scholarly journals Comparison Evaluations of VRF and RTU Systems Performance on Flexible Research Platform

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Je-hyeon Lee ◽  
Piljae Im ◽  
Jeffrey D. Munk ◽  
Mini Malhotra ◽  
Min-seok Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Use ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Thermal Conditions ◽  
The United States ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Coefficient Of Performance ◽  
Part Load ◽  
Variable Air Volume ◽  
Heating And Cooling ◽  
Load Conditions

The energy performance of a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system was evaluated using an occupancy-emulated research building in the southeastern region of the United States. Full- and part-load performance of the VRF system in heating and cooling seasons was compared with a conventional rooftop unit (RTU) variable-air-volume system with electric resistance heating. During both the heating and cooling seasons, full- and part-load conditions (i.e., 100%, 75%, and 50% thermal loads) were maintained alternately for 2 to 3 days each, and the energy use, thermal conditions, and coefficient of performance (COP) for the RTU and VRF system were measured. During the cooling season, the VRF system had an average COP of 4.2, 3.9, and 3.7 compared with 3.1, 3.0, and 2.5 for the RTU system under 100%, 75%, and 50% load conditions and resulted in estimated energy savings of 30%, 37%, and 47%, respectively. During the heating season, the VRF system had an average COP ranging from 1.2 to 2.0, substantially higher than the COPs of the RTU system, and resulted in estimated energy savings of 51%, 47%, and 27% under the three load conditions, respectively.

Design and Performance of the Van Geet Off-Grid Home

2004 ◽  
Vol 126 (2) ◽  
pp. 738-743 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Dennis Barley ◽  
Paul Torcellini ◽  
Otto Van Geet
Keyword(s):  
Computer Simulation ◽  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Performance Monitoring ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Domestic Water ◽  
Heating And Cooling ◽  
And Performance

The Van Geet home near Denver, Colorado, demonstrates the successful integration of energy conservation measures and renewable energy supply in a beautiful, comfortable, energy-efficient, 295-m23,176-ft2 off-grid home in a cold, sunny climate. Features include a tight envelope, energy-efficient appliances, passive solar heating (direct gain and Trombe wall), natural cooling, solar hot water, and photovoltaics. In addition to describing this house and its performance, this paper describes the recommended design process of (1) setting a goal for energy efficiency at the outset, (2) applying rules of thumb, and (3) using computer simulation to fine-tune the design. Performance monitoring and computer simulation are combined for the best possible analysis of energy performance. In this case, energy savings are estimated as 89% heating and cooling (compared to 95 MEC), 83% electrical, and nearly 100% domestic water heating. The heating and cooling energy use is 8.96kJ/°Cs˙days˙m20.44Btu/°Fs˙days˙ft2.

scholarly journals Performance Simulation and Analysis of Occupancy-Based Control for Office Buildings with Variable-Air-Volume Systems

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (15) ◽  
pp. 3756
Author(s):  
Weimin Wang ◽  
Jian Zhang ◽  
Michael R. Brambley ◽  
Benjamin Futrell
Keyword(s):  
Energy Use ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Building Energy ◽  
Cold Climate ◽  
Office Buildings ◽  
Airflow Rate ◽  
Variable Air Volume ◽  
Heating And Cooling ◽  
Air Volume ◽  
Terminal Design

Variable-air-volume (VAV) systems are used in many office buildings. The minimum airflow rate setting of VAV terminal boxes has a significant impact on both energy consumption and indoor air quality. Conventional controls usually have the terminal’s minimum airflow rate at a constant (e.g., 30% or more of the terminal design airflow rate), irrespective of the occupancy status, which may cause problems, such as excessive simultaneous heating and cooling, under ventilation, and thermal comfort issues. This paper examines the potential of energy savings from occupancy-based controls (OBCs). The sensed occupancy information, either occupant presence or people count, is used to determine the airflow rate of terminal boxes, the thermostat setpoints, and the lighting control. Using EnergyPlus, a whole-building energy modeling software, the energy savings of OBC strategies are evaluated for representative existing medium office buildings in the U.S. The simulation results show that the conventional OBC, based on occupant presence sensing, can save 8% of whole-building energy use in Miami (hot climate) for systems without air-side economizer and about 13% in both Baltimore (mixed climate) and Chicago (cold climate). Comparatively, the advanced OBC, based on people counting, can save 8% in Miami to 23% in Baltimore for systems with economizers. The outdoor-air fraction of the supply air from air-handling units significantly affects the potential energy savings from the advanced OBC strategy. In addition to energy savings, the advanced OBC satisfies the zone ventilation during all occupied hours over the whole year.

