Strategies to Save Energy and Reduce Costs
In the HVAC industry, we’re seeing the trend toward decarbonization and electrification affect the built environment more and more every year. It is therefore critical to improve HVAC system performance through better design, selection and control.
When it comes to single-duct hydronic reheat systems, there are a number of strategies to maximize their efficiency. These strategies not only allow HVAC engineers to meet energy-reduction goals but also benefit building owners and tenants, as the improved efficiency reduces building operating costs.
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| A single-duct hydronic reheat system in a school application |
Supply air temperature reset increases the supply air temperature set point when cooling demands are low during shoulder season. This strategy reduces the risk of overcooling zones for ventilation and minimizes the need for reheating within zones.
Static pressure reset decreases the air handler fan speed based on measured VAV box demand. If most of the dampers in the system are in closed positions, slowing down supply fans allows the same airflow rate to be delivered with less pressure loss in the system.
Demand controlled ventilation (DCV) allows ventilation airflow to be adjusted based on occupancy via a carbon dioxide sensor. Reducing the volume of airflow produces immediate energy benefits for the air handler and reduces the risk of zone overcooling. DCV can be utilized above and beyond minimum code requirements.
Improving air distribution through proper diffuser selection and placement minimizes leakage by specifying low-leakage ductwork and equipment. Using high-quality duct insulation also minimizes thermal losses or gains through the ductwork.
Integrating energy recovery such as energy-recovery ventilators or runaround coils leverages the thermal energy available in a building’s exhaust airflow.
Optimizing hydronic system efficiency by using high-efficiency boilers and by reducing the hot water supply temperature can increase the boilers’ efficiency and can minimize distribution thermal losses.
Specifying optimal hot water reheat coils, such as coils with an oversized casing, can reduce air pressure drop and improve air handler fan efficiency. Alternatively, low water temperature coils can be specified to reduce the return water temperature to the boiler, which allows for improved boiler efficiency and reduced natural gas usage rates.
Periodically maintaining the system to replace filters, clean coils, check for duct leakage and recalibrate controls ensures that all components will perform as originally installed and designed.
Price’s project and application engineers are ready to assist design engineers, building owners, architects and mechanical contractors with product choices that can optimize air distribution system efficiency.
Click here to find a sales representative or technical expert near you, or reach out to our team at airmovement@priceindustries.com.
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Mark Mahon is Business Development Manager for Fan Coils and Terminals for Price's Air Moving team. He is based out of Price's Progress facility in Lawrenceville, GA. Click here to connect with him on LinkedIn. |
