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Reducing Energy Costs in the Texas State Agencies: Conservation and Policy Options: Volume II – Final Report

Turner, W. D.; O'Neal, D. L.; Murphy, W. E.; Subramanian, S. T. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), Texas A&M University, 1984)

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URI: http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/1973

Files in this item: 1

ESL-TR-84-08-01.pdf (38.72Mb)

An Analysis of Efficiency Improvements in Residential Sized Heat Pumps, Final Report, May 1986

O'Neal, D. L.; Murphy, W. E. (Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, University of California, 1985)

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Abstract:

The objectives of this study included: (1) development of classes of heat pumps, (2) evaluation and selection of a suitable heat pump design model, (3) characterization of suitable baseline heat pump designs, (4) selection of design options that can be used to improve heat pump efficiency, and (5) development of heat pump designs to cover the whole spectrum of efficiencies available today and those that may be technologically feasible in the next few years.

URI:

http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/1974

Files in this item: 1

ESL-TR-85-05-03.pdf (33.70Mb)

Cogeneration System Analysis Summary Reports for Texas Woman’s University, Denton, Texas

Turner, W. D.; Murphy, W. E.; Hartman, R.; Heffington, W. M.; Bolander, J. N.; Propp, A. D. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), Texas A&M UniversityDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 1985)

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Description:

A Cogeneration analysis computer program called CELCAP was obtained from the Navy's Civil Engineering Laboratory. Hourly steam loads as well as hourly electrical loads were required to optimize the Cogeneration system. Other information required by CELCAP was the cost of natural gas, e l e c t r i c i t y , and operating and maintenance of the boilers. CELCAP was run without a Cogeneration system to determine the base case c o s t s . Various types and sizes of Cogeneration systems were then run by CELCAP to determine the optimum system. Both simple payback and net present value (NPV) economic analyses were made. Most of the input information required for the analysis was obtained from the TWU Physical Plant personnel. Hourly steam and electricity loads (demands) were acquired for one working day and one nonworking day for each month. TWU is currently paying $4.43/MCF for natural gas and electricity averages 6.20^/KWH.

URI:

http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/2097

Files in this item: 1

ESL-TR-85-08-02.pdf (19.41Mb)

Cogeneration System Analysis Summary Reports for Austin State Hospital, Austin, Texas

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Description:

A Cogeneration analysis computer program called CELCAP was obtained from the Navy's Civil Engineering Laboratory. Hourly steam loads as well as hourly electrical loads were required to optimize the Cogeneration system. Other information required by CELCAP was the cost of natural gas, e l e c t r i c i t y , and operating and maintenance cost of the boilers. : CELCAP was run without a Cogeneration system to determine the base case c o s t s . Various types and sizes of Cogeneration systems were then run by CELCAP to determine the optimum system. Both simple payback and net present value (NPV) economic analyses were made. . Most of the input information required for the analysis was obtained from the CC Physical Plant personnel. Hourly steam and e l e c t r i c i t y loads (demands) were acquired for one working day and one nonworking day for each month. CC is currently paying $5.20 /MCF for natural gas and an average of 6.50<t/kwh for electricity.

URI:

http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/2085

Files in this item: 1

ESL-TR-85-08-01.pdf (12.41Mb)

Energy Systems Group Annual Report

Anand, N. K.; Caton, J.; Heffington, W. M.; O'Neal, D. L.; Somasundaram, S.; Turner, W. D. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), Texas A&M UniversityDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 1986)

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URI: http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/2108

Files in this item: 1

ESL-TR-86-03-01.pdf (3.392Mb)

An Energy and Peak Loads Analysis of the Texas Department of Health Building, Final Report, Prepared for the Energy Efficiency Division, Texas Public Utility Commission

Katipamula, S.; O'Neal, D. L. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), Texas A&M UniversityDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 1986)

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Description:

The energy use of the Department of Health Building at Austin, Texas, was analyzed using the DOE 2.1B building energy simulation program. An analysis was made for the building as specified in the building plans and the specifications provided by the State Purchasing and General Services Commission. Operating schedules for occupancy, lighting, office equipment, and infiltration were assumed. The proposed construction of the Health building reflects improvements in energy use over buildings built several years ago (EUIs of 142 Kbtu/sf/yr compared to as much as 250 Kbtu/sf/yr). However, the energy consumption of the Health building can be reduced with certain modifications. Four options for reducing the building energy use were studies: (i) reducing the lighting levels, (ii) reducing the ventilation rate from 20 cfm/person/hr to 10 cfm/person/hr (iii) having a variable speed fan with the VAV system and economiser cycle and (iv) improved glass. These options not only reduce the peak loads but also reduce the total energy use. Finally the energy consumption of the Health building was compared with the energy consumption of the building modified to comply with the California standards.A net reduction of 44% was obtained using the California standards. The California standards are more stringent and are a better choice for state owned buildings which have a life of 30 to 40 years.

