Understanding the Building Processes of a Net-Zero Energy Building : A follow-up study on an energy effective campus building and interactions between the occupants and the smart HVAC system

Sammanfattning: Net-Zero Energy Buildings (NZEBs) have emerged as a result of rapid advancements in the construction industry and the growing demand forsustainable buildings. However, this progress has led to a potential gap in information dissemination between policy makers and buildingprofessionals. In the context of operational NZEBs, this gap primarily pertains to automated building systems and the comfort of occupants.While NZEBs prioritize energy efficiency, there is a need to explore other factors that may contribute to occupants feeling uncomfortable indoors,originating from both the building system and the occupants themselves.This thesis adopts an observational approach followed by a validation study to investigate the smart Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning(HVAC) system in an NZEB, as well as the interactions between the system and its occupants. The thesis involves comparing physical measurements of room temperature with readings from analytical tools to assess the reliability and consistency of these tools. A fault is identified in the smart HVAC system, which is subsequently rectified. Additionally, it is concluded that occupants may experience cold sensations in the target room, due to the elevated placement of the room temperature sensor. The incorporation of external shading into the smart HVAC system is proposed as a potential solution for increasing energy savings. Also, improving information transfer between occupants and the system is highlighted as a crucial aspect.Furthermore, it is validated that the system operate according to its intended purpose and is sensitive to system modifications. The findingsfrom this thesis can be utilized to further exploring the design and construction of similar buildings.