Abstract
HVAC is the single largest consumer of energy in commercial and residential buildings. Reducing its energy consumption without compromising occupants' comfort would have environmental and financial benefits. A wireless testbed consisting of a retrofitted wireless Condensation Particle Counter (CPC), 25 wireless temperature sensors, 2 HVAC-embedded temperature and CO2 sensors, and a webcam was deployed in a working auditorium, to monitor the air quality, temperature, and occupancy of the room. The main objectives were to identify particle sources using the retrofitted CPC, map the temperature variability of the room and select an optimal sensor location for HVAC control using clustering algorithms, and examine possible energy savings by operating the HVAC only during periods of occupancy using calendar-based scheduling and air quality indicators as proxies of occupancy. All air quality metrics increased with higher occupancy rates, although HVAC-modes changes were also identified as a source for particle numbers. Operating the HVAC using calendar-based scheduling resulted in energy savings of between 8 and 79%, increasing if occupancy events were scheduled close together. Finally, CO2 was the strongest predictor of occupancy counts with an R2 of 0.62 (p < 0.001) during simple regression analysis. Incorporating particle numbers and temperature improved estimates of occupancy only slightly (R2 = 0.67), however incorporating a particle metric may enable the general air quality to be monitored, and identify when filters should be replaced.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.