scholarly journals On the Energy Performance of an Innovative Green Roof in the Mediterranean Climate

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (19) ◽  
pp. 5163
Author(s):  
Luca Evangelisti ◽  
Claudia Guattari ◽  
Gianluca Grazieschi ◽  
Marta Roncone ◽  
Francesco Asdrubali
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Thermal Inertia ◽  
Thermal Conditions ◽  
Noise Pollution ◽  
Green Roofs ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Thermal Insulating ◽  
Heating And Cooling ◽  
High Thermal Inertia

Green roofs have a thermal insulating effect known since ancient times. In the building sector, green roofs represent a sustainable passive solution to obtain energy savings, both during winter and summer. Moreover, they are a natural barrier against noise pollution, reducing sound reflections, and they contribute to clean air and biodiversity in urban areas. In this research, a roof-lawn system was studied through a long experimental campaign. Heat-flow meters, air and surface temperature sensors were used in two buildings characterized by different surrounding conditions, geometries and orientations. In both case studies, the thermal behaviors of the roof-lawn system were compared with the conventional roofs. In addition, a dynamic simulation model was created in order to quantify the effect of this green system on the heating and cooling energy demands. The roof-lawn showed a high thermal inertia, with no overheating during summer, and a high insulating capacity, involving energy savings during winter, and consequently better indoor thermal conditions.

Design and Performance of the Van Geet Off-Grid Home

Solar Energy ◽  
2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Dennis Barley ◽  
Paul Torcellini ◽  
Otto Van Geet
Keyword(s):  
Computer Simulation ◽  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Performance Monitoring ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Domestic Water ◽  
Heating And Cooling ◽  
And Performance

The Van Geet home near Denver, Colorado, demonstrates the successful integration of energy conservation measures and renewable energy supply in a beautiful, comfortable, energy-efficient, 295-m2 (3,176-ft2) off-grid home in a cold, sunny climate. Features include a tight envelope, energy-efficient appliances, passive solar heating (direct gain and Trombe wall), natural cooling, solar hot water, and photovoltaics. In addition to describing this house and its performance, this paper describes the recommended design process of (1) setting a goal for energy efficiency at the outset, (2) applying rules of thumb, and (3) using computer simulation to fine-tune the design. Performance monitoring and computer simulation are combined for the best possible analysis of energy performance. In this case, energy savings are estimated as 89% heating and cooling, 83% electrical, and nearly 100% domestic water heating. The heating and cooling energy use is 8.96 kJ/°C·day·m2 (0.44 Btu/°F·day·ft2).

scholarly journals Energy and Greenhouse Gas Savings for LEED-Certified U.S. Office Buildings

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 749
Author(s):  
John H. Scofield ◽  
Susannah Brodnitz ◽  
Jakob Cornell ◽  
Tian Liang ◽  
Thomas Scofield
Keyword(s):  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Electric Energy ◽  
Building Energy ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Office Buildings ◽  
Ghg Emission ◽  
Site Energy ◽  
New Construction

In this work, we present results from the largest study of measured, whole-building energy performance for commercial LEED-certified buildings, using 2016 energy use data that were obtained for 4417 commercial office buildings (114 million m2) from municipal energy benchmarking disclosures for 10 major U.S. cities. The properties included 551 buildings (31 million m2) that we identified as LEED-certified. Annual energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission were compared between LEED and non-LEED offices on a city-by-city basis and in aggregate. In aggregate, LEED offices demonstrated 11% site energy savings but only 7% savings in source energy and GHG emission. LEED offices saved 26% in non-electric energy but demonstrated no significant savings in electric energy. LEED savings in GHG and source energy increased to 10% when compared with newer, non-LEED offices. We also compared the measured energy savings for individual buildings with their projected savings, as determined by LEED points awarded for energy optimization. This analysis uncovered minimal correlation, i.e., an R2 < 1% for New Construction (NC) and Core and Shell (CS), and 8% for Existing Euildings (EB). The total measured site energy savings for LEED-NC and LEED-CS was 11% lower than projected while the total measured source energy savings for LEED-EB was 81% lower than projected. Only LEED offices certified at the gold level demonstrated statistically significant savings in source energy and greenhouse gas emissions as compared with non-LEED offices.

