Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

Measured Natural Cooling Enhancement Of A Whole House Fan, Florida Solar Energy Center, Danny Parker

FSEC Energy Research Center®

An experimental study was carried out in the summer of 1991 to investigate the natural cooling potential of use of a whole house fan in Central Florida's hot and humid climate. The residential building, in Cocoa Beach, FL, is typical of much of the existing housing stock in Florida: a concrete block structure with R-11 ceiling insulation. The building was ventilated with all windows open during the three month summer test period (June-August). Air temperatures and relative humidity inside the home interior along with exterior meteorological conditions (insolation, wind speed, air temperature, relative humidity) were scanned every five seconds with …

Limiting Solar Radiation Effects On Outdoor Air Temperature Measurement, Florida Solar Energy Center, Robin Vieira

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This experimental study compares various methods of reducing the effects of solar radiation on outdoor air temperature measurements. It indicates that radiation effects can introduce significant measurement error, even with the use of shielding devices and aspiration, and outlines efforts that were taken to lessen the error caused by radiation.

Two separate tests were conducted, one comparing naturally ventilated and fan-aspirated radiation shields, the other comparing seven identical fan-aspirated shields. Results from the first test showed that one of the naturally ventilated shields was generally more effective than a fan- aspirated unit-at some instances of high radiation giving daytime temperatures …

Energy Use In Attached And Detached Residential Developments: Survey Results, Florida Solar Energy Center, Robin Vieira

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The relationship between land use, density, dwelling types and energy use in Florida has never been comprehensively examined. Few people consider both energy used in housing and energy used for local transportation. Florida state officials and some land planners have called for compact urban growth to reduce traffic congestion and travel distances. However, energy is rarely mentioned in these arguments. Local governments are trying to respond to the state's concern for compact growth. Developers, on the other hand, are concerned with meeting the local regulations. Unfortunately, energy use is seldom considered and there is little data available to guide decision …

Investigation Of Air Distribution System Leakage And Its Impacts In Central Florida Homes, Florida Solar Energy Center, James B. Cummings

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Testing for air leakage in air distribution systems was done in 160 central Florida homes. Tracer gas tests found that infiltration rates were three times greater when the air handler was operating that when it was off, indicating that there are large leaks in the air distribution system. Infiltration averaged 0.91 air changes per hour (ach) with the air handler (AH) operating continuously and 0.28 ach with the AH off. Return leaks were measured by tracer gas and found to average 10.7% of AH total flow. House airtightness, in 99 of these homes, determined by blower door testing, averaged 12.7 …

Measuring Thermostat And Air Conditioner Performance In Florida Homes, Florida Solar Energy Center, Hugh Henderson, Jr.

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This report summarizes the experimental results from 30 field tests in 23 Central Florida homes during the Summer of 1990. Detailed thermostat measurements were made at each site for a one to three day period. The purpose of this study was to determine how thermostats operate in actual buildings. This knowledge is necessary to understand the part load performance of air conditioners (ACs).

Monitored Energy Use Characteristics Of A Florida Residence: Demonstration Of A Research Monitoring Protocol, Data Acquisition System And Associated Analysis Methods, Florida Solar Energy Center, Danny Parker

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This report summarizes the first four months of data collection on the author's home in Cocoa Beach, Florida. This project was designed to develop and test a residential monitoring protocol for a cooling dominated climate. The project has demonstrated that useful research results can be obtained from the detailed monitoring of a single occupied residential home.

Impacts Of Duct Leakage On Infiltration Rates, Space Conditioning Energy Use, And Peak Electrical Demand In Florida Homes, Florida Solar Energy Center, James Cummings

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Testing for duct leakage was done in 91 homes. Tracer gas tests found that infiltration rates were four times greater when the air handler was operating than when it was off. Return leaks were found to average 10.0% of air handler total flow. House airtightness, in 63 of these homes, determined by blower door testing, averaged 12.38 air changes per hour at 50 Pascals (ACH50). When the duct registers were sealed, ACH50 decreased to 10.93, indicating that 11.7% of the house leaks were in the duct system.

