4.7 Article

Uncertainties in energy and economic performance of HVAC systems and energy recovery ventilators due to uncertainties in building and HVAC parameters

Journal

APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
Volume 50, Issue 1, Pages 732-742

Publisher

PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2012.08.021

Keywords

Energy recovery ventilator; Energy savings; Payback period; Uncertainty; Sensitivity analysis; Building HVAC system

Ask authors/readers for more resources

Energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) are exhaust air energy recovery devices for outdoor ventilation air preconditioning in building HVAC systems. The energy and economic performance of an ERV depends on its effectiveness, cost, maintenance as well as other parameters such as climate, building design and HVAC system parameters. In this study, a sensitivity analysis is used to evaluate the impact of uncertainty of building and HVAC system parameters on the energy savings potential and economics of ERVs. Firstly, the impact of building parameters on HVAC system peak loads, capital cost, annual energy use and operating cost are investigated for an office building located in Chicago using TRNSYS simulations. The results show that the ventilation rate has the most significant impact on total HVAC system energy performance. Secondly, energy and economic analysis on the ERV's payback period is conducted with a specified variation of each input parameter. The results illustrate that an ERV with 75% sensible and 60% latent effectiveness can reduce the peak heating load by 30%, the peak cooling load by 18%, the annual heating energy usage by 40% and the annual cooling energy usage by 8%, with a payback period of 2 years. The uncertainty of ERV's payback period to its initial cost, recovery effectiveness, energy rate, HVAC equipment initial cost and efficiency as well as ventilation rate are also presented. A +/- 25% uncertainty in the 7 building and HVAC system input parameters studied results in a maximum 17% and 225% uncertainty in the payback period of the ERV respectively. Crown Copyright (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Authors

I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.

Reviews

Primary Rating

4.7
Not enough ratings

Secondary Ratings

Novelty
-
Significance
-
Scientific rigor
-
Rate this paper

Recommended

Article Thermodynamics

A New Approach to Delay or Prevent Frost Formation in Membranes

Pooya Navid, Shirin Niroomand, Carey J. Simonson

JOURNAL OF HEAT TRANSFER-TRANSACTIONS OF THE ASME (2019)

Article Thermodynamics

Experimental Characterization of Frost Growth on a Horizontal Plate Under Natural Convection

S. Niroomand, M. T. Fauchoux, C. J. Simonson

JOURNAL OF THERMAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS (2019)

Article Thermodynamics

An analytical model for predicting frosting limit in membranes

Pooya Navid, Shirin Niroomand, Carey J. Simonson

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF REFRIGERATION-REVUE INTERNATIONALE DU FROID (2019)

Article Thermodynamics

3D computational fluid dynamics simulation of a 3-fluid liquid-to-air membrane energy exchanger (LAMEE)

Masoud Rashidzadeh, Nader Pourmahmoud, Carey J. Simonson

APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING (2019)

Article Thermodynamics

Optimal design, sizing and operation of heat-pump liquid desiccant air conditioning systems

Ahmed H. Abdel-Salam, Carey J. Simonson

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT (2020)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Water Vapor Adsorption-Desorption Behavior of Surfactant-Coated Starch Particles for Commercial Energy Wheels

Mohsen Shakouri, Easwaran N. Krishnan, Abdalla H. Karoyo, Leila Dehabadi, Lee D. Wilson, Carey J. Simonson

ACS OMEGA (2019)

Article Thermodynamics

Calibration of indirect methods to detect the onset of fouling in a liquid-to-air membrane energy exchanger

Adesola Oluwasijibomi Olufade, Carey James Simonson

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER (2020)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Hydration and Sorption Properties of Raw and Milled Flax Fibers

Abdalla H. Karoyo, Leila Dehabadi, Wahab Alabi, Carey J. Simonson, Lee D. Wilson

ACS OMEGA (2020)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Comparison of the Moisture Adsorption Properties of Starch Particles and Flax Fiber Coatings for Energy Wheel Applications

Wahab O. Alabi, Abdalla H. Karoyo, Easwaran N. Krishnan, Leila Dehabadi, Lee D. Wilson, Carey J. Simonson

ACS OMEGA (2020)

Article Thermodynamics

Development of a small-scale test facility for effectiveness evaluation of fixed-bed regenerators

Easwaran N. Krishnan, Hadi Ramin, Mohsen Shakouri, Lee D. Wilson, Carey J. Simonson

APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING (2020)

Article Construction & Building Technology

Suitability of bio-desiccants for energy wheels in HVAC applications

Wahab O. Alabi, Easwaran N. Krishnan, Abdalla H. Karoyo, Leila Dehabadi, Lee D. Wilson, Carey J. Simonson

Summary: This study investigates the latent effectiveness of flax-fiber coated energy wheels and compares them with commercially available desiccants and other biomaterials in a wide range of operating conditions. The findings can be useful for the research and development of bio-materials for energy recovery systems in building applications.

BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT (2021)

Article Thermodynamics

Designing and thermodynamic optimization of a novel combined absorption cooling and power cycle based on a water-ammonia mixture

Parisa Kazemiani-Najafabadi, Ehsan Amiri Rad, Carey James Simonson

Summary: This paper presents a novel ammonia-water cogeneration system driven by waste heat recovery, which can simultaneously generate cooling and power. By adjusting the maximum pressure and ammonia concentration, the ratio between net power and cooling capacity can be optimized, and the system can be further optimized using a genetic algorithm.

ENERGY (2022)

Article Thermodynamics

A model for predicting the effect of crystallization fouling on moisture transfer in membrane energy exchangers

Alireza Razmavar, Gurubalan Annadurai, Adesola Olufade, Carey J. Simonson

Summary: Crystallization fouling is a significant factor in the design and operation of membrane-based separation processes. This paper presents a semi-empirical model that predicts the fouling rate of membranes in liquid-to-air membrane energy exchangers (LAMEEs), and validates the model using experimental data.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER (2022)

Proceedings Paper Thermodynamics

Sensitivity Study of Crystallization Fouling in a Liquid-to-Air Membrane Energy Exchanger using Three Desiccant Solutions

Adesola O. Olufade, Carey J. Simonson

ASHRAE TRANSACTIONS 2019, VOL 125, PT 1 (2019)

Article Thermodynamics

The interaction between cross-flow induced vibration and convection heat transfer in tube bundle at subcritical Reynolds number

Hai Zhao, Puzhen Gao, Xiaochang Li, Ruifeng Tian, Hongyang Wei, Sichao Tan

Summary: This study numerically investigates the interaction between flow-induced vibration and forced convection heat transfer in a tube bundle. The results show that the impact of flow-induced vibration on heat transfer varies in different flow velocity regions.

APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING (2024)

Article Thermodynamics

Sensitivity analysis of an automated fault detection algorithm for residential air-conditioning systems

Rohit Chintala, Jon Winkler, Sugirdhalakshmi Ramaraj, Xin Jin

Summary: The current state of fault detection and diagnosis for residential air-conditioning systems is expensive and not suitable for widespread implementation. This paper proposes a cost-effective solution by introducing an automated fault detection algorithm as a screening step before more expensive tests can be conducted. The algorithm uses home thermostats and local weather information to identify thermodynamic parameters and detect high-impact air-conditioning faults.

APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING (2024)

Article Thermodynamics

A novel two-step optimization approach for film water cooling of a photovoltaic module in real ambient conditions

A. Azimi, N. Basiri, M. Eslami

Summary: This paper presents a novel optimization algorithm for improving the water-film cooling system of photovoltaic panels, resulting in a significant increase in net energy generation.

APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING (2024)

Article Thermodynamics

Investigating dynamic characteristics and thermal-lag phenomenon in a thermal-lag engine using a CFD-mechanism dynamics model

Duc-Thuan Phung, Chin-Hsiang Cheng

Summary: In this study, a novel CFDMD model is used to analyze and investigate the behavior of thermal-lag engines (TLE). The study shows that the CFDMD model effectively captures the thermodynamic behavior of the working gas and the dynamic behavior of the engine mechanism. Additionally, the study explores the temporal evolution of engine speed and the influence of various parameters on shaft power and brake thermal efficiency. The research also reveals the existence of a thermal-lag phenomenon in TLE.

APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING (2024)

Article Thermodynamics

Surface modification to induce efficient heat transfer at graphene/ silicon heterointerface

Haiying Yang, Yinjie Shen, Lin Li, Yichen Pan, Ping Yang

Summary: The purpose of this article is to find a measure to improve the interfacial thermal transfer of graphene/silicon heterojunction. Through molecular dynamics simulation, it is found that surface modification can significantly reduce the thermal resistance, thereby improving the thermal conductivity of the graphene/silicon interface.

APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING (2024)

Article Thermodynamics

Measurement of reaction temperature distribution inside of methanol steam reforming microreactor using infrared thermography

Qiong Wu, Yancheng Wang, Haonan Zhou, Xingye Qiu, Deqing Mei

Summary: This article introduces a visible methanol steam reforming microreactor, which uses an optical crystal as an observation window and measures the reaction temperature in real-time using infrared thermography. The results show that under lower oxygen to carbon ratio conditions, the microreactor has a higher heating rate and a stable gradient in temperature distribution.

APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING (2024)

Review Thermodynamics

A review on multi energy systems modelling and optimization

Giulia Manco, Umberto Tesio, Elisa Guelpa, Vittorio Verda

Summary: In the past decade, there has been a growing interest in studying energy systems for the combined management of power vectors. Most of the published works focus on finding the optimal design and operations of Multi Energy Systems (MES). However, for newcomers to this field, understanding how to achieve the desired optimization details while controlling computational expenses can be challenging and time-consuming. This paper presents a novel approach to analyzing the existing literature on MES, with the aim of guiding practical development of MES optimization. Through the discussion of six case studies, the authors provide a mathematical formulation as a reference for building the model and emphasize the impact of different aspects on the problem nature and solver selection. In addition, the paper also discusses the different approaches used in the literature for incorporating thermal networks and storage in the optimization of multi-energy systems.

APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING (2024)

Article Thermodynamics

Fabrication and capillary performance of multi-scale microgroove ceramic wicks via nanosecond laser irradiation for ultrathin ceramic heat pipes

Xuepeng Yuan, Caiman Yan, Yunxian Huang, Yong Tang, Shiwei Zhang, Gong Chen

Summary: In this study, a multi-scale microgroove wick (MSMGW) was developed by laser irradiation, which demonstrated superior capillary performance. The surface morphology and performance of the wick were affected by laser scan pitch, laser power, repetition frequency, and scanning speed. The MSMGW showed optimal capillary performance in alumina material and DI water as the working fluid.

APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING (2024)

Article Thermodynamics

Ergodic simulation of droplet growth during dropwise condensation

Maofei Mei, Feng Hu, Chong Han

Summary: This paper proposes an effective local search method based on detection of droplet boundaries for understanding the dynamic process of droplet growth during dropwise condensation. The method is validated by comparing with experimental data. The present simulation provides an effective approach to more accurately predict the nucleation site density in future studies.

APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING (2024)

Article Thermodynamics

A phase change material (PCM) based novel retrofitting approach in the air conditioning system to reduce building energy demand

Rahul Kumar Sharma, Ashish Kumar, Dibakar Rakshit

Summary: The study explores the use of phase change materials (PCM) as a retrofit with Heating Ventilation and Air-conditioning systems (HVAC) to reduce energy consumption and improve air quality. By incorporating PCM with specific thickness and fin configurations, significant energy savings can be achieved in comparison to standard HVAC systems utilizing R134a. This research provides policymakers with energy-efficient and sustainable solutions for HVAC systems to combat climate change.

APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING (2024)

Article Thermodynamics

Quantitative evaluation of radiative heat transfer from reactor surface to multiphase reaction medium in a supercritical water gasification reactor for coal

Zhenhua Ren, Xiangjin Meng, Xingang Qi, Hui Jin, Yunan Chen, Bin Chen, Liejin Guo

Summary: This paper investigates the heat transfer mechanism and factors influencing thermal radiation in the process of supercritical water gasification (SCWG) of coal, and proposes a comprehensive numerical model to simulate the process. Experimental validation results show that thermal radiation accounts for a significant proportion of the total heat exchange in the reactor and a large amount of radiant energy exists in the important spectral range of supercritical water. Enhancing radiative heat transfer can effectively increase the temperature of the reaction medium and the gasification rate.

APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING (2024)

Article Thermodynamics

Innovative experimental approach for the dynamic Multi-Variable investigation of Pulsating heat Pipes

Mauro Abela, Mauro Mameli, Sauro Filippeschi, Brent S. Taft

Summary: Pulsating Heat Pipes (PHP) are passive two-phase heat transfer devices with a simple structure and high heat transfer capabilities. The actual unpredictability of their dynamic behavior during startup and thermal crisis hinders their large-scale application. An experimental apparatus is designed to investigate these phenomena systematically. The results show that increasing the number of evaporator sections and condenser temperature improves the performance of PHP. The condenser temperature also affects the initial liquid phase distribution and startup time.

APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING (2024)

Article Thermodynamics

Development and experimental study of a 3-dimensional enhanced heat pipe radiator for cooling high-power electronic devices

Ke Gan, Ruilian Li, Yi Zheng, Hui Xu, Ying Gao, Jiajie Qian, Ziming Wei, Bin Kong, Hong Zhang

Summary: A 3-dimensional enhanced heat pipe radiator has been developed to improve heat dissipation and temperature uniformity in cooling high-power electronic components. Experimental results show that the radiator has superior heat transfer performance compared to a conventional aluminum fin radiator under different heating powers and wind speed conditions.

APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING (2024)

Article Thermodynamics

Optimizing heat transfer characteristics in dry centrifugal Granulation: Impact of particle population trajectory and cooling strategies

Xinyi Zhang, Shuzhong Wang, Daihui Jiang, Zhiqiang Wu

Summary: This study focuses on recovering waste heat from blast furnace slag using dry centrifugal pelletizing technology. A comprehensive two-dimensional model was developed to analyze heat transfer dynamics and investigate factors influencing heat exchange efficiency. The findings have important implications for optimizing waste heat recovery and ensuring safe operations.

APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING (2024)

Article Thermodynamics

Impact of jet intermittency on surface-structured heat sinks for electronics liquid cooling

Xincheng Wu, An Zou, Qiang Zhang, Zhaoguang Wang

Summary: The boosting heat generation rate of high-performance processors is challenging traditional cooling techniques. This study proposes a combined design of active jet intermittency and passive surface modification to enhance heat transfer.

APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING (2024)