![]() This paper aims to quantify the nationwide energy savings potential of implementing the occupancy-based control (OBC) for the HVAC system in typical medium-sized office buildings using a whole building simulation program (i.e., EnergyPlus). The heating ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system is a major contributor to building energy consumption. However, for the OBC based on the people count, the percentage of energy savings increases from 13% for the case of not using air-side economizer to 23% for the case of using air-side economizer. The OBC based on the occupant presence has about 13% whole-building energy savings no matter whether the air-side economizer is used in the AHU operation. Simulation results show that for the location of Baltimore, MD, the use of air-side economizer or not does indeed have significant impact on the comparison between the two OBC strategies. ![]() more » Using EnergyPlus, energy savings of OBC strategies are evaluated for representative existing medium office buildings in the U.S. The sensed occupancy information, either presence or the people count, is used to determine the air flowrate of terminal boxes, the thermostat set points, and the lighting as well. This paper examines the potential of energy savings by occupancy-based controls (OBCs). Such practice may cause energy waste, ventilation and thermal comfort problems. Conventional controls usually have the terminal’s minimum air flowrate at a constant, irrespective of the occupancy status. The terminal’s minimum air flowrate set point is an important parameter that has significant impact on energy consumption and indoor air quality. Variable-air-volume (VAV) systems are used in many office buildings. In addition to energy savings, the advanced OBC satisfies the zone ventilation during all occupied hours over the whole year. The more » outdoor-air fraction of the supply air from air-handling units significantly affects the potential energy savings from the advanced OBC strategy. Comparatively, the advanced OBC, based on people counting, can save 8% in Miami to 23% in Baltimore for systems with economizers. The simulation results show that the conventional OBC, based on occupant presence sensing, can save 8% of whole-building energy use in Miami (hot climate) for systems without air-side economizer and about 13% in both Baltimore (mixed climate) and Chicago (cold climate). Using EnergyPlus, a whole-building energy modeling software, the energy savings of OBC strategies are evaluated for representative existing medium office buildings in the U.S. The sensed occupancy information, either occupant presence or people count, is used to determine the airflow rate of terminal boxes, the thermostat setpoints, and the lighting control. This paper examines the potential of energy savings from occupancy-based controls (OBCs). Conventional controls usually have the terminal’s minimum airflow rate at a constant (e.g., 30% or more of the terminal design airflow rate), irrespective of the occupancy status, which may cause problems, such as excessive simultaneous heating and cooling, under ventilation, and thermal comfort issues. The minimum airflow rate setting of VAV terminal boxes has a significant impact on both energy consumption and indoor air quality.
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