Window interlock to suspend HVAC
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In the recent announcement about the Univ of Colorado's Andrews Hall getting LEED Gold certification, they referenced including a conservation measure "sensors that suspend heating & cooling systems when windows are open". I'm very interested in knowing both how to estimate savings for such a strategy as well as any actual results from people who have tried this.
I assume that with the window open, either no heating (cooling) would be provided, or the temperature setpoint in the space would revert to some setback value. Technical info on the method of control appreciated.
Any feedback from either occupants of buildings with such controls, or facility staff who manage a building with this strategy would be greatly appreciated. I wonder if the number of hot/cold complaint calls from people with (even slightly) open windows is a problem. I'm sure education of occupants is key.
My firm provides energy consulting and designs many student housing buildings. If this is a strategy that works (both saves energy & is practical), I really want to promote it. Happy for engineering comments too!
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Bob;
We are using this technology on a number of projects. I wish I had more conrete information on the energy savings, but I know it can be significant. It is also a reletively inexpensive technology.
We have found this to be especially valuable in student housing, where it is typical that a student might be heating or cooling a room with the windows open. The device does shut off conditioning of air when the windows are open.
My expeience is that no matter what system you put into a building, there will be a certain given in terms of complaints. We find that the more control a person has of his or her immediate environment, the less dependent the building is on centralized heating and cooling infrastructure. We have had no specific complaints about these sensors on any project.
I firmly believe that with every deeper green buiding commissioned there needs to be an owners manual for occupants to understand how to use the spaces. Many of these buildings are designed around ventilation strategies that require the occupants to be more engaged in heating and cooling mitigation. It would be helpful for them to know which windows to open to caputre optimum breezes, which shades to pull down to mitigate heat gain, etc.