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The aim of the study was to develop models for energy planning for an air supported sports hall by analyzing different energy efficiency possibilities. This is a very specific building type suitable for sport activities in cold climates. The observed hall was operated when outdoor temperature was under 5 °C, while the most common measured indoor air temperature was 8 °C during the year. Neither indoor nor outdoor temperature influenced the overpressure. Based on the measurements, the specific annually heating energy use was 75 kWh/m 2 . The results showed that improvement in the hall insulation would not give a significant effect on the heating use. The analysis of energy efficiency measures showed that air recirculation has the greatest effect on total energy use and the air recirculation could give an energy saving of 27% when 50% of the indoor air was recirculated. The results might be used to calculate heating energy demand for different operation scenarios in the air supported halls. The results give a simple tool to size the heating coil in the AHU and for energy planning for similar halls. The study gave very specific and unique data on energy use in sport halls in cold climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present paper is to analyze a building optimization and control (BOC) algorithm which is implemented in the existing building energy management system (BEMS) of the Saint George Hospital in Chania, Greece. The developed algorithm consists of predicted models for outdoor/indoor air temperature using artificial neural networks, multi-step optimization using genetic algorithms and Real Time control using fuzzy techniques. The algorithm is developed in Matlab™ environment and is implemented to the existing BEMS of the Hospital, using a specialized web-based energy management and control system (Web-EMCS). The implementation of the BOC algorithm is realized by developing a “.net assembly” code, which interconnects the Web-EMCS with the existing conventional hospital's BEMS, without the need of Matlab™. The annual primary energy efficiency achieved is almost 36%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The control systems of conventional heat pumps have an input of refrigerant temperature at the evaporator outlet to maintain superheat at proper level. In order to develop a control method that can be used to achieve better indoor thermal comfort and energy efficiency at a low cooling load condition than the current control method, a new method of the evaporation pressure control based on the evaporator outlet pressure reading (EPCP) was developed. The changes in the stability of indoor air temperature and power consumption were measured while changing the compressor frequency in accordance with the new control method. Compared with the evaporation pressure control based on the evaporator outlet temperature reading, the EPCP control method appeared to improve the stability of room air temperature or occupant thermal comfort significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The number of attempts by researchers to reduce building energy consumption has increased, ever since global warming became a serious issue. In this trend, a relatively new approach of air distribution, underfloor-air-distribution system (UFAD), has been widely used in new commercial buildings. This technique is simply accomplished by supplying air through a raised floor using different types of distribution configurations and outlets. In UFAD, the air is directly supplied to the occupants’ area (occupied zone) causing occupants plumes and zone heat load stratify to the upper layer of the zone (unoccupied zone), which are later extracted from return points at high level. This flow pattern gives UFAD the advantage of using less energy than a conventional air-distribution system, ceiling-based air distribution (CBAD) due to lower pressure drop and lower air flow rate. This paper investigates the effectiveness of UFAD systems in commercial buildings for various types of application and at different air supply temperatures in a hot climate (The State of Kuwait). The findings show that UFAD has a significant saving of energy compared to CBAD (∼30%); in particular with high ceiling building types, as well as providing satisfactory comfort conditions for the occupants. Ultimately, more investigations should be done on conventional building heights (offices) to optimize the utilization of thermal stratification at design and operation stages. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Many New Zealand residential homes suffer from poor indoor air quality (IAQ). Cold, damp and mould-ridden homes can cause severe respiratory health problems. Poor IAQ can arise due to inadequate insulation and ventilation and is compounded when dwellers cannot afford to heat their homes during colder months. Grandfathering of standards means many New Zealand houses have single glazed windows and insufficient or no wall insulation. These have become mandatory for newly built houses since 2016 under the New Zealand Standard NZS4246:2016 Energy Efficiency. This paper aims to present the results of modified ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) lights-dehumidifier coupled with two different types of filters (carbon-fibre or polyester). The modified devices were designed to improve ambient air temperature by removing moisture, particulate matter and reducing mould and bacteria growth in a room. Seven different scenarios were investigated, which include combinations of UV light and filtration. The results showed that the UVGI was superior to filtration only; however, the polyester filter with UV lights (PFUV) was the most effective configuration. The PFUV effectively impeded the mould growth, with a 13.3% reduction in relative humidity and a 4.1 °C increase in the room temperature in the absence of a heating source. The results showed good potential for improving the IAQ of buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]