Modelica Buildings Library

The Modelica Buildings library is a free open-source library with dynamic simulation models for building and district energy and control systems. The development of Modelica Buildings library is led by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). The Modelica Buildings library website is https://simulationresearch.lbl.gov/modelica/

Developing library quality models requires rigorous training in physical systems, numerical algorithms, and software engineering. Dr. Zuo was one of the first developers of the Buildings library while he worked as a Research Scientist at LBNL. When Dr. Zuo moved to academia in 2013, he has continued the collaboration with LBNL for the development of Buildings library. Besides developing models by himself, he has invested a lot of time in training new library developers. As a result, many SBS lab members have been officially acknowledged as the contributors of the Buildings library. This page shows some of our research related to the Buildings library development.

Data Center Cooling Systems:

 

 

 

Detailed cooling system models for data centers were developed and released open source in the Buildings library here. These models were developed as part of the DOE project Improving Data Center Energy Efficiency through End-to-End Cooling Modeling and Optimization to improve data center energy efficiency through optimization of cooling systems and airflow management, either separately or coupled. An example of one of the chiller cooled system models is shown on the right. More about this research can be found in this paper: Y. Fu, W. Zuo, M. Wetter, J. W. VanGilder, P. Yang 2019. “Equation-Based Object-Oriented Modeling and Simulation of Data Center Cooling Systems.” Energy and Buildings, 198, pp. 503-519.

Coupled Models for Indoor Airflow, HVAC, Control, and Building Envelope Heat Transfer:

 

 

 

 

 

 

These models couple our FFD code for indoor airflow simulation with HVAC, control, and building envelope heat transfer models from the Buildings library. This allows for the dynamic simulation of complex, stratified airflow in buildings that can be used for the design and control of ventilation systems. These models have been released open source in the Buildings library here and an example model that simulates feedback control of space cooling is shown on the right. More about this research can be seen in this paper: W. Zuo, M. Wetter, W. Tian, D. Li, M. Jin, Q. Chen 2016. “Coupling Indoor Airflow, HVAC, Control and Building Envelope Heat Transfer in the Modelica Buildings Library.” Journal of Building Performance Simulation, 9(4), pp. 366-381.

District Cooling Systems:

These models are designed to model district cooling systems. The building and distribution network models are vectorized to enable large scale applications. Hierarchical approach is adopted to manage the complexity of physical plant and related controls. More about this research can be seen in this paper: K. Hinkelman, J. Wang, W. Zuo, A. Gautier, M. Wetter, C. Fan, N. Long 2022. “Modelica-Based Modeling and Simulation of District Cooling Systems: A Case Study.” Applied Energy, 311, pp.118654.

District Heating Systems:

In the United States, steam is the most common medium for district heating systems, representing 97% of all installations. r A fast and accurate modeling approach for water and steam thermodynamics for district heating system simulation has been developed. For an annual simulation with 180 buildings, this translates to a computing time reduction from 33 to 1–1.5 h. More information about his research can be seen in the paper: K Hinkelman, S. Anbarasu, M. Wetter, A. Gautier, W. Zuo 2022. “A Fast and Accurate Modeling Approach for Water and Steam Thermodynamics with Practical Applications in District Heating System Simulation.” Energy. 254, Part A, pp 124227.

 

Library Developers from the SBS Lab:

Wangda Zuo

Wangda Zuo

Yangyang Fu

Yangyang Fu

Wei Tian

Wei Tian

Katy Hinkelman

Katy Hinkelman

Dan Li

Dan Li

Tom Sevilla

Tom Sevilla

Jing Wang

Jing Wang

Chengnan Shi

Chengnan Shi

Sen Huang

Sen Huang

Saranya Anbarasu

Saranya Anbarasu

Related Journal Publications:

