The ARBS Education and Research Foundation has released the results of its latest sponsored research which is a comparative study into air distribution systems.
The Foundation joined with Team Catalyst to prepare the world first comparative study in dynamic simulation analysis of three types of HVAC air distribution systems. They are: passive chilled beam, underfloor air distribution, variable air volume.
Foundation chair, Ian Hopkins, said he is not aware of any building simulation study that compares these forms of air distribution in the world.
He said it was never the intention of the study to determine if one system was superior to another.
“Our intention was to compare the operational outcome of the systems which are most prevalent in commercial buildings around Australia,” he said.
“The outcome of this comparative simulated study provides valuable information to engineers and technical staff engaged in HVAC design and the monitoring of how systems actually operate in practice.
“Building managers and others who are interested in ensuring that HVAC equipment operates efficiently and at the lowest energy cost will benefit from information derived in this study.”
Using data from the simulation of a typical 10 storey commercial building in Sydney, the study provides predicted energy intensity for each of the three systems.
Foundation board member, Ashak Nathawni, said specific readings are likely to vary a little at other locations, but the findings of the study provide an important starting point for analysis and decision-making in other locations.
“For reasons of energy efficiency, a further important outcome of the study is to draw attention to the need to ensure the HVAC equipment installed is the correct size for the building it serves.
“Far too often HVAC installations are oversized, particularly in central chilled water plant. The study underscores the important role that proper commissioning of plant plays in its operational efficiency.”
With the generous financial support of ARBS Exhibitions, each year $50,000 is being added to education and research in the industry by the ARBS Foundation.
A copy of the full report is available for downloading from the Foundation website at www.arbsfoundation.com.au