Real-time experimental connection of an EnergyPlus building model with a real water-to-water heat pump through functional mock-up interface

Abstract

Energy modelling is a powerful tool to predict building physical performance. However, current simulation tools are not able to mimic perfectly the operation of real HVAC systems. Testing real HVAC equipment under the loads of a virtual model makes it possible to analyse their dynamic behaviour under quasi-realistic conditions. New methods are needed to exchange information between building modelling tools and laboratories where real systems are tested. Within this context, the present study focuses on the implementation of a data communication chain to perform real-time building simulation in EnergyPlus with hardware-in-loop (HIL) integration in a semi-virtual testing laboratory (SEILAB). A feature of SEILAB is that it allows operating real equipment under the energy demand/production of a dynamic virtual building model. A residential building model created with EnergyPlus has been coupled with a real water-to-water heat pump, an on-site weather station and a photovoltaic system. This communication is based on the use of Functional Mock-up Interface for Co-Simulation (EMI). The EnergyPlus model has been wrapped into a Functional Mock-up Unit (FMU) that communicates with the laboratory by means of LabVIEW. The latter provides a graphical interface of SEILAB to manage the real equipment. Coupling between EnergyPlus and LabVIEW requires Python's scripts as a bridge for communication.