Duct repairs were made on 25 homes. Blower door tests found 12.30 air …

A Stratified Air Model For Simulation Of Attic Thermal Performance, Florida Solar Energy Center, Danny Parker

FSEC Energy Research Center®

An improved computer simulation model for attics has been developed. The model accounts for detailed radiation, buoyancy and wind driven air flows and thermal stratification within the attic airspace. Through comparison with measured data, the paper examines the relative importance of the various modeling parameters and assumptions upon simulation accuracy. Stratification of the attic air was found to be a critical modeling characteristic which is typically ignored in building energy simulations. Both model and measurement results shows that air stratification increases significantly when low-emittance surfaces are included.

The Planet Janitor: A Symbol Of Global Concerns, Florida Solar Energy Center, Public Information Office

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Meet the Planet Janitor. A kindly, yet determined gentleman. He works at the Florida Solar Energy Center where he is a spokesman for energy-related issues. He illustrates the need to sweep up all environmental messes we've made. He reminds us to maintain our home - Planet Earth. He dramatizes our role as custodians of our children's inheritance. He knows and he shows how the individual can make a difference.

Renewable Energy Activities For Middle Grades, Florida Solar Energy Center, David Lahart

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) is a research and education arm of the State University System hosted by the University of Central Florida. The Florida legislature established FSEC in 1974 to conduct research in alternative energy technologies, to ensure the quality of solar energy equipment sold in Florida, and to educate people about renewable energy technology.

One method of disseminating research results has been through teacher education programs and the development of instructional materials. FSEC-developed materials are designed to teach science and social studies research methods and/or process skills. The units have been field-tested and correlated with student performance …

Radon Pressure Differential Project; Phase Ii Infiltration, Florida Solar Energy Center, James Cummings

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Testing has been done on 50 central Florida homes to assess and characterize house infiltration rates in new (age five years or less) Florida homes. These 50 were drawn randomly from a sample of 70 homes which had been previously tested to determine house airtightness, air distribution system leakage, and pressure differentials. The 50 homes had an average airtightness of 7.31 air changes per hour at 50 Pascals (ACH50). Significant leaks were found in the ductwork in a majority of homes tested, both on the supply and return sides of the air handler. When the air distribution system was sealed …

Radon Pressure Differential Project, Phase I, Florida Solar Energy Center, James Cummings

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Testing has been done on 70 central Florida homes to assess and characterize pressure differentials in new (age five years or less) Florida homes. Blower door testing was done to determine house airtightness and air distribution system leakage. The 70 homes had an average airtightness of 7.23 air changes per hour at 50 Pascals (ACH50). Significant leaks were found in the ductwork in a majority of homes tested, both on the supply and return sides of the air handler. When the air distribution system was sealed off, house ACH50 decreased to 6.42, indicating that 11.2% of the house leak area …

Electrical Use, Efficiency, And Peak Demand Of Electric Resistance, Heat Pump, Desuperheater, And Solar Hot Water Systems, Florida Solar Energy Center, Timothy Merrigan

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Eighty single family residences in Florida were monitored for two years in order to collect data on water heating electrical energy consumption, efficiency, and time-of-day demand. The homes were divided into equally sized samples of four different water heating systems: conventional electric resistance, heat pump, desuperheater and solar hot water systems. Electrical consumption for electric resistance water heaters averaged 8.3 kWh per day in Florida with an average water heating system efficiency of 82%. Desuperheaters used an annual average of 7.4 kWh per day at an annual system efficiency of 110% and heat pump water heaters used 6.1 kWh per …

Color-Rendering Of Daylight From Water-Filled Light Pipes, Florida Solar Energy Center, Ross Mccluney

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Water-filled light pipes can be used to transport concentrated beam solar radiation from a solar collection system to a utilization system, altering the spectral distribution of the radiation in a beneficial way in the process. One use for such a system would be for the daylighting of the core interior spaces of buildings, spaces that are far removed from outside walls or the roof and are therefore not amenable to conventional daylighting with sidelights or toplights. The filtering action of the water can be used to remove unwanted infrared and ultraviolet radiation while affecting the visible portion of the radiation …

Monitored Performance Enhancement Of A Radiant Barrier Automobile Window Shade, Florida Solar Energy Center, Danny Parker

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) has monitored several automobiles in order to investigate how hot interior temperatures in parked cars might be reduced through the use of improved technology car shades. We observed interior temperatures in un-shaded stationary automobiles in Cape Canaveral, Florida to commonly reach 150° F and dashboard temperatures to rise to nearly 200° F. We found the addition of a conventional cardboard car shade behind the automobile windshield on sunny days to reduce the interior air temperatures by an average of 15° F. Dashboard temperatures were reduced by 40° F.

