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This thesis aims at preparing a user-friendly software tool for the prediction and analysis of the noise generated in Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems elaborating the standardized prediction formulae and data coming from the research studies. For the analysis portion of the software, different types of indoor noise criteria are introduced and implemented in the software to ease the investigation of the level and the quality of the sound perceived by the occupant in a room through such criteria. General software structure and implementation of HVAC elements are explained by different userinterface samples in the thesis. Several case studies are presented to demonstrate the capabilities of the tool prepared in VISUAL BASIC programming language within the scope of the study.

More energy efficient fans, i.e. larger sizes running at lower speeds, in Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems decrease the fan noise and increase the importance of flow generated noise in other system components, e.g., dampers and air terminal devices. In this thesis, an extended prediction model, using semi-empirical scaling laws, for flow noise prediction in HVAC systems at low Mach number flow speeds is presented. The scaling laws can be seen as a combination of a generalized noise spectrum based on experimental data and constriction flow characteristics, where the latter can be gained from ComputationalFluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. The flow generated noise can be predicted by semi-empirical scaling laws to avoid a time consuming, fully resolved simulation or measurement. Here, an approach is suggested where the general noise spectra are combined with turbulent data obtained from Reynolds Average Navier Stokes (RANS) simulations. A model is proposed using a momentumflux assumption of the dipole source strength and a frequency scaling based on the constriction pressure loss. To evaluate the applicability of the semi-emprical scaling law on different HVAC geometries both literature data and new measurement data are considered. Focus is at comparing geometries of high and low pressure loss but also to discuss the differences in other properties, e.g. radiation characteristics. A general noise reference spectrum is determined bya best fit calculation of measurement data including orifice, damper and bend geometries. Air terminal devices at the end of a duct are also evaluated and compared to constrictions inside ducts. The expected accuracy of the suggested model and its challenges as a tool for flow noise prediction of non-rotating components in HVAC systems are discussed. / På grund av ökade energieffektivitetskrav har större fläktar som roterar med lägre hastighet börjat användas i byggnaders ventilationssystem(HVAC). De lägre hastigheterna har minskat ljudnivån från fläkten och ökat betydelsen av strömningsalstrat ljud från andra systemkomponenter, t.ex. spjäll och luftdon. I denna avhandling presenteras en förbättrad prediktionsmodell, utifrån semi-empiriska skalningslagar, för strömningsalstrat ljud i ventilationssystem. Skalningslagarna kan ses som en kombination av generellaljudspektra och strypningens specifika flödesegenskaper, där det senare kan fås från Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simuleringar. Semiempiriska skalningslagar är ett alternativ för att undvika tidskrävandemätningar eller fullt upplösta simuleringar. Ett tillvägagångssätt presenteras här där det generella spektrat, bestämt utifrån experimentell data, kombineras med data från Reynolds Average Navier Stokes (RANS) simuleringar. En prediktionsmodell föreslås där källstyrkan hos dipolkrafterna definieras utifrån rörelsemängd och frekvensskalningen utifrån strypningens tryckfall. För att utvärdera vilka HVAC geometrier som kan ingå i den generella modellen analyseras både resultat från litteraturen samt nya mätningar. Avhandlingsarbetet fokuserar på att jämföra geometrier av högt och lågt tryckfall men också på att diskutera skillnader i andra egenskaper såsom strålningskarakteristik t.ex. genom att jämföra luftdon i slutet av en kanal med strypningar inuti kanalen. Ett generellt ljudspektrum föreslås utifrån en anpassning av mätdata för strypningar, spjäll och böjar. Modellens förväntade noggrannhet och dess utmaningar som prediktionsverktyg för icke-roterande komponenter i ventilationssystem diskuteras. / <p>QC 20150518</p>

