Energy Systems Commons^™

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 …

A Simplified Hot Water Distribution System Model, Florida Solar Energy Center, Lixing Gu

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Water heating in the U.S. has been identified as a major component of total energy consumption used in buildings, mostly coming from the residential sector at around 11%. A potential opportunity for energy savings in water heating systems is to improve the design of hot water distribution systems (HWDS). Due to the complex heat losses of HWDS, models are needed to optimize HWDS by reducing heat losses. There are three models currently used to simulate thermal performance of hot water distribution systems (HWDS): HWSim, ORNL-HWDS, and TRNSYS. The first two models are used to study hot water distribution systems only …

Solar 2007: Florida's Emergency Shelters Go Solar, Florida Solar Energy Center, William Young

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Florida has its fair share of dangerous weather conditions including hurricanes, tornados and floods. Florida Legislature passed various laws and made revisions addressing disaster planning which required that the Department of Education, in consultation with school boards and county and state emergency management offices, develop design standards for public shelters to be incorporated into State Requirements for Educational Facilities.

Last year, Solar for Schools, a state program, provided funds to put photovoltaic systems on schools that are classified as shelters, adding a new dimension to the educational program. Middleton High School is an example of an application to power the …

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 …

Solar Energy For Disaster Response Using Space Program Resources, Florida Solar Energy Center, William Young

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Satellite pictures, solar radiation levels on the earth's surface, Global Positioning Satellites (GPS) and other space-related resources are available through the efforts of many people and organizations. Satellites' measurements of these resources can be integrated with resources on earth to assess damage from disasters and evaluate resources available to respond. Space-related resources are currently being used by the American Red Cross, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, county Emergency Managers and other organizations. The widest use is in evaluating utility resources and deploying them for repair and emergency power in response to a disaster. Today's use of state-of-the-art satellite and Geographic …

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.

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).

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 …

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 DHW systems and therefore is not discussed.

Field Monitoring And Computer Modeling To Determine Energy And Demand Savingsfrom 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 W. 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©.