Energy Systems Commons^™

Geographic Variation In Potential Of Rooftop Residential Photovoltaic Electric Power Production In The United States, Florida Solar Energy Center, Matthew Lombardi

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This paper describes a geographic evaluation of Zero Energy Home (ZEH) potential, specifically an assessment of residential roof-top solar electric photovoltaic (PV) performance around the United States and how energy produced would match up with very-efficient and super-efficient home designs. We performed annual simulations for 236 TMY2 data locations throughout the United States on two highly-efficient one-story 3-bedroom homes with a generic grid-tied solar electric 2 kW PV system. These annual simulations show how potential annual solar electric power generation (kWh) and potential energy savings from PV power vary geographically around the U.S. giving the user in a specific region …

Energy Star Manufactured Homes: The Plant Certification Process, Florida Solar Energy Center, Dave Chasar

FSEC Energy Research Center®

In an on-going collaboration over the last ten years, researchers have worked with the manufactured housing industry offering building science advice and conducting diagnostic testing (Chandra et al 2002). This partnership resulted in the first two HUD code ENERGY STAR homes in 1997 and the development of standardized, in-plant Duct Blaster testing in 2001. One manufacturer is currently testing duct leakage on every home in 12 factories, representing over 8,000 homes per year.

In 2001, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced the ENERGY STAR label for manufactured homes. Guidelines for this program focus on certification of the HUD-code plant …

Measured Energy And Peak Demand Reductionfrom High Efficiency Air Conditioner Replacement, Florida Solar Energy Center, John Masiello

FSEC Energy Research Center®

A utility load research project has monitored over 167 single-family residences in Central Florida collecting baseline 15-minute data on air conditioner (AC) power consumption, interior air temperatures and appliance loads over a two year period. Within the project we evaluated the impact of replacing older existing air conditioners with modern high efficiency equipment.

Preliminary Evaluation Of Performance Enhanced Relocatable Classrooms In Three Climates, Florida Solar Energy Center, Danny Parker

FSEC Energy Research Center®

A research project has monitored a specifically modified energy efficient portable classroom compared with a standard unit, in side-by-side installations in three states (NY, NC and FL). Energy performance data is summarized in this paper.

Assessing Six Residential Ventilation Techniques In Hot And Humid Climates, Florida Solar Energy Center, Neil Moyer

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The addition of mechanical ventilation air to "tight" homes in hot and humid climates may adversely impact health, building durability, comfort and energy use by raising indoor humidity levels (RH) above 50%. High indoor humidity has been linked to microbial growth, building material decay, discomfort, and increased energy use (Moyer, et al, 2001). High indoor humidity in "tight" homes with mechanical ventilation has been documented in various Building America projects in hot humid locations (Rudd 2003).

The research described here quantifies the energy use, and humidity impacts of six mechanical ventilation strategies installed serially in a new, Energy Star Manufactured …

A Review Of Hot Water Draw Profiles Used In Performance Analysis Of Residential Domestic Hot Water Systems, Florida Solar Energy Center, Philip W. Fairey

FSEC Energy Research Center®

As a result of efforts on the part of various organizations to improve the specifications for performance-based analysis of energy use in residences, the literature on residential hot water use has been reviewed, specifically as it relates to typical hot water use draw profiles. A number of daily hot water use draw profiles have been identified and reviewed.

Flexible Roofing Facility: 2003 Summer Test Results, Florida Solar Energy Center, Danny Parker

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The Flexible Roof Facility (FRF) is a test facility in Cocoa, Florida designed to evaluate five roofing systems at a time against a control roof with black shingles and vented attic (Figure E-1). The testing evaluates how roofing systems impact summer residential cooling energy use and peak demand. In the summer of 2003, the following roofing systems were tested: Galvalume® unfinished 5-vee metal with vented attic (2nd year of exposure); sealed attic with proprietary configuration; high reflectance brown metal shingle with vented attic; galvanized unfinished 5-vee metal with vented attic (2nd year of exposure); black shingles with standard attic ventilation …

Optimizing Manufactured Housing Energy Use, Florida Solar Energy Center, Mark Mcginley

FSEC Energy Research Center®

In partnership with the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC), two manufactured homes were located on North Carolina A&T State University's campus in Greensboro, NC and used in a side-by-side energy consumption comparison. One of the homes was built to the basic HUD code standard and the other was constructed with features expected to produce a home that was 50% more energy efficient.

