energy efficient

The risen awareness of improved indoor air quality has resulted in an increased energy demand for HVAC systems due to higher air exchange rates and the additional operation of air purifiers. Therefore, the need for energy-efficient methods to improve indoor air quality has grown. In this experimental study, we develop an innovative wet scrubber concept to remove solid particles from the airflow. In contrast to conventional wet scrubbers, this concept uses a perforated plate and the hydrostatic pressure to feed water droplets into the air stream.

Highly energy efficient buildings such as ones built to the Passive House standard, require a very airtight building envelope and the installation of a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR). MVHR systems incorporate ambient air filters, which reduce the introduction of particulate matter (PM) from outdoor sources into the dwelling. However, indoor PM sources, e.g. cooking, can also contribute substantially to occupants’ exposure and need to be accounted for when designing ventilation or deriving recommendations for filter classes. 

The elements and classification of ground source heat pumps (GSHP) are expounded and its prospects in the Yangtze River Area of China were also indicated in the paper. The energy consumption of a model building in the area was simulated with eQUEST tool. Furthermore, the monthly and annual HVAC electric consumption of air source heat pumps (ASHP) and GSHP are contrasted and analyzed, and it is concluded that the GSHP is more efficient than conventional ASHP in the Yangtze River Area.

Although theoretical studies show that energy use for ventilation purposes can be reduced by more than 50% with DCV compared to CAV, evaluation of real energy use demonstrates that this potential is seldom met. DCV-based ventilation systems must become more reliable to close the gap between theoretical and real energy-performance.