Exploring the Potential of ASHRAE Guideline 36 in District Cooling Systems: Preprint

  • Julia Ho
  • , Hongjun Li
  • , Jianjun Hu
  • , Ardeshir Moftakhari
  • , Wangda Zuo

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaper

Abstract

ASHRAE Guideline 36-2021 (G36) provides high-performance control sequences for all-air and hydronic HVAC systems, and it has proven effective at reducing energy use for single building all-air equipment. The most recent version of G36 included control sequences for water-cooled chiller plants, which can be used in district cooling systems (DCSs). Despite not being a traditional application of G36 controls, DCSs could benefit from energy savings that G36 control sequences have demonstrated in single building systems. We therefore investigate the possibility to extend G36 chiller plant control from a single building to district cooling using a real-world district cooling system in Boulder, Colorado as a case study. Four timeframes representing low to peak loads are simulated and analyzed to compare energy use of the district cooling system for three control sequences. Results show that although G36 chiller plant sequences can be applied to DCSs, further analysis and potentially control optimization is needed to ensure energy savings compared to default controls.
Original languageAmerican English
Number of pages11
StatePublished - 2025
EventBuilding Simulation Conference - Brisbane, Australia
Duration: 24 Aug 202527 Aug 2025

Conference

ConferenceBuilding Simulation Conference
CityBrisbane, Australia
Period24/08/2527/08/25

NLR Publication Number

  • NREL/CP-5500-94092

Keywords

  • ASHRAE Guideline 36-2021
  • HVAC

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