Energy consumption and comfort analysis for different low-energy cooling systems in a mild climate

The climate of the UK is fairly mild, making the region an ideal place for the operation of low-energy cooling systems. Scientists used the recently developed EnergyPlus energy simulation program to assess the potential energy savings of a number of different systems for a new building located outside of London. Findings from validation assessments are reviewed. These findings indicated that the EnergyPlus program yields acceptable accuracy for application to most energy simulation problems. Results are reported from analyses of a number of different building systems, including chilled ceilings, displacement ventilation, natural ventilation, night cooling, and a conventional VAV system. Several unusual aspects of the building model are examined.