Browsing H&H - Symposium on Improving Building Systems in Hot and Humid Climates by Title
Now showing items 1-20 of 559
Next Page →-
Garrison, M. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu)Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 2006)[more][less]
-
Muns, S. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu)Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), December 2007)[more][less]
-
Hufford, P. E. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu)Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 1986)[more][less]
Abstract: Contrary to popular concept, in most cases, thermal energy is the real VALUE in cogeneration and not the electricity. The proper consideration of the thermal demands is equal to or more important than the electrical demands. High efficiency two-stage absorption chillers of the type used at Rice University Cogen Plant offer the most attractive utilization of recoverable thermal energy. With a coefficient of performance (COP) up to 1.25, the two-stage, parallel flow absorption chiller can offer over fifty (50) percent more useful thermal energy from the same waste heat source--gas turbine exhaust, I.C. engine exhaust and jacketwater, incinerator exhaust, or steam turbine extraction. URI: http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/6875 Files in this item: 1
ESL-HH-86-11-16.pdf (374.0Kb) -
McIlvaine, J.; Beal, D.; Moyer, N.; Chasar, D.; Chandra, S. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu)Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: This Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) study, conducted under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy's Building America Industrialized Housing Partnership (BAIHP), compares mastic sealed duct systems to tape sealed systems by showing measured total duct leakage (CFM25TOTAL and QnTOTAL) and/or measured leakage to the outside (CFM25OUT and QnOUT) in 190 manufactured home floors or home sections. All manufacturers were considering or actively working toward achieving duct leakage below 3% of the conditioned floor area (QnOUT=0.03), consistent with Energy Star Manufactured Homes criteria. Previous field tests suggest that CFM25OUT accounts for about half of CFM25TOTAL. These data show that achieving CFM25TOTAL=6% during production was generally correlated with achieving CFM25OUT=3% in mastic sealed systems, but less reliably with taped systems. Cost for achieving duct tightness goals range from $4 to $8 including duct testing on the assembly line URI: http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/4608 Files in this item: 1
ESL-HH-04-05-10.pdf (459.2Kb) -
Novosel, D.; Griffiths, W. C. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu)Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 1988)[more][less]
Abstract: High equipment first cost and high operating costs, if electricity is used to drive such a system, have prohibited the application of active humidity control equipment in comfort conditioning in the past. Instead, passive techniques have been applied. A comparison of passive capacity control methods to control humidity shows that only the combined face and bypass and variable air volume system shows improved performance with respect to space humidity control, dew point depression, and response to perturbations. A gas-fired desiccant humidity pump will provide economical humidity control in existing and new construction using VAV or constant volume air distribution systems. The humidity pump is designed as a packaged make-up air module. It is coupled to new or existing conventional air-conditioning system via a duct. It consists of a triple integrated heat-exchanger combining (liquid) desiccant dehumidification with indirect evaporative cooling, a brine interchanger, and a gas-fired brine heater to regenerate the desiccant. Field experiments of two humidity pumps on existing commercial buildings have been initiated. Each system dehumidifies 5000 scfm of make-up air to meet all the latent loads, which is then fed to conventional, electric-driven HVAC equipment which meet all the sensible loads. URI: http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/6527 Files in this item: 1
ESL-HH-88-09-24.pdf (467.3Kb) -
Liu, M.; Claridge, D. E. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu)Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 1996)[more][less]
Abstract: Heating penalty is expected when economizers are applied to dual-duct air handling systems. The heating penalty can even be higher than the cooling savings when the hot air flow is higher than the cold air flow. To avoid the excessive heating penalty, advanced economizers are developed in this paper. The application of the advanced economizer has resulted in $7,00O/yr savings in one 95,000 ft2 school building since 1993. The impacts of cold and hot deck settings on the energy consumption are also discussed. URI: http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/6681 Files in this item: 1
ESL-HH-96-05-19.pdf (502.6Kb) -
Ko, Y. J.; Charoensupaya, D.; Lavan, Z. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu)Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 1989)[more][less]
Abstract: The concept of staged regeneration as means of improving the desiccant cooling system performance is the subject of investigation in this study. In the staged regeneration, the regeneration section of desiccant dehumidifier is divided into two parts and only the latter fraction is subjected to the desorption air stream which has been heated to the desired regeneration temperature. In the present work, the mathematical model describing the heat and mass transfer processes that occur during sorption of moisture in the desiccnnt dehumidifier includes both the gas-side (film) and solid-side resistances for heat and mass transports. The moisture diffusion in the desiccant material is expressed by gas-phase diffusion and surface diffusion. Effects of several parameters on the performance of desiccant cooling system with staged regeneration are investigated and the results of present model are compared with those of the lumped-resistance model. Results of this study show that coefficient of perfomnnce of the desiccant cooling system can be substantially improved by using the staged regeneration concept. There is an optimum stage fraction and optimum cycle time for given system parmeters and operating conditions. The results also indicate that the cooling system performance is higher than that predicted by the lumped-resistance model. URI: http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/6568 Files in this item: 1
