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ENERGY COSTS OF IAQ CONTROL THROUGH INCREASED VENTILATION IN A SMALL OFFICE IN A WARM, HUMID CLIMATE: PARAMETRIC ANALYSIS USING THE DOE-2 COMPUTER MODEL
Citation:
U.S. EPA. ENERGY COSTS OF IAQ CONTROL THROUGH INCREASED VENTILATION IN A SMALL OFFICE IN A WARM, HUMID CLIMATE: PARAMETRIC ANALYSIS USING THE DOE-2 COMPUTER MODEL. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/R-97/131 (NTIS PB98-113368), 1997.
Impact/Purpose:
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Description:
The report gives results of a series of computer runs using the DOE-2.1E building energy model, simulating a small office in a hot, humid climate (Miami). These simulations assessed the energy and relative humidity (RH) penalties when the outdoor air (OA) ventilation rate is increased from 5 to 20 cfm/person to improve indoor air quality. The effect of each building and mechanical system parameter on the energy penalty resulting from increased OA was systematically assessed. The cost and effectiveness of methods for reducing elevated-RH hours were also assessed. The parameters offering the greatest practical potential for energy savings are conversion to: very efficient lighting and equipment; very efficient cooling coils; a variable volume (from a constant volume) system; cold-air distribution; or improved glazing or roof resistance to heat transfer. If the OA increase were accompanied by any one of these modifications, the energy penalty would be significantly reduced (comparing the modified system at 20 against the baseline at 5 cfm/person). The number of occupied hours above 60% RH could be dramatically reduced (with a minimal energy cost impact) if the economizer were eliminated. Conversion to a system that controlled office humidity would eliminate all of the elevated-RH occupied hours, at an energy cost of $90/year.