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 …

A Framework Roadmap For Implementing Lean Six Sigma In Local Governmental Entities, Sandra L. Furterer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Lean Six Sigma is an approach focused on improving quality, reducing variation and eliminating waste in an organization. The concept of combining the principles and tools of Lean Enterprise and Six Sigma has occurred in the literature over the last several years. The majority of Lean Six Sigma applications have been in private industry, focusing mostly on manufacturing applications. The literature has not provided a framework for implementing Lean Six Sigma programs applied to local government. This research provides a framework roadmap for implementing Lean Six Sigma in local government. The Service Improvement for Transaction-based Entities Lean Six Sigma Framework …

Evaluation Of The Potential Benefits To Traffic Operations At A Toll Plaza With Express Etc Lanes, Eric Anthony Gordin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The effectiveness of modifying a conventional toll plaza for implementation of an open road tolling concept with express ETC lanes was evaluated in this thesis. Speed controlled dedicated ETC lanes were replaced with express ETC lanes at the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority (OOCEA) University Mainline Toll Plaza. This evaluation was accomplished by utilizing collected field data and simulated scenarios using Toll Plaza SIMulation (TPSIM) software developed by the University of Central Florida. The speed controlled dedicated ETC lanes were located within toll lanes (contained within a toll plaza canopy) with widths ranging between 10 to 14 ft. These types of …

Techniques For Assessing And Improving Performance In Navigation And Wayfinding Using Mobile Augmented Reality, Brian Goldiez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Augmented reality is a field of technology in which the real world is overlaid with additional information from a computer generated display. Enhancements to augmented reality technology presently support limited mobility which is expected to increase in the future to provide much greater real world functionality. This work reports on a set of experiments that investigate performance in search and rescue navigating tasks using augmented reality. Augmentation consisted of a spatially and temporally registered map of a maze that was overlaid onto a real world maze. Participants were required to traverse the maze, answer spatially oriented questions in the maze, …

Partitioning A Graph In Alliances And Its Application To Data Clustering, Khurram Hassan-Shafique

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Any reasonably large group of individuals, families, states, and parties exhibits the phenomenon of subgroup formations within the group such that the members of each group have a strong connection or bonding between each other. The reasons of the formation of these subgroups that we call alliances differ in different situations, such as, kinship and friendship (in the case of individuals), common economic interests (for both individuals and states), common political interests, and geographical proximity. This structure of alliances is not only prevalent in social networks, but it is also an important characteristic of similarity networks of natural and unnatural …

Failure Mode Identifications Of Rc Beams Externally Strengthened With, Chris O'Riordan-Adjah

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The application of carbon reinforced-fiber polymers (CFRP) to structures is a new development that is still under intense research. However, the rehabilitation or retrofit of damage reinforced concrete members by the external bonding of CFRP is becoming increasingly popular in the construction industry. The objective of the tests presented in this thesis is to study different CFRP designs on the reinforced concrete beams and compare their failure modes. The main goal is to determine the CFRP design on the reinforced concrete beams that result in a progressive and gradual failure mode with enough warning before final failure. Different CFRP designs …

Evaluation Of A Microwave Radiative Transfer Model For Calculating Sat, Simonetta Thompson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Remote sensing is the process of gathering and analyzing information about the earth's ocean, land and atmosphere using electromagnetic "wireless" techniques. Mathematical models, known as Radiative Transfer Models (RTM), are developed to calculate the observed radiance (brightness temperature) seen by the remote sensor. The RTM calculated brightness temperature is a function of fourteen environmental parameters, including atmospheric profiles of temperature, pressure and moisture, sea surface temperature, and cloud liquid water. Input parameters to the RTM model include data from NOAA Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), Reynolds weekly Sea Surface Temperature and National Ocean Data Center (NODC) WOA98 Ocean Salinity and …

Circuit Design And Reliability Of A Cmos Receiver, Hong Yang

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores CMOS RF design and reliability for portable wireless receivers. The objective behind this research is to achieve an increase in integration level, and gain more understanding for RF reliability. The fields covered include device, circuit and system. What is under investigation is a multi-band multi-mode receiver with GSM, DCS-1800 and CDMA compatibility. To my understanding, GSM and CDMA dual-mode mobile phones are progressively investigated in industries, and few commercial products are available. The receiver adopts direct conversion architecture. Some improved circuit design methods are proposed, for example, for low noise amplifier (LNA). Except for band filters, local …

General Interference Suppression Technique For Diversity Wireless Rece, Tianyu Yang

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The area of wireless transceiver design is becoming increasingly important due to the rapid growth of wireless communications market as well as diversified design specifications. Research efforts in this area concentrates on schemes that are capable of increasing the system capacity, providing reconfigurability/reprogrammability and reducing the hardware complexity. Emerging topics related to these goals include Software Defined Radio, Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output (MIMO) Systems, Code Division Multiple Access, Ultra-Wideband Systems, etc. This research adopts space diversity and statistical signal processing for digital interference suppression in wireless receivers. The technique simplifies the analog front-end by eliminating the anti-aliasing filters and relaxing the requirements for …

Investigation Of Nascar Restrictor Plate Manifold Insert Using Wave Engine Simulation And Response Surface Methodology, John Mason Gross Iii

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

With the increasing growth in computer processing power, computer based computational fluid dynamics simulations are finding increasing acceptance and use in the field of internal combustion engine development. Once fully developed, such simulations provide detailed and expedient tools for testing existing theories, as well as new ideas. While numerous studies on wave propagation and fluid flow in intakes manifolds exist, most restrict the analysis to a single intake runner and port, examining only the dynamics from the runner-to-plenum junction downstream to the valve. While such analyses provide comprehensive models for wave propagation dynamics in the runner, little is published on …

Decision Support Model For Construction Crew Reassignments, Angela M. Sist

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The reassignment of crews on a construction project in response to changes occurs on a frequent basis. The factors that affect the crew reassignment decision can be myriad and most are not known with certainty. This research addresses the need for a decision support model to assist construction managers with the crew reassignment problem. The model design makes use of certainty factors in a decision tree structure. The research helped to determine the elements in the decision tree, the appropriate combination rules to use with the certainty factors, and the method for combining the certainty factors and costs to develop …

Expression Morphing Between Different Orientations, Tao Fu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

How to generate new views based on given reference images has been an important and interesting topic in the area of image-based rendering. Two important algorithms that can be used are field morphing and view morphing. Field morphing, which is an algorithm of image morphing, generates new views based on two reference images which were taken at the same viewpoint. The most successful result of field morphing is morphing from one person's face to the other one's face. View morphing, which is an algorithm of view synthesis, generates in between views based on two reference views which were taken at …