Energy Systems Commons^™

Investigation Of Peak Load Reduction Strategies In Residential Buildings In Cooling Dominated Climates, Fady Atallah

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This investigation of peak load reduction strategies in residential buildings contributes to the global international efforts in reducing energy consumption and is related directly to energy efficiency in residential and commercial buildings. Work reported here involves computer aided building energy simulation of energy efficient and non-energy efficient residential homes coupled with empirical energy consumption data gathered from monitoring an array of energy efficient residential homes. The latter have been implemented for peak load reduction strategies. In addition non-energy efficient residential homes have been monitored to compare performance to the energy efficient homes. This study demonstrates the crucial importance of energy …

Approaches To 30% Energy Savings At The Community Scale In The Hot-Humid Climate, Florida Solar Energy Center, Stephanie Thomas-Rees

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The Building America Partnership for Improved Residential Construction, formerly the Building America Industrialized Housing Partnership, has worked with several community-scale builders within the hot-humid climate zone to improve performance of production-, or community-scale, housing. Tommy Williams Homes (Gainesville, Florida), LifeStyle Homes (Melbourne, Florida), and Habitat for Humanity (various locations, Florida) have all been continuous partners of the Building America Program. The activities of these partners, described in this report, achieved the Building America goal of 30% whole-house source energy savings using packages adopted at the community scale. For new homes, the reference case is the B10 Benchmark, aligned with 2009 …

Transient And Quasi-Steady Thermal Behaviour Of A Building Envelope Due To Retrofitted Cavity Wall And Ceiling Insulation, Aimee Byrne, Gerard Byrne, Anna Davies, Anthony Robinson

Articles

Accurate understanding of the thermal behaviour of building components is essential for predicting heat-ing or cooling needs and facilitates the implementation of more successful energy saving strategies and retrofits. This paper focuses on a specific measure commonly introduced through the residential energy efficiency retrofit programmes in Ireland–insulation. Traditionally, assessments of the performance of building envelopes have been based on assumed thermal resistances of the materials involved, labora-tory tests and computer modelling. The aim of the present work is to investigate the in situ thermal behaviour of a case study building and its components under transient and quasi-steady environmental conditions, comparing …

Development And Implementation Of A Simplified Residential Energy Asset Rating Model, Daire Reilly, Aidan Duffy, David Willis, Michael Conlon

Other resources

In accordance with national and European policies, the provision of financial assistance to residential energy consumers has led to a greater awareness of and interest in energy retrofit technologies. However, at present Irish energy consumers have no appropriate advice on the future performance of retrofit options available to them. This is a significant limitation to decision making and technology uptake, since this group need to know whether their investment is likely to be worthwhile.

The asset rating methodology developed for the certification of energy performance of buildings is the current industry standard of prediction of energy demand and post retrofit …

Cost Effectiveness Of Home Energy Retrofits In Pre-Code Vintage Homes In The United States, Florida Solar Energy Center, Philip W. Fairey

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This study investigates the cost effectiveness of a large number of potential home energy retrofit measures using pre-code home archetypes that can be considered typical in a range of climates throughout the United States.

Achieving Very High Efficiency And Net Zero Energy In An Existing Home In A Hot-Humid Climate: Long-Term Utility And Monitoring Data, Florida Solar Energy Center, Danny Parker

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This study summarizes the first six months of detailed data collected about a single-family home that experienced a series of retrofits targeting reductions in energy use. The project was designed to develop data about how envelope modifications in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning and domestic hot water and renewable measures can result in considerable energy reductions and potentially net zero energy for an existing home. Using utility billing records and recent detailed monitoring data, this study was also able to chronicle the progress of energy reduction over a 22-year period.

Side-By-Side Testing Of Water Heating Systems Results From 2009-2010 Testing, Florida Solar Energy Center, Carlos Colon

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The Hot Water System (HWS) Laboratory test facility at the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) in Cocoa, FL was used for testing seven differing types of residential water heating systems. The HWS building provides unconditioned housing (similar to a garage in Florida) for one reference electric 50-gallon heater, three solar thermal electric assisted systems, one electric tankless system, one reference 40-gallon natural gas (NG) and tankless gas system. The performance of all seven systems has been compared in a side-by-side test configuration over a full year period. Simultaneous hot water draws take place for all hot water heating systems on …

Solar Water Heating Performance: Use Of Energy Factors, Florida Solar Energy Center, Carol Emrich

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The goal of increasing solar energy installations is widely accepted by all. The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) concluded that the goal of increasing solar hot water system installations in Florida could be greatly enhanced by concentrating its efforts on new construction through simplification of the residential building energy code. Since implementation in 1980, the Florida Energy Efficiency Code for Building Construction has required a calculation procedure that assigns multipliers to residential water heating systems. The multiplier for every water heating system type except solar is based on the system's rated efficiency at standard conditions and is a one- or …

Investigating Solutions To Wind Washing Issues In 2-Story Florida Homes; Phase 1, Florida Solar Energy Center, Charles Withers, Jr.

