Combined Investigation of Indoor Climate Parameters and Energy Performance of a Winery

Wineries present significant interest on a research level, combining Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) issues related with substances emitted through the wine production, as well as the need for minimizing conventional energy consumption (optimizing energy performance). In the proposed work, experimental and theoretical analyses are presented which aim to achieve both targets, that of improved indoor climate and energy performance. An extensive measurement campaign was implemented, regarding indoor climate thermal parameters, as well as concentration of substances (CO2, VOCs, NO2) affecting IAQ. The results of the parameters were exploited for the assessment of indoor climate; moreover, data from indoor thermal parameters together with values of specific parameters related to the efficiency of the individual devices were utilized in the development of the energy model. The model was used to formulate and evaluate proposals for reducing the energy consumption of the winery. The proposals include the use of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and, in particular, the installation of a photovoltaic array on the roof of the premises. Finally, an economic and technical study was carried out to determine the performance of the suggested interventions and the expected payback period.