Energy Systems Commons^™

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 …

Theoretical & Computational Investigation Of Algorithms For Simultaneous Heat & Moisture Transport In Buildings. Task 2 Final Report, Milestone #218 & 220 Combined. Iv (Copies 1ref, 2,3), Florida Solar Energy Center, Alp Kerestecioglu

FSEC Energy Research Center®

In keeping with the national energy policy goal of fostering an adequate supply of energy at a reasonable cost, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) supports a variety of programs to promote a balanced and mixed energy resource system. The mission of the DOE Solar Buildings Research and Development Program is to support this goal, by providing for the development of solar technology alternatives for the buildings sector. It is the goal of the Program to establish a proven technology base to allow industry to develop solar products and designs for buildings that are economically competitive and can contribute …

Whole-Building Moisture Experiments And Data Analysis. Draft Task 1 Final Report, Milestone #219. February 5, 1988. 91 P., Florida Solar Energy Center, Adel A. Kamel

FSEC Energy Research Center®

For four months (August -November) in 1987 whole -building moisture capacitance experiments were done on a townhouse in Cocoa, Florida. The experiments were designed to: 1. Observe the response of a building to imposed moisture flux 2. Determine the moisture storage capacity of the building and furnishings 3. Evaluate simple models designed to predict the response of room air humidity ration to pulses of moisture 4. Assess two innovative approaches to cooling (off-peak cooling and DESRAD) The results of the tests indicated that moisture storage in the furnishings is much greater than moisture storage in the air. The bare building …

Rbs Technology: Task 3 Report, Florida Solar Energy Center, Philip W. Fairey

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The purpose of this report is to discuss the current state of attic radiant barrier system (RBS) technology. Concepts, research issues and experimental test results are presented and discussed.

Radiant Barriers: A Question And Answer Primer, Florida Solar Energy Center, Philip W. Fairey

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Attic radiant barriers made of aluminum foil are becoming a popular way for homeowners to save energy and money in Southern states. They are increasing in popularity for two reasons. First, tests by the Florida Solar Energy Center and other groups show that they work. Second, manufacturers are improving the quality of radiant barrier materials.

To most homeowners, attic radiant barriers are a new energy conservation concept; many of them have questions about how radiant barriers work and how to use them. This Energy Note answers some of the most commonly asked questions. It also recommends ways to install radiant …

Procedures For Calculating Natural Ventilation Airflow Rates In Buildings. 03-87, Florida Solar Energy Center, Subrato Chandra

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This is the final report of ASHRAE research project 448-RP "Building Pressure Distribution for Natural Ventilation" initiated in October 1985. The objective of the research was to review the worldwide data on building pressure coefficient and to assimilate the data for use in hourly calculation of natural ventilation airflow rates in buildings. This report is organized in two parts. Part 1 is written for the user who wants to use the information. Part 2 provides the background and research data analysis which was conducted to come up with the Part 1 information.

Field Data Delivery - Thermal Performance Field Monitoring Of Various Conservation Construction Techniques. Final Report, Florida Solar Energy Center, Charles Cromer

FSEC Energy Research Center®

No abstract provided.

Heat Pipe Application Program, Florida Solar Energy Center, Mukesh Khattar

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The Florida Solar Energy Center has begun a project to develop a high efficiency air conditioner/dehumidifier using heat pipes between the warm return and cold supply air streams. Such systems will save energy in hot, humid climates.

Radiant Energy Transfer And Radiant Barrier Systems In Buildings, Florida Solar Energy Center, Philip W. Fairey

FSEC Energy Research Center®

In Florida and other southern climates we depend on a number of strategies to keep heat out of buildings. Mostly, these affect heat gains by conduction or convection. In the average house, insulating walls and ceilings primarily restricts conduction. Double-glazed windows restrict both conductive and convective heat gain. We have largely ignored radiation - the third means of heat transfer - except in using window treatments and coatings that reflect, absorb or shade from solar energy. But research points to exciting potential for reducing heat gain in buildings by controlling radiation transfer in walls and ceilings through the use of …

Techniques For Shading Residential Walls And Windows, Florida Solar Energy Center, Philip W. Fairey

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Solar radiation is a major heat source in buildings - welcome in cold weather but a summertime problem. Florida's long cooling season and short heating season increase the importance of protecting windows, walls and sliding glass doors during hot weather, while still permitting solar heat to enter a building during cold weather. cooling and heating energy savings of 10% - 20% are possible through good shading strategies. Properly designed roof overhangs can provide adequate sun protection, especially for south-facing surfaces. Vertical shading devices such as trees, trellises, trellised vines, shutters, shading screens awnings and exterior roll blinds are also effective. …

Solar Water Heater Troubleshooting Checklist, Florida Solar Energy Center

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Lists the Symptom, Component, Possible Cause, and Remedy/Check of possible solar hot water heater problems.

Solar Ovens And Cookers, Florida Solar Energy Center

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Solar ovens work much like solar collectors used in domestic water heating systems. Both collect solar radiation, convert it to heat and transfer it to another substance. Solar ovens, however, focus the sun's rays with reflective surfaces on one point. The object of the sun's energy in the solar oven is the food.

Recipes For Solar Cooking, Florida Solar Energy Center, Jo Townsend

FSEC Energy Research Center®

As energy extension agent for the University of Florida Extension Service, Jo Townsend serves as the energy educator to small businesses in central Florida. She conducts employee programs on energy conservation in the workplace. She received her B.S. in home economics from Florida State University and her M.E. from the University of Central Florida. Formerly a home economist for the Florida cooperative Extension Service, Townsend researched and tested recipes for use in microwaves when they first gained popularity. She has been a consultant to Southern Living magazine and to Florida's seafood industry. For the last year, she has tested recipes …