Abstract
Common energy management control systems (EMCS) in building HVAC systems could be made much more energy efficient without sacrificing comfort. Most researchers have focused on implementing optimal control algorithms in Variable Air Volume (VAV) systems with EMC functions. Previous studies have paid little attention to using terminal box EMC functions integrated with main AHU (Air Handling Unit) systems. Terminal boxes with EMCS may cause occupant discomfort and waste excessive energy if they do not have the proper operation control functions. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of energy consumption and estimate building energy savings on the optimal minimum air flow of single duct VAV terminal boxes and develop applicable optimal terminal box control algorithms for EMCS. This paper presents a dynamic model of a VAV terminal box with hydronic reheat, develops optimal terminal box control algorithms and applies the developed EMCS algorithms to an actual building. The results of this study show that optimal terminal box control algorithms can stably maintain the set room air temperature and reduce energy consumption for varying heating loads compared to conventional control algorithms.
Highlights
HVAC systems consume more than 30% of building energy
Most researchers have focused on implementing optimal control algorithms in Variable Air Volume (VAV) systems with EMC functions
Cho and Liu identified the relationship between the supply air temperature and minimum air flow rate [9] and the correlation between the minimum air flow and discharge air temperature that will maintain room thermal comfort using a CFD simulation [10]
Summary
HVAC systems consume more than 30% of building energy. Methods of saving building HVAC energy include installation or replacement of the HVAC system and upgrading the energy management control system (EMCS). Optimal supply air temperature control in VAV systems was suggested by Ke et al [3]. Current terminal boxes with EMCS may cause occupant discomfort and waste energy because they have inappropriate operation control functions of minimum air flow. Existing terminal boxes in EMC algorithms use mostly empirical methods by using a fixed minimum air flow This control sequence can cause occupant discomfort or use excessive energy. The optimized control strategy and operation schedules of the terminal boxes with proper minimum air flow should be studied to improve indoor air quality, thermal comfort and energy savings. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of energy consumption and estimate building energy savings on the optimal minimum air flow of single duct VAV terminal boxes and develop applicable optimal terminal box control algorithms for EMCS. The terminal box energy consumption and thermal comfort are compared between conventional and improved control using measured data
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