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Technology Enablers for Next-Generation Economic Building Monitoring Systems

Sweeney, J., Jr.; Culp, C. (Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu); Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), 2001)

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The measurement of a building's electrical and thermal consumption provides the necessary data used to increase energy efficiency. Measurements typically range from hourly to monthly. Monthly data can be used to determine if savings are being maintained. Hourly data provides added detail for diagnostics. Currently, the cost of a complete monitoring system deters use in buildings under 30,000 to 50,000 square feet. Buildings can be optimized using techniques like Continuous CommissioningSM (CCSM) and experience a reduction in consumption ranging from 10% to 40% [1]. Using hourly data has proven to be very effective in maintaining the initial level of savings over an extended period of time [1]. The Energy Systems Laboratory at Texas A&M University (TAMU) has applied CCSM to over 100 buildings and obtained an average savings of 22 percent. Currently, wholebuilding and sub-metering relies on conventional dial-up based data logging systems. Development of a next-generation data acquisition system is essential to achieve a lower cost for building energy monitoring and analysis. The next-generation system discussed in this paper is a complete redesign. It will be Internet-enabled and secure; take advantage of current advances in smarter sensors, use embedded micro-controllers and mixed signal processors and use Java and XML.

URI:

http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/5096

Files in this item: 1

ESL-IC-01-07-15.pdf (488.4Kb)

Continuous Commissioning: A Valuable Partner to Retrofit Projects

Turner, W. D.; Banks, K.; Athar, A.; Yazdani, B.; Zhu, Y.; Culp, C. (Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu); Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu), 2001)

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Abstract:

Continuous Commissioning (CC) or HVAC system optimization is not only a valuable stand-alone energy saving measure for commercial buildings, but it is also an important escort solution to retrofit projects. Energy retrofit projects typically achieve projected savings. But in cases where savings goals are not being met, optimizing HVAC system performance can be the difference in an underachieving versus a successful project. This paper presents a real-world study of pairing a CC project with an energy retrofit in a 107,000 square foot hospital building. Applying the CC strategy to an underperforming retrofit, projected energy savings were achieved and even increased. Additionally, by increasing supply air capacity, patients, staff and visitors now enjoy improved comfort conditions. This paper also explores the working relationship between an ESCO and a university research laboratory, whose combined efforts led to this remarkable turn around.

URI:

http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/5140

Files in this item: 1

ESL-IC-01-07-01.pdf (621.7Kb)

Continuous Commissioning(SM) of a Thermal Storage System

Turner, W. D.; Liu, M. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 2001)

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Chilled water thermal storage systems can reduce the electrical demand charge during the onpeak months. However, operational problems such as the inability to fully charge the system or premature discharge of the stored cooling capacity can be costly, which can result in turning on chillers during on-peak hours in order to provide cooling to the buildings. In this paper the optimization of a thermal storage system operation through Continuous CommissioningSM is presented. Detailed building and chilled water loop commissioning activities are discussed.

URI:

http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/5162

Files in this item: 1

ESL-IC-01-07-30.pdf (2.296Mb)

Performance Analysis of Dual-Fan, Dual-Duct Constant Volume Air-Handling Units

Joo, I. S.; Liu, M. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 2001)

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Dual-fan, dual-duct air-handling units introduce outside air directly into the cooling duct and use two variable speed devices to independently maintain the static pressure of the hot and the cold air ducts. Analytical models have been developed to compare fan power and thermal energy consumption of dualfan, dual-duct constant volume air-handling units with single-fan, dual-duct constant volume airhandling units. This study shows that the dual-fan, dual-duct system uses less fan power and less thermal energy during winter, and uses more thermal energy during summer. Thermal energy performance can be significantly improved if the thermal energy penalty can be decreased or eliminated.

