District Energy Systems are large heating and/or cooling distribution systems that exist in some cities around the world and within large campuses such as universities and airports. The advantage of the district energy system is the centrally located generation equipment and minimal 'plant' required within each individual building.

For heating, start by setting the 'Heat System COP' equal to 1. This simulates the energy use as if only hot water is used, without the boiler. The energy reported for heating is now reflective of what the district energy system would be delivered to the building.

For cooling, set the 'Integrated Part Load Curve' to 'No Chiller' and the 'Cooling System COP' equal to 1. This will provide the energy used for cooling as if it were straight chilled water from a district system.

If the Domestic Hot Water will also be connected to a District system there is an input available in 'DHW Gen.' for this purpose.

Alternatively, if you know the COP of the district system and would like to model with that efficiency, simply enter the known value in the Heating or Cooling System COP inputs under the Building System Tab (as shown below). The matching IPLV curve can be selected based on the project as well.

For more information on District Systems see this Fact Sheet from Energy.gov