Publication de 8 numéros par an
ISSN Imprimer: 2150-3621
ISSN En ligne: 2150-363X
Indexed in
VIRTUAL THERMAL ENERGY METER
RÉSUMÉ
Thermal energy metering is a key enabler for improving the building energy efficiency and reducing the building operation costs. Unfortunately, current thermal energy meters that could be deployed for providing AHU-level metering rely on high-cost fluid flow rate measurement devices that reduce their adoption. The cost reduction of thermal metering will support the adoption and effectiveness of building commissioning and energy monitoring, optimal controls, and diagnostics. A low-cost flow rate estimation method has been developed by integrating the physics-based flow network modeling and data-driven statistical mapping techniques. In comparison with the current thermal energy metering technologies, this method not only significantly reduces the costs of material and installation, but also has a potential to reduce costs in commissioning and operation. Furthermore, it can be directly integrated into the building real-time intelligent monitoring and diagnostics systems. The effectiveness of the method was demonstrated in two buildings: a UTRC office building and West Chester University's Swope School of Music building.