URI:

http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/1975

Files in this item: 1

ESL-TR-86-10-01.pdf (6.669Mb)

Energy Analysis and Energy Conservation Options for the Supreme Court and Attorney General Buildings Final Report, Prepared for the Energy Efficiency Division, Texas Public Utility Commission

Farzad, M.; O'Neal, D. L. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), Texas A&M UniversityDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 1986)

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Abstract:

The energy use of the Supreme Court and Attorney General buildings in Austin, Texas was analyzed using the D0E-2.1B building energy simulation program. An analysis was made for each building as specified in the building plans and the specifications provided by the State Purchasing and General Services Commission. The proposed construction of the Supreme Court and Attorney General buildings reflect improvements in energy use over buildings built several years ago. The energy consumption of these buildings were compared with the energy consumption of the buildings modified to comply with the ASHRAE standards. The net reduction of 44% in energy use was obtained using the ASHRAE standards.

URI:

http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/2119

Files in this item: 1

ESL-TR-86-04-01.pdf (23.09Mb)

An Analysis of Efficiency Improvements in Residential Sized Heat Pumps

O'Neal, D. L.; Boecker, C. L.; Murphy, W. E.; Notman, J. R. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), Texas A&M UniversityDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 1986)

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Abstract:

URI:

http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/2130

Files in this item: 1

ESL-TR-86-05-01.pdf (35.83Mb)

Energy Analysis and Energy Conservation Options for the Addition to Records Storage Building

Farzad, M.; O'Neal, D. L. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), Texas A&M UniversityDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 1986)

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Abstract:

The energy use and peak load requirements of the addition to Records Storage Building in Austin, Texas were analyzed using the DOE 2.1B building energy simulation program. An analysis was made for the building as specified in schematic designs and primary drawings. To reduce the solar heat gain of the building through the windows and skylights, a glass with high reflectivity and low overall heat transfer coefficient was used to study the reduction of glass conduction and glass solar loads. Other options which were studied included increasing the wall and roof insulation,- reducing the light level, temperature setback, and implementing the proposed ASHRAE standards. Finally, the energy consumption of the building was compared with the energy consumption of the building with solar film and other options which conformed to the proposed ASHRAE energy standard.

URI:

http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/2141

Files in this item: 1

ESL-TR-86-06-03.pdf (10.16Mb)

An Analysis of Efficiency Improvements in Residential Sized Heat Pumps and Central Air Conditioners

O'Neal, D. L.; Boecker, C. L.; Penson, S. B. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), Texas A&M UniversityDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 1986)

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Abstract:

This report summarizes: (1) the performance improvements possible for central air conditioners and heat pumps using conventional design improvements, (2) the development of a methodology for estimating the seasonal performance of variable speed heat pumps and air conditioners, and (3) the estimated maximum efficiency levels that are technically feasible for variable speed heat pumps and air conditioners. This report builds on the work summarized in an earlier report from the Energy Systems Laboratory[2].

URI:

http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/2152

Files in this item: 1

ESL-TR-86-08-01.pdf (25.24Mb)

Energy Analysis and Energy Conservation Option for the Warehouse Facility at the Human Services Center Complex

Farzad, M.; O'Neal, D. L. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), Texas A&M UniversityDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 1986)

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Abstract:	The energy use of the warehouse facility at the Human Services Center Complex in Austin, Texas was analyzed using the DOE-2.1B building energy simulation program. An analysis was made for each building as specified in the building plans provided by the State Purchasing and General Services Commission.
URI:	http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/2163

Files in this item: 1

ESL-TR-86-09-03.pdf (4.145Mb)

A Simplified Self-Help Approach to Sizing of Small-Scale Cogeneration Systems

Somasundaram, S.; Turner, W. D. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), Texas A&M UniversityDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 1987)

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Abstract:	The following report is a description of a simplified and a self-help approach to determining the economic feasibility of a small-scale Cogeneration system. It has been compiled for use by the energy managers/physical plant directors of various Texas state agencies, so that an initial screening of the potential candidates for Cogeneration can be made.
Description:	The technique used in this study is extremely simple, and certain optimistic assumptions have been made to facilitate the approach. An approximate feasibility of a Cogeneration system will be determined simply from the available billing data for electricity and natural gas use at the state agency. If the decision for a system is deemed to be "GO" or "POSSIBLE" on the basis of this initial screening, then the state agency/building complex will be considered a prime candidate for a more detailed feasibility analysis.
URI:	http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/2019

Files in this item: 1

ESL-TR-87-07-04.pdf (7.214Mb)