  1. K. Hinkelman, J. Wang, W. Zuo, A. Gautier, M. Wetter, C. Fan, N. Long. 2022. “Modelica-Based Modeling and Simulation of District Cooling Systems: A Case Study.” Applied Energy, 311, pp.118654.
  2. C. A. Faulkner, J. E. Castellini, W. Zuo, D. M. Lorenzetti, M. D. Sohn 2022. “Investigation of HVAC Operation Strategies for Office Buildings During COVID-19 Pandemic.” Building and Environment, 207 (B), pp. 108519.
  3. S. Huang, J. Wang, Y. Fu, W. Zuo, K. Hinkelman, R. M. Kaiser, D. He, D. Vrabie 2021. “An Open-source Virtual Testbed for a Real Net-Zero Energy Community”. Sustainable Cities and Society, 75, pp. 103255.
  4. C. Fan, K. Hinkelman, Y. Fu, W. Zuo, S. Huang, C. Shi, N. Mamaghani, C. Faulkner, X. Zhou 2021. “Open-source Modelica Models for the Control Performance Simulation of Chiller Plants with Water-side Economizer.” Applied Energy, 299, pp. 117337.
  5. S. Huang, W. Zuo, D. Vrabie, R. Xu 2021. “Modelica-based System Modeling for Control-related Faults in Chiller Plants and Boiler Plants Serving Large Office Buildings.” Journal of Building Engineering, 44, pp. 102654.
  6. X. Han, W. Tian, J. VanGilder, W. Zuo, C. Faulkner 2020. “An Open Source Fast Fluid Dynamics Model for Data Center Thermal Management.” Energy and Buildings, 230, pp 110599.
  7. J. Wang, K. Garifi, K. Baker, W. Zuo, Y. Zhang, S. Huang, D. Vrabie 2020. “Optimal Renewable Resource Allocation and Load Scheduling of Resilient Communities.” Energies, 13, pp 5683.
  8. Y. Fu, X. Han, K. Baker, W. Zuo 2020. “Assessments of Data Centers for Provision of Frequency Regulation.” Applied Energy, 277, pp 115621.
  9. W. Tian, X. Han, W. Zuo, Q. Wang, Y. Fu, M. Jin 2019. “An Optimization Platform Based on Coupled Indoor Environment and HVAC Simulation and Its Application in Optimal Thermostat Placement.” Energy and Buildings, 199, pp. 342-251.
  10. Y. Fu, W. Zuo, M. Wetter, J. W. VanGilder, P. Yang 2019. “Equation-Based Object-Oriented Modeling and Simulation of Data Center Cooling Systems.” Energy and Buildings, 198, pp. 503-519.
  11. X. Lu, K. Hinkelman, Y. Fu, J. Wang, W. Zuo, Q. Zhang, W. Saad 2019. “An Open Source Modeling Framework for Interdependent Energy-Transportation-Communication Infrastructure in Smart and Connected Communities.” IEEE Access, 7, pp. 55458-55476.
  12. Y. Fu, W. Zuo, M. Wetter, J. W. VanGilder, X. Han, D. Plamondon 2019. “Equation-Based Object-Oriented Modeling and Simulation for Data Center Cooling: A Case Study.” Energy and Buildings,186, pp. 108-125.
  13. Q. Wang, Y. Pan, Y. Fu, Z. Huang, W. Zuo, P. Xu 2019. “A Simulation-based Method for Air Loop Balancing and Fan Sizing Using Uncertainty and Sensitivity Analysis.” Building Simulation, 12 (2), pp. 247-258.
  14. G. Zhou, Y. Ye, W. Zuo,  X. Zhou, X. Xu 2018. “Fast and Efficient Prediction of Finned-Tube Heat Exchanger Performance Using Wet-Dry Transformation Method with Nominal Data.” Applied Thermal Engineering, 145, pp. 133-146.
  15. S. Huang, W. Wang, M. Brambley, S. Goyal, W. Zuo 2018. “An Agent-based Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation Framework for Building Controls.” Energy and Buildings, 181, pp. 26-37.
  16. G. Zhou, Y. Ye, J. Wang, W. Zuo, Y. Fu, X. Zhou 2018. “Modeling Air-to-Air Plate-Fin Heat Exchanger Without Dehumidification.” Applied Thermal Engineering, 143, pp. 137-148.
  17. W. Tian, X. Han, W. Zuo, M. Sohn 2018. “Building Energy Simulation Coupled with CFD for Indoor Environment: A Critical Review and Recent Applications.” Energy and Buildings, 165, pp.184-199.
  18. S. Huang, A. Malara, W. Zuo, M. Sohn 2018. “A Bayesian Network Model for the Optimization of a Chiller Plant’s Condenser Water Set Point.”Journal of Building Performance Simulation, 11(1), pp. 36-47.
  19. W. Tian, T. A. Sevilla, W. Zuo, M. Sohn 2017. “Coupling Fast Fluid Dynamics and Multizone Airflow Models in Modelica Buildings Library to Simulate the Dynamics of HVAC System.” Building and Environment, 122, pp. 269-286.
  20. S. Huang, W. Zuo, M. Sohn 2017. “Improved Cooling Tower Control of Legacy Chiller Plants by Optimizing the Condenser Water Set Point.” Building and Environment, 111, pp. 33-46.
  21. S. Huang, W. Zuo, M. Sohn 2016. “Amelioration of the Cooling Load Based Chiller Sequencing Control.” Applied Energy, 168, pp. 204-215.
  22. W. Zuo, M. Wetter, W. Tian, D. Li, M. Jin, Q. Chen 2016. “Coupling Indoor Airflow, HVAC, Control and Building Envelope Heat Transfer in the Modelica Buildings Library.” Journal of Building Performance Simulation, 9(4), pp. 366-381.
  23. T. S. Nouidui, M. Wetter, W. Zuo 2014. “Functional Mock-up Unit for Co-Simulation Import in EnergyPlus.” Journal of Building Performance Simulation, 7(3), pp. 192-202.
  24. M. Wetter, W. Zuo, T. S. Nouidui, X. Pang 2014. “Modelica Buildings Library.” Journal of Building Performance Simulation, 7(4), pp. 253-270.

