A road map for emerging low-exergy HVAC systems

Byline: Birol I. Kilkis An exergy-conscious life cycle costing algorithm was developed. This algorithm establishes a reference tool to compare conventional air conditioning systems with alternative HVAC systems, which can directly operate with low-exergy alternative energy resources. The cost of exergy waste in conventional heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems (HVAC) is included in terms of the difference between energy supply and HVAC operation temperatures. In order to establish a robust road map for a solution, this paper introduces a composite radiant wall panel system, which optimally integrates HVAC functions at moderate temperatures without any modification or add-on equipment.