An Energy and Peak Loads Analysis of the TYC/TRC Building – Final Report

Katipamula, S.; O'Neal, D. L. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), Texas A&M UniversityDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 1987)

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Abstract:	The energy use of the Texas Youth Commission/Texas Rehabilitation Commission (TYC/TRC) Building at Austin, Texas, was analyzed using the DOE 2.IB building energy simulation program. An analysis was made for the building as specified in the building plans and the specifications provided by the State Purchasing and General Services Commission. Operating schedules for occupancy, lighting, office equipment, and infiltration were assumed. The energy consumption of the TYC/TRC Building can be reduced with certain modifications.
Description:	Three options for reducing the building energy use were studied: (i) a variable air volume system (VAV) with a variable speed fan and economiser cycle instead of dual duct variable volume (DDV) system, (ii) modifying the building to comply with the ASHRAE standards and (iii) modifying the building to comply with the California standards. These options not only reduce the peak loads but also reduce the total energy use. The energy consumption of the TYC/TRC Building was compared with the energy consumption of the building modified to comply with the ASHRAE and California standards. A net reduction of 38% and 44% was obtained using the ASHRAE and California standards, respectively. The California standards are more stringent and are a better choice for state owned buildings which have a life of 30 to 40 years.
URI:	http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/1986

Files in this item: 1

ESL-TR-87-03-01.pdf (12.72Mb)

An Evaluation of Steady-State Dehumidification Characteristics of Residential Central Air Conditioners, Final Report

O'Neal, D. L.; Chan, N.; Somasundaram, S.; Katipamula, S. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), Texas A&M UniversityDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 1987)

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Abstract:

This report is the first of two reports on the project "Determination of the Transient Response Characteristics of High Efficiency Commercial Air Conditioners" funded by Houston Lighting and Power Company. The purpose of this report is to present the results from an investigation of the possible relationship between residential central air conditioner efficiency and dehumidification performance. The method used was that of a survey of air conditioners currently manufactured and on the market as of late 1986. Chapter 2 outlines the basic terminology used in evaluating the dehumidification performance of central air conditioners. Chapter 3 provides background to the survey data. Chapter 4 presents results from the survey. Conclusions and recommendations are presented in Chapter 5.

URI:

http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/1997

Files in this item: 1

ESL-TR-87-06-01.pdf (10.66Mb)

Determination of the Transient Dehumidification Characteristics of High Efficiency Central Air Conditioners

Katipamula, S.; O'Neal, D. L.; Somasundaram, S. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), Texas A&M UniversityDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 1987)

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Abstract:

A series of tests were performed to assesses the dehumidifying performance of residential central air conditioners (CACs). The performance studies were based on factors such as: (i) dynamic performance (ii) the ASHRAE comfort zone, (iii) control strategy and (iv) published performance characteristic of the units. The units were evaluated on their ability to maintain conditions in the ASHRAE comfort zone in a typical residence and typical summer days in Houston, Texas.

URI:

http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/2008

Files in this item: 1

ESL-TR-87-07-03.pdf (16.95Mb)

Redesign of Lighting Fixtures for the Texas Department of Corrections

Claridge, D. E.; Turner, W. D.; Krarti, M.; Yebra, R. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), Texas A&M UniversityDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 1988)

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Abstract:	Over 100 tests of potential design modifications for the cell light fixtures used by the Texas Department of Corrections have been conducted. As a result of these tests, the following recommendations are made: 1. Turn diffuser material so prisms face cell. 2. Enlarge diffuser opening to 16 by 46 inches. 3. Replace 1/2-inch hardware cloth by #3 stainless cane weave with 2-inch mesh, painted white. 4. Replace ballasts with Advance R-2S40-TP Mark III or equivalent. 5. Replace blankets with light colored blankets. 6a. Use fixture with four 34 watt tubes if no allowance for fixture degradation is deemed acceptable; 6b. Use fixture with three 40 watt high efficiency tubes and reflector if 10%-15% margin above 20 fc is needed; 6c. Use fixture with four high efficiency tubes if 20% margin above 20 fc is considered necessary.
Description:	Implementation of these recommendations will result in reduced construction cost of $91,418 and annual operating savings of $88,910 if recommendations 1-5 and 6a are implemented at Amarillo and Gatesville. Use of recommendations 1-5 and 6b will increase first cost by $22,592, but annual operating savings also increase to $98,928 while 6c would provide first cost savings of $67,606 and operating savings of $73,882 annually. Additional maintenance savings will be realized in each case since the fixtures recommended above use tubes with 20,000 - 24,000 hour operating lifetimes instead of the 12,000 hours of the base case tubes.
URI:	http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/2052

Files in this item: 1

ESL-TR-88-10-01.pdf (4.418Mb)

An Evaluation of Improper Refrigerant Charge on the Performance of a Split System Air Conditioner with Capillary Tube Expansion

