Energy use optimization in ventilation of operating rooms during inactivity periods

Hospitals are highly energy-demanding buildings, where simple actuations can involve large savings. However, energy efficiency actions must comply with the high safety standards. Operating rooms demand continuous ventilation despite the short activity periods. Setback during non-occupation of the operating rooms can reduce ventilation loads but must not hinder indoor overpressure to avoid infiltrations. Besides, it prevents any existing heat recovery system from operation. This work evaluates setback ventilation in operating rooms at a case study in Spain, from two approaches: its effect on indoor overpressure and its preference to an existing coil heat recovery (runaround) loop. It based on monitored data of two operating rooms under setback and normal ventilation with operation of the heat recovery system. Seven tests are performed throughout the year, whose comparison to estimated results enables extrapolation to yearly operation. Results show that indoor overpressure maintains at 15 Pa under setback, thus meeting current and coming standards. Setback turned to be always preferable to hear recovery under cooling needs. Estimated heating and electric yearly supply energy savings reach 29 MWh(t)and 262 MWh(e), the latter accounting for 2% of the total electric energy consumption of the hospital during 2019.

Automated summary

Hospitals, as highly energy-demanding buildings, can achieve significant energy savings in operating rooms through setback ventilation. Despite reducing heating and electric energy consumption, setback ventilation must also ensure indoor overpressure to avoid infiltrations.