A Comparative Analysis of Simplified and Detailed Modelling Procedures for the Assessment of Chiller Efficiency in the European Context

In the last years, several simplified methods for the assessment of the energy performance of technical building systems were developed. So far, these calculation methods have not been properly analysed, and the reliability of their results is still debatable; therefore, it is of crucial relevance to fully validate these procedures. In this work, the simplified calculation procedures for chillers specified in European standards are investigated. A comparative validation analysis is performed, by comparing simplified and detailed procedures. Following a case study approach, some office building types - different by levels of insulation, geographical location, and chiller properties - are taken into account. The results show non-negligible variations in the energy consumption and highlight the need for standard procedures improvements in the perspective of widespread use.