Abstract
The performance of energy recovery ventilation (ERV) units is analyzed for high rise residential buildings in the Toronto climate. ERV units are scrutinized by their ability to recover heating and cooling energy throughout the year. The rated effectiveness of ERV units is well documented through applicable Standards. Several factors are identified which have the potential to influence the impact of ERVs under actual operation conditions, including infiltration rate, ERV leakage flows, temperature set points, and operation schemes. EnergyPlus is used to represent a typical residential suite, through which the impacts of the parameters are studied. Performance of the ERV model is validated through comparison to collected temperature and humidity data from an operating ERV unit in the GTA. Results indicate that leakage flows within the ERV represent the highest potential contributor to ERV performance. Economizer control strategies are determined as a viable option for improving performance during warmer seasons. The performance of energy recovery ventilation (ERV) units is analyzed for high rise residential buildings in the Toronto climate. ERV units are scrutinized by their ability to recover heating and cooling energy throughout the year. The rated effectiveness of ERV units is well documented through applicable Standards. Several factors are identified which have the potential to influence the impact of ERVs under actual operation conditions, including infiltration rate, ERV leakage flows, temperature set points, and operation schemes. EnergyPlus is used to represent a typical residential suite, through which the impacts of the parameters are studied. Performance of the ERV model is validated through comparison to collected temperature and humidity data from an operating ERV unit in the GTA. Results indicate that leakage flows within the ERV represent the highest potential contributor to ERV performance. Economizer control strategies are determined as a viable option for improving performance during warmer seasons.
Highlights
The use of mechanical ventilation for fresh air delivery in residential buildings has gained prominence in recent years
Following the same logic as the heating recovery response, as leakage rates are increased in the energy recovery ventilation (ERV) unit the supply mass flow rate, and recovery rate, is reduced
Total annual suite energy consumption in GJ and energy use intensity (EUI) in MJ/m2 is presented, which represent all energy end uses experienced by the suite, including heating, cooling, lighting, electrical loads and HVAC electrical consumption
Summary
The use of mechanical ventilation for fresh air delivery in residential buildings has gained prominence in recent years. In part this is due to an improvement in building air tightness, reducing ventilation from infiltration air flows [1]. In a cold climate providing more fresh air equates to increasing the energy required for heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. A tradeoff between outdoor air delivery and energy consumption must be reached. As building envelope quality increases, ventilation becomes all the more important as it becomes a more defining factor in terms of both the overall heating loads due to increased insulation levels, and the indoor air quality due to reduced infiltration [3]
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