Evaluating the Energy-Saving Potential of Solar Dedicated Ventilation Systems Based on ADRC

A solar dedicated ventilation system based on active disturbance rejection controller (ADRC) has been designed in this study and tested by experimental research to acquire better control accuracy and energy-saving potential compared with former systems. This system involves photovoltaic, solar thermal, and dedicated ventilation systems and ADRC. The solar energy replaces traditional energy to realize energy-saving potential, and ADRC takes the place of a conventional controller to gain control accuracy. The experimental results show that the temperature standard deviation is from 0.09 to 0.15 °C and difference between maximum and minimum is 0.33 to 0.49 °C (<0.5 °C) at different outdoor conditions to meet accurate control requirements. The results also show the energy-saving potential of the solar dedicated ventilation system as being equal to the power consumption of traditional systems, not including extreme situations. The solar dedicated ventilation system was used for actual operation of the cooling system of a laboratory precisely and efficiently. Consequently, the solar dedicated ventilation system based on ADRC is most suitable for hot and humid places to achieve the energy-saving objective.