Energy Systems Commons^™

An Investigation Into Energy Consumption And V2g Potential Of An Electric School Bus Fleet, Rupesh Dahal

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The transition towards sustainable public transportation demands detailed evaluation of alternative fuel technologies. This thesis presents a comprehensive energy assessment and comparative analysis of diesel and electric school buses (ESBs) operating within the Monongalia County school district, its Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) potential, and efficiency analysis of charging system. Utilizing real-world operational data collected from buses running identical routes, the study quantifies and compares their mileage specific energy consumption. The analysis reveals an average fuel economy of approximately 6.17 miles per gallon (MPG) for the conventional diesel school bus, contrasted with an average energy consumption rate of 0.46 miles per kilowatt-hour (miles/kWh) …

The Impact Of Covid-19 On Building Energy Consumption In New York City, Martha A. Olaleye

Dissertations and Theses

Since February 2020, the spread of COVID-19 affected the world economy, with the population of people contacting the virus in New York City at that time being at the highest in the United States of America. Thus, the need for remote/online learning was adopted for the safety of faculty, staffs, and students of New York Educational institution like CCNY. In the study, I focused on energy consumption as regards to COVID and POST-COVID periods in New York City (NYC), since most employees are working from home and schools are online which implies that most commercial buildings are vacant. Also due …

Development Of A Thermal Desalination System Using Low Quality Thermal Energy, Takudzwa C. Chipunza

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Abstract

Development of a Thermal Desalination System Using Low Quality Thermal Energy

Takudzwa Chipunza

The blowdown water from the cooling tower of the power plant and the produced water from shale gas industry cannot be disposed directly to the environment as they may contain dissolved solids that are harmful to the environment. A detailed physical and chemical process to remove the mineral and organic solids has been developed in West Virginia University. Such a process includes running the blowdown and produced water through a softening tank, activated carbon tank, and a reverse osmosis (RO) system. The RO reject contains a …

An Equest Based Building Energy Modeling Analysis For Energy Efficiency Of Buildings, Saroj Lamichhane

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Building energy performance is a function of numerous building parameters. In this study, sensitivity analysis on twenty parameters is performed to determine the top three parameters which have the most significant impact on the energy performance of buildings. Actual data from two fully operational commercial buildings were collected and used to develop a building energy model in eQUEST. The model is calibrated using Normalized Mean Bias Error (NMBE) and Coefficient of Variation of Root Mean Square Error (CV(RMSE)) method. The model satisfies the NMBE and CV(RMSE) criteria set by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning (ASHRAE) Guideline 14, …

Who's Leading: The Dance Between Mini-Splits And Existing Hvac Systems, Florida Solar Energy Center, Cheryn Metzger

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Recently, many utilities across the U.S. have provided incentives for ductless mini-split heat pumps due to their relatively high efficiencies. However, when these ductless mini-splits are installed in existing homes, utilities and researchers find that they are not living up to their energy saving potential, due to a lack of coordinated controls with the existing HVAC system. The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC), and The Levy Partnership are all leading projects across the country to address this problem. The goal for this body of work is to determine which control strategies provide the most …

Development Of An Eco Approach And Departure Application To Improve Energy Consumption Of A Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle In Charge Depleting Mode, Brandon Narodzonek

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

A recent study at Michigan Technological University as part of the NEXTCAR DOE APRA-E Project was conducted to determine the potential energy savings of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) equipped with various Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) Technologies. One aspect of this study focused on the development of an Eco Approach and Departure (Eco AnD) Application that would further reduce the energy consumed around a signalized intersection.

Many modern intersections are equipped with traffic signals that can broadcast Basic Safety (BSM), MAP, and Signal Phase and Timing (SPaT) message sets that contain intersection ID, location, current phase, and cyclic …

An Examination To Pathways Powering Car Using Clean Energy, Marina Miranda

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Traditional vehicles powered by internal combustion engines contribute significantly to increasing emissions of greenhouses gasses (GHG). There has been increasing interest in powering vehicles using green energy include using electricity produced by wind turbine and solar panel. The green electricity can be used to directly charge the Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV), or producing hydrogen as fuel for Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) by converting electrical energy to hydrogen (H₂) through water electrolysis. The low energy density H₂ produced can be stored on board as either compressed H₂ or liquefied H₂.

This research examines the …

Further Investigation Of Energy And Performance Impacts Of Whole-House Dehumidifier Duct Configurations, Florida Solar Energy Center, Charles Withers, Jr.

