Improving thermal comfort and energy efficiency at Clean Tech One

Background

The Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N) offices at Clean Tech One are cooled via a centralized chiller which distributes chilled water to individual Fan Coil Units (FCUs). The flow rate of the chilled water circulated is controlled by a solenoid valve in the return line of FCU – controlling the flow rate is essential for efficient cooling of a space. One common complaint made by occupant is that the offices can be “overcooled”, leading to thermal discomfort. This in turn leads to both energy wastage and thermal discomfort.

Challenge

ERI@N is looking for solution(s) that eliminates thermal discomfort from overcooling, while at the same time maintaining or improving the energy efficiency of the cooling system.

Requirements

The proposed solution should:

  1. Readily integrate with the existing systems at Clean Tech One, with minimal down time (max 9 days, i.e two weekends)
  2. have a TRL of >=7
  3. achieve thermal comfort at least 95% of the time
  4. achieve energy savings of 5-10%

Desired Outcome

  1. To improve energy efficiency of Clean Tech One’s ACMV systems by reducing the occurrence of overcooling.
  2. To improve the occupant comfort levels at ERI@N’s offices.

Possible Solution

  • High frequency and high responsive solenoid valve
  • PID controlled valves
  • Special control circuit
  • Special control algorithm
  • Hybrid cooling for the office  

Development Timeframe

6 month R&D + 6 month testbed

Additional Info

  • Testbed/ Trial site (envisioned deployment site): Clean Tech 1 – Level 1 - 02-24 (2 FCUs in a 146m2 office space)
  • Number of occupants in the office vary daily (avg 10, max 25). Applicants may want to allocate time/resources to study occupancy patterns when proposing solutions.