Design Optimization of the Cooling Coil for HVAC Energy Saving and Comfort Enhancement

This article investigates and recommends design improvements of cooling coil geometry contributes for a central cooling system by using a simulation-optimization approach. First, theoretical-empirical system models including mechanistic relations between components are developed. An actual central cooling plant of a commercial building in the hot and dry climate condition is used for experimentation and data collection. Available experimental results were compared to predicted results to validate the model. An algorithm was created in a transient system simulation program to predict the best design. Then different new designs for cooling coil were constructed to evaluate the potential of design improvements. Afterwards, the computer model was used to predict how changes in cooling coil geometry would affect the building environment conditions and the energy consumption of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning components. (c) 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 32: 1209-1216, 2013