URI:

http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/5163

Files in this item: 1

ESL-IC-01-07-31.pdf (733.4Kb)

Development of Load Forecasting Procedures for the Texas A&M University System

Baltazar-Cervantes, J. C.; Lim, C.; Haberl, J. S.; Turnder, W. D.; Claridge, D. E. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 2001)

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This paper reports on the effort to develop load-forecasting procedures for the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS). Such procedures are being investigated to determine if the TAMUS can benefit from the pending deregulation in the State of Texas. A description of the procedures used to aggregate and forecast the system-wide, 15-minute electric load is presented, including a summary of the forecast load for selected campuses, and individual campus-use statistics. Procedures are also presented that were used to impute missing energy and weather data, and forecast annual data from short-term data.

URI:

http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/5159

Files in this item: 1

ESL-IC-01-07-28.pdf (775.5Kb)

A Residential Duct Leakage Case Study on 'Good Cents' Homes

Bryant, J. A.; Perez, R. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 2001)

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The “Good Cents” program has been adopted by many cities across the United States and has encouraged builders to employ aggressive energy conservation building techniques in residential applications. The program is well established and has been recognized for the added value it brings to homeowners. The primary energy using system in a residence is the heating and cooling system and in the hot and humid Southeast Texas climate, cooling is the predominant mode of operation for the HVAC system. This makes the system particularly susceptible to degraded performance if there are leaks in the air distribution system. Nine Good Cents homes in the College Station, Texas area were chosen for a study to determine the extent of HVAC air distribution leakage in the HVAC system. It was found that all the homes had significant measured leakage for the return-air side of the system. Houses with vertical sheet-rock lined plenums had significantly higher rates of return air leakage than homes with ducted returns.

URI:

http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/5157

Files in this item: 1

ESL-IC-01-07-26.pdf (580.3Kb)

Accounting for the Occupancy Variable in Inverse Building Energy Baselining Models

Claridge, D. E. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 2001)

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The occupancy factor is often underestimated in inverse modeling of building energy use, or accounted for by grouping the daily data in occupied and unoccupied groups which are modeled separately. For instance, in institutional buildings it is common to identify "weekdays/weekends", "semester breaks", and "holidays" daytypes. In order to develop one model that accounts for all periods, i.e., occupied and unoccupied, at an hourly time scale, a dummy variable (regressor) can be used. The dummy variable is often used in a simplified way; for instance, having a value of 0 between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, and 1 between 5:00 PM and 8:00 AM, for an office building. In this paper, the effect of using different alternatives in accounting for the occupancy variable in inverse modeling of building energy use is investigated, and the resulting uncertainty in the predictions, using the SMLP inverse method are presented.

URI:

http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/5161

Files in this item: 1

ESL-IC-01-07-29.pdf (559.7Kb)

Monitoring and Verification Procedures Used in the Texas LoanSTAR and Rebuild America Programs

Farouz, S.; Baltazar-Cervantes, J. C.; Haberl, J. S.; Claridge, D. E. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 2001)

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Abstract:

The monitoring and verification procedures that have been developed for the Texas LoanSTAR program and the ESL's Rebuild America Program have become a foundation for a number of other state and federal M&V programs, including the United States Department of Energy's (USDOE's) 1996 NEMVP, 1997 IPMVP, 2001 IPMVP, ASHRAE's GP 14P, and the 1999 Texas Performance Contracting Guidelines. This paper reviews the basic procedures that are used for monitoring and verifying energy savings in commercial buildings that receive energy conservation retrofits, including procedures that are used for measuring energy savings in buildings where hourly pre-retrofit and post-retrofit whole-building data have been collected; buildings where monthly pre-retrofit and hourly post-retrofit data are collected; and buildings where monthly preretrofit and monthly post-retrofit data are used to verify savings.

