An Expert System for the Analysis of Building Energy Consumption, Doctoral Disseration

Abstract

This work concludes six years of energy conservation studies performed for the University of Colorado Student Recreation Center. The studies began late in 1980 when the University of Colorado Student Administrators asked Dr. John Dow to perform a solar feasibility study. Since such a feasibility study had previously been performed by Dr. Dow, as well as other studies (Numark and Bartlett, 1981), a comprehensive energy conservation project was recommended, funded, performed and delivered (Dow, 1981).

The second phase of the study began in November 1983, when Dr. Judith Bryant asked that additional energy conservation studies be performed. The building has been under continuous study since. The third phase of the study, beginning in the summer of

1985, represents the prelude to this work. It originally focused on providing monthly forecasts of energy consumption. Early attempts to deliver such an administrative tool failed because of an insufficient understanding of the inter-related energy consuming subsystems. This work, beginning in September 1985, finally presented a satisfactory predictor of energy consumption; the results are the regression work described herein. The expert system portion of the work was developed to electronically capture and deliver the expertise of maintenance personnel at Facilities Management as well as the six years of knowledge gained by the author. The work serves

as an administrative warning "beacon" that identifies potential problems, and hence the name BEACON.