Transient simulation as an economical analysis method for energy supply systems for buildings or industry

Dynamic simulations of energy systems are essential when it comes to transient analysis and design of complex plants. Besides the choice of efficient subcomponents, like boilers, pumps or chillers, the control strategies can have a large impact on the running costs of a cooling, heating or combined heating and cooling plant. This article describes the advantages of the transient simulation method in the optimisation process of energy systems. The economical benefits are discussed by means of typical applications. Moreover, the object-oriented model of a heat exchanger is presented utilising the modelling language Modelica.