Energy Recovery in Integrated or Hybrid Systems towards Energy-Efficient Technologies

Abstract

Energy consumption for HVAC loads in buildings often accounts for the major portion of a country’s primary energy usage, which is still mainly relied on fossil fuels. Today, there is a great global emphasis on reducing fossil fuel energy which has turned towards optimal use of sustainable energy technologies. There have been extensive researches carried out worldwide with the aim to improve building energy efficiency towards nearly zero carbon buildings and low carbon buildings (buildings with specifically engineered with greenhouse gases reduction in mind). This requires a major shift in the improvement of specific systems such as ventilation, heating, cooling, day-lighting and so on. Therefore, achieving this goal will need a rethink of the conventional designs or systems currently in use. One of the strategies in realising this goal is by using an integrated or hybrid system or the integrated design process in typical building systems. Integrated or hybrid system is defined as the process of bringing together component sub-systems into one functional system. It usually involves integrating existing device, unit or system in such a way which focuses on improving performance, quality or added value to the existing market, customer or technology. In this context, integrating energy recovery ventilator or energy recovery system into the existing ventilation systems would be one of the effective methods towards achieving energy-efficient systems for low energy buildings. This chapter discusses the integration of energy recovery systems in various building services; highlighting mechanical ventilation systems, natural ventilation systems, air-conditioning systems, dehumidification systems and building integrated photovoltaic systems. This work provides an overview of research, development, application and status of these systems finally, research needs and opportunities are identified.