URI:

http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/5158

Files in this item: 1

ESL-IC-01-07-27.pdf (623.7Kb)

Energy Management Program at Atlanta Postal Service Distribution Center

Brown, M.; Ansari, A. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 2001)

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The US Postal Service operates more than 38,000 post offices across the country and spends $350 million annually on utilities (1). Driven by President Clinton's 1999 Executive Order that mandates a 35 percent reduction in federal energy consumption by 2010, the Postal Service is aggressively pursuing energy savings (2). One long-range approach initiated in the Atlanta area is the implementation of MSE 2000, a structured management system for energy. MSE 2000 emphasizes training, development of standard operating procedures, energy monitoring, and team-based problem solving. Implementation activity at the Atlanta Bulk Mail Facility has included a gap analysis, selection of an implementation team, and initial training. During the first quarter of 2001, the energy manual, energy system work procedures and instructions, and energy team training will be completed. This will put the facility on target for formal registration of the management system in the third quarter of 2001. Improved operating and maintenance practices are expected to reduce energy usage by 5-10 percent, and the formal management system will help sustain the savings.

URI:

http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/5156

Files in this item: 1

ESL-IC-01-07-25.pdf (450.7Kb)

Measured Energy Use Indices for 27 Office Buildings

Haberl, J. S.; Sreshthaputra, A.; Claridge, D. E.; Turner, W. D.; Harmon, K.; Kisselburgh, J.; Mase, R. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 2001)

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Energy use indices for 27 government office buildings are presented that have been assembled from hourly monitored data as part of the Texas LoanSTAR program and other efforts at the Energy Systems Laboratory. These indices include whole-building electricity, cooling and heating use, as well as the electricity used by the motor controls centers (i.e., fans, pumps, etc.) and the combined lights and receptacles. In this paper a comparative summary of the information is presented across all the sites, as well as tabular information about the indices. Such indices are useful for ascertaining baseline line measurements, or other indicators of energy use in commercial office buildings.

URI:

http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/5153

Files in this item: 1

ESL-IC-01-07-22.pdf (1.571Mb)

Demand Relief and Weather Sensitivity in Large California Commercial Office Buildings

Kinney, S.; Piette, M. A.; Gu, L.; Haves, P. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 2001)

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A great deal of research has examined the weather sensitivity of energy consumption in commercial buildings; however, the recent power crisis in California has given greater importance to peak demand. Several new loadshedding programs have been implemented or are under consideration. Historically, the target customers have been large industrial users who can reduce the equivalent load of several large office buildings. While the individual load reduction from an individual office building may be less significant, there is ample opportunity for load reduction in this area. The load reduction programs and incentives for industrial customers may not be suitable for commercial building owners. In particular, industrial customers are likely to have little variation in load from day to day. Thus a robust baseline accounting for weather variability is required to provide building owners with realistic targets that will encourage them to participate in load shedding programs.

URI:

http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/5154

Files in this item: 1

ESL-IC-01-07-23.pdf (645.0Kb)

Obtaining and Ensuring Persistence of O&M Savings Through Resource Conservation Management

Miller, W. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 2001)

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Abstract:

Resource conservation management is a management program similar to financial management in that its success requires commitment by all levels of the organization to the process as well as an accounting procedure and auditing of critical components. Resource conservation management provides a framework for all elements of efficient building operations and maintenance. The savings connected with the program are principally connected with changes in the way buildings are operated and maintained. This paper discusses the evolution of the resource conservation management service and the savings associated with the two-year pilot effort with seven school districts as well as the critical components of a successful program. The hope is that top-management will recognize the value of resource conservation management in keeping their overhead costs under control and will incorporate it into the management structure of their jurisdiction or firm.

URI:

http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/5151

Files in this item: 1

ESL-IC-01-07-20.pdf (445.2Kb)

Lessons and Measures Learned from Continuous Commissioning(SM) of Central Chilled/Hot Water Systems

Deng, S.; Turner, W. D.; Claridge, D. E.; Bruner, H.; Chen, H.; Wei, G. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 2001)

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Abstract:

As it has been proved repeatedly that commissioning is very necessary for new construction and renovation/retrofit projects, we found continuous commissioningSM (CC) is an effective and efficient way to manage and optimize existing central chilled water and hot water system operation. It can be performed before, during, or after building side continuous commissioning. Successful central chilled/hot water system CC not only results in improved production and distribution, but also achieves significant thermal and pump power savings. It quickly evaluates building HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning) system performance for savings opportunities when carried out before building CC, or serves as a necessary and productive follow-up when performed after. Meanwhile, continuity is the key factor to achieve the persistence of savings and optimized performance.

