This paper provides a theoreticall error analysis of common airflow measurement and control techniques to maintain minimum outside air intake rates in variable air volum systems. The rsults of the error analysis indicate that control strategies using direct airflow measuremnt form eirther an averaging Pitot-tube array or an electronic thermal anemometry provideed the best ventilation control. Calculation of the outside air flow rate using a CO2 concentration balance can also allow for adequate system control, except when occupancy is low or when the outside air represents a small fraction of the supply air delivered. In addition, the results show that the use of the temperature balance techniques ot calculated the outside air intake rate is not adqueate under common building operating conditions. In the case when measuremen of ˇ­.

The results of the error analysis indicated that control strategies using direct airflow measurement from either an averaging Pitot-tube array or an electronic thermal anemometry provided the best ventilation control. The results show that the use of thetemperature balance technique to calculate the outside air intake rate is not adequate under common building operating conditions. The use of a fixed minimum outside air damper position or a volumetric fan-tracking control strategy both proved tobe inadequate control techniques for maintaining minimum ventilation rates in variable air volume.

• mathematics: error analysis, uncertainty analysis : for VAV control
• ventilation - Air Infiltration and Ventilation in Buildings : error analysis