Optimization of centralised air conditioning system performance for university office building

• Main Author: Mohamad, Imanurezeki
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English; English
• Published: 2023
• Online Access: http://eprints.utem.edu.my/id/eprint/27299/; https://plh.utem.edu.my/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=123237

The centralised air-conditioning (CAC) system is the most common cooling system for medium-to-large office buildings that accounts for a large amount of annual building energy consumption and leads to high electrical energy costs. Since CAC system performance is encountered with a significant level of uncertainty due to integrating cooling process parameters and several mechanical equipment, there is no systematic approach to evaluating the performance of a CAC system to result in an optimal configuration and system operation. Therefore, this study developed a systematic framework for optimising the performance of CAC systems based on various evaluation method, known as The Performance- Based Evaluation Indicator, or (PBEI) method. The method was used as a decision-support tools for CAC system’s building, cost, risk and technical performance, which also known as the performance score indicator. The study’s results indicated that by improving the configuration and operational parameters of the CAC system, total system efficiency can be enhanced by 20% and the equipment’s operational life extended by five years. A humidity level of 65% to 75% and 20% electrical energy savings can be achieved by optimising the CAC system’s control loops of cooling process parameters. The study’s findings contributed to a better knowledge of the CAC system management and resulted in the development of a decision-making strategy for either equipment replacement or upgrade in order to achieve an optimised performance level.