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This research project evaluated the energy impacts and dehumidification performance related to how ducted dehumidifiers (DHU) ducts were configured. Lab controlled testing over a variety of weather and latent loads evaluated five-different ducted DHU configurations as follows: Test 1 DHU air ducted from/to the central main body of building. Test 2 DHU air ducted from/to return side of central air conditioner (AC). Test 3 DHU air ducted from/to supply side of AC. Test 4 DHU air ducted from central main body and ducted to supply side of AC. Test 5 DHU air ducted from outdoors and indoors mixed before DHU …

Energy Efficiency Evaluation Of Blower Heater Non-Purge Compressed Air Dryers, Alexandra M. Botts

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

There are several compressed air dryers available for industrial use including, refrigerant, desiccant, and membrane. This research focuses on twin tower regenerative closed loop desiccant dryers, specifically: blower heater non-purge (BHNP) with and without cooling water pumps, Compressed-air Heater Purge (CHP), Blower Heater Purge (BHP), and Pressure Swing Heaterless (PSH). These styles of dryers are used mainly in industries that require extremely dry air such as, food manufacturing, medical air, or sensitive technology manufacturers. The research was conducted by collecting and analyzing real time current draw data on air compressors and associated dryers at eight different facilities (13 compressor systems) …

Effect Of Ducted Hpwh On Space-Conditioning And Water Heating Energy Use - Central Florida Lab Home, Florida Solar Energy Center, Carlos Colon

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The purpose of this research is to investigate the impact of ducted heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) on space-conditioning and water heating energy use in residential applications. Two identical HPWHs, each with a capacity of 60 gal, were tested side by side at the Flexible Residential Test Facility (FRTF) laboratories on the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) campus in Cocoa, Florida. The FRTF's residential buildings feature the same square footage (1,535 ft2 ), orientation, and envelope characteristics; currently, the only difference between them is the finished floor material. The east FRTF building is furnished with standard carpet flooring, whereas the …

Why Doesn't 25 Years Of An Evolving Energy Code Make More Of A Difference?, Florida Solar Energy Center, Charles Withers, Jr.

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This paper was presented at the 2015 Behavior, Energy and Climate Change Conference (BECC). New and more stringent building energy codes are implemented with the assumption and expectation that significant energy conservation will occur. While simulation and various analysis methodologies may be reasonably sound at estimating the energy impact, the actual impact is largely dependent upon new code enforcement and occupant behavior. This work is based upon the research question: Do homes built to a newer energy code deliver measurable energy savings compared to homes built to a much earlier energy code? This residential research study was focused on comparing …

Energy And Economic Optimization To Achieve Near Zero Energy Homes In Europe: Implications Of Inclusion Of Lighting And Appliances, Florida Solar Energy Center, Danny Parker

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Achieving annual net zero energy use in homes has been demonstrated as feasible in dozens of monitored projects in the United States.[1] In particular, very low energy use homes in Europe have been proven within the Passivhaus approach.[2] Achieving 'nearly zero energy buildings' (NZEB) has also been established as a vital objective over the next decade within the European Union (EU) (Boermans et al., 2011). However, reaching this result at the lowest possible cost remains a key challenge around the world. Balancing renewable power generation with energy efficiency will be vital in Europe as anticipated by Voss, Musall and Lichtmeß.[4] …

A Comparison Of Homes Built To The 2009 And 1984 Florida Energy Codes, Florida Solar Energy Center, Charles Withers, Jr.

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The Florida Solar Energy Center conducted research into the effectiveness of the Florida energy code to reduce energy use in residential buildings. FSEC examined two groups of homes: those built to the 1984 energy code (June 1,1984-1985) and those built to the 2007 with 2009 supplement energy code (March 1, 2009-2010). This report discusses data collection methods, analysis and results that focus on comparisons of measured energy use and house characteristics between both code periods.