Related Conference Proceedings:

  1. C. A. Faulkner, J. E. Castellini Jr., W. Zuo, D. M. Lorenzetti, M. D. Sohn 2021. “MERV 13 Filtration for Office Buildings During COVID-19 Pandemic.” Proceedings of the 12th International Symposium on Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (ISHVAC 2021), Seoul, South Korea (Virtual Conference), November 24-26, 2021.
  2. K. Hinkelman, J. Wang, C. Fan, W. Zuo, A. Gautier, M. Wetter, N. Long 2021. “A Case Study on Condenser Water Supply Temperature Optimization with a District Cooling Plant.” 14th International Modelica Conference, Virtual Conference, September 20-24.
  3. J. Wang, K.N. Garifi, K.A. Baker, W. Zuo, Y. Zhang 2020. “Optimal Operation for Resilient Communities Through A Hierarchical Load Scheduling Framework.” 2020 Building Performance Modeling Conference and SimBuild, Virtual Conference, September 29-October 1.
  4. Y. Fu, W. Zuo, K. Baker 2020. “Multi-market Optimization of a Data Center without Storage.” American Modelica Conference 2020, Virtual Conference, September 22-24.
  5. J. Wang, W. Zuo, S. Huang, D. Vrabie 2020. “Data-driven Prediction of Occupant Presence and Lighting Power: A Case Study for Small Commercial Buildings.” American Modelica Conference 2020, Virtual Conference, September 22-24.
  6. X. Han, W. Tian, W. Zuo, J.W. VanGilder 2019. “Optimization of Workload Distribution of Data Centers Based on a Self-Learning In Situ Adaptive Tabulation Model.” Proceeding of the 16th Conference of International Building Performance Simulation Association (Building Simulation 2019), September 2-4, Rome, Italy.
  7. Y. Fu, S. Huang, Y. Liu, T. McDermott, D. Vrabie, W. Zuo 2019. “A Multidisciplinary Model to Couple Power System Dynamics and Building Dynamics to Enable Building-to-Grid Integration.” Proceeding of the 16th Conference of International Building Performance Simulation Association (Building Simulation 2019), September 2-4, Rome, Italy.
  8. Y. Fu, S. Huang, D. Vrabie, W. Zuo 2019. “Coupling Power System Dynamics and Building Dynamics to Enabling Building-to-Grid Integration.” Proceedings of the 13th International Modelica Conference, pp. 561-566, March 4-6, Regensburg, Germany.
  9. Y. Fu, X. Lu, W. Zuo 2019. “Modelica Models for the Control Evaluations of Chilled Water System with Waterside Economizer.” Proceedings of the 13th International Modelica Conference, pp. 811-818, March 4-6, Regensburg, Germany.
  10. Q. Wang, Y. Pan,  Z. Huang, W. Zuo, P. Xu 2018. “A Case Study of Simulation-Based PID Tuning Method for a Room Temperature Controller Using Uncertainty Analysis.” The 4th Asia Conference of International Building Performance Simulation Association – ASim2018, December 3-5, Hong Kong.
  11. Y. Fu, M. Wetter, W. Zuo 2018. “Modelica Models for Data Center Cooling Systems.” 2018 ASHRAE Building Performance Analysis Conference and SimBuild (BPACS 2018), pp. 438-445, September 26-28, Chicago, IL.
  12. X. Lu, Y. Fu, W. Zuo 2018. “Modeling of Smart Community Infrastructure Accounting for the Interdependencies Among Energy, Transportation and Communication Networks.” 2018 ASHRAE Building Performance Analysis Conference and SimBuild (BPACS 2018), pp. 250-257, September 26-28, Chicago, IL.
