Abstract
Heat recovery ventilation (HRV) systems can be integrated with an additional air heater in buildings with low energy demand in order to cover space heating demand. The employment of coupled HRV-heater systems is, therefore, gaining increasing interest for the improvement of the indoor environmental quality (IEQ), as well as the reduction of ventilation energy loss. The present paper analyses the efficacy of a HRV system, coupled with a low-temperature radiator, in satisfying the IEQ indices inside a retrofitted dormitory room. A computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model based on the finite volume method is established to investigate IEQ characteristics including indoor air quality and thermal comfort condition. The presented CFD code provides a practical tool for a comprehensive investigation of the IEQ indices in spaces employing a coupled HVAC system. In an analysis of indoor air quality, parameters such as age of the air, air change efficiency, and ventilation efficiency in removal of gaseous contaminants, namely VOCs and CO2, are evaluated. The results obtained by the numerical model allow addressing the interaction between HRV and radiator systems and its effects on airflow field. The results show the decrease of the indoor operative temperature with increment of the supply air flow rate, which is mainly due to the decreased thermal efficiency of the HRV system. The obtained results indicate that, while higher ventilation rates can significantly decrease the age of the air and gaseous contaminants level, at the same time, it would cause a local discomfort in some parts of the room.
Highlights
In the European Union, buildings across the public and private sectors account for the 40% of total primary energy consumption
A computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model based on the finite volume method is established to investigate indoor environmental quality (IEQ) characteristics including indoor air quality and thermal comfort condition
The results show the decrease of the indoor operative temperature with increment of the supply air flow rate, which is mainly due to the decreased thermal efficiency of the Heat recovery ventilation (HRV) system
Summary
In the European Union, buildings across the public and private sectors account for the 40% of total primary energy consumption. The European Parliament Directive 2010/31 [1] states that new buildings should consume insignificant amount of fossil-based energy by 2020 to meet the nearly zero-energy buildings (NZEBs) target. The introduction of NZEBs as the new building target force the building sector to simultaneously manage heat losses and indoor air quality issues. In such buildings, infiltration is low and mechanical ventilation systems are often used to achieve the adequate level of air circulation. Infiltration is low and mechanical ventilation systems are often used to achieve the adequate level of air circulation In this context, an energy-efficient ventilation strategy is crucial to meet objectives of NZEBs and energy sustainability
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