Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

Energy Performance Aspects Of A Florida Green Roof, Part 2, Florida Solar Energy Center, Jeffrey Sonne

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This monitored study is an evaluation of summer and winter energy performance aspects of a green roof on a 2-story central Florida university building addition that was completed in 2005. An earlier report on this study was published through the 2006 Symposium on Improving Building Systems in Hot and Humid Climates. This report reviews these earlier results and provides second-summer results which show significant performance improvements for the green roof compared with the first summer results.

Ac System Equipment Specification, Installation And Operational Options For Improved Indoor Humidity Control, Florida Solar Energy Center, Don B. Shirey Iii

FSEC Energy Research Center®

High-efficiency home designs have significantly reduced sensible cooling loads, and some building codes and IAQ standards have begun requiring continuous outdoor ventilation air. These trends have led to an increased prevalence of high indoor humidity conditions (Rudd and Henderson 2007). This paper presents a summary of low-cost or no-cost equipment selection and operation options for conventional residential air-conditioning equipment than can result in lower indoor humidity levels. These options should be evaluated and employed to the extent possible prior to considering the added first cost and operating costs of separate dehumidification equipment.

Drilling, Alternative Fuels And Efficiency: Can The United States Wean Itself From Imported Oil?, Florida Solar Energy Center, Philip W. Fairey

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Perhaps the most daunting challenge the next generation of Americans will face is what President Bush called our "addiction to oil." The challenge is to find the means to provide for our transportation needs in the face of declining world oil production. Perhaps the central question is whether we will export the great wealth of America to foreign countries in payment for oil before we tackle the grand challenge of creating a new transportation future that does not rely completely on oil.

This article presents the historical facts relative to America's oil demand and domestic and world oil production resources. …

Overview And Summary Of Design Ideas From The High Performance Green Relocatable Classroom Charrette, Florida Solar Energy Center, Charles Withers, Jr.

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Past research has shown that energy use can be reduced by 81% in improved new portable classrooms in Florida. On June 2-3, 2008 a design charrette was held in Palm Beach Gardens with the goal of developing qualities that should be considered for a High-Performance Green Relocatable Classroom (HPGRC) standard for Florida or other regions in hot and humid climates. This charrette is just one of many steps that would be involved in development and acceptance of a HPGRC standard. It is hoped that the results of this can be shared with others and used to build on the development …

Furnace Blower Electricity: National And Regional Savings Potential, Florida Solar Energy Center, Victor Franco

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Currently, total electricity consumption of furnaces is unregulated, tested at laboratory conditions using the DOE test procedure, and is reported in the GAMA directory as varying from 76 kWh/year to 1,953 kWh/year. Furnace blowers account for about 80% of the total furnace electricity consumption and are primarily used to distribute warm air throughout the home during furnace operation as well as distribute cold air during air conditioning operation. Yet the furnace test procedure does not provide a means to calculate the electricity consumption during cooling operation or standby, which account for a large fraction of the total electricity consumption. Furthermore, …

Nightcool: A Nocturnal Radiation Cooling Concept, Florida Solar Energy Center, Danny Parker

FSEC Energy Research Center®

An experimental evaluation has been conducted on a night sky cooling system designed to substantially reduce space cooling needs in homes in North American climates. The system uses a sealed attic covered by a highly conductive metal roof (a roof integrated radiator) which is selectively linked by air flow to the main zone with the attic zone to provide cooling - largely during nighttime hours. Available house mass is used to store sensible cooling. Currently, the system's capability for solar dehumidification with minimal electricity input is demonstrated.

How Energy Efficient Are Modern Dishwashers?, Florida Solar Energy Center, David Hoak

FSEC Energy Research Center®

We present measurements of three recent vintage dishwashers of very different efficiencies showing that while they are substantially more efficient than older dishwashers, those tested will still use electric resistance elements for supplemental heat, even when supplied by solar water heating systems producing very hot water. We did find the DOE test results provide a reasonable guide to comparative performance, but suggest improvements that will make them more representative. We also identify a variety of influences on efficiency and performance to reduce dishwasher energy use.

