Development of a low energy fan convector.

A patented, low energy, fresh air fan convector has been developed by a HVAC equipmentmanufacturer in conjunction with a leading controls supplier and a local University. It canheat, free cool, provide minimum ventilation air and carry out night cooling strategies in anintelligent self contained package. A number of full-scale tests have been carried out on theunit. These have involved measuring energy consumption and thermal comfort conditions intwo modular offices; one fitted with the unit and the other conditioned using moreconventional plant.The test results have shown that the night cooling strategy used has been effective indepressing fabric and internal air temperatures. Computer simulations have indicated that thecontrol algorithms used are producing significant comfort and heating energy savingscompared to more conventional plant.Further development of this product is required, in terms of monitoring the night coolingstrategy, improving its control algorithms and further reducing its energy consumption.