FSEC and NCATSU began monitoring energy performance in both homes. In addition, the performance of each unit was evaluated using a DOE2 based computer energy analysis program developed by FSEC. A comparison of the performance of the units …

Standards For Clean Air Florida Homes, Florida Solar Energy Center, Subrato Chandra

FSEC Energy Research Center®

These standards are designed for new, slab on grade homes built in Florida. Changes to the standards may be necessary for other house construction types. These standards are not meant to be exclusionary. The home builder may submit alternative materials or design details which will result in equivalent performance. These standards complement all building codes and do not supersede any codes.

Alleviating Moisture Problems Hot, Humid Climate Housing, Florida Solar Energy Center, Subrato Chandra

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The Southeastern U.S. experiences hot, humid conditions throughout the summer months and in Florida, one of the high growth states with large number of homes, these conditions can prevail throughout most of the year. As a result it is not uncommon to find extensive mold, soft drywall, buckled floors, damaged ceilings and other moisture problems in new and existing site built and manufactured homes. Since 1999, as a result of participation in the U.S. DOE funded Building America program, the authors have developed first hand experience and conducted research in these areas. This paper provides a brief summary of the …

Florida's Energy Future: Opportunities For Our Economy, Environment And Security - Executive Summary, Florida Solar Energy Center, Philip W. Fairey

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The future of Florida's economy, environment and security is inextricably intertwined with our energy use decisions. Our state has one of the nation's fastest growing populations, promoting rapid expansion of an energy industry that imports its fuel supplies. Florida exports approximately $32 billion per year for these energy fuels. Moreover, the Florida economy depends critically on tourism and agriculture, and the fuels and energy products that maintain them. Our pristine environment is the primary natural resource supporting this unique economic engine and the adverse effects of our rapidly growing energy use now stress it. Our State's economic well-being and security …

Florida's Energy Future: Opportunities For Our Economy, Environment And Security - Appendices, Florida Solar Energy Center, Philip W. Fairey

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The future of Florida's economy, environment and security is inextricably intertwined with our energy use decisions. Our state has one of the nation's fastest growing populations, promoting rapid expansion of an energy industry that imports its fuel supplies. Florida exports approximately $32 billion per year for these energy fuels. Moreover, the Florida economy depends critically on tourism and agriculture, and the fuels and energy products that maintain them. Our pristine environment is the primary natural resource supporting this unique economic engine and the adverse effects of our rapidly growing energy use now stress it. Our State's economic well-being and security …

Florida's Energy Future: Opportunities For Our Economy, Environment And Security, Florida Solar Energy Center, Philip W. Fairey

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The future of Florida's economy, environment and security is inextricably intertwined with our energy use decisions. Our state has one of the nation's fastest growing populations, promoting rapid expansion of an energy industry that imports its fuel supplies. Florida exports approximately $32 billion per year for these energy fuels. Moreover, the Florida economy depends critically on tourism and agriculture, and the fuels and energy products that maintain them. Our pristine environment is the primary natural resource supporting this unique economic engine and the adverse effects of our rapidly growing energy use now stress it. Our State's economic well-being and security …

Complying With Florida's Green Land Development Standard: Case Studies And Lessons Learned, Florida Solar Energy Center, Robin Vieira

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The Florida Green Building Coalition, Inc. (FGBC), developed a standard for green land development. It is the first voluntary, non-government standard of its kind to target an entire state. Other groups have created development standards that apply to just a local Home Building Associations (HBA) or a local jurisdiction. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is beginning a Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEEDTM) for neighborhoods. To comply with Florida's standard, a developer has to earn sufficient points among six categories:

1. Protect Ecosystems and Conserve Natural Resources: for example, surveys, conservation areas, wildlife corridors, wetland preservation and management
2. Circulation: …

The Benefits Of Using Window Shades, Florida Solar Energy Center, Ross Mccluney

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Windows play an important aesthetic role in our daily lives. At the same time, windows typically add significantly to the cost of heating and cooling buildings. After reviewing the physical principles by which windows add heat to buildings and the standard techniques employed to reduce unwanted heating, this paper focuses on one type of device which is readily available, inexpensive to purchase and operate, and capable of being adjusted to changing conditions on even an hourly basis. The device is the common window shade. This paper develops a simple, but realistic, model for computing the advantage of using reflective interior …

Achieving Airtight Ducts In Manufactured Housing, Florida Solar Energy Center, Janet Mcilvaine

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Data and findings presented here were gathered between 1996 and 2003 during 39 factory visits at 24 factories of six HUD Code home manufacturers interested in improving the energy efficiency their homes. Factory observations typically showed that building a tighter duct system was the most cost effective way to improve the product's energy efficiency.

