fan at
rated conditions (air entering the cooling coil at 26.7 °C drybulb/19.4 °C wetbulb, air entering the
outdoor condenser coil at 35 °C drybulb/23.9 °C wetbulb, and a cooling coil air flow rate defined
by field rated air volume flow rate, low speed below). The input power includes power for the
compressor(s) and condenser fan(s) but does not include the power consumption of the supply air
fan. The gross COP should NOT account for the supply air fan. If this input field is left blank,
the default value is 3.0.

1.40.16.1.18 Field: Low Speed Rated Air Flow Rate

The low speed volume air flow rate, in m3 per second, across the DX cooling coil at rated
conditions. The rated air volume flow rate should be between 0.00004027 m3 /s and 0.00006041
m3 /s per watt of the gross rated total cooling capacity. For DOAS applications the rated air volume
flow rate should be between 0.00001677 m3 /s and 0.00003355 m3 /s per watt of gross rated total
cooling capacity (125 to 250 cfm/ton). The gross rated total cooling capacity, gross rated SHR and
gross rated COP should be performance information for the unit with air entering the cooling coil
at 26.7 °C drybulb/19.4 °C wetbulb, air entering the outdoor condenser coil at 35 °C drybulb/23.9
°C wetbulb, and the rated air volume flow rate defined here.

1.40.16.1.19 Field: Low Speed Total Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature

Curve Name
The name of a biquadratic performance curve (ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes
the variation of the gross total cooling capacity as a function of the wet-bulb temperature of the air
entering the cooling coil, and the dry-bulb temperature of the air entering the air-cooled condenser
(wet-bulb temperature if modeling an evaporative-cooled condenser). The output of this curve
is multiplied by the gross rated total cooling capacity to give the gross total cooling capacity at
specific temperature operating conditions (i.e., at temperatures different from the rating point
temperatures). The curve is normalized to have the value of 1.0 at the rating point. This curve is
used for performance at the low speed compressor, low speed fan operating point.

1.40.16.1.20 Field: Low Speed Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature

Curve Name
The name of a biquadratic performance curve (ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes
the variation of the energy input ratio (EIR) as a function of the wetbulb temperature of the air
entering the cooling coil and the drybulb temperature of the air entering the air-cooled condenser
(wetbulb temperature if modeling an evaporative-cooled condenser). The EIR is the inverse of the
COP. The output of this curve is multiplied by the rated EIR (inverse of rated COP) to give the
EIR at specific temperature operating conditions (i.e., at temperatures different from the rating
point temperatures). The curve is normalized to a value of 1.0 at the rating point. This curve is
used for performance at the low speed compressor, low speed fan operating point.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1719

1.40.16.1.21 Field: Condenser Air Inlet Node Name

This optional alpha field specifies the outdoor air node name used to define the conditions of
the air entering the outdoor condenser. If this field is left blank, the outdoor air temperature
entering the condenser (dry-bulb or wet-bulb) is taken directly from the weather data. If this field
is not blank, the node name specified must also be specified in an OutdoorAir:Node object where
the height of the node is taken into consideration when calculating outdoor air temperature from
the weather data. Alternately, the node name may be specified in an OutdoorAir:NodeList object
where the outdoor air temperature is taken directly from the weather data.

1.40.16.1.22 Field: Condenser Type

The type of condenser used by the multi-speed DX cooling coil. Valid choices for this input
field are AirCooled or EvaporativelyCooled. The default for this field is AirCooled.

1.40.16.1.23 Field: High Speed Evaporative Condenser Effectiveness

The effectiveness of the evaporative condenser at high compressor/fan speed, which is used to
determine the temperature of the air entering the outdoor condenser coil as follows:

T cond inlet = (T wb, o) + (1 − EvapCondEf f ectivenessHighSpeed ) (T db, o − T wb, o) (1.151)

where
Tcondinlet = the temperature of the air entering the condenser coil (C)
Twb,o = the wet-bulb temperature of the outdoor air (C)
Tdb,o = the dry-bulb temperature of the outdoor air (C)
The resulting condenser inlet air temperature is used by the Total Cooling Capacity Modifier
Curve (function of temperature) and the Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve (function of temper-
ature). The default value for this field is 0.9, although valid entries can range from 0.0 to 1.0. This
field is not used when Condenser Type = Air Cooled.
If the user wants to model an air-cooled condenser, they should simply specify AirCooled in
the field Condenser Type. In this case, the Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve (function of
temperature) and the Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve (function of temperature) input fields for
this object should reference performance curves that are a function of outdoor dry-bulb temperature.
If the user wishes to model an evaporative-cooled condenser AND they have performance curves
that are a function of the wet-bulb temperature of air entering the condenser coil, then the user
should specify Condenser Type = Evap Cooled and the evaporative condenser effectiveness value
should be entered as 1.0. In this case, the Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve (function of
temperature) and the Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve (function of temperature) input fields for
this object should reference performance curves that are a function of the wet-bulb temperature of
air entering the condenser coil.
If the user wishes to model an air-cooled condenser that has evaporative media placed in front
of it to cool the air entering the condenser coil, then the user should specify Condenser Type =
Evap Cooled. The user must also enter the appropriate evaporative effectiveness for the media. In
this case, the Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve (function of temperature) and the Energy
Input Ratio Modifier Curve (function of temperature) input fields for this object should reference
performance curves that are a function of outdoor dry-bulb temperature. Be aware that the evap-
orative media will significantly reduce the dry-bulb temperature of the air entering the condenser
coil, so the Total Cooling Capacity and EIR Modifier Curves must be valid for the expected range
of dry-bulb temperatures that will be entering the condenser coil.
1720 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.16.1.24 Field: High Speed Evaporative Condenser Air Flow Rate

The air volume flow rate, in m3 per second, entering the evaporative condenser at high com-
pressor/fan speed. This value is used to calculate the amount of water used to evaporatively cool
the condenser inlet air. The minimum value for this field must be greater than zero, and this input
field is autosizable (equivalent to 0.000144 m3 /s per watt of rated high-speed total cooling capacity
[850 cfm/ton]). This field is not used when Condenser Type = Air Cooled.

1.40.16.1.25 Field: High Speed Evaporative Condenser Pump Rated Power

Consumption
The rated power of the evaporative condenser water pump in Watts at high compressor/fan
speed. This value is used to calculate the power required to pump the water used to evaporatively
cool the condenser inlet air. The default value for this input field is zero, but it is autosizable
(equivalent to 0.004266 W per watt [15 W/ton] of rated high-speed total cooling capacity). This
field is not used when Condenser Type = Air Cooled.

1.40.16.1.26 Field: Low Speed Evaporative Condenser Effectiveness

The effectiveness of the evaporative condenser at low compressor/fan speed, which is used to
determine the temperature of the air entering the outdoor condenser coil as follows:

T cond inlet = (T wb, o) + (1 − EvapCondEf f ectivenessLowSpeed ) (T db, o − T wb, o) (1.152)

where
Tcondinlet = the temperature of the air entering the condenser coil (C)
Twb,o = the wet-bulb temperature of the outdoor air (C)
Tdb,o = the dry-bulb temperature of the outdoor air (C)
The resulting condenser inlet air temperature is used by the Total Cooling Capacity Modifier
Curve, low speed (function of temperature) and the Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve, low speed
(function of temperature). The default value for this field is 0.9, although valid entries can range
from 0.0 to 1.0. This field is not used when Condenser Type = Air Cooled. See field Evaporative
Condenser Effectiveness, High Speed above for further information.

1.40.16.1.27 Field: Low Speed Evaporative Condenser Air Flow Rate

The air volume flow rate, in m3 per second, entering the evaporative condenser at low compres-
sor/fan speed. This value is used to calculate the amount of water used to evaporatively cool the
condenser inlet air. The minimum value for this field must be greater than zero, and this input
field is autosizable (equivalent to 0.000048 m3 /s per watt of rated high-speed total cooling capacity
[280 cfm/ton]). This field is not used when Condenser Type = Air Cooled.

1.40.16.1.28 Field: Low Speed Evaporative Condenser Pump Rated Power Con-
sumption
The rated power of the evaporative condenser water pump in Watts at low compressor/fan
speed. This value is used to calculate the power required to pump the water used to evaporatively
cool the condenser inlet air. The default value for this input field is zero, but it is autosizable
(equivalent to 0.001422 W per watt [5 W/ton] of rated high-speed total capacity). This field is not
used when Condenser Type = Air Cooled.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1721

1.40.16.1.29 Field: Supply Water Storage Tank Name

This field is optional. It is used to describe where the coil obtains water used for evaporative
cooling. If blank or omitted, then the cooler will obtain water directly from the mains. If the name
of a Water Storage Tank object is used here, then the cooler will obtain its water from that tank.
If a tank is specified, the coil will attempt to obtain all the water it uses from the tank. However if
the tank cannot provide all the water the cooler needs, then the cooler will still operate and obtain
the rest of the water it needs from the mains (referred to as StarvedWater).

1.40.16.1.30 Field: Condensate Collection Water Storage Tank Name

This field is optional. It is used to describe where condensate from the coil is collected. If blank
or omitted, then any coil condensate is discarded. Enter the name of Water Storage Tank object
defined elsewhere and the condensate will then be collected in that tank.

1.40.16.1.31 Field: Basin Heater Capacity

This numeric field contains the capacity of the DX coil s electric evaporative cooler basin heater
in watts per degree Kelvin. This field only applies for Condenser Type = EvaporativelyCooled.
This field is used in conjunction with the Basin Heater Setpoint Temperature described in the
following field. The basin heater electric power is equal to this field multiplied by the difference
between the basin heater set point temperature and the outdoor dry-bulb temperature. The basin
heater only operates when the DX coil is off, regardless of the basin heater schedule described
below. The basin heater capacity must be greater than or equal to zero, with a default value of
zero if this field is left blank.

1.40.16.1.32 Field: Basin Heater Setpoint Temperature

This numeric field contains the set point temperature (˚C) for the basin heater described in
the previous field. This field only applies for Condenser Type = EvaporativelyCooled. The basin
heater is active when the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature falls below this setpoint temperature,
as long as the DX coil is off. This set point temperature must be greater than or equal to 2˚C,
and the default value is 2˚C if this field is left blank.

1.40.16.1.33 Field: Basin Heater Operating Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of the basin heater operating schedule. This field only applies
for Condenser Type = EvaporativelyCooled. The basin heater operating schedule is assumed to
be an on/off schedule and the heater is available to operate any time the schedule value is greater
than 0. The basin heater operates when scheduled on and the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature is
below the set point temperature described in the previous field. If this field is left blank, the basin
heater is available to operate throughout the simulation. Regardless of this schedule, the basin
heater may only operate when the DX coil is off.

1.40.16.1.34 Field: Sensible Heat Ratio Function of Temperature Curve Name

The name of a biquadratic normalized curve (Ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes the
variation of the sensible heat ratio (SHR) as a function of DX cooling coil entering air wet-bulb
and dry-bulb temperatures. The output of this curve is multiplied by the rated SHR and the
SHR modifier curve (function of flow fraction) to give the SHR at the specific coil entering air
temperature and air flow conditions at which the cooling coil is operating. This curve is normalized
to a value of 1.0 at the rated condition. This input field is optional.
1722 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.16.1.35 Field: Sensible Heat Ratio Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name

The name of a quadratic or cubic normalized curve (Ref: Performance Curves) that parameter-
izes the variation of the sensible heat ratio (SHR) as a function of the ratio of actual air flow rate
across the cooling coil to the rated air flow rate (i.e., fraction of full load flow). The output of this
curve is multiplied by the rated SHR and the SHR modifier curve (function of temperature) to give
the SHR at the specific temperature and air flow conditions at which the cooling coil is operating.
This curve is normalized to a value of 1.0 when the actual air flow rate equals the rated air flow
rate. This input field is optional.

1.40.16.1.36 Field: Low Sensible Heat Ratio Function of Temperature Curve

Name
The name of a biquadratic normalized curve (Ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes the
variation of the sensible heat ratio (SHR) as a function of DX cooling coil entering air wet-bulb
and dry-bulb temperatures. The output of this curve is multiplied by the rated SHR and the
SHR modifier curve (function of flow fraction) to give the SHR at the specific coil entering air
temperature and air flow conditions at which the cooling coil is operating. This curve is normalized
to a value of 1.0 at the rated condition. This input field is optional.

1.40.16.1.37 Field: Low Sensible Heat Ratio Function of Flow Fraction Curve
Name
The name of a quadratic or cubic normalized curve (Ref: Performance Curves) that parameter-
izes the variation of the sensible heat ratio (SHR) as a function of the ratio of actual air flow rate
across the cooling coil to the rated air flow rate (i.e., fraction of full load flow). The output of this
curve is multiplied by the rated SHR and the SHR modifier curve (function of temperature) to give
the SHR at the specific temperature and air flow conditions at which the cooling coil is operating.
This curve is normalized to a value of 1.0 when the actual air flow rate equals the rated air flow
rate. This input field is optional.

1.40.16.1.38 Field: Zone Name for Condenser Placement

This input field is name of a conditioned or unconditioned zone where the secondary coil (con-
denser) of DX system or a heat pump is to be placed. This is an optional input field specified only
when user desires to reject the condenser heat into a zone. The heat rejected is modeled as sensible
internal gain of a secondary zone.
Following are example inputs for the object.

Coil:Cooling:DX:TwoSpeed ,
Main Cooling Coil 1, !- Name
CoolingCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
autosize , !- Gross Rated High Speed Total Cooling Capacity {W}
0.68, !- Gross Rated High Speed Sensible Heat Ratio
3.0, !- Gross Rated High Speed Cooling COP
autosize , !- Rated High Speed Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- Unit Internal Static Air Pressure Drop {Pa}
Mixed Air Node 1, !- Air Inlet Node Name
Main Cooling Coil 1 Outlet Node , !- Air Outlet Node Name
VarSpeedCoolCapFT , !- Total Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature Curve Name
PackagedRatedCoolCapFFlow , !- Total Cooling Capacity Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
VarSpeedCoolEIRFT , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve Name
PackagedRatedCoolEIRFFlow , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
VarSpeedCyclingPLFFPLR , !- Part Load Fraction Correlation Curve Name
autosize , !- Rated Low Speed Total Cooling Capacity {W}
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1723

0.69, !- Rated Low Speed Sensible Heat Ratio

4.2, !- Rated Low Speed COP
autosize , !- Rated Low Speed Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
VarSpeedCoolCapLSFT , !- Low Speed Total Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature Curve
Name
VarSpeedCoolEIRLSFT , !- Low Speed Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve Name
Main Cooling Coil 1 Condenser Node; !- Condenser Air Inlet Node Name

Coil:Cooling:DX:TwoSpeed ,
Main Cooling Coil 1, !- Name
CoolingCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
autosize , !- High Speed Rated Total Cooling Capacity {W}
0.68, !- High Speed Rated Sensible Heat Ratio
3.0, !- High Speed Rated Cooling COP
autosize , !- High Speed Rated Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
, !- Unit Internal Static Air Pressure Drop {Pa}
Mixed Air Node 1, !- Air Inlet Node Name
Main Cooling Coil 1 Outlet Node , !- Air Outlet Node Name
VarSpeedCoolCapFT , !- Total Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature Curve Name
PackagedRatedCoolCapFFlow , !- Total Cooling Capacity Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
VarSpeedCoolEIRFT , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve Name
PackagedRatedCoolEIRFFlow , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
VarSpeedCyclingPLFFPLR , !- Part Load Fraction Correlation Curve Name
autosize , !- Low Speed Rated Total Cooling Capacity {W}
0.69, !- Low Speed Rated Sensible Heat Ratio
4.2, !- Low Speed Rated Cooling COP
autosize , !- Low Speed Rated Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
VarSpeedCoolCapLSFT , !- Low Speed Total Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature Curve
Name
VarSpeedCoolEIRLSFT , !- Low Speed Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve Name
Main Cooling Coil 1 Condenser Node; !- Condenser Air Inlet Node Name
, !- Condenser Type
, !- High Speed Evaporative Condenser
Effectiveness {dimensionless}
, !- High Speed Evaporative Condenser Air Flow
Rate {m3/s}
, !- High Speed Evaporative Condenser Pump Rated
Power Consumption {W}
, !- Low Speed Evaporative Condenser
Effectiveness {dimensionless}
, !- Low Speed Evaporative Condenser Air Flow
Rate {m3/s}
, !- Low Speed Evaporative Condenser Pump Rated
Power Consumption {W}
, !- Supply Water Storage Tank Name
, !- Condensate Collection Water Storage Tank
Name
, !- Basin Heater Capacity {W/K}
, !- Basin Heater Setpoint Temperature {C}
, !- Basin Heater Operating Schedule Name
DOAS DX Coil SHR -FT , !- High Speed Sensible Heat Ratio Function of Temperature Curve
Name
DOAS DX Coil SHR -FF , !- High Speed Sensible Heat Ratio Function of Flow Fraction Curve
Name
DOAS DX Coil SHR -FT , !- Low Speed Sensible Heat Ratio Function of Temperature Curve
Name
DOAS DX Coil SHR -FF; !- Low Speed Sensible Heat Ratio Function of Flow Fraction Curve
Name

Curve:Quadratic ,
DOAS DX Coil SHR -FF , !-
Name
0.9317 ,
!- Coefficient1 Constant
-0.0077 ,
!- Coefficient2 x
1724 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

0.0760 ,
!- Coefficient3 x**2
0.69,
!- Minimum Value of x
1.30;
!- Maximum Value of x

Curve:Biquadratic ,
DOAS DX Coil SHR -FT , !-
Name
1.3294540786 ,
!- Coefficient1 Constant
-0.0990649255 ,
!- Coefficient2 x
0.0008310043 ,
!- Coefficient3 x**2
0.0652277735 ,
!- Coefficient4 y
-0.0000793358 ,
!- Coefficient5 y**2
-0.0005874422 ,
!- Coefficient6 x*y
24.44 ,
!- Minimum Value of x
26.67 ,
!- Maximum Value of x
29.44 ,
!- Minimum Value of y
46.1,
!- Maximum Value of y
0.6661 ,
!- Minimum Curve Output
1.6009 ,
!- Maximum Curve Output
Temperature ,
!- Input Unit Type for X
Temperature ,
!- Input Unit Type for Y
Dimensionless;
!- Output Unit Type

1.40.17 Coil:Cooling:DX:TwoStageWithHumidityControlMode
The multimode DX coil is functionally equivalent to Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed but with multi-
ple performance modes. It is capable of modeling two-stage DX units and units with an enhanced
dehumidification mode such as coil bypass or subcool reheat. This object contains one-time spec-
ifications for the DX unit such as node names and crankcase heater specifications. It references
one or more CoilPerformance:DX:Cooling objects which define the performance for each mode of
operation. It can have up to 4 performance modes to accommodate a 2-stage 2-mode unit.
The multimode DX coil can be used only as a component of CoilSystem:Cooling:DX or Air-
LoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatCool:VAVChangeoverBypass (parent object). These parent objects pass a
load and dehumidification mode to this coil. If the coil has 2 capacity stages, the multimode coil
model determines the stage sequencing.

1.40.17.1 Inputs
1.40.17.1.1 Field: Name
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1725

A unique user-assigned name for an instance of a DX cooling coil. Any reference to this DX
coil by another object will use this name.

1.40.17.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

The name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the DX cooling coil can run
during a given time period. A schedule value greater than 0 (usually 1 is used) indicates that the
unit can be on during a given time period. A value less than or equal to 0 (usually 0 is used)
denotes that the unit must be off. If this field is blank, the schedule has values of 1 for all time
periods.

1.40.17.1.3 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

The name of the HVAC system node from which the DX cooling coil draws its inlet air.

1.40.17.1.4 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

The name of the HVAC system node to which the DX cooling coil sends its outlet air.

1.40.17.1.5 Field: Crankcase Heater Capacity

This numeric field defines the crankcase heater capacity in Watts. When the outdoor air
dry-bulb temperature is below the value specified in the input field Maximum Outdoor Dry-bulb
Temperature for Crankcase Heater Operation (described below), the crankcase heater is enabled
during the time that the compressor is not running. If this cooling coil is used as part of an air-to-air
heat pump (Ref. AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatCool:VAVChangeoverBypass), the crankcase heater
defined for this DX cooling coil is ignored and the crankcase heater power defined for the DX
heating coil (Ref. Coil:Heating:DX:SingleSpeed) is enabled during the time that the compressor is
not running for either heating or cooling. The value for this input field must be greater than or
equal to 0, and the default value is 0. To simulate a DX cooling coil without a crankcase heater,
enter a value of 0.

1.40.17.1.6 Field: Maximum Outdoor Dry-Bulb Temperature for Crankcase

Heater Operation
This numeric field defines the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature above which the compressor s
crankcase heater is disabled. The value for this input field must be greater than or equal to 0.0 °C,
and the default value is 10 °C.

1.40.17.1.7 Field: Number of Capacity Stages

This integer field defines the number of capacity stages. The value for this input field must be
either 1 or 2, and the default value is 1. Larger DX units often have two capacity stages, which
are often two completely independent compressor/coil circuits with the evaporator coils arranged
in parallel in the supply air stream. 2-stage operation affects cycling losses and latent degradation
due to re-evaporation of moisture with continuous fan operation.

1.40.17.1.8 Field: Number of Enhanced Dehumidification Modes

This integer field defines the number of enhanced dehumidification modes available. The value
for this input field must be 0 or 1, and the default value is 0. If the DX unit can switch operating
modes to increase dehumidification based on a humidistat signal, then set this to 1. This field just
specified the availability of enhanced dehumidification. Actual control of the operating mode is
handled by the coil’s parent component.
1726 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.17.1.9 Field: Normal Mode Stage 1 Coil Performance Object Type

1.40.17.1.10 Field: Normal Mode Stage 1 Coil Performance Object Name

This pair of fields specifies the object type and name for the coil performance object which
specifies the DX coil performance for stage 1 operation without enhanced dehumidification (normal
mode). The only valid performance object type is CoilPerformance:DX:Cooling.

1.40.17.1.11 Field: Normal Mode Stage 1+2 Coil Performance Object Type

1.40.17.1.12 Field: Normal Mode Stage 1+2 Coil Performance Object Name
This pair of fields specifies the object type and name for the coil performance object
which specifies the DX coil performance for stage 1+2 operation (both stages active) with-
out enhanced dehumidification (normal mode). The only valid performance object type is
CoilPerformance:DX:Cooling.

1.40.17.1.13 Field: Dehumidification Mode 1 Stage 1 Coil Performance Object

Type

1.40.17.1.14 Field: Dehumidification Mode 1 Stage 1 Coil Performance Object

Name
This pair of fields specifies the object type and name for the coil performance object which
specifies the DX coil performance for stage 1 operation with enhanced dehumidification active.
The only valid performance object type is CoilPerformance:DX:Cooling.

1.40.17.1.15 Field: Dehumidification Mode 1 Stage 1+2 Coil Performance Ob-

ject Type

1.40.17.1.16 Field: Dehumidification Mode 1 Stage 1+2 Coil Performance Ob-

ject Name
This pair of fields specifies the object type and name for the coil performance object which
specifies the DX coil performance for stage 1+2 operation (both stages active) with enhanced
dehumidification active. The only valid performance object type is CoilPerformance:DX:Cooling.

1.40.17.1.17 Field: Supply Water Storage Tank Name

This field is optional. It is used to describe where the coil obtains water used for evaporative
cooling. If blank or omitted, then the cooler will obtain water directly from the mains. If the name
of a Water Storage Tank object is used here, then the cooler will obtain its water from that tank.
If a tank is specified, the coil will attempt to obtain all the water it uses from the tank. However if
the tank cannot provide all the water the cooler needs, then the cooler will still operate and obtain
the rest of the water it needs from the mains (referred to as StarvedWater).

1.40.17.1.18 Field: Condensate Collection Water Storage Tank Name

This field is optional. It is used to describe where condensate from the coil is collected. If blank
or omitted, then any coil condensate is discarded. Enter the name of Water Storage Tank object
defined elsewhere and the condensate will then be collected in that tank.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1727

1.40.17.1.19 Field: Basin Heater Capacity

This numeric field contains the capacity of the DX coil s electric evaporative cooler basin heater
in watts per degree Kelvin. This field only applies for Condenser Type = EvaporativelyCooled.
This field is used in conjunction with the Basin Heater Setpoint Temperature described in the
following field. The basin heater electric power is equal to this field multiplied by the difference
between the basin heater set point temperature and the outdoor dry-bulb temperature. The basin
heater only operates when the DX coil is off, regardless of the basin heater schedule described
below. The basin heater capacity must be greater than or equal to zero, with a default value of
zero if this field is left blank.

1.40.17.1.20 Field: Basin Heater Setpoint Temperature

This numeric field contains the set point temperature (˚C) for the basin heater described in
the previous field. This field only applies for Condenser Type = EvaporativelyCooled. The basin
heater is active when the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature falls below this setpoint temperature,
as long as the DX coil is off. This set point temperature must be greater than or equal to 2˚C,
and the default value is 2˚C if this field is left blank.

1.40.17.1.21 Field: Basin Heater Operating Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of the basin heater operating schedule. This field only applies
for Condenser Type = EvaporativelyCooled. The basin heater operating schedule is assumed to
be an on/off schedule and the heater is available to operate any time the schedule value is greater
than 0. The basin heater operates when scheduled on and the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature is
below the set point temperature described in the previous field. If this field is left blank, the basin
heater is available to operate throughout the simulation. Regardless of this schedule, the basin
heater may only operate when the DX coil is off.
Following is an example IDF use of the object:

Coil:Cooling:DX:TwoStageWithHumidityControlMode ,
DOAS Cooling Coil , !- Name
HVACTemplate -Always 1, !- Availability Schedule Name
DOAS Supply Fan Outlet , !- Air Inlet Node Name
DOAS Cooling Coil Outlet , !- Air Outlet Node Name
, !- Crankcase Heater Capacity
, !- Maximum Outdoor Dry -Bulb Temperature for
Crankcase Heater
2, !- Number of Capacity Stages
1, !- Number of Enhanced Dehumidification Modes
CoilPerformance:DX:Cooling , !- Normal Mode Stage 1 Coil Performance Object Type
DOAS Standard Perf 1, !- Normal Mode Stage 1 Coil Performance Name
CoilPerformance:DX:Cooling , !- Normal Mode Stage 1+2 Coil Performance Object
Type
DOAS Standard Perf 1+2, !- Normal Mode Stage 1+2 Coil Performance Name
CoilPerformance:DX:Cooling , !- Dehumidification Mode 1 Stage 1 Coil Performance
Object Type
DOAS Dehumid Perf 1, !- Dehumidification Mode 1 Stage 1 Coil Performance
Name
CoilPerformance:DX:Cooling , !- Dehumidification Mode 1 Stage 1+2 Coil
Performance Object Type
DOAS Dehumid Perf 1+2; !- Dehumidification Mode 1 Stage 1+2 Coil
Performance Name
1728 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.18 Coil:Cooling:DX:MultiSpeed
This component models a DX cooling unit with multiple discrete levels of cooling capac-
ity. Depending on input choices, the user can model a single compressor with multi-
ple operating speeds, or a unit with a single cooling coil fed by multiple compressors
(e.g., row split or intertwined coil circuiting). Currently, this cooling coil can only be
referenced by a AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:Multispeed object. Refer to
Coil:Cooling:DX:TwoStageWithHumidityControlMode if the user wishes to model a cooling
coil with discrete levels of cooling and the possibility of air bypass during low speed operation
(e.g. face-split coil circuiting), or if cooling coil operation based on dehumidification requirements
is desired.
The multispeed DX cooling coil can have from two to four operating speeds. When the coil
operates at Speed 1 (the lowest speed), its performance is very similar to the single speed DX coil
where the impacts of part-load ratio and latent capacity degradation can be included. When the
coil operates at higher speeds (above Speed 1), the linear approximation methodology is applied.
The coil outputs at two consecutive speeds are linearly interpolated to meet the required cooling
capacity during an HVAC system timestep. When the coil performs above the lowest speed, the
user can chose if they want to include part-load ratio and latent capacity degradation impacts at
the higher speeds.
The multispeed unit is described by specifying the performance at different operating speeds.
Each speed has its own set of input specifications: full load capacity, SHR, COP and air flow rate
at rated conditions, along with modifier curves to determine performance when actual operating
conditions are different from the rated conditions.
The coil operates to meet the sensible capacity being requested. When this requested capacity is
above the sensible capacity of the highest operating speed, the coil runs continuously at the highest
speed. When the requested capacity is between the sensible capacities of two consecutive speeds,
the unit will operate a portion of the time at each speed to meet the request. When the requested
capacity is less than the low speed (Speed 1) capacity, the unit will cycle on/off as needed.

1.40.18.1 Inputs
1.40.18.1.1 Field: Name
A unique user-assigned name for an instance of a multispeed DX cooling coil. Any reference to
this DX coil by another object will use this name.

1.40.18.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

The name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the DX cooling coil can run
during a given time period. A schedule value greater than 0 (usually 1 is used) indicates that the
unit can be on during the time period. A value less than or equal to 0 (usually 0 is used) denotes
that the unit must be off for the time period. If this field is blank, the schedule has values of 1 for
all time periods.

1.40.18.1.3 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

The name of the HVAC system node from which the DX cooling coil draws its inlet air.

1.40.18.1.4 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

The name of the HVAC system node to which the DX cooling coil sends its outlet air.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1729

1.40.18.1.5 Field: Condenser Air Inlet Node Name

This optional alpha field specifies the outdoor air node name used to define the conditions of
the air entering the outdoor condenser. If this field is left blank, the outdoor air temperature
entering the condenser (dry-bulb or wet-bulb) is taken directly from the weather data. If this field
is not blank, the node name specified must also be specified in an OutdoorAir:Node object where
the height of the node is taken into consideration when calculating outdoor air temperature from
the weather data. Alternately, the node name may be specified in an OutdoorAir:NodeList object
where the outdoor air temperature is taken directly from the weather data.

1.40.18.1.6 Field: Condenser Type

The type of condenser used by the multispeed DX cooling coil. Valid choices for this input field
are AirCooled or EvaporativelyCooled. The default for this field is AirCooled.

1.40.18.1.7 Field: Supply Water Storage Tank Name

This field is optional. It is used to describe where the coil obtains water used for evaporative
cooling. If blank or omitted, then the evaporative cooler will obtain water directly from the mains.
If the name of a Water Storage Tank object is used here, then the cooler will obtain its water from
that tank. If a tank is specified, the coil will attempt to obtain all the water it uses from the tank.
However if the tank cannot provide all the water the cooler needs, then the cooler will still operate
and obtain the rest of the water it needs from the mains (referred to as StarvedWater).

1.40.18.1.8 Field: Condensate Collection Water Storage Tank Name

This field is optional. It is used to describe where condensate from the coil is collected. If blank
or omitted, then any coil condensate is discarded. Enter the name of Water Storage Tank object
defined elsewhere and the condensate will then be collected in that tank.

1.40.18.1.9 Field: Apply Part Load Fraction to Speeds Greater than 1

This field determines whether part-load impacts on coil energy use are applied when the coil
is operating at speeds greater than speed 1. The allowed choices are Yes or No, with the default
being No if this field is left blank. Other input fields in this object allow the user to specify a part-
load fraction correlation for each speed to account for compressor start up losses (cycle on/off).
For the case of a single multi-speed compressor, the part load losses may only be significant when
the compressor cycles between speed 1 and off, but the losses may be extremely small when the
compressor operates between speed 1 and speed 2 (or between speeds 2 and 3, etc.). In this case,
the user may chose to specify NO for this input field to neglect part-load impacts on energy use
at higher operating speeds. If part-load impacts on coil energy use are thought to be significant
(e.g., interwined cooling coil with multiple compressors feeding individual refrigerant circuits), then
the user may chose to specify YES and the part-load fraction correlations specified for speeds 2
through 4 will be applied as appropriate. The selection for this input field does not affect part-load
impacts when the compressor cycles between speed 1 and off (i.e., the part-load fraction correlation
for speed 1 is always applied).

1.40.18.1.10 Field: Apply Latent Degradation to Speeds Greater than 1

This field determines whether latent capacity degradation is applied when the coil is operating
at speeds greater than speed 1. The allowed choices are Yes or No, with the default being No if
this field is left blank. Other input fields in this object allow the user to specify latent capacity
degradation at each speed.
1730 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

The latent capacity degradation model only applies when the ContinuousFanWithCyclingCom-
pressor supply air fan operating mode is specified, to account for moisture evaporation from the
wet cooling coil when the compressor cycles off but the supply air fan continues to operate. For
the case of a single multi-speed compressor, latent capacity degradation may only be significant
when the compressor cycles between speed 1 and off, but the losses may be extremely small when
the compressor operates between speed 1 and speed 2 (or between speeds 2 and 3, etc.). In this
case, the user may chose to specify NO for this input field to neglect latent capacity degradation
impacts at higher operating speeds. If latent capacity degradation is thought to be significant
(e.g., interwined or row-split cooling coil with multiple compressors feeding individual refrigerant
circuits), then the user may chose to specify YES and the latent capacity degradation model will
be applied for speeds 2 through 4 as appropriate. The selection for this input field does not affect
latent capacity degradation between speed 1 and off.

1.40.18.1.11 Field: Crankcase Heater Capacity

This numeric field defines the crankcase heater capacity in Watts. When the outdoor air
dry-bulb temperature is below the value specified in the input field Maximum Outdoor Dry-bulb
Temperature for Crankcase Heater Operation (described below), the crankcase heater is enabled
during the time that the compressor is not running. The value for this input field must be greater
than or equal to 0. If this input field is left blank, the default value is 0. To simulate a unit without
a crankcase heater, enter a value of 0.

1.40.18.1.12 Field: Maximum Outdoor Dry-Bulb Temperature for Crankcase

Heater Operation
This numeric field defines the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature above which the compressor s
crankcase heater is disabled. The value for this input field must be greater than or equal to 0.0 °C.
If this input field is left blank, the default value is 10 °C.

1.40.18.1.13 Field: Basin Heater Capacity

This numeric field contains the capacity of the DX coil s electric evaporative cooler basin heater
in watts per degree Kelvin. This field only applies for Condenser Type = EvaporativelyCooled.
This field is used in conjunction with the Basin Heater Setpoint Temperature described in the
following field. The basin heater electric power is equal to this field multiplied by the difference
between the basin heater set point temperature and the outdoor dry-bulb temperature. The basin
heater only operates when the DX coil is off, regardless of the basin heater schedule described
below. The basin heater capacity must be greater than or equal to zero, with a default value of
zero if this field is left blank.

1.40.18.1.14 Field: Basin Heater Setpoint Temperature

This numeric field contains the set point temperature (˚C) for the basin heater described in
the previous field. This field only applies for Condenser Type = EvaporativelyCooled. The basin
heater is active when the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature falls below this setpoint temperature,
as long as the DX coil is off. This set point temperature must be greater than or equal to 2˚C,
and the default value is 2˚C if this field is left blank.

1.40.18.1.15 Field: Basin Heater Operating Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of the basin heater operating schedule. This field only applies
for Condenser Type = EvaporativelyCooled. The basin heater operating schedule is assumed to
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1731

be an on/off schedule and the heater is available to operate any time the schedule value is greater
than 0. The basin heater operates when scheduled on and the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature is
below the set point temperature described in the previous field. If this field is left blank, the basin
heater is available to operate throughout the simulation. Regardless of this schedule, the basin
heater may only operate when the DX coil is off.

1.40.18.1.16 Field: Fuel Type

This alpha field determines the type of fuel that this cooling coil uses. This field has seven
choices: Electricity, NaturalGas, PropaneGas, Coal, Diesel, Gasoline, FuelOil#1, FuelOil#2, Oth-
erFuel1 and OtherFuel2. The default is NaturalGas.

1.40.18.1.17 Field: Number of Speeds

This field specifies the number of sets of data being entered for rated specifications, performance
curves, evaporative condenser data, latent degradation data, and waste heat specifications for each
cooling speed. The rated specifications consist of gross rated capacity, gross rated SHR, gross rated
COP, and rated air flow rate. The performance curves consist of a total capacity modifier curve as
a function of temperature, total capacity modifier curve as a function of flow fraction, energy input
ratio modifier curve as a function of temperature, energy input ratio modifier curve as a function
of flow fraction, and part load fraction correlation as a function of part load ratio. The evaporative
condenser data consists of effectiveness, condenser air volume flow rate, and rated pump power
consumption. The latent degradation data consists of nominal time for condensate removal to
begin, ratio of initial moisture evaporation rate and steady-state latent capacity, maximum On/Off
cycling rate, and latent capacity time constant. The latent degradation data are only applied if the
supply air fan operation mode is specified as ContinuousFanWithCyclingCompressor. The waste
heat specifications include the fraction of energy input to the cooling coil at the fully loaded and
rated conditions, and a temperature modifier. The minimum number of speeds for cooling is 2 and
the maximum number is 4. The number of speeds should be the same as the number of speeds
for cooling defined in its parent object (AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed).
The first set of performance inputs is for Speed 1 and should be for low speed, and the last set of
performance inputs should be for high speed. For example, if only three cooling speeds are defined,
the first set should be for low speed (Speed 1), the second set should be for medium speed (Speed
2), and the third set should be for high speed (Speed 3). In this example, any performance inputs
for Speed 4 would be neglected (since this input field specifies that the coil only has three cooling
speeds).

1.40.18.1.18 Field Group: Rated Specification, Performance Curves, Latent Ca-

pacity Degradation Inputs, and Evaporative Cooled Condenser Data
The performance for each cooling speed must be specified as shown below. All inputs for Speed
1 are required first, followed by the inputs for Speed 2, Speed 3 and Speed 4.

1.40.18.1.19 Field: Speed <x> Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity

The total, full load gross cooling capacity (sensible plus latent) in watts of the DX coil unit
for Speed <x> operation at rated conditions (air entering the cooling coil at 26.7 °C drybulb/19.4
°C wetbulb, air entering the outdoor condenser coil at 35 °C drybulb/23.9 °C wetbulb[3], and a
cooling coil air flow rate defined by field Rated Air Flow Rate, Speed <x> below). Capacity should
be gross (i.e., the effect of supply air fan heat is NOT accounted for).
1732 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.18.1.20 Field: Speed <x> Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio

The sensible heat ratio (SHR = gross sensible capacity divided by gross total cooling capacity)
of the DX cooling coil for Speed <x> operation at rated conditions (air entering the cooling coil at
26.7 °C drybulb/19.4 °C wetbulb, air entering the outdoor condenser coil at 35 °C drybulb/23.9 °C
wetbulb, and a cooling coil air flow rate defined by field Rated Air Flow Rate, Speed <x> below).
Both the sensible and total cooling capacities used to define the Rated SHR should be gross (i.e.,
the effect of supply air fan heat is NOT accounted for).

1.40.18.1.21 Field: Speed <x> Gross Rated Cooling COP

The coefficient of performance is the ratio of the gross total cooling capacity in watts to electrical
power input in watts) of the DX cooling coil unit for Speed <x> operation at rated conditions (air
entering the cooling coil at 26.7 °C drybulb/19.4 °C wetbulb, air entering the outdoor condenser coil
at 35 °C drybulb/23.9 °C wetbulb, and a cooling coil air flow rate defined by field Rated Air Flow
Rate, Speed <x> below). The input power includes power for the compressor(s) and condenser
fan(s) but does not include the power consumption of the supply air fan. The gross COP should
NOT account for the supply air fan. If this input field is left blank, the default value is 3.0.

1.40.18.1.22 Field: Speed <x> Rated Air Flow Rate

The volumetric air flow rate for Speed <x>, in m3 per second, across the DX cooling coil at
rated conditions. The rated air volume flow rate for Speed <x> should be between 0.00004027
m3 /s and 0.00006041 m3 /s per watt of the gross rated total cooling capacity for Speed <x>. The
gross rated total cooling capacity, gross rated SHR and gross rated COP for Speed <x> should be
performance information for the unit with air entering the cooling coil at 26.7 °C drybulb/19.4 °C
wetbulb, air entering the outdoor condenser coil at 35 °C drybulb/23.9 °C wetbulb, and the rated
air volume flow rate defined here.

1.40.18.1.23 Field: Speed <X> Rated Evaporator Fan Power Per Volume Flow
Rate
This field is the electric power for the evaporator (cooling coil) fan per air volume flow rate
through the coil at the rated conditions for Speed <x> in W/(m3/s). The default value is 773.3
W/(m3/s) (365 W/1000 cfm) if this field is left blank. If a value is entered, it must be > = 0.0
and < = 1250 W/(m3/s). This value is only used to calculate Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio
(SEER), and the Standard Rating (Net) Cooling Capacity which will be outputs in the EnergyPlus
eio file (ref. EnergyPlus Engineering Reference, Multi-Speed DX Cooling Coil, Standard Ratings).
This value is not used for modeling the evaporator (cooling coil) fan during simulations; instead, it
is used for calculating SEER and Standard Rating Cooling Capacity to assist the user in verifying
their inputs for modeling this type of equipment.

1.40.18.1.24 Field: Speed <x> Total Cooling Capacity Function of Tempera-

ture Curve Name
The name of a biquadratic performance curve (ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes
the variation of the gross total cooling capacity for Speed <x> as a function of the wet-bulb
temperature of the air entering the cooling coil, and the dry-bulb temperature of the air entering
the air-cooled condenser (wet-bulb temperature if modeling an evaporative-cooled condenser). The
output of this curve is multiplied by the gross rated total cooling capacity for Speed <x> to give
the gross total cooling capacity at specific temperature operating conditions (i.e., at temperatures
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1733

different from the rating point temperatures). The curve is normalized to have the value of 1.0 at
the rating point.

1.40.18.1.25 Field: Speed <x> Total Cooling Capacity Function of Flow Frac-
tion Curve Name
The name of a quadratic performance curve (ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes the
variation of the gross total cooling capacity for Speed <x> as a function of the ratio of actual air
flow rate across the cooling coil to the rated air flow rate for Speed <x> (i.e., fraction of full load
flow). The output of this curve is multiplied by the gross rated total cooling capacity and the total
cooling capacity modifier curve (function of temperature) to give the gross total cooling capacity
for Speed <x> at the specific temperature and air flow conditions at which the coil is operating.
The curve is normalized to have the value of 1.0 when the actual air flow rate equals the rated air
flow rate for Speed <x>.

1.40.18.1.26 Field: Speed <x> Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature

Curve Name
The name of a biquadratic performance curve (ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes the
variation of the energy input ratio (EIR) for Speed <x> as a function of the wetbulb temperature
of the air entering the cooling coil and the drybulb temperature of the air entering the air-cooled
condenser (wetbulb temperature if modeling an evaporative-cooled condenser). The EIR is the
inverse of the COP. The output of this curve is multiplied by the rated EIR for Speed <x>
(inverse of rated COP for Speed <x>) to give the EIR for Speed <x> at specific temperature
operating conditions (i.e., at temperatures different from the rating point temperatures). The
curve is normalized to a value of 1.0 at the rating point.

