Experimental analysis of a new air handling unit system for residential buildings: the DemoLab case-study

The most diffuse HVAC plant system in residential buildings is the solution made by a hydronic system and a ventilation system. Usually, the scope of the ventilation is not only to replace the exhaust air in the rooms but, also, during the cooling season, to contribute to dehumidify the indoor air which is humidified by the indoor vapor gains, as the human skin transpiration and breathing of people. In this research, a plant system based on a new concept of air handling unit is proposed and investigated by means of experimental analysis carried out in a real small apartment (named DemoLab) realized in the laboratory of Aertesi Srl company. This system satisfies both the heating and cooling thermal loads. The research paper outlines the analysis of the measurements in the laboratory, considering the profiles of air temperature, humidity and CO2 rate in several points. The analysis was the first step to develop new control strategies of the plant system investigated in order to improve the thermal comfort inside the building.