Variable speed drive (VSD) technology applied to HVAC systems for energy saving: an experimental investigation

Variable speed drive (VSD) technology can be introduced in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, normally sized for peak load conditions, to match actual load requirements. The paper presents a detailed assessment of the impact of the application of VSDs to HVAC components in a public building. The study was based on the data provided by a long term monitoring of the performances. As regards the electricity consumption of pumping and fans, the investigation has pointed out the achievement of a global annual energy saving of 38.9% in comparison with the alternative of a constant speed HVAC system.