Energy savings in HVAC systems by continuous monitoring. Results of a long term monitoring campaign on buildings.

Abstract

The European EPBD (Energy Performance in Buildings Directive) imposes mandatory inspection of HVAC systems with the aim of reducing building energy consumption and CO2 emission. Even if an inspection methodology was developed by HARMONAC IEE project, only few member states include mandatory inspection in national legislation. The methodology was tested on 400 buildings around Europe, showing some general problems on HVAC control. The main issue concerns HVAC system monitoring: without reliable energy consumption data, it is really difficult to achieve the EPBD main aim, the reduction of energy consumption. In this paper some examples are shown, demonstrating the importance of energy monitoring and correct HVAC control set up.