Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

Functional Disaster Resistant Buildings, Florida Solar Energy Center, William Young

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, tornados, tsunami and earthquakes, are becoming a greater problem as they destroy lives, homes, businesses and the natural environment. Such disasters can happen with little or no warning, leaving hundreds or even thousands of people without medical services, potable water, sanitation, communications and electrical services for up to several weeks. One proactive strategy to minimize this type of destruction and disruption to lives is the implementation of disaster-resistant buildings that are energy efficient, fortified to the latest codes, and incorporate renewable energy systems. This approach uses the best energy-efficient buildings, fortified to the latest …

Problems And Solutions: Training Disaster Organizations On The Use Of Pv, Florida Solar Energy Center, William Young

FSEC Energy Research Center®

In 1992, the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) and Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) assisted the University of Miami Field Epidemiology Survey Team (FEST) with photovoltaic systems to power temporary medical clinics after Hurricane Andrew struck south Dade County. At that time, it became apparent that there were no educational materials prepared for disaster relief or emergency management personnel on the use of photovoltaic (PV) to supply electrical power in response to a disaster. This need prompted FSEC to create an education program to develop awareness and train organizations on the proper use of PV in disasters. Since then, FSEC has …

Grid-Connected Photovoltaic System Design Review And Approval, Florida Solar Energy Center, James Dunlop

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This document provides details of operations and procedures for the approval of grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system designs and documentation conducted by the Florida Solar Energy Center. The principal goal of this process is to help ensure the safety and quality of installed PV systems, and provides an assurance to installers, consumers and financiers that approved designs meet accepted codes and industry practices, and are accompanied by a complete System Manual that meets the minimum requirements outlined in this document.

Executive Summary: Evaluation Of The Impact Of Vacant Home Space Conditioning Strategies On Summer Relative Humidity, Energy, And Peak Load; Phase Ii, Florida Solar Energy Center, James Cummings

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The Vacant Home Space Conditioning Study was sponsored by Florida Power & Light (FPL) as part of its Conservation R&D Program and carried out by the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC). In the US, about one in four retiree "snowbirds" make Florida their destination to escape the northern cold. Snowbird residents number more than 900,000 in Florida during the winter. In some counties of FPL's territory these seasonal residents compose up to 15% of the population (Shih, 1981). This pattern of seasonal occupancy creates a need for space conditioning guidelines for vacant homes to avoid mold problems while minimizing both …

Test Method For Photovoltaic Module Ratings, Florida Solar Energy Center, Kevin Lynn

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This document describes the testing and reporting requirements for certification and labeling of photovoltaic modules (PV) for their power ratings. The test methods and procedures chosen for this purpose are based on consensus standards of relevant committees of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), or the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

Solar Dhw Storage Tanks And Systems, Florida Solar Energy Center

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Water is by far the most common storage medium in solar domestic hot water systems. Rock storage is another method of sensible heat storage, but is not generally used in systems that are exclusively DHW. Storage of heat in solutions of phase-changing salts is extremely rare in DHVJ systems and therefore is not discussed.

Field Monitoring And Computer Modeling To Determine Energy And Demand Savings From The Melink Intellihood Exhaust And Make-Up Air Control System At Two Supermarkets, One Restaurant, And One Fast Food Restaurant, Florida Solar Energy Center, James Cummings

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Note: Only the Executive Summary of this proprietary report is available for public download.

Balanced Return Air, Duct Airtightness, And Combustion/Dilution Air Code Compliance In 40 Central Florida Homes, Florida Solar Energy Center, James Cummings

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This report has been extracted from a larger report titled "Florida Building Code - Enhance Florida's Building to Next-Generation Energy & Mechanical Codes and Enrich Compliance", FSEC-CR-1678-06, November 29, 2006, which can be found at http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/publications/pdf/FSEC-CR-1678-06.pdf

Florida Building Code - Enhance Florida's Building To Next-Generation Energy & Mechanical Codes And Enrich Compliance, Florida Solar Energy Center, Muthusamy V. Swami

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The project Implemented ASHRAE 90.1 2004 into Florida's compliance tool, EnergyGauge, to allow inclusion of the methodologies and rule sets of ASHRAE 90.1-2004. The project also implemented IECC 2003 into Florida's compliance tool to allow inclusion of the methodologies of Chapters 4, 5, and 6 of the International Energy Conservation Code 2003 (IECC 2003). Field testing was completed in 40 central Florida homes (built after March 1, 2002) to examine compliance with the balanced return air, duct leakage, and combustion/dilution air requirements of the Florida Mechanical Code. A course titled Complying with Duct System Requirements of the Florida Energy Code …

