The energy saving potential of using adaptive setpoint temperatures: a case study for offices in India
Daniel Snchez-Garcia1, David Bienvenido-Huertas2, Carlos Rubio-Bellido3*
1: Department of Electrical Engineering, University Carlos III of Madrid, Madrid, Spain;
2: Department of Building Constructions, University of Granada, Granada, Spain;
3: Department of Building Constructions II, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
DOI: 10.62744/CATE.45273.1115-172-180
Email: carlosrubio@us.es
Abstract:
Adopting setpoint temperatures guided by adaptive thermal comfort models offers an efficient approach to conserving energy. Current research gives consideration to global models like ASHRAE Standard 55 and EN16798-1, which incorporate adaptive setpoint temperatures. However, this study follows a distinct path by incorporating a localized Indian adaptive comfort model, specifically the India Model for Adaptive Comfort for Commercial buildings (IMAC-C). This research delves into the energy-saving potential linked to the utilization of setpoint temperatures derived from IMAC-C. A comparative analysis is conducted, juxtaposing these temperatures with those based on the worldwide ASHRAE Standard 55 adaptive model and PMV-based setpoint temperatures aligned with the National Building Code for India. Comprehensive building energy simulations have been executed, encompassing all of India's climate zones and accommodating both naturally-ventilated and full air conditioning operational modes for buildings. The outcomes highlight that applying setpoint temperatures grounded in the IMAC-C adaptive comfort model in full air-conditioning mode could potentially lead to energy
savings ranging between 9% and 26% in most of the climates. Consequently, it is conclusively determined that the integration of setpoint temperatures rooted in the Indian local adaptive comfort model represents a highly effective strategy for achieving energy conservation.
Keywords: Adaptive setpoint temperatures, adaptive thermal comfort, accim, computational approach