The existing refrigeration system for OpenStudio was originally designed for a prototype supermarket model. To support the development of new modular space types, it is crucial to refactor the system. This process includes refining the design by utilizing the manufacturer's existing data, along with incorporating the latest data from manufacturers, to enhance the system’s adaptability and functionality.
This repository currently contains the refrigeration system database and Python-based automation for generating OpenStudio-compatible refrigeration JSON files.
This is a work in progress.
This project includes a modular Python package under the refrigeration/ directory.
Click here for detailed module descriptions
It also includes a structured database for cases, walk-ins, and compressor data.
Click here for database table descriptions
main.ipynb: Primary execution file to run the full modeling and export workflow.example_automated_mode.ipynb: Example file demonstrating automated mode with default SuperMarket configuration.example_user_mode.ipynb: Example file for manual mode, allowing user-defined configuration of refrigeration systems.
This notebook provides a structured workflow to generate and export OpenStudio-compatible JSON files for supermarket refrigeration systems.
- Compressor and performance curve generation
- Condenser and fan curve logic
- Rack assignment based on thermal loads
- Case and Walk-in object creation
- Full refrigeration system assembly and export
This framework can be applied to multiple real-world use cases:
Engineers and energy consultants can use the generated components to design and evaluate supermarket refrigeration systems under different templates (old, new, advanced).
The JSON objects generated here follow OpenStudio's v0.2.1 schema, allowing seamless integration with building simulation models for:
- Load estimation
- Retrofit analysis
- Performance benchmarking
This tool bridges design-level thinking and simulation-level precision by linking real data to automated JSON object creation.
The modeling framework provides two modes of operation:
Automatically configures a predefined SuperMarket setup including:
- Case/Walk-in units
- Rack assignments
- Refrigerant templates
- Condenser object assignment and curve generation
→ Ideal for quick simulations and standard scenarios
Lets users:
- Select specific refrigeration cases/walk-ins
- Assign custom templates and racks
- Automatically generate OpenStuio JSON files for selected units
→ Great for detailed design and custom modeling
Refrigeration cases and walk-ins are assigned to Medium or Low Temperature racks using a First Fit Decreasing (FFD) algorithm.
- Each MT/LT rack has a configurable capacity limit
- Loads are sorted and packed efficiently to minimize the number of racks.
- Large loads for same case type are split across racks
→ Enables practical equipment sizing while supporting fast, scalable rack assignment.
System template determines performance assumptions, curve data, and equipment configuration.
old: Systems designed before 2010
↳ Legacy setups with lower efficiencynew: Systems installed 2010–2020
↳ Moderately efficient with improved practicesadvanced: Systems after 2020
↳ High-efficiency with modern technologies
→ Your selection impacts compressor sizing, condenser performance, and load distribution.
Systems are categorized by suction temperature level:
-
MT(Medium Temperature)
Suction Temp ≈ -6.7 °C (20 °F) ・ Condenser Temp ≈ 48.9 °C (120 °F)
↳ Used for dairy, produce, deli, and beverages -
LT(Low Temperature)
Suction Temp ≈ -31.7 °C (-25 °F) ・ Condenser Temp ≈ 40.6 °C (105 °F)
↳ Used for frozen foods and long-term storage
→ These values drive compressor curve selection and system sizing.
Each refrigeration case and walk-in is assigned to a thermal zone in the OpenStudio model.
- Cases are placed in
"MainSales"or a custom zone - Walk-ins are placed in
"ActiveStorage"or a user-defined zone
→ Zones can be defined interactively (user mode) or selected automatically (automated mode).
This is a work in progress
Will be distributed under the terms of the BSD-3-Clause license.