As of the 2018.g version, CYPETHERM programs with the EnergyPlus analysis engine contain a new, more functional and intuitive interface to define air conditioning systems.
In CYPETHERM EPlus, HE Plus and RECSPlus, the air conditioning installation is divided into Terminal units and Air conditioning systems. Until now, both parts were defined in the same general panel. This panel has been removed and as of the 2018.g version, terminal units are defined within each thermal zone, whilst air conditioning systems are defined in their own section. Now, the terminal units and air conditioning systems created by users are added as elements in the tree diagram located in the top left of the screen, and therefore all the options and editing methods that are used for the elements of the tree are applicable.
To create an air conditioning system, the new Air conditioning systems button is used. The air conditioning systems available in previous versions have been renamed and classed by type. Hence, in the first window of the assistant, users can choose following the buttons from left to right, amongst:
- Water-air conditioning systems
Located here are water heating and cooling systems and aerothermal systems. - Direct expansion systems
Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) and multi-split outdoor units can be defined here. - Air-air conditioning systems
Users must first choose the type of system (constant or variable air volume, simple or double duct) and then the type of air conditioner. - Water condensation systems
The water circuits for coolers are defined here (these circuits were previously defined together with the cooling by water circuit) as are heat pumps.
In the second window of the assistant, the properties of the chosen system are defined. To help users to introduce the data, the properties that can be edited have been grouped depending on the part of the system to which they refer and the texts have been revised. The panel only displays the basic properties of the system users are to define, whilst the variable that configure the details of the system are displayed by clicking on the “Edit” button located to the right of each section. Additionally, the “Default values” button has been added, which allows users to recover the values that were proposed by the program.
By clicking on “Accept”, the air conditioning system that has been created with the assistant is added to the tree diagram, within the Air conditioning systems section. Upon selecting it, its edit panel opens, where users can edit all the properties defined using the assistant.
The project can be analysed when there are air conditioning systems defined in the tree that are not connected to any terminal unit. This way, users can have systems saved in the project that do not affect the simulation.
The terminal units are located in each zone. When the “Terminal units” section is clicked on in the tree diagram, the panel in which users can edit the options EnergyPlus™ uses to automatically design the air conditioning equipment that sees to each zone. Users are informed of the priority order with which the different units that are defined in the same zone are simulated.
To add a new terminal unit, the “New terminal unit” is used, which opens an assistant that is similar to that of the Air Conditioning Systems. The terminal units have also been renamed and classed by type, which helps to identify the system to which they can be connected. In the first window of the assistant, following the buttons from left to right, users can choose amongst:
- Constant performance equipment
- Terminal unit for air conditioning by water
Located here are radiators, radiant floors and fan coils. In this category, that which was previously known as “Radiant heating terminal” has been divided into “Radiator” and “Radiant floor”, with the aim to help users identify this equipment more easily. - Terminal unit for air conditioning by air
Users can choose amongst various air discharge terminals corresponding to different types of air-air conditioning systems. - Direct expansion terminal unit
Autonomous air conditioning equipment is defined here (compact, 1x1 split, water-air heat pump) and indoor direct expansion systems. - Electrical emitter for heating
In the second window of the assistant, the specific equipment is selected and its properties are defined. Most terminal units have to be connected to an air conditioning system. In the “System” section of this window, the systems that are compatible with the chosen terminal unit are indicated. As in previous versions, the terminal unit must be connected to a system to be able to create it. If a compatible air conditioning system already exists in the project, it will be displayed in the drop-down options. If there are no compatible systems, users may create one from the terminal unit panel, or edit an existing one.
By clicking on “Accept”, the terminal unit that has been created with the assistant is added to the tree. When it is selected, its edit panel opens, where users can edit all the properties that were defined using the assistant.
