Energy performance of demand controlled mechanical extract ventilation systems vs mechanical ventilation systems with heat recovery in operational conditions : results of 12 months in situ-measurements at Kortrijk ECO-Life community

In a recently built zero-carbon neighborhood, demand controlled exhaust ventilation systems (DCMEV) and mechanical ventilation systems with heat recovery (MVHR) are compared under operational conditions, with focus on the energy performance of both systems. The analysis is based on automatically gathered monitoring data, complementary in situ measurements and occupants surveys. This paper comments on both ventilation systems and their energy saving potential according to literature. In this case study, demand controlled ventilation the electricity use of the system proved to be lower, heating demand proves to be comparable and the IAQ seems to be comparable. When taking into account the electricity and heating prices, the total cost or net present value of the DCMEV system is nearly a third lower than that of the MVHR system, partly due to a higher investment and maintenance cost of the latter. Further research should focus on the carbon footprint of ventilation systems, reliability and lifetime of sensors and the impact of regular filter cleaning/replacement in case of MVHR