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Master of Science / Department of Architectural Engineering and Construction Science / Julia A. Keen / This report addresses the operation, use, and design of air-to-air variable refrigerant flow systems, also known as VRF. Relatively new to the United States, these HVAC systems have potential to reduce energy consumption and utility costs in the correct applications. Although useful in many applications, the best building types for VRF are those requiring a large number of zones and with low ventilation air requirements. The report explains design and system selection considerations and accordingly presents two flowcharts to help designers implement this system. To show how the system compares to traditional technologies in terms of efficiency and cost, the report presents results from several studies comparing VRF to other systems. In addition, an energy modeling study is conducted to clarify the effect of climate on the system; this study established air-to-air VRF as having highest energy consumption in dry, southern climates, based on energy use and operating costs. With this report, HVAC designers can learn when air-to-air VRF is an acceptable method for providing heating and cooling in a building.

This study investigates the software automation and control framework for the MMT thermal system. Thermal-related effects on observing and telescope behavior have been considered during the entire software development process. Regression analysis of telescope and observatory subsystem data is used to characterize and model these thermal-related effects. The regression models help predict expected changes in focus and overall astronomical seeing that result from temperature variations within the telescope structure, within the primary mirror glass, and between the primary mirror glass and adjacent air (i.e., mirror seeing). This discussion is followed by a description of ongoing upgrades to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system and the associated software controls. The improvements of the MMT thermal system have two objectives: 1) to provide air conditioning capabilities for the MMT facilities, and 2) to modernize and enhance the primary mirror (M1) ventilation system. The HVAC upgrade necessitates changes to the automation and control of the M1 ventilation system. The revised control system must factor in the additional requirements of the HVAC system, while still optimizing performance of the M1 ventilation system and the M1's optical behavior. An industry-standard HVAC communication and networking protocol, BACnet (Building Automation and Control network), has been adopted. Integration of the BACnet protocol into the existing software framework at the MMT is discussed. Performance of the existing automated system is evaluated and a preliminary upgraded automated control system is presented. Finally, user interfaces to the new HVAC system are discussed.

Master of Science / Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering / B. Terry Beck / The purpose of the research was to quantify the influence of several duct disturbances on volumetric flow rate measurements and use these in developing guidelines for field technicians. This will assist the field technicians in making more accurate volumetric air flow measurements in rectangular ducts during a test and balance operation. Multiple duct sizes, fittings, probes, traverse algorithms, and locations upstream and downstream of the disturbances are used to compare a variety of situations. The two traverse algorithms used are the log-Tchebycheff and equal area methods. Two upstream and five downstream locations are tested for each duct configuration. Two air velocity probes are used for local velocity measurements on each traverse: a pitot-static probe and a hot wire anemometer. A nozzle bank and Air Flow Measurement Station are used as the flow measurement standards for comparison with each traverse. This paper discusses the setup and initial results of ASHRAE 1245-RP. Data collected subsequent to this thesis will complete the balance of results and will be collected and analyzed by other researchers. Results will be summarized and presented in a way which allows technicians to use it in the field for more accurate balancing results.

abstract: When air is supplied to a conditioned space, the temperature and humidity of the air often contribute to the comfort and health of the occupants within the space. However, the vapor compression system, which is the standard air conditioning configuration, requires air to reach the dew point for dehumidification to occur, which can decrease system efficiency and longevity in low temperature applications. To improve performance, some systems dehumidify the air before cooling. One common dehumidifier is the desiccant wheel, in which solid desiccant absorbs moisture out of the air while rotating through circular housing. This system improves performance, especially when the desiccant is regenerated with waste or solar heat; however, the heat of regeneration is very large, as the water absorbed during dehumidification must be evaporated. N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm), a sorbent that oozes water when raised above a certain temperature, could potentially replace traditional desiccants in dehumidifiers. The heat of regeneration for NIPAAm consists of some sensible heat to bring the sorbent to the regeneration temperature, plus some latent heat to offset any liquid water that is evaporated as it is exuded from the NIPAAm. This means the NIPAAm regeneration heat has the potential to be much lower than that of a traditional desiccant. Models were created for a standard vapor compression air conditioning system, two desiccant systems, and two theoretical NIPAAm systems. All components were modeled for simplified steady state operation. For a moderate percent of water evaporated during regeneration, it was found that the NIPAAm systems perform better than standard vapor compression. When compared to the desiccant systems, the NIPAAm systems performed better at almost all percent evaporation values. The regeneration heat was modeled as if supplied by an electric heater. If a cheaper heat source were utilized, the case for NIPAAm would be even stronger. Future work on NIPAAm dehumidification should focus on lowering the percent evaporation from the 67% value found in literature. Additionally, the NIPAAm cannot exceed the lower critical solution temperature during dehumidification, indicating that a NIPAAm dehumidification system should be carefully designed such that the sorbent temperature is kept sufficiently low during dehumidification. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Mechanical Engineering 2019

