Ventilation and (nergy Simulation Analysis of an Occupancy-Based Smart Vent for a Residential House

Zhipeng Deng, Zixin Jiang, Max Sulik, Bing Dong

Research output: Chapter in Book/Entry/PoemConference contribution

Abstract

In New York State, more than 750000 homes feature outdated with inefficient HVAC systems. The energy savings potential through occupancy-based ventilation control ranges between 5% to 20%. While commercial buildings frequently use occupancy sensors and smart controls, these devices are rarely installed in residential buildings without building automation system. Additionally, implementing complex control systems is not practical for the numerous homes equipped with antiquated HVAC systems. To tackle this issue, we developed a smart vent system specifically for the air distribution in residential buildings. This includes a vent register equipped with a basic occupancy sensor and a Raspberry Pi Zero. The system can adjust the vent position open or closed locally by a gear-operated micro controller based on detected room occupancy status. When the room is unoccupied, the vent is closed without airflow and saves energy. We designed and built the prototype of this smart vent by 3D printing. To confirm the ability to effectively manage house airflow, we conducted computational fluid dynamics simulations. We built the geometry model of a typical US house and simulated the airflow from the smart vent in the living room and study room. We simulated both warm and cool air supply for typical design and new design of the smart vent. We also used energy simulation to analyze the energy-saving potential of this occupancy-controlled vent. Our findings showed that the airflow of this new vent was almost the same as the typical design of a grill vent. As for the energy-saving potential, we found that it could save heating and cooling load by 34.6-62.2% in living room, and 81.9-90.8% in study room. Therefore, the payback period was highly satisfying. Future work will include further tests of the system with a CO2 sensor to enhance indoor air quality in residential houses.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationASHRAE Winter Conference
PublisherAmerican Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
Pages86-93
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9781955516822
StatePublished - 2024
Event2024 ASHRAE Winter Conference - Chicago, United States
Duration: Jan 20 2024Jan 24 2024

Publication series

NameASHRAE Transactions
Volume130
ISSN (Print)0001-2505

Conference

Conference2024 ASHRAE Winter Conference
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityChicago
Period1/20/241/24/24

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Building and Construction
  • Mechanical Engineering

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