1.40.18.1.27 Field: Speed <x> Energy Input Ratio Function of Flow Fraction
Curve Name
The name of a quadratic performance curve (Ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes the
variation of the energy input ratio (EIR) for Speed <x> as a function of the ratio of actual air flow
rate across the cooling coil to the rated air flow rate for Speed <x> (i.e., fraction of full load flow).
The EIR is the inverse of the COP. The output of this curve is multiplied by the rated EIR and
the EIR modifier curve (function of temperature) to give the EIR for Speed <x> at the specific
temperature and air flow conditions at which the cooling coil is operating. This curve is normalized
to a value of 1.0 when the actual air flow rate equals the rated air flow rate for Speed <x>.

1.40.18.1.28 Field: Speed <x> Part Load Fraction Correlation Curve Name
This alpha field defines the name of a quadratic or cubic performance curve (Ref: Performance
Curves) that parameterizes the variation of electrical power input to the DX unit as a function
of the part load ratio (PLR, sensible cooling load/steady-state sensible cooling capacity for Speed
<x>). The product of the rated EIR and EIR modifier curves is divided by the output of this curve
to give the effective EIR for a given simulation timestep for Speed <x>. The part load fraction
(PLF) correlation accounts for efficiency losses due to compressor cycling.
The part load fraction correlation should be normalized to a value of 1.0 when the part load
ratio equals 1.0 (i.e., no efficiency losses when the compressor(s) run continuously for the simulation
timestep). For PLR values between 0 and 1 (0 < = PLR < 1), the following rules apply:
PLF > = 0.7 and PLF > = PLR
1734 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

If PLF < 0.7 a warning message is issued, the program resets the PLF value to 0.7, and the
simulation proceeds. The runtime fraction of the coil is defined as PLR/PLF. If PLF < PLR, then
a warning message is issued and the runtime fraction of the coil is limited to 1.0.
A typical part load fraction correlation for a conventional DX cooling coil (Speed <x>) would
be:
PLF = 0.85 + 0.15( PLR)

If the user wishes to model no efficiency degradation due to compressor cycling, the part load
fraction correlation should be defined as follows:
PLF = 1.0 + 0.0( PLR)

1.40.18.1.29 Field: Speed <x> Nominal Time for Condensate Removal to Begin

For Speed <x>, the nominal time (in seconds) after startup for condensate to begin leaving the
coil’s condensate drain line at the coil’s rated airflow and temperature conditions, starting with a
dry coil. Nominal time is equal to the ratio of the energy of the coil’s maximum condensate holding
capacity (J) to the coil’s steady-state latent capacity (W). Suggested value is 1000; zero value means
the latent degradation model is disabled. The default value for this field is zero. The supply air
fan operating mode must be continuous (i.e., the supply air fan operating mode may be specified
in other parent objects and is assumed continuous in some objects (e.g., CoilSystem:Cooling:DX)
or can be scheduled in other objects [e.g., AirloopHVAC:UnitaryHeatCool]), and this field as well
as the next three input fields for this object must have positive values in order to model latent
capacity degradation for Speed <x>.

1.40.18.1.30 Field: Speed <x> Ratio of Initial Moisture Evaporation Rate and
Steady State Latent Capacity
For Speed <x>, the ratio of the initial moisture evaporation rate from the cooling coil (when
the compressor first turns off, in Watts) and the coil’s steady-state latent capacity (Watts) for
Speed <x> at rated airflow and temperature conditions. Suggested value is 1.5; zero value means
the latent degradation model is disabled. The default value for this field is zero. The supply air
fan operating mode must be continuous (i.e., the supply air fan operating mode may be specified
in other parent objects and is assumed continuous in some objects (e.g., CoilSystem:Cooling:DX)
or can be scheduled in other objects [e.g., AirloopHVAC:UnitaryHeatCool]); and this field, the
previous field and the next two fields must have positive values in order to model latent capacity
degradation for Speed <x>.

1.40.18.1.31 Field: Speed <x> Maximum Cycling Rate

For Speed <x>, the maximum on-off cycling rate for the compressor (cycles per hour), which
occurs at 50% run time fraction. Suggested value is 3; zero value means latent degradation model
is disabled. The default value for this field is zero. The supply air fan operating mode must be
continuous (i.e., the supply air fan operating mode may be specified in other parent objects and
is assumed continuous in some objects (e.g., CoilSystem:Cooling:DX) or can be scheduled in other
objects [e.g., AirloopHVAC:UnitaryHeatCool]); and this field, the previous two fields and the next
field must have positive values in order to model latent capacity degradation for Speed <x>.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1735

1.40.18.1.32 Field: Speed <x> Latent Capacity Time Constant

For Speed <x>, the time constant (in seconds) for the cooling coil’s latent capacity to reach
steady state after startup. Suggested value is 45; zero value means latent degradation model is
disabled. The default value for this field is zero. The supply air fan operating mode must be
continuous (i.e., the supply air fan operating mode may be specified in other parent objects and
is assumed continuous in some objects (e.g., CoilSystem:Cooling:DX) or can be scheduled in other
objects [e.g., AirloopHVAC:UnitaryHeatCool]), and this field as well as the previous three input
fields for this object must have positive values in order to model latent capacity degradation for
Speed <x>.

1.40.18.1.33 Field: Speed <x> Rated Waste Heat Fraction of Power Input
The fraction of energy input to the cooling coil that is available as recoverable waste heat at
full load and rated conditions for Speed <x>.

1.40.18.1.34 Field: Speed <x> Waste Heat Function of Temperature Curve

Name
The name of a biquadratic performance curve (ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes
the variation of the waste heat recovery as a function of outdoor dry-bulb temperature and the
entering coil dry-bulb temperature at Speed <x>. The output of this curve is multiplied by
the rated waste heat fraction at specific temperature operating conditions (i.e., at temperatures
different from the rating point). The curve is normalized to a value of 1.0 at the rating point.
When the fuel type is electricity, this field can remain blank since it is ignored by the pro-
gram in this instance. When the fuel type is not electricity and the parent object AirLoopH-
VAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed does not require waste heat calculations, this field is
ignored. If the field is blank, a warning will be issued and simulation continues. When the fuel type
is not electricity and the parent object AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed re-
quires waste heat calculations, if this field is left blank, the program assumes a constant value of 1
to make simulation continue and a warning will be issued.

1.40.18.1.35 Field: Speed <x> Evaporative Condenser Effectiveness

The effectiveness of the evaporative condenser at Speed <x>, which is used to determine the
temperature of the air entering the outdoor condenser coil as follows:

T cond inlet = (T wb, o) + (1 − EvapCondEf f ectivenessSpeed1 ) (T db, o − T wb, o) (1.153)

where
Tcondinlet = the temperature of the air entering the condenser coil (C)
Twb,o = the wet-bulb temperature of the outdoor air (C)
Tdb,o = the dry-bulb temperature of the outdoor air (C)
The resulting condenser inlet air temperature is used by the Total Cooling Capacity Modifier
Curve, Speed <x> (function of temperature) and the Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve, Speed
<x> (function of temperature). The default value for this field is 0.9, although valid entries can
range from 0.0 to 1.0. This field is not used when Condenser Type = Air Cooled.
If the user wants to model an air-cooled condenser, they should simply specify AirCooled in
the field Condenser Type. In this case, the Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve, Speed <x>
(function of temperature) and the Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve, Speed <x> (function of
1736 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

temperature) input fields for this object should reference performance curves that are a function of
outdoor dry-bulb temperature.
If the user wishes to model an evaporative-cooled condenser AND they have performance curves
that are a function of the wet-bulb temperature of air entering the condenser coil, then the user
should specify Condenser Type = Evap Cooled and the evaporative condenser effectiveness value
should be entered as 1.0. In this case, the Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve, Speed <x>
(function of temperature) and the Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve, Speed <x> (function of
temperature) input fields for this object should reference performance curves that are a function of
the wet-bulb temperature of air entering the condenser coil.
If the user wishes to model an air-cooled condenser that has evaporative media placed in front
of it to cool the air entering the condenser coil, then the user should specify Condenser Type =
Evap Cooled. The user must also enter the appropriate evaporative effectiveness for the media. In
this case, the Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve, Speed <x> (function of temperature) and
the Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve, Speed <x> (function of temperature) input fields for this
object should reference performance curves that are a function of outdoor dry-bulb temperature.
Be aware that the evaporative media will significantly reduce the dry-bulb temperature of the air
entering the condenser coil, so the Total Cooling Capacity and EIR Modifier Curves for Speed <x>
must be valid for the expected range of dry-bulb temperatures that will be entering the condenser
coil.

1.40.18.1.36 Field: Speed <x> Evaporative Condenser Air Flow Rate

The air volume flow rate, in m3 per second, entering the evaporative condenser at Speed <x>.
This value is used to calculate the amount of water used to evaporatively cool the condenser inlet
air. The minimum value for this field must be greater than zero, and this input field is autosizable
(equivalent to 0.000114 m3 /s per watt of rated total cooling capacity for Speed <x> [850 cfm/ton]).
This field is not used when Condenser Type = Air Cooled.

1.40.18.1.37 Field: Speed <x> Rated Evaporative Condenser Pump Power

Consumption
The rated power of the evaporative condenser water pump in Watts at Speed <x>. This value
is used to calculate the power required to pump the water used to evaporatively cool the condenser
inlet air. The default value for this input field is zero, but it is autosizable (equivalent to 0.004266 W
per watt [15 W/ton] of rated total capacity for Speed <x>). This field is not used when Condenser
Type = Air Cooled.

1.40.18.1.38 Field: Zone Name for Condenser Placement

This input field is name of a conditioned or unconditioned zone where the secondary coil (con-
denser) of DX system or a heat pump is to be placed. This is an optional input field specified only
when user desires to reject the condenser heat into a zone. The heat rejected is modeled as sensible
internal gain of a secondary zone.
Following is an example input for this multispeed DX cooling coil.

Coil:Cooling:DX:MultiSpeed ,
Heat Pump ACDXCoil 1, !- Coil Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule
DX Cooling Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Coil Air Inlet Node
Heating Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Coil Air Outlet Node
Outdoor Condenser Air Node , !- Condenser Air Inlet Node Name
AirCooled , !- Condenser Type
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1737

, !- Name of Water Storage Tank for Supply

, !- Name of Water Storage Tank for Condensate
Collection
No , !- Apply Part Load Fraction to Speeds greater
than 1
No , !- Apply latent degradation to Speeds greater
than 1
200.0 , !- Crankcase Heater Capacity {W}
10.0, !- Maximum Outdoor Dry -bulb Temperature for
Crankcase Heater Operation
, !- Basin Heater Capacity {W/K}
, !- Basin Heater Setpoint Temperature {C}
, !- Basin Heater Operating Schedule Name
NaturalGas , !- Fuel Type
4, !- Number of speeds
7500, !- Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity , Speed 1 {W}
0.75, !- Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio , Speed 1 {
dimensionless}
3.0, !- Gross Rated Cooling COP , Speed 1 {dimensionless
}
0.40, !- Rated Air Flow Rate , Speed 1 {m3/s}
, !- Rated Evaporator Fan Power Per Volume Flow
Rate , Speed 1 {W/(m3/s)}
HPACCoolCapFT Speed 1, !- Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve , Speed 1 (temperature)
HPACCoolCapFF Speed 1, !- Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve , Speed 1 (flow fraction)
HPACCOOLEIRFT Speed 1, !- Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve , Speed 1 (temperature)
HPACCOOLEIRFF Speed 1, !- Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve , Speed 1 (flow fraction)
HPACCOOLPLFFPLR Speed 1, !- Part Load Fraction Correlation , Speed 1 (part load ratio)
1000.0 , !- Nominal Time for Condensate Removal to Begin ,
Speed 1 {s}
1.5, !- Ratio of Initial Moisture Evaporation Rate and
Steady -state Latent
3.0, !- Maximum ON/OFF Cycling Rate , Speed 1 {cycles/hr
}
45.0, !- Latent Capacity Time Constant , Speed 1 {s}
0.2, !- Rated waste heat fraction of power input , Speed
1 {dimensionless}
HAPCCoolWHFT Speed 1, !- Waste heat modifier curve , Speed 1 (temperature)
0.9, !- Evaporative Condenser Effectiveness , Speed 1 {
dimensionless}
0.05, !- Evaporative Condenser Air Volume Flow Rate ,
Speed 1 {m3/s}
50, !- Evaporative Condenser Pump Rated Power
Consumption , Speed 1 {W}
17500 , !- Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity , Speed 2 {W}
0.75, !- Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio , Speed 2 {
dimensionless}
3.0, !- Gross Rated Cooling COP , Speed 2 {dimensionless
}
0.85, !- Rated Air Flow Rate , Speed 2 {m3/s}
, !- Rated Evaporator Fan Power Per Volume Flow
Rate , Speed 2 {W/(m3/s)}
HPACCoolCapFT Speed 2, !- Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve , Speed 2 (temperature)
HPACCoolCapFF Speed 2, !- Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve , Speed 2 (flow fraction)
HPACCOOLEIRFT Speed 2, !- Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve , Speed 2 (temperature)
HPACCOOLEIRFF Speed 2, !- Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve , Speed 2 (flow fraction)
HPACCOOLPLFFPLR Speed 1, !- Part Load Fraction Correlation , Speed 2 (part load ratio)
1000.0 , !- Nominal Time for Condensate Removal to Begin ,
Speed 2
1.5, !- Ratio of Initial Moisture Evaporation Rate and
Steady -state Latent
3.0, !- Maximum ON/OFF Cycling Rate , Speed 2
45.0, !- Latent Capacity Time Constant , Speed 2
0.2, !- Rated waste heat fraction of power input , Speed
2 {dimensionless}
HAPCCoolWHFT Speed 2, !- Waste heat modifier curve , Speed 2 (temperature)
0.9, !- Evaporative Condenser Effectiveness , Speed 2 {
dimensionless}
1738 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

0.1, !- Evaporative Condenser Air Volume Flow Rate ,

Speed 2 {m3/s}
60, !- Evaporative Condenser Pump Rated Power
Consumption , Speed 2 {W}
25500 , !- Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity , Speed 3 {W}
0.75, !- Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio , Speed 3 {
dimensionless}
3.0, !- Gross Rated Cooling COP , Speed 3 {dimensionless
}
1.25, !- Rated Air Flow Rate , Speed 3 {m3/s}
, !- Rated Evaporator Fan Power Per Volume Flow
Rate , Speed 3 {W/(m3/s)}
HPACCoolCapFT Speed 3, !- Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve , Speed 3 (temperature)
HPACCoolCapFF Speed 3, !- Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve , Speed 3 (flow fraction)
HPACCOOLEIRFT Speed 3, !- Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve , Speed 3 (temperature)
HPACCOOLEIRFF Speed 3, !- Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve , Speed 3 (flow fraction)
HPACCOOLPLFFPLR Speed 1, !- Part Load Fraction Correlation , Speed 3 (part load ratio)
1000.0 , !- Nominal Time for Condensate Removal to Begin ,
Speed 3 {s}
1.5, !- Ratio of Initial Moisture Evaporation Rate and
Steady -state Latent
3.0, !- Maximum ON/OFF Cycling Rate , Speed 3 {cycles/hr
}
45.0, !- Latent Capacity Time Constant , Speed 3 {s}
0.2, !- Rated waste heat fraction of power input , Speed
3 {dimensionless}
HAPCCoolWHFT Speed 3, !- Waste heat modifier curve , Speed 3 (temperature)
0.9, !- Evaporative Condenser Effectiveness , Speed 3 {
dimensionless}
0.2, !- Evaporative Condenser Air Volume Flow Rate ,
Speed 3 {m3/s}
80, !- Evaporative Condenser Pump Rated Power
Consumption , Speed 3 {W}
35500 , !- Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity , Speed 4 {W}
0.75, !- Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio , Speed 4 {
dimensionless}
3.0, !- Gross Rated Cooling COP , Speed 4 {dimensionless
}
1.75, !- Rated Air Flow Rate , Speed 4 {m3/s}
, !- Rated Evaporator Fan Power Per Volume Flow
Rate , Speed 4 {W/(m3/s)}
HPACCoolCapFT Speed 4, !- Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve , Speed 4 (temperature)
HPACCoolCapFF Speed 4, !- Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve , Speed 4 (flow fraction)
HPACCOOLEIRFT Speed 4, !- Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve , Speed 4 (temperature)
HPACCOOLEIRFF Speed 4, !- Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve , Speed 4 (flow fraction)
HPACCOOLPLFFPLR Speed 1, !- Part Load Fraction Correlation , Speed 4 (part load ratio)
1000.0 , !- Nominal Time for Condensate Removal to Begin ,
Speed 4 {s}
1.5, !- Ratio of Initial Moisture Evaporation Rate and
Steady -state Latent !- Capacity , Speed 4
{dimensionless}
3.0, !- Maximum ON/OFF Cycling Rate , Speed 4 {cycles/hr
}
45.0, !- Latent Capacity Time Constant , Speed 4 {s}
0.2, !- Rated waste heat fraction of power input , Speed
4 {dimensionless}
HAPCCoolWHFT Speed 4, !- Waste heat modifier curve , Speed 4 (temperature)
0.9, !- Evaporative Condenser Effectiveness , Speed 4 {
dimensionless}
0.3, !- Evaporative Condenser Air Volume Flow Rate ,
Speed 4 {m3/s}
100; !- Evaporative Condenser Pump Rated Power
Consumption , Speed 4 {W}
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1739

1.40.18.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Total Cooling Rate [W]
• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Total Cooling Energy [J]
• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Rate [W]
• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Energy [J]
• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Latent Cooling Rate [W]
• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Latent Cooling Energy [J]
• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Electric Power[W]
• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Electric Energy [J]
• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Runtime Fraction []
If not part of AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir (if part of a heat pump, crankcase
heater is reported only for the heating coil):
• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Crankcase Heater Electric Power[W]
• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Crankcase Heater Electric Energy [J]
Evaporative-cooled condenser:
• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Condenser Inlet Temperature [C]
• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Evaporative Condenser Water Volume[m3]
• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Evaporative Condenser Pump Electric Power[W]
• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Evaporative Condenser Pump Electric Energy [J]
• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Basin Heater Electric Power[W]
• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Basin Heater Electric Energy [J]
• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Evaporative Condenser Mains Supply Water Volume [m3]
Additional variables for Coil:Cooling:DX:TwoStageWithHumidityControlMode only:
• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Stage 2 Runtime Fraction []
• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Dehumidification Mode []
Additional variables when condensate is collected using a storage tank:
• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Condensate Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]
• Zone,Meter,Condensate:OnSiteWater [m3]
• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Condensate Volume [m3]
Additional variables for Coil:Cooling:DX:Multispeed:
If Fuel Type is not Electricity:
• HVAC,Average,DX Cooling Coil <Fuel Type> Power[W]
• HVAC,Sum,DX Cooling Coil <Fuel Type> Consumption[J]
1740 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.18.2.1

1.40.18.2.2 Cooling Coil Total Cooling Rate [W]

This field is the total (sensible and latent) cooling rate output of the DX coil in Watts. This is
determined by the coil inlet and outlet air conditions and the air mass flow rate through the coil.

1.40.18.2.3 Cooling Coil Total Cooling Energy [J]

This is the total (sensible plus latent) cooling output of the DX coil in Joules over the timestep
being reported. This is determined by the coil inlet and outlet air conditions and the air mass flow
rate through the coil. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = EnergyTransfer,
End Use Key = CoolingCoils, Group Key = System (Ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.40.18.2.4 Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

This output is the moist air sensible cooling rate output of the DX coil in Watts. This is
determined by the inlet and outlet air conditions and the air mass flow rate through the coil.

1.40.18.2.5 Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

This is the moist air sensible cooling output of the DX coil in Joules for the timestep being
reported. This is determined by the inlet and outlet air conditions and the air mass flow rate
through the coil.

1.40.18.2.6 Cooling Coil Latent Cooling Rate [W]

This is the latent cooling rate output of the DX coil in Watts. This is determined by the inlet
and outlet air conditions and the air mass flow rate through the coil.

1.40.18.2.7 Cooling Coil Latent Cooling Energy [J]

This is the latent cooling output of the DX coil in Joules for the timestep being reported. This
is determined by the inlet and outlet air conditions and the air mass flow rate through the coil.

1.40.18.2.8 Cooling Coil Electric Power [W]

This output is the electricity consumption rate of the DX coil compressor and condenser fan(s)
in Watts. This value is calculated for each HVAC system timestep, and the results are averaged
for the timestep being reported.

1.40.18.2.9 Cooling Coil Electric Energy [J]

This is the electricity consumption of the DX coil compressor and condenser fan(s) in Joules
for the timestep being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type =
Electricity, End Use Key = Cooling, Group Key = System (Ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.40.18.2.10 Cooling Coil Runtime Fraction []

This is the runtime fraction of the DX coil compressor and condenser fan(s) for the timestep
being reported.

1.40.18.2.11 Cooling Coil Crankcase Heater Electric Power[W]

This is the average electricity consumption rate of the DX coil compressor s crankcase heater
in Watts for the timestep being reported. If the DX Cooling Coil is used in a heat pump, the
crankcase heater is reported only for the heating coil.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1741

1.40.18.2.12 Cooling Coil Crankcase Heater Electric Energy [J]

This is the electricity consumption of the DX coil compressor s crankcase heater in Joules for the
timestep being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity,
End Use Key = Cooling, Group Key = System (ref. Output:Meter objects). This output variable
appears only when the DX Cooling Coil is not used as part of a heat pump, otherwise the crankcase
heater is reported only for the heating coil.

1.40.18.2.13 Cooling Coil Condenser Inlet Temperature [C]

This is the inlet air temperature to the condenser coil in degrees C. This value can represent
the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature, wet-bulb temperature, or somewhere in between from the
weather data being used, depending on the value used in the input field Evaporative Condenser
Effectiveness . The temperature reported here is used in the various modifier curves related to
temperature (e.g., Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve [function of temperature]). This output
variable appears only when the DX Cooling Coil is not used as part of a heat pump, otherwise the
crankcase heater is reported only for the heating coil.

1.40.18.2.14 Cooling Coil Evaporative Condenser Water Volume [m3]

This output is the amount of water used to evaporatively cool the condenser coil inlet air, in
cubic meters. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Water, End Use Key
= Cooling, Group Key = System (ref. Output:Meter objects). This output variable appears only
when the DX Cooling Coil is evaporatively cooled.

1.40.18.2.15 Cooling Coil Evaporative Condenser Mains Supply Water Volume

[m3]
This is the volume of water drawn from mains water service for the evaporatively cooled con-
denser.

1.40.18.2.16 Cooling Coil Evaporative Condenser Pump Electric Power [W]

This is the average electricity consumption rate of the evaporative condenser water pump in
Watts for the timestep being reported. This output variable appears only when the DX Cooling
Coil is evaporatively cooled.

1.40.18.2.17 Cooling Coil Evaporative Condenser Pump Electric Energy [J]

This is the electricity consumption rate of the evaporative condenser water pump in Joules for
the timestep being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity,
End Use Key = Cooling, Group Key = System (ref. Output:Meter objects). This output variable
appears only when the DX Cooling Coil is evaporatively cooled.

1.40.18.2.18 Cooling Coil Stage 2 Runtime Fraction []

This is the runtime fraction of the stage 2 DX coil compressor and condenser fan(s) for the
timestep being reported. Applicable only for COIL Coil:Cooling:DX:TwoStageWithHumidityControlMode
when 2 capacity stages are specified. For 2-stage systems, Cooling Coil Runtime Fraction is the
stage 1 runtime fraction. These runtime fractions overlap, because stage 2 will not run unless
stage 1 is already running. For example, a system where stage 1 is 60% of total capacity is passed
a load of 70%. The Cooling Coil Runtime Fraction (stage 1) will be 1.0, and the Cooling Coil
Stage 2 Runtime Fraction will be 0.25 [(70%-60%)/(100%-60%)].
1742 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.18.2.19 Cooling Coil Dehumidification Mode []

This is the dehumidification mode for the timestep being reported. Applicable only for
Coil:Cooling:DX:TwoStageWithHumidityControlMode when enhanced dehumidification mode is
available. A value of 0 indicates normal mode (extra dehumidification not active). A value of 1
indicates dehumidification mode 1 is active. Note that this is an averaged variable, so fractional
values are likely to be reported for reporting frequencies longer than “detailed”.

1.40.18.2.20 Cooling Coil Condensate Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

1.40.18.2.21 Cooling Coil Condensate Volume [m3]

These outputs are the rate and volume of water collected as condensate from the coil. These
reports only appear if a water storage tank is named in the input object.

1.40.18.2.22 Cooling Coil Evaporative Condenser Mains Supply Water Volume

[m3]
This is the water consumed by the DX Cooling Coil evaporatively cooled condenser that is met
by the mains water. This output variable appears only when the DX Cooling Coil is evaporatively
cooled.

1.40.18.2.23 Cooling Coil Basin Heater Electric Power [W]

This is the average electricity consumption rate of the basin heater in Watts for the timestep
being reported. This output variable appears only when the DX Cooling Coil is evaporatively
cooled and the Basin Heater Capacity is greater than 0.

1.40.18.2.24 Cooling Coil Basin Heater Electric Energy [J]

This is the electricity consumption rate of the basin heater in Joules for the timestep being
reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use Key
= Cooling, Group Key = System (ref. Output:Meter objects). This output variable appears only
when the DX Cooling Coil is evaporatively cooled and the Basin Heater Capacity is greater than
0.

1.40.18.2.25 Cooling Coil <Fuel Type> Power [W]

This output variable appears only when using the Coil:Cooling:DX:Multispeed object and a
fuel type other than electricity is used. This variable describes the input fuel type power for the
cooling coil in Watts, averaged during the timestep being reported.

1.40.18.2.26 Cooling Coil <Fuel Type> Energy [J]

This output variable appears only when using the Coil:Cooling:DX:Multispeed object and a
fuel type other than electricity is used. This variable describes the input fuel type consumption
for the multispeed cooling coil in the unit of Joules, summed for the timestep being reported. The
electric consumption is excluded..This output is added to a meter with Resource Type = <Fuel
Type>, End Use Key = Cooling, Group Key = System (ref. Output:Meter objects).
Note: <Fuel Type> in the above two output variables depends on the user specified input for
the Fuel Type field. In addition to Electricity, valid fuel types are NaturalGas, Propane, FuelOil#1,
FuelOil#2, Coal, Diesel, Gasoline, OtherFuel1 and OtherFuel2.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1743

1.40.19 Coil:Cooling:DX:VariableSpeed
The Variable-Speed DX Cooling Coil is a collection of performance curves that represent the
cooling coil at various speed levels. The performance curves should be generated from a Ref-
erence Unit data. This is an equation-fit model that resembles a black box with no usage of
heat transfer equations. On the other hand, the model uses the bypass factor approach to cal-
culate sensible heat transfer rate, similar to the one used in the single-speed DX coil. The
number of speed levels can range from 1 to 10. The cooling coil has two indoor air side con-
nections, and one optional condenser air node connection. The user needs to specify a nomi-
nal speed level, at which the gross rated total cooling capacity, and rated volumetric air rate
are sized. The rated capacity and rated volumetric flow rate represent the real situation in the
air loop, and are used to determine and flow rates at various speed levels in the parent objects,
e.g. of AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatCool, ZoneHVAC:PackagedTerminalAirConditioner, AirLoopH-
VAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir and ZoneHVAC:PackagedTerminalHeatPump. It shall be men-
tioned that the performance correction curves, i.e. the temperature and flow fraction correction
curves, should be normalized to the capacity and flow rate at each individual speed and at the
rated conditions, similar to the performance curves used in the single-speed DX coil. However, the
performance values, e.g. capacities, COPs, SHRs and flow rates at individual speed levels, should
be given regarding a specific unit from the Reference Unit catalog data. In the following content,
the statement started with Reference Unit means the actual Reference Unit catalog data. The
rated conditions for obtaining the capacities, COPs and SHRs are at indoor dry-bulb temperature
of 26.67 ˚C (80 ˚F), wet bulb temperature of 19.44 ˚C (67 ˚F), and the condenser entering air
temperature of 35 ˚C (95 ˚F). Some equations are provided below to help explain the function of
the various performance curves and data fields.

1.40.19.1 Inputs
1.40.19.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the variable-speed cooling coil.

1.40.19.1.2 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the cooling coil load side inlet node name.

1.40.19.1.3 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the cooling coil load side outlet node name.

1.40.19.1.4 Field: Number of Speeds

This numeric field contains the maximum number of speed levels that the module uses. The
number of speeds, for which the user input the performance data and curves, should be equal or
higher than the maximum number. The performance inputs at higher speed levels are ignored.

1.40.19.1.5 Field: Nominal Speed Level

This numeric field defines the nominal speed level, at which the rated capacity and rated air
rate are correlated.

1.40.19.1.6 Field: Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity at Selected Nominal

Speed Level
1744 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

This numeric field contains the gross rated total cooling capacity at the nominal speed level.
This field is autosizable. The gross rated total cooling capacity is used to determine a capacity
scaling factor, as compared to the Reference Unit capacity at the nominal speed level.

GrossRatedTotalCoolingCapacity
CapacityScaleFactor = (1.154)
ReferenceUnitCapacity@NominalSpeedLevel
And then, this scaling factor is used to determine capacities at rated conditions for other speed
levels, as below,

GrossRatedCapacity@SpeedLevel (x) =
CapacityScaleFactor× (1.155)
ReferenceUnitCapacity@SpeedLevel(x)

1.40.19.1.7 Field: Rated Air Flow Rate at Selected Nominal Speed Level
This numeric field contains the rated volumetric air flow rate on the load side of the DX unit,
corresponding to the nominal speed level. This field is autosizable. The value is used to determine
an internal scaling factor, and calculate the air flow rates in the parent objects. It is recommended
that the ratio of the rated volumetric air flow rate to the rated capacity is the same as the unit
performance from the Reference Unit data.

RatedVolumetricAirFlowRate
AirFlowScaleFactor =
ReferenceUnitVolAirFlowRate@NominalSpeedLevel × CapacityScaleFactor
(1.156)
And the volumetric air flow rates in the parent objects are calculated as below,

LoopVolumetricAirFlowRate@SpeedLevel (x) =
AirFlowScaleFactor×
(1.157)
ReferenceUnitVolAirFlowRate@SpeedLevel(x)×
CapacityScaleFactor

1.40.19.1.8 Field: Nominal Time for Condensate Removal to Begin

This numeric field defines the nominal time (in seconds) after startup for condensate to begin
leaving the coil’s condensate drain line at the coil’s rated airflow and temperature conditions,
starting with a dry coil. Nominal time is equal to the ratio of the energy of the coil’s maximum
condensate holding capacity (J) to the coil’s steady-state latent capacity (W). Suggested value is
1000; zero value means the latent degradation model is disabled. The default value for this field is
zero.

1.40.19.1.9 Field: Ratio of Initial Moisture Evaporation Rate and Steady State
Latent Capacity
This numeric field defines ratio of the initial moisture evaporation rate from the cooling coil
(when the compressor first turns off, in Watts) and the coil’s steady-state latent capacity (Watts)
at rated airflow and temperature conditions. Suggested value is 1.5; zero value means the latent
degradation model is disabled. The default value for this field is zero.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1745

1.40.19.1.10 Field: Part Load Fraction Correlation Curve Name

This alpha field defines the name of a quadratic or cubic performance curve (Ref: Performance
Curves) that parameterizes the variation of electrical power input to the unit as a function of the
part load ratio (PLR, sensible or latent load/steady-state sensible or latent cooling capacity for
Speed 1), in the case that the unit operates under the lowest speed, i.e. on/off. The product of the
rated EIR and EIR modifier curves is divided by the output of this curve to give the effective EIR
for a given simulation timestep for Speed 1. The part load fraction (PLF) correlation accounts for
efficiency losses due to compressor cycling. The part load fraction correlation should be normalized
to a value of 1.0 when the part load ratio equals 1.0 (i.e., no efficiency losses when the compressor(s)
run continuously for the simulation timestep).

1.40.19.1.11 Field: Condenser Air Inlet Node Name

This optional alpha field specifies the outdoor air node name used to define the conditions of
the air entering the outdoor condenser. If this field is left blank, the outdoor air temperature
entering the condenser (dry-bulb or wet-bulb) is taken directly from the weather data. If this field
is not blank, the node name specified must also be specified in an OutdoorAir:Node object where
the height of the node is taken into consideration when calculating outdoor air temperature from
the weather data. Alternately, the node name may be specified in an OutdoorAir:NodeList object
where the outdoor air temperature is taken directly from the weather data.

1.40.19.1.12 Field: Condenser Type

The type of condenser used by the DX cooling coil. Valid choices for this input field are
AirCooled or EvaporativelyCooled. The default for this field is AirCooled.

1.40.19.1.13 Field: Evaporative Condenser Pump Rated Power Consumption

The rated power of the evaporative condenser water pump in Watts. This value is used to
calculate the power required to pump the water used to evaporatively cool the condenser inlet air.
The default value for this input field is zero, but it is autosizable (equivalent to 0.004266 W per
watt [15 W/ton] of rated total cooling capacity). This field is not used when Condenser Type =
Air Cooled.

1.40.19.1.14 Field: Crankcase Heater Capacity

This numeric field defines the crankcase heater capacity in Watts. When the outdoor air
drybulb temperature is below the value specified in the input field Maximum Outdoor Dry-bulb
Temperature for Crankcase Heater Operation (described below), the crankcase heater is enabled
during the time that the compressor is not running. If this cooling coil is used as part of an air-to-
air heat pump, the crankcase heater defined for this DX cooling coil is ignored and the crankcase
heater power defined for the DX heating coil (Ref. Coil:Heating:DX:SingleSpeed) is enabled during
the time that the compressor is not running for either heating or cooling. The value for this input
field must be greater than or equal to 0, and the default value is 0. To simulate a DX cooling coil
without a crankcase heater, enter a value of 0.

1.40.19.1.15 Field: Maximum Outdoor Dry-Bulb Temperature for Crankcase

Heater Operation
This numeric field defines the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature above which the compressor s
crankcase heater is disabled. The value for this input field must be greater than or equal to 0.0 °C,
and the default value is 10 °C.
1746 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.19.1.16 Field: Supply Water Storage Tank Name

This field is optional. It is used to describe where the coil obtains water used for evaporative
cooling of its condenser. If blank or omitted, then the unit will obtain water directly from the
mains. If the name of a Water Storage Tank object is used here, the unit will obtain its water
from that tank. If a tank is specified, the unit will attempt to obtain all the water it uses from the
tank. However if the tank cannot provide all the water the condenser needs, then the unit will still
operate and obtain the rest of the water it needs from the mains (referred to as StarvedWater).

1.40.19.1.17 Field: Condensate Collection Water Storage Tank Name

This field is optional. It is used to describe where condensate from the coil is collected. If blank
or omitted, then any coil condensate is discarded. Enter the name of Water Storage Tank object
defined elsewhere and the condensate will then be collected in that tank.

1.40.19.1.18 Field: Basin Heater Capacity

This numeric field contains the capacity of the DX coil s electric evaporative cooler basin
heater in watts per degree Kelvin. This field only applies for Condenser Type = Evaporatively-
Cooled. This field is used in conjunction with the Basin Heater Setpoint temperature described in
the following field. The basin heater electric power is equal to this field multiplied by the difference
between the basin heater set point temperature and the outdoor dry-bulb temperature. The basin
heater only operates when the DX coil is off, regardless of the basin heater schedule described
below. The basin heater capacity must be greater than or equal to zero, with a default value of
zero if this field is left blank.

1.40.19.1.19 Field: Basin Heater Setpoint Temperature

This numeric field contains the set point temperature (˚C) for the basin heater described in
the previous field. This field only applies for Condenser Type = EvaporativelyCooled. The basin
heater is active when the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature falls below this setpoint temperature,
as long as the DX coil is off. This set point temperature must be greater than or equal to 2˚C,
and the default value is 2˚C if this field is left blank.

1.40.19.1.20 Field: Basin Heater Operating Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of the basin heater operating schedule. This field only applies
for Condenser Type = EvaporativelyCooled. The basin heater operating schedule is assumed to
be an on/off schedule and the heater is available to operate any time the schedule value is greater
than 0. The basin heater operates when scheduled on and the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature is
below the set point temperature described in the previous field. If this field is left blank, the basin
heater is available to operate throughout the simulation. Regardless of this schedule, the basin
heater may only operate when the DX coil is off.

1.40.19.1.21 Field Group: Rated specification, performance curves

The performance for each cooling speed must be specified as shown below. They should be
directly given from the Reference Unit catalog data. All inputs for Speed 1 are required, followed
by the optional inputs for other speeds.

1.40.19.1.22 Field: Speed <x> Reference Unit Gross Rated Total Cooling Ca-
pacity
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1747

This numeric field defines the total, full load gross cooling capacity in watts of the air-to-air
cooling coil unit at rated conditions for Speed <x> operation. The value entered here must be
greater than 0. Capacity should not account for supply air fan heat.

1.40.19.1.23 Field: Speed <x> Reference Unit Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ra-
tio
This numeric field defines sensible heat transfer ratio (SHR = gross sensible cooling capacity
divided by gross total cooling capacity) of the cooling coil unit at rated conditions for Speed <x>
operation. The value entered here must be greater than 0.0 and less than 1.0. This value should
be obtained from the Reference Unit data.

1.40.19.1.24 Field: Speed <x> Reference Unit Gross Rated Cooling COP
This numeric field defines the coefficient of performance (COP = the gross total cooling capacity
in watts divided by electrical power input in watts) of the cooling coil unit at rated conditions for
Speed <x> operation. The value entered here must be greater than 0. The input power includes
power for the compressor(s), condenser fan and accessories, but does not include the supply air fan.
The gross COP should Not account for the supply air fan.

1.40.19.1.25 Field: Speed <x> Reference Unit Rated Air Flow Rate
This numeric field defines the volumetric air flow rate, in m3 per second, across the cooling coil
at rated conditions for Speed <x> operation. The value entered here should be directly from the
Reference Unit data, corresponding to the given cooling capacity and COP at the speed, as above.

1.40.19.1.26 Field: Speed <x> Reference Unit Rated Condenser Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the condenser volumetric air flow rate, in m3 per second, across the
condenser coil at rated conditions for Speed <x> operation. The value entered here should be
directly from the Reference Unit data. This field is used to calculate water evaporation rate for an
evaporatively-cooled condenser. For an air-cooled condenser, this input is not used.

1.40.19.1.27 Field: Speed <x> Reference Unit Rated Pad Effectiveness of Evap
Precooling
This numeric field defines the effectiveness of condenser evaporative precooling pad at rated
condition. The values of effectiveness are given at individual speed levels, since varied condenser
air flow rates impact the effectiveness.

1.40.19.1.28 Field: Speed <x> Total Cooling Capacity Function of Tempera-

ture Curve Name
This alpha field defines the name of a bi-quadratic performance curve for Speed <x> (ref: Per-
formance Curves) that parameterizes the variation of the gross total cooling capacity as a function
of the both the indoor wet-bulb and source side entering air temperature, from the Reference Unit.
The output of this curve is multiplied by the gross rated total cooling capacity at the speed to give
the gross total cooling capacity at specific temperature operating conditions (i.e., at an indoor air
wet-bulb temperature or outdoor entering air temperature different from the rating point temper-
ature). It should be noted that the curve is normalized to the cooling capacity at Speed<x> from
the Reference Unit data, and have the value of 1.0 at the rating point.
1748 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.19.1.29 Field: Speed <x> Total Cooling Capacity Function of Air Flow
Fraction Curve Name
This alpha field defines the name of a quadratic or cubic performance curve for Speed <x>
(ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes the variation of the gross total cooling capacity as a
function of the ratio of actual air flow rate across the cooling coil to the design air flow rate (i.e.,
fraction of full load flow at Speed <x>, from the Reference Unit data). The curve is normalized to
have the value of 1.0 when the actual air flow rate equals the design air flow rate, at Speed <x>.

1.40.19.1.30 Field: Speed <x> Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature

Curve Name
This alpha field defines the name of a bi-quadratic performance curve for Speed <x> (ref:
Performance Curves) that parameterizes the variation of the energy input ratio (EIR) as a function
of the both the indoor air wet-bulb and condenser entering air temperatures The EIR is the inverse
of the COP. The output of this curve is multiplied by the rated EIR (inverse of rated COP at Speed
<x> from the Reference Unit data) to give the EIR at specific temperature operating conditions
(i.e., at an indoor air wet-bulb temperature or condenser entering air temperature different from
the rating point temperature). The curve is normalized to have the value of 1.0 at the rating point.

