Central plant optimization planning tool with advanced user interface

A system comprising one or more computer-readable storage media having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to:

• provide a user interface comprising a workspace with selectable symbols representing multiple devices of building equipment;
• evaluate a user input defining a connection between at least two of the selectable symbols on the workspace according to a set of rules to determine whether the connection is valid or invalid;
• prevent the user from making the connection in response to determining that the connection is invalid;
• generate a valid model of a system comprising the multiple devices of building equipment in response to determining that the connection is valid;
• execute a model-based control process or simulation using the valid model to generate control decisions or design decisions for the multiple devices of building equipment;
• and
• operate or design the multiple devices of building equipment in accordance with the control decisions or the design decisions.