Air distribution system design optimization in non-residential buildings: Problem formulation and generation of test networks

Improving HVAC Ductwork Designs While Considering Fittings at an Early Stage

“…Sizing the ductwork is applied from the assumed variables and the estimated design flow rate in every section. Although the methods are straightforward, they hardly obtain a balanced design system [46]- [48]. Moreover, the resulting designs do not consider prevailing local economic conditions.…”

“…However, it is more likely to be trapped in a local optimum when dealing with more extensive test cases, e.g., conventional systems (further explained in the next paragraph). Recently, Jorens et al [6], [48], [68], [69] developed an air distribution network design (ADND) optimization algorithm, which focuses on optimizing the layout and sizes of the ductwork. For duct sizing, the method used a local search heuristic method, with a steepest-descent-mildest-ascent strategy as an optimization move strategy.…”

“…For this, the previous steepest-descent-mildest-ascent approach proved to be effective. However, later, by considering the fittings in the design process [68], to make the design method closer to practice, the approach of gradually decreasing the sizes of the largest ducts and then increasing the sizes of the smallest ducts might not be ideal.…”

Design optimization of air distribution systems in non-residential buildings

“…Numerous papers have been dedicated to the design of air distribution systems or networks and several design (optimization) methods have been developed [3,4,5,6], e.g. the static regain method, equal friction method, T-method, … Jorens et al [7] give a critical review of the state-of-the-art in air distribution system design and identify two main shortcomings. First, previous methods only focus on the second phase of the design process, i.e., they only determine the size of each duct and/or fan in the system and consider the layout to be given.…”

Heuristic Optimization for Designing Centralized Air Distribution Systems in Non-Residential Buildings

“…Since humans spend 80-90% of their time indoors, it is vital to provide a healthy and comfortable environment in buildings [3]. Air handling and distribution systems aim to satisfy occupants by controlling indoor air quality (IAQ), temperature, and humidity [4].…”