We found radiant barrier system (RBS) …

Monitored Residential Space Cooling Electricity Consumption In A Hot-Humid Climate: Magnitude, Variation And Reductionfrom Retrofits, Florida Solar Energy Center, Danny Parker

FSEC Energy Research Center®

There are few end-use studies that report monitored space cooling energy consumption for residential buildings in hot-humid climates. This paper reports data from 25 occupied single-family houses in Palm Beach County, Florida (Messenger et.al. 1982). The houses were first monitored for one year in 1981 to establish their space cooling consumption. After the first year of monitoring they received a battery of retrofits predicted to reduce household energy use. Incorporated measures included conversion to high-efficiency air conditioners or heat pumps, added ceiling insulation, window films, awnings, zoned conditioning systems and ceiling fans. The houses were then monitored for an additional …

Dealing With Heat & Humidity In Florida Homes, Florida Solar Energy Center, Robin Vieira

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Energy conservation is the solution to the problem of high electric bills. Much is known about home heating conservation, but conservation measures for cooling are not as well-known or widely practiced. This energy note focuses on heat and humidity sources that cause Floridians to run their air conditioners. It also presents conservation techniques that will reduce those air-conditioning requirements.

Solar Energy In Florida, Florida Solar Energy Center, Carolyn King Burns

FSEC Energy Research Center®

To understand Florida's position in the development of solar technologies it's necessary to visualize a bigger picture. Currently, the United States spends over $38 billion per year for crude oil and petroleum product imports, whereas appropriations for research and development on solar energy technology total less than $120 million per year.

Not only do we operate within a global economy, we also operate within a global environment. If the greenhouse effect and global climate change force nations to drastically reduce carbon dioxide emissions, there are very few alternatives to fossil fuels for power production. In a world of dwindling energy …

Energy Research Projects, Florida Solar Energy Center, David Lahart

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) is a research and education arm of the State University System hosted by the University of Central Florida. The Florida legislature established FSEC in 1974 to conduct research in alternative energy technologies, to ensure the quality of solar energy equipment sold in Florida, and to educate people about renewable energy technology. One method of disseminating research results has been through teacher education programs and the development of instructional materials. FSEC-developed materials are designed to teach science and social studies research methods and for process skills. All units are field-tested and correlated with student performance …

Tracer Gas As A Practical Field Diagnostic Tool For Assessing Duct System Leaks, Florida Solar Energy Center, James Cummings

FSEC Energy Research Center®

A methodology is presented for using tracer gas testing to detect and quantify duct leakage in homes. Since air is invisible, leakage of air from duct systems often remains undetected. Smoke sticks used in conjunction with blower doors are excellent diagnostic tools for detecting and locating leaks in the air distribution system. The tracer gas tests described are a good complement to these tools in the detection, location, and measurement of duct leakage.

Testing for house infiltration once with the air handler on and again with the air handler off indicates whether duct leaks exist. In many cases, it is …

Xeriscape: Landscape That Saves, Florida Solar Energy Center, Carolyn King Burns

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Today's headlines trumpet urgent energy concerns. Still, there are ways in which individual effort cumulatively can slow, stop, and even reverse the negative impact of poor conservation habits.

Landscaping spends energy in a variety of ways: in the manufacture and use of fertilizers; in the manufacture, use, and fueling of landscaping equipment; in the production and distribution of our water supply; and in physical effort. But Xeriscaping saves energy.

With 800 - 900 people a day moving to the land of sunshine, water is increasingly precious. In Florida outdoor irrigation alone can consume up to 50 percent of the average …

Thermal Performance Monitoring Results From The Residential Standards Demonstration Program, Florida Solar Energy Center, Danny Parker

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The Model Conservation Standards (MCS) were developed by the Northwest Power Planning Council in 1983. These standards were designed to save large amounts of space heating energy in new U.S. residential construction in the Pacific Northwest. Creation of the MCS resulted in a desire to demonstrate the actual savings of such energy efficiency standards. The Bonneville Power Administration sponsored the Residential Standards Demonstration Program (RSDP) in 1984 which resulted in the construction of 410 energy-efficient single-family homes in the four-state region. Typically these buildings incorporated design features such as high levels of insulation for attic, walls and floors, triple-glazed windows …

