The Prototype Building Electrical Models are detailed electrical distribution system models designed to accompany the Prototype Building Models maintained by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Building Energy Codes Program. The electrical distribution models are implemented using BEEAM, a Modelica library that simulates the performance of building electrical distribution systems using harmonic power flow.
At present, the models in this repository are experimental and cover only a very limited subset of the available prototype building models. They should not be considered an official supplement or extension to the prototype building models.
The prototype building electrical models are intended to support simulation-based research regarding building electrical distribution system efficiency; distribution system power quality and harmonic performance; comparison of alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) electrical system designs; and grid-interactive, efficient buildings (GEBs). Each model consists of a detailed, realistic electrical distribution system design implemented in Modelica, including distribution equipment (e.g. transformers, cables), power electronics converters (including load-packaged converters), local photovoltaic (PV) generation (if applicable) and individual loads. At present, the models focus on granular representation of lighting and miscellaneous electrical loads (MELs).
Each represented commercial prototype building has multiple corresponding distribution models reflecting combinations of the distribution topologies and installed PV generation scenarios outlined below.
TO DO: Add publication citation here when it is done.
The following distribution topologies are represented:
- AC distribution: representative of typical/conventional design practice
- Local DC distribution: low-voltage lighting and MELs served by multichannel AC/DC converters (e.g. PoE switches or 24V multichannel converters)
- Central DC distribution: central 380V DC backbone with low-voltage lighting and MELs served by step-down DC/DC converters
TO DO: Add graphics and more description?
The following PV generation scenarios are represented:
- No PV generation
- Maximum rooftop PV generation: roof-mounted PV system designed to maximize production within the available roof area
- Zero energy PV generation: roof- or ground-mounted PV system designed to satisfy the DOE zero energy building definition
PV system performance is modeled using the PVWatts engine distributed with the System Advisor Model. Source energy calculations for the zero energy building definition use the site to source conversion factors implemented by EnergyPlus in the associated prototype building model, as reported in the Annual Building Utility Performance Summary report from EnergyPlus that accompanies each model.
models: Modelica distribution system modelsdesign: Design documentation and other supporting files; used to create the Modelica modelsscripts: Model generation scriptsweather: Weather files (from here; included for convenience)
The models and design directories have parallel subdirectory structures organized by Building Category > Building Type > Code > Climate Zone.
These models are not yet publicly released under an open source license; this repository is for internal development only.
TO DO: Public release and update with license at time of publication.