Performance of variable-air-volume air-conditioning system under reduced static pressure control in an occupied office

Traditional control of variable air volume (VAV) air conditioning system in office building keeps static pressure in main air duct at constant pressure. This provides excessive static pressure during partial load, resulting in energy wastage. In this study, retrofit control algorithm is adopted to minimize static pressure in main air ducts by varying the static pressure set point. Though static pressure optimization studies were performed in the past, the control methods were implemented to the VAV system either in unoccupied office or by simulation. This paper describes a year round field study that applied a reduced static pressure algorithm to an occupied office floor. Thermal comfort and indoor air quality were evaluated. The results revealed that 8-9% annual energy saving is achievable without sacrificing thermal comfort and indoor air quality.