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Energy Performance of a University Building for Different Air Conditioning (AC) Technologies: A Case Study

Authors :
Milen Balbis-Morejón
Juan José Cabello-Eras
Francisco J. Rey-Martínez
Jorge Mario Mendoza Fandiño
Javier M. Rey-Hernández
Source :
Buildings, Vol 14, Iss 6, p 1746 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2024.

Abstract

The study uses four AC technologies to assess the energy performance—this is a case study of an educational building in Barranquilla, Colombia. The building currently has split AC technology high-energy consumers. Therefore, it was necessary to assess a replacement with more efficient technology. Because of the non-seasonal climate in the building location, one month of monitoring of energy consumption was the reference for developing an energy model for the building using EnergyPlus and DesignBuilder software. The model was applied to forecast the building energy performance of our more efficient AC technologies available in the Colombian market, and valuable according to building specifications (Split, VRF, VAV, and Chiller). Results show a reduction in energy consumption of approximately 30% with the technology change and 15% savings in life cycle costs (LCCs), even though the building is already considered to have a low energy consumption according to national regulations. The findings of this study underscore the potential for widespread applicability across all types of buildings, regardless of their energy consumption profile, be it low, medium, or high. This extensive applicability not only highlights the adaptability and versatility of the technology but also underscores its significance in achieving substantial energy savings and cost reductions across the entire building industry, contributing to a more sustainable and economically efficient future.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20755309
Volume :
14
Issue :
6
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Buildings
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.2cfbfc281f41474f8780194875a00e99
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14061746