Comparison Of Solar Hot Water Systems Simulated In Energygauge Usa And Trnsys 15, Florida Solar Energy Center, Michael Anello

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This document is meant to serve as a detailed summary of the comparison between the simulation methods of EnergyGauge USA and TRNSYS (version 15) relating to solar hot water systems. The initial motivation behind this comparison was to verify that the f-chart model created for EnergyGauge's solar hot water calculations was reporting the correct results. To this end, models of three systems were created in TRNSYS in order to serve as a baseline for the EnergyGauge results. The three systems modeled were: Liquid-active closed loop (LACL), Liquid-active open loop (LAOL), Integrated collector storage (ICS). This document will detail each of …

Measured Impacts Of Proper Air Conditioning Sizing In Four Florida Case Study Homes, Florida Solar Energy Center, Jeffrey Sonne

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Previous studies have shown that residential air-conditioning system oversizing is a common practice that has both energy and comfort penalties. A Florida Power and Light / Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) study involving over 350 homes found that 50% of the studies AC systems were over sized by 120% or more (James et al. 1997). The same study found oversizing AC systems by 1.0 to 1.2 times Manual J resulted in 3.7% higher cooling energy use and oversizing systems 1.2 to 1.5 times Manual J resulted in 9.3% higher cooling energy use.

The goal of Task 3.2, Benefits of Proper …

Building America Industrialized Housing Partnership (Baihp), Final Project Report, September 1, 1999 - June 30, 2006, Florida Solar Energy Center, Janet Mcilvaine

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This final report summarizes the work conducted by the Building America Industrialized Housing Partnership (www.baihp.org ) for the period 9/1/99 - 6/30/06. BAIHP is led by the Florida Solar Energy Center of the University of Central Florida and focuses on factory built housing. In partnership with over 50 factory and site builders, work was performed in two main areas - research and technical assistance.

In the research area -- through site visits in over 75 problem homes, we discovered the prime causes of moisture problems in some manufactured homes and our industry partners adopted our solutions to nearly eliminate this …

Field Monitoring And Hourly Simulation Modeling Of The Melink Intellihood Exhaust Control System At Two Supermarkets, One Restaurant, And One Fast Food Restaurant; Final Report, Florida Solar Energy Center, Lixing Gu

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Monitoring of variable speed control of exhaust and make-up air on four Florida buildings is performed. Computer modeling is used to determine energy and demand savings on a yearly basis.

Comparing Apples, Oranges And Grapefruits: An Analysis Of Current Building Energy Analysis Standards For Building America, Home Energy Ratings And The 2006 International Energy Conservation Code, Florida Solar Energy Center, Philip Fairey

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The purpose of this work is to determine the relationship between the U.S. Department of Energy's Building America (BA) Benchmarking Analysis methods and the energy-efficiency analysis methods used by the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) and the Home Energy Rating Systems (HERS) industry for similar purposes. Analysis for three different home sizes conducted in seven different climate zones revealed no correlation between the analysis methods. Pros and cons are presented for different policy options for maintaining or changing the BA benchmark.

Energy Efficient Renovations Of Storm Damaged Residences - Florida Case Studies, Florida Solar Energy Center, Neil Moyer

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Storm-damaged homes offer the opportunity for repairs that reduce energy use, improve comfort and enhance resistance to future storms. Case studies of four Florida homes damaged in the summer of 2004 were documented to show the costs and benefits of various retrofit strategies. All four homes required roof replacement and each took advantage of roof cladding with higher reflectance than the original, a proven means of reducing cooling energy use. Two of the case studies included improvements to attic insulation, tightening of the envelope and/or duct system and improved efficiency equipment and lighting. Energy savings attributable to storm repairs were …

Photovoltaic Use In A Disaster: Mitigation Verses Response, Florida Solar Energy Center, William Young

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Natural disasters can happen at any time destroying lives, homes, businesses and the natural environment. In their path they leave many people without medical services, potable water, electrical services and communication for long periods of time. A disaster can be a minor or major incident impacting the people that survive its effect. We all become aware of the destruction caused by major hurricanes such as Katrina leaving several hundred-thousand people homeless and the resources needed to respond to save lives and restore property. In the midst of these extraordinary complications, emergency management teams, medical personnel, the military, and countless public …

Ifc To Contram Translator, Florida Solar Energy Center, Mangesh Basarkar

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Building security issues are of serious concern in the industry today. This paper will describe the design, development and testing of a software tool that can be effectively used to translate three dimensional building data sets of geometry, materials and HVAC components into an input file for the airflow and contaminant concentration simulation program CONTAM. The objective of the exercise is to allow for shorter turnaround time in evaluating IAQ strategies and building security related issues.

