Building Energy Efficiency Analysis Tool Utilizing a Segmented Analytic Approach. Issue 2 (1st February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jahan, Mafruha; Kramer, Robert
• Is Part Of: Energy engineering. Volume 115:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 9
• Page End: 22
• Publication Date: 2018-02-01
• Subjects: Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; 621.04205
• DOI: 10.1080/01998595.2018.11969274
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0199-8595

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Energy managers in educational settings often face challenges in establishing priorities for energy efficiency measures because such measures are not highly visible in general even though they can directly improve building environments and economics. Often administrators are faced with a large number of various potential items during the budget planning process and have limited time to consider the technical issues associated with obtaining the significant benefits of energy efficiency measures. For this reason a method has been developed that makes it relatively simple for an administrator to identify and consider the benefits of various energy efficiency options during the normal budget and facility planning process. By making it simple for an administrator to do the initial preliminary screening of potential energy efficiency measures, there is a better sense of awareness of the opportunities for energy savings and associated improvements in building operation, economics, and comfort. Once this preliminary screening is accomplished and there is a sense of the value of the potential measures, the identified measures can be seamlessly handed off to engineering or facility personnel to perform more detailed analysis. Even though the analysis of energy related issues and options for improving the energy efficiency of educational buildings can be complex and requires significant time and detailed effort it is possible to initially appraise opportunities in a quick and efficient manner with the tool that has been developed as part of the described effort. By using such a tool it is possible for administrators to simply and quickly rank preliminary energy improvement options suggested by the tool consistent with other facility needs and requirements. Such an appraisal raises the visibility of the potential energy efficiency options given that there is usually significant competition for funding during the budgeting and planning process. After an energy efficiency option has been determined to have meaningful value in comparison with other budget options in the developed tool, it is then possible to utilize the initial appraisal as the basis for an expanded consideration using the same analytic tool used for the initial appraisal. This article describes the development of a methodology and an associated analytic model to assist in these tasks and thereby facilitate the inclusion of energy efficiency improvements in the strategic and budget planning process for educational facilities. The energy efficiency and analysis tool utilizes typical educational building characteristics such as size, architecture, envelop, lighting, occupancy, and thermal design in a format that is first applicable for use in initial planning efforts by administrators. The same model can subsequently be used by engineering and/or facility personnel to add additional information and consider more detailed aspects of building design and energy use as part of the development of a detailed energy efficiency plan. This approach can assist educational facility planning efforts in identifying the most cost effective combinations of energy efficiency strategies. It also analyzes and compares all proposed energy performance measures (EPMs) to determine which has the greatest potential value.