1.40.19.1.31 Field: Speed <x> Energy Input Ratio Function of Air Flow Frac-
tion Curve Name
This alpha field defines the name of a quadratic or cubic performance curve for Speed <x>
(ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes the variation of the energy input ratio (EIR) as a
function of the ratio of actual air flow rate across the cooling coil to the design air flow rate (i.e.,
fraction of full load flow, at Speed <x> from the Reference Unit data). The EIR is the inverse of
the COP. This curve is normalized to a value of 1.0 when the actual air flow rate equals the design
air flow rate.
An example of this statement in an IDF is:

Coil:Cooling:DX:VariableSpeed ,
Heat Pump ACDXCoil 1, !- Name
DX Cooling Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Air Inlet Node Name
Heating Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Air Outlet Node Name
10.0, !- Number of Speeds {dimensionless}
10.0, !- Nominal Speed Level {dimensionless}
32000 , !- Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity {W}
1.7, !- Rated Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.0, !- Nominal Time for Condensate to Begin Leaving the
Coil {s}
0.0, !- Initial Moisture Evaporation Rate Divided by Steady -State AC Latent Capacity {
dimensionless}
HPACCOOLPLFFPLR , !- Part Load Fraction Correlation Curve Name
, ! - Condenser Air Inlet Node Name
AirCooled , ! - Condenser Type
, ! - Evaporative Condenser Pump Rated Power Consumption
200.0 , ! - Crankcase Heater Capacity , {w}
10.0, !- Maximum Outdoor Dry -Bulb Temperature for Crankcase
Heater Operation {C}
, ! - Supply Water Storage Tank Name
, ! - Condensate Collection Water Storage Tank Name
, ! - Basin Heater Capacity
, ! - Basin Heater Setpoint Temperature
, ! - Basin Heater Operating Schedule Name
1524.1 , !- Speed 1 Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity {w}
0.75, !- Speed 1 Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio {
dimensionless}
4.0, !- Speed 1 Gross Rated Cooling COP {dimensionless}
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1749

0.1359072 , !- Speed 1 Rated Air Flow Rate {m3/s}

0.26, ! - Speed 1 Rated Condenser Air Flow Rate {m3/s}, for
evaporatively cooled
, ! - Evaporative precooling effectiveness
HPACCoolCapFT , !- Total Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACCoolCapFFF , !- Total Cooling Capacity Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
HPACCOOLEIRFT , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACCOOLEIRFFF , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
1877.9 , !- Speed 2 Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity {w}
0.75, !- Speed 2 Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio {
dimensionless}
4.0, !- Speed 2 Gross Rated Cooling COP {dimensionless}
0.151008 , !- Speed 2 Rated Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.30, ! - Speed 2 Rated Condenser Air Flow Rate {m3/s}, for
evaporatively cooled
, ! - Evaporative precooling effectiveness
HPACCoolCapFT , !- Total Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACCoolCapFFF , !- Total Cooling Capacity Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
HPACCOOLEIRFT , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACCOOLEIRFFF , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
2226.6 , !- Speed 3 Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity {w}
0.75, !- Speed 3 Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio {
dimensionless}
4.0, !- Speed 3 Gross Rated Cooling COP {dimensionless}
0.1661088 , !- Speed 3 Rated Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.33, !- Speed 3 Rated Condenser Air Flow Rate {m3/s}, for
evaporatively cooled
, !- Evaporative precooling effectiveness
HPACCoolCapFT , !- Total Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACCoolCapFFF , !- Total Cooling Capacity Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
HPACCOOLEIRFT , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACCOOLEIRFFF , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
2911.3 , !- Speed 4 Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity {w}
0.75, !- Speed 4 Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio {
dimensionless}
4.0, !- Speed 4 Gross Rated Cooling COP {dimensionless}
0.1963104 , !- Speed 4 Rated Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.38, !- Speed 4 Rated Condenser Air Flow Rate {m3/s}, for
evaporatively cooled
, !- Evaporative precooling effectiveness
HPACCoolCapFT , !- Total Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACCoolCapFFF , !- Total Cooling Capacity Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
HPACCOOLEIRFT , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACCOOLEIRFFF , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
3581.7 , !- Speed 5 Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity {w}
0.75, !- Speed 5 Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio {
dimensionless}
4.0, !- Speed 5 Gross Rated Cooling COP {dimensionless}
0.226512 , !- Speed 5 Rated Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.44, !- Speed 5 Rated Condenser Air Flow Rate {m3/s}, for
evaporatively cooled
, !- Evaporative precooling effectiveness
HPACCoolCapFT , !- Total Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACCoolCapFFF , !- Total Cooling Capacity Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
HPACCOOLEIRFT , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACCOOLEIRFFF , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
4239.5 , !- Speed 6 Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity {w}
0.75, !- Speed 6 Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio {
dimensionless}
4.0, !- Speed 6 Gross Rated Cooling COP {dimensionless}
0.2567136 , !- Speed 6 Rated Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.50, ! - Speed 6 Rated Condenser Air Flow Rate {m3/s}, for
evaporatively cooled
, ! - Evaporative precooling effectiveness
HPACCoolCapFT , !- Total Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACCoolCapFFF , !- Total Cooling Capacity Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
HPACCOOLEIRFT , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACCOOLEIRFFF , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
1750 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

4885.7 , !- Speed 7 Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity {w}

0.75, !- Speed 7 Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio {
dimensionless}
4.0, !- Speed 7 Gross Rated Cooling COP {dimensionless}
0.2869152 , !- Speed 7 Rated Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.57, ! - Speed 7 Rated Condenser Air Flow Rate {m3/s}, for
evaporatively cooled
, ! - Evaporative precooling effectiveness
HPACCoolCapFT , !- Total Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACCoolCapFFF , !- Total Cooling Capacity Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
HPACCOOLEIRFT , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACCOOLEIRFFF , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
5520.7 , !- Speed 8 Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity {w}
0.75, !- Speed 8 Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio {
dimensionless}
4.0, !- Speed 8 Gross Rated Cooling COP {dimensionless}
0.3171168 , !- Speed 8 Rated Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.63, ! - Speed 8 Rated Condenser Air Flow Rate {m3/s}, for
evaporatively cooled
, ! - Evaporative precooling effectiveness
HPACCoolCapFT , !- Total Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACCoolCapFFF , !- Total Cooling Capacity Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
HPACCOOLEIRFT , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACCOOLEIRFFF , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
6144.8 , !- Speed 9 Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity {w}
0.75, !- Speed 9 Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio {
dimensionless}
4.0, !- Speed 9 Rated Cooling COP {dimensionless}
0.3473184 , !- Speed 9 Rated Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.69, ! - Speed 9 Rated Condenser Air Flow Rate {m3/s}, for
evaporatively cooled
, ! - Evaporative precooling effectiveness
HPACCoolCapFT , !- Total Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACCoolCapFFF , !- Total Cooling Capacity Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
HPACCOOLEIRFT , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACCOOLEIRFFF , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
6758.0 , !- Speed 10 Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity {w}
0.75, !- Speed 10 Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio {
dimensionless}
4.0, !- Speed 10 Gross Rated Cooling COP {dimensionless}
0.37752 , !- Speed 10 Rated Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.74, ! - Speed 10 Rated Condenser Air Flow Rate {m3/s},
for evaporatively cooled
, ! - Evaporative precooling effectiveness
HPACCoolCapFT , !- Total Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACCoolCapFFF , !- Total Cooling Capacity Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
HPACCOOLEIRFT , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACCOOLEIRFFF; !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name

1.40.19.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Total Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Source Side Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Part Load Ratio []

• HVAC,Average, Cooling Coil Runtime Fraction []

• HVAC,Average, Cooling Coil Air Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1751

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Air Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Air Inlet Humidity Ratio [kgWater/kgDryAir]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Air Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Air Outlet Humidity Ratio [kgWater/kgDryAir]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Upper Speed Level []

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Neighboring Speed Levels Ratio []

• HVAC,Average,VSAirtoAirHP Recoverable Waste Heat [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Total Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Latent Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Source Side Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Crankcase Heater Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Crankcase Heater Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Condensate Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Condensate Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Condenser Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Evaporative Condenser Water Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Evaporative Condenser Mains Water Volume [m3]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Evaporative Condenser Pump Electric Power[W]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Evaporative Condenser Pump Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Basin Heater Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Basin Heater Electric Energy [J]

1.40.19.2.1 Cooling Coil Electric Power [W]

This output variable is the average electric consumption rate of the heat pump in Watts over
the timestep being reported.

1.40.19.2.2 Cooling Coil Total Cooling Rate [W]

The output variable is the average total cooling load provide by the heat pump which includes
the sensible and latent load in Watts over the timestep being reported.
1752 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.19.2.3 Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

The output variable is the average sensible cooling load provide by the heat pump in Watts
over the timestep being reported.

1.40.19.2.4 Cooling Coil Source Side Heat Transfer Rate [W]

The output variable is the average heat rejected to the water at the heat pump condenser in
Watts over the timestep being reported.

1.40.19.2.5 Cooling Coil Part Load Ratio []

This output variable is the ratio of the part-load capacity to the steady state capacity of the
VSAirtoAirHP coil. For the cycling fan mode, the runtime fraction for the heat pump compressor
may be different from the compressor part-load ratio reported here due to the part-load performance
of the VSAirtoAirHP coil (delay at start-up to reach steady-state output). In general, runtime
fractions are reported by individual components where appropriate.

1.40.19.2.6 Cooling Coil Runtime Fraction []

This output variable is the function of the part load ratio (PLR, part-load capacity/ steady state
capacity). The runtime fraction, or duty factor, accounts for efficiency losses due to compressor
cycling.

1.40.19.2.7 Cooling Coil Air Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

The output variable is the average air mass flow rate on the load side going through the heat
pump over the timestep being reported.

1.40.19.2.8 Cooling Coil Air Inlet Temperature [C]

The output variable is the average entering air dry-bulb temperature over the timestep being
reported.

1.40.19.2.9 Cooling Coil Air Inlet Humidity Ratio [kgWater/kgDryAir]

The output variable is the average entering air dry humidity ratio over the timestep being
reported.

1.40.19.2.10 Cooling Coil Air Outlet Temperature [C]

The output variable is the average leaving air dry-bulb temperature over the timestep being
reported.

1.40.19.2.11 Cooling Coil Air Outlet Humidity Ratio [kgWater/kgDryAir]

The output variable is the average leaving air dry humidity ratio over the timestep being
reported.

1.40.19.2.12 Cooling Coil Upper Speed Level []

The output variable is the average upper speed level, for interpolating performances between
two neighboring speed levels.

1.40.19.2.13 Cooling Coil Neighboring Speed Levels Ratio []

The output variable is the average speed ratio, for interpolating performances between two
neighboring speed levels.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1753

1.40.19.2.14 Cooling Coil Electric Energy [J]

The output variable is the electric consumption of the heat pump in Joules over the timestep
being reported.

1.40.19.2.15 Cooling Coil Total Cooling Energy [J]

The output variable is the total cooling output of the coil in Joules over the timestep being
reported.

1.40.19.2.16 Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

The output variable is the total sensible cooling output of the coil in Joules over the timestep
being reported

1.40.19.2.17 Cooling Coil Latent Cooling Energy [J]

1.40.19.2.18 Cooling Coil Latent Cooling Rate [W]

These output variables are the total latent cooling output of the coil in Joules or Watts over
the timestep being reported.

1.40.19.2.19 Cooling Coil Source Side Heat Transfer Energy [J]

The output variable is the total source side heat transfer of the coil in Joules over the timestep
being reported.

1.40.19.2.20 Cooling Coil Crankcase Heater Electric Power [W]

The output variable is the average power used for crankcase heater, in Watts over the timestep
being reported.

1.40.19.2.21 Cooling Coil Crankcase Heater Electric Energy [J]

The output variable is the total electric energy usage of the coil for crankcase heater, in Joules
over the timestep being reported.

1.40.19.2.22 Cooling Coil Condensate Volume Flow Rate [m3/s]

The output variable is the average water condensate volumetric flow rate from the cooling coil,
in m3 /s over the timestep being reported, if choosing to use CondensatetoTank.

1.40.19.2.23 Cooling Coil Condensate Volume [m3]

The output variable is the total water condensate volume from the cooling coil, in m3 over the
timestep being reported.

1.40.19.2.24 Cooling Coil Condenser Inlet Temperature [C]

The output variable is the average air temperature entering the condenser coil, in °C over the
timestep being reported.

1.40.19.2.25 Cooling Coil Evaporative Condenser Water Volume [m3]

The output variable is the total water volume consumed for condenser evaporative pre-cooling,
in m3 over the timestep being reported.
1754 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.19.2.26 Cooling Coil Evaporative Condenser Mains Water Volume [m3]

The output variable is the total water volume for condenser evaporative pre-cooling, obtained
from the Mains Water supply, in m3 over the timestep being reported.

1.40.19.2.27 Cooling Coil Evaporative Condenser Pump Electric Power[W]

The output variable is the average power consumption rate of the evaporative condenser pump,
in Watts over the timestep being reported.

1.40.19.2.28 Cooling Coil Evaporative Condenser Pump Electric Energy [J]

The output variable is the total power consumption of the evaporative condenser pump, in
Joules over the timestep being reported.

1.40.19.2.29 Cooling Coil Basin Heater Electric Power [W]

The output variable is the average power consumption rate by the basin heater, in Watts over
the timestep being reported.

1.40.19.2.30 Cooling Coil Basin Heater Electric Energy [J]

The output variable is the total power consumption by the basin heater, in Joules over the
timestep being reported.

1.40.20 CoilPerformance:DX:Cooling
This coil performance object is used to specify DX coil performance for one mode of operation for a
Coil:Cooling:DX:TwoStageWithHumidityControlMode. A single Coil:Cooling:DX:TwoStageWithHumidityControl
object will reference one to four CoilPerformance:DX:Cooling objects depending on the number
of available stages and dehumidification modes as specified in the two stage DX object. For
example, a standard 2-stage DX system will use two of these performance objects, one to defined
the capacity and performance for stage 1 operation, and a second one for stage 1+2 (both stages
active) operation. In nearly all cases, the Rated Air Volume Flow Rate will be the same for all
performance objects associated with a given multimode DX coil. If bypass is specified, the Rated
Air Volume Flow Rate includes both the bypassed flow and the flow through the active coil.
This DX coil model is identical to Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed with addition of bypass and
multi-stage capabilities. This DX cooling coil model and input are quite different from that for the
heating and cooling water coils. The simple water coils use an NTU-effectiveness heat exchanger
model. The single speed DX coil model uses performance information at rated conditions along with
curve fits for variations in total capacity, energy input ratio and part-load fraction to determine
performance at part-load conditions. Sensible/latent capacity splits are determined by the rated
sensible heat ratio (SHR) and the apparatus dewpoint/bypass factor (ADP/BF) approach. This
approach is analogous to the NTU-effectiveness calculations used for sensible-only heat exchanger
calculations, extended to a cooling and dehumidifying coil.
An alternative to ADP/BF method for sensible/latent capacity split is to use SHR modifier
curves for temperature and flow fraction. These two optional input fields are used only when a user
specified SHR calculation method desired over the (ADP/BF) method. Sensible heat ratio calcu-
lated using these two SHR modifier curves override the value calculated by ADP/BF method. See
section SHR Calculation Using User Specified SHR Modifier Curves in the EnergyPlus Engineering
Document for further details.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1755

The DX cooling coil input requires the gross rated total cooling capacity, the gross rated SHR,
the gross rated COP, the rated air volume flow rate, and the fraction of air flow which is bypassed
around the coil. The first 4 inputs determine the coil performance at the rating point (air entering
the cooling coil at 26.7 °C drybulb/19.4 °C wetbulb and air entering the outdoor condenser coil at 35
°C drybulb/23.9 °C wetbulb). The rated air volume flow rate (less any bypassed fraction) should be
between .00004027 m3 /s and .00006041 m3 /s per watt of gross rated total cooling capacity (300 to
450 cfm/ton). The rated volumetric air flow to gross total cooling capacity ratio for 100% dedicated
outdoor air (DOAS) application DX cooling coils should be between 0.00001677 (m3/s)/W (125
cfm/ton) and 0.00003355 (m3/s)/W (250 cfm/ton).
This model requires 5 curves as follows:

1. The total cooling capacity modifier curve (function of temperature) is a biquadratic curve
with two independent variables: wet-bulb temperature of the air entering the cooling coil,
and dry-bulb temperature of the air entering the air-cooled condenser coil (wet-bulb temper-
ature if modeling an evaporative-cooled condenser). The output of this curve is multiplied
by the gross rated total cooling capacity to give the gross total cooling capacity at spe-
cific temperature operating conditions (i.e., at temperatures different from the rating point
temperatures).

2. The total cooling capacity modifier curve (function of flow fraction) is a quadratic or cubic
curve with the independent variable being the ratio of the actual air flow rate across the
cooling coil to the rated air flow rate (i.e., fraction of full load flow). The output of this
curve is multiplied by the gross rated total cooling capacity and the total cooling capacity
modifier curve (function of temperature) to give the gross total cooling capacity at the specific
temperature and air flow conditions at which the coil is operating.

3. The energy input ratio (EIR) modifier curve (function of temperature) is a biquadratic curve
with two independent variables: wet-bulb temperature of the air entering the cooling coil, and
dry-bulb temperature of the air entering the air-cooled condenser coil (wet-bulb temperature
if modeling an evaporative-cooled condenser). The output of this curve is multiplied by the
rated EIR (inverse of the rated COP) to give the EIR at specific temperature operating
conditions (i.e., at temperatures different from the rating point temperatures).

4. The energy input ratio (EIR) modifier curve (function of flow fraction) is a quadratic or
cubic curve with the independent variable being the ratio of the actual air flow rate across
the cooling coil to the rated air flow rate (i.e., fraction of full load flow). The output of this
curve is multiplied by the rated EIR (inverse of the rated COP) and the EIR modifier curve
(function of temperature) to give the EIR at the specific temperature and air flow conditions
at which the coil is operating.

5. The part load fraction correlation (function of part load ratio) is a quadratic or cubic curve
with the independent variable being part load ratio (sensible cooling load / steady-state
sensible cooling capacity). The output of this curve is used in combination with the rated
EIR and EIR modifier curves to give the effective EIR for a given simulation timestep. The
part load fraction (PLF) correlation accounts for efficiency losses due to compressor cycling.
The curve should be normalized to a value of 1.0 when the part-load ratio equals 1.0 (i.e.,
the compressor(s) run continuously for the simulation timestep).

The curves are simply specified by name. Curve inputs are described in the curve manager
section of this document (see Performance Curves in this document).
1756 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

The next four input fields are optional and relate to the degradation of latent cooling capacity
when the supply air fan operates continuously while the cooling coil/compressor cycle on and off
to meet the cooling load. The fan operating mode is either considered to be constant (e.g. CoilSys-
tem:Cooling:DX) or can be scheduled in the parent object (e.g. AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatCool).
When scheduled, the schedule value must be greater than 0 to calculate degradation of latent cool-
ing capacity. At times when the parent object s supply air fan operating mode schedule is 0, latent
degradation will be ignored. When used, these next four input fields must all have positive values
in order to model latent capacity degradation.
The next input specifies the outdoor air node used to define the conditions of the air entering
the outdoor condenser. If this field is not blank, the node name specified must be listed in an
OutdoorAir:Node object where the height of the node is taken into consideration when calculating
outdoor temperature from the weather data. Alternately, the node name must be specified in
an OutdoorAir:NodeList object where the outdoor temperature entering the condenser is taken
directly from the weather data. This field may also be left blank, if this is the case then the
outdoor temperature entering the condenser is taken directly from the weather data.
The next input describes the type of outdoor condenser coil used with the DX cooling coil (Air
Cooled or Evap Cooled). The following three inputs are required when modeling an evaporative-
cooled condenser: evaporative condenser effectiveness, evaporative condenser air volume flow rate,
and the power consumed by the evaporative condenser pump. See section DX Cooling Coil Model
in the EnergyPlus Engineering Document for further details regarding this model.

1.40.20.1 Inputs
1.40.20.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field is a unique user-assigned name for an instance of DX cooling coil performance.
Any reference to this DX coil performance object by another object will use this name.

1.40.20.1.2 Field: Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity

The total, full load gross cooling capacity (sensible plus latent) in watts of the DX coil unit at
rated conditions (air entering the cooling coil at 26.7 °C drybulb/19.4 °C wetbulb, air entering the
outdoor condenser coil at 35 °C drybulb/23.9 °C wetbulb[4], and a cooling coil air flow rate defined
by field rated air flow rate below). Capacity should be gross (i.e., the effect of supply air fan heat
is NOT accounted for).

1.40.20.1.3 Field: Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio

The sensible heat ratio (SHR = gross sensible capacity divided by gross total cooling capacity)
of the DX cooling coil at rated conditions (air entering the cooling coil at 26.7 °C drybulb/19.4 °C
wetbulb, air entering the outdoor condenser coil at 35 °C drybulb/23.9 °C wetbulb, and a cooling
coil air flow rate defined by field rated air flow rate below). Both the sensible and total cooling
capacities used to define the Rated SHR should be gross (i.e., the effect of supply air fan heat is
NOT accounted for).

1.40.20.1.4 Field: Gross Rated Cooling COP

The coefficient of performance is the ratio of the gross total cooling capacity in watts to electrical
power input in watts) of the DX cooling coil unit at rated conditions (air entering the cooling coil
at 26.7 °C drybulb/19.4 °C wetbulb, air entering the outdoor condenser coil at 35 °C drybulb/ 23.9
°C wetbulb, and a cooling coil air flow rate defined by field rated air flow rate below). The input
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1757

power includes electric power for the compressor(s) and condenser fan(s) but does not include the
power consumption of the supply air fan. If this input field is left blank, the default value is 3.0.

1.40.20.1.5 Field: Rated Air Flow Rate

The air volume flow rate, in m3 per second, across the DX cooling coil at rated conditions. The
gross rated total cooling capacity, gross rated SHR and gross rated COP should be performance
information for the unit with air entering the cooling coil at 26.7 °C drybulb/19.4 °C wetbulb, air
entering the outdoor condenser coil at 35 °C drybulb/23.9 °C wetbulb, and the rated air volume
flow rate defined here.

1.40.20.1.6 Field: Fraction of Air Flow Bypassed Around Coil

This numeric field specifies the fraction of the Rated Air Volume Flow Rate which bypasses the
active cooling coil for this performance mode. The remaining portion of the flow should be between
0.00004027 m3/s and .00006041 m3/s per watt of gross rated total cooling capacity (300 to 450
cfm/ton) for this performance mode. For DOAS applications the remaining portion of rated air
volume flow rate should be between 0.00001677 m3 /s and 0.00003355 m3 /s per watt of gross rated
total cooling capacity (125 to 250 cfm/ton). This is used to model face-split coils on multi-stage
units or bypass dampers. If total flow rate varies during simulation, the same fraction is bypassed.
This input may range from 0.0 to <1.0. The default is 0.0. For a multi-stage face-split coil in
which stage 1 is 60% of total capacity, this field would be set to 0.4 for the Stage 1 performance
and set to 0.0 for the Stage 1+2 performance. For a DX system which activates a bypass damper
for improved dehumidification, this field would be set to 0.0 for normal mode performance and set
to something greater than zero for enhanced dehumidification mode performance.

1.40.20.1.7 Field: Total Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature Curve

Name
The name of a biquadratic performance curve (ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes
the variation of the total gross cooling capacity as a function of the wet-bulb temperature of the air
entering the cooling coil, and the dry-bulb temperature of the air entering the air-cooled condenser
coil (wet-bulb temperature if modeling an evaporative-cooled condenser). The output of this curve
is multiplied by the gross rated total cooling capacity to give the gross total cooling capacity at
specific temperature operating conditions (i.e., at temperatures different from the rating point
temperatures). The curve is normalized to have the value of 1.0 at the rating point.

1.40.20.1.8 Field: Total Cooling Capacity Function of Flow Fraction Curve

Name
The name of a quadratic or cubic performance curve (ref: Performance Curves) that param-
eterizes the variation of the gross total cooling capacity as a function of the ratio of actual air flow
rate across the cooling coil to the rated air flow rate (i.e., fraction of full load flow). The output
of this curve is multiplied by the gross rated total cooling capacity and the total cooling capacity
modifier curve (function of temperature) to give the gross total cooling capacity at the specific
temperature and air flow conditions at which the coil is operating. The curve is normalized to have
the value of 1.0 when the actual air flow rate equals the rated air flow rate.

1.40.20.1.9 Field: Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve Name

The name of a biquadratic performance curve (ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes
the variation of the energy input ratio (EIR) as a function of the wet-bulb temperature of the air
1758 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

entering the cooling coil, and the dry-bulb temperature of the air entering the air-cooled condenser
coil (wet-bulb temperature if modeling an evaporative-cooled condenser). The EIR is the inverse
of the COP. The output of this curve is multiplied by the rated EIR (inverse of rated COP) to
give the EIR at specific temperature operating conditions (i.e., at temperatures different from the
rating point temperatures). The curve is normalized to a value of 1.0 at the rating point.

1.40.20.1.10 Field: Energy Input Ratio Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name

The name of a quadratic or cubic performance curve (Ref: Performance Curves) that param-
eterizes the variation of the energy input ratio (EIR) as a function of the ratio of actual air flow
rate across the cooling coil to the rated air flow rate (i.e., fraction of full load flow). The EIR is the
inverse of the COP. The output of this curve is multiplied by the rated EIR and the EIR modifier
curve (function of temperature) to give the EIR at the specific temperature and air flow conditions
at which the cooling coil is operating. This curve is normalized to a value of 1.0 when the actual
air flow rate equals the rated air flow rate.

1.40.20.1.11 Field: Part Load Fraction Correlation Curve Name

This alpha field defines the name of a quadratic or cubic performance curve (Ref: Performance
Curves) that parameterizes the variation of electrical power input to the DX unit as a function of
the part load ratio (PLR, sensible cooling load/steady-state sensible cooling capacity). The product
of the rated EIR and EIR modifier curves is divided by the output of this curve to give the effective
EIR for a given simulation timestep. The part load fraction (PLF) correlation accounts for efficiency
losses due to compressor cycling.
The part load fraction correlation should be normalized to a value of 1.0 when the part load
ratio equals 1.0 (i.e., no efficiency losses when the compressor(s) run continuously for the simulation
timestep). For PLR values between 0 and 1 (0 < = PLR < 1), the following rules apply:
PLF > = 0.7 and PLF > = PLR
If PLF < 0.7 a warning message is issued, the program resets the PLF value to 0.7, and the
simulation proceeds. The runtime fraction of the coil is defined as PLR/PLF. If PLF < PLR, then
a warning message is issued and the runtime fraction of the coil is limited to 1.0.
A typical part load fraction correlation for a conventional, single-speed DX cooling coil (e.g.,
residential unit) would be:
PLF = 0.85 + 0.15( PLR)

If the user wishes to model no efficiency degradation due to compressor cycling, the part load
fraction correlation should be defined as follows:
PLF = 1.0 + 0.0( PLR)

1.40.20.1.12 Field: Nominal Time for Condensate Removal to Begin

The nominal time (in seconds) after startup for condensate to begin leaving the coil’s con-
densate drain line at the coil’s rated airflow and temperature conditions, starting with a dry coil.
Nominal time is equal to the ratio of the energy of the coil’s maximum condensate holding capacity
(J) to the coil’s steady-state latent capacity (W). Suggested value is 1000; zero value means the
latent degradation model is disabled. The default value for this field is zero. The supply air fan
operating mode must be continuous (i.e., the supply air fan operating mode may be specified in
other parent objects and is assumed continuous in some objects (e.g., CoilSystem:Cooling:DX) or
can be scheduled in other objects [e.g., AirloopHVAC:UnitaryHeatCool]), and this field as well as
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1759

the next three input fields for this object must have positive values in order to model latent capacity
degradation.

1.40.20.1.13 Field: Ratio of Initial Moisture Evaporation Rate and Steady State
Latent Capacity
Ratio of the initial moisture evaporation rate from the cooling coil (when the compressor first
turns off, in Watts) and the coil’s steady-state latent capacity (Watts) at rated airflow and temper-
ature conditions. Suggested value is 1.5; zero value means the latent degradation model is disabled.
The default value for this field is zero. The supply air fan operating mode must be continuous
(i.e., the supply air fan operating mode may be specified in other parent objects and is assumed
continuous in some objects (e.g., CoilSystem:Cooling:DX) or can be scheduled in other objects [e.g.,
AirloopHVAC:UnitaryHeatCool]); and this field, the previous field and the next two fields must
have positive values in order to model latent capacity degradation.

1.40.20.1.14 Field: Maximum Cycling Rate

The maximum on-off cycling rate for the compressor (cycles per hour), which occurs at 50%
run time fraction. Suggested value is 3; zero value means latent degradation model is disabled.
The default value for this field is zero. The supply air fan operating mode must be continuous
(i.e., the supply air fan operating mode may be specified in other parent objects and is assumed
continuous in some objects (e.g., CoilSystem:Cooling:DX) or can be scheduled in other objects [e.g.,
AirloopHVAC:UnitaryHeatCool]); and this field, the previous two fields and the next field must
have positive values in order to model latent capacity degradation.

1.40.20.1.15 Field: Latent Capacity Time Constant

Time constant (in seconds) for the cooling coil’s latent capacity to reach steady state after
startup. Suggested value is 45; zero value means latent degradation model is disabled. The default
value for this field is zero. The supply air fan operating mode must be continuous (i.e., the supply
air fan operating mode may be specified in other parent objects and is assumed continuous in
some objects (e.g., CoilSystem:Cooling:DX) or can be scheduled in other objects [e.g., AirloopH-
VAC:UnitaryHeatCool]), and this field as well as the previous three input fields for this object must
have positive values in order to model latent capacity degradation.

1.40.20.1.16 Field: Condenser Air Inlet Node Name

This optional alpha field specifies the outdoor air node name used to define the conditions of
the air entering the outdoor condenser. If this field is left blank, the outdoor air temperature
entering the condenser (dry-bulb or wet-bulb) is taken directly from the weather data. If this field
is not blank, the node name specified must also be specified in an OutdoorAir:Node object where
the height of the node is taken into consideration when calculating outdoor air temperature from
the weather data. Alternately, the node name may be specified in an OutdoorAir:NodeList object
where the outdoor air temperature is taken directly from the weather data.

1.40.20.1.17 Field: Condenser Type

The type of condenser used by the DX cooling coil. Valid choices for this input field are
AirCooled or EvaporativelyCooled. The default for this field is AirCooled.
1760 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.20.1.18 Field: Evaporative Condenser Effectiveness

The effectiveness of the evaporative condenser, which is used to determine the temperature of
the air entering the outdoor condenser coil as follows:

T cond inlet = (T wb, o) + (1 − EvapCondEf f ectiveness) (T db, o − T wb, o) (1.158)

where
Tcondinlet = the temperature of the air entering the condenser coil (C)
Twb,o = the wet-bulb temperature of the outdoor air (C)
Tdb,o = the dry-bulb temperature of the outdoor air (C)
The resulting condenser inlet air temperature is used by the Total Cooling Capacity Modifier
Curve (function of temperature) and the Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve (function of temper-
ature). The default value for this field is 0.9, although valid entries can range from 0.0 to 1.0. This
field is not used when Condenser Type = Air Cooled.
If the user wants to model an air-cooled condenser, they should simply specify AirCooled in
the field Condenser Type. In this case, the Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve (function of
temperature) and the Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve (function of temperature) input fields for
this object should reference performance curves that are a function of outdoor dry-bulb temperature.
If the user wishes to model an evaporative-cooled condenser AND they have performance curves
that are a function of the wet-bulb temperature of air entering the condenser coil, then the user
should specify Condenser Type = Evap Cooled and the evaporative condenser effectiveness value
should be entered as 1.0. In this case, the Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve (function of
temperature) and the Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve (function of temperature) input fields for
this object should reference performance curves that are a function of the wet-bulb temperature of
air entering the condenser coil.
If the user wishes to model an air-cooled condenser that has evaporative media placed in front
of it to cool the air entering the condenser coil, then the user should specify Condenser Type =
Evap Cooled. The user must also enter the appropriate evaporative effectiveness for the media. In
this case, the Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve (function of temperature) and the Energy
Input Ratio Modifier Curve (function of temperature) input fields for this object should reference
performance curves that are a function of outdoor dry-bulb temperature. Be aware that the evap-
orative media will significantly reduce the dry-bulb temperature of the air entering the condenser
coil, so the Total Cooling Capacity and EIR Modifier Curves must be valid for the expected range
of dry-bulb temperatures that will be entering the condenser coil.

1.40.20.1.19 Field: Evaporative Condenser Air Flow Rate

The air volume flow rate, in m3 per second, entering the evaporative condenser. This value
is used to calculate the amount of water used to evaporatively cool the condenser inlet air. The
minimum value for this field must be greater than zero, and this input field is autosizable (equivalent
to 0.000144 m3 /s per watt of rated total cooling capacity [850 cfm/ton]). This field is not used
when Condenser Type = Air Cooled.

1.40.20.1.20 Field: Evaporative Condenser Pump Rated Power Consumption

The rated power of the evaporative condenser water pump in Watts. This value is used to
calculate the power required to pump the water used to evaporatively cool the condenser inlet air.
The default value for this input field is zero, but it is autosizable (equivalent to 0.004266 W per
watt [15 W/ton] of rated total cooling capacity). This field is not used when Condenser Type =
AirCooled.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1761

1.40.20.1.21 Field: Sensible Heat Ratio Function of Temperature Curve Name

The name of a biquadratic normalized curve (Ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes the
variation of the sensible heat ratio (SHR) as a function of DX cooling coil entering air wet-bulb
and dry-bulb temperatures. The output of this curve is multiplied by the rated SHR and the
SHR modifier curve (function of flow fraction) to give the SHR at the specific coil entering air
temperature and air flow conditions at which the cooling coil is operating. This curve is normalized
to a value of 1.0 at the rated condition. This input field is optional.

1.40.20.1.22 Field: Sensible Heat Ratio Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name

The name of a quadratic or cubic normalized curve (Ref: Performance Curves) that parameter-
izes the variation of the sensible heat ratio (SHR) as a function of the ratio of actual air flow rate
across the cooling coil to the rated air flow rate (i.e., fraction of full load flow). The output of this
curve is multiplied by the rated SHR and the SHR modifier curve (function of temperature) to give
the SHR at the specific temperature and air flow conditions at which the cooling coil is operating.
This curve is normalized to a value of 1.0 when the actual air flow rate equals the rated air flow
rate. This input field is optional.
Following is an example input for a Coil:Cooling:DX:TwoStageWithHumidityControlMode
with 2 capacity stages and one enhanced dehumidification mode so it requires four CoilPerfor-
mance:DX:Cooling objects.

Coil:Cooling:DX:TwoStageWithHumidityControlMode ,
DXSystem 1 Cooling Coil , !- Coil Name
OfficeHeatCoolAvail , !- Availability Schedule
DXSystem 1 Mixed Air Node , !- Coil Air Inlet Node
DXSystem 1 Fan Air Inlet Node , !- Coil Air Outlet Node
, !- Crankcase Heater Capacity {W}
, !- Maximum Outdoor Dry -bulb Temperature for
Crankcase Heater Operation {C}
2, !- Number of Capacity Stages
1, !- Number of Enhanced Dehumidification Modes
CoilPerformance:DX:Cooling , !- Normal Mode Stage 1 Coil Performance Object Type
DXSystem 1 DX Coil Standard Mode -Stage 1, !- Normal Mode Stage 1 Coil Performance Object Name
CoilPerformance:DX:Cooling , !- Normal Mode Stage 1+2 Coil Perf Object Type
DXSystem 1 DX Coil Standard Mode -Stage 1&2, !- Normal Mode Stage 1+2 Coil Perf Object Name
CoilPerformance:DX:Cooling , !- Dehumid Mode 1 Stage 1 Coil Perf Object Type
DXSystem 1 DX Coil SubCoolReheat Mode -Stage 1, !- Dehumid Mode 1 Stage 1 Coil Perf Object
Name
CoilPerformance:DX:Cooling , !- Dehumid Mode 1 Stage 1+2 Coil Perf Object Type
DXSystem 1 DX Coil SubCoolReheat Mode -Stage 1&2; !- Dehumid Mode 1 Stage 1+2 Coil Perf Object
Name

CoilPerformance:DX:Cooling ,
DXSystem 1 DX Coil Standard Mode -Stage 1, !- Coil Performance Specification Name
21327.57812 , !- Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity {W}
0.68, !- Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio
3.56, !- Gross Rated Cooling COP
1.695372105 , !- Rated Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.4, !- Fraction of Air Flow Bypassed Around Coil
HPACCoolCapFT , !- Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve (function of
temperature)
HPACCoolCapFFF , !- Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve (function of flow
fraction)
HPACCOOLEIRFT , !- Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve (function of
temperature)
HPACCOOLEIRFFF , !- Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve (function of flow
fraction)
1762 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

HPACCOOLPLFFPLR , !- Part Load Fraction Correlation (function of part load ratio

)
1000, !- Nominal Time for Condensate Removal to Begin {s}
1.5, !- Ratio of Initial Moisture Evaporation Rate and Steady -state Latent Capacity {
dimensionless}
3, !- Maximum ON/OFF Cycling Rate {cycles/hr}
45, !- Latent Capacity Time Constant {s}
, !- Condenser Air Inlet Node Name
, !- Condenser Type
, !- Evaporative Condenser Effectiveness
, !- Evaporative Condenser Air Flow Rate
, !- Evaporative Condenser Pump Rated Power
Consumption
DOAS DX Coil SHR -FT , !- Sensible Heat Ratio Function of Temperature Curve Name
DOAS DX Coil SHR -FF; !- Sensible Heat Ratio Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name

CoilPerformance:DX:Cooling ,
DXSystem 1 DX Coil Standard Mode -Stage 1&2, !- Coil Performance Specification Name
35545.96484 , !- Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity {W}
0.68, !- Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio
3.56, !- Gross Rated Cooling COP
1.695372105 , !- Rated Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.0, !- Fraction of Air Flow Bypassed Around Coil
HPACCoolCapFT , !- Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve (function of
temperature)
HPACCoolCapFFF , !- Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve (function of flow
fraction)
HPACCOOLEIRFT , !- Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve (function of
temperature)
HPACCOOLEIRFFF , !- Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve (function of flow
fraction)
HPACCOOLPLFFPLR , !- Part Load Fraction Correlation (function of part load ratio
)
1000, !- Nominal Time for Condensate Removal to Begin {s}
1.5, !- Ratio of Initial Moisture Evaporation Rate and Steady -state Latent Capacity {
dimensionless}
3, !- Maximum ON/OFF Cycling Rate {cycles/hr}
45, !- Latent Capacity Time Constant {s}
, !- Condenser Air Inlet Node Name
, !- Condenser Type
, !- Evaporative Condenser Effectiveness
, !- Evaporative Condenser Air Flow Rate
, !- Evaporative Condenser Pump Rated Power
Consumption
DOAS DX Coil SHR -FT , !- Sensible Heat Ratio Function of Temperature Curve Name
DOAS DX Coil SHR -FF; !- Sensible Heat Ratio Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name

CoilPerformance:DX:Cooling ,
DXSystem 1 DX Coil SubCoolReheat Mode -Stage 1, !- Coil Performance Specification Name
19962.61328 , !- Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity (gross) {W}
0.60, !- Gross Rated SHR
3.31, !- Gross Rated Cooling COP
1.695372105 , !- Rated Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.4, !- Fraction of Air Flow Bypassed Around Coil
SubCoolReheatCoolCapFT , !- Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve (function of temperature)
SubCoolReheatCoolCapFFF , !- Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve (function of flow fraction)
SubCoolReheatCOOLEIRFT , !- Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve (function of temperature)
SubCoolReheatCoolEIRFFF , !- Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve (function of flow fraction)
SubCoolReheatCoolPLFFPLR , !- Part Load Fraction Correlation (function of part load ratio)
1000, !- Nominal Time for Condensate Removal to Begin {s}
1.5, !- Ratio of Initial Moisture Evaporation Rate and Steady -state Latent Capacity {
dimensionless}
3, !- Maximum ON/OFF Cycling Rate {cycles/hr}
45, !- Latent Capacity Time Constant {s}
, !- Condenser Air Inlet Node Name
, !- Condenser Type
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1763

, !- Evaporative Condenser Effectiveness

, !- Evaporative Condenser Air Flow Rate
, !- Evaporative Condenser Pump Rated Power
Consumption
DOAS DX Coil SHR -FT , !- Sensible Heat Ratio Function of Temperature Curve Name
DOAS DX Coil SHR -FF; !- Sensible Heat Ratio Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name

CoilPerformance:DX:Cooling ,
DXSystem 1 DX Coil SubCoolReheat Mode -Stage 1&2, !- Coil Performance Specification Name
33271.01953 , !- Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity (gross) {W}
0.60, !- Gross Rated SHR
3.31, !- Gross Rated Cooling COP
1.695372105 , !- Rated Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.0, !- Fraction of Air Flow Bypassed Around Coil
SubCoolReheatCoolCapFT , !- Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve (function of temperature)
SubCoolReheatCoolCapFFF , !- Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve (function of flow fraction)
SubCoolReheatCOOLEIRFT , !- Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve (function of temperature)
SubCoolReheatCoolEIRFFF , !- Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve (function of flow fraction)
SubCoolReheatCoolPLFFPLR , !- Part Load Fraction Correlation (function of part load ratio)
1000, !- Nominal Time for Condensate Removal to Begin {s}
1.5, !- Ratio of Initial Moisture Evaporation Rate and Steady -state Latent Capacity {
dimensionless}
3, !- Maximum ON/OFF Cycling Rate {cycles/hr}
45, !- Latent Capacity Time Constant {s}
, !- Condenser Air Inlet Node Name
, !- Condenser Type
, !- Evaporative Condenser Effectiveness
, !- Evaporative Condenser Air Flow Rate
, !- Evaporative Condenser Pump Rated Power
Consumption
DOAS DX Coil SHR -FT , !- Sensible Heat Ratio Function of Temperature Curve Name
DOAS DX Coil SHR -FF; !- Sensible Heat Ratio Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name

1.40.20.2 Outputs
The CoilPerformance:DX:Cooling object does not have specific output variables. To request re-
ports, use the parent object Coil:Cooling:DX:TwoStageWithHumidityControlMode output variable
options (ref. DX Cooling Coil Outputs). When requesting specific output variables by name, use
the name of the parent object as the Key Value for Output:Variable reporting objects (ref. Out-
put:Variable object). The name of the CoilPerformance:DX:Cooling object cannot be used as a
Key Value in the Output:Variable object.

1.40.21 Coil:Heating:DX:SingleSpeed
The single speed heating DX coil model uses performance information at rated conditions along
with curve fits for variations in total capacity, energy input ratio and part load fraction to deter-
mine performance at part-load conditions. The impacts of various defrost strategies (reverse cycle,
resistive, timed or on-demand) are modeled based on a combination of user inputs and empirical
models taken from the air-to-air heat pump algorithms in DOE-2.1E.
The single speed heating DX coil input requires an availability schedule, the gross rated heating
capacity, the gross rated COP and the rated air volume flow rate. The latter 3 inputs determine
the coil performance at the rating point (outdoor air dry-bulb temperature of 8.33 C, outdoor air
wet-bulb temperature of 6.11 C, coil entering air dry-bulb temperature of 21.11 C, coil entering
air wet-bulb temperature of 15.55 C). The rated air volume flow rate should be between .00004027
m3 /s and .00006041 m3 /s per watt of gross rated heating capacity.
Up to 6 curves are required depending on the defrost strategy selected.
1764 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1) The heating capacity modifier curve (function of temperature) can be a function of both the
outdoor and indoor air dry-bulb temperature or only the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature.
User has the choice of a bi-quadratic curve with two independent variables or a quadratic
curve as well as a cubic curve with a single independent variable. The bi-quadratic curve
is recommended if sufficient manufacturer data is available as it provides sensitivity to the
indoor air dry-bulb temperature and a more realistic output. The output of this curve is
multiplied by the gross rated heating capacity to give the gross heating capacity at specific
temperature operating conditions (i.e., at an outdoor or indoor air temperature different from
the rating point temperature).

2) The heating capacity modifier curve (function of flow fraction) is a quadratic or cubic curve
with the independent variable being the ratio of the actual air flow rate across the heating
coil to the rated air flow rate (i.e., fraction of full load flow). The output of this curve
is multiplied by the gross rated heating capacity and the heating capacity modifier curve
(function of temperature) to give the gross heating capacity at the specific temperature and
air flow conditions at which the coil is operating.

3) The energy input ratio (EIR) modifier curve (function of temperature) can be a function
of both the outdoor and indoor air dry-bulb temperature or only the outdoor air dry-bulb
temperature. User has the choice of a bi-quadratic curve with two independent variables or a
quadratic curve as well as a cubic curve with a single independent variable. The bi-quadratic
curve is recommended if sufficient manufacturer data is available as it provides sensitivity
to the indoor air dry-bulb temperature and a more realistic output. The output of this
curve is multiplied by the rated EIR (inverse of the rated COP) to give the EIR at specific
temperature operating conditions (i.e., at an outdoor or indoor air temperature different from
the rating point temperature).

