Task 05-01 – Applying Advanced Humidity Control Equipment to Improve Energy Efficiency and Moisture Management in Buildings

Objective

Excessive moisture in buildings is increasingly cited as the #1 IAQ problem, yet improving humidity control/IAQ along with building energy efficiency are often perceived to be at odds. In Task 6, a new computer based analysis tool is being developed that is capable of constructing user defined integrated HVAC equipment configurations with conventional and enhanced dehumidification components, such as enthalpy exchangers, desiccant dehumidifiers, single and dual cooling coils, wraparound heat exchangers, (condenser) reheat coils, and others. This unique, user friendly modeling tool provides the opportunity for follow-on task work to create advanced humidity control training and educational programs for the HVAC industry. This follow-on project will develop these advanced humidity control training materials for the HVAC industry based on that Task 6 modeling software, field test advanced humidity control equipment in target applications identified by the Task 6 annual building/HVAC simulations, and analyze advanced humidity control economic returns in those target applications based on value propositions generated in the building moisture management assessment (originally in Task 6).

In Subtask 1, findings from the research completed in Task 6 will be applied by UIC to education programs, by generating materials to assist in: 1) educating the HVAC specifying chain about the various types of enhanced dehumidification components; and 2) demonstrating the resulting performance of system integrations with the modeling tool. Target platforms for these educational initiatives will be professional societies, such as ASHRAE and their professional development seminars, and trade organizations, such as NEMI and their HVAC training centers. In Subtask 2, necessary upgrades to the modeling tool will be carried out by Linric to broaden its coverage of component types and systems integrations. As originally designed in Task 6, the software generates state point calculations for each component and integrated system. The program structure provides an ideal teaching tool in a classroom setting to educate system designers, consulting engineers, mechanical contractors, HVAC technicians, and others in the specifying chain about comparative performance – delivered humidity levels and energy use – for different equipment approaches. In Subtask 3, FSEC will perform select M&V activities out in the field, in the lab, and on the computer to fill research gaps being identified in Task 6, such as multistage DX part load dehumidification.

Major Sub-awardees

This project is being executed by the Energy Resources Center (ERC) at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and the Florida Solar Energy Center/University of Central Florida. The Principal Investigator is Douglas Kosar (UIC) and Co PI is Muthusamy Swami (FSEC)
This project will be initiated on January 1, 2006 and is to be completed by January 2007.