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Modelling zone thermal load reduction strategies for operating theatres: a simulation study for different climate zones in Türkiye.

Author(s) : AKKAYA M., AKKAYA S.

Type of article: IJR article

Summary

Operating theatres are among the highest energy-consuming areas in hospitals, with HVAC systems required for strict infection control accounting for a substantial share of this demand. This study presents a zone-level ideal thermal-load analysis rather than a full system-level HVAC energy-use assessment, aiming to evaluate the thermal load reduction potential associated with selected operational and internal-load strategies in operating theatre blocks. Six scenarios were examined using EnergyPlus simulation software and weather data for three representative Turkish climates, represented by Ankara, Istanbul, and Izmir. The scenarios included baseline compliance with ASHRAE Standard 170, temperature setback during off-hours, heat recovery, reduced air change rates (ACH), equipment with lower internal heat gains and LED lighting, and a hybrid optimization scenario combining all measures. The results show that the combined scenario provided annual ideal thermal load reduction potentials of 24.3% in Ankara, 23.2% in Istanbul, and 19.6% in Izmir. Among the individual strategies, non-HVAC internal load management, specifically efficient equipment and LED lighting, proved to be the most effective, yielding ideal thermal load reductions of 18.7–20.5% across all climates. Although reducing ACH from 20 to 15 resulted in a negligible thermal load reduction of 0.2%, calculations based on the Fan Affinity Laws indicate a theoretical fan power reduction potential of 57.8%, although this was not directly simulated as HVAC energy use. Importantly, temperature setback strategies produced adverse effects in humid climates due to increased latent cooling loads, highlighting the complexity of applying generic HVAC strategies across different climate zones. This study provides quantitative evidence distinguishing zone-level thermal load behavior from potential system-level HVAC energy-use implications, which require separate full-system modeling. While in ternal load management proved universally effective, HVAC operational strategies require careful multidisci plinary evaluation, particularly with respect to latent loads in humid climates and clinical safety requirements.

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Pages: 12

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Details

  • Original title: Modelling zone thermal load reduction strategies for operating theatres: a simulation study for different climate zones in Türkiye.
  • Record ID : 30034967
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Technology
  • Source: International Journal of Refrigeration - Revue Internationale du Froid - vol. 188
  • Publication date: 2026/08
  • DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2026.106987

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