Energy performance modelling and heat recovery unit efficiency assessment of an office building

Abstract

This paper investigates and analyzes a typical multi-zone office building's annual energy performance for the location and climate data of central Belgrade. The aim is to evaluate the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system's and heat recovery unit's performance in order to conduct the most preferable heating and cooling solution for the typical climate of Belgrade city. The energy performance of four heating, ventilation and air conditioning system types (heat pump - air to air, gas-electricity, electrical and fan coil system) was analyzed, compared and evaluated on a virtual office building model in order to assess the total annual energy performance and to determine the efficiency of the heat recovery unit's application. Further, the parameters of an energy efficient building envelope, heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, internal loads, building operation schedules and occupancy intervals were implemented into the multi-zone analysis model. The investigation was conducted in EnergyPlus simulation engine using system thermodynamic algorithms and surface/air heat balance modules. The comparison and evaluation of the obtained results was achieved through the conversion of the calculated total energy demand into primary energy. The goal is conduct the most preferable heating and cooling solution (best case scenario) for the climate of Belgrade city and outline major criteria in qualitative enhancement.