ESL-HH-89-10-07.pdf (545.5Kb) -
Beckwith, W. R. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu)Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 1996)[more][less]
Abstract: High humidity can have a detrimental effect on many aspects of indoor environments. Building materials, books, and records deteriorate more rapidly in humidity levels above 60% due to biodegradation. High humidity increases electrical costs by reducing the temperature required for occupant comfort. Fungal growth in humidities above 70% can have many detrimental health effects, depending on the particular species encountered [5,1]. In fact, high humidity is often an underlying cause of many air quality disorders that result in indoor air quality (IAQ) problems. URI: http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/6680 Files in this item: 1
ESL-HH-96-05-18.pdf (602.8Kb) -
Ness, M. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu)Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 1998)[more][less]
Abstract: Although many architects and builders feel that designing for both sustainability and affordability is impossible, I believe that the only way we can afford to live is sustainably. Through the design of housing for artists, this thesis will demonstrate how a building can both meet the needs of its inhabitants and practice sustainable principles in a beautiful design. This Austin, Texas model can be used as a prototype for similar housing in other cities and for other environmentally friendly buildings. Sustainability is a crucial issue for the energy-guzzling United States. The Rocky Mountain Institute states that the biggest energy consumers in the US "are not cars, but homes. In 1990, for example, American households consumed $110 billion worth of energy." This project investigates means to design a building that uses as little energy as possible while maintaining a high quality of life. Austin is an ideal site because of its commitment to building sustainably, as established by the Austin Green Builder Program which "assists owners and designers to develop sustainable business practices" and offers an environmental rating system for residential construction. The Green Building Conference defines sustainability as, "products, systems, buildings, and land planning that create and promote an environment for healthy human living which can be sustained into the future-unpolluted by its waste or byproducts; thus, preserving and maintaining our natural resources for future generations." As an architecture student, I am intrigued by the issue of architecture as art. Looking beyond the narrow view of architecture as merely form manipulation to a broader base which considers the needs of the building's inhabitants and its impact on the earth, in addition to its form, is essential. As a former art major, I am interested in helping artists achieve a quality lifestyle by providing a space where they can afford to live and produce their art. The struggle for artists to earn a living is a common theme throughout the history of art. The shortage of affordable housing in American cities further contributes to their plight. My goal is to create housing that is efficient, less expensive to operate, and therefore, more affordable. This project studies different types of community living and precedents for both artist housing and affordable housing in the US. I will advance these models further in the direction of energy efficiency without sacrificing their beauty or socio-cultural significance in my design for a community of 16- 21 artists. URI: http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/6713 Files in this item: 1
ESL-HH-98-06-03.pdf (1.041Mb) -
Kempton, W.; Feuermann, D.; McGarity, A. E. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu)Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 1987)[more][less]
Abstract: Air conditioner operation was studied in order to understand how energy consumption and peak power are determined by user behavior, equipment operation and building characteristics. In a multi-family building, thirteen room air conditioners were instrumented in eight apartments, and interviews were conducted with the residents about their operation of the units. The predominant mode of operation was to switch the unit on and off manually; only one resident consistently let it operate thermostatically, and many residents were not aware that the unit had a thermostat. Ambient temperature and time of day were observed to have major effects on the occupant's decision to turn the unit on or off. Even though residents did not pay for electricity, numerous noneconomic factors were found to limit their use of air conditioning. Across apartments, seasonal air conditioner energy consumption varies by two orders of magnitude while interior July temperature varies by 3.7°C. URI: http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/6495 Files in this item: 1
ESL-HH-87-09-25.pdf (623.6Kb) -
Hadley, D. L.; Bailey, S. A. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu)Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 1990)[more][less]