HVAC (Heating Ventilating and Air-Conditioning) system is multivariate, nonlinear, and shares time-varying characteristics. It poses challenges for both system modeling and performance optimization. Traditional modeling approaches based on mathematical equations limit the nature of the optimization models and solution approaches. Computational intelligence is an emerging area of study which provides powerful tools for modeling and analyzing complex systems. Computational intelligence is concerned with discovery of structures in data and recognition of patterns. It encompasses techniques such as neural networks, fuzzy logic, and so on. These techniques derive rules, patterns, and develop complex mappings from the data. The recent advances in information technology have enabled collection of large volumes of data. Computational intelligence embraces biology-inspired paradigms like evolutionary computation and particle swarm intelligence in solving complex optimization problems. Successful applications of computational intelligence have been found in business, marketing, medical and manufacturing domains. The focus of this thesis is to apply computational intelligence approach in modeling and optimization of HVAC systems. In this research, four HVAC sub-systems are investigated: the AHU (Air Handling Unit), VAV (Variable Air Volume), ventilation system, and thermal zone. Various computational intelligence approaches are used to identify parameters or problem solving. Energy savings are accomplished by minimizing the cooling output, reheating output or fan running time as well as on-line monitoring. One contribution of the research reported in the thesis is the use of computational intelligence algorithms to establish nonlinear mappings among different parameters. Another major contribution is in using heuristics algorithms to solve multi-objective optimization problems.

This study evaluated how well energy savings persisted over time in ten university buildings that had undergone retro-commissioning in 1996. The savings achieved immediately following retro-commissioning and in three subsequent years were documented in a previous study (Cho 2002). The current study expanded on this previous study by evaluating the performance of each building over nine additional years. Follow up retro-commissioning work performed in each building during that time was documented, as well as changes to the energy management control system. Savings were determined in accordance with the methodology outlined in the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP 2007), with ASHRAE Guideline 14 also serving as a reference. Total annualized savings for all buildings in 1997 (the year just after retro-commissioning) were 45(plus or minus 2)% for chilled water, 67(plus or minue 2)% for hot water, and 12% for electricity. Combining consumption from the most recent year for each building with valid energy consumption data showed a total savings of 39(plus or minus 1)% for chilled water, 64(plus or minus 2)% for heating water, and 22% for electricity. Uncertainty values were calculated in accordance with methodology in the IPMVP and ASHRAE Guideline 14, and were reported at the 90% confidence interval. The most recent year of data for most of the buildings was 2008-2009, although a few of the buildings did not have valid consumption data for that year. Follow up work performed in the buildings, lighting retrofits, and building metering changes beginning in 2005 were the major issues believed to have contributed to the high level of savings persistence in later years. When persistence trends were evaluated with adjustment for these factors, average savings for the buildings studied were found to degrade over time, and exponential models were developed to describe this degradation. The study concluded that on average energy savings after retro-commissioning will degrade over time in a way that can be modeled exponentially. It was also concluded that high levels of savings persistence can be achieved through performing retro-commissioning follow up, particularly when significant increases are observed in metered energy consumption data, but also at other times as retro-commissioning procedures and technology continually improve.