URI:

http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/5141

Files in this item: 1

ESL-IC-01-07-19.pdf (826.6Kb)

Cromer Cycle Air Conditioner: A Study to Confirm Target Performance

Cromer, C. J. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 2001)

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The Cromer cycle uses a desiccant wheel operating in conjunction with a typical air conditioning system. Simulations and laboratory prototypes demonstrate that the cycle has the potential for enhanced humidity control with sensible heat ratios as low as 40% and with far less energy use than other humidity control strategies. The research of this paper includes the purchase of “off the shelf” materials and the assembly of a working residential sized Cromer cycle desiccant air conditioning system. A desiccant wheel was retrofitted on an existing operational two and one half ton air conditioning system within an occupied residence in Cocoa Beach, Florida to validate the energy reduction targets and humidity control performance of this new technology. The unit was constructed and installed during the winter months of 2000. The monitoring for energy and dehumidification performance presented in this paper took place in the Spring of 2001. The unit was installed and removed so that performance data “with” and “without” the Cromer cycle was obtained for comparison. Performance data on the AC unit were acquired using the air-enthalpy method of ARI/ASHRAE test procedures with data recorded on Campbell Scientific CR-10 data acquisition system and downloaded to computer for analysis. The Cromer cycle system provided a three fold increase in moisture control capacity with a 4% reduction in energy use at the conditions tested.

URI:

http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/5129

Files in this item: 1

ESL-IC-01-07-18.pdf (747.2Kb)

Evaluation of Emerging Diagnostic Tools for Commercial HVAC Systems

Friedman, H.; Piette, M. A. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 2001)

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This paper compares and evaluates the capabilities of six emerging diagnostic tools for commercial HVAC systems. We present a brief description of the diagnostic tools, and then focus on evaluating the features of the tools. We include the following six tools in our analysis: Architectural Energy Corporation's ENFORMA? software, Facility Dynamics Engineering's Performance And Continuous Re-commissioning Analysis Tool (PACRAT), Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's Whole Building Diagnostician (WBD), Pacific Gas and Electric's Universal Translator, UC Berkeley's Fan System Tools, and Silicon Energy's Enterprise Energy Management Suite. The air-side economizer operation is the most common diagnostic across the tools, so this diagnostic function is evaluated in detail. We outline the key strengths and weaknesses of each tool, while keeping in mind the tool intent and current extent of commercialization. Each tool has unique features for data management and analysis, which can be beneficial for different applications and users.

URI:

http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/5164

Files in this item: 1

ESL-IC-01-07-32.pdf (668.0Kb)

Comparison of Chiller Models for Use in Model-Based Fault Detection

Sreedhara, P.; Haves, P. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 2001)

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Abstract:

Selecting the model is an important and essential step in model based fault detection and diagnosis (FDD). Factors that are considered in evaluating a model include accuracy, training data requirements, calibration effort, generality, and computational requirements. The objective of this study was to evaluate different modeling approaches for their applicability to model based FDD of vapor compression chillers. Three different models were studied: the Gordon and Ng Universal Chiller model (2nd generation) and a modified version of the ASHRAE Primary Toolkit model, which are both based on first principles, and the DOE-2 chiller model, as implemented in CoolToolsTM, which is empirical. The models were compared in terms of their ability to reproduce the observed performance of an older, centrifugal chiller operating in a commercial office building and a newer centrifugal chiller in a laboratory. All three models displayed similar levels of accuracy. Of the first principles models, the Gordon-Ng model has the advantage of being linear in the parameters, which allows more robust parameter estimation methods to be used and facilitates estimation of the uncertainty in the parameter values. The ASHRAE Toolkit Model may have advantages when refrigerant temperature measurements are also available. The DOE-2 model can be expected to have advantages when very limited data are available to calibrate the model, as long as one of the previously identified models in the CoolTools library matches the performance of the chiller in question.

