Analysing modelling challenges of smart controlled ventilation systems in educational buildings

Abstract

Demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) is a crucial part of ventilation design used in buildings and its effects are widely studied in modern construction. To assess the effect of DCV, accurate models are required. The simulation of CO₂-based DCV is still challenging due to the complexity of the system. In addition, in this type of system, there is a prominent interaction between the temperature and CO₂ controls. In this study, we develop a model of a real operating building and describe the steps and challenges encountered. We observed that the results for heating and fan power improved after correcting the input parameters for the convective fraction (of the thermostat), air capacity, and airtightness. By combining measurements and good practices of modelling and calibration, we deduce that the challenges encountered can be overcome, and a good agreement with measurements can be obtained by using our method.

KEYWORDS:

• Modelica-based simulation
• all-air system
• modelling
• building energy simulation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the KU Leuven: [grant number IOF BAM].