Step 1: Preparations

Owned by Dennis De Beuckeleer
Last updated: Apr 08, 2022
2 min read

Simulations of the digital model will be performed during the conceptual study. The digital twin must behave the same way as the physical installation to extract useful insights out of these dynamic simulation results. A lot of information about the installation is needed to accomplish this.

The checklist below is meant to guide the software user during the start of any conceptual study and the information gathering process. Some common examples of installation and Building Management System parameters are listed however this is a non-exhaustive list. The necessary information depends on the specific installation and project scope.

  • P&ID

  • Floor plans

  • Technical sheets of installation components:

    • Boilers;

    • Valves;

    • Radiators;

    • Convectors;

    • Air Handling units;

    • DHW;

    • Pumps;

Look for flow rates, capacities, and temperature regimes mentioned in the documents.

Gather as much information as possible about the plant rooms, substations, and headers.

 

  • Component specifications and settings

    • KV-values;

    • Pump information (speed control, pump head);

    • Boiler controls (constant temperature/weather compensation curve);

    • Separate circuit control (constant temperature/weather compensation curve);

    • Air handling units (capacities, activation temperatures (Frost Coil/Reheat Coil), energy recovery);

    • Daily temperature cycle (activation and deactivation time, setpoints, nighttime setback);

    • Domestic Hot Water (type (showers, kitchens), heat exchanger, storage vessel);

A lot of information is usually to be found in the Building Management System.

 

  • Building simulation data

  • Historic data

    • Half hourly gas and/or electricity consumption data;

    • Daily, monthly, and/or yearly consumption data;

  • Measurement data

    • This data can be exported from the BMS;

 

With sufficient information, it is now possible to implement the reference model in the software.
The information gathered is also useful for Detail Study in the software.