URI:

http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/5118

Files in this item: 1

ESL-IC-01-07-17.pdf (660.8Kb)

Case Studies of Commissioning HVAC Systems

Browning, B. K. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 2001)

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This paper discusses problems found during third party commissioning of projects where humidity control was an indicator of significant problems. Project 1 was an 8000 square foot library. Problems found included air conditioning (A/C) and heating systems both running during the summer, A/C systems that ran most of the unoccupied period, and relative humidity that was over 90% every night. Project 2 was a 1200 square foot meeting room. The outdoor air (OA) preconditioning system was found to operate in hot gas bypass mode with little humidity control capability. Project 3 was the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system on a 400 square foot library conference room with electric reheat for humidity control on a three-ton split system. The design was for a humidistat to call for cooling on high humidity. Reheat was energized as the space temperature dropped below the heating set point. The system functions with a wide space temperature swing as the control system oscillated through the heating/cooling deadband.

URI:

http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/5107

Files in this item: 1

ESL-IC-01-07-16.pdf (1.290Mb)

State of the Art Energy Submetering at Texas Department of Criminal Justice Industries

Bryant, J. A.; McBride, J.; Merka, T. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 2001)

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The Texas Department of Criminal Justice Utilities and Energy Department (TDCJ-U&E) has completed the first phase of a detailed energy use submetering system that will be one of the largest such installations in the United States at the second largest state prison system in the nation. Through responsibility accounting, TDCJ unit wardens and other staff needed to be able to monitor and justify the utility and energy use and expenses for the various prison industries and agricultural operations. These facilities are scattered at many locations around the state and cover a diversity of prison industries and agricultural operations from meat packing operations to metal fabrication, furniture restoration, garment and shoe factories, vehicle restoration, soap and detergent plants, mattress making and graphics that include sign and license plate manufacturing. The Energy Systems Laboratory (ESL) with New Horizon Technologies, Inc. (NHT) proposed to install a state-of-the-art submetering system that would meet the needs of the TDCJ system well into the future. Upon award of the contract, TDCJ-U&E assisted the ESL and NHT in conducting numerous surveys of the proposed metering locations, coordinated installations of the equipment with local unit wardens and staff, then installed the system hardware and software. The system uses a web-based user interface and is capable of real-time data acquisition and display. SquareD supplied the components for the field metering installation and local plumbing contractors either retrofitted existing gas meters or installed new meters as required. Preliminary testing began in late summer of 2000 and the system is collecting 15 minute interval utility and energy consumption data. This paper will describe the issues involved in implementing a project covering such a large geographic area, tight security issues and using inmate labor.

URI:

http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/5085

Files in this item: 1

ESL-IC-01-07-14.pdf (631.5Kb)

Internet-based Building Performance Analysis Provided as a Low-Cost Commercial Service

Heinemeier, K.; Koran, W. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 2001)

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Internet-based monitoring services can play a very important role in reducing the energy consumed in commercial buildings. They can provide the information needed to identify improvements that should be made in the operation of particular buildings or pieces of equipment, and to justify the expenditures needed to make those improvements. This type of information has typically been very difficult to obtain from a facility manager's position. There is a need for services such as these in the marketplace, although some of the considerations that must be made in designing, marketing, and providing a cost-effective and reliable service are not always apparent to buildings researchers. This paper describes some of those considerations, and shows an example of how one service already in the market has addressed them.

URI:

http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/5074

Files in this item: 1

ESL-IC-01-07-13.pdf (692.6Kb)

Energy Use in the U.S. Commercial Sector - Energy Information Administration Data, Information and Analyses

Boedecker, E. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 2001)

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The Energy Information Administration (EIA) is the independent statistical and analytical agency within the U.S. Department of Energy. As such, EIA has a wealth of energy data and analyses available for public use, including information about energy use in the buildings sectors. This paper discusses the types of EIA energy information available, how the information can be accessed, and how it may be valuable in the quest to improve existing building energy usage.

URI:

http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/5155

Files in this item: 1

ESL-IC-01-07-24.pdf (523.9Kb)

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