On Decentralized Air-Conditioning for Hot and Humid Climates: Performance Characterization of a Small Capacity Dedicated Outdoor Air System with Built-In Sensible and Latent Energy Recovery Wheels


Date

2015-11

Publication Type

Conference Paper

ETH Bibliography

yes

Citations

Altmetric

Data

Abstract

In large commercial buildings facing high cooling loads, conventional heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems are typically based on the use of one, or few, large-capacity air handling units (AHUs) to supply conditioned air throughout a centrally-managed air distribution network. The alternative concept of ‘decentralized’ HVAC typically entails the deployment of multiple, small capacity fan coil units (FCUs) operating as dedicated outdoor air systems (DOAS) and located closest to the individual thermal zones they must condition. For this study, the authors commissioned the development of a small capacity, packaged cooling coil with built-in enthalpy recovery devices. This customised unit, intended for use in a cooling-only, decentralized DOAS configuration, includes: two rotary wheels for sensible and latent energy recovery, a single cooling coil, and both supply and exhaust fans. The unit has been intended for building air conditioning use in the Singaporean climate. This paper provides energy performance data based on laboratory testing of the unit with independent control of the following variables: outdoor air conditions, return air conditions, and chilled water flow rate. It is intended that empirical data offered by this study can be adapted for use in future building energy models of decentralized HVAC systems.

Publication status

published

Book title

6th International Building Physics Conference, IBPC 2015

Volume

78

Pages / Article No.

3471 - 3476

Publisher

Elsevier

Event

6th International Building Physics Conference (IBPC 2015)

Edition / version

Methods

Software

Geographic location

Date collected

Date created

Subject

Decentralized HVAC; Dedicated outdoor air system; Energy recovery wheels

Organisational unit

03902 - Schlüter, Arno / Schlüter, Arno check_circle

Notes

Funding

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