College
College of Engineering and Polymer Science
Date of Last Revision
2023-05-05 06:19:40
Major
Mechanical Engineering
Honors Course
4600:461-012
Number of Credits
2
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Date of Expected Graduation
Spring 2022
Abstract
This project studied Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems for commercial buildings. I completed an energy model Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department in West Virginia. This building’s HVAC has been completed by the consulting engineering firm: Scheeser Buckley Mayfield. I intern at this company, so they allowed me to use their original design as a basis for comparison. Load calculations, utility costs, energy consumption, and carbon footprint were derived from this energy analysis. The energy model compared three systems: variable air volume (VAV) with electric reheat, variable air volume with hydronic reheat, and variable refrigerant volume (VRV). Based on the energy model, the VRV alternative was the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly. To further develop the comparisons between the systems, a complete building HVAC design was completed using the improved solution: VRV. I also analyzed the decision-making process for choosing a system, allowing owners/engineers to rank their priorities in a weighted decision matrix. Six factors were compared: Cost, comfort, environmental impact, maintenance, lifespan, and design process. While VRV might be the most environmentally friendly and economical solution for this building, other buildings and owners may have needs that outweigh the benefits of a VRV system.
Research Sponsor
David Peters
First Reader
Dr. Nicholas Garafolo
Second Reader
Dr. Daniel Deckler
Honors Faculty Advisor
David Peters
Recommended Citation
Ferguson, Erica, "Energy Analysis of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Systems" (2022). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 1486.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/1486
Signature Page
Included in
Computer-Aided Engineering and Design Commons, Construction Engineering and Management Commons, Electro-Mechanical Systems Commons, Energy Systems Commons, Heat Transfer, Combustion Commons