Abstract: During the 1989-1990 heating season, Pacific Northwest Laboratory, for the Bonneville Power Administration, measured the ventilation characteristics of 139 newly constructed energy-efficient manufactured homes and a control sample of 35 newer manufactured homes. A standard door fan pressurization technique was used to estimate shell leakiness, and a passive perfluorocarbon tracer technique was used to estimate overall air exchange rates. A measurement of the designated whole-house exhaust system flow rate was taken as well as an occupant and structure survey. The energy-efficient manufactured homes have very low air exchange rates, significantly lower than either existing manufactured homes or site-built homes. The standard deviation of the effective leakage area for this sample of homes is small (25% to 30% of the mean), indicating that the leakiness of manufactured housing stock can be confidently characterized by the mean value. There is some indication of increased ventilation due to the energy-efficient whole-house ventilation specification, but not directly related to the operation of the wholehouse system. The mechanical systems as installed and operated do not provide the intended ventilation; consequently indoor air quality could possibly be adversely impacted and moisture/condensation in the living space is a potential problem. URI: http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/6606 Files in this item: 1
ESL-HH-90-10-17.pdf (448.9Kb) -
Wallace, M. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu)Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 1996)[more][less]
Abstract: Carter & Burgess first began using triple deck multi-zone units, in place of traditional VAV systems, on the Texas State Capitol restoration. Since the completion of that project design in early 1991, our firm has now used triple deck multi-zone units in the Harris County Criminal Courts Building in Houston, one of the most hot and humid climates in the United States, as well as in several other facilities. This paper will discuss the adoption of ASHRAE 62, its effects on VAV systems, and how triple deck multi-zone units offer an alternative system to cooling in hot and humid climates. We recommend all design firms add triple deck multizone units to their repertoire of design solutions. URI: http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/6662 Files in this item: 1
ESL-HH-96-05-02.pdf (423.7Kb) -
Bivens, D. B. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu)Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 1996)[more][less]
Abstract: The majority of building air conditioning has traditionally been achieved with vapor compression technology using CFC-I I or HCFC-22 as refrigerant fluids. CFC-11 is being successfully replaced by HCFC-123 (retrofit or new equipment) or by HFC- 134a (new equipment), but HCFC-123 is scheduled for phase-out longer term by provisions of the Montreal Protocol and the United States Clean Air Act. . Performance and environmental properties are presented for CFC-1 I alternatives HCFC-123, HFC- 134a, and HFC-245ca. HCFC-22 is also scheduled for phase-out, and three alternatives for HCFC-22 have been identified: HFC-134a, a near-azeotropic mixture of R32/Rl25, and a zeotropic mixture of R32/R125/R134a. Performance test results, future potential energy efficiencies, and environmental properties are presented for these alternative refrigerants. URI: http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/6698 Files in this item: 1
ESL-HH-96-05-34.pdf (514.9Kb) -
Lindsay, B. B.; Koplow, M. D. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu)Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 1988)[more][less]
Abstract: The rapid escalation of electricity prices has created an opportunity to re-introduce gas-fired air conditioning systems to the commercial building market. In 1985 Gas Research Institute initiated a program to develop an advanced gas engine-driven water chiller. The packaged system has been designed, fabricated and tested. A field experiment unit has been operating since August, 1986, and seven field test units have been operating since April, 1987. The performance of the system has been outstanding. The system should be an economically attractive alternative to electrically-driven chillers in most of the United States. URI: http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/6526 Files in this item: 1
ESL-HH-88-09-23.pdf (501.1Kb) -
Levin, C.; Simmonds, P. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu)Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 1996)[more][less]
Abstract: A 625,600 ft2 (58,120 m2) office building with retail in South Korea has a total cooling load of 3,330 tons refrigeration (1 1,7 12 kW). In order to evaluate the most economical manner to provide cooling, a simulation program was used. Five different configurations of chiller plants were investigated; each configuration was carefully described so that the computer model was a good representation of the intended plants. This paper outlines the design and analysis procedure, and the results show the difference in energy consumption between the configurations. URI: http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/6692 Files in this item: 1
ESL-HH-96-05-28.pdf (492.6Kb) -
Hunn, B. D.; Grasso, M. M.; Vadlamani, V. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu)Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 1994)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper presents the results of an exploratory study of a fabric/desiccant window cavity dehumidifier system for possible use in commercial buildings. The objective was to evaluate fabrics commonly used in buildings, and system concepts that employ these fabrics, which can be used to dehumidify room air. We developed a first-order energy/mass balance model to determine the performance of a window cavity dehumidifier that uses silica gel encapsulated in a fabric matrix rotating on a belt alternately through dehumidification and regeneration chambers; the modeling effort was supplemented by environmental chamber measurements of the moisture absorption characteristics of 16 fabric/desiccant combinations. We ran the model for a typical office building module, for outside air design conditions characteristic of the most difficult humidity regime in Texas. Two flow configurations, outside air and return air, were evaluated to determine the capability of such a system to dehumidify the air streams under consideration. Issues addressed included the physical limitations on the amount of desiccant that can be included in this configuration and the degree of dehumidification achievable. URI: http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/6630 Files in this item: 1
ESL-HH-94-05-12.pdf (935.7Kb) -
Cohen, B. M. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu)Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 1998)[more][less]
