Richard C. Diamond

Performance validation and energy analysis of HVAC systems using simulation

Abstract This paper describes the concept of using simulation as a tool for performance validation and energy analysis of HVAC systems. Recent advances in control system technology, including the development of open protocols such as BACnet™ have made sensor and control signal information from various components and subsystems in a building more accessible. This development has created significant potential for improving the monitoring and supervision of building systems in order to optimize operational performance. The paper describes one way of making use of this new technology by applying simulations, configured to represent optimum operation, to monitored data. The idea is to use simulation predictions as performance targets with which to compare monitored system outputs for performance validation and energy analysis. The paper presents results from applying the concepts to a large dual-duct air-handling unit installed in an office building in San Francisco.

Causes and prevention of symptom complaints in office buildings

Purpose – The goal of this project was to develop practical strategies for preventing building‐related symptoms in office buildings, based on the experience of those who investigate buildings with health complaints, and suitable for use by those who own, lease, or manage office space.Design/methodology/approach – Ideas from six experienced building investigators on primary causes and key prevention strategies were gathered and prioritized through consensus and voting in a structured, multi‐day workshop.Findings – IEQ investigators from diverse climatic regions agreed on the most important problems causing symptom complaints in office buildings, and the key strategies for prevention. The top ranked problems identified were, in priority order: excessive building moisture, inadequate outdoor air, excessive dust, pollutant gases and odors, inadequate thermal control, and inadequate attention by management to indoor environments. The highest priority recommended prevention strategies for building‐related sympt...

Report on HVAC option selections for a relocatable classroom energy and indoor environmental quality field study

It is commonly assumed that efforts to simultaneously develop energy efficient building technologies and to improve indoor environmental quality (IEQ) are unfeasible. The primary reason for this is that IEQ improvements often require additional ventilation that is costly from an energy standpoint. It is currently thought that health and productivity in work and learning environments requires adequate, if not superior, IEQ. Despite common assumptions, opportunities do exist to design building systems that provide improvements in both energy efficiency and IEQ. This report outlines the selection of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to be used in demonstrating such an opportunity in a field study using relocatable school classrooms. Standard classrooms use a common wall mounted heat pump HVAC system. After reviewing alternative systems, a wall-mounting indirect/direct evaporative cooling system with an integral hydronic gas heating is selected. The anticipated advantages of this system include continuous ventilation of 100 percent outside air at or above minimum standards, projected cooling energy reductions of about 70 percent, inexpensive gas heating, improved airborne particle filtration, and reduced peak load electricity use. Potential disadvantages include restricted climate regions and possible increases in indoor relative humidity levels under some conditions.