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:
- Readily integrate with the existing systems at Clean Tech One, with minimal down time (max 9 days, i.e two weekends)
- have a TRL of >=7
- achieve thermal comfort at least 95% of the time
- achieve energy savings of 5-10%
Desired Outcome
- To improve energy efficiency of Clean Tech One’s ACMV systems by reducing the occurrence of overcooling.
- 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.
Industry Category - Decarbonisation Living Lab (DECAL) @ JID Innovation Call
Proposal submissions are open from 19 Jun 2024 12:00PM to 18 Oct 2024 04:00PM