Developing a Dynamic Control Algorithm to Improve Ventilation Efficiency in a University Conference Room

摘要: A robust heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is needed to maintain a healthy and comfortable indoor environment. However, HVAC systems are responsible for significant energy usage in the United States, and enhancing current systems and implementing additional HVAC sensing are primary strategies for reducing energy consumption. This research developed an HVAC control algorithm (CA) that optimized ventilation operations within a conference room in the University of Virginia Link Lab. Using indoor air quality (IAQ), occupancy, weather, and HVAC operation data streams, the CA recommended a decision to ventilate or not ventilate the conference room every 15 minutes by comparing the cost of lost occupant productivity due to poor IAQ to the energy cost of ventilating the space. The ventilation decision with lower total cost was recommended. This project addressed scheduling …