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Wind washing has been identified as a potentially significant issue regarding energy, demand, comfort, and humidity in some two-story Florida homes. In its most common configuration, wind washing occurs when attic spaces over first-floor portions of the home abut the second story, and the floor cavity of the second story is open to that attic space. Wind blowing into attic vents can push hot attic air into the inter-story floor cavity, bypassing the typical thermal boundaries of the building and introducing considerable heat into the house. Wind washing can also occur when there is little or no attic involved, where …

Evaluation Of Alternatives For Florida's 2010 Energy Code Update For Residential Buildings, Florida Solar Energy Center, Philip W. Fairey

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This report provides results of analysis of the Florida Energy Code (FEC) with respect to requirements of Florida House Bill 7135. The analysis uses Florida's performance-based code compliance software, EnergyGauge® USA, to conduct detailed analysis of H.B 7135 requirements to significantly increase the efficiency of new homes over time. First, results of an analysis of the long-term, year 2019 requirement for a 50% increase in new home energy efficiency are presented. Next, the 2009 edition of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is analyzed with respect to the H.B. 7135 dual requirements that the 2009 IECC become the foundation code …

Comparison Of The Energygauge Usa And Beopt Building Energy Simulation Programs, Florida Solar Energy Center, Danny Parker

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Two hourly energy simulation software, BEopt and Energy Gauge USA, were compared to ensure accuracy and evaluate agreement on the impact of various energy efficiency improvements. Within the Building America program, these software aid design teams working toward the U.S. Department of Energy's goal to make Zero Energy Homes economically viable by 2025. Builders use the software to achieve the extensive energy savings (70%-80%) from various measures before adding solar electric power generation. The study found that in general, BEopt and EnergyGauge USA agree fairly well on the impact of energy efficiency improvements, while identifying several discrepancies that need further …

Preliminary Performance Evaluation Of A Near Zero Energy Home In Gainesville, Florida, Florida Solar Energy Center, Danny Parker

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The U.S. Department of Energy's Building America (BA) program is working to increase the energy efficiency of new and existing homes while increasing comfort, and durability and reducing resource use. As part of this program we pursue opportunities to research highly efficient homes with the goal of understanding what works, what doesn't work, and the most economic ways to reach very high efficiency targets. The program aims to create cost neutral zero energy homes by 2020. In pursuit of this goal, this home and other research homes around the country designed to approach or achieve the zero energy goal are …

Assessment Of The Effectiveness And Energy Efficiency Of Humidity Control Approaches In Vacant Florida Homes, Florida Solar Energy Center, James Cummings

FSEC Energy Research Center®

In a hot and humid climate such as Florida, 'snowbirds' that leave their homes for extended summer periods need guidance on effective and energy efficient methods of humidity control. Experiments were performed in seven residences to evaluate various approaches to humidity control, including providing no mechanical system control. A humidity target was identified to maintain indoor relative humidity (RH) at 65% or lower most of the time. Providing no mechanical conditioning (letting the building 'float') yields relative humidity at 65% or below during hot and sunny weather in some homes, but not during cloudy weather. Setting the AC system thermostat …

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 …

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.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Unbalanced Return Air In Residences: Causes, Consequences, And Solutions, Florida Solar Energy Center, James Cummings

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Field research performed in 70 central Florida homes found that return grills are almost always located in the central zone of the house, and that individual rooms rarely have ducted return air or return transfer pathways. When interior doors were closed, the closed rooms went to +0.0249 inches of water gauge (in w.g.) (+6.2 pascals (Pa)) wrt outdoors (wrt = with respect to), and the central zone went to -0.0116 in w.g. (-2.9 Pa) wrt outdoors. Room pressures as high as +0.150 in w.g. (+37.3 Pa) and central zone pressure as low as -0.059 in w.g. (-14.7 Pa) wrt outdoors …

Unbalanced Return Air In Commercial Buildings, Florida Solar Energy Center, Charles Withers, Jr.

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Research in 88 central Florida commercial buildings during the last decade has found that 26% of the air distribution systems had substantially unbalanced return air. Unbalanced return air occurs when there is a restriction to air flow between the supply discharge and the return air, creating positive and negative pressure fields throughout the building. Severe consequences in commercial buildings can occur as a result of unbalanced air flows. This paper examines unbalanced return air and its consequences in three commercial buildings, and explains why balancing air flow in buildings is a critical part of maintaining a healthy and energy efficient …

Reducing Energy Costs By Optimizing Controller Tuning, Aidan O'Dwyer

Conference papers

The proportional integral derivative (PID) controller is the most dominant form of automatic controller in industrial use today. With this technique, it is necessary to adjust the controller parameters according to the nature of the process. This tailoring of controller to process is known as controller tuning. Controller tuning is easily and effectively performed using tuning rules (i.e. formulae for controller tuning, based on process information). Such tuning rules allow the easy set up of controllers to achieve optimum performance at commissioning. Importantly, they allow ease of re-commissioning if the characteristics of the process change. The paper outlines the results …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Solar Dhw Collector Thermal Performance Ratings, Florida Solar Energy Center, John Harrison

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Thermal performance ratings, derived from the FSEC testing and certification program, are a useful tool in comparing the efficiency and economics of various flat-plate solar collectors. Since collectors used in domestic hot water (DHW) systems typically operate in the intermediate temperature range (1200F-1600F), this is the rating provided for comparisons. It must be stressed that these comparisons are only a guide and should not be considered as a rank ordering of collectors. Such considerations as component sizing and proper installation procedures are equally important in determining a system's overall efficiency. In addition, because of the variability of weather conditions, instrumentation …