4) The energy input ratio (EIR) modifier curve (function of flow fraction) is a quadratic or
cubic curve with the independent variable being the ratio of the actual air flow rate across
the heating coil to the rated air flow rate (i.e., fraction of full load flow). The output of this
curve is multiplied by the rated EIR (inverse of the rated COP) and the EIR modifier curve
(function of temperature) to give the EIR at the specific temperature and air flow conditions
at which the coil is operating.

5) The part load fraction correlation (function of part load ratio) is a quadratic or cubic curve
with the independent variable being part load ratio (sensible heating load / steady-state
heating capacity). The output of this curve is used in combination with the rated EIR and
EIR modifier curves to give the effective EIR for a given simulation timestep. The part load
fraction correlation accounts for efficiency losses due to compressor cycling.

6) The defrost energy input ratio (EIR) modifier curve (function of temperature) is a bi-
quadratic curve with two independent variables: outdoor air dry-bulb temperature and the
heating coil entering air wet-bulb temperature. The output of this curve is multiplied by the
heating coil capacity, the fractional defrost time period and the runtime fraction of the heat-
ing coil to give the defrost power at the specific temperatures at which the coil is operating.
This curve is only required when a reverse-cycle defrost strategy is specified.

The curves are simply specified by name. Curve inputs are described in the curve manager
section of this document (ref. Performance Curves).
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1765

The next input item for the coil is the supply air fan operation mode. Either the supply air fan
runs continuously while the DX coil cycles on/off, or the fan and coil cycle on/off together. The
next two inputs define the minimum outdoor dry-bulb temperature that the heat pump compressor
will operate and the maximum outdoor dry-bulb temperature for defrost operation. Crankcase
heater capacity and cutout temperature are entered in the following two inputs. The final four
inputs cover the type of defrost strategy (reverse-cycle or resistive), defrost control (timed or on-
demand), the fractional defrost time period (timed defrost control only), and the resistive defrost
heater capacity if a resistive defrost strategy is selected.

1.40.21.1 Inputs
1.40.21.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field defines a unique user-assigned name for an instance of a DX heating coil. Any
reference to this DX heating coil by another object will use this name.

1.40.21.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This alpha field defines the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the DX
heating coil can run during a given time period. A schedule value greater than 0 (usually 1 is used)
indicates that the unit can be on during the time period. A value less than or equal to 0 (usually
0 is used) denotes that the unit must be off for the time period. If this field is blank, the schedule
has values of 1 for all time periods.

1.40.21.1.3 Field: Gross Rated Heating Capacity

This numeric field defines the total, full load gross heating capacity in watts of the DX coil unit
at rated conditions (outdoor air dry-bulb temperature of 8.33 C, outdoor air wet-bulb temperature
of 6.11 C, heating coil entering air dry-bulb temperature of 21.11 C, heating coil entering air wet-
bulb temperature of 15.55 C, and a heating coil air flow rate defined by field rated air flow volume
below). The value entered here must be greater than 0. Capacity should not account for supply air
fan heat. The gross rated heating capacity should be within 20% of the gross rated total cooling
capacity, otherwise a warning message is issued. The gross heating capacity should NOT include
the effect of supply air fan heat.

1.40.21.1.4 Field: Gross Rated Heating COP

This numeric field defines the coefficient of performance (COP = the gross heating capacity in
watts divided by electrical power input in watts) of the DX heating coil unit at rated conditions
(outdoor air dry-bulb temperature of 8.33 C, outdoor air wet-bulb temperature of 6.11 C, coil
entering air dry-bulb temperature of 21.11 C, coil entering air wet-bulb temperature of 15.55 C,
and a heating coil air flow rate defined by field rated air flow volume rate below). The value entered
here must be greater than 0. The input power includes power for the compressor(s) and outdoor
fan(s) but does not include the power consumption of the indoor supply air fan. The gross COP
should NOT account for the supply air fan.

1.40.21.1.5 Field: Rated Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the volume air flow rate, in m3 per second, across the DX heating
coil at rated conditions. The value entered here must be greater than 0. The rated air volume flow
rate should be between 0.00004027 m3 /s and 0.00006041 m3 /s per watt of the gross rated heating
capacity. The gross rated heating capacity and gross rated COP should be performance information
1766 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

for the unit with outdoor air dry-bulb temperature of 8.33 C, outdoor air wet-bulb temperature of
6.11 C, heating coil entering air dry-bulb temperature of 21.11 C, heating coil entering air wet-bulb
temperature of 15.55 C, and the rated air volume flow rate defined here.

1.40.21.1.6 Field: Rated Evaporator Fan Power Per Volume Flow Rate
This field is the electric power for the evaporator (heating coil) fan per air volume flow rate
through the coil at the rated conditions in W/(m3 /s). The default value is 773.3 W/(m3 /s) (365
W/1000 cfm) if this field is left blank. If a value is entered, it must be > = 0.0 and < = 1250
W/(m3 /s). This value is only used to calculate High Temperature Heating Standard (Net) Rat-
ing Capacity, Low Temperature Heating Standard (Net) Rating Capacity and Heating Seasonal
Performance Factor (HSPF) which will be outputs in the EnergyPlus eio file (ref. EnergyPlus
Engineering Reference, Single Speed DX Heating Coil, Standard Ratings). This value is not used
for modeling the evaporator (heating coil) fan during simulations; instead, it is used for calculating
the above standard ratings to assist the user in verifying their inputs for modeling this type of
equipment.

1.40.21.1.7 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

This alpha field defines the name of the HVAC system node from which the DX heating coil
draws its inlet air.

1.40.21.1.8 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

This alpha field defines the name of the HVAC system node to which the DX heating coil sends
its outlet air.

1.40.21.1.9 Field: Heating Capacity Function of Temperature Curve Name

This alpha field defines the name of a bi-quadratic, quadratic or cubic performance curve (ref:
Performance Curves) that parameterizes the variation of the total heating capacity as a function
of the both the indoor and outdoor air dry-bulb temperature or just the outdoor air dry-bulb
temperature depending on the type of curve selected. The bi-quadratic curve is recommended
if sufficient manufacturer data is available as it provides sensitivity to the indoor air dry-bulb
temperature and a more realistic output. The output of this curve is multiplied by the gross rated
heating capacity to give the gross total heating capacity at specific temperature operating conditions
(i.e., at an indoor air dry-bulb temperature or outdoor air dry-bulb temperature different from the
rating point temperature). The curve is normalized to have the value of 1.0 at the rating point.

1.40.21.1.10 Field: Heating Capacity Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name

This alpha field defines the name of a quadratic or cubic performance curve (ref: Performance
Curves) that parameterizes the variation of total heating capacity as a function of the ratio of
actual air flow rate across the heating coil to the rated air flow rate (i.e., fraction of full load
flow). The output of this curve is multiplied by the gross rated heating capacity and the heating
capacity modifier curve (function of temperature) to give the gross heating capacity at the specific
temperature and air flow conditions at which the coil is operating. The curve is normalized to have
the value of 1.0 when the actual air flow rate equals the rated air flow rate.

1.40.21.1.11 Field: Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve Name

1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1767

This alpha field defines the name of a bi-quadratic, quadratic or cubic performance curve (ref:
Performance Curves) that parameterizes the variation of the energy input ratio (EIR) as a func-
tion of the both the indoor and outdoor air dry-bulb temperature or just the outdoor air dry-bulb
temperature depending on the type of curve selected. The bi-quadratic curve is recommended if
sufficient manufacturer data is available as it provides sensitivity to the indoor air dry-bulb tem-
perature and a more realistic output. The EIR is the inverse of the COP. The output of this curve
is multiplied by the rated EIR (inverse of rated COP) to give the EIR at specific temperature op-
erating conditions (i.e., at an indoor air dry-bulb temperature or outdoor air dry-bulb temperature
different from the rating point temperature). The curve is normalized to have the value of 1.0 at
the rating point.

1.40.21.1.12 Field: Energy Input Ratio Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name

This alpha field defines the name of a quadratic or cubic performance curve (ref: Performance
Curves) that parameterizes the variation of the energy input ratio (EIR) as a function of the ratio
of actual air flow rate across the heating coil to the rated air flow rate (i.e., fraction of full load
flow). The EIR is the inverse of the COP. The output of this curve is multiplied by the rated EIR
and the EIR modifier curve (function of temperature) to give the EIR at the specific temperature
and air flow conditions at which the coil is operating. This curve is normalized to a value of 1.0
when the actual air flow rate equals the rated air flow rate.

1.40.21.1.13 Field: Part Load Fraction Correlation Curve Name

This alpha field defines the name of a quadratic or cubic performance curve (Ref: Performance
Curves) that parameterizes the variation of electrical power input to the DX unit as a function
of the part load ratio (PLR, sensible cooling load/steady-state sensible cooling capacity). The
product of the rated EIR and EIR modifier curves is divided by the output of this curve to give the
effective EIR for a given simulation timestep. The part load fraction (PLF) correlation accounts
for efficiency losses due to compressor cycling.
The part load fraction correlation should be normalized to a value of 1.0 when the part load
ratio equals 1.0 (i.e., no efficiency losses when the compressor(s) run continuously for the simulation
timestep). For PLR values between 0 and 1 (0 < = PLR < 1), the following rules apply:
PLF > = 0.7 and PLF > = PLR
If PLF < 0.7 a warning message is issued, the program resets the PLF value to 0.7, and the
simulation proceeds. The runtime fraction of the coil is defined as PLR/PLF. If PLF < PLR, then
a warning message is issued and the runtime fraction of the coil is limited to 1.0.
A typical part load fraction correlation for a conventional, single-speed DX cooling coil (e.g.,
residential unit) would be:
PLF = 0.85 + 0.15( PLR)

If the user wishes to model no efficiency degradation due to compressor cycling, the part load
fraction correlation should be defined as follows:
PLF = 1.0 + 0.0( PLR)

1.40.21.1.14 Field: Defrost Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve

Name
This alpha field defines the name of a bi-quadratic performance curve (ref: Performance Curves)
that parameterizes the variation of the energy input ratio (EIR) during reverse-cycle defrost periods
1768 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

as a function of the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature and the wet-bulb temperature of the air
entering the indoor coil. The EIR is the inverse of the COP. The output of this curve is multiplied
by the coil capacity, the fractional defrost time period and the runtime fraction of the heating coil
to give the defrost power at the specific temperatures at which the indoor and outdoor coils are
operating. This curve is only required when a reverse-cycle defrost strategy is selected. The curve
is normalized to a value of 1.0 at the rating point conditions.

1.40.21.1.15 Field: Minimum Outdoor Dry-Bulb Temperature for Compressor

Operation
This numeric field defines the minimum outdoor air dry-bulb temperature where the heating
coil compressor turns off. The temperature for this input field must be greater than or equal to 20
C. If this input field is left blank, the default value is -8 C.

1.40.21.1.16 Field: Outdoor Dry-Bulb Temperature to Turn On Compressor

This numeric field defines the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature when the compressor is au-
tomatically turned back on following an automatic shut off because of low outdoor temperature.
This field is only used for the calculation heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) of heating
coil. If this field is not provided, outdoor bin temperature is always considered to be greater than
this temperature and Minimum Outdoor dry-bulb Temperature for Compressor Operation field
described above.

1.40.21.1.17 Field: Maximum Outdoor Dry-Bulb Temperature for Defrost Op-

eration
This numeric field defines the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature above which outdoor coil de-
frosting is disabled. The temperature for this input field must be greater than or equal to 0 C and
less than or equal to 7.22 C. If this input field is left blank, the default value is 5 C.

1.40.21.1.18 Field: Crankcase Heater Capacity

This numeric field defines the crankcase heater capacity in Watts. When the outdoor
air dry-bulb temperature is below the value specified in the input field Maximum Outdoor
Dry-bulb Temperature for Crankcase Heater Operation (described below), the crankcase heater
is enabled during the time that the compressor is not running. If this heating coil is used
as part of an air-to-air heat pump (Ref. AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir or Zone-
HVAC:PackagedTerminalHeatPump), the crankcase heater defined for this DX heating coil is
enabled during the time that the compressor is not running for either heating or cooling (and the
crankcase heater power defined in the DX cooling coil object is disregarded in this case). The
value for this input field must be greater than or equal to 0. If this input field is left blank, the
default value is 0. To simulate a unit without a crankcase heater, enter a value of 0.

1.40.21.1.19 Field: Maximum Outdoor Dry-Bulb Temperature for Crankcase

Heater Operation
This numeric field defines the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature above which the compressor s
crankcase heater is disabled. The value for this input field must be greater than or equal to 0.0 C.
If this input field is left blank, the default value is 10 C.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1769

1.40.21.1.20 Field: Defrost Strategy

This alpha field has two choices: reverse-cycle or resistive. If the reverse-cycle strategy is
selected, the heating cycle is reversed periodically to provide heat to melt frost accumulated on the
outdoor coil. If a resistive defrost strategy is selected, the frost is melted using an electric resistance
heater. If this input field is left blank, the default defrost strategy is reverse-cycle.

1.40.21.1.21 Field: Defrost Control

This alpha field has two choices: timed or on-demand. If timed control is selected, the defrost
time period is calculated based on a fixed value or compressor runtime whether or not frost has
actually accumulated. For timed defrost control, the fractional amount of time the unit is in defrost
is entered in the input field Defrost Time Period Fraction described below. If on-demand defrost
control is selected, the defrost time period is calculated based on outdoor weather (humidity ratio)
conditions. Regardless of which defrost control is selected, defrost does not occur above the user
specified outdoor temperature entered in the input field Maximum Outdoor Dry-bulb Temperature
for Defrost Operation described above. If this input field is left blank, the default defrost control
is timed.

1.40.21.1.22 Field: Defrost Time Period Fraction

This numeric field defines the fraction of compressor runtime when the defrost cycle is active,
and only applies to timed defrost (see Defrost Control input field above). For example, if the defrost
cycle is active for 3.5 minutes for every 60 minutes of compressor runtime, then the user should
enter 3.5/60 = 0.058333. The value for this input field must be greater than or equal to 0. If this
input field is left blank, the default value is 0.058333.

1.40.21.1.23 Field: Resistive Defrost Heater Capacity

This numeric field defines the capacity of the resistive defrost heating element in Watts. This
input field is used only when the selected defrost strategy is resistive (see input field Defrost Strategy
above). The value for this input field must be greater than or equal to 0. If this input field is left
blank, the default value is 0.

1.40.21.1.24 Field: Region Number

This optional numeric field defines the region number which is used to calculate HSPF of heating
coil. The value for this input field must be between 1 and 6. If this input field is left blank, the
default value is 4.

1.40.21.1.25 Field: Evaporator Air Inlet Node Name

This optional alpha field specifies the outdoor air node name used to define the conditions of
the air entering the outdoor evaporator. If this field is left blank, the outdoor air temperature
entering the evaporator is taken directly from the weather data. If this field is not blank, the
node name specified must also be specified in an OutdoorAir:Node object where the height of the
node is taken into consideration when calculating outdoor air temperature from the weather data.
Alternately, the node name may be specified in an OutdoorAir:NodeList object where the outdoor
air temperature is taken directly from the weather data.

1.40.21.1.26 Field: Zone Name for Evaporator Placement

This input field is name of a conditioned or unconditioned zone where the secondary coil (evap-
orator) of a heat pump is installed. This is an optional input field specified only when user desires
1770 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

to extract heat from the zone via secondary coil. Heat extracted is modeled as internal gain. If
the primary DX system is a heat pump, then the zone name should be the same as the zone name
specified for placing the secondary cooling DX coil.

1.40.21.1.27 Field: Secondary Coil Air Flow Rate

This input value is the secondary coil (evaporator) air flow rate when the heat pump is working
in heating mode or the secondary coil (condenser) air flow rate when the heat pump is working in
cooling mode. This input field is auto-sizable.

1.40.21.1.28 Field: Secondary Coil Fan Flow Scaling Factor

This input field is scaling factor for autosizing the secondary DX coil fan flow rate. The
secondary air flow rate is determined by multiplying the primary DX coil rated air flow rate by the
fan flow scaling factor. Default value is 1.25. If the secondary coil fan flow rate is not autosized,
then the secondary coil fan flow scaling factor is set to 1.0.

1.40.21.1.29 Field: Nominal Sensible Heat Ratio of Secondary Coil

This input value is the nominal sensible heat ratio used to split the heat extracted by a secondary
DX coil (evaporator) of a heat pump into sensible and latent components. This is an optional input
field. If this input field is left blank, then pure sensible internal heat gain is assumed, i.e., sensible
heat ratio of 1.0.

1.40.21.1.30 Field: Sensible Heat Ratio Modifier Function of Temperature

Curve Name
This input field is name of sensible heat ratio modifier biquadratic curve. The value of this
curve modifies the nominal sensible heat ratio for current time step depending on the secondary
zone air node wet-bulb temperature and the heating DX coil entering air dry-bulb temperature.
This is an optional input field. If this input field is left blank, then the nominal sensible heat ratio
modifier curve value for temperature is set to 1.0.

1.40.21.1.31 Field: Sensible Heat Ratio Modifier Function of Flow Fraction

Curve Name
This input field is name of sensible heat ratio modifier curve as function of secondary air flow
fraction. The value of this curve modifies the nominal sensible heat ratio for current time step
depending on the secondary coil air flow fraction. This is an optional input field. If this input field
is left blank, then the sensible heat ratio modifier curve value for flow fraction is set to 1.0.
Following is an example input for the object.

Coil:Heating:DX:SingleSpeed ,
Heat Pump DX Heating Coil 1, ! Name of heating coil
FanAndCoilAvailSched , ! Heating coil schedule
35000 , ! Gross Rated Heating Capacity
2.75, ! Gross Rated Heating COP
1.7, !rated air flow rate (m3/s)
, !rated evaporator fan power per volume
flow rate (m3/s)
Heating Coil Air Inlet Node , !heating coil air side inlet node
SuppHeating Coil Air Inlet Node , !Heating coil air side outlet node
HPACHeatCapFT , ! heating cap modifier curve (temperature , C)
HPACHeatCapFFF , ! heating cap modifier curve (flow fraction)
HPACHeatEIRFT , ! energy input ratio modifier curve (temperature , C)
HPACHeatEIRFFF , ! energy input ratio modifier curve (flow fraction)
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1771

HPACCOOLPLFFPLR , ! part load fraction modifier curve (function of part load ratio)
, ! defrost EIR modifier curve (temp , C) not required for resistive defrost
-5.0, ! minimum OAT for compressor operation (C)
, ! outdoor dry -bulb temperature to turn on compressor (C)
5.0, ! maximum outdoor dry -bulb temp for defrost operation (C)
200.0 , ! Crankcase heater capacity (W)
10.0, ! Maximum outdoor temp for crankcase heater operation (C)
Resistive , ! Defrost strategy (resistive or reverse -cycle)
Timed , ! Defrost control (timed or on -demand)
0.166667 , ! Defrost time period fraction (used for timed defrost control only)
20000;! Resistive defrost heater capacity (used for resistive defrost strategy only)

1.40.21.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Total Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Heating Coil Total Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Electric Power[W]

• HVAC,Sum,Heating Coil Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Defrost Electric Power[W]

• HVAC,Sum,Heating Coil Defrost Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Crankcase Heater Electric Power[W]

• HVAC,Sum,Heating Coil Crankcase Heater Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Runtime Fraction []

1.40.21.2.1 Heating Coil Total Heating Rate [W]

This field is the total heating rate output of the DX coil in Watts. This is determined by the
coil inlet and outlet air conditions and the air mass flow rate through the coil.

1.40.21.2.2 Heating Coil Total Heating Energy [J]

This is the total heating output of the DX coil in Joules over the timestep being reported. This
is determined by the coil inlet and outlet air conditions and the air mass flow rate through the
coil. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = EnergyTransfer, End Use Key =
CoolingCoils, Group Key = System (ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.40.21.2.3 Heating Coil Electric Power [W]

This output is the electricity consumption rate of the DX coil compressor and outdoor fan(s) in
Watts. This rate is applicable when the unit is providing heating to the conditioned zone(s), and
excludes periods when the unit is in reverse-cycle defrost mode.

1.40.21.2.4 Heating Coil Electric Energy [J]

This is the electricity consumption of the DX coil compressor and condenser fan(s) in Joules for
the timestep being reported. This consumption is applicable when the unit is providing heating to
the conditioned zone(s), and excludes periods when the unit is in reverse-cycle defrost mode. This
output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use Key = Cooling, Group
Key = System (ref. Output:Meter objects).
1772 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.21.2.5 Heating Coil Defrost Electric Power [W]

This is the electricity consumption rate of the DX coil unit in Watts when the unit is in defrost
mode (reverse-cycle or resistive).

1.40.21.2.6 Heating Coil Defrost Electric Energy [J]

This is the electricity consumption of the DX coil unit in Joules for the timestep being reported.
This consumption is applicable when the unit is in defrost mode (reverse-cycle or resistive).

1.40.21.2.7 Heating Coil Crankcase Heater Electric Power [W]

This is the average electricity consumption rate of the DX coil compressor s crankcase heater
in Watts for the timestep being reported.

1.40.21.2.8 Heating Coil Crankcase Heater Electric Energy [J]

This is the electricity consumption of the DX coil compressor s crankcase heater in Joules for the
timestep being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity,
End Use Key = Miscellaneous, Group Key = System (ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.40.21.2.9 Heating Coil Runtime Fraction []

This is the runtime fraction of the DX heating coil compressor and outdoor fan(s) for the
timestep being reported.

1.40.22 Coil:Heating:DX:MultiSpeed
This component models a DX heating unit with multiple discrete levels of heating capacity. Cur-
rently, this heating coil can only be referenced by a AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed
compound object. The multispeed DX heating coil can have from two to four operating speeds.
When the coil operates at Speed 1 (the lowest speed), its performance is very similar to the
Coil:Heating:DX:SingleSpeed object where the impacts of part-load ratio can be included. When
the coil operates at higher speeds (above Speed 1), the linear approximation methodology is
applied. The coil outputs at two consecutive speeds are linearly interpolated to meet the required
heating capacity during an HVAC system timestep. When the coil performs above the lowest
speed, the user can choose if they want to include part-load ratio impacts at the higher speeds.
The multispeed unit is described by specifying the performance at different operating speeds.
Each speed has its own set of input specifications: full load capacity, COP and air flow rate at rated
conditions, along with modifier curves to determine performance when actual operating conditions
are different from the rated conditions.
The coil operates to meet the sensible capacity being requested. When this requested capacity is
above the sensible capacity of the highest operating speed, the coil runs continuously at the highest
speed. When the requested capacity is between the sensible capacities of two consecutive speeds,
the unit will operate a portion of the time at each speed to meet the request. When the requested
capacity is less than the low speed (Speed 1) capacity, the unit will cycle on/off as needed.
The next input defines the minimum outdoor dry-bulb temperature where the compressor will
operate. The followed two inputs are related to crankcase heater operation: capacity and maximum
outdoor dry-bulb temperature for crankcase heater operation. The next six inputs cover defrost
operation: defrost EIR modifier curve, the maximum outdoor dry-bulb temperature for defrost
operation, the type of defrost strategy (reverse-cycle or resistive), defrost control (timed or on-
demand), the fractional defrost time period (timed defrost control only), and the resistive defrost
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1773

heater capacity if a resistive defrost strategy is selected. The activation of defrost is dependent on
outdoor conditions. The capacity reduction and energy use modification are independent of speed.
The defrost EIR modifier is described below:
The defrost energy input ratio (EIR) modifier curve (function of temperature) is a bi-quadratic
curve with two independent variables: outdoor air dry-bulb temperature and the heating coil
entering air wet-bulb temperature. The output of this curve is multiplied by the heating coil
capacity, the fractional defrost time period and the runtime fraction of the heating coil to give
the defrost power at the specific temperatures at which the coil is operating. This curve is only
required when a reverse-cycle defrost strategy is specified.
The next input allows the user to choose whether to apply the part load fraction correlation to
speeds greater than 1 or not. The following input is the type of fuel.
Then the number of speed for heating is entered. The rest of inputs are speed dependent. Each
set of data consists of gross rated heating capacity, gross rated COP, and the rated air volume flow
rate. These three inputs determine the coil performance at the rating point (outdoor air dry-bulb
temperature of 8.33 °C, outdoor air wet-bulb temperature of 6.11 °C, coil entering air dry-bulb
temperature of 21.11 °C, coil entering air wet-bulb temperature of 15.55 °C). The rated air volume
flow rate should be between .00004027 m3 /s and .00006041 m3 /s per watt of gross rated heating
capacity. The rated waste heat fraction is needed to calculate how much waste heat is available at
the rated conditions. In addition, up to 6 modifier curves are required per speed.

1) The heating capacity modifier curve (function of temperature) can be a function of both the
outdoor and indoor air dry-bulb temperature or only the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature.
User has the choice of a bi-quadratic curve with two independent variables or a quadratic
curve as well as a cubic curve with a single independent variable. The bi-quadratic curve
is recommended if sufficient manufacturer data is available as it provides sensitivity to the
indoor air dry-bulb temperature and a more realistic output. The output of this curve
is multiplied by the gross rated heating capacity to give the gross total heating capacity
at specific temperature operating conditions (i.e., at an outdoor or indoor air temperature
different from the rating point temperature).

2) The heating capacity modifier curve (function of flow fraction) is a quadratic or cubic curve
with the independent variable being the ratio of the actual air flow rate across the heating
coil to the rated air flow rate (i.e., fraction of full load flow). The output of this curve
is multiplied by the gross rated heating capacity and the heating capacity modifier curve
(function of temperature) to give the gross heating capacity at the specific temperature and
air flow conditions at which the coil is operating.

3) The energy input ratio (EIR) modifier curve (function of temperature) can be a function
of both the outdoor and indoor air dry-bulb temperature or only the outdoor air dry-bulb
temperature. User has the choice of a bi-quadratic curve with two independent variables or a
quadratic curve as well as a cubic curve with a single independent variable. The bi-quadratic
curve is recommended if sufficient manufacturer data is available as it provides sensitivity
to the indoor air dry-bulb temperature and a more realistic output. The output of this
curve is multiplied by the rated EIR (inverse of the rated COP) to give the EIR at specific
temperature operating conditions (i.e., at an outdoor or indoor air temperature different from
the rating point temperature).

4) The energy input ratio (EIR) modifier curve (function of flow fraction) is a quadratic or
cubic curve with the independent variable being the ratio of the actual air flow rate across
1774 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

the heating coil to the rated air flow rate (i.e., fraction of full load flow). The output of this
curve is multiplied by the rated EIR (inverse of the rated COP) and the EIR modifier curve
(function of temperature) to give the EIR at the specific temperature and air flow conditions
at which the coil is operating.

5) The part load fraction correlation (function of part load ratio) is a quadratic or cubic curve
with the independent variable being part load ratio (sensible heating load / steady-state
heating capacity). The output of this curve is used in combination with the rated EIR and
EIR modifier curves to give the effective EIR for a given simulation timestep. The part load
fraction correlation accounts for efficiency losses due to compressor cycling.

6) The waste heat modifier curve (function of temperature) is a bi-quadratic curve with two
independent variables: outdoor air dry-bulb temperature and the heating coil entering air
dry-bulb temperature. The output of this curve is multiplied by the heating input energy,
the waste heat fraction of heat input to give the recoverable waste heat.

The curves are simply specified by name. Curve inputs are described in the curve manager
section of this document (ref. Performance Curves).

1.40.22.1 Inputs
1.40.22.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field defines a unique user-assigned name for an instance of a multispeed DX heating
coil. Any reference to this DX heating coil by another object will use this name. The only allowed
parent is AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed.

1.40.22.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This alpha field defines the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the
multispeed DX heating coil can run during a given time period. A schedule value greater than 0
(usually 1 is used) indicates that the unit can be on during the time period. A value less than or
equal to 0 (usually 0 is used) denotes that the unit must be off for the time period. If this field is
blank, the schedule has values of 1 for all time periods.

1.40.22.1.3 Field: Air Inlet Node name

This alpha field defines the name of the HVAC system node from which the DX heating coil
draws its inlet air.

1.40.22.1.4 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

This alpha field defines the name of the HVAC system node to which the DX heating coil sends
its outlet air.

1.40.22.1.5 Field: Minimum Outdoor Dry-Bulb Temperature for Compressor

Operation
This numeric field defines the minimum outdoor air dry-bulb temperature where the heating
coil compressor turns off. The temperature for this input field must be greater than or equal to 20
°C. If this input field is left blank, the default value is -8 °C.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1775

1.40.22.1.6 Field: Crankcase Heater Capacity

This numeric field defines the crankcase heater capacity in Watts. When the outdoor air
dry-bulb temperature is below the value specified in the input field Maximum Outdoor Dry-bulb
Temperature for Crankcase Heater Operation (described below), the crankcase heater is enabled
during the time that the compressor is not running. The value for this input field must be greater
than or equal to 0. If this input field is left blank, the default value is 0. To simulate a unit without
a crankcase heater, enter a value of 0.

1.40.22.1.7 Field: Maximum Outdoor Dry-Bulb Temperature for Crankcase

Heater Operation
This numeric field defines the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature above which the compressor s
crankcase heater is disabled. The value for this input field must be greater than or equal to 0.0 °C.
If this input field is left blank, the default value is 10 °C.

1.40.22.1.8 Field: Defrost Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve

Name
This alpha field defines the name of a bi-quadratic performance curve (ref: Performance Curves)
that parameterizes the variation of the energy input ratio (EIR) during reverse-cycle defrost periods
as a function of the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature and the wet-bulb temperature of the air
entering the indoor coil. The EIR is the inverse of the COP. The output of this curve is multiplied
by the coil capacity, the fractional defrost time period and the runtime fraction of the heating coil
to give the defrost power at the specific temperatures at which the indoor and outdoor coils are
operating. This curve is only required when a reverse-cycle defrost strategy is selected. The curve
is normalized to a value of 1.0 at the rating point conditions.

1.40.22.1.9 Field: Maximum Outdoor Dry-Bulb Temperature for Defrost Op-

eration
This numeric field defines the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature above which outdoor coil de-
frosting is disabled. The temperature for this input field must be greater than or equal to 0 °C and
less than or equal to 7.22 °C. If this input field is left blank, the default value is 5 °C.

1.40.22.1.10 Field: Defrost Strategy

This alpha field has two choices: reverse-cycle or resistive. If the reverse-cycle strategy is
selected, the heating cycle is reversed periodically to provide heat to melt frost accumulated on the
outdoor coil. If a resistive defrost strategy is selected, the frost is melted using an electric resistance
heater. If this input field is left blank, the default defrost strategy is reverse-cycle.

1.40.22.1.11 Field: Defrost Control

This alpha field has two choices: timed or on-demand. If timed control is selected, the defrost
time period is calculated based on a fixed value or compressor runtime whether or not frost has
actually accumulated. For timed defrost control, the fractional amount of time the unit is in defrost
is entered in the input field Defrost Time Period Fraction described below. If on-demand defrost
control is selected, the defrost time period is calculated based on outdoor weather (humidity ratio)
conditions. Regardless of which defrost control is selected, defrost does not occur above the user
specified outdoor temperature entered in the input field Maximum Outdoor Dry-bulb Temperature
for Defrost Operation described above. If this input field is left blank, the default defrost control
is timed.
1776 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.22.1.12 Field: Defrost Time Period Fraction

This numeric field defines the fraction of compressor runtime when the defrost cycle is active,
and only applies to timed defrost (see Defrost Control input field above). For example, if the defrost
cycle is active for 3.5 minutes for every 60 minutes of compressor runtime, then the user should
enter 3.5/60 = 0.058333. The value for this input field must be greater than or equal to 0. If this
input field is left blank, the default value is 0.058333.

1.40.22.1.13 Field: Resistive Defrost Heater Capacity

This numeric field defines the capacity of the resistive defrost heating element in Watts. This
input field is used only when the selected defrost strategy is resistive (see input field Defrost Strategy
above). The value for this input field must be greater than or equal to 0. If this input field is left
blank, the default value is 0.

1.40.22.1.14 Field: Apply Part Load Fraction to Speeds Greater than 1

This field determines whether part-load impacts on coil energy use are applied when the coil
is operating at speeds greater than speed 1. The allowed choices are Yes or No, with the default
being No if this field is left blank. Other input fields in this object allow the user to specify a part-
load fraction correlation for each speed to account for compressor start up losses (cycle on/off).
For the case of a single multi-speed compressor, the part load losses may only be significant when
the compressor cycles between speed 1 and off, but the losses may be extremely small when the
compressor operates between speed 1 and speed 2 (or between speeds 2 and 3, etc.). In this case,
the user may chose to specify No for this input field to neglect part-load impacts on energy use at
higher operating speeds. If part-load impacts on coil energy use are thought to be significant (e.g.,
interwined cooling coil with multiple compressors feeding individual refrigerant circuits), then the
user may chose to specify Yes and the part-load fraction correlations specified for speeds 2 through
4 will be applied as appropriate. The selection for this input field does not affect part-load impacts
when the compressor cycles between speed 1 and off (i.e., the part-load fraction correlation for
speed 1 is always applied).

1.40.22.1.15 Field: Fuel Type

This alpha field determines the type of fuel that the chiller uses. This field has seven choices:
Electricity, NaturalGas, PropaneGas, Coal, Diesel, Gasoline, FuelOil#1, FuelOil#2, OtherFuel1
and OtherFuel2. The default is NaturalGas.

1.40.22.1.16 Field: Number of Speeds

This field specifies the number of sets of data being entered for rated specifications, performance
curves, and waste heat specifications for each cooling speed. The rated specifications consist of
gross rated capacity, gross rated COP, and rated air flow rate. The performance curves consist
of a total capacity modifier curve as a function of temperature, total capacity modifier curve
as a function of flow fraction, energy input ratio modifier curve as a function of temperature,
energy input ratio modifier curve as a function of flow fraction, and part load fraction correlation
as a function of part load ratio. The waste heat specifications include the fraction of energy
input to the heating coil at the fully loaded and rated conditions, and a temperature modifier.
The minimum number of speeds for heating is 2 and the maximum number is 4. The number
of speeds should be the same as the number of speeds for heating defined in its parent object
(AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed). The first set of performance inputs is
for Speed 1 and should be for low speed, and the last set of performance inputs should be for high
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1777

speed. For example, if only three heating speeds are defined, the first set should be for low speed
(Speed 1), the second set should be for medium speed (Speed 2), and the third set should be for
high speed (Speed 3). In this example, any performance inputs for Speed 4 would be neglected
(since this input field specifies that the coil only has three heating speeds).

1.40.22.1.17 Field Group: Rated Specification, Performance Curves, and Waste

Heat Data
The performance for each heating speed must be specified as shown below. All inputs for Speed
1 are required first, followed by the inputs for Speed 2, Speed 3 and Speed 4.

1.40.22.1.18 Field: Speed <x> Gross Rated Heating Capacity

This numeric field defines the total, full load gross heating capacity in watts of the DX coil unit
at rated conditions for Speed <x> operation (outdoor air dry-bulb temperature of 8.33 °C, outdoor
air wet-bulb temperature of 6.11 °C, heating coil entering air dry-bulb temperature of 21.11 °C,
heating coil entering air wet-bulb temperature of 15.55 °C, and a heating coil air flow rate defined
by field Rated Air Flow Rate, Speed <x> below). The value entered here must be greater than 0.
The gross heating capacity should not account for the effect of supply air fan heat.

1.40.22.1.19 Field: Speed <x> Gross Rated Heating COP

This numeric field defines the coefficient of performance (COP = gross heating capacity in watts
divided by electrical power input in watts) of the DX heating coil unit at rated conditions for Speed
<x> operation (outdoor air dry-bulb temperature of 8.33 °C, outdoor air wet-bulb temperature of
6.11 °C, coil entering air dry-bulb temperature of 21.11 °C, coil entering air wet-bulb temperature
of 15.55 °C, and a heating coil air flow rate defined by field Speed <x> Rated Air Flow Rate
below). The value entered here must be greater than 0. The input power includes power for the
compressor(s) and outdoor fan(s) but does not include the power consumption of the indoor supply
air fan. The gross heating capacity is the value entered above in the field Gross Rated Heating
Capacity . The gross COP should NOT account for the supply air fan.

1.40.22.1.20 Field: Speed <x> Rated Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the volume air flow rate, in m3 per second, across the DX heating
coil at rated conditions for Speed <x> operation. The value entered here must be greater than 0.
The rated air volume flow rate should be between 0.00004027 m3 /s and 0.00006041 m3 /s per watt
of gross rated heating capacity. The gross rated heating capacity and gross rated COP should be
performance information for the unit with outdoor air dry-bulb temperature of 8.33 °C, outdoor
air wet-bulb temperature of 6.11 °C, heating coil entering air dry-bulb temperature of 21.11 °C,
heating coil entering air wet-bulb temperature of 15.55 °C, and the rated air volume flow rate
defined here.

1.40.22.1.21 Field: Speed <x> Heating Capacity Function of Temperature

Curve Name
This alpha field defines the name of a bi-quadratic, quadratic or cubic performance curve for
Speed <x> (ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes the variation of the total heating capac-
ity as a function of the both the indoor and outdoor air dry-bulb temperature or just the outdoor
air dry-bulb temperature depending on the type of curve selected. The bi-quadratic curve is rec-
ommended if sufficient manufacturer data is available as it provides sensitivity to the indoor air
dry-bulb temperature and a more realistic output. The output of this curve is multiplied by the
1778 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

gross rated heating capacity to give the gross total heating capacity at specific temperature oper-
ating conditions (i.e., at an indoor air dry-bulb temperature or outdoor air dry-bulb temperature
different from the rating point temperature). The curve is normalized to have the value of 1.0 at
the rating point.

1.40.22.1.22 Field: Speed <x> Heating Capacity Function of Flow Fraction

Curve Name
This alpha field defines the name of a quadratic or cubic performance curve for Speed <x>
(ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes the variation of heating capacity as a function of the
ratio of actual air flow rate across the heating coil to the rated air flow rate (i.e., fraction of full
load flow). The output of this curve is multiplied by the gross rated heating capacity and the gross
heating capacity modifier curve (function of temperature) to give the gross heating capacity at the
specific temperature and air flow conditions at which the coil is operating. The curve is normalized
to have the value of 1.0 when the actual air flow rate equals the rated air flow rate.

1.40.22.1.23 Field: Speed <x> Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature

Curve Name
This alpha field defines the name of a bi-quadratic, quadratic or cubic performance curve for
Speed <x> (ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes the variation of the energy input ratio
(EIR) as a function of the both the indoor and outdoor air dry-bulb temperature or just the
outdoor air dry-bulb temperature depending on the type of curve selected. The bi-quadratic curve
is recommended if sufficient manufacturer data is available as it provides sensitivity to the indoor
air dry-bulb temperature and a more realistic output. The EIR is the inverse of the COP. The
output of this curve is multiplied by the rated EIR (inverse of rated COP) to give the EIR at
specific temperature operating conditions (i.e., at an indoor air dry-bulb temperature or outdoor
air dry-bulb temperature different from the rating point temperature). The curve is normalized to
have the value of 1.0 at the rating point.

1.40.22.1.24 Field: Speed <x> Energy Input Ratio Function of Flow Fraction
Curve Name
This alpha field defines the name of a quadratic or cubic performance curve for Speed <x> (ref:
Performance Curves) that parameterizes the variation of the energy input ratio (EIR) as a function
of the ratio of actual air flow rate across the heating coil to the rated air flow rate (i.e., fraction of
full load flow). The EIR is the inverse of the COP. The output of this curve is multiplied by the
rated EIR and the EIR modifier curve (function of temperature) to give the EIR at the specific
temperature and air flow conditions at which the coil is operating. This curve is normalized to a
value of 1.0 when the actual air flow rate equals the rated air flow rate.

1.40.22.1.25 Field: Speed <x>Part Load Fraction Correlation Curve Name

This alpha field defines the name of a quadratic or cubic performance curve for Speed <x>
(Ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes the variation of electrical power input to the DX
unit as a function of the part load ratio (PLR, sensible cooling load/steady-state sensible cooling
capacity). The product of the rated EIR and EIR modifier curves is divided by the output of
this curve to give the effective EIR for a given simulation timestep. The part load fraction (PLF)
correlation accounts for efficiency losses due to compressor cycling.
The part load fraction correlation should be normalized to a value of 1.0 when the part load
ratio equals 1.0 (i.e., no efficiency losses when the compressor(s) run continuously for the simulation
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1779

timestep). For PLR values between 0 and 1 (0 < = PLR < 1), the following rules apply:
PLF > = 0.7 and PLF > = PLR

If PLF < 0.7 a warning message is issued, the program resets the PLF value to 0.7, and the
simulation proceeds. The runtime fraction of the coil is defined as PLR/PLF. If PLF < PLR, then
a warning message is issued and the runtime fraction of the coil is limited to 1.0.
A typical part load fraction correlation for a conventional DX heating coil (Speed <x>) would
be:
PLF = 0.85 + 0.15( PLR)

If the user wishes to model no efficiency degradation due to compressor cycling, the part load
fraction correlation should be defined as follows:
PLF = 1.0 + 0.0( PLR)

1.40.22.1.26 Field: Speed <x> Rated Waste Heat Fraction of Power Input
The fraction of heat input to heating that is available as recoverable waste heat at full load and
rated conditions for Speed <x> operation.

1.40.22.1.27 Field: Speed <x> Waste Heat Function of Temperature Curve

Name
The name of a bi-quadratic performance curve (ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes
the variation of the waste heat recovery as a function of outdoor dry-bulb temperature and the en-
tering coil dry-bulb temperature for Speed <x>. The output of this curve is multiplied by the rated
recoverable waste heat at specific temperature operating conditions (i.e., at temperatures different
from the rating point). The curve is normalized to a value of 1.0 at the rating point. When the fuel
type is electricity, the field is either left blank or ignored by the program. When the fuel type is not
electricity and the parent object AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed does not
require waste heat calculations, this field is ignored. If the field is blank, a warning will be issued
and simulation continues. When the fuel type is not electricity and the parent object AirLoopH-
VAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir:MultiSpeed requires waste heat calculations, if this field is left
blank, the program assumes a constant value of 1 to make simulation continue and a warning will
be issued.

1.40.22.1.28 Field: Zone Name for Evaporator Placement

This input field is name of a conditioned or unconditioned zone where the secondary coil (evap-
orator) of a heat pump is installed. This is an optional input field specified only when user desires
to extract heat from the zone via secondary coil. Heat extracted is modeled as internal gain. If
the primary DX system is a heat pump, then the zone name should be the same as the zone name
specified for placing the secondary cooling DX coil.

