Open Access

ARTICLE

Energy-Efficient Air Conditioning System with Combined a Ceiling Fan for Thermal Comfort in an Office

Linlan Chang¹, Win-Jet Luo^1,2, Indra Permana², Bowo Yuli Prasetyo³, Alya Penta Agharid¹, Fujen Wang^2,*

1 Graduate Institute of Precision Manufacturing, National Chin-Yi University of Technology, Taichung, 41170, Taiwan
2 Department of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Energy Engineering, National Chin-Yi University of Technology, Taichung, 41170, Taiwan
3 Department of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineering, Politeknik Negeri Bandung, Bandung, 40559, Indonesia

* Corresponding Author: Fujen Wang. Email:

Energy Engineering 2025, 122(5), 1771-1787. https://doi.org/10.32604/ee.2025.062209

Received 12 December 2024; Accepted 24 February 2025; Issue published 25 April 2025

Abstract

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems are critical for maintaining thermal comfort in office environments which also crucial for occupant well-being and productivity. This study investigates the impact of integrating ceiling fans with higher air conditioning setpoints on thermal comfort and energy efficiency in office environments. Field measurements and questionnaire surveys were conducted to evaluate thermal comfort and energy-saving potential under varying conditions. Results show that increasing the AC setpoint from 25°C to 27°C, combined with ceiling fan operation, reduced power consumption by 10%, achieving significant energy savings. Survey data confirmed that 85% of participants reported consistent thermal sensations across all conditions, with ceiling fans effectively compensating for higher setpoints through enhanced air circulation. CFD simulations revealed that medium-speed ceiling fan operation produced the most uniform airflow distribution, with an average air velocity of 0.45 m/s, and minimized temperature variations, ensuring balanced thermal conditions. Temperature analysis showed a reduction in hotspots and cold zones, maintaining an average temperature deviation of less than ±0.5°C. Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) evaluations at a 27°C setpoint indicated improved thermal comfort, with average PMV values around −0.3, corresponding to a “neutral” thermal sensation. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of integrating ceiling fans with HVAC systems in achieving energy efficiency and occupant comfort, offering a sustainable approach to reducing AC energy consumption in office environments.

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Keywords

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