Experimental Validation of the Laboratory Air Handling Unit System (LAHU): Part I — Winter Operation

The Laboratory Air Handling Unit (LAHU) system for laboratory buildings has been developed and optimized. Theoretical study has concluded that the LAHU with optimal outside air control and optimal heat recovery control significantly reduces thermal energy use, saves pump power consumption and improves office indoor air quality. This paper presents validation experiments of LAHU energy performance in a large university research building including detailed experimental methodology, procedures and preliminary experimental energy savings results. The experiments establish that the LAHU can reduce annual heating by over 30% and can reduce heat recovery pump power by over 50% for this typical laboratory building.