Farzad, M.; O'Neal, D. L. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), Texas A&M UniversityDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 1988)

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Abstract:

The effect of the improper charging on the performance (capacity, EER, power consumption, SEER, and coefficient of degradation) of a residential air conditioner during the steady state (wet and dry coils) and cycling operation was investigated. The fully charged condition was established as a base case. A full charge was obtained charging the unit to the superheat specified by the manufacturer's charging chart for specific set of indoor and outdoor temperatures. Once the full charge was determined, the unit was subjected to 20%, 15%, 10%, and 5% under and overcharging of refrigerant (by mass). The fully charged tests were compared to under and overcharging. The performance of the unit was evaluated as a function of charge as well as at four outdoor room temperatures (82°F, 90°F, 95°F, and 100°F). As the outdoor temperature increased, the total capacity and EER dropped. The investigation of improper charging showed that the total capacity, EER, and SEER were more sensitive to undercharging than overcharging conditions. A 20% undercharge resulted in a 21% reduction in SEER while a 20% overcharge produced a 11% reduction in SEER. Other data such as refrigerant flow rate, sensible heat ratio, superheat and subcooling are also presented.

URI:

http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/2041

Files in this item: 1

ESL-TR-88-07-01.pdf (21.12Mb)

Determination of the Transient Response Characteristics of the Air-Source Heat Pump During the Reverse Cycle Defrost

O'Neal, D. L.; Anand, N. K.; Peterson, K. T.; Schleising, S. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), Texas A&M UniversityDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 1988)

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Abstract:	The objectives of this research were to: (1) characterize the reverse cycle defrost of the air-to-air heat pump and (2) examine the effect of different expansion devices on the performance of the heat pump during the defrost cycle.
URI:	http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/2030

Files in this item: 1

ESL-TR-88-06-04.pdf (35.87Mb)

An Analysis of Efficiency Improvements in Room Air Conditioner

O'Neal, D. L.; Penson, S. B. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), Texas A&M UniversityDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 1988)

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Description:

In 1976, the U.S. Congress passed the National Energy Conservation Policy Act (NECPA) P.L. 95-619, which requires the imposition of minimum efficiency standards on eight major household appliances. The law required that the proposed standards be both technologically feasible and economically justifiable. One of the appliances for standards consideration was the room air conditioner (RAC). In 1980 the Department of Energy first proposed minimum efficiency standards on new room air conditioners on seven other appliances[1]. In 1983, "no standard" standards were issued by DOE for all eight appliances because the energy savings of standards were not significant enough to justify minimum efficiency standards.[2] The "no standard" standards were challenged in court ion 1984. In 1985, the "no standard" standards were ruled unlawful [3]. In 1983 However, due to a court challenge of the 1982 standards, they were not allowed. In 1987, Congress passed the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA), P.L. 100-12 which specified minimum efficiency levels for major appliances, including RACs (Table 1.1). The minimum efficiency standards for RACs must be met by January 1, 1990. Periodically, the Department of Energy can publish amendments to the standards after analyses have been performed to determine their technical and economic feasibility. This report summarizes the results of an engineering analysis used to evaluate the technical feasibility of improving the efficiency of RACs. The objectives of this study included: (1) evaluation and selection of a suitable RAC design model, (2) selection of design options that can be used to improve RAC performance, and (3) development of high efficiency RAC designs.

URI:

http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/2063

Files in this item: 1

ESL-TR-88-10-02.pdf (23.77Mb)

Energy Use and Design Options for Texas State Buildings

Katipamula, S.; O'Neal, D. L. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), Texas A&M UniversityDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 1988)

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Abstract:	In 1984, the Office of Governor in the State of Texas, working through the Energy Efficiency Division of the Public Utility Commission, instituted a program to reduce the energy costs in state owned buildings. One facet of this program was the reduction of energy use of all new buildings constructed for state agencies. The first phase of this program was to estimate the energy use of new buildings corresponding to current construction practices in state facilities and to make recommendations for improvements. This phase also included an evaluation of how building standards might impact the energy use of new construction. The second phase includes the development and implementation of energy standards for all new construction. It should be noted that the report does not investigate the economic impact of the proposed changes.
Description:	This report summarizes the first phase of the program to reduce energy use in proposed new construction in state-owned buildings. The Energy Systems Group of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University worked jointly with the Energy Management Center (EMC) of the Governor's Office (formerly the Energy Efficiency Division of the Public Utility Commission) and the State Purchasing and General Services Commission (SPGSC). A total of six buildings were analyzed. One of the buildings had just been completed when this project was initiated in 1986. The other five buildings were in various design phases.
URI:	http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/2074

Files in this item: 1

ESL-TR-88-11-01.pdf (15.77Mb)

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