The software tool, 'fsIFCCTM', has been successfully tested to translate 3-D building elements like spaces, walls, doors, windows, and HVAC components like ducts, duct …

Improved Specifications For Federally Procured Ruggedized Manufactured Homes For Disaster Relief In Hot/Humid Climates, Florida Solar Energy Center, Stephanie Thomas-Rees

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) uses ruggedized manufactured homes to provide short term housing solutions during the repair and rebuilding phase after a natural disaster.

Federally procured manufactured homes are currently constructed in accordance with the Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) manufactured housing standards and typically built to the minimum code requirements. These homes can consume more energy than their site built comparatives and use materials and mechanical systems that can potentially contribute to poor indoor quality and low durability. Two improved specifications are presented in this report to enhance energy efficiency, sustainability, indoor air quality and provide back …

How Much Energy Are We Using? Potential Of Residential Energy Demand Feedback Devices, Florida Solar Energy Center, Danny Parker

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Past studies of providing instantaneous feedback on household electrical demand show promise to reduce energy consumption by 10-15%. This paper surveys past research and describes a pilot evaluation of two low cost monitoring systems in case study homes. We also develop an evaluation protocol to use such devices to determine the relative energy intensity of various energy end uses. An identified advantage of the technology is that it provides better guidance on profitable areas to reduce household electrical demand-many of which are often unexpected. Moreover, our case studies showed that use of targeted power strips and occupancy-based controls can significantly …

The Energy Policy Pyramid - A Hierarchal Tool For Decision Makers, Florida Solar Energy Center, Robin Vieira

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Policies of dealing with energy programs are often misdirected. Decision makers jump first to fuel substitution to either lower emissions or counter fuel price escalation. When it comes to both return on short-term economic investment and long-term sustainability for the economy and environment, there is a clear hierarchy. This paper presents the hierarchy as The Energy Policy Pyramid©.

School Conditions Will Continue To Earn Failing Grades, Florida Solar Energy Center, Jeffrey Sonne

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This study addresses indoor air quality and general conditions problems in schools throughout the United States. Tools employed to investigate conditions include a nationwide, web-based survey, characterization of actual operating conditions in schools through field audits and diagnostic tests, and retrofits in problem schools.

Survey results found temperature to be by far the greatest comfort complaint in regular classrooms, with indoor air quality (IAQ) and then humidity being the next greatest areas of complaints. Ventilation problems were found at each of eight audited schools. These problems appear to be occurring due to a combination of factors including lack of maintenance, …

Energy Performance Aspects Of A Florida Green Roof, Florida Solar Energy Center, Jeffrey Sonne

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Previous green roof studies have found that planted roofs significantly reduce roof temperatures and roof heat flux, and simulations indicate cooling load reductions of up to 25%. This monitored study evaluates summer and winter energy performance aspects of a green roof on a central Florida university building addition that was completed in 2005.

Analysis of 2005 summer data indicates significantly lower peak roof surface temperatures for the green roof compared with the conventional roof and a significant shift in when the peak temperature occurs compared to the conventional roof. Summer roof heat flux estimates show the green roof to have …

Measured Crawlspace Conditions In A Hud-Code Home, Florida Solar Energy Center, David Beal

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The Florida Solar Energy Center conducted research utilizing two unconditioned, old, singlewide side-by-side manufactured homes, one with a ground cover and one with exposed dirt under it. Three different skirting options were tested, open or no skirting, perforated skirting, and solid skirting.

Ambient and crawlspace dewpoints were recorded. The data is summarized in the table below. The skirting configurations tested are in Column 1, Column 2 lists the average ambient dewpoint, 3 the ground cover crawlspace, 4 the exposed dirt crawlspace dewpoint.

