A hotel’s HVAC solution is vital for providing reliable climate control. This is crucial for guest comfort in the hospitality industry. For instance, the De Xinyuan Hot Spring Hotel in China serves as a strong example. The hotel installed a custom-designed HVAC system, which effectively meets diverse heating and cooling needs. As a result, the system delivers efficient operation and significant cost savings.
Project Overview
The De Xinyuan Hot Spring Hotel spans 10,000 square meters. It includes residential units, a dining area, and a swimming zone. The hotel required year-round climate control for 9,000 square meters of active space. However, the engineers faced specific challenges. First, they needed to provide independent temperature control in guest rooms. Additionally, the swimming area, with an 11-meter ceiling, required high airflow. Lastly, they needed energy-efficient solutions for the dining area, which only operates during meal times.
Design Approach
To solve these challenges, the engineers created an efficient hotel’s HVAC solution using ultra-low temperature air-source heat pumps and horizontal concealed fan coil units. This combination ensures reliable climate control across all areas. Each zone operates independently, allowing precise temperature adjustments without affecting other zones. Moreover, the heat pumps act as the primary heat source, utilizing clean, renewable energy. The system draws low-grade heat from the air, efficiently producing hot and cold water for the entire building.
In addition, the design aligns with modern energy policies and sustainability goals. The air-source heat pumps meet national standards for green energy, which helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Meanwhile, the fan coil units provide efficient cooling, and their compact design minimizes the need for large ductwork. This not only saves space but also lowers installation costs.
Load Calculation Analysis
Next, the engineers calculated the HVAC load based on the building’s structure and local climate. In summer, they estimated a cooling load of 120W per square meter, considering an 80% usage efficiency. Thus, they determined a total cooling capacity of 864 kW(Q1=9000×120×80%=864kw). For winter, the heating load was different. Guest rooms required 80W per square meter, while the large swimming area needed 150W per square meter. This resulted in a total heating capacity of 1000 kW(Q2=5000×80+4000×150=1000kw), which is sufficient even during extreme cold.
Energy Efficiency and Cost Analysis
Furthermore, the energy efficiency of the hotel’s HVAC solution is enhanced by the air-source heat pumps’ high performance. Even at a low temperature of -7°C, the heat pump maintains a coefficient of performance (COP) of 2.7. This means it generates 2.7 units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed. As a result, the estimated heating cost for the season is around $3 per square meter, based on average usage of 8 hours per day over 120 days.
System Advantages
- Independent Operation: Each zone functions separately, offering precise temperature control as needed.
- High Efficiency: The ultra-low temperature heat pumps ensure optimal performance, even at -25°C.
- Sustainability: The use of energy-efficient fan coil units helps reduce carbon emissions and supports green building initiatives.
- Enhanced Comfort: The fan coil units with thermostats provide steady, quiet climate control for a better guest experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the De Xinyuan Hot Spring Hotel demonstrates the success of a well-planned hotel’s HVAC solution. By combining ultra-low temperature air-source heat pumps with horizontal hydronic fan coil units, the hotel achieved reliable and eco-friendly climate control. This tailored approach meets diverse needs while aligning with energy-saving policies. It serves as an excellent model for other hotels looking to upgrade their HVAC systems.
