Choosing the Right Parameter for Single-Duct Constant Air Volume System Supply Air Temperature Reset

To improve system efficiency under part-load conditions, the supply air temperature set point for a single-duct constant air volume air handling unit (AHU) system is often reset based on either return air temperature or outside air temperature. Both reset strategies make engineering sense as long as the reset schedules are reasonable. Quite often the decision to use one over the other is made with the assumption that they will both achieve some energy savings. However, the impact of these two strategies on AHU energy consumption could be very different. An in-depth analysis and comparison of these two commonly used supply air temperature reset strategies for a single-duct constant air volume system is presented in this paper. It is shown that the reset strategy based on outside air temperature is inherently better than that based on return air temperature, with lower energy consumption and improved building comfort level.