Field testing of several CO2/presence based Demand-Controlled Ventilation techniques within six different tertiary sector buildings

Résumé et principaux résultats

Demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) has been proposed and implemented over the past several years as a strategy for increasing energy efficiency by providing outdoor air ventilation rates based on actual occupancy rather than design occupancy. It has largely been documented in the literature through field demonstration projects and computer simulation studies. However, in France and in the majority of European countries, the use of this technique is still quite limited. Several partially unanswered questions fuel this paradox: What is the real impact of DCV on comfort and air quality' What are the real energy savings which can be expected' How reliable are these systems over the long term and what are the real operational difficulties related to these systems? This study provides additional field test data to help bring answers to these questions. The study was undertaken by three manufacturers of DCV systems (Anjos, Atlantic and Aldes), three HVAC research labs (CSTB, CETIAT and COSTIC) and an energy services company (Elyo). The study was co-financed by the ADEME agency. Six buildings from various sectors (education, health, justice) which were identified as being adapted to the use of DCV systems were equipped with various DCV technologies and were studied over two 15 day periods (summer and winter). The trade mark technologies of the three French manufacturers VARIVENT (Atlantic), ALIZE VISION (Anjos) and MDA-Agito (Aldes) were selected. The selected building applications were: a school canteen, a rehabilitation centre consultation room and gymnasium, a university library meeting room, a classroom and a courtroom. The study quantifies in particular: the impact on comfort and indoor air quality both measured and felt by the occupants, the net energy savings by comparing them with the real operating conditions in the "before DCV condition", the difficulties with respect to the installation and maintenance under real operating conditions. The results provide information useful in better targeting the implementation of DCV techniques as a function of the building type and use. The study showed that the interest in terms of comfort and indoor air quality is obvious; however, the real energy savings depend on the pre-existing operating conditions. Ultimately, the profitability and the reliability of DCV systems depend on their appropriation by the building's energy management personnel.

Commissions

Ventilation des bâtiments résidentiels et tertiaires

Thème

Ventilation et qualité de l'air

Mots-clés

Modulation de débit, Qualité de l'air intérieur, Ventilation

Auteurs

TISSOT Anne