1.40.22.1.29 Field: Speed <x> Secondary Coil Air Flow Rate

This input value is the secondary coil (evaporator) air flow rate when the heat pump is working
in heating mode or the secondary coil (condenser) air flow rate when the heat pump is working in
cooling mode. This input field is auto-sizable.
1780 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.22.1.30 Field: Speed <x> Secondary Coil Fan Flow Scaling Factor
This input field is scaling factor for autosizing the secondary DX coil fan flow rate. The
secondary air flow rate is determined by multiplying the primary DX coil rated air flow rate by the
fan flow scaling factor. Default value is 1.25. If the secondary coil fan flow rate is not autosized,
then the secondary coil fan flow scaling factor is set to 1.0.

1.40.22.1.31 Field: Speed <x> Nominal Sensible Heat Ratio of Secondary Coil

This input value is the nominal sensible heat ratio used to split the heat extracted by a secondary
DX coil (evaporator) of a heat pump into sensible and latent components. This is an optional input
field. If this input field is left blank, then pure sensible internal heat gain is assumed, i.e., sensible
heat ratio of 1.0.

1.40.22.1.32 Field: Speed <x> Sensible Heat Ratio Modifier Function of Tem-
perature Curve Name
This input field is name of sensible heat ratio modifier biquadratic curve. The value of this
curve modifies the nominal sensible heat ratio for current time step depending on the secondary
zone air node wet-bulb temperature and the heating DX coil entering air dry-bulb temperature.
This is an optional input field. If this input field is left blank, then the nominal sensible heat ratio
modifier curve value for temperature is set to 1.0.

1.40.22.1.33 Field: Speed <x> Sensible Heat Ratio Modifier Function of Flow
Fraction Curve Name
This input field is name of sensible heat ratio modifier curve as function of secondary air flow
fraction. The value of this curve modifies the nominal sensible heat ratio for current time step
depending on the secondary coil air flow fraction. This is an optional input field. If this input field
is left blank, then the sensible heat ratio modifier curve value for flow fraction is set to 1.0.
Following is an example input for a multi-speed heating DX coil.

COIL:Heating:DX:MultiSpeed ,
Heat Pump DX Heating Coil 1, !- Name of heat pump heating coil
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule
Heating Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Coil Air Inlet Node
SuppHeating Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Coil Air Outlet Node
-8.0, !- Minimum Outdoor Dry -bulb Temperature for
Compressor Operation {C}
200.0 , !- Crankcase Heater Capacity {W}
10.0, !- Maximum Outdoor Dry -bulb Temperature for
Crankcase Heater Operation {C}
HPACDefrostCAPFT , !- Defrost energy input ratio modifier curve (temperature)
7.22, !- Maximum Outdoor Dry -bulb Temperature for Defrost
Operation
reverse -cycle , !- Defrost Strategy
timed , !- Defrost Control
0.058333 , !- Defrost Time Period Fraction
2000.0 , !- Resistive Defrost Heater Capacity {W}
No , !- Apply Part Load Fraction to Speeds greater
than 1
NaturalGas , !- Fuel type
4, !- Number of speeds
7500, !- Gross Rated Heating Capacity , Speed 1 {W}
2.75, !- Gross Rated Heating COP , Speed 1
0.45, !- Rated Air Flow Rate , Speed 1 {m3/s}
HPACHeatCapFT Speed 1, !- Heating Capacity Modifier Curve , Speed 1 (temperature)
HPACHeatCapFF Speed 1, !- Heating capacity modifier curve , Speed 1 (flow fraction)
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1781

HPACHeatEIRFT Speed 1, !- Energy input ratio modifier curve , Speed 1 (temperature)

HPACHeatEIRFF Speed 1, !- Energy input ratio modifier curve , Speed 1 (flow fraction)
HPACHeatPLFFPLR Speed 1, !- Part load fraction correlation , Speed 1 (part load ratio)
0.2, !- Rated waste heat fraction of power input , Speed
1
HAPCHeatWHFT Speed 1, !- Waste heat modifier curve , Speed 1 (temperature)
17500 , !- Gross Rated Heating Capacity , Speed 2 {W}
2.75, !- Gross Rated Heating COP , Speed 2
0.85, !- Rated Air Flow Rate , Speed 2 {m3/s}
HPACHeatCapFT Speed 2, !- Heating Capacity Modifier Curve , Speed 2 (temperature)
HPACHeatCapFF Speed 2, !- Heating capacity modifier curve , Speed 2 (flow fraction)
HPACHeatEIRFT Speed 2, !- Energy input ratio modifier curve , Speed 2 (temperature)
HPACHeatEIRFF Speed 2, !- Energy input ratio modifier curve , Speed 2 (flow fraction)
HPACHeatPLFFPLR Speed 2, !- Part load fraction correlation , Speed 2 (part load ratio)
0.2, !- Rated waste heat fraction of power input , Speed
2
HAPCHeatWHFT Speed 2, !- Waste heat modifier curve , Speed 2 (temperature)
25500 , !- Gross Rated Heating Capacity , Speed 3 {W}
2.75, !- Gross Rated Heating COP , Speed 3
1.25, !- Rated Air Flow Rate , Speed 3 {m3/s}
HPACHeatCapFT Speed 3, !- Heating Capacity Modifier Curve , Speed 3 (temperature)
HPACHeatCapFF Speed 3, !- Heating capacity modifier curve , Speed 3 (flow fraction)
HPACHeatEIRFT Speed 3, !- Energy input ratio modifier curve , Speed 3 (temperature)
HPACHeatEIRFF Speed 3, !- Energy input ratio modifier curve , Speed 3 (flow fraction)
HPACHeatPLFFPLR Speed 3, !- Part load fraction correlation , Speed 3 (part load ratio)
0.2, !- Rated waste heat fraction of power input , Speed
3
HAPCHeatWHFT Speed 3, !- Waste heat modifier curve , Speed 3 (temperature)
35500 , !- Gross Rated Heating Capacity , Speed 4 {W}
2.75, !- Gross Rated Heating COP , Speed 4
1.75, !- Rated Air Flow Rate , Speed 4 {m3/s}
HPACHeatCapFT Speed 4, !- Heating Capacity Modifier Curve , Speed 4 (temperature)
HPACHeatCapFF Speed 4, !- Heating capacity modifier curve , Speed 4 (flow fraction)
HPACHeatEIRFT Speed 4, !- Energy input ratio modifier curve , Speed 4 (temperature)
HPACHeatEIRFF Speed 4, !- Energy input ratio modifier curve , Speed 4 (flow fraction)
HPACHeatPLFFPLR Speed 4, !- Part load fraction correlation , Speed 4 (part load ratio)
0.2, !- Rated waste heat fraction of power input , Speed
4
HAPCHeatWHFT Speed 4; !- Waste heat modifier curve , Speed 4 (temperature)

1.40.22.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Total Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Heating Coil Total Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Electric Power[W]

• HVAC,Sum,Heating Coil Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Defrost Electric Power[W]

• HVAC,Sum,Heating Coil Defrost Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Defrost Gas Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Heating Coil Defrost Gas Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Crankcase Heater Electric Power[W]

• HVAC,Sum,Heating Coil Crankcase Heater Electric Energy [J]

1782 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Runtime Fraction []

If Fuel Type is not Electricity:

• HVAC,Average, Heating Coil <Fuel Type> Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Heating Coil <Fuel Type> Energy [J]

1.40.22.2.1 Heating Coil Total Heating Rate [W]

This field is the total heating rate output of the DX coil in Watts. This is determined by the
coil inlet and outlet air conditions and the air mass flow rate through the coil.

1.40.22.2.2 Heating Coil Total Heating Energy [J]

This is the total heating output of the DX coil in Joules over the timestep being reported. This
is determined by the coil inlet and outlet air conditions and the air mass flow rate through the
coil. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = EnergyTransfer, End Use Key =
HeatingCoil, Group Key = System (ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.40.22.2.3 Heating Coil Electric Power [W]

This output variable is the input fuel type power for the heating coil in the unit of Watts,
averaged during the report period. If Fuel Type is not Electricity, the value is zero.

1.40.22.2.4 Cooling Coil Electric Energy [J]

This output variable is the input fuel type consumption for the multispeed heating coil in
the unit of Joules, summed during the report period. This output is also added to a meter with
Resource Type = Electricity, End Use Key = Heating, Group Key = System (ref. Output:Meter
objects). If Fuel Type is not Electricity, the value is zero.

1.40.22.2.5 Heating Coil Defrost Electric Power [W]

This is the electricity consumption rate of the DX coil unit in Watts when the unit is in defrost
mode (reverse-cycle or resistive). The variable is available when the defrost mode is resistive or the
fuel type is electricity.

1.40.22.2.6 Heating Coil Defrost Electric Energy [J]

This is the electricity consumption of the DX coil unit in Joules for the timestep being reported.
This consumption is applicable when the unit is in defrost mode (reverse-cycle or resistive). The
variable is available when the defrost mode is resistive or the fuel type is electricity.

1.40.22.2.7 Heating Coil Defrost <Fuel Type> Rate [W]

This is the fuel consumption rate of the DX coil unit in Watts when the unit is in defrost mode
(reverse-cycle). The variable is available when the defrost mode is reverse-cycle and the fuel type
is non-electricity.

1.40.22.2.8 Heating Coil Defrost <Fuel Type> Energy [J]

This is the fuel consumption of the DX coil unit in Joules for the timestep being reported. This
consumption is applicable when the unit is in defrost mode (reverse-cycle). The variable is available
when the defrost mode is reverse-cycle and the fuel type is non-electricity.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1783

1.40.22.2.9 Heating Coil Crankcase Heater Electric Power [W]

This is the average electricity consumption rate of the DX coil compressor s crankcase heater in
Watts for the timestep being reported. When a companion cooling coil exits, the crankcase heater
power of the companion cool coil is alos reported in this variable.

1.40.22.2.10 Heating Coil Crankcase Heater Electric Energy [J]

This is the electricity consumption of the DX coil compressor s crankcase heater in Joules for the
timestep being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity,
End Use Key = Heating, Group Key = System (ref. Output:Meter objects). When a companion
cooling coil exits, the crankcase heater power of the companion cool coil is alos reported in this
variable.

1.40.22.2.11 Heating Coil Runtime Fraction []

This is the runtime fraction of the DX heating coil compressor and outdoor fan(s) for the
timestep being reported. When the heating speed is above 1, this output is the run time fraction
for the higher speed.

1.40.22.2.12 Heating Coil <Fuel Type> Rate [W]

This output variable is the input fuel type power for the heating coil in the unit of Watts,
averaged during the report period. The electric power is excluded. If Fuel Type is Electricity, this
output variable is not reported.

1.40.22.2.13 Cooling Coil <Fuel Type> Energy [J]

This output variable is the input fuel type consumption for the multispeed heating coil in the
unit of Joules, summed during the report period. The electric consumption is excluded. This
output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = <Fuel Type>, End Use Key = Heating,
Group Key = System (ref. Output:Meter objects). If Fuel Type is Electricity, this output variable
is not reported.
Note: The Fuel Type defined in the above two output variables depends on the input in the
fuel type filed. In addition to Electricity, Valid fuel types are NaturalGas, Propane, FuelOil#1,
FuelOil#2, Coal, Diesel, Gasoline, OtherFuel1 and OtherFuel2.

1.40.23 Coil:Heating:DX:VariableSpeed
The Variable-Speed Air-to-Air Heating DX Coil is a collection of performance curves that represent
the heating coil at various speed levels. The performance curves should be generated from the heat
pump Reference Unit catalog data. This is an equation-fit model that resembles a black box with no
usage of heat transfer equations. The number of speed levels can range from 1 to 10. The heating
coil has two air side node connections. The user needs to specify a nominal speed level, at which the
gross rated capacity and rated volumetric air flow rate are sized. The gross rated capacity and rated
volumetric flow rate represent the real situation in the air loop, and are used to determine the flow
rates at various speed levels in the parent objects, e.g. AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir,
ZoneHVAC:PackagedTerminalHeatPump, etc. It shall be mentioned that the performance correc-
tion curves, i.e. the temperature and flow fraction correction curves, should be normalized to the
capacity and flow rate at each individual speed and at the rated operating conditions, similar to the
performance curves used in the single-speed DX coil. On the other hand, the performance values
at individual speed levels, e.g. capacities, COPs and flow rates, should be given regarding a specific
1784 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

unit from the Reference Unit catalog data. In the following content, the statement started with
Reference Unit means the actual Reference Unit catalog data. The rated conditions for obtaining
the capacities and COPs are at indoor dry-bulb temperature of 21.1 ˚C (70 ˚F) and the source
side entering air temperature of 8.3 ˚C (47 ˚F). Some equations are provided below to help explain
the function of the various performance curves and data fields.

1.40.23.1 Inputs
1.40.23.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the variable speed heating coil.

1.40.23.1.2 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the heating coil load side inlet node name.

1.40.23.1.3 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the heating coil load side outlet node name.

1.40.23.1.4 Field: Number of Speeds

This numeric field contains the maximum number of speed levels that the module uses. The
number of speeds, for which the user input the performance data and curves, has to be equal to or
higher than the maximum number. The performance inputs at higher speeds are ignored.

1.40.23.1.5 Field: Nominal Speed Level

This numeric field defines the nominal speed level, at which the rated capacity, rated air and
volumetric flow rate are correlated.

1.40.23.1.6 Field: Gross Rated Heating Capacity at Selected Nominal Speed

Level
This numeric field contains the rated capacity at the nominal speed level. This field is autosiz-
able. The gross rated heating capacity is used to determine a capacity scaling factor, as compared
to the Reference Unit capacity at the nominal speed level.

GrossRatedTotalHeatingCapacity
CapacityScaleFactor = (1.159)
ReferenceUnitCapacity@NominalSpeedLevel
And then, this scaling factor is used to determine capacities at rated conditions for other speed
levels, as below,

GrossRatedCapacity@SpeedLevel (x) =
CapacityScaleFactor× (1.160)
ReferenceUnitCapacity@SpeedLevel(x)

1.40.23.1.7 Field: Rated Volumetric Air Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the rated volumetric air flow rate on the load side of the heat pump
corresponding to the nominal speed level. This field is autosizable. The value is used to determine
an internal scaling factor, and calculate the air flow rates in the parent objects. It is recommended
that the ratio of the rated volumetric air flow rate to the rated capacity is the same as the unit
performance from the Reference Unit data.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1785

RatedVolumetricAirFlowRate
AirFlowScaleFactor =
ReferenceUnitVolAirFlowRate@NominalSpeedLevel × CapacityScaleFactor
(1.161)
And the volumetric air flow rates in the parent objects are calculated as below,

LoopVolumetricAirFlowRate@SpeedLevel (x) =
AirFlowScaleFactor×
(1.162)
ReferenceUnitVolAirFlowRate@SpeedLevel(x)×
CapacityScaleFactor

1.40.23.1.8 Field: Part Load Fraction Correlation Curve Name

This alpha field defines the name of a quadratic or cubic performance curve (Ref: Performance
Curves) that parameterizes the variation of electrical power input to the unit as a function of
the part load ratio (PLR, heating load/steady-state heating capacity for Speed 1), in the case
that the unit operates under the lowest speed, i.e. on/off. The product of the rated EIR and EIR
modifier curves is divided by the output of this curve to give the effective EIR for a given simulation
timestep for Speed 1. The part load fraction (PLF) correlation accounts for efficiency losses due to
compressor cycling. The part load fraction correlation should be normalized to a value of 1.0 when
the part load ratio equals 1.0 (i.e., no efficiency losses when the compressor(s) run continuously for
the simulation timestep).

1.40.23.1.9 Field: Defrost Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve

Name
This alpha field defines the name of a bi-quadratic performance curve (ref: Performance Curves)
that parameterizes the variation of the energy input ratio (EIR) during reverse-cycle defrost periods
as a function of the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature and the wet-bulb temperature of the air
entering the indoor coil. The EIR is the inverse of the COP. The output of this curve is multiplied
by the coil capacity at the maximum speed level, the fractional defrost time period and the runtime
fraction of the heating coil to give the defrost power at the specific temperatures at which the indoor
and outdoor coils are operating. This curve is only required when a reverse cycle defrost strategy
is selected. The curve is normalized to a value of 1.0 at the rating point conditions.

1.40.23.1.10 Field: Minimum Outdoor Dry-Bulb Temperature for Compressor

Operation
This numeric field defines the minimum outdoor air dry-bulb temperature where the heating
coil compressor turns off. If this input field is left blank, the default value is -8 °C.

1.40.23.1.11 Field: Outdoor Dry-Bulb Temperature to Turn On Compressor

This numeric field defines the outdoor temperature when the compressor is automatically turned
back on following an automatic shut off because of low outdoor dry-bulb temperature. This field
is only used for the calculation of HSPF. If this field is not provided, then outdoor bin tempera-
ture used in the HSPF calculation is always considered to be greater than this temperature and
‘Minimum Outdoor Dry-Bulb Temperature for Compressor Operation’ field described above. This
assumption is based on AHRI standard 210/240 (2008) and can introduce significant error in the
final value of HSPF.
1786 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.23.1.12 Field: Maximum Outdoor Dry-Bulb Temperature for Defrost Op-

eration
This numeric field defines the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature above which outdoor coil de-
frosting is disabled. The temperature for this input field must be greater than or equal to 0 °C and
less than or equal to 7.22 °C. If this input field is left blank, the default value is 5 °C.

1.40.23.1.13 Field: Crankcase Heater Capacity

This numeric field defines the crankcase heater capacity in Watts. When the outdoor air
drybulb temperature is below the value specified in the input field Maximum Outdoor Dry-bulb
Temperature for Crankcase Heater Operation (described below), the crankcase heater is enabled
during the time that the compressor is not running. The value for this input field must be greater
than or equal to 0. If this input field is left blank, the default value is 0. To simulate a unit without
a crankcase heater, enter a value of 0.

1.40.23.1.14 Field: Maximum Outdoor Dry-Bulb Temperature for Crankcase

Heater Operation
This numeric field defines the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature above which the compressor s
crankcase heater is disabled. The value for this input field must be greater than or equal to 0.0 °C.
If this input field is left blank, the default value is 10 °C.

1.40.23.1.15 Field: Defrost Strategy

This alpha field has two choices: reverse-cycle or resistive. If the reverse-cycle strategy is
selected, the heating cycle is reversed periodically to provide heat to melt frost accumulated on the
outdoor coil. If a resistive defrost strategy is selected, the frost is melted using an electric resistance
heater. If this input field is left blank, the default defrost strategy is reverse cycle.

1.40.23.1.16 Field: Defrost Control

This alpha field has two choices: timed or on-demand. If timed control is selected, the defrost
time period is calculated based on a fixed value or compressor runtime whether or not frost has
actually accumulated. For timed defrost control, the fractional amount of time the unit is in defrost
is entered in the input field Defrost Time Period Fraction described below. If on-demand defrost
control is selected, the defrost time period is calculated based on outdoor weather (humidity ratio)
conditions. Regardless of which defrost control is selected, defrost does not occur above the user
specified outdoor temperature entered in the input field Maximum Outdoor Dry-bulb Temperature
for Defrost Operation described above. If this input field is left blank, the default defrost control
is timed.

1.40.23.1.17 Field: Defrost Time Period Fraction

This numeric field defines the fraction of compressor runtime when the defrost cycle is active,
and only applies to timed defrost (see Defrost Control input field above). For example, if the defrost
cycle is active for 3.5 minutes for every 60 minutes of compressor runtime, then the user should
enter 3.5/60 = 0.058333. The value for this input field must be greater than or equal to 0. If this
input field is left blank, the default value is 0.058333.

1.40.23.1.18 Field: Resistive Defrost Heater Capacity

This numeric field defines the capacity of the resistive defrost heating element in Watts. This
input field is used only when the selected defrost strategy is resistive (see input field Defrost Strategy
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1787

above). The value for this input field must be greater than or equal to 0. If this input field is left
blank, the default value is 0.

1.40.23.1.19 Field Group: Rated specification and performance curves

The performance for each heating speed must be specified as shown below. They should be
directly given from the Reference Unit data. All inputs for Speed 1 are required, followed by the
optional inputs for other speeds.

1.40.23.1.20 Field: Speed <x> Reference Unit Gross Rated Heating Capacity

This numeric field defines the total, full load gross heating capacity in watts of the air-to-air
heating coil unit at rated conditions for Speed <x> operation. The value entered here must be
greater than 0. The gross heating capacity should not account for the effects of supply air fan heat.

1.40.23.1.21 Field: Speed <x> Reference Unit Gross Rated Heating COP
This numeric field defines the coefficient of performance (COP = gross heating capacityin watts
divided by electrical power input in watts) of the heating coil unit at rated conditions for Speed
<x> operation. The value entered here must be greater than 0. The input power includes power for
the compressor(s), the outdoor coil fan and accessories, but does not include the power consumption
of the indoor supply air fan. The gross COP should NOT account for the supply air fan.

1.40.23.1.22 Field: Speed <x> Reference Unit Rated Air Flow Rate
This numeric field defines the volume air flow rate, in m3 per second, across the heating coil
at rated conditions for Speed <x> operation. The value entered here should be directly from
the Reference Unit data, corresponding to the given gross rated heating capacity and gross rated
heating COP at the speed, as above.

1.40.23.1.23 Field: Speed <x> Heating Capacity Function of Temperature

Curve Name
This alpha field defines the name of a bi-quadratic performance curve for Speed <x> (ref:
Performance Curves) that parameterizes the variation of the total heating capacity as a function of
the indoor dry-bulb and source side entering air temperature, from the Reference Unit. The output
of this curve is multiplied by the gross rated heating capacity at the speed to give the gross heating
capacity at specific temperature operating conditions (i.e., at an indoor air dry-bulb temperature
or entering air temperature different from the rating point temperature). It should be noted that
the curve is normalized to the heating capacity at Speed<x> from the Reference Unit data, and
have the value of 1.0 at the rating point.

1.40.23.1.24 Field: Speed <x> Heating Capacity Function of Air Flow Fraction
Curve Name
This alpha field defines the name of a quadratic or cubic performance curve for Speed <x> (ref:
Performance Curves) that parameterizes the variation of the gross heating capacity as a function
of the ratio of actual air flow rate across the heating coil to the design air flow rate (i.e., fraction of
full load flow), at Speed <x> from the Reference Unit data. The curve is normalized to have the
value of 1.0 when the actual air flow rate equals the design air flow rate at Speed <x>.
1788 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.23.1.25 Field: Speed <x> Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature

Curve Name
This alpha field defines the name of a bi-quadratic performance curve for Speed <x> (ref:
Performance Curves) that parameterizes the variation of the energy input ratio (EIR) as a function
of the both the indoor air dry-bulb and entering air temperatures. The EIR is the inverse of the
COP. The output of this curve is multiplied by the rated EIR (inverse of rated COP at Speed <x>
from the Reference Unit data) to give the EIR at specific temperature operating conditions (i.e.,
at an indoor air dry bulb temperature or entering air temperature different from the rating point
temperature). The curve is normalized to have the value of 1.0 at the rating point.

1.40.23.1.26 Field: Speed <x> Energy Input Ratio Function of Air Flow Frac-
tion Curve Name
This alpha field defines the name of a quadratic or cubic performance curve for Speed <x>
(ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes the variation of the energy input ratio (EIR) as a
function of the ratio of actual air flow rate across the heating coil to the design air flow rate (i.e.,
fraction of full load flow, at Speed <x> from the Reference Unit data). The EIR is the inverse of
the COP. This curve is normalized to a value of 1.0 when the actual air flow rate equals the design
air flow rate.
An example of this statement in an IDF is:

Coil:Heating:DX:VariableSpeed ,
Heat Pump DX Heating Coil 1, !- Name
Heating Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Air Inlet Node Name
SuppHeating Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Air Outlet Node Name
10.0, !- Number of Speeds {dimensionless}
10.0, !- Nominal Speed Level {dimensionless}
35000 , !- Gross Rated Heating Capacity {W}
1.7, !- Rated Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
HPACCOOLPLFFPLR , !- Part Load Fraction Correlation Curve Name
, !- Defrost Energy Input Ratio Function of
Temperature Curve Name
-5.0, !- Minimum Outdoor Dry -Bulb Temperature for
Compressor Operation {C}
, !- Outdoor Dry -Bulb Temperature to Turn Back On
Compressor{C}
5.0, !- Maximum Outdoor Dry -Bulb Temperature for
Defrost Operation {C}
200.0 , !- Crankcase Heater Capacity {W}
10.0, !- Maximum Outdoor Dry -Bulb Temperature for
Crankcase Heater Operation {C}
Resistive , !- Defrost Strategy
TIMED , !- Defrost Control
0.166667 , !- Defrost Time Period Fraction
20000 , !- Resistive Defrost Heater Capacity {W}
1838.7 , !- Speed 1 Gross Rated Heating Capacity {w}
5.0, !- Speed 1 Gross Rated Heating COP {dimensionless}
0.1661088 , !- Speed 1 Rated Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
HPACHeatCapFT , !- Heating Capacity Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACHeatCapFFF , !- Heating Capacity Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
HPACHeatEIRFT , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACHeatEIRFFF , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
2295.5 , !- Speed 2 Gross Rated Heating Capacity {w}
5.0, !- Speed 2 Gross Rated Heating COP {dimensionless}
0.179322 , !- Speed 2 Rated Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
HPACHeatCapFT , !- Heating Capacity Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACHeatCapFFF , !- Heating Capacity Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
HPACHeatEIRFT , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACHeatEIRFFF , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
2751.3 , !- Speed 3 Gross Rated Heating Capacity {w}
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1789

5.0, !- Speed 3 Gross Rated Heating COP {dimensionless}

0.1925352 , !- Speed 3 Rated Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
HPACHeatCapFT , !- Heating Capacity Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACHeatCapFFF , !- Heating Capacity Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
HPACHeatEIRFT , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACHeatEIRFFF , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
3659.6 , !- Speed 4 Gross Rated Heating Capacity {w}
5.0, !- Speed 4 Gross Rated Heating COP {dimensionless}
0.2189616 , !- Speed 4 Rated Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
HPACHeatCapFT , !- Heating Capacity Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACHeatCapFFF , !- Heating Capacity Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
HPACHeatEIRFT , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACHeatEIRFFF , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
4563.7 , !- Speed 5 Gross Rated Heating Capacity {w}
5.0, !- Speed 5 Gross Rated Heating COP {dimensionless}
0.245388 , !- Speed 5 Rated Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
HPACHeatCapFT , !- Total Heating Capacity Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACHeatCapFFF , !- Total Heating Capacity Function of Flow Fraction Curve
Name
HPACHeatEIRFT , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACHeatEIRFFF , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
5463.3 , !- Speed 6 Gross Rated Heating Capacity {w}
5.0, !- Speed 6 Gross Rated Heating COP {dimensionless}
0.2718144 , !- Speed 6 Rated Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
HPACHeatCapFT , !- Heating Capacity Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACHeatCapFFF , !- Heating Capacity Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
HPACHeatEIRFT , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACHeatEIRFFF , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
6358.4 , !- Speed 7 Gross Rated Heating Capacity {w}
5.0, !- Speed 7 Gross Rated Heating COP {dimensionless}
0.2982408 , !- Speed 7 Rated Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
HPACHeatCapFT , !- Heating Capacity Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACHeatCapFFF , !- Heating Capacity Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
HPACHeatEIRFT , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACHeatEIRFFF , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
7248.5 , !- Speed 8 Gross Rated Heating Capacity {w}
5.0, !- Speed 8 Gross Rated Heating COP {dimensionless}
0.3246672 , !- Speed 8 Rated Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
HPACHeatCapFT , !- Heating Capacity Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACHeatCapFFF , !- Heating Capacity Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
HPACHeatEIRFT , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACHeatEIRFFF , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
8133.6 , !- Speed 9 Gross Rated Heating Capacity {w}
5.0, !- Speed 9 Gross Rated Heating COP {dimensionless}
0.3510936 , !- Speed 9 Rated Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
HPACHeatCapFT , !- Heating Capacity Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACHeatCapFFF , !- Heating Capacity Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
HPACHeatEIRFT , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACHeatEIRFFF , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
9013.2 , !- Speed 10 Gross Rated Heating Capacity {w}
5.0, !- Speed 10 Gross Rated Heating COP {dimensionless
}
0.37752 , !- Speed 10 Rated Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
HPACHeatCapFT , !- Heating Capacity Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACHeatCapFFF , !- Heating Capacity Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
HPACHeatEIRFT , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACHeatEIRFFF; !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name

1.40.23.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Sensible Heating Rate [W]

1790 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Source Side Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Part Load Ratio []

• HVAC,Average, Heating Coil Runtime Fraction []

• HVAC,Average, Heating Coil Air Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Air Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Air Inlet Humidity Ratio [kgWater/kgDryAir]

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Air Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Air Outlet Humidity Ratio [kgWater/kgDryAir]

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Upper Speed Level []

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Neighboring Speed Levels Ratio []

• HVAC,Average,VSAirtoAirHP Recoverable Waste Heat [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Heating Coil Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Heating Coil Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Sum,Heating Coil Source Side Heat Transfer Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Defrost Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Heating Coil Defrost Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Heating Coil Crankcase Heater Electric Power[W]

• HVAC,Sum,Heating Coil Crankcase Heater Electric Energy [J]

1.40.23.2.1 Heating Coil Electric Power [W]

This output variable is the average electric consumption rate of the heat pump in Watts over
the timestep being reported.

1.40.23.2.2 Heating Coil Heating Rate [W]

The output variable is the average total heating capacity provide by the heat pump in Watts
over the timestep being reported.

1.40.23.2.3 Heating Coil Sensible Heating Rate [W]

The output variable is the average sensible heating capacity provide by the heat pump in Watts
over the timestep being reported. For heating mode, the sensible capacity is equal to the total
capacity.

1.40.23.2.4 Heating Coil Source Side Heat Transfer Rate [W]

The output variable is the average heat absorbed at the heat pump evaporator in Watts over
the timestep being reported.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1791

1.40.23.2.5 Heating Coil Part Load Ratio []

This output variable is the ratio of the part-load capacity to the steady state capacity of the
heating coil. For the cycling fan mode, the runtime fraction for the heat pump compressor may
be different from the compressor part-load ratio reported here due to the part-load performance of
the heating coil (delay at start-up to reach steady-state output). In general, runtime fractions are
reported by individual components where appropriate.

1.40.23.2.6 Heating Coil Runtime Fraction []

This output variable is the function of the part load ratio (PLR, part-load capacity/ steady state
capacity). The duty factor or part load fraction accounts for efficiency losses due to compressor
cycling.

1.40.23.2.7 Heating Coil Air Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

The output variable is the average air mass flow rate on the load side going through the heat
pump over the timestep being reported.

1.40.23.2.8 Heating Coil Air Inlet Temperature [C]

The output variable is the average entering air dry-bulb temperature over the timestep being
reported.

1.40.23.2.9 Heating Coil Air Inlet Humidity Ratio [kgWater/kgDryAir]

The output variable is the average entering air dry humidity ratio over the timestep being
reported.

1.40.23.2.10 Heating Coil Air Outlet Temperature [C]

The output variable is the average leaving air dry-bulb temperature over the timestep being
reported.

1.40.23.2.11 Heating Coil Air Outlet Humidity Ratio [kgWater/kgDryAir]

The output variable is the average leaving air dry humidity ratio over the timestep being
reported.

1.40.23.2.12 Heating Coil Upper Speed Level []

The output variable is the average upper speed level, for interpolating performances between
two neighboring speed levels.

1.40.23.2.13 Heating Coil Neighboring Speed Levels Ratio []

The output variable is the average speed ratio, for interpolating performances between two
neighboring speed levels.

1.40.23.2.14 Heating Coil Electric Energy [J]

The output variable is the total electric consumption of the heat pump in Joules over the
timestep being reported.

1.40.23.2.15 Heating Coil Heating Energy [J]

The output variable is the total cooling output of the coil in Joules over the timestep being
reported.
1792 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.23.2.16 Heating Coil Source Side Heat Transfer Energy [J]

The output variable is the total source side heat transfer of the coil in Joules over the timestep
being reported.

1.40.23.2.17 Heating Coil Defrost Electric Power[W]

The output variable is the average electric power used for defrosting, in Watts over the timestep
being reported.

1.40.23.2.18 Heating Coil Defrost Electric Energy [J]

The output variable is the total electric defrosting energy usage of the coil in Joules over the
timestep being reported.

1.40.23.2.19 Heating Coil Crankcase Heater Electric Power [W]

The output variable is the average power used for crankcase heater, in Watts over the timestep
being reported.

1.40.23.2.20 Heating Coil Crankcase Heater Electric Energy [J]

The output variable is the total electric energy usage of the coil for crankcase heater, in Joules
over the timestep being reported.

1.40.24 Coil:WaterHeating:Desuperheater
A simplified approach is used to determine the performance of this water heating coil. The model
assumes that the heating energy provided by this coil is reclaimed from the superheated refrigerant
gas leaving a compressor (i.e., a desuperheating refrigerant-to-water heating coil) and does not
impact the performance of the compressor. This coil must be used with a water heater tank (e.g.,
WaterHeater:Mixed) which can supply heated potable water and/or hot water for use in a plant
loop (e.g., hydronic air reheat coils).
Except for detailed refrigeration system models, the amount of available superheat is simply
a percentage of the total heat being rejected by the DX system s condenser. Approximately 25-
30% of the energy rejected by typical refrigeration system condensers is to reduce the superheated
refrigerant vapor temperature to the condensing temperature. Recovery efficiencies higher than
30% may cause the refrigerant gas to condense which in turn impacts the performance of the
refrigeration system. For this reason, the maximum heat reclaim recovery efficiency for this coil is
30% for most sources of waste heat, including refrigeration compressor racks. The one exception
to this 30% limit is a condenser that is part of a detailed refrigeration system. In a detailed
refrigeration system, the portion of the rejected heat that lies within the superheated region is
explicitly calculated. Therefore, the desuperheater coils supplied by a condenser attached to a
detailed refrigeration system are subject to a maximum reclaim recovery efficiency of 90% of the
heat within the superheated region.
The model includes the ability to modify the heat reclaim recovery efficiency based on variations
in inlet water temperature and outdoor air dry-bulb temperature.
This coil model performs the following major functions:

• calculates the amount of heat delivered to the water tank

• calculates the electricity consumption of the integral water pump and on/off-cycle parasitic
loads
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1793

The input fields for this object are described below in detail:

1.40.24.1 Inputs
1.40.24.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains a unique user-assigned name for an instance of a desuperheater water
heating coil. Any reference to this desuperheater coil by another object will use this name.

1.40.24.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that denotes whether the
desuperheater coil is available to operate during a given time period. A schedule value equal to
0 denotes that the desuperheater coil is off for that time period. A value other than 0 denotes
that the desuperheater coil is available to operate during that time period. During times when
the desuperheater coil is scheduled off, the heater (element or burner) in the water tank object
operates based on its tank set point temperature schedule and the desuperheater coil s parasitic
electric power is also off for that time period. If this field is blank, the schedule has values of 1 for
all time periods.

1.40.24.1.3 Field: Setpoint Temperature Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the name of the schedule (ref: Schedule) that specifies the set point (or
cut-out ) temperature for the desuperheater coil. Temperature values used in this schedule should
be in degrees Celsius. The desuperheater coil turns off when the tank water reaches this set point
temperature. Once the desuperheater coil is off, the tank water temperature floats downward until
it falls below the set point temperature minus the dead band temperature difference defined below
(i.e., the cut-in temperature). At this point, the desuperheater coil turns on and remains on until
the desuperheater coil set point temperature is reached.

1.40.24.1.4 Field: Dead Band Temperature Difference

This numeric field contains the dead band temperature difference in degrees Celsius. The
desuperheater coil cut-in temperature is defined as the desuperheater coil set point temperature
defined above minus this dead band temperature difference. The desuperheater coil turns on when
the water temperature in the tank falls below the cut-in temperature. The desuperheater coil
remains on until the water temperature in the tank rises above the desuperheater coil set point (
cut-out ) temperature defined above. The dead band temperature difference must be greater than
0 °C and less than or equal to 20 °C. If this field is left blank, the default value is 5 °C.
Desuperheater water heating coils are typically used to offset energy consumption by the water
tank s heater (element or burner). Therefore, the cut-in temperature for the desuperheater coil (set
point minus dead band temperature difference) is usually higher than the set point temperature for
the heater (element or burner) in the associated water heater tank object. At times when the water
heater tank set point temperature is greater than the cut-in temperature of the desuperheater coil,
the model disables the desuperheater coil and the tank s heater is used to heat the water.

1.40.24.1.5 Field: Rated Heat Reclaim Recovery Efficiency

This numeric field defines the ratio of recovered waste heat from the superheated refrigerant
gas to the total rejected waste heat from the heating source (as if no heat reclaim occurred). Input
values must be greater than 0 up to a maximum value is 0.3 (with a defaults of 0.25) for most
sources of waste heat, including refrigeration compressor racks. The one exception to this 0.3
1794 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

limit is a source that is a condenser that is part of a detailed refrigeration system. In a detailed
refrigeration system, the portion of the rejected heat that lies within the superheated region is
explicitly calculated. Therefore, the desuperheater coils supplied by a condenser attached to a
detailed refrigeration system are subject to a maximum reclaim recovery efficiency of 0.9. with a
default value is 0.8.

1.40.24.1.6 Field: Rated Inlet Water Temperature

This numeric field defines the coil inlet water temperature, in degrees Celsius, that corresponds
to the rated heat reclaim recovery efficiency. Also see field Heat Reclaim Efficiency Modifier Curve
Name (function of temperature) below.

1.40.24.1.7 Field: Rated Outdoor Air Temperature

This numeric field defines the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature, in degrees Celsius, that corre-
sponds to the rated heat reclaim recovery efficiency. The outdoor air dry-bulb temperature impacts
the desuperheater coil refrigerant temperature and the amount of heat available for reclaim. Also
see field Heat Reclaim Efficiency Modifier Curve Name(function of temperature) below.

1.40.24.1.8 Field: Maximum Inlet Water Temperature for Heat Reclaim

This numeric field defines the maximum coil inlet water temperature in degrees Celsius. Any
time the inlet water temperature to the desuperheater coil is above this maximum allowed temper-
ature, heat reclaim is restricted so that the tank water does not exceed this temperature.

1.40.24.1.9 Field: Heat Reclaim Efficiency Function of Temperature Curve

Name
This alpha field specifies the name of a bi-quadratic curve object (ref: Performance Curves)
that defines the variation in heat reclaim efficiency as a function of inlet fluid (air and water)
temperatures. The bi-quadratic curve uses the coil inlet water temperature and outdoor air dry-
bulb temperature (entering the DX coil condenser) as the independent variables. The output of this
curve is multiplied by the rated heat reclaim recovery efficiency to give the heat reclaim efficiency
at specific operating conditions (i.e., at temperatures different from the rating point temperatures).
The curve should be normalized to have the value of 1.0 at the rating point temperatures. If this
field is left blank, the heat reclaim efficiency remains constant (curve value assumed to be 1.0 for
all conditions). The model restricts the product of the output of this curve and the rated heat
reclaim recovery efficiency to a maximum of 0.9 for refrigeration condenser sources and 0.3 for all
other sources..

1.40.24.1.10 Field: Water Inlet Node Name

This alpha field defines the name of the water node from which the desuperheater heating coil
draws its inlet water. This node name must also match the source side outlet node name for the
water heater tank used with this coil (ref. Water Heaters).

1.40.24.1.11 Field: Water Outlet Node Name

This alpha field defines the name of the water node to which the desuperheater heating coil
sends its outlet water. This node name must also match the source side inlet node name for the
water heater tank used with this coil (ref. Water Heaters).
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1795

1.40.24.1.12 Field: Tank Object Type

This alpha (choice) field contains the type of water heater tank used by this desuperheater
heating coil. Currently, the only valid choice is WaterHeater:Mixed.

1.40.24.1.13 Field: Tank Name

This alpha field contains the name of the specific water heater tank (WaterHeater:Mixed object)
used by this desuperheater heating coil.

1.40.24.1.14 Field: Heating Source Object Type

This alpha (choice) field defines the source of superheated refrigerant gas from which the desu-
perheater water heating coil recovers energy through heat reclaim. Valid choices are:
This alpha (choice) field defines the source of superheated refrigerant gas from which the desu-
perheater water heating coil recovers energy through heat reclaim. Valid choices are:

• Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed

• Coil:Cooling:DX:TwoSpeed

• Coil:Cooling:DX:TwoStageWithHumidityControlMode

• Refrigeration:CompressorRack

• Refrigeration:Condenser:AirCooled

• Refrigeration:Condenser:EvaporativeCooled

• Refrigeration:Condenser:WaterCooled

1.40.24.1.15 Field: Heating Source Name

This alpha field defines the name of the desuperheater coil s heat source (e.g., the name of a spe-
cific coil of the type mentioned in the previous field which provides waste heat to this desuperheater
water heating coil).

1.40.24.1.16 Field: Water Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the desuperheater coil s water flow rate in cubic meters per sec-
ond. The model assumes that this flow rate is constant (throughout the simulation period) when
the desuperheater coil operates, and that it corresponds to the heat reclaim recovery efficiency
performance specified by the user. This water flow rate must be greater than zero.

1.40.24.1.17 Field: Water Pump Power

This numeric field defines the coil s water circulation pump power in Watts. This is the
operating pump power as installed. Values must be greater than or equal to 0. If this field is
left blank, the default value is 0. A warning message will be issued if the ratio of water pump
power to desuperheater water volumetric flow rate exceeds 7.9264E6 W/m3 /s, but the simulation
will continue using the user-defined values. The model assumes that this integral pump (i.e., no
need to define a separate pump object) cycles on and off with the desuperheater heating coil.
1796 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.24.1.18 Field: Fraction of Pump Heat to Water

This numeric field defines the fraction of water circulation pump heat that is transferred to the
water. The pump is assumed to be downstream of the desuperheater water heating coil, and this
field is used to determine the desuperheater water outlet temperature. Values must be greater than
or equal to 0 and less than or equal to 1. If this field is left blank, the default value is 0.2.

1.40.24.1.19 Field: On-Cycle Parasitic Electric Load

This optional numeric field contains the on-cycle parasitic electric power in Watts. This is the
parasitic electric power consumed by controls or other electrical devices associated with the desu-
perheater water heating coil. This parasitic electric load is consumed whenever the desuperheater
coil is operating, and the model assumes that this parasitic power does not contribute to heating
the water nor does it affect the zone air heat balance. The minimum value for this field is 0.0, and
the default value is also 0.0 if this field is left blank.

