EMS Heating and Cooling setpoint actuators control Air temperature instead of Operative temperature

[daniellosg]

Issue overview

The problem is that, although the temperature control calculation option is set to Operative Temperature, the EMS Heating and Cooling setpoint actuators control Air temperature instead of Operative temperature.

For more information, please see the following link: https://unmethours.com/question/40540/ems-heating-and-cooling-setpoint-actuators-control-air-temperature-instead-of-operative-temperature/

Details

Some additional details for this issue (if relevant):

• Platform (Operating system, version): Windows 10
• Version of EnergyPlus (if using an intermediate build, include SHA): 9.1
• Unmethours link or helpdesk ticket number: https://unmethours.com/question/40540/ems-heating-and-cooling-setpoint-actuators-control-air-temperature-instead-of-operative-temperature/

[mjwitte]

As a workaround, actuate the thermostat setpoint schedule instead.

[mjwitte]

For operative control, the thermostat determines the required air temperature and controls for that. So the EMS actuators are really air temperature setpoints. To resolve this confusion, either the documentation should be improved to explain this, or this actuator could be made smarter to represent operative temperature when applicable. That should be possible.

[daniellosg]

I previously tried with the schedule actuator and worked. However, in order to work, there should be a schedule with a specific name used in dual setpoints, and therefore the script is not completely portable. As you mention, if this setpoint actuator could be made smarter to control operative temperature, it would be great.