Abstract: There are a number of methods used to estimate the effectiveness of air conditioning equipment in handling loads. Full hourly computer simulations are probably the most accurate, but lack flexibility and are more cumbersome to use than more compact approaches. Alternately, some form of binned weather data has been used with load and performance estimation carried out for each of the bin weather conditions. The most common binning method puts weather into bins of dry bulb temperature with mean coincident wet bulb temperatures. Mean coincident humidity terms lose the extreme humidity levels that commonly exist. This can lead one to assume that conditions will be held at all times, while in fact the humidity loads will not be met and discomfort, among other consequences, will result. Three-dimensional plots of the joint frequency results clearly illustrate problem areas. A better procedure, it will be shown, is to use a joint frequency bin data set, which puts hours of occurrence into a matrix with dry bulb ranges on one axis and humidity ratio ranges on the second axis. This form of binning is easily accomplished if a utility like BinMaker is used to generate the binned data set. URI: http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/6734 Files in this item: 1
ESL-HH-98-06-22.pdf (614.3Kb) -
Fairey, P.; Swami, M. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu)Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 1988)[more][less]
Abstract: During the past six years, the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) has conducted extensive experimental research on radiant barrier systems (RBS). This paper presents recent research on the development of mathematical attic models. Two levels of modeling capability have been developed. A very simplified model based on ASHRAE procedures in used to study the sensitivity of RBS performance parameters, and a very detailed finite element model is used to study highly complex phenomena, including moisture adsorption and desorption in attics. The speed of the simple model allows a large range of attic parameters to be studies quickly, and the finite element model provides a detailed understanding of combined heat and moisture transport in attics. This paper concentrates on a parametric analysis of attic RBS using the simplified model. The development of the model is described, and results of the parametric analyses are presented and discussed. Preliminary results from the finite element model are also compared with measurements from a test attic to illustrate the effects of moisture adsorption and desorption in common attics. URI: http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/6533 Files in this item: 1
ESL-HH-88-09-29.pdf (583.1Kb) -
Kim, S. B.; Woods, P. K. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu)Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 1998)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper characterizes the variability of energy consumption due to a series of construction, occupant, and weather-related effects in duplex residences in College Station, Texas. In this paper, spline regression was used to estimate cooling efficiency, heating efficiency, base load, modified cooling balance point temperature, and modified heating balance point temperature for monthly billed kWh against average daily outside temperature. These estimates were used to predict normalized annual consumption. Best subsets regression and multiple regression were used to explore the relationship between energy consumption and construction, occupant, and weather-related factors. The sample for this paper was I40 duplex residences which used only electricity for cooling and heating, and had one year minimum occupancy in College Station, Texas. The spline regression models with weather-related factors achieved adjusted R~ values averaging 0.82. Construction, occupant, and weather-related factors were determined to be components of energy consumption. In the final modeling, construction, occupant, and weather-related factors accounted for 93% of the variance for the normalized annual consumption of duplex residences. The findings showed there was a significant relationship between normalized annual consumption and year built, thermostat setting, cooling efficiency, heating efficiency, base load, modified cooling balance point temperature, and modified heating balance point temperature. URI: http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/6729 Files in this item: 1
ESL-HH-98-06-18.pdf (599.6Kb) -
Hunn, B. D.; Silver, S. C. (Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu)Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu), 1988)[more][less]
Abstract: An apartment building in Austin, Texas, and one in Boston, Massachusetts, were analyzed to determine the cost-effectiveness of energy efficiency measures. To determine expected energy and cost savings resulting from a set of proposed retrofit measures, hour-by-hour simulations were conducted using the DOE-2.1C building energy analysis computer program. Based on detailed audit data, supplemented by field-measurements in the case of the Austin apartment building, the simulations were run for base case (preretrofit) conditions for each building. Metered electricity and gas consumption was used to calibrate the input data. A series of proposed retrofit measures was run for each building using the calibrated preretrofit model as the reference. Annual energy and cost savings were calculated separately for each measure and for the combined set of measures. For the Austin building the combined set of 11 measures yielded expected savings of $3,710/year, a 42% savings in site energy. The combination of the 7 measures considered for the Boston building yielded expected savings of $1.292/year, and annual energy savings of nearly 75%. Measured in situ air conditioner performance for two of the Austin apartments showed EERs of 5.70 and 5.55, indicating an efficiency degradation of 22% and 24%, respectively, after 16 years of operation. URI: http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/6550 Files in this item: 1
ESL-HH-88-09-45.pdf (815.3Kb)
Now showing items 1-20 of 559
Next Page →
Browse