The Greenhouse Effect, Florida Solar Energy Center, Ingrid Melody

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Use of conventional energy sources - in Florida and throughout the world - has produced a global problem known as "the greenhouse effect." While the scientific community does not always agree on the greenhouse effect's potential impacts on the planet, and while policy makers do not always agree on methods to ameliorate or adapt to it, most concur on at least a few points: The greenhouse effect does indeed exist and is primarily a result of our use of carbon-based energy supplies. The greenhouse effect is changing the planet's climate. The greenhouse effect presents circumstances unique in human history - …

Consumer Facts About Radiant Barriers, Florida Solar Energy Center, Public Information Office

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Radiant barriers are becoming popular for use in Florida attics. Some marketing companies are now selling them with inflated claims of energy savings and questionable installation recommendations. Understandably confused consumers have called the FSEC Public Information Office for answers.

Economic Benefits Of Various Energy Conservation Options, Florida Solar Energy Center, Public Information Office

FSEC Energy Research Center®

An energy conservation investment for your home can be a significantly better investment than putting your money in the bank. While safe investments in the financial markets may yield about 8 percent return on investment, many energy investments can yield a considerably greater return when analyzed over their expected service life.

Build Your Own Solar Batch Water Heater, Florida Solar Energy Center, Public Information Office

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The solar batch water heater is a fun project for the do-it yourselfer and provides an inexpensive hot water source for the back yard workshop or weekend cabin, It is easy to construct, costs only about $70 to build and produces water temperatures as high as 150 degrees F.

Remember, the batch heater is not designed to operate with pressurized water system and should not be connected to a city water supply. If you are looking for such a system, consider manufactured solar systems, which have been designed to meet strict standards and aesthetic considerations.

Photovoltaic-Powered Lighting System For Overhead Highway Guide Signs, Florida Solar Energy Center, Public Information Office

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The problem: A safety hazard affected motorists traveling through a remote area in Brevard County near the St. Johns River on the eastbound Bee Line Expressway (S.R. 528). At that point the Bee Line splits, sending Titusville- bound motorists to the north, and Central Brevard- bound travelers to the south. Because of the high cost of extending utility service several miles from the nearest distribution point, the overhead guide signs were not illuminated, and at such a critical juncture on the 65-mph highway, it was difficult, if not impossible, to read them at night. The problem-solvers: Since 2.5 million vehicles …

Analysis Of Radiant Barrier Car Shade Performance: Preliminary Experiments And Proof Of Concept, Florida Solar Energy Center, Danny Parker

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) has monitored several automobiles over the last two months in order to investigate how hot interior temperatures in parked cars might be reduced through the use of improved technology, car shades. We observed interior temperatures in un-shaded stationary automobiles in Cape Canaveral, Florida to commonly reach 150 °F and dashboard temperatures to rise to nearly 200 °F. We found the addition of a conventional cardboard car shade behind the automobile windshield on sunny days to reduce the interior air temperatures by an average of 15 °F. Dashboard temperatures were reduced by 40 °F.

We …

Hydrogen For Power Applications. Task 2: Storage Of Hydrogen In Solid, Liquid And Gaseous Forms. June 1988. 1 V., Florida Solar Energy Center, David L. Block

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This report provides a comprehensive account of the major developments and the issues of concern in the storage and handling of hydrogen in all three forms, namely, solid (as metal hydrides), liquid and gaseous. Keeping in mind that ground transportation has the potential to be the most obvious and widespread utilization vector for hydrogen, particular effort is made to compare alternative storage and handling systems of hydrogen with that of gasoline. Conclusions and recommendations are based on a systematic and unbiased analysis of the pros and cons of various storage and handling options for hydrogen, both demonstrated and projected.

Energy-Efficient Florida Home Building Manual (Revised 1992), Florida Solar Energy Center, Robin Vieira

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This manual presents practical, real-life recommendations on how to design and build homes in Florida. It contains information specific to our state's climate and lifestyles, rather than the overly general information found in most residential building publications. The book was developed in 1992 as an all-inclusive guide for anyone interested in constructing homes that are efficient. It is packed with information that will help you plan such homes, choose the best materials and products for the homes, and if you are a builder or developer - sell and profit from them. The files are all in PDF format. The file …