Set-up and calibration methodology for real-scale twin test cells HYBCELL: A comprehensive approach for energy efficiency and indoor air assessment

¹ Université Lyon, ENTPE, CNRS, LTDS, UMR5513, 69518 Vaulx-en-Velin, France.
² Department of Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering (DABC), Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy.
³ Institute de Recherche, ESTP, 94230 Cachan, France
⁴ Resallience by Sixense Engineering, Nanterre, France

^* Corresponding author: laila.taibi@entpe.fr

Abstract

This paper presents the design philosophy, set-up, and calibration methodology of full-scale in- situ test cells. The main feature and key aspect of this approach is based on experimental twin cells called HYBCELL at ENTPE. The experimental calibration follows European construction standards and involves adjusting the sensors, instrumentation, and operating parameters in both cells to ensure a uniform baseline, using a variety of sensors within our setup. These sensors record various measurements to assess thermal comfort, indoor air quality, boundary conditions, system performance, envelope efficiency, and occupancy simulation. This study aims to analyse the behaviour of both cells under identical conditions by testing and comparing the functioning of each room. This ensures their symmetry. This approach aims to provide more accurate results when designing the envelope and HVAC systems, leading to characterise and study indoor air conditions and validate numerical models. The calibration was performed with four scenarios, with activated and deactivated HVAC systems. In addition, air and ventilation system calibrations are realised using indoor and outdoor CO2 and particle concentration measurements to determine the air renewal rates in each room. renewal rates in each room. The calibration feedback was analysed, and the obtained results allowed to calibrate the twin cells and to define recommendations for their use.