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Microclimate Investigation in a Conference Room with Thermal Stratification: An Investigation of Different Air Conditioning Systems

Author

Listed:
  • Andrea Longhitano

    (Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture (DICAr), University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, Italy)

  • Vincenzo Costanzo

    (Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture (DICAr), University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, Italy)

  • Gianpiero Evola

    (Department of Electrical Electronic and Computer Engineering (DIEEI), University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy)

  • Francesco Nocera

    (Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture (DICAr), University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, Italy)

Abstract

This paper investigates the microclimate in a conference room with thermal stratification, taking as a case study the chapel of Villa San Saverio, now the seat of the “Scuola Superiore” of the University of Catania (Italy). Surveys of the former chapel were conducted to monitor air temperature and relative humidity. Subsequently, the investigation relied on numerical simulations of a simplified computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model built with the DesignBuilder v7.0 software and validated by comparison with measured values. Simulations were then carried out considering three different scenarios: the current state without any HVAC system and two possible HVAC system configurations providing both air conditioning and ventilation. The results show that, from a comfort perspective, a lightweight radiant floor heating system, assisted by an appropriate ventilation system for air renewal placed at the floor level near the occupants, is preferable to floor-level fan coils and high ventilation channels. Furthermore, this was also confirmed by a preliminary energy analysis of the two HVAC options, where the ventilation effectiveness of the winter period, the temperature of the water the emitters are fed, the consequent COP value of the heat pump, and the electricity consumption were taken into consideration.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrea Longhitano & Vincenzo Costanzo & Gianpiero Evola & Francesco Nocera, 2024. "Microclimate Investigation in a Conference Room with Thermal Stratification: An Investigation of Different Air Conditioning Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-17, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:5:p:1188-:d:1349936
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Akkurt, G.G. & Aste, N. & Borderon, J. & Buda, A. & Calzolari, M. & Chung, D. & Costanzo, V. & Del Pero, C. & Evola, G. & Huerto-Cardenas, H.E. & Leonforte, F. & Lo Faro, A. & Lucchi, E. & Marletta, L, 2020. "Dynamic thermal and hygrometric simulation of historical buildings: Critical factors and possible solutions," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 118(C).
    2. Muñoz González, C.Mª & León Rodríguez, A.L. & Suárez Medina, R. & Ruiz Jaramillo, J., 2020. "Effects of future climate change on the preservation of artworks, thermal comfort and energy consumption in historic buildings," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 276(C).
    3. Francesco Nocera & Rosa Caponetto & Giada Giuffrida & Maurizio Detommaso, 2020. "Energetic Retrofit Strategies for Traditional Sicilian Wine Cellars: A Case Study," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-17, June.
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