1. Energy and IAQ Benefits

Energy and IAQ advantages of control of minimum ventilation rates (VRs)

The goal of this task is to estimate the effects on energy, peak power, and IAQ of various methods of controlling minimum VRs, and of different fixed minimum VRs, in California commercial buildings.    

  • Develop the EnergyPlus models for offices, schools, and retail buildings, and predict the effects of different minimum VR control strategies on gas and electricity energy consumption, peak electrical power, and indoor concentrations of a continuously emitted indoor pollutant.
  • Consider the effects of economizer controls, different minimum VRs, and empirical data of average minimum VRs that occur in practice.
  • Use the EnergyPlus models to estimate how errors in CO2 measurement in buildings with DCV affect energy use and indoor air quality.