Title

Demonstration of efficient humidity control techniques at an art museum

Abstract

Two methods to reduce energy consumption and peak demand in buildings that require controlled humidity were demonstrated at an art museum in St. Petersburg, Florida. The first method centered on alternative indoor fan cycling strategies, and the second method involved the use of heat pipe heat exchangers. Both approaches increased the dehumidification performance of the existing air-conditioning (AC) systems and provided substantial savings. As in most commercial buildings, all indoor fans were originally operated continuously regardless of compressor status. When the compressor cycled off, moisture from the wet cooling coil and drain pan was reintroduced into the supply air due to the constant air circulation. Indoor fan control was subsequently changed to the AUTO mode, in which the fans cycled on and off with compressor operation. For temperature-controlled zones within the museum, the AUTO fan mode stabilized and substantially reduced humidity levels while providing annual energy savings of 18% to 20%. The AUTO fan mode increased the stability of humidity levels in an area where humidity control existed, resulting in a 12% reduction in annual energy usage. The 9300 ft2 (864 m2) main gallery must be maintained at 72 °F (22.2 °C) and 50% RH to preserve the artwork on display. Two 25-ton rooftop units with 35 kW of electric resistance reheat per unit were originally used to maintain the low humidity level. A heat pipe heat exchanger was installed in March 1990 to increase the dehumidification performance of one roof top unit. After optimizing system controls, the heat pipe-assisted air conditioner reduced the annual gallery energy consumption by 11% and peak electric demand by 34%. The second roof top unit now only operates as a backup to the heat pipe-assisted air conditioner.

Publication Date

1-1-1993

Publication Title

ASHRAE Transactions

Volume

99

Issue

pt 1

Number of Pages

694-703

Document Type

Article

Identifier

scopus

Socpus ID

0027277404 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/0027277404

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