Choosing the Right Parameter for Single-Duct Constant Air Volume System Supply Air Temperature Reset
Publication: Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 11, Issue 3
Abstract
To improve system efficiency under part-load conditions, the supply air temperature set point for a single-duct constant air volume air handling unit (AHU) system is often reset based on either return air temperature or outside air temperature. Both reset strategies make engineering sense as long as the reset schedules are reasonable. Quite often the decision to use one over the other is made with the assumption that they will both achieve some energy savings. However, the impact of these two strategies on AHU energy consumption could be very different. An in-depth analysis and comparison of these two commonly used supply air temperature reset strategies for a single-duct constant air volume system is presented in this paper. It is shown that the reset strategy based on outside air temperature is inherently better than that based on return air temperature, with lower energy consumption and improved building comfort level.
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Acknowledgments
The writers would like to thank Dean Thompson, Gary Schoenhals, Mike Partlow, John Marshall, and other operating personnel at Fairview-University Medical Center for their great support and cooperation during the process of the upgrade and commissioning work. Special thanks goes to Mark Hancock at Center for Energy and Environment for his effort in helping measure the hot water consumption.
References
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). (1999). ASHRAE Applications Handbook, 40.23.
Benton, R. (1982). “The impact of thermostat performance on energy consumption and occupant comfort in residential electric heating systems.” ASHRAE Trans., 88(1), 1029–1041.
Mutammara, A. W., and Hittle, D. C. (1990). “Energy effects of various control strategies for variable air volume systems.” ASHRAE Trans., 96(1), 98–102.
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© 2005 ASCE.
History
Received: Feb 10, 2004
Accepted: Dec 7, 2004
Published online: Sep 1, 2005
Published in print: Sep 2005
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