Minimising excessive winter energy consumption in Victorian classrooms while maintaining acceptable indoor air quality

Sven Hallin, Loughborough University

Abstract
This project presents an assessment of how to minimise excessive winter energy consumption in a case study Victorian classroom while maintaining acceptable indoor air quality. Classroom winter temperature and carbon dioxide measurements were evaluated. The resultant information was then used to develop a dynamic thermal simulation computer model. Eight different interventions were then modelled reflecting improved energy supply and a variety of ventilation strategies. The results showed that these interventions, which included automatic window opening, low level air vents, double glazed windows and construction of a plenum and rooflight, met the regulatory ventilation requirements of Building Bulletin 101 while also lowering energy use. The most cost effective intervention reduced energy costs by 37%. A key research finding was that adequate control and design of energy supply systems is critical to minimising excessive energy consumption, and that adequate internal air quality is achievable through a variety of low cost strategies.

Student(s)
Sven Hallin

Supervisor(s)
Malcolm Cook

 Conference paper

Minimising excessive winter energy consumption in Victorian classrooms while maintaining acceptable indoor air quality
This paper presents an assessment of how to minimise excessive winter energy consumption in a case study Victorian classroom while maintaining acceptable indoor air quality. Classroom winter temperature and carbon dioxide measurements were evaluated. The resultant information was then used to develop a dynamic thermal simulation computer model. Eight different interventions were modelled reflecting improved energy supply and a variety of ventilation strategies. The results showed that these interventions, which included automatic window opening, low level air vents, double glazed windows and construction of a plenum and rooflight, met the regulatory ventilation requirements of Building Bulletin 101 while also lowering energy use. The most cost effective intervention reduced energy costs by 37%. Key research findings were that adequate control and design of energy supply systems is critical to minimising excessive energy consumption, and adequate internal air quality is achievable through a variety of low cost natural ventilation strategies. Keywords: Energy Design, Energy Control, Indoor Air Quality, Victorian Classroom