Development of HVAC System Performance Criteria Using Factorial Design and DOE-2 Simulation

Abstract

A new approach is described for the development of Heating, Ventilating, and Air-conditioning (HVAC) System Performance Criteria for the Texas Building Energy Design Standard. This approach integrates a design of experimental methodology and DOE-2 simulation to identify the effects of control parameters on HVAC system energy performance. Three new criteria - transport, plant, and system performance factors-are used as measures of system performance. The procedure has been applied to the development of criteria for a variable-air-volume (VAV) and a constant-air-volume (CAV) system in three Texas climates. The results show that the air distribution system pressure loss, cooling coil exit temperature set-pint, operation of an economizer, and use of dead band controls have significant effects on air transport energy use and total system performance. The selection of control strategies and set-points have a clear impact on energy use. There is also a great energy-saving potential of converting from a CAV to a VAV system.