1.40.24.1.20 Field: Off-Cycle Parasitic Electric Load

This optional numeric field contains the off-cycle parasitic electric power in Watts. This is the
parasitic electric power consumed by controls or other electrical devices associated with the desu-
perheater water heating coil. This parasitic electric load is consumed whenever the desuperheater
coil is available but is not operating, and the model assumes that this parasitic power does not
contribute to heating the water nor does it affect the zone air heat balance. The minimum value
for this field is 0.0, and the default value is also 0.0 if this field is left blank.
Following is an example input for a desuperheater water heating coil.

Coil:WaterHeating:Desuperheater ,
WaterHeatingCoil , !- Coil Name
DesuperheaterSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
DesuperheaterTempSch , !- Desuperheater Coil Set Point Temperature Schedule Name
5.0, !- Dead Band Temperature Difference {deltaC}
0.25, !- Rated Heat Reclaim Recovery Efficiency
50.0, !- Rated Inlet Water Temperature {C}
35.0, !- Rated Outdoor Air Temperature {C}
60.0, !- Maximum Inlet Water Temperature for Heat Reclaim
{C}
HEffFTemp , !- Heat Reclaim Efficiency Modifier Curve Name (function
of temperature)
WaterHeatingCoilInletNode , !- Desuperheater Water Inlet Node Name
WaterHeatingCoilOutletNode , !- Desuperheater Water Outlet Node Name
WaterHeater:Mixed , !- Water Heater Tank Type
WaterHeatingCoilTank , !- Water Heater Tank Name
Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed , !- Heating Source Type
Furnace ACDXCoil 1, !- Heating Source Name
0.0001 , !- Desuperheater Water Volumetric Flow Rate {m3/s}
100.0 , !- Water Pump Power {W}
0.2, !- Fraction of Pump Heat to Water
10.0, !- On -Cycle Parasitic Electric Load {W}
10.0; !- Off -Cycle Parasitic Electric Load {W}

1.40.24.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Water Heater Part Load Ratio

• HVAC,Average,Water Heater Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Water Heater Heating Energy [J]

1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1797

• HVAC,Average,Water Heater Pump Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Water Heater Pump Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Water Heater Heat Reclaim Efficiency Modifier Multiplier []

• HVAC,Average,Water Heater On Cycle Parasitic Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Water Heater On Cycle Parasitic Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Water Heater Off Cycle Parasitic Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Water Heater Off Cycle Parasitic Electric Energy [J]

Water Heater Part Load Ratio []This output field contains the part load ratio of the desu-
perheater heating coil for the timestep being reported. This ratio represents the fraction of the
timestep that the desuperheater heating coil is operating.

1.40.24.2.1 Water Heater Heating Rate [W]

This output field contains the average heating rate output of the desuperheater heating coil in
Watts for the timestep being reported. This value includes the portion of circulation pump heat
attributed to heating the water.

1.40.24.2.2 Water Heater Heating Energy [J]

This output field contains the total heating output of the desuperheater heating coil in Joules
for the timestep being reported. This value includes the portion of circulation pump heat attributed
to heating the water.

1.40.24.2.3 Water Heater Pump Electric Power [W]

This output field contains the average electricity consumption rate for the water circulation
pump in Watts for the timestep being reported.

1.40.24.2.4 Water Heater Pump Electric Energy [J]

This output field contains the electricity consumption of the water circulation pump in Joules
for the timestep being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type =
Electricity, End Use Key = DHW, Group Key = Plant (ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.40.24.2.5 Water Heater Heat Reclaim Efficiency Modifier Multiplier []

This output field contains the average output of the Heat Reclaim Efficiency Modifier Curve
(function of temperature) for the timestep being reported.

1.40.24.2.6 Water Heater On Cycle Parasitic Electric Power [W]

1.40.24.2.7 Water Heater On Cycle Parasitic Electric Energy [J]

1.40.24.2.8 Water Heater Off Cycle Parasitic Electric Power [W]

1798 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.24.2.9 Water Heater Off Cycle Parasitic Electric Energy [J]

These outputs are the parasitic electric power and consumption associated with the desuper-
heater water heating coil. Specific outputs represent parasitic electrical usage during the coil on
and off cycles. These outputs represent electronic controls or other electric component. The model
assumes that the parasitic power does not contribute to heating the water nor does it impact the
zone air heat balance. The parasitic electric consumption outputs are also added to a meter with
Resource Type = Electricity, End Use Key = DHW, Group Key = Plant (ref. Output:Meter
objects).

1.40.25 CoilSystem:Cooling:DX
The CoilSystem:Cooling:DX object is a virtual container component that consists of a DX cooling
coil component and its associated controls, as shown in the Figure below. This control object
supports several different types of DX cooling coils (see field Cooling Coil Object Type).
This component may be used as a cooling coil in constant volume or variable volume systems, as
blow through or draw through, with or without humidity controls. Unlike AirLoopHVAC:Unitary
system types, this component controls only the DX coil, not the supply fan. CoilSystem:Cooling:DX
is added to a system by placing it in an air loop branch (see Branch object) or in an AirLoopH-
VAC:OutdoorAirSystem:EquipmentList or in a ZoneHVAC:OutdoorAirUnit:EquipmentList . It
requires one or more setpoint manager (see SetpointManager:*) objects to specify temperature
and/or humidity setpoints (unless it is used in a ZoneHVAC:OutdoorAirUnit which has its own
temperature setpoints). This object is the one that is listed in the Branch or equipment list
object rather than the coil itself. A constant volume or variable volume fan is modeled sepa-
rately from this cooling system. These are the only fan types allowed for this system type (ref.
Fan:ConstantVolume and Fan:VariableVolume). Cycling fan operation is not available with this
model. The CoilSystem:Cooling:DX object can also be placed on dedicated outdoor air system
(DOAS) airloop branches or in arloop branches where the air flow to capacity ratio range is be-
tween 100 300 cfm/ton. 100% DOAS DX cooling coils operate in lower flow to capacity ratio range
compared to regular DX cooling coils. The CoilSystem:Cooling:DX is selected to operate in DOAS
application or in low flow to capacity ratio range by specifying YES to the input field Use Outdoor
Air DX Cooling Coil . If this optional input field is left blank or specified as NO , then the coil
is modeled as regular DX cooling coil. If the CoilSystem:Cooling:DX object is in an AirLoopH-
VAC:OutdoorAirSystem:EquipmentList or in a ZoneHVAC:OutdoorAirUnit:EquipmentList then it
is treated as 100% DOAS DX cooling coil only if the choice input field Use Outdoor Air DX Cooling
Coil is set too YES . All the control options of the regular DX cooling coils are available to DOAS
DX coils as well. Heating DX coils in DOAS airloop operate at the same flow to capacity ratio
limits as the DOAS DX cooling coils.

1.40.25.1 Inputs
1.40.25.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for this component.

1.40.25.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the schedule name that contains information on the availability of the
DX coil to operate. A schedule value of 0 indicates that the coil is off for that time period. A
schedule value greater than 0 indicates that the coil can operate during the time period. If this
field is blank, the schedule has values of 1 for all time periods.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1799

Figure 1.150: Schematic of CoilSystem:Cooling:DX Object in an Air Loop for a Blow

Through Application
1800 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.25.1.3 Field: DX Cooling Coil System Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the DX cooling coil inlet node, as
specified in the DX cooling coil object.

1.40.25.1.4 Field: DX Cooling Coil System Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the DX cooling coil outlet node, as
specified in the cooling coil object.

1.40.25.1.5 Field: DX Cooling Coil System Sensor Node Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name given to the DX cooling coil control node, this
is the node at which the temperature set point is specified by the set point manager.

1.40.25.1.6 Field: Cooling Coil Object Type

This alpha field specifies the type of DX cooling coil. The valid choices for this field are:

• Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed

• CoilSystem:Cooling:DX:HeatExchangerAssisted

• Coil:Cooling:DX:TwoSpeed

• Coil:Cooling:DX:TwoStageWithHumidityControlMode

• Coil:Cooling:DX:VariableSpeed

1.40.25.1.7 Field: Cooling Coil Name

This alpha field contains the identifying name of the DX cooling coil.
As shown in the example below, correct specification of this system requires specification of the
DX Cooling Coil object in addition to the CoilSystem:Cooling:DX object.

1.40.25.1.8 Field: Dehumidification Control Type

This alpha field contains the type of dehumidification control. The following options are valid
for this field:
None - meet sensible load only, no active dehumidification control
MultiMode - activate enhanced dehumidification mode as needed and operate to meet
the sensible load. If a sensible load exists, the system will operate to meet that sensible
load and may not meet the latent load. If no sensible load exists, and Run on Latent
Load = Yes, the system will operate to meet the entire latent load. This option is used
to model DX equipment with a switchable option such as subcool reheat. It is valid only
with Cooling coil type = Coil:Cooling:DX:TwoStageWithHumidityControlMode or CoilSys-
tem:Cooling:DX:HeatExchangerAssisted. If the Run on Latent Load option below is set to Yes,
this option may require the use of a heating coil and heating coil outlet air temperature set point
manager downstream of this cooling coil to maintain the temperature set point.
CoolReheat - cool beyond the dry-bulb setpoint as required to meet the humidity setpoint. It
is valid only with Cooling coil type = Coil:Cooling:DX:TwoStageWithHumidityControlMode. This
option requires the use of a heating coil and heating coil outlet air temperature set point manager
downstream of this cooling coil to maintain the temperature set point.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1801

The default is None. For all dehumidification controls, the max humidity setpoint on the control
node is used. This must be set using a ZoneControl:Humidistat ZoneControl:Humidistat
and one of:

• SetpointManager:SingleZone:Humidity:Maximum

• SetpointManager:MultiZone:Humidity:Maximum

• SetpointManager:MultiZone:MaximumHumidity:Average

objects and SetpointManager:OutdoorAirPretreat (optional) objects. When extra dehu-

midification is required, the equipment may not be able to meet the humidity setpoint if its full
capacity is not adequate.

1.40.25.1.9 Field: Run on Sensible Load

This alpha field specifies if the unit will operate to meet a sensible load as determined by the
inlet node dry-bulb temperature and the dry-bulb temperature setpoint on the control node. There
are two valid choices, Yes or No. If Yes, unit will run if there is a sensible load. If No, unit will
not run if there is only a sensible load. The default is Yes.

1.40.25.1.10 Field: Run on Latent Load

This alpha field specifies if the unit will operate to meet a latent load as determined by the
inlet node humidity ratio and the max humidity setpoint on the control node. There are two valid
choices, Yes or No. If Yes, unit will run if there is a latent load. If both a sensible and latent
load exist, the system will operate to maintain the temperature set point. When only a latent
load exists, the system will operate to meet the humidity ratio set point and requires the use of a
heating coil and heating coil outlet air temperature set point manager downstream of this cooling
coil to maintain the temperature set point. If No, unit will not run if there is only a latent load.
The default is No.

1.40.25.1.11 Field: Use Outdoor Air DX Cooling Coil

This input field enables the Coil System DX Coil to be used for low air flow to capacity ratio
range ( 100 300 cfm/ton). This flow to capacity ratio range is common in 100% dedicated outdoor
air system (DOAS) applications. Other airloop or zone HVAC systems may use this input filed if
they operate at such a low flow to capacity ratio range. There are two valid choices, Yes or No. If
Yes, the DX cooling coil is forced to operate in this flow to capacity ratio range or runs as 100%
DOAS DX coil. If No, DX coil is used as regular DX coil. This input field is optional.

1.40.25.1.12 Field: Outdoor Air DX Cooling Coil Leaving Minimum Air Tem-
perature
This input field is the DX cooling coil leaving supply air minimum temperature specified for
frost control. The DX cooling coil leaving air temperature is not allowed to exceed this minimum
coil leaving air temperature. The DX cooling coil frost controller adjusts or limits the desired coil
outlet air setpoint temperature when the coil outlet temperature exceeds this minimum temperature
limit specified. This input field is optional and only used along with in the input field above. The
minimum and maximum values of this input field are 0.0 °C and 7.2 °C, and the default value is
2.0 °C.
An example IDF specification:
1802 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

CoilSystem:Cooling:DX ,
DX Cooling Coil System 1,!- Name
CoolingCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
Cooling Coil Air Inlet Node , !- DX Cooling Coil System Inlet Node Name
Air Loop Outlet Node , !- DX Cooling Coil System Outlet Node Name
Air Loop Outlet Node , !- DX Cooling Coil System Sensor Node Name
Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed , !- Cooling Coil Object Type
ACDXCoil 1, !- Cooling Coil Name
None , !- Dehumidification Control Type
Yes , !- Run on Sensible Load
No , !- Run on Latent Load
Yes , !- Use DOAS DX Cooling Coil
2.0; !- DOAS DX Cooling Coil Leaving Minimum Air
Temperature

Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed ,
ACDXCoil 1, !- Name
CoolingCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
25000 , !- Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity {W}
0.75, !- Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio
3.0, !- Gross Rated Cooling COP
1.3, !- Rated Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
Cooling Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Air Inlet Node Name
Air Loop Outlet Node , !- Air Outlet Node Name
WindACCoolCapFT , !- Total Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature Curve Name
WindACCoolCapFFF , !- Total Cooling Capacity Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
WindACEIRFT , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve Name
WindACEIRFFF , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
WindACPLFFPLR; !- Part Load Fraction Correlation Curve Name

1.40.25.2 Outputs
All DX Coils:

• HVAC,Average,Coil System Frost Control Status

Coil Type = Coil:Cooling:DX:TwoStageWithHumidityControlMode

• HVAC,Average,Coil System Cycling Ratio

• HVAC,Average,Coil System Compressor Speed Ratio

Coil types = Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed & CoilSystem:Cooling:DX:HeatExchangerAssisted

• HVAC,Average,Coil System Part Load Ratio

1.40.25.2.1 Coil System Cycling Ratio

The system may operate for the entire system timestep, but to meet the load the compressor can
cycle on and off. This reports the fraction of the system timestep that the compressor is operating.
(1.0 is continuous, 0.0 is off).

1.40.25.2.2 Coil System Compressor Speed Ratio

This is the ratio of time in a system timestep that the compressor is at rated speed. The
compressor speed ratio reports (1.0 is max, 0.0 is min) and any value in between as it is averaged
over the timestep.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1803

1.40.25.2.3 Coil System Part Load Ratio

The DX system can operate with a cycling compressor or a varying speed compressor, This
variable reports the fraction of the Full Load that is met during the system timestep. This can
differ from the cycling part load ratio or the compressor speed ratio. (1.0 is Full Load and 0.0 is
no load)

1.40.25.2.4 Coil System Frost Control Status

This is a flag indicating whether frost control is active at current time step or not. Frost control is
activated or enforced when the sensible load control requires DX cooling coil outlet air temperature
below the user specified minimum temperature or when the dehumidification load control requires
DX cooling coil outlet air humidity ratio below the saturation humidity ratio corresponding to the
user specified minimum temperature for frost control. Frost control status of zero means no active
frost control, a value of 1 or 2 indicates that frost control is active. If frost control status is 1, then
the frost control was enforced when the cooling coil is run to meet sensible load. If the frost control
status value is 2, then the control was enforced when the cooling coil is run to meet latent load.
When frost control is active the DX cooling coil setpoint value is modified based on user specified
limit.

1.40.26 CoilSystem:Heating:DX
The CoilSystem:Heating:DX object is a virtual container component for a DX heating coil that
provides the controls needed to operate the coil. Only single speed DX air-to-air heating coils are
supported.
This component may be used as a heating coil in constant volume or variable volume
air handlers. It can also be used in an outside air system (by including it in an AirLoopH-
VAC:OutdoorAirSystem:EquipmentList object)or in a zone outdoor air unit (by including it in an
ZoneHVAC:OutdoorAirUnit:EquipmentList object). This object is the one that is listed in the
Branch or equipment list object rather than the coil itself.
The inlet and outlet nodes for the DX heat pump system are defined in the heating coil object.
The control node is always the outlet node of the coil. This DX heat pump heating system requires
that a (drybulb) temperature setpoint be placed on the outlet node using either a setpoint manager
or the energy management system. The coil is controlled to attempt to meet that setpoint using a
part load ratio modeling approach.
This model only supports continuous fan and cycling compressor operation – cycling fan mod-
eling is not available with this model.

1.40.26.1 Inputs
1.40.26.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for this component.

1.40.26.1.2 Field: Availability Schedule Name

This alpha field contains the schedule name that contains information on the availability of the
DX coil to operate. A schedule value of 0 indicates that the coil is off for that time period. A
schedule value greater than 0 indicates that the coil can operate during the time period. If this
field is blank, the schedule has values of 1 for all time periods.
1804 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.26.1.3 Field: Heating Coil Object Type

This alpha field specifies the type of DX heating coil. This model currently supports
only single speed DX heat pump heating coils and the only options for this field are
Coil:Heating:DX:SingleSpeed and Coil:Heating:DX:VariableSpeed.

1.40.26.1.4 Field: Heating Coil Name

This alpha field specifies the unique name of the DX heating coil. This field references the name
of a Coil:Heating:DX:SingleSpeed that needs to be defined elsewhere in the input file.
An example of a DX heating coil system follows.

CoilSystem:Heating:DX ,
HeatPump DX Coil 1, !- Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
Coil:Heating:DX:SingleSpeed , !- Heating Coil Object Type
Heat Pump DX Heating Coil 1; !- Heating Coil Name

Coil:Heating:DX:SingleSpeed ,
Heat Pump DX Heating Coil 1, !- Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
autosize , !- Gross Rated Heating Capacity {W}
2.75, !- Gross Rated Heating COP {W/W}
autosize , !- Rated Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
Heating Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Air Inlet Node Name
SuppHeating Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Air Outlet Node Name
HPACHeatCapFT , !- Heating Capacity Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACHeatCapFFF , !- Heating Capacity Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
HPACHeatEIRFT , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve Name
HPACHeatEIRFFF , !- Energy Input Ratio Function of Flow Fraction Curve Name
HPACCOOLPLFFPLR , !- Part Load Fraction Correlation Curve Name
, !- Defrost Energy Input Ratio Function of
Temperature Curve Name
-8.0, !- Minimum Outdoor Dry -Bulb Temperature for
Compressor Operation {C}
5.0, !- Maximum Outdoor Dry -Bulb Temperature for
Defrost Operation {C}
200.0 , !- Crankcase Heater Capacity {W}
10.0, !- Maximum Outdoor Dry -Bulb Temperature for
Crankcase Heater Operation {C}
Resistive , !- Defrost Strategy
TIMED , !- Defrost Control
0.166667 , !- Defrost Time Period Fraction
autosize , !- Resistive Defrost Heater Capacity {W}
Heat Pump 1 Evaporator Node;

1.40.26.2 Outputs
1.40.26.2.1 Coil System Part Load Ratio
The DX system can operate with a cycling compressor or a varying speed compressor, This
variable reports the fraction of the Full Load that is met during the system timestep. This can
differ from the cycling part load ratio or the compressor speed ratio. (1.0 is Full Load and 0.0 is
no load)

1.40.27 CoilSystem:Cooling:DX:HeatExchangerAssisted
The heat exchanger-assisted DX cooling coil is a virtual component consisting of a direct expansion
(DX) cooling coil and an air-to-air heat exchanger as shown in Figure 1.151 below. The air-to-air
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1805

heat exchanger pre-conditions the air entering the cooling coil, and reuses this energy to post-
condition the supply air leaving the cooling coil. This heat exchange process improves the latent
removal performance of the cooling coil by allowing it to dedicate more of its cooling capacity
toward dehumidification (lower sensible heat ratio).
This compound object models the basic operation of an air-to-air heat exchanger in conjunction
with a cooling coil. The heat exchanger-assisted DX cooling coil does not have an operating schedule
of its own; its operating schedule is governed by the availability schedules for the DX cooling coil
and the air-to-air heat exchanger. This compound object is used in place of where a DX cooling
coil object would normally be used by itself.
To model a heat exchanger-assisted DX cooling coil, the input data file should include the
following objects:

• CoilSystem:Cooling:DX:HeatExchangerAssisted object

• Air-to-air heat exchanger object (HeatExchanger:AirToAir:FlatPlate, HeatExchanger:AirToAir:SensibleAndL

or HeatExchanger:Desiccant:BalancedFlow)

• DX cooling coil object (Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed)

In terms of controlling the operation of the heat exchanger, the heat exchanger is assumed
to always provide its heat transfer when the associated DX cooling coil is operating and no
high humidity control mechanism is specified. However, the heat exchanger s energy transfer
may be controlled (i.e., turned on and off) based on a zone air humidity level using either a
humidistat (ref. AirLoopHVAC:Unitary:Furnace:HeatCool or AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatCool) or
a humidistat and a maximum humidity set point manager to place a humidity ratio set point on
the appropriate control node (ref. CoilSystem:Cooling:DX). This model may also be used with the
unitary changeover bypass system and the unitary air-to-air heat pump system (ref. AirLoopH-
VAC:UnitaryHeatCool:VAVChangeoverBypass and AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:AirToAir);
however, the heat exchanger is assumed to always provide its heat transfer when the cooling coil
operates and cannot be turned on and off based on a zone air humidity set point. Two zone air
conditioners may also use this model for improved dehumidification. The first type is the packaged
terminal heat pump (ref. ZoneHVAC:PackagedTerminalHeatPump) where the heat exchanger s
heat transfer is always active whenever the cooling coil operates. The second type is the window air
conditioner (ref. ZoneHVAC:WindowAirConditioner) where the heat exchanger s heat transfer is
always active when the cooling coil operates and no high humidity control mechanism is specified,
OR the heat exchanger s heat transfer may be controlled based on zone air humidity level if a
humidistat and high humidity set point manager are specified (maximum humidity ratio set point
placed on the heat exchanger s exhaust air outlet node, ref. Figure 1.151).
Links to the cooling coil and air-to-air heat exchanger specifications are provided in the input
data syntax for this compound object. A description of each input field for this compound object
is provided below.
NOTE: Node naming shown in Figure 1.151 is representative for HeatExchanger:AirToAir:SensibleAndLatent.
For HeatExchanger:AirToAir:FlatPlate, the exhaust air nodes are referred to as secondary air
nodes. For HeatExchanger:Desiccant:BalancedFlow, the supply air nodes are referred to as
regeneration air nodes and the exhaust air nodes as process air nodes.

1.40.27.1 Inputs
1.40.27.1.1 Field: Name
1806 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.151: Schematic of the CoilSystem:Cooling:DX:HeatExchangerAssisted compound

object

A unique user-assigned name for the heat exchanger-assisted DX cooling coil. Any reference to
this compound component by another object will use this name.

1.40.27.1.2 Field: Heat Exchanger Object Type

This alpha field denotes the type of heat exchanger being modeled. Valid choices are:

• HeatExchanger:AirToAir:FlatPlate

• HeatExchanger:AirToAir:SensibleAndLatent

• HeatExchanger:Desiccant:BalancedFlow

1.40.27.1.3 Field: Heat Exchanger Name

This alpha field denotes the name of the air-to-air heat exchanger being modeled.

1.40.27.1.4 Field: Cooling Coil Object Type

This alpha field denotes the type of DX cooling coil being modeled. The only valid choice is
Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed.

1.40.27.1.5 Field: Cooling Coil Name

This alpha field denotes the name of the DX cooling coil being modeled.
Following is an example input for this compound object:

CoilSystem:Cooling:DX:HeatExchangerAssisted ,
HeatExchangerAssistedCoolingCoil , ! Name of the heat exchanger assisted cooling
coil
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1807

HeatExchanger:AirToAir:SensibleAndLatent , ! Heat exchanger type

Air to Air Heat Exchanger 1, ! Heat exchanger name
Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed , ! Cooling coil type
DX Cooling Coil 1; ! Cooling coil name

HeatExchanger:AirToAir:SensibleAndLatent ,
Air to Air Heat Exchanger 1, !- Heat exchanger name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability schedule name
1.3, !- Nominal supply air flow rate {m3/s}
.2, !- Sensible effectiveness at 100% airflow heating condition
.0, !- Latent effectiveness at 100% airflow heating condition
.23, !- Sensible effectiveness at 75% airflow heating condition
.0, !- Latent effectiveness at 75% airflow heating condition
.2, !- Sensible effectiveness at 100% airflow cooling condition
.0, !- Latent effectiveness at 100% airflow cooling condition
.23, !- Sensible effectiveness at 75% airflow cooling condition
.0, !- Latent effectiveness at 75% airflow cooling condition
HeatExchangerSupplyAirInletNode , !- Supply air inlet node name
DX Cooling Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Supply air outlet node name
HeatExchangerExhaustAirInletNode , !- Exhaust air inlet node name
HeatExchangerExhaustAirOutletNode , !- Exhaust air outlet node name
50.0, !- Nominal electric power {W}
No , !- Supply air outlet temperature control
Rotary , !- Heat exchanger type
None; !- Frost control type

Coil:Cooling:DX:SingleSpeed ,
DX Cooling Coil 1, !- Coil Name
FanAndCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule
25000 , !- Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity {W}
0.75, !- Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ratio
3.0, !- Gross Rated Cooling COP
1.3, !- Rated Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
DX Cooling Coil Air Inlet Node , !- Coil Air Inlet Node
HeatExchangerExhaustAirInletNode , !- Coil Air Outlet Node
ACCoolCapFT , !- Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve (function of temperature
)
ACCoolCapFFF , !- Total Cooling Capacity Modifier Curve (function of flow
fraction)
ACEIRFT , !- Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve (function of temperature)
ACEIRFFF , !- Energy Input Ratio Modifier Curve (function of flow fraction)
ACPLFFPLR; !- Part Load Fraction Correlation (function of part load ratio)

1.40.27.2 Outputs
No variables are reported for this compound object. However, outputs are provided by the cooling
coil and heat exchanger that are specified.

1.40.28 CoilSystem:Cooling:Water:HeatExchangerAssisted
The heat exchanger-assisted water cooling coil is a virtual component consisting of a chilled-water
cooling coil and an air-to-air heat exchanger as shown in Figure 1.152 below. The air-to-air heat
exchanger precools the air entering the cooling coil, and reuses this energy to reheat the supply
air leaving the cooling coil. This heat exchange process improves the latent removal performance
of the cooling coil by allowing it to dedicate more of its cooling capacity toward dehumidification
(lower sensible heat ratio).
Note: Node naming shown in Figure 1.152 is representative for HeatExchanger:AirToAir:SensibleAndLatent.
For HeatExchanger:AirToAir:FlatPlate, the exhaust air nodes are referred to as secondary air
1808 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Figure 1.152: Schematic of the CoilSystem:Cooling:Water:HeatExchangerAssisted com-

pound object

nodes.
This compound object models the basic operation of an air-to-air heat exchanger in conjunction
with a chilled-water cooling coil. The heat exchanger-assisted water cooling coil does not have an
operating schedule of its own; its operating schedule is governed by the availability schedules for the
chilled-water cooling coil and the air-to-air heat exchanger. Heat exchange will occur whenever the
heat exchanger is available to operate (via its availability schedule) and a temperature difference
exists between the two air streams – there is currently no method to enable or disable heat exchange
based on zone air humidity level. This compound object is used in place of where a chilled-water
cooling coil object would normally be used by itself.
To model a heat exchanger-assisted water cooling coil, the input data file should include the
following objects:

• CoilSystem:Cooling:Water:HeatExchangerAssisted compound object

• Air-to-air heat exchanger object (HeatExchanger:AirToAir:FlatPlate or HeatEx-

changer:AirToAir:SensibleAndLatent)

• Chilled-water cooling coil object (Coil:Cooling:Water or Coil:Cooling:Water:DetailedGeometry)

Links to the cooling coil and air-to-air heat exchanger specifications are provided in the input
data syntax for this compound object. A description of each input field for this compound object
is provided below.

1.40.28.1 Inputs
1.40.28.1.1 Field: Name
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1809

A unique user-assigned name for the heat exchanger-assisted water cooling coil. Any ref-
erence to this compound component by another object (e.g., ZoneHVAC:UnitVentilator, Zone-
HVAC:FourPipeFanCoil, component in an air loop Branch object) will use this name.

1.40.28.1.2 Field: Heat Exchanger Object Type

This alpha field denotes the type of heat exchanger being modeled. Valid choices are:
HeatExchanger:AirToAir:FlatPlate
HeatExchanger:AirToAir:SensibleAndLatent

1.40.28.1.3 Field: Heat Exchanger Name

This alpha field denotes the name of the air-to-air heat exchanger being modeled.

1.40.28.1.4 Field: Cooling Coil Object Type

This alpha field denotes the type of chilled-water cooling coil being modeled. Valid choices are:
Coil:Cooling:Water
Coil:Cooling:Water:DetailedGeometry

1.40.28.1.5 Field: Cooling Coil Name

This alpha field denotes the name of the chilled-water cooling coil being modeled.
Following is an example input for this compound object:

CoilSystem:Cooling:Water:HeatExchangerAssisted ,
Heat Exchanger Assisted Cooling Coil 1, !- Name of the heat exchanger assisted cooling coil
HeatExchanger:AirToAir:FlatPlate , !- Heat exchanger type
Heat Exchanger Assisting Cooling Coil , !- Heat exchanger name
Coil:Cooling:Water:DetailedGeometry , !- Cooling coil type
Main Cooling Coil 1; !- Cooling coil name

HeatExchanger:AirToAir:FlatPlate ,
Heat Exchanger Assisting Cooling Coil , !- Name
CoolingCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
Counter Flow , !- flow arrangement
Yes , !- Economizer lockout
1.0, !- hA ratio
1.32, !- Nominal supply air flow rate {m3/s}
24.0, !- Nominal supply air inlet temperature {C}
21.0, !- Nominal supply air outlet temperature {C}
1.32, !- Nominal secondary air flow rate {m3/s}
12.0, !- Nominal secondary air inlet temperature {C}
100.0 , !- Nominal electric power {W}
Mixed Air Node 1, !- Supply air inlet node
Main Cooling Coil 1 Inlet Node , !- Supply air outlet node
Main Cooling Coil 1 Outlet Node , !- Secondary air inlet node
Main Heating Coil 1 Inlet Node; !- Secondary air outlet node

Coil:Cooling:Water:DetailedGeometry ,
Main Cooling Coil 1, !- Coil Name
CoolingCoilAvailSched , !- Availability Schedule Name
autosize , !- Max Water Flow Rate of Coil {m3/s}
autosize , !- Tube Outside Surf Area {m2}
autosize , !- Total Tube Inside Area {m2}
autosize , !- Fin Surface Area {m2}
autosize , !- Minimum Air Flow Area {m2}
autosize , !- Coil Depth {m}
1810 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

autosize , !- Fin Diameter {m}

, !- Fin Thickness {m}
, !- Tube Inside Diameter {m}
, !- Tube Outside Diameter {m}
, !- Tube Thermal Conductivity {W/m-K}
, !- Fin Thermal Conductivity {W/m-K}
, !- Fin Spacing {m}
, !- Tube Depth Spacing {m}
, !- Number of Tube Rows
autosize , !- Number of Tubes per Row
Main Cooling Coil 1 Water Inlet Node , !- Coil_Water_Inlet_Node
Main Cooling Coil 1 Water Outlet Node , !- Coil_Water_Outlet_Node
Main Cooling Coil 1 Inlet Node , !- Coil_Air_Inlet_Node
Main Cooling Coil 1 Outlet Node; !- Coil_Air_Outlet_Node

1.40.28.2 Outputs
No variables are reported for this compound object. However, outputs are provided by the cooling
coil and heat exchanger that are specified.

1.40.29 Coil:WaterHeating:AirToWaterHeatPump:Pumped
EnergyPlus can model a heat pump water heater (HPWH) consisting of a water heater tank (e.g.,
WaterHeater:Mixed), a direct expansion (DX) coil (i.e., an air-to-water DX compression system which
includes a water heating coil, air coil, compressor, and water pump), and a fan to provide air
flow across the air coil associated with the DX compression system. These objects work together
to model a system which heats water using zone air, outdoor air, or a combination of zone and
outdoor air as the primary heat source.
The WaterHeater:HeatPump:PumpedCondenser compound object, water heater tank object (e.g.,
WaterHeater:Mixed), and fan object (e.g., Fan:OnOff) are defined elsewhere in this reference docu-
ment. Coil:WaterHeating:AirToWaterHeatPump:Pumped object described here models an air-to-water DX
compression system to determine its air-side and water-side performance. This DX coil object
calculates the air-side sensible and latent cooling capacity at the specific operating conditions for
each simulation timestep, as well as the condenser’s water-side temperature difference at a given
condenser water flow rate.
The heat pump water heater DX coil model performs the following major functions:

• calculates the electric consumption of the DX compressor and water pump

• calculates the amount of heat delivered to the water tank

• calculates the electric consumption of the compressor’s crankcase heater

• calculates the air-side performance of the DX coil

The input fields for this object are described below in detail:

1.40.29.1 Inputs
1.40.29.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field defines a unique user-assigned name for an instance of a heat pump water
heater DX coil. Any reference to this coil by another object (e.g., WaterHeater:HeatPump:PumpedCondenser)
will use this name.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1811

1.40.29.1.2 Field: Rated Heating Capacity

This numeric field defines the DX coil heating capacity in Watts at the rated evaporator inlet air
temperatures, rated condenser inlet water temperature, rated evaporator air flow rate, and rated
condenser water flow rate specified below. Values must be greater than 0. This value represents
water heating capacity, and it may or may not include the impact of condenser pump heat (see
field Condenser Pump Heat Included in Rated Heating Capacity below).

1.40.29.1.3 Field: Rated COP

This numeric field defines the DX coil’s water heating coefficient of performance (COP = water
heating capacity in watts divided by electrical power input in watts) at rated conditions (rated inlet
temperatures and flow rates specified below). This input not only determines the electric energy
use of the heat pump DX coil, but also the amount of total air cooling provided by the evaporator.
The rated COP includes compressor power, and may or may not include condenser pump power or
evaporator fan power (see field Evaporator Fan Power Included in Rated COP and field Condenser
Pump Power Included in Rated COP). Values must be greater than 0. If this field is left blank,
the default value is 3.2.

1.40.29.1.4 Field: Rated Sensible Heat Ratio

This numeric field defines the air-side sensible heat ratio (SHR = sensible cooling capacity
divided by total cooling capacity) of the DX coil at rated conditions (rated inlet temperatures and
flow rates specified below). This value should not include the effect of evaporator fan heat. Values
must be greater than or equal to 0.5, and less than or equal to 1.0. The default value is 0.85.

1.40.29.1.5 Field: Rated Evaporator Inlet Air Dry-Bulb Temperature

This numeric field defines the evaporator inlet air dry-bulb temperature, in degrees Celsius, that
corresponds to rated coil performance (heating capacity, COP and SHR). Values must be greater
than 5 °C. If this field is left blank, the default value is 19.7 °C.

1.40.29.1.6 Field: Rated Evaporator Inlet Air Wet-Bulb Temperature

This numeric field defines the evaporator inlet air wet-bulb temperature, in degrees Celsius,
that corresponds to rated coil performance (heating capacity, COP and SHR). Values must be
greater than 5 °C. If this field is left blank, the default value is 13.5 °C.

1.40.29.1.7 Field: Rated Condenser Inlet Water Temperature

This numeric field defines the condenser inlet water temperature, in degrees Celsius, that corre-
sponds to rated coil performance (heating capacity, COP and SHR). Values must be greater than
25 °C. If this field is left blank, the default value is 57.5 °C.

1.40.29.1.8 Field: Rated Evaporator Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the evaporator air volume flow rate in cubic meters per second at
rated conditions. Values must be greater than 0. If this field is left blank or autocalculated (field
value = autocalculate), the default value is 5.035E-5 m3 /s/W (31.25 cfm/MBH) multiplied by the
Rated Heating Capacity specified above. When autocalculating the rated evaporator air volumetric
flow rate, a zone sizing object is not required.
1812 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.29.1.9 Field: Rated Condenser Water Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the condenser water volumetric flow rate in cubic meters per second
at rated conditions. Values must be greater than 0. If this field is left blank or autocalculated (field
value = autocalculate), the default value is 4.487E-8 m3 /s/W (0.208 gpm/MBH) multiplied by
the Rated Heating Capacity specified above. When autocalculating the rated condenser water
volumetric flow rate, a zone sizing object is not required. A warning message will be issued if the
ratio of Rated Condenser Water Volumetric Flow Rate to Rated Heating Capacity is less than
1.79405E-8 m3 /s/W (0.083 gpm/MBH) or greater than 8.97024E-8 m3 /s/W (0.417 gpm/MBH),
but the simulation will continue.

1.40.29.1.10 Field: Evaporator Fan Power Included in Rated COP

This choice field specifies if evaporator fan power is included in the rated COP defined above.
This input impacts the calculation of compressor electric power and total air cooling provided by the
evaporator for each simulation timestep. If Yes is selected, the evaporator fan power is subtracted
from the total electric heating power when calculating total evaporator cooling capacity. If No is
selected, it is assumed that the total heating power does not include evaporator fan power. If this
field is left blank, the default is Yes. See the Engineering Reference section for Coil:WaterHeating:
AirToWaterHeatPump:\* for further details.

1.40.29.1.11 Field: Condenser Pump Power Included in Rated COP

This choice field specifies if condenser pump power is included in the rated COP defined above.
This input impacts the calculation of compressor electric power which then impacts the total air
cooling provided by the evaporator for each simulation timestep. If Yes is selected, the condenser
pump power is subtracted from the total electric heating power when calculating total evaporator
cooling capacity. If No is selected, it is assumed that the total heating power does not include the
condenser pump. If this field is left blank, the default is No. See Engineering Reference section for
Coil:WaterHeating:AirToWaterHeatPump:\* for further details.

1.40.29.1.12 Field: Condenser Pump Heat Included in Rated Heating Capacity

and Rated COP
This choice field specifies if condenser pump heat is included in the rated heating capacity and
rated COP defined above. This input impacts the calculation of compressor electric power and
total air cooling provided by the evaporator for each simulation timestep. If Yes is selected, the
condenser pump heat is already included in the rated heating capacity and rated COP. If No is
selected, it is assumed that the rated heating capacity and rated COP do not include the condenser
pump heat, and pump heat is added to the total water heating capacity based on the Condenser
Water Pump Power and Fraction of Condenser Pump Heat to Water fields below. If this field is left
blank, the default is No. See Engineering Reference section for Coil:WaterHeating:AirToWaterHeatPump:\*
for further details.

1.40.29.1.13 Field: Condenser Water Pump Power

This numeric field defines the DX coil’s condenser pump power in Watts. This is the operating
pump power as installed. Values must be greater than or equal to 0. If this field is left blank,
the default value is 0. A warning message will be issued if the ratio of Condenser Water Pump
Power to Rated Heating Capacity exceeds 0.1422 W/W (41.67 Watts/MBH), but the simulation
will continue.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1813

1.40.29.1.14 Field: Fraction of Condenser Pump Heat to Water

This numeric field defines the fraction of condenser pump heat that is transferred to the con-
denser water. The pump is assumed to be downstream of the condenser water coil, and this field
is used to determine the water temperature at the condenser outlet node when the field Condenser
Pump Power Included in Rated Heating Capacity is set to No. Values must be greater than or
equal to 0 and less than or equal to 1. If this field is left blank, the default value is 0.2.

1.40.29.1.15 Field: Evaporator Air Inlet Node Name

This alpha field defines the name of the air node from which the evaporator coil draws its inlet
air.

1.40.29.1.16 Field: Evaporator Air Outlet Node Name

This alpha field defines the name of the air node to which the evaporator coil sends its outlet
air.

1.40.29.1.17 Field: Condenser Water Inlet Node Name

This alpha field defines the name of the node from which the DX coil condenser draws its inlet
water. This node name must also match the source side outlet node name for the water heater
tank connected to this DX coil (ref: Water Heaters).

1.40.29.1.18 Field: Condenser Water Outlet Node Name

This alpha field defines the name of the node to which the heat pump condenser sends it outlet
water. This node name must also match the source side inlet node name for the water heater tank
connected to this DX coil (ref: Water Heaters).

1.40.29.1.19 Field: Crankcase Heater Capacity

This numeric field defines the compressor’s crankcase heater capacity in Watts. The crankcase
heater only operates when the compressor is off and the air surrounding the compressor is below
the Maximum Ambient Temperature for Crankcase Heater Operation specified below.

1.40.29.1.20 Field: Maximum Ambient Temperature for Crankcase Heater Op-

eration
This numeric field defines the maximum ambient temperature for crankcase heater operation
in degree Celsius. The crankcase heater only operates when the air surrounding the compressor
is below this maximum temperature value and the compressor is off. The ambient temperature
surrounding the compressor is set by the Heat Pump:Water Heater parent object (field Compressor
Location).

1.40.29.1.21 Field: Evaporator Air Temperature Type for Curve Objects

This choice field specifies the air temperature type used for the heating capacity and COP
modifier curve objects below. The valid selections are Dry-bulb Temperature and Wet-bulb Tem-
perature. If dry-bulb temperature is selected, the inlet air dry-bulb temperature entering the heat
pump DX coil and fan section is used to evaluate the curve objects. If wet-bulb temperature is
selected, the inlet air wet-bulb temperature entering the heat pump DX coil and fan section is used
to evaluate the curve objects. If this field is left blank and the following curve names are defined,
the default value is wet-bulb temperature. If the following curve names are not defined, this field
is not used.
1814 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.29.1.22 Field: Heating Capacity Function of Temperature Curve Name

This alpha field specifies the name of a biquadratic or cubic performance curve object (ref:
Performance Curves) that defines the variation in DX coil heating capacity as a function of inlet
fluid (air and water) temperatures. The biquadratic curve uses evaporator inlet air temperature
(dry-bulb or wet-bulb temperature based on the field Evaporator Air Temperature Type for Curve
Objects defined above) and condenser inlet water temperature as the independent variables. The cu-
bic curve uses evaporator inlet air (dry-bulb or wet-bulb) temperature as the independent variable.
The output of this curve is multiplied by the rated heating capacity to give the heating capacity at
specific operating conditions (i.e., at temperatures different from the rating point temperatures).
The curve should be normalized to have the value of 1.0 at the rating point temperatures. If this
field is left blank, the heating capacity remains constant (curve value assumed to be 1.0 for all
conditions).

1.40.29.1.23 Field: Heating Capacity Function of Air Flow Fraction Curve

Name
This alpha field specifies the name of a quadratic or cubic performance curve object (ref:
Performance Curves) that defines the variation in DX coil heating capacity as a function of the
ratio of actual air flow rate across the evaporator coil to the rated evaporator air flow rate. The
output of this curve is multiplied by the rated heating capacity and the heating capacity modifier
curve (function of temperature) to give the DX coil heating capacity at the specific inlet fluid
temperatures and air flow rate at which the coil is operating. The curve should be normalized to
have the value of 1.0 at the rated evaporator air flow rate (air flow fraction of 1.0). If this field
is left blank, the heating capacity remains constant (curve value assumed to be 1.0 for all air flow
rates).

