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Data-Centers-NC-v4 EAp2:Minimum energy performance

Modeling Limitations to the Simulation Program

I am currently working on developing the baseline building for our Energy modelling and I'm stuck on the following point of Table G3.1 point 13. "If the simulation program cannot model a component or system included in the proposed design explicitly, substitute a thermodynamically similar component model that can approximate the expected performance of the component that cannot be modeled explicitly". This is of huge concern to me as the simulation software we are going to use cannot properly simulate the cooling method we will be using in the Data Room. That being said, our cooling units are innovative and of great importance since they are, according to the manufacturer, 50% more efficient than conventional energy efficient units. If I use the same, or thermodynamically equivalent system, in the baseline building, then what kind of improvement should I expect. I'm not entirely sure that I understand this, so any clarifications would be more than welcome.

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Thu, 06/22/2017 - 09:58

Hi Vasileios, I think that you need to use an exceptional calculation method if your simulation program cannot model your cooling system. Have you had a look at the instruction for exceptional calculation method?
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Marcus Sheffer
LEED Fellow
7group / Energy Opportunities
LEEDuser Expert
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Thu, 06/22/2017 - 13:17

In modeling terms this is referencing what is called a work around. A work around does require an exceptional calculation as noted above. The work around is just within the proposed model and has nothing to do with the baseline being required to be thermodynamically similar. The work around should be justified. Ideally there is a published document based on studies. In this case check with the manufacturer to see if they have anything. For the exceptional calculation you will then need to justify a baseline. The baseline should be based upon industry standard practice in your area for a new data center. So you get to establish the baseline but you have to justify it to the reviewer.

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