Successfully sealing HUD code home crawlspaces is the last piece of the puzzle of floor failures plaguing homes …

Cooling Performance Assessment Of Building America Homes, Florida Solar Energy Center, David Chasar

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Long-term monitoring of building energy use and environmental conditions has been a strong component of FSEC research since the 1980s. Fully-automated data collection, verification, archiving and management ensure accurate logging of large amounts of data simultaneously from numerous field sites prior to being made available for analysis and display via the internet. Homes are typically monitored using 15 to 50 channels of data to measure indoor and outdoor environmental conditions and energy use of heating, cooling, water heating, whole house, and other points (e.g. Solar PV or Solar DHW) if needed.

Energy performance in many Building America homes has been …

Comparison Matrix Of Florida Residential Building Energy Code And The International Energy Conservation Code (Iecc) 2006, Florida Solar Energy Center, Mangesh Basarkar

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This report presents a comparison of the differences between the Florida and the IECC (2006) residential energy code requirements. In addition to this summary, the documentation is divided into three sets of distinct comparisons: Comparison of Performance-based methods, Comparison of Prescriptive methods and Comparison of key provisions of the texts. In order to provide the best housing stock, with a code that is easy to implement and enforce, the final recommendation of the study was for Florida to maintain its own code, but consider incorporating some of the newer IECC measures.

Impact Of Solar Powered Disaster-Resistant Communities, Florida Solar Energy Center, William Young

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Natural and man made disasters can destroy lives, homes, businesses, the economy and the environment. Disasters can happen with little or no warning, leaving hundreds or even thousands of people without medical services, potable water, sanitation, communications and electrical services for up to several weeks. This paper identifies the imperative for and value of creating disaster-resistant homes and communities. The use of renewables, the application of distributed generation, implementation of energy-efficient building designs and construction of disaster-resistant structures can minimize the destruction of property, cost of recovery and disruption of lives. Through enhanced construction practices and the use of solar …

Potential Of Energy Efficiency And Renewable Energy Savings To Impact Florida's Projected Energy Use In 2014, Florida Solar Energy Center, Philip Fairey

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Florida's 2004 electrical energy use was 233 billion kilowatt-hours. Over half (51%) of this energy use went to residential building energy. The state's current 10-year predictions for electrical energy use in 2014 show a requirement for approximately 308 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, an increase of approximately 75 billion kilowatt-hours. This study presents an example of how Florida can radically alter its 2014 energy use projection by aggressively pursuing residential building energy efficiency improvements and aggressively increasing its use of proven renewable energy resources.

Study Of Low Speed Transitional Regime Gas Flows In Microchannels Using Information Preservation (Ip) Method, Umit Kursun

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Proper design of thermal management solutions for future nano-scale electronics or photonics will require knowledge of flow and transport through micron-scale ducts. As in the macro-scale conventional counterparts, such micron-scale flow systems would require robust simulation tools for early-stage design iterations. It can be envisioned that an ideal Nanoscale thermal management (NSTM) solution will involve two-phase flow, liquid flow and gas flow. This study focuses on numerical simulation gas flow in microchannels as a fundamental thermal management technique in any future NSTM solution. A wellknown particle-based method, Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) is selected as the simulation tool. Unlike continuum …

Design And Performance Evaluation Of An Integrated Miniature Single Stage Centrifugal Compressor And Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor, Dipjyoti Acharya

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

An attempt has been made in this present work to design, fabricate and performance evaluate an integrated single stage centrifugal compressor and permanent magnet synchronous motor which is a key component of the reverse brayton cycle cryocooler. An off the shelf compressor – the driven and electric motor – the driver was not available commercially to suffice the requirements of the reverse brayton cryocooler. The integrated compressor-motor system was designed and tested with air as the working fluid at mass flow rate of 7.3 grams per sec, with a compression ratio of 1.58 and driven by a 2 KW permanent …

Commissioning Of A Dynamic Mechanical Analyzerfor The Characterization Of Low Temperature Nitife Shape Memory Alloys, Maruthi Diwakar Nandiraju

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

NiTiFe shape memory alloys can undergo transformations between cubic, trigonal and monoclinic phases at low temperatures. The low hysteresis associated with the trigonal R-phase transformation make them candidates for actuator applications at low temperatures. However, the literature available on these alloys is limited and there is a need to establish processing structure-property correlations. This study was undertaken with the objective of determining and understanding such correlations in a Ni46.8Ti50Fe3.2 alloy. First, a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) was successfully commissioned to facilitate mechanical testing between -150 and 600ºC. The experiments performed over selected ranges of stress and temperature probed a range …