Abstract
Mechanical ventilation systems have acquired relevance in the past years in order to guarantee the hygrothermal comfort and indoor air quality (IAQ) in highly retrofitted residential buildings. The optimization of control strategies could provide a solution to this existing trade-off between energy efficiency, hygrothermal comfort and IAQ. In this publication, we propose a co-simulation approach (using EnergyPlus and Modelica) and a mathematical approximation of the discomfort of the occupant (namely, quadratic for relative humidity and exponential for CO2), and apply them to a demand controlled ventilation (DCV) scheme. Results show that this approach provides around 10% energy savings, while improving the thermal comfort, without compromising the humidity comfort or the IAQ. Finally, the developed functions could allow the control schemes to adapt to different occupant preferences, showing potential for future work.
Highlights
The impact of energy retrofits on occupants’ satisfaction levels and indoor air quality (IAQ) is still under investigation, though there is clearly a trade-off between energy consumption, hygrothermal comfort and IAQ
We propose a co-simulation approach and a mathematical approximation of the discomfort of the occupant, and apply them to a demand controlled ventilation (DCV) scheme
The importance of an optimized control system was investigated by Laverge [3], whose results with DCV-exhaust system showed that about 40-55 % of ventilation heat loss reductions can be achieved at equivalent IAQ levels
Summary
The impact of energy retrofits on occupants’ satisfaction levels and indoor air quality (IAQ) is still under investigation, though there is clearly a trade-off between energy consumption, hygrothermal comfort and IAQ Within this framework, the use of mechanical ventilation systems has acquired relevance as a potential solution to this problem [1]. Wall-integrated decentralized ventilation systems (DVS) are one possible solution for the renovation in residential buildings in Germany [6] These systems offer new opportunities for roomwise and user adaptive control strategies, yet they offer nowadays rather simple solutions. In this publication we propose a new DCV strategy, taking into account the potential comfort requirements of the user This strategy is tested for wall-integrated DVS in a co-simulation environment, which is described in the chapter.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
