Optimal control method for multi-area VAV air conditioning systemsbased on group thermal sensation and area occupancy rate

To optimize the control performance of multi-area variable air volume (VAV) air conditioning systems and make the indoor environment meet the thermal comfort needs of personnel, an optimal control method for multi-area VAV air conditioning systems based on group thermal sensation and area occupancy rate is proposed. According to the group thermal sensation of indoor personnel and the number of personnel in each area, the control algorithm is used to adjust the setting value of room temperature, and then adjust the terminal air supply volume of each controlled area. A simulation platform is built, and the proposed control method is compared with the traditional control method from the aspects of control effect, thermal comfort of personnel and energy consumption of air conditioning systems. The results show that after adding the group thermal sensation, the energy-saving rate of this control method is more than 7.5% compared with that of the traditional control method. If both the group thermal sensation and the area occupancy rate are taken into account, the energy-saving rate of this control method is higher than 8.5%.