Effect of urban microclimate on HVAC performance
Authors
Term
4. Term
Education
Publication year
2024
Submitted on
2024-01-10
Pages
79
Abstract
Roof-mounted HVAC units experience vastly different temperatures than the standardized weather data typically used to dimension them. This is particularly detrimental for the cooling coil, which, as a result, can be under-dimensioned, and its annual energy demand is potentially not estimated correctly. To better understand the thermodynamic processes in the microclimate, an extensive measurement campaign has been undertaken, which revealed the impact of solar irradiation and wind speed on temperature stratification in the microclimate. Building energy simulations were then used to translate the findings into energy demand corrections for cooling coils. To allow other engineers and architects to investigate their project buildings on microclimate implications, a prediction tool has been created, which, trained on the measurement results, can indicate associated energy demand increases from placing an HVAC unit in the microclimate on roofs in Denmark. Improving the understanding of the microclimate is essential for more efficient and sustainable buildings and this thesis demonstrates how empirical data and predictive modeling can enhance architectural and engineering practices.
Keywords
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