Engineering Commons^™

Validation Of Energygauge® Usa Using The Hers Bestest, Florida Solar Energy Center, Philip Fairey

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This report presents results from the testing and validation of the EnergyGauge USA home energy rating software conducted using the HERS BESTEST procedures. The results show that EnergyGauge USA is an excellent and verifiable simulation program that is capable of meeting all national requirements for home energy rating software tools.

Cold Climate Case Study; High Efficiency North Dakota Twin Homes, Florida Solar Energy Center, David Chasar

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The Eastern Dakota Housing Alliance has completed 8 of 20 planned multi-family and single-family dwellings on Selkirk Circle in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Four twin-home (duplex) units were completed in March of 2003 (Phase I) and four more identical units were completed in February of 2004 (Phase II). Four additional units (Phase III) are due for completion by mid-summer, 2004. Design assistance and performance testing were provided by the Building America Industrialized Housing Project with the goal of achieving up to 50% energy savings over the 1993 Model Energy Code.

To approach this level of savings, various envelope and equipment …

Cooling Load Reduction And Air Conditioner Design In A 19th Century Florida House Museum, Florida Solar Energy Center, David Chasar

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Restoration plans at the H.S. Williams house included the installation of a space conditioning system. This contract report details how building envelope construction and air conditioner design were optimized as a system. Many aspects of the effort lent themselves to maintaining important "character-defining" features of the building including the resurrection of passive cooling attributes like light colored exterior paint and operable storm shutters. In addition, outside air infiltration was measured on the Williams house and six other balloon-frame homes to document this often significant cooling load component.

Performance And Applications Of Gossamer Wind Solar Powered Ceiling Fans, Florida Solar Energy Center

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Ceiling fans provide a cooling breeze, reduce temperature stratification and improve thermal comfort. Ceiling fans save energy in homes by improving thermal comfort, which results in changes to the thermostat set-point or reduced use of air conditioning.

Photovoltaics: Disaster And Energy Security Applications, Florida Solar Energy Center, William Young

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The modernization of our lives with the use of electronic devices has contributed to a steadily increasing dependence on electric power. The degree of importance of electricity is temporarily highlighted with any type of power outage, whether caused by an accident, a natural disaster or a terrorist attack. A disaster can leave many people without adequate medical services, potable water, electrical service and communications.

There is a value in applying photovoltaics (solar electric) to create disaster-resistant buildings and communities, which is to reduce losses and improve quality of life. Photovoltaics provide a viable source of electric power for energy security …

Geographic Variation In Potential Of Rooftop Residential Photovoltaic Electric Power Production In The United States, Florida Solar Energy Center, Matthew Lombardi

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This paper describes a geographic evaluation of Zero Energy Home (ZEH) potential, specifically an assessment of residential roof-top solar electric photovoltaic (PV) performance around the United States and how energy produced would match up with very-efficient and super-efficient home designs. We performed annual simulations for 236 TMY2 data locations throughout the United States on two highly-efficient one-story 3-bedroom homes with a generic grid-tied solar electric 2kW PV system. These annual simulations show how potential annual solar electric power generation (kWh) and potential energy savings from PV power vary geographically around the U.S. giving the user in a specific region an …

Energy Star Manufactured Homes: The Plant Certification Process, Florida Solar Energy Center, David Chasar

FSEC Energy Research Center®

In an on-going collaboration over the last ten years, researchers have worked with the manufactured housing industry offering building science advice and conducting diagnostic testing (Chandra et al 2002). This partnership resulted in the first two HUD code ENERGY STAR homes in 1997 and the development of standardized, in-plant Duct Blaster testing in 2001. One manufacturer is currently testing duct leakage on every home in 12 factories, representing over 8,000 homes per year.

In 2001, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced the ENERGY STAR label for manufactured homes. Guidelines for this program focus on certification of the HUD-code plant …

Measured Energy And Peak Demand Reduction From High Efficiency Air Conditioner Replacement, Florida Solar Energy Center, John Masiello

FSEC Energy Research Center®

A utility load research project has monitored over 167 single-family residences in Central Florida collecting baseline 15-minute data on air conditioner (AC) power consumption, interior air temperatures and appliance loads over a two year period. Within the project we evaluated the impact of replacing older existing air conditioners with modern high efficiency equipment.

Preliminary Evaluation Of Performance Enhanced Relocatable Classrooms In Three Climates, Florida Solar Energy Center, Danny Parker

FSEC Energy Research Center®

A research project has monitored a specifically modified energy efficient portable classroom compared with a standard unit, in side-by-side installations in three states (NY, NC and FL). Energy performance data is summarized in this paper.

Assessing Six Residential Ventilation Techniques In Hot And Humid Climates, Florida Solar Energy Center, Neil Moyer

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The addition of mechanical ventilation air to "tight" homes in hot and humid climates may adversely impact health, building durability, comfort and energy use by raising indoor humidity levels (RH) above 50%. High indoor humidity has been linked to microbial growth, building material decay, discomfort, and increased energy use (Moyer, et al, 2001). High indoor humidity in "tight" homes with mechanical ventilation has been documented in various Building America projects in hot humid locations (Rudd 2003).