Very Low Energy Homes In The United States: Perspectives On Performance From Measured Data, Florida Solar Energy Center, Danny Parker

FSEC Energy Research Center®

We present measured annual performance data from a dozen recent-vintage very low energy homes in North America. Many of the designs combine greater energy efficiency with solar electric photovoltaic power in an attempt to create Zero Energy Homes (ZEH). We also provide measured data from the first home constructed to the German Passivhaus standard in the United States. Several projects either exceeded or come very close to true net zero energy when evaluated over a year.

The data indicate that very low energy use buildings can very readily be achieved in North America. Annual energy use half that or less …

Ac System Equipment Specification, Installation And Operational Issues That Can Enhance Indoor Humidity Control, Florida Solar Energy Center, Don B. Shirey Iii

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This report presents summary of research on equipment selection and operation issues with conventional air conditioning equipment that can be employed prior to seeking the added first cost and operating cost of separate dehumidifiers.

Reducing Energy Use In Florida Buildings, Florida Solar Energy Center, Richard Raustad

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The 2007 Florida Building Code requires building designers and architects to achieve a minimum energy efficiency rating for buildings located throughout Florida. Although the Florida Building Code is strict in the minimum requirements for new construction, several aspects of building construction can be further improved through careful thought and design. This report outlines several energy saving features that can be used to ensure that new buildings meet a new target goal of 85% energy use compared to the current code requirements.

Habitat For Humanity Case Studies, Florida Solar Energy Center, Janet Mcilvaine

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This document is a compilation of four separate case studies of Habitat for Humanity affiliates who have adopted Building America principles of high performance as standard construction. This work was compiled by the Building America Industrialized Housing Partnership (www.baihp.org ) for the U.S. Department of Energy to serve as a model for other affordable housing providers. BAIHP is led by the Florida Solar Energy Center of the University of Central Florida.

Cost-Effective Energy-Efficiency And Florida's Residential Energy Code, Florida Solar Energy Center, Philip W. Fairey

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The 2007 Florida Legislature authorized the Florida Building Commission (FBC) and Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to evaluate cost effectiveness of energy conservation measures including appliance efficiencies that could be implemented through the Florida Energy Code for certain buildings. Additionally, Governor Crist's Executive Order #07-127 requires the Secretary of DCA to "convene the Florida Building Commission for the purposes of revising the Florida Energy Code for Building Construction to increase the energy performance of new construction in Florida by at least 15% from the 2007 Energy Code. The Commission should consider incorporating standards for appliances and standard lighting in the …

Experimental Evaluation Of The Nightcool Nocturnal Radiation Cooling Concept: Annual Performance Assessment In Scale Test Buildings, Florida Solar Energy Center, Danny Parker

FSEC Energy Research Center®

An experimental evaluation has been conducted on a night sky cooling system designed to substantially reduce space cooling needs in homes in North American climates. The system uses a sealed attic covered by a highly conductive metal roof (a roof integrated radiator) which is selectively linked by air flow to the main zone with the attic zone to provide cooling--largely during nighttime hours. Available house mass is used to store sensible cooling. Additional dehumidification is done during the evening hours as warranted by interior conditions.

An initial report describes a detailed simulation model of the relevant night cooling phenomenon, examining …

Pilot Evaluation Of Energy Savings From Residential Energy Demand Feedback Devices, Florida Solar Energy Center, Danny Parker

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Providing instantaneous feedback on household electrical demand has shown the promise to reduce energy consumption by 5-15%. This paper briefly reviews past research and describes a two year pilot evaluation of a low cost residential energy feedback system installed in twenty case study homes in Florida. Although not a statistical sample (the participants were self-selected), the study showed an average 7% reduction in energy use from feedback homes in the second year of monitoring after controlling for weather-related influences. A large identified advantage of the technology is that it provides better guidance on profitable areas to reduce household electrical demand--many …

Improved Duct Systems Task Report With Stagegate 2 Analysis, Florida Solar Energy Center, Neil Moyer

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The Building America Industrialized Housing Partnership's work with two industry partners, Cavalier Homes and Southern Energy Homes, in constructing and evaluating prototype interior duct systems will be summarized. Issues of energy performance, comfort, DAPIA approval, manufacturability and cost will be addressed. A stage gate 2 analysis will address the current status of project showing that there are still refinements needed to the process of incorporating all of the ducts within the air and thermal boundaries of the envelope.

