Abstract
Building energy savings and occupant thermal comfort are the main issues in building technology. As such, the development of energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems and the control strategies of HVAC systems are emerging as important topics in the HVAC industry. Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems have efficient energy performance, so the use of VRF systems in buildings is increasing. However, most studies on VRF systems focus on improving mechanical efficiency, with few studies on energy-efficient control while satisfying the thermal comfort of occupants. The goal is to estimate the energy-saving potential of adjusting the temperature set-points and dead-band (range) in VRF air-conditioned building. To do so, we analyzed the influence of control strategies of a VRF system on human thermal comfort and energy consumption using a simulation method. The results showed that energy consumption can be reduced by 25.4% for predicted mean vote (PMV)-based control and 27.0% for the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) comfort range control compared with the typical set-point temperature control of a VRF system. The indoor thermal environments of the analyzed control strategies are controlled in the thermal comfort range, which is based on a PMV at ±0.5. Compared with the typical set-point control, PMV and ASHRAE comfort range-based control reduced the operation time of the compressor in the VRF system.
Highlights
In 2018, about 40% of the total US energy consumption was consumed by the residential and commercial sectors, which was mostly building-related [1]
The energy recovery ventilator (ERV) consumed the same energy in all controls because it operated on the same control schedule
The energy saving potential of the control strategies of the Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system without compromising human thermal comfort was analyzed by simulation methods
Summary
In 2018, about 40% of the total US energy consumption was consumed by the residential and commercial sectors, which was mostly building-related [1]. As of 2018, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) energy demand constituted 30% of commercial and 39% of residential building primary energy consumption by end use in the US [2]. In Europe, space heating and cooling energy demand is around 64% in residential buildings and around 53% in commercial buildings [3]. Increased building stock and reliance on the HVAC systems have led to a significant increase in building energy usage in the world. The growing demand for better thermal comfort requirements of occupants has resulted in increased HVAC energy consumption [4]. Developing energy-efficient HVAC systems is essential to preserve both consumers from increasing power rates
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
