Multi-Objective Optimization of HVAC Operation for Balancing Energy Use and Occupant Comfort in Educational Buildings

Alessandro Franco,Daniele Testi,Lorenzo Miserocchi,Carlo Bartoli,Paolo Conti

doi:10.3390/en14102847

Alessandro Franco, Daniele Testi + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/en14102847

Copy DOI

Journal: Energies	Publication Date: May 14, 2021
Citations: 11	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: University of Pisa

Abstract

The paper provides a methodology for the optimal control of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems used in public buildings, with the purpose of obtaining high comfort and safety standards along with energy efficiency. The combination of the two concurrent objectives of minimizing energy use and guaranteeing high standards of occupant comfort is obtained by means of multi-objective optimization, in which a comfort model is combined along with a dynamic energy model of the building. The use of dynamic setpoints for the HVAC and the inclusion of comfort indicators represent a step forward, compared to the current design and operation procedures suggested by technical standards. The utilization of the proposed methodology is tested with reference to a case study, represented by an academic building used by the University of Pisa for educational purposes, whose extensive and variable occupancy can help to emphasize the importance of comfort in the operation of HVAC systems in different climatic conditions and with different occupancy profiles. We show how this optimization brings interesting results in terms of energy-saving (up to 30%), obtaining an increased comfort level (of more than 25%) compared to the operating conditions suggested by technical standards.

Highlights

The need to balance users’ comfort, energy efficiency, and safety conditions in public buildings—and in particular in educational ones—is highly relevant today
While this is strongly relative to the country/region of the world, the civil sector is responsible for about 40% of total energy consumption [3], and the educational sector represents a relevant amount of this portion [4]
The purpose of the present study is to develop a methodology for controlling the operation of HVAC systems in educational buildings, focusing on both comfort and energy saving

Summary

Introduction

The need to balance users’ comfort, energy efficiency, and safety conditions in public buildings—and in particular in educational ones—is highly relevant today. People spend the greatest part of their time indoors [1,2] While this is strongly relative to the country/region of the world, the civil sector is responsible for about 40% of total energy consumption [3], and the educational sector represents a relevant amount of this portion [4]. This clearly requires in-depth analysis, in order to better handle the complex task of balancing these two concurrent objectives. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are stricter needs for maintaining high standards of indoor air quality in order to prevent airborne virus transmission, and this need brings with it new considerations about this specific topic.

Objectives

Results

Conclusion