Our research focuses on advancing energy efficiency in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems across different scales: districts, buildings, and indoor spaces, that promote well-being, health, and productivity while ensuring sustainable operation using renewable energy sources.
Our work encompasses both experimental and theoretical approaches, including laboratory testing, building and system simulations, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and field studies to validate and improve efficiency in real-world applications.
Districts
Heat and Cold Networks with Sector Coupling for Energy Supply
At the district level, our research investigates the integration of heat and cold networks with sector coupling to enhance energy supply efficiency. This involves the development and optimization of district heating and cooling systems that leverage renewable energy sources, such as geothermal and solar energy, as well as waste heat from industrial processes and data centers.
Key Research Areas
- District Heating and Cooling Systems: Design and optimization of centralized systems that distribute thermal energy to multiple buildings, improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Sector Coupling: Exploring the synergy between different energy sectors, such as electricity and heating, to enhance the overall energy system’s flexibility and efficiency.
- Renewable Energy Integration: Integration of renewable energy sources into district energy systems to minimize reliance on fossil fuels and coal and to reduce carbon footprints.
- Experimental Studies: Conducting laboratory experiments to test and refine heat and cold network components and configurations within our Hardware-in-Loop (HiL) Lab.
- Simulations and Field Studies: Utilizing system simulations and conducting field investigations to validate theoretical models and improve real-world energy supply efficiency.
Buildings
Technical Energy Supply Systems: HVAC Components and Control Systems
On the building scale, our research focuses on the technical aspects of HVAC systems, examining individual components and their interactions through measurement, control, and automation technologies. The goal is to develop systems that provide optimal indoor climate conditions and a healthy environment with minimal energy consumption.
Key Research Areas
- HVAC Components: Investigation of distribution components, such as valves, pipes, ducts, and air handling units, thermal storages to improve the overall performance of building HVAC systems.
- System Integration and Automation: Development of advanced control strategies that integrate HVAC components into a cohesive system, enabling precise control of indoor conditions and efficient energy use.
- Building Automation: Implementation of smart building technologies that use sensors, control algorithms, and IoT devices to optimize HVAC system performance and reduce energy consumption.
- Experimental Testing: Conducting experimental tests in our laboratories to evaluate the performance of HVAC components and systems
- Building and System Simulations: Using building and system simulations to model and predict the behavior of HVAC systems under various conditions and to develop optimization strategies.
- Field Investigations: Carrying out field studies to assess and improve the performance of HVAC systems in actual building environments.
Indoor Spaces
Holistic Consideration of Indoor Environmental Quality
Our research indoors emphasizes a holistic approach to indoor environmental quality, focusing on thermal comfort and indoor air quality. We aim to understand and mitigate the effects of airborne contaminants, both gaseous and particulate, to ensure a healthy and comfortable indoor environment.
Key Research Areas
- Thermal Comfort: Study of factors influencing thermal comfort, such as temperature, humidity, and airflow, and development of strategies to maintain optimal conditions with minimal energy use.
- Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): Analysis of indoor air pollutants, their sources, and distribution, and development of technologies to improve air quality, such as advanced filtration and ventilation systems.
- Contaminant Dispersion: Investigation of the spread of airborne contaminants within indoor spaces, including the impact of HVAC systems on contaminant distribution and strategies to reduce exposure to harmful pollutants.
- Experimental Analysis: Conducting controlled experiments in our environmental chambers to study the impacts of HVAC system operations on indoor air quality and thermal comfort.
- CFD Simulations: Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to model airflows, thermal comfort and contaminant dispersion within indoor spaces, allowing for the optimization of HVAC system designs and operation.
- Field Evaluations: Performing field evaluations to monitor and enhance indoor air quality and thermal comfort in existing buildings.
Overall Research Goals
Our primary goal is to develop innovative solutions that enhance the energy efficiency of HVAC systems while maintaining or improving indoor environmental quality.
We strive to
- Reduce Energy Consumption: Develop technologies and strategies that significantly reduce the energy consumption of HVAC systems, particularly through the integration of renewable energy sources.
- Improve Indoor Comfort and Health: Create indoor environments that enhance comfort and health by maintaining optimal thermal conditions and air quality.
- Promote Sustainability: Advance the use of sustainable and renewable energy sources in HVAC systems to reduce carbon emissions and promote environmental sustainability.
By addressing these challenges, our research on innovative HVAC solutions at various scales and our strong commitment to sustainability and occupant well-being drives us towards healthier and more energy-efficient built environments. Our comprehensive approach, involving experimental studies, simulations, and real-world applications, ensures that our findings lead to practical improvements.