Energy Saving Proof is on the Way
We all know there is a relationship
between a well maintained HVAC system, the pressure drop and
energy savings, but we havent
had the scientific proof to show our customers.
I am pleased to announce that the
National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) has engaged a team of
researchers from the University of Colorado to undertake a two-year
study titled The Correlation between HVAC System Pressure Drop and
Energy Savings. This project was started in February 2008 and will
run through January 2010.
The purpose is to develop a
relatively simple method for field technicians to estimate the
energy savings that can be attained through HVAC maintenance and
restoration and publish the results of the research to generate
greater awareness of the energy-saving benefits of HVAC maintenance
and restoration.
The research study will be carried
out in a collaborative effort with faculty members of the Building
Systems Program Department of Civil, Environmental and
Architectural Engineering, at the University of Colorado. Both
Professor John Zhai, Ph.D. and Professor Moncref Krarit, Ph.D.,
P.E., have done extensive research for the US Department of Energy
and are considered experts in the field of HVAC energy consumption.
According to Prof. Zhai,:
Among various HVAC system
problems, dust accumulation can cause a dramatic reduction in
supply air.
Studies indicate that
reduction of system pressure drop offers the greatest potential
for energy savings in a ventilation system (e.g. estimated 30 to
65% potential ventilation energy savings).
Experience shows that dirt
accumulation in HVAC systems will result in significant pressure
reduction and thus require extra fan power and energy
consumption.
To date, no scientific
evaluation based on rigorous and verifiable analysis is
available to quantify the influence of HVAC pressure drop on
system energy usage.
This research project will be the
first study of its kind to verify the energy savings associated
with system pressure drop and the first scientific study performed
that will verify the services our members perform will positively
affect HVAC systems by reducing energy
consumption!
The researchers from the University
of Colorado will use two advanced experiment and simulation labs:
The Larson Building Systems
Lab - Unique facility, permits the study of entire HVAC systems
and full-scale test rooms in a controlled, dynamic environment;
Consists of a full-size commercial HVAC system with four zones.
The Advanced Building and
Environment Simulation Technology Lab - Designed for real-time
data monitoring. Set up for climate analysis, building energy
simulation, airflow and contaminant transport modeling, etc.
Used for computer simulation
This research will be conducted in
four phases, over a period of two years:
Computer Simulation Analysis
(6 month) Lab Experimental Analysis (6 months)
Field Monitoring Analysis (1
year)
Guidelines and Analysis for
Post-project Field Tests (optional)
Project Deliverables and main
objectives include:
A complete set of data
modeling and experimental data; A final written report, with
complete research details;
A testing protocol for use to
measure pressure drop and demonstrate energy savings attributed
to increased airflow (i.e., increased pressure) resulting from
system maintenance and restoration;
The project team will
disseminate the project findings, in conference papers,
professional magazines, and journal articles, to building energy
and system researchers and professionals in the field.
A practical engineering tool
that combines the established correlations and the testing
protocol into an easy-to-use spreadsheet program, which will
allow field engineers to quickly estimate energy savings
associated with system restoration;
Once the study is completed,
training programs on how to take the measurements and use the energy
calculators will be developed.
This is the biggest and most
exciting project that NADCA has ever undertaken.
Commercial
Air Duct Cleaning and HVAC Systems Cleaning in Texas
