Simulation and Evaluation of CERV (Conditioning Energy Recovery Ventilator) in Historic Multifamily Buildings

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The objective of this study was to simulate and evaluate the effects of innovative heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system to overcome the challenges of conventional HVAC units in historic multifamily residential buildings. The primary goal was to focus on energy efficiency, comfort of the residents, long-term affordability, successful distribution system design, environmental performance, and appropriate minimization of operation and maintenance costs. There are numerous variables to keep track of, which most conventional units fail to address. The CERV (Conditioning Energy Recovery Ventilator) considers those factors and is designed for maximum flexibility to maintain the highest level of efficiency possible. The major difference between the CERV and other recovery ventilators such as Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) and Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) is that the CERV’s ventilation rate adjusts in relation to occupancy level. In situations where the conditioned space’s occupancy level is higher than usual, which increases pollutants in the air, a fixed ERV/HRV will maintain the same rate of efficiency, unaware of the need to draw in additional fresh air from outside. ERV and HRV systems operate on fixed schedules set by residents or facility managers. The audiences of the present paper are diverse; building engineers, property managers, owners, contractors, architects, housing and preservation authorities, etc. can all benefit from the results outlined in this study.