Renewable Energy Limits, Florida Solar Energy Center, Ross Mccluney

FSEC Energy Research Center®

"The more we get out of the world the less we leave, and in the long run we shall have to pay our debts at a time that may be very inconvenient for our own survival." - Norbert Wiener

Introduction: The world's energy and environmental crises are inextricably linked. The processes of extracting, processing, and burning fossil fuels generates copious pollution of air, water, and land. Fossil-fuel-derived energy lies at the heart of other environmental problems. Fossil energy powers the bulldozers clearing rainforests. It runs the tractors and other farm equipment of industrial agriculture, compacting and mineralizing soils thus increasing …

Sunup To Sundown - Energygauge Usa 2.0, Florida Solar Energy Center, Robin Vieira

FSEC Energy Research Center®

You need special tools to design high-performance homes - residences where energy efficiency creates greater comfort, health, and energy savings. Making decisions about energy efficiency requires the accurate calculation of energy use and demand, and the comprehensive evaluation of proposed improvements.

A new software tool helps meet these requirements. EnergyGauge USA, an hourly simulation tool for the design and analysis of high-performance homes, performs detailed hourly simulation analysis for energy use, ratings and code calculations. Version 2.0 adds many features to the first-generation product, including thermal mass, photovoltaic (PV) system simulation, solar water heating, and detailed hourly outputs.

The software, …

Fsec Approved Solar Energy Systems: Domestic Hot Water And Pool Heating, Florida Solar Energy Center, John Harrison

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This listing contains Florida Energy Factors for solar domestic hot water systems that have been approved by the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) for use in the State. These energy factors represent the dimensionless ratio of the hot water energy made available by each approved system divided by the electrical energy used by the system. The Florida Energy Factor (FEF) is used to determine hot water credit multipliers for residential solar water heating systems in the 1993 Florida Energy Efficiency Code for Building Construction. The FEF can also be used to compare the efficiency of solar water heating systems with …

Air Handler Leakage: Field Testing Results In Residences, Florida Solar Energy Center, James Cummings

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Testing was performed to characterize air leakage in 30 air handler cabinets and at connections to supply and return ductwork. Operating pressures were measured in the air handler and plenums. Q 0.1 (Q 25) in the air handler averaged 23.9 cfm (11.3 l/s) in 30 homes. Leakage at the return and supply ductwork connections averaged 3.9 Q 0.1 (1.8 l/s Q 25) and 2.2 Q 0.1 (1.0 l/s Q 25), respectively. Actual return side leakage of 77.5 cfm (36.6 l/s) and supply side leakage of 3.1 cfm (1.5 l/s) are calculated based on Q 0.1 (Q 25) and measured operating …

Flexible Roofing Facility: 2001 Summer Test Results, Florida Solar Energy Center, Jeffrey Sonne

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The Flexible Roof Facility (FRF) is a test facility in Cocoa, Florida designed to evaluate five roofing systems at a time against a control roof with dark shingles. The intent of the testing is to evaluate how roofing systems impact summer residential cooling energy use and peak demand. In the summer of 2001, the following roofing systems were tested.

Cell # Description

1. Weathered white barrel tile with sealed attic
2. Double roof with radiant barrier, sealed attic and insulated roof deck
3. High reflectance brown metal shingle with vented attic
4. Terra cotta barrel tile with vented attic
5. Dark shingles with standard attic …

Energy And Environmental Integration Through A Green Municipality Designation, Florida Solar Energy Center, Eric Martin

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Most local green building programs in existence seek to bestow a "green designation" on a builder, building owner, or developer with residential, commercial, and development standards. Municipalities, however, play an important role in making green building become "business as usual" rather than a conscious choice made by few. Municipalities can set an example to the community by incorporating green building techniques in the construction and operation of public and government buildings, play a vital role in community education, and can create incentives and mandates to foster green building within the community. Florida's green building program has set out to create …

Field Testing And Computer Modeling To Characterize The Energy Impacts Of Air Handler Leakage, Florida Solar Energy Center, James Cummings

FSEC Energy Research Center®

In order to determine the impact of air handler location upon heating and cooling energy use, the amount of air leakage which occurs in the air handler cabinet needs to be known. Also, the leakage which occurs at the connections between the air handler cabinet and the return and supply plenums needs to be known as well because these connection leaks would also be located in the attic or any other location.