  13. W. Tian, Y. Fu, Q. Wang, T. A. Sevilla, W. Zuo 2018. “Optimization on Thermostat Location in an Office Room Using the Coupled Simulation Platform in Modelica Buildings Library: A Pilot Study.” Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Building Energy and Environment (COBEE2018), pp. 569-574, February 5-9, Melbourne, Australia.
  14. G. Zhou, Y. Ye, W. Zuo, X. Zhou 2018. “Modelling Air-To-Air Plate-Fin Heat Exchanger Without Condensation.” Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Building Energy and Environment (COBEE2018), pp. 597-602, February 5-9, Melbourne, Australia.
  15. G. Zhou, Y. Ye, W. Zuo, X. Zhou 2017. “Modelling Water-Cooled Air Coolers Under Wet-Cooing Conditions. (in Chinese)” Chinese National Conference on HVAC Modeling, Guangzhou, China, December 6-8, 2017.
  16. W. Tian, W. Zuo, T. A. Sevilla, M. Sohn 2017. “Coupled Simulation Between CFD and Multizone Models Based on Modelica Buildings Library to Study Indoor Environment Control.” Proceedings of the 12th International Modelica Conference, pp. 55-61, May 15-17, Prague, Czech Republic.
  17. D. He, S. Huang, W. Zuo, R. Kaiser 2016. “Demo Abstract: a Virtual Testbed for Net Zero Energy Communities.” Proceedings of the 3rd ACM International Conference on Systems for Energy-Efficient Built Environments (BuildSys 2016), pp. 211-212, November 16-17, Palo Alto, CA.
  18. R. Sterling, T. Mueller, A. Andriamamonjy, A. Giretti, M. Bonvini, Z. O’Neill, M. Wetter, M. V. Cavey, A. Costa1, G. Boehme, W. Zuo, R. Klein, B. Dong, M. M. Keane 2016. “IEA Annex 60 Activity 2.3: Model Use During Operation, Approach and Case Studies.” Proceedings of the 3rd IBPSA-England Conference BSO 2016, September 12-14, Newcastle, UK.
  19. D. He, S. Huang, W. Zuo, R. Kaiser 2016. “Towards to the Development of Virtual Testbed for Net Zero Energy Communities.” Proceedings of the ASHRAE and IBPSA-USA SimBuild 2016: Building Performance Modeling Conference, pp. 125-132, August 8-12, Salt Lake City, UT.
  20. S. Huang, M.V. Cavey, R. Sterling, W. Zuo, L. Helsen, A. Giretti, M. Bonvini, Z. O’Neill, M. Wetter, A. Costa, G. Boehme, R. Klein, B. Dong, M. M. Keane 2016. “IEA Annex 60 Activity 2.3: Model Use During Operation, Approach and Case Studies.” Proceedings of the 12th REHVA World Congress (CLIMA2016), May 22-25, Aalborg, Denmark.
  21. S. Huang, W. Zuo, M. D. Sohn 2015. “A New Method for the Optimal Chiller Sequencing Control.” Proceedings of the 14th Conference of International Building Performance Simulation Association (Building Simulation 2015), pp. 316-323, December 7-9, Hyderabad, India.
  22.  R. Sterling, A. Giretti, M. Bonvini, Z. O’Neill, M. Wetter, M. V. Cavey, A. Costa1, G. Boehme, W. Zuo, R. Klein, B. Dong, M. M. Keane 2015. “IEA Annex 60 Activity 2.3: Model Use During Operation, Approach and Case Studies.” Proceedings of the 14th Conference of International Building Performance Simulation Association (Building Simulation 2015), pp. 355-362, December 7-9, Hyderabad, India.
  23. F. Niu, Z. O’Neill, W. Zuo, F. Li 2015. “Assessment of Different Data-Driven Algorithms for AHU Energy Consumption Predictions.” Proceedings of the 14th Conference of International Building Performance Simulation Association (Building Simulation 2015), pp. 1539-1546, December 7-9, Hyderabad, India.
