IAQ4EDU introduces a methodology to estimate the energy flexibility potential of building ventilation systems

A research paper titled “Impact of including ventilation on the energy flexibility of educational buildings when optimizing energy consumption” was presented at the ELECTRIMACS 2024 conference. Conducted by project researchers Prof. Lluc Canals Casals, Prof. Marcel Macarulla, and Dr. Alba Alegría Sala, the study has been published as part of the Lecture Notes in Electrical Engineering book series  in January 2025.

As part of the IAQ4EDU project, which focuses on monitoring and optimizing indoor air quality to ensure comfortable and safe educational environments, this paper examines energy consumption by integrating thermal and air quality optimization techniques. The findings highlight the challenges schools face in maintaining both parameters effectively. In many cases, natural ventilation alone is insufficient to regulate temperature and CO₂ levels, while mechanical ventilation proves to be a viable solution, enhancing energy flexibility.

Using optimization techniques and building models, the study evaluates the minimum energy consumption required under different building configurations. Additionally, it explores the impact of controlling temperature and CO₂ levels on a building’s energy flexibility, assessing whether investing in air renewal systems is worthwhile or if it is preferable to minimize reliance on technology.

Schematic of the optimization model

For further details, refer to the online version of the article:

https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-73921-7_33

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