1.40.29.1.24 Field: Heating Capacity Function of Water Flow Fraction Curve

Name
This alpha field specifies the name of a quadratic or cubic performance curve object (ref:
Performance Curves) that defines the variation in DX coil heating capacity as a function of the
ratio of actual water flow rate through the condenser to the rated condenser water flow rate. The
output of this curve is multiplied by the rated heating capacity and the output from the two other
heating capacity modifier curves (function of temperature and function of air flow fraction) to give
the DX coil heating capacity at the specific inlet fluid temperatures and flow rates at which the
coil is operating. The curve should be normalized to have the value of 1.0 at the rated condenser
water flow rate (water flow fraction of 1.0). If this field is left blank, the heating capacity remains
constant (curve value assumed to be 1.0 for all water flow rates).

1.40.29.1.25 Field: Heating COP Function of Temperature Curve Name

This alpha field specifies the name of a biquadratic or cubic performance curve object (ref:
Performance Curves) that defines the variation in DX coil heating COP as a function of inlet
fluid (air and water) temperatures. The biquadratic curve uses evaporator inlet air temperature
(dry-bulb or wet-bulb temperature based on the field Evaporator Air Temperature Type for Curve
Objects defined above) and condenser inlet water temperature as the independent variables. The
cubic curve uses evaporator inlet air (dry-bulb or wet-bulb) temperature as the independent vari-
able. The output of this curve is multiplied by the rated COP to give the heating COP at specific
operating conditions (i.e., at temperatures different from the rating point temperatures). The curve
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1815

should be normalized to have the value of 1.0 at the rating point temperatures. If this field is left
blank, the COP remains constant (curve value assumed to be 1.0 for all conditions).

1.40.29.1.26 Field: Heating COP Function of Air Flow Fraction Curve Name
This alpha field specifies the name of a quadratic or cubic performance curve object (ref:
Performance Curves) that defines the variation in DX coil heating COP as a function of the ratio
of actual air flow rate across the evaporator coil to the rated evaporator air flow rate. The output
of this curve is multiplied by the rated COP and the heating COP modifier curve (function of
temperature) to give the heating COP at the specific inlet fluid temperatures and air flow rate at
which the coil is operating. The curve should be normalized to have the value of 1.0 at the rated
evaporator air flow rate (air flow fraction of 1.0). If this field is left blank, the heating COP remains
constant (curve value assumed to be 1.0 for all air flow rates).

1.40.29.1.27 Field: Heating COP Function of Water Flow Fraction Curve Name

This alpha field specifies the name of a quadratic or cubic performance curve object (ref:
Performance Curves) that defines the variation in DX coil heating COP as a function of the ratio of
actual water flow rate through the condenser to the rated condenser water flow rate.. The output of
this curve is multiplied by the rated COP and the output from the two other heating COP modifier
curves (function of temperature and function of air flow fraction) to give the DX coil heating COP
at the specific inlet fluid temperatures and flow rates at which the coil is operating. The curve
should be normalized to have the value of 1.0 at the rated condenser water flow rate (water flow
fraction of 1.0). If this field is left blank, the heating COP remains constant (curve value assumed
to be 1.0 for all water flow rates).

1.40.29.1.28 Field: Part Load Fraction Correlation Curve Name

This alpha field defines the name of a quadratic or cubic performance curve (Ref: Performance
Curves) that parameterizes the variation of electrical power input to the DX unit as a function of
the part load ratio (PLR, sensible cooling load/steady-state sensible cooling capacity). The product
of the rated EIR and EIR modifier curves is divided by the output of this curve to give the effective
EIR for a given simulation timestep. The part load fraction (PLF) correlation accounts for efficiency
losses due to compressor cycling.
The part load fraction correlation should be normalized to a value of 1.0 when the part load
ratio equals 1.0 (i.e., no efficiency losses when the compressor(s) run continuously for the simulation
timestep). For PLR values between 0 and 1 (0 < = PLR < 1), the following rules apply:
PLF > = 0.7 and PLF > = PLR
If PLF < 0.7 a warning message is issued, the program resets the PLF value to 0.7, and the
simulation proceeds. The runtime fraction of the coil is defined as PLR/PLF. If PLF < PLR, then
a warning message is issued and the runtime fraction of the coil is limited to 1.0.
A typical part load fraction correlation for a conventional, single-speed DX cooling coil (e.g.,
residential unit) would be:
PLF = 0.85 + 0.15( PLR)

If the user wishes to model no efficiency degradation due to compressor cycling, the part load
fraction correlation should be defined as follows:
PLF = 1.0 + 0.0( PLR)

Following is an example input for the Coil:WaterHeating:AirToWaterHeatPump:Pumped object:

1816 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Coil:WaterHeating:AirToWaterHeatPump:Pumped ,
Zone4HPWHDXCoil , !- Coil Name
4000.0 , !- Heating Capacity {W}
3.2, !- Rated COP {W/W}
0.6956 , !- Rated SHR (gross)
19.7, !- Rated Evaporator Inlet Air Dry -Bulb Temperature {C}
13.5, !- Rated Evaporator Inlet Air Wet -Bulb Temperature {C}
57.5, !- Rated Condenser Inlet Water Temperature {C}
autocalculate , !- Rated Evaporator Air Volumetric Flow Rate {m3/s}
autocalculate , !- Rated Condenser Water Volumetric Flow Rate {m3/s}
No , !- Evaporator Fan Power Included in Rated COP
No , !- Condenser Pump Power Included in Rated COP
No , !- Condenser Pump Heat Included in Rated Heating Capacity and Rated
COP
150.0 , !- Condenser Water Pump Power {W}
0.1, !- Fraction of Condenser Pump Heat to Water
Zone4AirOutletNode , !- Evaporator Air Inlet Node Name
Zone4DXCoilAirOutletNode , !- Evaporator Air Outlet Node Name
Zone4WaterInletNode , !- Condenser Water Inlet Node Name
Zone4WaterOutletNode , !- Condenser Water Outlet Node Name
100.0 , !- Crankcase Heater Capacity {W}
5.0, !- Maximum Ambient Temperature for Crankcase Heater Operation {C}
wet -bulb temperature , !- Evaporator Air Temperature Type for Curve Objects
HPWHHeatingCapFTemp , !- Heating Capacity Modifier Curve Name (function of temperature)
, !- Heating Capacity Modifier Curve Name (function of air flow
fraction)
, !- Heating Capacity Modifier Curve Name (function of water flow
fraction)
HPWHHeatingCOPFTemp , !- Heating COP Modifier Curve Name (function of temperature)
, !- Heating COP Modifier Curve Name (function of air flow fraction)
, !- Heating COP Modifier Curve Name (function of water flow fraction)
HPWHPLFFPLR; !- Part Load Fraction Correlation Name (function of part load ratio)

1.40.29.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Total Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Total Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Latent Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Latent Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Cooling Coil Runtime Fraction []

• HVAC,Average,DX Cooling Coil Crankcase Heater Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Cooling Coil Crankcase Heater Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Total Water Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Total Water Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Water Heating Electric Power[W]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Water Heating Electric Energy [J]

1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1817

1.40.29.2.1 Cooling Coil Total Cooling Rate [W]

This output field is the average total (sensible and latent) cooling rate output of the DX coil in
Watts for the timestep being reported. This is determined by the coil inlet and outlet air conditions
and the air mass flow rate through the coil.

1.40.29.2.2 Cooling Coil Total Cooling Energy [J]

This output field is the total (sensible plus latent) cooling output of the DX coil in Joules for
the timestep being reported. This is determined by the coil inlet and outlet air conditions and the
air mass flow rate through the coil.

1.40.29.2.3 Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

This output field is the average moist air sensible cooling rate output of the DX coil in Watts
for the timestep being reported. This is determined by the inlet and outlet air conditions and the
air mass flow rate through the coil.

1.40.29.2.4 Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

This output field is the moist air sensible cooling output of the DX coil in Joules for the timestep
being reported. This is determined by the inlet and outlet air conditions and the air mass flow rate
through the coil.

1.40.29.2.5 DX Coil Latent Cooling Rate [W]

This output field is the average latent cooling rate output of the DX coil in Watts for the
timestep being reported. This is determined by the inlet and outlet air conditions and the air mass
flow rate through the coil.

1.40.29.2.6 Cooling Coil Latent Cooling Energy [J]

This output field is the latent cooling output of the DX coil in Joules for the timestep being
reported. This is determined by the inlet and outlet air conditions and the air mass flow rate
through the coil.

1.40.29.2.7 Cooling Coil Runtime Fraction []

This output field is the average runtime fraction of the DX coil compressor for the timestep
being reported. This also represents the runtime fraction of the condenser water pump.

1.40.29.2.8 Cooling Coil Crankcase Heater Electric Power[W]

This output field is the average electricity consumption rate of the DX coil compressor’s
crankcase heater in Watts for the timestep being reported. The crankcase heater operates only
when the compressor is off and the air surrounding the compressor is below the Maximum Ambient
Temperature for Crankcase Heater Operation, otherwise this output variable is set equal to 0.

1.40.29.2.9 Cooling Coil Crankcase Heater Electric Energy [J]

This output field is the total electricity consumption of the DX coil compressor’s crankcase
heater in Joules for the timestep being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource
Type = Electricity, End Use Key = DHW, Group Key = Plant (ref. Output:Meter objects).
1818 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.29.2.10 Cooling Coil Total Water Heating Rate [W]

This output field is the average water heating rate output of the DX coil (condenser coil plus
condenser water pump) in Watts for the timestep being reported. This is determined using the
inlet and outlet water temperatures and the water mass flow rate through the condenser coil.

1.40.29.2.11 Cooling Coil Total Water Heating Energy [J]

This output field is the total water heating output of the DX coil (condenser coil plus condenser
water pump) in Joules for the timestep being reported. This is determined using the inlet and outlet
water temperatures and the water mass flow rate through the condenser coil.

1.40.29.2.12 Cooling Coil Water Heating Electric Power[W]

This output field is the average electricity consumption rate of the DX coil compressor and
condenser pump in Watts for the timestep being reported.

1.40.29.2.13 Cooling Coil Water Heating Electric Energy [J]

This output field is the electricity consumption of the DX coil compressor and condenser pump
in Joules for the timestep being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type
= Electricity, End Use Key = DHW, Group Key = Plant (ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.40.30 Coil:WaterHeating:AirToWaterHeatPump:Wrapped
EnergyPlus can model a heat pump water heater (HPWH) consisting of a water heater tank (e.g.,
WaterHeater:Stratified), a direct expansion (DX) coil (i.e., an air-to-water DX compression system
which includes a water heating coil, air coil, compressor, and water pump), and a fan to provide air
flow across the air coil associated with the DX compression system. These objects work together
to model a system which heats water using zone air, outdoor air, or a combination of zone and
outdoor air as the primary heat source.
The WaterHeater:HeatPump:WrappedCondenser compound object, water heater tank object (e.g.,
WaterHeater:Mixed), and fan object (e.g., Fan:OnOff) are defined elsewhere in this reference docu-
ment. Coil:WaterHeating:AirToWaterHeatPump:Wrapped object described here models an air-to-water DX
compression system to determine its air-side and water-side performance. This DX coil object
calculates the air-side sensible and latent cooling capacity at the specific operating conditions for
each simulation timestep, as well as the condenser’s water-side temperature difference at a given
condenser water flow rate.
The heat pump water heater DX coil model performs the following major functions:
• calculates the electric consumption of the DX compressor
• calculates the amount of heat delivered to the water tank
• calculates the electric consumption of the compressor’s crankcase heater
• calculates the air-side performance of the DX coil

1.40.30.1 Inputs
1.40.30.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field defines a unique user-assigned name for an instance of a heat pump water heater
DX coil. Any reference to this coil by another object (e.g., WaterHeater:HeatPump:WrappedCondenser) will
use this name.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1819

1.40.30.1.2 Field: Rated Heating Capacity

This numeric field defines the DX coil heating capacity in Watts at the rated evaporator inlet air
temperatures, rated condenser inlet water temperature, rated evaporator air flow rate, and rated
condenser water flow rate specified below. Values must be greater than 0. This value represents
water heating capacity, and it may or may not include the impact of condenser pump heat (see
field Condenser Pump Heat Included in Rated Heating Capacity below).

1.40.30.1.3 Field: Rated COP

This numeric field defines the DX coil’s water heating coefficient of performance (COP = water
heating capacity in watts divided by electrical power input in watts) at rated conditions (rated inlet
temperatures and flow rates specified below). This input not only determines the electric energy
use of the heat pump DX coil, but also the amount of total air cooling provided by the evaporator.
The rated COP includes compressor power, and may or may not include condenser pump power or
evaporator fan power (see field Evaporator Fan Power Included in Rated COP and field Condenser
Pump Power Included in Rated COP). Values must be greater than 0. If this field is left blank,
the default value is 3.2.

1.40.30.1.4 Field: Rated Sensible Heat Ratio

This numeric field defines the air-side sensible heat ratio (SHR = sensible cooling capacity
divided by total cooling capacity) of the DX coil at rated conditions (rated inlet temperatures and
flow rates specified below). This value should not include the effect of evaporator fan heat. Values
must be greater than or equal to 0.5, and less than or equal to 1.0. The default value is 0.85.

1.40.30.1.5 Field: Rated Evaporator Inlet Air Dry-Bulb Temperature

This numeric field defines the evaporator inlet air dry-bulb temperature, in degrees Celsius, that
corresponds to rated coil performance (heating capacity, COP and SHR). Values must be greater
than 5 °C. If this field is left blank, the default value is 19.7 °C.

1.40.30.1.6 Field: Rated Evaporator Inlet Air Wet-Bulb Temperature

This numeric field defines the evaporator inlet air wet-bulb temperature, in degrees Celsius,
that corresponds to rated coil performance (heating capacity, COP and SHR). Values must be
greater than 5 °C. If this field is left blank, the default value is 13.5 °C.

1.40.30.1.7 Field: Rated Condenser Water Temperature

This numeric field defines the condenser inlet water temperature, in degrees Celsius, that corre-
sponds to rated coil performance (heating capacity, COP and SHR). Values must be greater than
25 °C. If this field is left blank, the default value is 57.5 °C.

1.40.30.1.8 Field: Rated Evaporator Air Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the evaporator air volume flow rate in cubic meters per second at
rated conditions. Values must be greater than 0. If this field is left blank or autocalculated (field
value = autocalculate), the default value is 5.035E-5 m3 /s/W (31.25 cfm/MBH) multiplied by the
Rated Heating Capacity specified above. When autocalculating the rated evaporator air volumetric
flow rate, a zone sizing object is not required.
1820 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.30.1.9 Field: Evaporator Fan Power Included in Rated COP

This choice field specifies if evaporator fan power is included in the rated COP defined above.
This input impacts the calculation of compressor electric power and total air cooling provided by the
evaporator for each simulation timestep. If Yes is selected, the evaporator fan power is subtracted
from the total electric heating power when calculating total evaporator cooling capacity. If No is
selected, it is assumed that the total heating power does not include evaporator fan power. If this
field is left blank, the default is Yes. See the Engineering Reference section for Coil:WaterHeating:
AirToWaterHeatPump:\* for further details.

1.40.30.1.10 Field: Evaporator Air Inlet Node Name

This alpha field defines the name of the air node from which the evaporator coil draws its inlet
air.

1.40.30.1.11 Field: Evaporator Air Outlet Node Name

This alpha field defines the name of the air node to which the evaporator coil sends its outlet
air.

1.40.30.1.12 Field: Crankcase Heater Capacity

This numeric field defines the compressor’s crankcase heater capacity in Watts. The crankcase
heater only operates when the compressor is off and the air surrounding the compressor is below
the Maximum Ambient Temperature for Crankcase Heater Operation specified below.

1.40.30.1.13 Field: Maximum Ambient Temperature for Crankcase Heater Op-

eration
This numeric field defines the maximum ambient temperature for crankcase heater operation
in degree Celsius. The crankcase heater only operates when the air surrounding the compressor
is below this maximum temperature value and the compressor is off. The ambient temperature
surrounding the compressor is set by the Heat Pump:Water Heater parent object (field Compressor
Location).

1.40.30.1.14 Field: Evaporator Air Temperature Type for Curve Objects

This choice field specifies the air temperature type used for the heating capacity and COP
modifier curve objects below. The valid selections are Dry-bulb Temperature and Wet-bulb Tem-
perature. If dry-bulb temperature is selected, the inlet air dry-bulb temperature entering the heat
pump DX coil and fan section is used to evaluate the curve objects. If wet-bulb temperature is
selected, the inlet air wet-bulb temperature entering the heat pump DX coil and fan section is used
to evaluate the curve objects. If this field is left blank and the following curve names are defined,
the default value is wet-bulb temperature. If the following curve names are not defined, this field
is not used.

1.40.30.1.15 Field: Heating Capacity Function of Temperature Curve Name

This alpha field specifies the name of a biquadratic or cubic performance curve object (ref:
Performance Curves) that defines the variation in DX coil heating capacity as a function of inlet
fluid (air and water) temperatures. The biquadratic curve uses evaporator inlet air temperature
(dry-bulb or wet-bulb temperature based on the field Evaporator Air Temperature Type for Curve
Objects defined above) and condenser inlet water temperature as the independent variables. The cu-
bic curve uses evaporator inlet air (dry-bulb or wet-bulb) temperature as the independent variable.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1821

The output of this curve is multiplied by the rated heating capacity to give the heating capacity at
specific operating conditions (i.e., at temperatures different from the rating point temperatures).
The curve should be normalized to have the value of 1.0 at the rating point temperatures. If this
field is left blank, the heating capacity remains constant (curve value assumed to be 1.0 for all
conditions).

1.40.30.1.16 Field: Heating Capacity Function of Air Flow Fraction Curve

Name
This alpha field specifies the name of a quadratic or cubic performance curve object (ref:
Performance Curves) that defines the variation in DX coil heating capacity as a function of the
ratio of actual air flow rate across the evaporator coil to the rated evaporator air flow rate. The
output of this curve is multiplied by the rated heating capacity and the heating capacity modifier
curve (function of temperature) to give the DX coil heating capacity at the specific inlet fluid
temperatures and air flow rate at which the coil is operating. The curve should be normalized to
have the value of 1.0 at the rated evaporator air flow rate (air flow fraction of 1.0). If this field
is left blank, the heating capacity remains constant (curve value assumed to be 1.0 for all air flow
rates).

1.40.30.1.17 Field: Heating COP Function of Temperature Curve Name

This alpha field specifies the name of a biquadratic or cubic performance curve object (ref:
Performance Curves) that defines the variation in DX coil heating COP as a function of inlet
fluid (air and water) temperatures. The biquadratic curve uses evaporator inlet air temperature
(dry-bulb or wet-bulb temperature based on the field Evaporator Air Temperature Type for Curve
Objects defined above) and condenser inlet water temperature as the independent variables. The
cubic curve uses evaporator inlet air (dry-bulb or wet-bulb) temperature as the independent vari-
able. The output of this curve is multiplied by the rated COP to give the heating COP at specific
operating conditions (i.e., at temperatures different from the rating point temperatures). The curve
should be normalized to have the value of 1.0 at the rating point temperatures. If this field is left
blank, the COP remains constant (curve value assumed to be 1.0 for all conditions).

1.40.30.1.18 Field: Heating COP Function of Air Flow Fraction Curve Name
This alpha field specifies the name of a quadratic or cubic performance curve object (ref:
Performance Curves) that defines the variation in DX coil heating COP as a function of the ratio
of actual air flow rate across the evaporator coil to the rated evaporator air flow rate. The output
of this curve is multiplied by the rated COP and the heating COP modifier curve (function of
temperature) to give the heating COP at the specific inlet fluid temperatures and air flow rate at
which the coil is operating. The curve should be normalized to have the value of 1.0 at the rated
evaporator air flow rate (air flow fraction of 1.0). If this field is left blank, the heating COP remains
constant (curve value assumed to be 1.0 for all air flow rates).

1.40.30.1.19 Field: Part Load Fraction Correlation Curve Name

This alpha field defines the name of a quadratic or cubic performance curve (Ref: Performance
Curves) that parameterizes the variation of electrical power input to the DX unit as a function of
the part load ratio (PLR, sensible cooling load/steady-state sensible cooling capacity). The product
of the rated EIR and EIR modifier curves is divided by the output of this curve to give the effective
EIR for a given simulation timestep. The part load fraction (PLF) correlation accounts for efficiency
losses due to compressor cycling.
1822 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

The part load fraction correlation should be normalized to a value of 1.0 when the part load
ratio equals 1.0 (i.e., no efficiency losses when the compressor(s) run continuously for the simulation
timestep). For PLR values between 0 and 1 (0 < = PLR < 1), the following rules apply:
PLF > = 0.7 and PLF > = PLR
If PLF < 0.7 a warning message is issued, the program resets the PLF value to 0.7, and the
simulation proceeds. The runtime fraction of the coil is defined as PLR/PLF. If PLF < PLR, then
a warning message is issued and the runtime fraction of the coil is limited to 1.0.
A typical part load fraction correlation for a conventional, single-speed DX cooling coil (e.g.,
residential unit) would be:
PLF = 0.85 + 0.15( PLR)

If the user wishes to model no efficiency degradation due to compressor cycling, the part load
fraction correlation should be defined as follows:
PLF = 1.0 + 0.0( PLR)

Following is an example input for the Coil:WaterHeating:AirToWaterHeatPump:Wrapped object:

Coil:WaterHeating:AirToWaterHeatPump:Wrapped ,
HPWH Coil , !- Name
2349.6 , !- Rated Heating Capacity {W}
2.4, !- Rated COP {W/W}
0.981 , !- Rated Sensible Heat Ratio
19.72 , !- Rated Evaporator Inlet Air Dry -Bulb Temperature {C}
13.5, !- Rated Evaporator Inlet Air Wet -Bulb Temperature {C}
48.89 , !- Rated Condenser Water Temperature {C}
0.189 , !- Rated Evaporator Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
Yes , !- Evaporator Fan Power Included in Rated COP
HPWH Air Inlet , !- Evaporator Air Inlet Node Name
HPWH Coil Outlet Fan Inlet , !- Evaporator Air Outlet Node Name
0, !- Crankcase Heater Capacity {W}
10, !- Maximum Ambient Temperature for Crankcase Heater Operation {C}
WetBulbTemperature , !- Evaporator Air Temperature Type for Curve Objects
HPWH -Htg -Cap -fT , !- Heating Capacity Function of Temperature Curve Name
, !- Heating Capacity Function of Air Flow Fraction Curve Name
HPWH -Htg -COP -fT , !- Heating COP Function of Temperature Curve Name
, !- Heating COP Function of Air Flow Fraction Curve Name
HPWH -COP -fPLR; !- Part Load Fraction Correlation Curve Name

1.40.30.2 Outputs
• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Total Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Total Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Latent Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Latent Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average, Cooling Coil Runtime Fraction []

• HVAC,Average,DX Cooling Coil Crankcase Heater Electric Power [W]

• HVAC,Sum, Cooling Coil Crankcase Heater Electric Energy [J]

1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1823

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Total Water Heating Rate [W]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Total Water Heating Energy [J]

• HVAC,Average,Cooling Coil Water Heating Electric Power[W]

• HVAC,Sum,Cooling Coil Water Heating Electric Energy [J]

1.40.30.2.1 Cooling Coil Total Cooling Rate [W]

This output field is the average total (sensible and latent) cooling rate output of the DX coil in
Watts for the timestep being reported. This is determined by the coil inlet and outlet air conditions
and the air mass flow rate through the coil.

1.40.30.2.2 Cooling Coil Total Cooling Energy [J]

This output field is the total (sensible plus latent) cooling output of the DX coil in Joules for
the timestep being reported. This is determined by the coil inlet and outlet air conditions and the
air mass flow rate through the coil.

1.40.30.2.3 Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

This output field is the average moist air sensible cooling rate output of the DX coil in Watts
for the timestep being reported. This is determined by the inlet and outlet air conditions and the
air mass flow rate through the coil.

1.40.30.2.4 Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

This output field is the moist air sensible cooling output of the DX coil in Joules for the timestep
being reported. This is determined by the inlet and outlet air conditions and the air mass flow rate
through the coil.

1.40.30.2.5 DX Coil Latent Cooling Rate [W]

This output field is the average latent cooling rate output of the DX coil in Watts for the
timestep being reported. This is determined by the inlet and outlet air conditions and the air mass
flow rate through the coil.

1.40.30.2.6 Cooling Coil Latent Cooling Energy [J]

This output field is the latent cooling output of the DX coil in Joules for the timestep being
reported. This is determined by the inlet and outlet air conditions and the air mass flow rate
through the coil.

1.40.30.2.7 Cooling Coil Runtime Fraction []

This output field is the average runtime fraction of the DX coil compressor for the timestep
being reported. This also represents the runtime fraction of the condenser water pump.

1.40.30.2.8 Cooling Coil Crankcase Heater Electric Power[W]

This output field is the average electricity consumption rate of the DX coil compressor’s
crankcase heater in Watts for the timestep being reported. The crankcase heater operates only
when the compressor is off and the air surrounding the compressor is below the Maximum Ambient
Temperature for Crankcase Heater Operation, otherwise this output variable is set equal to 0.
1824 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.30.2.9 Cooling Coil Crankcase Heater Electric Energy [J]

This output field is the total electricity consumption of the DX coil compressor’s crankcase
heater in Joules for the timestep being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource
Type = Electricity, End Use Key = DHW, Group Key = Plant (ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.40.30.2.10 Cooling Coil Total Water Heating Rate [W]

This output field is the average water heating rate output of the DX coil (condenser coil plus
condenser water pump) in Watts for the timestep being reported.

1.40.30.2.11 Cooling Coil Total Water Heating Energy [J]

This output field is the total water heating output of the DX coil (condenser coil plus condenser
water pump) in Joules for the timestep being reported.

1.40.30.2.12 Cooling Coil Water Heating Electric Power[W]

This output field is the average electricity consumption rate of the DX coil compressor in Watts
for the timestep being reported.

1.40.30.2.13 Cooling Coil Water Heating Electric Energy [J]

This output field is the electricity consumption of the DX coil compressor in Joules for the
timestep being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity,
End Use Key = DHW, Group Key = Plant (ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.40.31 Coil:Cooling:WaterToAirHeatPump:ParameterEstimation
The Coil:Cooling:WaterToAirHeatPump:ParameterEstimation coil is a deterministic
model that requires parameters to describe the operating conditions of the heat pump’s compo-
nents. The parameters are generated from the manufacturer catalog data using multi-variable
optimization method. In addition, the cooling coil model can be used for 3 type of compressors:
reciprocating, rotary and scroll. Descriptions and strength of each respective model is available
in the following references:
Jin, Hui. 2002. Parameter Estimation Based Models of Water Source Heat Pumps. Phd. The-
sis, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Oklahoma State University. (down-
loadable from http://www.hvac.okstate.edu/)
Tang,C. C. 2005. Modeling Packaged Heat Pumps in Quasi-Steady State Energy Simulation
Program. M.S. Thesis. Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Oklahoma State
University. (downloadable from http://www.hvac.okstate.edu/)

1.40.31.1 Inputs
1.40.31.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the coil. Any reference to this coil by another
object (e.g., AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:WaterToAir) will use this name.

1.40.31.1.2 Field: Compressor Type

Type of compressor mode used for the heat pump. Choices available are reciprocating, rotary
and scroll compressor. Note that the parameters vary for different compressor.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1825

1.40.31.1.3 Field: Refrigerant Type

This alpha field contains the type of refrigerant used by the heat pump.

1.40.31.1.4 Field: Design Source Side Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the water flow rate though the coil in m3/sec

1.40.31.1.5 Field: Nominal Cooling Coil Capacity

This numeric field defines the nominal cooling capacity for the WatertoAirHP cooling coil in
Watts.

1.40.31.1.6 Field: Nominal Time for Condensate Removal to Begin

This numeric field defines the nominal time (in seconds) after startup for condensate to begin
leaving the coil’s condensate drain line at the coil’s rated airflow and temperature conditions,
starting with a dry coil. Nominal time is equal to the ratio of the energy of the coil’s maximum
condensate holding capacity (J) to the coil’s steady-state latent capacity (W). Suggested value is
1000; zero value means the latent degradation model is disabled. The default value for this field is
zero.

1.40.31.1.7 Field: Ratio of Initial Moisture Evaporation Rate and Steady State
Latent Capacity
This numeric field defines ratio of the initial moisture evaporation rate from the cooling coil
(when the compressor first turns off, in Watts) and the coil’s steady-state latent capacity (Watts)
at rated airflow and temperature conditions. Suggested value is 1.5; zero value means the latent
degradation model is disabled. The default value for this field is zero.

1.40.31.1.8 Field: High Pressure Cutoff

This numeric field defines the compressor s maximum allowable pressure in Pascal (N/m2)

1.40.31.1.9 Field: Low Pressure Cutoff

This numeric field defines the compressor s minimum allowable pressure in Pascal (N/m2)

1.40.31.1.10 Field: Water Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the cooling coil source side inlet node name.

1.40.31.1.11 Field: Water Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the cooling coil source side outlet node name.

1.40.31.1.12 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the cooling coil air inlet node name.

1.40.31.1.13 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the cooling coil air outlet node name.
1826 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.31.1.14 Cooling Coil Parameters

Depending on the type of compressor and the source side fluid specified, the type of parameters
and values also differs. An Excel Spreadsheet is developed to estimate the parameters based on the
manufacturer data. The general parameters are listed first followed by specific parameters required
by the respective compressor model. Lastly, parameters are listed based on the type of source side
fluid used.

1.40.31.1.15 Field: Load Side Total Heat Transfer Coefficient

This numeric field defines the estimated parameter load side total heat transfer coefficient
in W/K. This field was previously known as Parameter 1.

1.40.31.1.16 Field: Load Side Outside Surface Heat Transfer Coefficient

This numeric field defines the estimated parameter load side outside surface heat transfer
coefficient in W/K. This field was previously known as Parameter 2.

1.40.31.1.17 Field: Superheat Temperature at the Evaporator Outlet

This numeric field defines the estimated parameter superheat temperature at the evaporator
outlet in ˚C. This field was previously known as Parameter 3.

1.40.31.1.18 Field: Compressor Power Losses

This numeric field defines the estimated parameter compressor power losses, which accounts
for the loss of work due to mechanical and electrical losses in the compressor in Watts. This field
was previously known as Parameter 4.

1.40.31.1.19 Field: Compressor Efficiency

This numeric field defines the estimated parameter of the compressor s efficiency. The
compressor efficiency is formulated as the equation below:

ẆT heoritical
η= (1.163)
ẆCompInput − ẆLoss

This field was previously know as Parameter 5.

1.40.31.1.20 Field: Compressor Piston Displacement

This numeric field defines the estimated parameter piston displacement of the compressor
in m3/s. This field was part of what was previously known as Parameter 6. It should be used
when the Compressor type is either Reciprocating and Rotary. The field should be left blank when
Compressor type is Scroll.

1.40.31.1.21 Field: Compressor Suction/Discharge Pressure Drop

This numeric field defines the estimated parameter pressure drop at the compressor suction
and discharge in Pascals (N/m2). This field was part of what was previously known as Parameter
7. It should be used when the Compressor type is either Reciprocating and Rotary. The field
should be left blank when Compressor type is Scroll.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1827

1.40.31.1.22 Field: Compressor Clearance Factor

This numeric field defines the estimated parameter clearance factor of the compressor.
This parameter is dimensionless. This field was part of what was previously known as Parameter 8.
It should only be used when the Compressor type is Reciprocating. The field should be left blank
when Compressor type is Scroll or Rotary.

1.40.31.1.23 Field: Refrigerant Volume Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the refrigerant volume flow rate at the beginning of the compres-
sion [m3/s]. This field was part of what was previously known as Parameter 6. It should only be
used when the Compressor type is Scroll. The field should be left blank when Compressor type is
Reciprocating or Rotary.

1.40.31.1.24 Field: Volume Ratio

This numeric field defines the built-in-volume ratio. This field was part of what was previously
known as Parameter 7. It should only be used when the Compressor type is Scroll. The field should
be left blank when Compressor type is Reciprocating or Rotary.

1.40.31.1.25 Field: Leak Rate Coefficient

This numeric field defines the leak rate coefficient for the relationship between pressure ratio
and leakage rate. This field was part of what was previously known as Parameter 8. It should only
be used when the Compressor type is Scroll. The field should be left blank when Compressor type
is Reciprocating or Rotary.

1.40.31.1.26 Field: Source Side Heat Transfer Coefficient

This numeric field defines the estimated parameter source side heat transfer coefficient in
W/K. This field was part of what was previously known as Parameter 9. It should only be used
when the Source Side Fluid Name is Water.

1.40.31.1.27 Field: Source Side Heat Transfer Resistance1

This numeric field defines the estimated parameter source side heat transfer resistance 1.
Unit is dimensionless. This field was part of what was previously known as Parameter 9. It should
only be used when the Source Side Fluid Name is an antifreeze.

1.40.31.1.28 Field: Source Side Heat Transfer Resistance2

This numeric field defines the estimated parameter source side heat transfer resistance 2.
Unit is W/K. This field was previously known as Parameter 10. It should only be used when the
Source Side Fluid Name is an antifreeze.
Following is an example for COIL:WaterToAirHP:ParameterEstimation:Cooling coil input

Coil:Cooling:WaterToAirHeatPump:ParameterEstimation ,
Heat Pump Cooling Mode AHU1 , !- Name
Scroll , !- Compressor Type
R22 , !- Refrigerant Type
0.0015 , !- Design Source Side Flow Rate {m3/s}
38000 , !- Nominal Cooling Coil Capacity {W}
0, !- Nominal Time for Condensate Removal to Begin
{s}
0, !- Ratio of Initial Moisture Evaporation Rate and Steady State Latent Capacity {
dimensionless}
3000000 , !- High Pressure Cutoff {Pa}
1828 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

0, !- Low Pressure Cutoff {Pa}

AHU1 Water to Air Heat Pump Source Side1 Inlet Node , !- Water Inlet Node Name
AHU1 Water to Air Heat Pump Source Side1 Outlet Node , !- Water Outlet Node Name
AHU 1 Supply Fan Outlet , !- Air Inlet Node Name
Cooling Coil Air Outlet Node AHU1 , !- Air Outlet Node Name
3.78019E+03, !- Load Side Total Heat Transfer Coefficient {W/K}
3.41103E+03, !- Load Side Outside Surface Heat Transfer Coefficient {W/
K}
1.57066E+00, !- Superheat Temperature at the Evaporator Outlet {C}
2.23529E+03, !- Compressor Power Losses {W}
1.34624E+00, !- Compressor Efficiency
, !- Compressor Piston Displacement {m3/s}
, !- Compressor Suction/Discharge Pressure Drop {
Pa}
, !- Compressor Clearance Factor {dimensionless}
9.74424E-03, !- Refrigerant Volume Flow Rate {m3/s}
2.30803E+00, !- Volume Ratio {dimensionless}
2.06530E-02, !-Leak Rate Coefficient
1.92757E+03, !- Source Side Heat Transfer Coefficient {W/K}
, !- Source Side Heat Transfer Resistance1 {
dimensionless}
; !- Source Side Heat Transfer Resistance2 {W/K}

1.40.32 Coil:Cooling:WaterToAirHeatPump:EquationFit
The Coil:Cooling:WaterToAirHeatPump:EquationFit is a simple curve-fit model that requires coef-
ficients generated from the heat pump catalog data. This is an equation-fit model that resembles a
black box with no usage of heat transfer equations. The performance of the heat pump is modeled
using curves fitted from the catalog data. Description of the equation-fit model is available in the
following reference:
Tang,C. C. 2005. Modeling Packaged Heat Pumps in Quasi-Steady State Energy Simulation
Program. M.S. Thesis. Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Oklahoma State
University. (downloadable from http://www.hvac.okstate.edu/)

1.40.32.1 Inputs
1.40.32.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the coil. Any reference to this coil by another
object (e.g., AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:WaterToAir) will use this name.

1.40.32.1.2 Field: Water Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the cooling coil source side inlet node name.

1.40.32.1.3 Field: Water Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the cooling coil source side outlet node name.

1.40.32.1.4 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the cooling coil air inlet node name.

1.40.32.1.5 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the cooling coil air outlet node name.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1829

1.40.32.1.6 Field: Rated Air Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the rated volumetric air flow rate on the load side of the heat pump
in m3/s. This field is autosizable.

1.40.32.1.7 Field: Rated Water Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the rated volumetric water flow rate on the source side of the heat
pump in m3/s. This field is autosizable.

1.40.32.1.8 Field: Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity

This numeric field contains the gross rated total cooling capacity of the heat pump in W. This
field is autosizable.The gross rated total cooling capacity should be within 20% of the gross rated
heating capacity, otherwise a warning message is issued. The gross rated total cooling capacity
shouldnot account for the effect of supply air fan heat.

1.40.32.1.9 Field: Gross Rated Sensible Cooling Capacity

This numeric field contains the gross rated sensible capacity of the heat pump in W. This field
is autosizable. The gross rated sensible cooling capacity shouldnot account for the effect of supply
air fan heat.

1.40.32.1.10 Field: Rated Cooling Coefficient of Performance

This numeric field contains the rated cooling coefficient of performance of the heat pump.

1.40.32.1.11 Field: Total Cooling Capacity Coefficient 1 to 5

These numeric fields contain the first to fifth coefficient for the heat pump total cooling capacity.

1.40.32.1.12 Field: Sensible Cooling Capacity Coefficient 1 to 6

These numeric fields contain the first to sixth coefficient for the heat pump sensible cooling
capacity.

1.40.32.1.13 Field: Cooling Power Consumption Coefficient 1 to 5

These numeric fields contain the first to fifth coefficient for the heat pump power consumption.

1.40.32.1.14 Field: Nominal Time for Condensate Removal to Begin

This numeric field defines the nominal time (in seconds) after startup for condensate to begin
leaving the coil’s condensate drain line at the coil’s rated airflow and temperature conditions,
starting with a dry coil. Nominal time is equal to the ratio of the energy of the coil’s maximum
condensate holding capacity (J) to the coil’s steady-state latent capacity (W). Suggested value is
1000; zero value means the latent degradation model is disabled. The default value for this field is
zero.

1.40.32.1.15 Field: Ratio of Initial Moisture Evaporation Rate and Steady State
Latent Capacity
This numeric field defines ratio of the initial moisture evaporation rate from the cooling coil
(when the compressor first turns off, in Watts) and the coil’s steady-state latent capacity (Watts)
at rated airflow and temperature conditions. Suggested value is 1.5; zero value means the latent
degradation model is disabled. The default value for this field is zero.
Following is an example of the input for Coil:WaterToAirHP:EquationFit:Cooling coil
1830 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

Coil:Cooling:WaterToAirHeatPump:EquationFit ,
Heat Pump Cooling Mode ,!- Name of Coil
Water to Air Heat Pump Source Side1 Inlet Node ,!- Coil Water Inlet Node Name
Water to Air Heat Pump Source Side1 Outlet Node ,!- Coil Water Outlet Node Name
Cooling Coil Air Inlet Node ,!- Coil Air Inlet Node Name
Heating Coil Air Inlet Node ,!- Coil Air Outlet Node Name
4.6015E-01,!- Rated Air Volumetric Flow Rate
2.8391E-04,!- Rated Water Volumetric Flow Rate
23125.59 ,! - Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity
16267.05 ,! - Gross Rated Sensible Cooling Capacity
4.7,!- Rated Cooling Coefficient of Performance
-0.68126221 ,! - Total Cooling Capacity Coefficient 1
1.99529297 ,! - Total Cooling Capacity Coefficient 2
-0.93611888 ,! - Total Cooling Capacity Coefficient 3
0.02081177 ,! - Total Cooling Capacity Coefficient 4
0.008438868 ,! - Total Cooling Capacity Coefficient 5
2.24209455 ,! - Sensible Cooling Capacity Coefficient 1
7.28913391 ,! - Sensible Cooling Capacity Coefficient 2
-9.06079896 ,! - Sensible Cooling Capacity Coefficient 3
-0.36729404 ,! - Sensible Cooling Capacity Coefficient 4
0.218826161 ,! - Sensible Cooling Capacity Coefficient 5
0.00901534 ,! - Sensible Cooling Capacity Coefficient 6
-3.20456384 ,! - Cooling Power Consumption Coefficient 1
0.47656454 ,! - Cooling Power Consumption Coefficient 2
3.16734236 ,! - Cooling Power Consumption Coefficient 3
0.10244637 ,! - Cooling Power Consumption Coefficient 4
-0.038132556 ,! - Cooling Power Consumption Coefficient 5
0,!- Nominal Time for Condensate Removal to Begin
0;!- Ratio of Initial Moisture Evaporation Rate and Steady -state Latent Capacity

1.40.32.2 Outputs
Coil:Cooling:WaterToAirHeatPump:ParameterEstimation and Coil:Cooling:WaterToAirHeatPump:EquationFit
have the same output variables listed as follows;

• HVAC, Average, Cooling Coil Electric Power [W]

• HVAC, Average, Cooling Coil Total Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC, Average, Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC, Average, Cooling Coil Source Side Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC, Average, Cooling Coil Part Load Ratio []

• HVAC, Average, Cooling Coil Runtime Fraction []

• HVAC, Average, Cooling Coil Air Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC, Average, Cooling Coil Air Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC, Average, Cooling Coil Air Inlet Humidity Ratio [kgWater/kgDryAir]

• HVAC, Average, Cooling Coil Air Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC, Average, Cooling Coil Air Outlet Humidity Ratio [kgWater/kgDryAir]

• HVAC, Average, Cooling Coil Source Side Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC, Average, Cooling Coil Source Side Inlet Temperature [C]

1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1831

• HVAC, Average, Cooling Coil Source Side Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC, Sum, Cooling Coil Electric Energy [J]

• HVAC, Sum, Cooling Coil Total Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC, Sum, Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC, Sum, Cooling Coil Latent Cooling Energy [J]

• HVAC, Average, Cooling Coil Latent Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC, Sum, Cooling Coil Source Side Heat Transfer Energy [J]

1.40.32.2.1 Cooling Coil Electric Power [W]

This output variable is the average electric consumption rate of the heat pump in Watts over
the timestep being reported.

1.40.32.2.2 Cooling Coil Total Cooling Rate [W]

The output variable is the average total cooling load provide by the heat pump which includes
the sensible and latent load in Watts over the timestep being reported.

1.40.32.2.3 Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

The output variable is the average sensible cooling load provide by the heat pump in Watts
over the timestep being reported.

1.40.32.2.4 Cooling Coil Source Side Heat Transfer Rate [W]

The output variable is the average heat rejected to the water at the heat pump condenser in
Watts over the timestep being reported.

1.40.32.2.5 Cooling Coil Part Load Ratio []

This output variable is the ratio of the part-load capacity to the steady state capacity of the
WatertoAirHP coil. For the cycling fan mode, the runtime fraction for the heat pump compressor
may be different from the compressor part-load ratio reported here due to the part-load performance
of the WatertoAirHP coil (delay at start-up to reach steady-state output). In general, runtime
fractions are reported by individual components where appropriate.

