Development and calibration of thermo-fluid flowmeters for use in multi-unit residential buildings

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Accurate measurement of thermal energy use by each dwelling within a multi-unit residential building is essential to ensure transparency and accurate billing to each customer, with greater knowledge of their energy use typically leading to a reduction in consumption, thereby benefiting the environment. The aim of this project is to provide the industrial partner with accurate thermal energy and water meters of different sizes whose performance has been calibrated over a wide range of practical flow regimes, pipe types and installation conditions. Through laboratory testing in a carefully designed and constructed facility, together with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to understand the flow regimes within each device, a process will be developed that will allow the company to design new meters to meet clients' needs within a shorter timeframe than at present. Of particular urgency is the development of a thermal meter that meets the Canadian federal regulatory requirements that may be in place as early as 2021. Hence, the present proposed work is time-critical for the company.