Electric, Gas, and Electric/Gas Energy Options for Cold-Air HVAC Systems

摘要

An important aspect of the design of cost-effective HVAC systems today is (a) sensitivity to the cost impact of the interplay of utility demand charges, time-of-day rates, gas rates, and gas/electric utility incentive programs vis-?-vis HVAC system options; and (b) familiarity with the range of electric, gas, and electric/gas system options available to take advantage of the cost opportunities and avoid the cost penalties in specific utility situations. When these factors are fully evaluated and incorporated into HVAC design for medium-to-large buildings, it is possible to structure system arrangements that reduce energy operating costs very significantly compared to conventional all-air VAV systems and also to all-air VAV ice thermal storage systems, at a comparable first cost.