Orange County Convention Center Energy Analysis And Energy Information System, Florida Solar Energy Center, Charles Withers, Jr.

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) has the 2nd largest convention facility utilization in the nation. Two primary buildings provide about seven million square feet of conditioned space to approximately 1.5 million visitors per year. In efforts to reduce energy conservation, OCCC began implementing several energy conservation measures beginning in 2005 and continuing over the last 2 years with plans to continue additional efforts in the future. An analysis of monthly chilled water and electricity used by the West and North/South Buildings has been completed in an effort to investigate reductions in energy use resulting from conservation measures. This final …

Commissioning High Performance Residences In Hot, Humid Climates, Florida Solar Energy Center, Ken Fonorow

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Since 2001, the authors have engaged several builders in the Gainesville, FL area to build over 500 high performance new energy efficient homes in multiple sub divisions. The builders keep building to increased levels of energy efficiency. Each home is individually designed, inspected, rated and commissioned for optimum performance. This paper summarizes the experiences to date with two production builders who have cost shared with the Building America program to deliver these outstanding results. Keys to success are commitment from the final decision maker; scopes of work for subcontractors with specific performance criteria; clear communication with the trades often accompanied …

Closing The Gap: Getting Full Performance From Residential Central Air Conditioners. Task 4.2-Develop New Climate-Sensitive Air Conditioner, Design, Construction, And Testing, Florida Solar Energy Center, Don B. Shirey Iii

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This study evaluated the performance of a prototype air conditioning system. The configuration of the prototype was based on detailed simulation results performed as part of this study. The results of the previously completed simulation indicated that energy-efficient, properly-ventilated homes in humid climates need equipment options or configurations that can provide a modest amount of additional dehumidification capacity while coordinating their operation with conventional cooling and ventilation systems. A prototype air conditioning system was constructed using currently available components and provides a method to independently control sensible (temperature) and latent (moisture) building loads. The prototype system was tested in both …

Review Of Chilled Water And Electric Energy Use At The West And North/South Buildings Of The Orange County Convention Center, Florida Solar Energy Center, Charles Withers, Jr.

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) has the 2nd largest convention facility utilization in the nation. Two primary buildings provide about seven million square feet of conditioned space to one million visitors per year. In efforts to reduce energy conservation, OCCC began implementing several energy conservation measures beginning in 2005 and continuing over the last 2 years with plans to continue additional efforts in the future. Examples of the types of energy conservation involved changing lighting and HVAC schedules and control methods, replacement of motors with higher efficiency, and turning off power to other unused equipment. An analysis of monthly …

Airflow Network Modeling In Energyplus, Florida Solar Energy Center, Lixing Gu

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The airflow network model in EnergyPlus provides the ability to simulate multizone wind-driven airflows. The model is also able to simulate the impacts of forced air distribution systems, including supply and return air leaks. The air distribution system portion of the model is currently applicable for constant-air-volume systems. Future enhancements will include adding hybrid ventilation control and possible extension to include variable-air-volume distribution systems.

