An efficient HVAC design for research laboratories

Abstract

Laboratories are very energy-intensive buildings and hence have a high carbon footprint. The aim of this dissertation was to improve the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) design of such laboratories so as to make the system more efficient. This dissertation reviewed HVAC equipment available on the local market was reviewed to determine whether the equipment found was suitable for laboratories whilst still being compliant with applicable standards. The literature review was then followed by simulations conducted on Design Builder™ simulation software. The aim of the simulations was to reduce and/or reuse HVAC energy supplied to the indicated zones, in turn reducing the electrical energy required by the overall system. A superseded pre-existing 3D model was altered to match the final design of the University of Malta SLC Conservation and Heritage Labs. This included both a structural update and an HVAC systems update. The model HVAC system was divided into two setups. The first setup accounted for the HVAC systems utilised within non-laboratory zones, whilst the second HVAC setup was designed for laboratory zones. This was done because the ventilation from these two setups cannot be allowed to mix. The simulations accounted for population within the zones (including expected physical activity of the occupants, amount of clothing worn by occupants and the switching schedule) and the required HVAC performance to maintain the desired thermals, humidity level and ventilation flow rate. Initially the simulations, were used to determine the most suitable technologies for the considered case study. Once the variables were individually analysed a final simulation was run to identify the best energy reduction that can be obtained for the University of Malta SLC Conservation and Heritage Labs for the HVAC systems under consideration. The final simulation yielded an 8.9% improvement for the cooling demand and a 28.7% improvement for the heating demand. This equates to an overall reduction in the annual demand of 14.8%. In conclusion, the study provides a very much needed first look at lab energy consumption. Furthermore, the dissertation has a lot of potential for future studies to advance an already improved HVAC system