Energy use optimization in the building of National Library

Abstract

The analysis of inner climate parameters and energy use was carried out in the Krasinski Palace in Warsaw: seat of The Polish National Library. The building includes books stores, conservation workshops, reading rooms and offices. Central hydronic heating system and sporadically used local air dryers are the only active systems. The purpose of the analysis was to check at which extent actual microclimate and energy management can be improved. Several alternative scenarios, not compromising climatic protection level of valuable collections, to optimize energy use were elaborated. It turned out, that only improving of heating control and doubling of thermal insulation thickness of ceiling to attic allows for up to 30% of energy savings. Application of extended HVAC systems is not necessary due to high hygrothermal inertia of the building. WUFI® PLUS software was used for the building simulations. The calculation model was first validated against energy use for heating and inner climate measurement results. A special module was used to account for moisture exchange between books and inner air.