The Derivation of Cooling Set-Point Temperature in an HVAC System, Considering Mean Radiant Temperature

Jinmog Han, Jongkyun Bae, Jihoon Jang, Jumi Baek and Seung-Bok Leigh
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Jinmog Han: Department of Architectural Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea
Jongkyun Bae: Department of Architectural Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea
Jihoon Jang: Department of Architectural Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea
Jumi Baek: Department of Architectural Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea
Seung-Bok Leigh: Department of Architectural Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea

Sustainability, 2019, vol. 11, issue 19, 1-19

Abstract: Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems usually have a set-point temperature control feature that uses the indoor dry-bulb temperature to control the indoor environment. However, an incorrect set-point temperature can reduce thermal comfort and result in unnecessary energy consumption. This study focuses on a derivation method for the optimal cooling set-point temperature of an HVAC system used in office buildings, considering the thermal characteristics and daily changes in the weather conditions, to establish a comfortable indoor environment and minimize unnecessary energy consumption. The operative temperature is used in the HVAC system control, and the mean radiant temperature is predicted with 94% accuracy through a multiple regression analysis by applying the indoor thermal environment data and weather information. The regression equation was utilized to create an additional equation to calculate the optimal set-point temperature. The simulation results indicate that the HVAC system control with the new set-point temperatures calculated from the derived equation improves thermal comfort by 38.5% (26%p). This study confirmed that a cooling set-point temperature that considers both the thermal characteristics of a building and weather conditions is effective in enhancing the indoor thermal comfort during summer.

Keywords: thermal comfort; set-point temperature; thermal environment; mean radiant temperature; HVAC system (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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