English

Proposed an alternative method to the LCA, the so-called Eco-Indicator, intended to tackle the total environmental impact on a number of different levels (e.g. materials, energy, waste, etc). It is based on a weighting method, and only a single score for the total environmental impact is calculated. It can be used to optimise heating and cooling systems.

Describes part of a global study on carbon dioxide emission associated with electricity consumption in Belgium. Two commercial buildings were the subject of a simulation. HVAC energy consumption and corresponding CO2 emission were calculated after an identification of the heating and cooling demands. It was found that they are strongly dependant on occupancy rates, and coexist throughout the year.

Describes the process of designing a supervisory control to provide thermal comfort and adequate air distribution inside a single-sided naturally ventilated test room. The controller is based on fuzzy logic reasoning. Inputs are the outside wind velocity, direction, outside and inside temperatures. Output is the opening position. The strategy is then validated using experimental data from a naturally ventilated test room. Presents the initial results of the study, which show that the controller is capable of providing better thermal comfort inside the room.

Describes a system designed to maintain good ventilation consisting of special window ventilators that permit a trickle air flow rate to pass and to maintain a background ventilation. The apparatus for measuring the characteristics of window grilles are described and the results obtained from some commercial window grilles discussed.

States that it is possible to integrate HVAC blinds and lighting, which could make possible energy savings, a reduction of peak demand and the improvement of comfort level. Presents some of the results of the INTECOM research project, which aims to define data to be exchanged between different controllers in multi-vendor solutions. The article focuses on the integrated control at zone level. Integrated control strategy performances are analysed by simulation. Prototypes have been produced and assessed on virtual buildings by emulation techniques.

There is a wide choice of new technology to choose from when developing a new line of indoor climate measuring instruments. The paper describes the Dantec company's and the authors' vision for meeting the needs. The focus was primarily on the application. Efficiency has been chosen at the expense of versatility in the user interface. Also describes some indoor climate measuring examples.

Presents a newly developed supervisory control scheme which adapts to the presence of the faults of outdoor air flow control based on online occupancy detection. It also maintains adequate indoor air quality and minimizes any resulting increase in energy consumption. A strategy, which based on three neural networks of the mixing process of an AHU, is employed to diagnose the measurement faults of outdoor and supply flow sensor, and accomplish the fault tolerant control of outdoor air flow when the fault occurs.

Intelligent coordination of the thermodynamical and air ventilation processes can achieve the necessary compromise between comfort demands, necessary air exchange and low heating costs. A new user demand guided field bus based coordination of single room control and air change rate control is developed and tested for a commercial building automation system. A reconstructed block of 65 flats was used in the field test to show that the control strategy ensures the necessary air exchange in an energy-efficient manner.

Individual heating systems have become more and more common in Italy in recent years, as a result of the development of a methane gas network and of general housing renovation. The research proposed some field studies to analyse the indoor climate for improving the heating system and indoor climate. Aims to correct the management of the heating systems to improve housing quality and occupant comfort.

Describes a project which aimed to develop strategies to improve and control the performance of HVAC systems for incorporation into codes and guidelines. One subtask of the project was an investigation of maintenance procedures, including a literature review, the definition of cleanliness for the major components and a 'new maintenance guideline'.