Exergy Analysis of the Air Handling Unit at Variable Reference Temperature: Methodology and Results

Exergy analysis is a valuable tool for assessing the sustainability of buildings, but methodological bottlenecks exist. This book proposes a solution to apply the variable reference environment temperature in exergy analysis, allowing for a better reflection of energy transformation processes in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. The case analysis demonstrates the use of methodologies based on the Carnot factor and coenthalpies to obtain exergy efficiency and exergy destroyed indicators for air handling units and their components. This would improve the quality of decision-making process in designing buildings and other systems where variable reference environment plays a key role.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 178 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book delves into the significance of exergy analysis as a crucial tool for evaluating the sustainability of buildings. Buildings consume a significant portion of total energy, ranging from 40% to 60% depending on local climatic conditions. Given the inherent nature of exergy analysis, it holds immense potential as a valuable tool for assessing the sustainability of buildings, particularly in considering their vast scope and the dependence of their energy demands on the local environmental and climatic conditions.

However, despite its promising applications, exergy analysis faces methodological challenges that require attention. One significant obstacle is the absence of a thermodynamically viable method to incorporate variable reference environment temperature in exergy analysis. This limitation hinders the accurate reflection of energy transformation processes in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

To address this issue, this monograph presents a comprehensive approach to the directions of heat exergy flows when considering a variable reference environment temperature. By adopting this approach, the monograph demonstrates how to accurately represent the specifics of energy transformation processes in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in a thermodynamically sound manner.

Through a case analysis, the monograph showcases the coordinated application of methodologies based on the Carnot factor and coenthalpies. These methodologies were employed to analyze air handling units and their components, resulting in the determination of exergy analysis indicators such as exergy efficiency and exergy destroyed. These indicators offer valuable insights into the performance and efficiency of building technical systems, which typically operate in a variable environment temperature.

The significance of this research lies in its potential to enhance the reliability of designing dynamic models of such systems and their exergy-based control algorithms. By leveraging exergy analysis, architects and engineers can develop more effective strategies for optimizing building energy consumption and reducing environmental impact. This, in turn, can contribute to the development of more sustainable and environmentally friendly building designs.

Furthermore, the integration of exergy analysis into building information modeling (BIM) technologies and the application of life cycle analysis (LCA) principles in building design can further improve the sustainability of buildings. BIM enables the seamless integration of various building systems and components, facilitating efficient design and analysis. LCA, on the other hand, provides a comprehensive evaluation of the environmental impact of a building throughout its entire life cycle, from construction to demolition.

In conclusion, this book explores the potential of exergy analysis as a powerful tool for assessing the sustainability of buildings. By addressing methodological challenges and integrating exergy analysis into BIM and LCA, architects and engineers can create more sustainable and environmentally friendly building designs that contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.

Weight: 314g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030978433
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022