I have a multi-zone VAV air loop with ~25 independent zones modeled in OpenStudio/EP. Approximately 3 of these zones are also equipped with zone level gas-fired humidifiers (independent of the air loop). As far as I'm aware, EP doesn't appear to have a ZoneHVAC humidifier object so I'm hoping to find a way to adapt the Humidifier:Steam component to mimic a zone system. Is there any feasible workaround or have I hit a dead-end?
Certainly you haven't "hit a dead-end". You can, with some effort of learning write a E+ measure to include your zone humidifier.
You can read about how to write an E+ measure here.
It is good idea to start at the top of the page of the above link to learn about OS measures.
Alternatively you can use the inject IDF object E+ measure from the NREL BCL, which enable you to inject the IDF object , in your case Humidifier:Steam:Gas into your OS model.
Edit: You can look at the example found in the E+ example directory: 5ZoneWaterCooled_GasFiredSteamHumidifier.idf
I have successfully developed measures for other projects that inject IDF text, but I haven't had success figuring out how to get the Humidifier:Steam:Gas object defined and fully controlled as a ZoneHVAC system. Where I get held up is the understanding how to configure the ZoneHVAC:EquipmentConnections and specifically which object type to define within the ZoneHVAC:EquipmentList input (Zone Equipment List. The Humidifier:Steam:Gas object is not a valid object type.
It appears this example file is setup to show a system level humidifier attached to an air loop that serves multiple zones. My issue is that I need a zone-level humidifier independent of the primary air loop system (an object that can function in parallel with the air loop). If I follow the example file configuration I will severely overestimated humidification energy since I'll be humidifying all air on that air loop (25 zones) as opposed to only the air associated with the 3 zones that actually have humidification. Something similar to the ZoneHVAC:Dehumidifier:DX object would be ideal.
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