Updated Miscellaneous Electricity Loads And Appliance Energy Usage Profiles For Use In Home Energy Ratings, The Building America Benchmark And Related Calculations [Revised], Florida Solar Energy Center, Danny Parker

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This report addresses the ever increasing percentage of whole house energy use that is attributable to miscellaneous electricity loads (MELs) and major appliances. It builds on earlier U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reports on the same subject and incorporates the 2005 Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) public use data set to determine how major appliance use is related to the number of bedrooms in existing homes. These data, coupled with existing and proposed DOE appliance testing and labeling standards, are then used to determine a set of baseline lighting and appliance energy end use values for use in the HERS …

Research Results From A Few Alternate Methods Of Interior Duct Systems In Factory Built Housing Located In The Hot Humid Climate, Florida Solar Energy Center, Neil Moyer

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Building America Industrialized Housing Partnership (BAIHP) has collaborated with two of its industry partners to work on a portion of the project that relates to the construction and evaluation of prototype interior duct systems. In 2006, work began on a duct system design that would locate the entire length of duct work within the air and thermal barriers of the envelope. One of these designs incorporated a high-side supply register that connects to the conventional floor duct. The other design utilized a single soffit located within the conditioned space at the marriage line. The …

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.

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.

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 …

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 …

Cooling Performance Assessment Of Building America Homes, Florida Solar Energy Center, Dave Chasar

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Long-term monitoring of building energy use and environmental conditions has been a strong component of FSEC research since the 1980s. Fully-automated data collection, verification, archiving and management ensure accurate logging of large amounts of data simultaneously from numerous field sites prior to being made available for analysis and display via the internet. Homes are typically monitored using 15 to 50 channels of data to measure indoor and outdoor environmental conditions and energy use of heating, cooling, water heating, whole house, and other points (e.g. Solar PV or Solar DHW) if needed.

Energy performance in many Building America homes has been …

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 …

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 …

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 …

An Assessment Of Building Energy Efficiency Options At Horn Island Ranger Station, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida Solar Energy Center, Stephen Barkaszi

FSEC Energy Research Center®

As requested by Joe Martin of the National Park Service (NPS), Southeast Support Office, researchers from the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) conducted a building energy efficiency assessment for the ranger station on Horn Island, Mississippi. The assessment included audits and inspections of the energy systems, building thermal performance, appliances, and energy use patterns. FSEC researchers Stephen Barkaszi and John Harrison conducted the audits and on-site inspections June 29 and June 30, 1999. The purpose of the assessment was to evaluate the facility and to present recommendations for improving the energy efficiency of the building. This report summarizes the information …

Daylight Dimming Systems: Studies In Energy Savings And Efficiency, Florida Solar Energy Center, Lynn Schrum

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Three studies were conducted at Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) to study the lighting energy savings of daylight dimming systems. The Daylighting Test Facility (DTF) was used to study daylight dimming systems and how aperture orientation and blinds affect performance. The energy consumption was compared in two pairs of offices for all four window orientations: north, south, east and west. One office in each pair had blinds in a fixed position (down and open) and the other office had no blinds. The study showed that the energy savings ranged from 24% to 51% depending on the orientation and blinds.

The …

Measured Field Performance And Energy Savings Of Occupancy Sensors: Three Case Studies, Florida Solar Energy Center, David Floyd

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Occupancy sensors have the potential to significantly reduce energy use by switching off electrical loads when a normally occupied area is vacated. While occupancy sensors can be used to control a variety of load types, their most popular use has been to control lighting in commercial buildings. Manufacturers claim savings of 15% to 85%, although there is little published research to support the magnitude or timing of reductions. Energy savings and performance are directly related to the total wattage of the load being controlled, effectiveness of the previous control method, occupancy patterns within the space and proper sensor commissioning. In …

Results From A Comprehensive Residential Lighting Retrofit. 09-96, Florida Solar Energy Center, Danny Parker

FSEC Energy Research Center®

A single family residence in Miami, Florida was used as a case study to determine how residential lighting energy use could be reduced by substituting energy efficient lamps and fixtures. The three person household was chosen based both on its high utility bills and extensive use of interior lighting. A detailed audit revealed 40 lamps or bulbs on 26 controls (switches) with a total connected load of 2.5 kW.

All major energy using appliances in the home were sub-metered so that lighting and other plug loads could be differenced from the measured total power demand. Also, each of the individual …

Flastar: Florida Alliance For Saving Taxes And Energy Resources. Final Report., Florida Solar Energy Center, John Sherwin

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This document comprises the final project report in supporting the demonstration of the pilot Florida Public Building Loan Concept. This loan program provides low cost funds to eligible public entities for upgrade of building energy systems. The FLASTAR program (Florida Alliance for Saving Taxes And Resources) was modeled after the successful Texas LoanSTAR project [1, 2]. Within that program, funds provided from oil overcharges are loaned to various facilities for building system retrofits. These loans are repaid (with interest) from energy cost savings. As of the most recent reporting, the LoanSTAR program had saved the State of Texas some $13.7 …