Energy Savings in Buildings Using Air Movement and Allowing Floating Temperature in Rooms

Abstract

The purpose of the research study was to determine if building loads could be reduced by using an intelligent controller rather than a thermostatic controller to operate heating and air conditioning equipment. In order to switch the equipment on and off at the proper times, the intelligent controller calculated temperature limits using a mathematical procedure that determined the percentage of people who would be comfortable in rooms of the building. Simulations showed the annual cost savings from intelligent controllers ranged from 6 to 37 percent for residences and from 6 to 29 percent for the offices. An ancillary study showed that a ceiling fan provided comfort in a 112 square foot floor area to 85 F and in a 200 to 250 square foot area to 82 F.