Energy and economic analysis of an auditorium’s air conditioning system with heat recovery in various climatic zones

Abstract

In many heating, ventilation and airconditioning (HVAC) applications, heat recovery devices are installed, aiming at reducing energy consumption. Especially in buildings requiring a high percentage of outside air for ventilation, there is a high potential for heat recovery from exhaust air. Climatic conditions are an important parameter which affects the recovered heat and the payback period of the heat recovery device. In this paper, a 250 person auditorium is used as a model to estimate the applicability of an air-to-air fixed-plate heat exchanger installed in the air handling unit of the HVAC system. The application is considered for four cities, representative of climatic zones A, B, C, D of Greece, which also represent typical Mediterranean climate conditions. Zone A, Crete and Southern Greece, is similar to Nicosia (Cyprus) and Palermo (Sicily), Zone B, with Athens, corresponds to Rome (Italy) and coastal Spain, Zone C with Thessaloniki is similar to the Toulon (France) and Split (Croatia) and Zone D, with its continental climate is more like Milan (Italy) and Lyon (France). An energy analysis with the modified bin method energy calculation was performed to calculate (a) the heating and cooling energy that can be recovered, (b) the reduction in HVAC equipment, and (c) the expected payback period. For the specific climatic conditions examined, it was proven that: heating energy consumption decreased by 31 to 40%, depending on occupancy, while electric energy consumption didn't change notably; the payback period does not exceed 24 months, depending on climate zone and occupancy.

Energy Monitoring in a Heating and Cooling System in a Building Based on the Example of the Turówka Hotel

“…As several studies [30][31][32][33] show, energy demand associated with HVAC systems may constitute 30-60% of total energy consumption. Consequently, they are a potential source of savings, which may be obtained by improving the efficiency of individual systems [34]. The most common solution to limit ventilation-related energy consumption is the use of mechanical ventilation systems coupled with heat recovery.…”

Experimental investigation on operation parameters of 3Å molecular sieve desiccant coated total energy recovery wheel for maximum effectiveness

“…-2124 includes simultaneous heat and mass transfer, low pressure drop, and available to all ventilation system platforms. The disadvantages of the energy wheel application are further cooling/ heating required for supply air, there is possibility of cross-contamination, and it increases maintenance requirements especially under cold climates [11][12][13][14].…”