Economizer Application in Dual-Duct Air-Handling Units

Abstract

Economizers modulate outside air intake to minimize/eliminate mechanical cooling in air-handling units when outside air enthalpy is lower than the return air enthalpy. A theoretical study is conducted to developed analytical economizer models, to investigate potential energy savings, and to develop a potential energy savings calculation method for dual-duct air-handling unit systems. The study found that economizers decrease cooling energy consumption without heating energy penalties for dual-fan, dual-duct air-handling units. Economizers have significant heating energy penalties for single-fan, dual-duct air-handling units.