Guidelines for a sustainable design and control of HVAC enabled by smart data use (DIMPROVENT) (DIMPROVENT)

Given the rising quality requirements for comfort and air quality on the one hand, and the challenge of making our building stock energy sustainable on the other, the demands placed on HVAC or air handling systems have only increased. Designing, commissioning and managing a sustainable air treatment system in larger buildings is therefore a highly complex task involving various challenges, and this in a booming market segment.In order to provide an appropriate response to this growing demand and increasing customer requirements taking into account the time constraints prevailing in the sector, no ready-made solutions existed until recently. However, two things have changed recently, making the sector ready for this. For instance, thanks to the digitisation of modern buildings, there is a wealth of additional information available (e.g. via BIM models or real-time measurements) which, if used properly, can contribute to more efficient and sustainable systems. Examples from research show that savings of more than 10% can be achieved through targeted follow-up and monitoring of HVAC alone. Further progress is also possible in terms of design, both in terms of energy and cost savings. The Flux50- cSBO project 'Towards smart ventilation systems in mid-sized buildings' demonstrated the savings potential of a new design method with regard to life-cycle costs (= material, installation and energy costs) with additional benefits in terms of commissioning and acoustic performance. However, there is still a need for a user-friendly tool that enables designers to put the new methods into practice and for guidelines that support the correct use of data and models for control and design. In this project, we will support the HVAC sector in innovating the design and control of sustainable HVAC installations in non-residential buildings through concrete tools and guidelines. We will involve all market players ranging from manufacturers, installers and engineering firms to software agencies, service companies and building managers. In Belgium, there are more than 1,100 companies active in ventilation, air and climate control, most of which are SMEs without their own R&D department . Specific goals: - Develop a user-friendly design tool that supports the design engineer in designing sustainable HVAC systems. - Develop practical guidelines and teaching materials with a view to regulation and data use, as well as for use of digital (BIM) models and communication through the process from design to use. - Increase knowledge among the broad target group through broad communication and the provision of didactic material and its use in workshops and refresher courses. - Social objective: to contribute to the decarbonisation objectives of Flanders (and Europe) by designing more energy-efficient air treatment systems and using sustainable energy

Keywords:COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN, VENTILATION, HVAC, AUTOMATION

Disciplines:Building technology, Energy in buildings and built environments, Computer aided engineering, simulation and design

Project type:Collaboration project