Particle Swarm Optimization for multi-chiller system: Capacity configuration and load distribution

Abstract

This study applies Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to enhance the energy efficiency of a multi-chiller system in a large office building, with a focus on optimizing capacity configuration and load distribution. Given the rising demand for sustainable energy solutions in buildings, where HVAC systems, particularly chillers, account for a significant portion of energy consumption, this research aims to reduce energy use and improve system performance. EnergyPlus simulations, based on Baltimore weather data and a reference large office model, were conducted to build a baseline dataset. This dataset was then used in Python to calculate energy consumption and optimize load distribution and capacity configuration. PSO was applied in three stages: optimizing capacity configuration using five built-in EnergyPlus algorithms, optimizing load distribution, and simultaneously optimizing both. The results showed that optimizing capacity configuration alone improved performance, even using traditional load distribution methods. Load distribution optimization outperformed other algorithms and converged at a 0.7 Part Load Ratio (PLR) for staging. The integrated PSO application achieved an 11.3 % reduction in energy consumption, a 21.5 % improvement in Coefficient of Performance (COP), and a 12.8 % increase in the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) by precise operation of 15 different combinations throughout the entire load range. These results demonstrate the potential of PSO to significantly enhance the efficiency of multi-chiller systems, providing a novel approach to optimizing both capacity configuration and load distribution. This research contributes to a robust framework for improving energy performance in building systems and offers valuable insights for future sustainable energy solutions.