Predicted energy consumption for air conditioning systems related to the building envelope and form

Abstract

This paper deals with the development of a modular approach to the calculation of energy consumption for air conditioning systems, based on computer prediction techniques. Annual consumption figures are established for perimeter and internal zones of commercial buildings air conditioned on the variable air volume principle and results are given for three different building envelope types; two based on current Building Regulations, Part FF and one on the current recommendations of the CIBS Energy Code, Part 1. The sensitivity of annual energy consumption to building shape and orientation is analysed for buildings conditioned by variable air volume systems. The effectiveness of the current Building Regulations in respect of limiting energy consumption in air conditioned buildings is discussed and proposals are made for their improvement. A comparison is made between the energy consumption of variable air volume systems and induction unit systems related to the heating, cooling and distribution components of the total energy consumption.