  24. M. Wetter, M. Bonvini, T. S. Nouidui, W. Tian, W. Zuo 2015. “Modelica Buildings Library 2.0.” Proceedings of the 14th Conference of International Building Performance Simulation Association (Building Simulation 2015), pp. 387-394, December 7-9, Hyderabad, India.
  25. R. J. Miranda, S. Huang, G. A. Barrios, D. Li, W. Zuo 2015. “Energy Efficient Design for Hotels in the Tropical Climate Using Modelica.” Proceedings of the 11th International Modelica Conference, pp. 71-78, September 21-23, Versailles, France.
  26. W. Zuo, M. Wetter, D. Li, M. Jin, W. Tian, Q. Chen 2014. “Coupled Simulation of Indoor Environment, HVAC and Control System by Using Fast Fluid Dynamics and the Modelica Buildings Library.” Proceedings of the 2014 ASHRAE/IBPSA-USA Building Simulation Conference, pp. 56-63, September 10-12, Atlanta, GA.
  27. E. Widl, B. Delinchan, S. Kuebler, D. Li, W. Mueller, V. Norrefeldt, T. S. Nouidui, S. Stratbuecker, M. Wetter, F. Wurtz, W. Zuo 2014. “Novel Simulation Concepts for Buildings and Community Energy Systems Based on the Functional Mock-up Interface Specification.” Proceedings of the 2014 Workshop on Modeling and Simulation of Cyber-Physical Energy Systems (MSCPES), April 14, Berlin, Germany.
  28. T. S. Nouidui, M. Wetter, W. Zuo 2013. “Functional Mock-Up Unit Import in EnergyPlus for Co-Simulation.” Proceedings of the 13th Conference of International Building Performance Simulation Association (Building Simulation 2013), pp. 3275-3282, August 26-28, Chambery, France.
  29. D. Kim, W. Zuo, J. E. Braun, M. Wetter 2013. “Comparisons of Building System Modeling Approaches for Control System Design.” Proceedings of the 13th Conference of International Building Performance Simulation Association (Building Simulation 2013), pp. 3267-3274, August 26-28, Chambery, France.
  30. T. S. Nouidui, K. Phalak, W. Zuo, M. Wetter 2012. “Validation and Application of the Room Model of the Modelica Buildings Library.” Proceedings of the 9th International Modelica Conference, pp. 727-736, September 3-5, Munich, Germany.
  31. T. S. Nouidui, M. Wetter, W. Zuo 2012. “Validation of the Window Model of the Modelica Buildings Library.” Proceedings of the 5th National Conference of International Building Performance Simulation Association-USA (SimBuild2012), pp. 529-536, August 1-3, Madison, WI.
  32. M. Wetter, W. Zuo, T. S. Nouidui 2011. “Modeling of Heat Transfer in Rooms in the Modelica “Buildings” Library.” Proceedings of the 12th Conference of International Building Performance Simulation Association (Building Simulation 2011), pp. 1096-1103, November 14-16, Sydney, Australia.
  33. W. Zuo, M. Wetter 2011. “Advanced Simulations of Building Energy and Control Systems with an Example of Chilled Water Plant Modeling.” Proceedings of the 8th International Forum and Workshop on Combined Heat, Air, Moisture and Pollutant Simulations (CHAMPS 2011), March 20-22, Nanjing, China.
  34. M. Wetter, W. Zuo, T. S. Nouidui 2011. “Recent Developments of the Modelica “Buildings” Library for Building Energy and Control Systems.” Proceedings of the 8th International Modelica Conference, pp. 266-275, March 20-22, Dresden, Germany.