1.40.32.2.6 Cooling Coil Runtime Fraction []

This output variable is the function of the part load ratio (PLR, part-load capacity/ steady state
capacity). The duty factor or part load fraction accounts for efficiency losses due to compressor
cycling.

1.40.32.2.7 Cooling Coil Air Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

The output variable is the average air mass flow rate going through the heat pump over the
timestep being reported.

1.40.32.2.8 Cooling Coil Air Inlet Temperature [C]

The output variable is the average entering air dry-bulb temperature over the timestep being
reported.
1832 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.32.2.9 Cooling Coil Air Inlet Humidity Ratio [kgWater/kgDryAir]

The output variable is the average entering air dry humidity ratio over the timestep being
reported.

1.40.32.2.10 Cooling Coil Air Outlet Temperature [C]

The output variable is the average leaving air dry-bulb temperature over the timestep being
reported.

1.40.32.2.11 Cooling Coil Air Outlet Humidity Ratio [kgWater/kgDryAir]

The output variable is the average leaving air dry humidity ratio over the timestep being
reported.

1.40.32.2.12 Cooling Coil Source Side Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

The output variable is the average water mass flow rate going through the heat pump over the
timestep being reported.

1.40.32.2.13 Cooling Coil Source Side Inlet Temperature [C]

The output variable is the average entering water temperature over the timestep being reported.

1.40.32.2.14 Cooling Coil Source Side Outlet Temperature [C]

The output variable is the average leaving water temperature over the timestep being reported.

1.40.32.2.15 Cooling Coil Electric Energy [J]

The output variable is the electric consumption of the heat pump in Joules over the timestep
being reported. This output is also added to a meter with Resource Type = Electricity, End Use
Key = Cooling, Group Key = System (ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.40.32.2.16 Cooling Coil Total Cooling Energy [J]

The output variable is the total cooling output of the coil in Joules over the timestep being
reported. Resource Type = EnergyTransfer, End Use Key = CoolingCoils, Group Key = System
(ref. Output:Meter objects).

1.40.32.2.17 Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

The output variable is the total sensible cooling output of the coil in Joules over the timestep
being reported

1.40.32.2.18 Cooling Coil Latent Cooling Energy [J]

1.40.32.2.19 Cooling Coil Latent Cooling Rate [W]

These output variables are the total latent cooling output of the coil in Joules or Watts over
the timestep being reported.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1833

1.40.32.2.20 Cooling Coil Source Side Heat Transfer Energy [J]

The output variable is the total source side heat transfer of the coil in Joules over the timestep
being reported

[1] The 23.9 °C wet-bulb temperature condition is not applicable for air-cooled condensers which
do not evaporate condensate.
[2] The 23.9 °C wet-bulb temperature condition is not applicable for air-cooled condensers which
do not evaporate condensate.
[3] The 23.9 °C wet-bulb temperature condition is not applicable for air-cooled condensers which
do not evaporate condensate.
[4] The 23.9 °C wet-bulb temperature condition is not applicable for air-cooled condensers which
do not evaporate condensate.

1.40.33 Coil:Cooling:WaterToAirHeatPump:VariableSpeedEquationFit
The Variable-Speed Water-to-Air Cooling Equation Fit Coil is a collection of performance curves
that represent the cooling coil at various speed levels. The performance curves should be generated
from the heat pump Reference Unit data. This is an equation-fit model that resembles a black
box with no usage of heat transfer equations. On the other hand, the model uses the bypass fac-
tor approach to calculate sensible heat transfer rate, similar to the one used in the single-speed
DX coil. The number of speed levels can range from 2 to 10. The cooling coil has four node
connections, i.e. two air sides and two water sides. The user needs to specify a nominal speed
level, at which the gross rated total cooling capacity, rated volumetric air and water flow rates are
sized. The rated capacity, rated volumetric flow rates represent the real situation in the air and
water loops, and are used to determine and flow rates at various speed levels in the parent ob-
jects, e.g. AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:WaterToAir and ZoneHVAC:WaterToAirHeatPump.
It shall be mentioned that the performance correction curves, i.e. the temperature and flow frac-
tion correction curves, should be normalized to the capacity and flow rates at each individual speed
and at the rated conditions, similar to the performance curves used in the DX coils. However,
the performance values, e.g. gross capacities, gross COPs, gross SHRs and flow rates at individual
speed levels, should be given regarding a specific unit from the Reference Unit catalog data. In
the following content, the statement started with Reference Unit means the actual Reference Unit
catalog data. The rated conditions for obtaining the capacities, COPs and SHRs are at indoor
dry-bulb temperature of 26.67 ˚C (80 ˚F), wet bulb temperature of 19.44 ˚C (67 ˚F), and the
source side entering water temperature of 29.4 ˚C (85 ˚F). Some equations are provided below to
help explain the function of the various performance curves and data fields. For a detailed descrip-
tion of the algorithm and how the curves are used in the calculations, please see the Engineering
Reference.

1.40.33.1 Inputs
1.40.33.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the variable speed cooling coil. Any reference
to this coil by another object (e.g., AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:WaterToAir) will use this
name.
1834 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.33.1.2 Field: Water Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the cooling coil source side inlet node name.

1.40.33.1.3 Field: Water Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the cooling coil source side outlet node name.

1.40.33.1.4 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the cooling coil load side inlet node name.

1.40.33.1.5 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the cooling coil load side outlet node name.

1.40.33.1.6 Field: Number of Speeds

This numeric field contains the maximum number of speed levels that the module uses. The
number of speeds, for which the user input the performance data and curves, should be equal or
higher than the maximum number. The performance inputs at higher speed levels are ignored.

1.40.33.1.7 Field: Nominal Speed Level

This numeric field defines the nominal speed level, at which the rated capacity, rated air and
water volumetric flow rates are correlated.

1.40.33.1.8 Field: Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity at Selected Nominal

Speed Level
This numeric field contains the gross rated total cooling capacity at the nominal speed level.
This field is autosizable. The gross rated total cooling capacity is used to determine a capacity
scaling factor, as compared to the Reference Unit capacity at the nominal speed level.

GrossRatedT otalCoolingCapacity
CapacityScaleF actor = (1.164)
Ref erenceU nitCapacity@N ominalSpeedLevel
And then, this scaling factor is used to determine capacities at rated conditions for other speed
levels, as below,

GrossRatedCapacity@SpeedLevel (x) = CapacityScaleFactor

(1.165)
×ReferenceUnitCapacity@SpeedLevel(x)

1.40.33.1.9 Field: Rated Volumetric Air Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the rated volumetric air flow rate on the load side of the heat pump
corresponding to the nominal speed level. This field is autosizable. The value is used to determine
an internal scaling factor, and calculate the air flow rates in the parent objects. It is recommended
that the ratio of the rated volumetric air flow rate to the rated capacity is the same as the unit
performance from the Reference Unit data.

AirF lowScaleF actor =

RatedV olumetricAirF lowRate
(1.166)
Ref erenceU nitV olAirF lowRate@N ominalSpeedLevel×CapacityScaleF actor

And the volumetric air flow rates in the parent objects are calculated as below,
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1835

LoopVolumetricAirFlowRate@SpeedLevel (x) = AirFlowScaleFactor

×ReferenceUnitVolAirFlowRate@SpeedLevel(x) (1.167)
×CapacityScaleFactor

1.40.33.1.10 Field: Rated Volumetric Water Flow Rate

This numeric field contains the rated volumetric water flow rate on the source side of the heat
pump at the nominal speed level. This field is autosizable. The value is used to determine an
internal scaling factor, and calculate the water flow rates in the water loop. It is recommended
that the ratio of the rated volumetric water flow rate to the rated capacity is the same as the unit
performance from the Reference Unit data.

W aterF lowScaleF actor =

RatedV olumetricW aterF lowRate
(1.168)
Ref erenceU nitV olW aterF lowRate@N ominalSpeedLevel×CapacityScaleF actor

And the required volumetric water flow rates at the speed levels in the parent objects, other
than the nominal speed, are calculated as below,

LoopVolumetricWaterFlowRate@SpeedLevel (x) = WaterFlowScaleFactor

×ReferenceUnitVolWaterFlowRate@SpeedLevel(x) (1.169)
×CapacityScaleFactor

1.40.33.1.11 Field: Nominal Time for Condensate Removal to Begin

This numeric field defines the nominal time (in seconds) after startup for condensate to begin
leaving the coil’s condensate drain line at the coil’s rated airflow and temperature conditions,
starting with a dry coil. Nominal time is equal to the ratio of the energy of the coil’s maximum
condensate holding capacity (J) to the coil’s steady-state latent capacity (W). Suggested value is
1000; zero value means the latent degradation model is disabled. The default value for this field is
zero.

1.40.33.1.12 Field: Ratio of Initial Moisture Evaporation Rate and Steady State
Latent Capacity
This numeric field defines ratio of the initial moisture evaporation rate from the cooling coil
(when the compressor first turns off, in Watts) and the coil’s steady-state latent capacity (Watts)
at rated airflow and temperature conditions. Suggested value is 1.5; zero value means the latent
degradation model is disabled. The default value for this field is zero.

1.40.33.1.13 Field: Flag for Using Hot Gas Reheat, 0 or 1

This numeric field dictates whether to use the recoverable waste heat for reheating the supply
air, downstream of the coil. The value 1 means using the hot gas reheating, and 0 means not using.
If the hot gas reheating is turned on, the recoverable waste heat is subtracted from both the total
cooling capacity and the sensible cooling capacity. The default value for this field is zero.
1836 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.33.1.14 Field: Part Load Fraction Correlation Curve Name

This alpha field defines the name of a quadratic or cubic performance curve (Ref: Performance
Curves) that parameterizes the variation of electrical power input to the unit as a function of the
part load ratio (PLR, sensible or latent load/steady-state sensible or latent cooling capacity for
Speed 1), in the case that the unit operates under the lowest speed, i.e. on/off. The product of the
rated EIR and EIR modifier curves is divided by the output of this curve to give the effective EIR
for a given simulation timestep for Speed 1. The part load fraction (PLF) correlation accounts for
efficiency losses due to compressor cycling. The part load fraction correlation should be normalized
to a value of 1.0 when the part load ratio equals 1.0 (i.e., no efficiency losses when the compressor(s)
run continuously for the simulation timestep). For PLR values between 0 and 1 (0 < = PLR < 1),
the following rules apply:
PLF > = 0.7 and PLF > = PLR
If PLF < 0.7, the program resets the PLF value to 0.7, and the simulation proceeds. The
runtime fraction of the coil is defined as PLR/PLF. If PLF < PLR, the runtime fraction of the coil
is limited to 1.0. A typical part load fraction correlation would be:

P LF = 0.85 + 0.15 × P LR (1.170)

If the user wishes to model no efficiency degradation due to compressor cycling, the part load
fraction correlation should be defined as follows:

P LF = 0.85 + 0.0 × P LR (1.171)

1.40.33.1.15 Field Group: rated specification, performance curves, and waste

heat data
The performance for each cooling speed must be specified as shown below. They should be
directly given from the Reference Unit catalog data. All inputs for Speed 1 are required, followed
by the optional inputs for other speeds.

1.40.33.1.16 Field: Speed <x> Reference Unit Gross Rated Total Cooling Ca-
pacity
This numeric field defines the total, full load cooling capacity in watts of the water-to-air cooling
coil unit at rated conditions for Speed <x> operation. The value entered here must be greater
than 0. The gross rated total capacity should not account for the effect of supply air fan heat.

1.40.33.1.17 Field: Speed <x> Reference Unit Gross Rated Sensible Heat Ra-
tio
This numeric field defines sensible heat transfer ratio (SHR = gross sensible cooling capacity
divided by gross total cooling capacity) of the cooling coil unit at rated conditions for Speed <x>
operation. The value entered here must be greater than 0.0 and less than 1.0. This value should
be obtained from the Reference Unit data. The gross rated SHR should not account for the effect
of supply air fan heat.

1.40.33.1.18 Field: Speed <x> Reference Unit Gross Rated Cooling COP
This numeric field defines the coefficient of performance (COP = gross total cooling capacity
in watts divided by electrical power input in watts) of the cooling coil unit at rated conditions for
Speed <x> operation. The value entered here must be greater than 0. The input power includes
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1837

power for the compressor(s) and accessories, but does not include the power consumptions of the
indoor supply air fan and water pump. The gross COP should not account for the supply air fan.

1.40.33.1.19 Field: Speed <x> Reference Unit Rated Air Flow Rate
This numeric field defines the volumetric air flow rate, in m3 per second, across the cooling coil
at rated conditions for Speed <x> operation. The value entered here should be directly from the
Reference Unit data, corresponding to the given gross rated total cooling capacity and gross rated
cooling COP at the speed, as above.

1.40.33.1.20 Field: Speed <x> Reference Unit Rated Water Flow Rate
This numeric field defines the volumetric water flow rate, in m3 per second, flowing at the source
side of the cooling coil at rated conditions for Speed <x> operation. The value entered here should
be directly from the Reference Unit data, corresponding to the given gross rated total cooling
capacity and gross rated cooling COP at the speed, as above.

1.40.33.1.21 Field: Speed <x> Total Cooling Capacity Function of Tempera-

ture Curve Name
This alpha field defines the name of a bi-quadratic performance curve for Speed <x> (ref:
Performance Curves) that parameterizes the variation of the gross total cooling capacity as a
function of the both the indoor wet-bulb and source side entering water temperature, from the
Reference Unit. The output of this curve is multiplied by the gross rated total cooling capacity
at the speed to give the gross total cooling capacity at specific temperature operating conditions
(i.e., at an indoor air wet-bulb temperature or entering water temperature different from the rating
point temperature). It should be noted that the curve is normalized to the cooling capacity at
Speed<x> from the Reference Unit data, and have the value of 1.0 at the rating point.

1.40.33.1.22 Field: Speed <x> Total Cooling Capacity Function of Air Flow
Fraction Curve Name
This alpha field defines the name of a quadratic or cubic performance curve for Speed <x>
(ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes the variation of the gross total cooling capacity as a
function of the ratio of actual air flow rate across the cooling coil to the design air flow rate (i.e.,
fraction of full load flow at Speed <x>, from the Reference Unit data). The curve is normalized to
have the value of 1.0 when the actual air flow rate equals the design air flow rate, at Speed <x>.

1.40.33.1.23 Field: Speed <x> Total Cooling Capacity Function of Water Flow
Fraction Curve Name
This alpha field defines the name of a quadratic or cubic performance curve for Speed <x>
(ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes the variation of the gross total cooling capacity as
a function of the ratio of actual water flow rate across the cooling coil to the design water flow
rate (i.e., fraction of full load flow), at Speed <x>, from the Reference Unit data. The curve is
normalized to have the value of 1.0 when the actual water flow rate equals the design air flow rate,
at Speed <x>.
The actual total cooling capacity at Speed <x>, considering variations in temperatures, air
and water flow rates is calculated as below:
1838 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

ActualCapacity@SpeedLevel (x) = CapacityScaleFactor

×ReferenceUnitCapacity@SpeedLevel(x)
×TotCapTempModFac@SpeedLevel(x) (1.172)
×TotCapAirFlowModFac@SpeedLevel(x)
×TotCapWaterFlowModFac@SpeedLevel(x)

1.40.33.1.24 Field: Speed <x> Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature

Curve Name
This alpha field defines the name of a bi-quadratic, quadratic or cubic performance curve for
Speed <x> (ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes the variation of the energy input ratio
(EIR) as a function of the both the indoor air wet-bulb and entering water temperatures The EIR
is the inverse of the COP. The output of this curve is multiplied by the rated EIR (inverse of
rated COP at Speed <x> from the Reference Unit data) to give the EIR at specific temperature
operating conditions (i.e., at an indoor air wet-bulb temperature or entering water temperature
different from the rating point temperature). The curve is normalized to have the value of 1.0 at
the rating point.

1.40.33.1.25 Field: Speed <x> Energy Input Ratio Function of Air Flow Frac-
tion Curve Name
This alpha field defines the name of a quadratic or cubic performance curve for Speed <x>
(ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes the variation of the energy input ratio (EIR) as a
function of the ratio of actual air flow rate across the cooling coil to the design air flow rate (i.e.,
fraction of full load flow, at Speed <x> from the Reference Unit data). The EIR is the inverse of
the COP. This curve is normalized to a value of 1.0 when the actual air flow rate equals the design
air flow rate.

1.40.33.1.26 Field: Speed <x> Energy Input Ratio Function of Water Flow
Fraction Curve Name
This alpha field defines the name of a quadratic or cubic performance curve for Speed <x> (ref:
Performance Curves) that parameterizes the variation of the energy input ratio (EIR) as a function
of the ratio of actual water flow rate across the cooling coil to the design water flow rate (i.e.,
fraction of full load flow, at Speed <x> from the Reference Unit data). This curve is normalized
to a value of 1.0 when the actual air flow rate equals the design air flow rate.
The actual EIR at Speed <x>, considering variations in temperatures, air and water flow rates
is calculated as below:

1.0
ActualEIR@SpeedLevel (x) = Ref erenceU nitCOP @SpeedLevel(x)
×EIRT empM odF ac@SpeedLevel(x)
(1.173)
×EIRAirF lowM odF ac@SpeedLevel(x)
×EIRW aterF lowM odF ac@SpeedLevel(x)
And, the actual power consumption is calculated:

ActualP ower@SpeedLevel (x) = ActualCapacity@SpeedLevel (x)

(1.174)
×ActualEIR@SpeedLevel (x)
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1839

1.40.33.1.27 Field: Speed <x> Reference Unit Waste Heat Fraction of Power
Input
The fraction of heat input to cooling that is available as recoverable waste heat at full load and
rated conditions for Speed <x> operation. The part of heat is not discharged to the water loop.
And it can be used for hot gas reheating during dehumidification operation, by setting 1 to Flag
for Using Hot Gas Reheat.

1.40.33.1.28 Field: Speed <x> Waste Heat Function of Temperature Curve

Name
The name of a bi-quadratic performance curve (ref: Performance Curves) that parameterizes
the variation of the waste heat recovery as a function of indoor wet-bulb temperature and the
entering water temperature for Speed <x> from the Reference Unit data. The output of this curve
is multiplied by the design recoverable waste heat at specific temperature operating conditions (i.e.,
at temperatures different from the rating point). The curve is normalized to a value of 1.0 at the
rating point.
The actual recoverable waste heat at Speed <x> is calculated as below:

ActualW asteHeat@SpeedLevel (x) = ActualP ower@SpeedLevel (x)

×W asteHeatF rac@SpeedLevel(x) (1.175)
×W asteHeatT empM odF ac@SpeedLevel(x)
An example of this statement in an IDF is:
Coil:Cooling:WaterToAirHeatPump:VariableSpeedEquationFit ,
Sys 1 Heat Pump Cooling Mode , !- Name
Sys 1 Water to Air Heat Pump Source Side1 Inlet Node , !- Water Inlet Node Name
Sys 1 Water to Air Heat Pump Source Side1 Outlet Node , !- Water Outlet Node Name
Sys 1 Cooling Coil Air Inlet Node ,!- Air Inlet Node Name
Sys 1 Heating Coil Air Inlet Node ,!- Air Outlet Node Name
10.0, !- Number of Speeds
10.0, !- Nominal Speed Level
Autosize , !- Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity {W}
Autosize , !- Rated Air Flow Rate {m3/s}
Autosize , !- Rated Water Flow Rate {m3/s}
0.0, !- Nominal time for Condensate to Begin Leaving the Coil
0.0, !- Initial Moisture Evaporation Rate Divided by Steady -State
AC Latent Capacity
1, !- Flag for Using Hot Gas Reheat or Not , 0 = false; 1 = true
VS Energy Part Load Fraction 1, !- Energy Part Load Fraction Curve
1524.1 , !- Speed 1 Reference Unit Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity
0.75, !- Speed 1 Reference Unit Gross Sensible Heat Ratio
4.0, !- Speed 1 Reference Unit Gross Cooling COP
0.1359072 , !- Speed 1 Reference Unit Rated air flow rate
0.000381695 , !- Speed 1 Reference Unit Rated water flow rate
TC VS Temp1 Test , !- Speed 1 Total Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature
Curve Name
TC VS AirFrac Test , !- Speed 1 Total Cooling Capacity Function of Air Flow
Fraction Curve Name
TC VS WaterFrac Test , !- Speed 1 Total Cooling Capacity Function of Water Flow
Fraction Curve Name
EIR VS Temp1 Test , !- Speed 1 Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve
Name
EIR VS AirFrac Test , !- Speed 1 Energy Input Ratio Function of Air Flow Fraction
Curve Name
EIR VS WaterFrac Test , !- Speed 1 Energy Input Ratio Function of Water Flow Fraction
Curve Name
0.1, !- Speed 1 Waste Heat fraction to power input
wasteHeat VS Temp1 Test , !- Speed 1 Waste Heat Function of Temperature Curve Name
1877.9 , !- Speed 2 Reference Unit Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity
1840 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

0.75, !- Speed 2 Reference Unit Gross Sensible Heat Ratio

4.0, !- Speed 2 Reference Unit Gross Cooling COP
0.151008 , !- Speed 2 Reference Unit Rated air flow rate
0.000381695 , !- Speed 2 Reference Unit Rated water flow rate
TC VS Temp1 Test , !- Speed 2 Total Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature
Curve Name
TC VS AirFrac Test , !- Speed 2 Total Cooling Capacity Function of Air Flow
Fraction Curve Name
TC VS WaterFrac Test , !- Speed 2 Total Cooling Capacity Function of Water Flow
Fraction Curve Name
EIR VS Temp1 Test , !- Speed 2 Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve
Name
EIR VS AirFrac Test , !- Speed 2 Energy Input Ratio Function of Air Flow Fraction
Curve Name
EIR VS WaterFrac Test , !- Speed 2 Energy Input Ratio Function of Water Flow
Fraction Curve Name
0.1, !- Speed 2 Waste Heat fraction to power input
wasteHeat VS Temp1 Test , !- Speed 2 Waste Heat Function of Temperature Curve Name
2226.6 , !- Speed 3 Reference Unit Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity
0.75, !- Speed 3 Reference Unit Gross Sensible Heat Ratio
4.0, !- Speed 3 Reference Unit Gross Cooling COP
0.1661088 , !- Speed 3 Reference Unit Rated air flow rate
0.000381695 , !- Speed 3 Reference Unit Rated water flow rate
TC VS Temp1 Test , !- Speed 3 Total Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature
Curve Name
TC VS AirFrac Test , !- Speed 3 Total Cooling Capacity Function of Air Flow
Fraction Curve Name
TC VS WaterFrac Test , !- Speed 3 Total Cooling Capacity Function of Water Flow
Fraction Curve Name
EIR VS Temp1 Test , !- Speed 3 Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve
Name
EIR VS AirFrac Test , !- Speed 3 Energy Input Ratio Function of Air Flow Fraction
Curve Name
EIR VS WaterFrac Test , !- Speed 3 Energy Input Ratio Function of Water Flow Fraction
Curve Name
0.1, !- Speed 3 Waste Heat fraction to power input
wasteHeat VS Temp1 Test , !- Speed 3 Waste Heat Function of Temperature Curve Name
2911.3 , !- Speed 4 Reference Unit Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity
0.75, !- Speed 4 Reference Unit Gross Sensible Heat Ratio
4.0, !- Speed 4 Reference Unit Gross Cooling COP
0.1963104 , !- Speed 4 Reference Unit Rated air flow rate
0.000381695 , !- Speed 4 Reference Unit Rated water flow rate
TC VS Temp1 Test , !- Speed 4 Total Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature
Curve Name
TC VS AirFrac Test , !- Speed 4 Total Cooling Capacity Function of Air Flow
Fraction Curve Name
TC VS WaterFrac Test , !- Speed 4 Total Cooling Capacity Function of Water Flow
Fraction Curve Name
EIR VS Temp1 Test , !- Speed 4 Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve
Name
EIR VS AirFrac Test , !- Speed 4 Energy Input Ratio Function of Air Flow Fraction
Curve Name
EIR VS WaterFrac Test , !- Speed 4 Energy Input Ratio Function of Water Flow Fraction
Curve Name
0.1, !- Speed 4 Waste Heat fraction to power input
wasteHeat VS Temp1 Test , !- Speed 4 Waste Heat Function of Temperature Curve Name
3581.7 , !- Speed 5 Reference Unit Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity
0.75, !- Speed 5 Reference Unit Gross Sensible Heat Ratio
4.0, !- Speed 5 Reference Unit Gross Cooling COP
0.226512 , !- Speed 5 Reference Unit Rated air flow rate
0.000381695 , !- Speed 5 Reference Unit Rated water flow rate
TC VS Temp1 Test , !- Speed 5 Total Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature
Curve Name
TC VS AirFrac Test , !- Speed 5 Total Cooling Capacity Function of Air Flow
Fraction Curve Name
TC VS WaterFrac Test , !- Speed 5 Total Cooling Capacity Function of Water Flow
Fraction Curve Name
EIR VS Temp1 Test , !- Speed 5 Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1841

Name
EIR VS AirFrac Test , !- Speed 5 Energy Input Ratio Function of Air Flow Fraction
Curve Name
EIR VS WaterFrac Test , !- Speed 5 Energy Input Ratio Function of Water Flow Fraction
Curve Name
0.1, !- Speed 5 Waste Heat fraction to power input
wasteHeat VS Temp1 Test , !- Speed 5 Waste Heat Function of Temperature Curve Name
4239.5 , !- Speed 6 Reference Unit Gross Total Cooling Capacity
0.75, !- Speed 6 Reference Unit Gross Sensible Heat Ratio
4.0, !- Speed 6 Reference Unit Gross Cooling COP
0.2567136 , !- Speed 6 Reference Unit Rated air flow rate
0.000381695 , !- Speed 6 Reference Unit Rated water flow rate
TC VS Temp1 Test , !- Speed 6 Total Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature
Curve Name
TC VS AirFrac Test , !- Speed 6 Total Cooling Capacity Function of Air Flow
Fraction Curve Name
TC VS WaterFrac Test , !- Speed 6 Total Cooling Capacity Function of Water Flow
Fraction Curve Name
EIR VS Temp1 Test , !- Speed 6 Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve
Name
EIR VS AirFrac Test , !- Speed 6 Energy Input Ratio Function of Air Flow Fraction
Curve Name
EIR VS WaterFrac Test , !- Speed 6 Energy Input Ratio Function of Water Flow Fraction
Curve Name
0.1, !- Speed 6 Waste Heat fraction to power input
wasteHeat VS Temp1 Test , !- Speed 6 Waste Heat Function of Temperature Curve Name
4885.7 , !- Speed 7 Reference Unit Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity
0.75, !- Speed 7 Reference Unit Gross Sensible Heat Ratio
4.0, !- Speed 7 Reference Unit Gross Cooling COP
0.2869152 , !- Speed 7 Reference Unit Rated air flow rate
0.000381695 , !- Speed 7 Reference Unit Rated water flow rate
TC VS Temp1 Test , !- Speed 7 Total Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature
Curve Name
TC VS AirFrac Test , !- Speed 7 Total Cooling Capacity Function of Air Flow
Fraction Curve Name
TC VS WaterFrac Test , !- Speed 7 Total Cooling Capacity Function of Water Flow
Fraction Curve Name
EIR VS Temp1 Test , !- Speed 7 Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve
Name
EIR VS AirFrac Test , !- Speed 7 Energy Input Ratio Function of Air Flow Fraction
Curve Name
EIR VS WaterFrac Test , !- Speed 7 Energy Input Ratio Function of Water Flow Fraction
Curve Name
0.1, !- Speed 7 Waste Heat fraction to power input
wasteHeat VS Temp1 Test , !- Speed 7 Waste Heat Function of Temperature Curve Name
5520.7 , !- Speed 8 Reference Unit Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity
0.75, !- Speed 8 Reference Unit Gross Sensible Heat Ratio
4.0, !- Speed 8 Reference Unit Gross Cooling COP
0.3171168 , !- Speed 8 Reference Unit Rated air flow rate
0.000381695 , !- Speed 8 Reference Unit Rated water flow rate
TC VS Temp1 Test , !- Speed 8 Total Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature
Curve Name
TC VS AirFrac Test , !- Speed 8 Total Cooling Capacity Function of Air Flow
Fraction Curve Name
TC VS WaterFrac Test , !- Speed 8 Total Cooling Capacity Function of Water Flow
Fraction Curve Name
EIR VS Temp1 Test , !- Speed 8 Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve
Name
EIR VS AirFrac Test , !- Speed 8 Energy Input Ratio Function of Air Flow Fraction
Curve Name
EIR VS WaterFrac Test , !- Speed 8 Energy Input Ratio Function of Water Flow Fraction
Curve Name
0.1, !- Speed 8 Waste Heat fraction to power input
wasteHeat VS Temp1 Test , !- Speed 8 Waste Heat Function of Temperature Curve Name
6144.8 , !- Speed 9 Reference Unit Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity
0.75, !- Speed 9 Reference Unit Gross Sensible Heat Ratio
4.0, !- Speed 9 Reference Unit Gross Cooling COP
0.3473184 , !- Speed 9 Reference Unit Rated air flow rate
1842 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

0.000381695 , !- Speed 9 Reference Unit Rated water flow rate

TC VS Temp1 Test , !- Speed 9 Total Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature
Curve Name
TC VS AirFrac Test , !- Speed 9 Total Cooling Capacity Function of Air Flow
Fraction Curve Name
TC VS WaterFrac Test , !- Speed 9 Total Cooling Capacity Function of Water Flow
Fraction Curve Name
EIR VS Temp1 Test , !- Speed 9 Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve
Name
EIR VS AirFrac Test , !- Speed 9 Energy Input Ratio Function of Air Flow Fraction
Curve Name
EIR VS WaterFrac Test , !- Speed 9 Energy Input Ratio Function of Water Flow Fraction
Curve Name
0.1, !- Speed 9 Waste Heat fraction to power input
wasteHeat VS Temp1 Test , !- Speed 9 Waste Heat Function of Temperature Curve Name
6758.0 , !- Speed 10 Reference Unit Gross Rated Total Cooling Capacity
0.75, !- Speed 10 Reference Unit Gross Sensible Heat Ratio
4.0, !- Speed 10 Reference Unit Gross Cooling COP
0.37752 , !- Speed 10 Reference Unit Rated air flow rate
0.000381695 , !- Speed 10 Reference Unit Rated water flow rate
TC VS Temp1 Test , !- Speed 10 Total Cooling Capacity Function of Temperature
Curve Name
TC VS AirFrac Test , !- Speed 10 Total Cooling Capacity Function of Air Flow
Fraction Curve Name
TC VS WaterFrac Test , !- Speed 10 Total Cooling Capacity Function of Water Flow
Fraction Curve Name
EIR VS Temp1 Test , !- Speed 10 Energy Input Ratio Function of Temperature Curve
Name
EIR VS AirFrac Test , !- Speed 10 Energy Input Ratio Function of Air Flow Fraction
Curve Name
EIR VS WaterFrac Test , !- Speed 10 Energy Input Ratio Function of Water Flow
Fraction Curve Name
0.1, !- Speed 10 Waste Heat fraction to power input
wasteHeat VS Temp1 Test; !- Speed 10 Waste Heat Function of Temperature Curve Name

1.40.33.2 Outputs
• HVAC, Average, Cooling Coil Electric Power [W]

• HVAC, Average, Cooling Coil Total Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC, Average, Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

• HVAC, Average, Cooling Coil Source Side Heat Transfer Rate [W]

• HVAC, Average, Cooling Coil Part Load Ratio []

• HVAC, Average, Cooling Coil Runtime Fraction []

• HVAC, Average, Cooling Coil Air Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC, Average, Cooling Coil Air Inlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC, Average, Cooling Coil Air Inlet Humidity Ratio [kgWater/kgDryAir]

• HVAC, Average, Cooling Coil Air Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC, Average, Cooling Coil Air Outlet Humidity Ratio [kgWater/kgDryAir]

• HVAC, Average, Cooling Coil Source Side Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

• HVAC, Average, Cooling Coil Source Side Inlet Temperature [C]

1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1843

• HVAC, Average, Cooling Coil Source Side Outlet Temperature [C]

• HVAC, Average, Cooling Coil Upper Speed Level []
• HVAC, Average, Cooling Coil Neighboring Speed Levels Ratio []
• HVAC, Average, Cooling Coil Recoverable Heat Transfer Rate [W]
• HVAC, Sum, Cooling Coil Electric Energy [J]
• HVAC, Sum, Cooling Coil Total Cooling Energy [J]
• HVAC, Sum, Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Energy [J]
• HVAC, Sum, Cooling Coil Latent Cooling Energy [J]
• HVAC, Average, Cooling Coil Latent Cooling Rate [W]
• HVAC, Sum, Cooling Coil Source Side Heat Transfer Energy [J]

1.40.33.2.1 Cooling Coil Electric Power [W]

This output variable is the average electric consumption rate of the heat pump in Watts over
the timestep being reported.

1.40.33.2.2 Cooling Coil Total Cooling Rate [W]

The output variable is the average total cooling load provide by the heat pump which includes
the sensible and latent load in Watts over the timestep being reported.

1.40.33.2.3 Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Rate [W]

The output variable is the average sensible cooling load provide by the heat pump in Watts
over the timestep being reported.

1.40.33.2.4 Cooling Coil Source Side Heat Transfer Rate [W]

The output variable is the average heat rejected to the water at the heat pump condenser in
Watts over the timestep being reported.

1.40.33.2.5 Cooling Coil Part Load Ratio []

This output variable is the ratio of the part-load capacity to the steady state capacity of the
VSWatertoAirHP coil. For the cycling fan mode, the runtime fraction for the heat pump compressor
may be different from the compressor part-load ratio reported here due to the part-load performance
of the VSWatertoAirHP coil (delay at start-up to reach steady-state output). In general, runtime
fractions are reported by individual components where appropriate.

1.40.33.2.6 Cooling Coil Runtime Fraction []

This output variable is the function of the part load ratio (PLR, part-load capacity/ steady
state capacity). The duty factor or runtime fraction accounts for efficiency losses due to compressor
cycling.

1.40.33.2.7 Cooling Coil Air Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

The output variable is the average air mass flow rate going through the heat pump over the
timestep being reported.
1844 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.33.2.8 Cooling Coil Air Inlet Temperature [C]

The output variable is the average entering air dry-bulb temperature over the timestep being
reported.

1.40.33.2.9 Cooling Coil Air Inlet Humidity Ratio [kgWater/kgDryAir]

The output variable is the average entering air dry humidity ratio over the timestep being
reported.

1.40.33.2.10 Cooling Coil Air Outlet Temperature [C]

The output variable is the average leaving air dry-bulb temperature over the timestep being
reported.

1.40.33.2.11 Cooling Coil Air Outlet Humidity Ratio [kgWater/kgDryAir]

The output variable is the average leaving air dry humidity ratio over the timestep being
reported.

1.40.33.2.12 Cooling Coil Source Side Mass Flow Rate [kg/s]

The output variable is the average water mass flow rate going through the heat pump over the
timestep being reported.

1.40.33.2.13 Cooling Coil Source Side Inlet Temperature [C]

The output variable is the average entering water temperature over the timestep being reported.

1.40.33.2.14 Cooling Coil Source Side Outlet Temperature [C]

The output variable is the average leaving water temperature over the timestep being reported.

1.40.33.2.15 Cooling Coil Upper Speed Level []

The output variable is the average upper speed level, for interpolating performances between
two neighboring speed levels.

1.40.33.2.16 Cooling Coil Neighboring Speed Levels Ratio []

The output variable is the average speed ratio, for interpolating performances between two
neighboring speed levels.

1.40.33.2.17 Cooling Coil Recoverable Heat Transfer Rate [W]

This output variable is the average recoverable waste heat rate of the heat pump in Watts over
the timestep being reported.

1.40.33.2.18 Cooling Coil Electric Energy [J]

The output variable is the electric consumption of the heat pump in Joules over the timestep
being reported.

1.40.33.2.19 Cooling Coil Total Cooling Energy [J]

The output variable is the total cooling output of the coil in Joules over the timestep being
reported.
1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1845

1.40.33.2.20 Cooling Coil Sensible Cooling Energy [J]

The output variable is the total sensible cooling output of the coil in Joules over the timestep
being reported

1.40.33.2.21 Cooling Coil Latent Cooling Energy [J]

1.40.33.2.22 Cooling Coil Latent Cooling Rate [W]

These output variables are the total latent cooling output of the coil in Joules or Watts over
the timestep being reported.

1.40.33.2.23 Cooling Coil Source Side Heat Transfer Energy [J]

The output variable is the total source side heat transfer of the coil in Joules over the timestep
being reported.

1.40.34 Coil:Heating:WaterToAirHeatPump:ParameterEstimation
The Water to Air heat pump heating coil is a deterministic model that requires parameters to
describe the operating conditions of the heat pump s components. The parameters are generated
from the manufacturer catalog data using multi-variable optimization method. However, the pa-
rameters required for WatertoAirHP heating coil is similar to WatertoAirHP cooling except (source
side outside heat transfer coefficient) parameter is not required for heating. In addition, the heating
coil model can be used for 3 type of compressors which are reciprocating, rotary and scroll.

1.40.34.1 Inputs
1.40.34.1.1 Field: Name
This alpha field contains the identifying name for the coil. Any reference to this coil by another
object (e.g., AirLoopHVAC:UnitaryHeatPump:WaterToAir) will use this name.

1.40.34.1.2 Field: Compressor Type

Type of compressor mode used for the heat pump. Choices available are reciprocating, rotary
and scroll compressor. Note that the parameters vary for different compressor.

1.40.34.1.3 Field: Refrigerant Type

This alpha field contains the type of refrigerant used by the heat pump.

1.40.34.1.4 Field: Design Source Side Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the water flow rate though the coil in m3/sec

1.40.34.1.5 Field: Gross Rated Heating Capacity

This numeric field defines the gross heating capacity for the WatertoAirHP heating coil at the
rated condition in Watts. The gross heating capacity should Not inlcude the ffect of supply air fan
heat.

1.40.34.1.6 Field: High Pressure Cutoff

This numeric field defines the compressor s maximum allowable pressure in Pascal (N/m2)
1846 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.34.1.7 Field: Low Pressure Cutoff

This numeric field defines the compressor s minimum allowable pressure in Pascal (N/m2)

1.40.34.1.8 Field: Water Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the heating coil source side inlet node name.

1.40.34.1.9 Field: Water Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the heating coil source side outlet node name.

1.40.34.1.10 Field: Air Inlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the heating coil air inlet node name.

1.40.34.1.11 Field: Air Outlet Node Name

This alpha field contains the heating coil air outlet node name.

1.40.34.1.12 Heating Coil Parameters

Depending on the type of compressor specified, the type of parameters and values also differs.
An Excel Spreadsheet is in the final stage of development that is capable of estimating the param-
eters based on the manufacturer data. The general parameters are listed first followed by specific
parameters required by the respective compressor model. Lastly, parameters are listed based on
the type of source side fluid used.

1.40.34.1.13 Field: Load Side Total Heat Transfer Coefficient

This numeric field defines the estimated parameter load side total heat transfer coefficient
in W/K. This field was previously known as Parameter 1.

1.40.34.1.14 Field: Superheat Temperature at the Evaporator Outlet

This numeric field defines the estimated parameter superheat temperature at the evaporator
outlet in ˚C. This field was previously known as Parameter 2.

1.40.34.1.15 Field: Compressor Power Losses

This numeric field defines the estimated parameter compressor power losses, which accounts
for the loss of work due to mechanical and electrical losses in the compressor in Watts. This field
was previously known as Parameter 3.

1.40.34.1.16 Field: Compressor Efficiency

This numeric field defines the estimated parameter of the compressor s efficiency. The
compressor efficiency is formulated as the equation below:

ẆT heoritical
η= (1.176)
ẆCompInput − ẆLoss

This field was previously know as Parameter 4.

1.40. GROUP HEATING AND COOLING COILS 1847

1.40.34.1.17 Field: Compressor Piston Displacement

This numeric field defines the estimated parameter piston displacement of the compressor
in m3/s. This field was part of what was previously known as Parameter 5. It should be used
when the Compressor type is either Reciprocating and Rotary. The field should be left blank when
Compressor type is Scroll.

1.40.34.1.18 Field: Compressor Suction/Discharge Pressure Drop

This numeric field defines the estimated parameter pressure drop at the compressor suc-
tion and discharge in Pascals (N/m2). This field was part of what was previously known as
Parameter 6. It should be used when the Compressor type is either Reciprocating and Rotary.
The field should be left blank when Compressor type is Scroll.

1.40.34.1.19 Field: Compressor Clearance Factor

This numeric field defines the estimated parameter clearance factor of the compressor.
This parameter is dimensionless. This field was part of what was previously known as Parameter 7.
It should only be used when the Compressor type is Reciprocating. The field should be left blank
when Compressor type is Scroll or Rotary.

1.40.34.1.20 Field: Refrigerant Volume Flow Rate

This numeric field defines the refrigerant volume flow rate at the beginning of the compres-
sion [m3/s]. This field was part of what was previously known as Parameter 6. It should only be
used when the Compressor type is Scroll. The field should be left blank when Compressor type is
Reciprocating or Rotary.

1.40.34.1.21 Field: Volume Ratio

This numeric field defines the built-in-volume ratio. This field was part of what was previ-
ously known as Parameter 6. It should only be used when the Compressor type is Scroll. The field
should be left blank when Compressor type is Reciprocating or Rotary.

1.40.34.1.22 Field: Leak Rate Coefficient

This numeric field defines the coefficient for the relationship between pressure ratio and
leakage rate. This field was part of what was previously known as Parameter 7. It should only
be used when the Compressor type is Scroll. The field should be left blank when Compressor type
is Reciprocating or Rotary.

1.40.34.1.23 Field: Source Side Heat Transfer Coefficient

This numeric field defines the estimated parameter source side heat transfer coefficient in
W/K. This field was part of what was previously known as Parameter 8. It should only be used
when the Source Side Fluid Name is Water.

1.40.34.1.24 Field: Source Side Heat Transfer Resistance1

This numeric field defines the estimated parameter source side heat transfer resistance 1.
Unit is dimensionless. This field was part of what was previously known as Parameter 8. It should
only be used when the Source Side Fluid Name is an antifreeze.
1848 CHAPTER 1. INPUT-OUTPUT REFERENCE

1.40.34.1.25 Field: Source Side Heat Transfer Resistance2

This numeric field defines the estimated parameter source side heat transfer resistance
2. Unit is W/K. This field was previously known as Parameter 9. It should only be used when the
Source Side Fluid Name is an antifreeze.
Following is an example input for Coil:WatertoAirHP:ParameterEstimation:Heating

Coil:Heating:WaterToAirHeatPump:ParameterEstimation ,
Heat Pump HEATING Mode AHU1 , !- Name
Scroll , !- Compressor Type
R22 , !- Refrigerant Type
0.0015 , !- Des