Energy savings from implementing and commissioning demand control ventilation

Demand control ventilation (DCV) systems use sensors—generally either CO2 or occupancy sensors—to estimate the actual number of people in an area and supply only as much ventilation air as is needed at a given time. DCV has the potential to save a substantial portion of building energy use in extreme climates like Minnesota and other areas of the northern U.S.

While DCV has been in use for over 20 years and its theoretical impacts well demonstrated, little is known about its operation and energy performance in real buildings. And even less is known about its performance in complex multizone systems.

This project aims to provide information to fill knowledge gaps in:

1) quantifying impacts of DCV implementation in Minnesota,
2) improving existing system operation through commissioning, and
3) general DCV best practices.

Report number: 276-1