Evaluation of low-exergy heating and cooling systems and topology optimization for deep energy savings at the urban district level

Seasonal and annual performance data are available on only a limited number of the several thousand solar space heating systems now in operation. The emerging information indicates that most of the heat required in buildings can be supplied by solar energy delivered from flat-plate collectors and stored overnight in tanks of water and bins of rock pebbles. Numerous mechanical and operational problems, mainly in liquid collection and storage systems, demand attention. Annual costs of solar heating equipment and its installation usually exceed current values of energy savings, but fuel prices are expected to escalate at rates which often favour solar purchase today. Detailed performance data on several types of solar heating and cooling systems in buildings of identical design are presented, compared and interpreted. Maintenance and repair requirements are noted and contrasted, and forecasts of use in various applications are presented.

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A Practical Integration Approach and Whole Building Energy Simulation of Three Energy Efficient Building Technologies

ASME 2010 4th International Conference on Energy Sustainability, Volume 1 ◽

10.1115/es2010-90480 ◽

2010 ◽

Author(s):

James P. Miller ◽

Michael Deru ◽

Kyle Benne ◽

Alexander Zhivov ◽

Dale Herron

Keyword(s):

Energy Savings ◽

Building Energy ◽

Energy Performance ◽

Hvac Systems ◽

Radiant Heating ◽

Cooling Systems ◽

Building Envelopes ◽

Building Energy Performance ◽

Heating And Cooling ◽

Energy Simulations

Rising energy costs and the desire to reduce energy consumption dictates a need for significantly improved building energy performance. Three technologies that have potential to save energy and improve sustainability of buildings are dedicated outdoor air systems (DOAS), radiant heating and cooling systems and tighter building envelopes. Although individually applying innovative technologies may incrementally improve building energy performance, more significant payoffs are realized when compatible technologies are integrated into an optimized system. Fortunately, DOAS, radiant heating and cooling systems and improved building envelopes are highly compatible. To investigate the energy savings potential of these three technologies, whole building energy simulations were performed for a barracks facility and an administration facility in 15 U.S. climate zones and 16 international locations. The baseline facilities were assumed to be existing buildings with VAV HVAC systems (admin facilities) and packaged HVAC systems (barracks facilities). The energy simulations were adjusted for each location for optimal energy and humidity control performance. The results show that the upgraded facilities realized total building energy savings between 20% and 40% and improved humidity control when compared to baseline building performance.

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