Energy cost models for air supported sports hall in cold climates considering energy efficiency

Abstract

The aim of the study was to develop models for energy planning for an air supported sports hall by analyzing different energy efficiency possibilities. This is a very specific building type suitable for sport activities in cold climates. The observed hall was operated when outdoor temperature was under 5 °C, while the most common measured indoor air temperature was 8 °C during the year. Neither indoor nor outdoor temperature influenced the overpressure. Based on the measurements, the specific annually heating energy use was 75 kWh/m2. The results showed that improvement in the hall insulation would not give a significant effect on the heating use. The analysis of energy efficiency measures showed that air recirculation has the greatest effect on total energy use and the air recirculation could give an energy saving of 27% when 50% of the indoor air was recirculated. The results might be used to calculate heating energy demand for different operation scenarios in the air supported halls. The results give a simple tool to size the heating coil in the AHU and for energy planning for similar halls. The study gave very specific and unique data on energy use in sport halls in cold climate.