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 to a user via a computing device, the user interface comprising a symbol palette with selectable symbols representing resource suppliers, subplants, energy loads, and resource storage devices associated with a central plant;
• receive a first input from the user via the user interface, the first input comprising placement of symbols from the symbol palette on a workspace of the user interface, the symbols placed on the workspace comprising at least a resource supplier, a subplant, and an energy load;
• receive a second input form the user via the user interface, the second input comprising a connection between two of the symbols on the workspace;
• evaluate the second input according to a set of rules to determine that the connection is invalid;
• prevent the user from making the connection;
• receive a third user input from the user via the user interface, the third user input comprising additional connections between the symbols on the workspace, the third user input completing a valid model of the central plant according to the set of rules;
• and
• simulate operation of the central plant in accordance with the valid model to provide the user with insight regarding how to optimize the central plant.