Adopting occupancy-based HVAC controls in commercial building energy codes: Analysis of cost-effectiveness and decarbonization potential

Pang, Zhihong; O'Neill, Zheng; Chen, Yan; Zhang, Jian; Cheng, Hwakong; Dong, Bing

doi:10.1016/j.apenergy.2023.121594

Title: Adopting occupancy-based HVAC controls in commercial building energy codes: Analysis of cost-effectiveness and decarbonization potential

Journal Article · Fri Jul 28 00:00:00 UTC 2023 · Applied Energy

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2023.121594 · OSTI ID:2201287

Pang, Zhihong ^[1]; O'Neill, Zheng ^[2];

^[3]; Zhang, Jian ^[3]; Cheng, Hwakong ^[4]; Dong, Bing ^[5]

Louisiana State Univ., Baton Rouge, LA (United States); Texas A & M Univ., College Station, TX (United States)
Texas A & M Univ., College Station, TX (United States)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
Taylor Engineers, Alameda, CA (United States)
Syracuse Univ., NY (United States)

Recent research has shown the energy-saving potential of occupancy-based HVAC controls (OBCs) in commercial buildings. However, building energy codes have not fully adopted this technology. This study aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and decarbonization benefits of OBCs and provide guidance for integrating occupancy sensors into building energy code development. To this end, a parametric simulation using EnergyPlus and a nationwide cost-effectiveness analysis are carried out considering three building types and 40 representative cities in the U.S. Here, the findings reveal that the current cost-effectiveness performance of OBCs is limited due to the high cost of occupancy sensors. However, incorporating the societal cost of carbon factor in future energy and environmental policy could greatly enhance the actual cost-effectiveness performance. Besides, a reduction in the cost of occupancy sensors to approximately 60% of the current price level could also greatly shorten the discounted payback period of OBCs. Additionally, OBCs demonstrate significant potential in building decarbonization, with potential CO₂ emissions savings of more than 5.56 million metric tons across the three building types and 40 selected cities. Finally, policy implications are provided to guide the incorporation of occupancy-based HVAC controls in future energy codes.

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Research Organization:: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States); Texas A&M University, College Station, TX (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC05-76RL01830; AR0001316

OSTI ID:: 2201287

Report Number(s):: PNNL-SA--188153

Journal Information:: Applied Energy, Journal Name: Applied Energy Vol. 349; ISSN 0306-2619

Publisher:: ElsevierCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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Title: Adopting occupancy-based HVAC controls in commercial building energy codes: Analysis of cost-effectiveness and decarbonization potential

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