Sorbent Air Cleaning for HVAC Load Reduction

Before the advent of central HVAC systems, the buildup of molecular contaminants was a non-issue—outside air was available by simply opening a window. But in contemporary sealed commercial structures, HVAC systems are responsible for indoor air quality (IAQ). Reducing the need for outside air to maintain IAQ can save energy while maintaining occupant comfort. View full-size infographic. [PDF - 282 KB]

DOE Findings, February 2020, Sorbent Air Cleaning for HVAC Load Reduction. Opportunity: How much energy can be saved by bringing in less outside air? 7% DECREASE IN ENERGY USE INTENSITY (EUI) from bringing in less outside air to meet ventilation requirements. The air in a building can be replaced between 10 to 20 times a day. Technology: How does sorbent air cleaning for HVAC load reduction work? CLEANS INDOOR AIR SO LESS OUTSIDE AIR IS REQUIRED TO ACHIEVE GOOD INDOOR AIR QUALITY (IAQ). Absorbent material selectively removes indoor-generated contaminants and reduces intake of outdoor pollutants. Measurement and Verification: Where did M and V occur? NATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY LABORATORY (NREL) assessed sorbent air cleaning provided by enVerid at multiple commercial and educational buildings in the Eastern and Southern United States. Results: How did sorbent air cleaning for HVAC load reduction perform in M and V? IMPROVED IAQ AND HUMIDITY CONTROL WITH LOWER VENTILATION RATES. 6%-37% COOLING SAVINGS DURING PEAK COOLING MONTH.ADD-ON INSTALLATION OUTDOOR DAMPERS MUST BE OPERABLE AND CONTROLLABLE.Highest energy savings in climates with extreme hot or cold temperatures. Deployment: Where does M&V recommend deploying sorbent air cleaning for HVAC load reduction? Site-Specific.Best suited for hot/humid or cold climates where there is higher energy savings potential, especially when existing HVAC equipment is undersized. The energy cost to run the unit can exceed savings in mild climates. • Best economics for projects that can benefit from reducing heating and cooling capacity requirements. Modeling estimated capacity reductions between 9% and 20%, depending on location. • Reducing ventilation rates during periods of high outdoor air humidity or pollution may improve IAQ. • Not recommended where outside air can’t be controlled [PDF - 282 KB]


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Last Reviewed: 2022-02-22