The research described here quantifies the energy use, and humidity impacts of six mechanical ventilation strategies installed serially in a new, Energy Star Manufactured …

A Review Of Hot Water Draw Profiles Used In Performance Analysis Of Residential Domestic Hot Water Systems, Florida Solar Energy Center, Philip Fairey

FSEC Energy Research Center®

As a result of efforts on the part of various organizations to improve the specifications for performance-based analysis of energy use in residences, the literature on residential hot water use has been reviewed, specifically as it relates to typical hot water use draw profiles. A number of daily hot water use draw profiles have been identified and reviewed.

Assuring Power In A Disaster And Providing Energy Security, Florida Solar Energy Center, William Young

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Daily use of a myriad of electrical and electronic devices has contributed to a steadily increasing dependence on electric power. The degree of importance of electricity is temporarily highlighted with any type of power outage, whether caused by a disaster as destructive as a Hurricane Andrew or as minor as an afternoon thunderstorm knocking down local utility lines. After September 11, terrorism added a new dimension to our definition of energy security. While the American public is dependent on utility providers to meet energy needs, it is the right and the responsibility of each citizen to become aware of energy …

Flexible Roofing Facility: 2003 Summer Test Results, Florida Solar Energy Center, Danny Parker

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The Flexible Roof Facility (FRF) is a test facility in Cocoa, Florida designed to evaluate five roofing systems at a time against a control roof with black shingles and vented attic (Figure E-1). The testing evaluates how roofing systems impact summer residential cooling energy use and peak demand. In the summer of 2003, the following roofing systems were tested: Galvalume® unfinished 5-vee metal with vented attic (2nd year of exposure); sealed attic with proprietary configuration; high reflectance brown metal shingle with vented attic; galvanized unfinished 5-vee metal with vented attic (2nd year of exposure); black shingles with standard attic ventilation …

Optimizing Manufactured Housing Energy Use, Florida Solar Energy Center, Mark Mcginley

FSEC Energy Research Center®

In partnership with the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC), two manufactured homes were located on North Carolina A&T State University's campus in Greensboro, NC and used in a side-by-side energy consumption comparison. One of the homes was built to the basic HUD code standard and the other was constructed with features expected to produce a home that was 50% more energy efficient.

FSEC and NCATSU began monitoring energy performance in both homes. In addition, the performance of each unit was evaluated using a DOE2 based computer energy analysis program developed by FSEC. A comparison of the performance of the units …

Standards For Clean Air Florida Homes, Florida Solar Energy Center, Subrato Chandra

FSEC Energy Research Center®

These standards are designed for new, slab on grade homes built in Florida. Changes to the standards may be necessary for other house construction types. These standards are not meant to be exclusionary. The home builder may submit alternative materials or design details which will result in equivalent performance. These standards complement all building codes and do not supersede any codes.

Alleviating Moisture Problems Hot, Humid Climate Housing, Florida Solar Energy Center, Subrato Chandra

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The Southeastern U.S. experiences hot, humid conditions throughout the summer months and in Florida, one of the high growth states with large number of homes, these conditions can prevail throughout most of the year. As a result it is not uncommon to find extensive mold, soft drywall, buckled floors, damaged ceilings and other moisture problems in new and existing site built and manufactured homes. Since 1999, as a result of participation in the U.S. DOE funded Building America program, the authors have developed first hand experience and conducted research in these areas. This paper provides a brief summary of the …

Florida's Energy Future: Opportunities For Our Economy, Environment And Security - Executive Summary, Florida Solar Energy Center, Philip Fairey

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The future of Florida's economy, environment and security is inextricably intertwined with our energy use decisions. Our state has one of the nation's fastest growing populations, promoting rapid expansion of an energy industry that imports its fuel supplies. Florida exports approximately $32 billion per year for these energy fuels. Moreover, the Florida economy depends critically on tourism and agriculture, and the fuels and energy products that maintain them. Our pristine environment is the primary natural resource supporting this unique economic engine and the adverse effects of our rapidly growing energy use now stress it. Our State's economic well-being and security …

Florida's Energy Future: Opportunities For Our Economy, Environment And Security, Florida Solar Energy Center, Philip Fairey

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The future of Florida's economy, environment and security is inextricably intertwined with our energy use decisions. Our state has one of the nation's fastest growing populations, promoting rapid expansion of an energy industry that imports its fuel supplies. Florida exports approximately $32 billion per year for these energy fuels. Moreover, the Florida economy depends critically on tourism and agriculture, and the fuels and energy products that maintain them. Our pristine environment is the primary natural resource supporting this unique economic engine and the adverse effects of our rapidly growing energy use now stress it. Our State's economic well-being and security …

Florida's Energy Future: Opportunities For Our Economy, Environment And Security - Appendices, Florida Solar Energy Center, Philip Fairey

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The future of Florida's economy, environment and security is inextricably intertwined with our energy use decisions. Our state has one of the nation's fastest growing populations, promoting rapid expansion of an energy industry that imports its fuel supplies. Florida exports approximately $32 billion per year for these energy fuels. Moreover, the Florida economy depends critically on tourism and agriculture, and the fuels and energy products that maintain them. Our pristine environment is the primary natural resource supporting this unique economic engine and the adverse effects of our rapidly growing energy use now stress it. Our State's economic well-being and security …