In order to assess this leakage, testing was performed on a total of 69 air conditioning systems. Thirty systems were tested in the year 2001 under funding from …

Measured And Simulated Cooling Performance Comparison; Insulated Concrete Form Versus Frame Construction, Florida Solar Energy Center, Dave Chasar

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Four occupied homes near Dallas, Texas were monitored to compare cooling energy use. Two homes were built with typical wood frame construction, the other two with insulated concrete form (ICF) construction. Remote data loggers collected hourly readings of indoor and outdoor temperature, relative humidity, furnace runtime fraction, total building electrical energy and HVAC energy use. Data was recorded from January through August 2000.

Analysis of the measured data shows that insulated concrete form (ICF) construction can reduce seasonal cooling energy use 17 - 19% over frame construction in two-story homes in the North Texas climate. This result includes adjustments to …

Comparative Evaluation Of The Impact Of Roofing Systems On Residential Cooling Energy Demand In Florida, Florida Solar Energy Center, John Sherwin

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Roof and attic thermal performance exert a powerful influence on cooling energy use in Florida homes. The Florida Power and Light Company and the Florida Solar Energy Center instrumented six side-by-side Habitat homes in Ft. Myers, Florida with identical floor plans and orientation, R-19 ceiling insulation, but with different roofing systems designed to reduce attic heat gain. A seventh house had an unvented attic with insulation on the underside of the roof deck rather than the ceiling: (RGS) Standard dark shingles (control home); (RWB) White "Barrel" S-tile roof; (RWS) Light colored shingles; (RWF) White flat tile roof; (RTB) Terra cotta …

Design And Construction Of Interior Duct Systems, Florida Solar Energy Center, Janet Mcilvaine

FSEC Energy Research Center®

To combat the energy, durability, and indoor air quality penalties of duct leakage, energy experts have recommended putting the duct system and air handler inside the conditioned space. Two paths of accomplishing this have emerged: unvented attics/crawl spaces and interior chases. This study focuses on the design, construction, and performance of the interior chase approach as implemented by five different builders in Texas, North Carolina, and Florida.

Researchers found that, in many cases, breeches of the air barrier were evident from simple visual inspection. Critical points of design and construction were identified and will be presented through photos, design and …

Performance And Impact From Duct Repair And Ventilation Modifications Of Two Newly Constructed Manufactured Houses Located In A Hot And Humid Climate, Florida Solar Energy Center, Charles Withers, Jr.

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Two nearly identical houses situated next to each other in Bossier City, Louisiana were studied in an effort to better understand moisture and cooling energy related problems in manufactured houses with low thermostat set-points during the cooling season. By design, the major difference between houses was the type of air conditioning units. House A had a standard split air conditioner and House B had a two-speed split air conditioner.

In an effort to make the buildings more similar, the building airtightness was adjusted until it was the same in each house, and duct leaks were sealed so that the ducts …

Sunsmart Community Partnerships: Summary And Lessons Learned Report, Florida Solar Energy Center, Jennifer Szaro

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Through a working partnership with the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA), the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC), the Florida Municipal Power Agency (FMPA), the Legal Environmental Assistance Foundation (LEAF), and FMEA member utilities, the SunSmart program offers a unified, low-cost solution to providing municipal electric customers with a solar energy option. It also provides its member utilities with a high level of technical and administrative support to alleviate concerns about working with an unfamiliar electric generation technology. It relies on a core team to develop a standardized marketing and public outreach plan which can be utilized by all participants, and …

Moisture Problems In Manufactured Housing: Probable Causes And Cures, Florida Solar Energy Center, Neil Moyer

FSEC Energy Research Center®

A significant number of new manufactured houses built to HUD code and located in the hot, humid Southeast are experiencing moisture problems. Soft wallboards, buckled floors, damaged wood molding and extensive mold growth are the most common symptoms. These problems do not respond to the standard service and repair strategies for water intrusion

At the request of four manufacturers, over twenty-five such moisture damaged homes were investigated in 1999 and 2000 to determine likely causes. One time blower door, duct tightness and pressure differential measurements were performed on all homes. Field data on ambient, crawlspace, belly and house temperatures and …

Fpc Residential Monitoring Project: New Technology Development Radiant Barrier Pilot Project, Florida Solar Energy Center, Danny Parker

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The FPC Monitoring project has evaluated radiant barrier systems (RBS) as a new potential DSM program. The objective was to examine how the retrofit of attic radiant barriers can be expected to alter FPC residential space conditioning loads. An RBS consists of a layer of aluminum foil fastened to roof decking or roof trusses to block radiant heat transfer between the hot roof surface and the attic below. The radiant barrier can significantly lower summer heat transfer to the attic insulation and to the cooling duct system. Both of these mechanisms have strong potential impacts on cooling energy use as …