Secondary Author(s)
Shirey III, Don B.; Raustad, Richard
Report Number
FSEC-CR-1716-07
URL
http://publications.energyresearch.ucf.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FSEC-CR-1716-07.pdf
Keywords
Cooling; Buildings; Dehumidification; Residential; Humidity; HVAC; Residential air conditioning; Energy consumption; Building simulation; Cost-benefit analysis
Abstract
This study evaluated the impacts of conventional and advanced cooling and dehumidification equipment on residential indoor humidity levels and annual energy consumption using whole building computer simulations. The life-cycle cost premium for the various advanced systems was also estimated. Building models were developed for a standard HERS Reference house, meant to represent current residential construction practice, and a High-Efficiency house that would likely qualify for a federal tax credit. The different houses were simulated in seven southeastern U.S. cities and with two ventilation/infiltration scenarios: 1) variable or natural infiltration alone, and 2) mechanical ventilation that complied with ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2004. The simulations accurately considered several key factors that affect dehumidification performance and space humidity levels, including: 1) duct air leakage and thermal losses, 2) the impact of part load latent capacity degradation with various supply air fan control and ventilation strategies, and 3) the impact of space over cooling and other novel dehumidification control strategies. The study results indicate that energy-efficient, properly-ventilated homes in humid climates need equipment options or configurations that can provide a modest amount of additional dehumidification capacity while coordinating their operation with conventional cooling and ventilation systems. Several of the advanced dehumidification systems evaluated as part of this study provided improved energy performance while maintaining proper indoor humidity levels, but some have a high first cost which yields relatively high life-cycle costs. The research team believes that alternative designs for some of these options can be developed to reduce first cost.
Date Published
4-27-2007
Identifiers
462
Subjects
Air conditioning; Humidity--Control; Buildings--Energy conservation; Computer simulation; Cost effectiveness
Local Subjects
Buildings - Cooling; Buildings - Dehumidification; Humidity; Buildings - HVAC; Buildings - Residential
Type
Text; Document
Contributor (Linked Data)
Raustad, Richard [LC]
Collection
FSEC Energy Research Center® Collection
STARS Citation
Florida Solar Energy Center and Henderson, Jr., Hugh, "Closing the Gap: Getting Full Performance from Residential Central Air Conditioners, Task 4 - Develop New Climate-Sensitive Air Conditioner, Simulation Results and Cost Benefit Analysis" (2007). FSEC Energy Research Center®. 462.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/fsec/462
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