This paper describes the input objects, calculation procedures, model validation, and example results. The model inputs consist of five main objects: simulation control, multizone data, node data, component data, and linkage data. The model calculates pressure …

Ucf Recommissioning Project Final Report, Florida Solar Energy Center, James Cummings

FSEC Energy Research Center®

A research project was carried out to examine the energy savings which occurred from recommissioning three University of Central Florida buildings. Recommissioning activities completed in two of the three buildings yielded chilled water and whole building electricity savings on the order of 15% to 30%. Recommissioning implementation is pending in the third building, where savings are projected to be in the range of 40% to 50% of total building energy use. Additionally, cooling energy savings were monitored (and calculated) for a green roof installation at one of these three buildings. Calculated savings were found to be 1.05 kWh/day for a …

Effectiveness Of Florida's Residential Energy Code: 1979 - 2007, Florida Solar Energy Center, Philip W. Fairey

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This study was commissioned by the Florida Department of Community Affairs’ Codes & Standards Section to determine the impacts of Florida’s Energy Efficiency Code over time and recommend possible changes that would increase residential efficiency. It examines each of the 14 residential energy code cycles that have occurred during the 28 year period and determines the relative change in code stringency and its impact on energy use and energy cost throughout the period. The study also examines Florida’s proposed 2007 Code1 to determine how its requirements compare with the requirements of Section 404 of the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code …

Closing The Gap: Getting Full Performance From Residential Central Air Conditioners, Task 4 - Develop New Climate-Sensitive Air Conditioner, Simulation Results And Cost Benefit Analysis, Florida Solar Energy Center, Hugh Henderson, Jr.

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This study evaluated the impacts of conventional and advanced cooling and dehumidification equipment on residential indoor humidity levels and annual energy consumption using whole building computer simulations. The life-cycle cost premium for the various advanced systems was also estimated. Building models were developed for a standard HERS Reference house, meant to represent current residential construction practice, and a High-Efficiency house that would likely qualify for a federal tax credit. The different houses were simulated in seven southeastern U.S. cities and with two ventilation/infiltration scenarios: 1) variable or natural infiltration alone, and 2) mechanical ventilation that complied with ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2004. …

Mitigating The Impacts Of Uncontrolled Air Flow On Indoor Environmental Quality And Energy Demand In Non-Residential Buildings, Florida Solar Energy Center, Hugh Henderson, Jr.

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This project builds on previous field research in Florida that has demonstrated the significant impact that uncontrolled air flows (UAFs) have on indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and energy use in small commercial buildings, a large but poorly understood segment of the nation's building stock. The goal of this project was to extend that research to a national scale by assessing the importance of UAFs in a sample of 25 commercial buildings in New York State. The differences in climate and construction techniques between New York and Florida are expected to bound the range conditions typically found on a national basis. …

Priorities For Energy Efficiency For Home Construction In Florida, Florida Solar Energy Center, Robin Vieira

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Below we provide the priorities for obtaining an energy efficient building in Florida.

Experimental Evaluation Of Nightcool Nocturnal Radiation Cooling Concept: Performance Assessment In Scale Test Buildings, Florida Solar Energy Center, Danny Parker

FSEC Energy Research Center®

An experimental test evaluation has been conducted of a night sky cooling system designed to substantially reduce space cooling needs in homes in North American climates. The system uses a sealed attic covered by a highly conductive metal roof (a roof integrated radiator) which is selectively linked by air flow to the main zone with the attic zone to provide cooling- largely during nighttime hours. Available house mass is used to store sensible cooling. Additional dehumidification is done during the evening hours as warranted by interior conditions.

A previous report describes a detailed simulation model of the relevant night cooling …

Thermal Control Of An Occupied Room: Investigating The Use Of Carbon Dioxide Concentration As An Auxiliary Control Variable, Kevin O'Connell, Aidan O'Dwyer

Conference papers

This paper details the theoretical and experimental work done in the examination of the relationship between human generated carbon dioxide concentration and temperature rise in an occupied room. Generation of carbon dioxide by humans is linked to metabolic rate and heat generation. Therefore, carbon dioxide concentration may be used as an indicator of occupancy in a room. Typically, a heating control system will react slowly to changes in room occupancy if temperature is used as the process variable. The aim of the work was to establish if carbon dioxide concentration in the space could be used as an auxiliary control …

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 …

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 …

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