scholarly journals Towards Sustainable Energy Retrofitting, a Simulation for Potential Energy Use Reduction in Residential Buildings in Palestine

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (13) ◽  
pp. 3876
Author(s):  
Sameh Monna ◽  
Adel Juaidi ◽  
Ramez Abdallah ◽  
Aiman Albatayneh ◽  
Patrick Dutournie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Residential Building ◽  
Simulation Models ◽  
Water Heating ◽  
Heating And Cooling ◽  
Space Cooling ◽  
Cooling Loads

Since buildings are one of the major contributors to global warming, efforts should be intensified to make them more energy-efficient, particularly existing buildings. This research intends to analyze the energy savings from a suggested retrofitting program using energy simulation for typical existing residential buildings. For the assessment of the energy retrofitting program using computer simulation, the most commonly utilized residential building types were selected. The energy consumption of those selected residential buildings was assessed, and a baseline for evaluating energy retrofitting was established. Three levels of retrofitting programs were implemented. These levels were ordered by cost, with the first level being the least costly and the third level is the most expensive. The simulation models were created for two different types of buildings in three different climatic zones in Palestine. The findings suggest that water heating, space heating, space cooling, and electric lighting are the highest energy consumers in ordinary houses. Level one measures resulted in a 19–24 percent decrease in energy consumption due to reduced heating and cooling loads. The use of a combination of levels one and two resulted in a decrease of energy consumption for heating, cooling, and lighting by 50–57%. The use of the three levels resulted in a decrease of 71–80% in total energy usage for heating, cooling, lighting, water heating, and air conditioning.

scholarly journals A Study of Optimal Specifications for Light Shelves with Photovoltaic Modules to Improve Indoor Comfort and Save Building Energy

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2574
Author(s):  
Heangwoo Lee ◽  
Xiaolong Zhao ◽  
Janghoo Seo
Keyword(s):  
Energy Savings ◽  
Building Energy ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Building Energy Efficiency ◽  
Efficiency Change ◽  
Photovoltaic Modules ◽  
Heating And Cooling ◽  
Pv Module ◽  
Pv Modules ◽  
Indoor Comfort

Recent studies on light shelves found that building energy efficiency could be maximized by applying photovoltaic (PV) modules to light shelf reflectors. Although PV modules generate a substantial amount of heat and change the consumption of indoor heating and cooling energy, performance evaluations carried out thus far have not considered these factors. This study validated the effectiveness of PV module light shelves and determined optimal specifications while considering heating and cooling energy savings. A full-scale testbed was built to evaluate performance according to light shelf variables. The uniformity ratio was found to improve according to the light shelf angle value and decreased as the PV module installation area increased. It was determined that PV modules should be considered in the design of light shelves as their daylighting and concentration efficiency change according to their angles. PV modules installed on light shelves were also found to change the indoor cooling and heating environment; the degree of such change increased as the area of the PV module increased. Lastly, light shelf specifications for reducing building energy, including heating and cooling energy, were not found to apply to PV modules since PV modules on light shelf reflectors increase building energy consumption.

Design and experimental analysis of a solar thermoelectric heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system as an integral element of a building envelope

2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 220-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irfan Ahmad Gondal
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Analysis ◽  
Air Conditioning ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Thermoelectric Module ◽  
Electrical Current ◽  
Building Envelope ◽  
Coefficient Of Performance ◽  
Heating And Cooling ◽  
Cooling Effects

This study presents an innovative concept of a compact integrated solar-thermoelectric module that can form part of the building envelope. The heating/cooling modes use the photovoltaic electrical current to power the heat pump. The experimental analysis was carried out and the results of coefficient of performance were in the range 0.5–1 and 2.6–5 for cooling and heating functions, respectively. The study demonstrates that thermoelectric cooler can effectively be used for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning applications by integrating with solar panels especially in cooling applications. The system is environmentally friendly and can contribute in the implementation of zero energy buildings concept. Practical application: In order to help address the challenge of climate change and associated environmental effects, there is continuous demand for new technologies and applications that can be readily integrated into day-to-day life as a means of reducing anthropogenic impact. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, as one of the largest energy consumers in buildings, is the focus of many researchers seeking to reduce building energy use and environmental impact. This article proposes using facades and windows that have an integrated modules of solar photovoltaic cells and thermoelectric devices that are able to work together to achieve heating and cooling effects as required by the building without requiring any external operational power.

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